Review: Patience (Damned Connections #1) by Lark Taylor

Rating: 4.5🌈

I was excited about this story and follow up series to The Reckless Damned . Ferry, aka Ferryman, The Grim Reaper, Charon, the being who ferried the dead souls across the River Styx was last seen leaving Hell on his way topside to the human realm.

Patience goes into Ferry’s tortured backstory, how he ended up as the Grim Reaper, and what he is doing back on Earth. Patience is a wonderful title for him and his ill- fated romance.

The other voice and half of this couple belongs to Leo, a human firefighter. Leo is a very good, very confused man. He’s aware that something has been missing from all his relationships but can’t pinpoint what it is exactly. He believes he’s straight but he struggles with feelings he doesn’t understand.

All with good reason. Leo has a history he’s not allowed to remember until he dies. And then only for one hour.

Lark has done a wonderful job with these characters and their poignant love story. One who remembers everything and one who remembers nothing. It’s a setup guaranteed to usher in huge emotions and a flood of memories and tears.

And it does, scenes upon scenes.

This series follows The Reckless Damned, which is its foundation. So those characters are important here as supporting players and suppliers of knowledge to Leo, as he navigates his way back to Ferry.

Plus there’s always a dramatic element above that of the personal challenges to the mate bond relationship. A outside force that needs to be overcome.

Here that aspect was a little bit easily figured out. But the rest of the story, which was ,in turn, humorous, poignant, sexy, heartbreaking, horrifying , and finally, incredibly beautiful, well, that was fantastic.

It made Ferenc (Ferry) and Leof (Leo’s) longtime love story one of my favorites. And the setup for the next with Leo’s younger brother and a certain enigmatic vampire has me really hooked for more. Need Justice now! But I’ll have to wait until next year.

In the meantime, I’m definitely recommending Patience. And The Reckless Damned if you haven’t already read those as well.

Damned Connections:

✓ Patience #1

◦ Justice #2 – Feb 1, 2024

Prior series:

The Reckless Damned

The Reckless Damned4 booksLark Taylor

Buy Link:

Patience (Damned Connections Book 1)

Blurb:

I paid the ultimate price when I took the gamble to save my mate’s soul.

Ferry

Ferryman. The Grim Reaper. La Muerte. La Pelona. Shinigami. Charon.

I’ve been called many names over the millennia, all thanks to my role in Hell.

Ferrying dead souls over the river Styx.

But few know the demon behind the legend, how I came to be here, or the freedom I sacrificed to save the man I love.

Now I’m free to find him again. The problem? He doesn’t remember me.

And he’s straight.

Leo fell madly in love with me once before. Will he fall again before it’s too late?

Leo

All my life, I’ve felt like something is missing. Neither my job as a firefighter, my brother Matty, nor my ex-girlfriends have been able to fill that hole.

When a mysterious stranger approaches me in a bar, I find myself captivated.

I’ve never been attracted to men before, but I can’t seem to resist him.

Why is it that spending time with Ferry feels so…right? So familiar?

Patience is a fated-mates, second-chance PNR romance. The first in the Damned Connections series, each book will follow a different couple as they find their HEA. Although better read in order, these books can stand alone.

Review: Ghostly Claus (Ghostly Book 4) by E. M. Leya

Rating: 4.5🌈

I really enjoy the Ghostly series by E.M. Leya, it’s got a number of interesting established ghostly characters, a slow burn romance, and at least one mystery per story that has a paranormal aspect to it that brings all the main cast together to find a solution, add to the series otherworldly information, and push the romance a bit further along.

In Ghostly Claus our victim is Santa. It’s the holiday season and someone is about to kill the fat jolly elf himself. But is it due to a lack of Christmas spirit or does the killer just not like the man under the costume? That’s what our coroner, Lance, who can see and converse with ghosts, and his detective boyfriend, Angus, are about to investigate, along with his partner, Frank.

Now on the fourth book, Leya has been accumulating a foundation of characters, alive and ghostly, to act as a found family to our core couple and important side adjacent people like Frank, Angus’ partner. Ghostly Claus continues that path as two more characters arrive in town that look to add to the knowledge of the other realm and expand on the found family for Lance, Angus, and the ghosts who live with Lance.

That’s the soldier brother of Lance returns home after a prolonged absence in missions overseas, and he’s got an unannounced surprise with him.

Once again, Leya gives the reader so much to sink into here. There’s the fact of the dead Santa’s family dynamics which are awkward and difficult for all, especially since his ghost is there, angry at everything he’s hearing and seeing. The mystery of who wanted to murder Santa, and catching him. Plus there the entire brother aspect of this storyline where Lance has decided to inform his brother of his new gift and hope it doesn’t change their relationship. Their brotherly friendship and dynamic feels real, especially as it deepens over the course of the book, each letting memories guide them back to each other. Finally, Angus and Lance continue to grow stronger with each other, not rushing things, communicating, confidently speaking about their lives and the things important to each other. Quietly adult and emotionally mature. So lovely, even with ghosts all around.

I adore the characters, the relationship dynamics, the mysterious nature of the cases, and the slow growth of the love story. Fabulous.

I’m highly recommending this but it needs to be read as part of the series, so really read them in the order they are written in order to understand the events and relationship growth.

Ghostly series:

✓ Ghostly Awakening #1

✓ Ghostly Findings #2

✓ Ghostly Envy #3

✓ Ghostly Claus #4

◦ Ghostly Target #5 – tbd

Buy Link :

Book 4 of 4: Ghostly

Blurb:

When Santa Claus appears on Lance’s autopsy table, he can’t believe his eyes or ears as the not-so-jolly ghost accompanying the body tells Lance he’s been murdered. Solving this murder will take time as the list of suspects is growing. For some, Christmas isn’t the most wonderful time of the year, but it is the most profitable.

To top it off, Lance’s brother is in town visiting and he’s not alone. He’s got a ghost attached to him. Telling his brother that he sees ghosts just became even more important as this ghost insists Lance help him make things right before he moves on.

While the rest of the world prepares for Christmas, Lance and Angus try to salvage what they can of the holiday as they work to solve Santa’s murder and keep someone from stealing everyone’s holiday spirit away

Review: I Went on an Adventure and All I Got Was This Barbarian Orc: Book 1 by Jennifer Cody

Rating: 5🌈

Jennifer Cody has started a serialized fantasy story that’s an absolutely fantastic read and entertaining adventure. The drawback? It’s in a serialized format so each story is short and ends far sooner than the reader wants.

I was totally immersed in the characters, the storylines, and the journey they were about to embark on when this tale ended. Argh ! But that’s absolutely in keeping with the spirit and tradition of a serialized story.

So if that’s an issue, then waiting until all the stories are published, then reading them together is probably the best option for you.

But otherwise, dive into a lively tale of a half orc and a necromancer who meet and go on a journey to find the enemy who’s destroying their Kingdom. Each character is intriguing, well fleshed out, and full of great elements. There’s plenty of interesting side characters and an established world that’s further explored as they get closer to their next stage in their relationship.

The sorcerer is a popular character, especially in this form but I really like where Cody is taking Lawton in terms of family dynamics and powers. And of course, his new role and relationship with Berklak, the half-orc. Berklak is another being that’s got plenty of depth and room for growth. Equipped with what we already know about Berklak, he’s already a great main character.

I believe Cody intends to have the installments released pretty quickly. I can’t wait.

Need a new fantasy read? Hear a new addiction for you!

Love the cover.

Buy Link:

Book 1 of 1: I Went On an Adventure and All I Got Was This Barbarian Orc

Blurb:

Berklak:

Being a half-orc is fun most of the time. Most people think I’m all orc, and that usually slicks things up so I can glide in and out of town without much fuss. Most of the time things go really smoothly for me. Sometimes, young watchmen from small towns with too much time on their hands pick a fight with half-orcs just trying to get some mead, and sometimes that ends up with me taking a kid all the way to the capital to become a bard, and sometimes that means I discover along the way a new questline that I need to follow. Sometimes. Well, this time, at least, and my companion for this quest is the cutest little necromancer I’ve ever seen (he’s the only one I’ve ever seen, but he’s adorable).

Now, where did I leave my barrel of mead again?

Lawton:

Being the most feared human in Fasgard is annoying and inconvenient. It’s not like I went out of my way to be born a necromancer, but since my options are death or working for the king, I gladly accept my role as high sorcerer. It doesn’t matter that I’m a prince of the realm, at least not to anyone in the palace. When one of my father’s concubines loses her temper a little too hard, the things I discover lead me to the most wonderful half-orc I’ve ever met (I’ve only met the one, but he’s amazing), and my very first real adventure.

I can’t believe I’m finally going to leave the palace!

I Went on an Adventure and All I Got Was This Barbarian Orc is a five chapter serial fantasy adventure with zen a light-hearted, fun TTRPG vibe. Expect big magic, lots of cuddles, plenty of steam, and a team of characters that might not get a natural 20 on every roll, but they make up for it with creative solutions to both magical and mundane problems.

Review: Roustabout (Carnival of Mysteries ) by Morgan Brice

Rating: 4.75🌈

Morgan Brice’s entry, Roustabout, is true to this author’s wonderful ability to weave a complex emotional story that’s a mixture of paranormal elements, mysteries, horror, the mundane, and the romantic.

The theme of a mysterious other worldly Carnival of Mysteries plays so well to this author’s strengths in terms of her characters and plots. The circus’s elements are beautifully crafted, right down to the title Roustabout who is defined as circus workers who handled materials for construction on fairgrounds.

Brice has used the circus/carnival aspects of the theme not just as the series intended but also in building a character as well defined as RJ Tucker, a psychic who’s spent years as a circus roustabout since fleeing abuse as a foster kid. Brice’s characters, one or both , are often depicted as emotionally wounded or physically scarred by their past history, carrying their trauma forward into whatever scenario the storyline might lead.

That’s certainly true for RJ, and Roustabout. Part of the mystery here is watching Bartlett Gibson, necromancer and an agent for the Tennessee Bureau of Supernatural Investigation, assigned to track the con “Ghost Boy” down , figure out who he’s dealing with and why this man is stealing from these people in a manner that feels so personal.

But Brice’s universe isn’t a mundane one, each character has a paranormal aspect to their character, so it follows that there’s an equally magical element to their storylines aside from the Carnival of Mysteries. Which in a Brice way, can indicate a darkly complex element or character to act as a catalyst or villain, as it happens in Roustabout.

This story ends up being a fabulous mixture of romance, emotional drama, mystery, police investigations and politics, paranormal characteristics , intense magical battles, and even the anguish of the realities of foster care as seen through the eyes of RJ’s memories. Brice digs deep into the circus culture so we even get the secret language, Cizarny that’s spoken within this mobile world. Such a richly crafted tale.

I love the chemistry of RJ and Bart together. They have that same energy and sense of belonging that makes them a great couple and team.

According to Morgan Brice, they appear as an established couple in her Kings of the Mountains series. So maybe this was her chance to give them an origin story. If so, how wonderful.

I’m highly recommending Roustabout. And now I’ll be off to check out that series above.

Carnival of Mysteries series:

✓ Crow’s Fate by Kim Fielding❤️

✓ Step Right Up by L.A. Witt

✓ Magic Burning by Kaje Harper ❤️

✓ Night-blooming Hearts by Megan Derr

✓ Go For The Company by Ander C. Lark❤️

✓ Roustabout by Morgan Brice❤️

✓ Assassin by Accident by E.J. Russell❤️

◦ Dryad on Fire by Nicole Dennis – Sept 13

◦ The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray by Kayleigh Sky – Sept 6

◦ Smoke and Mirrors by Elizabeth Silver – September 20

◦ You Can Do Magic by R.L. Merrill – September 27

◦ Sting in the Tail by TA Moore – October 4

◦ Gods and Monsters by Rachel Langella – October 25

Buy Link :

Roustabout: Carnival of Mysteries

Blurb:

A con man and a government agent walk into a carnival…

Bartlett Gibson is a necromancer and an agent for the Tennessee Bureau of Supernatural Investigation. He’s hot on the trail of RJ Tucker, a psychic con man who has eluded him at every turn and led him on a merry chase. Pursuit leads to grudging respect in their game of cat and mouse, which becomes a high-stakes game of seduction. Bart chases RJ to the Carnival of Mysteries and realizes that nothing is as it seems. A dark witch’s curse ups the ante, creating a deadline for revenge and redemption, and the clock is ticking.

Falling in love breaks all the rules. Can Bart and RJ stop the witch, break the curse, and find a way around RJ’s spot on the “most wanted” list before time runs out?

Roustabout is a fast-paced MM paranormal romance filled with supernatural suspense, snarky humor, crafty carnival workers, sarcastic ghosts, midway magic, hurt/comfort angst, adversaries-to-lovers tension, and a very happy ending!

Part of the multi-author, shared-world Carnival of Mysteries series. Can be read as a stand-alone.

Morgan Bricehttps://morganbrice.com › booksKings of the Mountain

Kings of the Mountains series:

• Roustabout

• Kings of the Mountain

• Sins of the Fathers

Review: Bluz (a Culinary Creatures novel) by L Eveland

Rating: 5🌈

Well, Bluz is by far my favorite in an extraordinary paranormal series of magical depths. In Bluz , L Eveland has given this story so many riches in terms of narrative structure and character development that its almost tactile atmosphere could be overlooked for its sublime world building.

It’s inherit within its location, its beings, the culture in this story in a way that is so unique and deeply personal to both characters but especially one. That’s Greyson Boggs,human ,guitarist, a blues musician with an old border collie, Simon. Turns out Simon is also his guide dog as Greyson been going blind since early adolescence from retinitis pigmentosa, another perfectly implemented element.

But that’s just the beginning to the layers of this man. Here’s his voice.

“Footsteps crisscrossed in front of me, busy folk shuffling to places they didn’t want to be. I used the steady beat as my percussion, counting out a one, a two, a five-six-seven-eight while the guitar cried into the humid morning, conveying all the words I couldn’t.

I sang about the places I’d been from the deep dark hollers in rural Georgia to that summer I rode the rails all the way down to New Orleans. I sang about the south, about crawdads and creeks, collard greens and running from the law. The words came with no effort, shaken free from where they rattled around in my head with no pre-planned pattern. “

There’s a particular melodic progression to that voice, one that the author is also born with. And one that’s unfortunately disappearing from the world. It’s the sound and vernacular of spoken Appalachian English language, one of the oldest nonnative spoken languages here in the US. Specifically, the Appalachian dialect or as it’s also known, Smokey Mountains Holler dialect, with its colorful imagery, slow linguistic patterns, and changing tones /spoken words. It’s a language that might even feel a titch familiar, such as where I might say “I took the dog out”

it becomes :

“One night that dog was a-beggin’ and a-cryin’ to go out.”

*In The Language and Life Project that set about documenting the dialects, one man said of his talk “…it’s more like singing than talking…”

That’s pure Appalachian. A dialect so beautifully suited for an Appalachian blind blues singer named Greyson Boggs and his old dog, Simon, that it makes me question that this man is really fictional.

Except, of course, for the werewolves, demons, incubus, and such.

But they get the same layered treatment. A pack in financial straits and leadership issues. A storm coming, a real mixed community to meet, which includes a homeless shelter,imminent storms, and the raw reality of those who live life on the margins. That’s very much an important part of this story and Greyson’s as well.

Gaston, the chef who returned home to help out his recovering father and the pack’s restaurant, Bluz, is a marvelous character. Eveland did a wonderful job in giving him his own issues to work through and challenges to overcome. Gaston is lovely. But he’s next to the powerful Greyson. And he is one of those sharp shining personalities whose life becomes important to the narrative and the reader because of who he is personally. We care so much for him that it’s hard for anyone else to measure up. It’s that voice.

Gaston has a pansexual coming out, not that he wasn’t already, but out to his parents and pack. Another nice aspect of the story because there so many equally strong emotional things that are going on in the story. That includes homelessness. A camp where people/beings live , homeless shelters and what it must feel like to have no where to go when a major disaster is occurring. And it’s done in a matter of fact way that drives home the facts about this aspect of society even more.

There’s a happy romantic journey with communication, some very sexy mate bonding, and very familiar faces from previous books that show up at the end for a satisfying conclusion. Love it.

And through it all, runs songs, and southern cooking. BBQ and the Blues. Do not miss out on all the recipes at the end of each book, this time for pork butt. So yummy. Put on some Etta James or Bill Whithers and grill you some BBQ.

I’m highly recommending Bluz (a Culinary Creatures novel) by L Eveland. This series just continues to get better and expand on the topics within a paranormal realm. Fantastic.

• YouTube: The Language and Life Project : see video

Culinary Creatures:

✓ Brimstone #1

✓ Beefcake #2

✓ Bluz #3

◦ Brewtiful’s #4 – April 30, 2024

Buy Link :

Bluz: A High Heat, Low Stakes MM Monster Romance Novella (Culinary Creatures Book 3)

Blurb:

No one cooks like Gaston, and I’m hungry like a wolf.

Eight years ago, I missed my chance to be with the love of my life. Now, Gaston is back in town to rescue his pack’s troubled bar and grill, Bluz. He’s keen to rekindle things between us, but I’ve still got the blues over how it all went down before.

Gaston’s got a whole life out west full of fast cars, fancy dinners, and famous friends. He claims he’s ready to settle down, and that his wolf has chosen me, but I’m just a country boy, a drifter. Gaston is refined and cultured. I don’t fit into his elegant lifestyle, even if our nights together have been sizzling hot.

His wolf wants me, and I want him, but I’m running out of time to decide. Can I put our troubled past behind me before I lose him forever? Or will our relationship finally go up in smoke?

Bluz is a smoking hot and sticky sweet second chance MM romance between an anthropomorphic werewolf and a visually impaired blues singer. This third installment of the Culinary Creatures series can be read as a standalone, and features a delicious BBQ recipe for you to try at home!

*Appalachian language: The Language and Life Project

Review: Assassin by Accident (Carnival of Mysteries) by E.J. Russell

Rating: 4.75🌈

“Welcome, Traveler! Join us for a series of M/ M fantasies by a talented group of both new and established authors. Whether you enjoy mystery, action, danger, or just sweet romance, there is something for everyone at the Carnival of Mysteries!”

Assassin by Accident is E.J. Russell’s offering to the Carnival of Mysteries series and it’s just a marvelous heartwarming fantasy read. Russell has combined her Mythmatched universe with the themes of the Carnival of Mysteries, giving each its due and letting the reader feel they’ve been immersed in a balanced narrative.

Welsh water horse Nevan Quirke’s young sister has been kidnapped by a nasty earth mage for nefarious purposes. And in order to get her back, Nevan made a hasty bargain to do whatever the mage wants, once. Unfortunately, he didn’t read the small print.

I love this story so much. It has so much depth and heart to it. There’s Nevan, a being who feels unloved by all, a true monster, except by his adopted sister. He’s raised her and kept her safe and loved until she wished to visit the Outside World, and everything went wrong.

And when under the horrible geas of the earth mage to accomplish a terrible task , it’s goes wrongly right in the best of ways. In this story, a case of mistaken identity and the introduction of a truly beloved character. Seb Ardelean, a nanny who’s mistaken for an assassin is a marvelous character. Seb’s one of Russell’s grand creations , a character who can marshal a horde of mischievous children with grubby hands to dealing with villains bent on destroying innocents. And do it with a sense of humor, compassion, and resolve that’s sexy and admirable. Yes, totally adore Seb.

There’s magical shenanigans, familiar faces, among them favorites Jordan and Doop the Hellhound, a race to find the sister, two beings facing danger and falling in love while coming to terms with past issues and traumas. It’s so lovely and heartwarming. I dove in and didn’t surface until I’d finished the book.

I like the different ways Russell plays with mythology and the types of beings found within the various cultures, here it’s the Welsh ceffyl dŵr. The central theme is well used, but unfortunately that means clowns. *Shudders*

Assassin by Accident (Carnival of Mysteries) by E.J. Russell is a favorite in this multi-author series. One I’m definitely recommending. And if you haven’t already found this author’s MythMatched series that’s an element here, look those up as well for some great reads.

Carnival of Mysteries series:

✓ Crow’s Fate by Kim Fielding

✓ Step Right Up by L.A. Witt

✓ Magic Burning by Kaje Harper

✓ Night-blooming Hearts by Megan Derr

✓ Go For The Company by Ander C. Lark

✓ Roustabout by Morgan Brice

✓ Assassin by Accident by E.J. Russell

◦ Dryad on Fire by Nicole Dennis – Sept 13

◦ The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray by Kayleigh Sky – Sept 6

◦ Smoke and Mirrors by Elizabeth Silver – September 20

◦ You Can Do Magic by R.L. Merrill – September 27

◦ Sting in the Tail by TA Moore – October 4

◦ Gods and Monsters by Rachel Langella – October 25

Buy Link:

Part of: Carnival of Mysteries (13 books)

Blurb:

If a megalomaniacal earth mage kidnaps your little sister, do you:

A) Kill him

B) Kill him

C) Kill him

D) Magically indenture yourself to him to ensure her safe return

Welsh water horse Nevan Quirke would have happily opted for A, B, or C, but had no idea where his sister was hidden—so, option D it is. He’s not a fool, though. He made sure to limit his obligation to a single task.

Unfortunately, he neglected to nail down a few tiny details before the geas brand was seared into his skin, and now:

A) He can’t shift

B) He can’t swim

C) He can’t drink

D) If he fails, he’ll be bound to the mage for eternity

Oh, and that task? Assist in an assassination.

If only he weren’t so thirsty.

And if only his partner for the heinous job weren’t the most appealing man Nevan has seen in his entire two-thousand-year life.

Assassin by Accident takes place in E.J. Russell’s Mythmatched universe and is part of the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries series. Each book stands alone, but each one includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. This book features grumpy/sunshiny, hurt/comfort, mistaken identity, opposites attract, unexpected derring-do, and of course an HEA—no matter how little the men in question think they deserve it.

Review: Go For The Company (Carnival of Mysteries story) by Ander C. Lark

Rating: 4.75🌈

I believe that Go For The Company is a first published novel by Ander C. Lark and, if so I look forward to many more by this author. Ander C. Lark’s Go For The Company takes many popular paranormal themes and gives them the author’s own unique insight and twist to make them feel fresh and interesting.

Several things stood out here in the narrative for me. Lark’s knowledge of various cultures mythologies which plays In beautifully to the storyline in unexpected places. I also really enjoyed the fact that Lark never forgets that while so often the characters and narrative feels light and humorous, we are dealing with some dark and hellish elements. So yes, to the lovely moments and finding an engaging found family in Hell. However , Lark’s writing will insure that lurking in the shadows is something to be truly frightened of. And that the raw reality of the beings and place these characters inhabit is never far away from current events. Reparation/road to redemption or unrelenting torture. Disneyland rides or undergoing agony. Here we get both.

And a beautiful use of the central theme of the Carnival of Mysteries and Madam Persephone. Her character as a fortune teller is so poignant and layered. So well thought out.

As is the entire concept of Hell and Heaven, and its various entities. Such an entertaining place and a wonderful read.

Gabe’s journey through the afterlife isn’t one I would spoil for anyone. It’s just too good. The characters here are so multifaceted, the world building is extensive, and the plot horrifying enough to warrant a trigger warning or two about torture scenes, on page death, and domestic violence (not together).

As I said this author’s work was so enjoyable that I can’t wait to see what they do next. Until then, I’m highly impressed with Go For The Company (Carnival of Mysteries story) by Ander C. Lark and recommending it.

Carnival of Mysteries series:

✓ Crow’s Fate by Kim Fielding

✓ Step Right Up by L.A. Witt

✓ Magic Burning by Kaje Harper

✓ Night-blooming Hearts by Megan Derr

✓ Go For The Company by Ander C. Lark

✓ Roustabout by Morgan Brice

✓ Assassin by Accident by E.J. Russell

◦ Dryad on Fire by Nicole Dennis – Sept 13

◦ The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray by Kayleigh Sky – Sept 6

◦ Smoke and Mirrors by Elizabeth Silver – September 20

◦ You Can Do Magic by R.L. Merrill – September 27

◦ Sting in the Tail by TA Moore – October 4

◦ Gods and Monsters by Rachel Langella – October 25

Buy Link:

Go for the Company: Carnival of Mysteries

Blurb:

Someone once said, “Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.” Gabe Rossi didn’t believe in either and figured it would be a long time until he had to deal with finding out if he was right. Instead, he’s dragged off a balcony the day after an unnerving meeting with a fortune teller and into a postmortem reality he never would have expected.

Now Gabe is in Hell, which ends up being full of some really nice people who have necessary (if unpleasant) jobs. He’s been promised a transfer to Heaven, but in the meantime Gabe will have to deal with a psychotic ex who’s turned out to be a former despotic ruler of Ancient Rome, an aged-down grandmother who keeps causing chaos, corporate politics, a pet hellhound, a lot of unanswered questions about his own existence, and a growing attachment to the guy in charge of the place. What’s a dead college student to do, aside from enjoy the company?

Go for the Company is part of the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries Series. Each book stands alone, but each one includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. This book contains slow-burn paranormal romance, asexual representation, and a guaranteed Happily Ever Afterlife.

Review: Warrior King (Warriors Book 1) by Eden Winter

Rating: 4.75🌈

Well, that was one fabulous fantasy epic romance! There’s forced marriages, death and deep intrigue, bloody battles, kingdoms at risk, and finally, finding true love.

I had such a fantastic time reading this and getting into the lives of these characters! And happily, this is only the first book in the Warriors series.

But starting us off is the taking of the Kingdom of Revellan by the Emperor’s son, Commander Draylon Aravaid. He’s leading the battle and the troops to defeat the traitor King and insure that the Emperor’s orders are carried out.

However, once the blood is spilled, the battle ends, left standing is two young siblings guarded by the enemy’s spare heir, Prince Yarif DiRici .

With those elements solidly in place,Winter creates a fantasy world of bitter kingdom politics that incorporates spies, assassins, intrigue on a vast scale, betrayal, forced marriages, and a cast of beautifully drawn characters, from the main couple to the several villains of the story.

Both men are easily seen by the reader, well defined by their personalities and rich descriptions. There’s Draylon Aravaid, Commander of the Emperor’s Army. Second son, scarred, a seasoned warrior with a thoughtfulness and determination that underpins his ability to strategize and fight. He’s such a splendid man and character. I adore him.

He plays up perfectly against his counterpart, the third son and heir spare of the traitorous and now dead King. That’s Prince Yarif DiRici, a multidimensional figure, protector, secretary, linguist, consort to be. And here he’s the one person protecting his younger brother and sister from the Emperor and his plans.

The Emperor is an evolving figure here , one I wish we could have had more insight into. He is more of a one dimensional character than he could have been, and the hints at the end would have made the Emperor a far more complex figure.

But the rest? Fabulous! Especially Rufe, Draylon’s best friend who’s suffered much in his past. The red-headed king who’s playing a big role here, no spoilers. And May from the kitchen.

Can’t wait to read more about the next in this universe from Eden Winters.

Love fantasy? Big epic adventures with romance thrown in? Grand characters and world building? Warrior King is all that and more!

I’m highly recommending it.

Buy link:

Warrior King: Warriors – Book 1by Eden Winters

Blurb:

One man is the son of a traitor. The other is the son of a tyrannical emperor. Together, they discover the fine line between duty and justice.

Commander Draylon Aravaid doesn’t hide his lineage as the emperor’s son but doesn’t advertise his origins either. Loyal to a fault, he relies on his hard-won reputation rather than his family name, which his duplicitous father uses to full advantage.

Prince Yarif DiRici trained his entire life to become a consort in a political marriage–all while secretly yearning for love. The death of his father and older brother suddenly thrusts an unwanted crown upon his head, and Yarif into a whirlwind of dangerous plans within plans as he and Draylon are forced into marriage.

The political game is set, and Yarif is kidnapped. It’s up to Draylon to mount a daring rescue to prevent all-out war.

The two men must get past each other’s mistrust, find common ground, and defeat an enemy neither knew they had…and may not survive!

Warrior King is now available for preorder on Amazon, releasing August 25.

Review: How the Necromancer in the Gold Vest Saved My Life: WhoWoke the Dead? #4 (Princes of Mayhem) by Jocelynn Drake

Rating: 4.5🌈

How the Necromancer in the Gold Vest Saved My Life: Who Woke the Dead? #4 (Princes of Mayhem) by Jocelynn Drake feels more like a stepping stone to more adventures than it does a series finale. One of the reasons why is that this is a prequel series to the author’s Lords of Discord series (the vampire Variks) and now, happily, a lead in to a new series about those chaotic male witches who are both Sky’s best friends and form his coven. Be still my heart.

So yes, Drake packs a ton into the fourth story of this crazy but highly entertaining serialized story about a powerful necromancer who finds a loving boyfriend in a human fantasy romance author and they continue to have grand adventures together along with their friends and demon minions!

Who Woke the Dead doesn’t come together as fully as a whole storyline like the previous books have. This felt more like a group of engaging events loosely tied together leading the characters and readers to a HFN for Sky and Nolan.

In each small scenario, Nolan and Sky get to discuss their experiences and why they are so different and yet well suited for each other. Whether it’s Nolan taking care of an exhausted Sky after he’s made sandwiches for the underworld (an element I loved) or having an after party for witches, this couple just is #couplegoals. They are supportive, committed, and they communicate, with humor and sexy affection. What’s not to love?

So maybe it doesn’t matter that there’s not an all consuming drama here but two men finding each other and becoming boyfriends under extraordinary circumstances. Plus I love me some Dandy Dogs! More of these please!

I really hope Drake makes a second season of this series. I’m really excited to see what happens next on this couple’s journey.

In the meantime, I’m looking forward to the witches series starting with the blood witch , Moon. He’s up first.

I’m highly recommending the series (must read all four stories) , then continue on.

How the Necromancer in the Gold Vest Saved My Life:

✓ Disaster #1: Fun With Family

✓ Disaster #2: Pet Problems

✓ Disaster #3: Date Night

✓ Disaster #4: Who Woke the Dead? – finale

Related new series with connected characters:

Kings of Chaos- the witches of above

◦ Two Thousand Dreams (Kings of Chaos Book 1)-Nov 10,2023

Buy Link

How the Necromancer in the Gold Vest Saved My Life: Disaster #4 (Princes of Mayhem)

Blurb:

Disaster #4: Who Woke the Dead?

Something has escaped from the underworld!

Sky would like to point out that this is NOT his fault.

But, yes, something has escaped, and it has all the dead crawling out of their graves.

Naturally, the humans are freaking out.

Except for the sexy one living across the street.

Nolan is ready to jump into the fray and help Sky round up the underworld fugitive.

Sky’s going to need all the help he can get–not just from his coven but all the witches he can get his hands on.

How the Necromancer in the Gold Vest Saved My Life is a serial comprising four novellas that follow the insane adventures of necromancer Skylar Wallace and his next-door neighbor Nolan Banks. This is the final book and contains witches, demons, underworld minions, more sandwiches, stolen smexy time, an angry Grammy, and something scary running wild in Connecticut.

Review: French Fancy (The Model Agency Book 2) by Lily Morton

Rating: 5🌈

“Choose love not in the shallows but in the deep.” – Christina Rossetti”

— French Fancy (The Model Agency Book 2) by Lily Morton

French Fancy rose right into a tie for the top spot for favorite Lily Morton romances and, happily, into my small comfort read list of books I must have by my bedside to grab as needed for emergency occasions.

I picked it up when I got the notification it was out and, finished at 4 am in the morning, as a grumpy canine companion can attest to. I probably would have finished sooner but I kept going backwards over certain areas, laughing until I had tears in my eyes, or giggling in sheer appreciation of some of the sharpest dialogue and snappy interchanges in recent memory between characters.

Help me, some of those phrases are setting me off still! I don’t want to bring them up here for several reasons. One, I doubt Amazon would let most of the quotes get through with their racy content but more importantly, it’s because I want the readers to have the spontaneous delight in coming across them in context and having their own reactions! Whatever they may be.

This book and characters just does it for me! Ticks all my boxes in terms of excellent storytelling, fabulous writing, and memorable characters.

I could talk about character development and depth of personality but, honestly, the best thing I can say about French Fancy is that it’s not as if I’m reading a story about characters , but seeing people living their best lives, finding their true paths with help from their friends and families, whether they be through blood or through a foundation built by connections. I absolutely feel I know and genuinely love these people, would recognize them if I met them.

If someone asked me about them, I think I might actually reply as I would if you’d asked about a friend “yes, they’re doing fabulous last I heard , finally!”.

Pip Simmonds, Olivier Durand, the gorgeous villa Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, they have found a permanent place in my heart. It didn’t take long. My TBR pile will suffer as I’m heading back for a reread.

I really need more of them and look forward of getting that in future books to come just as saw delightful , moving scenes with Dean and Jonas and Ruby, their daughter.

I wish I could go higher than 5. Oh well.

Lily Morton goes deep into the fears of loss, the endurance people are capable of, the strength of the support of families and friends, and, finally, how, the power of love can overcome even the most painful of barriers.

French Fancy (The Model Agency Book 2) by Lily Morton is a fantastic book and one I’ll have one reread. I’m highly recommending it!

The Model Agency:

✓ The Sunny Side #1

✓ French Fancy #2

Buy Link:

French Fancy (The Model Agency Book 2)

Blurb:

Pip Simmonds is the twinkiest twink in London. He’s loud, proud, and packed to the brim with sass. But when he’s laid low by illness, even his hotpants lose their sparkle and his worried boss sends him to the South of France to recuperate in his holiday home.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is beautiful, and the periwinkle-blue villa is luxurious, but the real draw for Pip is the villa’s other resident—his boss’s younger brother, Olivier Durand.

Olivier owns a perfume empire and has spent his whole life running from any other form of commitment. He’s worldly, carefree, wild, and the perfect choice for a holiday fling.

Drawn together by proximity, the two men become lovers and friends and then something more. Something special. But will their special bond hold true after summer’s end, when they both must return to their real lives?

This is the second book in the bestselling Model Agency series, but it can be read as a standalone.

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