Tag: friends to lovers

Review: The Wolfing Hour (Smokethorn Paranormals  #4) by C. P. Rider

Rating: 5⭐️

From Book 1: “Thanks for your concern, but I don’t need your protection. I have a mystical cat, an unprincipled gnome with a violent streak, and I have my magic.”

Such an excellent series, my only regret being the wait time between releases. But its absolutely worth it as proved by the newest book in C. P. Rider’s Smokethorn Paranormals series, The Wolfing Hour.

In a series already bursting with thoughtfully crafted, complex and compelling storylines about multi dimensional damaged characters, this story took them all to new levels. 

Of betrayal, pain, loss, self discovery, recovery and revelation. New depths to their relationships and, of course, a cliffhanger of a twist in one or maybe two of the series plots. 

Never has the writing been better or more engrossing, able to pull the reader immediately into the story and the ongoing conflicts and never losing their interest. 

Betty’s character here undergoes an extraordinary transformative growth.  It’s startling and terrifying. To her, those characters around her and the readers who have come to know her. It’s truly a remarkable piece of her journey and the story.  And we’re not done yet. 

A thriller of an urban fantasy romance that’s absolutely amazing and satisfying in every way.   I’m highly recommending this series. And eagerly awaiting the next one to come. 

Cover design by The Book Brander

The Smokethorn Paranormals Series (5 book series):

Strike It Witch #1

Any Witch Wolf #2

Wicked Witch of the Wolf #3

The Wolfing Hour #4

Last Witch Effort #5 – July 31,2026

Buy link

        The Wolfing Hour: The Smokethorn Paranormals Series Book 4

    

Blurb 

“Ah, Ronan. This witch is about to make your life a whole lot more complicated.”

Just when Betty Lennox thought she had a handle on her life—reconnected with her earth magic, brought the saguaros back from the dead, sexy alpha wolf sharing her bed—everything goes sideways.

Turns out she’s not just an earth witch. Thanks to dear old Grandpa Sexton, she’s got a demon side that’s tired of being locked away. A powerful and ruthless demon side with zero qualms about damage control when someone threatens her people. When Demon Betty takes the wheel, Witch Betty ends up doing morally questionable things like killing people who really, really need to die.

Meanwhile, Ronan’s birth father—Alpha Floyd Pallás, certified creep and all-around evil person—has kidnapped his sister to force him into submission. The pack is in chaos, shifters across the county are dying, and Betty’s running out of time to find her before the convocation where Ronan must challenge Floyd for the pack.

But here’s the thing about power-hungry wolves: they cheat. And here’s the thing about Betty: She won’t let the people she loves get hurt—even if it means embracing the monster within.

For fans of urban fantasy.

VC Group, LLC

Publication date

July 31, 2026

Accessibility

Learn more

Language

‎English

Simultaneous device usage

Unlimited

ISBN-13

978-1969799013

Book 5 of 5

The Smokethorn Paranormals Series

Review: Legends and Librarians (Legends and Librarians  #1)  by Pandora Pierce

Rating: 4.25⭐️

Honestly, it had me at a librarian who’s going to restore a magical library.  I’m in. 

I kept hearing a certain librarian saying “I am a librarian “ as I was reading the story. And being completely delighted by such whimsical fantasy creatures as neglected tiny free libraries who hopped on their stakes like wooden puppies when seeing new books.  The joy flew off the page and made these little decrepit boxes full of life and wonder.  They became one of my favorites here. 

Among so many offerings found in the abandoned Misty Mountain Library’s shelves, and now alive characters of the books that live on the shelves.  Tiny dragons and knights, amongst them. 

All waited for years for someone to return to help them. 

Ah what a journey and a struggle for librarian Nyssa to get the library to forgive and accept her. And then another battle with the town that the old library up the mountain is as magical and beautiful as anything else around. 

This is an imaginative, fantasy story that has so many great elements to it. Storybooks and their characters come to life, a library that has feelings and has been not just neglected but hurt. And a librarian returning home. 

It’s not perfect. There’s several things that need more attention or exploration of their history to feel complete. Mostly it’s the secondary human characters who come off as one dimensional , especially when the little free magical libraries are so small and lively that they are more credible, adorable, and funny. I want one. 

The second novel features a one of the characters from the books that were waiting for the librarian when she came up the Mountain. He’s quite the personality.  Looking forward to reading his novel. 

Beautifully illustrated and rich in detail. I love these covers. 

Cover Design: The Book Brander Boutique 

Interior Illustrations: Della Claire

Legends and Librarians (2 book series):

Legends and Librarians #1

Myths and Manuscripts #2

Buy link

        Legends and Librarians: A Cozy Fantasy Bound with Love

    

Blurb 

At the Misty Mountain Library, stories don’t just sit on shelves—they leap right off the page.

When Nyssa returns to the magical library she adored as a child, it’s not quite how she remembered it. A wild magic storm has brought the books to life, leaving her to repair the library while wrangling tiny dragons, even tinier knights, a grumpy demon lord, and so much more.

With the Tales and Tomes Festival just around the corner, Nyssa needs the library ready for its grand reopening or it might disappear for good. But with the story spirits causing playful chaos, and the townsfolk convinced it’s haunted, she’ll need help bringing the magic back.

Roan, a wandering adventurer, takes the job expecting danger but instead finds himself charmed by the library and by Nyssa. As they prepare for the festival, they’ll learn that restoring the library isn’t just about fixing what’s broken, it’s about building something new, together.

Legends and Librarians is a cozy fantasy full of found family, whimsical magic, and the warm feeling of discovering where you truly belong.

Review: Demon Dating Service by Jocelynn Drake

Rating: 4🌈

Demon Dating Service by Jocelynn Drake is a really cute paranormal romance.  A graduate student in need of housing and romantic relationship advice gets both in the form of a “haunted” mansion that’s home to a found family of demons. 

Luke is in desperate need of a cheap place to rent when the crows he feeds drop a flyer advertising a room near campus that’s the right price. Except he’s not aware that the landlords are demons playing a game of scare the human because they are bored. 

This is an engaging out story with well defined characters, especially the demons which I really enjoyed. The joint journey they all take to acceptance, friendship and found family is marvelous. 

The romantic relationship is less interesting as we don’t get as much background on the other character or their time together. 

For me, Luke and his demon found family made the story. Along with his best friend who deserves more time here. 

Cute and entertaining.

Cover by Phoenix Design Covers.

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comDemon Dating Service – Kindle edition by Drake, Jocelynn. Romance …

Blurb 

Even demons get bored…

Luke is a poor grad student, desperate for a cheap place to live.

Desperate enough even to live in a house full of demons.

(Anything is better than his last roommate.)

When the demons find it’s nearly impossible to scare Luke away, they decide on a new plan to amuse themselves.

They’re going to help Luke with his love life.

Can they really aid Luke’s efforts to catch his college crush? Or are they headed for a disaster that neither heaven nor hell can fix?

Demon Dating Service is a fluffy, chaotic stand-alone novel about a sweet guy making friends with the misfits of the demon world, trying to survive grad school, and snagging the hottest guy on campus.

Review:  Family and Honor (Jacky Leon, #2) by K. N. Banet 

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Family and Honor (Jacky Leon, #2) by K. N. Banet is another example of the second book in the series moving forward with character development, overall depth of series foundation and plot structure in such an exciting and fast paced way.

I honestly loved it better than the first for many reasons. Banet brings Jackie back into her territory, her home base where she’s comfortable. So we see a different aspect of the character. Right before the author begins to shake Jackie’s base and hard won stability up again. 

An impulsive contract made because, once again the human child Carey is involved, will be the one thing that will pry open the solid isolation from werecat politics that Jackie’s maintained. 

And ends up bringing her back into contact with her werecat family. 

Banet has written a complicated, high paced, multi layered book. It has murder mysteries to investigate, multiple paranormal species involved, travel outside of Jackie’s territory, and further exploration into her family dynamics and history. 

A real exciting, emotional thriller! Another late night finish! Just fantastic! Highly recommended! 

The Jacky Leon Series :

Oath Sworn 

Family and Honor 

Broken Loyalty 

Echoed Defiance 

Shades of Hate 

Royal Pawn 

Rogue Alpha 

Bitter Discord 

Volume One: Books 1-3

Buy link

 Book 2 of 12: Jacky Leon 

Blurb 

I got away with it. Carey and her family are safe and I survived to tell the tale. Now I’m the only werecat in the supernatural community that can say a small family of werewolves lives in my borders. But, in the effort of saving Carey and helping her father, I had to begin shedding the secrets that kept me safe for years.

My identity is out there now. As one of Hasan’s children, more is expected of me and I had no idea what sort of repercussions would come from my decisions. Werecats are reporting problems all over the world and when two go missing, I can’t avoid the feeling of guilt.

My name is Jacky Leon and I am a child of Hasan, ruler of the werecats. I have to learn how to live up to the obligations and expectations of my family before more people die.

My honor demands it.

  • Publication date: November 15, 2019
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 402 pages
  • Book 2 of 12: Jacky Leon

Review:  One Fell Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles Book 3) by Ilona Andrews 

Rating: 5⭐️

This is absolutely one of my favorite series and yes, I’ve finished the what books have been released in this series to date. I’m just trying to get caught up on my reviews. 

This is just one more fabulous binge read series by the prolific (and truly amazing) husband and wife team known as Ilona Andrews.  One of three their series that have me hooked, including one that was just recently released. 

Special elements that really struck me and made this book so much more memorable is how the authors both managed to explore further into the universe and new planets as well as introduce the readers to Dina’s family members we haven’t met yet but have heard about. And have it happen in truly dramatic and exciting scenes. 

And it will set up a new couple and their own important storyline for a future book/series. 

And that’s not even the main plot line here. That’s one that focuses on a species that’s been hunted to the brink of extinction and it’s up to the Innkeepers and the Gertrude Hunt to save them all from those aliens hunting them. 

That’s the powerhouse of narrative themes and one that’s written beautifully here. It’s moving, poignant and compelling storytelling . 

Books and series like this is why I’m so reader focused on this writing couple.  I haven’t even finished their published books yet and they released another one I can’t stop thinking about. 

Yes, to this. Yes to all of this series. And finally, to all Ilona Andrews has written to date. Just go with it. 

Highly recommended. 

Note: love Doris Mantair for the fantastic cover and fantastic interior art.

Innkeeper Chronicles:

  • Clean Sweep #1
  • Sweep in Peace #2
  • One Fell Sweep #3
  • Sweep of the Blade #4
  • Sweep with Me #5
  • Sweep of the Heart #6

Buy link

        One Fell Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Dina Demille may run the nicest Bed and Breakfast in Red Deer, Texas, but she caters to a very particular kind of guest… the kind that no one on Earth is supposed to know about. Guests like a former intergalactic tyrant with an impressive bounty on her head, the Lord Marshal of a powerful vampire clan, and a displaced-and-superhot werewolf; so don’t stand too close, or you may be collateral damage. 

But what passes for Dina’s normal life is about to be thrown into chaos. First, she must rescue her long-distant older sister, Maud, who’s been exiled with her family to a planet that functions as the most lawless penal colony since Botany Bay. Then she agrees to help a guest whose last chance at saving his civilization could bring death and disaster to all Dina holds dear. Now Gertrude Hunt is under siege by a clan of assassins. To keep her guests safe and to find her missing parents, Dina will risk everything, even if she has to pay the ultimate price. Though Sean may have something to say about that!

  • Publisher: NYLA
  • Publication date: December 20, 2016
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 352 pages
  • Book 3 of 6: Innkeeper Chronicles

Review:  Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 2) by Honor Raconteur 

Rating: 5⭐️✨

“‘How upset is our good Queen?’

“Livid, Seaton answered cheerfully.

I’m quite happy about that. Angry women change the world.’”

Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) the oh so appropriate title of book two is a great, emotional story. The mystery hits on many levels as well, bringing in everything from the societal aspects of health care (or lack thereof), the need for better government regulation of magical items and their manufacture, and general police procedures on multiple fronts. 

It’s dealing with epidemics, ignorance, violence and scam artists who have caused unprecedented harm. 

And all while showing how Jamie is still recovering from her ordeal, maneuvering through a society and systems that are designed to keep women from being able to live as equals, and instituting change from a world that is unknown and one she can’t return to. 

New fantastic characters are emerging in continuing important roles, in Jamie’s life and the series, such as RM Seaton, and the notes of each character, identified by color, are highly entertaining and important to the story and influence of their respective roles here. 

How do I love this? Let me count the ways.

  1. Spectacular writing.
  2. Great mysteries 
  3. Fabulous characters that continue to develop 
  4. Found families 
  5. World building that’s incredible in depth and vividly detailed 
  6. Slowish burn ever romance 

Yes and yes! 

Highly recommended. Highly addictive. 

Love the covers. 

Cover by Katie Griffin

The Case Files of Henri Davenforth (11 book series to date):

Magic and the Shinigami Detective #1

Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) #2

Magic Outside the Box #3

Breaking and Entering 101 #4

Three Charms for Murder #5

Grimoires and Where to Find Them #6

Death Over the Garden Wall #7

This Potion is da Bomb #8

All In A Name #9

A Matter of Secrets and Spies #10

All Fun and Games #11

Buy link

        Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 2)

    

Blurb

A dead charm maker is only the beginning. 

Humanity seems determined to come up with increasingly clever ways to murder one another. They seize upon new technological advances in a way that’s alarming, their creativity and blood-thirstiness knowing no bounds.

When a charm maker is blown up inside his own vehicle, for once it’s not Henri Davenforth’s expertise needed: it’s Jamie Edwards’, the Shinigami Detective. Car bombs are something unique in Kingston, and only she has experience with them. But the unique murder takes an unexpected turn when it becomes evident that the dead charm maker dabbled in something he should not have, inciting disastrous results.

The dangers he unleashed upon Kingston threaten thousands of lives and it launches a race requiring not only Jamie and Henri’s expertise, but the Kingsmen’s as well to beat the menace spreading through the city.

Meanwhile, the murderer is still at large, leaving Henri and Jamie to wonder: what will blow next?

Review:  Luxuries of Lust: Passing Through Cafe #3 by Nik Knight

Rating:  4.25🌈

Luxuries of Lust is the third of the Passing Through Cafe series by Nik Knight, set in the Hells universe and Passing Through Cafe where we’ve gotten to know its many different species of paranormal beings that own the cafe and are the ones that work together as a weird little found family. 

Nik Knight has always done an excellent job of crafting characters that, other than Oliver and Jude who are human, feel, look and come across as otherworldly. There’s an actual dictionary of terms and list of species at the end of a reader gets confused.

Rusty and Gem have been headed towards each other for a couple of books now. And I’ve looked forward to seeing how they get together. 

There’s aspects of the book that I just really thought about as deeply emotionally and engaging.  Moments where Rusty takes Gem to see the desert and the places where he and his mother once lived. Those scenes are stirring and very touching.

Equally, when Gem, who’s background gets filled in here, take Rusty home to see his family. It’s funny, warmhearted, and a time of acceptance for Rusty that he’s not had in his life.

We get to revisit several important storylines from previous books, a traumatic experience for Gem that sets off memories for Rusty.

I enjoyed reading this, think Gem and Rusty are among the most unique couples I’ve read. It maybe felt a bit overly long towards the end, especially the story bit about Tony and their relationship.  But it’s still a very enjoyable book and this universe is fascinating in concept and characters. 

Highly sexual and fun. Grab it up if you’re interested in the author and trope. 

Cover Design © 2025 Priska Mills

Passing Through Cafe :

Passing Through Purgatory #1

Gratification in Gluttony #2

Luxuries of Lust #3

Buy link 

        Luxuries of Lust: Passing Through Cafe #3

    

Blurb 

When it came to love, Rusty had resigned himself to never being enough, and Gem knew he would always be too much. Turns out, they were both wrong.

As a Pyclon from Lust, Rusty learned early the cruel rules of the Pentagram. Happiness is for the privileged. Hope for the weak. And absolutely nothing comes free. So he accepts a life of happy enough, of good enough, of just… enough. Anything more is impossible for someone like him.

That is, until he meets Gemae Akyllo.

With a brain that never rests and an ass that won’t quit, Gem is objectively a lot. His physical size is rivaled only by that of his personality—neither of which he will ever apologize for—but there’s a cost. He’s fun for a night, chosen first for a good time, but come morning, his bed is cold and empty. Always wanted, but never kept.

That is, until he meets Rusty Róisyn.

Rusty never wanted love, and Gem doesn’t need it. But together, they find it all the same.

Join Gem and Rusty and the rest of the eccentric staff of the Passing Through Cafe in Nik Knight’s rom-com, urban fantasy series, full of found family, absurd antics, healing hope, and a love that takes their hearts by storm.

— Luxuries of Lust: Passing Through Cafe #3 by Nik Knight

Review:  Star Power: Ellis McFadden Mysteries #2 by Kristen Painter

Rating:  4.5⭐️

Ellis McFadden and her mech boyfriend Frank Kitson are back, along with their android companion animals Gracie the parrot and Henry the cat, trying to investigate both a theft and murders on The Athos. 

Painter’s world, The Athos, gets further exploration as each investigation takes the couple to different parts of the space liner, new restaurants, food, technology, and parts of space that the cruiser is passing through. 

That its mission includes political ones as well as scientific discoveries makes the storylines exciting and more intriguing, especially when it’s a librarian and mechanic genius doing their research and interviews.

I’m invested in this space-bound small world and all the fascinating aspects of life aboard as well as this amazing couple who are finally finding affection and companionship together in this new adventure together. 

Highly recommended for the imaginative world building, layered characters, and great storylines.

And extra kudos for having main characters in their sixties, on new adventures, new relationships, and in such inspiring roles.

I’d really love to know how many books the author has planned for the series. According to the characters, people now live comfortably past 120 years old. 

Cover design: Cover design and composite cover art by Janet Holmes

Ellis McFadden Mysteries :

  • Breathing Space #1
  • Star Power #2
  • Future Tense #3 – May 31,2025

Buy link

        Star Power: Ellis McFadden Mysteries

    

Blurb 

Step into the enigmatic world of the Athos—a vessel that blends the luxury of a cruise ship, the intrigue of a scientific research station, and the might of a military starship. Here, amidst the stars, you’ll find Ellis McFadden, the ship’s head librarian, embarking on adventures she never anticipated this late in her career.

The latest adventure sees the ship approaching a mesmerizing nebula, the centerpiece of a grand gala. It’ll be an evening filled with the galaxy’s elite, all gathered to marvel at this cosmic wonder and the legendary gem rumored to be born from its very core.

But when this priceless jewel vanishes, Ellis, along with her dashing new boyfriend, Frank, and her charming android cat, has no choice but to find the gem. Failure could mean an interstellar incident, resulting in Ellis, and her daughter, the Vice Admiral, being ousted from their celestial home. Can they solve the mystery in time to save their place among the stars?

  • Publication date: March 31, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 288 pages

Review:  Bright Shiny Love by Pat Henshaw

Rating:  4🌈

In the same universe as Fragile As Glass, Bright, Shiny Love by Pat Henshaw focuses on the relationship between two childhood friends , who have recently reunited as adults. 

Both have become artists in different mediums, with metal artist Martin working in the commercial arts space owned by the artist from Fragile As Glass. 

It’s a sweet, almost instant love story, with a refreshed crush. The other main character, Ty, has many family complications, that are resolved very quickly, which after years of being their doormat, is a bit of a issue here. I thought it needed more attention or exploration.

But if you want a sweet, contemporary story with a hint of fantasy, then this short tale will go nicely. Put it together with Fragile As Glass for a romantic bookend reading experience. 

Buy link

Click here to preorder from JMS Books

Blurb 

Metal artist Martin Murphy knows dragons don’t talk, especially the dragon crafted of sequins on a former flame’s vest. So when the dragon seems to reach out and tells him to help its creator Ty, Marty refuses to believe the illusion. The sparks between him and Ty, on the other hand? They’re as real as it gets.

As he and Ty reconnect after so many years, Marty sees firsthand how the big man’s innate kindness and willingness to help others consume his time and energy. Maybe the dragon was right, and Ty needs saving.

While Marty is willing to try, what he really wants to do is pounce on the man and keep him all to himself while they walk down the path to HEA. Does that count as saving him?

JMS Press

GENRE: Gay Romance

LENGTH: 19,179 words

Review: Cramming at Randy’s (Diner Days Book 3) by Alex Silver 

Rating: 4.5🌈

I forget how much I love this series until I read another book about that fabulous all inclusive diner in Boston and the people who live near it and have found their authentic selves and love there.

Cramming at Randy’s is one of my favorites. Alex Silver’s characters and their stories are so beautifully written and believable, funny, raw, young and compelling.

Ray, coming from the large loving Quebec home, to go to college in Boston, is everything. He’s a fully fleshed out person, multilingual, fearfully setting out to find his true identity and the ability to live as he knows he is, a man, not the girl his family thinks of him as. 

He encounters Jordan, a student, who’s secure in their own right, but has struggled with their past romantic relationship. Together, they find themselves first friends helping each other out in classes and with Ray’s new transition. 

Then it turns into romance.

Everything about them and their storyline is beautifully written.  It sensitive and funny, moments where they become awkwardly young adults yet it’s sexy and loving.  And it has one of the funniest scenes of coming out to a family I can remember. 

And these families? Totally supportive and just as respectful and wonderful as the main characters. 

Honestly, I could have done with a longer version because I enjoyed it so much. 

This is a series not to be missed and this is a must read among them! 

Highly recommended!

Great cover!

Cover design by Cormar Covers

Diner Days series -11 books:

🔷Written at Randy’s by Katherine McIntyre

🔷Final Boy at Randy’s by Loren Leigh

🔷Cramming at Randy’s by Alex Silver 🩷💚🌈

🔷Temptation at Randy’s by Emily Alter

🔷Hitched at Randy’s by A. E. Madsen

🔷Gaming at Randy’s by Duckie Mack

🔷Striking a Chord at Randy’s by K. C. Carmine 

🔷Composed at Randy’s by Zile Elliven❤️ 

🔷Roleplay at Randy’s by Rikki Leighton

🔷Finding Home at Randy’s by Abrianna Denae

🔷Aftercare at Randy’s by R.A. Frick 

Buy link

        Cramming at Randy’s

    

Blurb 

These study buddies are getting randy. 

When Ray transfers to university in Boston, he has every intention of using his new start in a new city to step out of the closet. His family knows he’s bi, but he hasn’t quite figured out how to tell them he isn’t the daughter they always thought of him as. His first new friend, Jordie, is the one who gives him the courage to follow through on living as himself. Ray has Jordie pegged as the one he wants to take from study buddy to steady date—he just needs to figure out how to get Jordie to see him as partner material.

With graduation in their sights, Jordie isn’t looking to mentor another baby queer. Let alone get tangled up in a messy crush after he imprints on them. But there’s something intoxicating about helping Ray embrace his gender euphoria. Is it really such a wild idea to turn their study dates at Randy’s into a love connection?


Love beyond the binary: serving up low angst trans romance at Randy’s Diner.


Cramming at Randy’s is an X/X friends to lovers standalone romance between a newly out demiboy transfer student and an openly genderqueer older student who helps him find the confidence to be himself.

  • Publisher: (September 5, 2024)
  • Publication date: September 5, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 285 pages