Category: Witches and warlock romance,

Review: The Wolf Vs The Dragon: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth #7) by Lauretta Hignett 

Rating: 3⭐️

This is yet another review I found myself editing due to my exasperation with the main character, particularly how, at the penultimate book in this series, the author is still continuing to have Daphne’s character remain in the same place as it was at the beginning of the series. 

Hignett has previously promised some growth for Daphne, especially with her annoyed “2 personality” inner dialogue, an element of the story and character that was highlighted prior as an issue. 

Those constant ongoing conversations between violent‘brain Daphne’ and the other kind, naive and frankly, TSTL Daphne are an element that are repetitive, slow down the narrative, and honestly, irritating at this point. I thought the two halves were reconciled but ,no ,here we are, still with the same ongoing arguments that were old several books ago.  

Brain Daphne: let me stab whoever. Emotional Daphne: No it’s wrong. Brain: stabby Stab! 

ED: no, we must carry on with our internal dialogue while there’s some poor soul watching us stand here. 

Just no. At 23 percent. Well the entirety of the book. Then it gets worse when one part of her calls the other part an idiot. And I’m agreeing. 

Myf, the tortured alcoholic dragon shifter is now an enemy. Guess who is whining about that betrayal after Myf stayed locked in cabinets, soused after drinking binges with Dwayne, for ages, while Daphne deals with other drama? Daphne. SMH. 

There’s multiple side storylines. The ones with Dwayne , which I’m sure will have ramifications in the finale, still feel like literal fluff. 

By the end of the story, while there’s some good stuff here with Myf’s rescue, and a revelation, Daphne’s still such an oblivious, whiny character that I just can’t care about her anymore. 

Daphne has gotten to be unreadable. Dwayne,her companion Chaos god, as well.  

I’ll probably get the last one just to see what happens. But characters like Daphne? Are only interesting to me when they evolve and develop as the series progresses. By book 7, she shouldn’t be the same person as she was in the first novel. Now she’s just one more uninteresting trope.

Too bad because there is interesting mythology and world building going on, and some fascinating concepts here. Those got the rating points. 

Book Cover by Atra Luna Graphic Design

Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth:

The Wolf Vs The Vampire #1

The Wolf Vs The Warlock #2

The Wolf Vs The Shifter #3

The Wolf Vs The Witch #4

The Wolf Vs The Monster #5 

The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae #6 

The Wolf Vs The Dragon #7

The Wolf Vs The World #8 – Nov 15,2025 – finale 

The Wolf Vs Santa: A Little Christmas Mystery

Buy link 

        The Wolf Vs The Dragon: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth

    

Blurb 

I don’t want to hurt her… but she definitely wants to hurt me.

Betrayal doesn’t sting. It hurts worse than that; it feels like a rake over coals, a disembowling, a slow, agonizing stretch on the torture rack.

Myf is hurt, and she’s found someone to blame. She’s focused all her pain on one target.

Me.

The Wolf Vs The Dragon is book seven in the Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth, a hot new Urban Fantasy series by bestselling author Lauretta Hignett.

Review:  Veiled Justice (The Other Detective Series Book 1) by Heather G Harris

Rating: 4.75⭐️

I have read all the preceding series as well as the prequel for this book but I was still very surprised and throughly thrilled by how great this series looks to be.  

It might be my favorite of them all. 

It’s not just that the author has done a fantastic job with creating horrifying murder mysteries with accompanying emotional effects and deeply poignant moments but how it brings the quietly powerful Det. Stacy back together with the ogre High King Krieg is incredibly well written. 

Those familiar with the prequel story know why Krieg is so intensely focused on Stacy even though she’s unaware of his agenda. It’s the investigations and murders, as well as keeping her family safe, that’s her goal.  Both of them are credible, powerful characters getting to know each other and their respective lives, while dealing with a dangerous and unpredictable investigation. 

This makes for a fast paced, entertaining and just plain fabulous piece of storytelling. 

I love that feathered snarky caladrius, Loki. Just hilarious. And the cameo appearances from other series.  Plus you can see the beginning of a foundation of the group that will form around Stacy and Krieg here. 

Just a great story and I can’t wait to read the next in the series. 

Highly recommend this and dive into this universe if you’re not familiar with it already.  I’ve listed the reading order below. 

Cover design by Christian Bentulan. Published by Hellhound Press Limited.

The Other Realm Universe: Should be read in order to understand the world and characters .Events and relationships build upon each other.

The Other Realm series 

⭐️Glimmer of Dragons- Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Glimmer of The Other- Book 1, Glimmer of Hope- Book 2, 

Glimmer of Christmas – Book 2.5 (a Christmas tale), 

Glimmer of Death – Book 3, 

Glimmer of Deception – Book 4, 

*It is recommended that you read The Other Wolf books 1 to 3 before continuing with

Challenge of the Court– Book 5, 

Betrayal of the Court– Book 6

 Revival of the Court– Book 7. 

⭐️The Other Wolf Series 

Defender of The Pack– Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Protection of the Pack– Book 1, Guardians of the Pack– Book 2, Saviour of The Pack– Book 3, Awakening of the Pack – Book 4, Resurgence of the Pack – Book 5; and Ascension of the Pack – Book 6. 

⭐️The Other Witch Series 

Rune of the Witch – Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Hex of the Witch– Book 1, 

Coven of the Witch;– Book 2,

Familiar of the Witch– Book 3; and Destiny of the Witch – Book 4.

⭐️The Other Detective Series

 Frustrated Justice – Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Veiled Justice – Book 1

Mystic Justice – Book 2-Oct 2,2025

Arcane Justice – Book 3 TBD

Savage Justice – Book 4 TBD

Buy link

 Book 1 of 2: The Other Detective Series 

Blurb 

Murder has crashed the party, so justice won’t wait for an invitation.

Champagne, caviar… and a corpse. This high-society party wasn’t meant to end in murder. When my brother calls me to investigate the brutal stabbing of a female ogre at the charity ball of the season, the glittering magical elite quickly become a sea of suspects.

Everyone who’s anyone was there, but glamour has given way to something far darker. Someone’s playing a deadly game, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s my job to cut through the beauty and lies to find a killer hiding among the rich and powerful.

As a police inspector with the Connection, I’ve seen plenty of strange things, but this case reeks of entitlement, secrets, and old money with something to hide. Then the King of the Ogres storms in. Furious and formidable, he demands justice. Stopping him from tearing through the guest list is almost as hard as keeping my mind on the case, because rage and power look annoyingly good on him.

But when a dryad turns up dead at another elite event, I realise I’m chasing a serial killer who thinks they’re too rich to face consequences… and they’re setting my brother up to take the fall.

With a rookie partner finding his feet and my talking-bird sidekick offering sharp advice (and sharper insults), I’m racing against the clock to solve the case before my brother faces the lethal justice of the Other realm…

Immerse yourself in The Other Detective Series – perfect for fans of supernatural crime, complete with a fierce heroine, gritty murder investigations, and a slow-burn romance.

Written in British English.

The Other Detective Series

Frustrated Justice, a prequel story,

Veiled Justice – Book 1

Mystic Justice – Book 2-Oct 2,2025

Arcane Justice – Book 3 TBD

Savage Justice – Book 4 TBD

  • Publisher: Hellhound Press limited
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: August 28, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 342 pages
  • Book 1 of 2: The Other Detective Series

Review: Dead Air: A Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries) by K. Sterling 

Rating: 3.25🌈

While I’m really enjoying this subset of paranormal fantasy novels in the Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery universe, this book doesn’t have the same level of complexity and depth for all the main characters as previous stories. And that lack hurts my connection to the narrative. 

K Sterling is a fantastic author. Her ability to weave together a coherent and compelling narrative is a huge factor in her success. She uses her unique background of investigations, murders then adds more layers of natural history, geography, multicultural history, and mythology to create a unique world and experiences. 

This is where I recommend readers not to forget to include reading all Sterling’s author’s notes at the beginning of this book. On this being a love note to our parks and its Rangers, but also to their own complex, oppressive history with our indigenous people and communities over lands that were confiscated by the government.

And, there’s a dictionary for those who want to know how to pronounce some of these Irish Gaelic words seen throughout the novel and series.  Honestly, I loved this. 

Now to the pluses and minuses of the book. 

The plot is excellent but almost too removed from actual action and its deep roots in a nefarious bargain. We should have seen more of that. And perhaps less sex, more detailed work on a real relationship.

It’s framed in that the Oracle has seen that an innocent, a Park Ranger in the Shenandoah’s, will be in danger from a demon. 

That’s more than enough for the crew of Demi Sun god MacIlwraith, Nelson, Merlin, the two hellhounds and their mates to make the trip to investigate and save him. This group is always a great source for the story and dialogue. And we see Nox MacIlwraith’s powers growing.

However, thing is , the main story revolves around the Ranger, Niall, and the demon, Cenn, aka Lord Smoak.  Of the two, we get one fascinating character and one bland one dimensional character. Guess who is the one note person? Niall the human.

He’s got a great background story, but that not well represented in his actual personality. The dark damage he fled from wouldn’t be the same as someone who really just comes across as an introvert from a conservative background. It’s not believable as written.

Who is on point is Cenn, the demon Lord Smoak. First of all demons, arguably murderous, arrogant, dark and complex. And flexible in his ways and character to show the ability to make choices and changes as he sees fit. 

Silas, a Sheriff and new character has the next book in the series and it’s already an interesting one from the small excerpt included here. 

This left one aspect of Cenn and Niall’s relationship open as well as what happened to the first villain, an ongoing conflict. 

So my take on Dead Air: A Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries) by K. Sterling is that it’s interesting but doesn’t hold up well next to the preceding stories. 

Read it as a bridge between the books, for the new characters and to see how the group is evolving. Nox especially. 

Exquisite covers.

Cover art by @KillerLaurent

Moon Mysteries 1 – 3 (first series)

Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries sequel series)

Back in the Hunt #1

The Tides of March #2

Dead Air #3 

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comDead Air: A Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries)

Blurb 

He hid in the woods to escape a monster but found a demon in his bed.

Six years ago, rising political star Niall Gilpatrick was living a lie. A fearless and vocal activist, he hid that he was himself a victim. After a brush with death, Niall ran, starting over as a park ranger in the Shenandoah Mountains.

But now, strange dreams and an impossibly dashing biologist have upended his tranquil existence.

And that was the point.

An ancient Irish demon, Chance Curn was sent to tempt this surprisingly wholesome mortal into selling his soul. 

He’s haunting Niall’s dreams and playing with his heart, but it is Chance who finds himself in a dangerous trap.

Since when did demons have feelings?

Now, Chance has to decide if he’s willing to risk it all for a mortal and Niall must face his fears to trust a demon with his heart and his life. Can they save each other or will they become dead air?

Dead Air is a paranormal MM romance set in the mountains of rural Virginia. There’s Celtic mythology, an evil plot to foil, and an isolated cabin where no one can hear you scream. Dead Air is set in the world of Nelson & MacIlwraith, but can be read as a standalone.

  • Publisher: Bawdy Books
  • Publication date: August 19, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 247 pages

Review:  Pack of Dawn and Destiny: The Complete Trilogy by  K. M. Shea

Rating: 4.5⭐️✨

Hunter Pip and Alpha Greyson are a great couple here. The dynamic between them and the fact that a hunter was adopted by a werewolf pack is a wonderful way to frame out their relationship and story. 

There’s several mysteries that come up during this series that must be investigated even as Pip develops her role within the pack and grows stronger as an individual who must learn what and where she belongs. 

Shea’s excellent work in crafting beloved characters and relatable stories shines here as Pip struggles with her perception of her weaknesses among the group of werewolves and her battles with her own ability to accept her role as pack member.  It’s believable and she’s engaging as she figures things out. Including her relationship with Alpha Greyson. 

Other important characters make appearances here, which is a true joy. Including several who have upcoming series. Watch out for a small black cat!

Shea can write a cook blog or whatever she wants . I’ll buy it. I’m that enamored. One note, if you’re looking for spicy romance, this isn’t for you. 

Wonderful mysteries, fantastic characters and world building awaits within!

Highly recommended. 

Cover Art by MoorBooks Design

Pack of Dawn and Destiny: 

Hunted  

United 

Fated 

Magiford Supernatural City is a registered trademark of K. M. Shea LLC.  

The series in order of reading: All Magiford Supernatural City Universe.

  • Hall of Blood and Mercy: The Complete Trilogy ❤️5
  • Court of Midnight and Deception: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)❤️5
  • Pack of Dawn and Destiny: The Complete Trilogy❤️ 4.5
  • Gate of Myth and Power: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City) ❤️5
  • Magic on Main Street: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City) 5❤️

Buy link

 Part of: Magiford Supernatural City (5 books) 

Blurb 

Ever feel like you don’t belong? Try being a hunter living with werewolves. I’m the definition of “doesn’t fit in”. I’m not Pack, but I’m not the enemy, either.

I struggle to survive among werewolves who are stronger and faster than me, and are competitive enough to break a bone or two for the sake of “fun.”

Greyson, their alpha, is the worst of them all.

Endlessly relentless and twice as deadly, Greyson rules the Pack and expands its territory even though it’s already the largest in the region. I just wish he’d stop interfering with my life. He’s got enough trouble of his own with his incomplete mate bond, but he’s made it his hobby to tease and test me at every opportunity.

Doesn’t my life sound fun?

When wolves from surrounding packs start mindlessly attacking the innocent humans in our city, Timber Ridge, everything changes.

Werewolves don’t turn feral without reason. Which means someone is making this happen, and they’re targeting our Pack.

I don’t like where this is going, but how am I supposed to stop a feral wolf outbreak when I’m just one hunter? Can Greyson and I set aside our differences to see the Pack through this?

With over 38,000 ratings on Amazon and Goodreads, this completed urban fantasy series is packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance that will have you laughing out loud.

The Magiford Supernatural City universe features vampires, wizards, fae, and werewolves! Start reading this bingeable series now!

This bundle includes all three books in the Pack of Dawn and Destiny Trilogy: Hunted, United, and Fated.

  • Publication date: September 21, 2023
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 968 pages

Review: Court of Midnight and Deception: The Complete Trilogy by  K. M. Shea

Rating: 5✨⭐️🌙

If I thought I loved the first series, this is the one that made me laugh out louder, read passages multiple times, snort giggles, and decide , yup chef’s kiss. 

I’m keeping it. 

Truthfully, I’m binging all the trilogies that Shea has written for the Magiford Supernatural City Universe and while all are fantastic, this remains my all time favorite. 

In fact, when the hilarious characters from this Night Court make their unforgettable appearances in the other series, it’s in scenes that make me laugh out loud and want to immediately start reading this trilogy all over again. 

Leila, half human, half fae, is the gift that keeps on giving. Her voice and character development here is exceptional. And every single element that I thought I’d was waffling about turns into something marvelous and magical here in her journey towards finding her own way in the supernatural realm.  

That means turning the Night Court into something totally new, eventually. 

Hall of Blood and Mercy is full of memorable characters, exploring new magical creatures and areas where this Universe has a mysterious darkness that’s threatening all magic and those who are associated with it. 

 Honestly, I’m so in love with K.M. Shea and her Magiford Supernatural City Universe, this great number of trilogies that I hope will have future episodes to bring to life all the areas we haven’t explored yet. 

Highly recommended for all lovers of urban fantasy stories.

This series:  

Crown of Shadows

Crown of Moonlight 

The Queen’s Crown 

The series in order of reading: All Magiford Supernatural City Universe.

  • Hall of Blood and Mercy: The Complete Trilogy ❤️
  • Court of Midnight and Deception: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)❤️5
  • Pack of Dawn and Destiny: The Complete Trilogy
  • Gate of Myth and Power: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)
  • Magic on Main Street: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)

Cover Art by Covers by Christian

Magiford Supernatural City is a registered trademark of K. M. Shea LLC. 

Buy link

 Part of: Magiford Supernatural City (5 books) 

Blurb 

The fae of the Night Court are desperate to find and crown their new monarch before the Court collapses.

I couldn’t care less.

I’ve done everything I can to bury my fae blood and embrace my human half. That changes when some fae nobles show up on my doorstep and announce that I’m the next Queen of the Night Court.

Becoming an unwilling fae queen? Check. Inheriting a terrible mess? Double check.

The Court is almost bankrupt, my citizens’ favorite hobby is backstabbing one another, and I don’t know who I can trust since someone keeps trying to assassinate me.

Speaking of assassins, I get introduced to the best in the business—a fae lord nicknamed the Wraith. His deadly profession means he fears No. One.

The only reason he doesn’t kill me on the spot is he’s a member of the Night Court and the Court’s magic protects me. But that doesn’t prevent him from trading verbal barbs with me whenever we meet.

And if cat herding uncooperative fae while chatting with assassins wasn’t enough, I’m required to get married as part of some archaic Court law. This “queen” gig is the worst!

Supposedly I can choose anyone to marry, but with all the infighting I need someone who is unaffiliated and won’t cause political power struggles.

So, why do I keep thinking of a certain assassin?

Court of Midnight and Deception is a completed urban fantasy trilogy that takes place in the Magiford Supernatural City universe. It features fae, werewolves, vampires, and wizards! 

With over 28,000 ratings on Amazon and Goodreads, and millions of pages read this trilogy is packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a reluctant fae queen and the assassin who tried to kill her.

This bundle includes all three books in the series: Crown of Shadows, Crown of Moonlight, and the Queen’s Crown.

Review: The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth Book 6 by Lauretta Hignett 

Rating: 4⭐️

The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae picks up right after the cliffhanger ending of the last book where Prince Romeo had been kidnapped by the fae back to their Realm. Purposes unknown. 

There’s elements I enjoyed here and others I find that are either getting annoying, underdeveloped, or left dangling, without any explanation. 

Let’s take the things that are working against the storytelling for me. This is the sixth book and it’s very “talky” as opposed to action driven. Things are talked about endlessly. Especially when it’s the main character of wolf shifter Daphne.  Daphne’s been through years of time traveling abusive experiences as an adolescent to adulthood, slavery etc. Through alien worlds and realms. What she did to survive has shattered her personality into two parts, brain and heart.  They are constantly talking or arguing about everything. Every single situation. Plus she’s got a Pandora’s box or world of evil inside of her. 

But it’s mainly the two voices. They talk so much she gets nothing accomplished. Which is the point made here. But it’s just as annoying to read. Because while she’s not actively going forward, the whole narrative is standing still too.  While it’s talking. 

There’s good points made about how they should have recombined into one a while ago, but still not happening. 

Then there’s a really great case that opens the book. One where Daphne rescues two young kids. And it’s centered around one coven and family of powerful witches. A big event happens at the end of the case that’s dropped. We have no mention about it and the ramifications of the case. Nothing.  Sigh.

Last big issue I’ll bring up is that Daphne’s horrific history in the Fae realm isn’t consistent with her current experiences here. I understand parts of the Fae situation changed, still there should be more representation of that dark history than what is seen here.

Positives.  The cases and revelations concerning Romeo’s background. Daphne’s interactions with the other participants in the Bride races as well as the brutal races themselves. 

Those were exciting moments. 

Still enjoyable but I’m not as engaged as I was at the beginning.  

Book Cover by Atra Luna Graphic Design”

Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth:

The Wolf Vs The Vampire #1

The Wolf Vs The Warlock #2

The Wolf Vs The Shifter #3

The Wolf Vs The Witch #4

The Wolf Vs The Monster #5 

The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae #6 

The Wolf Vs The Dragon #7 – Sept 15,2025

The Wolf Vs Santa: A Little Christmas Mystery

Buy link 

 Book 6 of 7: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth 

Blurb 

I never thought I’d find myself back here.

At least, I hoped I’d never have to leave the mortal realm ever again. But Romeo is missing, and I have to find him. I know who took him, and I know why. 

And I know how hard this fight is going to be.

I survived this wild-magic place once before, and I’ll do it again. But this time, I’m not a scared little girl. 

This time, I know exactly what I’m doing.

Let the games begin.

The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae is book five in the Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth, a hot new Urban Fantasy series by bestselling author Lauretta Hignett.

Review:  His Mate By Allegiance: MM Mafia Shifter PNR (Lunetti Pack Book 3) by Mel Aitchess 

Rating: 4.75🌈

This series is seriously combustible. And addictive. My biggest regret is the long release lag time in waiting for the next book to arrive. Otherwise, mwah, hot, and *fans self* so in love with these mated couples. 

This one takes it to the next level.

It’s a kinky air powerful witch and even kinkier arty werewolf assassin in mate love. In a forced marriage and suspense filled thriller of a story.

More of Rocco and Emmy! I honestly need them in more than this one book. They are fantastic!

Emilio’s brutal family history has been played out over the previous storylines but it’s damage to his character is front row here. Its meshes beautifully with the shaky history and past of Rocco, so when the magical power of the mate bond begins, it’s also powered by their shared trauma and kinks. It’s sexy, raw, hot and believable for them and the reader. 

Both the Lunetti Pack as led by Alpha Marco and the Elemental Mayhem MC’s, who are led by Blaze, President of the MC (witches), are in well written and impactful roles. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for them going forward. Silas too. 

The vampires were curiously absent this time. I’m betting they will be a huge factor in the next book. 

There’s so many great elements here. From the side families, to the ongoing mystery and drama to that artwork. I want more.

Highly recommended and fabulous. 

Cover by Camberion

Lunettti Pack:

His Mate By Vengeance (Angelo & Vin) #1

His Mate By Resistance #2 (Cal and Luca)

His Mate By Allegiance #3 (Rocco and Emilio)

His Mate By Defiance #4 (Rafe and Adri) – June 12, 2026

Buy link:

        His Mate By Allegiance: MM Mafia Shifter PNR (Lunetti Pack Book 3)

    

Blurb 

The wild in you calls to the wild in me, and if you let me, I will answer. I will always answer.”

Rocco is being punished and he doesn’t like it. He probably shouldn’t have seduced and stalked the police chief’s son, but he’d been bored and no one ever should’ve noticed. His powers as an air witch skilled in illusion are too valuable for the Elemental Mayhem MC to let him go, so they’ve forced him into this sham of a wedding. They’re lucky the wolf shifter is so hot or he’d never go along with it. All bets are off once he can prove he was betrayed.

Emilio spent the last fifteen years away from New Trinity City refining his crafts—street art and assassination—but he’s still loyal to the Lunetti Pack. Unlike his traitor father. He’d do anything for his Alpha. Even marry a witch he’s never met. Coming home for his arranged marriage is the perfect excuse to hunt the source of the dangerous weapons entering the city. He has every intention of being a widower within a year, until he realises his fiancé is his mate. How is he supposed to arrange an unfortunate accident for his husband with his wolf whining about forever in his ear?

His Mate By Allegiance is an MM mafia shifter paranormal romance. It features arranged marriage, fated mates, shadow hands, and other paranormal play, including knotting. There is no mpreg in this world.

  • Publisher: Mel Aitchess
  • Publication date: July 15, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 258 pages
  • Book 3 of 4: Lunetti Pack

Review:  The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid (The Portlock Paranormal Detective #7) by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare

Rating: 5✨

Another great story in The Portlock Paranormal Detective series! Bunny and her found family of supernatural characters in this small town in Alaska are getting closer to the end of the series.  And the authors still have plenty of mysteries, drama, and dark cases to unravel before that happens. 

There’s an emotional case of missing teenagers that’s hitting the small town police department of supernaturals hard, especially since it looks like both girls are from the supernatural world. 

Bunny is dealing with the investigation, while Connor is facing his father threatening to come to town.  With all the drama and fear that comes with it. 

And always their friend, mer Sidnee kidnapped boyfriend is on their minds. As well as Reggie, who spends most of his time as Fluffy.

Just amazing with an incredible plot or multiple plots, tons of suspense and the potential for heartbreak. And my fav hag, Matilda’s role is growing.

So hard to wait for that penultimate book to come this winter. Another fantastic book and recommendation.

Cover design by Christian Bentulan. Published by Hellhound Press Limited.

The Portlock Paranormal Detective series:

The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death, a prequel.

The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf, Book 1.

The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren, Book 2.

The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee, Book 3.

The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine, Book 4.

The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergiest, Book 5

The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas, Book #5.5

The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag #6

The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid #7

The Vampire and the Case of the Ghastly Golem #8 – Jan 29,2026

Buy link

        The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid: An Urban Fantasy Series (The Portlock Paranormal Detective Series Book 7)

    

Blurb 

Portlock’s secrets are about to explode.

After everything that went down in Chrome Mine, I’m starting to fear that I may never see my Sidnee again because the Sidnee I’ve been left with – well, she’s downright scary.

Just as we try to catch our breath, calamity strikes again: the mayor’s son-in-law is murdered. Suspicion is being thrown around like confetti, and those in the frame include the mayor himself and the usually mild-mannered Sidnee.

To make matters worse, a couple of teenage girls have vanished – no clues, no witnesses and no explanation. And it appears they might not be the first to be snatched.

As if I needed one more thing to juggle, Connor’s father, the Vampire King of America, sends a team to interfere in our investigation. One of the girls is a rare, born vampire and the king has given us an ultimatum: find her … or he’ll come knocking. I am absolutely not ready to meet the in-laws, especially not the terrifying, homicidal sort who sees hybrids like me as something to exterminate.

Connor is falling apart, the case is slipping through my fingers, and our happily-ever-after is looking further away than ever…

Dive into this fast-paced urban fantasy series if you love mystery, humour, found family, and a slow-burn romance.

Review:  Barely Magic (Maddy Madrigal Mysteries Book 1) by Debra Castaneda

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Debra Castaneda is another new to me author I’ve discovered via her Maddy Madrigal Mysteries series.  Based in the Chavez Ravine area of Los Angeles, it’s a location the author has a personal and familial connection with.

As the description suggests, it’s monsters, mayhem, and Mexican food. But it’s much more. It’s about Mexican culture, mythology, and the politics of the past that allows certain ethnic groups to be seen as less important or even less visible so their presence and property can be considered up for grabs. 

It’s scare tactics but the monsters are real. 

Barely Magic (Maddy Madrigal Mysteries Book 1) by Debra Castaneda is a story I feel got better, scenario wise. The character of Maddy Madrigal finds herself back in a home where she and her family have history. Quite by accident, or so it seems. 

As Maddy becomes more assertive about her own personal relationship to the place where she’s living in and working, the character’s growth and story development will continue to work to strengthen the plot and the connection between them. 

By the end I was thoroughly engaged and rooting for the character and her new community of friends. 

I’m really excited to see where this character and series will go. So I’m onto the next in the series. 

It’s a definite hit for me. And a recommendation for those who enjoy strong female characters, mysteries with a cultural element. 

Cover design by: Jacqueline Sweet

Maddy Madrigal Mysteries:

Barely Magic #1

Somewhat Magic #2

Desperate Magic #3

Semi-related:

Chavez Ravine Stories (3 books)

Buy link

        Barely Magic (Maddy Madrigal Mysteries Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Maddy Madrigal doesn’t believe she’s magic. If she were, she wouldn’t be busting her butt every day working for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Occult Affairs division, rounding up the strange and nasty entities unleashed by the last earthquake. At forty, if she were magic, she’d have less aggravation and more money.

So, when a security job opens up in an exclusive gated community, she takes it. Better money, great perks, and best of all, no entities.

At first, her problems are solved—the job’s great, she’s made new friends, and a good-looking man has caught her eye. She even has time to cook her favorite Mexican dishes while her new cat watches, though there’s something not quite right about him.

But the fancy neighborhood she was hired to protect hides a secret: something supernatural is attacking the residents, and as Maddy tries to unravel the mystery, she discovers a secret of her own: she may have inherited magical abilities from her famous great aunt, a Mexican witch.

With monsters roaming the hilly streets, residents up in arms, and her boss breathing down her neck, Maddy must decide how far she’s willing to go to preserve her new life.

Barely Magic is the first book in Maddy Madrigal Mysteries, a new urban fantasy series from Debra Castaneda, the award-winning author of The Monsters of Chavez Ravine and the Dark Earth Rising series including The Root Witch and A Dark and Rising Tide.

  • Publisher: Shadow Canyon Press
  • Publication date: March 20, 2025
  • Language: English
  • File size: 5.3 MB
  • Print length: 328 pages
  • Book 1 of 3: Maddy Madrigal Mysteries

Review:  The Dark Hiss of Magic (The Cat Lady Chronicles Book 2) by Helen Harper

Rating:  5⭐️

The Cat Lady Chronicles returns with a fabulously funny and well written book, The Dark Hiss of Magic by Helen Harper.  

I fell in love with the fascinating character of Kit McCafferty, retired assassin, now trying to remain low key as a jumper-wearing older neighborhood cat lady, albeit one hiding a very unique trait. She’s a rare cat sith. 

The first mystery novel introduced her character, the paranormal town of Coldstream she lives in, and its many characters and supernatural communities that coexist within its boundaries. 

But it’s Kit herself that’s so compelling and complex. Kit and her group of cats, that supply a sense of family, comfort, and advise her when mysteries come into her life. From She Without an Ear to He Who Crunches Bird Bones, to He Who Wanders Wide and the others, it’s a feline cast that’s endlessly entertaining and intriguing. Yes, they name themselves. 

There’s others too. Thane, a werewolf, with a new demon kitten and neighbor Dave, who I haven’t figured out yet. 

Harper keeps us guessing about mainstay characters. Their roles, true identities, and whatever they are really important to Kit in the over arc storyline. And as the various murders and mysteries occur, the investigations roll along, and everyone gets involved, the narrative continues to build into this amazing adventure. 

It’s got great dialogue, wild moments, fight sequences, and loads of engaging cats and unusual personalities. And magic. 

I wanted the next book immediately. And because I so thoroughly enjoyed this one, will reread it again soon. 

Beautifully executed storytelling? Check. Fantastic female main character? Check! Great world building and mystery? Check and check. 

Another great book and winner of a series.  Check it out now. 

COVER DESIGN BY COVERS BY JUAN

The Cat Lady Chronicles:

Waifs And Strays #1

The Dark Hiss of Magic #2

A Skirl of Sorcery #3 – Oct 13,2025

Buy link

        The Dark Hiss of Magic (The Cat Lady Chronicles Book 2)

    

Blurb 

There will be no pussy-footing around. Not when Kit McCafferty is involved.

When Kit rescues a wealthy witch from the treacherous, monster-filled waters of the River Tweed, she reckons she’s completed her fair share of good deeds for the day. But when a second anonymous body is pulled from the same river, Kit is dragged into a mystery as murky as the water itself. The corpse has no identification, no personal possessions and no one who cares. 

Kit is determined to change that.

At least Thane Barrow, the copper-haired werewolf who sees the world in a similar way to Kit, is happy to also get involved. Together, they navigate Coldstream’s magical streets and mysterious secrets, determined to uncover the truth about John Doe. 

Alas, it soon becomes clear that his death was no accident. Kit finds herself investigating a complex crime with more than one victim. She will have her claws full if she’s going to get to the bottom of what’s happened.

One thing is for certain – when death threatens, Kit McCafferty doesn’t back down. She pounces.