Tag: prequel

Review: The Bounty Hunter and the Spirit Wolf: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (The Magical Bounty Hunter’s Guild) by Jileen Dolbeare 

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Quite a few of Jileen Dolbeare’s inhabit the same universe so I’m not sure yet if this goes for this series. But it’s not necessarily required to be absolutely invested into this character and her journey and growth as a magical bounty hunter. 

From starving, homeless thief on to the run , albeit with a magical companion, to a trained respected bounty is a great storyline and character. 

Especially her tough beginnings. We really emphasize with her. It’s an emotional, scary start. 

At only 126 pages, we have a lot of background that still needs developing and main characters, aside from Astrid, who also require additional history. I feel that’s coming in the first book. 

What The Bounty Hunter and the Spirit Wolf successfully does is make the reader want that next book, the next step in Astrid’s journey now! 

Unfortunately we’re going to have to wait until next year. But I’ll be sure to keep my eye out for the release. 

Until then? Pick up the prequel and get ready for the next  urban fantasy series that looks to be a winner.

The Magical Bounty Hunter’s Guild:

  • The Bounty Hunter and the Spirit Wolf prequel #0.5
  • The Bounty Hunter and the Assassin  # 1 – September 5, 2026

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comThe Bounty Hunter and the Spirit Wolf: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure …

Blurb 

Before she was a bounty hunter, she was the hunted.

It’s been three months since I ended up on the streets of Anchorage with nothing but the clothes on my back and Teekon, my spirit animal, for company. Once upon a time, I had dreams. Now, I’d settle for a hot meal and somewhere warm that doesn’t come with a side of rats.

I steal to survive, but I’m spectacularly bad at it. Hunger makes you reckless. Stupid. Desperate. My stomach was loud, and I ignored my whispering instincts that told me using magic to steal was a bad idea.

Naturally, I got caught.

Now the Magical Enforcement Agency has my scent, and they’ve sent a grizzled bounty hunter to drag my sorry ass in. Because rule one of the magical underground? Don’t flash your power in front of humans. Whoops.

I’ve got two options: trust a stranger with a badge and a scowl, or end up dead, or worse. And life has taught me there is always a worse.

Teekon says this bounty hunter could be our chance at something better. I reckon he’s just another predator in a world full of them.

But when your life’s on the line, you don’t get the luxury of easy choices.

One mistake landed me here. One choice might set me free.

  • Publisher: Ice Raven Publications
  • Publication date: September 26, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 126 pages

Review: Paranormal Protectors: Atlas (On Guard #0.5) by Michelle Frost

Rating: 4🌈

Michelle Frost has written a fast-paced, urban fantasy short prequel for her new series, On Guard. This uses the same universe and characters as the previous series, Mated to a Human so knowledge of that world and those themes is necessary.

This was an action filled story that includes a romance that almost but not quite falls into the insta love category. That would be the relationship between Council mage Atlas and human Gavin, a barista.

The story picks up from the events happening in A Vampire Called Leander where the anti supernatural terrorist group is stepping up its attacks against the mated pairs and now a new group.

I liked the characters, they were very engaging and the new group of oracles, mages, and now Gavin, at the Hub are all very interesting and diverse.

The potential for a great new series is amazing and I’m excited to see where Frost takes this new group and expands on this new world of oracles, demons and humans.

It’s a good start.

Mated to a Human:

A Hellhound Called Derek #1

A Warlock Called Jacob #2

A Vampire Called Leander #3 – finale

On Guard-sequel series- 4 books

Paranormal Protectors: Atlas 0.5

Buy link

Paranormal Protectors: Atlas: A Prequel (On Guard Book 1)

Blurb

Atlas’s simple crush gets complicated when Gavin turns out to be more than human. Can Atlas protect him as he becomes part of the paranormal world?

Paranormal Protectors: Atlas is the prequel novella to Paranormal Protectors: Gavin. This series is best read in order.

• Publication date: June 15, 2023

• Print length: 72 pages

Review: Spell It Out ( Mages and Mates Prequel) by Andy Gallo

Rating: 4.5🌈

Spell It Out is less a prequel but more a side story to the wonderful Mages and Matea series by Andy Gallo. This dives into a great couple of teachers at a interspecies high school connected to the university central to the series. Here mage Dylan Jurgenson, cousin to Bart Hollen (Break The Spell), has found out that he’s one of the teacher chaperones on the high school camping trip this year. Each year he’s managed to evade the duty by passing it off to another, like his cousin. But this time, Bart’s busy, so he has no other option. And math teacher , Minotaur shifter Xavier Tollis, is going as well.

Those are the basic facts. With the characters in place, Gallo begins to give us a lovely romantic story, filled with all the details that come with new relationship building, the discovery and discussions, and the joy. That Xavier and Dylan have young teenagers in their charge too adds a wonderful dimension. Gallo allows the kids a youthful energy and enthusiasm that makes the adults feel even more connected.

There are some fantastic teens here with their own issues, some of which coincide with that of Dylan’s poor self esteem. And there are other storylines about family, child neglect, and pack culture. All woven together into a story that has romances, humor, teenage angst , adult drama , mate bonding, and HEA.

Im hoping to see more of this couple together in the series, especially as Bart makes an appearance here. They are both really great characters and have such warmth about them. Actually I’d love to see the students too.

Novellas like Spell It Out ( Mages and Mates Prequel) by Andy Gallo just wet my imagination and enthusiasm for the series and characters I meet. It makes me want to go back to the beginning and start reading again.

This is a definite recommendation. So is the series. It’s listed below.

Mages and Mates:

✓ Spell It Out ( Mages and Mates Prequel)

✓ Break The Spell #1

✓ It Spells Trouble #2

◦ Under A Spell #3 – March 26,2024

Buy Link:

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Spell-O…Spell it Out: An MM Paranormal Romance Novella (Mages and Mates)

Blurb:

Sometimes success is a matter of life or death.

Dylan Jurgenson hates camping but is stuck chaperoning his practical magic class on their fieldtrip. Worse, he’s bunking with sexy math teacher Xavier Tollis. You know, the hot Minotaur shifter who barely knows Dylan exists. Not that Xavier’s lack of interest comes as any surprise. Who’d be interested in a mediocre mage, anyway?

Xavier can handle crazy teens and camping. Who he’d like to handle is the cute mage giving him morning wood so often he could build a house. Unfortunately, even in human form Xavier scares Dylan. Minotaurs have terrible reputations and even worse track records in love. Who’d be crazy enough to take a chance on a big guy like him, anyway?

Just when Dylan and Xavier are finally moving beyond their insecurities and misunderstandings, two students disappear under mysterious circumstances. Working together, they put their newfound feelings and lives on the line to save their wayward charges.

Failure is not an option but playing hero can sure have unintended consequences.

Review: How the Necromancer in the Gold Vest Saved My Life: WhoWoke the Dead? #4 (Princes of Mayhem) by Jocelynn Drake

Rating: 4.5🌈

How the Necromancer in the Gold Vest Saved My Life: Who Woke the Dead? #4 (Princes of Mayhem) by Jocelynn Drake feels more like a stepping stone to more adventures than it does a series finale. One of the reasons why is that this is a prequel series to the author’s Lords of Discord series (the vampire Variks) and now, happily, a lead in to a new series about those chaotic male witches who are both Sky’s best friends and form his coven. Be still my heart.

So yes, Drake packs a ton into the fourth story of this crazy but highly entertaining serialized story about a powerful necromancer who finds a loving boyfriend in a human fantasy romance author and they continue to have grand adventures together along with their friends and demon minions!

Who Woke the Dead doesn’t come together as fully as a whole storyline like the previous books have. This felt more like a group of engaging events loosely tied together leading the characters and readers to a HFN for Sky and Nolan.

In each small scenario, Nolan and Sky get to discuss their experiences and why they are so different and yet well suited for each other. Whether it’s Nolan taking care of an exhausted Sky after he’s made sandwiches for the underworld (an element I loved) or having an after party for witches, this couple just is #couplegoals. They are supportive, committed, and they communicate, with humor and sexy affection. What’s not to love?

So maybe it doesn’t matter that there’s not an all consuming drama here but two men finding each other and becoming boyfriends under extraordinary circumstances. Plus I love me some Dandy Dogs! More of these please!

I really hope Drake makes a second season of this series. I’m really excited to see what happens next on this couple’s journey.

In the meantime, I’m looking forward to the witches series starting with the blood witch , Moon. He’s up first.

I’m highly recommending the series (must read all four stories) , then continue on.

How the Necromancer in the Gold Vest Saved My Life:

✓ Disaster #1: Fun With Family

✓ Disaster #2: Pet Problems

✓ Disaster #3: Date Night

✓ Disaster #4: Who Woke the Dead? – finale

Related new series with connected characters:

Kings of Chaos- the witches of above

◦ Two Thousand Dreams (Kings of Chaos Book 1)-Nov 10,2023

Buy Link

How the Necromancer in the Gold Vest Saved My Life: Disaster #4 (Princes of Mayhem)

Blurb:

Disaster #4: Who Woke the Dead?

Something has escaped from the underworld!

Sky would like to point out that this is NOT his fault.

But, yes, something has escaped, and it has all the dead crawling out of their graves.

Naturally, the humans are freaking out.

Except for the sexy one living across the street.

Nolan is ready to jump into the fray and help Sky round up the underworld fugitive.

Sky’s going to need all the help he can get–not just from his coven but all the witches he can get his hands on.

How the Necromancer in the Gold Vest Saved My Life is a serial comprising four novellas that follow the insane adventures of necromancer Skylar Wallace and his next-door neighbor Nolan Banks. This is the final book and contains witches, demons, underworld minions, more sandwiches, stolen smexy time, an angry Grammy, and something scary running wild in Connecticut.

Review: Like I Pictured (Heather Bay, #0.5) by Charlie Novak

Rating: 3.5🌈

Like I Pictured is the prequel to Novak’s Heather Bay series. It introduces the reader to the series setting, a richly detailed and glorious scenic Yorkshire coastal landscape, complete with horseshoe bay, quaint village and hilltop castle.

We meet several of the series regulars including the two main characters here in this romance. That’s the fantasy author Anders Flynn, who’s from Heather Bay and photographer Bastian Roche, whose home it will become because of Anders.

I liked this story because of the introduction Novak gives us to Heather Bay. We see it in far greater depth and detail than we do in the later stories. From the moment Bastian views it from his car to his walks through the streets exploring shops and looking at the residences, it’s an closeup portrait of this village we won’t see again. And it’s one that will resonate with the reader, making Heather Bay come alive in every way.

Like I Pictured also does an amazing job in defining both main characters. Each totally different in from their age and outlook, Novak is able to create fully dimensional personalities with realistic backgrounds and depth of character. It’s easy to believe in them , their professions, and the manner in which they interact with each other.

Alas, it’s the last the suffers from the shortness of length here. While Novak has written a splendid location, given the story two fully realized, well defined characters, it’s in their relationship development where the romance faltered.

It starts off promising. I love the texts between them as they get closer to each other. But for the majority of the exploratory conversations and important part of the relationship, it happens “off page “. So the other aspect is one of a “meet, one night, move in” sequence. It just doesn’t do justice to the rest of the story and foundation work.

Rushed? Uh yes.

Like I Pictured (Heather Bay, #0.5) by Charlie Novak lays the groundwork for the series and the group of people that will be the found family of friends to find their HEA in this magical world Novak has created.

In truth, it’s a lovely romance and I enjoyed it. It’s just I had read the other books and backtracked to this one so I knew the voices and had them as an established couple already.

For me this is Heather Bay light compared to the other stories. But I wouldn’t have readers who are fans of the series or author miss out on it. It’s very lovely and a recommendation for you.

Heather Bay series :

✓ Like I Pictured #0.5

✓ Like I Promised #1

✓ Like I Wished #2

✓ Like I Needed #3

✓ Like I Pretended #4

◦ Like I Wanted #5 – Sept 28,2023

Buy Link:

Like I Pictured

Related to: Heather Bay

Blurb:

What if taking a chance photo led to love?

Bastian Roche is lonely and drifting. While he adores his photography job, he still hasn’t found a place to call home. Until he takes a chance photo of the elusive fantasy author Anders Flynn and makes a life changing connection.

Anders is grumpy, reclusive, and convinced he’s better off alone. But that doesn’t stop him from replying to Bastian’s emails. When Anders suggests Bastian scouts out his hometown of Heather Bay as a shoot location, Anders realises he’s falling fast for the man who brings sunshine into his life.

As Heather Bay pulls them together, both men must make a choice. Can a chance meeting give them the life they’ve always pictured?

Like I Pictured is a contemporary MM novella and is a prequel to the Heather Bay series but can be read as a standalone. It’s got a sweetness, steam, a small, British seaside town, and some grumpy cats.

Review: The Bogeyman and the Schoolteacher by Chloe Archer

Rating: 4🌈

This is a delightful short low angst monster romance! A prequel to a new series about a small interspecies town, Monster Hollow, that’s a sanctuary. We start off with a sweet little romance by the school principal and the newest teacher. That they happen to be a Bogeyman and a human soon becomes irrelevant. They are clearly perfect for each other.

Archer gives us the background for the town as well as hints about each main character’s history. It’s easy, engaging, and sweet.

And sets the stage for the first in the series. The Orc and the Manny. I’m looking forward to that!

Want a quick sweet read? Here you go! And a new series as well!

Wonderful characters, love the feel of the township, and want to know more!

Prequel to Monsters Hollow series:

Monster Hollow:

◦ The Orc and the Manny-Sept 22,2023

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com › Bogeym…The Bogeyman and the Schoolteacher: A Cozy M/M Monster Romance (Monsters …

Description:

Welcome to Monsters Hollow, where love knows no bounds—even in a town full of monsters!

When Principal Emrys Bogey sets his sights on the new schoolteacher, Jayden Bell, he’s determined to win his heart. But as a bogeyman, he knows his unconventional nature and intimidating appearance might be too much for a human to handle. Can Principal Bogey find a way to woo his crush without scaring him away? Maybe there’s more to the sweet Jayden Bell than meets the eye…

Buckle up for the prequel ushering in a new cozy M/M monster romance series by Chloe Archer where the sparks fly and the spice sizzles!

Note: This 20k prequel short was previously part of the limited time only Class of 22/23 M/M Romance Prolific Works Giveaway in June 2023.

Review: How To Date A Dragon (a Here Be Dragons prequel) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 3.5🌈

How To Date A Dragon is a short cute prequel to Louisa Masters Here Be Dragons series. This quick romance between Hagen, a dragon, and real estate agent, the vampire Jaiden is about 88 pages long. That doesn’t allow much time for character or relationship development. It comes with the expectation that the reader is already familiar with the characters and the world building behind it.

The purpose of Hagen and Jaiden meeting is to find the location for what will become in the series Here Be Dragons, the seat and home of the dragons on Earth. They meet hot and heavy, go on a couple of romantic dates, and then the epilogue flashes forward to find them into an established relationship.

It’s sexy, the couple engaging, and the entire thing short. Definitely a story that could benefit from more exposition and length. But it’s a cute addition to Louisa Masters series and dragons.

Read it if you’re a fan of both!

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › How-Da…How To Date A Dragon (Here Be Dragons)

Description:

Tip #1 for dealing with dragons: be prepared for anything

My whole life, I thought dragons were majestic, wise, and fearsome creatures. Not to mention fictional. It’s been less than a year since that last belief was debunked. Dragons are real, they’re now living among us, and I’m the lucky realtor who gets to sell a house to their leader. I just have to impress his representative first. No problem—I’m a professional.

Except the dragon rep turns out to be the guy I hooked up with last night, and he’s fast disproving everything I believed about dragons. Unless “wise” actually means “addicted to glitter” and “majestic” is a euphemism for “overgrown frat boy.”

Hagen might actually be the most annoying person I’ve ever met, yet I can’t resist going on a date with him. One thing’s for sure, someone needs to write me a how-to guide for dating a dragon… glitter not included.

Related to: Here Be Dragons

Review: Department Rivals (A Valor and Doyle Prequel) by Nicky James

Rating: 4.5🌈

Prequels are tricky things, they are stories that set the stage and briefly introduce characters for a series to come.

I’m always fascinated how each author’s treatment of a prequel storyline differs,their take on formatting as well as what the approach will be.

James makes Department Rivals happen within the span of one day. Two interdepartmental law enforcement bitter rivals, Homicide and MPU (Missing Persons Unit), are forced by each other’s department heads to attend a team building day to start to break down the long established antagonism.

Teams made up of a Officer from each department will work together to solve a “crime puzzle” laid out throughout the city and win a prize.

This is our first time to meet the detectives, Quaid Valor (MPU) and Aslan Doyle (Homicide) as well as their partners .

James does an excellent job of creating strong characters in a short amount of space. Valor’s behavior in just the sounds of his phone chiming with texts from his ex is beyond expressive, telegraphing a history and pain that’s so complex.

As is Aslan’s reaction to Valor, a man his department has made mockery of, including derogatory names. He now starts to see a person with frailties behind the need for adherence to the minutiae of the law he’s known for.

As James puts Aslan and Valor through the game and investigation, and us with them, it becomes a revelation of character and personality.

I won’t spoil the ending. But if you’ve read the first book, you know this is the situation that they both refer to, and think of often. It’s an important day for them both.

I love Department Rivals (A Valor and Doyle Prequel) by Nicky James. It’s a concisely written, beautifully constructed prequel. Great format and wonderful characterization.

It has a job and boy, it got it done and then some.

I’m highly recommending it and the series that follows.

Valor and Doyle Mysteries:

✓ Department Rivals #0.5

✓ Temporary Partner #1

✓ Elusive Relations #2

◦ Unstable Connections #3 – October 17, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showDepartment Rivals A Valor and Doyle Prequel by Nicky James

Synopsis:

The hostility between homicide and missing persons division is high.
Something has to give.


When forced to participate in the department’s first annual team-building day, rival detectives, Quaid Valor and Aslan Doyle, need to learn to work together to win the prize.
Can they put their animosity aside?
Will their mutual attraction to each other get in the way?

**Department Rivals is a short, fun little prequel to the Valor and Doyle Mystery series**

———-

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

A Jeri Review: Dare You To (It Was Always You) (Wild Side 0.5) by Riley Hart

Rating: 4 Stars out of 5

dare-you-to-by-riley-hartAnother novella I had to read because I am such a fan of Riley Hart’s work. This book sets up a new series she has coming out so it can almost be considered a prequel of sorts. At least, that is how I think of it.

Austin and Dare are friends, neighbors and complete opposites. Austin devotes almost all of his time to working at the LGBT youth center and when he isn’t there, he is home on his couch.  Dare owns a popular club and spends his free time doing anything BUT sit on the couch. Except on Sunday nights- their practically written in stone date night of popcorn and movies on the couch.

When Austin gets dumped- again- he gets a bit drunk and kisses Dare. And then Dare walks away.

Riley is practically the master of friends to lovers. She writes relatable characters with real life issues. The flow from friends to lovers is so seamless and natural. There is bumbling and awkwardness, but once they realize what is happening , it is all in for both.

And holy fan yourself can she write a sex scene!

I have to say that this book got me really excited for the coming series. According to the author, we will see Austin and Dare show up in the series, just not as main characters.

Cover art is dramatic.

Sales Link

c60a7-waxcreative-amazon-kindle

Book Details:

70 pages
Published January 5th 2017
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesWild Side 0.5