Tag: A MelanieM Review

Review:  Fool Me Twice (Cursebreakers, Inc. Book 2) by A. M. Rose

Rating:  4.25🌈

If I thought the dark curses of Like a House on Fire were terrifying, Rose takes this story and goes into another magical lane of darkness and curses.

Fool Me Twice by A. M. Rose, the second book in the Cursebreakers, Inc. series, has two main characters we met in book one. Cain, the brutal, anger filled owner of an illegal underground fighting club (where Ash fought in book 1), and Hart, the uber polished, always controlled unofficial head of his family of Cursebreakers.

Of the two main storylines, the relationship aspect between Cain and Hart doesn’t really work (imo) as well as the magical curse plot line. 

Aside from a instant heavy D/s element, there’s other parts of this relationship, that as written, makes it harder, imo, to create a connection between them as a couple and a reader.  One is the missing history or background between them.  It’s implied here but it’s not clear what happened. There’s a short story that a reader can access after finishing the book that fills this in, but it’s lack of details in the narrative leaves a deep gap between the present day emotional complexity and intensity of the actions of the characters to make their interactions believable. For Hart to break down, abandoning his character, there needed to be a foundation laid out for this to be something that could be understood. Especially when Cain is the key. 

I don’t think that happened. The characters apart are intriguing. Together, not so sure.

What was incredible about the story is the curse , the mystery and once again, the escalating suspense and horror that surrounds the curse and those affected by it. It’s so well written, the tension and horror so intense as well as the puzzling nature and scrambling for a solution.

That last part of the narrative is a true white knuckle ride.  It’s emotional, compelling ,and very dangerous. And the reader is all in. 

Aside from the romantic thread, there’s other things that really matter here. The authors bring us more background information about how the Cursebreakers were formed as a unit, we see more of the agency and its members, and get a feel for stories to come. 

The various members of the remarkable Cursebreakers are still being fleshed out. The first being Ash with Morgan. Now Hart, still polished house family manager alongside his partner Cain. Next up is the affable Fix, the large Cursebreaker who’s helped hold them together during a formative period/history that’s slowly being revealed. 

Wren, an intriguing Cursebreaker who works with cursed creatures, has important clues released here about his past and a new character that was introduced. Can’t wait for their story to be released.

I’m excited for this series and recommending this story. Read them in the order they are written for character development and event content.

Cover designed by BCJ Art & Design 

Cursebreakers, Inc.:

  • Like a House on Fire # 1
  • Fool Me Twice #2
  • A Thousand Cuts #3 – March 12, 2025

Buy link 

        Fool Me Twice (Cursebreakers, Inc. Book 2)

    

Blurb 

“Be a calm wave in the ocean of chaos.”

Hart, perhaps, took that quote a bit too much to heart. In the midst of drama and the constant restlessness of his family, he chose to present himself as unwavering. Poised. Controlled. Even when inside, he’s anything but. There are layers to him underneath the perfection. Layers he’s desperately craving for someone to peel away.

It’s just his luck that the only person who knows how to do that lives his life in shades of gray. Morally gray.

Cane punches first. Period. What question would he even need to ask? 

Only, it seems like his tried-and-true method isn’t working so well for him anymore. With an empire to run in the underbelly of Slatehollow, the last thing he needs is a curse placed on his head and drawing attention to the details of his…business ventures.

But when it starts to do more than just that, he knows there is only one person he can call. Hart. And with Hart, inevitably, comes a realization. Cane wants so much more than cursebreaking from him. 

Will Hart let him have it? Or will the curse destroy them both first?

  • Publication date: June 10, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 379 pages

Review: Like a House on Fire (Cursebreakers, Inc. Book 1) by A.M. Rose

Rating: 4.5🌈

Cursebreakers, Inc is a series that has released books 1 and 2 in the terrific new paranormal fantasy romances from the authors known as A.M. Rose.  Sexy, fascinating, dystopian in the world setting, magical and often horrifying, Rose grabbed me from the beginning of this novel.

 The Cursebreakers, a group of men (in this case) who are born with a mark that lets the magical governing agency know what they are and what they might be capable of magically as they develop.  The history and backgrounds of each Cursebreaker is  relayed by the characters in their stories, in most cases not very pleasant ones. And, as we find out in Book 2, how exactly this group was formed. 

Like a House on Fire sets down the basic foundations of the world and agency. It’s a tantalizing framework that immediately begs for more exploration and detailed knowledge because of the defining features Rose lets us see through the lens of their creations.

The first of the Cursebreakers is Ash, who has an affinity with fire and fighting. He’s impulsive and highly skilled in a certain type of curses as is everyone in their group. Each having a specific skill set or sets of magical abilities to breaking curses.  

It’s a two person POV, and the magical drama, which is horrifyingly subtle at first, is built skillfully as the scenes bounce between the two protagonists. 

Morgan and his bff, Brea, arrive at a dilapidated house he’s just inherited by an aunt he barely knew.  It’s not an ordinary house, fyi. Various things happen and he’s trapped inside. 

In a panic, Brea calls the Cursebreakers and Ash is sent to handle what’s assumed to be a simple case. It’s not.

From the central point of a strange situation, an unknown magical force which happens to be a house, Rose writes a novel that tells multiple stories.  Ash and Morgan develop into fascinating layered characters, people with depths able to develop different aspects of their personalities as they explore and deal with each new frightening situation. 

Then there’s all the magical elements, the spells and craftwork, the tools and techniques created to enhance the characters and world building. It’s remarkable and feels believable in such a dark fantasy environment. 

As the terror and suspense keeps multiplying, more series knowledge and intense magical energy becomes available that pulls in other members of the Cursebreakers so we meet them and lays a foundation for new plots going forward.

There’s a trigger warning for people with issues with tight spaces and claustrophobia. Take note because I found parts, ok many parts, of this story terrifying. 

I just was so invested in this story and the characters. A definite page turner and a must read for all lovers of paranormal or fantasy dark romance. 

Cover designed by BCJ Art & Design 

Cursebreakers, Inc.:

  • Like a House on Fire # 1
  • Fool Me Twice #2
  • A Thousand Cuts #3 – March 12, 2025

Buy link 

        Like a House on Fire (Cursebreakers, Inc. Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Right, so…let’s see how he got himself in this mess.

An estranged family member left him a house. Which is great. The house looks like it’s a soft breeze away from crumbling. Less great. The house is cursed and now Morgan is trapped inside it. Anything BUT great.

Cursebreaker, please! And make him hot. Morgan’s been through a lot.

Herbs? Check. Fire? Check. Being the best at his job and knowing it? Double effing check.

Ash had everything he needed to get his client out of a cursed house. So how in the world did he get himself trapped inside with him? Why is the house so against them leaving? And why is his client the hottest thing since wildfire?

Time for a new plan.

One that involves breaking the curse, and breaking the bed. Not necessarily in that order.

  • Publication date: March 8, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 301 pages

Review:  The Badger in His Burrow (Beyond the Veil, #8) by K. M. Avery 

Rating: 5🌈

K.M. Avery’s Beyond the Veil series is one of my favorites, not only because of its narrative complexity in terms of the themes, intensity of its layered paranormal characters, and the well crafted conceptual elements that Avery has created for the series and continues to explore as each new book releases. 

It’s also the interesting way the author has formatted the series. Avery sections it into 3 book miniseries that revolve around a certain character or couple’s arduous emotional journey.  Each one moves the many plot lines of mystery and drama of the series forward through the various lives of the couple and characters we are focusing on.

Currently, the one that we’re in is the one of the most emotionally charged and compelling segment of the series so far. Mostly due to the nature of the narrative and we see intimately and feel full connected to a person who has contracted the virus during the series. That’s huge in a group of brilliantly written storylines with full of memorable characters and oftentimes heartbreaking scenes.

It starts with the unforgettable events in The Turning of the Tables that lead to shattering changes to Seth Mays, and the beginning of his relationship with Elliott Crane, badger shifter and best friend of Hart. 

The Badger in His Burrow follows Seth in his quest for new beginnings, including a job and control to the small Wisconsin town where Elliott Crane lives, Hart is from, and Seth has a tiny familiarity with because of his association with Hart’s investigation into the murder case involving Elliot’s father. 

Avery picks up the storylines, characters and township from that previous story and weaves it into something deeper, different but still familiar.  It’s now a mystery, a search for Seth for a new start, and for Elliot too. 

All the emotions, physically charged elements in adapting to the new identity, the having to adjust to others judgements, it is all worked realistically into this world and Seth’s character.

There’s also more horror, more mystery and suspense to go with a developing relationship as the Arcanavirus continues to divide the populace.  What makes Avery’s series so relevant and compelling is that the reactions and immediate responses to the Arcanavirus, for those it’s impacted in every aspect, can be viewed through the lenses of the current events today. Racism, sexism , highlighting the deep fears and hatred that is directed towards the LGBTQIA by some people, AIDS, all the experiences the pandemic’s produced are reflected in the ways the Arcanavirus has affected the world in the series.

The story is raw, moving, complicated and thoughtful. And there’s another story to come in Seth and Elliott’s 3-book group.  

I highly recommend this entire series. They must be read in the order they are written in order to understand the events, the relationships and the developments in the series themes. 

I’ll be reading the preceding book again as I want to go back to the beginning of Seth’s journey. 

What an epic deeply rooted emotional experience this book turns out to be.

And one I highly recommend. Always.

Series couples to date (not standalone):

Ward’s story (1-3): 

The Ghost in the Hall 

The Boy in the Locked Room 

The Skeleton Under the Stairs. 

Hart’s story (4-6): 

The Dog in the Alley 

The Bones in the Yard 

The Elf Beside Himself 

Seth’s story (7-9): 

The Turning of the Tables 

The Badger in his Burrow 

The Past in the Present (coming 2025) 

Rayn’s Story (10 +) (coming 2025-2026) 

Buy Link

        The Badger in His Burrow (Beyond the Veil Book 8)

    

Blurb 

I moved halfway across the country for this guy—knowing that he wasn’t interested. And that’s probably not even the stupidest thing I’ve ever done.

The stupidest thing I’ve ever done is seriously contemplate telling him that I’m falling in love with him. While also trying to find a job and keep my new coworkers from finding out that I’m a shifter. In a small town where everybody knows everybody else… except me.

The same small town where Elliot’s dad was murdered, where Elliot was almost murdered, and those people have family and friends who are still openly anti-shifter. The town is divided over whether it wants to embrace its shifter citizens or watch them literally be torn apart. I know which side has my vote, but I’m clearly the outsider here.

So here I am, in a tiny midwestern town with more cows than people, trying not to get fired, not to get outed, and not to get killed… all while hoping to somehow figure out a way to make Elliot Crane fall in love with me.

I’m going to need a lot more than luck.

  • Publication date: December 21, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 519 pages

Review:  Striking a Chord at Randy’s (A Diner Day’s story) by K.C. Carmine

Rating: 3.75🌈

K. C. Carmine’s contemporary romance is a sexy sweet best friends to lovers romance with a twist.  In a series that is centered around a Diner that is a safe haven for the LGBT community, the stories are themed on the same storylines and characters. Here Charlie, who transitioned once his family moved, is reunited with his best friend from childhood, Trent, who’s just arrived in town.  

Carmine’s story has a number of big elements and emotional moments to explore. It’s been ten years since Charlie and Trent have seen each other, and the growth for each person  in that time has been tremendous.  Especially for Charlie.  Then there’s Trent who’s recognizing that his sexuality is more fluid, pansexual than strictly drawn to one gender.  There’s more.  From a reunion of old friends who’ve had enormous changes in their lives to an intimate sexual relationship and love life, including a mixed everyday interactions.  

It all occurs without too much introspection, drama , and time span. For all the terrific characters, great aspects of the story, and even the relationship, for me, that it all came together so fast felt unreal.

It was like watching a sweet romance unfold but I never felt a connection because, imo, they were never grounded or believable. To have that would have needed more depth, layers, and time for the years apart and the growth they’ve undergone to be fully understood and explored between them. 

Enjoy the story for the sweet sexy moments and romance the author intends. 

Great cover!

Cover design by Cormar Covers

Diner Days series -11 books:

🔷Written at Randy’s by Katherine McIntyre

🔷Final Boy at Randy’s by Loren Leigh

🔷Cramming at Randy’s by Alex Silver 

🔷Temptation at Randy’s by Emily Alter

🔷Hitched at Randy’s by A. E. Madsen

🔷Gaming at Randy’s by Duckie Mack

🔷Striking a Chord at Randy’s by K. C. Carmine 

🔷Composed at Randy’s by Zile Elliven❤️ 

🔷Roleplay at Randy’s by Rikki Leighton

🔷Finding Home at Randy’s by Abrianna Denae

🔷Aftercare at Randy’s by R.A. Frick 

Buy link

        Striking a Chord at Randy’s

    

Blurb 

Can a rocker fall for a gym bunny? Nah, no way. But what if the big, muscly guy looks sad? Well…

Moving out of his hometown gives Trent the freedom to shape his life the way he wants, out of his brother’s shadow. Running into his childhood friend is not what he expected, but exactly what he needed. Amidst the chaos of new discoveries, his closeness to Charlie unlocks his heart and mind.

With supportive family and friends, Charlie lives as his true self. His past comes stumbling into his life in the shape of a muscled, cute-as-a-cupcake guy who shakes the foundation of the walls around Charlie’s heart.

The new feelings threaten to jeopardize their friendship after they just got it back.

A story of a rekindled friendship, a bi-awkening, opposites attract, and trans joy.

A standalone MM book (with a trans man) from multi-author, shared world Diner Days series.

Striking a Chord at Randy’s is a low angst M/M opposites attract romance between a trans male music lover and a lost boy about to have an awakening.

Multi-author series info: Love beyond the binary: serving up low angst trans romances at Randy’s Diner.

  • Publisher: Blindfold Press (October 3, 2024)
  • Publication date: October 3, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 188 pages

Transgender romance 

— Striking a Chord at Randy’s by K.C. Carmine

Review:  Fragile as Glass by Pat Henshaw

Rating: 4🌈

Fragile as Glass by Pat Henshaw is a wonderful, slightly mystical romance in JMS Books LLC’s  Gay Advent Calendar this year.  

Henshaw does such an excellent job in creating the character of glass artist Ashton Snell, complete with compelling history that explores and helps the reader really understand him, his personality, including his disability, and the slightly magical gift  that he inherited from his grandfather.  Ashton is so well written that he and this narrative need a longer story to completely dive into all the many elements and characters this author has created here.

The other main character is singer/rock star/songwriter Hunter who just isn’t as layered a character but has the ability to grow into something special.  He’s intriguing but there’s so much to Ashton that anyone would be a lesser individual with this story. There’s not enough pages for equal development.

He comes with a good backstory, two  side characters ( a bodyguard and his boyfriend , a chef) that I also wanted more of. Especially Gil, that bodyguard, because in a tv show or on stage, he’s what’s called a “scene stealer”.  He’s that dynamic.

There’s also something fascinating going on, plot wise, that Henshaw pulls together here.  After giving us an idea of the intriguing place where Ashton lives, a home turned compound that his grandfather started and has filled with artists.  Ashton has two long time friends,fellow artists, and the author begins a storyline about a changing new dynamic between them, not a welcome one.

It’s a great plot. But that’s not what the story is about, and it has nowhere  to go. It’s dropped. But I certainly was glued to this aspect of the story and it’s still there in my mind, going back over what the author might have done with more pages to really explore this aspect of Ashton’s life.

The romance between Ashton and Hunter is magical, quick, with a dramatic moment and then a sweet ending. That seems a bit rushed.  But that is my preference for longer stories in general and this is in keeping with the spirit of the story. 

Fragile as Glass by Pat Henshaw is a lovely story.  It’s got so many interesting elements and well done characters that I wish it was twice its length or a prequel for more of this universe to come. 

It’s another win for this author and the delightful press, JMS Books LLC.  Check them out!

Buy link

https://www.jms-books.com/pat-henshaw-c-224_462/fragile-as-glass-p-5281.html

Blurb 

A scrying stone says after his gift is destroyed, a famous songwriter will fall in love. Will the stone’s prediction come true?

Glass artist Ashton Snell is delighted when superstar singer/songwriter Hunter Davidson walks into his shop looking for a gift for a friend. On a whim Ashton looks through a scrying glass to see what’s in store for Hunter in the future. The stone shows a vision of the glass unicorn gift shattering and Hunter falling in love. Should Ashton tell Hunter what he’s seen?

Before he can decide, Hunter asks him to lunch. Ashton agrees although he’s surprised someone as celebrated as Hunter would want to be seen with him. Despite living with it since birth, Ashton is still self-conscious about his limp. Hunter, however, doesn’t seem to notice it.

Could their lunch be the beginning of a lasting friendship? Or will their attraction turn into something more?

Review:  On Circus Lane (The Wright Brothers, #1) by Lily Morton

Rating: 4.5🌈

On Circus Lane by Lily Morton is another one of this author’s fantastic heartwarming Christmas stories.  The second novel, Merry Measure, was released first in December 2020, and is the hilarious holiday story of Arlo Wright, the younger brother. And I love it.

But it had been several years since I’d read it so I approached On Circus Lane with fresh eyes and as though the characters were completely new to me.  After a reread, I think this is the best way to go into the book because Bee and Tom Wright were secondary characters in Merry Measure and I love their personalities and characters so much more here . 

As they roam around the snow covered streets of Edinburgh, peering into the tiny alleyways and decorated shops that Morton vividly describes, we become deeply connected to this complicated marvelous couple. As with all her books, Morton has visited and traveled the same pathways that her characters take so the incredible sights and experiences of their journey come alive through the author’s own eyes as her imagination. It’s so beautifully written and charming.

Layered into the charming holiday landscape are the perfectly executed characters of Bee Bannister and Tom Wright.  Bee is that slowly unfolding gift of hidden depths, adolescence painful secrets, and unimaginable intelligence wrapped up in a lovely quirky man who trusts few and has an unlimited appetite for knowledge.  I adore him .  Tom Wright, with his unusual family background and his parents romantic love story, is the perfect companion and character whose own journey to love is one that fits in so beautifully that the reader is along with them emotionally each step forward.

Secondary characters like Sal and Ivy, Frank and awful boyfriend Stephen are just as well crafted, full of energy and personality. We love them, root for them, and even dislike one of them ,it’s a complete cast of recognizable people that add to a warmhearted romance full of the sights and atmosphere of the holiday season in Edinburgh. 

In short, a fabulous story and a must read this year.

Wright Brothers series:

On Circus Lane #1

Merry Measure #2

Buy link:

https://getbook.at/OnCircusLane

Blurb 

The first time Bee Bannister met Tom Wright, he couldn’t stand him. 

Everything about the man aggravated him—his perfect hair and body, his confident arrogance, and the way he looked straight through Bee. 

Which is why it’s such an unpleasant shock to find that he’ll be sharing space with him while on a Christmas holiday with friends in Scotland.

However, as the days fly by and snowy Edinburgh begins to work its magic on him, Bee discovers that sometimes first impressions can be very misleading. Tom is kind and funny, and somehow, rather than looking through Bee, he actually sees and likes all of him.

The two men grow closer, but will Bee follow his heart or his head when the holiday ends? And can relationships that start so badly ever lead to love?

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a festive romantic comedy about enemies to lovers and the magic of Christmas. 

This is the first book in the Wright Brothers series.

  • Publication date: December 17, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 262 pages

Review:  Impulsive Connections (Elemental Bonds #2) by Marie Reynard

Rating: 4.5🌈

The second book in Marie Reynard’s excellent paranormal fated mate mystery series, Impulsive Connections is one of those stories that kept me up til the early morning hours. Then ended on a thrilling cliffhanger. I wasn’t expecting that.

Reynard has been building a superb paranormal mystery that borders on the horror for this series.  It’s a fated mate romance that has an overlying series plot about a disappearing shifters, shifter territories under siege by mysterious dark forces, and entire packs suffering or  sometimes failing from odd magical symptoms. 

With each new book and couple (a mage/shifter fated mate storyline), more of the complex arc plot and its elements are revealed. 

Reynard’s characterizations and plot lines are excellent. Both in terms of how the author builds the relationship between scholarly mage Liam Batiste and the extroverted romantic wolf shifter, Kade Mills, weaving series foundation knowledge and mystery elements into it while maintaining the core plot of a fated mate couple. Our attention is secured, our emotions engaged. 

The author never fails to let her characters grow as the relationship develops, letting them reveal more of their inner lives and desires be communicated as the story progresses.  This is true for not just the main characters but the equally important side characters as well, like Aran, and the other mages and shifters. 

Another well done aspect of the series and the story is the magical elements.  The various spells, the crafting abilities, and even the deep lore and research,  stressing the importance for resources, it’s all realistic and exciting.  It makes sense and grounds this magical world.

Liam and Kade’s relationship is one I absolutely connected with, while enjoying their friendships with other people, including the close knit group of mages that arrived to help the Mills pack with their dark spirits troubling their territory. 

There’s a cliffhanger I hadn’t expected after the first book, and it’s a heartbreaking moment.  It’s times like this when I love having a fully finished series to read. 

However, I’ll be waiting in mad anticipation for the third book to arrive and probably re-visiting this one to be ready!

I’m highly recommending this series and story for all lovers of the fated mate trope and paranormal romance novels. No mpreg.  There’s plenty of great suspense and magical battles to look forward to. 

Read them in the order they are written for plot and character development. 

Elemental Bonds:

  • Accidental Bonds #1 (Victor and Elijah)
  • Impulsive Connections #2 (Kade and Liam)
  • Unexpected Alliances #3 – (Aran’s story) coming soon 

Buy link

        Impulsive Connections (Elemental Bonds Book 2)

    

Blurb 

Ignited by accident, fueled by fate. Some bonds burn brighter than any flame.

Kade Mills has spent over a decade dreaming of his ideal meet-cute. Surely the universe wouldn’t toss the perfect mage at him while he’s a scarred shadow of his former flirtatious self, recovering from his last encounter with the malicious spirits haunting his pack’s territory.

Liam Batiste is a man of simple pleasures; a quiet room and a stack of books are all he needs to be happy. He’s only in Lost Creek to help his friend save the Mills pack from the unknown evil infesting their land, but everything changes when he and Kade are paired up to capture the supernatural threat.

After a run-in with a spirit leaves them entangled—physically and magically—they must learn to control the newfound power their unwanted connection grants them. As they struggle to resist the heady pull of their bond, they begin to realize it may hold the key to defeating the dark forces that are endangering far more than just Kade’s pack… and perhaps it’s not as unwelcome as they first thought.

Impulsive Connections is a steamy 149k M/M paranormal romance featuring a playboy wolf shifter, a nerdy mage, and friends who are trying their very best not to meddle. This simmering slow burn is perfect for readers who love reluctant mates, unintended bonds, forced proximity, unfortunate bed shortages, and knotting. While it guarantees a happy ending for its main couple, the overarching plot does contain cliffhangers, and the series should be read in order. Please look inside for content warnings. (This series does not contain mpreg.)

  • Publisher: Peace Garden Publishing, LLC (December 14, 2024)
  • Publication date: December 14, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 576 pages

Review:  Two Thousand Shadows ( Kings of Chaos Book #4) by Jocelynn Drake

Rating: 5🌈

We’re at the penultimate book in Jocelynn Drake’s fantastic epic paranormal series of ancient Chinese vampires, terrifying Fae dynastic plots, realm invasions, dragons, fated mates , witches and paranormal beings of all sorts of magical mythology.

What a mesmerizing wild explosive fantasy romantic ride this series is. And with Two Thousand Shadows we get both answers to a series long puzzle and an agonizing cliffhanger to angst over until the finale is released. 

Two Thousand Shadows has a lot of storylines and elements to it, particularly with Drake having to concentrate on pulling together the entire series dramatic plots and characters for huge battles and storyline climaxes that will resolve the majority of the series main crucial issues.  

Does Drake pull it off? Absolutely!

With the addition of new characters, cat shifters with magical abilities that are slowly revealed throughout the narrative, and a new couple who are (already formed in the reader’s imagination) a more substantial force in both personalities and character growth. 

Junjie, who’s a seer and warrior, has his own painful past revisited here through memories and conversations with his clan. The cat shifter is revealed to be Leo, the stray cat Junjie has been feeding a surprise that came at the end of the previous story. 

Leo’s character and shifter background is rolled out as Leo decides what he wants to do with the clan and his affinity for Junjie. It’s interesting how Drake again is able to write Leo feelings and thoughts as a paranormal character with a different nature than a human being.  Leo’s story feels very different from anything else that has come from before, that includes the dragon, who also acts as it should. 

What or who is delightfully written is an orphan cat shifter who acts as a bridge between Leo and the clan, especially Junjie, pulling Leo into the found family in a relatable manner. 

When it comes to the all important details and climatic moments, Drake has the power of the many magical beings and surprisingly great twists to make them so satisfying.  Did I want more? Sure. But this is so complicated, so many elements and elaborate layers of storylines leading up the result that I probably wouldn’t be happy unless there was a couple more books.  

These are fabulous characters and it’s hard to believe that with all their potential for growth and more importantly additional content, this is leading up to the end. Hopefully with a break, Drake will think about new stories. 

There’s another story coming because as I said this ends on a cliffhanger. A unexpected twist.  

Until that book drops, grab up this fantastic series. Read them in the order they were written and enjoy the journey into an incredible universe and amazing characters. 

Love the covers, the concept. Fantastic.

The Kings of Chaos :

  • Two Thousand Dreams #1
  • Two Thousand Tears #2
  • Two Thousand Blades #3
  • Two Thousand Shadows #4
  • Two Thousand Promises #5 – Feb 21,2025 – finale I think.

Buy link

        Two Thousand Shadows (Kings of Chaos Book 4)

    

Blurb 

That cat is a liar!

The “stray cat” Junjie has been feeding and cuddling for months is actually an extremely rare cat shifter.

Of course, Leo would have preferred to continue their arrangement of Junjie feeding him choice bits of fish and rubbing his belly, but he needs Junjie’s help and that means revealing his secret.

An orphaned kitten needs a home after the fae killed his parents, and Leo is the most irresponsible, feckless, lazy creature in existence.

In short, he’s a terrible choice for raising a two-year-old cat shifter.

No. The WORST choice.

Yet, even after the little boy is settled with Junjie and the rest of the Zhang clan, Leo can’t walk away.

There’s just something about that sweet, bashful vampire with the too-soft heart and sexy eyes. And that kid is stealing chunks of his heart, too.

The war with the fae is about to tear the world apart and an old dark shadow has fallen over the Zhang clan, threatening to destroy them all.

Leo must stay to protect his new family. Even if it means giving up all his secrets to the vampire who is steadily stealing away his heart.


Two Thousand Shadows is the fourth novel in the Kings of Chaos series. This book contains a gentle, shy vampire who will stop at nothing to protect those he loves, a shifter with a secret, a nosy family who wants all the spilled tea, other non-human surprises, snark, angst, magic, found family, brotherly bickering, chaos, cuddles, secrets, and an endless love.

  • Publication date: December 13, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 354 pages

Review:  Christmas Beau (Christmas Falls: Season 2 #6) by Amy Aislin 

Rating: 4.5🌈

Amy Aislin is another terrific author whose ability to write people in thoughtful adult relationships has been a huge factor in why I love her stories so.  Christmas Beau features many of the wonderful Amy Aislin elements of look for in her books and make them a must read.

The characters are multifaceted, facing realistic challenges, dealing with them by communicating to each other, while still respecting their own emotional state or the history behind some of them.  This is grownup adult behavior being treated as such. And I love that in a story. No over the top drama but serious conversations about the challenges ahead or the obstacles currently being faced.

Aislin’s characters and narrative smacks of realism while still being hilariously funny at times. Yes, I was giggling so hard at how socially awkward single dad Scott Jersey becomes when faced with his son’s hockey coach, Hank Beaufort.

Hank is one of the four Beaufort brothers, but the only one who didn’t make it to the NHL, something his brothers tease him brutally for.  Now as he’s building up the hockey program for young players in Christmas Falls , he’s struggling with his plans for going forward. Hank, with the hockey history and surroundings, is a notable Aislin character.

Scott Jersey, single father, of a hockey playing 12 year old son, has his old problems.  He’s just been fired from his law firm, living on his savings, and seeking a new direction for himself. Plus crushing on his son’s coach. 

Scott is both vulnerable, hilarious in his ineptitude when it comes to dealing with Hank, a realistic dad, and a good man. He’s the character a reader immediately relates to, along with his son. 

There’s several other family components that add in complexity to the story, each being layered into the narrative in believable ways. And having the characters dealing with each one in ways that are equally satisfying.

I just loved this book. There’s no rush into an instant love. No immediate moving in together. Instead we get a couple that’s thoughtful, moving, and respectful of each other’s feelings and lives. Building a relationship that’s solid.

What a fantastic gift.

Highly recommend this book and author if you’re not already familiar with her. 

Cover art by Morningstar Ashley Designs 

And check out all the books in the Christmas Falls series, both 1 and 2.

Christmas Falls, Season 2:

The Snuggle is Real by DJ Jamison Flake It til You Make It by Beth Bolden ❤️

12 Dates of Christmas by Brigham Vaughn 

Here Comes Santa Paws by Lee Blair 

Under the Mistle-Foe by Rye Cox

❤️Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin 

❤️No Business Like Snow Business by J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry 

Frost Impressions by Kelly Fox

Promise Yule Be Mine by Rhys Everly Mingle All The Way by Hayden Hall

Christmas Falls, Season 1:

Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison Snowbody Loves You by Jacki James Get Frosted by Amy Aislin 

Silent Knight by Beth Bolden 

Under the Mistle-Tome by Sammi Cee 

Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox 

No Elf-ing Way by Hayden Hall 

Ready, Set, Glow! by Rye Cox 

Scrooge You! By Brigham Vaughn

Buy link

        Christmas Beau

    

Blurb 

Hank Beaufort’s life is a mess.

Oh, he looks like he has it all together, but the reality is that he’s freshly retired from an unimpressive minor hockey career, and the ink is barely dry on his equally unimpressive second divorce. Now he’s the hockey director at the community center in a small town that treats Christmas like Santa Claus is real, and he’s not sure his new career is any more impressive than the last. As the new guy in town, he’d be lonely as hell if it weren’t for his dogs.

The one spot of brightness?

Scott Jersey, the adorably awkward single dad who brings his son to practice every week.

Hank’s not interested in a new relationship so soon after the disaster of the last one, but when doggy play dates lead to real dates, will he be able to set aside his reservations to be someone’s Christmas beau after all?

Christmas Falls: Season 2 revisits a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie. It’s a multi-author M/M romance series.

  • Publication date: November 29, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 193 pages

Review:  Moody’s Grumpy Holiday by Lane Hayes

Rating: 4.5🌈

Lane Hayes has written a funny engaging holiday romance about a two completely opposite men, ones who aren’t looking for a relationship, who find in themselves a unexpected love.  In a Christmas Town during the holidays.

With Hayes’ gift for memorable, endearing characters and the ability to create realistic locations are fully illustrated in this book.  It’s everywhere in scenes the reader can easily visualize the citizens, the places, and the situations  with the characters as they develop in the relationship. Each house, that fabulous bookstore, even the baby goat comes alive.

But it’s the dialogue and heartwarming journey to a HEA for Moody, the town’s Christmas Scrooge, and Hudson, its newest arrival and cowboy, that’s the heart and spirit of this wonderful book.

I adore them and their romance. And highly recommend reading their story.

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Mood…Moody’s Grumpy Holiday: MM Grumpy-Sunshine Romance

Blurb 

The geek, the cowboy, and a not-so-grumpy holiday…

Moody

Living in Christmas Town doesn’t make me a fan of the holidays. Quite the opposite. In fact, eleven months of the year, I’m perfectly happy running my bookstore in peace and quiet. Of course, that changes in December when it’s mistletoe madness and mayhem. Ugh.

But this year, there’s a new cowboy in town and it’s not as easy to grumble about…anything. I admit, Hudson is handsome and hunky, but everyone knows I’m not myself till January, so he’ll have to buzz off and charm someone else.

Bah humbug. 

Hudson

Moving to California wasn’t in my plans. I could use the change of scenery, though, and Oak Ridge Ranch is a good investment. That’s not a sneaky way of saying I’m hiding from my past—no siree. I’m following a new path to a new town, that’s all.

And so far, so good. Except…my attraction to the nerdy bookstore owner is throwing me off my game.

Look, I’m not interested in anything other than a casual hookup. But Moody is a mystery, and I want to know more about the adorable geek with a sunny disposition who turns into a holiday grump every year.

For some reason, he feels like home away from home. December may be the last month of the year, but something tells me this is our beginning.

Moody’s Grumpy Holiday is an MM grumpy-sunshine, romantic comedy featuring an adorkable geek, a hunky cowboy, and a little seasonal magic.

  • Publication date: December 12, 2024
  • Language: English