Tag: Scattered Thoughts Highly Recommended

Review: The Magical Beings’ Rehabilitation Center: The Complete Series by  K. M. Shea

Rating: 4⭐️

The Magical Beings’ Rehabilitation Center: The Complete Series is a YA urban fantasy adventure series by K. M. Shea that totally entertaining and full of engaging young fantasy characters from all types of mythology and fantasy worlds. 

Comprised of 5 stories that follows a young human high school student, Morgan L. Fae, who stumbles upon the fact that paranormal beings are real, and some even go to school with her. 

One is her substitute teacher, others her fellow students. Subsequently, she finds out about the MBRC, Magical Beings’ Rehabilitation Center where the fantasy world works towards getting their people integrated into the normal human world and everyday society. 

Morgan’s journey to navigate both her sophomore year in high school, along with her crushes, and her new adventures in her first job as a human tutor in the MBRC is humorous, creative, and engaging. 

It’s funny, because she has the ability to make her situations seem realistic and stressful no matter who she is dealing with and what world she’s currently in. 

What romantic relationships here is limited to a hurried kiss and nothing more. 

Adventure, action, fantasy and high school.  Just wonderful. 

 

A another winner from this author who’s become an auto-read. 

Cover design by Natasha Snow

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comThe Magical Beings’ Rehabilitation Center: The Complete Series: Vampires Drink …

Blurb 

Werewolves have fleas. Cyclops need glasses. Dark Elves give villain monologues.

Maybe the magical paranormal world isn’t quite what we expect? 

This special boxset contains the complete urban fantasy series the Magical Beings’ Rehabilitation Center: Vampires Drink Tomato Juice, Goblins Wear Suits, and The Lost Files of the MBRC.

Book 1: Vampires Drink Tomato Juice

Morgan might be losing her sanity. She thought it was a normal day but after witnessing an incident involving a werewolf, a substitute teacher/possible vampire, and a thermos of tomato juice, things get weird. 

A quick train ride later she finds herself at the Chicago headquarters of all things fantastical: the Magical Beings’ Rehabilitation Center. 

At the MBRC Morgan encounters dragons, vampires, elves, centaurs and even the Pooka, a shape-shifter who is too handsome for his own good. 

The MBRC strives to rehabilitate and integrate magical beings into human society. It’s also supposed to be a secret, and Morgan’s accidental initiation breaks every rule the place has. 

Book 2: Goblins Wear Suits

Morgan has settled into a balance between her school work and teaching at the MBRC. But she doesn’t know what she wants after this. 

Her family and friends, including a certain flirtatious Pooka, all have colleges and future career paths for her to consider. Her choices are made even more difficult when terrorist threats are issued by an anti-human, magic-based organization. 

And their main target is Morgan.

Book 3: The Lost Files of the MBRC 

When Morgan decided to stay employed at the Magical Beings’ Rehabilitation Center, she thought her life would quiet down as she started college and developed her career. 

She thought wrong.

The Lost Files of the MBRC is an anthology of five short stories set in the world of the Magical Beings’ Rehabilitation Center series.

  • Publication date: July 4, 2018
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 646 pages

Review:  Pack of Dawn and Destiny: The Complete Trilogy by  K. M. Shea

Rating: 4.5⭐️✨

Hunter Pip and Alpha Greyson are a great couple here. The dynamic between them and the fact that a hunter was adopted by a werewolf pack is a wonderful way to frame out their relationship and story. 

There’s several mysteries that come up during this series that must be investigated even as Pip develops her role within the pack and grows stronger as an individual who must learn what and where she belongs. 

Shea’s excellent work in crafting beloved characters and relatable stories shines here as Pip struggles with her perception of her weaknesses among the group of werewolves and her battles with her own ability to accept her role as pack member.  It’s believable and she’s engaging as she figures things out. Including her relationship with Alpha Greyson. 

Other important characters make appearances here, which is a true joy. Including several who have upcoming series. Watch out for a small black cat!

Shea can write a cook blog or whatever she wants . I’ll buy it. I’m that enamored. One note, if you’re looking for spicy romance, this isn’t for you. 

Wonderful mysteries, fantastic characters and world building awaits within!

Highly recommended. 

Cover Art by MoorBooks Design

Pack of Dawn and Destiny: 

Hunted  

United 

Fated 

Magiford Supernatural City is a registered trademark of K. M. Shea LLC.  

The series in order of reading: All Magiford Supernatural City Universe.

  • Hall of Blood and Mercy: The Complete Trilogy ❤️5
  • Court of Midnight and Deception: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)❤️5
  • Pack of Dawn and Destiny: The Complete Trilogy❤️ 4.5
  • Gate of Myth and Power: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City) ❤️5
  • Magic on Main Street: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City) 5❤️

Buy link

 Part of: Magiford Supernatural City (5 books) 

Blurb 

Ever feel like you don’t belong? Try being a hunter living with werewolves. I’m the definition of “doesn’t fit in”. I’m not Pack, but I’m not the enemy, either.

I struggle to survive among werewolves who are stronger and faster than me, and are competitive enough to break a bone or two for the sake of “fun.”

Greyson, their alpha, is the worst of them all.

Endlessly relentless and twice as deadly, Greyson rules the Pack and expands its territory even though it’s already the largest in the region. I just wish he’d stop interfering with my life. He’s got enough trouble of his own with his incomplete mate bond, but he’s made it his hobby to tease and test me at every opportunity.

Doesn’t my life sound fun?

When wolves from surrounding packs start mindlessly attacking the innocent humans in our city, Timber Ridge, everything changes.

Werewolves don’t turn feral without reason. Which means someone is making this happen, and they’re targeting our Pack.

I don’t like where this is going, but how am I supposed to stop a feral wolf outbreak when I’m just one hunter? Can Greyson and I set aside our differences to see the Pack through this?

With over 38,000 ratings on Amazon and Goodreads, this completed urban fantasy series is packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance that will have you laughing out loud.

The Magiford Supernatural City universe features vampires, wizards, fae, and werewolves! Start reading this bingeable series now!

This bundle includes all three books in the Pack of Dawn and Destiny Trilogy: Hunted, United, and Fated.

  • Publication date: September 21, 2023
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 968 pages

Review: Court of Midnight and Deception: The Complete Trilogy by  K. M. Shea

Rating: 5✨⭐️🌙

If I thought I loved the first series, this is the one that made me laugh out louder, read passages multiple times, snort giggles, and decide , yup chef’s kiss. 

I’m keeping it. 

Truthfully, I’m binging all the trilogies that Shea has written for the Magiford Supernatural City Universe and while all are fantastic, this remains my all time favorite. 

In fact, when the hilarious characters from this Night Court make their unforgettable appearances in the other series, it’s in scenes that make me laugh out loud and want to immediately start reading this trilogy all over again. 

Leila, half human, half fae, is the gift that keeps on giving. Her voice and character development here is exceptional. And every single element that I thought I’d was waffling about turns into something marvelous and magical here in her journey towards finding her own way in the supernatural realm.  

That means turning the Night Court into something totally new, eventually. 

Hall of Blood and Mercy is full of memorable characters, exploring new magical creatures and areas where this Universe has a mysterious darkness that’s threatening all magic and those who are associated with it. 

 Honestly, I’m so in love with K.M. Shea and her Magiford Supernatural City Universe, this great number of trilogies that I hope will have future episodes to bring to life all the areas we haven’t explored yet. 

Highly recommended for all lovers of urban fantasy stories.

This series:  

Crown of Shadows

Crown of Moonlight 

The Queen’s Crown 

The series in order of reading: All Magiford Supernatural City Universe.

  • Hall of Blood and Mercy: The Complete Trilogy ❤️
  • Court of Midnight and Deception: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)❤️5
  • Pack of Dawn and Destiny: The Complete Trilogy
  • Gate of Myth and Power: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)
  • Magic on Main Street: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)

Cover Art by Covers by Christian

Magiford Supernatural City is a registered trademark of K. M. Shea LLC. 

Buy link

 Part of: Magiford Supernatural City (5 books) 

Blurb 

The fae of the Night Court are desperate to find and crown their new monarch before the Court collapses.

I couldn’t care less.

I’ve done everything I can to bury my fae blood and embrace my human half. That changes when some fae nobles show up on my doorstep and announce that I’m the next Queen of the Night Court.

Becoming an unwilling fae queen? Check. Inheriting a terrible mess? Double check.

The Court is almost bankrupt, my citizens’ favorite hobby is backstabbing one another, and I don’t know who I can trust since someone keeps trying to assassinate me.

Speaking of assassins, I get introduced to the best in the business—a fae lord nicknamed the Wraith. His deadly profession means he fears No. One.

The only reason he doesn’t kill me on the spot is he’s a member of the Night Court and the Court’s magic protects me. But that doesn’t prevent him from trading verbal barbs with me whenever we meet.

And if cat herding uncooperative fae while chatting with assassins wasn’t enough, I’m required to get married as part of some archaic Court law. This “queen” gig is the worst!

Supposedly I can choose anyone to marry, but with all the infighting I need someone who is unaffiliated and won’t cause political power struggles.

So, why do I keep thinking of a certain assassin?

Court of Midnight and Deception is a completed urban fantasy trilogy that takes place in the Magiford Supernatural City universe. It features fae, werewolves, vampires, and wizards! 

With over 28,000 ratings on Amazon and Goodreads, and millions of pages read this trilogy is packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a reluctant fae queen and the assassin who tried to kill her.

This bundle includes all three books in the series: Crown of Shadows, Crown of Moonlight, and the Queen’s Crown.

Review:  The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James

Rating: 4.5✨⭐️

The description for this book was the draw for me, as well as another new author to read. 

I’ve always thought of books as gateways to adventure and the way to immerse myself in worlds and places I’ll never get to explore outside of their pages. They are compelling, comforting, revelatory, and magical.

So are the bookstores that are still my refuge.  So you can imagine I find the idea that a bookshop is actually a fabulous magical place is one o can readily accept. And want to read about. 

“Long ago, a bookshop was born – the beating heart of all those who find hope within the pages of a book. With the words penned upon the echo of old forests, new worlds are created. “

The Midnight Bookshop is centered around, yes the mystical bookstore The Midnight Bookshop, and its mysterious bookshop keeper, Fay Livre that appears when 3 complete strangers arrive at a time in their lives when each person is most desperate for a change.

It’s a three person narrative, as we see what dire circumstances each one is facing and how they will meet up, and eventually find themselves at The Midnight Bookshop. 

This is an incredibly complex and often dark story as Jo, Adelaide, and Kye have some stark, dangerous and disturbing elements in each of their lives to overcome and heartbreaking moments ahead. 

Their road to healing and recovery begins through the words of books that choose them through a highly emotional and personal journey in a magical world of books and small group of souls who will be forever friends. 

If I had a small issue, it was that I wish I knew more about Fay and her role but then I guess, she wouldn’t be that mysterious mythic benefactor that she’s so clearly meant to be here. 

I’d love to see another story with her reappearance and a new group of people who need her help. 

This is for all of us who have lost ourselves in our books, who gave our hearts away to characters and worlds of  endless pages and found endless solace and joy amongst them. 

Highly recommended. 

Love that cover. 

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comThe Midnight Bookshop: Your next favourite magical realism book – for fans of cosy, small- …

Blurb 

You don’t choose the book. The book chooses you…

‘A book I was sorry to finish.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A timeless story that emphasizes the healing and transformative power of books.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

–

Long ago, a bookshop was born – the beating heart of all those who find hope within the pages of a book. With the words penned upon the echo of old forests, new worlds are created. 

It’s ready and waiting to welcome all those who know where to find it…

Strangers Jo, Adelaide and Kye are the least likely people to find themselves across the threshold of a bookshop.

But as their midnight book club shows them that a single book can change everything, all three realise that their own stories can be rewritten.

  • Publisher: One More Chapter
  • Publication date: May 16, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 385 pages

Review: Hall of Blood and Mercy: The Complete Trilogy by K. M. Shea 

Rating: 5⭐️✨

I’m finished with two of these series and seriously considering a wall of shelves devoted just to K. M. Shea ‘s Magiford Supernatural City Universe series. I’m that addicted to these characters, their stories, and relationship dynamics that keep me reading until way too long into the early morning hours. 

Hall of Blood and Mercy: The Complete Trilogy by K. M. Shea begins it all with the journey of Hazel Medeis.  She’s a wizard with a tragic past, fighting against those who have taken over her house. A remarkable woman who develops with the unexpected power and help of Killian Drake, Vampire Lord . Vampire Lord and Wizard. What a tale over three books!

And it includes the vampires of Drake house and the wizards of House Medeis, all of which we get to know and love in the coming battles. And intertwined relationships. 

I laughed out loud at the dialogue and conversations. The action scenes are swift and engaging and magical. 

This is where we start to see exactly what and where all the elements of Magiford come together. 

And other characters that will have their stories told appear as well. 

Imaginative, hugely powerful, funny, romantic and full of characters that I will revisit over and over. 

A new urban fantasy must author and universe for me to love and rec!

Hall of Blood and Mystery:

Magic Forged #1

Magic Redeemed #2

Magic Unleashed #3

Connected Sequel series in order of reading: All Magiford Supernatural City Universe.

  • Court of Midnight and Deception: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)❤️5
  • Pack of Dawn and Destiny: The Complete Trilogy
  • Gate of Myth and Power: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)
  • Magic on Main Street: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)

Cover Art by Natasha Snow Designs Edited by Deborah Grace White

Magiford Supernatural City is a registered trademark of K. M. Shea LLC. 

Buy link

Hall of Blood and Mercy: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)

Blurb 

I’m one scrappy wizard.

As someone with barely a flicker of magic, I’ve spent my life being mocked and surviving fights with bullies. But when my parents die in an accident, and I find myself responsible for our whole wizard house and family, I know my usual tactics aren’t going to cut it.

The situation veers from bad to catastrophic when my backstabbing cousin stages a coup and takes my family hostage.

I barely manage to flee, but the only supernatural willing to help me is Killian Drake–the most feared vampire in the region, and a far more deadly villain than the jerk threatening me.

Is Killian sexy and charismatic? Heck yeah.

He’s also so powerful that my flight or fight instincts kick in every time our eyes meet.

But he is also the first person to believe I might have more than just a scrap of magic. And if I can convince him to train me, I might get strong enough to free my family and get my house back.

I’m not sure what happens when a scrappy wizard is taught how to fight by a hall of deadly vampires, but I’m about to find out.

With over 30,000 ratings on Amazon and Goodreads, and millions of pages read, this completed urban fantasy trilogy is packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a vertically challenged wizard and the most lethal vampire in town.

The Magiford Supernatural City universe features vampires, wizards, fae, and werewolves! Start reading this bingeable series now!

This bundle includes all three books in the Hall of Blood and Mercy Trilogy: Magic Forged, Magic Redeemed, and Magic Unleashed.

  • Publication date: September 26, 2022
  • Language: English
  • File size: 3.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage: Unlimited
  • Screen Reader: Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting: Enabled
  • X-Ray: Enabled
  • Word Wise: Enabled
  • Print length: 879 pages
  • Page Flip: Enabled
  • Part of series: Magiford Supernatural City

Review:  Cosmic Captain: An MM Alien Romance (Cosmic Romance 4) by Mars Quinn

Rating: 4.5🌈

Of the 4 released stories in Mars Quinn’s Cosmic Romance series, Cosmic Captain is the one that I feel is the darkest, longest in its exploration of the trauma of the having been kidnapped by an unknown and exploitive alien race, then repeatedly sold to various buyers, who then deeply abused them, emotionally, physically and mentally. 

Although Seth, and Teddy (friends and fellow kidnapped humans) have each had hugely different experiences, it’s Vince who has suffered some of the worst injuries and the longest, having been sold to a galactic brothel, the horrors of which have left him with unending nightmares and in terrible physical condition. 

Quinn wants to deal responsibly with Vince’s reactions to his rescue, his initial shock response, and his tough road to any kind of recovery from his traumatic experiences . And his loss of his hopes for his love for Seth. That’s a lot of work for him and this narrative to carry but it handles this dark load with sensitivity and thoughtful storytelling.

Linked to Vince is Prince Dontilvynsan , Captain of the starship that rescued him and one who can read people’s minds and emotions. His is also a story of a being who has been less accepted because of the gift of his inner fire.  How he and Vince start to support each other and communicate is a fascinating story. It’s so different from his brothers and their mates.

The last quarter or so of the book seems hurried or thrown together, without the solid character or narrative of the rest of the book.  The attacks and return rather than explore the meeting with the Crystal .

But it’s a terrific story and another discussion of how a unique couple finds it bond.

The trigger warnings are a necessity for the book and series. Please read prior to diving in. 

Cover Artist: Etheric Designs

Cosmic Romance:

Cosmic Husband #1

Cosmic Soul #2

Cosmic Castaway #3

Cosmic Captain #4

Buy link

        Cosmic Captain: An MM Alien Romance (Cosmic Romance 4)

    

Blurb 

Nowhere feels safe—except when I’m with you.

Vince

My life has been hell since I was abducted by aliens and sold to a brothel. When Prince Dontilvynsan purchases me, my life changes again. I refuse to believe I’m safe, even though he reunites me with my friends. But a slow trust begins to blossom as he comforts me through the near-constant nightmares plaguing me. As time passes, I wonder if I like Don’s gift—or just him? When I learn I can go back to Earth and forget everything, I have a tough choice. Stay with Don and my friends, or go home and have all that happened to me erased?

Dontilvynsan

I don’t know what about this small human calls to me like no other. His thoughts are always close to mine; I hear his fear and pain. I want to help him in any way possible, even if it means risking myself in the process. When Vince and I grow closer, the thought of him leaving guts me. Can I survive without him? Do I even want to?

This is a spicy stand-alone MM romance in the Cosmic Romance series. It’s an alien romance with a spiky human, a soft alien, overprotective brothers, hurt/comfort, and a happily ever after. This book is for adult audiences only and has explicit content. Content warning inside.

  • Publication date: July 14, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 465 pages
  • Book 4 of 4: Cosmic Romance

Review:  His Mate By Allegiance: MM Mafia Shifter PNR (Lunetti Pack Book 3) by Mel Aitchess 

Rating: 4.75🌈

This series is seriously combustible. And addictive. My biggest regret is the long release lag time in waiting for the next book to arrive. Otherwise, mwah, hot, and *fans self* so in love with these mated couples. 

This one takes it to the next level.

It’s a kinky air powerful witch and even kinkier arty werewolf assassin in mate love. In a forced marriage and suspense filled thriller of a story.

More of Rocco and Emmy! I honestly need them in more than this one book. They are fantastic!

Emilio’s brutal family history has been played out over the previous storylines but it’s damage to his character is front row here. Its meshes beautifully with the shaky history and past of Rocco, so when the magical power of the mate bond begins, it’s also powered by their shared trauma and kinks. It’s sexy, raw, hot and believable for them and the reader. 

Both the Lunetti Pack as led by Alpha Marco and the Elemental Mayhem MC’s, who are led by Blaze, President of the MC (witches), are in well written and impactful roles. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for them going forward. Silas too. 

The vampires were curiously absent this time. I’m betting they will be a huge factor in the next book. 

There’s so many great elements here. From the side families, to the ongoing mystery and drama to that artwork. I want more.

Highly recommended and fabulous. 

Cover by Camberion

Lunettti Pack:

His Mate By Vengeance (Angelo & Vin) #1

His Mate By Resistance #2 (Cal and Luca)

His Mate By Allegiance #3 (Rocco and Emilio)

His Mate By Defiance #4 (Rafe and Adri) – June 12, 2026

Buy link:

        His Mate By Allegiance: MM Mafia Shifter PNR (Lunetti Pack Book 3)

    

Blurb 

The wild in you calls to the wild in me, and if you let me, I will answer. I will always answer.”

Rocco is being punished and he doesn’t like it. He probably shouldn’t have seduced and stalked the police chief’s son, but he’d been bored and no one ever should’ve noticed. His powers as an air witch skilled in illusion are too valuable for the Elemental Mayhem MC to let him go, so they’ve forced him into this sham of a wedding. They’re lucky the wolf shifter is so hot or he’d never go along with it. All bets are off once he can prove he was betrayed.

Emilio spent the last fifteen years away from New Trinity City refining his crafts—street art and assassination—but he’s still loyal to the Lunetti Pack. Unlike his traitor father. He’d do anything for his Alpha. Even marry a witch he’s never met. Coming home for his arranged marriage is the perfect excuse to hunt the source of the dangerous weapons entering the city. He has every intention of being a widower within a year, until he realises his fiancé is his mate. How is he supposed to arrange an unfortunate accident for his husband with his wolf whining about forever in his ear?

His Mate By Allegiance is an MM mafia shifter paranormal romance. It features arranged marriage, fated mates, shadow hands, and other paranormal play, including knotting. There is no mpreg in this world.

  • Publisher: Mel Aitchess
  • Publication date: July 15, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 258 pages
  • Book 3 of 4: Lunetti Pack

Review:  How to Find a Nameless Fae by A J Lancaster 

Rating: 4.5⭐️✨

“On her fortieth birthday, Princess Gisele of Isshia realised she was going to have to save herself.”

This is how I wish all fairy tales started. And the Princess saved herself! Awesome!

How to Find a Nameless Fae by A J Lancaster is an imaginative retelling of  the Rumplestiltskin fairytale, this story is beautifully written and richly filled with fantasy characters that leap from the classic fairytale world and twist themselves into versions, dare I say it, are ones I find more compelling and more long lasting than the original. 

Princess Gisele was the baby bargained for as the price for turning the ability to spin straw into gold by her mother. A complication was that she was never claimed by the evil sorcerer and her life has been one of decades cursed by waiting and loneliness and moments of misery. 

So she decides, after one disastrous experience, to take matters into her own hands.  She’s going to find the sorcerer, break the curse, and make her own way. At a middle age with creaking knees and broken magic.

Gisele is a fantastic character and so relatable. And the growth she slowly experiences and the development of her own personality and magic is richly satisfying and deserved. 

But the “evil sorcerer” who isn’t what’s expected, nor is his sentient house and fabulous cat, add the wonder, empathy and compassion to her story and their relationship with this fantasy universe is absolutely stunning. 

A little drawn out at times, How to Find a Nameless Fae by A J Lancaster is so well written and that ending is so good that I want more fairytales from this author. 

Highly recommended! A really great book. 

Cover design © Holly Dunn

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comHow to Find a Nameless Fae eBook : Lancaster, AJ: Kindle Store

Blurb 

What happens when a first-born bargain goes wrong?

Princess Gisele has spent her life preparing for an evil fae sorcerer to claim her. That was the bargain her mother was tricked into: one royal first-born in exchange for spinning straw into gold.

But it’s been decades, and he still hasn’t shown up.

The unfulfilled fairytale-debt, however, is refusing to lie quietly. When its chaotic magic reaches unbearable levels, Gisele takes matters into her own hands. Terrifying fae sorcerer or not, she’ll hunt him down and force him to stop ruining her life.

But instead of an evil mastermind, she finds the scholarly, nameless lord of a magical house. He wants nothing to do with the angry knife-wielding spinster on his doorstep. 

Unfortunately, the fairytale-debt has other ideas.

Now magically bound to her lifelong nemesis, the only way to break the magic between them is to work together to find the nameless fae’s lost name. Assuming they don’t strangle each other first.

HOW TO FIND A NAMELESS FAE is a cozy fantasy romance retelling of Rumplestiltskin with spice, featuring a middle-aged heroine, a buttoned-up hero, and an interfering sentient house.

  • Publisher: Camberion Press
  • Publication date: June 26, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 390 pages

Review:  Better the Demon You Know (Bedeviled AF, #3) by Deborah Wilde

Rating: 4⭐️

There are things that I really like about this book and elements that are starting to feel a bit drawn out. 

Aviva’s hidden infernal identity is a huge factor in her life, from her own personal experiences with her mother, a high ranking officer of the Maccabees, to her complicated, often rancorous relationships between herself and members of the organization that she works for, including her team. 

Now her struggles involve her demon father and vampire ex-boyfriend, both of which are powerful in their own right and with their own agendas. 

How all these various conflicts and constantly changing dynamics work within their respective storylines are some of my favorite aspects of Aviva’s character and journey. Especially the dangers of the having a father such as demon lord, Delacroix constantly inferring into her life, the real reasons why he’s so insistent are hidden. And that Ezra, who’s co running The Copper Hell with Delacroix, still had his own plans in place for himself. 

Sachi, the best friend and agency teammate is character who has been, if not one dimensional, then maybe formatted. Aggressive, childish, and often with little thoughtful thinking to her personality, she’s been more a reactive individual than not.

Here, towards the end, Wilde appears to allow her some emotional growth. I’m not sure it’s believable given the strength of her personality, and absolute beliefs about demons and where she falls as a Maccabee agent. 

And then there’s Michael, Aviva’s mother. Their strained relationship and  odd working relationship finally got a change in their pattern.  That was a good aspect of the story.

But it’s Aviva’s belief in ,as well as that of others like Silas, the agency of the Maccabees which is straining my belief in their characters , both as agents of extraordinary experience and as people who have seen the extent to which this organization has become a morally grey authority. 

It’s an interesting concept but having these characters either so naive or blind to their own agency’s agendas takes away from their credibility. 

At least for me. I’m sure it will make for great drama scenes later on but it’s not an enough of a well written element here. 

The entire manner in which the Jewish community, their religious beliefs and culture is woven into this series and characters is a huge factor and great reason to read this author and series. 

It’s just amazing. 

A winner and headed to the next book.

 

Cover by: Covers By Christian.

Bedeviled:

Big Demon Energy #1

Demon on Deck #2

Better the Demon You Know #3

Demon in Disguise #4

The Demon’s Due #5 – Aug 18,2025

Buy link 

        Better the Demon You Know: An Enemies-To-Lovers Urban Fantasy (Bedeviled Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Evil has a scent: lemon.

It was supposed to be a routine drug bust. Arrest some magic jerks and move on, but then a fellow operative is murdered, and Aviva is thrust into a perilous black ops mission to disprove corruption charges.

Meanwhile, her half-sister is being blackmailed for being an infernal, and as Avi struggles to protect her, she’s set on a collision course with the one person she hoped to never meet.

And just when she thought things couldn’t get any crazier, her ex drops a bomb about second chances.

Aviva must navigate a minefield of love, betrayal, and powerful Maccabees gunning for her, to expose her enemies—and keep her secrets hidden. But hey, running for your life is good cardio, right?

Featuring a smart, funny heroine and a banter-fueled vampire romance, this wickedly addictive urban fantasy will keep you reading way past bedtime.

Dive in now for a fiendishly good time!

  • Publisher: Te Da Media Inc.
  • Publication date: September 15, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 368 pages
  • Book 3 of 5: Bedeviled

 

Review:  Midnight Smoke (Firebrand, #3) by Helen Harper 

Rating: 5⭐️

Well , what an unexpected surprise! Part murder mystery, part Groundhog Day twists, and all around suspense adventure, this was a fantastic read. 

Harper expertly weaves an important element from Infernal Enchantment (book 2) into the narrative here, one that sees Emma racing through time to prevent the worst possible scenario from happening. 

It’s clever, moments of heartbreak, and stupefying humor. New characters make impactful entrances, and Emma’s romantic relationship with her vampire lord moves forward, eventually. 

I was sure that this was my favorite, then I read Scorched Heart. But this is definitely among my top books of the series. Fabulous. 

BOOK COVER DESIGN BY YOCLA DESIGNS

The Firebrand Series 

  • Brimstone Bound
  • Infernal Enchantment
  • Midnight Smoke
  • Scorched Heart
  • Dark Whispers
  • A Killer’s Kiss
  • Fortune’s Ashes

The Wolfbrand Series

  • The Noose Of A New Moon
  • Licence to Howl

Buy link:

        Midnight Smoke (The Firebrand Series Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Supernatural Squad might be small, but we’re growing in power. The vampires and werewolves of London are beginning to respect me more and I feel like I know what I’m doing – even if I don’t yet understand what I truly am. 

Unfortunately, there might be a few snags to deal with. I’m trying to avoid Lord Horvath, the black-eyed vampire leader who seems intent on a more intimate relationship. There’s also Devereau Webb, who runs a small criminal syndicate and has offered me a mysterious gift that I’m certain I don’t want. And across the span of one single day, supernatural hell breaks loose across the city of London.

A suicidal vampire has climbed up the London Eye.

Three werewolves have hijacked a tourist bus.

This might prove to be the longest day of my life.

Midnight Smoke is the third book in the thrilling Firebrand urban fantasy series.

  • Publication date: November 5, 2020
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 289 pages
  • Book 3 of 7: The Firebrand Series