Review: Bullets & Butterflies (The Elite) by Maz Maddox

Rating: 4.5🌈

One of the real delights of having a series written by multiple authors is that the reader can get a great depth in differences in the depiction of the central location , and variety in how the series theme is presented through the many different characters and plots.

In Bullets & Butterflies (The Elite) by Maz Maddox, we are transported into the inner workings of The Menagerie Hotel, home to unsavory club, The Anonymous , right in the heart of the city known as Old Defiance.

The reader has always been a guest at the club, along with whatever criminal character(s) that particular author has created for their storyline. But here , with Maddox, we go behind the doors, to the Hotel’s/club’s infirmary, where the assassins, thieves, wet-workers, and other nefarious members who need “patching up” come to get medical care.

Dr. Liam Bexley has been the doctor for The Anonymous’ clientele for years, trodding its blood red carpet and sticking by his rules of non engagement with his notorious patients.

Even the patient is the attractive and flirtatious hitman Francisco Delgado.

Maddox brings us into the seamier aspect , if that’s even possible, of an already dark and dangerous world with two jaded men, deeply seated within this environment. Liam’s constantly aware of his patients deadly professional side, as well as their often murderous skill sets. They end up on his table, needing everything from emergency surgery to simple stitches.

Liam’s such a complex man, wry, jaded, accepting of his status and lifestyle that includes healing criminals, yet somehow he manages to hide his own tender heart. I so enjoyed listening to his grumpy doctor’s interior monologue.

Francisco Delgado, or Cisco as he’s called, is a different character. Handsome, charismatic, he’s a member of the Courtesan Guild of assassins. The other group being The Sheath Guild.

Maddox builds a marvelous tale of intrigue, betrayal, suspense, murder and , a rising love among falling bodies.

If a have a quibble, it’s that I wanted to know more about each Guild, especially The Courtesan Guild, how it operates and the history behind it. And I wanted to know how each man came into each moment that they chose to be both a doctor at The Anonymous and an assassin .

Each story would be a remarkable story itself.

Together, Cisco and Liam make a sexy, darkly compelling couple. More of them pls.

I highly recommend their story and hope Maddox finds the time to explore their future together.

Buy Link:

Bullets & Butterflies (The Elite Book 1)

The Elite Multi-Author series (9 Books):

✓ Reckless Roulette by Alice Winters

✓ Leave No Trace by Michelle Frost and Sammi Cee

✓ Ace of Maids by K.L. Hiers (DNF)

✓ Poison Hearts by Jennifer Cody❤️

✓ Liar’s Gambit by Kelly Fox❤️

✓ Dealer of Secrets by Davidson King ❤️

✓ Bullets & Butterflies by Maz Maddox

◦ Love for the Reaper by Charlie Cochet

◦ Chance Encounter by Luna David

Description:

As the on-call doctor for a club that caters to assassins, Liam Bexley has learned to set some strict boundaries:

Never ask questions about their work.

Always stay professional.

And never, ever date a client.

Easy rules to follow, and ones that Liam takes very seriously. Being lonely and boring is a small price to pay to keep trained killers out of his personal life.

In one chance encounter with the handsome hitman Francisco Delgado, Liam’s routine and existence is completely altered.

Pulled into the insanity of rival assassin guilds and a high profile death, Liam is suddenly stuck eluding danger at every turn with a man he has no business fraternizing with.

Even if he is interesting.

And really hot.

And covered in tattoos.

Liam may have to rethink those boundaries…

Bullets & Butterflies is part of the multi-author series The Elite. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Anonymous, a club beneath the gritty city where only the elite are welcome.

Review: Find the Jinn (Wilde Contracts #1) by Maz Maddox

Rating: 4.5🌈

Maz Maddox’s latest book in their new series is a great bit of dark storytelling. Told in first person perspective by a assassin/ fish trainer who hunts vampires on the side, we know immediately that the universe is a off kilter one.

Dangerous, filled with beings of all types running a metropolis that swings from swanky to crime ridden and hopeless. Drugs, sex, business as usual.

Our narrator is Dallas Wilde. Sarcasm, dry humor, and an apparent lack of self control camouflage the anguished state that lies beneath a callous, self involved façade. Over time, through scattered memories and distraught scenes, we see a traumatized man, who’s brutal past has never left him and the PTSD that he’s never dealt with.

It’s left, at least in this story, for the readers to start to cobble together the facts that have lead to Dallas’ trauma. It impacts everything that happens here, all his interactions and reactions with the beings and in every event.

I actually enjoy that Maddox isn’t ready to fill in the blanks for us with Dallas’s past history. Especially with all the mysteries and magical plot lines that have their own rabbit holes to go mentally and emotionally down.

Honestly, there’s questions about so many elements here. Fish training? Kevin the beta? Plus those are minor details.

The massive narrative threads, especially those that have a dark turn or twist to them, come with a equal amount of puzzling aspects along with the foundation Maddox is establishing for her series.

I found the book, the characters, and the mind puzzles addictive. I was exceptionally surprised by each turn the story took and how quickly it ended.

It left several items unanswered, as I expected in such a convoluted story, and I’m anticipating the next novel in hopes of seeing the next stages the characters advance to.

There’s public sex, perhaps with a hint of noncon to it, after all moral ambiguities are status quo here. Murder is a job after all.

I’m highly recommending this . Read the warnings at the beginning. It’s dark fantasy or paranormal fiction.

Bring on book two!

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showFind the Jinn (Wilde Contracts #1) by Maz Maddox

Description:

Wilde Contract Killing and Fish Training, how can I help you?

Murder contract? Piece of cake.

Find a jinn? No problem.

New necromancy powers while being followed by an unwanted vampire bodyguard?

Not so much.

Trained to handle even the most fierce undead, Dallas Wilde took out a powerful necromancer without breaking a sweat. Okay, that’s a lie – there was tons of sweat, but he was victorious all the same.

Unfortunately, killing a necromancer comes with some repercussions.

Broody, annoying, vampire repercussions and new abilities to resurrect the dead.

Can Dallas navigate his blood-sucking bodyguard, new powers, feelings for his attractive client and still handle his contract in time to pay his very, very late rent – all while trying not to get super murdered in the process?

Let’s hope so.

Find the Jinn is the first contract in a trilogy of death, pining, dark magic and a grumpy fish named Kevin.

—-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: Ethan and Jag Destroy the World by Maz Maddox

Rating: 4.5🌈

I like it when my stories come with a lovely dosing of hilarity. Especially holiday romances. Maz Maddox’s book, Ethan and Jag Destroy the World , is actually two combined holiday stories that manages to present a funny“otherworldly “ perspective at some of our favorite holidays while delivering a terrific romance.

As most things that go south are wont to do, it all starts with a dumping, a rejection taken badly, and a linguistics expert with his hands on a ancient suspect tome. Amirite?

Before you can say forsooth, a recently dumped human named Ethan has Jagmarith, Demon champion of the Blood Wars plunked down in his kitchen. At Christmas.

What follows is a funny, oddly moving , supernatural love story that spans a number of human holidays, giving the author,through Jag, a perfect foil to express a joyous weird perspective on these occasions. Some I found myself nodding in total agreement.

Honestly, Valentine’s Day . Misshapen human ideas of the human hearts ( the author’s words) hung every where surrounded by children with wings and weaponry? Wouldn’t it make more sense if those were the hearts of rivals? Hmmm maybe the demon had it spot on…..

Anyway, there’s great characters, wonderful events to ponder, uh some very sexy hot scenes, some hilarious demon confusion about earth customs, and just a marvelous story overall.

Ethan and Jag really are a remarkable couple! I could have used an entire series. Their love and relationship felt real, inter species or not. Their support group of friends and familiar were just as amazing. Surety there’s more holidays, however obscure, to celebrate.

Hopefully the author is listening.

Until then, check out this wonderful book and settle in for nine months of great fun and warm loving feelings.

I’m highly recommending it.

https://www.goodreads.com › showEthan & Jag Destroy the World by Maz Maddox – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Jagmarith, Demon champion of the Blood Wars, detests festivities.

He’s certainly not a fan of humans or their ridiculous holidays.

Winter festivals. Celebrations of flowers. Misshapen hearts to symbolize love. All pointless and weak.

Unfortunately, his feelings are not taken into consideration when he’s summoned by ancient magic to the human realm.

Stolen from his home in Hell, Jagmarith is now at the mercy of a bumbling, adorable human named Ethan, who has accidentally bound Jagmarith to him. Now, Jag must endure grueling human holidays like Christmas and pretend to be a nice human boyfriend to the man who summoned him.

The fake boyfriend role has been very trying.

But along with the upcoming Halloween party and fuss over finding the perfect ghoulish decorations, not to mention the very odd feelings he’s developing for Ethan, there’s that little matter of the impending Armageddon to deal with.

Jag is not pleased.

***

This book includes short story Demon All the Way and continues Ethan & Jag’s adventure.

A MelanieM Review: Claw Marks & Card Games (Stallion Ridge #2) by Maz Maddox

Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5

Cooper Woodlock is a man who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Between his gambling debt and being a widowed father, he can never seem to get Lady Luck back on his side.

Desperate for a winning hand, Cooper starts hitting saloons and tempting fate in order to keep the bloodthirsty Spades at bay.

When a black-clad gunslinger enters the game promising a slice of freedom, Cooper realizes all too late what he is actually playing for.

Claw Marks & Card Games (Stallion Ridge #2) by Maz Maddox started off a decidedly mixed bag for me. Touted as a standalone novel in a series it quickly become apparent that this novel is the furthest thing from a standalone creature that you can get.

You get thrown into a universe that you have no understanding of and that, quite frankly, you never get filled in on. The world building is completely missing. Somewhere in the past there was a major war with what? Shifters and humans? Shifters and shifters? You don’t know because it never get the background. Plus this is a western. Just because. When you enter this universe, there’s a tentative, not tentative peace between humans and shifters. I never figured that out. Some of the shifters were accepted, some not. Seemed to have to do with the history we weren’t getting.

A big part of the main couple’s history seems to reside in the first story, Heartache & Hoofbeats (Stallion Ridge #1). It’s the reason for the entire “main action element” that launches the characters and plot. The characters (couple) and their storyline is crucial to this novel and how it plays out as well as being intimately connected. Soooooo. How is this a standalone again?

By now you all must be wondering why did I give it such a high rating with my obvious irritation with the lack of worldbuilding and introductory confusion. Two words. The characters. Even with all the narrative holes in the foundation and downright bewilderment about the plot, my need to be with the characters drove me on until everything settles down to just them, the people (beings) around them, including one little spitfire of a daughter who may just take over the world.

Whatever else my arguments with Maz Maddox (or their editor), the characters here stole my heart. They are real and believable. Their truly awful start to a relationship continues and their misunderstandings/missteps are on both ends even as they try to figure out how to make it work out between them, one young kid included. Both have no idea how to make this work with each other yet others and the reader want to try…that’s the key…even given that start.

There are other story threads here to contain your interest. Plus killers, and more shifters, and one hell of a shocking ending that is going to leave you wanting the next story asap. No it doesn’t involve our couple.

I am definitely going back to read the first story. I think had I been prepared knowing that this must be read as part of a series, I would have done that first. I need to see what information that one fills in that this book lacks. But anyway, the author has me hooked. I need to know what happens next. I will be onto the third story.

For all of you who love shifters, this is definitely a twist on shifter romance. A bit of western, a bit of action/adventure and mystery, and 100 proof strong on characters. I will let you know what I find in book one.

Cover art: Shaleah Poster. Nice job with the western style and story elements if not particularly eye-catching.

Sales Links:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Blurb

Book Details:

Claw Marks & Card Games is book 2 in the Stallion Ridge series but can read as a stand-alone.
While this is a western romance, be prepared for a little paranormal with your sixshooters, my friends**.

ebook, 1st, 250 pages

Published October 1st 2018

Series Stallion Ridge #2

Heartache & Hoofbeats

Claw Marks & Card Games

** I disagree totally. This is not a standalone and needs either more foundation work or the first story as additional grounding and world building.

Release Blitz for Claw Marks & Card Games (Stallion Ridge #2) by Maz Maddox (excerpt)

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Claw Marks & Card Games (Stallion Ridge #2)

Author: Maz Maddox

Publisher: Self-Published

Cover Artist: Shaleah Poster

Genre/s: m/m romance, paranormal, western, action/adventure

Length: 74 000 words

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Release Date: October 1, 2018

Can be read as stand-alone story.

Add on Goodreads

Buy Links – Available on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Blurb

Cooper Woodlock is a man who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Between his gambling debt and being a widowed father, he can never seem to get Lady Luck back on his side.

Desperate for a winning hand, Cooper starts hitting saloons and tempting fate in order to keep the blood thirsty Spades at bay.

When a black clad gunslinger enters the game promising a slice of freedom, Cooper realizes all too late what he is actually playing for.

Excerpt

His cards were a sure thing. He was winning. He was about to double his winnings, and it was making his stomach dance, even as he kept his face schooled. This would ease the tension in his shoulders for a good month after tonight. The Spades would be off his back, and he could figure out his job situation. Hell, he’d even get Marybell some sweets to celebrate. His daughter deserved something nice.

This beautiful stranger not only saved his life, but was also about to make some of his troubles ease for a little while. As their cards were tossed onto the table and Cooper drank in the sight of each hand, a cold pit formed in his gut.

He had lost.

Everything.

All the winnings of the night were swallowed up by one goddamn game. Cold sank into his bones as the blood drained from his face, his eyes locked on Gunner’s winning spread. The man didn’t make a move to collect everything. Instead he sat back and pulled a rolled cigarette from his vest and put it between his teeth.

“Guess you were right about your luck,” he said casually, striking a match and lighting his cigarette. The flare of the fire close to his face made his green eyes seem to glow as he focused them on Cooper’s devastated face.

“Fuck,” Cooper whispered, putting his head in his hands, fisting some of his hair in heartbreak. He had been so damn close to getting some peace in his life, and he blew it all in one stupid game of chance. Hell, he had almost died for that pot, and now it was all gone.

Smoke curled around Gunner’s face as he exhaled some smoke from his lips. “Win it back.”

Cooper shook his head, pulling his glasses off to rub at his tired eyes. “I ain’t got it in me. Not after all this.” Cooper huffed. “My head’s turned inside out, and my stomach’s in knots.”

“You have a chance to not leave empty-handed.”

Cooper glanced up as Gunner reached into his pocket, taking out a stack of rolled bills and tossing it onto the table. If Cooper’s jaw was able to reach the floor, it would have bounced off his boots. That stack was probably hundreds of dollars. Hundreds. Something that would actually put a real dent in what he owed the Spades and give him and Marybell a slice of life back.

Working some saliva back into his cottonmouth, Cooper finally croaked, “I ain’t got that much to wager.”

“What else do you have to wager?” Gunner asked, pulling from his cigarette, his tone deceptively calm. Cooper narrowed his eyes and pulled his glasses back on, sitting up taller to not look so defeated.

“What are you asking me, exactly?”

About the Author

Maz is an m/m romance fanatic, dabbles in yaoi, adores dinosaurs and writes romance stories with a healthy heaping of adventure mixed in.

When she’s not pairing up Centaurs with bank robbers, she’s plotting new stories and sending inappropriate texts to her friends.