Tag: Scattered Thoughts Highly Recommended

Review:  Inversion Point (Chaos Station Book 4) by Jenn Burke and Kelly Jensen 

Rating: 4.5🌈

Inversion Point is the penultimate book In this five story series and it’s one exciting, compelling story, perfect to lead us up to the series finale.

It’s so much more about the men’s lives and their pasts, especially the deep trauma that Felix endured as a stin prisoner of war, one that has left an indelible legacy on him with his physical, mental and emotional scars.  It’s also about Zander new life, his own guilt over Felix and inability to help him heal, and the intergalactic interest his return has brought himself and the crew of the Chaos. 

However the authors, Burke and Jensen, paint on both a broad and intimate narrative canvas. They introduced a mystery species that arrived in the shared space that might upset the tentative peace recently achieved.  That’s a huge storyline that’s got a myriad of other plot lines attached to it, suspenseful ones and some full of action sequences and dramatic moments.

That’s the wider scope of the story. But then again there’s the intense emotional component that’s always been the heart of the series, the relationship between Zander and Felix. Here the stress and tension between them and others is at an all time high.  Old boyfriends reappear in important roles, old enemies also return to make the worst memories of Felix’s life return, and the stress of their relationship with everything that’s happening becomes overwhelming.

It’s a white knuckle story, at every aspect, on every level, featuring every detail and character’s deepest traumas.  

The end is absolutely satisfying.

Still has the irritating Fix, Fixer, Flick. Felix usage for Felix but the rest of the story is stunning. Highly recommended. Now onto the finale!

Series – read them in the order below:

  • Chaos Station 1
  • Lonely Shore 2
  • Skip Trace 3
  • Inversion Point 4
  • Phase Shift 5 – series finale 

Buy link:

        Inversion Point (Chaos Station Book 4)

    

Blurb 

Zander and Felix’s relationship has been to the brink and back: the Human-Stin War, imprisonment and an actual death/resurrection. Zander’s death, to be specific, and the experience has left him…changed. The mysterious race known as the Guardians chose to revive him and appointed him as their emissary. A high honor, but he could do without the group of would-be cultists following him around the galaxy.

When a recently discovered species destroys a stin probe, Zander’s new role soon commands all of his time and focus. The human ambassador—Felix’s ex-lover, much to Zander’s annoyance—pulls them into strategy talks aimed at preserving galactic peace. Soon everyone is relying on Zander’s Guardian tech to telepathically communicate with the strange aliens.

Only Felix seems concerned with the strain piling up on Zander, but he has his own resolve tested when the very stin that imprisoned him show up to a summit. Zander and Felix will both have to find a way to face their doubts and preserve their love—while preventing another galaxy-wide war.

  • Publisher: Ghost Ship Books; 2nd edition (August 13, 2024)
  • Publication date: August 13, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 308 pages

Review:  Once Upon a Second Chance (Once Upon a Holiday Story Book 1) by Davidson King

Rating: 4.5🌈

Once Upon a Holiday Story is a new multi author holiday series that has some of my favorite writers as contributors.  It starts out with a warmhearted story, Once Upon a Second Chance by Davidson King, a lovely age gap small town Christmas tale of two lonely people finding love at a time both had given up on love. 

Daniel Laverton lives alone, with the exception of his cat, in Everlasting Springs, a town founded by his family and whose care and responsibility for Daniel still shoulders with love.  He’s grown up there and doesn’t intend to ever leave. That has come at a cost. 

But in this lovely emotional holiday story, it also brings him and a desperate young man together in a time of crisis and seasonal change.

The younger man is Aaron Darwin, someone familiar with loss and survival.  A snowy night brings him to Everlasting Springs, Daniel, and a new journey ahead.

This is a gentle story, with no high angst but the reality of how a person’s life changes quickly. For worse and for the better. The men feel grounded in their circumstances, their lives and the world around them. The community there has the distinct small town feel and the story wraps up in a believable, satisfying way.

I wasn’t sure until I read the description but the connection between all the books will be a traveling library, owned by a older pair of women, clearly in love, The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library. I would have liked a little more information about them in this story. 

I think this idea as a theme and a connective element is so interesting and look forward to see how each author introduces it in their stories.

If you’re a fan of this author and holiday novels, this is a great book to dive into! Check it out and the entire series listed below.

Great covers, every single one.

Cover design by: Sleepy Fox Studio

Once Upon a Holiday series – 8 books:

Once Upon a Second Chance by Davidson King

Once Upon A Mistletoe Kiss by Sammi Cee

Once Upon a Holiday Vacation by Annabella Michaels 

Once Upon a Lullaby Lane by K York

Once Upon a Christmas Con by Skylar M Cates

Once Upon A Christmas Song by Mary Calmes

Once Upon a Yuletide Romance by RJ Peterson

Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice by R L Merrill 

Buy link

        Once Upon a Second Chance (Once Upon a Holiday Story Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Can two men weighed down by their pasts find a future with each other?

Daniel Laverton is a wealthy man who was born into privilege. His family helped build Everlasting Springs, and he spends his days ensuring it prospers. The town is in his veins, the love he has for it keeping him there, happily. In his big house on the top of a hill he resides—just him, his cat, and his past. With middle age knocking at his door and the holidays approaching, loneliness is creeping in.

Aaron Darwin is used to struggling. He lives a moment at a time, traveling in his not-so-trusty car, going from place to place and looking for work. When a huge storm looms, Aaron’s luck goes from bad to worse and his vehicle decides to die. With no shelter, very little money, and a town ahead that is closing down, Aaron has no idea how he will get through this impending disaster.

Perhaps it’s the jingle bells in the air or his own solitude, but there’s no way Daniel can leave the man stranded. When he takes a reluctant Aaron in to hunker down and ride out the storm, the two get more than they bargained for. It is easy for them to see all the reasons they shouldn’t work and overlook all the ways they do, but it is holiday season in Everlasting Springs, a time for miracles and second chances. A time for two lonely men to realize they’ve already received the best gift for Christmas: each other.

Once Upon a Second Chance is a part of the multi-author series Once Upon a Holiday Story. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old ladies in love.

  • Publication date: November 15, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 136 pages

Review:  Flake It Til You Make It (Christmas Falls 2 ) by Beth Bolden

Rating: 5🌈

How I live for the Morettis! Doesn’t matter what series or circumstances Bolden is putting them in on their way to a HEA, it’s a culinary Italian fabulous journey. 

Christmas Falls that imaginary small town that’s all things Christmas is now getting the Bolden touch again in it’s second season as a Moretti has moved to town!

This story was everything. I’m a huge fan of Bolden’s, her ability to create real life stories and relatable characters, pulling the reader into their relationships and circumstances.   But here? It’s a holiday story, where we get familiar characters, heartwarming themes, a wonderful romance,mouthwatering food (wanted that lasagna so bad), and the fabulous Moretti clan.  Be still my heart!

Rocco Moretti has moved to Christmas Falls to carve out his own niche in the Moretti family of chefs and restaurateurs.  He’s bought out a longtime favorite coffee shop, Jolly Java, to make his own and settle down. But things go wrong almost immediately.

Bolden sets up a faked boyfriend story during the holidays but with a twist when the Deputy Mayor Taylor Hall, needs a boyfriend for his interview and Rocco needs helps winning the town back after a goat cheese fiasco.  Let a lovely heartwarming romance and relationship between these wonderful men begin. With the town fully invested.

This romance and the development of the men’s relationship made my night. It’s a holiday hug and a cosy evening reading with the drink of choice. 

Highly recommended any time of the year but especially at Christmas.Don’t miss out on the recipe at the end. 

Christmas Falls, Season 2:

The Snuggle is Real by DJ Jamison Flake It til You Make It by Beth Bolden ❤️

12 Dates of Christmas by Brigham Vaughn Here Comes Santa Paws by Lee Blair Under the Mistle-Foe by Rye Cox Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin No Business Like Snow Business by J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry Frost Impressions by Kelly Fox

Promise Yule Be Mine by Rhys Everly Mingle All The Way by Hayden Hall

Christmas Falls, Season 1:

Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison Snowbody Loves You by Jacki James Get Frosted by Amy Aislin 

Silent Knight by Beth Bolden 

Under the Mistle-Tome by Sammi Cee 

Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox 

No Elf-ing Way by Hayden Hall 

Ready, Set, Glow! by Rye Cox 

Scrooge You! By Brigham Vaughn

Buy link

        Flake It Til You Make It

    

Blurb 

It’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas . . .

When Rocco Moretti gets the chance to buy a coffee shop in a small Illinois town, it feels like a miracle. And in true Christmas Falls tradition, Jolly Java is a holiday-flavored one.

He sets up shop and starts experimenting with recipes. The only problem? His changes go over like a piece of coal on Christmas morning. Instead of serving up cups of holiday cheer, he’s getting a solid “bah humbug” vibe from the town.

He needs another miracle, stat.

Enter Deputy Mayor Taylor Hall.

With the town’s city manager retiring, Taylor is looking to make a leadership move, but his dream is melting because the city council still sees him as an outsider. He needs to prove he’s in Christmas Falls to stay, and what better way than by getting a boyfriend?

Even a fake one.

Rocco needs the town’s acceptance, so why not date the deputy mayor? Faking it till they make it will be a means to an end. That’s all.

But sharing the holiday season wins over more than the town’s hearts. With each date, each mistletoe kiss, and every steamy night in front of the fire, it wins over theirs as well.

Come Christmas morning, there’s really only one miracle Rocco wants under his tree.

For the love they’ve been faking to become real.

Christmas Falls: Season 2 revisits a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie. It’s a multi-author M/M romance series.

  • Publication date: November 15, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 307 pages

Review:  SOS HOTEL: Ho, Ho, No by Adam Vex/Ariana Nash

Rating:  5🌈

Adam Vex decided to give us the tale of how a holiday visit to that famous Swedish store known for its DIY furniture and complicated instructions goes horrifically hilariously and, of course, incendiary sexy, awry.

There’s terrifying gnomes, a weird twists on familiar Holiday mythological characters and general all out chaos.  

And they save Christmas. 

I absolutely adore this series and characters. 

Don’t miss out on any of the stuff beforehand or afterwards, including this.

“HOW TO SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS BY ZEE”

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 – tbd

Holiday release!

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

Buy link

Blurb 

One day, we might leave the hotel for a date or a shopping trip and not be hunted, shot at, kidnapped, and almost unalived by a hoard of gnomes…

Apparently, that day is not today.

My name is Adam Vex, and this is what happened when a day trip to a well-known Scandinavian home furniture store turned into a nightmare for me, Victor and Zee.

No cacti were harmed in the making of this book, but some gnomes were. A whole lot of gnomes, actually. Reader discretion is advised.

SOS HOTEL Christmas Special can be read anytime after book 5 in the series to avoid spoilers.

This book is a NOVELLA, and is shorter in length than the main books in the series.

  • Publisher: Crazy Ace Publishing (November 15, 2024)
  • Publication date: November 15, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 65 pages

Review:  Harbor (On the Wind Book 3) by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes

Rating:  4.75🌈

Harbor, the third in Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes’ fabulous On the Wind fantasy series, is a redemption romance story for two men whose journey we’ve been following for several books.

On the Wind will be my most rec’d series by these authors because of the consistently excellent storytelling, the depth of the characters development, and the emotional journeys they undertake complex, moving, and relatable.  And each new book has made me say “oh, now, this one is my favorite.”

Orestes, of the now dishonored and disbanded Eagle Clan, is a character that has been a staple of the series. A consistent character whose power hungry father destroyed their family and clan, Orestes has been a tragic figure, friend, and needed support for the main characters in the series. But he’s been a bit of an enigma as well.  Here the authors give him the depth of character and history as well redemptive arc his Eagle deserves. I adore this giant thoughtful man who’s lost so much.

He’s paired with another so desperately in need of a redemption story himself. That’s Prince Tybalt, the sulky, beautiful heir to the throne of frigid Urial. His father, King Albany, a ruler is proving himself increasingly unpopular, contemptuous of others, including his son, and untrustworthy in his dealings. But over the past novels, Tybalt’s own actions and behaviors has made him a figure of contempt, someone’s who’s weak and unimportant, consumed by pretty things and his own personal interests. 

But always Tybalt was seen through the perspective of others, his actions and personality reflective by their own history and court status, not that he didn’t earn his reputation.  But here in Harbor, both men unexpectedly find that they didn’t know they could have, a new start, a twist in their life lives and love. All done through an amazing combination of outstanding character development, great story plotting, and a combination of magical powers and a grand romantic arc. 

Tybalt turns into a real man, a person we can trust and love, worthy of the friendships he starts to build.  And Orestes, the Eagle without a Clan, finds a new home, a people who he can fit in with, and a man to build a life together with and love. 

I read this book twice.

Harbor (On the Wind Book 3) by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes is a fantastic story , one I didn’t want to end.  I love the series and hope the authors continue with new books going forward. Especially because I want to see Mercutio get his HEA. Absolutely recommend!

This one may be my favorite one so far. 

Cover art © 2023 by Natasha Snow Designs

On The Wind series:

Sanctuary #1

Guardian #2

Harbor #3 

Buy link

        Harbor (On the Wind Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Orestes father was killed, his clan dissolved, and now, it’s snowing, which is the worst affront of all.

The last scion of the ended Eagle clan, Orestes is sent to frigid Urial to negotiate peace with King Albany, but the sitting monarch has no interest in him, and his son, Prince Tybalt, has too much.

For all his life, Tybalt has been a disappointment to his father and an embarrassment to any lord in Urial with a sense of decorum. Quick-witted and sharp-tongued, Tybalt thrives in indecency, and the new Nemedan diplomat provides the perfect opportunity to astonish court. When his father casts him aside for a new wife and heir, he is determined to take the mammoth of a man to bed. After all, any attention is better than none, even if it comes alongside horrified gasps.

With nothing to anchor him to Urial, Orestes is all too happy to let the prince use him in his play for revenge, but unexpected affection lurks just behind the prince’s roguish smirk. Anything more than a tumble between them is forbidden, dangerous, deadly—but letting the last Eagle sink his claws into him is a risk Tybalt can’t help taking, even if it changes Urial forever.

  • Publication date: November 14, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 261 pages

Review:  Newly Tied (Marshals Book 7) by Mary Calmes

Rating: 4.5🌈

I have loved this series for a long time and was so happy to see another story and couple added to this expanding law enforcement community and universe. According to the author, this is just the beginning of the journey for Del and Lang in terms of books which is appropriate because the beginning of their partnership and romantic relationship is exactly what Calmes delivers here.

We enter as relocated Texan, Delroy “Del” McCabe, begins a new chapter of his life. Del’s in Chicago as one of a group of law enforcement officers on probation as they hoping for the permanent assignment as US federal Marshals. They’re on probation and training under the office of Sam Kage, the deputy chief of the Northern District of Illinois, basically head of all the Marshals in the area. 

Another member of that group is a local Chicago officer, Langston “Lang” Ross, a man whose family and roots run deep and whose connection with Del is instantly apparent and solid.

Calmes delivers an emotional journey of friendship, and emotional connection as Del and Lang go from action packed case to case, exploring their own experiences as relationships as regards to their careers and each other. 

Of course, other Marshals and their partners and families are also involved in this journey and story, a wonderful aspect of the series and Calmes’ writing that sees crossover characters. 

Other elements of the story include Lang’s discovery of his bisexuality or pansexuality because of his love for Del. Del’s recognition and acceptance of the need for therapy for the parental abuse he suffered during his childhood, and Lang’s support for his own PTSD issues. It’s sensitively written and folded realistically into their characters and storylines. 

I love Calmes’ novels and her characters tend to be heroes. Right now I needed to read this.  And I definitely want to read more about this couple and their relationship going forward.

Highly recommended.

Marshals series to date:

🔹All Kinds Of Tied Down #1

🔹Fit To Be Tied #2

🔹Tied Up In Knots #3

🔹Twisted and Tied #4 – Miro Jones and Ian Doyle (1 through 4)

🔹Balanced and Tied #5 – Eli Kohn and Celso Harrington, ballet dancer 

🔹Tied Over #6 – Josiah Redeker and Bodhi Callahan 

🔹Newly Tied #7 – Delroy “Del” McCabe and Langston “Lang” Ross

Covers by Reese Dante

Buy link

        Newly Tied (Marshals Book 7)

    

Blurb 

For the last six months, Deputy US Marshal Delroy McCabe has been secretly pining for his partner, Langston Ross. He’s kept his desires to himself because he wants to do a good job and prove himself at work. More importantly, if Lang were to find out his true feelings, maybe the person he cares for the most might walk away.

Between the understanding and support Lang gives him, as well as time with his family, Del can’t afford to slip up. But then, why does his partner and best friend care who Del sleeps with? Why, if given a choice, would Lang prefer to do anything with him? Maybe Del’s been missing something important, and perhaps Lang’s not the only one who’s not seeing what’s right in front of him. 

Because sometimes the strongest ties are the ones that bind our hearts.

  • Publication date: November 4, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 246 pages

Review:  Raising the Sun (Tales from the Tarot) by Eryn Hawk

Rating: 4🌈

The major arcana card THE SUN.

Another novel in the wonderful series, Tales from the Tarot, Raising the Sun by Eryn Hawk  got off to a slightly slow start but finished strong and fabulous!

Most of that was due to the character of Isaac Miller, a florist down on his luck who summons a demon for a chance to change things up.

At first, Isaac just isn’t that likable. He’s whiny, rude, and defeated.  But his personality and development, especially in tandem with that of the demon prince Ash, just works so well.  It’s  their chemistry and their friendship that makes this both a warmhearted, sexy read. 

Each being/person has a path of discovery and growth ahead of them. What they will realize is that they have needed each other to bring out the best qualities to fulfill their potential together.  There’s no fated mates. Just a relationship that is lovely and meaningful.  And sexy and fun. And full of flowers. 

The Magic Shop and The Owner as an element is minimal at best but I enjoyed how the card was employed during the story.  

I would have enjoyed more exploration of their future plans but where the author left them was satisfying as was that last event. Absolutely loved it.

Another sexy , fun paranormal adventure and romance in this series to recommend! 

Cover art: Fae Quin . Fabulous as always 

Cover design: Amanda Meuwissen

Tales from the Tarot- 22 books 

🔷 Where Fools Have Tread by Jennifer Cody❤️

🔷The Magician’s Heart by J.P. Jackson

🔷Cleric of Desire by Amanda Meuwissen❤️

🔷The Nephilim’s Touch by Morgan Lysand

🔷King of Hollywood by Fae Quin

🔷My Minotaur Daddy: An MM Romantasy by Laura Lascarso

🔷Across Space and Time by Kit Barrie

🔷Chariot of Souls by Morgan Mason

🔷By Rude Strength ❤️by K.L. Hiers

🔷Found in Obscurity by A. M. Rose

🔷Twisted Fates by Adam J. Ridley

🔷No Justice for the Damned by Hellie Heat

🔷The Angel’s Kiss by Nicholas Bella

🔷Death Song by B. Ripley 

🔷Arcanum ❤️by Ashlyn Drewek

🔷The Devil’s Dilemma by Alex J. Adams

🔷Camelot’s Tower by Brooke Matthews

🔷A Highland Gargoyle’s Lucky Star

❤️by Chloe Archer

🔷Trust in the Moon ❤️by Delaney Rain

🔷Raising the Sun ❤️by Eryn Hawk

🔷Zero Judgment by Kota Quinn

🔷The End of the World by Drake LaMarque

Buy link

        Raising The Sun

    

Blurb

Isaac Miller is a failure—in business and life—but he’ll be damned if he asks for help. When his older brother sends him to an occult shop of all things, the cryptic man behind the counter offers up a spell that’ll supposedly lead him down the path of success. Isaac doesn’t believe in magic, but when the incantation causes a demon to show up in his bedroom through a puff of smoke, he may have to reassess his beliefs.

The beautiful yet arrogant menace holds the key to all of Isaac’s desires, but apparently, the morally grey don’t work for free.

Amadeus, ‘Ash,’ is growing weary of his usual mischief and mayhem, and is in need of some thrilling venture to sink his fangs into. When he finds himself summoned to the human realm by a delightfully desperate florist, it’s as if fate has dropped an entertaining new endeavour into his lap. Luring the innocent man into his bed would be one way to cure his boredom, so what’s the harm in pretending it’s part of the deal?

What Ash doesn’t expect is to feel compelled to heal the defeated creature, and discover that doing so might just fill the void in his soul.

Could this accidental summoning turn into the perfect arrangement? Or is the road to happiness paved with malicious intentions and wilted blooms? There’s one way to find out.

RAISING THE SUN is a standalone MM romance with size difference, flower shows, and magic spells. It features a sassy phoenix-demon contracted into helping a human realise his worth and a self-conscious florist who is struggling to keep his crumbling business afloat. It’s part of the multi-author collaboration TALES FROM THE TAROT. This novel is based on the major arcana card THE SUN.

If you want to know more about what to expect with this story, visit my website for a full, in-depth content list

  • Publication date: October 24, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 251 pages

Review:  Winnie Takes Paris (Love and Travels #2) by Lane Hayes

Rating: 5🌈

I just love this and fell deeply under the spell of Winnie Rodriquez as he conquered not only Paris but his wonderful, brilliant professor, Dr. Alistair Creighton.

One of the many things I appreciate about this novel is the absolute joy I can see the author took in writing this. It’s everywhere, in every aspect of the book. The places that Winnie and Alistair travel to and visit while in Paris are all museums, shops, and special spaces that Hayes herself has been and the affection and love shines in her descriptions.  Her views of Paris and the surrounding areas mirror Winnie’s in so many ways in the wonderful outlook and appreciation.  

I can also see the creativity and passion for this story in the outright hilarity of the conversations, dialogue’s between Winnie and Alistair as they learn about each other, that joyful and deeply rooted in how special each is. 

These characters are beautifully real, aware, vividly written, gorgeous characters. I couldn’t look away from the pages and their journey into a relationship and love. And Paris was a stunning background for them to discover that they were perfect for each other and fit together. 

I could see both Winnie and Alistair so clearly, their personalities and clothes were as finely detailed as everything else. 

My one quibble is I wanted more. One book isn’t nearly enough for this couple who’s spread across multiple countries. I would love to see them together again in books to come. 

Highly recommended, along with Raine’s story. 

Love and Travels :

Falling for Raine #1

Winnie Takes Paris #2

Buy link

Winnie Takes Paris

Blurb

The fabulous stylist, the absentminded professor, and a Parisian adventure…

Winnie

Someone once said, when life gets you down and you’re feeling blue, brush yourself off and go to Paris!

Okay, maybe that was me. 

Hey, I don’t regret taking an oddball assignment to assist a British professor abroad. I could use a break from my life as an aspiring hair and style guru in LA. The only worrisome snag is that the professor is determined to do everything on his own. 

Not acceptable. I’m here to help the impossibly smart geek with mismatched socks who just happens to be my best friend’s boss.

No, I don’t know nothing about history, but I’m nothing if not resourceful. What could go wrong?

Alistair

I’ve been called an absent-minded professor more than once. I don’t mind at all. My work is important and living on a diet of biscuits and tea while delving into ancient civilizations doesn’t seem so terrible. But Paris calls. And somehow, I have a new temporary assistant.  

Winnie is a technicolor, whirlwind American with a wicked laugh and the subtlety of a steamroller. He’s brash and ridiculous and…funny, warm, lovely, and—

Oh no. This can’t be happening. I swore I’d never fall for anyone again. 

Winnie can take Paris, but he can’t take my heart. 

Or can he?

Lane Hayes

November 7, 2024

220

pages

Review:  Skip Trace (Chaos Station Book 3) by Jenn Burke and Kelly Jensen 

Rating: 4.5🌈 

Skip Trace had several hurdles to overcome just by being the book that followed Lonely Shore, a novel that was full of huge emotional storylines, momentous moments, and blockbuster payoffs in terms of narrative development and character development.  

Skip Trace picks up after Lonely Shore’s events , which saw the return of Zander Anatolius and the highly emotional reunion that is still unsettled between Zan and Felix. 

Felix/Fix/Flick (this constantly changing name is a frustrating element here) is a man of numerous talents and untold problems. He has never dealt with the time he spent as a POW in a stin prison, the torture he endured and the long term effects that it’s had on him, like his mangled hand. And he hasn’t had time to process emotionally the impact that Zander return, his physical condition and abuse suffered has had on his mental health too.  

The authors do a great job of writing a man who is mentally, physically, and emotionally under siege. The stress is unbearable, he’s not communicating with Zan or Elias or any of his friends/crew of the Chaos and he’s breaking down. 

Zan, who is dealing with his own mental and physical issues, has some of the same challenges in that his own life is far more problematic and complicated. As written, he’s not a type of person who seeks understanding, or in terms of Felix, doesn’t understand the scope of his breakdown because there’s been a severe lack of communication. 

The narrative has this complicated challenging relationship that’s trying to sustain itself amid a tangled galactic conflict between species and the world governing body still trying to hide its experiments on the soldiers.

Skip Trace starts off a with establishing the events of the last book and then dives right into the emotional state of Felix and Zan, and the crew as it tries to accomplish the missions and hold onto both men and their ship.

I enjoy how tough and realistic this story is about the effects of trauma and the need for healing and help. That time isn’t enough to overcome the horrors that war has inflicted upon the world and individual.  Felix the Fixer isn’t fixed. But he realizes that he needs help. And to communicate.

Burke and Jensen don’t forget about the other aspects of their series arc as new characters and development are added to come together in another absolutely satisfying, dramatic climatic ending.  

It’s not perfect. As I mentioned earlier, the ongoing usage of multiple names for the same character is frustrating and often irritating. While I understand that each is chosen to separate a different section of his life and where someone might stand in his life by what they call him, having to deal with a series of names for Felix in just a paragraph is annoying.  It’s book three.  By now this aspect of his story could have been explored and put away. 

Two more books to go and a whole new adventure has just begun. 

Can’t wait and I’m definitely recommending this for all lovers of science fiction adventures and romance. Read them in the order they are written.

Series – read them in the order below:

  • Chaos Station 1
  • Lonely Shore 2
  • Skip Trace 3
  • Inversion Point 4
  • Phase Shift 5 – series finale

Buy link

        Skip Trace (Chaos Station Book 3)

    

Blurb

Zander Anatolius has been revived from the fatal effects of the super-soldier program, but now he has to face his estranged family and tell a story few would believe. With his lover and the crew of the Chaos at his side, Zander returns home to a media frenzy, threats from the military and pressure to join the family business.

Felix Ingesson still struggles with the horror of believing Zander dead. And no matter how strong their emotional connection is, Felix feels out of place in the glittery world of Zander’s rich family. His lover would be better off without a broken, low-class ship’s engineer holding him back.

When the crew receives word that another of Zander’s former teammates needs rescue, Felix travels with the Chaos…setting Zander free. But when Zander is arrested for treason, the men realize they need each other as much as ever—not only to survive, but to make their lives worth living.

  • Publisher: Ghost Ship Books; 2nd edition (July 30, 2024)
  • Publication date: July 30, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 319 pages

Review:  Dead Serious Halloween Special (Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed Book 6) by Vawn Cassidy

Rating:  4.75 🌈

Vawn Cassidy’s Dead Serious Halloween Special delivers that wonderful blend of serious elements and delicious zany otherworldly storytelling that makes this series and the characters such a joy. 

It’s Halloween or Samhain. Obviously. And all our group of fabulous characters, that found family of humans, ghosts, witches, and otherworldly beings will be gathering together for a party. 

But we get an intimate glimpse first into a scene between Tristan and Danny that not only shows the aftermath of the traumatic events from Viv’s death but also how the revelations of the paranormal world has changed Danny’s life.  It’s a highly emotional and impactful scene. Beautifully written and while not a huge part of the story, it reverberates throughout this book.

That’s in keeping with the spirit of the series and how this author weaves all the emotional layers into the narrative and lives .  Especially as what comes next is wildly unexpected and vividly imagined. That’s speaking as someone who never thought that those childhood fairytales were very fun but scary. As they were often meant to be. 

There’s some potentially frightening moments, new characters, old friends reappearing, and happily a resolution that sees everyone safe.  

But not without a dark mention of a “something “  in everyone’s lives that is to be discovered in a new series coming soon.  So a mini- cliffhanger. 

This was a terrific story, I rushed through it because I couldn’t stop reading, from scene to scene. Then again, to get all the small details I missed the first time.  And there’s lots of great stuff in there that moves characters forward in growth and development in their own ways. 

So don’t miss out.  Grab Dead Serious Halloween Special (Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed Book 6) by Vawn Cassidy and get ready for the next series to arrive.

Cover design by Natasha Snow @NatashaSnowDesigns

Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed :

🔹Dead Serious Case# 1 Miz Dusty Le Frey 

🔹Dead Serious Case# 2 Mrs Delores Abanathy 

🔹Dead Serious Case #3 Mr Bruce Reyes 

🔹Dead Serious Case #4 Professor Prometheus Plume 

🔹Dead Serious Case #5 Madame Vivienne 

🔹Dead Serious-Just the Extras 

🔹Dead Serious-Halloween 

Special Crawshanks Guide to the Occult :

🔹The Little Shop of Curiosities Cursed Object #1 – coming soon 

Crawshanks Universe Novellas/ Spin offs (only available from the Vawn Cassidy website ) 

The Grim Adventures of Death & Chan Vol 1

The Grim Adventures of Death & Chan Vol 2 

Blue Thunder 

Dead Serious The True Fan 

Dead Serious Official Companion

Buy link

        Dead Serious Halloween Special (Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed Book 6)

    

Blurb 

It’s Halloween and Chan’s hosting a party at Harrison’s newly inherited occult bookshop. Tristan is looking forward to a night of music, food and fun costumes with his husband and their friends.

What they actually get is chaos on the streets of Whitechapel when they accidentally open the Gospodar, the master copy of all fairy tales and let all of the creatures loose.

It’s not the first time they’ve escaped but this time, they’re determined not to go back.

They’ve only got until midnight. Tick tock goes the clock…

This Halloween special picks up after the events of book five and leads into the spin off series, The Little Shop of Curiosities.

  • Publication date: October 30, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 141 pages