Review: Bitter Legacy by Dal Maclean

Rating: 4.5🌈

Murder mysteries are a favorite trope so discovering a new author and series of both made my day. Especially when the novel’s storylines and characters turns out to be so riveting and absolutely beautifully executed.

Dal Maclean’s Bitter Legacy, the first book in a series of the same name, is a gripping tale of multiple murders, intense law enforcement investigations, with a upcoming Detective’s emotional journey into passion, loss, grief, and love.

It’s such a remarkable story. At times it’s not easy reading. You have to be someone who enjoys the minutiae of police work, especially the tiniest of details laid down, that might be the one thing that helps solves the case later on in the story.

There’s more than one tragedy here, multidimensional victims and equally strong monsters.

The story is narrated by Detective Sergeant James Henderson, an up and coming officer in a Murder Investigation Unit. He’s being fast tracked for promotion if he doesn’t mess it up. James or Jamie as he gets called is out as gay in his unit, with no repercussions. Those came from his extremely wealthy father who cast him out when James refused to follow the family program as far as career and heterosexual marriage.

So James is a man who’s going through some very hard emotionally fraught issues as well as finding himself alone in a new career, new place with high expectations.

He’s a great character, one that as a narrator, only gets better as his feelings about the cases and people involved serve not only to pull us into his reality but all the others that he’s becoming closer to. Maclean’s writing is absolutely up to the challenges of painting a portrait of Jamie undergoing immense changes, handling unbearable grief, feeling great joy, and then the numbness of shattering death. The reader is there , feeling it all.

And not just Jamie’s emotional state, but that of others we come to care about through the cases and the Department James works in.

I thought the book was incredibly well written, the mysteries complex, and the ending just as shattering as you would expect.

Only the somewhat rushed ending and epilogue felt out of place given how much the rest of the book was well layered.

I am onto the next in the series. I’m highly recommending this story to all lovers of contemporary murder mystery romance. Pick it up and let me know what you think!

Bitter Legacy:

✓ Bitter Legacy #1

◦ King of Kings #1.5

◦ Object of Desire #2

◦ Blue on Blue #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showBitter Legacy #1 – Dal Maclean – Goodreads

Description:

London.

Detective Sergeant James Henderson’s remarkable gut instincts have put him on a three-year fast track to becoming an inspector. But the advancement of his career has come at a cost. Gay, posh and eager to prove himself in the Metropolitan Police, James has allowed himself few chances for romance.

But when the murder of barrister Maria Curzon-Whyte lands in his lap, all that changes. His investigation leads him to a circle of irresistibly charming men. And though he knows better, James finds himself enticed into their company.

Soon his desire for photographer Ben Morgan challenges him to find a way into the other man’s lifestyle of one-night stands and carefree promiscuity. At the same time his single murder case multiplies into a cruel pattern of violence and depravity.

But as the bodies pile up and shocking secrets come to light, James finds both his tumultuous private life and coveted career threatened by a bitter legacy.
“Bitter Legacy” was a 2017 LAMBDA literary award finalist (Mystery).

———-

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

Review: The Reluctant Companion (13 Kingdoms #1) by H.L. Day

Rating: 4.5🌈

The Reluctant Companion is exactly what I was hoping to read when I saw the words whimsical fantasy adventure! The first in the 13 Kingdoms series by H.L. Day, it just encapsulated all those things that have made me love this type of book since adolescence . It’s got a glorious, technicolor cover, complete with fabulous looking being with Fire leaning against a huge lion! Yep!

Then immediately inside there’s hand drawn maps of the places our characters go charging off to, ala Tolkien or many a other great fantasy series. Be still my heart when I saw those tiny little mountains, complete with nonsensical names.

You got to have those in a whimsical fantasy.

And then? It’s quest time! A farm boy sets out to find his sister who’s left his village, only to find himself (and his quest) being immediately led astray by a magical monkey only he can see!

The farm boy isn’t your typical naive wide eyed sweet thing. Oh no. He’s a deliciously stubborn, temperamental person who also happens to be a excellent hunter with a dry sense of humor and strong sense of justice.

A interesting choice when it comes to wanting a companion for a mission and adventure. Especially if the other person’s morals are a tad on the shaky side. As is his identity. But he’s gorgeous, a bit vain. And mysterious. And hard to say no to. Even as a reader. *shakes head at Sebastian *

Jack needs to find his sister and Sebastian says he needs to rescue a Prince. In between those two quests lies, well, a ton of fantastical fun, a bunch of not quite lies, amazing amounts of fabulous characters, including orcs who may not have been cheated, cheating pirates who aren’t nice to their fathers, and sassy, spoiled princes.

And some magic. And not that they’d let on, but perhaps some heartfelt romance.

It’s a wonderfully lighthearted story that allows for the characters to show growth of personality as well as real changes of heart as their journey progresses. It’s surprisingly deep for a whimsical tale of adventure, wild quests, and personal growth.

And maybe finding a companion who loves you too.

The ending is just terrific. One element of the plot had been left open. So of course, a new mission opens up for Jack and Sebastian with the potential to tie up that loose storyline. The Stubborn Accomplice (13 Kingdoms #2) is due out on September 30, 2022.

I will there immediately to grab it up.

Love fantasy? In need of something lighthearted? But with great characters and enough depth and charm that it will stay with you after you are done?

Check out The Reluctant Companion (13 Kingdoms #1) by H.L. Day! And don’t forget to look at the maps!

I’m highly recommending this!

13 Kingdoms:

✓ The Reluctant Companion #1

◦ The Stubborn Accomplice #2- Sept., 30, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Reluctant Companion (13 Kingdoms #1) by H.L. Day | Goodreads

Synopsis:

Sebastian might have the power to summon animals, but winning Jack over? Far more difficult.

As first encounters go, Jack and Sebastian’s isn’t ideal, leaving Jack nursing a grudge he’s not about to let go of in a hurry. Yet, if Jack is to find his missing sister, and Sebastian is to rescue his captured prince, they’ll need to set their differences aside and work as a team.

Jack is stubborn and somewhat volatile. Sebastian is vain and clearly in love with himself. But as the unlikely companions face all manner of dangers together, they grow closer. Rescuing the prince should be easy. Rescuing him from an impenetrable tower guarded by dragon-shifting knights? Okay, that part is harder.

But once the adventure is over, letting Sebastian go might be the hardest thing Jack has ever had to do.

The Reluctant Companion is an 85k MM enemies to lover’s story featuring murderous orcs, deadly creatures, and marauding bandits. Opposites attract in this light-hearted fantasy romance which mixes humor with action and adventure. Meet a whole cast of colorful characters in the first book of the 13 kingdoms series.

———-

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

Review: Chef in the Wild (Sizzle in the Kitchen #1) by M.J. O’Shea

Rating: 3.5🌈

Chef in the Wild by M.J. O’Shea has a number of good elements going for it as a contemporary romance. The first of a series, Sizzle in the Kitchen, it’s center is a recently fired celebrity chef trying to climb his way out of burnout and a stressed out talented food truck chef fighting for his family’s approval. All taking place in the expensive, highly competitive location of Manhattan, NYC.

I really like the character of Chef Baldwin Powell. Recently fired from the restaurant he raised up to culinary fame and Michelin 2 stars, he’s a depressed man scrambling to find himself and his passion again. While O’Shea doesn’t dwell on this time in any depth, it’s not just a light matter either. It’s enough to give Peter Baldwin Powell dimension. He needs a new path back to his love of food and cooking.

And he finds it on a stroll and a food truck owner who’s been enticing him with delicious aromas and the offers of fantastic wraps.

Food trucks are a marvelously current element. Every city has its share of fabulous trucks and outstanding food. Even in my small town here there’s a Food Truck Thursday with just great offerings.

Shout out to Boombas Kitchen Food Truck and The Corned Beef King food truck should you ever be in Olney,Md!

So the next character, Murphy Haynes, is the chef of That’s A Wrap food truck. Murphy is younger, a talented chef from a rich family that doesn’t value his life choices.

So many issues stemming from that sentence. He’s a good character with that one personality defect, doesn’t communicate well, that usually keep me from connecting with him.

That plus his need to run away instead of talking through any issues that arise between them as a couple.

When they are together, cooking or , well, eating, Baldwin and Murphy are a cute couple. But at the first hint of a problem or a discussion, Murphy shuts Baldwin down. Won’t come home with him when asked. Doesn’t want to listen to any plans. Won’t explain his feelings to Baldwin. And then essentially runs away. More than once.

Murphy has understandable issues but is a character/personality with a inability to communicate.

So this becomes essentially a one sided relationship. One lacks maturity, and his continuing inability to talk about his issues ends up hurting himself and the relationship.

As well as my need to connect with this character too. This type of behavior in a character or relationship is one almost guaranteed to remove my continued in a storyline.

Especially ,since the fight and run response is big with Murphy . Then a enormous repeat of said actions with an immediate reconciliation. Boom done.

For me, that relationship was appearing a tad toxic. Murphy was ghosting Baldwin then showed up, after majorly running away for a lengthy amount of time.

Hmm. This scenario just didn’t work for me. Talk about a forced happy ending.

Only the town of Montpelier, Baldwin, and the cooking kept this rating from sinking.

There’s four books in the series. I will continue on at least to the next story.

If you like books about chefs, contemporary romance, give this a try and see what you think.

Sizzling in the Kitchen:

✓ Chef in the Wild #1

◦ Chef Vs Chef #2

◦ Chef On Top #3

◦ Chef In Love #4

https://www.goodreads.com › showChef in the Wild (Sizzling in the Kitchen #1) by M.J. O’Shea | Goodreads

He would’ve never guessed he was one perfect burrito away from falling in love…

Chef Baldwin Powell has everything he could ever want.

Until he doesn’t.

Fancy parties, celebrities, magazine write-ups, his own little empire of stainless steel and fire – he thought all of it was forever. It only takes one awful meeting for everything he’s worked for to be yanked out from underneath him. And one fateful meeting with the owner of food truck, of all things, to realize maybe what he thought he wanted isn’t what he needs after all.

They’re opposites in nearly every way – On paper it should be a disaster. But life and love in the wilds of Manhattan rarely work out the way anyone expects.

———-

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

Review: Witchin Warlock (Witchin #1) by Charity Parkerson

Rating: 3.25🌈

Witchin Warlock (Witchin #1) by Charity Parkerson is a cute short romance about a witch who hides his identity and a cop who uses the witch’s help with his cases. While being clueless as to why he solves them so quickly.

Parkerson doesn’t give much attention to background here. Not the backstory between Caspian (the witch) or Brock the cop. It’s a fated soulmates thing but only at the end.

So it’s really rushed, and little relationship has time to gain ground.

We get a murder or several. A hunt for bodies. Some passionate embracing, and hidden magic.

It’s cute. It’s a quick read at 87 pages. But I personally found the lack of layers a little disappointing.

If you’re in the mood for quick, fluffy, magical and hot, this is something you might want to check out.

Witchin series:

🔹Witchin’ Warlock #1

🔹Witchin’ Solstice #2

🔹Witchin’ Moonbeam #3

🔹Witchin’ Fangs

🔹Witchin’ Wildcat #4

https://www.goodreads.com › showWitchin Warlock (Witchin, #1) by Charity Parkerson – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Caspian comes from a long line of witches. Brock is third generation F.B.I. They shouldn’t fit but they do.

A year ago, Caspian moved to a small town in Ohio. He hoped the lack of competition in the area would be good for his psychic business, Futures Untold. The last thing he expected was a sexy F.B.I. agent to show up and treat him like a missing person’s bloodhound. Even though Caspian keeps doing favors for Special Agent Brock Wray, his distrust of authority runs deep. After all, they used to drown witches in this area back in the day, and Caspian has no desire to end up on Brock’s missing persons’ list.

Officially, no one knows how Brock keeps solving so many huge cases. Caspian is Brock’s secret weapon. The man knows things no one should. That’s not why Brock keeps showing up and making excuses to see Caspian. Caspian fascinates Brock. Not only does Brock’s inner detective need to know how Caspian knows so much, but Caspian is also smoking hot. He is the single most gorgeous man to step foot in their tiny town in ages. Brock isn’t dumb. He has to take Caspian off the market as quickly as possible and he’ll use any excuse to get close enough to do it.

When Brock takes Caspian along for the ride on a case, things will get weird. Let’s hope Caspian isn’t forced to show why he’s the most witchin warlock around or Brock might run for the hills.

Witchin Warlock is a fun short story just in time for Halloween.

———-

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

Review: Mighty Quill: An MM Paranormal Shifter Romance (Sanguis Et Fauna Book 1) by Emmaline Strange

Rating: 4 🌈

Emmaline Strange is a new author for me. I just stumbled across her book by glancing at that terrific cover, and realized it represented a new opportunity to see a new author’s take on shifters and a paranormal romance.

I found that Mighty Quill has so many wonderful elements to recommend it. Strange doesn’t go too much into the universe her characters inhabit, except that humans aren’t aware that magical creatures exist along side them. That’s pretty typical.

But what’s unique is how each shifter gets their shifter form or Fauna as it’s identified here is. Instead of being born into a pack of like species, a family of shifters can have any number of species within itself. It depends on what each person’s individual fauna is called to be when they mature, be it bear, wolf, or something totally different.

Strange ‘s interpretation has some new and old elements to it. I’ll get to that in a moment.

The story has, as I said, many aspects that will totally pull a reader in. The characters are wonderful. Cassian Rhodes, the human who’s half the romance, also undergoes a bisexual awakening that’s realistic, and so well written. His confusion is balanced by his ease and openness about the possibility. He’s got a great family, who we meet, so the type of person that comes through makes sense. He’s such a lovely human being.

Thor Ambrose, a shifter who’s been unable to learn his true fauna, and has suffered immensely from that, is another endearing character. He comes from a imminent wealthy shifter family, made up of bears, wolves, panthers , who also have made excellent choices in the human world. So Thor, a small, shy, individual, has been made to feel insignificant and a failure due to a lack of a fauna.

Thor and Cassian Rhodes start off as roommates. Cassian due to the fact that some stupid , out of character behavior cost him his scholarship and Thor because he’s trying to keep his independence from his family.

Here’s where I wish Strange had enlarged on her foundation. She hints that shifters have more recourse when it comes to controlling their childrens future. Something shady or at least, known but never acknowledged among the shifter world. But we don’t exactly get a clear idea what that is. Thor hints at it, his domineering father does, but we don’t get it. Very frustrating.

The slow burn romance between Thor and Cas is absolutely the best part of this book. They are adorable. Each dances around the other, until Cas’ cooking starts a conversation. I love how they each made mistakes and then found a way to apologize. Cute, realistic within a PNR storyline.

There’s a mystery that turns into a murder plot. It’s will lead into a off the page assault. Then the ramifications of that on the person and couple.

That’s one of several choices I question that the author made here .

This is a wonderful PNR that goes off the rails at the end as a horror story. One that seems a bit odd.

On the list of elements I had issues with were:

🔹 Strange continues with the shifter predator idolatry. They are always top rung. But when talking about Alpha pairing, there is a Swan/human bonded pair which she made the human the Alpha. Now either she felt the human was truly the strongest character (not sure) or Strange has not researched or met any swans. So, that struck me as odd.

🔹There’s a grisly scene at the end that involves Thor’s father. As it’s written, it comes across less as a necessary part of the storyline, because imo there’s quite a few holes in the scene, logic wise. But more a reason to have the final confrontation between father and son at the end.

It comes across, once you’ve finished the book, as a narratively petty choice to have made for a character that’s come so far.

Strange had written Thor into a better, stronger person. But couldn’t leave it at that. Had to have a shouting match with a wounded man.

Such a shame.

Strange leaves open ended what happens to several important secondary characters, Leda especially. The police Sargent is going to get his own PNR next. That I’m looking forward to. There’s an. Except at the end of the book.

Mighty Quill: An MM Paranormal Shifter Romance (Sanguis Et Fauna Book 1) by Emmaline Strange was a very good romance that, imo, had just a few too many elements to it. It packed in horror, gore, assault, mystery, a unnecessary and often never used ice hockey element, things that overwhelmed the many wonderful aspects of the book like Cas’ large family and the central romance itself.

I won’t spoil what fauna Thor turned out to be. I guessed from the cover and was wrong. That’s the ranger in me. You all will probably get it right.

Still adorable.

I’m recommending it and will check out more from this author.

Really love the cover.

https://www.goodreads.com › showMighty Quill by Emmaline Strange – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Cassian Rhodes is just a normal guy going through normal college stuff:

Weird roommate? Check.

Panic over grades? Check.

Sexuality Crisis? Uh…

Falling for your roommate? Hold on…

Finding out your new BF’s family is magic? Wait, WTF!?

MIGHTY QUILL is a roommates to idiots to lovers, bi awakening, paranormal shifter romance. Lots of steam, fluff & magic goodness.

Author’s note: Quill is a mystery and it does contain some mentions of gore, body horror, & assault

———-

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

Review: The Harvest Young: Bound by Fate (The Next Generation Book 1) by M.A. Church

Rating: 3 🌈

It’s been a while since I read M.A. Church’s series , The Harvest Taken (2014), but I do remember liking those stories.

Which I why , aside from the terrific cover , I picked up The Harvest Young: Bound by Fate (The Next Generation Book 1) by M.A. Church.

I’m not sure that I either enjoyed this as much or remembered the other very well. Because I found I had quite a few issues with it.

Most of the universe, various species, political setups, can all be found in the previous series. You need to be familiar with those stories or you’ll be completely lost here.

There’s no attempt to fill in a new reader and frankly, there’s probably no way to convey the complicated backgrounds and histories of all the people and worlds involved.

But my issues started with the characters. The twins, who I met in the other series, are now grown. And one, Szin , is unlike his brother in looks and feels extremely insecure. He’s about to be claimed by his fated mate, who he feels inadequate to. Unlike his brother, Szin looks more like his human father than his Tah’Narian other parent.

That’s the basics. But he’s grown up with and actually loves Takeo, his childhood friend and soon to be mate. Takeo has adored and listened to him all his life. But instead of talking to him about the problems he’s feeling, this character is whining and running.

Honestly, he’s royalty. He’s surrounded by people who listen to him , constantly. Not , imo, the most relatable.

Then there’s the sex scenes. When the couple finally decide to mate, one barely a virgin and one is. It’s instantly a bondage D/s pain scene.

Ok. They’ve barely decided they’re going to be mates but let’s dive right into a D/s relationship?

Yeah that’s believable. Not that they aren’t cute together but can there at least be some semblance of time to make that reasonable?

Then while they are strolling about Takeo’s home world I came across a scene that pulls me out of the story completely.

Here’s the issue.

One thing I’m very disappointed to see in a futuristic story is that continuation of stale non environmental ideals. Here are our main characters on a hot, arid planet with highly specialized flora and fauna that they take note of. But this is what their species built.

“They continued walking but didn’t speak until they reached a several-storied, light-gray-colored building with huge windows. A lush, well-manicured green lawn surrounded it. “This is the Sa-Ka.” “Wow. Of all the things I expected, this beauty in such an arid place wasn’t in it.” “There is a sprinkler system here, that’s why it’s so green. If you like that, you’ll really like this.” Takeo led Szin down a path that led to a garden.”

— The Harvest Young: Bound by Fate (The Next Generation Book 1) by M.A. Church

Green lawns, that need a sprinkler system. I was absolutely cringing. They aren’t even human. But the author’s choices were. Outdated , environmentally destructive even in our times, but now making an appearance in a sci-fy romance novel on a desert planet far in the future.

This is so disheartening. To see water wastage (with burbling fountains) made a thing to be appreciated. American lawns, sprinkler systems. What? No mow patterns?

For me, I look to science fiction for something fresh, and if it’s a repetition of old history, then it’s because there’s a lesson to be learned. Not held up as something wonderful in the future when we should have discarded it as a tired old element that should have been eliminated then because we learned our lesson about water preservation now.

Did I finish the book? Yes. But I was looking at everything differently. How much was outdated in terms of philosophy? I was now second guessing every choice the author was making with the narrative.

So would I recommend this? Honestly I’m not sure. I guess if you’re a fan of the author, or if you want to know where the series characters go next, then sure.

But for everyone else, you can decide for yourself.

There’s other books in this series but I’m stopping here.

https://www.goodreads.com › showBound by Fate – The Harvest Young by M.A. Church | Goodreads

Synopsis:

Half human and half Tah’Narian, Szin doesn’t fit with either race. His appearance is mainly human, but he’s able to have a young. Unfortunately, that’s his only Tah’Narian characteristic. He’s smaller and weaker than other young. Szin’s eighteenth birthday has passed and time’s running out. He has to stop his childhood friend, Takeo, from making the worst mistake of his life: claiming Szin as a mate. Takeo deserves an equal who’s as fierce as he is, something Szin most certainly is not. Since before Takeo was born, he’s known Szin was his. Nothing and no one, not even Szin, is going to stand in the way of claiming his mate. He understands Szin feels he isn’t good enough, and he’ll do anything to convince Szin otherwise. Including taking drastic measures to ensure his mate listens. Takeo is the ultimate blend of human, Tah’Narian, and Onfrevian DNA. He’s pure predator, and his sights are set on his mate.

Review: Roommate Arrangement (Divorced Men’s Club #1) by Saxon James

Rating: 4.25🌈

Roommate Arrangement (Divorced Mens Club #1) by Saxon James was a lovely contemporary romance. The first in a new series revolving around a group of newly divorced men, James manages to set the foundation by introducing the group, grounding them in a interesting small hometown who’s abandoned penitentiary now serves as a tourist attraction, and a useful location for scenes to the characters themselves.

The first couple we meet begins with a man who’s returning to his hometown after a devastating discovery that his husband has been cheating on him for years. Now in the process of getting a divorce, he’s fleeing home to his friends and a place to recover.

That’s Payne Walker. Feeling lost, without a job, home, and until the apartment is sold, little savings. While his brother and family are acting as his support and cushion, we , through James’ lovely writing , empathize with Payne as he returns to Kilborough.

Waiting there, at the Kilborough Brewery , a town draw, are Griffin, Art de Almeida, owner of the brewery and startup of the DMC (Divorced Mens Club) and Orson. Plus Marty, Payne’s brother. The kil bro group of their adolescence years.

On the outskirts is Beau, Marty’s best friend and a successful fantasy writer. Beau has always harbored a deep crush on Payne when they were growing up. But his own social awkwardness and younger age always made him feel him unable to say anything.

Beau’s a terrific character. A socially awkward person, who’s passion for writing and own innate nature makes for a messy and lonely home life. When writing, he’s buried in his characters and plots, unaware of time passing. When blocked and unable to move forward, everything grinds to a halt, again forgotten.

When Marty suggests Payne as a roommate to help Payne get some needed breathing room from Marty’s overcrowded house, it looks to be a great way for both men to temporarily solve some problems.

James’s plot of a slow forming friendship that also turns into a romance is so charming. From a blanket fortress to a walk through the famous penitentiary, the men start to move towards something real and substantial.

There’s not a lot of deep angst after the beginning. But more a thoughtful removal of obstacles and a heartwarming romance that’s sure to engage you.

As this is just the beginning of the DMC series, it’s such an enjoyable start that I’m looking forward to the rest of the stories.

Need a new contemporary romance to read? Here’s one I’m recommending!

Divorced Men’s Club :

🔹Making Him Mine #0.5

🔹Roommate Arrangement #1

🔹Platonic Rulebook #2

🔹Budding Attraction #3 – Nov 23, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showRoommate Arrangement (Divorced Men’s Club, #1) by Saxon James – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Payne:

In search of: room to rent.

Must ignore the patheticness of a forty-year-old roommate.

Preferably dirt cheap as funds are tight (nonexistent).

There’s nothing sadder than moving back to my hometown newly divorced, homeless, and lost for what my next move is.

When my little brother’s best friend offers me a place to stay in exchange for menial duties, I swallow my pride and jump at the offer.

I need this.

I also need Beau to wear a shirt. And ditch the gray sweatpants. And not leave his door ajar when he’s in compromising positions …

Beau:

In search of: roommate.

Must be non smoker and non douchebag.

Room payment to be made in meal planning, repairs, and dumb jokes.

Since my career took off, I barely have time to breathe, let alone keep my life in order. I’m naturally chaotic, make terrible decisions, and scare off potential dates with my “weirdness”.

So when Payne gets back into town and needs somewhere to stay, I offer him my spare room with one condition: while he’s staying with me, I need him to help me become date-able.

And while he does that, I can focus on my other plan: ignoring that Payne is the only man I’ve ever wanted to date.

———-

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

Review: Rookie Move (Playing For Keeps #1) by Riley Hart & Neve Wilder

Rating: 4.5 🌈

I’m such a sucker for stories like this one. Sports romance, younger hot, super talented brother that ends up on the same team as brother’s friend. Who he’s had a crush on.

Doesn’t matter the sports.

This time it’s the NFL and a Denver team with a hot Quarterback, Warner Ramsey, who’s hiding his sexuality, his best friend & teammate,Houston, who’s the only person who knows his secrets. And Houston’s younger brother, Garrett, a talented player himself, who finds out he’s bisexual on the eve of his high school graduation at a professional player’s party.

It’s easy to see from the marvelous humor, great dialogue, and just plain out fantastic scenes, from high on the field action to sexy bedroom, that the authors loved writing this.

It’s both a romp and delicious romance. There’s plenty of heart, from Ramsay’s issues with his father to Garrett’s wrestling with wanting not to always be the McRae coming after his brother’s accomplishments.

Even the locker room problems and arguments are handled with moments of realness and believability.

Ramsey and Garrett are just chemical greatness. You love reading about them. Whether they are making things happen on the field or off, they are a captivating couple.

Hart and Wilder have a fabulous start to the series with these two. I’m highly recommending Rookie Move (Playing For Keeps #1) by Riley Hart & Neve Wilder .

And keeping my eyes peeled for the next in the series!

Playing For Keeps:

Rookie Move #1

https://www.goodreads.com › showRookie Move (Playing for Keeps, #1) by Neve Wilder – Goodreads

Falling for a teammate who also happens to be your brother’s best friend? Total rookie move.

McRAE: I’ve had a crush on my brother’s best friend since the moment I laid eyes on him four years ago.

Warner Ramsey is 225 pounds of pure hotness, a media darling, and one of the best NFL quarterbacks in the league.

Hell, he’s the reason I figured out I’m solidly bi.

It was easy to keep my crush under control when I was in college. Now, we play for the same team, and every time he talks smack, I want to shut him up. With my mouth.

But I’ve got other things I should be focusing on, like dominating my rookie year with the Denver Rush and finally stepping out of my brother’s shadow.

Besides, Ramsey’s straight.

RAMSEY: I’ve never tapped into my bisexuality—never told anyone except my best friend that I’m bi. All I want is to play football and not draw media attention like my dad, who got ousted from the league.

Garrett McRae is my biggest temptation. He’s gotten under my skin for years.

I’m supposed to be looking out for him, not thinking about getting him naked.

And definitely not the kiss we shared.

That I somehow instigated.

It was stupid, and not like me, but God, it was hot.

We’re teammates, with million-dollar contracts on the line. And yet…is a little experimentation really so bad?

Rookie Move is a low-angst, high-heat sports romance in the Playing for Keeps series.

———-

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

Review: The Alpha’s Warlock (Mismatched Mates #1) by Eliot Grayson

Rating: 4.25 🌈

Werewolves and mages just seem to be a great match! So I always gravitate to any story and series with these elements to check out what the author’s take will be.

The Alpha’s Warlock (Mismatched Mates #1) by Eliot Grayson was a story I thought was very entertaining, and had characters I enjoyed reading about.

It certainly opens with Warlock Nate Hawthorne in the worst possible situation. Running for his life.

“It had been years since I set foot in the Armitage pack’s territory, and I’d hoped to keep that winning streak going for a while longer. Of course, being kidnapped and cursed had a way of changing your plans.”

— The Alpha’s Warlock (Mismatched Mates Book 1) by Eliot Grayson

Immediately, we are seeing the story, and immediate scenario, from the perspective of a very human and hurting Nate. He’ll give us a lot of the history on the backgrounds of the beings we meet and their relationship dynamics.

For the most part.

The others are the Alpha werewolves of the Armitage pack. Head Alpha Matthew, who you initially think is the one referred to. And Ian Armitage, Matthew’s brother, also a Alpha.

That I found really interesting, as other authors have packs as a one Alpha structure. Having 2-alpha pack, with brothers as a supportive structure is a great idea.

There’s a huge discordant past relationship between Ian and Nate, one that never fully gets explored in terms of the misunderstandings and history. I wish we got a more layered picture of that weird start but I have the feeling the author may intend to use it in future books.

It means their relationship is always a little unbalanced in terms of equality. That’s probably realistic in that Ian’s a were, Nate’s a human, while still a warlock. It’s a status that seems to be a element that’s a factor going forward that at least one is aware of, in terms of what they want in their future plans.

Nate’s a character dealing with serious emotional and physical issues due to a traumatic past. Having to “mate”, his choice taken away is a topic that’s brought up and continues to be addressed. I appreciate that this wasn’t romanticized.

The themes of forced mating, the right of personal choice, trust. All not only big storylines here but ones used throughout the series.

Grayson’s story gives us romance, suspense, elements of horror, touches of humor , and a great plot that leaves plenty of room to explore new territory and characters ahead.

That’s certainly true for the way it’s left for a main character here to lead into the next novel.

I’m on my way there.

If you’re a lover of shifters, magic, and paranormal romance, here’s a series and book to add to your list. I’m recommending this!

Mismatched Mates:

🔹The Alpha’s Warlock #1

🔹Captive Mate #2

🔹A Very Armitage Christmas #2.5

🔹First Blood #2.6

🔹The Alpha Experiment #3

🔹Lost and Bound #4

🔹Lost Touch #5

🔹The Alpha Contract #6, only loosely connected to the above series

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Alpha’s Warlock (Mismatched Mates #1) by Eliot Grayson – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Cursed, mated, and in for the fight of their lives…

Warlock Nate Hawthorne just wants a cup of coffee. Is that too much to ask? Apparently. Because instead of precious caffeine, all he gets is cursed by a pack of werewolves who want to use him for his magic. Now the only way to fix the damage is a mate bond to a grumpy and oh-so-sexy alpha in the rival pack, who happens to hate him. This is so not how he wanted to start his day.

Ian Armitage never intended to take Nate as his mate. The Hawthorne family can’t be trusted. Ian knows that better than anyone. The fact that he’s lusted after the way-too-gorgeous man for years? Totally irrelevant. Ian’s just doing what is necessary to protect his pack. This whole mating arrangement has nothing to do with love and never will. That’s his story and he’s sticking to it.

Nate and Ian will have to work together if they have any hope of staving off the pack’s enemies and averting disaster. That’s assuming they can stop arguing (and keep their hands off each other) long enough to save the day…

The Alpha’s Warlock is an explicit M/M paranormal romance featuring a snarky warlock, a brooding alpha werewolf, knotting, enchanted socks (long story), and a guaranteed happily ever after. This series does not contain mpreg.

Review: The Sceptic (Arcana Books #1) by Lily Morton

Rating: 4.25🌈

““What a ridiculous question. Do I look like I have a book on how to reanimate a cadaver? I have enough problems with the living customers without adding dead ones. Go next door.””

— The Sceptic by Lily Morton

That’s a terrific start to a new paranormal series by Lily Morton. And it dives immediately into what is sure to be one of my favorite elements as well as series center, Arcana Books. One of two adjacent bookstores, only this one is full of the weirdness, the magical, the lore or whatever supernatural or paranormal literature you’re searching for has lured a customer there.

It also has , as an occult bookshop would, a Madame Hecate reading tarot cards, if her morning gins haven’t kicked in too much, or the lure of the nearby pub hasn’t been ignored. It’s vastly intriguing, full of wildly imaginative clients and it’s employees, include Will, who’s The Skeptic of this novel.

Tarquin, the Viscount Ingram, who owns the occult bookstore, Tom, the owner of the other more mundane one( a mentor to the psychic Blue) are characters that are pulled from a previous series.

That would be the Black and Blue two-book series, introducing characters such as cartoonist Levi Black, Blue Billings, a psychic, his boyfriend, in two stories of paranormal mystery and horror.

Blue’s background and found family includes Will Buchanan, a gentle giant with whom Blue spent early years that left both with damage they are still dealing with.

Part of this connecting group is Jem Dawson, a well known photographer, who’s also a best friend to Levi Black.

So as you can tell, if you’re like me, and came into this novel not having read those books, you’re missing a substantial amount of important background information.

Morton tries to fill in background for the new reader as best she can, but there’s really no replacement for the foundation those books supply in terms of relationships and events that occurred. Take it from me, read those stories first.

Now having said that, this is still a very good ghost story.

The investigation into what is causing all the issues at the family’s house and the chilling occurrences that help to ramp up the suspense are spread out just enough to give us a lull before smacking us with something to make the goosebumps appear.

And while the paranormal activity is being investigated, there’s a relationship and tentative romance building between two commitment phobic men. That’s something that’s both frustrating and fascinating, because it’s where the missing history is most needed.

Will’s that is. The hints to his lack of trust, the map to the emotional location to his trauma is there but not the details. I expect that’s in Black and Blue.

But there’s enough heft to the men’s internal dialogues with themselves about their feelings, trust issues, as well as the current dangers they were facing to give the reader a excellent window into the men’s personalities and how things were developing between them.

There’s secondary characters in the “ghostbusters “ group that I wasn’t quite as fond of. Not sure if that’s because I think they weren’t as layered or with everything going on with the ghostly elements, just didn’t get as much development as possible.

The main characters, and Blue , who made an appearance towards the end supply the weight for the book and plot. They make it work.

As the first in a series, I wonder how it will go forward. If it derives from customers from the occult bookstore, then I can’t wait!

Until then, read Black and Blue before arriving here at The Skeptic.

If paranormal romances and ghostly horrors are you thing, then this is the book for you. I’m definitely recommending it!

Arcana Books:

The Skeptic #1

Black and Blue – Series – Lily Morton

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Sceptic (Arcana Books, #1) by Lily Morton – Goodreads

Synopsis:

As the best friend of a psychic, Will Buchanan can’t help but believe in the dead. It’s the living that he finds to be problematic. However, after a spate of betrayals, he finally has the chance of a new life within his grasp, and he’s not going to risk it for anyone or anything. Staying safe is the name of Will’s game.

Jem Dawson defines the word temporary. A talented cameraman, he’s here today and will undoubtedly be gone tomorrow chasing adventure and danger. But, while he’s in York, he’s made it clear he wants Will, and Will can’t help liking the charming daredevil.

This inconvenient attraction results in Will accompanying Jem to the site of a notorious poltergeist outbreak. A malevolent spirit has targeted a family, and now the ghost hunting team for whom Jem does camerawork are going to be locked down in the house for three days.

The house is strange and filled with sinister and violent undercurrents. One by one, the group experiences threatening incidents, and as events escalate, Will has to ask himself if he’s risking not just his heart but also his life with this impulsive gesture.

This is the first book in the Arcana Books series featuring characters from the bestselling Black and Blue series

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