Review: The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love (The Hitman’s Guide #1) by Alice Winters

by Alice Winters

Rating: 5 🌈

I’ve been on a fantasy binge lately and when I realized I couldn’t remember if a incubus character was one that needed a hug or shouldn’t be touched, it was time to return to contemporary fiction.

I pulled up Alice Winters because she’s a author I not only adore for her terrific well written tales but honestly, I know I’m in for a rollicking hilarious great “game on” of a read when I grab for one of her stories.

That’s exactly what I fell into with The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love. It’s one of three novels about a hitman and his hunny with a side story that’s equally amazing.

But The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love is the beginning. A laugh out loud, gut wrenchingly hilarious book about a hit man named Leland who’s career takes an unexpected turn when he spies a PI awkwardly scaling a fence to gain access into a house he’s monitoring.

I won’t go further. That’s definitely a scene to be savored in the book.

Much like their tangled relationship and Leland’s oversized personality.

Every time I start a Winters story it’s almost a given I’ll end up at after 3am … eyes still glued to the Kindle until it says… the end….

From the droll descriptions of the characters, current remarks dropped into snappy dialogue, and conversations that veer from pithy to deep emotions and back to full on hilarity with the speed of a Mach one racer, this story ( and all the rest) are flat out fantabulous!

Age gap, humorous action packed mayhem romance, complete with Randy the blowup Sex doll and adorable doggies.

I’d only complain if there wasn’t a follow up story but there is. Happy dance!

So this is an absolute must read if you love to guffaw with your contemporary romance, need spot on dialogue with characters so memorable that their staying power is all the way to 11 (movie reference).

Highly recommending the author and series! A must read!

The Hitman’s Guide series:

✓ The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love #1

◦ The Hitman’s Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes #2

◦ The Hitman’s Guide to Tying the Knot Without Getting Shot #3

Side Story:

😎The Former Assassin’s Guide to Snagging a Reluctant Boyfriend

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love by Alice Winters – Goodreads

Synopsis:

What happens when a snarky hitman and a by-the-book PI cross paths?

Leland
Being a hitman has its perks, but I never thought getting an accidental mooning by an attractive PI while he’s caught on a fence would be one of them. While it’s not exactly love at first sight, he’s captured my interest and won’t let go.

Suddenly, I find myself caught in a game of cat and mouse, determined to attract the attention of Jackson, the PI who should be my enemy. He pretends like he’s not flattered by my flowers and the mentions of my totally-not-fictitious blow-up doll Randy (or was it Dandy?), but I know better. Why else would he be teaming up with me to bring down Hardek, one of the city’s most ruthless criminals?

Jackson
Even though the cops are telling me that the hitman is a notorious contract killer, I can’t help but admit that I’m drawn to him. He’s funny, charismatic, and attractive. There’s no way this ridiculous man can be the person the cops are after.

But when Leland ends up at my doorstep injured, I’m faced with a tough choice. It’s my duty to hand him over to law enforcement, but my heart has other plans. I want to keep him. To protect him. To be with him.

Though one question remains: why in the world does the man have so many d*mn guns?

Contains: shenanigans on a swing that you would NOT find at a playground, a car chase that sadly doesn’t have flips or explosions, a horsey ride sans horse, cuddles, an exuberant mutt, a suspicious chief of police, and lots and lots of laughs

Review: Ethan and Jag Destroy the World by Maz Maddox

Rating: 4.5🌈

I like it when my stories come with a lovely dosing of hilarity. Especially holiday romances. Maz Maddox’s book, Ethan and Jag Destroy the World , is actually two combined holiday stories that manages to present a funny“otherworldly “ perspective at some of our favorite holidays while delivering a terrific romance.

As most things that go south are wont to do, it all starts with a dumping, a rejection taken badly, and a linguistics expert with his hands on a ancient suspect tome. Amirite?

Before you can say forsooth, a recently dumped human named Ethan has Jagmarith, Demon champion of the Blood Wars plunked down in his kitchen. At Christmas.

What follows is a funny, oddly moving , supernatural love story that spans a number of human holidays, giving the author,through Jag, a perfect foil to express a joyous weird perspective on these occasions. Some I found myself nodding in total agreement.

Honestly, Valentine’s Day . Misshapen human ideas of the human hearts ( the author’s words) hung every where surrounded by children with wings and weaponry? Wouldn’t it make more sense if those were the hearts of rivals? Hmmm maybe the demon had it spot on…..

Anyway, there’s great characters, wonderful events to ponder, uh some very sexy hot scenes, some hilarious demon confusion about earth customs, and just a marvelous story overall.

Ethan and Jag really are a remarkable couple! I could have used an entire series. Their love and relationship felt real, inter species or not. Their support group of friends and familiar were just as amazing. Surety there’s more holidays, however obscure, to celebrate.

Hopefully the author is listening.

Until then, check out this wonderful book and settle in for nine months of great fun and warm loving feelings.

I’m highly recommending it.

https://www.goodreads.com › showEthan & Jag Destroy the World by Maz Maddox – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Jagmarith, Demon champion of the Blood Wars, detests festivities.

He’s certainly not a fan of humans or their ridiculous holidays.

Winter festivals. Celebrations of flowers. Misshapen hearts to symbolize love. All pointless and weak.

Unfortunately, his feelings are not taken into consideration when he’s summoned by ancient magic to the human realm.

Stolen from his home in Hell, Jagmarith is now at the mercy of a bumbling, adorable human named Ethan, who has accidentally bound Jagmarith to him. Now, Jag must endure grueling human holidays like Christmas and pretend to be a nice human boyfriend to the man who summoned him.

The fake boyfriend role has been very trying.

But along with the upcoming Halloween party and fuss over finding the perfect ghoulish decorations, not to mention the very odd feelings he’s developing for Ethan, there’s that little matter of the impending Armageddon to deal with.

Jag is not pleased.

***

This book includes short story Demon All the Way and continues Ethan & Jag’s adventure.

Review: The Professor’s Dragon (Here Be Dragons #2) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 4 🌈

The Professor’s Dragon is a sweet, often funny, low angst fantasy romance. A part of the Hidden Species series universe, this novel’s events picks up from the end of Dragon Ever After.

That’s the book that launched this series and frankly was my introduction to this universe and Louisa Masters. Make sure you start there, if unfamiliar with this series. It’s a winner and you’ll need the background established there to help with all aspects of the characters and romance here.

The Prologue gives us Dustin’s first look at his soon-to-be all consuming crush/love Professor Rob Sarris on Dustin’s first day of class at a human college.

Fast forward two years and things are only more intense for Dustin. He’s still deeply emotionally attached, but still from afar and it’s all one sided.

Dustin has grown from overly exuberant youth we met in the stories of the Great Migration to a more responsible, yet totally adorable one here. The character growth continues while maintaining all aspects of his personality that makes Dustin such an engaging and endearing being.

Rob is the new and wonderful element here. Before he was just the object of adoration. Now he’s an actual person, with a family and history. He’s become fascinating in his own right and I wanted more, actually of him as I got to know him and his family dynamics and history. Charming, heartwarming, funny… Rob’s family has its own story to tell.

Together, along with the madcap denizens of Here Be Dragons, Dustin and Rob’s courtship plays out, with all its wide ramifications, to great and romantic fun.

I will admit I keep waiting for some type of element of suspense or mystery to enter, much like that of Hidden Species. But maybe this series is the author’s gift to the characters for all they went through there so it’s going to be low angst all the way. Except for bit of a craziness from Steff now or then.

Next up? That’s the slightly weird, always entertaining Fabian’s story, The Dragon Experiment coming in 2022. Can’t wait to see what hilarity that brings!

Until then, I’m recommending this series and novels. And all the Hidden Soecies stories too if you haven’t read them as well.

Read them all in the order they were written and enjoy a grand journey through a fantasy series and a multitude of marvelous characters.

Here Be Dragons series:

◦ Dragon Ever After #

◦ The Professor’s Dragon #2

◦ The Dragon Experiment #3-coming 2022

The Professor’s Dragon

Synopsis:

It was love at first sight… with my professor. What’s a dragon to do?

For two years, I’ve been pining over Professor Sarris. I knew the moment I saw him that we were meant for each other, but it’s not to be. For one thing, I was his student, and he’s the most ethical man I know. For another, he has no idea I’m actually a four-thousand-year-old dragon from another dimension.

When my people fled to Earth to avoid extinction, I vowed to clean up my life and stop acting like a fledgling. It’s bad enough that nobody takes me seriously… sure, maybe I used to be flighty and irresponsible and caused a few interspecies incidents, but that’s all in the past. I have big plans for the future, and this college gig is the first step in proving myself. I’m not endangering this fresh start for anyone.

But then my professor and I wind up at the same party, and suddenly it seems he’s not completely out of reach. Except I’m still the adorable flirt nobody wants to rely on, and convincing him we should be together while proving I’m a changed dragon is a monumental task.

Good thing I’m up for the challenge.

Review: Sorcerers Always Satisfy (Hidden Species #4) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 5🌈

Series finale

Here we are at the Hidden Species finale and usually I’m a very mopey reader at this stage because I’m saying goodbye to characters and a universe I’ve fallen deeply and irrevocably in love with.

However, thank you, Louisa Masters, I know that the fabulous sequel series Here Be Dragons ensures that both this universe and characters and romances will happily and eagerly be something I can look forward to, book after book. Sigh…. More Hellhounds and dragons!

At any rate…. Focusing….

Sorcerers Always Satisfy brings to the fore one of the steadiest, grounded characters of this series. The one man we probably have known the least about but also never really thought that much about either.

David Carew, sorcerer and all around steadfast albeit a tad boring friend to everyone in the Lucifer’s inner circle, including Percy Caraway himself. David has been a bit of a blank page, while all his friends supplied the glitter, flash, angst, age, or samba lines.

Now David’s past comes roaring back and explains his need , nope, love and need for order instead of chaos. And it’s revealed that he’s not exactly just “a sorcerer” but something extraordinary as sorcerers go. Yeah, he’s inner circle for a reason, we really should have seen that one.

David’s true strengths and past is revealed during a time of disaster and dimension peril so extreme that no one could have foreseen it.

The elf Caolan ,who appeared in Alistair’s story , is now a full partner is the Alliance to stop the enemies plan. I won’t spoil all that entails because it’s complicated, imaginative, and well, encapsulates four books. Read them all in the order they are written.

But Caolan is also adoring of David. Before you go it’s too soon, as David does actually, there’s a host of explanations that cover exactly why it’s not. Just another outstanding element here. Elf loves David, it’s perfectly reasonable, I love this couple. And well the Elves. And their love of cell phones… just wait.

This story easily engages with the heartbreak of a young David and his adolescence, the impending doom of a world, and what that shattering event will do emotionally to several species . Themes both intimate such as couple love to enormous, along the lines of dimension death, are woven into the storylines here. Al it’s done so beautifully.

Again written with amazing poignancy and humor. You want to cry and then laugh , both . Often at the same time. Because the author realizes how close both emotions are to each other.

There is joy, there is sadness.

I think that’s a Taylor Swift song.

Sorcerers Always Satisfy is a fantastic story and series finale. It gives David the romance and mate he deserves and this outstanding series the closure to this complicated fantasy epic adventure the send off we need before journeying onto Here Be Dragons!

Let’s raise a glass to our heroes until we meet them again! Here’s to an amazing journey! Thanks for the Grand times! See you all soon!

Yes… I’m recommending every single one. Read them often!

🔶Hidden Species series:

Demons Do It Better #1

One Bite with A Vampire #2

Hijinks With A Hellhound #3

Sorcerers Always Satisfy #4

🔶Sequel Series:

Here Be Dragons (happens immediately after the events of Hidden Species)

Dragon Ever After#1

Hidden Species Cast of Characters:

Community of Species Government-CSG

Percy Caraway: the Lucifer . Aka the Head of State of the Physical Plane

Senior Investigators Team:

Sam Tiller – team admin

Gideon Bailey, Demon

Elinor Martin, Hellhound, cousin to Alistair

David Carew, sorcerer

Lily Heath, succubus

Andrew Turner, Vampire

Alistair Smythe, Hellhound

Noah Cage, human

Aiden Byrne, Felix shifter-Shifter Species Leader

Caolan, Elf

Brandt. Wing leader of all dragons

King Radulfr, King of all Elves

Synopsis:Just because I enjoy planning and researching doesn’t mean I’m not the most dangerous badass mothercracker around.

The world sees me as boring, dependable David. And I like it that way. I know things and I’m organized. Plus, I’ve seen firsthand the harm a chaotic life can inflict, and I’d rather have my lists and be called dull.

Which is what makes it all the more disconcerting when a sexy elf declares his adoration and begins to “woo” me. What am I supposed to do?

Hide, mostly. It’s hard, though, because Caolan and I are supposed to be working together. And he’s tough to resist: sweet, competent, and so incredibly beautiful. He sees something in me that no one else does. Would it really be such a bad thing if I gave in to temptation?

My personal life can’t be the priority right now, though. The bad guys are gearing up to strike, and if we don’t stop them, the end of the world could be nigh. I need to focus on that, not on letting Caolan show me the benefits of spontaneity. Or do I?

Sorcerers Always Satisfy

Review: Demons Do It Better ( Hidden Species #1) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Well, finally, here I am! Back at the beginning of the Hidden Species series I’ve been meaning to return to after finding and diving into the first novel at the start of the sequel series (Dragon Ever After

(Here Be Dragons #1) ). Yikes!

That story and the introduction to all the amazing characters and existing universe (plus writing style of Masters’) had me hooked but good.

Still it took a while.

Now I’m gobbling up the Hidden Species books like bonbons.

Which works really well because they flow smoothly one into the next.

Louisa Masters actually sets up all the series, both of them, by presenting us with the complicated story of Sam Tiller, a man who will become the heart of the CSG , the center , and by that I mean the admin, of the Lucifer’s team , and the first to get his romance. He’s also setup here to slowly work himself into the center of our and all the hearts of this marvelous found family of various species.

Oh wait til you get to the Hellhounds!

In all that, the title may be a bit misleading because the demon in question is Gideon, a feared and formidable Investigator of the lucifer’s first team at CSG.

Ok the Lucifer? It’s a title, not a devil. Nope, nothing to do with religion. That’s just a bad rap from a pissed off bunch at the other end of a bargaining table. I’ll save it for the story.

At any rate. There’s a complicated relationship between Sam and Gideon that’s amazing to watch unfold, full of sexy dynamics and awesome UST.

However, it’s Sam’s journey here that is unexpected. Emotionally compelling, imaginative and action wise fantastic, and page after page, turns this into a tale of depth, pain, personal growth, humor, and love.

And yes horror. That’s a series thread, one of growing horror, you will see as a major mystery keeps looming ever larger over the group.

Honestly once you set out to read these books, just know you’re not going to want to stop until you’re finally done. Just have all the books lined up ready to go like I did and plow right through!

Then onto series 2!

Honestly what a great treat is in store for anyone who hasn’t discovered this author or series.

Great characters, amazing universe, wonderful writing, and humor to keep me in stitches while it had suspense that had me holding my breath! Love that! And this!

Highly recommended!

For all series and books look below synopsis.

Demons Do It Better (Hidden Species #1)

Synopsis:The truth is, I’m an admin assistant who applied for a job that sounded kind of interesting and ended up working for the Community of Species Government. I’m the only human in the office, and basically I ride herd on a team of rambunctious shifters and demons.

I also spend a lot of time avoiding Gideon Bailey, the demon I had a one-night stand with right before I took this job. He hates me, and I really want to avoid being murdered. But I’ve been offered a promotion that will mean working with him, so we’re both going to have to get over it.

Plus, people are going missing. Pregnant people. And the word is that someone is dabbling in genetic experimentation. Putting a stop to that is more important than the sexual tension Gideon and I have been ignoring… isn’t it?

🔶Hidden Species series:

Demons Do It Better #1

One Bite with A Vampire #2

Hijinks With A Hellhound #3

Sorcerers Always Satisfy #4

🔶Sequel Series:

Here Be Dragons (happens immediately after the events of Hidden Species)

Dragon Ever After#1

Cover note. Of all the covers in this series, this is the only one for me that missed the mark. For me that’s not Gideon, cold, aloof, forbidding, Rich Gideon in any way. Too bad. The rest are fabulous and spot on.

Review: Stud (Four Bears Construction #5) by K.M. Neuhold

Rating: 5 🌈

Stud, the fifth novel in the Four Bears Construction series, is a great example why one should read these stories in the order they were written.

Over the past four novels and romances, we’ve watched the West and Sawyer drama.

Or non drama. Because, although a stone could tell how much in love West has been with the bar owner since the first time they met, Sawyer has firmly kept West in the friend zone, if that. Book after book, glances, even a trip to Hawaii which we get caught up on here, we have seen these two men in serious denial/want about each other.

But in Stud, everything changes. And per this series,the swing in dynamics starts off hilariously. Omg, China dolls! Nope, no spoilers.

West , the nephew of Dare’s (Stone’s mechanic husband),has been a great character throughout the series. He’s been supportive, funny, all the while going through his own amount of personal growth as a young man and craftsman. He’s amazing. So I’ve been waiting for him to get his man and HEA.

Neuhold not only obliges with a funny, warm-hearted romance but an unexpected reunion that gives us all a wonderful closure.

Sawyer has been a peripheral character , one we see at Wooley’s, the bar he inherited from Gus , it’s previous owner, snd the gangs favorite hangout.

In Stud, Sawyer’s past , as astonishingly does Gus’s in a remarkably poignant story element, comes into focus. We see exactly why he’s held West at a distance for so long despite his feelings, and the turmoil inside him when West declares he’s going to start dating.

That declaration jumpstarts Sawyer and his mixed up heart and mind on a strange, funny and quite wonderful path to HEA with West , a restored Victorian, and a bunch of feathered kids. Oh my.

One element I’ve adored in each book has been the great pet/animal(s) per couple. I have sometimes forgotten to mention it. Shame on me because it’s a terrific part of each story and couple.

So here’s the list so far….

Four Bears Construction series animals:

🔵Caulky #1: Cole and Ren’s bees

🔵Nailed #2: Stone and Dare: Rudy and Nard Dog

🔵Hardwood #3, Ev and Watson, Hedgehog

🔵Screwed #4 Ollie and Daniel: Monty the Python

🔵Stud #5, West and Sawyer: Huey, Luey, Duey, Darkwing

🔵Stripped #6, Miller and Dem,

Mars and at the end Shelldon, omg so adorable. Yes review to come. Yes tortoises!

🔵Drilled #7 the finale. Apollo and Ridge, cat Log… been waiting to see a cat tbh. Review to come…

How do you not love a series that folds in such great animals along with sensitive and funny romances?

That’s easy to answer. I do. I do love them.

Each different and great couple, each amazing path to love and HEA.

I don’t have many left. Sort of dreading saying goodbye. But not yet. A few to go.

What a wonderful, heartwarming and joy filled journey it’s been so far.

Like all the others, I hope you’re on this one with me. I highly recommend this one . Stay with me till the end .

Stud: A boss, knob, or nail head…or, you know, the hot guy who’s way too young to keep asking me out with that adorably earnest smile …

It’s been three years since West walked into my bar and asked me out for the first time. I was relieved he stopped asking after the first few “no”s and a way-too-good-to-be-real kiss. He’s fifteen years younger than I am; it can only lead to trouble.

Of course, now he’s running through people off dating apps like it’s his job and wearing these lace panties that look really unfair on someone as furry and muscular as he is, and, um…what was I talking about?

I probably shouldn’t sabotage his dates, but I’m only human. I might not be ready to admit that I want him, but I’m definitely not ready to let anyone else have him either.

He’s too perfect, too hot, and I am in way too much trouble…

*** Stud is a friends-to-lovers, construction-worker-in-panties, omg-so-much-swoon story that happens to be the fifth book in the Four Bears Construction Series. Every book in this series CAN be read as a stand alone, but they’re a lot more fun together!

Stud

Stud. Goodreads sales link to options

Review: : Nailed (Four Bears Construction #2) by K.M. Neuhold

Rating: 5🌈

This series….it has really captured my heart.

I mean I have all these other books lined up…mysteries, romance adventures, SyFi … but I keep coming back to these guys and their clumsy, adorable journeys to HEA and true love.

Take Nailed, please. No , really, grab this one right up. Especially if you’re in need of laughter as well as romance.

And dogs. Such adorable dogs. I ❤️ Rudy. And Nerd Dog.

I laughed so much here.

One because Stone is one irresistible teddy bear of, well, a gorgeous bear of a man. Sweet, doesn’t understand why everyone wouldn’t like him, huge heart.

You’re going to adore him. I’m still cracking up over his understanding of traditional “sayings “. I won’t spoil them for you but they leave me in giggles even now, I just love him. I do. Soooo sexy too.

Then there’s the neighbor,Dare Maslow . A bit grumpy, solitary but all with good reason as we eventually find out. Layers with this one. He’s also the owner of the adorable Rudy.

This is such a great enemies to lovers story. I laughed so hard in places. I totally enjoyed their antics as they “fought” and pranked their way to love. To say that I was thoroughly entertained by every step of their tumultuous relationship is to put it mildly. From highly sexy romps to downright hilarity, this couple kept the story flowing fast and so smoothly I was at the end before I knew it and wanted to be.

Of course, all the other “bears” and partners are there. I’ve gotten so fond of them as well.

I’m actually jumping over to Screwed because I just need that story NOW.

I’ll come back to Ev’s immediately after. Honestly, these men.

Anyway, I’m staying the course. I’m reading all the stories here until I’m finished with the series. I need the happiness and laughter these men are bringing into my life at the moment.

It’s such fun and light hearted joy. I’m highly recommending them. Especially this one.

Synopsis:

My new neighbor is a total tool.

He hated me from the second he laid eyes on me, and I don’t have the first clue why… But, if he wants to hate me, I’m happy to give him a few reasons: mowing the lawn at dawn on the weekend, leaving garbage cans in front of his driveway, renting a petting zoo for my backyard…making a list of ways to drive him crazy is half the fun.

He deserves it with the way he’s driving me crazy right back without even trying— walking around without a shirt on, sweaty rippling muscles on full display, well-worn denim jeans perfectly molded to his…well, you get the idea.

My point is, if he wants a war, I’ll give him one.

***Nailed is an enemies to lovers, neighbors who can’t stand each other, omg the anger banging, drool worthy, low angst story, which happens to be the second in my Four Bears Construction series. It CAN be read as a stand alone. There are NO shifters in this series, only the OTHER kind of bears

Nailed

Stone

Rudy the dog

Four Bears Construction series:

🔵Caulky #1

🔵Nailed #2

🔵Hardwood #3

🔵Screwed #4

🔵Stud #5

🔵Stripped #6

🔵Drilled #7

🔵Goats Like Cake Too: Four Bears Construction Series Epilogue

(Four Bears Construction #7.5)

by K.M. Neuhold

Review: Dragon Ever After (Here Be Dragons #1) by Louisa Masters

Dragon Ever After (Here Be Dragons #1) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 4.25 🌈.

First thing this book taught me? Don’t judge a story by it’s “CRASH !!!”.

Outside of comic books (awesome) and the Adam West Batman tv series ( equally awesome), a word like that is most likely to be followed by a KERPOW! or a BAM!

None of which I really want in my romances at the moment. Go figure.

But that initial (and only) Adam West worthy action capped exclamation aside, this story is a wonderful romantic read.

Second thing this book taught me? I really need to go find and dive into the entire Hidden Species series for which this story and new series is not only linked but has as its foundation. Huh. Didn’t know that. Missed a good series as well as a bunch of back history and world building apparently.

Both the main leads here played huge, I’m talking honking big , hero roles in that series. So yeah, need to do that asap. It’s where they first meet after all and, if one (meaning me or any reader new to these characters and universe) ,needs to know exactly what a lucifer is or the CSG, well, it’s to those books we go.

However, even with missing past histories and universe building, the author does attempt to fill in some of the Hidden Species highlights so we don’t feel completely in the dark.

That plus the marvelous and utterly charming characters we meet here make this a story you will want to read and a series to add to your watch list.

There’s a whole host of splendid beings, a bunch a fascinating dragons adjusting to a new world to adore, Brandt and Percy’s relationship which was quick, often sexy and very funny, and an entire family of friends to get to know. I quickly found them all to be a very engaging, warm-hearted bunch!

It all starts with that crash in the backyard of Percy Caraway, Felid shifter, former Lucifer at CSG. The crashee? A very young dragonet out for a night spin without his parents knowledge. To the rescue?

Wing Leader Brandt. Be still Percy’s heart and ours.

The author has a wonderful way with a humorous phrase and situation. Whether it’s tweens on the loose or adults looking for privacy, everyone here can relate and laugh. And love these beings in lust and love.

The story isn’t a long one and will leave you wanting more of both this new universe and characters.

I look forward to the next installment.

Meanwhile it’s off to track down the Hidden Species series.

Read this. I know you’re going to enjoy it as much as I did.

Synopsis:Note to self: You can’t teach an old dragon new tricks … he likes to invent his own.

After half a century of chaos, my retirement from leading the Community of Species Government has been bliss. No more hellhounds playing pranks. No more snippy demons demanding my attention. No more cajoling money from the wealthy to support the community. Just peace while I avoid my overbearing father and try to work out what my next steps will be.

Although… maybe three years of peace is enough. It might even be starting to get… boring. In fact, an adolescent dragon crash-landing on my landlord’s shed is just the kind of excitement I need—especially when he brings his species leader to my door.

Brandt. Wing leader of all dragons, suave, sexy, and … slightly unhinged. It doesn’t take much for him to convince me to give up my solitude and spend some time getting to know him. It’s hard to care about the future when I’ve got a dragon of my own to “play” with. Naked dragon rides for the win, right?

But Brandt’s the leader of his people, on call for them all the time, and I’ve left that part of my life behind me. Plus my father insists I should fulfil my duty to the family by getting a nine-to-five job and “marrying well.” That’s not what I want, but riding herd on a group of beings who fly, breathe fire, and could literally crush me beneath their feet would be a huge challenge, especially since Brandt’s kind of loose with r Note to self: You can’t teach an old dragon new tricks … he likes to invent his own.

After half a century of chaos, my retirement from leading the Community of Species Government has been bliss. No more hellhounds playing pranks. No more snippy demons demanding my attention. No more cajoling money from the wealthy to support the community. Just peace while I avoid my overbearing father and try to work out what my next steps will be.

Although… maybe three years of peace is enough. It might even be starting to get… boring. In fact, an adolescent dragon crash-landing on my landlord’s shed is just the kind of excitement I need—especially when he brings his species leader to my door.

Brandt. Wing leader of all dragons, suave, sexy, and … slightly unhinged. It doesn’t take much for him to convince me to give up my solitude and spend some time getting to know him. It’s hard to care about the future when I’ve got a dragon of my own to “play” with. Naked dragon rides for the win, right?

But Brandt’s the leader of his people, on call for them all the time, and I’ve left that part of my life behind me. Plus my father insists I should fulfil my duty to the family by getting a nine-to-five job and “marrying well.” That’s not what I want, but riding herd on a group of beings who fly, breathe fire, and could literally crush me beneath their feet would be a huge challenge, especially since Brandt’s kind of loose with rules.

It all comes down to how much I want my very own dragon ever after.

This exciting spin-off from the Hidden Species series kicks off with Percy’s romance.

https://www.goodreads.com › showWeb resultsDragon Ever After (Here Be Dragons, #1) by Louisa Masters – Goodreads

Perils of a Papillon (Fuzzy Love 3) by Tara Lain

Rating: 5 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈

A series that’s centered around the smarts of a Papillon? One called the Queen of The Universe, aka Batshit Crazy? Love it!

As someone familiar with the breed ( a groomer of mine had 3 he brought to work with him), the author captured their high intelligence and marvelous personality to perfection. Loved the way Lain wove the antics of this wonder dog into her plot of suspense and mystery. With its aspects of academia job applicants , stress/joy of teaching and then the romance with all the characters, human and animal…well, it’s is just so entertaining and quite wonderful.

Animals done well in books always add that extra layer of warmth and layers for me. Here Bat, Harry, and Cat were the perfect characters and plot foils time after time. Paired with their humans, their dynamics allows us a window into each person’s character and sometimes current emotional state, showing us a vulnerability we might not see otherwise.

Cat the abandoned Abyssinian works so beautifully with Jack Sparks, a human being, isolated by history and need. Harry the ingratiating pit bull in love with Bat works perfectly as a foil for the twins, the adorable Toby Albertine and his sister Molly. Toby the twin in need of a fake boyfriend and a real love life. And Batshit the super Papillon who brings everything and everyone together.

Humor is also a lovely part of the storyline, especially with regard to the animals and their association with each other . Bat is after all Harry’s true ❤️.

It’s a fast paced, emotionally satisfying, well written story. And it ties up the 3-book series in a way that everyone will love. Including me.

This is a marvelous story. Read them all and see for yourself which of Bat’s capers come the closest to your heart.

Reviewers And Dog Lover/owners note: Like tv series and movies, a book can make a breed so irresistible that it makes people want one for themselves, without exactly checking out if that breed is right for you and your lifestyle.

Tara Lain does a responsible job here in noting aspects of the Papillon breed that make it not for everyone. They are highly energetic and intelligent. They are territorial, and yes bark…..a lot. Alarm barking, hey look what’s passing by, what’s that sound barking. It’s part of the breed and she had her characters mention that repeatedly, albeit fondly and sometimes with exasperation.

They do outstanding as agility dogs because they need an outlet for that intelligence and energy. Don’t confuse this breed with that of a lap dog. Uh no. 😂

Want to explore more ? YouTube Papillon in agility and Papillon dog facts. They are a fantastic breed….for the right people.

Fuzzy Love Series:

Passions of a Papillon

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50256127-passions-of-a-papillon

Prancing of a Papillon

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54375499-prancing-of-a-papillon

Perils of a Papillon

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58447165-perils-of-a-papillon

Find all your buying options for the series here:

Review: Socially Orcward (Adventures in Aguillon #3) by Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey

Rating: 5 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈

How I love this series! It really has everything to offer lovers of fantasy stories.

There’s exciting action, espionage (well eggs and spinach but you’re going to get it ), outstanding humor both gentle and guffaw worthy, and so much love in all its aspects it threatens to tumble out of the pages.

Oh, and did I mention dragons? Tiny, middle sized, graceful to downright awkward dragons! Magic no matter the stage of growth they find themselves in and utterly charming.

Perfect companions to Dave, our lovely gentle Orc of the previous storylines and adventures. Now happily ensconced in the Kings tower turned dragon incubator and sanctuary, he’s now in charge of all things dragons for Kings Quentin and Loth.

All’s well. And when a similar dragon loving soul named Simon appears in the kitchen and brings food to the tower, things look even brighter.

Such great characters, Dave and Simon! With such tremendous travails before them. Including figuring out what the new emotions they are feeling means, to themselves and eventually each other. Especially when neither has had a relationship and what they see or hear from others doesn’t sound like something they might want.

Socially Orcward is both about fantasy adventures, with dragons, and a complex story about figuring out who you are, what you stand for, and accepting the same for the one you love. I laughed….a lot. Really, the authors pulled the thespian joke and it’s still hilarious.

And I brought out the tissues in places too because both authors got right into the hearts of Simon, and Dave…. and it hurt. And then it soared, as it should.

Which made that last line and the ending so incredibly satisfying and heartwarming. Perfection really.

Everyone is happy. Even Scott.

Who saw that coming?

Adventures in Aquillon just made my comfort reads list as well as automatically recommended.

Incredibly well written, beautifully plotted, outstanding characters, with lines that have the capability to make me burst out laughing or equally shed tears.

Honestly? Farmyard fornicator? Dirty alchemist? Certain things will live on …. Not sure if I should send the authors unspeakable gingerbread as thanks or threats for these mind worms…..

Either way, read for yourself. I’m highly recommending them all, including Socially Orcward

Series:

Red Heir (Adventures in Aguillon #1

Elf Defense -2

Socially Orcward-3

https://www.goodreads.com/series/299397-adventures-in-aguillon

See the above Goodreads link for all buying options for the series.