Check out the new tour for “Lady Grace and Her Knights“ by M.D. Grimm (Other Worlds Ink tour and excerpt)

M.D. Grimm has a new MMF fantasy romance out: Lady Grace and Her Knights. And there’s a giveaway.

Two knights are better than one…

Lady Grace never expected to be kidnapped. Why would she? She’s a duke’s daughter and about to marry her beloved white knight, Prince Isaac. Although Grace manages to escape the bandits… she doesn’t do it alone. A masked man sweeps her off her feet, and from their first encounter, she knows he’s something special. Thankfully, her betrothed is of a similar mind to her own.

Prince Isaac is equal parts delighted to be reunited with his bride and intrigued by her rescuer, a courteous, quiet man named Samuel. He and Grace always wanted a special third on their wedding night—and in their marriage bed—and Samuel might be the one they’ve been looking for. They simply need to seduce him into believing it as well.

Samuel can’t help but be enraptured by Grace’s beauty and spirit and Isaac’s strength and charm. Hiding behind a mask, he knows they will reject him if they see his devastating scars, but their playful coaxing and suggestive smiles force him to wonder if they are as sincere as they seem.

Convincing Samuel to join them might prove to be their greatest challenge yet. Good thing Grace is a woman who gets what she wants, and Isaac has a royal’s stubbornness.

Samuel doesn’t stand a chance.

Universal Buy Link

Liminal Fiction: https://www.limfic.com/book/lady-grace-and-her-knights/

QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/book/lady-grace-and-her-knights/

Giveaway

M.D. is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card with this tour:

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47312/

Excerpt

She ran.

Her torn skirt allowed her legs full movement, and she ran despite the lack of light and her questionable balance. She dodged around trees and leapt over roots, praying she wouldn’t trip again. But she didn’t get far before she heard the thunder of hooves behind her, and her balance failed her completely. She collapsed onto the moss and gasped for air, shivering and sick.

Palm sweaty, she gripped the dagger tighter and rolled over, scooting backward to press against a tree. She held the blade in a trembling hand and faced her pursuer. She could handle one easier than a dozen.

A gorgeous black stallion stood a few feet from her. He stamped his hoof and tossed his head, gnawing at the bit. His rider was like a shadow in the dark. Dressed all in black, the hooded, lean figure dismounted, revealing his height and rangy limbs.

He wore a mask. It was also black and though tailored to the shape of his face, it didn’t have features, giving him an eerie, otherworldly visage. It was more like a solid shield of onyx. Dark eyes with an inner brightness stared at her, and as he came closer, she realized the mask also had a cutout for his mouth.

She gritted her teeth and raised her dagger. “One step closer, and I will cut you from navel to nose. I swear to The Three.”

He froze.

As her vision adjusted to the dimness, she peered at his eyes. Though she searched for the same cruelty as was in the bandit’s leader’s gaze, she didn’t find it.

He slowly raised his hands palm out before dropping to one knee in front of her. He bowed his head after pushing back his hood, revealing straight black hair that brushed his shoulders.

She blinked. She’d grown up around knights and realized he moved as one. Who was he?

“I am at your service, my lady,” he said, his deep voice low and calm. “I swear to The Three, I mean you no harm. One of my friends spotted you with the bandits, and I knew we needed to rescue you. We have been after the bandits since they started terrorizing this forest months ago. We cannot stay here long. I need to get back to my friends, and we need to retreat. Unfortunately, we don’t have the means to take them on and win.”

Grace swallowed, wanting to believe him with everything inside her. But her life depended on trusting the right person.

“Take off your mask and let me see your face.”

He flinched.

She frowned.

“Forgive me, my lady. I… cannot. My face is damaged you see, and it wouldn’t be proper for a lady of your standing to see it.”

His words thickened as if emotion was clogging his throat. Sir Alexander—may he rest safely in the bosoms of The Three—had sounded like that when he’d spoken about his two sons. Barely more than lads, they’d died in a war years ago. He’d also take on a solemn, choking tone when he’d mention his own time fighting enemies as a younger man.

Grief and bad memories. His sorrow touched her, and she let her hand drop.

Movement and hurried footsteps had her squinting over his shoulder. She gasped when three bandits rushed them, startling the stallion into a whinny.

“Watch—”

The man in black rose to his feet, and in one fluid motion, spun and unsheathed his sword. Without hesitation, he engaged the bandits, acting as a shield. Her shield. His skill with a sword was enviable, as was his fearlessness as axes sliced down at him. He was quick on his feet and bold in his moves. Entranced by his prowess, Grace momentarily forgot her predicament and remembered the times she’d watched Isaac on the training fields with his knights.

“You bloody devil!” One bandit yelled before taking a slice to the chest.

“Masked coward!”

The masked man said nothing as he fought with the fury of ten men.

As one bandit went down with a grunt, bleeding out, another slipped past Samuel and leapt toward her. “Noble bitch. Better you die now. You’re not worth the trouble.”

He raised his axe.

She screamed and raised her knife.

Gleaming steel erupted from the bandit’s chest, blood spraying, a few drops landing on her face. Then the masked man yanked out his sword and tossed the bandit away like refuse.

Shocked, Grace stared past him and noticed the third bandit was already twitching on the ground, groaning as he died. The skirmish hadn’t lasted very long, the brutes not standing a chance against someone with training.

Panting, the masked man wiped his sword on his cloak before sheathing it. He glanced at their surroundings before kneeling once more at her feet. She dropped her hand again and swallowed hard, shaken by what she’d witnessed. The man’s eyes had changed during the battle, a raw battle fury she’d seen in many a knight. But now they returned to their compassionate, concerned gleam.

She cleared her throat. “What is your name?”

“Samuel,” he said, still panting.

Author Bio

M.D. Grimm has wanted to write stories since second grade (kind of young to make life decisions, but whatever) and nothing has changed since then (well, plenty of things actually, but not that!). Thankfully, she has indulgent parents who let her dream, but also made sure she understood she’d need a steady job to pay the bills (they never let her forget it!).

After graduating from the University of Oregon and majoring in English, (let’s be honest: useless degree, what else was she going to do with it?) she started on her writing career and couldn’t be happier. Working by day and writing by night (or any spare time she can carve out), she enjoys embarking on romantic quests and daring adventures (living vicariously, you could say) and creating characters that always triumph against the villain, (or else what’s the point?) finding their soul mate in the process.

Author Website: https://mdgrimmwrites.com/

Author Facebook (Personal): http://www.facebook.com/mdgrimmwrites

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/mdgrimmbooks

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdgrimmwrites

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/mdgrimm

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-grimm/

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-grimm/

Review: Daughter of No Worlds (The War of Lost Hearts, #1) by Carissa Broadbent

Rating: 5⭐️

I’ve recently started reading what’s called romantasy, a broad term that covers a range of tropes that, honestly, don’t involve my interpretation of romanticism.

The War of Lost Hearts, a fantastically well written complete fantasy trilogy, is an excellent example of a that.

Daughter of No Worlds is the first novel in the series and introduces Carissa Broadbent’s fantasy world and incredible characters. The author dumps the reader immediately into chaos, a war torn world and the most horrifying of choices forced upon the two main characters at moments that inflicts severe pain, deep damage, and forever changes the course of their lives.

For Tisaanah, a child who becomes a slave, her distinctive appearance and “touch of magic “ identifying her to the slavers as a Fragmented one, not a true Valtain

Too young for to be sold as a prostitute, her ability to use magic, be a Wielder, sees her sold away from the mines and as a slave to a Master in a city.

That’s just the end of the Prologue. And where our story begins. Tisaanah is a character so beautifully written with complex layers that slowly reveal themselves throughout the storyline. We able to feel her rage, her endless well of determination and endurance as she struggles through unbelievable humiliation and crushing cruelty to obtain her goals.

Broadbent doesn’t shy away from the violence but while the storyline and Tisaanah refer to her own life as a woman who was assaulted by her master and as a part of her life as a slave, it’s not a on page act or memory. She very clearly has taken charge of how she’s views the path she’d having to take, and vocal about how her actions have impacted it.

The other main character is Max, a former member of The Order and a person who, unwillingly at first, becomes Tisaanah’s teacher and mentor. He’s not as compelling as Tisaanah at first because she’s so powerful and magnetic a personality that it takes a little bit to find the balance between them.

But the author’s writing, vividly capturing Tisaanah’s learning process when it comes to languages as well as magic, and both of them awkward in their respective roles, it just works.

This is an epic fantasy story, one of revenge, monsters, magic and triumph over extreme tragedy. It really doesn’t need romance, and here the slow burn romance barely gets under way.

The potential for greatness and for even greater evil is built in every where here. That’s a fantastic element of the story and series. A character that appears to be a true friend could easily become a force for the villain. Or the villain itself.

Broadbent is building an imaginative immersive world, one that continues to expand and evolve as the story develops. I couldn’t put this book down.

The cast of characters is just as powerful and fascinating as the main characters they surround. It helps sustain the beliefs that this universe exists and that our connection to it has deep believability.

I’m immediately onto the next book . But I highly recommend reading this. BookTok has jumped all over this and I absolutely agree. I love it.

Now a word about that cover . If I was going on covers alone, I wouldn’t have picked up the book. It’s not as good portrayal of the character, imo, based on the author’s description. Tisaanah is a striking character. A Fragmented person, whose appearance reflects that:

“her skin and hair that was totally white, completely sapped of color, while splotches of what would have been her natural deeper coloring crawled across her skin. One green eye, one white. Streaks of dark mingling in silver hair.”

Her body is also heavily covered in scars, front and back. That’s a person who has many unique features.The cover just doesn’t do her justice. My opinion.

Cover art by Ina Wong doesn’t work for me for very specific reasons.

The War of Lost Hearts:

Daughter of No Worlds #1

Children of Fallen Gods #2

Mother of Death and Dawn #3

Buy link

Daughter of No Worlds (The War of Lost Hearts Book 1)

Blurb

A former slave fighting for justice. A reclusive warrior who no longer believes it exists. And a dark magic that will entangle their fates.

Ripped from a forgotten homeland as a child, Tisaanah learned how to survive with nothing but a sharp wit and a touch of magic. But the night she tries to buy her freedom, she barely escapes with her life.

Desperate to save the best friend she left behind, Tisaanah journeys to the Orders, the most powerful organizations of magic Wielders in the world. But to join their ranks, she must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius Farlione, a handsome and reclusive fire wielder who despises the Orders.

The Orders’ intentions are cryptic, and Tisaanah must prove herself under the threat of looming war. But even more dangerous are her growing feelings for Maxantarius. The bloody past he wants to forget may be the key to her future… or the downfall of them both.

But Tisaanah will stop at nothing to save those she abandoned. Even if it means gambling in the Orders’ deadly games. Even if it means sacrificing her heart.

Even if it means wielding death itself.

Fans of epic romantic fantasy like Sarah J. Maas and Raven Kennedy will devour this tale of dark magic, passionate romance, vengeance, and redemption.

(Note: This book contains adult material.)

Publisher: (January 7, 2020)
Publication date: January 7, 2020
Language: English
Print length: 520 pages

Review: Paper Roses (Confetti Hitched Book 3) by Lily Morton

Rating: 4.75🌈

Paper Roses just might be my favorite book of Lily Morton’s fabulous Confetti Hitched series. The third story in this series about a wedding planning business, Confetti Hitched, the author’s focus turns from its engaging, vivacious employees to its owner, Jed Walker and his PA, Artie.

Jed, a widower, and his adorable PA Artie, are about to tumble into that popular romance trope, the fake marriage. In Morton’s story, this romantic framework for Jed and Artie’s HEA is a hilarious, poignant, heartwarming tale of two men clearly destined for each other. The obstacles in their relationship, a dead husband’s memory, a timeline , and various misunderstandings are clearly present. However , Morton’s narrative takes the wonderful slow road in allowing the meaningful aspects to of the past relationship and their current feelings a slow recognition to be fully understood. I enjoyed that the reveal was part of the growing relationship. It was extremely satisfying to see such adult relationships here.

I also adore that Mal and Caden and their farm were very much involved in parts of this story. Hilarious and very entertaining.

So much laughter here as well as romance. The pages flew by. I can see this couple having so much entertainment and joy in their lives together going forward.

Paper Roses (Confetti Hitched Book 3) by Lily Morton will be a reread for me. I loved this couple so and it left me feeling so lighthearted and happy.

Another win and highly recommended story by this author for me.

Confetti Hitched:

Confetti Hearts #1

Something Borrowed #2

Paper Roses #3

Book Cover design by Natasha Snow Designs

Buy Link

Paper Roses (Confetti Hitched Book 3)

Blurb

Jed Walker thinks he’s having a midlife crisis. The only trouble is that it feels too good to stop.

Widowed at a young age, he’s spent his life since then avoiding any relationships that might end up hurting him again. He has his successful wedding planning business, Confetti Hitched, and a series of uncomplicated hookups, and that’s all he needs in life

The one person disrupting this controlled stoicism is his younger assistant, Artie. He’s sweet and kind and has a funny way of calming Jed’s mind. So, when Artie comes to him with a problem, Jed moves heaven and earth to help, which is how he finds himself entering a fake marriage with the younger man and catching feelings. Too bad it’s all pretend. Or is it?

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a story about how love can completely derail the best-laid plans.

This is the third book in the Confetti Hitched series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Publication date: February 9, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 326 pages

Review: Elf (Mystic Guardians Book 2) by Rinda Elliott

Rating: 3🌈

Elf is the second of Rinda Elliott’s novels in her Mystic Guardians series and honestly I’m at a loss here with the series. It’s a series that contains a fated mate/soulmates relationship between preternaturals and humans who can see through their glamour because somewhere in their family history is a preternatural connection.

The Guardians, all preternaturals of various species, work for a powerful sorcerer, where they track heinous criminals and solve horrific crimes.

I like the preternaturals. Mostly. It’s an interesting group and the first novel, Basilisk, was very enjoyable. I did note that the human fated mate character there ,Clive, felt under developed, especially with his special needs. He’s barely mentioned here.

That aspect of the series continues here with Ezra Forsberg, the human main character of Elf. While Alaric, the elf who works for ancient sorcerer, Xavier, is well defined in terms of personality, magic and capabilities. His is a layered storyline in a way that cannot be said for Ezra.

Elliott’s Ezra has a number of troubling elements in his character’s life and story that’s addressed facetiously, especially for their topic. Ezra has been basically sold off by his crime family to another in marriage and for the past 3 years had been living with a murderous psychopath. He’s just escaped from that marriage prison and falls into immediate danger.

Ezra’s answer to extreme violence, trauma, tragedy, everyday betrayal, family emotional abandonment? He either throws up or he’s just sad. He’s just not particularly believable as a victim of the types of abuses and inflicted horrors that the author has written for him. Elliott writes that he’s been affected but never makes any case for it in the slightest. Ezra as a character and his family or his history with his husband just doesn’t make sense.

Nor does it make sense that it’s the boss blurting the sensitive news to Ezra about fated mates instead of Alaric.

This story came very close to a much lower ranking.

If the author was to layer a character with all these aspects to his storyline, then give the narrative ample room to fully explore the necessary details and plot points to make it and him feel believable.

For me, this didn’t happen. It’s the second time the human being got the underdeveloped part of the story and undermines the book.

I give it one more chance.

Mystic Guardians:

Basilisk #1

Elf #2

Buy link

Elf (Mystic Guardians Book 2)

Blurb

Alaric Denman is determined not to let himself care for another human, especially not one like Ezra Forsberg. Ezra is a rich playboy without ambition, someone he could never respect. Why he’s intensely attracted to the man is beyond his understanding—but he is. So much so, it’s affecting his job to protect him.

Ezra isn’t sure who’s trying to kill him, but he has a pretty good idea. After growing up in one crime family and being forced to marry into another, his guess is his ex. He hires a bodyguard and gets a sexy elf. Yeah, he can see past the elf’s glamour, despite Alaric’s attempt to hide those elegantly pointed ears. But Alaric irks him with his stoic nature and he can’t resist poking at him.

While they’re busy clashing, a two million dollar price goes out on Ezra’s head, which brings out powerful preternaturals. Someone really wants Ezra dead, so it’s time they work together to figure out who.

Elf is a MM paranormal romance long novella with a reluctant elf, a snippy-mouthed human, and a soulmate passion that takes them both by surprise. It’s the second in the Mystic Guardians series, but can be read as a stand alone.

Publication date: February 4, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 139 pages

Review: Duck and Dive (Rise and Shine Book 1) by G B Ralph

Rating: 4🌈

I discovered G B Ralph through his delightful cozy mysteries, The Milverton Mysteries. Ralph’s stories are tend towards the same elements. Character driven stories with the people , all of them with their faults included, fully realized and completely layered with human frailties. These characters carry the fears, joys as well as inabilities to move forward that the reader might recognize from their realities . It certainly makes them relatable.

If not occasionally a tad frustrating.

In this sweet, short trilogy, Ralph gives us the journey of Arthur and Gabriel, from Arthur’s awkward coming out to their relationship happily ending.

Each novella a sweet quick tale of a section of passage through that journey.

Duck and Dive starts it off with Arthur, an awkward Duckling trying to come out to friends and well, anyone, that’s he’s gay. And it’s not going well.

This is sweet, funny, painful in its own way in that you feel for Arthur in his fears and yearning to be out at his age. And his friends don’t make it easy.

Read all three together for a delightful lighthearted romantic afternoon.

Definitely recommended.

Cute covers

Rise and Shine Trilogy , complete :

Duck and Dive #1

Slip and Slide #2

Over and Out #3

Buy link

Duck and Dive (Rise and Shine Book 1)

Blurb

A gay romantic comedy novella about coming out and failing spectacularly.

Arthur knows it’s time he told his mates he’s gay. So what’s the holdup? He’s wound so tight he can’t get the words out – giving himself injuries, spilling his dinner, and all-round making a mess of it.

And that’s before the nosy neighbour gets involved with her spiced apple muffins. Or the elderly residents of the Sunset Villas retirement home start complicating matters. Not to mention the gorgeous straight guy from the driving range.

If only Arthur could get his act together…

Duck and Dive is a quick, light, and fun read – the first in the completed Rise and Shine series. It’s filled with buckets of banter, dashes of comic tragedy, and more food and booze than any story ought to have. Our boys are surrounded by a cast of chaotic characters and thrown into the most unlikely situations. Their story continues in Slip and Slide, and concludes in Over and Out.

‘I didn’t know what to expect, but I genuinely enjoyed it. I’m glad I did, otherwise that would’ve been a very awkward conversation.’ Author’s partner.

Publication date: May 22, 2020
Language: English
Print length: 115 pages

Review: Blood of Hercules: Villains of Lore Book 1) by Jasmine Mas

Rating: 5

While this is found under the popular label romantasy, in my mind, Blood of Hercules: Villains of Lore Book 1) by Jasmine Mas represents the finest aspects of dark fantasy fiction.

I haven’t read this author’s work before but found myself unable to put this book down once I started reading. Mas has created many imaginative, thrilling and, yes, startlingly twisted ways of looking at Greek mythology and the Greek pantheon, both of which serve as foundation and universal elements of the series.

Using this as a foundation to establish a dystopian world where Fate still meddles in the internecine politics of the gods , and humans who have borne the brunt of both the actions of themselves and the gods. And not fared well for it.

Mas’ main character is a girl. Alexis, a incredibly detailed, believable, and heart wrenching character. She’s also when we meet her a very young, damaged one, currently in an extremely abusive foster home, if you could call a broken trailer that. A younger boy, a toddler, will be added to this group.

This story is full of trauma and triggers. Read them and take note. Among them child abuse. Starvation, physical abuse, violence, and death. And once Alexis is taken, there’s more for her to endure. This is dark, dark, fiction. She’s considered a mutt, along with others.

Romance? Mas actually refers to the fact that the Greek gods don’t have much in the way of real romance. Or monogamous pairs. Hades and Persephone being the outliers. It’s a free for all in terms of gender and sexuality and numbers. The love seen here is saved for brutality and violence. Death and destruction.

There’s obsession, acquisition, and power. Romance? Not so much. So don’t expect any.

This is a brilliantly written piece about a young woman’s ability for to survive. To be betrayed, torn down to near death , and forced into new plans for her future.

There’s multiple POV’s (importantly placed) but luckily, Mas keeps the primary voice to Alexis’, our strong hero of the story. She’s funny, acerbic , brilliant, deeply traumatized, scarred, violent about not being touched. And has a hidden goal of her own. She’s mesmerizing, tragic, persistent. And constantly on the brink of either utter success or failure. The reader is never sure which.

I found it impossible to remove myself from her horrifying journey to the Spartan War Academy where she struggles through the terrifying physical and mental challenges and courses that the gods have given her and the rest of the applicants.

Its layer upon layer of excellently constructed vividly described world building and intensely complex relationship dynamics. The characters involved, mostly her god mentors and Professors, present hidden dangers and dangerous narrative twists.

Like Alexis, the reader learns quickly that any scene that’s seemingly funny or perilously entertaining is very temporary. That’s not a world where easy, casual or enjoyable is to be trusted.

It ends on a note that’s just shy of being called a cliffhanger. If so, it’s ending that makes that next book even more greatly anticipated and thrilling.

I’m headed back to reread this immediately. I’m certain I missed key elements as layered with images and important information as it relates to the gods and history.

I highly recommend reading this but keep in mind that it’s dark fantasy fiction. If you’re looking for romance and high fantasy, this isn’t for you.

Villains of Lore:

Blood of Hercules #1

Bonds of Hercules #2 – October 28,2025

Buy link

Blood of Hercules: A Dark Romantasy of Myth and Power, Perfect for Fans of Greek Mythology and Spicy BookTok Reads: The Best Fantasy Romance of 2024 (Villains of Lore Book 1)

Blurb

The overnight viral sensation everyone is talking about, Blood of Hercules, is a sarcastically funny, dark fantasy romance reimagining of Hercules from bestselling author Jasmine Mas—now available in paperback with full color character art, bonus content, and embossed lettering.

I’m just a girl. And it turns out, I’m Hercules.

I’m struggling to survive in a Titan infested world where Spartans, immortals from twelve royal families who have god-like powers and obscene wealth, rule over all. A shy-stammering foster child with nothing, I keep my head down, cover my scars, and focus on excelling in school. At least, I try to. Then it happens.

My blood test reveals I’m part of the powerful elite. I’m one of them. A Spartan.

Forced to attend the Spartan War Academy, I undergo the most harrowing test of all time to see if I have what it takes to be an immortal. There’s just a few problems. Achilles and Patro are my scary mentors. Kharon, the ferryman of death, and Augustus, the son of war, are my terrifying professors. Also, I’m pretty sure either someone’s stalking me everywhere I go, or my sanity’s slipping––I have a bad feeling both are true.

I’m surrounded by Villains and they’re smothering me with their hate, obsession, and dark possessiveness. Too bad for them, they have no clue just who they’re messing with.

A Dark Romantasy for readers who love:

“Who did this to you?”
Why Choose Romance
Extreme Enemies to Lovers
Morally Gray Alpha Heroes
Zodiac Academy, Quicksilver and When the Moon Hatched

Publisher: Canary Street Press (October 1, 2024)
Publication date: October 1, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 498 pages

Review: Shiny Things (Texas Magic) by Kelly Fox

Rating: 4.25🌈

This paranormal romance novella is packed full with so many interesting characters and vividly detailed elements that I wish I was a much longer novel. From the location and shop to the multi-dimensional characters, Fox has barely touched on her Texas Magic universe potential.

The second story in this series, it’s a fated mate romance between a newly arrived embittered werewolf, Thorin, and a local shopkeeper, a raven shifter named Poe.

The personalities and relationship issues are well defined. As are how Fox has their fated mates chemistry help them work out their problems. It’s sexy, believable and makes them so connectable.

Even the secondary characters are ones I’d like to know more about as well as the intriguing town of Bee Cave with its own magical atmosphere.

Love fated mates? Want a quick wonderful story? Check out Shiny Things (Texas Magic) by Kelly Fox. Highly recommended.

Texas Magic:

Bee Cave Magic #1

Shiny Things #2

Buy link

Shiny Things (Texas Magic)

Blurb

I’ve already had my poor wolf heart broken by one selfish, trinket-hungry avian shifter, and I am never going through that again.

Hell, I moved all the way out to the shifter town of Bee Cave, Texas to start over, so…yeah. That adorably twitchy raven shifter at the local coffee shop had better get it through his pretty skull that he’s not gonna get one over me.

Even if he is so sparkly and gorgeous, I can barely help myself.

Shiny Things is part of the Texas Magic shifter novella series. This 17k word novella contains reluctant mates, undeniable attraction, and an unhinged crow shifter ex.

Publication date: January 22, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 73 pages

Review: Truth or Spare: Princes Take New York Book 2 by K. Sterling

Rating: 5🌈

Second story into K. Sterling’s Princes Take New York series and I have a favorite already. Funny, heartwarming, beautifully written, full of characters that make you feel invested in their lives and the story. And even side appearances from delightful people who have just become star players in this universe! Muriel, I’m looking at you!

Sterling’s series is exploring the future of each von Hessen prince. There’s four brothers and a cousin, Max, living in Manhattan, who abdicated his duties and title to Leo, the oldest. Leo’s story and romance was the first one in the series.

Still single are Theobald (this book), Matteo, and finally younger, brilliant brother Elio aka Eli. And that’s the order that the author looks to be following for their stories.

As Truth or Spare opens, the setting is once again, The Olympia, an elegant well known apartment building on 72nd Ave in Manhattan on the Upper West side. It’s home to many characters and couples of both series but it’s Muriel Hornby’s apartment where Matteo and Theo are currently staying. Muriel is now family and ,hilariously, an intimidating sidekick when needed.

Theobald Anton Christoph Aelbehrt von Hessen is feeling restless. Sterling gives the reader an immediate impression of a man cut loose from his life’s purpose. That of raising his brothers who are now young men and capable of making their own decisions.

His interactions with Matteo show the brotherly dynamic and immense love that they feel for each other. And Theo’s loss of purpose for himself.

His personality and strength of character will only be further enhanced as he decides on a choice of actions that take him on a bus ride to tiny Oslo, New York and the old lanes of Brooks Family Bowling.

Never have I loved a fish out of water tale so much as I have watching an Austrian , albeit anonymous, prince wander into an American small town, multiple suitcases in hand, with a joyous, exuberant outlook. And lots of German words. With some very astonished people there to welcome him.

Dewey Brooks, owner and operator of Brooks Family Bowling has his own issues to deal with. Dewey also has a deep love of his fractured family, his tiny town, and the Brook’s legacy as represented by the family’s bowling alley, which he’s determined to keep alive whatever the cost to him personally. How much he’s struggling isn’t fully understood at first. Or exactly what are the issues he’s been battling. Those get revealed slowly, by others and as forced by events during the narrative.

Theo and Dewey’s relationship as employer/employee is hilarious. As something more? Sweet, sexy, utterly heartwarming and engaging. So well written it felt intimate to be a part of their lives and journey. And Walter? More please.

I could just continue on. About the customers, family members, town. Oslo, New York just has something special. And so does this amazing book.

It’s funny, it’s generous of spirit, it’s kind hearted, sexy and sweet.

I’m hoping we make a beeline back here soon in Matteo’s novel. Until then, pick up this fantastic romantic comedy. It’s one I’m highly recommending. The author too. She’s on my auto read list.

Nannies of New York (6 book series) and must read.

Princes Take New York (connected and sequel series):

Jonathon, After All #1
Truth or Spare #2

Buy link:

Truth or Spare: Princes Take New York Book 2

Blurb:

Split happens.

Too cynical to pin his hopes on a miracle, Dewey “Doobie” Brooks has his doubts when a charming stranger arrives in Oslo, New York, looking for a job and a place to stay. Running the family bowling alley, raising his brother’s son, and hiding an autoimmune disorder have left him in need of help—but finding a capable, reliable adult in his small town has been hopeless.

Theo von Hessen is neither capable nor reliable. An Austrian prince and philanthropist with a reputation for being an unrepentant playboy, he has never held a real job and is clueless about manual labor. But the moment he sees a “help wanted” sign and Oslo’s tired town hero, Theo’s convinced fate sent him there to make a difference.

It isn’t all fun and games at Brooks Family Bowling. Dewey is at his wits’ end and doesn’t know what to make of his new employee. Is Theo on the run, or is this some reality-show stunt? Neither can deny their attraction and romance strikes, but will Theo wind up in the gutter when his true identity is revealed—or has he finally found his purpose and a chance to rewrite his own story?

Publisher: Bawdy Books (February 4, 2025)
Publication date: February 4, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 267 pages

Review: Handy (Four Bears Construction Book 8) by K.M. Neuhold

Rating: 4.5🌈

It’s fantastic to be back in Fall Crosse, Wisconsin , the small town that’s the heart and home of K.M. Neuhold’s three interconnected contemporary romance series. Four Bears Construction Company launched them all and the author is keeping the series going and heartwarmingly fresh with the latest release, Handy.

It’s the eighth book and it’s wonderful. While I’ll always love Stone and Dare’s romance because it’s just hilarious, Neuhold had me at park ranger and bird nerd with Ledger. While there were other aspects of Ledger that had me sighing ( not in a good way, it’s the raccoon) , Neuhold represents his job (low pay, high knowledge, passionate) extremely well. Neuhold writes layered, believable characters.

Griff too was a great character. One easy to emphasize with, as he’s in stasis, the loss of his husband, his own grief and inability to understand how to let go and move forward keeping him emotionally and in a way, physically isolated. So well written. We can understand this man and why he’s allowed himself to get mired down.

Until Ledger, that human vibrating ball of fantastic positivity and bear crushing energy next door comes calling. Or maybe more accurately his DIY house does. And his pet raccoon, TP.

I will admit to the fact of someone, even a ‘Ranger’, having a raccoon as a pet is an issue for me because of past experiences that have not gone well for the animals. But the way Neuhold realistically describes the huge damage the raccoon does to the house (holes chewed constantly in the walls) and furniture as a fact of its every day life made this aspect of the storyline well documented. Thank you for relating that wildlife comes with wildlife instincts.

The relationship that develops between Griff and Ledger is one I adore. They flirt, or Ledger does and Griff slowly moves forward towards acceptance that he’s ready for a new relationship and love. They communicate, get sexy, Ledger imparts bird facts and together they become a couple who is engaging, realistic, and heartwarming.

Plus those are some truly special bird facts! I’d be won over.

Ledger has a best friend who is also a park ranger, Jericho, a single man in search of his HEA. I suspect his story is coming. Although it may be in the Ink Slingers series.

I love the series and Handy is among my favorites here. I’ve listed them all below as well as the two other connected series.

Be sure to check them out. Highly recommended.

Book and Cover design by Natasha Snow Designs

Four Bears Construction :

Caulky #1 (Ren and Cole)

Nailed #2 (Dare and Stone)

Hardwood #3 (Watson and Ev)

Screwed #4 (Ollie and Daniel)

Stud #5 (Sawyer and West)

Stripped #6 (Miller and Demetri)

Drilled #7 (Apollo and Ridge)

Handy #8 (Griff and Ledger)

Connecting sequel series, same town and crossover characters:

🔷Big Bull Mechanics (5 books to date series)

🔷Ink Slingers (2 book to date series)

Buy link

Handy (Four Bears Construction Book 8)

Blurb

My new neighbor may be grumpy but he’s also hot, and very good with his hands…

I definitely overestimated my own handyman skills when I bought this fixer-upper. I have to say, the view from my new place is worth it though. Especially around seven o’clock every morning when my big, furry bear of a neighbor drinks his coffee shirtless on his back porch.

He’s dedicated to the bear thing too. Growly, grumpy, and as it turns out, he really likes belly rubs.

Am I a sucker for a touch starved grump? Yes. Am I sorry about it? Absolutely not.

Getting Griff into my house and into my bed is the easy part. Convincing him I’m actually interested in him is so much harder.

I didn’t mean to turn myself into his secret admirer, but if sending him anonymous presents and notes is the only way to wear down his gruff exterior, then that’s what I’m going to do.

Sooner or later he’ll realize he’s more than just my grumpy handyman, right?

Handy is a super low angst, high heat, romantic comedy featuring a grumpy “Bear” (not the shifter kind 😉 ), and his sunshiney neighbor who becomes his secret admirer. It can be read as a stand alone but the most enjoyment will be from reading it as part of the full Four Bears Construction Series.

Publication date: February 3, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 208 pages

Review: Coil of Boughs (The Underforest Duology Book 1) by Penny Moss

Rating: 4.5🌈

Once again, it’s a stunning cover that had drawn my attention to a book and author I hadn’t known about. Coil of Boughs, is the first in a two book dark fantasy series The Underforest by Penny Moss. It’s a fantastic read, full of complex, well written characters and great world building.

The gorgeous cover gives the reader images of the characters and world inside but the imagery and fantasy elements that Moss creates are ones that make the story and themes of morality, redemption and love compelling and intriguing.

The description doesn’t really convey the breadth of this book. It’s an epic dark fantasy adventure which starts with a world where the worst has already happened. We work backwards, through memories, challenges , and conversations with others to explore the events that lead up to the current horrific situation.

It’s a fascinating approach, one where the reader isn’t always sure what to expect from Ryurikov, the complex, morally ambiguous main character whose redemption arc became the driving force for the narrative. Beside him is the magical, wonderful woods demon Awimak, who feeds on dreams. There’s a crafty, mysterious notorious witch who lives in a hut in a walking tree. And so much more. A endlessly burning land, terrifying creatures, and a world that needs saving.

Also this is a dark fantasy so yes, there’s horror and bloodshed and death everywhere. Be warned.

It ends not exactly on a cliffhanger but on the idea that another quest is about to start. I can’t wait for this final book to be released.

Highly recommended for all lovers of dark fantasy.

“Cover Art by: Penny Moss”

Buy link

Coil of Boughs (The Underforest Duology Book 1)

Blurb

Skilled archer Ryurikov enjoys an unfettered life of thieving and debauchery. He wasn’t expecting to die at the hands of a witch while trying to steal from her. Neither did he expect to be revived by spirits with morally stringent demands. Or to be followed by a demon, hungry for his dreams. Luckily, Ryurikov has plenty of good dreams to trade in exchange for the demon’s help. He also possesses a wealth of denial about his past, his growing feelings for the demon, and the creatures slowly burning kingdoms to ashes. Too bad for Ryurikov, since he has no choice but to face all three.

Publisher: Penny Moss (June 1, 2024)
Publication date: June 1, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 312 pages

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