Tag: #newbookreleases

Review: Dark Running Exile of the Winter Court By BR Kingsolver 

Rating:  4.75⭐️ 

Books with fae characters and/ or fae realms are prevalent in current fantasy and romantasy genres, so much so that I sort of look for stories with elements outside of this genre. But Kingsolver, a gifted author who’s novels I don’t read enough of, has written a fabulous novel of adventure, fae privateers, complex fantasy political betrayal, royal scheming and fiery battles on land and sea, set on alternate historical landscape. 

This is a world where one event, wherein King Charles II, in 1680, kidnaps the fae daughter of the Summer King has catastrophic consequences. The fae invade England across the very Veil erected to keep the races and realms separate , destroying multiple European cities and England’s empire forever.  Leaving the human landscape, political parties and governments changed. 

These aren’t your typical Fae, the ones that are human coded as written by other authors. Kingsolver has created fairies and a variety of different fae that are as alien to humans as I would like and hope to read. Even the fae courts look and act differently to humans and to each other. Not that any human being would ever want to willingly go to either court or the Fae realm. 

From their physical appearance to their personalities and perspectives on the human race and humanity’s ideas of emotions, from love to empathy, it’s clear they are a complex, and clearly defined older race. Apart and superior. 

Which makes Alanis Nightshade, the fairy pirate and trader, a fascinating character. A high born daughter of the dark Winter court, she’s the owner and Captain of the unique magical Fae ship, the Merry Prankster, who sails the seas through both sides the Veil in search of cargo to sell and profit to make. 

It’s her ship that makes her a target of political scheming and hidden enemies.  It’s a ship that is prized by more than one group of individuals who have their own agendas. 

The fabulous tale of intrigue and high suspense and survival is nerve wracking, complex, and highly entertaining. It’s beautifully detailed with Edinburgh’s landscape, imaginative creatures and wildly appealing designs of the Fae Realm. And the indescribable beauty and horror of the fae who rule there.

The only reason this doesn’t have a 5 star rating is that i wanted the ending to have been fully executed, more details and the drama that was expected given everything that came before. 

And honestly? I wanted to see those fae on their dangerous unicorns riding into battle, obliterating the army before them. What an amazing scene! My mind is still engaged with their wild journey. 

Highly recommended, the author included. 

No romance. All action and suspense. 

Love this cover. 

Cover art by Heather Hamilton-Senter

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comDark Running: Exile of the Winter Court eBook : Kingsolver, BR

Blurb 

When Charles II kidnapped a Sidhe princess in 1680, her father didn’t send diplomats—he sent armies. The Fae stormed through the Veil, leveled cities, and rewrote history. Centuries later, Humans and Fae still share the Mortal Realm uneasily… and England never recovered its empire.

Alanis Nightshade, Winter Court Fairy, smuggler, and occasional pirate, prefers to stay far from royal drama. She flies under the radar, smuggling rare goods between worlds and minding her own business. But when she’s stranded in Edinburgh during a coup, she’s dragged straight into the kind of trouble she tries to avoid.

A new Sidhe king has seized Scotland.

He’s hungry for conquest, and he wants what Alanis possesses—

a ship that can cross the Veil and carry an army straight into Faerie.

If she doesn’t outwit him, outrun him, or outright kill him, both realms may pay the price.

Review: Evan (The Wild Edges Book 2)

by Lark Taylor

Rating: 4.5🌈

Evan is the second in Taylor’s crossover series in her fabulous Reckless Damned universe. I’m highly fond of the foundation series and its sequel featuring Lucifer’s sons and their fated mates. Just incredible tales. 

The Wild Edges contains characters from many of their stories and preceding events which have been woven into newer characters and their search for their own fated mates.

Evan and his clan are werewolves with ties to the original characters who are mentioned here. The dramatic storyline carries over from Finlay’s book and his tragic story, the ripples of which continue on centuries later.

There are trigger warnings associated with Reid story that are listed on Taylor’s website and I suggest that a reader should take the time to check them out. It includes DV, child abuse, and physical violence. 

Reid suffers from his childhood trauma and the damage inflicted by his father and clan. He’s has untreated ADHD as well as a terrible self image issues from years of neglect and continual abuse.  This includes his depression. All of which are handled throughout the storyline with sensitivity and a clear understanding of these issues by the author. 

So although it’s titled Evan, the book is really about Reid, the human born into the jaguar clan. And how Evan, the werewolf, handles his involvement in Reid’s past and reappearance in Evan’s clan’s territory. 

Because that’s as hurtful and traumatic to them, but especially to Reid. 

I really enjoyed their romance and the entire storyline with multiple new characters, family members as well as some of my old favorites. Like Logan.

Taylor’s setting up several different couples for their fated mates storylines, all of which look intriguing. Calan’s next up. A glimpse of his is a bit of a cliffhanger. 

I’m so looking forward to it.

Another winner.

 Book cover design: BreathlessLit

The Wild Edges: 

Finlay #1

Evan #2

Calan #3 – Dec 9,2026

Complete universe in the order it should be read:

▪️Reckless Damned Series ( the OG foundation series /Lucifer’s sons)

Devil’s Mark 1

Devil May Care 2

Deal With the Devil 3

Luck of the Devil 4

Damned Collections: Volume One 

▪️Damned Connections Series – 2nd series:

Patience 1

Justice 2

Temperance 3

Humility 4

▪️Hopeless Blessed (crossover):

Conflicted 1

Devoted 2

Guarded 3

Enchanted 4

▪️The Wild Edges (crossover ):

Finlay 1

Evan 2

Calan 3

Buy link

 Book 2 of 3: The Wild Edges 

Blurb 

Thirteen years ago, I made a terrible mistake.

One I’ll never repeat again.

When I first met Reid, I failed to see the signs that were right in front of me. He asked me to do one thing–take him away and keep him safe.

I turned my back on him.

Now I have to live with the guilt and shame of knowing I let him down. He can’t forgive me, and that’s okay.

Because I’ll never forgive myself.

When Reid’s family comes to take him away, I have a chance to redeem myself. I can keep him safe. But the more I watch him, the more I fall for the man who doesn’t see his self-worth.

Trouble is, can either of us forget the past in favour of the future? Or did my mistake all those years ago cost me any chance with the man of my dreams?

Either way, I’m not giving up until I find out.

Evan is a heartfelt hurt/comfort, M/M shifter x human romance. The second in the Wild Edges series, these books are best enjoyed in order. Each story follows a new couple, and always ends in a HEA.

Publisher

Lark Taylor

Publication date

January 2, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

466 pages

Book 2 of 3

The Wild Edges

▪️Reckless Damned Series ( the OG foundation series /Lucifer’s sons)

Devil’s Mark 

Devil May Care 

Deal With the Devil 

Luck of the Devil 

Damned Collections: Volume One 

▪️Damned Connections Series – 2nd series:

Patience 

Justice 

Temperance 

Humility 

▪️Hopeless Blessed (crossover):

Conflicted 

Devoted 

Guarded 

Review:  Kissed By The Gods (The Eternal Wars Book 1) by Caty Rogan 

Rating: 4.75⭐️

What an unexpected thrilling experience! And why aren’t more readers talking about this book? 

I’m actually surprised by the lack of media attention to given to this fabulous epic fantasy romance . As it’s a romantasy much in the same vein as many of the other highly successful/popular novels like the Fourth Wing series (I do like those) , I don’t understand why this hasn’t found its audience. 

Rogan’s universe and characters are ones I actually find more compelling. Unlike almost every other series and novel these days, there’s no dragon involved. 

However! Here there is a highly dangerous and sentient flying war horse/animal to bond with, one that’s emerges from the void and is equally terrifying as any dragon of recent stories. Honestly, they’re fabulous and here we’re just getting started with their history and powerful abilities. 

It’s the female main character that sealed the deal for me. Leina is an incredible character, compelling from the tragic moment we meet her. She’s fierce, rage personified, full of secrets, damaged by her past yet empowered by them as well. 

And unlike other FMC’s when assisted by the MMC, in this case, Ryot, one of a special group of “gods-blessed warrior” who decides to be her protector, doesn’t need him to be. She’s got a different agenda, perhaps several. And she’s not going to wait for him to go off and save the Kingdom or even go to war. 

That’s on her. And how Rogan develops Leina’s character and powers within the many layers of the story is complicated and believable. In fact, there are many other characters whose growth charts new areas of exploration in this series that’s just as interesting and exciting as those that we started with. 

Ryot’s storyline is partially why this story didn’t get a 5 ⭐️ rating. How the novel ended, with a cliffhanger, wasn’t surprising. And it contains two elements meant to be shocking but are easily guessed at from the events mentioned during over the course of the story. 

Did it bother me? Not a bit. In fact, it made any forthcoming book and relationship dynamics that more fascinating. I can’t wait. 

I’m just upset that there’s no mention of a sequel yet. I adore this book, its universe and especially its main character of Leina. 

More, more as soon as possible. 

Highly recommended. Just amazing work here. And love the flying war horses. What scary sentient creatures!

Grab it up!

Love the covers too. 

Artwork:

Map © Haley MacRae: @hmmr.art Chapter art © schankz/Shutterstock.com 

Cover art and design by Daqri Designs. 

Cover © 2025 Hachette Book Group, Inc.

The Eternal Wars Series :

Unwritten by the Gods (prequel novella) 

Kissed by the Gods #1

Buy link

 Book 1 of 1: The Eternal Wars, 1 

Blurb 

She might be deadly, but she is not their weapon. Fourth Wing meets Dire Bound in this captivating romantasy, brimming with romance, deadly stakes, and unforgettable magic. 

 

Survivor. Rebel. Weapon.

 

Leina has spent a lifetime submitting, starving amid wheat fields reserved for the king, standing by while his men crush her loved ones. When soldiers come for her brother, her divine fury erupts in a bloody massacre.

 

She expects to be executed for her crimes—her people have met bloody ends for far, far less. Instead, Ryot, a gods-blessed warrior born to privilege, delivers her to a military fortress renowned for its brutality.

 

There, a gift from a goddess drags Leina into a realm of war, where her survival depends on her ability to ride a winged horse.

 

As Ryot pushes her to master the power she never asked for, a battle rages within her heart. Each lesson, every touch, binds them tighter—but love is a dangerous weakness in a world designed for war.

 

Soon, Leina must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to protect the family she has found…and the one she left behind. Because while her divine gift could save the kingdom, it could also shatter its very foundation.

 

With immersive lush writing, an unflinching heroine, and an inventive fantasy world, Kissed by the Gods is the gripping fantasy debut you won’t want to miss.

 

Featuring iconic romance tropes: 

  • He falls first 
  • Forbidden romance 
  • Found family 
  • Trial by combat 
  • She saves him 
  • Spicy slow burn 
  • Feminine rage

Publisher

Requited

Publication date

December 2, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

619 pages

Book 1 of 1

The Eternal Wars, 1

Review:  The Knight and the Butcherbird by Alix E. Harrow

Rating: 4.5⭐️🌈

This is a harrowing excellent short story by Alix Harrow, an author I associate with imaginative, thoughtful fiction. 

Set in a dystopian world, hundreds of years after a catastrophic event has permanently changed earth’s environment as well as humans beings themselves, Harrow has intriguingly narrowed down the location to a dying community of outsiders, the Appalachian community of Iron Hollow.

They, like other struggling poor people, live outside the walled compounds of the rich.  High in the Mountains, living in the hollers near the poisonous streams and changed vegetation, they live life hard, dying young and often, sometimes from the very monsters emerging from the mountains itself.

Harrow creates, in the richly colored, sometimes horrifying world, a tale of love lost, love deeply mourned, and finally, love changed and found again. 

It’s not a romance. Each main character has lost their wives. Both Shrike the Secretary, the young mountain woman and the legendary Knight who’s come to slay the monster. 

What follows is an amazing story. One of anger, ruthless determination, dedication and finally, deep love. 

I absolutely love that ending.

Highly recommended, both story and author. 

Cover design by Tree Abraham Cover illustration by Colin Verdi

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comThe Knight and the Butcherbird: A Short Story eBook : Harrow, Alix E.

Blurb 

In this dystopian fairy tale from the New York Timesbestselling author of Starling House, a small town’s storyteller struggles to protect a local demon from the knight hired to kill it.

Hundreds of years after the end of the world, the Appalachian community of Iron Hollow finds itself beset by demons. Such horrors are common these days in the outlands, where most folks die young—if they don’t turn into monsters first.

When a legendary knight is summoned to hunt down the latest unearthly beast to haunt their woods, the town’s new oral historian, Shrike, has more reason than most to be concerned. Because that demon was her wife. And while Shrike is certain that May still recognizes her—that May is still herself, somewhere beneath it all—she can’t prove it.

Determined to keep May safe, Shrike stalks the knight and his demon-hunting hawk through the recesses of the forest. But as they creep through toxic creeks and overgrown kudzu, Shrike realizes the knight has a secret of his own. And he’ll do anything to protect it.

Review: The Little Shop of Curiosities Cursed Object 1 The Music Box – Part 1. (Crawshanks Guide to the Occult) by Vawn Cassidy) 

Rating: 4🌈

With this crossover series in the The Dead Serious Universe, two previously supporting characters are finally getting their own story and relationship series.  

That’s which Harrison Ames, recently relocated to town to look for his mother. And former DI, now PI Sam Stone, with his own connections to Danny and Tris, and magical powers of his own. 

Both characters have figured largely in prior stories, and author Cassidy takes many of these impactful moments and dramatic events from these novels and repurposes them here.  The reader gets to see certain scenes again, only this time from either Harrison’s or Sam’s perspective. 

I have to admit I loved (spoiler alert) seeing Chan meet Death all over again. I can’t get enough of this couple, so this was an enormous surprise and plus for me. 

I think Sam turned out to be my favorite character, more mature and better defined character of the pair. 

Or maybe it’s because Harrison spends the entire story lying to everyone around him. Sam, Tristan, Danny. Even as the mystery and investigation surrounding the magical bookstore, the portal, and other aspects of that storyline, Harrison, knowing full well he had important information and details about the events surrounding the ongoing crisis, kept quiet. 

He’s not a teenager. He’s in his thirties. Not communicating highly needed information to people who consider him a friend in a time of crisis. 

No, I long ago learned that I’d had enough of this type of character. Whether the author needed him to be incommunicative due too plot purposes or considered it a necessary part of his personality, either way it led to a disconnect for me. 

Yes to Sam, no to Harrison. And there are things I do like about him. Like his dynamic with his dads. So funny. But everything else? No. 

I’ll continue to read because all the wonderful crossover characters and scenes.  Maybe Harrison will win me back over. Who knows. 

A definite winner otherwise. 

Cover design by Natasha Snow

Crawshanks Guide to the Occult:

The Little Shop of Curiosities Cursed Object 1 The Music Box

Connected series:

The Dead Serious Universe,

Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed (6 book series)

Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres & Spirits(2 book series)

The Grim Adventures of Death & Chan Vol 1-3 (on the author’s website)

Buy link

 Book 1 of 1: Crawshanks Guide to the Occult 

Blurb 

The Music Box – Part 1.

Despite being raised and well loved by his two adoptive fathers Harrison Ames has always felt alone. As an incredibly powerful witch he’s never come across anyone else who can do the things he can. Moving to London from Devon, he’d hoped that if he finally gathered the courage to confront the biological mother who’d given him up as a baby, he might finally have some answers.

Sam Stone, carries scars of his own, both physical and otherwise, but he’s determined to ignore them and get on with his life. But when fate drops a gorgeous prickly red haired witch in his life, he figures his luck is finally changing.

With mediums, dead drag queens, and supernatural beings as his new friends Harrison finds himself drawn into a world of magic and chaos. But amidst all the insanity that is his life, there’s Sam, his anchor when the secrets of his biological family begin to tear his life apart…

Underside Press

Publication date

December 25, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

320 pages

Book 1 of 1

Crawshanks Guide to the Occult

 Book 1 of 1: Crawshanks Guide to the Occult 

Review: Wards & Measures: The Glyphwright Chronicles Book 2 by Jeremy Fabiano 

Rating: 5⭐️+

If I could give this book and series a higher rating, I would. It’s just phenomenal. 

I’m just upset that I have to wait for the third book to be released for my journey with these incredible characters to continue. 

Marcus Fairwind and his now partner/friend, Felix Penwright are set to take their journeyman exams after winning through the events of the last novel. Each has gained new levels, acquiring new skills, abilities and magical knowledge that will help them achieve their goals as Wardmakers. Along with their new friends Sarah, Katherine, Ben, and now brilliant 14 year old Rose, Marcus’ young sister who has her own unique skills and talents to bring into play. 

Fabiano shows off a wonderful talent for creating fully realized characters of both genders and ages here. Whether it’s Marcus or Felix, Sarah or Rose, Erasmus (their enigmatic Master) or any of the parents scrambling to understand and support their children, each of these people are believable, breathing, layered beings. People we can connect with and invest in emotionally. 

And we will. For here some of their biggest achievements, problems and adventures lies ahead. 

For what started as a two Grandmasters waging war, now the horrific ramifications are left to those who have to use innovative methods to solve them or all may be lost. 

What follows is a completely absorbing story. There’s so much to this. The magical systems alone is incredible and throughly detailed and minutely executed. FYI, if you’re someone who likes magic done with a ‘wave of a wand’, and then everything explodes. Well, this might not be the thing for you. 

Here different magical applications and approaches are imaginatively and clearly defined and detailed in scenarios by scenarios. It’s fascinating, gripping, sometimes scary, often suspense filled, and life threatening. I couldn’t tear myself away from the book. And the characters in whatever situation they were in. 

The RPG aspect of the story is present as levels that each character obtains but it’s woven into the story in a manner that makes sense and doesn’t require any special attention from non-gamers. 

The sense of found family, community and friends that builds here, especially at the end is so heartwarming. It feels real and satisfying. And even after such a long journey, I wasn’t ready for it to end. 

A fantastic experience and grand adventure. Love this series and group of characters. 

A highly recommended read. Just amazing work by the author. 

Cover design by Jacqueline Sweet Design

The Glyphwright Chronicles (4 book series):

  • Ink & Intent  #1
  • Wards & Measures #2
  • Trades & Treaties #3 – Feb 8,2026
  • Vision & Venture #4 – April 8,2026

Buy link:

        Wards & Measures: The Glyphwright Chronicles – Book 2

    

Blurb 

The journeyman exam was supposed to be the hardest thing Marcus and Felix faced this year. Then Erasmus sent for help.

After passing their journeyman examination, Marcus and Felix expected to settle into their new partnership. Instead, Erasmus sends word from the capital: he needs their help in the Eastern provinces. War disrupted the region’s magical infrastructure, and he needs glyphwrights who know how to adapt when traditional solutions won’t work.

The ward networks are failing. Dungeon containment is corrupted. Preservation systems are breaking down. It’s the kind of widespread repair work that hasn’t been needed in five hundred years.

Their royal escort, Prince Adrian, spent years training in combat and protocol to earn his abilities. Marcus’s fourteen-year-old sister can see magical patterns the Prince never will. The resentment is immediate. And somehow, Marcus has to get them all working together before minor failures cascade into disaster.

The Glyphwright Chronicles continues with infrastructure crises, unlikely allies, and the lesson that sometimes the most important work isn’t glamorous—it’s the foundation that keeps everything else standing.

December 12, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

450 pages

Book 2 of 4

The Glyphwright Chronicles

Review: Arcane Justice (The Other Detective Series Book 1) by Heather G Harris

Rating: 5⭐️

Of the many interconnected series in The Other Realm Universe, The Other Detective has definitely become my favorite, which is amazing because this is a great universe full of complex characters and richly crafted storylines. 

Arcane Justice is the penultimate book, which sort of breaks my heart, in the story of magical Inspector Stacy Wise and her ongoing romance with Robbie Krieg, the Ogre King. 

I’m really not ready for this series to come to an end.

Harris uses Arcane Justice to cement and celebrate certain bonds and relationships. Loki the caladrius has an important storyline as well as a resolution to his previous issues. Robbie and Stacy’s relationship is deeply affected by the events of this story. And a bigger villainous plot is revealed behind the many of the horrific incidents and murders that have happened. 

Amber and Bastion appear to add additional drama and weight to the new development of the overall storyline. And tie it into previous series. 

And while the main plot of the book ends happily. There’s an ominous epilogue that follows. 

So Harris manages to make me as a reader incredibly happy then crushing me simultaneously with that epilogue. Got it. 

Arcane Justice (The Other Detective Series Book 1) by Heather G Harris is superb. Highly suspenseful, full of action packed scenes, beautifully crafted characters, emotionally laden moments and satisfying scenes. 

I do not want this series to end. 

I’ve listed all the connected series below. It’s an absolute wealth of entertainment and reading enjoyment. 

All recommended. 

Cover design by Christian Bentulan. Published by Hellhound Press Limited.

The Other Realm Universe: Should be read in order to understand the world and characters .Events and relationships build upon each other.

The Other Realm series 

⭐️Glimmer of Dragons- Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Glimmer of The Other- Book 1, Glimmer of Hope- Book 2, 

Glimmer of Christmas – Book 2.5 (a Christmas tale), 

Glimmer of Death – Book 3, 

Glimmer of Deception – Book 4, 

*It is recommended that you read The Other Wolf books 1 to 3 before continuing with

Challenge of the Court– Book 5, 

Betrayal of the Court– Book 6

 Revival of the Court– Book 7. 

⭐️The Other Wolf Series 

Defender of The Pack– Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Protection of the Pack– Book 1, Guardians of the Pack– Book 2, Saviour of The Pack– Book 3, Awakening of the Pack – Book 4, Resurgence of the Pack – Book 5; and Ascension of the Pack – Book 6. 

⭐️The Other Witch Series 

Rune of the Witch – Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Hex of the Witch– Book 1, 

Coven of the Witch;– Book 2,

Familiar of the Witch– Book 3; and Destiny of the Witch – Book 4.

⭐️The Other Detective Series❤️

  •  Frustrated Justice – Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 
  • Veiled Justice – Book 1
  • Mystic Justice – Book 2
  • Arcane Justice – Book 3 
  • Brutal Justice – Book 4 -March 5,2026

Buy link

        Arcane Justice: A Supernatural Crime Thriller (The Other Detective Series Book 3)

    

Blurb 

When I find a powerful political figure dead in his home, I know the pressure is going to be on. His death was brutal, and anything but swift. The brass want answers yesterday, so it’s going to take the combined might of Unit 13 to bring the killer to justice.

In the meantime, things are heating up with Robbie Krieg, King of the Ogres, my fated mate, and general pain in my ass. He’s been keeping secrets, and they may be inextricably linked to the corpse I’ve just found.

And what the hell is up with my damned bird?

Some days, it’s better just to stay in bed.

Immerse yourself in The Other Detective Series – perfect for fans of supernatural crime, complete with a fierce heroine, gritty murder investigations, and a slow-burn romance.

Written in British English.

The Other Detective Series

Frustrated Justice, a prequel story,

Veiled Justice – Book 1

Mystic Justice – Book 2

Arcane Justice – Book 3

Brutal Justice – Book 4

Hellhound Press Limited

Publication date

December 26, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

234 pages

Book 3 of 4

The Other Detective Series

Review: The Wizard’s Cat (The Wizard’s Butler Book 2) by Nathan Lowell

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The Wizard’s Cat is a great sequel to the wonderful urban fantasy novel, The Wizard’s Butler by Nathan Lowell. 

Picking up right after the dramatic events of that book, Shackleford House should be settling back into its original shape but that’s not the case.

As Roger notes immediately as he goes through his day as butler to Shackleford himself, in his multitude of duties, the house seems “off”. A bit of dust there, a dandelion there, unheard of when everything is maintained meticulously by pixies and fairies. 

But as more things go awry, the narrative building suspense and mystery, it’s up to Roger, cousin Barbara, and a new character to solve the problem and come to the aid of the House.

Lowell builds on Roger’s character development as well as Barbara’s along with the House’s, giving the story and group a fuller sense of them as a unique family, with Roger, perhaps as a fundamental element as a non-talented person but a important grounded member here. 

Gideon is equally impressive in his role, one that will be more fully explored in future stories. As one would expect from a magical being of his years. 

Barbara is interesting but still needs some more layers. Or maybe interaction with other characters in central roles here. I really like her when she’s discussing roles and jobs with Roger as his profession as a Butler was making her uncomfortable at one point. 

Just an engaging story and one I highly enjoyed. Will be watching for the next one to be released. 

Read the series in order they are written. No romance or violence. Great characters and terrific writing.

Cover Art: Alexandre Rio

The Wizard’s Butler:

The Wizard’s Butler #1

The Wizard’s Cat #2

Buy link

 Book 2 of 2: The Wizard’s Butler 

Blurb 

It started with a dandelion.

Innocuous. Ubiquitous.

Who knew it was a warning?

After claiming his big bonus, things are coming up roses for Roger Mulligan. A job he loves. A house that feels like home. Money in the bank. A solid roof over his head and job security.

But when he finds a dandelion on the pristine grounds of Shackleford House, he starts down a twisted, garden path. Old man Shackleford says the fairies have a problem, the pixies keep falling down on the job, and the house seems to grow weaker by the day.

He’s soon tossed into a confusing mixture of fact and fantasy, accompanied by Shackleford’s cousin and – of all things – a stray cat. Surrounded by the fantastical, it’s hard to tell magic from mundane.

Publisher

Durandus, Ltd

Publication date

December 7, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

344 pages

Book 2 of 2

The Wizard’s Butler

Review: Shifting Resolve (Shifter Lords Book 5) by S.E. Babin

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Shifting Resolve basically undoes all the forward movement of the preceding novel for the characters in terms of their relationships. 

And this was to be expected given the twisted plots and various natures of the characters involved with the main character of Evie Quinn. 

With her growing powers exposed, during the climatic events with the Life Tree, multiple threats and challenges are leveled against her. And her un-acknowledged partner, lord of shifters, Caelan as well. 

There’s so many complex storylines woven into the narrative to keep track of. Various Lords with their own agendas, Evie’s father and mother whose hidden secrets and paths for Evie are also unknown. 

Those secrets the reader has been told and know they are explosive in their own ways, are elements that have storylines that haven’t been factored in yet. It’s labyrinthine structure that makes this series so gripping and compelling.

That’s the case here where stress and anxiety are the common theme, secrets are key, and everyone is trying to control Evie and claim a part of her . When she doesn’t want to be claimed or controlled. 

And everyone around her has an hidden or not so secret agenda. 

It’s high action, high suspense, high mystery and it ends in a cliffhanger of sorts. But one that the reader honestly will expecting. Because we saw it coming. 

I love the characters and this very layered, complex story. And I’m rooting for Evie and her small group of friends. 

Highly recommended and I can’t wait for the next one in this series. 

So well written and beautifully executed. 

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords series:

Shift of Heart #1

Shift of Morals #2

Power Shift #3

Shifting Winds #4

Shifting Resolve #5

Shift of Rule #6

Shift of the Wild #7

Buy link 

 Book 5 of 8: Shifter Lords 

Blurb 

Evie Quinn is a survivor, but she’s tired of being a pawn in everyone else’s game. 

She never asked to be the heir to the fae throne, a walking, otherworldly bridge for the gods, or the hottest bachelorette in the supernatural realms. But here she is—dodging dozens of random marriage proposals and doing her best to keep Caelan from committing paranormal genocide.

Everyone wants a piece of Evie these days. The Council’s patience has worn off, and they’re ready to marry her off to the highest bidder. The gods want to use her for their own gain, and Caelan is growing ever frustrated with her attempts to keep things between them paused. But Evie still isn’t ready to be a queen or a bride or a bridge, or anything forcing her to give up her autonomy.

But time has run out, and her only hope might be to do the one thing no one expects—finally taking control of her world-shaking power, her fate, and most important of all, her heart.

Oliver Heber Books

Publication date

December 23, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

272 pages

Book 5 of 8

Shifter Lords

Review: Deadly Arrogance: Necromancer Tales #4 by M.J. May

Rating: 5🌈

Deadly Arrogance is the series finale that brings the journey of  Necromancer Erasmus Boone to an exciting and happy conclusion. 

I’ve been absolutely thrilled by this fantasy/paranormal universe of May’s since the first Perfect Pixie novel, a series which introduced necromancer Erasmus Boone.

So it’s fitting that many of those characters play roles here in Boone and Franklin’s battle against a terrifying enemy. It’s emotional and wonderful to see each one, settled into their own lives and relationships, as they come together to fight and support their friends and own communities. 

And May, who has created throughly villainous characters in the past, has exceeded herself here in crafting shadow bourne Tenzen Huxley, a seemingly unbeatable and immortal being. Huxley is an ominous figure whose role is one that’s always in the game, even when absent from the current situation. The enormous threat he brings to the couple and those around them is a real concern, no matter what else they are dealing with.

They are mentally, emotionally and spiritually under pressure and attack all the time and the reader, who’s intimately connected with them, feels that same overwhelming stress and suspense. 

On top of Huxley’s magical threat to everyone, there’s a multiple murder investigation that requires the attention of both Franklin and Boone. It’s highly unusual, incredibly rare in its sheer scope of detail and complexity.

I won’t elaborate further because there’s many twists here that spin beautifully within the plot.  The story is highly suspenseful, compelling emotionally, and has some truly heartbreaking scenes. 

And yes, it does end happily with everyone in attendance. I absolutely love it.

And there’s a new connected series on the horizon. Thrilled about that too!

Check out all the books below if you’re new to this universe. Read them in the order they are written. Enjoy them!  Highly recommended!

Cover design by cheriefox.

Perfect Pixie Series 

Perfectly Imperfect Pixie 

Perfectly Perfect Pixie: Peaches’s Story 

Perfectly Charmed Pixie: Parsnip’s Story 

Perfectly Perplexing Zombie: Wendall’s Story 

Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie: Phlox’s Story—finale 

Perfectly Petite Shorts: Short Stories from the Perfect Pixie Series M/M 

Necromancer Tales Series: Spin-Off from the Perfect Pixie Series 

Deadly Lineage: Necromancer Tales Book I 

Deadly Deception: Necromancer Tales Book II 

Deadly Avarice: Necromancer Tales Book III 

Deadly Arrogance: Necromancer Tales Book IV—End 

Warlock Nikodemus Holland’s Book—Coming Spring 2026

Buy link

 Book 4 of 4: Necromancer Tales 

Blurb 

Necromancer Erasmus Boone’s life is on hold—every shadow suspect, every trip outside his warded home a gamble. Afraid of bringing more attention to already wary necromancers, Erasmus has stopped hunting for his own kind. Unwilling to place an even larger target on his back, Erasmus has even delayed his own wedding.

Human homicide detective Franklin O’Hare wants nothing more than to be there for the necromancer he loves. Unfortunately, he’s neck-deep in not one but two separate multiple-body dump scenes. With little more than skeletal remains to go on, Franklin’s days are consumed with work, and his sleepless nights are spent wishing he had more time for his fiancé.

Waiting and wondering when Tenzen Huxley will make his move is physically exhausting and emotionally draining. Information regarding shadow borne is slim and little more than hearsay, and what is known is horrifying.

Will Erasmus and Franklin be ready when Tenzen finally makes his move? Is there truly any way to be prepared for the hell a shadow borne can unleash? Despite the support of powerful friends and family, Erasmus and Franklin desperately need to find a shadow borne’s weakness.

Sometimes, weakness comes from within, not without, and often, arrogance is the deadliest flaw of all.

Deadly Arrogance is the fourth book in the Necromancer Tales series and should be read in order. This series is a spin-off of the Perfect Pixie series and takes place in the same world but can be read as a stand-alone series. Deadly Arrogance is a m/m romantic fantasy mystery with an unusually sane necromancer just trying to make a living, a humble human detective attempting to keep his necromancer fiancé alive, an arrogant but redeemably overprotective warlock father, a questionably moral all-powerful djinn who may just get her scuttlebutt wish, a welcome Mississippi spring, and an ancient being who desires more power than any creature should wield and has decided a certain necromancer is key to satisfying that greed.