Review: Temptation’s Tango: MM Romantic Suspense (Delta Force: Team Lynx Book 3) by Annabella Stone

Rating: 4🌈

“Delta Force: Team Lynx is the US Governments newest weapon in the battle against former military personal gone rogue. Led by former Delta Force Team Lynx’s Castello Moran and his team, they have recruited members from the CIA, FBI, NSA, ATF, and other Law Enforcement Agencies.”

I’ve read and really enjoyed other books by Annabella Stone. She focuses on military/black ops characters stories and their relationships. Primarily contemporary but with the occasional exception of a fantasy or paranormal twist.

And there’s multiple series set within the same connected law enforcement universe. This is one of them.

I picked up Temptation’s Tango primarily due to the inclusion of a K-9 main character, Balas, and the accuracy of the relationship between handler,Rafe Anderson, and his WMD/working military dog.

For me, this was the absolute best thing about the book. From his commands in the language used in every scene (Schutzhund) with Balas that not only enforces the depth of training but their own understanding of each other from years together. It’s a credible, deep and genuine relationship between a man and his canine partner.

Same goes for the team when they assemble in Rafe’s old home in Pine Bush due to the criminal activity he’s encountered and the seriousness of the situation that needs further investigation. They have the feel of a field team, which has been together a while and is found family.

Aspects of the story that I feel needs further exploration or more depth towards the ending are with the villains of the plot. And the romantic lead.

He’s cute and it helps that there’s some prior history as children growing up. But the timeline feels rushed.

And without giving away any spoilers, there’s no confrontation with the “real culprits” here. The boo hiss baddies. And that leaves the ending feeling less than satisfying.

The reader sorta “listens” into a gunfight that happens. Then there’s drama. Then a romantic relationship HEA.

So the story is sweet but military wise or law enforcement wise, not great. As I said, the partnership between Balas and Rafe for me stood out from everything else here as the best written and well defined.

And the teamwork is well done as well.

Haven’t read the other books but I’m sure I’ll get to them eventually.

Cover Art: Golden Czermak

Delta Force: Team Lynx (4 book series)

Salvation’s Sinner #1

Redemption’s Rebel #2

Temptation’s Tango #3

Absolution’s Assassin #4

Buy link

Temptation’s Tango: MM Romantic Suspense (Delta Force: Team Lynx Book 3)

Blurb

It was only supposed to be one kiss…

After his K9, Balas, took down an intruder on the White House lawn, former Secret Service agent, Rafe Anderson, didn’t count on his life changing quite so much. With Balas now the face of MWDs across the globe, Rafe lost his faith in the people he worked with when they decided Balas would be better off with a handler who wanted to be in the public eye and not one who shunned notoriety at every opportunity. He swore he’d never serve his country again, and he kept that promise for nine long lonely months until Delta Force Team Lynx offered him a job, using the one thing Rafe could never refuse to sweeten the deal. A chance to have Balas back in his life. Rafe agreed—Lynx delivered—he and Balas are once more a family, a team, and nobody is going to separate them again. With a month of leave in his back pocket, Rafe and Balas are going home to finally buy the house his mother sold before he could afford to buy it. His grandparents’ home in sleepy Pine Bush will make the perfect retreat from the ravages of working in war zones and the horrors of the dirty side of chasing former military members gone rouge…right?

Parker Frost loves his hometown, and unlike his brother, he doesn’t want to shake the dust of Pine Bush off his shoes. He’s happy living over his mom’s garage and working at The Hoot Owl. Slinging beer, running karaoke night, and making people laugh is his jam. If only he could avoid the unwanted advances from the man who keeps asking him out. Seriously, who offers you a thousand bucks a week just to date you? With that insult ringing in his ears, he takes matters into his own hands and begs the hottest man he’s ever seen to pretend they are a couple. Kissing Mr. Sexy Stranger will prove he’s not available, even for that much money…right?

It was only supposed to be one kiss—then one sleepover—now Rafe and Parker must figure out why their hometown is in the crosshairs of a drug lord. But before either can act on the desire pulling them together, Rafe really needs to figure out if his Temptation can really be a Tango.

Embers Romance LLC

Publication date

September 3, 2022

Language

‎English

Print length

248 pages

Book 3 of 4

Delta Force: Team Lynx

Review: Borrowed Amulet (Splintered Realms, #1) by Jilleen Dolbeare

Rating: 3.25⭐️

I should have remembered why I didn’t finish the original Splintered Realms series before I picked up this book. In fact, I didn’t make it past book 2 there. And I’m stopping here.

I do like Jileen Dolbeare overall but find I need to be selective about what books or series of hers to read. I just read a prequel book that was terrific and I’m getting ready for the series finale of a paranormal romance thriller that’s highly recommended she’s co-authored with Heather G. Harris.

But her Splintered Realms series just continues to be one that has too many issues. That of problematic characters and plots with storylines that are nonsensical, given the characters status and current events or just seem forced into the plot for the sake of drama itself.

This one is based off history and events that happened in the previous series. A death has already happened. The main character, a dragon rider, is grieving . She’s supposed to be older here but acts younger. Merlin, that Merlin of King Arthur’s Court, is an unpleasant character but not a complete bad person.

The actual story is a bit of a mess if you’re not familiar with the universe and background already set down in previous novels.

But it’s the actions of the main character that I find actionable here as written by Dolbeare. I’m not sure why she’s not thinking a reader will listen and look at this whole woman and wonder why the lack of development.

Granted she’s grieving and yes, Merlin was deeply cruel in his comments. All true. But past that, her dragon is very young and inexperienced in his own way.

Then comes a young dragon mage, who has zero experience because she’s been totally isolated in Scotland, beloved, and given to an equally untrained wanna-be rider.

Megan and Merlin decide to go after the eminently powerful Big Bad Mage with his own dragon who was responsible for her hunny’s death. Guess who they take with them?

Oh no what could possibly go wrong?

That’s a SMH scenario. And of course, it ends in a cliffhanger that anyone could see coming. When a author has her characters who are supposed to be seasoned mages act with all the instincts of first year grade students going into battle with kindergarteners, it destroys any credibility that they have. Including that plot line.

So I’ll try to remember that it is the Splintered Realms series I’m not reading.

If you are a fan, I’ll leave it to you.

Cover Designer: Covers by Christian

Splintered Realm Series

Borrowed Magic: Book .5

Borrowed Amulet: Book 1

Borrowed Chaos: Book 2*

Borrowed Trouble: Book 3*

Buy link

Book 1 of 3: Splintered Realms

Blurb

Megan’s world has shattered. The love of her life is gone, leaving her hollow and consumed by grief. In the midst of this despair, one venomous remark from Merlin—yes, that Merlin—sends her over the edge, pushing her into a reckless new purpose: bounty hunting across the Splinters of reality with her red dragon, Goch.

One target fuels her obsession: Mordred and his dragon. It’s the only thing keeping her from drowning in sorrow. But the hunter’s guild has left Mordred’s bounty up for grabs, and it’s already claimed lives. Worse, as a realm walker, Mordred’s impossible to track across the splinters, driving Megan mad with frustration and leaving her too much time to think.

Out of options, she grudgingly teams up with Merlin. Powerful, legendary, and hard to ignore, he should be the perfect ally—except she loathes him with the fire of a million burning suns. Then Mordred makes a move, reaching out to both of them.

The hunt is back on, but Merlin’s shadowy past is catching up, turning an already dangerous mission into a deadly gamble. Can Megan capture Mordred, survive Merlin’s demons, and make it out alive? Or will her pursuit lead to her ultimate downfall?

Enjoy this urban fantasy adventure with an older heroine, a slow burn enemies to lovers romance, dragon riding, and tons of action!

Review: Definitely Dead (Happily Ever Afterlife Book 1) by Arden Steele

Rating: 3🌈

Definitely Dead (Happily Ever Afterlife Book 1) by Arden Steele is a first book in a new series in an established universe. The Blackhaven Manor and connected sequel Hunters Hollow series are both full of terrific paranormal stories and interesting fated mates romances.

With their crossover characters and established mythology/histories, they have a depth of character and storyline coming into the book that I thought was missing here.

Both the main characters weren’t really well developed, nor did their instant love/fated mates storyline have any chemistry.

My biggest issue out of a bunch of them is the opening scenes where a young girl is so desperate to see her deceased father that she uses dark uncontrollable magic in Sunne Tanaka’s public library and tragically ends them both.

It’s a very unexpected traumatic moment but does Sunne Tanaka act like it? No. He could be visiting an ice cream parlor with the same overall emotional energy of placid sweet potato niceness that he exhibits here.

Did I believe in his character? No. If Arden had said Sunne was experiencing shock from his death and that of the girl , that was one thing but no, this “cinnamon roll “ personality was it.

And his fated mate is an unpleasant, bitter living guard in the underworld that we get no real sense of.

Add to all the above, a third major character quickly telegraphs what his role is to be in the storyline. It’s easy to guess at.

So adding all these elements together meant that Definitely Dead (Happily Ever Afterlife Book 1) by Arden Steele was a book I breezed through with little connection with the characters or plot.

It’s ok but I doubt this is a series I will be following.

Cover Art by Black Butterfly Designs Published by Peccavi Press”

Happily Ever Afterlife :

Definitely Dead #1

Dead Ringer #2 – June 5, 2025

Buy link

Definitely Dead (Happily Ever Afterlife Book 1)

Blurb

As a royal Guardian, Tyr Bergstrom is built for battle, not stillness. Not whatever this is. He followed his prince into the depths of the Underworld out of loyalty, but with no foes to vanquish and no lives to safeguard, he’s left questioning why he stays. It’s dark, cold, and each day blends into the next with monotonous sameness.

Until a spark of sunshine arrives in the Village of Lost Souls.

Sunne Tanaka died. Not ideal, but he’s had worse Mondays. While the afterlife isn’t anything like he expected—frankly, it’s a total scam—from the moment he meets Tyr, he can’t help but feel that he’s exactly where he belongs. He hasn’t decided if the shifter is his destiny or a beautiful disaster waiting to happen, but he knows one thing for certain. He’s not leaving the village without him.

But Tyr knows better than anyone that some lines aren’t meant to be crossed. He doesn’t know what waits beyond the dark waters of the River Acheron, but it’s the only condition of his stay in the Underworld. A rule he has never questioned…until another soul puts Sunne’s very existence at risk.

Now, he’s not just questioning.

Now, he’s prepared to take on the living, the dead, and Hades himself to bring his mate back and give them both a chance at a happily ever afterlife.

Publisher: Peccavi Press
Accessibility: Learn more
Publication date: May 15, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 213 pages

Review: Guardians of the Pack (The Other Wolf, #2) by Heather G. Harris

Rating: 3.5⭐️

Book 2, and my issues with this series and characters continue. Mostly due to the character of Lucy, but the lack of foundational knowledge about the world building is also a big part of the problem here.

Turns out there’s 4 different Other Realm series that have carryover characters and overlapping roles and storylines here. If you’re not familiar with them, then it’s a problem because Harris isn’t one of those writers who spends the necessary time in their stories filling in knowledge about their other work/universe. You either know or you don’t.

Which leaves any new readers lost or scrambling for information, a trying aspect of the book when there’s already several others to deal with.

The interesting elements here, such as the werewolves actually having two distinct personalities or beings within them, is a very good one. The wolves have names, personalities and in most instances, have been denied by their “human counterparts” , suppressed by werewolf history and pack mythology to a certain roles that had denied them their identity. Lucy and Esme are, currently, the only highly functional communicating pair.

This is a great storyline and it will be the one that carries me forward if I do so, into the series as I hopefully see it further expand and detailed.

I rated this novel higher because the main theme of kidnapped children and its investigation was suspenseful and kept me invested. It was especially due to the side story of the young werewolf and the gargoyles. The leader Bob and the youngest cub were east to relate to and feel emotionally attached to as well.

But, once again, that ending was not satisfying. The villain ended up as much a product of why this MF character is so problematic and the issues that continue to plague her. (“I didn’t feel so sorry for him anymore “). No words.

Just one more huge SMH moment and scenario.

I’m actually considering heading back to the Glimmer series, the first in the Other Realm universe to see if beginning with the main series will eliminate the world building issues and carryover problems.

Not sure Lucy had shown much development as a person yet so it’s hard for me to want to invest further time in reading her series.

Guardians of the Pack (The Other Wolf, #2) by Heather G. Harris is a bit of a mixed bag of narratively good elements and nicely executed storytelling threaded through with a questionable main character moments, and an unsatisfying ending.

Le sigh.

Cover Design by Christian Bentulan.

The Other Wolf Series – now complete!

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

Ascension of the Pack, Book 6

Buy link

Guardians of The Pack: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Other Wolf Series Book 2)

Blurb

I hate finding corpses. For some reason, my enemies think dead bodies work as a communication method. Call me old fashioned, but I prefer a letter.

When I find a pulverised gargoyle on my lawn, I can’t help but think things are about to get rocky. The gargoyles don’t expect me to look into the death, but who can ignore murder on their doorstep? Ex-soldier Greg Manners knows all about violence and he thinks that the ogres are involved. Deadly or not, I’ll go toe-to-toe with their lethal king if I need to. I’m determined to find justice – but just when I start investigating, one of the pack’s children is snatched.

I’m in a race against time to find him when it turns out that Bobby isn’t the first stolen child. I’ll have to navigate Other world politics to work out what the purloined children have in common. Maybe if I know why they’ve been taken, I’ll discover who took them. Because the clock is ticking and I am all out of suspects.

Esme and I have to work together to find the kids, before it’s too late…

Burn through this fun, fast-paced, laugh-out-loud mix of urban fantasy and mystery.

This is the second book in the Other Wolf series. Don’t miss this internationally best-selling series if you like humour, heart, a strong heroine and a slow burn fade-to-black romance.

Written in British English.

Don’t miss all the books set in the Other Realm!

The Glimmer Series

Glimmer of the Other

Glimmer of Hope

Glimmer of Death

Glimmer of Deception

The Other Wolf Series

Protection of the Pack

Guardians of the Pack

Saviour of the Pack

The Court Series

Challenge of the Court

Betrayal of the Court

Revival of the Court

The Other Witch – An Amber DeLea grimoire

Rune of the Witch

Hex of the Witch

Coven of the Witch

Familiar of the Witch

Destiny of the Witch

Publisher: Heather G Harris (October 6, 2022)
Publication date: October 6, 2022
Language: English
Print length: 358 pages

Review: Fair Market Value (The Body Shop Book 1) by Hailey Edwards

Rating: 4⭐️

“Forgot to feed your goldfish before your untimely demise?

Need to jot down a Will?Say a Goodbye?See the Grand Canyon?

Then Come On Down! Located on Downing Street, in Savannah, GA,one mile from the scenic Bonaventure Cemetery -The Body Shop”

A intriguing cover and woman necromancer as a main character were the first details about Fair Market Value (The Body Shop Book 1) by Hailey Edwards that grabbed my attention. Plus I hadn’t read anything by this writer yet, and that’s always a plus.

Then there’s that premise. Rent a body. Unfinished business? Necromancer Mary Frances Talbot, Frankie as she’s known, runs a body rental business out of her family’s auto repair shop in Savannah, Georgia. Tip toeing the legality of the Necromancer laws, she’s trying to make sure her siblings, who have their own paranormal stories and needs, stay safe and have a home.

The personal stories for the Mary family (how they got their name for instance) is horrific and well written. Their backgrounds are truly disturbing and scenes/nightmares are threads that continue to make an impact on the story and their current situation in various ways. Plus each sibling represents a different paranormal species which I thought was a very different element to include. Frankie is a necromancer, Josie is a dryad, and brother Matty is a Oneiros.

One thing I struggled with was the world building. I had no sense of structure, magical, political, or historical, to put this story into context. There’s references to a Necromancer Committee and Laws but Edwards doesn’t lay out the foundation knowledge for the universe this is being played out in. Turns out,after research ,all this author’s series are set in the same universe but you have to be a reader of those books to be set up here.

Anyway, there no heat but a potential romance with a ex love now detective, Samuel Harrow of the Savannah Police Department. When one of her “rentals” isn’t returned on time and becomes part of a crime, they reconnect.

The mystery or mysteries as they begin to add up are good ones. But the really interesting elements are the ghostly personalities who are “family “ or friends, how much they are part of Frankie’s life, and the twists that pop up in the dramatic moments at the end.

Edwards appreciates historic cars and writes them with care into the story. It’s the same with other fine detail aspects of this novel. The siblings, Josie and Matty have strengths and individual poignancy layered between them. The dynamic between them is beautifully balanced and heartwarming. I can’t wait to see how this family develops further.

And the tension between Frankie and Samuel, which was left at an awkward place.

A definite recommendation and now onto the next book in the series.

The Body Shop series:

Fair Market Value #1

Amber Gambler #2

Midnight Auto Parts #3

Cheater Slicks #4 – Dec 25,2025

Review: Minimum Wage Magic (DFZ Book 1) by Rachel Aaron

Rating: 4.5⭐️🌈

This book had me at the title!Minimum Wage Magic (DFZ Book 1) by Rachel Aaron drew me in by that great title, then the interesting cover, and the story behind both.

Plus the fact that I got to discover a new author and ever expanding universe to dive into! Rachel Aaron has been developing this magical trippy world through 3 connected series, of which the DFZ trilogy is the second one.

DFZ, or the Detroit Free Zone is a both a sentient goddess and place, one that is constantly rearranging itself according to the DFZ’s whims and ideas. It’s a no holds barred zone of all out love of competition and commerce, anything goes until the DFZ says no, which doesn’t often happen. I really am going to read that first series, because fabulous.

But there’s enough magical systems foundation and world history laid down here for a new reader to understand the storylines and characters.

Aaron’s world building is excellent and so imaginative. Interwoven with magical elements and technology, it’s a place of mystery and endless opportunities for creativity and crime. New architecture and depths of depravity. And it’s sentient. That’s the city of Detroit.

Its 2115 and debt ridden mage Opal Yong-ae is doing her job as a Cleaner, think someone who has come to clean out all the apartments/houses for those who haven’t paid or been evicted. She owns what’s inside, trash or treasure, whatever. It’s a toss up because she bid on it unknowingly what’s inside.

Yup, she may have magic but she’s an Official Subcontractor for Detroit Free Zone Habitation Management.

I’m so in.

Of course, the place she’s working on , in a nasty location, takes a turn for the worst.

This is such a captivating story. Opal’s own narrative, her mysterious family, the debt she’s carrying, the freedom she craves so desperately, all these elements are carefully assembled and revealed throughout the story as events happen.

Opal is a tremendously appealing personality, one we relate to, as she meets each new character, ends up in another humbling or challenging situation, we are right there with her.

Nik, another Cleaner with his own mysterious history behind him, becomes someone who can grow and develop into a partner equally powerful and intriguing.

It’s hard to describe anything here without knowingly giving away main spoilers for the characters and book that are too delightful and should be read.

Delightful, scary, frustrating and definitely a way to send me running straight to the next book.

And back to the original series.

I just adore the characters, especially Opal and need to see more of the DFZ and all the spirits and Demi-gods that dwell there.

Fascinating, imaginative stuff. More please!

Highly recommended!

Cover Illustration by Tia Rambaran, Cover Design by Rachel Aaron

The DFZ Trilogy (2nd of 3 series) Minimum Wage Magic

Part-Time Gods

Night Shift Dragons

Buy link:

Minimum Wage Magic (DFZ Book 1)

Blurb

Return to the DFZ with a new standalone series full of dragons, mages, and the deadly perils of freelance employment, now complete at three books!

Making a living is hard. Making a living in a lawless city where gods are real, dragons are traffic hazards, and buildings move on their own can feel downright impossible.

Good thing freelance mage Opal Yong-ae has never let little things like impossibility stop her. She’s found a way to put her overpriced magical art history degree to use as a Cleaner: a contract municipal employee who empties out abandoned apartments and resells the unusual treasures she finds inside for a profit. It’s not a pretty job, or a safe one–there’s a reason she wears bite-proof gloves–but when you’re neck-deep in debt to a very magical, very nasty individual, you can’t be picky about where the money comes from.

But even Opal’s low standards are put to the test when the only thing of value in her latest apartment is the body of the previous tenant. Dealing with the dead isn’t technically part of her job, but this mage died hiding a secret that could be worth a lot of money, and Opal’s the only one who knows. With debts she can’t pay due at the end of the week, this could be the big break she’s been waiting for, but in a city of runaway magic where getting in over your head generally means losing it, the cost of chasing this opportunity might be more than Opal can survive.

Publisher: Aaron/Bach (November 9, 2018)
Publication date: November 9, 2018
Language: English
Print length: 341 pages

Complete series

Series Information from the author:

All of my series set in the Detroit Free Zone were written as self-contained stories. You don’t have to have read any previous DFZ books to enjoy the newer ones. But for those who want to see the world grow, here’s a list of all the DFZ books in chronological order.

Heartstrikers :

Nice Dragons Finish Last

One Good Dragon Deserves Another No Good Dragon Goes Unpunished

A Dragon of a Different Color

Last Dragon Standing

The DFZ Trilogy (This series) Minimum Wage Magic

Part-Time Gods

Night Shift Dragons

DFZ Changeling Trilogy

By a Silver Thread

With a Golden Sword

To the Bloody End

Review: Deadly Deception : Necromancer Tales Book 2 by MJ May

Rating: 5🌈

Superlative. Once again May is building a suspenseful, dynamic, thrilling new series by introducing a villain that’s truly horrifying by its truly threatening but yet unknown nature. But first, a fantastic well crafted, compelling murder mystery, full of secrets, bodies, ghosts, another necromancer , more world building, and just a outstanding story.

Have to wait until the end but by the scenes described, the reader can imagine the scope of its plotting. One so immense that’s been unknown, whose power and potential to harm this series’ world and characters will hang over each story.

Fabulous.

It starts with May taking her Erasmus Boone and Franklin O’Hare out of their homes and comfort zone, away from their jobs, family, friends and the warmth of the Mississippi , back to Chicago and the Midwest where Detective Franklin O’Hare came from and still has ties.

It’s a great way to start. It’s cold. The Chicago PD murder case is fraught with danger, both in terms of emotional distress and the likelihood of prejudice against Boone. And then there’s the question of Franklin’s family who wants to meet Boone for the first time as well since they became a couple.

The characters May creates for the Chicago PD and at every other aspect of the story are just as well defined, beautifully executed as any that’s come before. Their personalities develop and grow as the cases and investigations become more complex, just as you would imagine.

Series characters are also evolving. Aurelia the djinn is finding new facets to her personality, possible emotions to figure out, and those are her struggle with her increasing unpredictability. May’s strength in writing otherworldly beings that are absolutely at their core non human make her books magical, powerful, and often terrifying. For the reader and the characters in the stories.

I can’t wait for this series to continue. What an amazing, scary journey lies ahead. Highly recommended! And I love seeing crossover characters from the Pixie series make connections here!

This is a must read, as it the series before it.

Another excellent cover design by cheriefox

Related/Preceding Series:

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—End

Necromancer Tales:

Deadly Lineage #1

Deadly Deception #2

Buy Link:

Deadly Deception: Necromancer Tales Book II

Blurb

Necromancer Erasmus Boone’s life is better than he ever imagined. Bucking the typical necromancer storyline, Erasmus has managed to carve out a life filled with love and purpose. With Halloween fast approaching, Erasmus is ready to enjoy his favorite time of year. Unfortunately, Detective Franklin O’Hare’s Midwestern past has other ideas.

Covered in blood and found wandering the streets surrounding Chicago, a necromancer is being accused of murder—the victim and circumstances unknown. Mentally unstable, this unfortunate necromancer is in jeopardy of being railroaded for a crime he may or may not have been involved in. Franklin O’Hare’s former captain doesn’t want to witness another victimized necromancer. Aware of Franklin’s association with Erasmus, he calls on them for help.

Now headed for chillier climes, Erasmus and Franklin need to figure out if a crime has been committed, and if there’s one thing Erasmus excels at, it’s finding where the bodies are buried. Only Erasmus doesn’t just fine one victim; he finds several. When the souls of the departed blame their deaths on a long dead bogeyman, it becomes clear the local sheriff has a problem and a necromancer accused of murder is just the tip of the iceberg.

Between bringing back the dead, dealing with local prejudices, and meeting Franklin’s family, Erasmus has his plate full. Add on a worried warlock father and more than one attempted assassination, and Erasmus is more than ready to pack it up and head back to the warm Mississippi breeze.

Deadly Deception is the second 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 Deception 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 boyfriend alive, an arrogant but redeemably overprotective warlock father, a deceptive killer, a questionably moral all-powerful djinn, a kitten who can’t figure out how it wound up in a backpack, let alone staring through a plastic bubble, humans—some redeemable and some not, a chilly Chicago fall, and a playfully bloodthirsty vampire. Deadly Deception has a HFN ending as it is part of an ongoing series.

Mentions of violence, murder, souls brought back from the beyond, spaciest bigotry, and a few characters of questionable morals and sanity.

Publication date: January 21, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 335 pages

Review: How To Summon A Memory (a Cauldrons and Kisses story) by Morgan Lysand

Rating: 3🌈

I had started into this universe and the various characters stories with Lysand’s first book, Kisses at the Crossroads (Fortune Favors the Fae series). That was Lark, an imprisoned fae and a crossroads demon’s love story. It introduced the town of Hex, Indiana and Lysand’s intention of expanding into various other relationships of the side characters in future series and stories.

This approach, as I noted earlier, left the original plot a bit unsatisfying as it appeared that Lysand was concentrating on setting up the foundation for other plots to come.

They ended up across several different multi-author, various themed series. I have listed them below as has the author under the title Hex, Indiana. Does this make for a comprehensive or complete sense of the universe or greater understanding of the characters represented? Not really. But I’ll let you be the judge.

The concept behind this story is a good one. The idea of two best friends/potential lovers, in this case a summoned crossroads demon and a young witch separated from each other . By loss of memory, an inability to find their person, a mystery , combined with an unknown determined enemy, is a terrific one. It catches your attention and engages your imagination. Especially the characters here, one Prof. Ethan Speller who’s engaged to his best friend, the nonbinary Florence, an engagement and marriage neither wants but can seem to stop because of their powerful families. Add to that an unhappy crossroads demon, Warwick, who doesn’t know what happened to the young witch who was his best friend? Amazing plot.

However, How To Summon A Memory just doesn’t have enough depth or page length to really capture the potential of the story the author has set out to create. There’s so much that gets lost here.

Florence, the best friend? Terrific character. Their familiars , chubby squirrel (Florence) and hummingbird (Ethan) are important but not well introduced. Other parts of this story, like the school, or subplots like the ones involving the students and chemistry classes, aren’t either necessary but overly dramatic or needed and not well executed. Much of the story goes along these lines.

The narrative doesn’t flow smoothly or in an evenly balanced/paced way that makes the book feel cohesive. Which is a shame because a really good idea and couple gets lost along the way.

The person responsible for all the woe gets off with a “do better “, the explanation for the magic doesn’t really work, and I’m left wondering why it wasn’t combined into one series to begin with.

This was interesting . If you are a fan of the series and author, that’s who I’m going to recommend it as a read.

Cauldrons and Kisses (8 books)

🔹Love Potions and Moonlight by Kota Quinn

🔹Charmed by Rainbow by Jax Stuart

🔹Enchanted Hearts by Jacey Davis

🔹Oral Hex: An MM Omegaverse Romance by Salem Jack

🔹How To Summon A Memory by Morgan Lysand

🔹Half Past Hex by Toby Wise

🔹Prince, Charmed by Ducky Mack

🔹The Trouble With Spells by Raiven Mathews

——

Connected universe books:

Welcome to Hex, Indiana :

🔷Kisses at the Crossroads (Fortune Favors the Fae series)

🔷The Nephilim’s Touch (Tales from the Tarot series)

🔷How To Summon A Memory (Cauldrons and Kisses)

Buy link

How To Summon A Memory

Blurb

Ethan

Who is the beautiful demonic stranger in my dreams? That’s what I want to know. But between teaching at Hex University and preparing for my unfortunate nuptials to a fellow witch, I don’t have time to explore why the demon seems so familiar. I just know the demon is important, but why?

Warwick

I’ve been searching for my best friend, Ethan, for six years. One minute he stood in front of me, finally ready to make his crossroads deal to free him of his arranged marriage, the next he’s gone and he took my heart with him. I’ll do anything to find him, if only to tell him off for leaving me right when we could finally be together. Color me surprised when one night Ethan walks through the door of the bar I’m moping in. But he’s not the same sweet, goofy boy I fell in love with. No, this is a man who has forgotten me and his true self. Will my crossroads magic be enough to bring back his memories? It better, I won’t be forgotten.

How To Summon A Memory is a fluffy and spicy paranormal romance featuring a witch missing his memories and a possessive crossroads demon determined to get back to the man he loves.

Cauldrons and Kisses is a multi-author series of MM magical standalone stories.

Publication date: October 11, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 146 pages

Review: The Witch’s Grumpy Dragon (Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala Book 1) by Michele Notaro

Rating: 4.5🌈

The Witch’s Grumpy Dragon is the sequel we’ve been waiting for since Notaro introduced the new location and it’s characters to us in the wonderful book, The Wolf’s (Un) Lucky Fae from the Fortune Favors The Fae series.

There those side characters cried out for their own stories and romances amidst a magical world that was in a societal crisis of class and speciesism.

That lead in book showed us the perspective of those, the Fae, who are a distinct lower class and Remi who is among those who try to help them.

Here the view of society is flipped, we’re seeing it from the top of the government and society. Or rather as it’s been viewed by its ruler, Dragon king shifter Garrick Von Stein, his friend/right hand Roman, and then by the one they hire to help them.

That’s Remi Ellwood’s best friend, Tanyl “Tan” Helegolor, a powerful witch with death magic. Along with his fabulous familiar, Orangelica, his bonded one, Notaro sets the reader up for a fantastic mated relationship and high new fantasy adventure.

There’s a heartbreaking story behind the King, a fated mate romance, some real magical battles that are just amazing, and a great cast of characters, past, present, and new to keep the reader totally engaged with the many storylines and relationships as they develop.

There’s a critical, very emotional divide within the society here, and the turnaround that needs to happen, by the King and in the current administration to effect change, that’s addressed in the book. Notaro is realistic in acknowledging that believable change is slow moving however forward everything else is occurring. I love it when an author keeps all the threads complete and throughly explored in the narrative. So well written.

I can’t wait for the next book to come out. That’s an intriguing pair , Anton the vampire and Keryth, a fae related to Bel, that was actually set up in Bel and Remi’s book and has a mystery about them that’s been following them throughout the series. Need it now.

I highly recommend reading this and the books I have listed below as leads to the universe. And the author, who is an auto read for me.

Happy reading!

Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala:

The Witch’s Grumpy Dragon #1
The Vampire’s Delicious Fae #2 – Sept 9,2025

Connected series and stories:

🔷The Wolf’s (Un) Lucky Fae (Fortune Favors The Fae) – Remi and Bel’s story ❤️

🔷The Enchanter’s Flame (The Ellwood Chronicles I) – Ailin and Seb’s story❤️

Buy Link

The Witch’s Grumpy Dragon (Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala Book 1)

Blurb

I have never in my life met anyone as infuriating as that dragon. So then why do I keep wanting to spend time with him?

Step One: Find a gorgeous guy. Check.

Step Two: Talk to said gorgeous guy. Check.

Step Three: Try not to strangle him. Uh… do I really have to check this one? Because I really want to wrap my fingers around his—ugh.

Garrick Von Stein is the most frustrating person I’ve ever met, and yet, as soon as he calls me for help, I jump right in. Every single time. Why? I have no idea. I mean, I really do like to look at the dragon shifter king, but that doesn’t explain this strange pull, this need, I feel to be near him.

He doesn’t even like me—believe me, I’d know—but for some reason he trusts me. And the weirdest thing of all? I trust him too.

Now if only we could find a way to work together to keep him and everyone else safe.

The Witch’s Grumpy Dragon is Book 1 of the new MM urban fantasy series, Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala. It follows a new couple in each book with a guaranteed HEA. It takes place in the Brinnswick world in the far away country of Gauhala and brings a whole new cast of characters. But don’t worry, there will be some cameos along the way.

Publisher: (September 26, 2024)
Publication date: September 26, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 386 pages

Review: Power of the Mind (Shadowy Solutions Book 2) by Nicky James

Rating: 4.75🌈

I’m not sure if Shadowy Solutions won’t surpass Valor and Doyle as the series I come to adore the most. Just based on the three novels that James has given us, the characters of Shadowy Solutions have me in their thrall totally and anxiously waiting for more.

It’s been 3 months since the last case, time frame, 10 months since they met during the events that occurred previously. Diem Krause, ex cop, overburdened PI, scarred , damaged man that he is, can’t get

the intriguing Tallus Domingo, PD records clerk, out of his head.

Tallus, with his own fascination with this huge, quiet dangerous man, will let nothing stop himself from pursuing a relationship with Diem, no matter what the obstacles he throws up between them.

James has built and continues to construct two incredibly powerful, complicated men who are almost magnetically connected to each other but who are also fighting one’s inner demons that’s keeping them apart. It’s a compelling, moving dynamic that’s being developed and one that connects the reader instantly to these men.

With the relationship as a foundation and as a way to propel the story forward, James creates an interesting mystery that’s as layered as the characters and relationships found here. It starts with Memphis, old friend of Tallus’, who decides to have his fortune told and swings into a mysterious investigation that sees a crossover with Valor and Doyle, bringing suspense and excitement.

It’s a great story, excellent character development, exciting scenes, and just such emotional moments that make this a series to watch and put on your must read list.

Highly recommend!

Shadowy Solutions:

Invisible Scars – prequel

Skeletons in the Closet #1

Power of the Mind #2

Connected and preceding series in the same universe:

Valor and Doyle (7 book series)

Buy link

Power of the Mind (Shadowy Solutions Book 2)

Blurb

It’s not a real case, he’s not my boyfriend, and we aren’t partners.

Three lies I told myself for survival.

After ten months of shamefully stalking and showing up randomly on Tallus’s doorstep at midnight (for reasons), the sinfully hot records clerk decided he’d had enough of my games.

In fact, he went out of his way to bring me the most ridiculous case (it was not a case) on the planet as an excuse to push me over the line (he wanted a date). Our arrangement (hooking up) didn’t suit him any longer.

Could I say no? Of course not (this was Tallus).

Five days, I told him. Five days to prove his silly theory, then we were done.

Little did I know, Tallus had a deadline of his own.

Investigating a mind-controlling-murdering psychic was hard enough (because it was not a thing), but resisting Tallus’s charm was the real challenge.

It turned out, I was wrong about a few things.

The case might be a case after all.

Tallus had potential as a partner.

And after all was said and done…

I wasn’t sure I could let him go.

Publication date: September 12, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 431 pages

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