Tag: Scattered Thoughts Highly Recommended

Review: Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Rating: 5⭐️

In a recent group of highly anticipated and majorly media-hyped romance releases, Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry is one that lives up to its promise and excitement.

I’m unfamiliar with the author and wary or is it weary now of the various books being “super pushed , highly gushed about “ on many media platforms, especially prior to release.

These books are often compared to other books and series that are well established , very well written and already have enormous fan support, rightly or wrongly.  Maybe the soon to be published books fit in the genre, maybe they don’t. But pre-slotting them into a category does the book or author any favors. 

Rant over.  Onto this amazing book. 

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry does a fantastic job of capturing a unique world of fantasy and horror, of Kingdoms and magical beasts, of princesses marrying to maintain a balance that’s not exactly what it seems. 

And princes to die for. 

The only thing I’m upset about is I don’t have the sequel in my hands already. 

Devney Perry’s world building is extraordinary, from the perilous waters their ships sail over and the creatures that lurk underneath to the realistic, harsh and beautiful nature of the Kingdom most of the novel takes place in. 

Perry’s descriptions and locations are visually stunning, imaginative and beautifully written. They capture our imagination and its people our hearts moment by moment, as Odessa learns more about her new life and the people around her. 

The characters, especially the main character of Odessa, is engaging and wonderfully layered, leaving her fully aware of her struggles and able to develop her strengths as she grows more aware of the challenges and realities of her situation. 

Less said due to spoilers about the male characters the better as they figure greatly in the narrative plot elements and twists. I’m sure many readers will see the surprises coming but it’s still a very real moment for the story and characters. And worked through with a terrific backstory. 

Is this “spicy” romance? That’s a term I feel is being used now for a wide range of sexual content in a romance novel, including some I find offensive like SA. This story is a long novel that features a true slow burn romance with a kiss and finally some sexual romance towards the end. That’s it. 

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry has left plenty of room for the magical elements and mythology to expand with the next novel. I can’t wait to see what the author has planned for the characters and their journey. 

Highly recommended!

Cover design by LJ Anderson Edge design by Bree Archer

Buy link 

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comShield of Sparrows (Deluxe Limited Edition): Perry, Devney

Blurb 

 Now in development as a feature film with Amazon MGM Studios, with John Wick screenwriter Derek Kolstad attached to write the script!

Don’t miss out on the stunning DELUXE LIMITED EDITION while supplies last. This breathtaking collectible is only available on a limited first print run in the U.S. and Canada, a must-have for any book lover.

Shield of Sparrows is a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros―where enemies become lovers, monsters stalk a cursed realm, and a forgotten princess finds the strength to tear off her crown and become the warrior she was never meant to be.

The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel.

I’ve spent my life kneeling―to their will and to my father’s. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king.

I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood.

But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father’s throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life.

Now I’m crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him―bound to a future I didn’t choose and a husband I barely know.

Everyone wants me to be something I’m not―a queen, a spy, a sacrifice.

But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there’s power in being underestimated?

And what if―for the first time―I reached for it?

  • Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books (May 6, 2025)
  • Publication date: May 6, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 666 pages

— Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Entangled Publishing LLC

Review:  Half Dead (Crossroads Queen Book 8) by Annabel Chase

Rating: 4.75⭐️

I waited until the last book in the series was released to read Half Dead, the penultimate book in the series. That way I could happily breeze right through both books.  Or so I thought. Best laid plans.

Because I keep forgetting that Chase can break my heart, that when dealing with death, demons, ghosts, and the underworld, things happen that are traumatic and I’ll need a break before I can finally finish the books. 

And yes, this ends on a cliffhanger even. 

Still, after I finished sobbing in parts, admiring the sheer artistry of Annabel Chase’s work and plotting, that even a new character that made a minuscule appearance in, yes, an incredible scene, left me absolutely bereft, I was absorbed in Lorelei’s story.  From a totally different angle of an outsider, now Lorelei is firmly connected to the people and paranormal beings of Fairhaven, characters we’ve gotten to know and care deeply about. 

Kane is a huge part of this narrative, and as his and Lorelei’s relationship has evolved, so does any threat to him become a threat to her as well as the town. 

The Corporation continues to expand its presence and entity’s evil impact. It’s truly a fascinating and awful villain. 

Half Dead (Crossroads Queen Book 8) by Annabel Chase is a fantastic book. Only the cliffhanger aspect caused it to miss a 5-star rating.  This hurt my heart, made me realize how amazing the storytelling is, and incredible the characters.

Time for the finale.

Highly recommended!

Great cover art and design. 

Cover by Trif Designs, which has changed to reflect the fact that the word has gotten out that Lorelei Clay is a demigod. So great touch with that head halo/crown addition. Love the castle in the background. 

Crossroads Queen – series complete :

Dead to the World #1

Dead of Night #2

Dead Last #3

Dead Wrong #4

Dead Weight #5

Play Dead #6

Dead Heat #7

Half Dead #8

Dead End #9 – series finale 

Buy link

        Half Dead (Crossroads Queen Book 8)

    

Blurb 

Lorelei Clay wants to play offense for a change. She’s tired of hiding from the past she didn’t even know she had. With a promising relationship and new friends in a small town she loves, Lorelei wants to be free to live life on her terms, without the threat of death or capture hanging over her.

Kane Sullivan hasn’t exactly been hiding from his past—more like he moved without a forwarding address. Unfortunately for him, the boss he tried to overthrow never gave up the search.

And now the former prince of hell has been found.

Kane wants to do whatever it takes to keep his problems from endangering his found family. He knows better than anyone what Lucifer is capable of.

Lorelei is willing to do whatever it takes to protect the demon she loves, but if she can’t convince him to get in the game, they risk losing everything they’ve built together.

When the supreme demon finally makes his move, Lorelei realizes there are some nightmares that even she can’t control.

You don’t want to miss Half Dead, the penultimate book in the Crossroads Queen urban fantasy series.

  • Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC (January 2, 2025)
  • Publication date: January 2, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 288 pages

Review:  SOS HOTEL: Icy Reception by Adam Vex, Ariana Nash

Rating: 4.5🌈 

Icy Reception is another grand slam adventure in the epic fantasy series of the SOS HOTEL characters and their journey through life, horrifying scenarios,  looking for their HEA or whatever suits them. 

There’s so much to quote, hilarious scenes and fabulous moments here. LARPing in the extreme, which is saying something. 

I’ll never think about concierge’s and desk bells “ding, ding, ding ding, ding” without a certain delightfully chaotic demon in mind. He’s needs one, yes, he does. 

I find this hilarious, absolutely entertaining and need the finale in the worst bestest possible way. 

Love this world and characters.

Eye-watering cover design by Ariana Nash All rights reserved.

Cover design by Ariana Nash 

SOS Hotel:

  • For a Supernaturally Safe Stay #1
  • Friendly Sanctuary for the Fiendishly Fabulous #2
  • Sleep with Us #3 
  • Great Service from Top to Bottom #4
  • No Rest for the Wicked #5 
  • Ho, Ho, No #5.5
  • Luxury To Die For #6
  • Your Final Resting Place #7 -ends this sequence of events.
  • On The Road #8 – starts a mini-trilogy 
  • Icy Reception #9 
  • End of the Road #10 – finale / coming May 30,2025

Holiday release!

 SOS HOTEL: Ho, Ho, No by Adam Vex, Ariana Nash❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Buy link

        SOS HOTEL: Icy Reception

    

Blurb 

What happens when you throw a whole bunch of Lost Ones in a posh hotel, sprinkle in some grown humans who like to play dress-up, add a twist of sinister vibes, a quirky treasure hunt, a spooky riddle, and some yummy sandwiches?

Wait. You don’t know? F*ck, me neither. I guess we’re gonna find out.

Some folks will probably get unalived—not our fault. Adam will want to help, because he’s nice like that. And Fancy Fangs is gonna sleep through it—or get his fine ass kidnapped. Because he’s ancient and mostly useless.

Anyway, if folks are dying, why we gotta be heroes? It’s not like we’re famous for saving people. Oh wait… f*ck. Then there’s the whole magic snowstorm that rolls in, and now we’re stuck with Mr. Creepy Concierge, cameras in inappropriate places, and have I mentioned the axe murderer?

Just another day on the road… But so we’re all clear, we’re definitely not on the run.

SOS HOTEL: Icy Reception is the second book in a three part mini-series that takes place AFTER the main eight books in the SOS HOTEL series. If you haven’t read the main books, don’t start here. If you have read all previous books, then buckle up, babycakes. Sh*t’s about to get real.

  • Publisher: Crazy Ace Publishing (April 11, 2025)
  • Publication date: April 11, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 192 pages

Review:  Strike It Witch: The Smokethorn Paranormals Series Book 1 by C.P. Rider

Rating:4.5⭐️

“Thanks for your concern, but I don’t need your protection. I have a mystical cat, an unprincipled gnome with a violent streak, and I have my magic.” Betty Lennox

In my quest for writers and books with new approaches to their main characters and the tropes I enjoy reading, this is a great new find that I can’t wait to share. 

Although the author is a popular writer, C.P. Rider is new to me. The Smokethorn Paranormals is the first series I’ve read by Rider and all its characters and elements have struck a chord with me.  

Starting with the main character of Betty Lennox, a grief torn earth witch, living in a 19 ft Airstream trailer in the paranormal seniors’ trailer park she inherited from her mother.  Betty’s curvaceous, dark-haired reflective of her Mexican heritage, and trying to leave her desert hometown of Smokethorn, California.  But she has to honor her mother’s wishes and legacy and find the right earth witch to buy the property. 

From the paranormal senior citizens in living in the trailer park, beautifully realized and hilariously depicted in a number of scenes, to the desert area around her, the location feels fresh and authentic. A vibrant new world for a series and group of extraordinary characters. That extends to the town itself. 

Rider’s Betty Lennox is a woman so consumed by her loss that she doesn’t even realize how it’s caused her to become stuck in life, a kind of limbo.  Unable to move forward however she tries.  It’s a powerful portrayal of love, loss and grief.  And magic. 

For it’s magic or its absence that a clear sign of loss and grief. 

Betty’s friends, one of whom is a retired necromancer in her eighties, Ada, 

Cover design by The Book Brander”

The Smokethorn Paranormals Series :

Strike It Witch #1

Any Which Wolf #2

Wicked Witch of the Wolf #3 – May 31,2025

Buy link

        Strike It Witch: The Smokethorn Paranormals Series Book 1

    

Blurb 

“Thanks for your concern, but I don’t need your protection. I have a mystical cat, an unprincipled gnome with a violent streak, and I have my magic.”

Betty Lennox is an elemental witch on a mission to leave her desert hometown of Smokethorn, California, for good. But first, she needs to sell the property she inherited from her mother to someone who, among other things, doesn’t mind living in a paranormal seniors’ trailer park in a town where it’s so hot in summer that the local demons head back to Hades to cool off.

She’s also running low on cash to keep up the protection spell on the park. When she’s offered a job to procure a cursed grimoire, one so dangerous the local coven won’t touch it, she takes it. Even though the job comes from a vicious wolf alpha who won’t rest until she’s dead.

To get the grimoire and keep her soul, she’ll have to lean on her partner—a magic cat named Fennel—Cecil, a homicidal garden gnome, a graveyard demon, her retired necromancer best friend, and her second-least favorite bartender in town, who also just happens to be the wolf alpha’s son.

If they can manage to work together without killing each other, Betty just might survive.

For fans of urban fantasy with a side of slow-burn romance.

  • Publisher: VC Group, LLC (October 30, 2024)
  • Publication date: October 30, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 264 pages

Review:  On Wings of Blood: A Dark Academia Fantasy Romance with Dragons & Vampires (Bloodwing Academy Book 1) by Briar Boleyn

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Anything that brings dragons into the story has me hooked. Especially a dark fantasy series written by a new author I’ve not read before. I knew exactly what to expect from the description that Boleyn was incorporating certain popular elements into her series.  

There’s the academy aspect where the main character is forced to attend a school where they are surrounded by enemies. The character is an automatic isolated entity, by their nature and background. And forced into a dangerous situation by their status and often gender and/or species. 

Boleyn does several interesting things here by specifically not delving into the world building of this universe or of  the world that the main character of Medra Pendragon, a person dropped accidentally into a world of vampires. Even by the end of the book, we’ve learned little about how she’s actually arrived or even what the world she’s living on is actually like.

Instead, the author winnows down the narrative focus to the dramatic plot lines and relationships between Medra, vampire Blake Drakharrow  and the members of his family, the formidable and sinister Drakharrow clan. The forced consort relationship between Blake and Medra, and the hidden secrets of Blake’s uncle are well written and emotionally charged storylines that keep the reader’s attention and absolutely invested in their relationship.

The author gives us a wonderful secondary cast of humans and creatures, each interesting and in one case, very fluffy. 

The ending scenes are fantastic! Exciting and shocking. They set the stage for a new scary unpredictable second novel. 

The author has given her readers a trigger /warning  list at the beginning of the book, which I appreciate. Check it out. 

Highly recommended and I’m onto the next in the series. 

Cover Design by Ank Book Designs Interior Illustrations & Map by New Ink Book Services”

Bloodwing Academy:

On Wings of Blood #1

The Bond That Burns #2

The Wings That Bind #3 – June 14,2025

Buy link

        On Wings of Blood: A Dark Academia Fantasy Romance (Bloodwing Academy Book 1)

    

Blurb 

The Booktok, Amazon, & International Bestseller…

#1 in Vampire Romances
#1 in Paranormal Vampire Romance
#1 Arthurian Fantasy
#1 Classic Fantasy
#1 Dragons & Mythical Creatures

★★★★★ “You liked Fourth Wing? Then there’s a good chance you’ll LOVE this story (it’s definitely on my top 5 this year!!). I absolutely couldn’t put this book down.” -A Cup of Tea and a Book Please




What do you get if you mix Harry Potter with Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy, a dash of Arthurian legend, and lots and lots of vampires? Bloodwing Academy.

I didn’t sign up for this.

A half-fae in a school of highblood vampires? That’s a recipe for torment.

I’m Medra Pendragon—last of the dragon riders, or so they tell me. Funny thing is, there are no dragons left. Not a single one. But somehow, that hasn’t stopped the vampires from deciding I’m worth capturing. Now I’m stuck at Bloodwing Academy, where the highbloods run everything and blightborn like me? We’re just blood in their veins, pawns in their games.

But that’s not even the worst part. 

Enter Blake Drakharrow. Cold, arrogant, and way too gorgeous for his own good. He’s been tormenting me since the moment we met, and now, thanks to some ancient ritual, we’re betrothed. He acts like he owns me, but I’m not going down without a fight.

Bloodwing isn’t just a school—it’s a battlefield. Highbloods fight for power, and if you’re weak? You’re dead.

Between deadly competitions, lies that could get me executed, and a dragon-shaped secret looming over my head, all I have to do is survive. Easy, right? Except I’m starting to think the real danger isn’t the academy—it’s what I’m becoming in this twisted game of power.

And Blake? He might just be the one who pushes me over the edge.

They think they can control me. They think they can use me.

But they have no idea what they’ve awakened.

Bestselling epic fantasy author Briar Boleyn returns with a new series perfect for fans of hate to love romance, heart-pounding action, and dark magic.

On Wings of Blood is a dark academia fantasy romance featuring a bully villain with Draco Malfoy energy who (eventually) gets the girl, all the tension and banter, and a tantalizingly dangerous blend of court and school intrigue all set in an intricately crafted world with unique vampire and dragon lore. Bloodwing Academy may have crossover characters from the world of Blood of a Fae, but can be read completely independently. If you’re a fan of original mythology, unique world-building, and character-driven romantasy books such as Crowns of Nyaxia, From Blood and Ash, and A Court of Thorns and Roses, you won’t want to miss out on this riveting new saga.

  • Publisher: Starwater Press (Indie) (October 25, 2024)
  • Publication date: October 25, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 523 pages

Review: Devilish (Park Avenue Kings Book 2) by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

Rating: 4🌈

I’m not familiar with the series but really enjoyed the book. Devilish did a great job setting up the world building and establishing the series characters. 

There’s a strong sense of world building and the intensity of the characters and sexual elements are vividly captured, without being graphic or otherwise exaggerated.

I enjoyed the relationship that was slowly built up between Lucien and Kai. From one of fear to that of safety and finding the right balance between being able to trust and express yourself in a positive and loving manner. Both men are great characters and I love them both.

Devilish has what I’d consider a soft D/s sexual preference to the relationship between Lucien and Kai. The relationship is in its infancy, they are establishing their own boundaries and learning about each other’s preferences within this dynamic. Safe word, the use of “sir”, expectations, are all well defined. So if BDSM or a well established D/s relationship might make you uncomfortable, I think this would work for you. 

Another winner. And a recommendation for those who enjoy spicy intense contemporary LGBTQIA romance with a kink.  Can absolutely be read as a stand alone, unlike other books that have come with the same note.

Cover Design: Hang Le Cover Photo: Ren Saliba

Park Avenue Kings (5 book series)

Savage #1

Devilish #2

Immoral #3

Merciless #4

Ruthless #5

Buy link

        Devilish (Park Avenue Kings Book 2)

    

Blurb 

In a world where everything is within his grasp, love is the only thing that’s ever eluded him.

Lucien Vale is temptation incarnate. Devilishly charming, wickedly confident, and sinfully sexy, he rules Manhattan’s most elite clubs, indulging the city’s darkest desires with a knowing smirk and a whisper of seduction. He’s built an empire, played the game to perfection, and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty when it serves the greater good.

But love? That’s always been just out of reach.

Then he sees Kai Daniels—a man too raw, too vulnerable, and too damn captivating to ignore—being used by someone who doesn’t deserve him. And Lucien doesn’t hesitate. He steps in, knowing full well that some things aren’t meant to be owned.

But Kai’s past isn’t ready to let him go. His tormentor is powerful, relentless, and determined to make them both pay. As the stakes rise, Lucien is forced to become the man he’s kept buried—the one who doesn’t just play the game but makes sure his enemies never play again.

Now, with danger closing in and their connection burning hotter than ever, Lucien and Kai must decide if they’re willing to risk everything for a love that was never part of the plan.

* * * * * *
Devilish can be read as a standalone novel in the Park Avenue Kings world, but for maximum enjoyment, read after Savage.

  • Publication date: April 10, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 306 pages

Review:  Wild Knight (Midnight Empire: The Tower Book 1) by Annabel Chase

Rating:  4.25⭐️

Wild Knight (Midnight Empire: The Tower Book 1) by Annabel Chase is a slow burn paranormal thriller romance. It has terrific world building, and some great elements to its series universe that make it even more exciting.

This world has been plunged into a forever darkness created by Earth’s super volcanoes all erupting at the same time, throwing enormous quantities of ash into the atmosphere that has created an endless night for the Earth. 

Vampires took advantage, taking control over the remaining regions, peoples, and spaces. And protecting their territories from the monsters still emerging from the craters in certain countries not under their control. 

The main protagonist is a magical warrior with a secret. That’s London Hayes, a Knight of Boudica, an all female group of soldiers who do everything from enforcing the laws to acquisition of items, taking jobs their male counterparts won’t. 

Forced by an unfortunate situation to accept a job for the ruling Vampire family, House Lewis, to find a mysterious stone, London now faces another challenge in vampire Prince Callan.

Chase sets a fast pace with the events of the story, the dark atmosphere of the world and several hidden secrets, all vying for the reader’s attention in the narrative. 

There’s also a menagerie of exotic creatures, including a three-headed Cerberus and a raven named Barnabas to help keep us invested in the story and London’s mystery. 

This is a complete series so I’m happily moving to the next book to see what happens going forward. 

I’m excited to make this author an auto read, and recommend the series to anyone who enjoys the trope. 

Cover design by Trif

The Tower series 

Wild Knight #1

Three Dog Knight #2

Deadly Knight #3

One Knight Stand #4 – finale 

Buy link

        Wild Knight (Midnight Empire: The Tower Book 1)

    

Blurb 

SERIES COMPLETE*

In a world of darkness where royal vampires are in charge, I spend my days working as a knight in the city formerly known as London. Instead of a lance and a horse, I rely on my trusty axe, Babe, and ride the occasional dragon. Every day new threats emerge that require a dash of magic and a dollop of attitude.

Good thing I have both.

Naturally danger comes with the territory. What no one knows is just how dangerous it is for me. If our vampire overlords discover what I am, they’ll execute me on the spot—no questions asked—which is why I avoid them at all costs.

Until now.

If only this one didn’t have a lethal reputation, a princely pedigree, and a quest that leads to more questions than answers. The heat between us doesn’t help matters.

Unfortunately I can’t refuse a royal command, so I’m stuck until the job is complete.

And even if the job doesn’t kill me, the truth just might.

If you like humor, heart, a kickbutt heroine and an enemies-to-lovers romance, check out Wild Knight,Midnight Empire: The Tower, the first book in a new urban fantasy series.

Don’t miss all the books in the Midnight Empire world!

Midnight Empire: The Tower
Wild Knight
Three Dog Knight
Deadly Knight
One Knight Stand

Midnight Empire: The Restoration
Endless Knight
Red Rook
Glass King

Midnight Empire: New Dawn
Golden Hood
Twilight Rebel
Midnight Burns

  • Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC (November 4, 2021)
  • Publication date: November 4, 2021
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 244 pages

Review : Enchantra (Wicked Games #2) by Kaylie Smith

Rating:  4.5⭐️

What initially appeared to be a duology, Wicked Games is clearly expanding into a full series with this novel and the addition of the paranormal Silver family to a universe that had focused solely on the Grimm sisters, Ophelia and Genevieve Grimm, and Ophelia’s love Salem. 

Enchantra picks up from the events in Phantasma, a novel where Ophelia Grimm , recipient of the Grimm matriarchal necromancer powers, enters a gothic mansion looking for her sister, Genevieve Grimm , and ends up having to play a sinister deadly game, Phantasma. 

It’s a fantastic story and horrifying game , which ends with Ophelia leaving with a romantic demon love, Salem, and her sister safely out of the mansion. This couple and Salem himself have a great impact on Genevieve’s reasons for her trip. 

Enchantra is a new devilish game, a location, as well as being Genevieve Grimm’s story, all taking place in Italy. Genevieve or Vivi is a complex, layered character. The younger sister born into a matriarchal family of necromancers, Genevieve always felt like an outsider in her world of magical women. The one left to her own devices, the one not given any real affection or sense of belonging. 

Smith builds into her character all the emotional aspects of a person wounded by her childhood and events in her adolescence. When a reader gets frustrated ,as i did, by her impulsive actions, it’s easy to think about the situation and reason behind her reactions. 

This is also a marriage of convenience, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, dark fantasy romance. With deadly games and demonic monsters. 

The Silver family, starting with Rowen Silver the person who greets her at the door and immediately tells her to go, are an intriguing bunch. With each new stage of the game, both the reader and Genevieve will have a better understanding of each of them. 

The world building and supernatural elements are frightening, violent and full of twists. The Silver family, all the many siblings and familiars are violent, terrifying and magical. 

The only member who didn’t have much of a role or well defined character is the father, a surprising aspect of the story.  This factor and one other thing makes me think that the author is waiting for another book to bring him back into this series. 

The ending is fantastic. Emotionally powerful and extremely satisfying. But it also has one strange twist, a element that is a pivotal part of book one and is mentioned a couple of times at the start here, and that’s the fact that Salem’s true name was forgotten by all by terms of agreement.

And yet there’s this ending. I can’t imagine that the author doesn’t keep track of her own notes on important series elements or aspects of characters . So it would seem this too is a big part of the series going forward.

Either way, it makes for delicious suspense and fun for the next novel in Wicked Games. 

Highly recommended.

Great covers. 

Cover design Alexandra Purtan/ Fenix Cover Designs

Wicked Games series: 

Phantasma # 1

Enchantra #2

Buy link

        Enchantra: A spicy fantasy romance (Wicked Games Book 2)

    

Blurb 

Welcome to Enchantra. There’s only one rule: Never, ever trust your heart.

When Genevieve Grimm’s mother is killed, Genevieve wants answers nobody can give… until she receives an invitation to Enchantra, a cursed palace filled with temptations and illusions.

Arrogant and dangerously handsome, Rowin Silver meets her at the door and refuses to let her inside. But Genevieve finds her own way in… And soon realizes her mistake.

Enchantra is a twisted labyrinth of marble and thorns, where Rowin’s family are trapped forever in a deadly game. Now, Genevieve must win or die.

Rowin offers her a deal. They can compete together… if they convince everyone watching that they’re desperately in love.

Genevieve knows she can’t trust Rowin, but she’ll do whatever it takes to survive. As they hunt and hide together, Genevieve tries to ignore the desire burning between them. She absolutely cannot fall for this man. Cannot forget that she’s only pretending to be in love.

After all, it was Rowin who taught her Enchantra’s first rule… Never, ever trust your heart.

Packed with deadly intrigue and spicy romance, Enchantra will transport you to a world of feisty heroines and morally gray love interests, fake dating, forbidden desire and family secrets. If you love books by Kerri Maniscalco, Carissa Broadbent and Lauren Roberts, prepare to discover your new romantasy obsession.

  • Publisher: Second Sky (April 8, 2025)
  • Publication date: April 8, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 443 pages

Review:  Bloodlust Blues (Charley Underwood Book 1) by Luanne Bennett

Rating: 4⭐️

I’ve been searching for new authors and series that offer different perspectives or approaches to certain tropes and main characters I enjoy reading.  

I love a good paranormal or urban fantasy universe that focuses on a different kind of location and a character that’s outside of the usual main character frame. 

So a story situated inside an old local bar & grill where its colorful walls are covered in years of signatures and memorabilia and it’s clientele is a mixture of human and supernatural beings, getting their drink on to tunes on the jukebox? Yes, sign me up. 

A town called Crimson, Georgia where the paranormal and humans have come to live in a peaceful place, sort of. 

Charley Underwood owns the bar, The White Stag, locally known as the Stag, which has been in her family. Her employees are werewolves, as well as a human or two. And her mother, a powerful witch, has recently died. 

Bloodlust Blues sees Charley running a covert blood bank out of her back rooms, using donated vampire blood to help the elderly and impoverished people of town. 

I really enjoyed the story. It sets up the foundation knowledge of the town and surrounding areas.  Bennett also brings in all the characters that will form Charley’s found family and the character that is the potential romantic connection. And his familiar. 

There’s a terrific mystery that involves a couple of murders as well as missing people.  And the introduction of a permanent villain type character too. 

Bennett shows the journey that Charley has to take, as she finds out how magical she actually is. And why she wasn’t trained all along. 

I can’t wait to see her next story and how this character is developed.

A definite winner. 

Cover design Damonza.com”

The Charley Underwood series -complete 

Bloodlust Blues 

Bloodlust Bites 

Bloodlust Curse 

Bloodlust Shadows

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        Bloodlust Blues: A heart-racing and completely addictive urban fantasy (Charley Underwood Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Welcome to Crimson, Georgia. I’m Charley—reluctant witch, and owner of the best bar in town. 

Everyone’s welcome at the Stag—vampire, wolf or human. As long as they don’t make trouble. Or ask too many questions about what we’re selling out of the back room.

I keep the beers coming, and in return the town keeps my secret. But when a gang of deadly vampires shows up at the bar, it’s clear they’re not looking for a drink. They want to take my business. Or my blood.

But this is more than just a shake down. All over town, people are dropping like flies. Disappearing or attacking their neighbors. It’s like they’re possessed. And someone—or something—is pulling the strings.

As if I didn’t have enough trouble, a fancy new restaurant just opened right across the street. And a sexy vampire from out of town seems to think I need protection. I have plenty of dangerous friends already… so why can’t I stop thinking about him?

The whole town is going to hell. Perhaps literally. And it looks like it’s up to me to stop it. 

Discover a thrilling new series that will leave you reading late into the night. With heart-stopping twists and a found family you’ll fall in love with, this urban fantasy is perfect for fans of Annabel Chase, Charlaine Harris, and Patricia Briggs.

Review:  — The Wolf Vs The Witch: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth by Lauretta Hignett

Rating: 5⭐️

What an outstanding book. A full out rollercoaster fantasy thriller. Laura Hignett just decided to take all the writing tropes, including science fiction, paranormal, Supernatural and mythological elements, add on some mystery thriller material and romance and stuff to go boom, and you have The Wolf Vs The Witch. 

This book finally answers the question what happened to Daphne, what’s in her head, and that’s a fantastic story thread in itself, but still manages to keep this aspect of the series and her character still a bit of a mystery that will flow into the next book. 

Hignett’s characters are deeply damaged and traumatized by events in their lives. So we get a Mwf who’s not dealing well with her exposure, her shifter identity, and the clash of opposing traumas from her own past life.  She’s a mean drunk and Dwayne the chaos goose and her enabler Alpha, got his own issues.  

There’s no scenario, no character that Hignett doesn’t focus on or make a real believable mess of, no matter what situation they’re in or the danger they are facing. 

That includes Romeo, his coven, and a new character, his step sister, as well as Daphne, all of whom are chasing down Christopher the powerful witch threatening the world.

There’s no way I’d describe the incredible, somewhat terrifying, often bizarre and always fabulously violent journey that follows, all the way to Greece.   It’s got battle scenes, mythological creatures, and great moments. And twists too. 

Just a superb story. And that epilogue sets up what will be a momentous tale that I can hardly wait to read when it’s released. 

If you love strong women characters, great storytelling, and compelling situations. This is the series for you. 

Highly recommended. 

Book Cover by Atra Luna Graphic Design

Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth:

The Wolf Vs The Vampire #1

The Wolf Vs The Warlock #2

The Wolf Vs The Shifter #3

The Wolf Vs The Witch #4

The Wolf Vs The Monster #5 – May 15,2025

The Wolf Vs Santa: A Little Christmas Mystery

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        The Wolf Vs The Witch: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth

    

Blurb 

“I can’t open up. Don’t you understand? I’m literally a box. If I open up to anyone, this whole world could be destroyed…”

My worst fear has come to pass. A vicious, sadistic witch has seen the darkness inside me, and he wants it for himself. Christopher Jupiter – the man responsible for the Great Suffocation, the reason why thousands and thousands of my people are dead – he saw the evils. And he wants them.

He’s not a powerful witch, but he’s smart. Too smart. He already knows what he needs to do to crack me open. Now, it’s a deadly race against time to find the artefact he needs so I can destroy it.

But I can’t do this by myself. How can I stop Christopher, if I can’t even tell Romeo what is inside of me?

The Wolf Vs The Witch is book four in the Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth, a hot new Urban Fantasy series by bestselling author Lauretta Hignett.

  • Publication date: March 15, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 404 pages