I’m such a fan of urban fantasy and fell in love with the entire Magic Emporium multi-author series, which this story was a part of.
Now it’s been re-edited, and the author added a chapter at the end to swing the characters and storylines into the next book.
So of course I needed to check it out.
All the wonderful elements remain intact. Two sons, from families that both despise and need each other , almost a urban fantasy Romeo and Jules, or in this case Jude tale.
Except one didn’t know he was a son of one of the battling families until his grandmother came looking for him.
That’s Jude Cohen,awesome game coder, foster kid, and apparently a elf to his surprise (although it does explain the ears and purple eyes). Soon to be weaver of the Aether magic.
Another terrific character is Aggie, aka Agatha Cohen, his grandmother , partner to Roman. She jumpstarts our story by barging into Jude’s life at a turning point.
Who’s Roman? That’s Roman Meyers, heir to the Meyers family, the one who can access the Aether. He’s immediately, enormously attracted to Jude, even before they knew who or what they were to each other. And the rules .
Descendants of Cain and Abel, elves and monster Hunters. One’s a weaver of Aether magic and the other the door to the Aether, magical threads of all life. A forever pairing, that comes with a rule . One can never love the other.
Some rules are made to be broken.
Lawless gives us complicated, damaged lineages of two powerful magical families. And monsters bent on entering the present dimension to destroy it all. Only the sons, their families stand in the way.
The plot is exciting. The characters well crafted, and some like Royal downright adorable. I’m definitely committed to finding out where Lawless is taking the storylines and their HFN romance next.
There’s plenty of unanswered questions here about the dead or missing members from both families, especially now that the readers learn some of the huge “secrets “ towards the end of the story.
I’m sure some of those will be forthcoming in Elven Game (Roman and Jude: Monster Hunters #2).
That’s where I’m going next. It’s to be released March 31, 2022.
Until then, I’m recommending Elven Duty! It’s entertaining and terrific fantasy.
Life was normal. Until a woman appears and tells me I’m an elf and she’s my grandmother. Not quite what I expected after another day at the office.
Soon, I’m thrown into a world of duty, magic, and monsters.
And a family feud as old as time itself.
I would have run. I would have gone back to my old life. Or started a new one.
But when the man I’m supposed to hate turns out to be my elven soulmate the only thing I can do is fight for my right to love him. No matter what kind of monster gets in the way.
Notes:
Elven Duty is a gay urban fantasy romance with two star-crossed lovers, a ton of monsters hellbent on destroying this dimension and a secret “baby”. This book has a Happy For Now ending with a tease of the next book in the series.
This book was previously part of the Magic Emporium multi-author series. The only changes made are the fixing of awry typos and the addition of the last chapter tease.
At the end of the fabulous Sinister in Savannah trilogy Walker let us know that she planned to write further stories in this universe. Specifically, one’s for some of our favorite secondary characters that deserved a HEA and full out storyline.
Mentioned were Kendall Blakemore, aka Sugar, who was Jonah’s ex and renter. Kendall got his HEA in a marvelous novel, Bad at Love! Now a favorite of mine.
Next on Walker’s list was Jimmy Alsop. We met Jimmy as an aspiring, but insecure journalist just starting at the newspaper where grumpy investigative reporter Felix Franklin (Mr. Perfect #2) lives to write, report and occasionally terrorize those around him. Felix took him on as a intern, then put him into a sort of Felix boot camp to build up his self image and ability to become a better reporter. Yes, we fell into love with the sweet, blushing Jimmy there. And it carries over into his story here.
Invisible Strings is Jimmy’s romance. By now, Jimmy has become a stronger reporter, bit more able to stand up for himself and his ideas then the younger Jimmy we originally were introduced to. Although it still helps to have Felix mentoring him as well as his backup.
Although older here, Jimmy’s innocence and exuberance is so adorable yet never overdone. Walker feeds us the type of adolescence and family history that led into Jimmy becoming the type of sheltered person he is without being someone who’s totally withdrawn and shy.
The stories Jimmy is seeking to do for his newspaper is the perfect format for the author to show the character’s interactions with others. Whether it’s someone who’s personality is fascinating or a person who’s situation seems troubling, it’s Jimmy’s humanity that the author gets to shine out in every occasion.
Nova, the astronomer, who’s mother is part of Jimmy’s series of stories, is equally fascinating. He’s divorced, single dad, with issues he’s dealing with, and a overwhelming attraction to a innocent journalist that is the last thing he expects or thinks he needs.
The invisible strings of the title are those that connect people whether we see them or feel them at first. It’s those strings that just keep pulling people back together, time after time.
Fate, stars… whatever you might call it.
Or a list that someone makes up to get done over a two week time frame.
This is a wonderful love story, made better by those characters that surround the two men and support them with their love. It’s family, or co- workers, and friends. We get to know them all.
My only slight issue is with the drama at the end that’s a “crisis “ element. That felt a tad forced given the two men, how well they communicated, and how easily it was resolved.
Overall, I adore Jimmy and Nova’s romance. Such a winner!
I believe we have another story/ romance to come. A bartender? Following the pattern it should come or be tied to Pretty Poison #3, from the Sinister in Savannah series. Hmm maybe I’ll just have to reread those. Sigh!
I’m highly recommending this, Bad at Love and the original series. The author, obviously, as well. Enjoy!
Note: love that cover and the watercolor lighthouse at the top of every chapter! Beautiful.
Jimmy Alsop, a vivacious journalist, longs to trade his sheltered life for a summer of adventure but lacks the confidence to launch his stellar plan.
Lonely as the Moon
Nova Skye, an aloof scientist, wants to resuscitate his dead love life but hasn’t found the right man to kickstart his guarded heart. Eclipse of the HeartSparks fly when a chance encounter drops Jimmy and Nova into the same orbit. Though their approach to life and love couldn’t be more different, they’re inexplicably drawn together as if connected by an invisible string.
With nothing to lose but their inhibitions, Jimmy and Nova embark on an epic adventure of discovery. Passions soar with the sultry Savannah temperatures, and soon, their carefree summer becomes something more profound and beautiful than either man bargained for. But are the ties that bind sturdy enough to withstand a lifetime, or will they fray after a season?
Invisible Strings is a standalone novel within the Sinister in Savannah universe. Jimmy was introduced in Mr. Perfect, but it is not necessary to read that book first. Invisible Strings is a contemporary romance, where the other Savannah books are romantic suspense. We have heat, humor, and heart, but there are no homicides in this book, y’all. Invisible Strings contains mature content and is intended for adults eighteen and older.
You know when you read a book that’s so clever, so fantastically crafted, so beautifully ingenious that when the “aha” moments hit you , you’re both giggling AND gobsmacked because you love it so much , you appreciate the writer’s artistry, well, you just didn’t see it coming?
That’s the entire Fluke and the Frontier Farce (Fantastic Fluke #4) by Sam Burns! I’ve read it twice now and with each new reading, I’ve found different elements I missed and new aspects to admire and think about. In fact , this maybe my favorite Sam Burns series yet, and that’s saying a lot!
This novel has a main element of time travel, no surprise there as it’s in the description. But anything more should absolutely not be said. This is a book that must be read!
It’s the penultimate book in the series (yes I know I said that before) but the author starts tying up the series storylines in some of the most amazing and incredibly satisfying ways. Ones I didn’t even realize needed resolution get a finalization they needed and deserved. Truly wonderful and often emotional as well.
And that’s the other thing here that Burns never let’s go of, that her characters, their relationships and growth is the key to this series. Yes it’s about magic and mystery but it’s heart is it’s people. They are who we’ve come to love and they’re lives and loves are who we’re invested in.
That’s never more clear here that when it’s family and love that comes together to make things happen!
I’ll say no more!
Fluke and the Frontier Farce , the fourth novel in Sam Burns’ Fantastic Fluke series is magnificent! It’s one of the best fantasy stories this year in one of my favorite series! It’s so imaginative, the storylines are incredibly clever, and the characters are ones I’m well certain not to be ready to let go of by the end of the Finale.
Usually I might say a book is too short, or sometimes a tad longish. But Fluke and the Frontier Farce is exactly as long as it had to be!
I don’t need to tell you what that means do I?
Highly recommend this, the series, and the author! Binge read it in order before the finale comes out! I should be done rereading this by then!
The Fantastic Fluke Series -4 of 5:
✓ The Fantastic Fluke #1
✓ Fluke and the Failthless Father #2
✓ Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco #3
✓ Fluke and the Frontier Farce #4
◦ Fluke and the Fantastic Finale #5 – August 25, 2022 release date
It’s been a long year for Sage and his friends, and all of Junction, California, and it’s not over yet.
Freddy’s school of magic is still a mystery, and figuring it out would be enough work, but the investigation leads them to the mysterious coded notes of Junction’s long-dead first magical artist, and then to the last place any of them ever expected to end up: the nineteenth century. Worse yet, when they get there Fluke is missing, and Sage isn’t sure he can get back home without his best friend.
Now—or is it then?—they just need to find Fluke, decode the notes, avoid changing the past, dodge evil Uncle Jonathon and the shady French nobleman at his side, and maybe most importantly, find their way home.
But there’s more in the past than trouble, and Gideon might want to stay there with his wife. If Sage has to leave him behind, is it worth returning to his own time at all?
I hadn’t read Fireman’s Carry (The Hot Cannolis #0.5) by Eli Easton that was the source and inspiration for this series by Easton and Lain. I will certainly go ahead and do that now that I’ve read this book and the romance of those characters.
What is started there , a major fire and rescue of over 60 people by firefighter Mike Canali and civilian Shane Bower is where this novel’s storylines begins. With the aftermath of those events,weeks later, in everyone’s lives.
The events in that story are recounted somewhat so it’s not necessary to have read it to step into the people and their situations here.
One important detail, however, that’s not mentioned anywhere, either in the descriptions or authors note. There is a on page attempt at suicide, although it’s never actually termed that out loud. Also character depression. If any of this is a trigger for a reader, please know this in advance so you be the best judge about whether to read the story or not.
There are so many terrific elements here. The characters are very well done. Shane Bower and his Pops are amazing. From the moment Shane makes his appearance on the page with his book club (who I also adored hugely) I was immediately engaged. He was believable, likable, vulnerable, just everything you knew would end up pulling at your heart strings. Then I met his grandfather, Pops. And I was all in. Pops is another great character. Throughly realistic and wonderful.
I think most readers will have mixed feelings about the Cannolis, the enormous Italian firefighter clan that Mike Cannoli belongs to. I feel they are pretty realistic myself in the way they are portrayed. I’ve know a family very similar to them and while some may argue they may seem too black and white in their characteristics, I can argue that those personality traits are also very believable and true .
The men , father and brothers, were very homophobic and followed that old hard core machismo that impacted every part of their lives from childhood up. For Mike, having to live up to their ideals and endure their rigid idea of masculinity made the stress upon his daily life an ever increasing pressure he wasn’t even aware of. Until he was. When the very out Shane Bower enters his and his family’s life.
The authors accurately portrayed what happens when the status quo is upset within a traditional Italian family, with the women on one side and the men on the other.
The majority of the story deals with Mike and his coming to grips first with his sexuality, then with the idea of a relationship, then the overwhelming fear of being known as gay to his family. This is really his story and it’s a realistic, painful one.
Shane is just as much a part of it as a out and proud gay man in love with someone who can’t accept himself. That’s another element and equally hurtful. To Shane and Mike.
The support characters, from the wonderful women of the Cannoli family to Shane’s friends to a surprise in the form of Donny, give this story extra depth. I love them all.
Mike’s depression and the events that follow feel accurate but deserve a trigger warning. FYI.
I am recommending this story. I wouldn’t call this a romantic comedy however. There’s humor but the focus is serious and dramatic while still including the romance.
I liked that the authors recognizes that not everyone would be able to come around and accept Mike’s new sexuality completely. That’s just not realistic given his family. Thanks for keeping it real!
I’m really looking forward to the next in the series. It’s Donny’s story, Hot Winds. Can’t wait.
Until then pick this up and enjoy!
The Hot Cannolis series:
◦ Fireman’s Carry (The Hot Cannolis #0.5) by Eli Easton
Hero firefighter, youngest of six macho Italian brothers and—in love with Shane Bower, who never met a unicorn T-shirt he didn’t love? How does that even work?
When Mike Canali meets Shane Bower, his attraction to the guy is off the charts. But then his huge family and intense job full of rules and expectations intrude and he never calls.
Until they both get a medal— and his mom falls in love with Shane at the ceremony— and all of a sudden Shane’s all over his life, whether Mike likes it or not.
The butch Canali family face-to-face with sparkly Shane Bower? This is a wildfire of its own.
Shane worked damned hard to be who he is—fantastic, femme and in-your-face. He won’t compromise that, even to have the super-hot man of his dreams. But can he really ask Mike to give up his family and future just to have his fabulous self? Especially when he’s falling in love with the Canali family too?
HOT SEAT is a hot firefighter, big crazy family, coming out, opposites attract, forced proximity, romantic comedy—with all the feels.
Spirited Situation is the first book in the new Ghostly Guardians series by Louisa Masters and it’s a wonderfully entertaining paranormal read!
We meet our two main characters in a bar, both looking for a hookup after long sexual dry spells. It’s instant chemistry, a night of insanely hot sex, then they leave the motel the morning after, not even exchanging names or particulars.
Of course , it doesn’t stay that way.
One of the men, Josh, is a man who’s been able to see, and talk to ghosts his entire life. It’s cost him jobs, apartments, and friends. Now he’s interviewing for a job that he’s hopeful will be the answer to all his immediate needs. It’s in a renovated estate that offers tours, including ghosts. Has living quarters attached and a small enough town that its own ghostly population should be fairly small.
What he doesn’t count on is the guy he hooked up with being the blacksmith/historian also employed by the estate and living there too.
That’s Ewan. Huge, happy to see his hookup , until a misconception gets in the way.
Louisa Masters sets the foundation for her new series by building her found family of living employees and very lively ghosts , all residing together at the estate.
While we’re getting to know everyone from Josh, who can see and talk to all our ghostly characters, Ewan our lover and blacksmith, the Manager Kieran, Skye at the front desk , Daniel who runs the historical farm to some of the wonderful ghosts like Hattie, Maisie, Joe , and Johnny.
It’s quite the cast but it’s never overwhelming because each is such a great personality. And each ghost is invested in Josh and Ewan’s romance as much as we are!
That’s so much fun. Especially ghosts like Carter who are late to gay sex and want all the inside scoop!
Overlaying all of this is the series storylines. One that gets neatly resolved but a larger one is left to be part of further storylines in the future books. I can’t wait for those!
Masters has a way of making her books feel like I just picked them up and then it’s over. They are so smoothly written, so well plotted, and the characters so engaging that the time just flies by.
Now to wait until the next which is Kieran’s story. I wonder who he will be paired up with? Hmmmmm
I’m highly recommending this new novel! It’s a great story and a entertaining start to a new series!
Reviewer note: Not a 5 because lack of last names bugs me. Always has. Pls pls give your characters last names. Ty. This note for any and all authors out there.
When you can talk to ghosts, things are bound to get spirited.
The ghosts have been there since before I can remember. When I was a kid, they doted on me, but as I got older, they got more demanding. I’ve spent my whole life seeing and talking to dead people and trying to pretend I’m not, because the living just don’t understand. Nobody wants to be around the freak who claims to see ghosts. Until I go to Mannix Estate.
Once a private country home, then a posh hotel, it was closed after a suspicious incident but is now an immersive historic experience. It’s also haunted AF, and everyone knows it. Finally, I’ve found a place to work and live where I can be useful. Where I’m actually wanted.
There are only two problems: I spent a hot, sweaty, satisfying night with Ewan the blacksmith before I knew we’d have to work together. Everyone knows sex with colleagues is a bad idea, right? Even if he’s the world’s most ripped cinnamon roll.
Plus, the ghosts are keeping secrets. There’s something going on that’s not normal, even for a haunted estate. And I suspect that when the truth comes out, I’m the one who’ll have to deal with it… and it won’t be good.
I love Casey Cox so I picked up her new release immediately. Oceans that Swim is the first book in the Kings of Airlie trilogy, a sports romance series.
First off I had to go YouTube the sport of Kitesurfing. Didn’t have a clue what it was. For those of you like me, I put a link at the bottom of my review to a wonderful “King of Airlie “ run. Check it out. Pretty wild stuff.
Secondly, the author includes a warning at the beginning of the story. It states that the trilogy deals with issues of violence, murder, self-harm, physical and sexual abuse, most but not all of which happens off page.
I appreciate the author’s letting the reader be able to make an informed decision prior to starting the series by letting them know the trilogy deals with those elements.
Oceans that Swim ‘s character Ritchie has c-PTSD. It comes from the trauma from seeing his parents murder/suicide. I suspect this storyline will carry throughout the next books. It’s very much a murder mystery.
Terry, the youngest of the King brothers, is the other main character. He’s the upcoming latest sensation on the kitesurfing season and scoreboard. But his father, THE King of Airlie, is the one who’s abusive and cold, when not out in the public eye. Most the the abuse is past memories, but not all. And I except it to get worse in the next story.
Travis and Tory , the older brothers all play big parts here and we get to know them intimately.
This is one mess of a family.
Cox expertly weaves the current World Kitesurfing Championships and all that means to our main characters and family as well as builds a fascinating stage for a ongoing journey of three brothers and the men who love them.
I expect it’s going to be hugely tragic at some point. And explosive. It’s building that way.
On the romance level, the one between Terry and Ritchie was sweet, the right sort of hesitant given the amount of baggage each man is carrying, and drawn out slowly so it takes communication to get together finally.
The author says each novel is focused on an individual couple but as their lives and drama are so tangled together I can’t help but see this as a HFN , especially given that ending.
This is well done, the characters engaging and beautifully written. The multiple storylines definitely have me hooked. I can’t wait for the next one to be released.
I’m highly recommending Oceans that Swim (Kings of Airlie #1) by Casey Cox. And check out that link below if you want to see what kitesurfing is all about.
Terry King may have been born into kitesurfing royalty, but he’s been overlooked and overshadowed his entire life. Unlike his fame-starved father, Trenton ‘King of the Air’ King, or his two attention-grabbing older brothers, Terry doesn’t compete for fame, money, or power. He’s got much more ambitious goals than that.
Terry has his sights set on reuniting his dysfunctional family and finally landing his forever crush: Richie Brown. A six-foot-four, anxiety-riddled, ginger teddy bear who writes heart-melting poetry. Also, the one and only person who’s ever truly seen Terry.
Richie grew up next door to the King brothers in the sleepy coastal town of Airlie Beach, Australia. His childhood was marred by a tragedy that continues to invade every corner of his life twenty years later. Richie gave up on love a long time ago…until something unexpected happened the night of Terry’s victory last season.
Richie knows better than anyone why Terry King is strictly off-limits. They grew up together. They’re practically family. Richie’s seven years older. Terry is his best mate’s younger brother… But then there’s the biggest reason of all. A closely guarded secret Richie’s never revealed to a single soul.
Terry is determined to defend his world title and turn his dreams into reality. But when life throws a spanner into his season, and with the King family remaining as stubbornly dysfunctional as ever––will Terry be able to get Richie to see him as more than just the kid he grew up with?
Kings of Airlie is an exhilarating, action-packed MM sports romance trilogy about love, brotherhood, and resilience––with a powerful message that dreams don’t die, they just sometimes change.
Each book in the series features a new couple and a happily ever after. With continuing family and competition plots, the books do need to be read in order.
The Magnolia Murders is the start of a second series that revolves around the romantic and professional lives of Sawyer Key and Royce Locke. At the beginning the couple is still partners at the MCU at Savannah’s PD but their unit has recently gotten a new chief. Up to now , every minute has been spent together. They live together, they work together, they love together. But fraternization rules work against them as partners.
So they knew their time together as partners on the job is about to end, as they knew it would.
Chief Mendoza decides to split the couple apart by having each head new divisions he’s creating within the Department. Sawyer to head the new Cold Case unit, and Royce to work with a new Unit for to engage with teenagers who want to work in law enforcement.
But first there’s a cold case murder that’s hitting close to home for both men. The murder of several beauty pageant queens from years past is echoed in a murder that happens now. Is it the same killer or a copycat?
Walker pulls out all the emotional baggage here for both men. It’s all family elements, the damage from Royce’s awful childhood and the pain it’s inflicted on his relationships with his sister and her children that’s in the spotlight here. Contrasted, of course, with the way Royce has been folded into Sawyer’s family and the feelings he still has of inadequacy because of Vic.
Sawyer, too, is waiting. He’s feeling insecure because of the scars left by the fire and the fact that he made a discovery that Royce hasn’t acted on.
In between complicated relationship dynamics and the fact they are experiencing being apart from each other at work, the long hours and devious criminals are confounding them.
This is an excellent murder investigation. I loved how the research and investigation slowly unraveled the truth behind the murders. So satisfying.
I have to say I was as frustrated as Sawyer over Royce’s inability to propose but I absolutely got why he was having such a bad time of it.
Walker gets us so totally inside these men that we understand them , feel their emotions, get their actions, and love it when they win! Both professionally and romantically.
So I really need that next book! It should be a wild roller coaster ride! I can’t wait!
I highly recommend this book and the series that precedes it. The Zero Hour Trilogy! That’s the series that tells how they met and fell in love over many murders. Don’t miss out on that either!
Work together, live together, and play together is the name of the game for Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. But one of those things changes when Chief Mendoza taps Sawyer to lead the newly formed cold case unit. His first task: solve the Magnolia Murders that spanned three decades and suddenly stopped in 2000.
Chaos ensues when a fourth Magnolia Queen contender is murdered during a preliminary round. With the pageant’s one hundredth anniversary looming, the pressure is on to produce results. Royce and Sawyer, along with their new partners, have to team up to solve the Magnolia Murders—old and new.
As the investigation continues, a surprise visitor and an unexpected phone call force the men to face painful things from their pasts. The future Royce and Sawyer dream of is within their grasp, but first, they’ll need to uproot the seeds of discontent they’ve buried deep.
The Magnolia Murders is the first book in the Matrimony and Mayhem trilogy, the second story arc for Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. ** New readers should start with the Zero Hour trilogy before reading Matrimony and Mayhem. ** The Magnolia Murders is a continuation of Royce and Sawyer’s happily ever after as they move into the next phase of their lives—professionally and personally. Though some storylines span the trilogy, this book does not end in a cliffhanger. Heat, humor, heart, and homicide abound. You have been warned.
This series just gets better. Nazri Noor takes the plot of two young magical people find love while doing amazing things to save the world. Sounds simple, right?
But in Arcane Hearts nothing is simple, even falling in love.
The first story saw Noor establish the sad histories of Jackson Pryde, and his next door neighbor Xander Wright. Jackson, a artificer who lost his parents in an explosion that saw the loss as well all his Guild, was first at odds with his old childhood friend. Xander is a mage who’s parents and college have a awful future planned out for him. But a joint quest and several murders soon saw their friendship renewed and then turned into something more. Now they’re in love and working together to uncover the basis of the purple threat that’s killing people.
Noor laid out his wildly fascinating universe, with its amazing Black Market who’s ability to move itself effortlessly onto new locations just by placing new doorways is endlessly entertaining. It opens up the characters and storylines to endless possibilities about new countries and mythologies to encounter. I love this!
Here the door goes to Japan and we meet some endearing tree spirits and one goddess from Mt Fuji. Culturally, Noor has thrown his narrative door wide open with his moving Black Market and it’s terrific.
The author has paid close attention to his characters as well. Their characters are developing more depth as their relationship is deepening. As they learn more about each other, they bring out more growth personally. It’s great to see.
There’s also a circle of friends that’s continuing to expand. Another master of a Guild, more friends pulled in by events or acts of kindness. A foundation of another sort of family comes together. Just as a bigger enemy is found that threatens the world.
The book ends as a small battle is eon knowing a bigger one is coming. Absolutely satisfying and I’m ready for the next book!
I’m so happy to have found this author and series. I’m recommending both! Read them in the order they are written in order to understand the series of events and the character development.
The fragrance of chaos. The flavor of terror. The color of madness.
Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright are loving a life of hunting and harvesting rare reagents wherever the Black Market travels. But a routine trip to visit Japanese tree spirits turns up something sinister: two crystal shards, embedded in the bodies of wild animals. They’re familiar, glimmering, violet… like splinters of amethyst.
But that’s not all. Two rival guilds are in strife, Jack and Xander caught in a crossfire of spells and slander. SEER and its hundred eyes are still watching their every move. And then there’s the matter of meeting Xander’s parents, perhaps Jackson’s deadliest challenge to date.
The Chrysanthemyst’s return is the least of their problems.
A Stroke of Brilliance is a 70,000-word M/M urban fantasy romance with a HFN ending. Join a fast-talking artificer and a snarky sorcerer, childhood friends who become bitter enemies, then lovers, as they explore a world filled with strange flora, mythical fauna, and magical murders. If you like your urban fantasy with humor, horror, and a whole lot of heart, you’ve come to the right place. Experience A Stroke of Brilliance today.
This is my first time reading a trilogy compilation on Kindle and I’m absolutely sold on the format. It especially suits me as someone who loves to binge read a series.
The trilogy , which consists of Ground Zero, Devil’s Hour, and Zero Divergence , is well suited for this format in that the stories flow almost seamlessly, one into another. Had it not been for the title and brief description inserted between the books, it would read like one huge novel. A fantastic one at that.
I’m not going to rate individual stories. One doesn’t excel or deserve a lesser rating than another. They are all exceptional.
The trilogy tracks the relationship, both professionally and personally, of Detectives Sawyer Key and Royce Locke, starting from the moment Sawyer Key joins the MCU of the Savannah PD and becomes the unwanted partner of Royce Locke.
Locke, is still grieving the loss of
a partner who was his best friend , and who committed suicide. A tragedy that’s still having major ramifications for Locke and his partner’s family.
They meet on the crime scene of a sensational murder with little time to adjust to the new situation or each other.
Walker immediately gives us an intense situation and two incredibly complicated men. And let’s the sparks fly. For three books.
Each man has a realness to him. Sawyer is a widower who is still coming to terms with the loss of a beloved husband to cancer. His grief is visceral. And yet very private. It works so well to pair him with Royce who has not come to terms with his grief and confusion over the death of his friend and partner. That issue will take him three books to work through.
Neither man stands alone. They are surrounded by incredible family members, dynamic characters from their precinct, and people we will come to know and love even more dearly in the series Sinister in Savannah.
Here we see Royce and Sawyer meet and introduce Rocky, Jonah, and Felix to each other. We meet Kendall Blakemore for the first time as well as Avery and see how he was pulled into Jonah’s orbit. Even the Marshals make their appearances here. This trilogy is our roadmap to all the series and single stories that come afterwards.
But the best and heart of the books is the growing relationship between Sawyer and Royce. The developing feelings, the situation about their relationship on the job, Royce’s closeted status, so much that evolves over the course of three complex cases and engrossing storylines.
Walker’s got the police procedural down, the hard work, the questions and paperwork. The long hours and the excitement when it looks like it might pay off. The author had me on the edge so many times here , the suspense was overwhelming!
However the joy of reading all the books right through is that you get your payoffs . You see the characters evolve, the relationship grow and deepen. And then become utterly gratified when at the end, you’re as happy as they are when the author writes The End.
Plus you have the added satisfaction of knowing there’s a second trilogy called Matrimony to come.
Be still my heart.
Are you a binge reader like me? Or just like to have all your books ready to go? This is a must have, must read! I’m definitely recommending this trilogy! And the author if you haven’t found her already!
Ground zero, noun: the center or origin of rapid, intense, or violent activity or change.Heat, humidity, and homicide are things veteran detective Sawyer Key expects to encounter on his first day with the Savannah Police Department, but the hostile reception from his new partner catches him by surprise. Sawyer isn’t a stranger to heartache and recognizes that Royce Locke is a wounded man who’s reeling from a devastating loss. Relentless and patient in all things, Sawyer is determined to make the new partnership work. Savannah, Georgia is known for her quirky people, oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and antebellum architecture. Beneath the Southern charm and hospitality, festering hatred and violence is soaring with the summer temperatures. Locke and Key find themselves at the epicenter when their first case involves the death of a former shock jock who appears to be the victim of vigilante justice. Opposites in nearly every way, the two detectives set aside their differences to take back their city and restore law and order. From this reluctant truce, an intense attraction grows that will either tighten or shatter their tenuous bond. Falling for his partner spells inevitable disaster, but Sawyer’s always been a sucker for wounded things. Sawyer could be the key to the life Royce has always wanted, if he’s brave enough to trust him. The fuse is lit, the clock is running, and the zero hour is upon them. Tick tock. Ground Zero is the first book in the Zero Hour series, which follows Locke and Key’s investigations and evolving relationship.
Ground Zero has a happy-for-now ending with no cliffhanger. It contains mature language and sexual content intended for adults 18 and older.
Devil’s hour, noun: the hour when the demon or devil who leads hell is at its strongest. Born on the wrong side of the tracks, Royce Locke is no stranger to scrapping and fighting for the things he wants. What he desires most is Sawyer Key—his partner on the force and the man he’s falling in love with. After asking Sawyer to take a chance on him, Royce will need to back up his pretty words with fearless action instead of being his own worst enemy. Someone is harassing the mayor of Savannah, and Locke and Key are tasked with finding out who. The investigation quickly takes a twisted turn, leading them to an enemy who thinks purification by fire is the only way to save the city. Scarier than The Purists’ elusiveness is their ability to turn public opinion in their favor, creating unrest and threatening anarchy by fanning flames and fear. When you play with fire, someone is bound to get burned. When menace becomes murder, the two detectives will race the clock against the devil to save their beloved city from becoming a raging inferno. Royce will need to draw on his grit now more than ever if he hopes to realize the dreams that are finally within reach. The rag is lit, the Molotov cocktail is tossed, and the zero hour is upon them. Challenge received and accepted.
Devil’s Hour is the second book in the Zero Hour series, which follows Locke and Key’s investigations and evolving relationship. This is a series that must be read in order.
Devil’s Hour has a happy-for-now ending with no cliffhanger. It contains mature language and sexual content intended for adults 18 and older. Trigger warning: Part of the storyline involves coming to terms with a friend’s suicide, which may be difficult for some people to read.
Zero Divergence, noun: no deviation from a course or standard.After a key piece of evidence goes missing, a suspected serial rapist and killer evades prosecution. More than Royce Locke’s reputation is on the line when his investigation into the failed chain of custody suggests Franco Humphries might’ve had inside help. There’s no one Royce trusts more than Sawyer Key to help him right a wrong and uncover the traitor in their midst, but can they do it before the Savannah Strangler strikes again?Relentless plus fearless equals flawless. Sawyer and Royce have come full circle-from hostile strangers to best friends and lovers. Neither a sniper’s bullet nor an arsonist’s fire could keep them apart, but what about a psychopath hell-bent on revenge? The stakes are high, and there’s no turning back now because the zero hour is upon them. Tick tock.
Zero Divergence is the conclusion to the best-selling Zero Hour series, which follows Locke and Key’s investigations and evolving relationship. This is a series you MUST read in order. It contains mature language and sexual content intended for adults 18 and older.
Trigger warning: Part of the storyline involves coming to terms with a friend’s suicide, which may be difficult for some people to read.
Truth or Dare finishes the Dare To Try trilogy and it’s a wonderful book. Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine have our couple, Kieran and Bash, take a realistic look at their jobs, evaluate what’s truly important to each of them, take into consideration the opportunities for each of them to make the move to each other’s state, and then make a decision that’s right for them both.
How I love an adult story with adult perspectives! No huge drama, just real life issues (even though one here is fabulously wealthy), and typical ways (pro and cons list) to help solve them.
It’s beautifully written, great characters, has a road trip I wish we’d gotten more of and a sexy red hot costume party … fans self.
I love these men and this trilogy will have me seeking out the series from each author that some of the other characters came from. I’m now a big fan of both.
Yes to recommending this trilogy, and yes to the authors!
Truth or Dare is the final book in the Dare to Try trilogy and should only be read after Dare You and Dare Me.
Lieutenant Kieran Bailey never saw his life anywhere but the bustling streets of Chicago—but then again, he never saw his life with a boyfriend, either. That all changed when he fell in love with bombshell CEO Sebastian “Bash” Vogel.
But it’s one thing to fall in love. It’s another to try to build a life together when you live hundreds of miles apart.
How do you choose between everything you’ve ever known and everything you’ve ever dreamed of?
This series must be read in the following order: Dare You (book one) Dare Me (book two) Truth or Dare (book three)
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 