Review: A Thousand Second Chances (A Dash of Modern Magic Book 1) by Elric Shaw

Rating: 3.5🌈

I found it hard to rate A Thousand Second Chances (A Dash of Modern Magic Book 1) by Elric Shaw because, while it’s got so much to offer in terms of some of the characters and storylines, it’s also got a main character that presents a challenge to the reader in terms of how much we can expect to like or connect with him.

I don’t think Shaw sees this character in the way he comes across, at least not in the manner he does to this reader.

The story is a LGBTQIA contemporary Ground Hog day tale, one situated in an historic location that’s been the subject of many popular stories, lending itself to a magical atmosphere just by its very tone and history. That’s the famous Mackinac Island on Lake Huron in Michigan. No cars, bikes and carriages pulled by horses only, and the gorgeous Grand Hotel, along with all the many other shops and attractions, this is the perfect place to set a story that needs a magical twist to it.

It starts with a college trip, funded by the parent of one of the students, for a small group to go sightseeing, with an historic view, for the weekend, Professor in charge.

Chris, and his best friend, Quinn, are part of the group. Quinn has been the one who has been the instigator in getting Chris to come along. Chris has issues. He has a mother with boundaries problems, it’s her way or no way. Chris came out to family, friends and teammates at college and it didn’t go well. It’s turned him into a loner with self esteem issues. A former runner without a team. His past is also a part of his current issues, and it’s followed him on this journey.

Also on the trip, Percy, whose father set up the trip as a way for Percy to mourn the loss of his mother for both of them. Percy’s character is intertwined with that of Chris’, they have a long history, first as best friends, then as estranged secret lovers. It’s this last part that’s the main storyline of the book and most of the dramatic moments of the narrative.

Shaw’s two person POV gives the reader each character’s side of their journey to this point in their lives. Chris, who is bitter, out as gay, and fighting with his school, classmates (except for Quinn), with his parents, to be a writer. And the one person who he feels betrayed him is there on the trip, Percy.

Percy, whose story is complicated by the fact that he lost his mother to cancer, is a character I was frustrated by and unable to connect to. Yes, it was sad/heartbreaking his mother had died. That journey to a place where they had been happy as a family was a lovely touch but it was marred by a father, who much like his son, was unable to face his loss, so he pushed his “agenda of mourning “ onto his son. A legacy of cowardice that becomes a theme that the author never really thoroughly explores.

For 98 percent of this book, Perce is unable to deal with his own life fears/others expectations/inner voices, and truly face the devastating effect his actions have had on others. I’m not sure if the author is cognizant that they have written a character and a storyline that is so underwhelming weak in this way.

Perce is so unbelievably reliant upon other people’s perception of him that he has taken his own wants and even promises and dreams and tosses them away. Even if those included people who were counting on him. He did it without communication, without thoughtful process, even afterwards when he knew he must have inflicted great harm. It’s a role he set for himself and a path he continues on for almost the entirety of the book.

He says he knows he’s a coward. Chris waits for some word or actions to show that any of the multiple times or moments have changed the way things are. But while Chris is changing, there nothing but stasis for Perce.

And that’s almost certainly a killer when it comes to caring about a character going forward.

They repeat a day over and over, trying to figure out what they need to do to break the cycle. When the “aha” moment comes, it will surprise no one who the character is who makes the connection and saves the day.

Even at the end, Perce has made no concerted effort to talk in detail to anyone who he’s hurt about the choices or lack thereof that’s he’s made. Or really apologized to those people that he’s damaged. It’s left dangling.

So when it came back to the rating, it based solely on the character of Chris, the growth he underwent, the magic of Mackinac Island, and how well Shaw utilized the Ground Hog day format here that gave it that rating. Read it if you’re a fan of the author , the trope, and the storytelling elements above.

Dash of Modern Magic:

A Thousand Second Chances #1

See You In My Dreams #2

Buy Link:

A Thousand Second Chances (A Dash of Modern Magic Book 1)

Blurb:

The only thing worse than waking up stuck in a time loop is realizing your ex is trapped there with you.

When Chris begrudgingly agrees to accompany his best friend Quinn on a university trip to Michigan’s picturesque Mackinac Island, he expects to suffer through a weekend of sightseeing, school-mandated activities, and entirely too much souvenir shopping. What he doesn’t anticipate is also having to avoid the boy who broke his heart.

Percy used to love his family’s annual excursions to Mackinac Island, but that all changed with the loss of his mother. This school trip is his chance to revisit some of their favorite haunts and honor her memory. However, what’s already guaranteed to be an emotionally charged weekend grows even more fraught when he discovers that he’s not only caught in a time loop, but that the boy he’d walked away from two years ago is his sole companion.

Forced together by the fickle whims of the universe, Chris and Percy must reopen old wounds and confront their painful pasts if they ever hope to escape their infinite Saturday. But even as they grow closer across myriad iterations of the same unending day, they grapple with one terrifying question.

Can the fragile connection they’re rebuilding survive their inevitable return to the real world?

A slow burn, fade-to-black M/M contemporary romance featuring second chance, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and a hard-won HEA. Every book in the A Dash of Modern Magic series is standalone and can be read in any order. Perfect for fans of Roan Parrish, Eli Easton, and Emma Scott.

A Thousand Second Chances (A Dash of Modern Magic Book 1)

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.mackinacisland.org/blog/mackinac-island-places-to-stay-off-the-beaten-path/&sa=U&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwi6pcbP06GEAxVnEVkFHfxQDQgQFnoECCwQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2l0gIq-xPH3AOKfZ3L_Ndq

Review: The Dog in the Alley (Beyond the Veil Book 4) by K. M. Avery

Rating: 4.5🌈

The Dog in the Alley switches over from focusing on the relationship between medium/warlock Edward Campion and his partner Dr Mason Manning, orc, witch and respected historian and Edward’s magical growth. That’s was the primary theme of books one to three.

Now the focus turns to Detective Valentine Hart a great character and personal favorite. Hart, an important element in all the prior stories, was changed by the Arcanavirus into a 6’5” violet eyed gorgeous elf who presents himself as a coldly effective, wry, snarky personality who barely tolerates the bureaucracy of the political system and police department he works within. He’s gruff, unbearably rough while being one of the few types of Nids the human population can tolerate simply because he’s beautiful, a elf Fairy Prince of the folklore made a breathing being. Unlike the ghouls, vampires, death witches, shifters and other beings once formerly human who are hated, protested against, and even killed.

Here K. M. Avery explores Hart’s surprising history, reveals the true nature underneath the “sarcastic , cold“ persona Hart uses as a shield,

and brings in a shatteringly horrific case that both ties into the previous stories and yet adds another layer of the growing abuse that the Nid population is suffering under.

Avery also introduces several characters that are just fascinating. One is the dog of the title. I have a slight issue in that we only get partial foundation for what is a major character. Most of that is in his dog form which, admittedly, is utterly adorable. But the man? Remains a bit of a mystery.

The other is a Tiger shifter. He too is a main character who appears to have a journey in the series but is this the last book? I don’t know.

The ending is somewhat abrupt. Both in terms of what has happened in terms of our detective in his life, professionally. We get a here’s where he is now . And the same hint of a surprise in another direction.

After everything that’s gone on, it’s a light ending for a very serious, heavier narrative.

The Dog in the Alley (Beyond the Veil Book 4) by K. M. Avery is about one of my favorite characters, Detective Hart. It does a excellent job in making a fascinating character even more richly layered. My only issue is that the author just didn’t completely stick the ending. It didn’t quite live up to the complex, well plotted , parts that went before.

I certainly hope the author intends to go on. It’s a great series and is full of characters and elements that haven’t been fully explored yet.

I’m definitely recommending. This and the series.

Beyond The Veil series:

✓ The Ghost in the Hall #1

✓ The Boy in the Locked Room #2

✓ The Skeleton Under the Stairs #3

◦ The Dog in the Alley (Beyond the Veil Book 4) m

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showThe Dog in the Alley (Beyond the Veil, #4) by K.M. Avery

Description:

Some days, an elf can’t get a break.

I’m overworked, underpaid and underappreciated, and up to my lavender eyeballs in missing and murdered shifters. To make matters worse, I’ve acquired a dog.

Sort of.

He’s not actually a dog. I don’t know his name or anything about him other than the fact that he’s mostly hairless and is blind in one eye—and he’s a witness to one of the unsolved shifter murders that’s keeping me up at night. We found him at a crime scene, injured and scared, and I just can’t make myself lock him up for obstruction of justice, even though I probably should.

He won’t shift back, so here I am with a dog that isn’t a dog following me everywhere and eating off my plate every time I turn around.

The weirdest part is that I’m not sure I want to go back to living without him constantly underfoot.

A slow-burn M/M Paranormal Shifter Romance
Book 4 in the Beyond the Veil Series

———-

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

Review: The Werewolf’s Heart (Supernatural Affairs Book 1) by F.N. Fanning

Rating: 3.5🌈

If you’re a lover of werewolf paranormal romances, then this new release, The Werewolf’s Heart by F.N. Fanning might just be the story for you.

The first in Fanning’s Supernatural Affairs series, it’s a quick flowing read that features a mystery, a mate bond, and magical evil doings.

Fanning doesn’t add any new elements to the werewolf accumulated species history here but does give us some very engaging characters in Aaron Honeywell, new to the neighborhood, and supernatural detective Merritt Slate, who’s team is “parked” across the street as part of a ongoing investigation into missing werewolves.

I enjoyed their romance but was missing a lot of world building and background on the universe they lived in, the sort of organization that employed Merritt, and well, just a good grounding in basics.

So I came away with having a enjoyable experience here with a romance that asks little from its reader other than a superficial entertainment. Sometimes that’s just fine.

It will continue in a book that focuses on Merritt’s brother, Chase, also a detective with the agency. This was fun so I expect to pick that one up as well.

Supernatural Affairs series:

✓ The Werewolf’s Heart #1

◦ Shifter for Brains #2 – August 21, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Werewolf’s Heart by F.N. Manning – Goodreads

Synopsis:

A supernatural detective goes undercover to catch a predator… love was never part of the plan.
Being a new homeowner is nothing like Aaron Honeywell imagined. Instead of unpacking and decorating, he’s suddenly dodging handsy fox shifters and getting a crash course in the supernatural world. And his teacher is a drop-dead sexy werewolf who seems to crave him too. Except he’s sworn to put Aaron’s safety above everything else, including their desires.

Merritt Slate loves his job. Usually. It’s just impossible to remember why when stuck posing as bait in suburbia to catch a kidnapper powerful enough to abduct werewolves. He won’t let an innocent person get caught in the crossfire, so protecting Aaron is more important than his feelings, no matter what his wolf thinks.

But the threats lurking outside their cozy street are getting closer to home. Kidnapping shifters is just the beginning of a sinister magical plot that may require Aaron’s help to succeed… whether he’s willing to provide it or not. Can the werewolf protect his heart, or will evil forces shatter it forever?

The Werewolf’s Heart is the first spellbinding book in a series of passionate M/M paranormal romances. Fans of Eliot Grayson and The Chosen Champions Series by Macy Blake will love this modern fantasy novel featuring a fiercely protective wolf shifter, a sweet human searching for a place to call home, and the kind of love that’s worth risking everything for.

———-

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

Review: The Crazy Bookshop (Cadenbury Town #1) by E. Broom

Rating: 4🌈

E. Broom is a new author and I picked up this novel based on the reviews. It’s basically a light, humorous supernatural fantasy romp.

Nothing to take too seriously, but it has fun with its characters, using the typical trope of witch/werewolf instant mate elements, along with a hint of fairytale overlay!

Low on the angst, quick on the action and relationship, and it’s warm-hearted to boot.

There’s a bookstore that’s the center of a small village with all sorts of magical goings on. Naturally.

Ernest Turnball gets fired from one job then decides a change of career is needed. He answers a ad for help needed in a bookstore and finds himself in Cadenbury. A quaint village full of welcoming if a bit odd people and a terrific job at The Crazy Bookshop.

In the matter of one day, his perception of the world goes sideways and upside down. What a marvelous thing to happen.

Ernest is rather unflappable. He’s kind, and rather funny.

And it turns out he’s got a rather unique set of connections to Cadenbury. Not the least of which is the sparks going off between him and the hunky Mayor!

There’s a mystery, lots of magical fun, family, and a growing cast of characters to enjoy.

I found the story very entertaining and a quick read.

There’s a second novel out so I’ll head over to see what the author has in store for Titus.

If you like all the above elements mixed together for light fun fare, this might be the book for you.

Cadenbury Town series:

🔹The Crazy Bookshop 1

🔹Where There’s a Witch There’s a Way 2

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Crazy Bookshop (Cadenbury Town, #1) by E. Broom – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Who knew when I threw a latte in my boss’s face, my life would change forever?

After being fired from his job for Gross Misconduct, Ernest Turnball decided to try something different and applied for a job at The Crazy Bookshop.

Starting his new life as a bookshop assistant, Ernest meets some interesting characters, like Mollyanne, who looks like the wicked stepmother from Snow White, when she turns into the crone, but without the big nose. What she does have is a crow, owl, fox, and German shepherd. One of whom is always with her. Or his new boss Alfred, who reminds him of an excitable puppy.

A prediction from one of the town witches puts the town on it’s guard, but strange things are still occurring. It seems someone is spell casting and causing havoc to the town and its people.

Having found out he is a witch, Ernest is determined to find out who is behind spells, and if the town mayor and Alpha wolf shifter, Adhan Stone, wants to help him, who is he to say no?

With the town looking on, scorecards at the ready, can Ernest and Adhan save the town, and reach a perfect ten score?

———-

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

Review: Silent Knight (Blackhaven Manor #7) by Arden Steele

Rating: 4.5🌈

Silent Knight was totally charming. Low angst, sweet, and huge on holiday spirit. It should make everyone’s holiday seasonal reading list.

Simon Russell has been a staple in these stories for a while. But what type of being or who he exactly is has never been stated. He’s always been the sunny guy who hangs around the receptionist desk, or goes off to handle whatever requests have been handed out by the Manor’s guests or it’s Owners. He’s a good natured, gorgeous guy.

As the Manor gets ready for its holiday season, it also prepares for the arrival of its latest employee, Snow leopard shifter,Archer Knight.

Archer was part of the Guardians seen briefly in Grin and Bear it. Now Archer’s been forcibly retired from the Guardians due to physical disabilities caused on the job. He’s been hired by the Maddox siblings to work security at the Manor.

Archer is one of the great characters in this series. A magical attack left him without the ability to verbally communicate and with a heavily scarred visage. Archer communicates with ASL. His background is not a happy one and is best left to the story.

Having his fated mate be Simon Russell , who comes from a large, loving family is perfect. And makes for a romantic relationship you’re going to love to read about.

The reveal about Simon’s true nature is part of their mating bond. One more terrific element.

Silent Knight, a reference to the mute Guardian Archer once was is a lovely book about finding love and family when you least expect it.

Blackhaven Manor is a series of short romances that keeps surprising me with the wonderful stories and great couples.

I’m highly recommending you look into the series if you’re not familiar with them already.

Blackhaven Manor Series:

✓ Purrfect Harmony #1

✓ Night and Fae #2

✓ Dragon It Out #3

✓ Grin and Bear it #4

✓ Pixie Little Liar #5

✓ Dead Over Heals #6

✓ Silent Knight #7

https://www.goodreads.com › showSilent Knight (Blackhaven Manor #7) by Arden Steele – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Being part siren isn’t exactly a secret, but it’s not something Simon Russel likes to advertise, either. He’s not ashamed of who he is or anything so dramatic as that. But people tend to treat him differently once they realize he can manipulate their emotions. Just once, he wishes someone could see him and not the demon within.

Enter Archer Knight, a former Enforcer and the newest guard at Blackhaven Manor.

Forced into retirement after a poorly executed mission leaves him damaged and disfigured, Archer figures he has a right to be a little bitter. With his scarred face and surly attitude, he’s not going to win any popularity contests, which suits him just fine, or so he tells himself.

Until he meets Simon.

Mix one not-so-chance encounter, a heap of holiday cheer, and a dash of misguided but well-meaning intentions in this recipe for Christmas magic. Season with love and serve with a side of awkward family get-togethers.

Don’t forget the marshmallows.

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: The Witch’s Power Play (Covens of Eaton Falls #2) by Mia Monroe

Rating: 3.25🌈

““Okay, I understand.” “Good. I take my leave now.” “Thanks for coming.” “I will always come when you ask. I’ll see you soon.” “Yes, you will see me soon.” The cat disappears into a slight mist.”

— The Witch’s Power Play (Covens of Eaton Falls Book 2) by Mia Monroe

There’s just so much I want to like about this series and story. Monroe is pulling together a interesting history of interwoven supernatural mating and wars, of inter-species bonding and Gods intervention.

All so fascinating that I really want to know where the author is taking the series.

But to navigate through the process of untangling the story threads, a reader must decide what’s their tolerance for characters whose dialogue is either so stilted or so overblown as to take a reader away from the story.

Leo and, here, Presley, the witches, are constantly “giggling “. That word is ever present. They had their heads together, giggling. He giggled. They giggled. Nonstop giggling. They also twirl, and just have personalities that, frankly, swing from varying degrees of maturity.

The vampires verbiage is oddly both a combination of something that supposedly sounds “old “ while also trying for hip. If you know what I mean. A strange unwieldy thing that doesn’t work.

Plus they go around carrying their witches as though they were young women from a bodice ripper.

While saying things like ‘I’m strangely attracted to him.I think of nothing else.’ Soooo many clichés here.

The characters themselves have real promise. Presley and Beto? Great dynamics and background. But you need to basically put them on mute after a while because it’s just to much. There’s a nice element of D/s here that is unexpected. But also a eye roll bit with the color pink . So for every one good thing that gets included, there’s bound to be another that’s zany.

There’s also a villain called The Beautiful One.

So. I breezed through this. Next time , if I continue, I’ll have to find a way to mitigate the dialogue and words that seem to populate like bunnies.

In the meantime, for those of you who adore this author, I’m sure you’ll have read it or it’s on your TBR list. It does have some really interesting themes going forward.

Want to know how it’s going? Check it out!

Covens of Eaton Falls:

🔹Never Trust a Guy With Fangs #1

🔹The Witch’s Power Play #2

🔹Vampire’s Make Bad Roommates #3 -July 14,2022

🔹Cosmic Spells and Vampire Lairs #4 – January 11, 2023

🔹A Traitor Shows His Hand #5 – March 9, 2023

Note: didn’t that last title seem a bit spoilery? So now we know the traitor is a guy. Wouldn’t it have made more sense to have said A Traitor Shows Their Hand? Hmmmm?

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Witch’s Power Play (Covens of Eaton Falls #2) by Mia Monroe – Goodreads

Synopsis:

How to tame a vampire isn’t in any of my spell books.

My life changed forever the night my coven was attacked. I was scared and alone until my bestie Leo showed up. I trust him with my life. Good thing since he dragged me to the home of a notorious vampire. Even worse, another equally terrifying vampire is in charge of keeping an eye on me.

I did my best to comply and keep my distance from the stoic, domineering man who I shared a room with. I may have tried to flirt with him a couple times, a totally dumb move considering vampires aren’t exactly fans of witches. It didn’t work anyway. Once I was able to get away from him and back to the safety of my coven, I hightailed it out of there. I thought I would quickly forget him. I was wrong.

When we reunite, Beto let’s a surprising secret slip, leading me to make a decision that we both might regret. Who am I to deny a man his need to submit? Will Beto decide to trust me with his desires? Can I learn to keep a vampire in check? Don’t know, but I’m up for the challenge. If the war doesn’t tear us apart first.

The Witch’s Power Play is an MM paranormal romance featuring a subby vampire who just wants to be good for someone, a sassy witch embracing his toppy side, a supernatural war causing havoc, a bunch of really annoying demons who show up at the worst time, and so much pining (at first). It is book two in the Covens of Eaton Falls series. Each book features a different couple with an ongoing conflict and therefore should be read in order.

Review: The Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA, Additional Incident: LARPing. By A. J. Sherwood

Rating: 3.5🌈

This is a short cute story that takes place 2 years after the end of the first collection. Ross is happily married and officially part of the Clan.

The plot is entertaining because honestly how many humans understand what LARPing is? Let alone the many species of the supernatural? Then throw in dwarven mead… and well, there’s the story.

Cute, no background for those unfamiliar with Ross and gang. But I did think it was pretty funny.

Read it because you loved the first one and universe.

🔹The Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA by A. J. Sherwood

🔹The Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA, Additional Incident: LARPing. By A. J. Sherwood

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA: Additional Incident LARPing

Synopsis:

The clan goes LARPing.
Do they understand it’s a game? No.
Does Ross regret all life decisions? Yes.
LARPing is now on Ross’s shit list.
Tags: when the children are quiet Ross panics, for good reason, clan use your brain challenge:failed, the crack ship armada sails again, author has lost discretion within this story, dwarven mead, spells gone wrong, attempt at humor, the clan are dumbasses, that is the humor, only one building was harmed in the making of this story

Review: The Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA by A. J. Sherwood

Rating: 3.75🌈

There’s just something about a gas station on the edge of town that just shouts otherworldliness and has the air of the supernatural about it. That all nite , poor lighting, last stop , grungy atmosphere of nite dwellers and desperation.

It’s been played out for horror and for humor, often both at the same time.

A. J. Sherwood wrote a serial story about a young college student, Ross Young, earning his tuition at a gas station on the nite shift, for her newsletter. It was so popular with her subscribers that they pleaded for it to be collected into a book.

This is that collection. It’s funny. Romantic. Clearly of the serial format with its flow and , yes, editing issues, which have not been cleared up here.

It’s also got very amusing Chibi art of the characters at the start of each serial chapter. That’s a great plus.

Ross is droll, accepting of the supernatural community that exists around him, with a calm, commanding manner . Perfect for handling those drunk dwarves or vampires seeking to loot a bank, whatever the situation calls for.

There’s even a terrific minor crossover with a character from another series that was very enjoyable.

I found this funny and a very quick entertaining collection to read. Even with the typos. Someone should have caught those.

There’s a short story follow up. It should have been added onto this one as it doesn’t work as a standalone.

I’m recommending this as funny and enjoyable.

🔹The Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA by A. J. Sherwood

🔹The Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA, Additional Incident: LARPing. By A. J. Sherwood

https://www.goodreads.com › seriesThe Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA Series – Goodreads

“Company policy forbids me from exchanging my blood, my soul, or my firstborn child with customers…”

When Ross starts working third-shift at a gas station, he doesn’t think anything extraordinary will happen. He expects a lot of quiet shifts.

Well, you know what they say about assumptions.

One explosion later and he’s the personal assistant to a vampire—who he admits is not only sexy, but the sane one—in charge of his supernatural clan’s paperwork, and managing any trouble the members get into.

Spoiler alert: the clan can get into quite a bit of trouble.

Ross is definitely not paid enough for this.

Tags:

The crack ship armada sails again, and then it got out of hand, poor put upon retail workers, Ross didn’t deserve this, Fate is cruel, so am I, the trauma of changing jobs, Ross has a paperclip and knows how to use it, Ross isn’t clear if he’s a PA, bartender, or babysitter, troublesome werewolves, Australian wizards, spells gone awry, very awry, sexy vampires, developing relationship, coming out, not a single degree of chill from Glenn where Ross is concerned, slow burn, boss/secretary, light bondage, Ross has to teach ancient mythical beings how to text, pray for him, SHENANIGANS, did I mention crack?, the most absurd workplace romance in history

Review: Until His Last Goodbye (Scythe #1) by Kiki Clark and E.M. Lindsey

Rating: 4🌈

The Grim Reaper ,that personification of Death, has always been a popular character for so many authors. Doesn’t matter the media, format, culture, or even era, the popularity and mythology even mysticism, makes the Reaper a being of power and fantasy.

For many, even romance. How many have posited what could happen if Death fell in love? It’s a fascinating theory.

Kiki Clark and E.M. Lindsey have a new series that focuses on that question. Their world building gives us a multitude of Reapers, each with their back history of becoming a Reaper, a Afterdeath universe complete with its set of rules and structure, and, an ability to soul bond with a human.

The authors do a terrific job with Tristan, the eldest son and heir of a ne’er-do-well Victorian landowner. Tristan, who realizes early he prefers the company of men, can’t bring himself to wed. In a short time, the authors paint him to be a tortured, kind, empathetic man, in a era that would certainly see him imprisoned. But fate and his family’s poor genetics have other ideas. In a raw scene, we are present as he’s transformed into a Reaper.

If death is a element that makes you uncomfortable, then this is not the story or series for you. Because people die here. Some are angry, some bewildered, others full of pain at those they are forced to leave behind. With no guarantees they will ever see them again.

No Aunt Minnie is waiting for you on the other side. It’s not that universe. At least not in this book. FYI.

Which brings us to Elias, a medium. He sees ghosts and tries to help the living make peace , along with their departed, of whatever issues remain between them. Elias has many troubles of his own, including a family that despises him due to his sexuality, as well as his “oddness”.

Elias is engaging and believable, moving about his little shop, a kitchen witch , with a kind, albeit unstable heart.

Their romance is remarkable. Especially considering one is a virginal Victorian non corporeal Reaper and the other a weak, delightful, human, who teeters constantly between the living and those who refuse to move on.

There’s several obstacles between their HEA, and it feels a bit rushed towards the end.

There’s also already several Reaper/human soul bonds that have happened prior to this story. Some of those couples make appearances here.

I believe they are Free Stories out there. See the list below.

At any rate. Until His Last Goodbye (Scythe #1) by Kiki Clark and E.M. Lindsey is a terrific story that needs just a tad more world building and length to be outstanding. Tris and Elias have such promise to their future and their relationship growth.

I really look forward to seeing what more these authors and this series has to offer.

Scythe series:

Until His Soul Awakens #0.5

Until His Beginning Ends #0.6

Until His Last Goodbye #1

https://www.goodreads.com › showUntil His Last Goodbye (Scythe #1) by Kiki Clark – Goodreads

Cover note. Am I the only one getting tired of seeing this same color variation. style, layout format everywhere? If it’s fantasy, it’s purplely, green, swirly, cover, it’s too too much. Rant over.

Synopsis:

When Death is your soulmate, finding love has never been so heart-stopping.

Having been a powerful medium for as long as he can remember, Elias knows his fair share about the afterlife.

Spirits are pushy.

Spirits are needy.

And they don’t respect personal boundaries.

Being a conduit between the living and the dead is exhausting but ignoring his gift isn’t an option. Even though embracing his calling has ruined nearly every relationship he’s ever had, Elias has learned to offer what comfort he can to those left behind, knowing his own time is limited.

So the day Death comes knocking,

Elias is resigned.

Then intrigued.

And then enchanted.

He has no business falling for an immortal collector of souls. No matter how kind and surprisingly innocent he is. Or how the Reaper’s gentle nature soothes the hollow ache inside his chest.

There can be no way forward when you fall for Death…

…unless you join him.

Until His Last Goodbye is the first installment in the epic Scythe trilogy by E.M. Lindsey and Kiki Clark. It features an uptight Victorian reaper, a medium eager to corrupt him, witchy best friends willing to hex anyone who hurts the people they love, and a former Spanish pirate who doesn’t have time for other people’s nonsense.

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