Review: The Mobster’s Mate by Kiki Clark

Rating: 4.25🌈

The Mobster’s Mate by Kiki Clark is a terrific paranormal romance. I enjoyed it immensely. Anyone who’s a fan of shifters/mate romances will enjoy the story but there’s a slight caveat.

This book takes place within Clark’s Kincaid Pack universe. It’s helpful to have an understanding of the events and characters from that series as it impacts heavily upon the storyline and couple here. Important Kincaid Pack members are also a part of this story, although Clark does a good job of explaining who they are and how they figure into the plot.

Getting all that out of the way, this book is launched is a great way. With a dramatic scenario and introduction to all the major characters.

Mob boss Quinten Amato is having to adapt to the new world order since the Kincaid Pack took down the corrupt paranormal government that kept things orderly and predictable. A structure that suited him and all his businesses just fine.

Clark gives us a ruthless man at the top, in an uncertain world where he’s got to negotiate a new path without any loss of prestige or credibility. Then a dramatic scenario opens up, where we meet Caden, a deeply damaged shifter, one guaranteed to make an impact on Quinten’s future.

Caden is such a vulnerable, wounded character. It’s impossible not to connect with him, either for the reader or for Quinten’s employees who surround him. Clark’s supporting cast is as intriguing and layered in their personalities as the main couple. They grab our interest too with their interactions with Caden and Quinton, making us want to know more about each of them.

The plot lines equally interesting, up to the great characters. If it’s all over a bit too quickly, then head over to the other series to read more about this universe and the events mentioned here.

Hopefully, this couple will pop up again in another book and series. The characters have a way of doing that.

This is a wonderful read and it’s got my recommendation.

Related Series

✓ Kincaid Pack (6 books)

✓ The Mobster’s Mate – single story

✓ Silver Oak Pack-2 books so far (also within the same universe)

Buy Link:

AMAZON

Blurb:

A human mob boss and an injured jaguar shifter brought together by a cruel enemy… and fate.

Caden hasn’t believed in fated mates since he was a cub. He figures it’s more of a fairytale that shifter parents tell their kids than the reality of what passes for mates in some of the packs he’s seen.

But then he comes face-to-face with a human man who smells like orange blossoms and radiates authority and safety.

And Caden… Well, he hasn’t felt safe in a long time.

While the rest of the world fears and reviles Quinten Amato and the things he does under the guise of his business, Caden is drawn to him like a cub to an alpha. He doesn’t care what anyone says or what Quinten does, he and his jaguar know the kind of man he is.

The kind who saved his life.

The kind who comforts him when he wakes up terrified.

The kind whose calm commands set his blood on fire.

Convincing his bossy human they’re meant to be together isn’t going to be easy. Especially not when Quinten’s certain Caden needs things he can’t get from him—and that being a part of Quinten’s life in the shadows is too dangerous.

And he might be right.

The Mobster’s Mate is a full-length novel featuring a human with questionable morals and a jaguar shifter who only sees the best in him. You’ll find an age gap, found family vibes, fated mates, and gobs of possessiveness.

This title is a standalone novel set within the Kincaid Pack universe. It can be read and enjoyed on its own. However, if you’d like to understand the nuances of the world, then start your journey with The Alpha and His King (Kincaid Pack Book 1).

• Publisher: Rainbow Publishing LLC (February 1, 2024)

• Publication date: February 1, 2024

• Print length: 219 pages

Review: The Insanity of Reincarnated Mages and Amorous Vampires (Spellbound #1) by A.J. Sherwood / Devon Vesper

Rating: 4.5🌈

The first in a new fantasy series, The Insanity of Reincarnated Mages and Amorous Vampires is a highly entertaining and fast paced fantasy adventure. It’s got reincarnated lovers, a sentient library, a found family of vampire warriors, and so much more.

All in all, a world of fun and magical action adventure, interwoven with love remembered and born again.

Sherwood’s characters are engaging, easily crossing time periods and a magical landscape to emerge in the modern world, embracing the cultural and technological aspects of the era, including even manga comics.

One of my favorite elements is the sentient library herself, Kassandra. A vibrant personality and key figure, even without a voice, I adored her. Master Declan, Ivy and the rest of the found family that defends and inhabits the library are amazing. Then there’s Kit, the one who was left behind, and Gun, the one who died and was reincarnated.

What a story and couple.

I was snared by the tragedy, pulled into the world by the adventures and hope of the future for the couple, and then just had a fabulous time with them along the way with the battles, the magic, and the ever enlarging foundation.

I can’t wait for the next in the series to come.

I’m highly recommending this to fans of this trope and author!

Buy Link

The Insanity of Reincarnated Mages and Amorous Vampires (Spellbound Book 1)

The Insanity of Reincarnated Mages and Amorous Vampires (Spellbound Book 1)by AJ SherwoodBook 1 of 1: Spellbound

Blurb:

Reborn love. Unleashed magic. We won’t fail twice.

Hi, I’m Kit. Immortal vampire and technomage extraordinaire. You know how it goes.

For the record, I am absolutely not stalking my reincarnated husband.

Okay, I am, but it’s for his own good. And mine. Er, assuming I can somehow figure out how to tell him he’s reincarnated and a mage, and we all live in a sentient library.

Any thoughts on that? I’m currently taking suggestions.

One thing’s for sure. He’s not dying on me again. Never again.

Tags:

The fluffiest fluff to ever fluff, that y’know includes violence, magic, reincarnated lovers, vampires, sassy library, Kassandra the library has OPINIONS, found family, all the magical shenanigans, Kit and Gun are part time soulmates full time problem, authors have lost all discretion in this, Kit is a walking green flag, the crack ship armada is sailing at full speed here, master should never have access to a credit card, or a bookstore, no book is off-limits with that man, triggers involve too much sap and cuteness, occasionally blowing shit up, violence is not the question but it is the answer, Sentient Library Tells All, I’m absolutely a library book check me out.

• Publisher: (February 2, 2024)

• Publication date: February 2, 2024

• Print length: 312 pages

Review: Lay it Down by Mary Calmes

Rating: 3🌈

Lay It Down is what the author calls her billionaire/grad student romance, an opposites attract story about a twin ending up with his brother’s ex lover under the worst possible circumstances.

The framework of the novel is a good one. One twin has come to see his happily “engaged to a billionaire” brother only to find himself drugged, and without his passport by his same brother who’s left for parts unknown. Now stranded on the resort island of Ibiza, Hudson has to figure out what happened and make right the damage his twin has caused.

Sounds good, right?

And for many elements of the story it is. Hudson is a lovely character. Unlike his irresponsible , and honestly, unlikable, twin, Dalvon, he’s easily someone that the reader can relate to and admire. A man who’s used his history as the protective older responsible brother as the boys navigated the foster system, he used it to better himself and get an education, which he’s still pursuing.

Calmes spent a lot of time building this character and it shows. Unlike his brother which appears here only through phone calls and by the many times he’s mentioned by others, never favorably. Even his actions are those that swing from negligence to one’s absolutely criminal.

Which means his twit of a brother? That’s where much of the problem with this story comes from.

Hudson awakens from a drugged sleep to find his brother has scampered off with his passport, stranding him in the ruins that he’s made of his life there. Doesn’t seem to matter what he’s done to anyone who has to depend on Dalvon. Off he goes.

Everything this other twin does and says is deplorable. But the author seems to think we’re going to think he’s just so helpless and a bit selfish but it’s ok. Those actions are forgivable

Nope it’s not. And to have a main character who’s constantly either being victimized by his brother or being his brother’s “savior “ doesn’t make for a satisfying story. It makes for a frustrating experience, especially since that pattern seems to continue forward at the end.

I like reading how Hudson runs around using his knowledge to help the people and businesses his brother was ruining. That worked. Especially since the characters that are grounded in the villa are wonderful.

But the instant love with Miguel , his brother’s ex was less successful a believable aspect of the book given the timeframe of a few days. Had there been more time to give their relationship growth and depth, I’d been on board.

Then there’s the whole criminal enterprise thing. That threw the story right over the top. And made no sense.

I really like Mary Calmes but this wasn’t among my favorites. Too bad because it had a lot of potential.

Buy Link:

Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com › Lay-Do…Lay It Down – Kindle edition by Calmes, Mary. Romance Kindle eBooks …

Blurb:

Paradise can be hell.

Most people would say being stranded in the villa of Spanish shipping magnate Miguel García Arquero on the beautiful isle of Ibiza wasn’t such a bad deal. But Hudson Barber isn’t one of them. To him, being stuck without a passport in a foreign country far from home is a nightmare, made worse by the fact that the person who did the stranding was his flighty twin brother.

Unwilling to turn Dalvon in for identity theft, Hudson is forced to wait, but meanwhile he discovers the chance to rehabilitate Miguel’s failing local businesses—enterprises left to Dalvon’s inexperienced care. The flagging ventures are a badly wrapped gift from heaven, and if Hudson can turn them around, he might be able to leverage the experience to finish his MBA.

Then Miguel returns to Ibiza, and instead of finding a boy toy, he discovers Hudson has turned his cold villa into a warm, welcoming home. Miguel’s path is clear: convince Hudson to lay down his defenses and let love in.

Mary Calmes’ other billionaire romance is Parting Shot.

Review: Wintering with George (With George Book 2) by Mary Calmes

Rating: 4.5🌈

Wintering with George , the second book in the With George series by Mary Calmes, is hard to be defined as a standalone series as its main characters are supported by and has its foundation knowledge based in two of this author’s most popular series (see list below).

However, Wintering with George is set two years after the events of the first novel and Calmes is able to give George and Kurt’s relationship a depth only time makes realistic. There’s still plenty of struggles and doubts, especially when George is still being unexpectedly called to duty for missions he can’t talk about.

That strain feels raw and the fear real. This is when the one person POV becomes intuitive because Calmes narrative has to include Kurt’s complex feelings, but from George’s perspective. That’s a difficult thing as Kurt has a tendency to want to psychoanalyze events and knows the boundaries where they should stop. It’s a great dynamic that we need to see more of.

It’s time to meet Kurt’s small family. Another great background story here and that turns into the main narrative going forward.

There’s plenty of action. Dogs and George’s cat, Bub. Kids to break up the adult action and add to the heartwarming atmosphere. Calmes has the best elements down pat here.

Except one.

We really need one more book to complete the trilogy and series. I hope we get it. This is too good to leave at two stories.

A definite recommendation!

Love this.

With George:

✓ Just George #1

✓ Wintering with George #2

Connected Series:

A Matter of Time – 6 books

Marshals – 6 books

Buy Link

Wintering with George

Blurb:

George Hunt is certain that spending time with his boyfriend’s family over the holidays will be a disaster. How can it not? For starters, he knows nothing about families, never having had one, as for the rest…talk about pressure. What if he messes up, says the wrong thing, and ends up losing the most important person in his life? Dr. Kurt Butler is his miracle; George can’t afford any missteps. But if he’s careful and does everything right, perhaps they’ll see his good qualities instead of the lethal ones.

Sometimes, though, fate lets you put your best foot forward, and George gets to show off how handy he is to have around when bullets start flying. If he can keep everyone alive long enough to do some wintering, maybe he’ll discover that a family is something worth having after all.

• Publication date: January 28, 2024

• Print length: 126 pages

Review: Disrupted Engagement (Valor and Doyle Mysteries, #6) by Nicki James

Rating: 3🌈

I have been invested in Nicki James’ characters and their evolving relationship since I read Temporary Partner, the first book in the series. That was our introduction to the highly complicated men , their emotional histories, and the meeting that launched their relationship.

Each novel has charted the tumultuous path they’ve had to navigate in order to move forward in their relationship. In each new book, through various issues and stages of in their lives, whether it’s Aslan’s alcoholism and family issues, Quaid’s perilously fragile ego with regard to men and his poor history of relationships, his recurring insecurities, and Quaid’s struggles to connect with others. With all of this folded in, their own relationship has been realistically defined but also made them relatable.

As they worked together to solve the different cases that came up, some horrific and beyond disturbing, there’s been some real growth demonstrated in their personal lives and relationships, at home and at the workplace.

If you sense a “but” coming, you’re correct.

After the devastating events of the last book, I was wondering what the author had in store for the couple next.

It wasn’t an agonizing half of a book that felt like both men had reversed any growth in communication and maturity in their lives and were back to their own respective ways. Aslan saying he “knew” his lover/partner and then proceeding to prove to everyone he didn’t, putting Quaid and himself, but mostly Quaid through immense emotional distress. Unnecessary, intentional, and preventable pain and suffering. For 56 percent of this book.

Over a proposal. That’s actually causes a breakdown.

Disrupted Engagement (Valor and Doyle Mysteries, #6) by Nicki James is a novel that I put down multiple times as a DNF because of the dysfunctional nature of the relationship between Aslan and Quaid in the first half of the story. The murder mystery, which is fascinating, isn’t fully complex enough, nor is the author’s “happy “ resolution for the couple a satisfying explanation for the narrative mess made of the dynamic between Aslan and Quaid throughout the storyline, primarily the first half.

This is the penultimate story, I believe. Matrimonial Merriment is listed as the next and last. It’s definitely mine as it feels like the series has run its course or lost its charm. At least for me.

Read it for the series, if you’re a fan of the author , and love this couple.

Valor and Doyle:

✓ Temporary Partner #1

✓ Elusive Relations #2

✓ Unstable Connections #3

✓ Inevitable Disclosure #4

✓ Defying Logic #5

✓ Disrupted Engagement

◦ Matrimonial Merriment #7

Buy Link:

Disrupted Engagement (Valor and Doyle Book 6)

Blurb:

The ring has been bought, and all Aslan has to do is create the perfect setup for a proposal. No problem. Nothing to it. Quaid deserves the best, and he plans to deliver.

After choreographing a romantic evening to officially pop the question, Aslan is ready.

But things don’t go as planned, and the evening is ruined. Quaid’s insecurities rear their ugly head, making him suspicious. He knows Aslan is hiding something, but pessimism insists it isn’t a good thing.

When Aslan gets called out of town to hunt down a long-acting serial killer, there is no time to soothe his overanxious boyfriend’s worries or make a new attempt to propose.

Torn between a complicated case and figuring out the perfect way to ask Quaid to marry him, Aslan is left scrambling. Every idea falls flat. Every attempt fails. The more pressure he puts on himself, the more unsuccessful his efforts, and Quaid’s fears grow.

Aslan needs to solve this serial killer case and get home to straighten the mess he’s made.

**Disrupted Engagement is the sixth book in the Valor and Doyle mystery series. It is a same-couple series and should be read in order. Although each book has a self-contained mystery with no cliff-hangers, the romance is overarching.

• Publisher: (September 7, 2023)

• Publication date: September 7, 2023

• Print length: 372 pages

Review: Chef Under Cover (Sizzle in the Kitchen Book 5) by M.J. O’Shea

Rating: 3.25🌈

With Chef Under Cover, I’ve returned to Montpelier, Vermont, home of the Hearth & Oak restaurant, Chefs Baldwin Powell and company, and easy contemporary romances. M.J. O’Shea’s Sizzle in the Kitchen series now total five books with a finale story to come.

It’s been a while since I’ve read this series, my favorite one still stands as the first one of the series, Chef in the Wild. For me, the stories that followed undermined the strengths of that original story and couple. So I never really quite reconnected again as I once had.

Chef Under Cover is much like reading a standalone novel in a series that’s more now about a location, the Hearth & Oak and a passion for food. And that’s fine.

This is a sweet story about a young man who knows he’s heading in the wrong direction career wise because of a physical talent and the support he finds to make the changes to be happy. And he comes out.

There’s a slight age gap , an implied parental homophobia, and a small amount of drama for the romance between the college football star/would be pastry chef and the physical therapist who’s treating him for shoulder pain.

Except for a rough patch in the beginning when Will and Sean meet, and assumptions ran up against sparks, this is a sweet, somewhat low angst romance. Any issues that Will is having with his parents, primarily his mother (it’s implied she’s homophobic), it occurs off page.

That’s probably my least favorite element here. Any issues, any real problems, and consequently, any resolutions (all of which have had real impact on Will, his college life and career choices) are “handled” off page. The reader is told Will had discussions with his parents, coach whoever. That includes coming out to them. A huge moment in someone’s life.

All those scenes are “as told to” in small succinct sentences. It’s emotionally unsatisfying to read if you’re trying to connect to the characters. And writing like this, choices about the narrative and characters make it harder for the reader to invest in their story. Keeping it superficial and sweet means the reader’s emotions stay on that level too.

As mine was. Sweet story. Cute couple .

If you want a sweet contemporary romance with low-ish angst, a quick low demand read, Chef Under Cover (Sizzle in the Kitchen Book 5) by M.J. O’Shea is a story for you. It’s not necessary to read any of the other books in the series to understand this one. It works as a standalone.

Sizzle in the Kitchen Book:

✓ Chef in the Wild #1

✓ Chef vs Chef #2

✓ Chef on Top #3

◦ Chef in Love #4

✓ Chef Under Cover #5

◦ Chef On Fire #6 – tbd

Buy Link:

Chef Under Cover (Sizzle in the Kitchen Book 5)

Blurb:

He played like a champion but dreamed of the sweet life…

Sean had never treated a famous person before. Not until the golden boy Will Harrington, star college quarterback and soon to be NFL legend, came in with an injured shoulder and hundreds of people’s hopes and dreams on his back.

Will never wanted to be a star quarterback. As unlikely as it sounds, it just kind of… happened. Now he’s stuck in the middle of a whole world he doesn’t fit into, surrounded by people who don’t actually know him.

Will would have never guessed that meeting one gorgeous physical therapist with a sarcastic mouth and a quirky group of small-town friends would help him become who he’s always wanted to be…a chef.

• Publication date: January 30, 2024

• Print length: 161 pages

Review: Heart2Heart: A Paranormal Charity Anthology by Macy Blake, Grae Bryan, et al : Vol 7 (2 books)

Rating: 4.5🌈

It’s Valentine’s Day and Heart2Heart is at it helping lonely hearts get their perfect match. Here, Cupid has agreed to partner with them to ensure a magical experience for the Heart2Heart database is had by all on their journey to a HEA, whatever that means.

A Devilish cover for the paranormal volume of stories, with a fabulous group of authors for Volume 7-part 2 (volume 1 is all contemporary romance and different authors).

The stories are listed in the order found within the Anthology.My favorites and must reads of this anthology are Alice Winters story which begins the anthology. It’s pure Winters in style and characters. Love it. Love Me Love My Dogs by Macy Blake is my next, such a heartwarming tale. And my other absolute best is The Hidden God of Open Doors by Tavia Lark, which, imo, should have been the story to end this collaboration as its theme and storytelling is amazing. And it’s my thought that all anthologies should begin and end with strong storytelling.

Stories:

💘Thank You , You Can’t Spell Necromancer Without Romance by Alice Winters

💘Hot Date by Eliot Grayson

💘Sweet Treats by Grae Bryan

💘Looking 4 Furever by Kiki Clark

💘Locked in Love by Lark Taylor 💘💘Love Me Love My Dogs by Macy Blake

💘Not So Cupid by Mika Nix

💘Starry Night by Pandora Pine

💘The Hidden God of Open Doors by Tavia Lark

💘Love Under the Sea by Taylor Rylan

A Letter From the H2H Team

1. Thank You , You Can’t Spell Necromancer Without Romance by Alice Winters 💘💘💘💘💘

Axton , witch with miniature horse, Hades as a familiar , Sylvan, the cute white-haired necromancer with an undead found family find love and happiness on a murderous mystery.

2. Hot Date by Eliot Grayson

David’s migraines are cured by demonic sex and lotsa love by summoning Ren. Cute, sexy story.

3. Sweet Treats by Grae Bryan such a lovely story about a half pixie Perri and an introverted wonderful gentleman, Tobias, who’s been secretly watching each other but finally connects thru H2H. Adorable 💕

4. Looking 4 Furever by Kiki Clark

Rance, coffee shop Magic Bean,

Dean, Lynx shifter, English prof. Age gap, 23/40, mate bonding, cute, but not a lot of character or relationship depth.

5. Locked in Love by Lark Taylor

Ash, vampire, looking for love after a bad ex, Lochlan, a Scottish water mage, an escape room afternoon adventure , and a tale with a surprising twist. Really enjoyed it.

6. Love Me Love My Dogs by Macy Blake 💘💘💘💘💘

Wolf shifter George Duko, with his French Bulldog, Gaston, runs Duko’s Den animal sanctuary. Braxton, nonbinary, dragon, and George’s match on H2H . A gentle, warm-hearted, laugh filled love story that I absolutely adore.💘💘💘💘💘

7. Not So Cupid by Mika Nix

Ruairi, Cupid’s little brother and

Weston, human, on a Cupid arranged Valentine’s Day date find out they’re perfect for each other. The authors do a terrific job of developing the romance.

8. Starry Night by Pandora Pine

Immortal demigod Orion Starborn, 5031 yrs old , cursed, and looking for love, is matched with Kaden Devereaux, head librarian in the folklore division of the Boston public library, also a werewolf. With an allergy problem. Not as easy as Cupid might think. I wish it had been longer because it’s got so many fascinating elements. Terrific story.

9. The Hidden God of Open Doors by Tavia Lark💘💘💘💘💘

Rune, an imprisoned demon

Raider, ritual contractor, owner of Artifacts, Alchemy etc

I’ll say nothing except it’s perfectly amazing, quietly heartbreaking if you think about the layers, and beautifully crafted.

10. Love Under the Sea by Taylor Rylan

Silver, gorilla shifter and Charlie, koala shifter , find their mates at a zoo Valentine lunch. Cute story.

Overall, a great anthology with wonderful stories by some of my favorite authors. There’s three 5-star tales that could easily be extended into larger books, but stand as fabulous paranormal short stories here. The rest have so much to recommend that this is a must read.

Buy Link:

Heart2Heart: A Paranormal Charity Anthology (Collection), Volume 7 (Heart2Heart Volume 7)

Blurb:

Once upon a time, a bunch of authors wondered… what would happen if Heart2Heart, the mystical matchmaking app adored across the supernatural world, brought in an absolute legend to help them find true love?

This Valentine’s Day, the sunshiny necromancer, the lonely vampire, and the nonbinary dragon will put their trust in H2H and a certain cheeky cherub of romance. Will Cupid’s arrows strike true?

As always, all proceeds from this anthology will benefit LGBTQ+ charities to ensure that love in all its incarnations will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!

Stories included in this collection are:

You Can’t Spell Necromancer Without Romance, by Alice Winters
Hot Date, by Eliot Grayson
Sweet Treats, by Grae Bryan
Looking 4 Furever, by Kiki Clark
Locked in Love, by Lark Taylor
Love Me Love My Dogs, by Macy Blake
Not So Cupid, by Mika Nix
Starry Night, by Pandora Pine
The Hidden God of Open Doors, by Tavia Lark
Love Under the Sea, by Taylor Rylan

• Publisher: (February 2, 2024)

• Publication date: February 2, 2024

• Print length: 500 pages

Check out the latest tour for “Beside the Darker Shore by Patricia J. Esposito (Other Worlds Tour OWL)g

Patricia J. Esposito has a new MM paranormal romance out: Beside the Darker Shore. And there’s a giveaway.

What might the ethical Governor David Gedden give up for one man’s exquisite beauty? It’s terrifying to consider when the man is a destructive blood prostitute and David is responsible for the state’s peaceful vampire community. Blood sales in Boston are up, blood taxes support a thriving new nightlife, neighborhoods have been refurbished, and deaths by vampires have plummeted. David is assured reelection.

However, the blood addict Stephen Salando has returned from exile with one unalterable plan: to turn the good governor into a vampire. Stephen is an immortal dhampir, whose beauty obliterates reason, who rouses in David a fierce desire he’s ignored his whole life. But for David to have Stephen, he must ally with an ancient vampire, the community’s seductive archnemesis. To have him, he must become a killer himself.

Will David hold on to his ethical public life? Or will he follow what he most desires, a kiss with a killer to become a vampire himself?

Universal Buy Link

Giveaway

Patricia is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47307/?

Excerpt

Non-Exclusive Excerpt:

Wetness enveloped him. It was exhilarating, this deep lake submersion. David hadn’t been told about the effects of water. Here, in this water, he wasn’t sure he even needed blood. He wasn’t sure he needed anything. He dove under and swam toward Stephen.

His body cleanly cut the surface, and he emerged before the bound liveblood. Blood streamed from a gash in Stephen’s chest. The vampires dipped white fingers in his blood, licking them. No one had bitten him, and his eyes held none of the ecstasy of bloodletting. They stared darkly at David.

“You’re an irresistible pleasure,” David said.

The black rock shone glassy, Stephen’s skin a warm contrast. David placed his hand flat on the bloody chest. He sniffed Stephen’s neck, up his cheek. His hair was cold satin. Water lapped at Stephen’s chest, drinking him. One of the two vampires bit into Stephen’s arm, making him gasp. But still he didn’t drink. They were waiting.

Cupping water, David raised it to Stephen’s face.

“You’re moonlight caught in darkness, but see how it slips away.” The water slid over his palm. “What are you sacrificing on these rocks?”

Placing both palms on Stephen’s chest again, David felt the hard cavern of chest bone, smoothed his hands over the satin skin to the round nipples shocked at the touch. He could take this body he desired, take it and leave it. This blood was promised to him. He heard Stephen’s heart beating warmly even in this cold water.

“David,” he whispered.

With that, David froze. His heart that had calmed in the water became erratic again. Stephen’s skin blurred like a warm brown sheath over David’s eyes. His throat closed, and the vampire laughter around him grew muffled, like he was underwater.

One word, one plea from Stephen and David couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t look at those eyes, couldn’t say what he needed to say. Fear clenched his stomach. Stephen’s breath burned David’s cheek.

Cold water slid between them.

And then Stephen lunged forward, and David felt the pain of blunt teeth on his neck. Stephen grabbed hold of him, biting hard, ripping David’s skin.

“No!” He shoved Stephen off. He didn’t have to do this. He wouldn’t be slave to this kind of need. The water had been healing; he’d felt at peace until seeing Stephen. David slammed Stephen back against the rock.

His legs quivered in the water. He backed away, letting water rush between them, and then Elena broke through, turning the water electric.

“Are you with me then?” she asked. “Can you see there is but one point to him?”

David scraped his leg against sharp rock as he backed away; seaweed twisted around his feet.

“No,” Stephen said. David couldn’t look at those eyes that pleaded with him. Stephen had propelled him to this point, whether deliberately or not. How much more could he make David do? He had to leave. He had to stay far from Stephen.

“David,” Stephen called, but his voice faltered. Pushing tendrils of wet hair from Stephen’s neck, Elena sunk her teeth into him. Then David did look up, as Stephen closed his eyes, as he succumbed to what he couldn’t resist.

David’s chest hurt, as if his ribs and chest bone had turned to iron mail. Clouds drifted across the moon, and Stephen’s face fell into shadows. He heard Stephen’s voice in his head, words he’d said three years ago, “Exile,” he’d said back then. “When did you go into this exile?”

Long ago.

David turned away, but Arturo was there, blocking his way. “You leave so soon?” Hate bruised his usually welcoming eyes. “When the festival has just begun?”

“Whatever you do to me, Arturo, I won’t let you live through me or love through me. I’ve found where my joy and peace are.”

“In water, like Alexandros?”

“Not like Alex. I need to kill, and the only way I can find peace with that is in solitary existence. I can’t be both mortal human and vampire. Maybe Alex can’t stand to be anything but what he was, a human. I think I can only be a vampire. I don’t want human connections. Consider your fledgling a success as a vampire. That’s all that’s left for you.”

Arturo’s hand slapped David’s chest in an icy brand. “No, that isn’t all. You think you need the kill, but you know nothing of need if you can’t love.”

Pain seared David’s chest, a raw burn that shuddered through him. Arturo had cut him. His hand slapped again, and another slice tore through to David’s ribs. The pain was silent in his throat, blocked by the rush of blood, his legs buckling. Blood poured.

“You bleed,” Arturo whispered. “You bleed into your healing water. Water loves blood. It will drain you.”

Around his waist, the water warmed and thickened. For a moment he thought how short-lived his vampire life had been, and then his body swayed with the pain.

Author Bio

Patricia Esposito lives by the notion Luis Alberto Urrea once expressed: When the world is so dark and bloody, be brave enough to broadcast innocent joy. Dare to be naive. She has written edgy paranormal fiction for most of her life, but always finds beneath it a romantic heart. Her most recent fiction and poetry reflect that enduring quest for love and joy beneath the human struggle.

Patricia has received honorable mentions in Ellen Datlow’sYear’s Best Fantasy and Horror collections, is a two-time winner of Rhino’s Reader=Writer award, and is a Pushcart Prize nominee. With a Master’s degree in English, she edits law books and textbooks for income and tries to keep up with a retired husband and enjoy time with her two adult daughters—when she’s not off exploring the intoxicating realms of the imagination and chasing muses.

Beside the Darker Shore is her first full-length work of fiction. She welcomes the chance to meet other writers and readers through her website or Facebook page.

Author Website: https://patriciaesposito.com

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Author Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@PatriciaEsposito

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Liminal Fiction: https://www.limfic.com/book/beside-the-darker-shore/

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Review: Zachary (Demons-In-Law #3) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 4.75🌈

With Zachary, the wonderful Demons-In-Law trilogy comes to a heartwarming conclusion and for me, it’s way too early for this series to end.

I feel like we are just getting to know the extraordinary mountain enclosed village of Hortplatz, the most demon inhabitants, and run by an imperious demon grandmother who’s a remarkable figure. Plus we barely explored the mysterious dragon hoard , hidden behind a 12,000 ish year old puzzle door, that had been built into the mountain above the village by a long ago dragon, and it now the scientific find of the world. Oh, Hortplatz, we hardly knew you!

Masters finishes with the heartbreak couple. Ronan Draco, Steffen’s twin brother, who is burdened by their horrific past, and his self inflicted “prison” of guilt, doubts, and inability to connect with others. Ronan is selected by Brandt to catalog the items and help identify them as them come out of the vault. It’s terrifying to him.

On the other side, there’s Zachary, grandson to the formidable grandmother ,Damaris Bailey , who rules the family, town Council and everyone else with a steely voice and gaze to match. Zachary is the town’s forester, well, go to demon, depending on the job, despite having his own hopes and dreams. He’s continually sacrificed for the sake of the family and the community, letting family obligations and responsibilities become an invisible prison for himself. Until the bitterness is threatening to swallow him.

This is the setup that Masters introduces the reader to the situation and these haunted beings to each other. It is not a meet cute.

But the journey to redemption and love for both is a fabulous and heartwarming story to read. Ronan’s as he realizes his need to connect with the Hortplatz community and learn how to make friends. That’s a truly remarkable, funny, and joyful stumbling path he had to take, one that included pastries, group text sessions, and a box from the World of Wangs makes an important appearance. Ronan finds he can become part of a community, have a home, with a loving partner, leaving the past behind.

And Zachary? In Ronan, he finds someone to stand with him, support his passions, explore new experiences, even if it means staying in Hortplatz. For now.

Masters doesn’t forget Damaris, the stern, unyielding grandmother, whose actions and character become fully revealed in a wonderful, memorable scene.

So many great characters are brought in to help Ronan and Zachary achieve their dreams and HEA, from Steffen to all the many demon cousins and their families.

As I said, three books is barely breaking the surface of this village’s stories and what the future now holds for them.

It’s my wish that Masters might come up with another series that will find its way back into this world and town , so we can get an update on everyone there and the new couples to arrive.

In the meantime, I’m highly recommending this series and book. It’s fantastic and a grand bit of fantasy!

Demons-In-Law:

✓ Asher #1

✓ Micah #2

✓ Zachary #3

Buy Link:

Zachary (Demons-In-Law Book 3)

Blurb:

A dragon with endless secrets meets a demon with nothing to hide…

I’m the easygoing one. The fun one. The rare member of my family who gets along with anyone. Except there’s a chance I may have got off on the wrong foot with our new dragon liaison, Ronan. In my defense, he rubs everyone the wrong way. The only thing he’s got going for him is his looks… if the miserable frown weren’t there to mar them. But he seems to be trying harder to connect, and I guess I should do the same. Even if his arrival here was the beginning of all my problems.

When I cross the line and guilt compels me to apologize, I get my first glimpse of a different Ronan. Someone who enjoys baking, thinks glitter is amazing, and wants people to like him. Someone I could be friends with. And when that frown disappears? I want more than just friendship.

But there’s something going on with him, something he’s been carrying for a long time. He’s been hurt before, and the secrets he’s keeping are the kind that eat you inside. How can we take things to the next step if he can’t be open with me?

It’s only when he steps up to make all my dreams come true that I realize some secrets need to stay that way… and that loving Ronan means accepting him for who he really is.

• Publisher: (January 31, 2024)

• Publication date: January 31, 2024

• Print length: 251 pages

Review: I Went on an Adventure and All I Got Was This Barbarian Orc: Crack Fantasy Adventure Chapter Five by Jennifer Cody

Rating: 5🌈

The time has come, the wizard says, for all great adventures to come to an end and all the fabulous adventurers to tend to their wounds, gather their treasures, and head back home.

Necromancer Lawton, Half Orc Berklak, and the rest of the Beefcake Brigade are still on their quest to find the reason for the dreaded miasma that’s spreading over the lands, causing the females of various species to turn on the males in a murderous frenzy.

Now they are headed into the frozen southern landscape of Gwafellaw. There awaits such wondrous things as dragons, a crazy wood elf, and the solution to the murderous rage that’s seeping over the continent.

Cody’s final chapter in this fabulous adventure is a doozy. She gives us a bit of fatherly acceptance for Lawton, forest love for Berklak and new magical powers, some wildly inspired battles, and an ancient, devastating origin tale that is the beginnings of all the woe here.

Yes, that does contain mention in an ancient poem of multiple SA to a woman long dead. Be warned.

Cody pulls together all the pieces of the journey, the events of carnage, and magical scenarios to create one monumental experience as a cap to the adventure and a final chapter in this epic tale. Loved it.

What a strange and glorious romp this has been! I shall miss this motley, powerful, magical crew. And hopefully, one day, Cody will decide to send them forth to adventure once more.

Until then, I’m highly recommending all five chapters of this excellent adventure. Make sure to read them in order.

Love the covers too.

Buy Link:

I Went on an Adventure and All I Got Was This Barbarian Orc: Crack Fantasy Adventure Chapter 5

Blurb:

Lawton:

I honestly thought passing through the ward to the freezing land of Gwafellaw would be more miserable than it turns out to be. Who has time to be miserable when everything in the land wants to kill you? No one, that’s who.

Between fighting dragons, finding a new species, and saving a crazy druid, Berklak and I are learning exactly what it means to be anchored, tied together, bonded, and in love. We’re going to defeat the aelysou hurting Fasgard no matter what it takes, because I’m the high sorcerer of Fasgard and the most powerful necromancer alive. I won’t let anything separate me from the love of my life—not my father, not a goddess, not even death.

Berklak:

I’ve been adventuring for over fifty years, and I’ve adventured in Gwafellaw before, but I’ve never seen so much hostility. The only good thing walking this land is Lawton, and I’d follow him to the portals of death herself if that’s where he wanted to go.

I might not be sure exactly what we’re going to find in this frozen wasteland, but if it’s not my happily ever after, I won’t have done my job right. I’m proficient in weapons, and I’m confident we’ll prevail, but it’s a good thing we have Lawton to keep us from permanently making the ultimate sacrifice. I’d hate for him to lose me before we even figure out where we’re going to live after this.

I Went on an Adventure and All I Got Was This Barbarian Orc is a five chapter serial fantasy adventure with a light-hearted, fun TTRPG vibe. Expect big magic, lots of cuddles, plenty of steam, and a team of characters that might not get a natural 20 on every roll, but they make up for it with creative solutions to both magical and mundane problems.

• Publisher: (January 31, 2024)

• Publication date: January 31, 2024

• Print length: 138 pages

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