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: Bloodlust Bites (Charley Underwood Book 1) by Luanne Bennett

Rating: 2⭐️

And I’m out. Honestly I tried so hard to like this series and main character because it had so much potential, but in the end, the story, plotting, and overall poor character development just sunk it.

I’ll take it issue by issue, starting with the least interesting part , that of the plot elements and total story reveal early on.

I guessed at how all the various elements of this story came together to point to the main villain and his nefarious plan at around the 45 percentage point. But the author herself gets several characters to actually tell a small group the exact details of the storyline, the mystery, the villain, at the halfway point. So it’s a done deal. Just a matter of bringing him down.

For the rest of the book. Mystery solved.

Next. The biggest problem is the characters. Most are of the cardboard type. One dimensional. No layers , no history and very little details or any real reason to care for them. That’s the majority of the cast. One gets hurt or killed. It’s not a big deal because they are, for the most part, underwhelming and interchangeable. Only a few stick out, and that’s due to how often they appear throughout the book and their names. Like Dog, the werewolf bartender. But that’s all you really know about him.

The main character, Charley, is problematic is multiple ways. For me she’s a prime example of a TSTL character. She’s constantly doing things that are highly “stupid” , that is the word used in the book, in that both she, her circle of friends, and the reader know are traps, running into scenes where she’s outnumbered, or the villains or baddies are waiting for her. She’s either told herself it’s a ‘dumb or stupid” idea, her friends or even frenemies have told her it’s a bad idea. So, over and over, she goes through and does it. And yes, gets hurt , needs to be saved, and often gets others hurt too. Watch her repeat this pattern while asking yourself why you are still reading this book.

TSTL. Extremely frustrating to read about. And gives me little reason to invest in the character.

The magic and her lack of training, the nasty coven and that entire aspect of the story is full of flags and issues. But I’ll table those because the main character has so many herself.

Finally the romance. We don’t have much of any relationship history or romance development between Charley and the vampire Samuel. But instantly they are in love, committed and Dog is so happy for them. After a few minutes in the alley and a couple of times where he steps in and helps her out? Where is the relationship dynamic? Even instant love romances have more of a connection than this one does.

Add everything above and I barely got through the book. It was a struggle. So I’m definitely not going forward .

If you’re a fan of the author, then you might want to consider reading this.

I’ll leave it up to you.

Cover design Damonza.com”

The Charley Underwood series -complete

Bloodlust Blues

Bloodlust Bites

Bloodlust Curse

Bloodlust Shadows

Buy link

Bloodlust Bites: An addictive and action-packed urban fantasy (Charley Underwood Book 2)

Blurb

Welcome to Crimson, Georgia. I’m Charley Underwood—witch, bar owner, and accidental demon hunter.

Crimson isn’t a regular town. With vampires, shifters, and humans living side by side, tensions always run high. I try to keep the peace, and most of the time nobody gets hurt. Most of the time.

Right now, Crimson is one bite away from all-out chaos.

A dangerous new wolf is stirring up trouble. A sexy vampire is on the hunt, with a gun full of sunlight bullets. And thugs from Atlanta are threatening my friends.

As if that wasn’t enough, my magic is running wild. One second it’s throwing bad guys through windows, the next it fizzles out to nothing. There’s only one way to get it under control—by taking lessons from Crimson’s terrifying old-school coven of witches.

I need to get a handle on it fast. Way out in the woods, someone is attacking young women, leaving them bitten and bloody. Is it a stranger or one of our own?

When police pin the attacks on one of my bartenders, it’s clear that none of this is random. Someone is coming after me and the people I love.

I’ll do anything to protect my crew. Even strike a deal with a vicious old enemy.

Because when I see what I’m fighting against, it’s clear I need all the help I can get.

Publisher: Second Sky (August 9, 2024)
Publication date: August 9, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 300 pages

Review: The Night Prince (Wolf King #2) A Fantasy Romance by Lauren Palphreyman

Rating: 4⭐️

I was absolutely torn about rating this novel at a 4 when at times I wanted to go lower. It’s primarily due to the character of Callum and the fact that the author seems determined to ask the reader to accept that he’s anything beyond a whiny, substance lacking himbo but actually a main romantic character who should be in a relationship with the female protagonist.

No.

At 84 percent in, Callum is still a the wolf shifter equivalent of the entitled ex high school football player who never grew up still expecting everyone to like him and give him what he wants. Gets a crown? Due to his own efforts? Nope. Support skills? Lacking. He’s never where he should be. But the author’s storyline wants the reader to believe that this is the guy that Rory is swooning about? Realistically? That’s not a believable element.

This is me as a reader flipping pages every time Callum starts to make appearances.

Blake is the terrific character that kept me going. He’s complex, tormented, and dark natured. Duplicitous and unpredictable. And now bonded to Rory. That’s an interesting take on a twisted relationship and compelling plot. Blake’s damaged, horrific history and his own personal relationship to the dark world around him is what elevates the story and the unwilling bond between himself and Rory.

Its intensity also makes Rory a more interesting character herself through her connection to Blake and their dreams/nightmares and emotions. Without that aspect of her character,her personality is getting a bit one dimensional here. Without Blake in the picture, she’s then reduced to a reactionary role , just bouncing back and forth between different men instead of becoming a proactive person the author insists she is.

Yes, her circumstances are perilous, but some of these scenes and actions on her part are not as strong or well thought out as the role is asking us to believe her to be.

What the author has done well is to create an atmosphere of fear and suspense, where anyone can be possessed, where the darkness is rising. The mythology is wonderful and the landscape of the current plot and dramatic scenes is vividly illustrated.

The last quarter of the book is the best , most thrilling part of it. There is plenty of drama, some surprisingly good twists and one shocking moment at the end that ends on a bit of a cliffhanger that sets up the final novel in this trilogy.

I’ll be there to finish this trilogy. Fingers crossed that Callum is kicked out to the highest highlands, Blake is ,well , Blake, and Rory becomes a solo Queen. I can dream can’t I?

We will see.

Another gorgeous cover.

Cover Design by: Damonza

The Wolf King series:

The Wolf King #1

The Night Prince #2

Buy link:

The Night Prince: A Fantasy Romance (The Wolf King)

Blurb

Aurora is caught between powerful alphas as they fight for the Wolf Throne. But darker forces are rising. . .

Aurora may have survived the Wolf King, but his bite marks her skin. In accordance with wolf law, that makes her his property. Now, he wants her back.

To beat him and take his throne, Aurora and Callum must form a dangerous alliance with one of the most feared Wolves in the Kingdom, Blake. He is their enemy, but he has entangled his life with Aurora’s—meaning she cannot harm him without forfeiting her own life.

As she fights to break their connection, she suspects Blake is keeping secrets about a dark power that rises in the north, and the unsettling nature of the bond between them. It seems there is a bigger game at play than who sits on the Wolf Throne—one that threatens both the Kingdom of Wolves, and the Kingdom of Men.

With her wolf awakening, enemies closing in, relationships tested, and secrets revealed—Aurora may be the only one who can stop an ancient evil from rising.

If she can figure out who to trust.

If she can figure out where she, and her heart, belong.

If she can stay alive.

The highly anticipated sequel to The Wolf King. A romantasy for fans of enemies to lovers, shifters, forbidden romance, villains you love to hate (or maybe just love!), and werewolves. Contains strong language and sexual situations.

Publication date: March 31, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 499 pages

Review: The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni is a gripping fantasy novel, the first book in a trilogy of the same name by Lynette Noni. She’s another new established author for me and I’m so excited to have found her and this series.

It’s equally great reading for adults like me who love fantasy with well developed characters and plots with unseen twists but could be read by young adults readers in the top range as well. The reason for this comes from the fact that the storyline is firmly rooted in a death prison, one that’s remarkably well defined and detailed.

The magical use comes slowly although the types of magic and how it’s been developed and divided throughout the kingdom historically is revealed early through internal storytelling by the characters.

So the story is concentrated on the character of Kiva Meridan, first traumatically as a 7 year old on the day her family was shattered and she, along with her father, was sent to the infamous death prison, Zalindov.

There are similarities that can be drawn between Zalindov and the German concentration camps of WWII, crematories, prisoners having numbers carved into them for identification purposes. Zalindov is a death sentence, it doesn’t matter why age you are, or why you are there. While I don’t believe that Noni is overly graphic about the horrors of the prison, there’s enough scenes that contain disturbing details or content of deaths and other violent acts that if this is problematic for you, be aware.

The Prison Healer jumps in time from that horrific day to present, and Kiva has survived, endured 10 years as a prisoner and a healer here. It’s been every bit a monumental struggle for her as you could expect. One might, as a reader, find it difficult to connect with Kiva at times, due to her locked down mentality and the reduced sense of self that the prison life has left of her at 17 years. She’s surviving, barely.

Then the arrival of several prisoners and a sweeping deadly illness change the status quo of the prison life.

Kiva is beautifully rendered, shutdown, hope sputtering out, you forget how young she is, as she quietly walks through the prison halls, hiding, looking out for the younger boy Tripp , trying to heal those who are in the infirmary. Being despised by all. It’s scary, heartbreaking, and filled with fear and suspense.

With the introduction of the dying Rebel Queen into the prison and the infirmary, the thrilling story begins to take shape on an ever larger scale.

There’s not a romance, she’s young, and she doesn’t want to let anyone close, or to lose anyone else.

There’s 3 incredible trial and an inventive use of space by the author to enhance her narrative. Also at the end , a fabulous twist that will send you running right into the next book to see where Kiva’s story goes!

Maps are fantastic. And I love the cover.

The Prison Healer series (completed):

The Prison Healer #1

The Gilded Gage #2

The Blood Traitor #3

Buy link

The Prison Healer (The Prison Healer, 1)$9.59Amazon.comFree returnsStore rating 4.5/5

Blurb

Seventeen-year-old Kiva Meridan has spent the last ten years fighting for survival in the notorious death prison, Zalindov, working as the prison healer.

When the Rebel Queen is captured, Kiva is charged with keeping the terminally ill woman alive long enough for her to undergo the Trial by Ordeal: a series of elemental challenges against the torments of air, fire, water, and earth, assigned to only the most dangerous of criminals.

Then a coded message from Kiva’s family arrives, containing a single order: “Don’t let her die. We are coming.” Aware that the Trials will kill the sickly queen, Kiva risks her own life to volunteer in her place. If she succeeds, both she and the queen will be granted their freedom.

But no one has ever survived.

With an incurable plague sweeping Zalindov, a mysterious new inmate fighting for Kiva’s heart, and a prison rebellion brewing, Kiva can’t escape the terrible feeling that her trials have only just begun.

From bestselling author Lynette Noni comes a dark, thrilling fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, and Sabaa Tahir.

Publisher. Penguin Random House Australia (March 13, 2023)

Language: English

Pages: 448

Review: Iron & Embers: An epic fantasy romance (The Ashes of Thezmarr Book 1) by Helen Scheuerer

Rating: 4⭐️

Iron & Embers picks up four years after the end of events of The Legends of Thezmarr series and Wren Embervale has been quietly working her way through the list of people who were responsible for the deaths of so many of those she lost. She’s anonymously become The Poisoner, an assassin traveling through the Kingdoms eliminating various targets never held accountable for their actions and crimes in the recent war.

Wren was an excellent, well written character we got to know in the first series . But next to the brilliant driven warrior that was her Warsword sister, Thea, and her powerful storyline, even with that magical role towards the end, it’s clear that she had more to say and depths to her character.

Scheuerer starts here by sending an embittered Wren off to an alchemy academy of Drevenor, an ancient school where she’s going to be taught spells and learn areas of alchemy she’s never heard of.

The school has been mentioned before in the previous series and several strong women characters are back in impactful roles here.

The romance is between Warsword Torj Elderbrock, a man who was forever changed by his and Wren’s last battle with the Dark forces. Channeling Wren’s lightning power changed his hair silver and left him with lightning made scars across his chest. And it has left other deeper changes.

I expect that the author will keep the main characters apart from each other as part of a frustrating series romantic storyline. Wren starts off with a noncommittal idea about love and affection with regards to romance and the book ends on a note that for me feels more “contrived “ then one that feels more a naturally flowing piece of the same plot.

A “oh no, I need to pull them apart. This should do” sort of moment in the story. When if they actually chatted it would have been resolved.

The Academy is a grim institution, instead of a place of learning. Think more body parts and bags than plants, marigolds, and medicine. So yes, scenes of torture and death ensue.

Which brings me to another point. In the first series, the women were coming together as a powerful force , a team and family. Here just the opposite seems to be happening. It’s disappointing and discouraging to see women characters I admired change and lessened here for plot purposes.

So, yes, I like Wren as a character. Vote is out on most of those characters around her, including Torj Elderbrock, a fascinating character who hasn’t yet learned to communicate.

There’s an overall series mystery developing around anti- magic, anti-royalist sentiment groups that might be more than just what they appear.

I admit Thea is an almost impossible act to follow. She is a Legend after all. So I’m onto the next when it’s released to see what legacy Wren makes for herself.

Recommended. Read The Legends of Thezmarr first. Excellent reads every one.

Great covers continue in this series.

The Legends of Thezmarr (4 book series (foundation series)

The Ashes of Thezmarr sequel series:

Iron & Embers #1

Thorns & Fire #2 – July 31,2025

Buy link

Iron & Embers: An epic fantasy romance (The Ashes of Thezmarr Book 1)

Blurb

“I’ve made no secret of what I want… You. It’s always been you.”

Wren Embervale, alchemist-turned-assassin, finds solace in only one thing: seeking vengeance for the death of her friends. The wars of the past may be over, but her thirst for revenge is far from quenched.

For years, she has been content with her poisons and potions for company, but when an unknown form of alchemy is used to attack a king of the midrealms, Wren’s time in the shadows comes to an end.

She’s offered a place at the ancient alchemy academy of Drevenor to find a cure to the dark magic threatening the kingdoms. To win her spot, she must conquer the Gauntlet, a grueling series of deadly trials that could cost her sanity, or her life.

More is at play than sabotage from fellow competitors. Magic wielders are being targeted and Wren becomes tangled in a dangerous web of deception and bloodshed that puts the entire realm at risk.

But the biggest threat of all might come from the man assigned to protect her—Torj Elderbrock, the silver-haired war hero who has hated her since she assassinated his last charge.

Their shared history ignites a simmering tension that threatens to consume them both.

Peace is fragile, trust is scarce and enemies lurk around every corner… Will love heal all wounds—or will it be the most lethal poison of all?

Iron & Embers is the breathtaking first installment in the epic fantasy romance series, The Ashes of Thezmarr. With its lush world-building, sizzling chemistry, and heart-pounding action it’s perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, From Blood & Ash, and The Bridge Kingdom.

Publisher: Alchemy (January 28, 2025)
Publication date: January 28, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 586 pages

Review: Assistant to the Villain (Assistant and the Villain Book 1) by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Fantastic! Laughed, cried a bit, and loved these characters and their stories so so much.

It’s ridiculous how much I adore Eve Sage. And her Villain.

Hannah Nicole Maehrer has written a comedic fantasy series with surprisingly deep emotional layers, all due to the absolutely incredible characters and the weirdly complex dynamics that the author had created between them.

This applies not only to the main characters of Evie Sage, the Assistant and The Villain, but all the many intriguing characters that inhabit the Mansion and story.

How Evie, a young woman struggling with running a poor household with a sick father and younger sister, gets her job as the Assistant to The Villain, is just the opening of this fabulous story. There’s so much heart and scope to Evie , the Villain, his staff and the strangeness that’s the Kingdom. Maeher is constantly building out upon the world she’s steadily creating.

There’s magical systems to learn about, otherworldly creatures, a Kingdom wide incurable disease, twists and plots turns a plenty.

And Evie to absolutely fall in love with, along with a mysterious staff who are weird, curmudgeonly, including a crowned frog, who start to grow into a surprisingly beautiful found family of evil. Sort of.

It ends on a cliffhanger. But one I like. Another great element.

Onto Apprentice to the Villain!

I have a feeling I may be buying the paper version of these books.

Highly recommended.

Right now it’s action, hint of romance, lots of magic, murder, and mayhem. And great characters and dialogue.

Cover art and design by Elizabeth Turner Stokes

Interior map art by Elizabeth Turner Stokes

Assistant and the Villain :

Assistant to the Villain #1

Apprentice to the Villain #2

Accomplice to the Villain #3 – Aug, 5,2025

Buy link:

Assistant to the Villain (Assistant and the Villain Book 1)

Blurb

Once Upon a Time meets The Office in Hannah Maehrer’s laugh-out-loud viral TikTok series turned novel, about the sunshine assistant to an Evil Villain…and their unexpected romance.

ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem and terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.

With ailing family to support, Evie Sage’s employment status isn’t just important, it’s vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer—naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don’t find evil so attractive, Evie.

But just when she’s getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat…and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain—and his entire nefarious empire—out.

Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work…and ensure he makes them pay.

After all, a good job is hard to find.

The Assistant and the Villain series is best enjoyed in order.

Reading Order:

Book #1 Assistant to the Villain

Book #2 Apprentice to the Villain

Book #3 Accomplice to the Villain

Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books (August 29, 2023)
Publication date: August 29, 2023
Language: English
Print length: 425 pages

Review: The Wren in the Holly Library (Oak & Holly Cycle Book 1) by K.A. Linde

Rating: 3⭐️🌈

🌈 for Bisexual main character

I really wanted to like this story but issues just kept creeping into the narrative that stopped me from being fully invested in the characters, their relationships and motivations as well as the mythology that Linde insists on using as a framework for her storyline.

It’s not the dark fantasy, because I’m a true fan of the genre, it’s in the manner that the author is constructing the characters and storylines.

Kierse, the damaged thief with the abusive background from her criminal mentor is the Belle substitute here. She’s the thief who’s caught in the Holly Library the “Monster” (it’s in the description) , also known as Grave .

Their relationship is part of the issue. Or maybe her treatment is. There isn’t much chemistry between them and the romance just seems to appear, albeit with Kierse making the obligatory resistance response.

She’s got a bisexual background with a missing ex girlfriend that is part of an underdeveloped storyline. As well as a well described traumatic history that gives her the realistic, raw foundation her character would require.

But how the dynamic plays into the physical abuse and the future degradation that is inflicted upon her as part of her “roles” with Grace starts a strange division and changes her past/current personality and the new narrative path of the author’s without the needed context.

Grave, the mage “Monster “ , is a person who has an otherworldly framework around him that’s easily recognizable ,as is the other main enemy MC. This aspect of his character and storyline is primarily due to the many hints and story Easter eggs the author has scattered throughout the book. Grave just isn’t someone who is an engaging personality. Again, Linde works against the story romance by having every single character (Kierse’s friends and frenemies) repeatedly telling Kierse exactly how untrustworthy Grave.

After a while we have to figure this is a major plot point.

Then for me it’s the mythology and underdeveloped magic which didn’t really make sense. Linde chose to use certain snippets or aspects of certain myths of Irish or Celtic culture but it’s not clear or successful. Especially with her usages of wrens. She’s partly using St. Stephen’s , a tale of unfortunate timing, as well as some Druids mythology that includes wrens, none of which translates well to a North American continent where our numerous species of wrens do just fine in winter and this aspect of the book would have not context. So without going beyond the surface or substance or making the material adjust accordingly ( as other authors have in great detail and depth), this just doesn’t work.

This came very close to a DNF but I wanted to see where Linde was going with the characters and story. Disappointing and not sure I’m going forward with the series. Too bad because it had such potential.

Cover art and design by Bree Archer Deluxe Limited endpaper illustration by Melanie Korte Deluxe Limited case design by Elizabeth Turner Stokes

The Oak & Holly Cycle series is best read in order.

Reading Order:

Book #1 The Wren in the Holly Library

Book #2 The Robin on the Oak Throne

Buy link

The Wren in the Holly Library (Oak & Holly Cycle Book 1)

Blurb

Can you love the dark when you know what it hides?

Some things aren’t supposed to exist outside of our imagination.

Thirteen years ago, monsters emerged from the shadows and plunged Kierse’s world into a cataclysmic war of near-total destruction. The New York City she knew so well collapsed practically overnight.

In the wake of that carnage, the Monster Treaty was created. A truce…of sorts.

But tonight, Kierse—a gifted and fearless thief—will break that treaty. She’ll enter the Holly Library…not knowing it’s the home of a monster.

He’s charming. Quietly alluring. Terrifying. But he knows talent when he sees it; it’s just a matter of finding her price.

Now she’s locked into a dangerous bargain with a creature unlike any other. She’ll sacrifice her freedom. She’ll offer her skills. Together, they’ll put their own futures at risk.

But he’s been playing a game across centuries—and once she joins in, there will be

no escape…

The Oak & Holly Cycle series is best read in order.

Reading Order:

Book #1 The Wren in the Holly Library

Book #2 The Robin on the Oak Throne – June 17,2025

Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books (June 4, 2024)
Publication date: June 4, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 495 pages

Review: Phantasma: A dark fantasy romance (Wicked Games Book 1) by Kaylie Smith

Rating: 4⭐️

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith is the first book in her dark fantasy romance duology, Wicked Games. It’s interesting in that each book is a contained story about a paranormal sister of the Grimm family of New Orleans. Definitely helps to read them together though as I will.

It’s a completed duology, which is fantastic, so a reader can explore both stories, one right after the other.

I really enjoyed reading Phantasma, from the characters to the setting of the Devil’s Mansion itself and the trials of the Phantasma. The storyline pulled me along with the characters, and Smith crafted an interesting complex personality with the oldest sister, Ophelia and one of surprising depth with the younger sister, Genevieve. The developing relationship and dialogue between Ophelia and ghost Blackwell is all hot chemistry and dry wit. And that, for its time, Ophelia and her sister have a “modern “ view on sexuality in a time of corsets, albeit one that accepts magic as a reality.

The other details and characters are ones that I would have liked to have seen more closely in the story because of their own relationship with Blackwell, and what appeared to be knowledge of the sisters. Jasper, for one. And most definitely “Sin” for another.

And this is where I feel the book falls short. The author has created the framework for the supernatural foundation of the characters, the tragic histories, even the fact that there’s a multitude, generations, of Grimm women who pass their magic through death and become Necromancers and we never see any real indication of that particular element outside of the mansion. Yes, she can see Blackwell and there’s other things of note. But this felt aspect felt less defined. As did much about her life and family.

Her sister, Genevieve, is the best thing here. But the family backstory is used as needed for the book, effectively as a really good plot twist, but leaves too many questions, especially at the end, to be effective as a whole.

Same goes for the main owner and mystery behind the mansion. It’s easily guessed at although the reason behind it needs the explanation the author provided. That’s muddled too.

So there were aspects of the narrative that I feel needed more clarification or exploration in order for the story and characters to have real depth and all the storylines feel grounded.

Did it keep me from engaging in the story and characters relationship? No. I really enjoyed it and will go onto Genevieve’s story. Her adventures complete the duology.

Great covers.

Cover design Alexandra Purtan/ Fenix Cover Designs”

Wicked Games:

Phantasma #1

Enchantra #2

Buy link

Phantasma: A dark fantasy romance (Wicked Games Book 1)

Blurb

Welcome to Phantasma.

There are only two rules to the game. Stay alive. And don’t fall in love.

When Ophelia’s sister disappears, there is only one way to save her. Ophelia must enter Phantasma, a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion, and claim its prize—a single wish.

Phantasma is a maze of twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, of demons and temptations. Ophelia will face nine challenges, each more dangerous than the last. There can only be one winner, and the other contestants will stop at nothing to eliminate their rivals.

Every day the house creates new monsters. But just as Ophelia’s fears threaten to overwhelm her, a mysterious stranger offers her a bargain.

Charming, arrogant and infuriatingly attractive, Blackwell claims he can guide her through the lethal trials ahead. All he asks in return is ten years of her life.

Ophelia knows she shouldn’t trust him. Blackwell doesn’t seem dangerous, but appearances can be deceptive. Worse still, she feels a dark and irresistible attraction drawing them closer and closer.

Her life is on the line. But in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart…

The instant top ten bestseller and TikTok sensation!

A Court of Thorns and Roses meets Caraval in this seductive fantasy adventure. With steamy romance, a sexy morally gray love interest, OCD rep and jaw-dropping twists, Phantasma is perfect for fans of Rebecca Yarros, Nisha J. Tuli and Carissa Broadbent.

Publisher: Second Sky (September 3, 2024)
Publication date: September 3, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 428 pages

Review: Shadow & Storms (The Legends of Thezmarr Book 4) by Helen Scheuerer

Rating: 4.75⭐️

The Legends of Thezmarr made Helen Scheurer a new author I put on my auto read list based on the three books that I read in this series. The strong female protagonist with a powerful sense of her destiny and the poignant nature of her storyline combined with a sensational complex magical elements and the kingdoms on the verge of war made this a perfect series to lose myself in.

Now comes the finale, Shadow & Storms, and the culmination of all the great adventures, powerful moments and character developments in one epic story. Does it deliver? Yes it does.

There’s so many things that make this book stand out for me. Absolutely standout glory scenes that, when they occur in the narrative, they make the already heavily invested reader stop and yell out!

Scheuerer remembers that it’s the heartrending intimate moments of war and loss as well as those of legend in the making, the heart stirring calls to battle that make a story lasting and memorable. And writes both into her narrative of epic conflict and dark fantasy.

Scenes in which the congress and deep friendships of women are made and build the vast network of relationships to keep their rebellion alive. That’s incredible work. It’s Thea, Wren, Anya, also Adrienne and Dru as well as Audra, pulling together the establishment of women empowering each other.

And as this will tie up the relationship of Thea and Warsword Wilder Hawthorne, it’s a great aspect of their growth as a couple to see their roles switch as Wilder becomes the one who needs to recover and reconnect with those around him. The maturity and development in them both makes the story and their characters even better as the author was able to show a greater evolution as the storylines progressed.

The ending, which, yes, left me, satisfied, sad, but also very much totally feeling that certain aspects went the way they were supposed to go. And happily, sister Wren is set up for her own magical epic adventure in a sequel series.

For now, Warsword Thea and Warsword Wilder are left together, off to make their own adventures.

A absolutely stunning story and one I’m definitely recommending. Love the series.

Covers. Love the simplicity.

The Legends of Thezmarr – 4 books completed:

Blood & Steel #1

Vows & Ruins #2

Fate & Furies #3

Shadow & Storms #4

Sequel series (Wren and Torj) :

The Ashes of Thezmarr (2 book series to date)

Iron & Embers #1

Thorns & Fire #2 – July 31,2025

Buy link

Shadow & Storms: An epic romantic fantasy (The Legends of Thezmarr Book 4)

Blurb

“She was ready to shed blood, ready to take back what was hers.”

The time has come to make one last stand against the forces of cursed men and monsters. But Thea’s enemies are only getting stronger. With allies divided and an outnumbered army, she must race against her own fate to secure the future of the midrealms – or die trying.

A prophecy is looming, and Thea’s life is in the balance. Does she have the power to cheat death itself?

Love and loyalty will be tested. Bonds will fracture forever. But all must fight for a better world.

In the final war for survival, will Thea and Wilder emerge victorious? Or will the shadows consume them at last?

Fans of Fourth Wing, The Witcher and The Bridge Kingdom, brace yourselves for sizzling romance, found family and heart-pounding battles in Shadow & Storms, the epic finale to The Legends of Thezmarr.

Publisher: Alchemy (June 20, 2024)
Publication date: June 20, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 427 pages

Review: Of Flames and Fallacies (The Arterian series Book 1) by Courtney Whims

Rating: 2⭐️

DNF

🚨 Spoilers 🚨

I rarely rate books I don’t finish but I’m making an exception here .

This book had a lot of potential and at the very least, a strong storyline and woman character.

Right up to the SMH moment of the narrative.

The MFC has an extremely ill mother who needs constant care, an absent father, and no money to feed them . They are starving. In a fit a rage over their circumstances, she knocks over the cross on her father’s grave and finds a forbidden dragon’s egg.

We’ve been given a loose history of dragons and the current Kingdom, but dragons are outlawed. And it’s a death sentence to have the egg.

Anyway, her mother eventually says something like find your ex boyfriend and take the egg/baby dragon back to Dragon Lands. Then dies in as the house goes up in flames.

Baby dragon is cute and Katerina Blackwind, is resourceful. So far so good. Unfortunately they find her ex boyfriend and things go downhill fast. Cole is one of those types that is always wanting to save the woman while constantly putting them in danger. And she lets him. And then puts the dragon in danger too while continuing to do things contrary to instructions laid out by her deceased father and , honestly, common sense.

But everything in the narrative comes to a screeching halt for me at 35% when this occurs:

Daeja, now a pretty big dragon and Katerina are in the woods outside an iffy camp and having this conversation . Mind you, they should have been on their way to Dragon Lands but Cole keeps delaying them because it’s too “dangerous “.

Katerina is speaking on page 154 of 427:

“Why did you want me to ride you?” She shifts her body, somehow managing to edge even closer to me. “I thought we could get to the Dragon Lands faster if we could fly there.”

I gaze up at her. “

“We can’t go without Cole.”

“And why not?”

“Because—” I pause, wracking my brain for my own reasoning.

Because my mother said so.” It sounded pathetic.

— Of Flames and Fallacies by Courtney Whims

Yes, they can just zip-a-dee-doo-dah right there by directly flying. Boom done. No problem. Have new adventures in Dragon Lands and, oh yes, your dragon would be safe.

But nope, with more than 300 pages to go, that doesn’t happen. SMH

So what do you expect from the reader , especially me every time Cole or someone betrays them or does something that is unbelievably stupid? Welp, they should have just flown outta there to begin with.

Yes, if you are an author don’t write an out at the beginning of the book.

So here’s a buy link. It’s a DFN and a 2 for that SMH element.

The Arterian series:

Of Flames and Fallacies #1

Of Blood and Banes #2 – Dec 2, 2025

Buy link

Of Flames and Fallacies (The Arterian series Book 1)

Blurb

Possession of dragon contraband in the Arterian kingdom is a guaranteed brutal execution.

When twenty-two-year-old Katerina Blackwind finds a dragon egg buried in her father’s grave, she begins to question everything she thought she knew. She must return the forbidden dragon hatchling—Daeja—north to the secretive Dragon Lands: where dragons roam free and a rebellion group resides.

But she can’t do it on her own – smuggling a dragon hatchling across the realm during a war between Arterians and rebels means she can be killed by either side. She knows there’s only one person she can truly trust, her old flame, Cole Ashbourne.

Yet, Cole is much different than the last time Kat saw him: deliciously chiseled in all the right places with a raw power lingering beneath the surface. Cole is torn between his responsibilities as a newly-promoted Captain in the King’s military, and his heart.

Kat works on a plan to get Daeja to the Dragon Lands while keeping a low profile at the military outpost. Though, having a room next to the sinisterly provocative Darian Raventhorn proves to be anything but easy.

Danger lurks at every turn, and as more secrets are unearthed, Kat is left to question everything she thought she knew about dragons, her family, love, and the kingdom.

ASIN: B0DQHPJS8D
Publication date: January 2, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 427 pages

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