Tag: A MelanieM Review

Review: Ink & Intent: The Glyphwright Chronicles Book 1 by Jeremy Fabiano 

Rating: 5⭐️

This is such a fabulous read. Jeremy Fabiano is a new author and I’m so excited to share his book and amazing series. 

After finishing Ink & Intent, the first novel in his fantasy The Glyphwright Chronicles, I can say not only that I absolutely committed to this universe and characters but also to the author as well. (Yes, I’ve read ahead)

I’ve read literally thousands of books in all genres and more authors than I can count. And lately, I’m just not finishing the stories I find lacking. 

But Book 1, Ink & Intent, is incredible on multiple levels. Fabiano is, with great attention to detail and craftsmanship, creating many important pieces of his series at once. And doing so beautifully, believably, and imaginatively.

The author gives us the characters, all extremely multi dimensional, deeply faceted by their own unique personalities, magical abilities and grounded in their environment ,business or family or any combination thereof. And then allows each of them room to develop and grow into fuller, more complex people as their own lives and relationships dynamics change. 

And an important aspect of this is the location of Millbrook, a town so real and lively and well conceived that it acts as its own character. From the many geographical points, the mill and river to the town’s shops and shopkeepers, the reader becomes intimately acquainted and fond of each of them. And their importance to each other storylines and connections to the main characters. 

It’s a tapestry of magical characters as a weaving of magical systems that is constantly evolving in complexity and delightful design. It’s pragmatic, surprisingly intuitive and unlike any I’ve encountered.  

There’s a slight RPG element as the characters have skills and journals that show them as they level up as journeyman. But the adventure(s) and magical abilities are acquired as they are asked to solve various challenges and a multitude of problems. One of such variety that I couldn’t stop thinking about each one and didn’t put the story down until the wee hours. 

Then picked up the next at 3 am. Oh no. 

There’s a no spice romance developing but it’s really all about the friendship and partnership between the two young men, and their older mentors and the Guide who’s fighting innovation. At the moment. 

I can see me adding more to my groaning bookshelf.  

What a fantastic find. A highly recommended read. Just amazing work by the author. 

Cover design by Jacqueline Sweet Design

The Glyphwright Chronicles (4 book series):

  • Ink & Intent  #1
  • Wards & Measures #2
  • Trades & Treaties #3 – Feb 8,2026
  • Vision & Venture #4 – April 8,2026

Buy link:

 Book 1 of 4: The Glyphwright Chronicles 

Blurb 

Marcus Fairwind remembers every symbol he’s ever seen. Too bad that talent is useless for a merchant’s son—until he starts treating magic like a supply chain problem.

After disappointing his father one too many times, Marcus begs Millbrook’s irritable glyphwright for an apprenticeship. Erasmus reluctantly takes him on, teaching him glyphwriting—magic through written symbols.

His perfectionist rival Felix thinks Marcus doesn’t belong. The Guild fears what happens when apprentice innovations make master traditions obsolete.

When their experimental ward network actually works, the Guild decides to make an example of them. The challenge: protect the entire Harvest Festival or both apprentices and their masters lose their right to practice. Forever.

Now Marcus and his former rival must save three days of festival chaos—escaping livestock, spoiling goods, and traditions gone sideways. But when the Guild rigs the game against them, the apprentice Marcus once couldn’t stand might be the only person worth trusting.

A cozy fantasy with LitRPG progression elements, first romance, found family, and the revolutionary idea that sometimes your worst enemy is exactly the partner you need.

Pour yourself something warm, settle into your favorite reading spot, and discover why sometimes the most magical thing isn’t saving the world—it’s finding where you belong.

November 7, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

401 pages

Book 1 of 4

The Glyphwright Chronicles

Review: Arcane Justice (The Other Detective Series Book 1) by Heather G Harris

Rating: 5⭐️

Of the many interconnected series in The Other Realm Universe, The Other Detective has definitely become my favorite, which is amazing because this is a great universe full of complex characters and richly crafted storylines. 

Arcane Justice is the penultimate book, which sort of breaks my heart, in the story of magical Inspector Stacy Wise and her ongoing romance with Robbie Krieg, the Ogre King. 

I’m really not ready for this series to come to an end.

Harris uses Arcane Justice to cement and celebrate certain bonds and relationships. Loki the caladrius has an important storyline as well as a resolution to his previous issues. Robbie and Stacy’s relationship is deeply affected by the events of this story. And a bigger villainous plot is revealed behind the many of the horrific incidents and murders that have happened. 

Amber and Bastion appear to add additional drama and weight to the new development of the overall storyline. And tie it into previous series. 

And while the main plot of the book ends happily. There’s an ominous epilogue that follows. 

So Harris manages to make me as a reader incredibly happy then crushing me simultaneously with that epilogue. Got it. 

Arcane Justice (The Other Detective Series Book 1) by Heather G Harris is superb. Highly suspenseful, full of action packed scenes, beautifully crafted characters, emotionally laden moments and satisfying scenes. 

I do not want this series to end. 

I’ve listed all the connected series below. It’s an absolute wealth of entertainment and reading enjoyment. 

All recommended. 

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

The Other Realm Universe: Should be read in order to understand the world and characters .Events and relationships build upon each other.

The Other Realm series 

⭐️Glimmer of Dragons- Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Glimmer of The Other- Book 1, Glimmer of Hope- Book 2, 

Glimmer of Christmas – Book 2.5 (a Christmas tale), 

Glimmer of Death – Book 3, 

Glimmer of Deception – Book 4, 

*It is recommended that you read The Other Wolf books 1 to 3 before continuing with

Challenge of the Court– Book 5, 

Betrayal of the Court– Book 6

 Revival of the Court– Book 7. 

⭐️The Other Wolf Series 

Defender of The Pack– Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Protection of the Pack– Book 1, Guardians of the Pack– Book 2, Saviour of The Pack– Book 3, Awakening of the Pack – Book 4, Resurgence of the Pack – Book 5; and Ascension of the Pack – Book 6. 

⭐️The Other Witch Series 

Rune of the Witch – Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Hex of the Witch– Book 1, 

Coven of the Witch;– Book 2,

Familiar of the Witch– Book 3; and Destiny of the Witch – Book 4.

⭐️The Other Detective Series❤️

  •  Frustrated Justice – Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 
  • Veiled Justice – Book 1
  • Mystic Justice – Book 2
  • Arcane Justice – Book 3 
  • Brutal Justice – Book 4 -March 5,2026

Buy link

        Arcane Justice: A Supernatural Crime Thriller (The Other Detective Series Book 3)

    

Blurb 

When I find a powerful political figure dead in his home, I know the pressure is going to be on. His death was brutal, and anything but swift. The brass want answers yesterday, so it’s going to take the combined might of Unit 13 to bring the killer to justice.

In the meantime, things are heating up with Robbie Krieg, King of the Ogres, my fated mate, and general pain in my ass. He’s been keeping secrets, and they may be inextricably linked to the corpse I’ve just found.

And what the hell is up with my damned bird?

Some days, it’s better just to stay in bed.

Immerse yourself in The Other Detective Series – perfect for fans of supernatural crime, complete with a fierce heroine, gritty murder investigations, and a slow-burn romance.

Written in British English.

The Other Detective Series

Frustrated Justice, a prequel story,

Veiled Justice – Book 1

Mystic Justice – Book 2

Arcane Justice – Book 3

Brutal Justice – Book 4

Hellhound Press Limited

Publication date

December 26, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

234 pages

Book 3 of 4

The Other Detective Series

Review: How Not To Woo Your Human Warrior (Falling for Demons #3) by Laura Winters 

Rating: 3.75⭐️

I had seen this series before but not read any of the books. But the description of How Not To Woo Your Human Warrior included a rage filled main woman character, one who when kidnapped by demons used her anger to fight to reach her sister. 

That sounded promising and it also stated it could be read as a standalone, so I picked it up. 

I mostly enjoyed the story. Not having read the preceding novels, I don’t know how much of the missing world building is to be found there. What I did find was a story that dealt with some sensitive issues (parental abuse,DV,control issues and anger issues) yet framed them with some comedic humor that is a bit jarring. Or perhaps just odd that it feels out of place. 

At least to me. 

The storyline is good. A pair of sisters, already at odds, are kidnapped by slavers. And then rescued. By demons. 

Kalypso or Kaly, the older sister has lived a tough life. Her history is slowly revealed over the course of the book, the reason she’s so excellent at fighting, so filled with rage, so quick with her anger. With her younger sister as her only focus. As one can imagine, none of those reasons are good. 

Her sister, Kat, is an enigma for the most part, separated from Kaly, used as to keep Kaly compliant with the rules of the place they are living in. 

That damaged dynamic is a realistic twist of the book. 

Ozirax, the demon warrior in charge of Kaly getting settled into her new environment is an interesting character. This is the first time I’ve seen dyslexia written into a demon in this manner, and it’s a very successful element. Same for how it’s a part of Kaly’s story.  This bridge is just one that makes their journey to a relationship work. 

Other aspects of the story I think are well written are the various paranormal creatures that are battled or just met as part of this new world. The teams and political factions are very similar to an earth similar system and/or structure so there’s nothing new to explore. 

What I find irksome about this and any other book is where the author has given a element of their series a name that’s either silly or odd enough that just seeing it, throws you out of the narrative.  Example. The current storyline is dealing with a serious issue, then one of the characters mentions that they are living in Heck. 

SMH. Demons in Heck. 

Which would be funny if this was a comedy. And not a book dealing with child abuse, rage, anger management, and other sensitive topics. 

Yes, I took rating points away because of that. 

 And because that wasn’t well written. You can have humor and traumatic experiences within the same novel but the writing has to be exceptional. This isn’t it. 

It’s engaging at times. Downright awkward reading at times. Oz calls Kaly spicy immediately because she’s filled with rage over being kidnapped and drugged by slavers and separated from her sister.  Anyone see a problem here? 

It’s that sort of thing that occurs regularly throughout that makes this a ok read but not one where I’ll seek out the other books. 

Falling for Demons-6 books:

“Six human women, betrayed by their own only to be rescued by the very demons they were taught to fear, find themselves trapped in a harrowing, magical city.

But the cautionary tales were wrong, and they’re quick to learn demons don’t inspire terror but temptation…”

▪️How Not to Court Your Human Captive #1 by A. K. Caggiano

▪️How Not to Charm Your Human Colleague #2 by Laura Winters 

▪️How Not To Woo Your Human Warrior #3 by Laura Winters

▪️How Not to Tame Your Human Tease #4 by A. K. Caggiano

 ▪️How Not to Pursue Your Human Perfectionist #5 by Laura Winters 

▪️How Not to Mesmerize Your Human Muse #6 by A. K. Caggiano

Buy link

 Book 3 of 6: Falling for Demons 

Blurb 

Eyes forward, sword up, heart true.

Kalypso has a long list of things to be angry about, starting and ending with a spiky purple demon who reluctantly rescued her and five other women from the Dreadmoor. Trapped in the demon realm, Ozirax is the final barrier standing between her and her sister, so she’ll play nice for now. The only issue is… she’s never been nice, and when she drives away the one person she’s dedicated her life to, Kalypso is left without a purpose. Until she finds a demon warrior whose simmering anger calls to her own.

On the cusp of promotion in the demon guard, it must be a cruel joke from the gods that Ozirax ends up saddled with the rage-filled human woman. Kalypso is stubborn, vicious, and unafraid—the kind of distraction he doesn’t need—but she holds the key to his rise in rank. Work together, keep her in line, and the captain’s position is his. But there’s a cunning mind behind the spicy human fighting him at every turn with fists and blunt teeth, and with danger lurking in the Dreadmoor, she might be the very warrior their realm needs.

They’ve found their match, a mirror to the anger burning within. Kalypso has shown her colors, sharpened her defenses, but Ozirax is filling in the cracks of her broken pieces, and she’s not sure how to separate them again. Love has always been her weakness, but loving a demon? It might very well be her downfall.

The world has taught them to flare their spikes, but when passion blurs the lines of fury, can they walk away with their hearts intact?

For fans of fantasy monster romance, cozier fantasy, and queer stories, join Laura Winter and AK Caggiano in the Falling for Demons series of interconnected standalones, set in the same fantasy world. Follow six humans and their budding romances with the demons they once feared in a cozy, spicy setting.

December 4, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

350 pages

Book 3 of 6

Falling for Demons

Review: The Wizard’s Cat (The Wizard’s Butler Book 2) by Nathan Lowell

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The Wizard’s Cat is a great sequel to the wonderful urban fantasy novel, The Wizard’s Butler by Nathan Lowell. 

Picking up right after the dramatic events of that book, Shackleford House should be settling back into its original shape but that’s not the case.

As Roger notes immediately as he goes through his day as butler to Shackleford himself, in his multitude of duties, the house seems “off”. A bit of dust there, a dandelion there, unheard of when everything is maintained meticulously by pixies and fairies. 

But as more things go awry, the narrative building suspense and mystery, it’s up to Roger, cousin Barbara, and a new character to solve the problem and come to the aid of the House.

Lowell builds on Roger’s character development as well as Barbara’s along with the House’s, giving the story and group a fuller sense of them as a unique family, with Roger, perhaps as a fundamental element as a non-talented person but a important grounded member here. 

Gideon is equally impressive in his role, one that will be more fully explored in future stories. As one would expect from a magical being of his years. 

Barbara is interesting but still needs some more layers. Or maybe interaction with other characters in central roles here. I really like her when she’s discussing roles and jobs with Roger as his profession as a Butler was making her uncomfortable at one point. 

Just an engaging story and one I highly enjoyed. Will be watching for the next one to be released. 

Read the series in order they are written. No romance or violence. Great characters and terrific writing.

Cover Art: Alexandre Rio

The Wizard’s Butler:

The Wizard’s Butler #1

The Wizard’s Cat #2

Buy link

 Book 2 of 2: The Wizard’s Butler 

Blurb 

It started with a dandelion.

Innocuous. Ubiquitous.

Who knew it was a warning?

After claiming his big bonus, things are coming up roses for Roger Mulligan. A job he loves. A house that feels like home. Money in the bank. A solid roof over his head and job security.

But when he finds a dandelion on the pristine grounds of Shackleford House, he starts down a twisted, garden path. Old man Shackleford says the fairies have a problem, the pixies keep falling down on the job, and the house seems to grow weaker by the day.

He’s soon tossed into a confusing mixture of fact and fantasy, accompanied by Shackleford’s cousin and – of all things – a stray cat. Surrounded by the fantastical, it’s hard to tell magic from mundane.

Publisher

Durandus, Ltd

Publication date

December 7, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

344 pages

Book 2 of 2

The Wizard’s Butler

Review: The Wizard’s Butler by Nathan Lowell

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I stumbled across this story by accident and I’m absolutely thrilled I did because I love both the story and finding a new prolific author to explore. 

This highly entertaining and gently immersive series is one that builds slowly, pulling us into the magical world along with the non-magical ex soldier Roger Mulligan. 

Desperately searching for a new start, after 3 tours of duty with the military in Afghanistan and as a EMT once home, a ad for a butler sends Roger upon a new path. 

That the author is himself a former military veteran is telling in the crafting of Roger Mulligan. He is absolutely believable in this book, his appreciation for the uniform, the manner in which his role as a butler has similarities with his previous duties, without the hazards and risks. He’s a good man, a guardian.  Which as it turns out is exactly what is needed most.

Told from Roger’s perspective, we meet the house, his “employers”, the elderly owner of the house and the magical situation he’s entering into.

I think what I love about this the most is Roger’s ability to adapt to ideas and concepts that would shatter others and, in how Lowell has written him and this story, I found him and how everything flows together totally credible. 

We don’t “see” the pixies or fairies because Roger can’t. He’s not talented. A element that turns into an unlikely strength for all.

 This isn’t a romance.  But a terrific book full of fascinating characters and found family, as well as a magical place. 

The sequel, the recently released, The Wizard’s Cat, is an excellent read and I’ll review it shortly. 

 I really hope that Lowell has several more books planned for this series. I’m definitely hooked. 

A winner and one I’m happy to share. 

Cover Art: Alexandre Rio

The Wizard’s Butler:

The Wizard’s Butler #1

The Wizard’s Cat #2

Buy link

 Book 1 of 2: The Wizard’s Butler 

Blurb 

“He thinks he’s a wizard,” they said.

For five grand a month and a million dollar chaser, Roger Mulligan didn’t care how crazy the old geezer was. All he had to do was keep Joseph Perry Shackleford alive and keep him from squandering the estate for a year. 

They didn’t tell him about the pixies.

Publisher

Durandus, Ltd.

Publication date

March 19, 2020

Language

‎English

Print length

350 pages

Book 1 of 2

The Wizard’s Butler

Review: Shifting Resolve (Shifter Lords Book 5) by S.E. Babin

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Shifting Resolve basically undoes all the forward movement of the preceding novel for the characters in terms of their relationships. 

And this was to be expected given the twisted plots and various natures of the characters involved with the main character of Evie Quinn. 

With her growing powers exposed, during the climatic events with the Life Tree, multiple threats and challenges are leveled against her. And her un-acknowledged partner, lord of shifters, Caelan as well. 

There’s so many complex storylines woven into the narrative to keep track of. Various Lords with their own agendas, Evie’s father and mother whose hidden secrets and paths for Evie are also unknown. 

Those secrets the reader has been told and know they are explosive in their own ways, are elements that have storylines that haven’t been factored in yet. It’s labyrinthine structure that makes this series so gripping and compelling.

That’s the case here where stress and anxiety are the common theme, secrets are key, and everyone is trying to control Evie and claim a part of her . When she doesn’t want to be claimed or controlled. 

And everyone around her has an hidden or not so secret agenda. 

It’s high action, high suspense, high mystery and it ends in a cliffhanger of sorts. But one that the reader honestly will expecting. Because we saw it coming. 

I love the characters and this very layered, complex story. And I’m rooting for Evie and her small group of friends. 

Highly recommended and I can’t wait for the next one in this series. 

So well written and beautifully executed. 

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords series:

Shift of Heart #1

Shift of Morals #2

Power Shift #3

Shifting Winds #4

Shifting Resolve #5

Shift of Rule #6

Shift of the Wild #7

Buy link 

 Book 5 of 8: Shifter Lords 

Blurb 

Evie Quinn is a survivor, but she’s tired of being a pawn in everyone else’s game. 

She never asked to be the heir to the fae throne, a walking, otherworldly bridge for the gods, or the hottest bachelorette in the supernatural realms. But here she is—dodging dozens of random marriage proposals and doing her best to keep Caelan from committing paranormal genocide.

Everyone wants a piece of Evie these days. The Council’s patience has worn off, and they’re ready to marry her off to the highest bidder. The gods want to use her for their own gain, and Caelan is growing ever frustrated with her attempts to keep things between them paused. But Evie still isn’t ready to be a queen or a bride or a bridge, or anything forcing her to give up her autonomy.

But time has run out, and her only hope might be to do the one thing no one expects—finally taking control of her world-shaking power, her fate, and most important of all, her heart.

Oliver Heber Books

Publication date

December 23, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

272 pages

Book 5 of 8

Shifter Lords

Review: Deadly Arrogance: Necromancer Tales #4 by M.J. May

Rating: 5🌈

Deadly Arrogance is the series finale that brings the journey of  Necromancer Erasmus Boone to an exciting and happy conclusion. 

I’ve been absolutely thrilled by this fantasy/paranormal universe of May’s since the first Perfect Pixie novel, a series which introduced necromancer Erasmus Boone.

So it’s fitting that many of those characters play roles here in Boone and Franklin’s battle against a terrifying enemy. It’s emotional and wonderful to see each one, settled into their own lives and relationships, as they come together to fight and support their friends and own communities. 

And May, who has created throughly villainous characters in the past, has exceeded herself here in crafting shadow bourne Tenzen Huxley, a seemingly unbeatable and immortal being. Huxley is an ominous figure whose role is one that’s always in the game, even when absent from the current situation. The enormous threat he brings to the couple and those around them is a real concern, no matter what else they are dealing with.

They are mentally, emotionally and spiritually under pressure and attack all the time and the reader, who’s intimately connected with them, feels that same overwhelming stress and suspense. 

On top of Huxley’s magical threat to everyone, there’s a multiple murder investigation that requires the attention of both Franklin and Boone. It’s highly unusual, incredibly rare in its sheer scope of detail and complexity.

I won’t elaborate further because there’s many twists here that spin beautifully within the plot.  The story is highly suspenseful, compelling emotionally, and has some truly heartbreaking scenes. 

And yes, it does end happily with everyone in attendance. I absolutely love it.

And there’s a new connected series on the horizon. Thrilled about that too!

Check out all the books below if you’re new to this universe. Read them in the order they are written. Enjoy them!  Highly recommended!

Cover design by cheriefox.

Perfect Pixie Series 

Perfectly Imperfect Pixie 

Perfectly Perfect Pixie: Peaches’s Story 

Perfectly Charmed Pixie: Parsnip’s Story 

Perfectly Perplexing Zombie: Wendall’s Story 

Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie: Phlox’s Story—finale 

Perfectly Petite Shorts: Short Stories from the Perfect Pixie Series M/M 

Necromancer Tales Series: Spin-Off from the Perfect Pixie Series 

Deadly Lineage: Necromancer Tales Book I 

Deadly Deception: Necromancer Tales Book II 

Deadly Avarice: Necromancer Tales Book III 

Deadly Arrogance: Necromancer Tales Book IV—End 

Warlock Nikodemus Holland’s Book—Coming Spring 2026

Buy link

 Book 4 of 4: Necromancer Tales 

Blurb 

Necromancer Erasmus Boone’s life is on hold—every shadow suspect, every trip outside his warded home a gamble. Afraid of bringing more attention to already wary necromancers, Erasmus has stopped hunting for his own kind. Unwilling to place an even larger target on his back, Erasmus has even delayed his own wedding.

Human homicide detective Franklin O’Hare wants nothing more than to be there for the necromancer he loves. Unfortunately, he’s neck-deep in not one but two separate multiple-body dump scenes. With little more than skeletal remains to go on, Franklin’s days are consumed with work, and his sleepless nights are spent wishing he had more time for his fiancé.

Waiting and wondering when Tenzen Huxley will make his move is physically exhausting and emotionally draining. Information regarding shadow borne is slim and little more than hearsay, and what is known is horrifying.

Will Erasmus and Franklin be ready when Tenzen finally makes his move? Is there truly any way to be prepared for the hell a shadow borne can unleash? Despite the support of powerful friends and family, Erasmus and Franklin desperately need to find a shadow borne’s weakness.

Sometimes, weakness comes from within, not without, and often, arrogance is the deadliest flaw of all.

Deadly Arrogance is the fourth book in the Necromancer Tales series and should be read in order. This series is a spin-off of the Perfect Pixie series and takes place in the same world but can be read as a stand-alone series. Deadly Arrogance is a m/m romantic fantasy mystery with an unusually sane necromancer just trying to make a living, a humble human detective attempting to keep his necromancer fiancé alive, an arrogant but redeemably overprotective warlock father, a questionably moral all-powerful djinn who may just get her scuttlebutt wish, a welcome Mississippi spring, and an ancient being who desires more power than any creature should wield and has decided a certain necromancer is key to satisfying that greed.

Review: The Diamond in the Rough (Beyond the Veil Book 10) by KM Avery

Rating: 4.75🌈

This is one of the best written, and often times hardest to read series and universe because of the topics and complexity of damaged histories of the main characters here. 

I often start with saying that the readers must read the trigger warnings for each novel as well as for the universe that Avery has created and continues to explore in such horror detail. 

Here bad things happen, often to children. First by disease, the Arcana virus which acted like a plague, transformed the World’s population, reducing its numbers drastically. Some remained human, others were transformed into fantasy or horror beings. Vampires, elves, werebeings of all kinds, orcs, ghouls, the virus , if the human survived, became whatever the Arcana provided. Adults or children. Didn’t matter. And the human race terrified acted accordingly. 

 Beyond the Veil is divided into mini-series where different characters have their own stories told while adding to the overall series world view and theme that’s being presented.   They interact and sometimes the same events happen in different perspectives. 

Now it’s Rayn’s turn. Rayn, a death witch, who was rescued from an horrific situation was first introduced in Ward’s series (The Boy in the Locked Room #2).  It’s book 10, Rayn has had time to grow up, adjusting to their powers and life outside the cage and hospital. (Trigger warnings).

Avery does an excellent job in relaying a character without any social skills, or understanding of how some situations work. Rayn’s lack of knowledge and inability to understand the signals given feels believable and honest. And Raj’s reactions to Rayn are part of a whole picture that has to be assembled the more they interact. A neat feat. 

One person pov, it’s fascinating to see how Rayn has matured but still is learning how to use and manage their magic and various powers.  

I love seeing Hart here, in his role as partner with Raj. He’s still my favorite. The mystery, while good, doesn’t have as much of a complex role as Rayn’s development and growth with those characters around the agency and with the investigation. It’s more of a personal journey, which I really enjoyed and thought was really exceedingly well written.

And certain aspects are left open enough for the investigation to continue further. 

Amazing series and fantastic characters. One of the best paranormal group of storylines I’ve read. Certainly one that has the most impact on current events.

Highly recommended. 

Beyond the Veil Series 

💀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 

💀Rayn’s Story (10-12) 

The Diamond in the Rough 

The Rut in the Road (coming 2026) The Rock and the Hard Case (coming 2026) 

💀Dan’s Story (13-15) Coming 2026-2027

Buy link

 Book 10 of 10: Beyond the Veil 

Blurb 

My life has been… rough. I spent most of my childhood in an asylum, and I’ve spent the better part of the last six years trying to deal with the fact that everything I touch tells me something about the last person who owned it, the person who made it, and sometimes several people in between.

It’s exhausting, and I hate it. I will do pretty much anything to avoid doing it, in fact.

Until a six-four, golden-eyed FBI agent walked through the door and dropped literal diamonds into my hands. Well, a diamond necklace. And he asked me to tell me everything I could about who’d owned it, who’d given it to her, and so on.

I guess I have to learn how to control my abilities fast, or a murderer might go free.

And I might lose my chance to impress the FBI agent who haunts my dreams.

An M/M paranormal romance.

December 19, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

396 pages

Book 10 of 10

Beyond the Veil

Review : Demon Hunter (The Collegium Book 1) by Jenny Schwartz 

Rating:3⭐️

I enjoy author Jenny Schwartz’ work, especially her recent series. But Demon Hunter is an example of how the age of a novel can date the story and how certain aspects of society can change our perspectives on how we view a story.

This was written in 2014.  How readers look at diversity and women in particular has certainly changed. While the majority of Schwartz’s main female characters tend towards white, blonde and powerful, magically, not all have fit within that tight box. 

However, Fay Olwen, the MFC here does. While there’s an ever so brief mention of a great great grandmother being of color, that’s dropped afterwards. And her jaguar shifter boyfriend/future husband/partner is said to look like having Arabian influences, that’s it.  He’s based in Cyprus for what that’s worth. 

The bigger issues are with accountability, responsibility and how women are treated and perceived here as opposed to the men in this world and their lives. 

Spoilers ahead. This is a novella so not all aspects of the story and world as well developed as you might expect from a longer version.

But her father, the head of the Collegium and one who has been directing the events of the past and current storyline, one that includes some devastating moments, is at the end, not really held totally accountable.  For her traumatic upbringing, her current situation, the attacks against her etc. He says his version of “ my bad “ but then goes on to place the blame his secretary. It’s her fault! Bad secretary!

Yes, indeed. His power hungry, sex driven secretary. Poor little(big power hungry ruthless) guy. She did all number of bad things and deeds. Which she acknowledges her part. However,she didn’t raise Fay, keep her from her mother. Or any of the other heinous acts. Turns out it really doesn’t matter, because now everything is alright between father and daughter. It’s the secretary’s fault. She just wants to be powerful. Oh no. Just like the father. But it’s worse when the secretary wants it. 

Doesn’t seem to matter the abuse he put his daughter through, that he was going to turn her into a demon. All’s well. 

And the last? After she had sacrificed herself , then tada! It worked out, she, the most powerful mage ever, is going to become the “little woman “ standing next to Leopard shifter Steve Jekyll,  the next in line ruler to be. That’s extremely frustrating to see that her storyline is playing out in this manner. Both story threads are much in keeping with a patriarchal narrative with father and boyfriend’s role. Very 2014.

When i read this, there weren’t any additional stories and no “series “. So I have no idea if this character or the dynamics evolved from this basic plot and foundation. 

It does appear that not seven books are about this couple. Only book 2, which has husband shifter Steve getting a mission, and needing help from his wife/mate. So nope. 

The last was written in 2016 with different characters. I don’t think so. 

Sometimes the year a book was written in dates a story and sometimes it doesn’t. Here it definitely does. 

For me, it diminishes it.  It might not for everyone. 

Cover design by Lou Harper Designs

The Collegium – 7 books

Demon Hunter #1 2014

Buy link

 Book 1 of 7: The Collegium 

Blurb 

The most powerful mage in the world has been betrayed. So where is she hiding? What happens when she returns?

You can bleed and die banishing a demon, but Fay Olwen discovers there are worse hurts. Betrayed by the Collegium and by her father, she must build a new life away from New York.

Leopard shifter Steve Jekyll would have her build it with him. But loyalties are never simple and new love never easy.

When demons are unleashed, Fay tracks the evil back to the Collegium, and now all hell will break loose because Fay fights for the innocent, and Steve will protect what is his.

Jenny Schwartz

Publication date

December 15, 2014

Language

‎English

Print length

141 pages

Book 1 of 7

The Collegium

Review: Howling for Trouble (Sassy Shifter Shenanigans #1) by Isabel Campbell and Michael Anderle

Rating: 3.5⭐️. 

The first in a new paranormal mystery shifter series by prolific authors and co-writers, Isabel Campbell and Michael Anderle, Howling for Trouble has some interesting ideas and engaging elements. I’m just not sure the main character is one of them. 

She’s a young coyote shifter on the run from a past life that’s mentioned often but never in anything but an ominous reference type of way.  Sort of “oh no, I’m afraid of my secret past life being found out or finding me “, or “I can’t be caged anymore”. 

Which when the character seems to actually go out of her way to make it easier for her past life to just stumble onto where she’s now living and investigating murders, well, you know you’re in the TSTL category.

It’s not as though the whole story isn’t engaging. The person at the heart of the investigation was a good person and the reader genuinely feels sorry for his loss. And sorrow for his pet. 

That’s another terrific aspect of the story. Roxie, the coyote shifter can communicate with the animals in her care at the Doggy Daycare/Wine Bar she’s employed at. The animals, when they are talking to Roxie aren’t coming across as anthropomorphized animals but more a realistic animal. These aren’t magical or familiars,they are beloved pets. 

The townspeople are well crafted and believable in their quirky ways and various jobs. And the town’s well known festival adds to the atmosphere and sense of overall credibility. 

And takes away from Roxie’s. Here’s a shifter on the run. She’s only been there a short while. The background information the authors and character feeds the reader is minimal. But, annoyingly, Roxie reminds herself (and us) continually that she’s got huge secrets, she’s a coyote shifter, and she has fled to the town from idk something and somewhere dark. 

However, does she upon arriving, do her own investigation into safe places to “shift and run”? No she doesn’t. 

During the investigation, does she come up against multiple reporters and photographers getting the “scoop” on celebrities who are in the same mix of the murder investigation? Yes,gets her picture taken, answers the questions. SMH. Just what I’d do if I were hiding. 

And it gets worse actually. To the point I thought, I can’t finish it. But by then I was so close, I did. And came back to the conclusion that for me, Roxie is the issue here. 

So it’s a 3-book series at this point but I’m stopping here. If you’re a fan of the series or authors, check it out. 

Cover by Mihaela Voicu

Sassy Shifter Shenanigans 

Howling for Trouble (Book 1) 

Moon, Murder, and Mesquite (Book 2)

Buy link

 Book 1 of 3: Sassy Shifter Shenanigans 

Blurb 

Hiding my coyote-shifter secret? Easy. Avoiding romantic disasters every time the moon goes full? I deserve a medal.

Three weeks into my attempt at normalcy (aka hiding from my past), my résumé now includes mocha wrangler, wine pourer, and dog-sitter extraordinaire. Who knew blending lattes, chardonnay, and corgis would be my definition of peace?

When local photography enthusiast and coffee shop regular George Harper is found dead beneath the starlit railway trestle—one I may or may not have been sniffing around myself—the townsfolk swap cozy gossip for rumors about killer coyotes. And guess who’s first in line for suspicion?

Between dodging Animal Control, keeping my furry secret under wraps, and navigating the flirtatious distraction of the annoyingly dimpled delivery guy, my plate’s fuller than Millie’s wine cellar during tourist season.

With the annual Star-Watch Festival teetering on disaster, my only choice is to unleash my inner coyote detective—before the real killer strikes again. Because, seriously, running from trouble is hard enough without having to dodge pitchforks and silver bullets too.

Can Roxie solve the murder and find justice for George without exposing her true nature? Or will her own secrets become the next target in a town where nothing stays hidden for long?

Grab your copy of Howling For Trouble today and dive into this delightful paranormal mystery where small towns harbor the biggest secrets!