Review: A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Book 8) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4.25🌈

Cassius, the coffee shop running oracle and the wounded grey angel Kushiel get their romance and journey to HEA finally. It’s full of the other characters we’ve met, a terrifying, heartbreaking mystery, a lovely nosy family ghost, and a plot that is extremely complex in layers.

The best part is the characters here. Cass is a great character, with his well defined personality and deep family history , we get to know him and his Aunt Ro (and all her dresses) in heartwarming ways. Btw, don’t miss out on the author’s notes on flower language at the end of the book. Fantastic touch of knowledge.

Then there’s Kushiel, who we have met in previous books. Such a great light of a angel, giving to the point of hurting himself, wounded and touch deprived, the layers to Kush and the need that finds his answers in Cass makes this book such a beautiful story.

The imaginative elements of the lost souls is one that I wish was better developed. That one we see (sorta) is intriguing so the potential for the plot to further explore this aspect is huge but it does so in a way that takes away from the emotional element rather than boosts it. In its place, other scenes and side trips occur.

When the villain is exposed and the plot mystery resolves into a quick action that takes relatively short amount of time, it feels like a let down of sorts. It’s has some interesting moments and a new character that will drive a sequel series to come. That looks great. But I feel like a tad more something/exploration could have been fit in rather than the villain monologuing about his reasons for the deeds here.

At any rate, we got a heartfelt romantic journey, and a great couple. As well as Aunt Ro.

This is just such a favorite series of mine. Shannon Mae has come up with some really amazing stories and unique and unexpected ideas about love and romance. They aren’t to be missed. Read them all and see who are your favorites!

Fabulous covers.

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures: (Paranormal Romance 🔷 A Beginner’s Guide to Death, Demons, and Other Afterlife Disasters #1

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Mistakenly Summoned Demons and Other Misadventures #2

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades #3

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers #4

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Novellas:

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Christmas Miracles (A Holiday Novella)

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Pet Demons

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Demonic Possessions

Demonic Disasters and

Afterlife Adventures Collections: 🔷Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Collection 1

Hellhounds of Paradise Falls -sequel series:

◦ How to Flirt with a Hellhound #1 – (Coming Soon)

Buy link

A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Book 8)

Blurb

Cassius:

Cass has always had the sight. Although his official job may be to run his coffee shop, in reality he deals with grumpy ghosts, troublesome demons, uptight angels, and all sorts of paranormal issues. When the archangel Gabriel gives him a message that he has to help a gray angel, it’s just par for the course for Cassius. But who could predict that Kushiel would be the brightest soul Cassius had ever met, even if the angel can’t see that about himself? Cassius is determined not just to save the afterlife (and possibly the entire universe), but also to save one very sexy angel (who just might be his soulmate) along the way.

Kushiel:

Kushiel’s work is his life, and if angels shun him and he feels like he never quite fits in with demons, at least he has the souls he redeems. That is, until someone steals his entire purpose in the afterlife. Some vague clues from a demon seer send him straight into Cass’s coffee shop, where he learns some surprises about afterlife rules. With a little help from Cass, Kushiel is sure they can solve the mystery, especially since the coffee shop owner is the kindest, sweetest, sexiest human he’s ever met. Now if only he could figure out how to respond to all the compliments Cass keeps sending his way, because surely someone as wonderful as Cassius couldn’t be interested in a gray angel.

Tags: Kushiel is hurting, and Cass is happy to offer comfort and compliments; afterlife rules are more complicated than angels or demons knew; Aunt Ro keeps trying to not-so-subtly send messages through flowers; Cass runs into demons, angels, ghosts, a sea monster, and a hellhound; messages from seers and through oracles are annoyingly mysterious; Kushiel likes being told what to do, and Cass likes taking charge; Kushiel will finally get his own happily-ever-after (Cass will make sure of it).

Note: A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers can be read as a stand alone. However, it is best read after A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades, since Mike and Ari do pop up in this book.

• Publication date: June 19, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 254 pages

Review: The Misfit Mage and His Darling Demon: Diabolic Romance Book Two by MN Bennet

Rating: 4.5🌈

Mage Wally and his bonded Demon, Bez, return in MN Bennet’s highly imaginative sequel, Darling Demon, a book that’s astonishing in creative elements and plot twists.

I really enjoyed this book, it’s so mentally entertaining, with the sheer amount of depth that Bennet goes into as Wally and Bez get into a horrible situation with first the Fae, and then an ever increasingly worse group of villains.

There’s really no way to go about pointing out aspects of this story that I adore without giving spoilers because I feel as though they are also some of the most clever elements that Bennet wrote into the storyline. It’s one creative piece of thinking after another that just builds onto each other here , expanding on the universe as we thought we knew it magically.

What can I say? That the fabulous characters, demon Mora and her witch wife Kell, are back as main characters and their deep relationship and outlook on love is as remarkable and rewarding as anything else here.

We get a new family member, a pet. He’s adorable. The scorpion familiar isn’t happy.

And that ending still makes me think of whether or not, I’m impressed by the author’s choices because I didn’t see it coming or sorry because I wanted something more comfortable when this book has been anything but. That’s on me.

Bennet has always narratively gone for the wild and intriguing, the unimaginable and deliciously dangerous. That’s how we end up. True to everything and everyone.

I hope we and Bennet return, someday to check in. I love to see what’s happened next.

highly recommended.

Diabolic Romance:

The Misfit Mage and His Dashing Devil #1

The Misfit Mage and His Darling Demon #2

Buy Link

The Misfit Mage and His Darling Demon: Diabolic Romance Book Two

Blurb

Wally and Bez have spent the last six months eluding the Collective together. Not that the mages have spent much time pursuing the dangerous devil and his misfit mage, since even the best magics can’t match a Diabolic’s strength.

When Bez surprises Wally with an anniversary trip to a special event hosted by the Fae, Wally is presented with a chance to work on rare artifacts belonging to a Fae noble. However, Bez learns the Fae may be connected to the recent abductions of fellow demons, allowing them to crossover into various Hell dimensions—and threatening to expose his secret.

Bez is not the unstoppable devil that everyone believes he is. If the Collective learns about Bez’s deceit, they will rain down the full force of their magical resources to kill him. Wally and Bez will need to work together to unravel the mystery behind the missing demons and study intricate dimensional magics all while traveling in a magical villa through space and time.

• Publisher: M.N. Bennet LLC (June 10, 2024)

• Publication date: June 10, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 366 pages

Review: Unusual Emotions (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 3) by Shelby Rhodes

Rating: 5🌈

Unusual Emotions is the third book in Shelby Rhodes’ amazing paranormal romance series, The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx, so a couple of things right away. If you’re reading this series, you are already familiar with the trigger warnings, so I’m not going to repeat them.

Secondly, if you’re familiar with Shelby Rhodes writing, either here or any of this author’s work, then again, see my sentence above about triggers. Rhodes’ writing just comes with a certain amount of warnings, primarily because of the various types of themes and content that are present in this author’s work. If you know, you know.

As this is the third book in this remarkable series, one that has to be read in order, then a reader knows what is in store for them and the characters here. Proceed forward with knowledge!

Unusual Emotions tells us exactly what our characters are dealing with. After the traumatic events and deepest horrors of the past revisited that Taste of Fear put Foxx and Harlow through, now the impact of those events and its consequences, emotionally are seen here on the partners.

Unsurprisingly, Foxx is having nightmares, the burning marks upon his body still visible, his emotional state is shattered as much as his damaged threads. Hes not in good shape as the book opens. But just as shocking, neither is his partner Harlow. He’s having feelings, anger , fear, and more, which he’s trying not to identify. He’s a psychopath and , in his own words and mind, he’s not supposed to be having feelings.

Rhodes weaves an intimate, increasingly confused relationship between two characters that always thought they knew what their relationship was about. Until recently, and Foxx’s recent traumatic experiences have upset him and their dynamic. Both sides are stumbling around, dealing with their own issues, their partner’s unspoken difficulties with the current situation, and a multitude of new cases involving them and weird elements.

It’s Foxx and Harlow trying to figure out how to make their relationship work but it’s changing in ways neither understands. The author lays this out , all the fears, the misguided ways their friends and bosses interfere in the process, all the challenges that realistically make them not trusting of anything deeper than a work relationship, it’s complicated journey that makes them feel more real and broken. Incredible stuff here.

Threaded through this slow burn journey over broken glass pathways is the cases Tony is throwing their way. Unusually big numbers, scary details, weird situations. Each one coming with some defining features and scenarios that will, I’m sure, add up to something even more terrifying to the partners later on.

And I’m not just talking about the cliffhanger of that ending!

Yes, it does have a wowzer of a cliffhanger here. We also knew that would happen.

Unusual Emotions (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 3) by Shelby Rhodes is one incredibly powerful and heart stopping book. Our connection with Foxx and Harlow is made stronger, and we are all so happy that they have made a new step forward in their journey. Now about that cliffhanger!

Highly recommended! Read them in order. Not one is a standalone.

Love the covers.

The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx:

✓ At First Irritation #1

✓ Taste of Fear #2

✓ Unusual Emotions #3

◦ Thirst Quenched #4 – August 24,2024

◦ False Morality #5 – TBD

Buy link

Unusual Emotions (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 3)

Blurb

Foxx Honeywell here… Have you ever wanted something, but then when it finally happens, you panic and think of all the things that could go wrong, because things have always gone wrong? No? Just me? Well, let’s backtrack.

We pick up where we last left off…after the hypocritical murdery priests. Yeah, I’m still dealing with all that. Cases come and go, and things are normal…but then normal flies out of the window. All because my mind decided to focus on things it shouldn’t. Because, as is often the case, emotions and feelings don’t give a shit about timing, place, or the sanity of those involved!

Speaking of sanity. My annoyingly insane partner, HARLOW, decided that he wants to make it all the more complicated by feeling ‘something’ as well.

Long story short, more cases, more confusion, and just the urge to burn the world down in a fit of anger…because why the bloody hell not? Things are decidedly not okay.

CONTENT WARNING: This is a slow burn M/M paranormal romance book, that ends in a cliffhanger. Please see inside or my website for full content warning!

• Publisher: (June 11, 2024)

• Publication date: June 11, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 343 pages

Review: In The Dragon’s Lair (Wings Over Albion Book 3) by Joy Lynn Fielding

Rating: 4🌈

It’s been six months since I read the first book in Fielding’s Wings Over Albion series. That’s Rufus Mortimer’s novel, a shy red dragon who’s a librarian and his human mate, Mark. Loved it.

That story really contained so much of the foundation knowledge and insight into the dragon culture that Fielding is still creating for her series, that it’s a must read for this book.

That’s because the story opens as two dragon shifters view a “must attend” high society party already in progress. It’s from the perspective of a member of a dragon family seen very differently in status in current dragon society. One Nate Mortimer is from the main banking family, top four in society, power and influence.

The other? From Cornwall, a family that prefers to live quietly, no matter what the legends may say. That’s Alex Teague, a country dragon, someone who wants to know why he’s been brought into the house of the powerful Fortescues, along with members of his family.

Nate too is there, directed by his own intensely powerful grandfather Bim, to investigate the theft of monies from their bank and see who is behind it.

Fielding has several mysteries to build, two relationships to handle as well. One is that of Nate and his ex Charlie Fortescue, not a nice person. The other one is the tentative one he’s building with Alex as they combined their interests, growing attracted to each other and move about Bath ‘s historic sites.

Everything is made more volatile as everyone is staying at the Fortescue mansion under the observant eyes of the head of the family, James Fortescue.

The story got a little bogged down at times with other people’s stories, like Ella’s or just some random scenes from the household. There’s some fun and interesting elements about Jane Austin, and just Roman history throughout the story as Nate’s cover for being there is that he’s writing a book about Jane Austin.

However, I wish they’d networked with Rufus and Mark here, considering the Cornwall aspect. Also more about the dynamics between families should have been explored as it was in the first story. Bim has always been an extraordinary character.

I do enjoy this universe and look forward to seeing more of it in future books. There’s so much more to explore here.

Wings Over Albion:

✓ The Red Dragon of Oxford #1

✓ In The Dragon’s Lair #2

Buy link

In the Dragon’s Lair: MM paranormal romance (Wings over Albion, Book 2)

Blurb:

Nate Mortimer is hot, funny, and kissing him is like falling into the sun.

He’s also the last man I should ever be with.

He’s smooth, wealthy, and practically dragon royalty. Me? I’m just a dragon from the Cornish countryside. Or so I like people to think.

I’m investigating the Fortescues, one of the richest, most powerful dragon families in Britain. Problem is, I’m not the only one who’s undercover. Every time I turn around, Nate’s in my way.

Can I trust him? He has his own issues with the Fortescues. Those dragons are dangerous, and his plotting could draw me into a lethal power struggle. His emotional baggage and troublesome ex? Also problematic.

And none of that helps me keep my mind—or hands—off him.

If I’m not careful, falling for the wrong dragon-shifter could cost me so much more than just my heart…

In the Dragon’s Lair is an m/m paranormal romance. Book 2 in the Wings over Albion series, it can be read as a standalone.

• Publisher: Independent (June 10, 2024)

• Publication date: June 10, 2024

• Language: English

• Sticky notes: On Kindle Scribe

• Print length: 278 pages

Review: The Trouble With Trying to Hook a Harbinger (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 4) by Jennifer Cody

Rating: 4.5🌈

The Trouble With Trying to Hook a Harbinger is another absolutely wild unhinged story in Jennifer Cody’s Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees series and I’m loving every single bit of this.

No, it’s not over yet. This is the penultimate tale of battles, families, universal balance and gods, shopping, engagements, ginormous rings, new adoptions, and just outright chaos in the best way possible. With blood and swords and lots of sex.

Cody does give Romily (and the reader) a further explanation into his muteness and past trauma. It’s typical of Cody’s writing that this aspect of the story, while it offers Romily an explanation for his tragic past and mutism, it won’t resolve it. Instead this storyline gives him a new perspective about this part of himself as well as sees another intriguing being added to the family.

Cody’s characters are so well written, grounded in their emotions and respected relationships that we stay connected with them no matter what happens to the world around them. Here, with the incredible imagery and imagination that’s been brought by Cody to this moment, it’s a very wild ride!

That’s why I just love this entire series and story. Even the smallest scene can contain ramifications for the larger plot, or even for a character’s story later on in the series. Cody’s plot is complex even when appearing at its most simplistic stage. It’s never one dimensional. Crazy, zooming off into the wilderness of the universe and who knows what else could possibly happen next but that’s what makes this work. Characters that love each other deeply amidst chaos and way too many tables.

Gotta love this. I do and can’t wait for the next one to come out. Plus I heard that there will be a new sequel series to follow. Highly recommended!

Stay tuned.

Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees :

✓ The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer #1

✓ The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin #2

✓ The Trouble with Trying to Love a Hellion #3

✓ The Trouble With Trying to Hook a Harbinger #4

✓ The Adventure of Sterling Jones: A Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Sidequest

Buy link

The Trouble With Trying to Hook a Harbinger (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 4)

Blurb:

Romily:

Welcome back to Will-They-Won’t-They? The Engagement: The Foxily Edition. That’s the name of the show that I’m planning to pitch to a producer that’s based on my life. Will Fox ever give me a ring? Who knows! I don’t, and I don’t think Fox does either. If the rock currently sitting not-on-my-finger is any indication, we might be doomed.

In the meantime, let me introduce to you my new best friend: a cherub. (Are we surprised by this turn of events? No. I flipping love cherubs.) Akile Aristide walks into my life, declares that I’m his bestie, and then flips the world on its three way axis. What’s a Harbinger to do except announce, “Incoming!” and hope everyone’s buckled in?

The Trouble with Trying to Hook a Harbinger is a 63k MM Paranormal Romedy with a Harbinger who gets to change his title to The Chosen One, a slightly manic Reaper who’s out for a little blood, and the family that they’re building one adoption at a time.

• Publication date: June 7, 2024

• Language: English

• File size: 1483 KB

• Print length: 237 pages

Review: Black & White: An MM Shifter Romantic Suspense Novel (ORCA Book 1) by Vinni George

Rating: 4.25🌈

Vinni George dives into the fated mates shifter trope with a new action adventure romance series, ORCA, or the Organization for the Return of Criminals and Assets . That it’s centered around a family or pod of killer whale brothers as they find their fated mates while they’re hunting stolen artifacts or just on wild uncover missions is spot on. How that all happens is also a part of the storyline of this book.

George has a lot to lay out in this first book. We get the foundation for the universe, the culture of our shifter species, the various shifter family structures , especially in case of the two types of species of our main characters, a orca killer whale and an otter.

Felix White is a highly talented hacker and otter shifter, one who’s also in a load of trouble. That will bring his fated mate to him in the form of a bodyguard, Nero Black, bondsman now bodyguard, and orca shifter, one of a family of brothers that live together.

This is an instant recognition of the mate storyline. While I’m not always a fan of this approach, it works well with Nero and Felix due to their situation and the chemistry the author builds between them.

Because the series is going to be based on the rest of the family, they are quickly introduced and their personalities defined by jobs and appearance. Species characteristics are also very well represented here which I think makes them better realized as shifters. The holding hands by Felix as an otter is just adorable.

I had a few issues with the story in the I wish the actual villain was better executed and explored. This person sort of popped up out of nowhere. And was done equally as quickly. With all the buildup, this potion of the story doesn’t have the same kind of fulfillment as the other aspects. It’s over with in a blink.

My other quibble isn’t by the author but should have been caught. Things like this.

““You didn’t answer my question.” Quin looked at me with shred eyes.”

I’m guessing it should be shrewd eyes. I’m betting autocorrect struck again. But in a book you paid for , it’s annoying and a line editor should have caught it.

I’m seeing too many errors like that in books these days.

Quibbling aside, I found Black & White: An MM Shifter Romantic Suspense Novel (ORCA Book 1) by Vinni George is very entertaining and a terrific start to a new series .

ORCA :

✓ Black & White #1

◦ Grayscale #2 – Dec 31,2024

Buy link

Black & White: An MM Shifter Romantic Suspense Novel (ORCA Book 1)

Blurb

Nero Hunter is tired. He’s tired of early mornings chasing down skips. He’s tired of Shamu jokes and dealing with idiots. He’s tired of being alone. But agreeing to do one little favor for a friend turns the tide and brings Nero face-to-face with his destiny.

Felix White is unlucky. When his life is threatened and he’s hauled into police custody for safekeeping, the last thing he expects is to meet his fated mate. Especially when his mate is a giant killer whale shifter, who is also his new bodyguard.

But there is more to the plot against Felix than meets the eye, and Nero and his brothers have to work together to figure out who is after Felix before it’s too late…before Nero loses the mate he just found.

Black & White is book one in the Organization for the Return of Criminals and Assets (ORCA) series featuring an orca shifter art thief turned bounty hunter, a sea otter shifter hacker who might have pissed off the wrong people, and a group of orca brothers who will do anything—even if it’s not quite legal—to save the newest member of their family.

• Publication date: June 6, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 212 pages

Review: The Soul of an Angel (Supernatural Affairs Book 5) by F. N. Manning

Rating: 4🌈

F. N. Manning’s urban fantasy series. Supernatural Affairs, draws to a close with The Soul of an Angel.

Manning’s story is a good finale in that the reader has some important questions answered about the main characters and their relationships. The author also supplies further exploration of the universe and adds on to the series world building/mythology already established.

Does everyone get a HEA? No. A HFN , which is more in keeping with the storylines and newness of the main couple’s relationship. That actually makes sense, but for a finale novel some people might not be satisfied.

Manning has a number of larger series elements that need in-depth exploration and themes that require more heavy lifting, narratively speaking, than a book 195 pages long can provide.

Frost, a Angel hiding from Heaven, revelations about the true nature of the inhabitants of Heaven and Hell, their relationship with Earth, the past and current history between the three realms, a hidden political conspiracy, complete with battle and that’s just what is basically happening.

Let’s then throw in internecine family dynamics, and a main character in danger who’s the fated mate of Frost. Nathan Clinton is someone who is being hunted down and that’s what brings him to the attention of Frost because of what is hunting him.

I liked Manning’s characterizations of both Frost, who we’ve seen before, and Nathan, a very frightened man on the run from demons and a supernatural world just revealing itself to him.

I think that my issues here are that there’s little time for any real development in this relationship because there’s so much more that Manning needs to pay narrative attention to and does. To the detriment of this couple.

A fight for Earth. Yes, super important and that would necessitate a lot of new information and elements to be added. Which they are. Aliens who aren’t what they appear? Yes, more exploration and more details required. So much more.

Probably see where this is going.

There’s really not enough time within the pages to lay out all the really interesting and imaginative content that Manning has written for this story and series. So in trying to get it all done, it all feels as though the author has made sacrifices and nothing has the layers and dimensions expected in a finale or book with this many storylines.

It’s got a lot of potential. I enjoyed the characters, and some of the relationship dynamics. I just wish there had been more length or another book to make that work.

The author does mention the idea of another sequel series which perhaps would tie up some of the many loose ends left behind here. And let us see what happens next to those characters without partners or just getting a start with theirs. That would be lovely.

If you’re interested in paranormal romance or urban fantasy stories, here is a series for you.

Supernatural Affairs series:

The Werewolf’s Heart #1

Shifter for Brains #2

Crazy Like a Fox #3

Body By Mage #4

The Soul of a Angel #5

Buy link

The Soul of an Angel: Gay Urban Fantasy (Supernatural Affairs)

Blurb

In a battle between Heaven and Hell, two lovers must fight to stay together and save the world.

Frost the angel takes pride in protecting others as an agent with the Department of Supernatural Affairs. But his days on Earth are numbered when his family intends to drag him back to Heaven. After centuries of precious freedom, wishing for more time feels greedy. It’s just a shame that Nathan enters the picture right when his time as a free man is up.

Being a high school music teacher isn’t exactly glamorous, but Nathan Clinton is happy with his life. He already did the impossible once by escaping toxic, controlling parents and starting over, so stopping the demons after his immortal soul should be a piece of cake… right? Good thing a beautiful angel has offered his assistance.

When angels and demons start taking an interest in Earth and the world is threatened, Frost and Nathan find themselves in the middle of a brewing war between worlds. With the angel being pulled to Heaven and Nathan being dragged to Hell, is there any hope of them being together on this world—and also saving the Earth?

• Publication date: September 24, 2023

• Language: English

• Print length: 195 pages

Reviews: The Accidental Necromancer by Liv Rancourt and Behind the 8-Ball by A. E. Wasp (Subpar Heroes Stories)

Rating: DNF for both

The Subpar Heroes series has been a real hit or miss for me, with having liked 2 books and finding I absolutely couldn’t finish 2 others.

I’m combining the reviews for the DNF because neither requires a full on review as you will see.

The Accidental Necromancer by Liv Rancourt is a DNF simply because I was appalled by its application of the theme and overall plot. If you are a cat lover, pet owner or just love animals, this is not the story for you. The main character accidentally raises road kills, they follow him home. Opening scene of a roadkill cat now pitifully mewing, detailed missing parts showing exactly what happened to it, following him home. He sighs because yeah, again. Adds it to a room with other dead roadkill animals . Then follows episodes with the hot one dimensional SPAM vet. Poor dialogue.

But mainly pathetic really horribly dead animals.

Why would author think that this is a good idea? Especially considering readers who might have lost beloved pets? Just no. DNF

Next up an author I’m a fan of except for this nonsensical piece where there’s no clear idea of the characters or even who’s speaking most of the time .

2. Behind the 8-Ball by A. E. Wasp

This is from Harlan’s pov and his voice included as well to further muddle the conversation. So three different people speaking and basically the reader will have no idea who they are from this passage. And that’s not unusual.

“Dash and DT exchanged glances. “Stop looking at each other that way. It’s making me insane.”

I took a long drink of coffee and lost track of what I was saying.

“Fuck me, this is good coffee.”

I know, right?” DT agreed.

“Where’d you get it?”

“That’s classified, soldier.” The corners of his mouth tilted up.”

“I forced the memory of how that mouth had tasted back into the lockbox in my brain. “Asshole.” Banter was good. It gave us some familiarity and some distance at the same time.”

— Behind the 8-Ball: A Subpar Heroes Story by A. E. Wasp

It should be a good story but the framework and how Wasp lays out the characters and storylines will just give the reader a headache. I’m sure the author is going for a certain narrative style but it’s hard to tell because it lacks substance and flow.

DNF

Subpar Heroes series- 15 books:

🔷The Accidental Necromancer by Liv Rancourt

🔷Behind the 8-Ball by A. E. Wasp 5/30/2024

🔷Transparent Is a Color by Kaje Harper

🔷Impossible Things by Alexa Land

🔷My Not-So-Super Blind Date by Allison Temple 6/6/2024

🔷An Ex-Hero’s Guide to Axe Handling by Jenn Burke 6/13/2024

🔷In The Nick of Time by Elle Keaton 7/25/2024

🔷Static/Cling by Jaimie Samms 7/30/2024

🔷Spiritual Guidance Not Required by Jacy Braegan 8/1/2024

🔷What Could Go Wrong? By Toshi Drake 8/6/2024

🔷License to Chill by Chantal Mer 8/8/2024

🔷Code Name Dolittle by Lynn Michaels. 8/22/2024

🔷Signed, I’m Yours! By Rhys Lawless 8/29/2024

🔷A Taste of Danger by Morgan Brice. 9/5/2024

Buy links:

The Accidental Necromancer by Liv Rancourt

The Accidental Necromancer

Behind the 8-Ball: A Subpar Heroes Story by A. E. Wasp

Behind the 8-Ball: A Subpar Heroes Story

Review: Impossible Things (A Subparheroes Novel) by Alexis Land

Rating: 4.5🌈

“As I sprinted up Telegraph Hill with about two dozen overly enthusiastic raccoons in hot pursuit, I muttered, “Not again.”

So opens Impossible Things by Alexa Land and our introduction to Anderson “Andy” Chen, our appealing subpar hero.

This is the second in the Subpar Heroes multi author series that I’ve read and each has taken a different approach to this decidedly engaging theme. I absolutely adore Impossible Things by Alexa Land .

Land’s story acknowledges the existence of SPAM, Special Processing and Management of superheroes or just about anyone with paranormal abilities. And that’s where we meet Andy , a librarian who has landed a “upper mobility “ job in heading the Archives for SPAM. We meet his mom and her girlfriend (with their powers and backgrounds), his bestie and her issues. He’s a great character, fully established in his culture, layered in personality and his own baggage. Land has left him room to develop and that’s exactly what Andy does. He blooms throughout this story.

Next comes Samaritan “Sam” Miller, a man of many talents who is a new hire at SPAM, and who gets assigned to help Andy wade through the mess down in Archives. Sam is another character who is multi dimensional and grows as the story and their relationship develops. They are both perfect for each other.

After a rough start connecting with each other, a mysterious file and some research send the pair of them on a mission that’s helping them bond, revealing to the reader and each other so much about their lives and opening themselves up to new possibilities for themselves and a romantic relationship.

This journey is so exciting and well plotted. We get villains, family involvement, new friends (Arden), more mysteries, action-packed sequences, and a sweet romance.

I don’t think I’ve read much by Land but this will see me seeking out this author’s catalog.

I’m highly recommending Impossible Things (A Subparheroes Novel) by Alexis Land. Engaging couple, well written story and wonderful cast of supporting characters. Lovely!

Love this cover too!

Subpar Heroes series- 15 books:

🔷The Accidental Necromancer by Liv Rancourt

🔷Behind the 8-Ball by A. E. Wasp 5/30/2024

🔷Transparent Is a Color by Kaje Harper

🔷Impossible Things by Alexa Land

🔷My Not-So-Super Blind Date by Allison Temple 6/6/2024

🔷An Ex-Hero’s Guide to Axe Handling by Jenn Burke 6/13/2024

🔷In The Nick of Time by Elle Keaton 7/25/2024

🔷Static/Cling by Jaimie Samms 7/30/2024

🔷Spiritual Guidance Not Required by Jacy Braegan 8/1/2024

🔷What Could Go Wrong? By Toshi Drake 8/6/2024

🔷License to Chill by Chantal Mer 8/8/2024

🔷Code Name Dolittle by Lynn Michaels. 8/22/2024

🔷Signed, I’m Yours! By Rhys Lawless 8/29/2024

🔷A Taste of Danger by Morgan Brice. 9/5/2024

Buy Link:

Impossible Things (Subparheroes)

Blurb:

I chose to be a librarian for a reason. All I want is a quiet life, surrounded by books. But when I stumble across a scientist’s journal that could have dire consequences for superheroes everywhere, my whole world gets knocked off its axis.

Suddenly, bad guys are closing in, and I find myself on the run with my coworker Sam–a big, loud ex-jock with more conspiracy theories than common sense. He says he’ll keep me safe, but how? I’m the one with a superpower, even if it’s total crap.

To complicate matters, there’s an undeniable spark of attraction between us. We don’t need the distraction, not when we’re running for our lives. But it’s hard to resist temptation when we’re stuck with each other day after day. And I can’t help but wonder if there’s more to Sam than meets the eye…

Do Sam and I have what it takes to stay ahead of a supervillain, protect each other, and keep the information we possess out of the wrong hands? It seems impossible. But maybe we’ll end up surprising ourselves–and each other.

Impossible Things is a part of the multi-author Subparheroes MM romance series.

• Publisher: (May 16, 2024)

• Publication date: May 16, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 196 pages

Review: Teas’d (Evergreen Council) by Vin George

Rating: 5🌈

If you’re a fan of author Vin George’s Evergreen Council series, then this novella is the thing for you. Teas’d is a warm-hearted glimpse into the daily lives of Charley, the half vampire/half fae adorable being from Fang’d (Evergreen Council Book 1) and his vampire father, Dalziel. Naturally, this sees Luc, Charlie ‘s bond-mate werewolf, as an important part of his life and household as well.

This novella is a perfect illustration of how to bring a sense of loving family and deep understanding of each other’s differences to life in a meaningful but short narrative. Especially when its characters and universe are all from prior books.

The reader doesn’t have to have read those stories in order to understand these characters, their unique personalities, their histories, and the warmth and loving synergy between them all. George’s dialogue and fantastic storytelling has done an excellent job, laid all the groundwork, and now let’s the reader enjoy and become involved in the story itself.

And what a joyful, and emotional journey it becomes. A father/son moment, a learning experience full of humor and poignancy, quixotic and sweet.

This is a group of characters and a universe I can’t get enough of . It’s also one I highly recommend.

Check them all out today.

Evergreen Council:

Fang’d #1

Claw’d #2

Teas’d #3

Buy link

https://www.amazon.com/Teasd-Evergreen-Council-Vin-George-ebook/dp/B0D48FCNQ2?ref_=ast_author_mpb

Blurb

Don’t play games with a vampire unless you’re prepared to lose.

Playing pranks on his three-hundred-year-old vampire sire wasn’t Charley’s brightest idea. Now Dalziel has set him a task.
Charley is stuck with a night’s worth of brain-twisting clues and his own company until he solves them all. Not even Luc can help!
Charley wants to win, but can he ever really lose? His mate is waiting for him regardless, ready to rock his world.

An Evergreen Council novella, pitting a preoccupied father against his chaotic son, with smiles, curses, and insights into both men’s lives when the biggest adventure is living well.

• Publisher: Little Storm Press (May 25, 2024)

• Publication date: May 25, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 53 pages

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