Review:  Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 2) by Honor Raconteur 

Rating: 5⭐️✨

“‘How upset is our good Queen?’

“Livid, Seaton answered cheerfully.

I’m quite happy about that. Angry women change the world.’”

Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) the oh so appropriate title of book two is a great, emotional story. The mystery hits on many levels as well, bringing in everything from the societal aspects of health care (or lack thereof), the need for better government regulation of magical items and their manufacture, and general police procedures on multiple fronts. 

It’s dealing with epidemics, ignorance, violence and scam artists who have caused unprecedented harm. 

And all while showing how Jamie is still recovering from her ordeal, maneuvering through a society and systems that are designed to keep women from being able to live as equals, and instituting change from a world that is unknown and one she can’t return to. 

New fantastic characters are emerging in continuing important roles, in Jamie’s life and the series, such as RM Seaton, and the notes of each character, identified by color, are highly entertaining and important to the story and influence of their respective roles here. 

How do I love this? Let me count the ways.

  1. Spectacular writing.
  2. Great mysteries 
  3. Fabulous characters that continue to develop 
  4. Found families 
  5. World building that’s incredible in depth and vividly detailed 
  6. Slowish burn ever romance 

Yes and yes! 

Highly recommended. Highly addictive. 

Love the covers. 

Cover by Katie Griffin

The Case Files of Henri Davenforth (11 book series to date):

Magic and the Shinigami Detective #1

Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) #2

Magic Outside the Box #3

Breaking and Entering 101 #4

Three Charms for Murder #5

Grimoires and Where to Find Them #6

Death Over the Garden Wall #7

This Potion is da Bomb #8

All In A Name #9

A Matter of Secrets and Spies #10

All Fun and Games #11

Buy link

        Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 2)

    

Blurb

A dead charm maker is only the beginning. 

Humanity seems determined to come up with increasingly clever ways to murder one another. They seize upon new technological advances in a way that’s alarming, their creativity and blood-thirstiness knowing no bounds.

When a charm maker is blown up inside his own vehicle, for once it’s not Henri Davenforth’s expertise needed: it’s Jamie Edwards’, the Shinigami Detective. Car bombs are something unique in Kingston, and only she has experience with them. But the unique murder takes an unexpected turn when it becomes evident that the dead charm maker dabbled in something he should not have, inciting disastrous results.

The dangers he unleashed upon Kingston threaten thousands of lives and it launches a race requiring not only Jamie and Henri’s expertise, but the Kingsmen’s as well to beat the menace spreading through the city.

Meanwhile, the murderer is still at large, leaving Henri and Jamie to wonder: what will blow next?

Review:  Magic and the Shinigami Detective (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 1) by Honor Raconteur 

Rating: 5⭐️✨

When I found this book and series, I found my new favorite obsession and the reason I’ve had no sleep since as I’ve been binging the series. 

The Case Files of Henri Davenforth has everything I look for in a series, it’s got magnificent characters, outstanding world building, amazing plots, and a format that is just so great and entertaining that it makes my brain and heart stay engaged and focused on the storytelling. But also while being able to admire and throughly be amazed by the flexibility of its structure. 

Yes, may this series never end. 

Science fiction, magical realism, urban fantasy, historical fiction, one of the slowest burn romances ever, outstanding mysteries, and yes, mystical cats . 

All beautifully rendered and crafted with depth and attention to detail that will continue to expand and evolve with each book. 

I’m well into book 5 now. 

Honor Raconteur has used as a basis for her mysteries some real little known murders. See the author’s notes for more information. Then given them a fantastic magical twist. 

The character of former FBI agent Jamie Edwards, kidnapped and brought to another world by an insane powerful witch, who performed experiments on her and others who died. This is the story and series of how Jamie became the Shinigami Detective, and co-worker with Dr. Henri Davenforth, Magical Examiner for the police department. 

Slowly, in a world of paranormal species and time that resembles 18th century America, Jamie assembles a found family, finds a new home, job and future while solving mysteries with Henri. And others. 

She with science brought from Earth and her training as a FBI agent, he with magic and his formidable intelligence. 

The 11th book was released this year and now I’m going to have to clear a bookshelf for this series. Cause’ I need them. I’ll be rereading this series, they are those books. 

Highly recommended. Highly addictive. 

Love the covers. 

Cover by Katie Griffin

The Case Files of Henri Davenforth (11 book series to date):

Magic and the Shinigami Detective #1

Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) #2

Magic Outside the Box #3

Breaking and Entering 101 #4

Three Charms for Murder #5

Grimoires and Where to Find Them #6

Death Over the Garden Wall #7

This Potion is da Bomb #8

All In A Name #9

A Matter of Secrets and Spies #10

All Fun and Games #11

Buy link

        Magic and the Shinigami Detective (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 1)

    

Blurb 

When the Night Foxes boldly break into the Fourth Precinct’s Evidence Building, it causes quite the stir. The break-in is daring enough, but their method shreds the magical wards and protections on the building like confetti paper. To say the police are ‘alarmed’ by this is the understatement of the century.

As a Magical Examiner, Henri Davenforth is of course immediately called in. Quite to his astonishment, Captain Gregson has him work the case like a detective. Even more astounding, he assigns Henri a partner. The Shinigami Detective.

The woman is famous for killing the most destructive rogue witch of the century, and no one is quite certain where she’s from. Every officer in the precinct is either in awe of her or a little frightened by her. Henri is just baffled. What is he supposed to do with a partner?

Hopefully killing one witch makes Jamie Edwards enough of an expert on magic to be helpful, as the thieves aren’t content to just break into one building. They in fact seem to have an agenda, as with each theft, they take magical objects. It’s all mounting to a dangerously powerful magical construct capable of toppling the wards on any building.

And no one has any idea what the thieves’ true target is.

Review:  Did It Have To Be Gnomes?! (Carry A Faerie #1) by Michele Notaro

Rating: 4 🌈

The first in a new series by Michele Notaro, Did It Have To Be Gnomes?! (Carry A Faerie #1) was a terrific story, a little slow in the beginning but quickly picked up the pace for a dramatic ending. 

The author is just starting to build the setting and form the group of characters that will eventually become a found family so we don’t have much of a history or background on them.  Just the vague sketch of an idea for each. 

Individually, the characters are good, as a relationship, the two main characters don’t have a real believable connection. It’s either too quickly pulled together or something. But the storyline just doesn’t give them the right chemistry even when supplying them with a back history together. 

I think it’s a lack of overall world building and foundation versus the evil gnomes mystery that makes the story feel highly paced but without a feeling of depth. 

I look forward to seeing what the second book brings. 

Carry A Faerie:

  • Did It Have To Be Gnomes? #1
  • The Pushy Pixies Are Going Down (Hopefully) #2 – July 15,2025

Buy link

        Did It Have To Be Gnomes?! (Carry A Faerie Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Am I afraid of gnomes? 

Maaaaaaaybe.

Did I take on a huge gnome job anyway? I sure did.

Am I about to ask my crush for help? 

Well, I have to ask someone, right?

I get called out to a huge mansion with the biggest number of invading gnomes I’ve ever seen, and I’m not sure who to call to help. And I definitely need some help. 

So when Winter Montgomery just so happens to stop by, I know I have to ask him. I’ve been crushing on the handsome guy from afar for years, so now’s my chance to get close—and get some much needed support. 

As long as I don’t let him see just how much I hate gnomes—okay, I’m actually terrified of them, but he doesn’t need to know that… right?

Did It Really Have To Be Gnomes?! (Carry A Faerie Book 1) is a MM urban fantasy and the first book in Miles and Winter’s love story. Each book will have its own supernatural problem with a HFN ending for the couple, but there will be overarching plot themes throughout the series.

  • Publication date: July 31, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 296 pages
  • Book 1 of 2: Carry A Faerie

Review: Obsidian Magic (Legacy Series Book 2) by McKenzie Hunter 

Rating: 3.5⭐️

“He once made the comment that behind every good fighter was a tragic past.”

“The turgid muscles of his arm contracted and then relaxed.”

Those two sentences embody the best and worst examples of the writing found in this book and series.  That sort of whiplash of concise emotional expression versus one of excessive florid language is mirrored by the characters in their respective relationships and their own personal actions. Towards each other and in moments of conflict.

Levy, the main character has lovely scenes with her friends, antiques dealer Kalen and roommate Savannah, that ring true. She’s a more believable person in her trust issues, snarky humor, and energy than when dealing with the “romantic tension “ of Gareth, or the “villainous ways” of Connor. Both of them, their scenes with Levy, have the same oddly similar toxicity and certain aspects of narcissistic behavior. 

The secondary characters, once again, have the most interesting and fascinating roles that draw a reader’s attention. Blu, the witch , Lucas the Vampire Master, and the other two characters that are both great, Kalen and Savannah. 

I’m enjoying the journey and series enough to see it through but not really emotionally invested in the characters. It makes it easy to stop the series, read another book, and then pick it up again. Something I wouldn’t do if I’m throughly focused and engaged with the characters and universe. 

Much like I am with other similar stories such as the Kate Daniels series/universe by Ilona Andrews for example.

So for readers who enjoy urban fantasy and complete series I think this is a good read and fun series. That’s my take. 

Cover Artist: Yocla Designs

Legacy Series (4 book series)

Double-Sided Magic #1

Obsidian Magic #2

Renegade Magic #3

Rogue Magic #4 – finale 

Buy link

        Obsidian Magic (Legacy Series Book 2)

    

Blurb 

The only thing standing between me and death is my secret.

I’m a Legacy—a secret I’d planned on taking to my grave. Gareth, the enigmatic leader of the Supernatural Guild, knows it, but can I trust him to keep it? When mysterious deaths occur as a result of magic that mimics my own, I no longer have to worry about Gareth exposing me – it will be one of my own that does.

Another Legacy is causing the chaos, and I’m forced to hunt my own kind. It seems simple, but we’ve existed for as long as we have because we’re better hunters than prey. I’m forced to work with Gareth to clear my name and find the Legacy responsible. Not only is my secret about to be revealed—so is his. Gareth is much more dangerous than I expected. Is he my friend or my enemy?

  • Publisher: Sky Publishing
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: March 17, 2017
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 254 pages
  • Book 2 of 4: Legacy Series

Review: Double-Sided Magic (Legacy Book 1) by McKenzie Hunter 

Rating:3.5⭐️

“I am Levy Michaels. Once my kind were the hunters—now we are the hunted.”

This book has several things going for it. It’s a complete paranormal thriller series with a strong female main character. Its author, McKenzie Hunter, is a new writer to me, and its urban fantasy themes are ones I’ve always enjoyed. 

That said, I find that this story is enjoyable but not as engaging as some of the other similar series I find absolutely addictive. 

I’m actually past this novel in the series , and found that the storylines and characters situations are initially very interesting but soon become repetitive.

Levy Michaels is a Legacy, a being of pure magic and from a species that is reviled by the world.  All due to the Cleanse, a unimaginable heinous magical act that saw a majority of the world’s paranormal population killed just because a majority of the Legacy decided to ensure that they were the only species worthy of magic.  

 

What was left banded together to hunt down the Legacy, rendering them extinct. Only they weren’t.

That’s a good premise. And the basis for the main character. She’s been hunted her whole life for something she didn’t do.   

And she’s employed in an  well imagined antique acquisitions shop run by a fabulous fae owner, Kalen,  and friend.  As well as has a great human roommate , Savannah, who is obsessed with yoga and healthy food habits. Also a great element and character. 

Where things are less smoothly paced and written happen when she’s implicated in a murder crime and becomes involved with Gareth, the cave lion shifter leader of the Supernatural Guild.  Their relationship isn’t so much a sexy, romantic hot chemistry but rather one that reads as perplexing and strangely unlikely.  Hes immediately hot, then cold, then hot, then threatening. Put that on repeat. She’s finding him unbelievably attractive, but finds out shocking things, doesn’t like him. Repeat. 

That constant will continue through the next book. 

The exact same thing will happen with another character, Connor. The same actions, same conversations , are held chapter after chapter. The events change but the conversation stay the same. 

The most important personal growth can be found happening in the secondary characters , who I wish we could have more of. Savannah, her roommate, and Kalen, her fae boss and friend. Love them. And perhaps even Lucas, the Vampire Head of all vampires in the city. 

There’s nothing in the narrative that is a surprise but it’s entertaining.  I’ll be finishing the series, especially since each book is so short. They are quick reads. 

Entertainment for readers who enjoy urban fantasy and complete series. 

Cover Artist: Yocla Designs

Legacy Series (4 book series)

Double-Sided Magic #1

Obsidian Magic #2

Renegade Magic #3

Rogue Magic #4 – finale 

Buy link

 Book 1 of 4: Legacy Series 

Blurb 

I am Levy Michaels. Once my kind were the hunters—now we are the hunted. 

Humans are aware of the existence of supernaturals but I have to stay hidden because of the type of magic I possess. I’m a Legacy. It sounds like the title should come with reverence, a trust fund, or at the very least a cool backstory—instead it comes with a death sentence.

I have to hide in plain sight and pretend to be just human. I’m pretty good at it.

I live a simple and somewhat normal life, and I work in antique acquisitions. Everything’s going fine until a dangerous and enchanted dagger that was once in my possession is stolen. I didn’t think things could get any worse until I woke up next to a dead shifter, fae, and mage, without any memory of the past twenty-four hours.

Considered guilty of murder by most of the magical community and humans, I must work with Gareth, the sexy and dangerous leader of the Supernatural Guild. If he’s as good as rumored, it’s only a matter of time until he discovers the truth about me—then being found guilty of murder is the least of my worries.

Series Complete. This series is perfect for readers looking for edge-of-your-seat action, mystery with unexpected twists, a witty, kick-butt heroine.

  • Publisher: Sky Publishing
  • Publication date: November 5, 2016
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 230 pages
  • Book 1 of 4: Legacy Series

Review: Something to Prove (Smithton Bears Book 2) by Lane Hayes 

Rating: 4🌈

Something to Prove is another lovely sports college romance in Lane Hayes’ Smithton Bears series, a sequel to the heartwarming older hockey romance series I adore, The Elmwood Stories- Small Town stories.

Same area as Elmwood but focuses on college hockey and college atmosphere with its situations, mostly. I enjoyed the flow from the first novel into this book, the use of characters and that pivotal plot to make these characters have their own dramatic moments.

Ty and Walker are both very relatable and engaging characters. Ty especially has a well written and fleshed out family and foundation as well as hockey team that grounds him realistically. 

Walker has a background that makes him a more isolated person. A person who’s been raised by his uncle and his aunt, who don’t live locally, there isn’t much other than the occasional showing of a side character, Robin, to give him the full picture details that Ty has been crafted with.  What gives Walker life are the moments when he (and Ty) share while interacting for Walker’s show. Love the warmth and funny energy that Hayes brings to this. 

The ending is so satisfying and one that the reader can instantly picture. And the epilogue is a great way to see the couple in their lives, happily moving forward. 

Another terrific story in this ongoing series. A winner!

Cover Design by Reese Dante

Smithton Bears – Small-Town, College Hockey Series 

  • One-Time Shot
  • Something to Prove 
  • The Roommate Game – Coming November 2025 

The Elmwood Stories- Small Town/Hockey Series 

You, Again 

Next Season 

Holiday Crush 

Thin Ice 

Hot Shot 

Puck Love

Buy link

 Book 2 of 3: Smithton Bears 

Blurb 

The hockey star, the influencer, and the deal of a lifetime. 

Ty

I’m going to the pros, baby! Deal made, contract signed. Now all I have to do is finish out my final season at Smithton and stay out of trouble. I like to have a good time, but don’t worry, I’ll behave.

What I won’t do is talk to that double-crossing influencer who’s been badgering me for an interview. No thanks.

I know Walker’s type—sweet as pie on the outside, a shark on the inside.

Get this…he wants to make a deal that sounds a lot like a bribe.

Not interested. No way.

But I am curious.

Walker

I’ve never worked so hard for an interview in my life. Ugh!

Look, I get that Ty doesn’t like me. As in…he won’t return my calls and avoids me like the plague on campus.

Too bad. I’m not giving up.

I don’t want to beg, but I’m willing to barter. Every man has his price—and something to prove.

Even Ty.

Something to Prove is a low-angst, geek-jock MM bisexual college hockey romance featuring a hockey star and the adorkable influencer who’s determined to win him over…

  • Publication date: July 29, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 224 pages
  • Book 2 of 3: Smithton Bears

Review: Operation Caldera: PNR/Special Forces/Military MM Fiction (Operation Volcano Book 2) by Annabella Stone

Rating: 4.5🌈

Did I lose it over the turns in this book? Why yes I did.  Had zero clue Stone was going to take the series in this amazing direction.  I’m so excited and in for this series.

If you haven’t read this or are familiar here, author Annabella Stone is taking black ops, military top secret missions, explosive situations, alpha military training forces, fated mates, magic, outstanding use and twists on Irish mythology and lore. Legends come to life. I feel like I’m forgetting something. 

If that wasn’t enough. 

Stone packs her storytelling with a found family of a black ops unit called Volcano. Then starts expanding her characters and universe with Irish mythology and folding in magical powers and fated mates in a way that’s entirely different. It’s pulled together by the steel, strength , and love for the fight for doing the right thing, for loyalty, and brotherhood. 

Stone bridges the worlds between humanity and mythology and makes it powerful and believable in the men and their bonds. To the one they love and to the group they call brothers. 

It’s not without elements that had me asking for more exploration or explanation about some areas. Like what happened to the supernatural training that was supposed to happen. 

However, I’m betting it will be a part of the next book to come out next year. 

But here? The yes, explosive story begins with *Viper* Dare and his rescue of Archaeologist *Ward* Sutherland while on a secret mission with his unit.

It’s one wild and crazy thing after another. I absolutely won’t spoil the twists and surprises but Stone’s rich lush descriptions bring to life such incredible characters and scenes that you can hear the songs, smell the banquet, and take in the atmosphere that Viper and Hank are watching and are a part of. 

Great twists, outstanding characters, and action sequences, vividly captured details and beautiful use of magic and mythology. 

There’s an Irish dictionary for some of the words and phrases.  Loved that. 

I only wish I could zoom ahead for the next book’s release date.  

A fantastic book, grand series and one I’m highly excited to recommend. 

Cover Design By: Golden Czermak

Operation Volcano :

  • Operation Magma #1
  • Operation Caldera #2
  • Operation Fuego #3 – April 30,2026 (argh!) – Reaper’s story 

Buy link 

        Operation Caldera: PNR/Special Forces/Military MM Fiction (Operation Volcano Book 2)

    

Blurb 

𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒, 𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑡𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒!

Navy SEAL Kelvin *Viper* Dare was born to be a frogman. He’s pretty much seen it all over his fifteen-year career, and nothing surprises him anymore. Nothing except an unexpected natural disaster, which sends his team’s latest mission to hell in a handbasket. Volcanic blasts were not even on his radar when he and his men deployed to search for the newest terrorist to dare bring war to US soil. Now he must figure out how the hell he can protect not only his team, but also the American they find deep in the cave system, which offers their only chance of survival.

Archaeologist Howard *Ward* Sutherland was supposed to be on the trip of a lifetime to study the ancient markings found at a cave entrance on an unnamed island in the Indian Ocean. The further into the cave he moves, the more of the witch symbols he deciphers, and the louder the island rumbles and shakes under his feet. He may not be able to see what is happening on the surface, but the sudden appearance of a Special Ops team, and its growly, bossy leader, tells him things are very, very wrong.

When an ancient power stirs and the veil between worlds cracks, they must choose between duty and destiny. Because some doors, once opened, demand more than loyalty—they demand your soul.

Magic, legends, and a brotherhood who’ve been waiting for their High King!

PNR/Special Forces/Military MM Fiction packed with Irish myths and legends, alpha heroes, raw emotion, fated mates, and more.

  • Publisher: Embers Romance LLC
  • Publication date: July 31, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 360 pages
  • Book 2 of 2: Operation Volcano

Review:  Magic Betrayed (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 2) by Kenley Davidson

Rating: 4.5✨⭐️

Magic Betrayed picks up right after the events of Magic Forsaken, the flow almost uninterrupted in the storyline.

Raine is still trying to walk the tightrope between keeping her found family and their past hidden yet work for Callum because they desperately need the funds for food and shelter. 

While the reader might acknowledge the naïveté, it’s also realistic to assume that the hardship and fear has made Raine just as desperate as to accept his conditions.  

Davidson makes us believe in the story unravels on the pages. The suspicions, fears, and doubts, from all parties exist in this shaky political landscape and paranormal world where there has been such turmoil and infighting.

The growth in the relationships, between Callum and Raine, Raine and Kira, and others is warmly described and real. The suspense and action scenes are vivid and well executed.

My only complaint is the last book isn’t released yet so I need to wait until November to see how it all plays out. 

Another recommendation for those who enjoy urban fantasy novels!

Published by: Page Nine Press 

Cover Design by: Trif Book Design

The Dragon of 23rd Street (3 book series)- preceding series 

The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue (3 book series)- incomplete:

Magic Forsaken #1

Magic Betrayed #2

Magic Claimed #3 – Nov 14,2025

Buy link

 Book 2 of 3: The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue 

Blurb 

Well that didn’t go quite the way I expected…

So the short version is, I used my forbidden magic. But weirdly enough, I’m still breathing. Not only that, but I have a job, a great apartment, and a boss who isn’t nearly as grumpy as he wants everyone to think. The only flaw in all this happiness? I can’t leave the Shadow Court. Ever. Which means there’s no way of finding out whether Callum-ro-Deverin hates my guts.

I get it. He’s a fan of law and order, and my very existence is now a crime. That must be why, when he does finally return to the city after the Symposium, he makes no effort to even talk to me. I feel like a fool for thinking we were friends. For considering for even one moment that there might be a spark of something more.

But when a mysterious enemy attacks me and kidnaps my family, I’m left without options. I’m going to need help—powerful help—and I’m going to have to master my unwanted magic as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, the only help available is a gorgeous dragon king who may or may not want to lock me up forever. But if it will save my family from a fate worse than death? I’m willing to sacrifice anything… including my future and my freedom.

Magic Betrayed is the second book of an exciting new urban fantasy trilogy featuring twisty magical plots, gorgeous dragon shifters, plenty of found family, and a smoldering, slow-burn romance. For fans of K.M. Shea, Shari L. Tapscott, and Heather G. Harris.

Review:  Magic Forsaken (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 1) by  Kenley Davidson

Rating: 4.5✨⭐️

Another new to me author, another urban fantasy universe to explore. Be still my heart.  I stumbled across Kenley Davidson when looking for more strong women main characters and found her name among other writers I’ve read and loved (K.M. Shea for example).

Magic Forsaken is the first in Davidson’s The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue urban fantasy series. It’s a direct sequel to The Dragon of 23rd Street , a 3 book series which sets up the world and some of the characters met here. 

However, I haven’t read that series and the author does an excellent job in introducing the series foundation, the issues faced, and world building that I felt secure in my understanding of the story and how the characters were able to use their powers and abilities in the magical system. 

Raine, a former human and prisoner of a psychopathic Fae Queen who experimented on both humans and paranormals alike, has fled, along with her found family of fellow escaped prisoners,to a refugee/safe city. 

Davidson has immediately crafted a group of characters and situations that the reader will empathize with and feel able to relate to. Raine, in her desperation to protect and provide her family for food, shelter and safety is a great figure from the beginning.

And letting her other secrets (as well as those of the small family members) slowly trickle out during the story is perfect for her and the manner in which she has had to live her life.

Callum, the shifter King and his family is another fantastic element. Each of them has a well defined personality and back history, and their relationships feel like a family bonded together. 

The mystery and action scenes are well written. The plot is fast moving. There’s a romantic interest but this is a slow burn, with no real sexual content. More magical action scenes and high adventure. 

I really enjoyed the energy of the narrative and the characters. Definitely a winner!

Published by: Page Nine Press 

Cover Design by: Trif Book Design

The Dragon of 23rd Street (3 book series)- preceding series 

The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue (3 book series)- incomplete:

Magic Forsaken #1

Magic Betrayed #2

Magic Claimed #3 – Nov 14,2025

Buy link

        Magic Forsaken (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 1)

    

Blurb 

I used to be human.

Now? Well, it all started with a fae queen, a stolen car, and a kitten…

Six months ago, I barely escaped the Fae Enclave with my life. Now I’m on the run, in possession of stolen magic I never asked for and in hiding from everyone in the supernatural community.

Just when I think I’ve found a home and a job with the notorious leader of the Shadow Court, I end up squarely in the sights of the newly minted king of the shifters—Callum-ro-Deverin. He’s grim, he’s gorgeous, and he’s my new worst enemy. He knows something is different about me, and if he ever finds out the truth about my magic? I’ll be the first on his hit list.

Thankfully, he’s distracted by the upcoming Symposium, where the leaders of all five courts will be gathered to discuss the danger posed by the fae queen’s magical experiments. But when a traitor threatens to disrupt the proceedings, somehow it’s me and my unstable magic that Callum believes can help him hunt down the threat. No one says no to a dragon, but if he finds out who and what I am?

There will be nowhere on earth I can hide from his vengeance.

Magic Forsaken is the first of an exciting new urban fantasy trilogy featuring twisty magical plots, one gorgeous dragon shifter, plenty of found family, and a smoldering, slow-burn romance. Also a kitten. For fans of K.M. Shea, Shari L. Tapscott, and Heather G. Harris.

Review: Ghostly Bother (Ghostly Book 9) by E.M. Leya 

Rating: 3🌈

I’ve been a fan of the author and this paranormal series for some time now but Ghostly Bother, the ninth book in the series, didn’t hit as well as the rest of the stories.  The storyline, the main characters , the ghost of the plot, everything all came with some sort of flags or issues with the dynamics or functionality in the narrative that bothered me. 

One is the mayor Eden, a nasty woman, who took bribes, was a selfish person and, even in the afterlife is a personality bordering on oblivious selfish self interest and cruelty. Spoiler. She walks into the light after being a bad person in both the living and the afterlife.  Strike 1. 

Because she’s a huge player here in the story and has an enormous role in the next element that put up flags for me. 

That’s the relationship dynamic between Lance, who can interact with the ghosts, and Angus, his detective lover who can’t. But Angus, who has lived with his mother and her best friend, also a ghost, is familiar with ghosts and how they can impact the living. 

So does he (and author Leya) write into their relationship one of an established understanding and support when Lance is constantly harassed 24/7 by Eden, unable to find rest or do his job? No, instead of the dynamic that’s been built of steady work and love, it’s demolished by one act of lack of respect and understanding. This aspect of the story has little foundation based on the previous books and the relationship the author has been building. 

Nor does the quick resolution to this particular problem seem likely or believable. It just doesn’t make sense. 

Unfortunately, the book, plot, mystery does feel particularly well written or thought through.  It’s a miss for me. 

Hopefully the next book will see a return to the original series path. 

Cover Art by: Annabella Stone

GHOSTLY SERIES :

Ghostly Awakening 

Ghostly Findings 

Ghostly Envy 

Ghostly Claus 

Ghostly Target

Ghostly Hostage 

Ghostly Death 

Ghostly Dilemma 

Ghostly Bother 

Ghostly Force (coming soon) 

Ghostly Grandma (coming soon)

Buy link;

        Ghostly Bother

    

Blurb 

When the mayor of Fairway is killed, Angus finds himself thrust into a confusing case of bribery and corruption. While many in the city rejoice over the mayor’s death, the investigation is a nightmare for the police.

Lance wants to be supportive, but when the mayor’s ghost figures out Lance can see and hear her, she won’t leave him alone. Insisting they solve the case as soon as possible, she follows him around, bringing chaos to Lance’s usually simple life.

Feeling stress from every angle, both Angus and Lance struggle to handle everything going on without letting it affect their relationship. Everyone is working to close the case, but it isn’t easy when the victim refuses to share information that could lead to her killer.

Someone is hiding something, and it’s up to Angus and Lance to figure out exactly what that is.

  • Publisher: E.L. Publishing
  • Publication date: July 25, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 218 pages
  • Book 9 of 9: Ghostly