Review:  Magic & Misdeeds (Starry Hollow Witches Book 11) by Annabel Chase 

Rating: 4.5 ✨🪄

I dearly love this series and wish the last 9 books came in a box set much like the first 10 books did, as it makes binging them so much easier. 

Each novel is approximately 19 chapters or give or take, so it’s easy to read one or two books a day. And they blend together beautifully, with each one picking up from the events of the previous story.

What I love about this is that they can be enjoyed on multiple levels. Chase has crafted terrific murder mysteries that Ember gets involved with , and the investigations are intriguing and often lead to a conclusion that’s surprising and satisfying. 

But it’s the personal relationships and dynamics that drive the series and make the characters so strong and compelling.  Each story and book reveals more about Ember, the Rose family and including the seemingly rigid Aunt Hyacinth. 

Even the familiar dynamics, like those between Ember and Raoul, aren’t the same as those I’ve come to expect from other writers and fantasy universes.  It’s just different and that makes me take even closer note on everything else in this series.

Love it. And binge reading it way too quickly. 

A highly recommended book and series to be read in the order they are written in. 

Starry Hollow Witches series:

Box set 1-10:

Magic & Murder, Book 1

Magic & Mystery, Book 2

Magic & Mischief, Book 3

Magic & Mayhem, Book 4

Magic & Mercy, Book 5

Magic & Madness, Book 6

Magic & Malice, Book 7

Magic & Mythos, Book 8

Magic & Mishaps, Book 9

Magic & Maladies, Book 10

—-

Magic & Misdeeds (Book 11)

Magic & Monsters (Book 12)

Magic & Misfits (Book 13)

Magic & Misfortune (Book 14)

Magic & Marriage (Book 15)

Magic & Midnight (Book 16)

Magic & Mirrors (Book 17)

Magic & Mistletoe (Book 18)

Magic & Mutiny (Book 19) – finale 

Buy link:

        Magic & Misdeeds (Starry Hollow Witches Book 11)

    

Blurb 

Welcome to Starry Hollow, where spells were made to be broken.

When a gaming tournament comes to Starry Hollow, everyone is thrilled with the influx of tourists–until a player ends up dead. Meanwhile, Ember makes an important discovery in connection with her mysterious ancestor and the Rose family deals with a visit from an old relative who gets under Aunt Hyacinth’s skin, which means everybody’s tip-toeing on eggshells to avoid her wrath. Thanks to the many distractions, Ember fails to notice that Raoul is involved in something over his furry head.

Can Ember stop the madness and identify the killer before the end of the tournament or will it be game over? 

Magic & Misdeeds is the eleventh book in the Starry Hollow Witches paranormal cozy mystery series.

  • Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: December 6, 2019
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 208 pages

Review:  The Paternity Puzzle (Sawyer and Royce: Felonies and Fatherhood, #1) by Aimee Nicole Walker

Rating: 4.5🌈

The Paternity Puzzle, the third series and another important evolutionary step in Sawyer Keys and Royce Locke’s relationship and marriage. 

This well written book is about families, from many emotional aspects and from different perspectives.  It’s Sawyer and Royce embarking on their own journey through prospective fatherhood, a murder case  involving a fertility doctor that hits home for them, and Royce’s strained dynamic with his father gets a thoughtful storyline that’s moving and realistic. 

While this investigation is complete, the story sets up a larger narrative with a different darker story going forward. 

Excellent character development, and it’s wonderful to see all my favorites here, including those podcasters from Sinister in Savannah. 

Really looking forward to seeing the next in the series. 

Cover photo © Wander Aguiar

Cover design © Natasha Snow

Sawyer and Royce: Felonies and Fatherhood series: 

The Paternity Puzzle #1

The Sinner’s Son #2 – Sept 9, 2025

Brokered Betrayals #3 – Dec 16, 2025

Preceding Necessary Locke and Key Series :

Zero Hour (3 books)

Sawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem (3 book series)

Related series:

Sinister in Savannah (3 book series)

Buy link 

        The Paternity Puzzle (Sawyer and Royce: Felonies and Fatherhood Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Royce Locke and Sawyer Key are back and better than ever with new mysteries and hilarious shenanigans as they tackle their greatest challenge yet: fatherhood. 

A perfect holiday weekend takes a twisted turn when Royce investigates a suspicious death involving Dr. Jean Claude Matisse, a retired pioneer in fertility medicine. What first looks like an accidental overdose quickly turns into something more sinister when explosive allegations reveal hundreds of reasons why someone would want the doctor dead.

This investigation hits close to home, exposing the vulnerabilities of relying on science and a doctor’s ethics to have a family, especially when the hopeful husbands are only a positive pregnancy test away from parenthood.

The Paternity Puzzle is book one in the Felonies and Fatherhood trilogy, the third story arc for Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. ** New readers should start with the Zero Hour and Matrimony and Mayhem trilogies before reading Felonies and Fatherhood. ** The Paternity Puzzle continues Royce and Sawyer’s happily ever after as they move into the most anticipated phase of their lives. Though some storylines span the trilogy, this book does not end in a cliffhanger. Heat, humor, heart, and homicide abound. You have been warned. 18+

Review:  The Wolf Vs The Monster: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth by Lauretta Hignett

Rating:  5⭐️

What a fully immersive and jammed packed story The Wolf Vs The Monster turned out to be.  I was thinking this might be the last book but instead Hignett ramped up the suspense, the plot lines, gave us high action, white knuckle anxiety for our main characters, including multiple anonymous villains, unforeseen events and situations, magical powers and creatures, and a new teenage vampire I absolutely fell in love with. 

This book is a fantasy Toad’s wildest adventure ride with a cliffhanger ending and every single part of the story is fabulous. 

Plus a certain character gets a long overdue comeuppance. 

And other things, huge plot points are revealed here too. 

So it’s absolutely satisfying and that cliffhanger will lead to an amazing story.  So I’m excited to read this next book. 

The Wolf Vs The Monster: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth by Lauretta Hignett might be my favorite story of the series so far.  It’s extremely well written, the characters and tightly packed narrative is perfectly balanced, and that ending really adds to the overall momentum here. 

Love it. And it’s a highly recommended book. 

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 – July 15,2025

The Wolf Vs Santa: A Little Christmas Mystery

Buy link

        The Wolf Vs The Monster: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth

    

Blurb 

Sometimes it’s hard to tell who the real monsters are…

A strange creature attacked Romeo last night. A huge beast unlike anything anyone has ever seen in Philly before – an alien monster with natural armor, organic high-tech weaponry, and poison dripping from its limbs.

My intuition is screaming at me. It’s telling me the monster is not here for Romeo.

It’s here for me.

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

  • Publication date: May 15, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 320 pages

Review:  Onyx: A Twisted Fairy Tale (Inkbound Book 2) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 5⭐️

And with a literal turn of the page, Mae has landed us in the fairy tale world of Peter Pan, Tinkerbelle, and Captain Hook with this second book as Harmony Fallowell, best friend Molly, and falcon Fetch leaping out over the edge of the page of the Kingdom of Alabaster just as the darkness was closing in. 

It’s a splashdown into some familiar territory with wonderful creatures and fantastic twists! 

Mae keeps moving the overall theme of getting Harmony back to her original kingdom in time to save it from the evil sorceress, letting her required knowledge and skills return as this journey continues. She is getting magically more powerful as she gathers the necessary items to complete her quest. ,As is Molly who’s undergone devastating events and is emerging from them a different, stronger woman, shifting into her own style and strengths.  And there’s Fetch,Harmony’s  feathered companion to add excitement to each adventure and adversarial moments. 

It’s hard to say anything more about the characters due to their unique roles in this book. And the many twists in this storyline. 

Onyx: A Twisted Fairy Tale (Inkbound Book 2) by Shannon Mae is the middle book in this trilogy so the author starts tying up a few of the characters stories.  This aspect of Onyx makes for a really satisfying read and leaves one feeling great for several reasons, while still leaving the reader with the impression of suspense and excitement as Harmony is left with a companion tumbling off another page into the next kingdom and trilogy finale. 

If you are a fan of these amazing covers like I am, you will have peaked at the last one, Inked in Emerald, and know exactly where she’s landed! Absolutely perfect. 

I can hardly wait for this one to be released! 

See you there. Clicking my heels. 

Highly recommended. But they must be read in the order they are written. 

Cover by HiJinks Ink Publishing

Inkbound trilogy series:

Inked in Ashes #1

Inked in Onyx #2

Inked in Emerald #3 – Sept 23,2025

Buy link 

        Inked in Onyx: A Twisted Fairy Tale (Inkbound Book 2)

    

Blurb 

One fairytale down, one pirate-infested nightmare to go…

Molly, my ever-loyal falcon, Fetch, and I barely survived evil wizard Relyk and escaped Alabaster, only to get cannon-bombed into our next story. 

Literally. Peter Pan and Tinkerbell swoop in with a rescue, whisking us off to Neverland. At first, it’s all glitter and good times on an island straight out of a daydream…until they mention a magical clock they’ve been hunting.

The same clock I need to fulfill my destiny.

So we do what any desperate main characters would do—we steal their boat and vanish into the night to get a jump on finding the clock. Too bad we sail straight into the hands of pirates.

And here’s the real kicker: Their captain is the man I’ve been dreaming of since childhood.

The twist? He’s not charming. He’s not kind. He’s not even remotely sane.

He’s the most dreaded pirate of all time.

And he thinks I’m a boy.

Now we’re tangled in secrets, trying to blend in, plotting yet another escape—until I find out the man of my dreams is after the same enchanted clock. The one he stole from Peter Pan a decade ago and lost to a massive, man-eating crocodile…along with his hand.

With reluctant alliances, sea monsters, and an unholy attraction to an even unholier pirate, this story might end with a bang or me walking the plank.

  • Publisher: Hijinks Ink Publishing
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: June 10, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 369 pages
  • Book 2 of 3: Inkbound

Review:  Magical Midlife Mom Boxed Set: Books 1-4 by DM Fike

Rating: 4⭐️

Magical Midlife Mom series is a low heat, high action urban fantasy series that has the first four novels available in a box set for a great binge read.  Which, of course, I did, after having given book 1 a try. 

A middle aged single mom of a teenage girl, living in the Pacific Northwest, is just trying to get by. Melissa Hartley has worked her way up to become the respected office manager of a IT company, her daughter is doing well in high school, and she owns her own home, small as it is.  Then everything changes. 

The author, DM Fike, has a great ear for mother/daughter dynamics as well as the ability to create that same energy in a relatable, engaging dialogue that feels realistic. 

Listening to Melissa and her daughter, Regan,banter and argue, whether it’s about school or the magic that’s happening in their lives, it’s exactly what you’d expect from that relationship. 

Even if in parts I absolutely was frustrated by the choices that Melissa made or how she, as a character, wasn’t ruthless enough, I had to think about if it was the writer or the actions. And I believe it’s the character’s actions, in which makes Melissa real enough but a puts me a little disconnected from her because I’m getting frustrated with her and her character “flaws”. 

The otherworldly characters are good but because they’re less well known, they don’t have the same level of character development that Melissa, Regan, their friends and Melissa’s mother have. All those characters? Feel drive by their emotions and life choices. 

Very little of the fantasy world does with the exception of the sirens does. 

So the Magical Midlife Mom series has 5 books out with what I believe is the finale novel due out shortly, Mom Seals Her Fate.

If you’re looking for a fast paced, humorous, low heat fantasy series, this is one to check out. The main characters are out of the typical fantasy series, the feel believable in their mother/daughter dynamic and their journey together is one to cheer  for. 

A definite recommendation!

Love the covers. 

Cover design by: Avalon Labs LLC”

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comMagical Midlife Mom (6 book series) Kindle Edition

Blurb 

What would a single mom do to protect her only daughter from a hidden world of dangerous, magical fae? 

I love my smart, kind, and funny daughter. We may not have much, but we get along without any of the normal teenage drama.

Or at least we did, until my daughter got curious about her biological father.

Now our world is falling apart. A handsome client threatens my employment. A monstrous black wolf shows up on our doorstep. A mysterious masked woman begins stalking us.

And that’s not mentioning the fae.

I didn’t expect to have a midlife crisis involving magic, but it doesn’t matter. I may be just a single mom, but I’ll do anything to protect my daughter.

Even if it kills me.

Join Melissa Hartley as she goes on a magical journey only a mother could take. For readers of Paranormal Women’s Fiction who like strong female protagonists, witty banter, and a hint of romance. 

The Magical Midlife Mom Boxed Set contains the following 4 books:

Mom of the Chosen One, Book 1

Mom on a Quest, Book 2

Mom in Shining Armor, Book 3

Mom’s Last Stand, Book 4

Books not included in the set:

Mom’s Worst Nightmare #5-new release

Mom Seals Her Fate #6 – Aug 14,2025

  • Publisher: Avalon Labs LLC (April 15, 2025)
  • Publication date: April 15, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 1224 pages

Review: Starry Hollow series Box Set (book 1-10) by Annabel Chase

Rating: 5⭐️✨🪄

I’m absolutely entranced by Annabel Chase’s completed witchy series Starry Hollow about a widowed woman with a young daughter, struggling to keep them afloat in New Jersey whose life changes forever when her repo job goes wrong. 

I’ve read multiple books by Chase but after reading, ok binging ten books here, I can say that no voice is as memorable, as regionally vibrant and hilariously true as this Jersey mom, Ember Rose. And of course, that holds true as well for her anxiety prone, hyper aware and uber intelligent 10 year old daughter, Marley, and her ancient irascible Yorkie , PP3 , the three of them who are make up the small family that’s transported magically into the hidden SC town of Starry Hollow,  their new home and future. 

Each book is a quick, highly entertaining grand tale! From meeting this widowed New Jersey mom grappling with her mounting bills and a daughter too smart for her public school, a aging terrier and a job that has a lot of risk associated with it as a repo person, we immediately connect with her. And if I could hear that Jersey accent and imagine a bit a Marisa Tomei. The colloquial voice is pretty great as is her sense of humor and physicality. 

Can you tell I fell in love here? 

Then Chase contrasts this “fish out of water “ Jersey family in every aspect with their new found relatives that are powerfully magical, wealthy and look like the American version of the Targaryens, with all their various dynamics and layers of love and relationships. 

The town itself, which expands in every book with new shops, fantastic areas and community citizens, is a fully developed and unique character in its own right. 

Ember herself is a woman who has suffered great loss in her life. While she never knew her mother, her father raised her and she was devastated by his death. Then by her husband’s death in a car accident 5 years ago, a man she’d known for her entire life. 

These losses are a huge part of her personality and as the story is from her perspective, Chase uses the conversations and insights from other characters to show the readers how much hard it is for Ember to move forward from the tragedy of her past, that she herself isn’t dealing with it. 

These losses and Ember’s journey through her new world, that of navigating the new one of magic (often with hilarious moments) and that complex world of coming together with an extended powerful family of expectations and responsibilities you never knew or imagined existed. 

These storylines are both light and powerful, funny and poignant. They are full of surprises and unexpected scenes that, while fleeting, make quite the emotional impact and connection.

And they make you think and feel good, especially before going to sleep. 

Nothing comes easy, relationships, magic lessons, cooking. It takes time, work and patience. 

Turns out 19 books might not be enough for me.  Ten definitely was not

Some relationship but not real spicy as they say.  More emotional towards working things together. 

Highly recommended. I love them , this universe. And read them any way you want. As singular books or as I did , one reading through the box set books 1-10.

Covers are very cute. 

This collection includes the first 10 books in the 19-book cozy fantasy series:

Starry Hollow Witches series:

Box set 1-10:

Magic & Murder, Book 1

Magic & Mystery, Book 2

Magic & Mischief, Book 3

Magic & Mayhem, Book 4

Magic & Mercy, Book 5

Magic & Madness, Book 6

Magic & Malice, Book 7

Magic & Mythos, Book 8

Magic & Mishaps, Book 9

Magic & Maladies, Book 10

—-

Magic & Misdeeds (Book 11)

Magic & Monsters (Book 12)

Magic & Misfits (Book 13)

Magic & Misfortune (Book 14)

Magic & Marriage (Book 15)

Magic & Midnight (Book 16)

Magic & Mirrors (Book 17)

Magic & Mistletoe (Book 18)

Magic & Mutiny (Book 19) – finale 

Buy link:

SponsoredAmazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › fantasy › booksStarry Hollow Witches Box Set

Blurb:

Welcome to Starry Hollow, where spells were made to be broken.

If you’ve ever dreamed of being whisked away to a charming town where the stakes are low and the magic is high, this enchanting series is for you.

Ember Rose is a feisty young widow who’s transported to Starry Hollow, along with her teen daughter and ancient Yorkshire terrier, and discovers she’s descended from a long line of powerful witches. She also lands smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation, and the sexy werewolf sheriff isn’t falling for her charms…yet. 

This collection includes the first 10 books in the 19-book cozy fantasy series:

Starry Hollow Witches series:

Box set 1-10:

Magic & Murder, Book 1

Magic & Mystery, Book 2

Magic & Mischief, Book 3

Magic & Mayhem, Book 4

Magic & Mercy, Book 5

Magic & Madness, Book 6

Magic & Malice, Book 7

Magic & Mythos, Book 8

Magic & Mishaps, Book 9

Magic & Maladies, Book 10

—-

Magic & Misdeeds (Book 11)

Magic & Monsters (Book 12)

Magic & Misfits (Book 13)

Magic & Misfortune (Book 14)

Magic & Marriage (Book 15)

Magic & Midnight (Book 16)

Magic & Mirrors (Book 17)

Magic & Mistletoe (Book 18)

Magic & Mutiny (Book 19) – finale 

  • Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC (July 17, 2024)
  • Publication date: July 17, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 1959 pages

Review: What Blooms From Death by S.M. Gaither

Rating: 4.5

What Blooms From Death by S.M. Gaither is an excellent read. The description doesn’t really do justice to the incredible story and imagery that Gaither brings to the plot of a traumatized necromancer Princess ready to walk into hell to find a weapon that will get revenge on those who wronged her. 

The magical elements and symbols that make the world here are thoughtfully crafted ,with layers of natural elements, characters history, threads of emotional details built into each part of this fantastic piece of the story.  It’s in the beads of Nova’s bracelets and her dog, Phantom. It’s even in the leaves of the trees. 

Nova, her history, magic and journey through the underworld is just incredible. Especially as she’s accompanied by her dog, Phantom, a remarkable character on his own.  

Aleks, the Light King, and company are well drawn. Aleks is a compelling character with trauma of his own, and his story matches with that of Nova’s. 

Gaither storytelling includes some dynamic relationship twists and great action sequences. And an ending that borders on a cliffhanger.  It will certainly make you want that next book due out in December. 

Another terrific read in the fantasy fiction genre. A winner for lovers of the romance fantasy novel. 

Cover Art by Lila Raymond (@ lettersbylila_) 

Nova art by Chrissa Barton (@ chrissabug)”

What Blooms From Death:

What Blooms From Death #1

What Echoes in the Dark #2 – Dec 2,2025

Buy link

        What Blooms From Death

    

Blurb 

Princess Bellanova has survived in the shadows for years. 

An exile haunted by a curse that plunged her family into a deathless sleep and left her home rotting, Nova has spent seven years trying to endure, to make sense of her torturous past, all while honing her gifts with necromancy magic—

And now she will use those gifts to walk willingly into death.

For rumor has it that Luminor, the Blade of Light—the cursed weapon that felled her family—is buried deep in the heart of the underworld. If Nova can steal it back from the realm of the dead, she might break the spell that shattered her life and reclaim the kingdom that once was hers.

The only things standing in her way are the endless twists and turns of the underworld, its terrifying monsters, unpredictable magic…and Aleksander, the infamous Light King himself—keeper of the blade, and the one who wielded it on the night of her family’s ruin.

King Aleks has spent nearly a decade trapped in the below, a phantom of his former self, unable to truly die. When Nova crash lands into his purgatory—an inexplicably bright and lively being in a sea of endless dead things—he begins to dream of the world above for the first time in ages.

He needs her to get him back to that world above. She needs him to undo the curse. But as the two form a reluctant alliance that soon blooms into something dangerously deeper, they find themselves unraveling ancient magic and dark secrets that will have greater consequences than either of them could have ever imagined…

  • Publication date: April 17, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 621 pages

Review:  Frustrated Justice: An Urban Fantasy Story by Heather G. Harris

Rating: 4⭐️

The is the prequel to the new urban fantasy series that takes place in Heather G. Harris’ Other World universe. We’ve seen its beginnings in The Other Witch series when the Ogre King meets with the witch Crone Amber DeLea and circumstances from that meeting leads here. 

I’ve been eagerly anticipating this series and this is a delightful taste of what’s to come. It introduces the character and situations of the series. 

It definitely helps to have a firm knowledge of the overall universe and magical world that this series is slotted into as other events and characters from crossover series will feature prominently, I’m sure. 

The smutty talking dove is a great new character, especially as I think it will lead into a deeper dive into the mythology and magical world. 

Another winner.

The Other Detective Series 

Frustrated Justice, a prequel story, Veiled Justice-Book 1 

Mystic Justice-Book 2

Arcane Justice-Book 3 

Savage Justice-Book 4

Cover images by Christian Bentulan

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comFrustrated Justice: An Urban Fantasy Story (The Other Detective Series): 9781916833470

Blurb 

Murder, magic, and a talking bird with an attitude—justice has never been this complicated!

When a body is found pulverised beyond recognition, I’m called to investigate. As Chester’s only magical Detective Inspector, it’s my job to handle the cases the Common police can’t. This one has all the hallmarks of the Other Realm—especially when I find a talking bird caged at the scene.

The avian is a cheeky, foul-mouthed creature with a knack for insults and an alarming amount of information about the murder. His claims are as dubious as his vocabulary, but he might just be the key to solving the case.

Things get even messier when Krieg, the King of Ogres, strides into the investigation. He’s imposing, infuriating, and entirely too distracting for my peace of mind. With magical factions on edge, a murderer on the loose, and a bird who won’t stop talking, I’ll need all my wits—and my rare magical gifts—to stay ahead of the chaos.

Justice might be my job, but staying alive—and keeping my heart intact—is personal.

Please note that this story was previously published as part of the Magically Wild anthology.

Immerse yourself in The Other Detective Series—perfect for fans of fast-paced, witty paranormal police procedurals, complete with a fierce heroine, gripping murder mysteries, and a slow-burn fated-mates romance.

  • Publisher: Hellhound Press Limited (January 10, 2025)
  • Publication date: January 10, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 69 pages

Don’t miss all the books set in the Other Realm! In Reading Order 

The Other Realm Series

Glimmer of the Other

Glimmer of Dragons

Glimmer of Hope

Glimmer of Christmas

Glimmer of Death

Glimmer of Deception

Challenge of the Court

Betrayal of the Court

Revival of the Court

The Other Wolf Series

Protection of the Pack

Guardians of the Pack

Saviour of the Pack

The Other Witch Series

Rune of the Witch

Hex of the Witch

Coven of the Witch

Familiar of the Witch

Destiny of the Witch

The Other Detective Series 

Frustrated Justice, a prequel story, Veiled Justice-Book 1 

Mystic Justice-Book 2

Arcane Justice-Book 3 

Savage Justice-Book 4

Written in British English.

Review: Lady (Noble’s Luck Book 1) by Mel Todd

Rating:  5⭐️

This book is my first experience with this author and I’m so very excited to have found Mel Todd. What an incredible immersive experience and magnificent tale Lady is. 

Set in the Ternion Universe, same world as Todd’s Twisted Luck series (which I haven’t read and this is a prequel to), it’s an alternate timeline in Victorian England. Magic has just started to appear, Prince Albert never dies, Disraeli stays in office longer. And Victoria never retires because she never falls into grief and mourning, but remains a strong monarch. 

So much feels believable and powerful in its depth of detail because of the incredible characters, the emotion and pull of the storylines, and the magical power that is being created.

Especially when it comes to the Lucks.  Each of these is focusing on a specific Luck sibling. The stories run concurrently with each other so we see many of the same events from different perspectives and where they were, if missing from the other person’s narrative at the time. 

Miss Emmeline Luck, the youngest of the Earl’s children and the one the Earl favors the least, gets the first story.

Emmeline’s journey from a powerless object to be bartered by her father to a striking woman who has magical abilities and a sense of her own power to direct her life is gripping and incredibly satisfying.

It’s wound through with the political drama of that day, court proceedings and battles that mark the disparity between races, status and gender of Victorian times. 

Emmeline’s development, however, includes her own family as well as new members who have the power to train her magic and influence her own destiny. 

As she says herself:

“I wanted to be Emmeline Luck, someone that was irreplaceable and in control of her own destiny, not pawned off or used to further someone else’s.”

I started rooting for her and remained so inspired and invested in her life that the pages flew by. 

There’s no romance but very stirring moments as she fights for her control over her destiny. 

Fantastic side characters that I would love to see more of, including her dress designer, Diante, a fascinating person whose history I’m dying to read. 

I’m quickly heading to Lord which is Duncan’s book. 

What a fantastic book and find. It’s one I’m highly recommending!

 I adore the covers. Each and every one.  Detailed to fit the character. 

Cover by Ampersand Book Covers”

Noble’s Luck:

Lady #1

Lord #2

Bastard #3

Buy link 

        Lady (Noble’s Luck Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Miss Emmeline Luck has always strived to be a dutiful daughter, but thinking for herself has never won her favor with society—or her domineering father.

When Earl Luck announces her engagement to a slimy man unfit to be left with a scullery maid, she tries to comply. But the reality of the despicable nature of her fiancé reveals a power buried deep within her: Emmeline is a mage.

Magic is a new and controversial force in Victorian England; its emergence stirring unease while the Queen remains silent. Desperate for training, Emmeline turns to Miss Antoinette Carlton and her mentor, the Bengali mage Rohan, who has a familiar. As Emmeline delves into her training, she realizes magic could upend her family—and threaten the security of Britain itself.

When her father kicks her out, Emmeline faces an impossible choice: conform to a life without freedom or carve a path on her own terms in a society that deems a woman without a man worthless. Armed with magic, intelligence, and the law, she sets out to challenge her father’s tyranny. But with powerful forces seeking to use her as a pawn, Emmeline must summon all her strength and cunning to claim her own destiny.

In a world where magic is both feared and coveted, can she rewrite the rules—or will she remain at the mercy of others?

  • Publisher: Bad Ash Publishing
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: February 3, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 346 pages
  • Book 1 of 3: Noble’s Luck

Review:  Desperately Delicate Viper (Mafia Bound Book 4) by K.M. Neuhold

Rating: 4🌈

Mafia Bound is a series from K.M. Neuhold that focuses on the Moretti crime family and the romantic relationships and partners each Moretti man finds himself in. It’s usually been with a murderous sociopathic twink of a traumatic background. My favorite couple being Sal and dancer Dante (3) , followed by unhinged Sparrow and the family enforcer, Xaviaro (1). 

The energy, chemistry and sheer insanity that powers these relationships made the storylines and those couples. Each had layers and a certain depth of character that allowed for a realistic development of the relationship between them. 

And that’s really the issue here. While we’ve met Luca, the youngest of the Moretti family prior, we’ve not gotten to know him well.  He’s a puppy, as Dante calls him. Against all the others? He’s definitely not the same factor of darkness or seriousness of damage. He’s too young in his current form. 

And the other main character is also not supported by any foundation or framework of storytelling. Anders is a good character but everything we learn about him comes from a “as told to” approach. We don’t see any interactions between the father he’s terrified of or honestly, of the brother he’s been protecting.  It’s a diminishing aspect of the character’s storyline. 

The positives, seeing Dante and Sal (#couplegoals ) and Sparrow as well as Xav, was fantastic. The energy and intensity they bring to this narrative made it feel so much better.  And the dialogue and dynamics between them as Luca was hilarious. 

Anders and Luca’s instant love romance could have been better if they had more time to establish themselves as a couple. Instead they come off a new, younger version, without the intense energy or interest.

This is the 4th book but I believe there’s more coming.  I’m definitely going to be reading those. 

A terrific series with D/s elements, crime family romances, and lots of sexy men. 

Cover Design Natasha Snow”

Great covers.

Mafia Bound:

  • Deadly Little Sparrow #1
  • Beautifully Savage Butterfly #2
  • Unhinged Little Angel #3
  • Desperately Delicate Viper

Buy link

        Desperately Delicate Viper (Mafia Bound Book 4)

    

Blurb 

That Feeling when the man you just robbed and left tied up and blindfolded turns out to be in the mafia…

I’m not proud of the things I’ve had to do for money to pay off my dad’s debts and put my younger brother through college. But I’ll never regret it.

What I do regret is accidentally robbing a Moretti.

Having to look over my shoulder and ducking every time a car backfires is bad enough, but when the man in question starts costing me business? Yeah, I think we’re going to have a problem.

I never knew I could feel the way I do when Luca Moretti gets on his knees for me, but I don’t have time to be romanced by this obsessed, submissive, mafioso.

No one has ever made me feel as strong and capable as he does. Can I really be the viper he sees me as? If I learn how to bite, can I finally make my life my own with Luca Moretti at my side?

  • Publication date: June 6, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 203 pages
  • Book 4 of 4: Mafia Bound