Tag: A MelanieM Review

Review:  Better the Demon You Know (Bedeviled AF, #3) by Deborah Wilde

Rating: 4⭐️

There are things that I really like about this book and elements that are starting to feel a bit drawn out. 

Aviva’s hidden infernal identity is a huge factor in her life, from her own personal experiences with her mother, a high ranking officer of the Maccabees, to her complicated, often rancorous relationships between herself and members of the organization that she works for, including her team. 

Now her struggles involve her demon father and vampire ex-boyfriend, both of which are powerful in their own right and with their own agendas. 

How all these various conflicts and constantly changing dynamics work within their respective storylines are some of my favorite aspects of Aviva’s character and journey. Especially the dangers of the having a father such as demon lord, Delacroix constantly inferring into her life, the real reasons why he’s so insistent are hidden. And that Ezra, who’s co running The Copper Hell with Delacroix, still had his own plans in place for himself. 

Sachi, the best friend and agency teammate is character who has been, if not one dimensional, then maybe formatted. Aggressive, childish, and often with little thoughtful thinking to her personality, she’s been more a reactive individual than not.

Here, towards the end, Wilde appears to allow her some emotional growth. I’m not sure it’s believable given the strength of her personality, and absolute beliefs about demons and where she falls as a Maccabee agent. 

And then there’s Michael, Aviva’s mother. Their strained relationship and  odd working relationship finally got a change in their pattern.  That was a good aspect of the story.

But it’s Aviva’s belief in ,as well as that of others like Silas, the agency of the Maccabees which is straining my belief in their characters , both as agents of extraordinary experience and as people who have seen the extent to which this organization has become a morally grey authority. 

It’s an interesting concept but having these characters either so naive or blind to their own agency’s agendas takes away from their credibility. 

At least for me. I’m sure it will make for great drama scenes later on but it’s not an enough of a well written element here. 

The entire manner in which the Jewish community, their religious beliefs and culture is woven into this series and characters is a huge factor and great reason to read this author and series. 

It’s just amazing. 

A winner and headed to the next book.

 

Cover by: Covers By Christian.

Bedeviled:

Big Demon Energy #1

Demon on Deck #2

Better the Demon You Know #3

Demon in Disguise #4

The Demon’s Due #5 – Aug 18,2025

Buy link 

        Better the Demon You Know: An Enemies-To-Lovers Urban Fantasy (Bedeviled Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Evil has a scent: lemon.

It was supposed to be a routine drug bust. Arrest some magic jerks and move on, but then a fellow operative is murdered, and Aviva is thrust into a perilous black ops mission to disprove corruption charges.

Meanwhile, her half-sister is being blackmailed for being an infernal, and as Avi struggles to protect her, she’s set on a collision course with the one person she hoped to never meet.

And just when she thought things couldn’t get any crazier, her ex drops a bomb about second chances.

Aviva must navigate a minefield of love, betrayal, and powerful Maccabees gunning for her, to expose her enemies—and keep her secrets hidden. But hey, running for your life is good cardio, right?

Featuring a smart, funny heroine and a banter-fueled vampire romance, this wickedly addictive urban fantasy will keep you reading way past bedtime.

Dive in now for a fiendishly good time!

  • Publisher: Te Da Media Inc.
  • Publication date: September 15, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 368 pages
  • Book 3 of 5: Bedeviled

 

Review:  Midnight Smoke (Firebrand, #3) by Helen Harper 

Rating: 5⭐️

Well , what an unexpected surprise! Part murder mystery, part Groundhog Day twists, and all around suspense adventure, this was a fantastic read. 

Harper expertly weaves an important element from Infernal Enchantment (book 2) into the narrative here, one that sees Emma racing through time to prevent the worst possible scenario from happening. 

It’s clever, moments of heartbreak, and stupefying humor. New characters make impactful entrances, and Emma’s romantic relationship with her vampire lord moves forward, eventually. 

I was sure that this was my favorite, then I read Scorched Heart. But this is definitely among my top books of the series. Fabulous. 

BOOK COVER DESIGN BY YOCLA DESIGNS

The Firebrand Series 

  • Brimstone Bound
  • Infernal Enchantment
  • Midnight Smoke
  • Scorched Heart
  • Dark Whispers
  • A Killer’s Kiss
  • Fortune’s Ashes

The Wolfbrand Series

  • The Noose Of A New Moon
  • Licence to Howl

Buy link:

        Midnight Smoke (The Firebrand Series Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Supernatural Squad might be small, but we’re growing in power. The vampires and werewolves of London are beginning to respect me more and I feel like I know what I’m doing – even if I don’t yet understand what I truly am. 

Unfortunately, there might be a few snags to deal with. I’m trying to avoid Lord Horvath, the black-eyed vampire leader who seems intent on a more intimate relationship. There’s also Devereau Webb, who runs a small criminal syndicate and has offered me a mysterious gift that I’m certain I don’t want. And across the span of one single day, supernatural hell breaks loose across the city of London.

A suicidal vampire has climbed up the London Eye.

Three werewolves have hijacked a tourist bus.

This might prove to be the longest day of my life.

Midnight Smoke is the third book in the thrilling Firebrand urban fantasy series.

  • Publication date: November 5, 2020
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 289 pages
  • Book 3 of 7: The Firebrand Series

Review:  Unleashing Mayhem (Demon Bound Book 4) by Grae Bryan

Rating: 4.5🌈

While Inviting Bedlam #2 (Nix and Ivan) remains the highlight of this series for me, Unleashing Mayhem  is a terrific way in which to wrap up the Demon Bound quartet. 

As each book has had as its main focus one of the four demons sealed away together, repeatedly summoned until finally they find themselves getting with their mates who summoned them. From a book that ends up in the hands of a Russian American mafia family. 

Here in the finale, it’s an emotionally and physically damaged Matty, a young man rescued by the Koslovs and their mates, escaping from his barbarically disturbed own criminal family. Matty has been living (hiding) in Sascha’s and Kai’s home. 

But he’s plagued by his past , PTSD and nightmares. Until the demon Nightmare comes to view him. And makes plans of his own. 

This was a wild, incredibly satisfying story and great way to end the series. By bringing the final demon into the world and giving him his own mate, Matty, in a highly unusual and unique manner, it gives Matty and the reader the resolution to the story we were waiting for. And in a way that’s emotionally powerful and satisfying. 

Everyone gets their HEA, the real villains are foiled in a manner that is befitting their crimes, and we get to see Matty in a new perspective, and supported. By his demon, Nightmare. 

And while, Ivan and Nix will remain my favorite characters here, this is a fantastic ending to a demonic quartet and their mates!

Definitely a winner.

Cover designed by MiblArt.

Demon Bound:

🔹Wrecking Havoc #1 (Kai and Sascha) 

🔹Inviting Bedlam #2 (Nix and Ivan)

🔹Calling Chaos #3 (Chaos and Cooper)

🔹Unleashing Mayhem #4 – finale (Matty and Nightmare)

Buy link

        Unleashing Mayhem (Demon Bound Book 4)

    

Blurb 

Matteo’s been running scared for so long he’s forgotten what it’s like to feel safe. Or maybe he never knew in the first place. Raised by a cruel man, tormented by an even crueler one, and recently rescued by a demon, Matty’s still jumping at shadows around every corner. When he sees a familiar face from the past and realizes his ghosts really have come back to haunt him, Matty does the only reasonable thing he can think of.

He summons someone even worse.

Nightmare is a solitary demon by nature. He’s never needed a companion or a lover or a friend, and he’s never minded being feared by others of his kind. But one taste of Matteo’s sweet, terrified soul and Nightmare needs more. When he’s finally summoned to Matteo’s side, Nightmare finds himself exactly where he wants to be. Now it’s only a matter of patience, seduction, and convincing his little human that one contract isn’t enough.

What they really need is an eternity.

UNLEASHING MAYHEM IS A HEATED MM PARANORMAL ROMANCE WITH A HEA AND NO CLIFFHANGER. IT CONTAINS A SWEET HUMAN AFRAID OF EVERYONE BUT THE MONSTER AT HIS SIDE, A DEMON SO POSSESSIVE EVEN OTHER DEMONS RUN SCARED, A FOUND FAMILY MADE OF MOBSTERS AND MONSTERS, AND A SUMMONING GONE RIGHT (FOR ONCE). WHILE EACH BOOK FOCUSES ON A DIFFERENT COUPLE, THE SERIES IS BEST ENJOYED IN ORDER.

  • Publication date: July 17, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 249 pages
  • Book 4 of 4: Demon Bound

Review:  The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid (The Portlock Paranormal Detective #7) by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare

Rating: 5✨

Another great story in The Portlock Paranormal Detective series! Bunny and her found family of supernatural characters in this small town in Alaska are getting closer to the end of the series.  And the authors still have plenty of mysteries, drama, and dark cases to unravel before that happens. 

There’s an emotional case of missing teenagers that’s hitting the small town police department of supernaturals hard, especially since it looks like both girls are from the supernatural world. 

Bunny is dealing with the investigation, while Connor is facing his father threatening to come to town.  With all the drama and fear that comes with it. 

And always their friend, mer Sidnee kidnapped boyfriend is on their minds. As well as Reggie, who spends most of his time as Fluffy.

Just amazing with an incredible plot or multiple plots, tons of suspense and the potential for heartbreak. And my fav hag, Matilda’s role is growing.

So hard to wait for that penultimate book to come this winter. Another fantastic book and recommendation.

Cover design by Christian Bentulan. Published by Hellhound Press Limited.

The Portlock Paranormal Detective series:

The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death, a prequel.

The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf, Book 1.

The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren, Book 2.

The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee, Book 3.

The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine, Book 4.

The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergiest, Book 5

The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas, Book #5.5

The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag #6

The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid #7

The Vampire and the Case of the Ghastly Golem #8 – Jan 29,2026

Buy link

        The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid: An Urban Fantasy Series (The Portlock Paranormal Detective Series Book 7)

    

Blurb 

Portlock’s secrets are about to explode.

After everything that went down in Chrome Mine, I’m starting to fear that I may never see my Sidnee again because the Sidnee I’ve been left with – well, she’s downright scary.

Just as we try to catch our breath, calamity strikes again: the mayor’s son-in-law is murdered. Suspicion is being thrown around like confetti, and those in the frame include the mayor himself and the usually mild-mannered Sidnee.

To make matters worse, a couple of teenage girls have vanished – no clues, no witnesses and no explanation. And it appears they might not be the first to be snatched.

As if I needed one more thing to juggle, Connor’s father, the Vampire King of America, sends a team to interfere in our investigation. One of the girls is a rare, born vampire and the king has given us an ultimatum: find her … or he’ll come knocking. I am absolutely not ready to meet the in-laws, especially not the terrifying, homicidal sort who sees hybrids like me as something to exterminate.

Connor is falling apart, the case is slipping through my fingers, and our happily-ever-after is looking further away than ever…

Dive into this fast-paced urban fantasy series if you love mystery, humour, found family, and a slow-burn romance.

Review:  Infernal Enchantment (The Firebrand Series Book 2) by Helen Harper 

Rating: 5⭐️

This had so many wild elements to it. It also introduced new important characters to the series as well as moved Emma’s role as the main Supe Detective in a more matured, and more complex personality. She’s settling into that world, and shifting her perspective. 

The respective wolf shifter houses, the vampires remain otherworldly, with aspects of their lives and histories still hidden and evolving here. 

Infernal Enchantment is a fascinating aspect of the story. And I don’t think the author is through with it, even though the book is over.  

Another exciting story and winner for me. 

Check it out but read them in order. 

BOOK COVER DESIGN BY YOCLA DESIGNS

The Firebrand Series 

  • Brimstone Bound
  • Infernal Enchantment
  • Midnight Smoke
  • Scorched Heart
  • Dark Whispers
  • A Killer’s Kiss
  • Fortune’s Ashes

The Wolfbrand Series

  • The Noose Of A New Moon
  • Licence to Howl

Buy link:

        Infernal Enchantment (The Firebrand Series Book 2)

    

Blurb 

A gruesome case of grave robbing lands on Detective Constable Emma Bellamy’s desk.  But is there more to it than meets the eye? 

Being the sole police detective in London’s Supernatural Squad is no easy task. I have to navigate my way through a world teeming with supernatural creatures, from vampires to werewolves and everything else in between. My inexperience might count against me but my own shocking supernatural abilities will stand me in good stead – especially when I’m confronted yet again by the gruesome spectre of death…

A vampire has been mysteriously killed in the centre of the city.

Werewolf graves have been plundered for their bodies.

And I think I might be developing an ill-advised crush on a certain black eyed vampire Lord.

Infernal Enchantment is the second book in the thrilling Firebrand urban fantasy series. If you like dark twisty mysteries, smart heroines, and the faintest touch of slow burn romance, then you’ll love Helen Harper’s mystical adventure.

  • Publication date: October 1, 2020
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 290 pages
  • Book 2 of 7: The Firebrand Series

Review:  Brimstone Bound (The Firebrand Series Book 1) by Helen Harper 

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I’m a real fan of author Helen Harper and her female main characters. She writes layered fully realized women who often have painful pasts and trauma to work through. And often, whether it’s naturally occurring or something that happens within the story, they become magical, for most of Harper’s series are paranormal or urban fantasy thrillers with some slow burn romance elements. 

Brimstone Bound, the first in the 7-book complete The Firebrand Series by Helen Harper, is a splendid example exactly why I enjoy this author’s style and writing so. 

Emma is a young police officer in the UK just completing the course work to become a Detective when she’s assigned to the Supernatural Squad for her final assignment. 

Emma’s a character who will grow exponentially as each book and story see different challenges and new revelations about her and those characters around her. 

But this is the beginning. Where she dies. And wakes up soon after. And doesn’t understand why. 

There’s mystery. Plenty of world history and building going on. And foundation is laid for her new journey here. 

Each story is about 20 or so chapters, a great length to easily binge which is what I’m doing. 

Highly recommended! Have fun meeting a new character and series!

BOOK COVER DESIGN BY YOCLA DESIGNS

The Firebrand Series 

  • Brimstone Bound
  • Infernal Enchantment
  • Midnight Smoke
  • Scorched Heart
  • Dark Whispers
  • A Killer’s Kiss
  • Fortune’s Ashes

The Wolfbrand Series

  • The Noose Of A New Moon
  • Licence to Howl

Buy link:

        Brimstone Bound (The Firebrand Series Book 1)

Blurb :

A werewolf killer. A paranormal murder. How many times can Emma Bellamy cheat death?

I’m one placement away from becoming a fully fledged London detective. It’s bad enough that my last assignment before I qualify is with Supernatural Squad. But that’s nothing compared to what happens next. 

Brutally murdered by an unknown assailant, I wake up twelve hours later in the morgue – and I’m very much alive. I don’t know how or why it happened. I don’t know who killed me. All I know is that they might try again.

Werewolves are disappearing right, left and centre. 

A mysterious vampire seems intent on following me everywhere I go. 

And I have to solve my own vicious killing. Preferably before death comes for me again.

Brimstone Bound is the first book in the thrilling Firebrand urban fantasy series. If you like dark twisty mysteries, smart heroines, and the faintest touch of slow burn romance, then you’ll love Helen Harper’s mystical whodunnit. 

Ideal for fans of Annabel Chase, K.F. Breene, Shannon Mayer, C.N. Crawford and BR Kingsolver.

“Readers will quickly come to adore the quirky characters, sharp dialogue, and exquisite world building. Combining the urban fantasy stylings of Ilona Andrews with tense British mystery that will put readers in mind of Agatha Christie, this spellbinding series opener promises good things to come.”

  • Publisher: Helen Harper
  • Publication date: September 3, 2020
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 272 pages
  • Book 1 of 7: The Firebrand Series

Review: Demon on Deck (Bedeviled Book 2) by Deborah Wilde

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Demon on Deck, the second book in Deborah Wilde’s Bedeviled series, explores the origins of the main female character, Aviva Fleischer, a agent of the Jewish paranormal agency The Maccabees, who is trying to hide her identity as a half demon being. 

The complex universe that author Wilde created in book 1, and started establishing a series mystery arc about a human purity sect and a cure for vampirism continues here.  The cases that Aviva, her team as well as her ex-boyfriend, the Vampire Prince, Ezra, involve multiple otherworldly fascinating characters, intriguing paranormal realms, and compelling investigations. 

Ones in this case that lead to some surprising twists and revelations.

Demon on Deck strengthens the game here all the way through. The characters have been able to be used in ways that deepen their power and development. The storylines have greatly expanded both the world building and the overall arc narrative. 

And the suspense and plot going forward is greatly amplified by the ending here without it being a cliffhanger. 

I’m really excited for the next book in this series. Another winner and rec for me. 

Cover by: Covers By Christian.

Bedeviled:

Big Demon Energy #1

Demon on Deck #2

Better the Demon You Know #3

Demon in Disguise #4

The Demon’s Due #5 – Aug 18,2025

Buy link 

        Demon on Deck: An Enemies-to-Lovers Urban Fantasy (Bedeviled Book 2)

    

Blurb 

“I don’t want you calm. I never have.” Ezra’s lips curled up into a smile with sharp edges and no warmth, his fangs peeking through. “I want you dangerous.”

When Aviva lands a baffling murder investigation, she discovers that the key to solving the crime lies in the last place she expects—a deadly magic gaming hall aboard a freaking yacht. Because why solve a supernatural murder on nice solid ground?

While she navigates this high-stakes inquiry on the high-seas, she’s also hunting a mysterious artifact. Should it fall into the wrong hands, it’s game over for any half-demons—like her.

No pressure.

But here’s the real storm on the horizon. Her ex-lover and partner-in-crime, Ezra, is still in the picture. Sparks are flying, and not the good kind. Well, not always. Old wounds and smoldering desires have resurfaced, and she’s not sure if she’ll sink or swim.

Bon voyage.

Featuring a smart, funny heroine and a banter-fueled vampire romance, this wickedly addictive urban fantasy will keep you reading way past bedtime.

Dive in now for a fiendishly good time!

  • Publisher: Te Da Media Inc.
  • Publication date: March 18, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 327 pages
  • Book 2 of 5: Bedeviled

Review:  Barely Magic (Maddy Madrigal Mysteries Book 1) by Debra Castaneda

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Debra Castaneda is another new to me author I’ve discovered via her Maddy Madrigal Mysteries series.  Based in the Chavez Ravine area of Los Angeles, it’s a location the author has a personal and familial connection with.

As the description suggests, it’s monsters, mayhem, and Mexican food. But it’s much more. It’s about Mexican culture, mythology, and the politics of the past that allows certain ethnic groups to be seen as less important or even less visible so their presence and property can be considered up for grabs. 

It’s scare tactics but the monsters are real. 

Barely Magic (Maddy Madrigal Mysteries Book 1) by Debra Castaneda is a story I feel got better, scenario wise. The character of Maddy Madrigal finds herself back in a home where she and her family have history. Quite by accident, or so it seems. 

As Maddy becomes more assertive about her own personal relationship to the place where she’s living in and working, the character’s growth and story development will continue to work to strengthen the plot and the connection between them. 

By the end I was thoroughly engaged and rooting for the character and her new community of friends. 

I’m really excited to see where this character and series will go. So I’m onto the next in the series. 

It’s a definite hit for me. And a recommendation for those who enjoy strong female characters, mysteries with a cultural element. 

Cover design by: Jacqueline Sweet

Maddy Madrigal Mysteries:

Barely Magic #1

Somewhat Magic #2

Desperate Magic #3

Semi-related:

Chavez Ravine Stories (3 books)

Buy link

        Barely Magic (Maddy Madrigal Mysteries Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Maddy Madrigal doesn’t believe she’s magic. If she were, she wouldn’t be busting her butt every day working for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Occult Affairs division, rounding up the strange and nasty entities unleashed by the last earthquake. At forty, if she were magic, she’d have less aggravation and more money.

So, when a security job opens up in an exclusive gated community, she takes it. Better money, great perks, and best of all, no entities.

At first, her problems are solved—the job’s great, she’s made new friends, and a good-looking man has caught her eye. She even has time to cook her favorite Mexican dishes while her new cat watches, though there’s something not quite right about him.

But the fancy neighborhood she was hired to protect hides a secret: something supernatural is attacking the residents, and as Maddy tries to unravel the mystery, she discovers a secret of her own: she may have inherited magical abilities from her famous great aunt, a Mexican witch.

With monsters roaming the hilly streets, residents up in arms, and her boss breathing down her neck, Maddy must decide how far she’s willing to go to preserve her new life.

Barely Magic is the first book in Maddy Madrigal Mysteries, a new urban fantasy series from Debra Castaneda, the award-winning author of The Monsters of Chavez Ravine and the Dark Earth Rising series including The Root Witch and A Dark and Rising Tide.

  • Publisher: Shadow Canyon Press
  • Publication date: March 20, 2025
  • Language: English
  • File size: 5.3 MB
  • Print length: 328 pages
  • Book 1 of 3: Maddy Madrigal Mysteries

Review:  The Vampire in the Potting Shed (Groom & Doom Book 1) by Hailey Edwards 

Rating: 4⭐️

Hailey Edwards has a really great new start on a series with her new paranormal novella, The Vampire in the Potting Shed. 

The first in the Groom & Doom series, we don’t get much of a world foundation, although I saw mention that it’s set in the same universe as the author’s Black Hat Bureau (10 book) series.

This particular story is tied to one small town and territory, and focuses on Ana Sartori, who runs Gwinnett Street Groomers, a small pet grooming business and has an Alpha wolf shifter as an overprotective father. She herself can’t shift so remains outside of the pack business and affairs. 

At 125 pages, Edwards packs a lot of information, interesting characters, and relationship dynamics into her storyline. That includes some neat twists and reveals.

It’s a quick, highly entertaining story and it makes you wish the next book was ready for reading. 

I’m definitely reading it when it’s available. 

A new winner for an author I enjoy. 

Cover by Damonza

Groom & Doom 

The Vampire in the Potting Shed #1

Buy link

        The Vampire in the Potting Shed (Groom & Doom Book 1)

    

Blurb 

There are two things Ana Sartori knows for certain. She can’t shapeshift into a wolf like her father or his pack. And, despite her being a latent, little more than human, he loves her despite her faults. She’s never going to be an alpha like him, but she can still hold her own in a fight. Not that her life is violent. He makes sure of that. Aside from occasionally wrestling pets into a headlock when it’s time to trim their nails at Gwinnett Street Groomers, Ana leads a simple life.

At least that was the case until someone broke into her pet resort and spa, leaving a mystery dog behind in one of the bougie boarding suites. Not to mention there’s a vampire hiding in the potting shed. A very tall, very handsome vampire. He even smells nice, minus the blood drenching his clothes.

Ana could handle those things, probably, but now there’s a new alpha determined to claim the town—and Ana—as his territory. Either she stands and fights for her home, or she runs to her father with her (metaphorical) tail tucked between her legs. Life is a lot of things, but for Ana, simple isn’t one of them anymore.

  • Publisher: Black Dog Books, LLC.
  • Publication date: June 16, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 125 pages
  • Book 1 of 1: Groom & Doom

Review: The Birthday List (Maysen Jar #1) by Devney Perry

Rating: 3⭐️

I found author Devney Perry through her recent romantasy release, Shield of Sparrows. I really enjoyed that book so when this title popped up I thought I’d give it a shot. 

And, at least, in this case, I’ve found that Devney Perry’s contemporary work probably isn’t for me. 

I quickly finished the story of a young woman widowed early and dealing with her grief. It’s also the fact that she’s trying how best to move forward alone as well as losing the future she’d envisioned of them together growing old.

It’s sweet and moving in some parts. I liked the dog. But it took me a while to figure out what was bothering me about the storylines and characters. And I believe it’s because Perry’s woman characters and story are male centric. And that’s a pass for me.

Poppy Maysen, whose husband Jamie is killed in a robbery, decides to check off all the items Jamie had written on his annual birthday to do list. A list of items he wanted to do each birthday before he was 35, skydiving, jump in a pool of green jello, etc. And open a restaurant , called Maysen Jar, which she accomplishes.

Poppy, a gorgeous woman (almost so perfect it’s unbelievable), is a fabulous cook, who everyone loves who comes into contact with her (with some exceptions). She’s also focused on her husband’s memory, his family and her own interconnected relationships with her brother’s family. It’s a life lived through the lens of men. Mostly Jamie.  Or Finn, her brother. Then it’s Cole, the next one to step into her life. 

The MMC , Cole Goodman , is a handsome sheriff with a deep connection with her. And it’s a dual perspective story, from Poppy and Cole’s POV. Which normally helps, except for Cole’s constant thoughts of Poppy’s physical attributes and what he wants to do with her. Overlaid with trad wife goals (lots a babies , small town families) that he’s envisioning with her immediately. 

But while they are working through her deceased husband’s list (it’s his list, again, another problematic factor for a partnership), but there’s a bigger issue here for me. 

Poppy has an older brother, Finn, who was married to Poppy’s best friend Molly. Finn’s gardening business took priority over Molly and their young children. He was away on business, then came home and took his anger and stress out on Molly. This is straight out from the book. She asked him to go to counseling.He didn’t and moved out. She thought the marriage was over and during a party had a drunken one night stand. Which she told Poppy and Finn about. And was vilified for. Finn? Nowhere is he even mentioned for any responsibility for the broken relationship or marriage. No, Finn can’t EVER forgive Molly for her awful cheating behavior. Again, straight from the novel, over and over. 

This is how the author writes about them and their actions and marriage. Even Poppy who had declared herself “Switzerland” here has called Molly a cheater And , and while she regrets that she called her best friend that, Poppy still hasn’t placed any weight on Finn for his part in the matter.  Nope, it’s all on poor Molly. Huge flags here for me. 

Like I said, a narrative which is male centric or the female character are male focused, right down to the author having them forfeit responsibility doesn’t work for me. 

Now book 2 of the Maysen Jars series is Letters to Molly which we get the first chapter. Molly is now getting her independence and feeling good about herself. Guess who’s getting back into the picture. Finn. After that treatment. 

So I’m noping right out of the series. 

I prefer a strong female character, a realistic story and definitely not a traditional take which makes a contemporary story look more like a fantasy novel than one containing otherworldly creatures within it. 

Cover: Sarah Hansen, Okay Creations

Maysen Jar:

The Birthday List

Letters to Molly

The Dandelion Diary 

Buy link

        The Birthday List (Maysen Jar)

    

Blurb 

From #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Devney Perry, comes a heartwarming and emotional small town Montana romance.

I carry a journal with me. A journal with a list.

Take a karate class. Go skydiving. Learn to play the ukulele. Say yes to everything for an entire day. The list goes on, line by line, of youthful dreams.

For too long that list has haunted me. But starting today, I’m going to cross one item off. Today, I’m opening my new restaurant in Bozeman, Montana. The Maysen Jar.

It should have marked the first day of a new life. A fresh start. But then Cole Goodman waltzed through the door and brought with him the past. A man who shattered my heart. A man I tried to forget.

Maybe it’s a good thing he insists on sticking around. Because the only way I’ll finish the list is with Cole’s help. And then I can finally say goodbye.

  • Publisher: Devney Perry LLC
  • Publication date: April 3, 2018
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 404 pages
  • Part of series: Maysen Jar