Tag: #newbookreleases

Review:  The Devil’s Dilemma (Tales from the Tarot) by Alex J. Adams 

Rating: 3.75🌈

The Tales from the Tarot series delivers another interesting new paranormal romance in The Devil’s Dilemma by Alex J. Adams.  I did enjoy Adams’ story about a bored Devil casino owner and a mysterious lucky visitor making way too many successful bets.  It’s got an abundance of interesting elements to the narrative, the characters themselves have an equal amount of unusual aspects to their histories and current lives to make this a book that engages the reader’s imagination and attention. 

I especially enjoyed the character of Austin.  Morally gray, but fairly good, loving, but not especially with perspective qualities or introspection. Awful criminal bent friends being the first example.  The Devil is strangely evil.  Bored , incredibly powerful but as the plot progresses, this aspect of the Devil’s character becomes oddly weaker when presented with the events and villainy that arises. 

That’s the issue with a lot of the storylines and characters here. Adams has created some very promising characters and plot threads but doesn’t really fully explain or execute them to their full potential.   

For every single thing that happens that I think is a good idea, there is one where I also go “what happened to that character “ or why didn’t whatever come into play.   Something gets dropped. 

There’s a lot going on here, so much that the author brought in crossover characters from another series and books to help explain certain plot points, to the characters and readers.   So yes, this is an enjoyable story, it just feels like more should have been written into it or aspects of the characters better defined.

Tarot card is obviously The Devil. 

Cover art: Fae Quin . Fabulous as always 

Cover design: Amanda Meuwissen

Tales from the Tarot- 22 books 

🔷 Where Fools Have Tread by Jennifer Cody❤️

🔷The Magician’s Heart by J.P. Jackson

🔷Cleric of Desire by Amanda Meuwissen❤️

🔷The Nephilim’s Touch by Morgan Lysand

🔷King of Hollywood by Fae Quin

🔷My Minotaur Daddy: An MM Romantasy by Laura Lascarso

🔷Across Space and Time by Kit Barrie

🔷Chariot of Souls by Morgan Mason

🔷By Rude Strength ❤️by K.L. Hiers

🔷Found in Obscurity by A. M. Rose

🔷Twisted Fates by Adam J. Ridley

🔷No Justice for the Damned by Hellie Heat

🔷The Angel’s Kiss by Nicholas Bella

🔷Death Song by B. Ripley 

🔷Arcanum ❤️by Ashlyn Drewek

🔷The Devil’s Dilemma by Alex J. Adams

🔷Camelot’s Tower by Brooke Matthews

🔷A Highland Gargoyle’s Lucky Star

❤️by Chloe Archer

🔷Trust in the Moon ❤️by Delaney Rain

🔷Raising the Sun ❤️by Eryn Hawk

🔷Zero Judgment by Kota Quinn

🔷The End of the World by Drake LaMarque

Buy link

        The Devil’s Dilemma

    

Blurb 

Dante

That cheating low life. I swore when I got my hands on him, his life wouldn’t be worth living.

How dare he steal from me? Doesn’t he know who I am?

Only coming close to him, seeing him shudder at my touch. I’m drawn to him in ways I never imagined.

He’s an enigma and not at all what he seems.

But what I made him do. He’ll never forgive me, he’ll hate me, but if that’s all he can give me… I’ll take it.

Austin

He was filthy rich! He didn’t need the money, probably wouldn’t even miss it. How wrong could I be?

Now here I am, unable to flee and I hate him for what he made me do.

But I can’t help myself. I crave his touch and attention. I need everything he can give me.

I think I love him, but if this is all he can give me… I’ll take it, gladly.

DEVIL’S DILEMMA IS A STANDALONE MM ROMANCE NOVEL AS PART OF THE MULTI-AUTHOR COLLABORATION TALES FROM THE TAROT. THIS BOOK IS BASED ON THE MAJOR ARCANA CARD THE DEVIL.

HEA GUARANTEED.

TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR VIOLENCE, CAPTIVITY, KIDNAPPING AND STOCKHOLM SYNDROME

  • Publication date: October 10, 2024
  • Language: English
  • File size: 2758 KB
  • Text-to-Speech: Enabled
  • Screen Reader: Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting: Enabled
  • X-Ray: Not Enabled
  • Word Wise: Enabled
  • Print length: 215 pages

Review:  No Business Like Snow Business (Christmas Falls, Season 2) by J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry

Rating:  5🌈

There are some authors and stories I just savor.  I read them slowly, joyfully anticipating the next chapters and narrative twists that the writers have planned for the characters and storylines. I’m so engaged in this world and the lives unfolding here that I’m often lost , scene by scene, moment by moment. Doesn’t matter whether it’s a heartrending scene or as in the fabulous novel, No Business Like Snow Business (Christmas Falls, Season 2) by J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry, a romantic holiday journey of self discovery and family.  All in that amazing small town of Christmas Falls.

Yes, I’m an absolute fan of J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry, they are auto reads of mine. And this contemporary romance just is one more example why. 

We’ve met Harvey Novak, head of the Christmas Falls Historical Museum, before in previous novels. But here, Harvey shines and becomes one of the most beloved characters in the town.  A lover of the town, of Christmas and history, and of mysteries, Harvey is the perfect person to turn to when Sterling van Ruyven comes to town, old photograph in hand, with a family mystery to solve. And maybe to find himself as well.

Sterling, wealthy, out of his element, determined, is a character who undergoes such tremendous growth. It’s a journey the reader takes with him, as Christmas Falls and Harvey, take him in hand, show him the kindness and warmth and love he’s been missing.  Just thinking about it makes me want to go read the story all over again. 

It’s the various residents we’ve already met, the places so familiar, the streets decked out for the Festival, and the spirit with which the people there look after Sterling, and Harvey. 

There will always be favorites in the Christmas Falls series, both of them. But this is in my very top. 

Highly recommended. A must holiday read.

Christmas Falls, Season 2:

The Snuggle is Real by DJ Jamison Flake It til You Make It by Beth Bolden ❤️

12 Dates of Christmas by Brigham Vaughn 

Here Comes Santa Paws by Lee Blair 

Under the Mistle-Foe by Rye Cox Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin 

❤️No Business Like Snow Business by J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry 

Frost Impressions by Kelly Fox

Promise Yule Be Mine by Rhys Everly Mingle All The Way by Hayden Hall

Christmas Falls, Season 1:

Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison Snowbody Loves You by Jacki James Get Frosted by Amy Aislin 

Silent Knight by Beth Bolden 

Under the Mistle-Tome by Sammi Cee 

Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox 

No Elf-ing Way by Hayden Hall 

Ready, Set, Glow! by Rye Cox 

Scrooge You! By Brigham Vaughn

Buy link

        No Business Like Snow Business

    

Blurb

Harvey Novak loves living in Christmas Falls. He loves his job running the Festival Museum too, except when it means he has to deal with his ex, who’s putting together the town’s newest tourist brochures. There are a lot of things Harvey is willing to do for Christmas Falls, but playing nice with the guy who cheated on him isn’t one of them. 

When a real-life Christmas mystery falls into Harvey’s lap, it offers the perfect distraction. And the guy with the mystery is pretty distracting too.

Sterling van Ruyven has come to Christmas Falls to look for his long-lost uncle, and enlists Harvey’s help to track him down. It’s all business—if there’s an extra van Ruyven heir out there somewhere, Sterling needs to know about it. He isn’t expecting to actually enjoy spending time in this ridiculous Christmas-themed town with the cute guy from the museum.

Their fun flirtation turns into a holiday fling, but that’s all it can ever be. Harvey’s heart belongs in Christmas Falls, and Sterling hasn’t found his yet. But maybe Christmas is the time for miracles after all.


Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

  • Publication date: December 3, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 202 pages

Check Out the Tour for “A Unique Request” by Mickie B. Ashling (new release and excerpt)

A Unique Request - Micke B. Ashling

Mickie B. Ashling has a new MMM contemporary romance out, The Basque Trilogy book one: A Unique Request. And there’s a giveaway!

Mickie has reduced the price of A Unique Request to $1.99 while the book is on tour.

Seven years have passed since Paul Alcott and Mick Henley separated, but hearing the familiar voice reinforces what Paul has known all along―he still loves Mick and wants him back.

Hope flares upon receiving a dinner invitation, but his dream evaporates when he learns that Mick is in a relationship with Basque jai alai player, Tono Garat.

To make matters worse, Paul’s services as a book editor are solicited to help Tono through the final revision of a love story he’s written.

Paul refuses until Mick reveals he’s been diagnosed with a fatal disease, and the novel is Tono’s only means of coping.

Paul and Tono resent each other, but they can’t deny the strong sexual attraction between them. Will they overcome their differences to provide the loving support necessary to sustain the man they love or will their animosity destroy Mick’s final days?

Warnings: Second chances, bittersweet, fatal disease

Get It On Amazon | QueeRomance Ink | Goodreads

Giveaway

Mickie is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour:

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47320/

Excerpt

A Unique request meme - Mickie B. Ashling/

A Unique Request

Mickie B. Ashling Š 2024

All Rights Reserved

Paul stood outside the door, debating his decision to show up. He had a bottle of red wine in one hand and a bunch of colorful wildflowers in the other. He’d given in to a moment of sentimental weakness, and now he wondered what the hell he was doing. He turned to leave when the door was yanked open by a fractious brunet with a scowl on his face. “¿Sí?”

“Hi. I’m Paul Alcott.”

The stranger scowled and scrutinized him from the top of his shining head down his designer-clad body.

Paul was unfazed. He was just as curious about the man who’d replaced him in Mick’s life. He inspected him like he would any rival, noting the chestnut-colored hair curling around his neckline. His upper body was hidden behind a loose T-shirt, but the corded muscles of his forearms were a clear indication of what was underneath. He was striking, no doubt about it. The heated gaze was bad enough, but it was his luscious mouth that sent Paul’s mind straight to the gutter. He was shocked by his body’s quick response to this stranger, despite the obvious antagonism. He brought his hand down, covering the evidence of his growing interest with the flowers.

The Spaniard blinked and rewarded Paul with a tentative smile. “I’m Tono Garat,” he announced in a heavily accented voice.

“Nice to meet you.” Paul nodded. “Is Mick around?”

“Yes, of course. Come in, please.”

Tono spun around, and Paul zeroed in on the rounded ass covered in tight white shorts. No garter lines meant he was naked underneath, and Paul couldn’t help but notice.

“Paul!” Mick called out, rushing forward and hugging Paul tightly. “God, it’s been too long.”

“I know,” Paul said, falling under Mick’s spell within seconds. It had always been so good between them, and despite the years and the distance, the sentiment remained the same. “You’re still as gorgeous as ever.

“Oh, stop. You always were good for my ego.”

“The years have been kind to you, my friend,” Paul continued, taking in every part of Mick. He did look great, trim and fit, clean-shaven. His hair was a little longer than Paul remembered, but the dark curls framed Mick’s tanned face, making the violet-tinged eyes pop.

“You don’t look half-bad either.” Mick’s voice shifted, and the words came out like a soft caress. He toyed with a lock of Paul’s silky hair, curling it around his finger. “When did you let your hair grow?”

“After my father died; no more memos about looking professional.” Paul smirked as he recalled Paul Senior’s edicts.

“Shall I take the bottle?” Tono interrupted, looking uncomfortable. Perhaps he was aware of their long history, but seeing the chemistry was a different matter altogether.

“Sure,” Paul replied, handing over the wine.

“I made a pitcher of sangria. Would you like a glass?” Tono asked, never taking his eyes off Paul.

“Sounds good. I’m assuming it’s authentic.”

“I made it from scratch,” Tono huffed.

“Come on,” Mick stepped in, trying to diffuse the situation. He took Paul by the arm and led him out to the tiny patio that had a wrought iron table for four and several wooden planters filled with assorted vegetables. The tomatoes were almost ripe and hanging from branches held up with green sticks. The Weber grill was off to one side―a tribute to summer and warm evenings.

“This is nice, Mick. I had no idea this was out here.”

“Not too many people do. I guess the owners were into gardening, so I benefit. It’s what attracted me to this unit in the first place.”

Paul sat down and stretched out, loving the sight of Mick after so long. “So, what have you been up to?”

“Living La Vida Loca.” Mick smiled. “I’ve been writing, of course, but mostly enjoying my life.”

“Sounds great. Are you still working on your sequel?”

“Yes, as well as something new.”

“Oh?”

“I’m helping Tono with his book.”

Paul gave Tono a frosty look. “You’re a writer?”

“I’m not,” Tono replied, placing a large wineglass with chunks of fruit in front of Paul. “I’m a professional jai alai player, but I’ve written a romance, based on my relationship with Mick.”

“A romance?” Paul turned to Mick for the answer. “Why?”

“Because I’m dying.”

Author Bio

Mickie B. Ashling

MICKIE B. ASHLING is the pseudonym of a multi-published author who resides in a suburb outside Chicago. She is a product of her upbringing in various cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West. A little bit of this and a lot of that have brought a unique touch to her literary voice she could never learn from textbooks.

Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Audiobooks and foreign translations are available at Amazon and Audible. Her award-winning novels have been described as “gut- wrenching, daring, and thought-provoking.”

Author Website: https://www.mickieashling.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217416171-a-unique-request

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/mickie-b-ashling/

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mickie-B.-Ashling/author/B004QSCN3E

Other Worlds Ink logo

Review:  Inviting Bedlam (Demon Bound Book 2) by Grae Bryan

Rating:  4.75🌈

Well, this was the best yet. Crazy, sinfully sexy, twisted and beautiful. Yup, a definite winner.

Grae Bryan’s Demon Bound series is carefully working its way through not only a damaged Russian American mafia family but a small group of hell bound demons.  Each story ends up with a bound mated pair from each group/family and each story has been so incredibly emotional and different from each other.

The Koslov crime family, three brothers , is a severely damaged group of people. Each a massively damaged product of their late conservative Russian mob boss father and his powerful patriarchal legacy.  The younger brothers, now having removed themselves emotionally and physically, have left the running of the family business to Ivan , the oldest and the one who has most resembled their father.

In Ivan, the author has created such a complex, flawed dynamic character. Unlike the other brothers, he enjoys his status while still being angry and bitter about his brothers’ ability to leave him behind in the family business. It’s a charged, charismatic personality, flawed, powerful, and undeniably appealing. And it needs an equally powerful personality in a demon. And it gets it.

But not the one either the reader or Ivan expects. Which is one of the greatest pleasures of the book. 

Ivan has found himself at odds with various criminal elements, mostly due to his brother’s actions. He has had several unpleasant encounters and emotional jolts.  Which leads to a summoning of Nix, one of the group of demons bound together.   Nix is everything. 

In Nix, the author cuts loose narratively, letting the vibrancy of the character, the sheer force of Nix’s personality and presence almost steal the show.  And if it weren’t for the equally strong presence of Ivan to crash up against, Nix would. But together? This book flames hotter than anything else I’ve read lately. Ivan never wanted a male lover before but can’t keep his hands off Nix? Absolutely believable. Nix decides Ivan is his? Yes, absolutely. 

Not a wrong choice here. Nix’s advice and the manner in which Bryan gives Nix a personality that’s lacking the human moral compass so that the demon is able to be that perfect fit for Ivan, a crime boss who matches him so well. 

I delighted in their relationship, that dark journey that’s sexual, bloody, and violent but very compelling and satisfying.  It’s one that develops in astonishing depth and ways that makes it hard to imagine that this couple is confined to just one book. 

I absolutely wanted more. And while the next couple is intriguing, this one is hard to beat.

Inviting Bedlam (Demon Bound Book 2) by Grae Bryan is a must read for lovers of dark paranormal romance and the series as well. I’m highly recommending both.

Cover designed by MiblArt.

Demon Bound:

🔹Wrecking Havoc #1 (Kai and Sascha) 

🔹Inviting Bedlam #2 (Nix and Ivan)

🔹Calling Chaos #3 – May 1,2025

Buy link

        Inviting Bedlam (Demon Bound Book 2)

    

Blurb 

Ivan Kozlov doesn’t make mistakes, no matter what his brothers might say. Mistakes in his world mean death. So while he may have summoned the wrong sort of demon to aid him in cementing his empire, binding himself to the creature with an irreversible contract, that doesn’t mean he can’t make use of him. Except the seductive incubus he’s summoned seems to want more from Ivan than just a piece of his soul. Nix wants Ivan’s body, his desire, his faults and his regrets. But giving those things to him would be a mistake. And one Ivan might never recover from.

Nix has been waiting to be summoned again for ages. And while he might have had to trick his handsome mob boss to make it happen, he’s not going to waste the opportunity while he has it. Only now that he’s here, he doesn’t just want to stay in the human realm. He wants Ivan—his greed and his rage and his lust. And if Nix has to fix Ivan’s life to make that happen—if he needs to handle the dangers in his business, mend the broken bits left by Ivan’s father—then that’s what he’ll do. Even an incubus can be useful to a mobster, if given the right incentive.

INVITING BEDLAM IS A HEATED, MM PARANORMAL ROMANCE WITH A HEA AND NO CLIFFHANGER. IT CONTAINS A REPRESSED, CONTROLLING MOB BOSS AND THE NAUGHTY INCUBUS DETERMINED TO MAKE HIM CRACK, BROTHERS WHO WON’T COMMUNICATE, MORE DEMONS THAN IVAN ASKED FOR, AND A PAIR OF PANTIES IVAN WOULD LIKE TO SET ON FIRE. WHILE EACH BOOK FOCUSES ON A DIFFERENT COUPLE, THE SERIES IS BEST ENJOYED IN ORDER.

  • Publication date: October 25, 2024
  • Language: English
  • File size: 3936 KB
  • Print length: 268 pages

Review:  The Christmas Keeper (Laurel Holidays Book 6) by V.L. Locey

Rating:  5🌈

V. L. Locey’s Laurel Holidays novels are a must read for me , and this season’s release has to be my absolute favorite of all.  The Christmas Keeper, Laurel Holidays Book 6, just resonates with me on multiple levels. 

 All the heartwarming Locey elements are here and elevated. From the realistic, beautifully crafted small Pennsylvania town and community, as well as the wonderfully layered characters and holiday traditions.  Locey weaves all these elements together to create a truly heartfelt romance that makes you feel so much a part of the season and the lives of a town and couple that you forget all are fictional.

Brann Argraves, a man whose previous relationship has soured him on romance and the holidays, is returning home from his sister’s wedding, when he helps a man in need at the small airport near home. 

Brann is a perfectly realized character, from his wounded personality with raised shields to the well drawn family who are concerned about him.  Every detail of his life fits, his great realistic rescue geese, his small sparse cabin , bare of most usual personal touches expected from someone that’s well settled and happy. It all speaks to the character Locey has built and who will evolve over the course of the story.  The excellent attention to character building continues with Kenan Gardet, a busker singer in a small airport , with a history of substance abuse, who’s trying to chart a new path for his life. Kenan is a moving character, but his equal is Brann in surprisingly strong depths of personality traits and support in terms of narrative foundation .  In short, they work as believably wounded people finding their way towards recovery and each other. During the holidays, Kenan’s Jewish traditions and those of of Breann’s he’s rediscovering, which will bring them closer together.

Honestly, The Christmas Keeper (Laurel Holidays Book 6) by V.L. Locey will be on re-read, and not only for the holidays, it’s just that comfort story that you embrace.

And one I’m highly recommending, no matter what or if any holiday you celebrate.

Laurel Holidays series:

The Easter Redemption 

The Christmas Extra 

The Christmas Oaks #1

The Christmas Pundit #2

The Christmas Tenor #3

The Christmas Rescue #4

The Christmas Keeper #6

Buy link

vllocey.comhttp://vllocey.com › the-christmas-…The Christmas Keeper (Laurel Holidays #6) 

Blurb

A grumpy pub owner is about to have his chilly heart warmed by a down-on-his-luck country singer.

Brann Argraves has never left the charming village of Whiteham before nor does he wish to. As the owner of the Whiteham Taphouse, he is content to spend his life serving drafts of beer to the locals, shooting darts with his buddies, and shutting himself away in his cabin for the duration of the holidays. Who needs all that ho-ho-ho, any who? His sister, on the other hand, not only yanked him out of his happy yet somewhat solitary bubble, but she’s also reveling in it. Planning a winter wedding was plain foolish, Brann feels, as is making people fly to some frozen wasteland in Canada to tie the knot. Now, he’s never been happier to return home after the wedding and get back to his bar, his darts, and his little home on the outskirts of town.

Landing at a wintry airport smack dab in the middle of a nasty snow squall, Brann and his weary fellow flyers are entertained by a handsome, rumpled man busking outside the airport. There’s something almost magical about the man’s dark, sad gaze as well as his angelic vocals. Perhaps it’s the residual merry-merry of his sister’s nuptials, or maybe he recognizes a lonely kindred soul, but Brann steps way out of his comfort zone when he offers the man a warm place to sleep above his bar. Kenan Gardet settles into the pub with ease and Southern grace. The down-and-out singer quickly proves himself an asset to Brann’s business as a good barkeep and as a nightly draw on stage. What he didn’t expect was Kenan capturing his heart one plaintive song and gentle kiss at a time.

The Christmas Keeper is a standalone grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort, insta-love, gay Christmas romance with a bah-humbug bar owner, a recovering country crooner, a small town tavern chock full of unique townsfolk, two geese who are not feeling the Christmas spirit, a gingerbread house bake-off, and a sweet as plum pudding happy ending. 

Content warning: This story has references to past substance abuse.

  • Publication date: November 30, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 186 pages

Review:  Under the Mistle-Foe (Christmas Falls Season 2) by Rye Cox

Rating: 4🌈

Under the Mistle-Foe by Rye Cox is another adorable holiday romance in the multi-author series, Christmas Falls, now in its second season.  A frenemies to lovers story, it’s more a tale of a misunderstanding from school than an actual enemy relationship.  But the real theme is one of grief, mourning, and finally recognition of its impact , on families and homecoming at the holidays 

Remy returns home after learning of his father’s injury and need for him at the family diner. The loss of his mother and his grief caused him to leave his home for a job elsewhere. Jett, a man who had never left, has always had a huge crush on Remy since school, something that factored into his actions towards Remy being awkwardly inappropriate and unsolicited then. 

The story follows the men as they reconnect, as well as Remy struggles with the town and memories he left behind, including the father who loves him. 

There’s much about the story that’s beautifully heartwarming and moving. When it dwells on loss, and Remy’s realization that he was still mourning her loss, then he uses her love for the season to move forward, those moments are special and believable. 

The romance is cute, the men adorable, and if it’s a bit quickly pulled together, well, it’s the Christmas season and a small town story.  Many of the elements are lovely and the town sparks with joy and familiar characters. 

It’s another terrific tale in a heartwarming series. 

Christmas Falls, Season 2:

The Snuggle is Real by DJ Jamison Flake It til You Make It by Beth Bolden ❤️

12 Dates of Christmas by Brigham Vaughn 

Here Comes Santa Paws by Lee Blair 

Under the Mistle-Foe by Rye Cox Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin 

No Business Like Snow Business by J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry 

Frost Impressions by Kelly Fox

Promise Yule Be Mine by Rhys Everly Mingle All The Way by Hayden Hall

Christmas Falls, Season 1:

Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison Snowbody Loves You by Jacki James Get Frosted by Amy Aislin 

Silent Knight by Beth Bolden 

Under the Mistle-Tome by Sammi Cee 

Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox 

No Elf-ing Way by Hayden Hall 

Ready, Set, Glow! by Rye Cox 

Scrooge You! By Brigham Vaughn

Buy link

        Under the Mistle-Foe

    

Blurb 

Under the mistletoe with my enemy? What else can we do but kiss?

A family emergency brings me back to Christmas Falls after running away from the loss of my mother six years ago. Not much has changed, and I don’t know if that’s a good thing or bad, especially when it seems my high school enemy hasn’t gotten over his habit of circling around me.

Jett is everything I’m not, so full of confidence like he’s never done a single thing wrong in his life. He vibrates life, and I have to admit his presence distracts me from being back in Christmas Falls. What I didn’t expect is for him to take all my attention.

He’d gotten under my skin back then and he’s only dug in deeper since, and I can’t let anyone find out how much I love that fact. Now if only he’d stop stealing my heart with his crookedly perfect smiles…

Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

  • Publication date: November 26, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 210 pages

Review:  Cast A Spell (Mages and Mates Book 4) by Andy Gallo

Rating: 4.75🌈

Andy Gallo writes about family love, family dynamics and relationships so beautifully, no matter what the theme or situations his characters are facing.  Whether it’s a fantasy story, paranormal romance or something completely different, it’s in the realistic relationships between the characters he’s creating and the firm, strong foundations on which their lives have been set that we believe in, magical or not. 

And that’s never more apparent than in his Mages and Mates series and this novel in particular.  

Throughout this series, book by book, we’ve gotten to know the politically powerful , magical Hollen family as the brothers discover their mates and the fact that they’re part of a larger plan to save their world. 

Each novel, by design, has slowly been revealing more of a sinister plot to destroy the Great Ward along with the other thread of the ancient guardians, four  magical fated mate couple in a designated place, who are being replaced by the newly mated Hollen brothers. But there’s also more to this still evolving series arc and we get more of those elements here.

In Cast A Spell, Gallo delivers several great new twists and it really makes this series even better in terms of character development and the depths of the storylines.  It also derives from the family, on two sides at its core. 

The Hollen family, the mages , with Otto now being the brother in line to make his own match and potentially be another chosen new guardian along with whoever is his mate.  But there’s a secret or maybe a danger he’s hiding.

The other side is a family or herd of unicorns, one known more for its isolation out in Montana. Its oldest son and heir, Thalion Eisenwald, knows he might be the one the Hollens are looking to as a possible match for Otto, or one of his other brothers. 

I don’t want to get into the specifics of this wonderfully fascinating and complex story but it’s got brotherly dynamics that feel very familiar and real even when based in a fantasy setting, as well as realistic emotional moments and inner turmoil that comes from the same places that we can relate to. Fear for those we love. 

Gallo has given us a strong narrative, full of excitement, great action, and believable character development that happens between brothers and lovers and multiple characters. All that while bringing together the major elements and characters that’s required to move everything forward to a higher, even darker and more complex storyline for the series. 

I believe there’s only one book left. And it comes out next year.  That’s Spellbound.  I can’t wait for that story. But this amazing universe deserves far more attention than this series. And these characters and magical creatures need more attention and stories.  I hope that happens. 

I highly recommend this series and the book but none are standalones. All must be read in the order they are written in order to understand the characters and the arc development.

Cover Art by Alex Forza

Mages and Mates series:

Break the Spell #1

It Spells Trouble #2

Under a Spell #3

Cast A Spell #4

Spellbound #5 – June 26,2025

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        Cast A Spell: An MM Paranormal Romance (Mages and Mates Book 4)

    

Blurb 

Otto Hollen has always protected his younger brothers. Three of them have been chosen to be guardians for the next Great Ward, and Otto’s determined to avoid the final position. Yes, being chosen is a great honor, but Otto’s convinced it will force Owen, his youngest brother, to sacrifice himself for the greater good. Otto would rather die himself than let that happen – even if he has to fight the Earth itself.

Thalion Eisenwald should be celebrating. His father, the unicorn alpha, named Thalion to be his heir. It’s what he’s wanted his entire life. So why does the arrival of two Hollen brothers make him uneasy? He’s heard rumors of new guardians being chosen, but those are stories. Besides, Thalion plans to be the next alpha of the herd, not a guardian for the world.

When the Earth chooses Otto as Thalion’s mate, Otto shockingly rejects the bond. Thalion is furious, hurt, and grudgingly impressed. But their brothers’ capture changes everything. To save them, Otto will need to accept the bond with Thalion. Faced with an impossible choice, they desperately search for search for a third option. One that doesn’t result in those they love ending up dead.

Cast a Spell is a 75K word fated mates romance with high-stakes magical battles and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. This fourth and penultimate book in the Mages and Mates series. It can be read as a stand alone, but it’s best to read the series in order. Cast a Spell includes talking swords, ancient curses, and a no nonsense unicorn grandmother who dishes out life lessons with a large scoop of tough love.

  • Publisher: ; 1st edition (November 21, 2024)
  • Publication date: November 21, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 290 pages

Review:  Once Upon a Holiday Vacation (Once Upon a Holiday story) by Annabella Michaels 

Rating: 3.25🌈

Once Upon a Holiday Vacation by Annabella Michaels  is a sweet best friends to lovers holiday romance that’s got a strong start but predictable ending that’s not as satisfying.

The boyhood friends, complete opposites , dark bookish Easton Beckett, a librarian, to his outgoing , firefighter blond best friend, Weston Holt, have been so attached to each other that their nicknames are East and West. 

A nice narrative touch.  

The main characters, Easton’s fellow librarian, and his family, who are all introduced into the storyline as important to Easton and also to West, as he’s been a integral member of their family as well. It’s all lovely, sweet and real. 

The middle section of the story where Easton and West re-evaluate their relationship from friends to lovers while on a cruise is also a very sweet, sexy element. Michaels uses established couples around them to show our main characters exactly what their bond and relationship is like or could be.  Really the cruise is just a relatable experience until the end. Then it falls completely flat for me.

The last fourth of the story just doesn’t work for me on multiple levels , and while the author delivers the anticipated happy holiday finish in terms of the romance relationship, how that was achieved felt contrived and juvenile.  It went against what the author had created in terms of a long term history between the two characters and the type of unspoken communication that existed between them. 

So a sweet story that was relatable most of the book only to be undone by the dramatic thread towards the end. 

Nice holiday story if this doesn’t bother you.

Cover design by Kelly York

Once Upon a Holiday series – 8 books:

Once Upon a Second Chance by Davidson King

Once Upon A Mistletoe Kiss by Sammi Cee

Once Upon a Holiday Vacation by Annabella Michaels 

Once Upon a Lullaby Lane by K York

Once Upon a Christmas Con by Skylar M Cates

Once Upon A Christmas Song by Mary Calmes

Once Upon a Yuletide Romance by RJ Peterson

Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice by R L Merrill 

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        Once Upon a Holiday Vacation

    

Blurb 

One Bed, Two Best Friends.

Easton Beckett has always cherished the Christmas season, but this year, his parents are off to help his aunt in Wyoming, leaving him to celebrate alone. But his best friend, Weston Holt—his outgoing and popular opposite—has a surprise: tickets to an all-expense-paid Holiday Cruise he won through a local radio station.

Excitement builds as they leave for a week in the Caribbean, celebrating Christmas at sea and stopping in the Bahamas. Their adventure takes a turn, however, when they discover they’ve been assigned to the honeymoon suite. Easton is about to correct the misunderstanding when Weston convinces him to pretend they’re a couple.

As they navigate their week together, the tension between them grows palpable—each stolen glance and playful touch igniting a longing that neither dares to acknowledge. With only one bed and mounting emotions, both grapple with their feelings. As New Year’s Eve approaches, will they find the courage to admit their true feelings, or will fear keep them apart?

Once Upon A Holiday Vacation is part of a multi-author series, Once Upon A Holiday Story. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old ladies in love.

  • Publication date: November 22, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 151 pages

Review:  His Until Christmas (Con Riley’s Christmas Collection) by Con Riley

Rating: 4.5🌈

His Until Christmas is another of Con Riley’s Christmas Collection that involves a group of people from various stories and similar circles of friends.  It’s fabulously seasonal, deeply rooted in the special Christmas traditions of the people of the stories and locations they love so dearly.  Whether it’s any of the many well known attractions or off the beaten path finds in London or small well trodden pathways in places in Cornwall, Riley makes us see them through the eyes of the characters, as though we look at them with the same vision of knowledge, history, and abiding affection that’s carrying them to those places again and again.  We see them in depth , the details sparkling with Christmas lights and lore, magical moments for us and them.

And as the characters, here it’s a torn PA, Jack, fleeing the changes at his office as his beloved boss , Rex , leaves for Cornwall.  Rex is leaving London for Cornwall where his husband, grandfather, and new part of their business will expand.  He’s been in other stories and is a remarkable man as is his grandfather. 

Jack’s upending his life for many reasons, some of which will not be revealed until the end of the story. It’s an emotional, layered tale of grief, remembrance, and love in many respects.  And how we deal with those things. 

While it helps to have read the other books and know the background history of the foundation and the issues that’s talked about, a reader can pick up enough not to be confused here.  

As someone who has read them, it will send me back to read them once more.  I remember loving them so much.  And I want to remember meeting Rex and his grandfather again.

But this wonderful romantic journey for Jack and Reece ( of the three Trelawney brothers) isn’t to be missed.  It’s warmhearted, funny, poignant, and often moving. 

And we get to see favorite characters once again at Christmas. 

We also get a glimpse at who has the next Christmas story.  I can’t wait.

His Until Christmas (Con Riley’s Christmas Collection) by Con Riley is a definite must and a holiday recommendation! Check out all the stories below.

Cover artist: Natasha Snow. Gorgeous cover. 

Christmas Collection :

His Last Christmas in London 

We Only Kiss at Christmas 

His Until Christmas

A Loser By Christmas – Nov 14,2025

His Series:

His Horizon 

His Compass 

His Haven 

Learning to Love:

Charles 

Sol 

Luke 

Austin 

Heppel Ever After 

Second Chance School:

Second Song 

Second Shot 

Second Story 

Shared-World Novels :

Finding Mr. Fabulous – Rex’s story 

A Wedding in a Week 

True Brit

Be My Best Man 

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        His Until Christmas (Con Riley’s Christmas Collection)

    

Blurb 

Welcome back to London for another snow-dusted and super-emotional holiday romance from Con Riley’s Christmas collection.

“What do you mean I’ll be someone else’s PA?” I slump, the bell on my Santa hat tinkling. “For how long?”

“Just until Christmas,” Rex promises. “Don’t worry, Jack. You’ll like him.”

Set in a shared world and gift-wrapped with sweet and steamy first times, His Until Christmas is a low-angst friends-to-lovers workplace romance set in London and Cornwall. Each book in this festive collection can stand alone, starting with the much-loved His Last Christmas in London.

  • Publisher: Figment Ink (November 20, 2024)
  • Publication date: November 20, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 190 pages

Review: Basilisk (Mystic Guardians Book 1) by Rinda Elliot 

Rating: 3.75🌈

Although Rinda Elliot has co authored stories with a writer, Jocelynn Drake, on my auto read list, this is the first book I think I’ve read of hers.  It’s the beginning of a new paranormal soulmates series and I enjoyed Basilisk, the first book.

The series central premise is an otherworldly security agency headed by an ancient sorcerer, Xavier, whose employees will be finding their soulmates, story by story. 

Magical beings, here called Preternaturals, exist side by side with an unaware human society. There’s a vague history that is relayed by Xavier about the past and conflicts but it’s not well explored. 

Basilisk is the first book and I would expect more world building from Elliott in letting the reader understand the universe in which these characters coexist.  Because while beings like Bain get a wonderful description and fully developed history, he seems not to realize himself the extent of the universe he lives in despite the long years he’s lived.   

And the reason why Clive Manning, human accountant, proves to be so special needs further explanation as well. I hopeful that these elements will become further developed in the stories to come. 

The relationship between Clive and Bain was full of chemistry and felt believable.  Although that short time and dramatic aspect of their relationship didn’t ring true towards the end of the story.  Communication had been key up until then between them.  And the villain got wrapped up too easily without much resolution.

I enjoyed Basilisk. I liked the characters and the series premise while thinking it needs more world building and further development. I’ll definitely be checking out the next book in the series when it’s available. 

If you’re a fan of the author and this trope, definitely check out this book and series.

Buy link

        Basilisk (Mystic Guardians Book 1)

    

Blurb 

As a basilisk, Bain Ophion has lived over two hundred years. For the last ten, he’s worked for his best friend, a sorcerer who runs Protective Solutions. Bain loves his work as a bodyguard and especially loves proving his skills when clients take one look at him and doubt. Yeah, he may dress flashy and have androgynous looks, but he also comes with preternatural strength. Humans don’t know that, though. Because, like all his fellow bodyguards, he uses a glamour to hide what doesn’t blend. Most humans aren’t ready to know about the supernatural world around them, but he’s about to learn that there are a few who are special.

Clive Manning has no idea which of his new clients is threatening his life, but when they send someone to break into his home, he knows he can’t handle this alone. He lives a perfectly ordered life and works from home for a reason. Lifelong fear. He calls Protective Solutions and hires a bodyguard, and when that man shows up, Clive is shocked. He expected something like a man in black and instead, he got a rockstar. 

But Clive is highly attracted to this colorful bodyguard and soon Bain proves he’s very good at his job…among other things.

Basilisk is a long novella with a sexy shapeshifter who’s stunned by his fierce attraction to an uptight accountant and the accountant who learns his lifetime of fear had good reason.

  • Publication date: September 28, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 148 pages