How Not To Marry a Prince by Megan Derr is a very sweet fantasy romance, very typical of Derr in terms of location and types of characters.
I found myself delighted by the main character, Prince Amador, his love of numbers, and, romance. Amador is such a kind, sweet endearing person. That makes the idea of people drawn to his personality and warmth understandable. And the romance that follows believable.
The thing that throws the book and entire story off is that the beginning chapter has been placed at the end of the novel.
Now whether this is by choice or accident I have no idea. But itâs highly annoying. You miss Prince Amadorâs arrival into the kingdom and all sorts of important information.
So if youâre going to read this story, go to the back of the book, read the first chapter there, then proceed with the rest of the story.
Itâs really why it didnât get a higher rating.
If a book is for sale, and this is a accidental format issue, fix it. If this is on purpose, well, I found it irritating.
At the ancient, doddering age of thirty, it’s long past time Prince Amador married, at least according to his domineering family. Determined to see the matter attended at last, they have issued an ultimatum: find a betrothed before the year is out, or he’ll be sent off to marry Prince Ottokar, Crown Prince of their oldest enemy, a man Amador has hated and feared for nearly all his life.
Desperate to avoid that fate, he has one last chance: to win the affections of Prince Nazaire, who has notoriously turned away every single suitor barely before they make their introduction. When he arrives, though, Amador finds not a snooty prince impossible to please, but a castle so brimming with secrets and romantic pining that the whole mess would be worthy of a bard’s tale.
If there’s one thing Amador loves more than mischief, it’s romance. He won’t ever be happy in his own marriage, but here’s a chance to see that others will be happy in theirsâand if he’s lucky, they’ll all be so pleased with the results that the quiet, handsome King Sohan will insist that he remain to help with other matters.
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Cochet and Blake start a new paranormal series with Notorious, a story that combines shifters, Regency romance, political intrigue, murder, and a series arc mysteries.
Thatâs a lot to handle but it works somehow. Even with a universe ,whoâs foundation that needs more weight in terms of solid information and history , the current Shifter Monarchy is intriguing, with its modern perspective and Regency structure. I really appreciated how the authors adapted certain aspects of this era of this to their story and look forward to seeing more.
The emotional components, especially that which sets off the heartbreaking events to follow the rest of the book and series, is so well written. You donât even know the characters, yet they and the situation pulls at your heart.
I really enjoyed getting to know both characters and their respective âfamilies â from each personâs pov. So different, Caspian Drake, Fox shifter, and , Saphir Vepkhia, tiger shifter. Each with their various roles to play in the Royal familyâs life before the tragedy, and then afterwards.
Watching them apart and then together is entertaining, romantic, and, highly addictive as they both investigate the events of the past.
Notorious ends with this pair in a very satisfying situation (no spoilers), but the mystery, which is part of the series arc, continues.
I canât wait for the next story and couple. Until then, Iâm definitely recommending Notorious!
Caspian Drake knows what it takes to get ahead in modern-day shifter society. He is an Earl, after all, and known for his wit, style, and ability to charm the pants off of anyone he chooses. Getting his best friend Brandr, the Prince of the Dragons, in and out of trouble is only one of his many talents. When a horrible attack shakes Casâs world, heâs forced to pair up with Saphir Vepkhia, the esteemed tiger shifter and former Captain of the Royal Guard.
Upon retirement, Saphir is granted the title of Baron Archer and, much to his dismay, becomes part of royal society. Years later, when heâs summoned to the palace, the last thing Saphir expects is for the king to request a favor that ties him to the scoundrel, Caspian Drake. Despite his misgivings, Saphir accepts the assignment, knowing it will give him the access he needs to infiltrate the wealthy and powerful while trying not to get outfoxed by the exasperating Earl.
Forced into a fake relationship by an outdated matchmaking ritual, Cas and Saphir each face the upcoming season with their own agenda. The secrets pile up as the two mates navigate the complexities of a modern world that plays by historic rules. But the closer they get to the truth, the greater the dangerâand their attraction to each otherâgrows.
With their lives on the line and the very foundations of their society at risk, Cas and Saphir must unravel the mystery, even if it means creating a scandal more notorious than their newfound love.
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Hot Lips is the last of The Hot Cannolis series. It is written by Tara Lain, when the original plan was to continue to coauthor , with Eli Easton, all four books was halted by Lainâs personal health issues that had Easton and Lain dividing up the last two stories.
She mentions all this in the prologue but I bring it up again because unlike the other books, Hot Lips seems the only story removed from the encompassing âembraceâ of the Canoli compound and family weâve come to love. Even Tito, one of its main characters, is an enigma. His personality , with those vague hints of shyness, a lack of history, and a real disconnect to everyone in the Canoli family, wasnât that interesting.
The reader, through every book, has no idea, who this shadow is.
Thatâs completely opposite of every other novel where we had a semblance of the person we were to meet going in. Here? Nothing.
Lain assembles Titoâs personality like a puzzle at the same time sheâs crafting her storylines, and Iâm not sure it works. Itâs not a smooth or fluid construction.
Tito âs character has endured trauma. Has PTSD, has become housebound. Has another identity. Lain piles onto Tito multiple layers of elements that donât have âpage timeâ for full treatment. Thereâs mystery, kidnapping, stalking , and other elements that would act as trigger warnings.
Then thereâs Ari Cohen, the undercover Detective. Heâs huge, sweet, has a great cat. I mean heâs a good character but his role within the Canoli âuniverse â is barely there when Uncle Rick asks him over to talk to Tito. Which is a real stretch here.
I think thatâs part of my issue here. All the preceding books felt like a part of a family. They naturally flowed together. They had history, substance , a firm foundation that the storylines and characters stood upon.
This easily could have been a standalone with nothing to do with the Canolis. It felt like the author kept pushing to make connections to the series instead of letting it be what it was, itâs own novel.
So it ends up being something that almost succeeds but doesnât because it tries so hard. Sweet romance with trigger warnings.
The Hot Cannolis series:
⊠Firemanâs Carry (The Hot Cannolis #0.5) by Eli Easton
Sometimes there are too many closets to come out of.
For two years, Titoâs been hiding from his past in the midst of his uncle and auntâs big, crazy, compound full of relatives in a tiny town in California. Now his pastâs come to get him â and threatens not only Titoâs life, but to reveal the secret that will get Tito kicked out of the family he loves. Time to fight back! Ari Cohen, a tough cop on the hate crimes task force, knows about hiding and fighting, since he spends his life undercover searching out bad guys. Ariâs got a big secret too that perfectly matches Titoâs –both in and out of bed. But donât play hearts and flowers yet. The price they have to pay for the match may send them running back to their closets â if Tito can stay alive long enough to get there.
HOT LIPS is a M/M romantic suspense mystery, packed with sexy secrets, danger, family love, and a crazy, one-eyed cat
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
I enjoyed Annabelle Jacobsâ Regency Park Pack series so I jumped onto her latest release and first book in her Dark Forest Pack series.
A strong mixture of magical mysteries, secrets, second chance at love with old lovers reunited, it goes further by bringing in another Realm and the Fae. The Fae, arenât considered treacherous but a species where extreme care needs to be taken so as to not be indebted to them.
Rys Calder is a wolf shifter, a being with a past he hasnât shared with those heâs closest too. That past betrayal has haunted him through the years.
Gabriel Mason is Calderâs past , one thatâs deep inside the kidnappings and mysteries that are happening around them.
Jacobs storylines creates a suspenseful atmosphere, one wrought with strong character dynamics, chemistry, often a lack of communication, and a string of revelations.
I read it all the way to the end, then wanted more. Iâm highly recommending this story and waiting on the ones to come. Happy reading.
All that time apart and yet the pull between them is as strong as everâŠ
Rys Ten years ago Gabriel Mason betrayed me in the worst way. He made me question my instincts because Iâd trusted him with a bone-deep certainty, and for that I will never forgive him.
Seeing him again after all this time sparks memories I thought Iâd buried so far down theyâd never surface. Heâs as beautiful as I remember, but Iâm older and wiser now, and I refuse to make the same mistakes again.
Gabriel Rys Calder, wolf shifter and the biggest regret of my life. I loved him, and yet I didnât share with him the one thing that eventually became our undoing. I broke his trust and Iâve carried that guilt for years. I knew seeing him again would hurt, but no matter how many times Iâd imagined it, being on the receiving end of his cold stares and indifference hurt more than Iâd anticipated.
Thrown together again with a killer on the loose, will the past continue to haunt them, or can they move past it and claim the future that fate always had in store for them?
Claiming Rys is an MM paranormal romance with second chances, fated mates, pining, angry alphas, and feisty ex-hunters.
Michele Notaroâs A Date To Impress Him is that Novella that exists along side the events happening in the major stories of this series. Itâs a companion piece told by Cosmo, as he attempts to take the mage Mads out on a real date. Three times.
That sounds like a lighthearted premise but this is Notaroâs The Magi Accounts world. Within this dark, trauma filled universe, not even something so mundane as a date is without the overtones of danger and overwhelming tragedy that waits for this found family, no matter the event.
Unlike the other books, this one is narrated by Cosmo, whoâs still fighting his feelings of insecurities over dyad pair magi bond Madeo and Jude Driscoll share, especially after the frightening, horrific events of the last story.
These arenât standalone books, and must be read in the order they are written because otherwise you wouldnât understand where the new young teenager and his siblings came from that are staying at the Pride compound.
Thatâs a poignant element altogether.
A Date To Impress Him (The Magi Accounts #2.5) by Michele Notaro is another well crafted, emotionally moving story that adds tremendously to the dark universe the author is creating.
It has humor, but itâs basis lies in the constant love and bravery that is being tested by the scope of inhumanity and darkness this world has become.
Iâm definitely recommending this and the series. Read them in order.
Who knew taking my little mage on a date would be so difficult?
With so much change happening at the houseâthree shifter kids are a lot to handleâMads and I have been too busy to spend much alone time together. So I figured a date night was in order.
Too bad every time we try, we have to put a fire out somewhere. At this rate, Iâm not sure Iâll ever get to take my mage on a date.
A Date To Impress Him is a fun MM urban fantasy companion novella and meant to be read AFTER The Shackles That Hold Us (The Magi Accounts 2). Itâs from Cosmo’s perspective and takes place between books 2 and 3 of the main series. This is a companion novella, NOT a standalone. 110 pages.
I knew I was in for a wonderful time when I found myself laughing out at a awkward moment just pages in. Hilarious, believable, and totally entertaining. For the readers and other characters watching.
Tyler Morris has a few issues. He loves being a veterinarian, but he canât cope with losing patients, the heartbreak and grief. Heâs also determined to lose his V card. Past trauma has made him feel like no one wants someone like him.
Daly Evans, new owner of the cafe and bakery, is also hiding major issues. Health issues that have effected his body image.
Taking the cafe over from his grandmother , Daly is struggling.
Tyler is a character weâve met before, but here in Got Me Going, with his background exposed, and his inability to deal with the worst consequences of being a vet, Tyler comes vividly to life. Just as Daly does, as he fights to keep the shop open and his fears for his future in check.
I love this series and each couple has grabbed at my heart, but Daly and Tyler had me laughing, sniffling, and throughly enjoying their journey to HEA.
Cox has written a remarkable romance, full of heart and joy. Iâm highly recommending it and the series.
Can a veterinarian lose his V-card before turning twenty-five? Oh, one hun p he can!
On the surface, I’m super sassy and just a little bit extra. But underneath, I’m hiding a painful secret from my past and one hugely embarrassing problem in my presentâI’m still aâŠI’m still aâŠDammit, I can’t even get it out.
Let’s just say it starts with V and ends in irgin.
Daly’s the new barista, and he takes Thirsty Thursdays to a whole new level. He’s drop-dead gorgeous with a sexy shaved head, ocean-blue eyes, and an insane smile that lights me up whenever he aims it my way. He’s also kind, friendly, and interesting. In other words, the perfect guy to be my first time.
A night of too much coconut tequila leads to us making a drunken pact. Daly will help me with my V-status issue, but he adds a caveat. We have to get to know each other first. Then, and only then, can the physical stuff happen.
It sounds simple enough. But the more I get to know him, the more I realize what we have is more than just a physical attraction. We share a connection. We like the same things. And stupidly, I’ve gone ahead and caught feelings for the guy.
This was never meant to be anything more than just a physical thing, so why has Daly got me going out of my mind the way he does?
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Another new to me author as well as a new series to read! The Alpha and his King , the first in The Kincaid Pack series, is a hurt/comfort paranormal romance that I really connected with .
Clark has a wonderful premise to begin with, as Alpha Rick Kincaid establishing a pack of mixed shifters, taking in those kicked out or rejected by their own rigid, old fashioned packs. It has a Tiger, bird species, and witches, along with wolf shifters.
So we start with a large foundation of found family, and a Alpha whoâs carrying the weight of pulling together the new and old members into a integrated pack.
Clarkâs descriptions and scenes make everyone easy to âseeâ and become invested in the more we learn about themselves and how the pack was established after Rick took over.
But the story really flourishes when it comes to the abused King teenagers and toddlers. From the moment they are rescued all throughout the story where each continues to work through the trauma they have lived through and have not had any help in moving past it or dealing with it.
The little ones are adorable, but the deeply painful, almost entrenched damage is realistic and emotionally painful enough to hold both Kai and Samantha , his sister back from integrating into a new better place and pack.
On top of all this is a mystery and danger to the pack, and new members.
I was absolutely hooked from the beginning and read on until the story was finished. The terrific storytelling and characters kept me engaged and glued to the page until the end.
Iâll be binging the rest of the stories, and so Iâm onto the next in the series.
When Kai flies out of a shed, swinging a rake, Rickâs life flips upside down.
As alpha, Rickâs dedication to his pack has never waveredâuntil Kai. The pull he feels toward the younger man is more than a simple distraction, but Rick wonât let himself lose focus. Not while a hidden enemy is drawing near.
Moving in with the grumpy alpha who saved him is a big change for Kai, and it isnât long before he begins to ache for something he canât have. As a half-human shifter responsible for his three younger siblings, he knows he can never be Rickâs mate.
Pushing aside their doubts and insecurities, they grow closer. But when the packâs enemies strike, bringing their fears to fruition, Rick and Kai have to decide if theyâre willing to risk it all to be together.
The Alpha and His King is the first book in the Kincaid Pack series and features a quick-tempered and possessive alpha; a sweet and feisty alpha-mate; shifters, seers, and witches galore; massive amounts of hurt/comfort; and a happily ever after.
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
I was looking forward to The Replacement Husband (Goddess Blessed #1) by Eliot Grayson based on the description and the author. But unfortunately this romance just doesnât work.
Graysonâs plot has a mythical element (as does the series) where thereâs a Goddess based religion, a Goddess whoâs a actual influence, and a element where men are characterized as âgoddess blessed â upon birth.
But the foundation, history, or actual facts for any of that is scarce to none. Which is frustrating considering that the main character of Owen Honeywell is a goddess blessed person.
I think it was meant to mean he could be married to a man, but , honestly, the whole thing is never well defined. Owen says at one point he thinks he should act the part of a wife. But however he should act is dropped.
So much of what happens here in terms of plotting or exposition just has so little grounding or narrative legwork done before the scenes occur. Owen agrees to a marriage, we see no courtship. So when the drama arrives, we really are connected to anyone or the situation.
Fighting with the family? Why? Because, due to lack of history , thereâs absolutely no reason to believe anyoneâs arguments. Why should we care? Plus we donât know these people.
It continues like that for every aspect of the story except for Arthurâs and Owenâs sex life. We donât see much of their daily marriage and how they are getting closer. Which I think is a shame. Because what the author does show is sweet and romantic.
A rushed ending, with yet another climactic event just prior, and a few more odd âout of the blueâ elements that are needed for the next story, and it was over.
Itâs not terrible but itâs just missing so much, like a foundation and details , that would bring this into focus.
Thereâs two more after this, including one that actually makes the villain of this piece (a vile person) the new main character. Uh no. Skipping that and probably the series.
Owen Honeyfield lives a goddess-blessed life. His picture-perfect courtship and engagement to the man of his dreams is proof of that. But when his betrothal takes a disastrous turn, Owenâs only hope to restore his tarnished reputation comes from a most shocking sourceâthe cold, disturbingly sensual brother of the man who just shattered his heart and abandoned him. Perhaps heâs not as blessed as heâd always thoughtâŠ
Arthur Drake is accustomed to cleaning up after his impulsive and selfish brother. After all, heâs done it his whole life. The latest debacle, though, is much worse than usual. This time, his brotherâs actions have threatened not only their family name, but Arthurâs own happiness. The only honorable choice is to marry Owen. But while he knows he can repair the damage to his beautiful new husbandâs reputation, mending his broken heart might prove infinitely more difficult.
Itâs not long before the lines between duty and passion blur, and Arthur finds himself in the inconvenient position of falling for his new husband. Will his love be enough to convince Owen to let their marriage of convenience become the happily ever after they both deserve?
This is an M/M romance set in an alternate-universe Regency with waistcoats, awkward tea-drinking, and pagan goddesses on the loose. It is the first in a series, but it can be read as a standalone.
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
If youâre a lover of werewolf paranormal romances, then this new release, The Werewolfâs Heart by F.N. Fanning might just be the story for you.
The first in Fanningâs Supernatural Affairs series, itâs a quick flowing read that features a mystery, a mate bond, and magical evil doings.
Fanning doesnât add any new elements to the werewolf accumulated species history here but does give us some very engaging characters in Aaron Honeywell, new to the neighborhood, and supernatural detective Merritt Slate, whoâs team is âparkedâ across the street as part of a ongoing investigation into missing werewolves.
I enjoyed their romance but was missing a lot of world building and background on the universe they lived in, the sort of organization that employed Merritt, and well, just a good grounding in basics.
So I came away with having a enjoyable experience here with a romance that asks little from its reader other than a superficial entertainment. Sometimes thatâs just fine.
It will continue in a book that focuses on Merrittâs brother, Chase, also a detective with the agency. This was fun so I expect to pick that one up as well.
A supernatural detective goes undercover to catch a predator⊠love was never part of the plan. Being a new homeowner is nothing like Aaron Honeywell imagined. Instead of unpacking and decorating, heâs suddenly dodging handsy fox shifters and getting a crash course in the supernatural world. And his teacher is a drop-dead sexy werewolf who seems to crave him too. Except heâs sworn to put Aaronâs safety above everything else, including their desires.
Merritt Slate loves his job. Usually. Itâs just impossible to remember why when stuck posing as bait in suburbia to catch a kidnapper powerful enough to abduct werewolves. He wonât let an innocent person get caught in the crossfire, so protecting Aaron is more important than his feelings, no matter what his wolf thinks.
But the threats lurking outside their cozy street are getting closer to home. Kidnapping shifters is just the beginning of a sinister magical plot that may require Aaronâs help to succeed⊠whether heâs willing to provide it or not. Can the werewolf protect his heart, or will evil forces shatter it forever?
The Werewolfâs Heart is the first spellbinding book in a series of passionate M/M paranormal romances. Fans of Eliot Grayson and The Chosen Champions Series by Macy Blake will love this modern fantasy novel featuring a fiercely protective wolf shifter, a sweet human searching for a place to call home, and the kind of love thatâs worth risking everything for.
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
The Boy in the Locked Room is a good example of second book syndrome. The first story sets the characters and world building. The second story needs to continue that momentum going, while further developing the storylines (if thatâs the format the authorâs chosen) as well as allowing for character growth.
It definitely shouldnât raise more issues than it does contribute towards a bettering a relationship with the characters and the series arc the authorâs laying out.
Which is my problem with The Boy in the Locked Room . See full list at the bottom.
At the end of The Ghost in the Hall , a book I loved btw, the MC the medium, Edward Campion, had become paralyzed from the waist down, due to a battle with a evil spirit.
Averyâs descriptions of Ward dealing with his long recovery, his disability and itâs very real impact on every aspect of his life is raw, filled with tears, darkness, and is absolutely believable.
Ward isnât thinking about the boy who needs saving. And still visits him nightly, albeit rarely in the beginning of the book. Ward is rightfully concerned with his own personal issues. His business, which is taking a hit because of his recovery. Heâs depressed and feeling too dependent on others, like his orc Professor boyfriend, Mason . Theyâve moved in together but even thatâs feeling out of sync. The adjustment isnât going smoothly.
This is where Iâm conflicted because Avery does an incredible job with Ward in this situation , once having made the decision to injure Ward so severely in the story. However, it now becomes so much a part of the current story that any other subjects or threads are relegated to a lesser narrative status.
Including the boy in the locked room.
What comes next in the high percentage of scenes after the turmoil of Ward adjusting to his disability and new reality is his sex life. Or rather his and Masonâs. This does dovetail into how both parties are relating to each other physically and emotionally after Wardâs trauma.
But, thereâs so many that just as we start with a scene or storyline thatâs connected to Rayn, the tormented boy thatâs dream walking, and crying out for help, itâs stopped. And weâre back to yet another sex scene.
The entire subject of the bookâs title is given very little space until the story is halfway finished which is a shame because the horror and mystery is a excellent idea, but truly not given the depth or details it needs.
So where did the space go to? Chapter 19. A chapter the author themselves states, in a Dear Readers note within the book , can be skipped over because it includes,âan attempted sexual assault in Chapter 19. Readers who have survived similar experiences may be more comfortable skipping ahead to Chapter 20.â Avery has written a raw, graphic scene thatâs hard to read, where a vulnerable person is being sexually assaulted. This includes a suspenseful build up as well as the scene itself. Itâs the entire chapter.
This also includes a trip to the hospital, rape kit scene, and police investigation. Raw and brutal, as it would be.
Thereâs one impactful magical element thatâs of note. It could be referenced or brought into this story another way outside of this chapter.
So my issue and question is, if a full chapter and entire major aspect of a plot and character storyline be skipped over, is it really necessary to begin with? Especially one thatâs so traumatic, carries with it triggers, and deep emotional pain ?
Was it just needed to bring that one magical development to light?
Thatâs a chapter that could have been used to further the complicated history and horror thatâs Rayn. Or any of the other ghosts or families asking Ward and Mason for assistance. Some including Sylvia are fantastic.
And letâs not forget the fantastic elf Detective Hart. His role here was enlarged, remarkable, and again makes me want a series just for him.
So for me? The Boy in the Locked Room (Beyond the Veil #2) by K.M. Avery suffered from :
â too many sex scenes, which leads to
â a lack of concentration on the actual title subject matter,
â the fact it contains an entire chapter devoted to a brutal attempted sexual assault that the author said could be skipped . So is it really necessary?
Final question. If a book has wonderful characters, great ideas, and moments where it seems to come together but just didnât because of every reason I just stated, would you be recommending it?
The boy begging for help in my nightmares is very real. Heâs trapped, and itâs up to me and Mason to get him out. The trouble is, we have to find him first.
It would be a lot easier if we werenât also trying to solve a series of magical murders and deal with my horrible ex-boyfriend at the same time.
Oh, and on top of that, Iâm trying to make this relationship work, but thatâs not the easiest thing to do when youâre a magnet for ghosts and murderers, your ex is a complete narcissist, and your boyfriend is an orc witch.
As they say, when it rains, it pours.
A HFN, M/M Paranormal Romanceâbook two in Mason and Wardâs story.
Book Two of Beyond the Veil.
Book One: The Ghost in the Hall
(TW: Attempted on page graphic sexual assault)
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 