Tag: Scattered Thoughts Highly Recommended

Review:  Magic Outside the Box (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 3) by Honor Raconteur 

Rating: 5⭐️✨

What a great mystery and story! Both sad, satisfying and it will be the story the propels an important element of this series into more development and exploration for Jamie and her closest friends. 

In addition, Royal Mage Sherard, now a close friend and colleague, is here, Clint the talking magical cat, and one of Jamie’s police ducklings, McSparrin, and she’s got Ellie the magician engineer, to soup up the engine of the cars she rides in to go 50 mph instead of 30!

Again, it’s a fantastic formula for a story. Henri is writing his cases but in such a way that the reader can see it published in the future. But his friends, Jamie and Sherard insert themselves into these pages via hilarious notes and even entire sections which he then smartly remarks upon. All in different colored ink. Black ink for Henri, blue ink for Jamie and green ink for Sherard. And if that sounds chaotic, it’s not. It’s remarkably clear whose voice it is and the emotionally tones carry through vividly.

Another sparkling performance from the author and characters. 

Fabulous!

Highly recommended. Highly addictive. 

Love the covers. 

Cover by Katie Griffin

The Case Files of Henri Davenforth (11 book series to date):

Magic and the Shinigami Detective #1

Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) #2

Magic Outside the Box #3

Breaking and Entering 101 #4

Three Charms for Murder #5

Grimoires and Where to Find Them #6

Death Over the Garden Wall #7

This Potion is da Bomb #8

All In A Name #9

A Matter of Secrets and Spies #10

All Fun and Games #11

Buy link

        Magic Outside the Box (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Henri is quite accustomed to dangerous and unusual cases landing in his lap. Being partnered to the Shinigami Detective likely has something to do with it. What he is NOT accustomed to is the queen herself marching into his lab and handing them such a case. 

Former Royal Mage Joseph Burtchell was found dead in his home, all signs pointing to murder. However, it’s in question as to how the murderer accomplished the deed—the house was locked, the wards fully up, and the body bearing a peculiar wound.

It’s a locked room mystery, one with a suspiciously absent murder weapon and lack of suspects. Henri’s left baffled. Jamie’s excited, relishing the challenge the case represents. 

Who’s powerful enough to thwart a royal mage’s wards and murder him undetected?

Review:  Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 2) by Honor Raconteur 

Rating: 5⭐️✨

“‘How upset is our good Queen?’

“Livid, Seaton answered cheerfully.

I’m quite happy about that. Angry women change the world.’”

Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) the oh so appropriate title of book two is a great, emotional story. The mystery hits on many levels as well, bringing in everything from the societal aspects of health care (or lack thereof), the need for better government regulation of magical items and their manufacture, and general police procedures on multiple fronts. 

It’s dealing with epidemics, ignorance, violence and scam artists who have caused unprecedented harm. 

And all while showing how Jamie is still recovering from her ordeal, maneuvering through a society and systems that are designed to keep women from being able to live as equals, and instituting change from a world that is unknown and one she can’t return to. 

New fantastic characters are emerging in continuing important roles, in Jamie’s life and the series, such as RM Seaton, and the notes of each character, identified by color, are highly entertaining and important to the story and influence of their respective roles here. 

How do I love this? Let me count the ways.

  1. Spectacular writing.
  2. Great mysteries 
  3. Fabulous characters that continue to develop 
  4. Found families 
  5. World building that’s incredible in depth and vividly detailed 
  6. Slowish burn ever romance 

Yes and yes! 

Highly recommended. Highly addictive. 

Love the covers. 

Cover by Katie Griffin

The Case Files of Henri Davenforth (11 book series to date):

Magic and the Shinigami Detective #1

Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) #2

Magic Outside the Box #3

Breaking and Entering 101 #4

Three Charms for Murder #5

Grimoires and Where to Find Them #6

Death Over the Garden Wall #7

This Potion is da Bomb #8

All In A Name #9

A Matter of Secrets and Spies #10

All Fun and Games #11

Buy link

        Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 2)

    

Blurb

A dead charm maker is only the beginning. 

Humanity seems determined to come up with increasingly clever ways to murder one another. They seize upon new technological advances in a way that’s alarming, their creativity and blood-thirstiness knowing no bounds.

When a charm maker is blown up inside his own vehicle, for once it’s not Henri Davenforth’s expertise needed: it’s Jamie Edwards’, the Shinigami Detective. Car bombs are something unique in Kingston, and only she has experience with them. But the unique murder takes an unexpected turn when it becomes evident that the dead charm maker dabbled in something he should not have, inciting disastrous results.

The dangers he unleashed upon Kingston threaten thousands of lives and it launches a race requiring not only Jamie and Henri’s expertise, but the Kingsmen’s as well to beat the menace spreading through the city.

Meanwhile, the murderer is still at large, leaving Henri and Jamie to wonder: what will blow next?

Review:  Magic and the Shinigami Detective (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 1) by Honor Raconteur 

Rating: 5⭐️✨

When I found this book and series, I found my new favorite obsession and the reason I’ve had no sleep since as I’ve been binging the series. 

The Case Files of Henri Davenforth has everything I look for in a series, it’s got magnificent characters, outstanding world building, amazing plots, and a format that is just so great and entertaining that it makes my brain and heart stay engaged and focused on the storytelling. But also while being able to admire and throughly be amazed by the flexibility of its structure. 

Yes, may this series never end. 

Science fiction, magical realism, urban fantasy, historical fiction, one of the slowest burn romances ever, outstanding mysteries, and yes, mystical cats . 

All beautifully rendered and crafted with depth and attention to detail that will continue to expand and evolve with each book. 

I’m well into book 5 now. 

Honor Raconteur has used as a basis for her mysteries some real little known murders. See the author’s notes for more information. Then given them a fantastic magical twist. 

The character of former FBI agent Jamie Edwards, kidnapped and brought to another world by an insane powerful witch, who performed experiments on her and others who died. This is the story and series of how Jamie became the Shinigami Detective, and co-worker with Dr. Henri Davenforth, Magical Examiner for the police department. 

Slowly, in a world of paranormal species and time that resembles 18th century America, Jamie assembles a found family, finds a new home, job and future while solving mysteries with Henri. And others. 

She with science brought from Earth and her training as a FBI agent, he with magic and his formidable intelligence. 

The 11th book was released this year and now I’m going to have to clear a bookshelf for this series. Cause’ I need them. I’ll be rereading this series, they are those books. 

Highly recommended. Highly addictive. 

Love the covers. 

Cover by Katie Griffin

The Case Files of Henri Davenforth (11 book series to date):

Magic and the Shinigami Detective #1

Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) #2

Magic Outside the Box #3

Breaking and Entering 101 #4

Three Charms for Murder #5

Grimoires and Where to Find Them #6

Death Over the Garden Wall #7

This Potion is da Bomb #8

All In A Name #9

A Matter of Secrets and Spies #10

All Fun and Games #11

Buy link

        Magic and the Shinigami Detective (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 1)

    

Blurb 

When the Night Foxes boldly break into the Fourth Precinct’s Evidence Building, it causes quite the stir. The break-in is daring enough, but their method shreds the magical wards and protections on the building like confetti paper. To say the police are ‘alarmed’ by this is the understatement of the century.

As a Magical Examiner, Henri Davenforth is of course immediately called in. Quite to his astonishment, Captain Gregson has him work the case like a detective. Even more astounding, he assigns Henri a partner. The Shinigami Detective.

The woman is famous for killing the most destructive rogue witch of the century, and no one is quite certain where she’s from. Every officer in the precinct is either in awe of her or a little frightened by her. Henri is just baffled. What is he supposed to do with a partner?

Hopefully killing one witch makes Jamie Edwards enough of an expert on magic to be helpful, as the thieves aren’t content to just break into one building. They in fact seem to have an agenda, as with each theft, they take magical objects. It’s all mounting to a dangerously powerful magical construct capable of toppling the wards on any building.

And no one has any idea what the thieves’ true target is.

Review: Something to Prove (Smithton Bears Book 2) by Lane Hayes 

Rating: 4🌈

Something to Prove is another lovely sports college romance in Lane Hayes’ Smithton Bears series, a sequel to the heartwarming older hockey romance series I adore, The Elmwood Stories- Small Town stories.

Same area as Elmwood but focuses on college hockey and college atmosphere with its situations, mostly. I enjoyed the flow from the first novel into this book, the use of characters and that pivotal plot to make these characters have their own dramatic moments.

Ty and Walker are both very relatable and engaging characters. Ty especially has a well written and fleshed out family and foundation as well as hockey team that grounds him realistically. 

Walker has a background that makes him a more isolated person. A person who’s been raised by his uncle and his aunt, who don’t live locally, there isn’t much other than the occasional showing of a side character, Robin, to give him the full picture details that Ty has been crafted with.  What gives Walker life are the moments when he (and Ty) share while interacting for Walker’s show. Love the warmth and funny energy that Hayes brings to this. 

The ending is so satisfying and one that the reader can instantly picture. And the epilogue is a great way to see the couple in their lives, happily moving forward. 

Another terrific story in this ongoing series. A winner!

Cover Design by Reese Dante

Smithton Bears – Small-Town, College Hockey Series 

  • One-Time Shot
  • Something to Prove 
  • The Roommate Game – Coming November 2025 

The Elmwood Stories- Small Town/Hockey Series 

You, Again 

Next Season 

Holiday Crush 

Thin Ice 

Hot Shot 

Puck Love

Buy link

 Book 2 of 3: Smithton Bears 

Blurb 

The hockey star, the influencer, and the deal of a lifetime. 

Ty

I’m going to the pros, baby! Deal made, contract signed. Now all I have to do is finish out my final season at Smithton and stay out of trouble. I like to have a good time, but don’t worry, I’ll behave.

What I won’t do is talk to that double-crossing influencer who’s been badgering me for an interview. No thanks.

I know Walker’s type—sweet as pie on the outside, a shark on the inside.

Get this…he wants to make a deal that sounds a lot like a bribe.

Not interested. No way.

But I am curious.

Walker

I’ve never worked so hard for an interview in my life. Ugh!

Look, I get that Ty doesn’t like me. As in…he won’t return my calls and avoids me like the plague on campus.

Too bad. I’m not giving up.

I don’t want to beg, but I’m willing to barter. Every man has his price—and something to prove.

Even Ty.

Something to Prove is a low-angst, geek-jock MM bisexual college hockey romance featuring a hockey star and the adorkable influencer who’s determined to win him over…

  • Publication date: July 29, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 224 pages
  • Book 2 of 3: Smithton Bears

Review: Operation Caldera: PNR/Special Forces/Military MM Fiction (Operation Volcano Book 2) by Annabella Stone

Rating: 4.5🌈

Did I lose it over the turns in this book? Why yes I did.  Had zero clue Stone was going to take the series in this amazing direction.  I’m so excited and in for this series.

If you haven’t read this or are familiar here, author Annabella Stone is taking black ops, military top secret missions, explosive situations, alpha military training forces, fated mates, magic, outstanding use and twists on Irish mythology and lore. Legends come to life. I feel like I’m forgetting something. 

If that wasn’t enough. 

Stone packs her storytelling with a found family of a black ops unit called Volcano. Then starts expanding her characters and universe with Irish mythology and folding in magical powers and fated mates in a way that’s entirely different. It’s pulled together by the steel, strength , and love for the fight for doing the right thing, for loyalty, and brotherhood. 

Stone bridges the worlds between humanity and mythology and makes it powerful and believable in the men and their bonds. To the one they love and to the group they call brothers. 

It’s not without elements that had me asking for more exploration or explanation about some areas. Like what happened to the supernatural training that was supposed to happen. 

However, I’m betting it will be a part of the next book to come out next year. 

But here? The yes, explosive story begins with *Viper* Dare and his rescue of Archaeologist *Ward* Sutherland while on a secret mission with his unit.

It’s one wild and crazy thing after another. I absolutely won’t spoil the twists and surprises but Stone’s rich lush descriptions bring to life such incredible characters and scenes that you can hear the songs, smell the banquet, and take in the atmosphere that Viper and Hank are watching and are a part of. 

Great twists, outstanding characters, and action sequences, vividly captured details and beautiful use of magic and mythology. 

There’s an Irish dictionary for some of the words and phrases.  Loved that. 

I only wish I could zoom ahead for the next book’s release date.  

A fantastic book, grand series and one I’m highly excited to recommend. 

Cover Design By: Golden Czermak

Operation Volcano :

  • Operation Magma #1
  • Operation Caldera #2
  • Operation Fuego #3 – April 30,2026 (argh!) – Reaper’s story 

Buy link 

        Operation Caldera: PNR/Special Forces/Military MM Fiction (Operation Volcano Book 2)

    

Blurb 

𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒, 𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑡𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒!

Navy SEAL Kelvin *Viper* Dare was born to be a frogman. He’s pretty much seen it all over his fifteen-year career, and nothing surprises him anymore. Nothing except an unexpected natural disaster, which sends his team’s latest mission to hell in a handbasket. Volcanic blasts were not even on his radar when he and his men deployed to search for the newest terrorist to dare bring war to US soil. Now he must figure out how the hell he can protect not only his team, but also the American they find deep in the cave system, which offers their only chance of survival.

Archaeologist Howard *Ward* Sutherland was supposed to be on the trip of a lifetime to study the ancient markings found at a cave entrance on an unnamed island in the Indian Ocean. The further into the cave he moves, the more of the witch symbols he deciphers, and the louder the island rumbles and shakes under his feet. He may not be able to see what is happening on the surface, but the sudden appearance of a Special Ops team, and its growly, bossy leader, tells him things are very, very wrong.

When an ancient power stirs and the veil between worlds cracks, they must choose between duty and destiny. Because some doors, once opened, demand more than loyalty—they demand your soul.

Magic, legends, and a brotherhood who’ve been waiting for their High King!

PNR/Special Forces/Military MM Fiction packed with Irish myths and legends, alpha heroes, raw emotion, fated mates, and more.

  • Publisher: Embers Romance LLC
  • Publication date: July 31, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 360 pages
  • Book 2 of 2: Operation Volcano

Review:  Magic Betrayed (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 2) by Kenley Davidson

Rating: 4.5✨⭐️

Magic Betrayed picks up right after the events of Magic Forsaken, the flow almost uninterrupted in the storyline.

Raine is still trying to walk the tightrope between keeping her found family and their past hidden yet work for Callum because they desperately need the funds for food and shelter. 

While the reader might acknowledge the naïveté, it’s also realistic to assume that the hardship and fear has made Raine just as desperate as to accept his conditions.  

Davidson makes us believe in the story unravels on the pages. The suspicions, fears, and doubts, from all parties exist in this shaky political landscape and paranormal world where there has been such turmoil and infighting.

The growth in the relationships, between Callum and Raine, Raine and Kira, and others is warmly described and real. The suspense and action scenes are vivid and well executed.

My only complaint is the last book isn’t released yet so I need to wait until November to see how it all plays out. 

Another recommendation for those who enjoy urban fantasy novels!

Published by: Page Nine Press 

Cover Design by: Trif Book Design

The Dragon of 23rd Street (3 book series)- preceding series 

The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue (3 book series)- incomplete:

Magic Forsaken #1

Magic Betrayed #2

Magic Claimed #3 – Nov 14,2025

Buy link

 Book 2 of 3: The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue 

Blurb 

Well that didn’t go quite the way I expected…

So the short version is, I used my forbidden magic. But weirdly enough, I’m still breathing. Not only that, but I have a job, a great apartment, and a boss who isn’t nearly as grumpy as he wants everyone to think. The only flaw in all this happiness? I can’t leave the Shadow Court. Ever. Which means there’s no way of finding out whether Callum-ro-Deverin hates my guts.

I get it. He’s a fan of law and order, and my very existence is now a crime. That must be why, when he does finally return to the city after the Symposium, he makes no effort to even talk to me. I feel like a fool for thinking we were friends. For considering for even one moment that there might be a spark of something more.

But when a mysterious enemy attacks me and kidnaps my family, I’m left without options. I’m going to need help—powerful help—and I’m going to have to master my unwanted magic as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, the only help available is a gorgeous dragon king who may or may not want to lock me up forever. But if it will save my family from a fate worse than death? I’m willing to sacrifice anything… including my future and my freedom.

Magic Betrayed is the second book of an exciting new urban fantasy trilogy featuring twisty magical plots, gorgeous dragon shifters, plenty of found family, and a smoldering, slow-burn romance. For fans of K.M. Shea, Shari L. Tapscott, and Heather G. Harris.

Review:  Magic Forsaken (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 1) by  Kenley Davidson

Rating: 4.5✨⭐️

Another new to me author, another urban fantasy universe to explore. Be still my heart.  I stumbled across Kenley Davidson when looking for more strong women main characters and found her name among other writers I’ve read and loved (K.M. Shea for example).

Magic Forsaken is the first in Davidson’s The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue urban fantasy series. It’s a direct sequel to The Dragon of 23rd Street , a 3 book series which sets up the world and some of the characters met here. 

However, I haven’t read that series and the author does an excellent job in introducing the series foundation, the issues faced, and world building that I felt secure in my understanding of the story and how the characters were able to use their powers and abilities in the magical system. 

Raine, a former human and prisoner of a psychopathic Fae Queen who experimented on both humans and paranormals alike, has fled, along with her found family of fellow escaped prisoners,to a refugee/safe city. 

Davidson has immediately crafted a group of characters and situations that the reader will empathize with and feel able to relate to. Raine, in her desperation to protect and provide her family for food, shelter and safety is a great figure from the beginning.

And letting her other secrets (as well as those of the small family members) slowly trickle out during the story is perfect for her and the manner in which she has had to live her life.

Callum, the shifter King and his family is another fantastic element. Each of them has a well defined personality and back history, and their relationships feel like a family bonded together. 

The mystery and action scenes are well written. The plot is fast moving. There’s a romantic interest but this is a slow burn, with no real sexual content. More magical action scenes and high adventure. 

I really enjoyed the energy of the narrative and the characters. Definitely a winner!

Published by: Page Nine Press 

Cover Design by: Trif Book Design

The Dragon of 23rd Street (3 book series)- preceding series 

The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue (3 book series)- incomplete:

Magic Forsaken #1

Magic Betrayed #2

Magic Claimed #3 – Nov 14,2025

Buy link

        Magic Forsaken (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 1)

    

Blurb 

I used to be human.

Now? Well, it all started with a fae queen, a stolen car, and a kitten…

Six months ago, I barely escaped the Fae Enclave with my life. Now I’m on the run, in possession of stolen magic I never asked for and in hiding from everyone in the supernatural community.

Just when I think I’ve found a home and a job with the notorious leader of the Shadow Court, I end up squarely in the sights of the newly minted king of the shifters—Callum-ro-Deverin. He’s grim, he’s gorgeous, and he’s my new worst enemy. He knows something is different about me, and if he ever finds out the truth about my magic? I’ll be the first on his hit list.

Thankfully, he’s distracted by the upcoming Symposium, where the leaders of all five courts will be gathered to discuss the danger posed by the fae queen’s magical experiments. But when a traitor threatens to disrupt the proceedings, somehow it’s me and my unstable magic that Callum believes can help him hunt down the threat. No one says no to a dragon, but if he finds out who and what I am?

There will be nowhere on earth I can hide from his vengeance.

Magic Forsaken is the first of an exciting new urban fantasy trilogy featuring twisty magical plots, one gorgeous dragon shifter, plenty of found family, and a smoldering, slow-burn romance. Also a kitten. For fans of K.M. Shea, Shari L. Tapscott, and Heather G. Harris.

Review:  Hexes Fly (Caldryn Parliament Book 2) by Jenny Schwartz

 

Rating: 5 ⭐️✨

Jenny Schwartz’s Caldryn Parliament series is one of those series where the books just get more brilliant and more highly complex as the series progresses.  The writing, the incredible characters, and this labyrinthine storytelling is beyond amazing. 

For those readers who dislike cliffhangers, yes, this book, Hexes Fly, ends on a cliffhanger. FYI.

Also there’s really no romance. Just a fantastic science fiction thriller, multiple magical mysteries, a cast of incredibly powerful multidimensional characters, and enough hidden political agents and agendas for a number of galaxies. 

It all starts with Vanda Kavanagh, the Warden of Caldryn Parliament, who is still defining how she will handle the job of Warden while rebuilding it and restoring the Wards and stabilizing the situation that her predecessors have undermined. 

There’s no way to go about describing the complexities and depths of world politics here that Schwartz has and continues to craft. Utterly brilliant. Contains science fiction, magical systems, mythology and more. And it all works perfectly alongside political and military power dynamics. 

To follow this character of Vanda in her journey, the reader must absolutely start with the first book and continue reading forward. But the path is full of action, but never at the expense of forgetting about the human factor. Here it’s two young people who have to face the consequences of their actions and find their way forward. A moving and powerful element of this book. 

The only drawback? Waiting until the next book is released. 

This is an absolute dream of a book and a new must read for me. Highly recommended! 

  

Cover by Jenny Schwartz . I adore these covers!

Caldryn Parliament:

Stars Die #1

Hexes Fly #2

Rogues Lie #3 – Nov 29,2025

Buy link

 Book 2 of 3: Caldryn Parliament 

Blurb 

The Spring Ball on the first Saturday of Caldryn Parliament’s Spring Term is a night of glamour and power.

However, this year the witch clans are feuding, and when rival clans trade curses in the ballroom non-magical bystanders are the victims.

As people transform into animals, burst into unwilling song, or fall into magical slumber Vanda Kavanagh, the Warden of Caldryn Parliament, is suspicious.

The witches claim they never intended to hurt anyone, and Vanda believes them. So, who is using the witches as a stalkinghorse for their own agenda, and what is it that they hope to achieve?

Most importantly, why can’t the witches undo their own hexes?

If the spells aren’t broken by the next full moon the curses will be permanent.

  • Publication date: July 26, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 346 pages
  • Book 2 of 3: Caldryn Parliament

Review: Fated Mates and How to Seduce Them ( Fated Mates 4 )by AJ Sherwood 

Rating: 4.5🌈

I’ve really enjoyed this series and this might be my favorite one of them all. Watching Ian and vampire Andre navigate through their lives and journey to mates and HEA was funny, sweet and often moving. 

I honestly could have used more scenes of them together shopping for the kids of the home, or Andre using his favorite animated tv shows to teach French.  Or just the family dynamics when Ian got added, it was heartwarming and wonderful.

Unlike some of the other books, this is angst free, even while it does mention some of the worst events with the VSB that happened prior. 

Sherwood’s characters and abilities to craft a story and romance the reader can relate to are excellent and represented by the couple here. 

Another winner and one I’m recommending. 

Fated Mates:

Fated Mates and When to Keep Them #1

Fated Mates and How to Woo Them #2

Fated Mates and Where to Find Them #3

Fated Mates and How to Seduce Them #4

Cover by Katie Griffin

Buy link 

        Fated Mates and How to Seduce Them

    

Blurb 

After Ian Moore steps in to save resident playboy and vampire André Castor from a spiked drink, he expects life to go back to normal. Why, he doesn’t know, but that assumption seems reasonable, right?

Only André doesn’t want it to go back to normal. He’s found a cute, trustworthy human, which is an anomaly in his world. Can’t he just keep Ian?

Ian knows how this game ends, patiently waiting for the playboy to move on…so why is André proving him wrong? 

Tags:

Finally written in order, I treat canon like a buffet but in a gentle way, new ship here all aboard!, fated mates, vampires and humans, stubborn to lovers, sometimes vampires need to be rescued too, André is part cat, Ian has been adopted and has no idea what to do from here, marriage proposal, love at first sight, or at least Crippling Crush at First Sight, Fluff, so much fluff, I’m not even sorry, Casper the kitty, the VSB is on the eternal shitlist, playboy meets his match, Casper the Cat is a matchmaker, say no to drugs kids, unless the drug is love

  • Publication date: July 25, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 213 pages
  • Book 4 of 4: Fated Mates

Review:  Spellbound: An MM Paranormal Romance (Mages and Mates Book 5) by Andy Gallo

Rating: 4🌈

I’ve been fully invested in this series, following the Hollen mages as they found their mates along the mysterious path to saving the World and restoring the failing Great Ward. 

But in this last novel, something has been lost. I don’t know if it’s because it’s been a while since I’ve read the series or because there’s so much “information” packed into the narrative that it’s talky as opposed to action filled, but it’s coming across as a bit dense. 

We miss out on any real relationship building between mage Roderick Hollen and Phoenix Cinaed FionnLaoch because apparently they’ve known each other for decades, known they are fated mates but denied it by the Phoenix King. So when the book begins, they are an established couple but we get no chemistry and no real chance to understand the bond, unlike the other books. 

The characters are just not as relatable because Gallo has so much to accomplish with his story that, pulling off the series storyline, solving the mystery and resolving the issues with the villain and the Great Ward that fleshing out the main characters gets left behind. 

The dramatic climax at the end of the book is fantastic, and it’s absolutely the best thing of the story. Pulls together all the couples and the magic for a fabulous finish to the Ward and answers to the villain. 

The book should have ended there because the epilogue felt unnecessary, and anticlimactic. 

This was a highly entertaining and enjoyable series and that last battle went out with a fantastic bang!

If you enjoy fantasy fiction, here’s a series for you. 

Cover Art © 2025 Alex Corza Published by Gallorious Readers, LLC

Mages and Mates :

Break the Spell #1

It Spells Trouble #2

Under A Spell #3

Cast A Spell #4

Spellbound #5 – finale 

Buy link

        Spellbound: An MM Paranormal Romance (Mages and Mates Book 5)

    

Blurb:

Spellbound

Roderick Hollen met his mate forty years ago. As one half of the fifth guardian pair, Rod knows their destiny is tied to the Great Ward. If it failed before the new one was created, he and his mate will die creating the replacement. There’s just one problem, Ailpein, the phoenix king, has forbidden any phoenix from mating with a mage, and used his powerful magic to enforce his will. No mate bond means no new Great Ward.

Cinaed FionnLaoch burns with frustration at his grandfather’s refusal to lift the mating prohibition. He and Rod have honored his edict for forty years, but now the consequences reach far beyond them. The Earth’s increasingly urgent warnings tell him the Ward is failing, but he’s powerless to fix it unless his grandfather relents. But when King Ailpein vanishes without a trace, he takes with him any hope of lifting the spell.

James Blackstone has spent centuries plotting his revenge against the magical world that destroyed his demon-summoning ancestors. He’s abducted King Ailpein and plans to use the phoenix king’s life force to destroy the barrier separating Hell and Earth. Killing Ailpein will also prevent the new guardians from creating a new Great Ward.

Rod and Cinaed gather the other guardians and race to save Ailpein. But even if they find him, it might already be too late. Their love has survived four decades of separation, but if they don’t reach Ailpein in time, the only way to save the world will cost them their long delayed chance at happiness– and their lives.

Spellbound is a 75K word fated mates romance with lots of magic, sacrifice and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. This is book five of the Mages and Mates series and includes a meticulous plot to destroy the world, proof that love is more powerful than hate, and one very pissed off demon prince.

This is the final book in the series. Reading the first four books is recommended before reading Spellbound.

  • Publication date: July 25, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 276 pages
  • Book 5 of 5: Mages and Mates