Tag: humor

Review: Gary of a Hundred Days: MM Fantasy Romance (The Unwanted King Book 1) by Isabel Murray

Rating: 5🌈

I can’t imagine when a new author made me laugh so hard as does Isabel Murray in her Gary of a Hundred Days, the first in The Unwanted King series.

Gary, that naive, gentle, innocent , sweet man who’s awkwardly stumbled through his entire life as the youngest son of a short lived, short reigning, somewhat nasty, royal family.

Now, as the last of his line, however, unprepared and unwilling Gary may be, he’s been dragged out of the family country seat, and into the shadowy political world of being a puppet King.

And that is where this all too human, beautifully written, hilariously memorable story is launched. With Gary in trouble, scrambling, in dire straits, and soon on his way to a new beginning.

We will meet mysterious Magnus, the stable master, who has been a quiet bulwark for Gary at his previous county residence, and get subtle details about exactly how rough Gary’s relationship to his family actually was, including an alluded to abusive adolescence .

But Gary himself comes through as a person one just adores.

Murray’s creation of Gary is so fully inspired, so multi dimensional, that he feels real in a fantasy setting. He’s funny and painfully naive. And when, in two scenes, he utters a three word sentence! It’s both hilarious, perfectly executed, and startling.

And I’ve actually been chortling over that scene several times now since I finished the book. Perfection!

There is such a great feeling here about the characters and the narrative choices made as they journey through the kingdom. We get to know each of them as they’re revealing how much they have always known about each other.

And that ending! Be still my heart!

And now I get the absolute joy of seeing what happens next. I’m heading the next book in the series.

But Gary of a Hundred Days: MM Fantasy Romance (The Unwanted King Book 1) by Isabel Murray is an amazing read and one I’m highly recommending.

Grab it up today!

The Unwanted King:

✓ Gary of a Hundred Days #1

◦ Gary the Once and Former King #2

Buy Link

Gary of a Hundred Days: MM Fantasy Romance (The Unwanted King Book 1)

Blurb:

The Kingdom of Estla is in turmoil. Power plays, intrigue, and plots seethe in the corridors of power. And Gary of a Hundred Days, Last of the Tyrant Kings is…well, he’s pretty offended, actually?

Tyrant?

Seriously? Who is making this up?

Gary said no thanks, don’t want to be king, and they dragged him away from all he’s ever known and stuck a stupid crown on his head anyway.

As far as Gary’s concerned, all that political intrigue can go ahead and keep seething without him. He didn’t know or care a thing about it when he was the unwanted son of a backwater lord. He definitely doesn’t care about it now they tried to kill him and he’s on the run.

Minor problem: he managed to escape, but he’s all out of ideas. It’s dark, it’s raining, he’s in the middle of nowhere, and there might be bears. In fact, he’s pretty sure one is following him.

Luckily for Gary (it’s about time he had some good luck) his ex-stable master tracks him down, and it turns out that Magnus has more than a few interesting ideas about Gary and his future.

More specifically, about their future.

Gary of a Hundred Days is a low-angst fantasy romantic comedy in which a sheltered ex-king undergoes quite the awakening at the hands of his rugged ex-stable master, and everyone’s way more interested in kissing and romance than in all that rightful heir to the throne business.

Somehow, despite an entire kingdom wishing him dead, it’s starting to look like Gary might just end up with a happily ever after?

(Unless that really is a bear following him.)

• Publisher: (September 7, 2022)

• Publication date: September 7, 2022

• Language: English

• Print length: 172 pages

Review: Little Pest (Once Upon A Bite Book 1) by Charity Parkerson

Rating: 4.5 🌈

If you’re in the mood for a cute kinky adult bedtime story, I’ve got a new trilogy for you! Author Charity Parkerson is offering up a trio of short adult paranormal tales, a mixture of fang, kink, and love done weird vampire style.

Little Pest’s unique bag of elements include BDSM Daddy play, amorous tiny bats fielded by a fly swatter, a lonely ancient vampire who loves Vegas, and a sad young man who picked the wrong night to be brave and find a Daddy.

As odd a group as this sounds, as a short story, it comes marvelously together. Even if Daddy play or BDSM isn’t a trope you read, the way it’s written is done well and easy for a reader to understand why it fills such an emotional need for Tate.

The ancient vampire? Draco, lonely in Las Vegas and unaware of how his long undead life is about to change. A terrifyingly good vampire and terrific character. I always suspected magicians were vampires anyway.

Tate is, uh was a vulnerable young man with a short unhappy life behind him. Parkerson creates in Tate a character of such bravery, self knowledge, and honesty that it’s impossible not to root for him and love him. Onesie and all.

And turns out he’s actually perfect for Draco, if only he can get past the ancient fears.

Little Pest is a quick fun Paranormal romance. It’s quirky, gives the reader a new slant on types of vampires (pesky young things), and mild kinky romance.

I’m looking forward to the remaining two tales. They look to be equally weird , different, and daffy while fangy and romantic. Gotta love that!

Once Upon A Bite:

✓ Little Pest #1

◦ Cosmic Cardio #2 – April 25,2023

◦ Must be Clowning Me #3 – May 8, 2023

Note: love these covers!

Buy Link:

Little Pest (Once Upon a Bite Book 1)

Description:

Draco is the oldest vamp around. Tate is the newest and possibly the most annoying. They’re the perfect pair.

As one of the oldest living vampires, Draco has seen a lot of history. He’s also extremely powerful. With that power comes an allure that draws younger supernaturals to him like flies, hoping for a taste of his… expertise. Draco wants none of that. He lives a quiet life as a magician at a casino in Vegas. It’s a fun gig for a retired vamp with no real responsibilities left to his name. Then Tate flies into his life. Now nothing is the same.

Tate is a little hapless. He’s a little everything, actually. In fact, that pretty much sums up his personality. He’s a Little. At least, he was before some dude bit him in a nightclub and now Tate is stronger than ten men, can control minds, and turn into a bat. He has no clue how he’s doing any of that. No one taught him how to be a vampire. In fact, he doesn’t know how to survive. Without Draco’s help, he won’t. If it means Tate has to make a pest of himself to get Draco to notice him and teach him the how-tos of his new life, then so be it. Falling in love, that was just another one of Tate’s little mistakes, but it might be his best one yet.

Little Pest is the first book in Charity Parkerson’s Once Upon a Bite series. These books are meant to be short, fun paranormal romps to brighten your day.

Review: Get It Together (The Undead Detective Agency #1) by Shelby Rhodes

Rating: 4.5🌈

Another new author, another funtastic paranormal story and romance to grab hold of!

Given that graphically simple but perfect cover and great description, I knew I was in for a humorous story but it has hints of so much more hidden in the corners of this wildly entertaining romance between a ancient but oddly cute vampire who’s decided to be a detective and a human thief gone law student!

There’s a lot to discuss here. Mostly because it sounds a bit unhinged, in a terrific way!

It starts with Octavius Evander, the ancient vampire who’s boredom is the reason he’s starting The Undead Detective Agency to begin with. With his best friend, the zombie Scarlet at hand to act as secretary, backup, and sarcastic Greek chorus, Octavius is hilarious from the moment we meet him. He’s got the attention span of a toddler and what he does like (pink, sparkly, glitter, fabulous, eccentric), well, he wants it now. Black goth then 18th century fashion. In a instant. And sweets.

He’s just endearing. A bit clueless when it comes to some matters for a being that’s lived for so many centuries, but that’s a part of his charm.

And when he puts out a handmade flyer for the agency which also includes advertising for help. He gets the unexpected in the best way. A human applies.

That’s Turney Pimms. Love these names. Turney has got a bit of a colorful background, one I’m sure we will explore further in the books to come. At the moment, Turney’s enrolled in law school at Yale and the funds are getting scarce for the next year. He’s desperately in need of a job when a friend shows him a weird flyer.

A flyer which turns his world upside down!

Rhodes story has great characters, really entertaining scenes, but also ones that show our characters getting to know and understand each other with a warmth and deepening affection. It plays out so well.

But the author never forgets, even when we’re about to, that Octavius is a very old and powerful vampire and Turney is still just human. With all that entails.

There’s a number of scary cases, some investigations that go much differently then everyone thought, and will effect the Agency and the relationships being established.

Get It Together (The Undead Detective Agency #1) by Shelby Rhodes is just a wonderful read! I enjoyed immensely and highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys paranormal stories, especially romance.

There’s four books at least planned for the series. I’ve listed them below. I am so going to enjoy each and every one , I can tell!

The Undead Detective Agency series:

✓ Get It Together #1

◦ Keep It Together #2 – Feb/March 2023

◦ In Death Together #3 – TBD

◦ Together Forever #4 – TBD

Synopsis: 

Hello, there! I’m Octavius Evander. And this is the beginning of my story—well…sort of. It’s not the very beginning. As a vampire, that story would be way too long to write down—think, before the Romans. Rather, this story is about how I met the love of my unlife. Okay, it will be mostly about the cool and fancy detective agency I opened and solving mysteries, but also a little about love too.


     So, what does one need to open a detective agency, you may ask? Well, for one, a detective. As it was my idea, and I paid for everything, I, of course, filled that role. Next, I needed a secretary. My beautiful and marginally dangerous best friend Scarlett filled that role. Now, I will admit, at that time, I had not thought further than that, and simply skipped to getting my detective license, an office, and some other necessities.


     My mind might have been too full of the fun adventures I was about to have. My hope was that those in and out of the paranormal communities would keep me entertained for a very long time. I quickly realized I still needed a driver, a tech person, and a witch that was good with ghosts. This is the story of how I found those people. And who would have thought the first to walk through the door would be human, with no knowledge of the paranormal—my precious Turney.  

BUY NOW

———-

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

Review: The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 2) by Jennifer Cody

Rating: 4.5 🌈

“I pat his knee to comfort him, and then because that is not enough, I pull him into a tight hug, blind-typing, There there, Papa’s here.

“I swear I’m not an idiot,” Bellamy whispers, squeezing my hand.

“We’re a touchy family. And yes, we are a family, even if sometimes Bellamy prefers to pretend we aren’t. He pretends less and less with each week that passes.

Fox reaches past me and flicks Bellamy’s nose. “We don’t disparage ourselves,” he grunts.

We save that for the people we murder.

Fox reads my text and kisses the side of my head. “That’s right.”

— The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 2) by Jennifer Cody

This series started as a lark for Cody but The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin sees a deepening of the relationships within the ever weird found family that Romily is building around him, as well as a complexity to the series arc as the author is adding characters and potential books into the universe.

I love it.

I mean who adopts a full grown enemy assassin as a son? Uh, why Romily did. And gets the assassin, Bellamy , as well as Fox (husband to be) , and Romily’s new family to accept Bellamy as a son, grand baby too? Sheer madcap awesomeness!

The interactions are hilarious. But what’s better is Bellamy’s emotional acceptance of his new status and family. It’s everything.

So when their son is threatened? It’s the family on alert and then to the rescue.

Which gives Cody the ability to enlarge each character’s supernatural elements as well as add the personal growth to their personalities that their new and stable relationships have had on them. Neither Romily or Fox are the same as they were when we met them in the first story. Each has shown measurable growth and revealed more about who they are, as people , and well, species.

I appreciate that element and the changes we see in them separately and together. We have mundane mysteries, that includes Romily’s engagement and missing ring.

Cody? Where’s the ring?

We get several great new additions to the series just as Romily adds to the family. “Edovard Durand Folange.” It’s French.” Who and what he is can be found within this terrific story. Trust me, he’s adorable.

So many wild elements here. Hopefully we will get to dive into them further as the series progresses.

The narrator changes, at least for Book 3, if the teaser at the end here is any indication. Should be wonderful. Can’t wait.

While we are waiting, pick up the preceding stories and get caught up. I’m happily recommending them all.

Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees series to date:

✓ The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer #1

✓ Fox Recruits a Mute Boy (And Falls in Love): A Short Story MSMD #1.5

✓ The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 2)

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin by Jennifer Cody – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Romily:

You know what I’d like to know? Where the hell my romantic, how-we-got-engaged story is. Am I going to get it any time soon? Where is my big ass diamond?

Unfortunately, all that romance-novel level relationship-angst gets put on (indefinite) hold when my beloved son, Bellamy, is targeted by who knows who, poisoned, and then abducted by a wolf-ish person I kinda like. Am I going to get my kid back? You betcha. The question is, how many people does Fox have to kill first?

The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin is a 65k M/M Paranormal Romance with plenty of sass, gore, and questionable decision-making skills (and now there are tiny tables too).

———-

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

Review: Fox Recruits a Mute Boy (And Falls in Love): A Short Story MSMD 1.5 (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees) by Jennifer Cody

Rating: 3.5🌈

“Romily asked me to do this, and I would do anything for that cute, fiery ball of optimism and silver linings except share him. He’s mine and I will fight you for him. No exceptions.”

— Fox Recruits a Mute Boy (And Falls in Love): A Short Story MSMD 1.5 (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees) by Jennifer Cody

This cute short story is wonderful to read right after The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer #1. Whereas that story is narrated by Romily, this is narrated by Arlington Fox, with interruptions by Romily. It’s a quick look at their beginning, and soulmate connection, from Fox’ perspective.

If you were wondering why Fox was so quick to go along with Romily on all those occasions? Here’s your answer!

Love it! Recommending it. Need the other book to know what’s going on.

It’s also available free if you subscribe to the author’s mailing list.

Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees series to date:

✓ The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer #1

✓ Fox Recruits a Mute Boy (And Falls in Love): A Short Story MSMD #1.5

✓ The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 2)

https://www.amazon.com › Jennifer-…Jennifer Cody: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle – Amazon.com

Synopsis:

Romily:
Are you wondering what meeting me was like for the love of my life, Arlington Fox? Well, as Fox tells it, it was magical. Obviously.

Fox:
Romily asked me to do this, and I would do anything for that cute, fiery ball of optimism and silver linings except share him. He’s mine and I will fight you for him. No exceptions.

Fox Recruits a Mute Boy is a 5k word short story as told from Fox’s point of view about how he met his soul’s mate. Content Warning: blood, gore, flying limbs, and ridiculous requests from polyamorous fathers.

———-

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

Review: The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 1) by Jennifer Cody

Rating: 4🌈

What we have here is a paranormal murderous romance farce as narrated by a snarky mute with a bent for sparkly jewelry and competent killer men so outstanding it brings out the heart eyes.

The author states in her notes she wrote it for fun and it reads that way. It’s absolutely entertaining, a one-sided narrative from a mute character, Romily Butcher, who’s bloody, dark short history absolutely prepares him for the supernatural/ paranormal death fest that’s Arlington Fox.

And it all starts with

“Once upon a time, a mute boy fell in love with an unapologetic murderer.”

— The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 1) by Jennifer Cody

From the beginning of their meeting in the diner, it’s a chaotic bloody romantic snarky funny mess. One that allows the narrator to peal back his own devastatingly awful personal history even as his new one is rolling out before us. It’s full of cherubs, demons, organizations that help with the balance of good and evil, magical agents and agendas galore , all served up with mystery and sarcasm!

Bad things happen. Lots of people die. It’s high action, kidnapping, murder, hijinks, and terror amidst the humor and romance. So while it’s fluffy in parts, it’s hellish fluffy.

Which, depending on how the author executes the story and frames out their characters, I’m a fan of. I really like how it works here. It’s a interesting combination of mythology, crime family dynamics, romance, and farce.

A note, traumatic and semi-traumatic events are given glossy or brief, succinct treatments here in the book and series. Maybe there’s a mention of a few tears but that’s generally it. I’ll let Romily spell it out as he does at the beginning of the book.

A NOTE FROM ROMILY

Dear Reader,

I’m a sassy, brave, beautiful boy who happens to use humor to cope with an unseen disability. If that bothers you, maybe you should consider expanding your horizons about how disabled people make life bearable when we’re surrounded by the oblivious.

Sincerely, Romily Butcher

PS: There’s a dub-con scene in this book. Shhh, it’s ok. I’m fine.”

— The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 1) by Jennifer Cody

Yes. As I said bad things happen. But they’re always happened to him. And they happen repeatedly throughout the book, to others all around him. It’s that series and those types of characters.

You know if you’re the type of reader that this will pose a issue for. Pls take that into consideration.

Meanwhile, I’m recommending The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 1) by Jennifer Cody. There’s 3 stories out now with plenty more planned. That is great incentive for me if I’m enjoying a series so far!

Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees series to date:

✓ The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer #1

✓ Fox Recruits a Mute Boy (And Falls in Love): A Short Story MSMD #1.5

✓ The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 2)

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer by Jennifer Cody | Goodreads

Synopsis:

Romily:

Third time’s the charm, right? At least that’s what I tell myself when I witness the same hot guy commit mass murder three times in a few days. I’m either the luckiest mute boy ever or possibly the unluckiest. Who knows, maybe him kidnapping me will turn into the greatest love story ever told? Hey, it could happen! You never know how these things will turn out. I happen to believe in love and soulmates, and if nothing else, Arlington Fox doesn’t treat my disability like a nuisance. It’s not everyday you find someone who just gets you, and I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth even if the horse in question is a man so good at killing people that I should probably introspect a bit about why that skews my moral compass and possibly my kinks. But c’mon, competence is sexy, amiright?

The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer is an MM Paranormal Romance with lots of sass, humor, a ridiculous 3000 year age-gap, and an inordinate number of tables.

Praise for The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer:

“Arlington Fox is so smexy, but if he accidentally gets blood on one of my suits again, we’re going to have words.” —Romily Butcher, aka the narrator.

“I’d never accidentally get blood on any of his suits.” —Arlington Fox, aka Future Husband

———-

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

Review: A Mage’s Guide to Aussie Terrors (R’iyah Family Archives: Volume 2) by A. J. Sherwood

Rating: 5 🌈

It’s been waaay too long since the first time I met this zany, fabulous found family of MAD monster hunters. A Mage’s Guide to Human Familiars was the beginning of the R’iyah Family Archive series. It introduces us to Bel Adams, a red-eyed R’iyah mage who’s part demon, in need of a new familiar because of a traumatically bad first bonding.

He gets a fabulous BOGO in the forms of new familiar, Nico di Rossi, Army Ranger, who gets a change of pace and a new purpose in life. Then Nico brings into their mix, Garen Dallarosa, former Secret Service. He’s part Gargoyle and soon he’s also the other familiar. And lover to them both.

It’s a great triad of a mage with his new familiars/lovers.

But it’s not ending there. We get a team comprised of a totally entertaining Wicky, bonded with Lia , along with Bel’s foster parents. And of course Grandpa!

Honestly, the sublime joy that is that story!

How I missed all of them!

The book picks up on the anniversary of Bel’s devastating breaking of his first bond. That event left Bel comatose, and afraid to summon a new familiar until the organization he works for, MAD, forced his hand.

Bel’s trauma has left him with PTSD, and he’s kept these past damaging facts from his lovers/familiars.

The sexy, loving triad is a wonderful relationship here. Supportive, well defined according to each character’s changing needs , and personality. It’s so interesting and heartwarming, especially for Bel, who’s need for such depth of love and happiness is so strong compared to his upbringing.

The entire team is back, especially Wicky, who’s dynamic with Nico, his brother from another mother, has been one of the most entertaining aspects of the books. That continues here.

There are monsters to hunt, but the serious elements here are the personal ones. Dealing really with confronting the “monster “ from the past. The real one, the enormous emotional ones that have caused the continuing trauma to Bel and threatens his bond to his familiars.

That’s handled beautifully too. Not all monsters have enormous scales , some are human , selfish, impulsive brutes.

Did I love this book? Why yes I did. Again I was so excited to see everyone, including Grandpa! And the hounds.

Plus we get the news that the next story is Wicky’s. The anticipation is off the scales.

I highly recommend both books of the R’iyah Family Archives, including this one. There’s no date for Wicky’s story. Stay posted.

R’iyah Family Archives:

🔹A Mage’s Guide to Human Familiars #1

🔹A Mage’s Guide to Aussie Terrors #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showA Mage’s Guide to Aussie Terrors by AJ Sherwood – Goodreads

Synopsis:

One ghost from the past.

Two unknown Australian monsters eating people.

Three men who won’t let either problem win.


Tags:

Familiars of choice, healing old wounds, Australian mythology, yes Nico and Wicky are in Australia, that goes about as well as anyone expects, giant amphibians of unusual size, even the MAD research department is stumped, Wicky may have summoned Godzilla, in his defense he was left unsupervised, conversations via air guitar, the next time they have to travel to a different continent Bel is drugging Nico first

——-

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

Review: How to Keep an Author (Alive) by A.J. Sherwood

Rating: 4.25🌈

I was looking for something short to read to keep my morning procrastinating streak going and found it in How to Keep an Author (Alive) by A.J. Sherwood.

Justus LeGrange, a 250 year old South African vampire, uses the Vampire Agency for Mortal Professions in Nashville, looking for a job that will help with the hot housing market.

What he got was a weird assignment for author JD Cooper, who apparently can’t keep any help. But it has a hefty salary and own apartment. So he’s in.

Told entirely from Justus’ POV, the reader is immediately engaged with this funny situation from the minute the door opens and we meet JD Cooper just as Justus does.

“….if I hadn’t been warned ahead of time that Cooper had the personal skills of a squirrel at a rave when it came to hygiene. It wasn’t that he smelled bad, he just looked like he’d dressed in the dark. With one hand tied behind his back. While fighting off ninjas. A sweatshirt dwarfed him, its sleeves ratty around the edges, pajamas pants threatened to fall off slender hips, and he was wearing mismatched slippers. One of which was a pink duck.”

— How to Keep an Author (Alive) by AJ Sherwood

With that meeting, we’re off on a lively romantic comedy! It’s only 49 pages or so but totally delightful.

As Justus rights the messy , unorganized dump of a mansion JD ‘s writing zone has turned his life into, they get to know each other. Learn to love each other.

There’s so much promise here in their relationship that I couldn’t help but wish for a longer story but as it is, it works out so well in the end. Short but sweet.

I’m definitely recommending it! For love and laughter! A great way to spend some time procrastinating away!

https://www.goodreads.com › showHow to Keep an Author (Alive) – Goodreads

Synopsis:

The old days of vampires slinking sexily through the night are definitely a thing of the past. Now, vampires hold day jobs like everyone else, and Justus is no exception. The funny thing about living forever is that you still somehow have laundry and bills to deal with.

Enter stage left: JD Cooper, Justus’s new employer. Supposedly, the man is a writing raconteur, known to craft a mean mystery. His skills excel on paper, but suck in reality because he’s one step away from hoarder level. Justus takes the job as his housekeeper, expecting eccentricity.

Which he gets. And so much more.

Tags:
Vampires with day jobs, Justus has it rough, Cooper is a walking disaster, how self-indulgent should I make this, the answer is very, bite kink, book hoarding, this is the least angsty thing I’ve written all year, smother tested, editor approved

(This was a short story originally published in the Working Stiffs anthology. With the anthology no longer published, I’ve chosen to re-release it as a 10k short.)

Review: A Stroke of Brilliance (Arcane Hearts #2) by Nazri Noor

Rating: 4.75🌈

This series just gets better. Nazri Noor takes the plot of two young magical people find love while doing amazing things to save the world. Sounds simple, right?

But in Arcane Hearts nothing is simple, even falling in love.

The first story saw Noor establish the sad histories of Jackson Pryde, and his next door neighbor Xander Wright. Jackson, a artificer who lost his parents in an explosion that saw the loss as well all his Guild, was first at odds with his old childhood friend. Xander is a mage who’s parents and college have a awful future planned out for him. But a joint quest and several murders soon saw their friendship renewed and then turned into something more. Now they’re in love and working together to uncover the basis of the purple threat that’s killing people.

Noor laid out his wildly fascinating universe, with its amazing Black Market who’s ability to move itself effortlessly onto new locations just by placing new doorways is endlessly entertaining. It opens up the characters and storylines to endless possibilities about new countries and mythologies to encounter. I love this!

Here the door goes to Japan and we meet some endearing tree spirits and one goddess from Mt Fuji. Culturally, Noor has thrown his narrative door wide open with his moving Black Market and it’s terrific.

The author has paid close attention to his characters as well. Their characters are developing more depth as their relationship is deepening. As they learn more about each other, they bring out more growth personally. It’s great to see.

There’s also a circle of friends that’s continuing to expand. Another master of a Guild, more friends pulled in by events or acts of kindness. A foundation of another sort of family comes together. Just as a bigger enemy is found that threatens the world.

The book ends as a small battle is eon knowing a bigger one is coming. Absolutely satisfying and I’m ready for the next book!

I’m so happy to have found this author and series. I’m recommending both! Read them in the order they are written in order to understand the series of events and the character development.

Arcane Hearts series:

✓ A Touch of Fever #1

✓ A Stroke of Brilliance #2

◦ An Iron Fist #3

◦ A Velvet Glove #4

https://www.amazon.com › Stroke-B…A Stroke of Brilliance (Arcane Hearts Book 2) – Kindle edition – Amazon.com

https://www.goodreads.com › showA Stroke of Brilliance (Arcane Hearts #2) by Nazri Noor – Goodreads

Synopsis:

The fragrance of chaos. The flavor of terror. The color of madness.

Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright are loving a life of hunting and harvesting rare reagents wherever the Black Market travels. But a routine trip to visit Japanese tree spirits turns up something sinister: two crystal shards, embedded in the bodies of wild animals. They’re familiar, glimmering, violet… like splinters of amethyst.

But that’s not all. Two rival guilds are in strife, Jack and Xander caught in a crossfire of spells and slander. SEER and its hundred eyes are still watching their every move. And then there’s the matter of meeting Xander’s parents, perhaps Jackson’s deadliest challenge to date.

The Chrysanthemyst’s return is the least of their problems.

A Stroke of Brilliance is a 70,000-word M/M urban fantasy romance with a HFN ending. Join a fast-talking artificer and a snarky sorcerer, childhood friends who become bitter enemies, then lovers, as they explore a world filled with strange flora, mythical fauna, and magical murders. If you like your urban fantasy with humor, horror, and a whole lot of heart, you’ve come to the right place. Experience A Stroke of Brilliance today.

Review: Nixing the End of the World by Alice Winters

Rating: 3 🌈

I love Alice Winters. I love urban fantasy. I usually love Alice Winters urban fantasy romances. So why was Nixing the End of the World by Alice Winters, while entertaining, not wholly enjoyable?

That’s a question that has really been bothering me.

The story has Winters usual elements. A interesting plot, a likable main, albeit clueless character in Nix, some fascinating other beings the circle around him. But for me I believe the issue started immediately, and it’s built within the story. It’s that old problem of honor, trust, friendship, and betrayal.

Here it becomes my issue with the book. Why? Because fundamental to this story is breaking the trust of someone who is supposed to be so close to you, they’re almost a sibling. It’s is done here often, with all the processes at times of a person crumpling a bag of chips, and with the expectations that that person will immediately forgive you. Every single time.

Knows a person for most their lives, lies to them about the things that are essential to saving them, puts them in danger. Says basically oops. Over and over.

A number of characters. To Nix.

So what’s the message here a reader is to take away? While absorbing all the stuff about the new fantasy world, the characters, travel and Nix’s mission… we get that everyone close to Nix essentially lies to him all the time, betrays him, has since he can remember. And the reader is supposed to connect with any or all of them?

Um no.

I don’t find anyone of them, outside of the cat and so called horse with antlers halfway personable.

His best friend since early childhood is probably the worst of them all. She consistently betrays his trust, has actually been a fraud in all their lives, and then no matter what she’s done, expects their relationship to continue on the same and instant forgiveness.

Which she gets.

The author apparently discarding the impact all the revelations would actually make on a person. Instead treating these issues as trivial notions, or something to be given mention but emotionally impactful? Narratively not.

There’s exciting battles, mages and magic. A touch of romance. And the journey continues on with the note that Nix will still need to save the world.

All very well.

But first, there’s a foundation that needs to be fixed and more then a few characters in need of a make over in order for me to find this a place to be comfortable in.

I left this story, as I entered it. Unconnected and uninvolved in anyone’s lives and how the journey will out in the end.

If they don’t care that they can’t depend on those closest to them, why should I? Therein lies the crux.

If this seems like a story for you, continue forward. For me? I’m stopping here.

https://www.goodreads.com › showNixing the End of the World by Alice Winters – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Nix
“You are the savior of mankind” are the last words I ever expected to hear while nibbling on fries. The thing is, I’m not mankind saving material. I don’t even have magic (and just found out it exists). I’m the most boring, normal(ish) human ever.

Suddenly, I’m being tossed right into the middle of a fight that started years before I was even born, and then I get partnered up with Alastair, a quirky magical Guardian. He is rather attractive and sweet when he’s not into the whole “woe is me, I can’t let myself fall in love with you” nonsense. I mean, the moment he took my annoyingly judgmental grandma hostage, it was all over for me. I was hooked.

Now the only problem is… what exactly are we saving the world from?

Alastair
The moment I laid eyes on Nix, the naive yet easygoing human captivated my attention, and now I’m determined to protect him. But despite my amazing and majestic abilities, we might not make it out of this mess. Still, there must be a reason Nix was chosen. No, he doesn’t have pizazz and maybe he really doesn’t have magic, but he’s also one of the strongest and kindest men I’ve ever met.

Now if I can just get him to stop throwing blankets at enemies, we might have a shot at this.

Nixing the End of the World contains a flaming “horse” with antlers who inexplicably appears when needed (or not), an interfering BFF who didn’t really mean to light the trunk on fire, a six-toed cat that looks like he put a claw in a socket, and an incubus who just wants a smoothie without anyone losing their clothes.