Review: A Cowboy Holiday: MM Grumpy-Sunshine Romance by Lane Hayes

Rating: 4.5🌈

“There’s a little cowboy in all of us, a little frontier.” —Louis L’Amour

Of course, Lane Hayes starts this heartwarming Christmas romance with a quote from one of my favorite authors, Louis L’Amour. Perfect.

And the story that follows it is just as heartwarming and seasonally satisfying for all readers, those who are familiar with this author and those new to her stories and this holiday universe.

Written so that it’s in the same location and includes many of the characters from Hayes’ previous Christmas story, Moody’s Grumpy Holiday, this year we get a single veterinarian dad and his adorable daughter who end up helping settle in a dairy herd to a local ranch and find more than they expected.

Tanner, who’s co owner of Oak Ridge Ranch, finds himself drawn to the large, quiet vet who is marvelous with his animals and protective of his daughter.

Let me say the characters are excellently written, the relationships between each one feels grounded and believable and the town as well was a joy to revisit. The men, the children, and the animals! Heartfelt and emotionally charged. And so joyful.

I’m hoping that Hayes makes returning to the town and ranch in whatever way possible an annual story.

Two down. Hopefully more to come.

Another winner.

Cover Design by Reese Dante

Buy link:

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comA Cowboy Holiday: MM Grumpy-Sunshine Romance – Kindle edition by Hayes, Lane. …

Blurb

The cowboy, the rancher, and a little holiday magic…

Tanner

I meet the grumpiest man on the planet, and I’m head over heels in lust. No joke. Oak Ridge Ranch’s new part-time-vet-slash-ranch-hand is a bear, and he’s built like one too. If I were smart, I’d keep my distance.

In a twist, I’m not so smart.

But I can tell that under his hard-as-nails exterior, the cowboy is a gentle giant. Axel is a devoted single dad, a dedicated vet, and…I think he likes me. Or he wants me.

I can work with that.

Axel

I need the job at the ranch through December; then I’m out of here. I have a kid to think of, and it’s time to settle old scores and build a new life. But Tanner complicates things. He’s smart, intuitive, charming, and⁠—

Whoa! This is temporary. I’m not Tanner’s cowboy.

But I am attracted to him…and there’s nothing wrong with a little holiday fun, is there?

A Cowboy Holiday is an MM, bisexual romance featuring a single dad-cowboy-grump, a sweetheart of a rancher, and some holiday sparks.

Review: A House By Any Other Name by Jenny Schwartz

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The second of author Jenny Schwartz’ Hidden Sanctuary series, A House By Any Other Name is my favorite of the two novels.

Both tales take place in the fabulous Uncertain Sanctuary universe but only this story is directly related to the characters in that series. And that immediately gives A House By Any Other Name added depth and detail missing from Any House in a Storm.

This story is filled with engaging,intriguing characters, some of which we’ve met before. Like Hector who is the disgraced brother of Evander, cyborg Elf and partner to Sorcerer Kira (Uncertain Sanctuary trilogy).

But Schwartz has also created a great character in Raisa, who’s fully grounded in a wealth of other characters and rich in her own history. She’s a strong personality, certain of her own abilities and her goals.

The revelation of the fact she’s a sorcerer isn’t much of a surprise, but the real joy is her sentient house. As each is created by the sorcerer themselves, they spring from an emotional source of that sorcerer. Raisa’s house is totally unique and unexpected. A aspect of this story I didn’t expect and loved.

And it happily is part of a successful twist at the end of the story. Another element that just made this story even more special for me.

The plot and storylines are ones that keep one absolutely invested in the characters journey and outcome. The romance is slow and credible between these two intelligent powerful people.

I just wish Schwartz would have more than one story to explore their journey going forward. They are that interesting.

I’m highly recommending this story and the Uncertain Sanctuary trilogy it’s related to.

Hidden Sanctuary series:

Any House in a Storm #1

A House By Any Other Name #2

Buy link

Book 2 of 2: Hidden Sanctuary

Blurb

Reality is a complicated multiverse of many species and rare magic. Diplomats are the official envoys and investigators who hold the Union of Worlds together.

Raisa never intended to be a diplomat. Like so many things in her life, it was her stepmother’s idea.

Hector is an elf in disgrace. He chose his cyborged brother over his lying, abusive family. Elves revile augmented people. They leave such despicable technology to their ancient enemies, the goblins.

When a diplomatic mission strands the two elves on a goblin world they find themselves the target of a legendary killer. If they die, so will the emergent species they were sent to save.

***

A House By Any Other Name is a stand alone novel in the Hidden Sanctuary series. It includes characters from the Uncertain Sanctuary trilogy. No previous knowledge of Reality is necessary to enjoy the adventure.

June 12, 2024

Language

‎English

Print length

255 pages

Review: I Ran Away to Evil 3: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com by Mystic Neptune

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Well, I Ran Away to Evil has reached the final level, the end of its journey and it’s been a great game.

Here all is revealed, there’s boss battles, deaths and revivals, ultimate victory and HEA’s.

Now it’s Gerda Jones, fabulous bridge troll who’s got a ton of secrets, that will be the character to bring the series to a conclusion. Along with Duke Julian von Slyke, who’s recently retuned for the wedding of his sister to the necromancer of the Dark Lord.

At over 400 pages, author Neptune has a lot of storytelling to do. And there’s more of the GameRPG elements here than in the previous books.

I’ll be honest in saying that some of these got distracting when what I wanted to concentrate on was the main plot points and storylines. Having involved boxes of character traits and levels occasionally is great. But towards the end, I feel that it took over the narrative.

What makes this is the character development, especially Gerda’s story. The slow reveal of her story is impactful as well as her relationships she has made with the other characters around her. They feel believable and credible in this setting.

This has been the first series I have read by this author but won’t be the last. Highly entertaining and engaging.

A definite winner.

Love the covers.

Cover design by MsArtsy and Jenny Zemanek

Interior illustrations by Arturo Gómez Martínez and Leah Zink

I Ran Away to Evil: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com, books 1-3

Each with a different main couple and storyline that fits within the series arc

Buy Link:

I Ran Away to Evil 3: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com

Blurb

A mysterious soothsayer and a reluctant royal fend off spies, assassins, and unexpected attraction in the action-packed third book of this romantasy series.

Gerda Jones is no average bridge troll. Sure, she can create riddles like the best of them, but she has skills up her sleeve that no one would expect . . . and a backstory that no one would believe. She uses her fortune-telling talents to change the fate of everyone around her, but avoids getting too close the anyone herself. All of that changes when Gerda catches the eye of Duke Julian von Slyke at his sister’s wedding. The tall, dark, and handsome half-elf is making her let down her guard—and inviting a royal heap of trouble into her life.

Julian would do anything to escape courtly intrigue and endless parties, but he can’t miss his own sister’s nuptials. Good thing, too, because from day one of the celebration he’s called on to help deal with everything from poisoned arrows and amphibian curses, to a missing bride. And at the center of every mishap there’s an infuriatingly beguiling troll . . .

As Gerda’s hidden identity begins to unravel, her attraction to Duke Julian continues to grow. Together, saving Valaria seems easy . . . but after it’s all done, will the unlikely pair be able to leave behind their pasts and find a future together?

A whimsical and twisty take on isekai, romance, and LitRPG, I Ran Away to Evil 3 is the charming conclusion of the series that asks, “What if Bridgerton was filled with magical creatures?” and “Who is the elusive Madame Potts?”

The third volume of the hit LitRPG romantasy series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

August 19, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

409 pages

Book 3 of 3

I Ran Away to Evil

Review: Deadly Coins (Witch in the Woods #2) by Jenna St. James

Rating: 4⭐️

Deadly Coins is the second in the Witch in the Woods series by Jenna St. James. It’s another terrific mystery that brings further insight into the some of the otherworldliness of the island and the creatures that live there, and the history of its inhabitants.

In this story, it’s all about a cold case that hit close to home for one of Shayla’s closest friends. There’s an investigation, suspicion that falls on an older group of people, and a dramatic twist.

Another satisfying story and slow burn romance.

I’m here for it. Plus a grumpy magical flying porcupine !

Really enjoying the series.

Buy link:

Deadly Coins (A Witch in the Woods Book 2)

Blurb

A 40-year-old Witch with a New Career

A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Teenaged Daughter

And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets

When game warden, Shayla Loci, and her cousin, Serena Spellburn, stumble upon a wounded dragon guarding gold coins, they have no idea it would lead to a clue about how Serena’s dad, Mac, really died nearly thirty years before. But that’s exactly what happened. Now Shayla and Sheriff Alex Stone must determine if Mac died of suspicious causes, and, if so, who caused his death and why. Between digging for thirty-year-old clues among supposed friends and experiencing a near-death fatality, Shayla is sure Mac’s death was planned. But can she prove it? With the help of Needles her flying porcupine, Shayla is unwavering in her pursuit to find Uncle Mac’s killer. But when things come to a head, and innocent people are in the way, will everyone come out unscathed? Or will Shayla have to make the ultimate sacrifice? If you like paranormal cozy mysteries and midlife main characters, then this series is for you!

Review: Deadly Claws (Witch in the Woods #1) by Jenna St. James

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Im binging a number of new paranormal cozy mysteries at the moment and this is one of the better ones.

Jenna St. James’ Witch in the Woods series already has 35 released books ready to read for new readers which is fantastic. And each is a quick and well plotted story at around 170 pages so they just fly by.

James has also delivered engaging characters and an intriguing setup in a “hidden from normal people“ island that is inhabited by those who are paranormal beings or have parents who are.

Shayla Loci, a 45 year old law enforcement agent is returning home after being away for years working with a paranormal federal agency. Her strange parentage is highly unusual and huge part of ongoing narrative of the series.

She’s a terrific central figure here, and meshes well with all the town folk who have reoccurring roles and become important characters in the series. Especially the new sheriff and his preteen daughter.

There’s mystery and murder. And many developing relationships that bring up past issues and historical events.

The story keeps a fast pace and provides enough insight into the town’s history and new characters that my interest never waned.

Highly entertaining and a winner!

A Witch in the Woods (35 book series):

Deadly Claws #1

Buy link

Deadly Claws (A Witch in the Woods Book 1)

Blurb

A 40-year-old Witch with a New Career

A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Teenaged Daughter

And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets

Career-driven witch, Shayla Loci, is about to turn forty and is ready for a change. When she retires from capturing criminal supernaturals for the government, she figures her days of chasing bad guys are over. Little did she know her new job as the game warden on Enchanted Island would thrust her right back into harm’s way…and she wasn’t even officially on the clock yet! But when Sheriff Stone enlists her help to find out who killed an island resident, Shayla readily agrees.

Between sorting through alibis, gathering clues, and mentoring a wayward teenager on how to be a witch…Shayla’s life is hectic. If only her estranged dad–the King–wouldn’t insist she take her bodyguard, Needles, with her everywhere she goes. Just when Shayla believes she’s identified the killer, a new threat emerges…leaving her to make a snap decision that may cost her her life.

This new paranormal cozy series with a twist on midlife discovery will leave you guessing and hungry for more!

Publication date

March 23, 2021

Language

‎English

Book 1 of 35

A Witch in the Woods

Review: Uncertain Sanctuary : The Complete Trilogy by Jenny Schwartz

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The collection contains the following books:

The House That Walked Between Worlds #1

House in Hiding #2

The House That Fought #3

This was a terrific way to binge the series. I was able to read all three novels as though they were one big book, each flowing seamlessly into each other’s narrative.

Charting the journey , through three books,of human sorcerer Dr Kira Aist from a state of deep raging, grieving trauma as she flees Earth and the deaths of those she loved to one of a woman content with her new as one of the few supremely powerful sorcerers and her role in the universe.

While Schwartz has created so many imaginative and fascinating characters and elements here, I have to admit that Kira’s “House” , an enormous sentient black intimidating castle, is one of my favorites. Full of personality, capable of space travel and a “world ender” in offensive combat powers, some of the best scenes and moments occur when the House is involved.

Honestly I could see a cable series with this.

Then there’s a goblin giant war cat (see the cover), and fascinating group of found family of friends that Kira starts to gather around her, and more importantly, a cyborg elf that eventually becomes her partner.

I did have a few notes about the trilogy. The overall theme involves children suffering as well as child deaths. Also brief torture scenes. While the torture scenes aren’t particularly graphic, they’re still emotional scenes. If any of these scenes or elements are triggering, please be warned.

Then finally, Evander, an elf turned into a cyborg without his permission, with devastating consequences, wears “warrior braids “. This is a hairstyle where each braid is one of remembrance, of a fallen brother warrior. That’s an element that is seen by many cultures and traditions.

But Schwartz’ Kira refers to them occasionally as Corn rows, which struck me as odd. Kira’s background is Russian. So this started veering away from warrior braids and into cultural appropriation territory. At least that’s how it felt to me.

Aside from those notes, this is another highly successful and well written trilogy from an author who is an auto-read for me.

Another winner and recommendation.

Cover design by Miblart

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comThe Complete Trilogy: Uncertain Sanctuary, Books 1–3 (Audible Audio Edition)

Blurb

No spaceship needed. Kira has a magic, traveling castle.

Pursued by her parents’ killers, Doctor Kira Aist calls on her inheritance as Baba Yaga’s great-granddaughter to create a House and escape Earth.

Plunging into the dangerous mysteries of Reality, she learns what it means to be a rare human sorcerer.

As strangers are drawn to her House, Kira becomes enmeshed in a diabolical plot to destroy Reality.

Who can she trust?

Of her new friends, some seek refuge, others power, and one just wants kitty treats.

In a Reality that includes cyborg elves and goblin space pirates, kobold gossips and dinosaurian scholars, one human doctor must decide the price she’ll pay for justice—and for love.

***

The Uncertain Sanctuary bundle includes three previously published novels:

The House That Walked Between Worlds

House in Hiding

The House That Fought

A high stakes, cozy fantasy that romps across the universe.

Publication date

September 5, 2024

Language

‎English

Print length

618 pages

Galactic empire science fiction,

Review: The Sundered Realms (Sundered Realms: Book 1) by Casey Blair

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I find Casey Blair to be a wildly imaginative writer. She’s incredibly inventive in her ability to craft a variety of detailed magical systems and then have her fantasy characters use those systems their magic. In beautifully plotted scenarios that capture our own imagination and connect us to the universe she’s building.

Liris, the main character and sole voice of the story, is a brilliant desperate woman. She’s been essentially “locked” away for her entire life, trapped into training that’s a literal dead end.

This is the story of her escape. How, by the force of her courage, desperation and self control, moves to change the world. And her magical power.

The other characters, especially the important spellcaster Lord Vhannor, is still a bit of a mystery here. I do wish this had been a two person POV instead. I think that extra character detail and depth of vision would have made this even better.

But there’s so much exploration to lay out and depth of world building to achieve that I could see that a single person perspective would be a good way to achieve that.

The relationship between Liris and Vhannor is fairly quick and straightforward (an example of where the 2-person POV would be helpful) but given Liris’ personality understandable. Also this is a “spicy” book, more so than some of the author’s other works. Yes, there’s sex scenes.

The second story belongs to another character from this book. So this seems to conclude their main romance.

I’m highly recommending this, great plot, fantastic storytelling and a strong woman character.

However, the magical system is a rich mixture of elements that takes time to build up throughout the story and with each character. It’s highly effective but not an aspect that’s rushed.

Looking forward to the next book.

Cover art by Kateryna Vitkovska, 2023.

Cover design by Miblart, 2024.

Hardcase design by Liz Heaven of Raven Pages Design, 2024

Buy link:

Book 1 of 1: Sundered Realms

Blurb

Liris has always been too dangerous to be allowed freedom.
Now she’s the universe’s only hope.

Liris has been trapped training as an elite spy her whole life. But when her elders try to sacrifice her to further their own interests, she escapes through a secret portal—only to land right in the hands of Lord Vhannor, the most dangerous spellcaster in the universe.

Vhannor has dedicated his life to defending the universe from world-devouring demons, and Liris, with her unique knowledge of an ancient spell language, jeopardizes his mission. But when she uses it to help him close a demonic portal before it can destroy all life in that dimension, he’s forced to acknowledge he needs her by his side.

As they race between dimensions to fight their mutual enemies, they discover a plot that will leave every remaining realm in the universe at the mercy of demons. But to stop it, Liris will have to rely on the man whose icy gaze sees right through her… and when even her own people betrayed her, how can she trust Vhannor to stand by her when she risks the whole universe?

The Sundered Realms is a steamy romantic epic fantasy in a world where being a huge nerd about language makes you incredibly epic at magic. This is an action-packed story about an interdimensional combat ambassador heroine and the most dangerous man in the universe devoting all his attention to making her unstoppable.

Review: A Beginner’s Guide to Sea Monsters, Messenger Angels, and Other Management Mishaps (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures #5) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4🌈

The penultimate (so the author says) book in this delightful paranormal romance series, Mae is looking towards tying up several important series storylines by bringing back secondary characters from previous stories. The purpose of which is to connect them together with their soulmate by way of elevating them into main character roles.

Gabriel,the tightly wrapped, overly worked, stressed out Divine Herald, the messenger of the Lord, the Angel of Revelation we’ve known before is now ready for a new path. Mae’s charted a sexy, joyful story for Gabriel here. It’s one of discovery and insight for himself and his afterlife. We feel so happy for him. And his partner.

That’s the demon Leviathan aka Levi , a sea demon/monster who has also made appearances in preceding books. Levi is a sexy tentacled delight of a demon and his development along side his relationship with Gabriel is wonderful to read.

The story also brings in important elements and characters that will help finish off the series in the concluding storylines. I’m really excited to see what this will entail.

Shannon Mae has written a highly entertaining, happy and sexy story. It’s a terrific read and one I’m happy to recommend.

Cover artwork by, Grimm Kat Cover assembly by, Tammy, Aspen Tree E.A.S.

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures:

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures: (Paranormal Romance ):

🔷 A Beginner’s Guide to Death, Demons, and Other Afterlife Disasters #1

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Mistakenly Summoned Demons and Other Misadventures #2

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades #3

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers #4

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Sea Monsters, Messenger Angels, and Other Management Mishaps (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures #5)

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Novellas:

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Christmas Miracles (A Holiday Novella)

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Pet Demons

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Demonic Possessions

Demonic Disasters and

Afterlife Adventures Collections: 🔷Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Collection 1

Hellhounds of Paradise Falls -sequel series:

How to Flirt with a Hellhound #1 – (Coming Soon)

Buy link

A Beginner’s Guide to Sea Monsters, Messenger Angels, and Other Management Mishaps (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Book 8)

Blurb

Gabriel:

Gabriel is the Divine Herald, the messenger of the Lord, the Angel of Revelation… and he’s currently losing ground to social media. (Really, how is he supposed to compete with that ticking app?) When the afterlife’s management team forces him into a “professional development partnership” with a demon, Gabriel is horrified—until he meets Leviathan, a sea monster with tattoos, tentacles, and a knack for helping him connect with mortals.

Levi:

Leviathan has no interest in going back to the underworld. He’d much rather spend his time topside with his octopus sidekick and now, apparently, one very uptight angel. Teaching Gabriel about mortal pleasures—food, coffee, books, and other things (that require less clothes)—is the best adventure Levi’s had in centuries.

But as they both start to enjoy their unexpected partnership, one problem remains: what happens when the leadership team decides the partnership is over? Levi isn’t about to give up his angel, and Gabriel isn’t sure he wants to return to Heaven without his demon.

Tags: Featuring one grumpy angel and one cheery sea monster demon; accidental stroke of genius from the leadership team (very accidental); Mt. Everest is overrated, but mortal coffee is divine; even angels enjoy a good book; Gabriel discovers the joys of food, and other mortal pleasures (wink, wink); Levi has tentacles, and Gabriel definitely approves.

December 1, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

262 pages

Book 8 of 8

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures

Review: A Pub in the Underworld (The Cozy Abyss #1) by Harmon Cooper

Rating: 4.25⭐️

A Pub in the Underworld (The Cozy Abyss #1) by Harmon Cooper was another great find. New terrific author, new entertaining LitRPG adventure story and series to read.

The first book sets up the universe, characters and challenges very quickly. In the beginning of the story Sylas Runewulf , a seasoned warrior, is fighting a losing battle against his kingdom’s old enemy. We’re there on the battlefield, in his mind as it’s all going down. It’s emotional, heartfelt and raw.

It ends with him in the afterlife, in one of the three Realms , and a direct message to head to the town of Ember Hollow and take possession of the town pub.

Sylas meets an Apothecary, Patches a magical pub cat , and starts to form a new life and friends in the afterlife. Even as a threat to his life and new adventures approaches.

It’s well done. For those who aren’t familiar with LitRPG, the game aspect isn’t overly complex or important here. It’s more character driven and storytelling than gameplay oriented.

Those who do enjoy those elements will have plenty to look forward to and appreciate. Characters do level up here.

Absolutely adore Patches. What a fabulous character and all the imagery associated with it makes this story even better. And funnier.

A definite winner and one I’m so happy to share.

Love the covers.

Cover design by Daniel Kamarudin

The Cozy Abyss (3 book series)

A Pub in the Underworld #1

A Farm in the Afterlife #2

A Market in the Maelstrom #3

Buy link

A Pub in the Underworld: A Slice-of-Life LitRPG Adventure (The Cozy Abyss Book 1)

Blurb

Death is only the beginning for one warrior as he encounters adventure, friendship, and romance in the afterlife in the epic first book of this cozy LitRPG.

There are three levels to the afterlife. The best level is the Celestial Plains at the top. At the bottom is the worst level, known as the Chasm. And in between lies the Underworld. That’s where Sylas Runewulf, a brave soldier who gave all to his kingdom, finds himself after he dies.

Following the guidance of a mysterious blue prompt, Sylas journeys to the town of Ember Hollow to breathe new life into a quaint local pub. Along the way, he meets a clever apothecary named Mira who helps him acclimate to the ins and outs of the realm and Patches, a corpulent cat who’s slightly . . . shall we say, unusual.

Dubbing the pub “The Old Lamplighter,” Sylas hopes it will be a safe haven for other weary souls. Of course, it doesn’t feel that safe when the prompt reappears with a warning: [You have 89 days until the invasion.]

As Sylas works to decipher the troubling message, he faces more challenges, travels far and wide, and befriends wayward demons, magical creatures, and lost warriors. He also builds a community around his humble pub—one that he must soon defend, or they’ll all face a fate much worse than death . . .

Blending fantasy LitRPG with a slice-of-life story about starting over, A Pub in the Underworld is the first adventure in Harmon Cooper’s Cozy Abyss series. Join Sylas and Patches on their charming journey of discovery, friendship, and defense against the unknown in a world where even the smallest decision could shape the fate of a community caught between realms.

Review: Rogues Lie (Caldryn Parliament Book 3) by Jenny Schwartz

Rating: 5 ⭐️✨

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

The formidable character of Vanda Kavanagh, Warden of Caldryn Parliament, is one of the most compelling, powerful portraits of a woman who is secure with herself, her intelligence, integrity and her ability to navigate the intricacies of intergalactic politics, hundreds of years of internalized/weaponized familial legacies and the current cultural environment. All to further the ideals and hidden plans she’s been formulating all along.

Vanda isn’t flashy or dramatic. She’s controlled, a knife of a woman, in flawless grey colors, forming alliances and brilliantly devising scenarios to forward her ideas and plans for progress and protection of the Realm. Schwartz , with incredible craft,builds this magnificent character and then allows the reader to watch , in intriguing detail, as she continues her labyrinthine path towards her goals and own individual development. It’s a journey that is impossible to begin and then stop without seeing it through. The twists and unexpected changes in plot are fabulous. And continue to the end.

What a character and series!

There’s a no spice romance that’s evolving from friendship into a something more. Just a fantastic science fiction thriller, multiple magical mysteries, a cast of incredibly powerful multidimensional characters, and enough hidden political agents and agendas for a number of galaxies.

Vanda Kavanagh, the Warden of Caldryn Parliament, has fast become one of my all time favorite characters.

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

To follow this character of Vanda in her increasingly complex journey, the reader must absolutely start with the first book and continue reading forward. But the path is full of action, mental agility, politics and scheming but never at the expense of forgetting about the human factor. A fantastic series on every level.

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

Cover by Jenny Schwartz . I adore these covers!

Caldryn Parliament:

Stars Die #1

Hexes Fly #2

Rogues Lie #3

Ghosts Cry #4 – June 30,2026

Buy link

Book 3 of 4: Caldryn Parliament

Blurb

A whisper campaign threatens Vanda Kavanagh’s hard-won position as Warden of Caldryn Parliament, but are the malicious rumors a personal attack or do they mask an uglier plot?

As Vanda investigates, long-hidden truths are revealed leading her to question everything she believed about herself.

In a city steeped in magic and political intrigue who can Vanda trust?

November 29, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

318 pages

Book 3 of 4

Caldryn Parliament

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