Tag: Scattered Thoughts Highly Recommended

Review: Not So Silent Night (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 1) by Charlie Cochet

Rating: 4.5🌈

It took me a while to remember who all the couples were in Charlie Cochet’s Not So Silent Night, the first part of her The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas series. But once I jumped into the chaos that’s the found family of the Four Kings Security family and their partners/

husbands known as the Boyfriend Collective, including three dogs, it all quickly came back together. I soon remembered how much I enjoyed the couples and this wild, action packed romantic universe Cochet has created around them.

It’s Christmas and from the perspective of billionaire Colton as he surveys his home he shares with husband Ace, as the group tries to pull together the perfect holiday decorations. It’s obvious that something extra special is needed as it’s just not happening as he’d hoped.

It’s a quickly booked month long holiday to the perfect Christmas getaway, Winterhaven. Which means nothing will go off as anticipated to the delight of the reader and amazement of everyone else involved.

Winterhaven is a Christmas town in need of some miracles, some of which can be supplied by the newly arrived Four Kings security group and the Boyfriend Collective who set out to make things happy and bright!

This is a joyful and sexy read, full of the Christmas spirit, for Colton and Ace, and the other couples joining in the help each other and the town celebrate Christmas. It’s got dogs romping through snow, matchmaking, snappy dialogue, and sexy moments between couples. Just everything we need and love about the series.

I’m hurrying over to the next one to see how the rescue is going. This is a definite recommendation for fans of the series and holiday reading.

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

✓ Not So Silent Night #1

◦ Sleigh It Ain’t So #2

◦ Home for the Howlidays #3

◦ Rebel Without a Claus #4

Buy Link:

Not So Silent Night (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 1)

Blurb:

Escape to a Winter Wonderland with CEO and billionaire Colton Connolly as he embarks on a shenanigan-filled journey in search of the idyllic white Christmas he’s always craved. Inspired by the enchantment of his favorite holiday movies, Colton surprises his beloved husband and their found family with a trip to the captivating mountain town of Winterhaven.

However, beneath the twinkling lights, unexpected trouble awaits. A miscommunication leaves the town in dire straits, threatening to steal away the magic of Christmas. Determined to save the day, Colton rallies his family, ready to overcome any obstacle and ensure that Christmas in Winterhaven is nothing short of perfect.

Join Colton, Ace, and the Four Kings Security family as they embark on a quest to rescue Winterhaven from its frosty woes. Will they succeed in delivering the most unforgettable Christmas imaginable, or will this charming town lose its cherished festivities forever?

* This holiday series is a spin-off from the Four Kings Security Universe. It’s recommended that you read the Four Kings Security series, as well as The Kings: Wild Cards series before reading this series as these are established characters who have previously had their own books. The shenanigans begin with Love in Spades, Four Kings Security, Book 1 (Colton and Ace’s book).

Welcome to the Four Kings Security Universe! The current reading order for the universe is as follows:

FOUR KINGS SECURITY UNIVERSE

“STANDALONES

◦ Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts-Standalone (Spencer and Quinn. Quinn is Ace and Lucky’s cousin.) Can be read any time before In the Cards.

FOUR KINGS SECURITY

✓ Love in Spades-Book 1 (Ace and Colton)

✓ Ante Up-Book 1.5 (Seth and Kit) Free short story

◦ Be Still My Heart-Book 2 (Red and Laz)

✓ Join the Club-Book 3 (Lucky and Mason)

✓ Diamond in the Rough-Book 4 (King and Leo)

◦ In the Cards-Book 4.5 (Spencer and Quinn’s wedding.)

◦ FOUR KINGS SECURITY Boxed Set includes all 4 main Four Kings Security novels: Love in Spades, Be Still My Heart, Join the Club, and Diamond in the Rough.

BLACK OPS: OPERATION ORION’S BELT

◦ Kept in the Dark-Book 1 (Standalone series can be read anytime)

THE KINGS: WILD CARDS

◦ Stacking the Deck-Book 1 (Jack and Fitz).

◦ Raising the Ante-Book 2 (Frank and Joshua)

◦ Sleight of Hand-Book 3 (Joker and Gio)

◦ THE KINGS: WILD CARDS BOXED SET Boxed Set includes all 3: The Kings: Wild Cards books: Stacking the Deck, Raising the Ante, Sleight of Hand, and bonus story In the Cards.

RUNAWAY GROOMS SERIES

◦ Aisle Be There

◦ To Have and Witthold

THE KINGS: ROYAL FLUSH

◦ Dealing Him In

◦ Calling His Bluff

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

✓ Not So Silent Night

✓ Sleigh It Ain’t So

◦ Home for the Howlidays

◦ Rebel Without a Claus

Review: Uriel: Yule Lads Book Two by Macy Blake

Rating: 5🌈

Frosted Gingersnaps! Macy Blake outdid herself! Uriel: Yule Lads Book Two by Macy Blake is fabulous, just another fabulous fantasy Christmas read.

I loved last year’s Sprites finding their mates and reclaiming their magic in Mistletoe Falls but Macy Blake is being extra spicy with her Yule Lads!

The Yule Lads are that tiny bit of naughty to balance out the outstanding “nice” of the Sprites, the naughty falling more to playful pranks than anything else, with a twinkle in their eyes. Definitely up to “snow good”.

But with Uriel, Blake has fun not only with the pranks but with naughty book titles (Uriel owns Ornamentary Books and More). So we get hilarious Riding Rudolf, amongst others, that are shared with fellow book lover, Joe Watson. Joe, who loves his books, also runs the Snowda Shoppe, dispensing seasonal coffees and treats alike. But unlike the Yule Lads, Joe is very human with a human problem. One that comes to town.

Blake brings Uriel and his Joe together in a funny, magical way. It’s got puns galore, a mutual love of books and a slightly naughty perspective on things. Also fabulously , there’s red sparkles of magic coating everything as Uriel realizes he’s found himself a mate in Joe and got his magic back.

This is such a heartwarming romance and punny path to a magical HEA that’s it’s really going to keep a smile on the reader’s face and make them feel like they’re part of the whole Mistletoe Falls Christmas magic.

I hope Blake keeps this going past the Yule Lads, it’s a fantastic place to keep coming home to at Christmas time.

Love the covers.

Highly recommended.

Yule Lads:

✓ York #1

✓ Uriel #2

◦ Leif #3 TBD

◦ Edgar #4

Buy Link :

Uriel: Yule Lads Book Two

Blurb:

His holiday is about to go off-book…

Uriel Lad is single all the way. He enjoys his quiet life in the small town of Mistletoe Falls, running Ornamentary Books and More. This holiday, though, Uriel’s Yule Lad magic is back, which means making mischief throughout the season. It should be a perfect Christmas, until his new friend Joe begs for help with a problem.

Joe Watson loves his new life in the quaint little holiday town he’s come to call home. His happiness is threatened when his ex-boyfriend shows up unexpectedly. In a panic, Joe claims that his closest friend in Mistletoe Falls is his boyfriend—his fake boyfriend who has snow interest in love or romance.

Uriel’s magic is causing havoc in his life, and his pretend relationship with Joe is complicating matters even further. He’ll have to use every trick in the book to save his heart and make sure Joe gets the happily ever after he’s always wanted.

If you love fake boyfriends, magical mischief, and friends to lovers, you’ll want lots myrrh of this sweet holiday romance

Review: Royally Flocked (Blackhaven Manor #10) by Arden Steele

Rating: 4🌈

It’s been a while since I dove into the Blackhaven Manor series. I’ve been enjoying the sequel series , Hunter’s Hollow, so seeing this release brings me back to the original foundation and characters.

If you’re a fan of paranormal fated mates, this series is a great read for you. It’s instant recognition for each being that the one in front of them is their mate. No questions. Boom. Mine. And wonderfully, Steele is able to capture the essence of the moment and passion of meeting one’s fated mate. No matter the species or timing.

With this series, there’s a feeling of building upon the previous story, so that when those characters appear or events are mentioned, the knowledge of who they are and what’s behind the plot is there already. Like former Guardian Thorne McIver , a bear shifter, and his adorable mate, Wren Covey (Grin and Bear It). This pair, a favorite of mine, pop up everywhere. As they do here.

That’s a lot of the fun of the series too.

So Royally Flocked’s fated mates goes straight to the elven court heir, Prince Orrin Nightstar who’s been having nonstop trouble keeping his Guardians because they end up happily mated off his service.

That’s a major problem for the one in charge of the Guardians, one Erus, also known as Cerberus, Guardian of the Underworld.

This is a delightful romp through both the human realm and the underworld, with a scheming Hades nearby. And two fated mates who sexily and happily find themselves together forever.

Royally Flocked (Blackhaven Manor #10) by Arden Steele reminded me why I enjoyed the original series so and that I may have missed a book or two. Going back to remedy this now.

These are terrific paranormal romances, especially if you’re a fan of the fated mate trope. They are quick smooth reads, with interesting plots and great characters. Start with the first one, if you’re new to the series. Enjoy!

Blackhaven Manor:

✓ Purrfect Harmony #1

✓ Night and Fae #2

✓ Dragon It Out #3

✓ Grin and Bear It #4

✓ Pixie Little Liar #5

✓ Dead Over Heals #6

✓ Silent Knight #7

◦ Pain in the Ice #8

◦ Walking a Tight Rope #9

✓ Royally Flocked #10

Sequel/adjacent series:

Hunter’s Hollow:

✓ Angels and Anarchy #1

✓ Beauty and Bad Blood #2

Buy Link :

Royally Flocked (Blackhaven Manor Book 10)

Blurb:

Heir to the throne of the elven court, Prince Orrin Nightstar has enough on his plate without an everchanging Guard. Having lost a record number of Guardians to the wiles of love, he’s beginning to think he might be cursed, doomed to lead others to happiness while never finding it for himself.

It could be worse, though. He could be mated to the Guardian of the Underworld.

Erus—not Eros, thank you very much—hasn’t guarded the iron gates for millennium. It’s cold. Dark. Lonely. And frankly, boring AF. Besides, why should he limit himself when he can outsource the job? Instead, he devotes his time to overseeing the Guardians who protect the royal families.

And someone is screwing up the system.

He never expected that someone to be his own mate. Nor did he foresee the chain of events their meeting would set into motion. After thousands of years of playing by his own rules, the consequences of his arrogance are finally catching up to him.

Now that he has Orrin, the stakes are even higher, and unless he can restore order to the Underworld, his new mate will be the one to pay the price

Review: Under the Mistle-tome (a Christmas Falls story) by Sammi Cee

Rating: 4.5🌈

Under the Mistle-tome by Sammi Cee is the third book I’ve read in the multi-author Christmas Falls series and it’s my favorite one so far.

A best friends to lovers story, here the best friend from childhood is returning to Christmas Falls after a long separation and with an adorable daughter in tow.

Trevor’s cold family life that he and his young daughter, Holly, are leaving behind is sharply contrasted with the warmth and joyful welcome that awaits them at the familiar bookstore run by Trey and his heart warming family. Cee makes that bookstore, Season’s Readings, with its fun kids story times run by Eddie, hustling crowds of book loving people, and general air of welcoming spirit a place of reality for the reader. It grounds us and all the characters immediately.

It’s a place where the men can start their own journey back together as Trevor’s adorable little Holly adjusts to her new home, stealing hearts and scenes left and right.

Through Holly, the reader gets to view Christmas Falls as we should see it! Christmas Falls parades, the magical world of the town spreads out before Trevor and Holly as she sees it for the first time and Trevor remembers why he loves it so and needed to return. And Trey, see his town again and appreciates how special it is again.

This entire story is just a reminder of the importance of the community and spirit of the holiday season, whether it’s a large town celebration or a family coming together, home again in heart and place. Such a joy to read in every aspect.

If I had a quibble, it was the quick resolution for the manner Trevor was treated, and his daughter was treated by his parents . There was a later disclosure about her behavior but it did nothing to assuage the lack of full support from his father or the lack of apologies from either for what was really long term damaging behavior. If this was going to be an important element, then it needs just as thorough and satisfying ending.

Otherwise, a fantastic holiday story, with beautifully rendered scenes and great characters. I love it.

Christmas Falls:

✓ Get Frosted by Amy Aislin

◦ Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison

◦ Snowbody Loves Me by Jacki James

✓ Silent Knight by Beth Bolden

✓ Under the Mistle-tome by Sammi Cee

◦ Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox

◦ No Elfing Way by Hayden Hall

◦ Ready, Set, Glow by Rye Cox

◦ Scrooge You! by Brigham Vaughn

“Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/ M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.”

Buy Link:

Under The Mistle-tome

Blurb:

Hoping to give his young daughter, Holly, the joyful childhood he had, Trevor moves back to the one place he’s always considered home—Christmas Falls.

As happy as he is to be back in the festive atmosphere of the small charming town, it’s nothing compared to how excited he is to spend time with his best friend, Trey.

Taking over the family bookstore in the town he grew up in was all Trey had ever wanted. Until Trevor walked back into his life, proving his childhood crush had never completely faded.

And Trevor’s daughter? Well, the adorable girl quickly claims a piece of Trey’s heart.

With the help of a little holiday magic, these two men and one very determined little girl may get exactly what they need—a family.

Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

• Publisher: (December 1, 2023)

• Publication date: December 1, 2023

• Print length: 188 pages

Review: Under the Mistle-tome (a Christmas Falls story) by Sammi Cee

Rating: 4.5🌈

Under the Mistle-tome by Sammi Cee is the third book I’ve read in the multi-author Christmas Falls series and it’s my favorite one so far.

A best friends to lovers story, here the best friend from childhood is returning to Christmas Falls after a long separation and with an adorable daughter in tow.

Trevor’s cold family life that he and his young daughter, Holly, are leaving behind is sharply contrasted with the warmth and joyful welcome that awaits them at the familiar bookstore run by Trey and his heart warming family. Cee makes that bookstore, Season’s Readings, with its fun kids story times run by Eddie, hustling crowds of book loving people, and general air of welcoming spirit a place of reality for the reader. It grounds us and all the characters immediately.

It’s a place where the men can start their own journey back together as Trevor’s adorable little Holly adjusts to her new home, stealing hearts and scenes left and right.

Through Holly, the reader gets to view Christmas Falls as we should see it! Christmas Falls parades, the magical world of the town spreads out before Trevor and Holly as she sees it for the first time and Trevor remembers why he loves it so and needed to return. And Trey, see his town again and appreciates how special it is again.

This entire story is just a reminder of the importance of the community and spirit of the holiday season, whether it’s a large town celebration or a family coming together, home again in heart and place. Such a joy to read in every aspect.

If I had a quibble, it was the quick resolution for the manner Trevor was treated, and his daughter was treated by his parents . There was a later disclosure about her behavior but it did nothing to assuage the lack of full support from his father or the lack of apologies from either for what was really long term damaging behavior. If this was going to be an important element, then it needs just as thorough and satisfying ending.

Otherwise, a fantastic holiday story, with beautifully rendered scenes and great characters. I love it.

Christmas Falls:

✓ Get Frosted by Amy Aislin

◦ Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison

◦ Snowbody Loves Me by Jacki James

✓ Silent Knight by Beth Bolden

✓ Under the Mistle-tome by Sammi Cee

◦ Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox

◦ No Elfing Way by Hayden Hall

◦ Ready, Set, Glow by Rye Cox

◦ Scrooge You! by Brigham Vaughn

“Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/ M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.”

Buy Link:

Under The Mistle-tome

Blurb:

Hoping to give his young daughter, Holly, the joyful childhood he had, Trevor moves back to the one place he’s always considered home—Christmas Falls.

As happy as he is to be back in the festive atmosphere of the small charming town, it’s nothing compared to how excited he is to spend time with his best friend, Trey.

Taking over the family bookstore in the town he grew up in was all Trey had ever wanted. Until Trevor walked back into his life, proving his childhood crush had never completely faded.

And Trevor’s daughter? Well, the adorable girl quickly claims a piece of Trey’s heart.

With the help of a little holiday magic, these two men and one very determined little girl may get exactly what they need—a family.

Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

• Publisher: (December 1, 2023)

• Publication date: December 1, 2023

• Print length: 188 pages

Review: Grinch Kisses (Christmas Falls #1 by D J Jamison

Rating: 4.5🌈

Griff is a character I met in previous books, largely Beth Bolden’s Silent Knight, where he’s everywhere trying to keep order for the Christmas festivities.

Now Jamison takes him and fleshes him out. We see a man with a failed marriage, teenage kids he never sees, who’s made his job his life and order a safety net for his loneliness.

It’s takes a sister, a fake boyfriend ploy, and a man with a tragic background, to get Griff out of his Grinch-like ways and into a relationship and new life. Same goes for Logan, the friend who agrees to the fake boyfriend deal for his bestie when she invites him home for the Christmas holiday. He’s a well defined character, his own foster background and loss of family coming through in moving glimpses.

The author has written several tough topics into the narrative. Loss of family, fear of abandonment, inability or fear to connect, trauma and loss. Whether it’s fear of what’s gone or what is there to have and can be lost. Again.

How each man is feeling about these important issues, the emotional state of mind is beautifully expressed in scenes, individually and of the men working together to overcome their fears.

The storytelling is so warmhearted and layered with the seasonality of the Christmas events and townspeople as they have their own impact on the growing relationship.

I love the story and definitely feel it’s a must read for anyone who enjoys holiday stories.

Christmas Falls:

✓ Get Frosted by Amy Aislin

✓ Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison ❤️

◦ Snowbody Loves Me by Jacki James

✓ Silent Knight by Beth Bolden

✓ Under the Mistle-tome by Sammi Cee ❤️

◦ Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox

◦ No Elfing Way by Hayden Hall

◦ Ready, Set, Glow by Rye Cox

◦ Scrooge You! by Brigham Vaughn

“Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/ M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.”

Buy Link:

Grinch Kisses

Blurb:

I’m the grinch who saves Christmas …

Yep, you read that right. Every year I save Christmas–and Christmas Falls–by organizing a massive festival that sustains tourism for our little town.

But it turns out when Christmas is your life 24/7, the shine wears off the twinkly lights after a while. The holidays are a heck of a lot of work, and when I go home, I want peace and quiet, not fa-la-la’ing on my porch.

That all changes when my sister brings me an early Christmas gift. One I didn’t ask for. One that’s tall, broad, and handsome…

Suddenly this season got a whole lot brighter.

Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

Review: A Beginner’s Guide to Christmas Miracles by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4.5🌈

It’s the holidays and time for Shannon Mae’s Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures to go all things Christmas! What an absolute blast and ho ho ho happy romance this is!

Mae gives us her version of the Santa origin story this time around with a touch of chaotic demonic energy and angelic joy combined to create happiness and love for children at a certain time of year. That had serious ramifications for one Nachielus (not Nicholas).

I absolutely loved seeing Nach return to the human realm. Mae’s ability to make the reader see the joy and wonder of the season, the warmth and happiness he’s able to bring, is a marvel of its own.

That carries over to the other characters, Beckett, a human, whose love for Christmas is deep and abiding as well as his roommate, who adds to the holiday spirit.

Together, we get a portrait of two beings who are soulmates, completely compatible in every sense of their being. It’s sexy, fun, but also filled with the joy and excitement of the Christmas spirit.

Happily, we get appearances from another important couple too. That’s the frosting or maybe tree topper on the Christmas tree here. As well as hints for a new book and identity of a character that’s been around in the background of the preceding stories.

All in all, a fabulous time was had back in this universe and I have another Christmas story to recommend.

Great cover again!

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures: (Paranormal Romance) :

✓ A Beginner’s Guide to Death, Demons, and Other Afterlife Disasters

✓ A Beginner’s Guide to Mistakenly Summoned Demons and Other Misadventures

✓ A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades

◦ A Beginner’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Demons (A Novella)

Buy Link:

A Beginner’s Guide to Christmas Miracles30Kindle Edition$0.00or $2.99 to buy

Blurb:

Nachielus (not Nicholas) may have gotten into a bit of trouble over unsanctioned miracles, ending up on the upstairs’ naughty list. Sure, maybe he’d gotten a little carried away with the whole Christmas thing, but he hadn’t meant to become a part of folklore, and surely that wasn’t a reason to bury him in centuries of paperwork. Banned from topside and missing his favorite holiday, he gets a push from a certain demon to pop up and have a look around. When he meets Beckett, a Christmas-loving elf enthusiast who mistakes him for the Santa hired for a fundraiser, how can he say no? Next thing he knows, Nach is in over his head again, because this is one human he can’t resist.

Beck’s Christmas is merry and bright, especially after he encounters Nach, the hottie in questionable Santa attire. Nach’s kindness, generosity, and charm have Beck falling faster than a snowflake. With no place to stay, obviously Beck needs to bring Nach home with him. Beck never believed in love at first sight before, but there’s just something about Nach that calls to him, and it isn’t long before he’s trying to figure out to keep this sexy Santa all to himself.

Tags: Beck is living his own Christmas rom-com, complete with a meet cute and lots of Christmas kisses; Nach never means to cause trouble—it just seems to find him (and the reindeer thing was definitely not his fault); Nach has a very loose definition of what constitutes a miracle; corporate Scrooges try to suck the fun out of Christmas (but don’t worry, they don’t succeed); Nach is an angel of joy of fulfillment, so expect plenty of joy… and fulfillment (wink, wink).

A Beginner’s Guide to Christmas Miracles is a 30k novella bursting with laughs, holiday spirit, and a Happily Ever After that even the Grinch would approve of. Get ready for festive chaos, Christmas kisses, and a love story weirder than Grandma’s fruitcake.

— A Beginner’s Guide to Christmas Miracles by Shannon Mae

• Publication date: November 27, 2023

• Print length: 118 pages

Review: Tied Over (Marshals Book 6) by Mary Calmes

Rating: 4.75 🌈

Honestly, a tried and true hero Mary Calmes story was just what I needed at the moment. And that’s what I get in the sixth installment in Calmes’ Marshals series, Tied Over.

I’m a long time fan of this universe which started with another series I no longer rec (publisher issues) and continues into the Marshals series, run by Sam Kage. So many great and familiar characters are staples throughout the storylines that each book feels like a homecoming.

That’s a plus for fans of the series but perhaps a drawback for readers new to the universe and couples. There’s so much built in knowledge and background that accompanies a book in this universe. Even with the details the author provides into their backstory, a reader is still missing out on much of the depth of relationships and past experiences of the Marshals that’s built even into the mere flyaway sentences. Doesn’t mean, don’t read it, that simply means go back and enjoy starting at the beginning.

Why? Because of getting to enjoy the thrill of the journey to love and happiness with the Marshal or usually Marshals that make up the couple of the novel.

That glorious Mary Calmes knight in shining armor character who everyone loves, who in this case is US Deputy Marshal Josiah Redeker, aka Jed. He’s the perfect example of why I read and love this author. He’s a typical Calmes hero. He saves the day every time. He saves small children from bad men, he takes down really evil people, he saves dogs, and most importantly, he saves his partner and love of his life from making a bad decision.

And Calmes has Jed do all this with heart stopping action, poignant scenes, moving moments, children so realistic and fragile is scary, and scenes just plain raw that you know you’re going to be rereading the book as soon as it’s finished.

And it’s not just Jed, it’s his partner US Deputy Marshal Bodhi Callahan, the other half of him. This is not the first time that the reader has met this couple if you’ve been following the series as they’ve appeared in other books.

They’ve been partners for years, in love for years, in a relationship that’s been personally rough for them at times, but always partners, even when assigned babysitting duties to other baby Marshals. Both characters are fully realized, with a deep sense of connection that the author makes the reader feel so invested in.

Calmes pulls us in immediately into various dramatic scenes, giving the readers the details on the law enforcement scenes and the personal lives of the main characters so once we enter, it’s one fast paced read to the emotional satisfying end.

I was thrilled at the way the story went and how the couple had grown back together and gotten the ending they deserved.

Just exactly what I needed as well. This is why I read Mary Calmes and will continue to make her a go to author.

Haven’t read this series? Check out the list below.

Marshals:

✓ All Kinds of Tied Down #1

✓ Fit To Be Tied #2

✓ Tied Up In Knots #3

✓ Twisted and Tied #4

✓ Balanced and Tied #5

✓ Tied Down #6

Buy Link:

Tied Over (Marshals Book 6)

Blurb:

Josiah Redeker has been tied up, tied down, and just plain tied to Bodhi Callahan since the younger marshal was paired with him five years ago. It was an easy slide from partners to best friends, and though Bodhi wanted more, Josiah thought Bodhi could do far better than him. That made for a bumpy ride, and, of course, the moment Josiah realized that trying to live without the man he loved more than anything was not something he could do, that was when Bodhi broke the big news that he was getting married. Adding to that nightmare, they got reassigned as partners because other people needed them more.

It’s a disaster all around, and all Josiah sees ahead of him is pain—and not only from getting shot.

But what he thinks he knows for sure isn’t exactly all there is. Turns out, he’s not the only one who’s missing his touchstone, and Bodhi might be fraying at the edges, coming undone. When two people have been tied together over and over for so long, it’s not so easy to get loose. And maybe neither wants to be free of the other, and that could be their future, as long as no one comes between them… with a gun.

• Publisher: (November 28, 2023)

• Publication date: November 28, 2023

• Print length: 258 pages

Review: York: Yule Lads Book One by Macy Blake

Rating: 5🌈

“Frosted snickerdoodle antlers!”

And it’s back to Mistletoe Falls after last year’s terrific Christmas Sprites Series, but this time it’s the Sprites counterparts, the Yule Lads getting back their magic and mates.

York, the first Yule Lad we meet, is Christmas Falls mechanic. A mixture of grumbly mischief with a deep love for his cousins, and an appreciation for the weirdness of his town, he’s just perfect. I adore him and all the quirky little elements that Blake layered into him, carrot fondness included.

He’s balanced with the relatable human Gabriel Baum and his adorable corgi, Bogie, who has come to Christmas Falls to sell his beautiful hand crafted gifts and ornaments at the annual Christmas fair. Gabe is in desperate need of some help and maybe even some magic. He’s got a sad backstory but he’s landed in a town that is warm and welcoming.

Love this town and its inhabitants. More please.

Macy Blake has written a delightful, heartwarming story that has all the holiday charm and great elements woven into a perfect fantasy romance. It sparkles with magical moments and scenes of comfort as well as ones of comedy.

What a great start in a short Christmas present! I can’t wait to see what Uriel’s story brings.

Highly recommended.

Yule Lads:

✓ York #1

◦ Uriel #2 – December 7,2023

Buy Link:

York: Yule Lads Book One

Blurb:

Naughty but nice…

York Lad is stunned when his magic unexpectedly returns, but he’s ready to bring a little mischief to the small town of Mistletoe Falls. Along with his cousins, the other Yule Lads, York has spent the last year planning pranks to add their version of holiday cheer to the season.

Gabriel Baum needs to succeed at Mistletoe Falls annual craft fair. He doesn’t expect for the town’s quirky residents to embrace him with open arms, especially York, the town’s mechanic. When his beloved vehicle breaks down, Gabriel is stranded unless York can save him from certain doom.

York may not have been expecting to lose his heart over the holidays, but with his magic sparkling in the air and the man of his dreams at his side, he has a few new reasons to love the season…if his Yule Lad magic doesn’t get up to snow good.

If you love small towns, mischief makers, and holiday magic, your heart will melt over this feel-good Christmas romance.

The Chosen Universe is a group of interconnected series set in one universe. There is some overlap to the series, so it’s recommended to read the books in order. You can download a FREE reading order guide by clicking here

Sweet Nothings: The Chosen One Prequel–When Sam Baker discovers a small child at his backdoor, he learns that a world of magic and shifters exists all around him—including the alpha werewolf he had a one night stand with years before.

The Chosen One Series–The mythical Chosen One is set to return with his eight guardians and correct the magical wrongs done centuries before.

Hellhound Champions Series–As the champions of the fire goddess, the hellhounds have one task: keep the secret of the supernatural world safe.

Magical Mates Series–After the Chosen One returns, magic is in the air, and shifters are finally finding their fated mates… with a little help on the side.

Chosen Champions Series–With the magical realm in chaos, a new set of champions emerges to keep the human world secure.

Cosmo and the King–Cosmo never told any of his friends in the human realm that he ran away on his wedding day, leaving his king at the alter. Now Silenus has to track down Cosmo and convince him that they are meant for each other, even though his stubborn fiancé seems determined to challenge him at every turn.

Christmas Sprites Series–With magic in the human realm on the fritz, four Christmas Sprites find themselves trying to keep the Christmas spirit alive in Mistletoe Falls… and finding love along the way.

Yule Lads Series–You better watch out… the Yule Lads are coming to Mistletoe Falls this holiday season! A follow up to the pun-filled Christmas Sprites series, prepare for mischief, mayhem, and maybe a little love in time for Yule. If you prefer to read in chronological order, check out the Chosen Universe Box Sets

— York: Yule Lads Book One by Macy Blake

Review: Rise (Wings ‘N’ Wands, #2) by A. J. Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake

Rating: 4🌈

I loved Ruins, the preceding book, where Sam and Dimitri found out they were not only soulmates but located the ruins of the mysterious and previously thought lost Sousa clan. Now comes the exciting adventures to explore the ramifications of those ruins and the clan they belong to.

Sherwood and Drake have packed a lot into this book. It easily could taken two stories to tell just because of the narrative ground it has to cover along with the complexity of the romance of the novel. That’s where I’m not sure all the elements came out equally well conceived for me given the potential of the concepts and emotions involved.

First the romance. That has been something that has been around for a while. The relationship between the two dragons, Luka and Vassily, which is unique when the mate combination is dragon/mage, not dragon/dragon. So their relationship has been fraught with fears for one of them finding a mate and tearing the couple apart, a thread from other stories. So potentially heartbreaking.

It continues here when a voice calls to both in dreams, asking them to save him. Amaura Sousa, a mage who needs their help to wake him and the rest of his clan from a 500 year old sleep. The Sousa clan’s spirit and strength lies in their love of creating new science and technology merged with magic, which in this case also has been the basis of their long slumber.

The romance/mate bond between Luka/Vassily/Amaura of this book is one the aspects that frustrated me the most of the storylines. One of the best but most frustrating. It always comes down to communication for me and the fact that the characters don’t seem to talk to each other. That’s become an almost a flag for as a reader in books so it takes a lot in a story for me to stay connected and continue reading.

Luckily, the authors do have other characters step in and help clarify the issues but , good grief, that’s a lot of work for some charming characters.

Both Sherwood and Drake built some imaginative magical clan history and new knowledge with the retrieved Sousa clan. I could have spent chapters more on the breaking of that spell, waking everyone up to a new era and reordering of dragon/mage dynamics.

Then only to give the reader brief moments and glimpses into what the Sousa city, ruin’s magical rebirth included, well, there’s even more possibilities and potential I feel was left out of the story, scenes I wanted to read and feel a part of. Mostly because what we were given were so special and fascinating that I was absolutely invested into them.

And then there’s Sam who with his broken core, started the search for the Sousa to begin with. Sam’s story and his role is so emotionally important. He’s the heart and hero, and I wanted his happiness and heroics to get the best scenario possible. The authors came so so close. I guess they couldn’t have explosions. But again, Sam and Dimitri could have had chapters to finish off their well deserved section of this tale.

Rise (Wings ‘N’ Wands, #2) by A. J. Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake was a case of a bunch of wonderful ideas, imaginative elements, mixed with great characters but just not having enough page time or narrative space to give them all the attention they deserve.

I had a fabulously entertaining time reading it and look forward to the next.

Scales ’N’ Spells Series

✓ Origin #1

✓ Breath #2

✓ Wish: A Novella #3

✓ Blood #4

✓ Embers #5

Wings ’N’ Wands :

✓ Dawn: A Prequel Novella (Ha Na and King Rodrigo)

✓ Ruins #1 – Sam and Dimitri’s book

✓ Rise #2

◦ Soar (coming in 2024!)

Buy Link

Rise (Wings ‘N’ Wands Book 2)

Blurb:

For the record, putting the Sousa clan to sleep for five hundred years is not Amaru’s fault.

At least he’s found his two, count ‘em two sexy, hunky, adorable, overprotective dragon mates because of it, and they’ll help him wake up his clan.

So why. Are his mates. AVOIDING HIM? Especially Luka. This should not be as hard as they’re making it.

What’re the proper tools to fix relationship problems? Is it screwdrivers?

Tags:

Chaos thine name is Amaru, one keeper is not sufficient, hence triad, lost clans, malfunctioning magic, confused dragons, the whole enchilada, 500 years is one hell of a power nap, zipper are awesome, Ravi has twins, pray, relationships are work, hope is too, who needs sleep when there is nookie, don’t touch the screwdrivers, all unattended electronics will be taken apart, breaking traditions, dragon cuddles are the best cuddles