In the same universe as Fragile As Glass, Bright, Shiny Love by Pat Henshaw focuses on the relationship between two childhood friends , who have recently reunited as adults.
Both have become artists in different mediums, with metal artist Martin working in the commercial arts space owned by the artist from Fragile As Glass.
It’s a sweet, almost instant love story, with a refreshed crush. The other main character, Ty, has many family complications, that are resolved very quickly, which after years of being their doormat, is a bit of a issue here. I thought it needed more attention or exploration.
But if you want a sweet, contemporary story with a hint of fantasy, then this short tale will go nicely. Put it together with Fragile As Glass for a romantic bookend reading experience.
Metal artist Martin Murphy knows dragons don’t talk, especially the dragon crafted of sequins on a former flame’s vest. So when the dragon seems to reach out and tells him to help its creator Ty, Marty refuses to believe the illusion. The sparks between him and Ty, on the other hand? They’re as real as it gets.
As he and Ty reconnect after so many years, Marty sees firsthand how the big man’s innate kindness and willingness to help others consume his time and energy. Maybe the dragon was right, and Ty needs saving.
While Marty is willing to try, what he really wants to do is pounce on the man and keep him all to himself while they walk down the path to HEA. Does that count as saving him?
Any Witch Wolf was a terrific story in a number of ways. The first is that Rider did the unexpected in terms of moving the character’s development and the apparent storyline in new directions than I’d anticipated.
Instead of moving comfortably with Betty’s magic and her settled in the trailer park, Rider’s story has Betty’s painful struggles with her magic, her memories of her mother’s love and legacy, as well as the trailer park’s own story still vividly in place.
Betty’s grief is being dealt with and shared with her friend, Ada, a retired necromancer living in the same trailer park, along with her familiar, a magical cat named Fennel and Cecil, a homicidal garden gnome.
Rider’s dusty small town citizens, human and paranormal, are beautifully crafted. Each feels genuine and natural to their age and living circumstances, doesn’t matter if they’re elderly werewolves who like to garden or frisky otherworldly beings who end up in a black book of a missing Lothario werewolf, they are realistic and characters who we connect with.
And when Betty is asked to find that missing werewolf, it becomes a funny, poignant journey we take with her. One of discovery through an older community very reflective of those around us.
Of course this investigation is not the only storyline that’s being played out here. Sexton’s involved. As is Betty’s past.
Any Witch Wolf: The Smokethorn Paranormals Series Book 2 by C.P. Rider is another compelling read, setting up multiple dramatic plots for the next story to come.
I can’t wait as I’m completely invested in this desert paranormal trailer community and Betty!
“Promise you won’t do anything to put yourself in danger.”
“That’s not a promise I’m comfortable making. My partners are a delinquent gnome and a willing-accomplice magical cat. Plus, my best friend just bought a case of spelled wine from the witches in Sundance.”
Betty Lennox is an elemental witch in a desert town that gives Hades a run for its money in summer. Her magic is tied to the land under a paranormal seniors’ trailer park she inherited from her mother, land that hasn’t fully accepted her. Because of this, her power has become unpredictable, unreliable, and unbelievably inconvenient.
Small-town trailer parks don’t pay much, so when a job pops up to find a missing beta wolf—an octogenarian lothario with a shoebox of questionable toys and a little black book filled with juicy tidbits about the town’s senior ladies— she takes it. As Betty delves deeper into the investigation, she attracts the attention of a dangerous stalker and a deadly alpha wolf.
To track down the missing Casanova and avoid her enemies, she’ll need to rely on her partners—a magical cat named Fennel and Cecil, a homicidal garden gnome with a penchant for explosives—her retired necromancer best friend, a graveyard demon she doesn’t trust, and the sexy-as-sin son of her worst enemy.
For fans of urban fantasy with a side of slow-burn romance.
Outer space is the last thing I think of when the words cozy murder mystery appear, but they absolutely work in the marvelous new discovery of mine, Breathing Space: Ellis McFadden Mysteries by Kristen Painter.
I’ve run across quite a few writers who are confused about what this term , cozy mystery, actually means and what elements a terrific novel that is termed a cozy should contain.
Breathing Space has all that! A small town community where everyone knows what’s happening, people are nosy if not downright gossipy. A community hall space where information is readily shared, in this case both a lunch hall and chat room. And a murder where the police don’t seem interested in solving the crime.
Except instead of a tiny New England village or English town, the location is the Athos, the premiere vessel in the Federation of Allied Nations fleet. Part cruiser, part research, part military vessel and the current home to Ellis Scheherazade McFadden, Els, head librarian of the Athos.
Think of every fabulous older crime solving woman you love and know that Ellis is someone who is going to be the next woman added to the list.
She’s widowed, in her 60’s, fit, and followed her daughter, the Vice Admiral of the Fleet into space, wanting a new adventure after retirement.
Here’s a character, community, and book that had me immediately when mentioning hot flashes and cryostasis in the same sentence. Usually not two associated things I’ve come across when reading or watching science fiction.
The Athos is very much a small town, in her friends, the cliques, the quick pace of information traveling around the ship. Cozy murder works well with the concept.
There’s even adorable animals, especially the cat named Henry, even if they are androids.
The murder is a great one, the investigation by Ellis and friends fascinating. And the foods, and explanations are perfect.
I can’t wait for more of this imaginative series and great new character.
Series and characters like Ellis get me excited and hooked on further exploring more new to me authors just like Kristen Painter!
Highly recommended! More of this age group please in the main characters.
Cover design: Cover design and composite cover art by Janet Holmes
Step into the enigmatic world of the Athos—a vessel that blends the luxury of a cruise ship, the intrigue of a scientific research station, and the might of a military starship. Here, amidst the stars, you’ll find Ellis McFadden, the ship’s head librarian, embarking on adventures she never anticipated this late in her career.
Even better that she gets to experience it all while in proximity to her daughter, who just happens to be the vice admiral. But life aboard the ship takes a darker turn when a library patron is found dead, and Ellis falls under suspicion.
With her reputation on the line, Ellis must navigate a labyrinth of secrets and lies. Armed with her wits, the loyalty of her eclectic friends, and her trusty android cat, she dives into a mystery that’s as thrilling as the unexplored galaxies around her. Can she find the critical evidence to clear her name before the next jump into the unknown?
A cliffhanger ending from the last book delivers , via Shelby Rhodes incredible story, several heartbreaking moments, a great comeuppance for a villain, and , wait, another heart stopping cliffhanger.
What a hair raising, pulse pumping, white knuckle ride this book is. It’s everything we’ve come to expect from this series and author and then piled on with a mountain of narrative cherries. Fabulous!
Rhodes’ has the story five further into the dynamic between Harlow and Foxx, what the ongoing trauma of events is doing to them each and separately. It’s a needed exploration, with these characters, and their dark histories and damaging stories.
The other characters, the ones we’ve come to love too are focused on here, in ways that will have lasting impact on everyone. And Gavin? Love Gavin. I really needed him here. IYKYK.
And as if there aren’t already enough words of caution, I’ll add mine. This is probably the most bloody, violent and potentially disturbing book of the bunch. Just Fyi. Read the warning but these novels have to be read in the order they are written. And honestly, it’s Shelby Rhodes.
Highly recommended for sheer excitement, sheer excellence, and utter mayhem and madness. I’m a fan.
Foxx Honeywell here and holding on. You all know where we left off. I suppose I always knew that life often has moments—painful moments—that have you questioning every choice you’ve made that led up to it. Questioning if you had done something a little different, moved just a bit faster, delayed a little less, would the outcome have changed. I’m here to tell you, those questions are bloody pointless! The only question that matters is: how are you going to make it right?!
Well, you know me, I’m sure as hell not going to forget or forgive, and Harlow would laugh at even the suggestion. So, with every fiber of my being, I say, bring on the bloodshed!
Author Note: False Morality is the fifth book in the MM paranormal romance series, The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx, a series that is meant to be read in order. Please see inside or my website for content warnings.
What totally wonderful and sweet romantic paranormal fluff.
Silvana Falcon has written a delightful novel about a demon who is absolutely not demonic at all, whose deeds end up being good, very good indeed instead of evil.
Mal has one more chance to redeem himself in Hell when the shy Ethan mistakenly summons Mal instead of Cupid, wanting to get help winning over his office crush.
I adore every element in this book. From the well written characters, the dialogue, and funny to sweet scenarios, and the way that Mal helps Ethan realize what a wonderful treasure he really is.
The drama, low angst, contains a very nice twist that carries over to the next story and odd character, a “wimpy” vampire and the vampire hunter who finds him too cute to resist.
Honestly, I don’t think I can resist this story either because I’m on my way to read it as soon as it’s released.
Love quirky characters, sweet adorable romances?
Delightfully cute artwork and perfect for the story.
Hell’s most incompetent demon meets Earth’s most hopeless romantic.
All Ethan wanted was someone who could help him find love—or at least someone to pop his cherry. A spell from an odd book he found at the library promised him a wish from Cupid. Sure, some of the ingredients weren’t easy to get, but he could improvise. Was there really that much difference between dried laurel leaves and coriander?
He never meant to summon a demon.
Malphas hasn’t been to Earth in a hundred years, not since he accidentally created a massively successful support group for gamblers and saved hundreds of souls from damnation. As punishment, he’s stuck in Hell’s archives filing dusty prophecies because his boss is convinced he’s incapable of being properly evil.
When Ethan’s summoning yanks him topside, he sees his chance to prove himself. He’ll make a deal with the human—and collect that blindingly bright soul.
All he has to do is to help Ethan get together with his crush.
What could possibly go wrong?
Low angst, high comedy m/m romance. HEA guaranteed, no break-ups, no cheating.
A delightful collection of short stories that pick up the lives of various characters from the books and series of Lily Morton. I quickly finished this, looking for my favorite couple’s stories first, then going back through the others.
A absolutely joy to revisit each one of these characters and see them once again, in various places in their relationships. Moving, funny and always beautifully written.
A must read for lovers of the books and author.
“These short stories catch up with the men in my books after their stories have ended. Therefore, there are a lot of spoilers. Please don’t read the shorts until you’ve read the original books.”-Lily Morton
Drawn together for the first time, this is a collection of Lily’s short stories about some of the much-loved men from her books. Follow them through meeting the parents, a disastrous camping weekend, and a rather eventful school trip.
It includes stories previously written for her website, newsletter, and readers’ group, along with five brand new and exclusive short stories—The School Trip, A Honeysuckle Interlude, A Family Affair, Bee’s Amsterdam, and Gone Camping.
In a recent group of highly anticipated and majorly media-hyped romance releases, Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry is one that lives up to its promise and excitement.
I’m unfamiliar with the author and wary or is it weary now of the various books being “super pushed , highly gushed about “ on many media platforms, especially prior to release.
These books are often compared to other books and series that are well established , very well written and already have enormous fan support, rightly or wrongly. Maybe the soon to be published books fit in the genre, maybe they don’t. But pre-slotting them into a category does the book or author any favors.
Rant over. Onto this amazing book.
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry does a fantastic job of capturing a unique world of fantasy and horror, of Kingdoms and magical beasts, of princesses marrying to maintain a balance that’s not exactly what it seems.
And princes to die for.
The only thing I’m upset about is I don’t have the sequel in my hands already.
Devney Perry’s world building is extraordinary, from the perilous waters their ships sail over and the creatures that lurk underneath to the realistic, harsh and beautiful nature of the Kingdom most of the novel takes place in.
Perry’s descriptions and locations are visually stunning, imaginative and beautifully written. They capture our imagination and its people our hearts moment by moment, as Odessa learns more about her new life and the people around her.
The characters, especially the main character of Odessa, is engaging and wonderfully layered, leaving her fully aware of her struggles and able to develop her strengths as she grows more aware of the challenges and realities of her situation.
Less said due to spoilers about the male characters the better as they figure greatly in the narrative plot elements and twists. I’m sure many readers will see the surprises coming but it’s still a very real moment for the story and characters. And worked through with a terrific backstory.
Is this “spicy” romance? That’s a term I feel is being used now for a wide range of sexual content in a romance novel, including some I find offensive like SA. This story is a long novel that features a true slow burn romance with a kiss and finally some sexual romance towards the end. That’s it.
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry has left plenty of room for the magical elements and mythology to expand with the next novel. I can’t wait to see what the author has planned for the characters and their journey.
Highly recommended!
Cover design by LJ Anderson Edge design by Bree Archer
Now in development as a feature film with Amazon MGM Studios, with John Wick screenwriter Derek Kolstad attached to write the script!
Don’t miss out on the stunning DELUXE LIMITED EDITION while supplies last. This breathtaking collectible is only available on a limited first print run in the U.S. and Canada, a must-have for any book lover.
Shield of Sparrows is a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros―where enemies become lovers, monsters stalk a cursed realm, and a forgotten princess finds the strength to tear off her crown and become the warrior she was never meant to be.
The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel.
I’ve spent my life kneeling―to their will and to my father’s. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king.
I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood.
But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father’s throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life.
Now I’m crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him―bound to a future I didn’t choose and a husband I barely know.
Everyone wants me to be something I’m not―a queen, a spy, a sacrifice.
But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there’s power in being underestimated?
And what if―for the first time―I reached for it?
Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books (May 6, 2025)
Demon (Mystic Guardians Book 3) by Rinda Elliott is a series that started out strong but has wobbled narratively with each following story.
Details and drama surrounding this couple isn’t clearly defined or well established. And unfortunately the ending is very unsatisfactory.
Which is sad because Demon has the potential to be a good paranormal romance and this couple is extremely engaging.
This series and novel is a fated mates, instant love romance/relationship between a human being who can see preternatural beings and the other beings who’re their fated mate.
Lonnie Russell, a professor of writing, has a scary stalker so his sister, a successful author,has hired the otherworldly agency to supply a bodyguard for him. That bodyguard happens to be the demon, Demon Callan Ambrose, who’s desperate for a mate.
Cute aspects to the story and relationship? Lonnie collects anime figurines, including demons, from his favorite shows and comics. And introduces Callan to anime, a great element which was underutilized.
They were sweet and really had the potential for a better romance here. The author gave Lonnie’s character some serious issues that instead of being addressed were lightly touched on. He has ADHD admittedly, body image issues (although Callan finds him sexy), and a writer’s block that has been around for a while. Then a stalker who has been watching him 24/7 that he didn’t take seriously at first so more than just body image issues. None of this is actually well defined or explored in the storyline or the relationship.
If as a author you don’t have that much page time to authentically talk about the serious elements that you have used to help create a character, then perhaps it better not to use them in this book at all. Save it for a longer novel and different character.
The same lack of development goes for the dramatic element of the story. It comes out of nowhere. No foundation for it.
Spoiler.
But as the villain is, even excluding the main aspect of his character, highly obsessive and delusional, to end this with him able to recover , remaining just as cemented in his delusion, and ready to go forward makes zero sense.
The excuses the head of the agency makes are just as bad. It throws the reader out of any plausible connection that’s remaining to the story and this scenario.
I doubt I’m going forward with any further books in the series.
Too bad because there’s some good things here but nothing is carried through to the any of its full potential.
Demon Callan Ambrose wants a soulmate more than anything but is sure he’ll never find his. One of his brothers is mated and soulmates are rare, so the odds are against him. Then he takes a job protecting Lonnie Russell, a creative writing professor who is quirky, and sweet, and just…perfect. But someone is terrorizing Lonnie with threatening notes.
Lonnie has always been able to see the preternaturals in the world and he’s always been fascinated with them. Especially demons. He even has an entire room dedicated to them. So he’s thrilled when his new bodyguard turns out to be one. Callan is big and gruff, his grumpy exterior a mask for someone who’s really a cuddle monster. And the gifts? He sure would like to know what that’s all about.
What started out as vague threats quickly escalates and when they realize what they’re up against, Callan is determined to keep his newfound treasure safe.
Demon is a long MM paranormal romance novella with a grumpy/sunshine pairing, traditional demon courting, and plenty of steam. It’s the third in the Mystic Guardians series, but can be read as a standalone
I waited until the last book in the series was released to read Half Dead, the penultimate book in the series. That way I could happily breeze right through both books. Or so I thought. Best laid plans.
Because I keep forgetting that Chase can break my heart, that when dealing with death, demons, ghosts, and the underworld, things happen that are traumatic and I’ll need a break before I can finally finish the books.
And yes, this ends on a cliffhanger even.
Still, after I finished sobbing in parts, admiring the sheer artistry of Annabel Chase’s work and plotting, that even a new character that made a minuscule appearance in, yes, an incredible scene, left me absolutely bereft, I was absorbed in Lorelei’s story. From a totally different angle of an outsider, now Lorelei is firmly connected to the people and paranormal beings of Fairhaven, characters we’ve gotten to know and care deeply about.
Kane is a huge part of this narrative, and as his and Lorelei’s relationship has evolved, so does any threat to him become a threat to her as well as the town.
The Corporation continues to expand its presence and entity’s evil impact. It’s truly a fascinating and awful villain.
Half Dead (Crossroads Queen Book 8) by Annabel Chase is a fantastic book. Only the cliffhanger aspect caused it to miss a 5-star rating. This hurt my heart, made me realize how amazing the storytelling is, and incredible the characters.
Time for the finale.
Highly recommended!
Great cover art and design.
Cover by Trif Designs, which has changed to reflect the fact that the word has gotten out that Lorelei Clay is a demigod. So great touch with that head halo/crown addition. Love the castle in the background.
Lorelei Clay wants to play offense for a change. She’s tired of hiding from the past she didn’t even know she had. With a promising relationship and new friends in a small town she loves, Lorelei wants to be free to live life on her terms, without the threat of death or capture hanging over her.
Kane Sullivan hasn’t exactly been hiding from his past—more like he moved without a forwarding address. Unfortunately for him, the boss he tried to overthrow never gave up the search.
And now the former prince of hell has been found.
Kane wants to do whatever it takes to keep his problems from endangering his found family. He knows better than anyone what Lucifer is capable of.
Lorelei is willing to do whatever it takes to protect the demon she loves, but if she can’t convince him to get in the game, they risk losing everything they’ve built together.
When the supreme demon finally makes his move, Lorelei realizes there are some nightmares that even she can’t control.
You don’t want to miss Half Dead, the penultimate book in the Crossroads Queen urban fantasy series.
Tavia Lark is an author I enjoy reading, so I immediately grabbed up this paranormal romance. It’s got vampires in trouble, lone wolf werewolves in need of mates and stability, and an old fashioned murder mystery that plays out along with the romance.
The 400 ish year old vampire,Simon, is an engaging character with a new magical ability that would be fun if better explored. And werewolf bodyguard, Cody, quickly became my favorite character of the story.
A few lines fed the reader his background, and the reasoning behind his instability as a werewolf also had a brevity of explanation in this narrative. The majority of the story was turned over to the mystery of the threats to Simon, the perpetrators behind the attacks, and the growing relationship between Simon and Cody.
For me , their dynamic and personal relationship made the story. They had chemistry as a couple. And Lark gave them each personal stakes to make a relationship problematic enough going forward for them if they wanted it too.
The world building was non existent. Had no real idea of what the other storylines meant or referenced, which removed any impact that they could have had on the plot.
If this book fits within a known universe, it’s not set down here.
So the best part of this is the main couple and their relationship. It’s a chosen mates, forced proximity vampire/werewolf relationship and an enjoyable one.
I recommend it for everyone who likes the author and this trope.
Adapted from a novella originally published as The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard by Liv Rider.
Simon doesn’t want protection. Especially not from a werewolf.
Too bad the reclusive vampire doesn’t have a choice. Simon barely survived an assassin’s strike, and he isn’t safe yet. The attack left him weak and vulnerable, which is why his meddling sire hires him a bodyguard.
A big, burly werewolf bodyguard.
Cody’s instincts make him a formidable guard—if he can control his wolf. Living without a pack or mate makes him unstable. Dangerous. After accidentally shifting on his previous assignment, he has one chance to prove himself:
Protecting a bratty vampire who does not want his protection.
Keeping things professional is Cody’s only hope. Simon may have four centuries’ worth of defensive habits, but Cody can handle difficult clients. Except as Cody digs up the hurt behind Simon’s prickly exterior, and Simon starts to enjoy being cared for…
Staying professional might be impossible. Just like controlling Cody’s wolf.
The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard is an MM paranormal romance with forced proximity, chosen mates, and bickering to lovers.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 