Tag: Scattered Thoughts Highly Recommended

Review: Killer vs. Kingpin (Hitman vs Hitman #3) by Cari Z and L.A. Witt

Rating: 4.75🌈

I really love absolute narrative lunacy! That’s Killer vs Kingpin pretty much from start to finish. A murderous Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride that expands on its initial theme of killers for hire into assassins antiheroes thwarting double crossing cartel minions, doing deals/breaking bread/being insane with all sorts of criminals, agencies and with as many weapons as possible.

It’s absolutely glorious fast paced mayhem. With relationships and character growth.

And death, blood, and a poodle. Nothing bad at all happens to the poodle.

If I had a wish though, I sorta wish that Eve and August’s classy, tough as nails sister, Elodie, would get together. Unfortunately, as she’s already married to the doctor, Paschal, also an important character within the series, it’s unlikely. I can dream, can’t I?

Mafia consigliere Pedro Silva and Police Detective Chandler, two fascinating ongoing personalities, come powerfully into action here. The chemistry and dynamics are fantastic. Their book is next.

I love it when a series keeps the original high energy but is able to expand and improve on the original by adding depth and complexity to the relationships and themes.

That’s exactly what the authors are doing here.

And why I’m recommending the book and series.

Read them in the order they are written.

Hitman Vs Hitman series:

✓ Hitman Vs Hitman #1

✓ Sniper vs Spotter #2

✓ Killer vs Kingpin #3

◦ Cop vs Capo #4 – Jan 4, 2023

Buy Link : Amazon

Killer vs. Kingpin (Hitman vs Hitman Book 3)

Description:

August Morrison and Ricardo Torralba would really like to live a quiet life—as quiet as life can be for a couple of eccentric hitmen, anyway. Unfortunately for them, they pushed their luck with the authors and demanded a second book. So now, whether they like it or not, they’re getting a third installment.

Yes, this is a revenge book. Because we’re the authors, that’s why.

This time, August and Ricardo are in way over their heads, because there are few things more dangerous than owing a favor to the mafia. When that favor gets called in, though, it’s not to kill anyone—it’s to save them. Time is running out to find the source of tainted street drugs poisoning innocent people.

Now they’re caught in the middle of a deadly war between rival families, all while trying to dodge suspicious police and merciless drug cartels.

Maybe this time, August and Ricardo will learn their lesson and not demand another book… assuming they survive this one.

Killer vs. Kingpin is book 3 in the Hitman vs. Hitman series that seems to have evolved from an alleged “standalone” to “yeah, we don’t even know.” They’re just too much fun to torture! Err, write. Too much fun to write.

Review: Sniper vs Spotter (Hitman vs Hitman #2) by Cari Z and L.A. Witt

Rating: 4.5🌈

Sniper vs Spotter passes the tough second book hurdle with flying colors, amid explosions, flying debris , and blood splatter!

Cari Z and Witt continues moves the relationship between hitmen August Morrison and Ricardo Torralba forward, opening the novel with the men living together, adjusting to a different lifestyle and emotional state.

It’s that latter that’s really causing the introspection and , glimpses into their pasts.

Which the authors use as the major source for the drama on multiple levels within the storyline with huge success.

Family is key. Or the keys to unlock the history and personalities of August Morrison and Ricardo Torralba. For August, it’s his sister and their shared traumatic experiences. For Ricardo, it’s his ex-wife Eve (an extraordinary woman, real, grounded in her bitterness and love), their complicated relationship, and the person from the past that now connects them.

Eve is someone who’s so well crafted that it’s no wonder the authors couldn’t leave her to just one story (yes, she’s going onto the next book).

Kudos to both authors for not demonizing the ex in a marriage. That’s one of my pet peeves in writing. I acknowledge that there’s unlikable ex problems but too often I read ones where it’s a simplistic, cardboard throwaway approach to a character and story element than a realistic human approach.

Sniper vs Spotter’s plot(s) and character development and relationship growth, which happens between not just the main couple but between other people as well, is just as compelling and interesting to watch unfold as the fast action sequences that accompany it.

The authors says these characters are talking to them? I say they are laughing, shouting, snarking their way through an entire series.

If we’re lucky.

Especially as they keep drawing more fabulously complicated people in around them.

So yes, I’m definitely recommending this series and probably even the ones that follow.

Look for more reviews to come.

The books must be read in the order they were written to understand the events and relationships development.

Hitman Vs Hitman series:

✓ Hitman Vs Hitman #1

✓ Sniper vs Spotter #2

✓ Killer vs Kingpin #3

◦ Cop vs Capo #4 – Jan 4, 2023

Buy Link Amazon

Sniper vs Spotter (Hitman vs Hitman Book 2)

Description:

Mortal-enemies-turned-furniture-breaking-lovers August Morrison and Ricardo Torralba have found a groove that suits them both. They’ve teamed up as hired guns, they live together, and by some miracle, they haven’t killed each other. It’s the closest to normal they’ll ever have, and they love it.

But their guns-and-roses future is thrown into chaos when Ricardo’s past comes crashing into their present. What begins as a favor for an old friend—well, “friend,” but don’t tell August—quickly spirals into something far bigger than they anticipated. Now they’re in way over their heads with powerful people on both sides of the law, and it’s going to take more than snark and explosions to see them through.

Nevertheless, there will be plenty of snark and explosions, because this is August and Ricardo, and no one would expect any less. In between the smoke and sarcasm, though, they are determined to bring an evil operation crashing down… no matter who they have to work with to get the job done.

And no matter who they have to kill.

Sniper vs Spotter is the sequel to the apparently-it-doesn’t-want-to-be-a-standalone Hitman vs Hitman, which absolutely was supposed to be a standalone, but August and Ricardo (predictably) refused to be contained. Our audiobook narrator also shares some of the blame, Michael. So here we are.

Review: The Dragon King’s Philosopher (The Dragons of Serai Book 3) by Amy Sumida

Rating: 4.5🌈

With The Dragon King’s Philosopher , Amy Sumida expands her universe and basic foundation knowledge her readers understood for The Dragons of Serai series. That new depth alone makes this a fascinating book.

Each book picks up directly from the events of the last, the narrative backtracking a scene or two to refresh the reader’s memory on every aspect of the novel’s story.

So we’re ready to jump into Prince Thais’ life, knowing the humiliation and pain his twin sister has caused him and his family in the aftermath of The Dragon Prince’s Necromancer (#2).

He’s sworn off his crushes on warriors, and needs an immediate diversion, preferably away from family, home, and sister. He’s answered by a official missive from The Kingdom of Ha’tezan asking for his help on a archaeological project of great significance.

It’s yes and he’s off to a place few have made voyages to.

By traveling to the country (an island) and kingdom of Ha’tezan, Sumida creates an entire new continent of different niche environments along with new races, cultures, and histories that inhabit it. Ones that both challenge and entrance Prince Thais.

Lord Thas Thorncal, family enclave Fyrehollde, of Zaru, scholar, linguist, philosopher, but not warrior, isn’t exactly ready for the King or Kingdom he’s flying into.

It’s one of remarkable ancient traditions and architecture, wonders and marvels that rival nothing Thas has ever seen. Yet the culture he’s meeting is steeped in mistrust, a lack of scientific vision, as well as superstitious, beliefs passed down through generations until they’ve become so rigidly accepted as non-refutable.

It’s also built upon the notion that power and fear rules. A society hard for a non-warrior to understand and find a place to fit in.

I found myself really thinking about the layers Sumida is adding in here to her world building. Ones that not only layers over prior foundation knowledge, but new ones that can substantially change , enhance, or even twist that she’s already given us.

So that our minds are occupied with all this rich tapestry of knowledge when we are also involved in other equally complex storylines involving our characters , their lives, and potential relationship.

I wasn’t a complete fan of King Xa’din of Ha’tezan. I found myself thinking there’s at least one other candidate I prefer for Thas here over a superstitious brute of a King with the communication skills of a toddler. Honestly, that never went completely away. And is the reason this story didn’t get a 5 star review.

Because Sumida handles so many other issues and tricky elements of the story with a deft narrative hand. The format, the amazing imagery, the fantastic storytelling and new characters!

I was enthralled.

Thas Thorncal, and the new characters (which I absolutely cannot speak of without giving away huge spoilers) are beautifully written, captivating in their portrayal of men in a momentous moment in their lives, and a yet , in a fantasy world, made believable by their circumstances and choices.

I can’t wait for the next installment and this journey to unfold.

I’m highly recommending that you read these book in the order that they are written to understand the history, characters, relationships, and world building.

The Dragons of Serai series:

✓ The Dragon King’s Assassin #1

✓ The Dragon Prince’s Necromancer #2

✓ The Dragon King’s Philosopher #3

◦ The Dragon God’s Sacrifice #4 – Jan 30, 2023

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Dragon-…A Gay Fantasy Romance (The Dragons of Serai Book 3) – Kindle edition by Sumida …

Amy Sumidahttps://www.amysumida.com › the-…The Dragon King’s Philosopher → New Book Release by Amy Sumida

Description:

A broken heart sent me running right into his arms.

I live in a world of magic, but I’m a man of science. Nothing thrills me more than learning, be it a new language, culture, or the way something works. That is, until I fell for the Dragon Prince of Zaru. After he mated another man, I found myself listless, searching for something to ease the heartache. So when the offer of an archaeological job in Ha’tezan came to me, I accepted it instantly. I didn’t ask what it paid or who was hiring me; I didn’t care. I just needed to get out of Zaru.

My employer is a king—King Xa’din of Ha’tezan. At first, he seemed brutal, ruling his kingdom with an iron claw and a pair of cursed, mismatched eyes. But I sense there’s something magnificent waiting behind his hard exterior, just as there is behind the ancient doors he’s unearthed. And as intriguing as King Xa’din is, so is his island kingdom. It’s full of exotic creatures and people I’ve never seen before. I intend to uncover all the secrets of Ha’tezan, especially those of its King. I just pray that I haven’t traded heartbreak for something more fatal.

Review: Linus (Christmas Sprites #4) by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Linus finishes out Blakes’ heartwarming Christmas Sprites series and it’s a magical end I’d hoped for.

Linus, the last of the Christmas sprite cousins to find a mate, has always thought he’d be the first one to find the perfect one to love and spend the rest of his life with.

Instead, the fumbling, large-hearted innkeeper has stood by and watched, a tad jealously, as the other three found their mates, and got their magical “glow up”.

So Linus makes a plan to change his luck. And Colby, Tate’s best friend (and Eldon’s mate) comes to town, looking for Tate, and to check out the mysterious village he’s living in.

With all the other couples and inhabitants of Mistletoe Falls involved in the growing relationship between Colby and Linus, mischief and magical hijinks soon abound! From tiny “borrowed “ goats to Easter eggs and bunnies out of season, this is a heartwarming story, full of charming moments, happy memories, and a couple fated for HEA!

I totally recommend this no angst, heartwarming holiday quartet of magical tales!

Christmas Sprites:

✓ Nyall #1

✓ Oberon #2

✓ Eldon #3

✓ Linus #4

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showLinus (Christmas Sprites #4) by Macy Blake

Description:

Never sleigh never.

Linus is having a Christ-massive problem. His cousins have all found their fated mates and their sprite magic is making beautiful things happen in the small town of Mistletoe Falls they call home. His magic? Well, it’s making a fa-la-la-la-lasting impression…and not in a good way.

No need to Claus a scene!

When Colby’s best friend runs away to Mistletoe Falls, Colby follows. From the moment he arrives, things are an elf-ing mess. Strange things keep occurring in and around the Tinseled Inn, all involving its bewitching owner, Linus. Colby is determined to find out Linus’s secret, and if he doesn’t end up getting his chestnuts roasted, he may discover that Linus will make more than his Christmas bright.

If you love fated mates, Christmas hijinks, and magical elves, er, sprites, who make the season bright, this holiday romance will help you have a tree-mendous holiday season.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: Hitman vs Hitman by Cari Z and L.A. Witt

Rating: 4.5🌈

No idea why, but I’m fascinated by hitman romances. It’s a trope that’s been written by many authors and each one has a different interpretation of the assassins, their lifestyles, backgrounds, and, of course, professionalism.

Are they psychopaths? People lured inside the profession by expediency or blackmail? Or perhaps something in their pasts now causes them to kill. Or any number of combinations.

All of which makes for dark, entertaining reading and curiouser relationship dynamics between assassins.

Hitman vs Hitman by Cari Z and L.A. Witt is, imo, a delightful “assassin light” romantic story.

What torture there is here is minimal is in the past and off page. The killings, while often and with a “boom, explosions, boom” high body count, aren’t gruesome. Those that might sound as such, well, they are off page again.

It’s bang, boom, shots, flash bangs, quick action sequences, dead bodies sort of assassin type of story.

What Witt and CariZ did so splendidly here was in giving both the assassins such divergent personalities and backgrounds yet their characters were so alike in beliefs and values that the romance actually made sense.

There’s the sarcastic humor, snippy bits of dialogue, witty jokes, and incredibly good scenes that interspersed action with past memories and relationship growth.

I remained absolutely committed to the men, the storylines, and their relationship.

I could use several more tales with this newly adjusted killer couple in the future. Oh wait, they do. And I’m onto it next!

Such a excellent story! One I’m highly recommending.

Hitman Vs Hitman series:

✓ Hitman Vs Hitman #1

◦ Sniper vs Spotter #2

◦ Killer vs Kingpin #3

◦ Cop vs Capo #4 – Jan 4, 2023

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Hitman-…Hitman vs Hitman – Kindle edition by Z, Cari, Witt, L.A.. Romance Kindle eBooks @ …

Description:

Ricardo Torralba and August Morrison don’t agree on much besides the fact that they hate each other. According to Ricardo, August is a spoiled brat who really needs to knock off the sass once in a while. August insists that Ricardo needs a sense of humor, a good lay, or a well-placed bullet. Maybe all three.

Fortunately, the assassin’s profession is a solitary one, and they can go about their lives without getting in each other’s way.

Usually.

When a contracted hit turns out to be a setup for both of them, they narrowly escape with their lives. Now, even if they don’t like it (spoiler: they don’t), August and Ricardo have to work together if they want a shot at survival.

In between firefights and questionable interrogation methods as they hunt down their would-be killer, the cranky assassins discover that under all that mutual loathing is a spark of chemistry they can’t ignore. They want to ignore it, they probably should ignore it, but August can’t help flirting to annoy Ricardo, and Ricardo can think of at least one way to shut him up for a while.

But they need to focus, damn it, and figure out who’s gunning for them and why.

Assuming they don’t kill each other first.

Hitman vs Hitman is a standalone* gay romantic suspense featuring two men who’d rather chew glass than fall for each other, a whole lot of inappropriate comments, and some buttons that will need resewing.

* Okay, it was supposed to be a standalone, but August and Ricardo refused to be contained, so now they have a sequel, Sniper vs Spotter.

—-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: Just Say When by Aimee Nicole Walker

Rating: 4.5🌈

I have been waiting for Chief Mendoza’s story since Walker started her teasers and hints throughout all the rest of the Savannah series about Mendoza’s attraction to his longtime friend, Sheriff Abraham Beecham.

Chief Mendoza’s been a rock solid presence at the Savannah PD , a favored , strong personality that’s as much a part of the family and lives of all the main characters we love . He is a central figure in the foundation of this ongoing series universe.

No surprise that Beecham started to work his way up and into the same role , via his relationship with Mendoza and that of Sgt. Royce Locke (of the partnership in every way of Locke and Key).

Just Say When finally pulls back the curtains on their long relationship, their friendship, and the passion for each other that’s finally gone from hidden to unrestrained.

I love that Mendoza’s back history includes a great mixed modern family dynamics. His combined family includes his teenage son, Alex, who he shares with his ex. In a totally appreciated departure from the norm in other stories, his ex wife , a well rounded character, is still very much a friend. Also in law enforcement, she’s strong, great at her job , smart and loving, has a terrific marriage with her husband. Their family includes Mendoza and Uncle Abe Beecham, who’s known everyone for years.

This quartet of personalities and relationships drives the multiple storylines forward with a narrative heft that includes compelling acceptance of sexuality, bigotry within a family framework, and a healthy modern mixed family culture.

Walker’s characters flow through a mystery and dramatic setup that’s got its own twists to satisfy any reader.

I love her Savannah universe and all the characters and stories that have come out of it. Just Say When is simply one more in that rich line of storytelling that you will never tire of and always be sorry to leave.

I’m highly recommending it and all the books around it.

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showJust Say When by Aimee Nicole Walker

Description:

Someone wants Police Chief Emilio Mendoza dead. And if his unknown assailant doesn’t kill him, pining for Sheriff Abraham Beecham just might.

Abe and Lio’s thirty-year journey has taken them from heated rivals to best friends with countless labels and pit stops along the way. Romance is the only avenue left unexplored but not from lack of love or desire.

Abe pushes people away before they can get too close, and Lio doesn’t engage in situations he can’t control. They’ve reached an impasse, and neither are willing to risk their friendship until fate intervenes, forcing them to reassess their priorities.

But when an unhinged enemy targets Lio, will their gamble be too little too late, or will their love truly conquer all?

Just Say When is a standalone romantic suspense novel within the author’s Savannah universe. This book contains mature content and is attended for adults.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: Felix (Boyfriend for Hire #5) by R.J. Scott and Meredith Russell

Rating: 4🌈

I haven’t read the other books in the Boyfriends for Hire series, but that didn’t keep me from reading and enjoying Felix, the fifth installment.

Felix is very much a holiday story and it works somewhat well as a standalone novel. While I was unfamiliar with the characters from the agency that Felix works for, there’s just enough background information that a new reader has a good idea of the universe we are falling into.

That said, while I had a good grasp on the character of Felix, the character of Ethan, the scientist, came about more slowly. I wasn’t sure what to attribute certain aspects of his personality to. Was his scattered thoughts and inability to focus on social situations part of being on the spectrum or something else. Else as it turns out.

But it leaves him as a lesser formed individual than say Felix who we have a firm grasp of.

Their relationship and it’s path is slow but sweet. It has some dramatic moments that turns Ethan’s character into one grounded in a believable, painful journey to healing, new hopeful future for them both.

Felix is a sweet, loving, heartwarming holiday tale. Even without the other books, it’s a lovely read and one I enjoyed immensely.

Add it to your holiday TBR list!

Boyfriends for Hire:

◦ Darcy #1

◦ Kaden #2

◦ Gideon #3

◦ Jaden #4

✓ Felix #5

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showFelix (Boyfriend for Hire, #5) by R.J. Scott

Description:

Hiring a fake boyfriend for a school reunion seems to be the only solution, but love was never part of the equation.

Felix has enough on his plate looking out for his parents, let alone agreeing to being hired for a date with the friend of a friend. His instant attraction to the scatter-brained scientist has him making impulsive decisions he hopes he won’t regret. But, somehow, he’s agreeing to more dates, and more time with sexy Ethan and his non-stop talking. When stolen wintry kisses turn to love, and Christmas works its magic, Felix knows he’s losing his heart.

The science of chemistry makes more sense to Ethan than connecting with potential boyfriends, and he’s wary of romance. Unsettled by a string of failed hookups, he knows it’s on him when everything goes wrong and he can’t help but wonder what has made him this way. His friend Jared says that Ethan needs to close metaphorical doors on past hurts—whatever that means—and that the school reunion might just be step one. Determined to show himself as confident and happy, he hires Felix to be his date for the night, but a kiss to make up for the one he missed at prom, and abruptly, it’s not the past that is consuming his thoughts.

Now all Felix has to do is show Ethan that it’s okay to love and be loved in return, and that chemistry can lead to a happily ever after.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: How I Stole The Princess’s White Knight and Turned Him to Villainy: The Coronation: The Complete Works Bonus Short Story by A. J. Sherwood

Rating: 4🌈

The drama is over, the evil princess (and her father) is so so dead. So what’s a handsome knight and his newly wed sorcerer to do? Why be crowned King of course!

Here the party , all the hijinks, the kitties, and the HFN’s because, luckily, A.J. Sherwood isn’t done with Tan and Devan yet!

So enjoy! And wait for the shenanigans to begin again.

Part of: How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned him to Villainy

Special short bonus story to the following, now a boxed set.

How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned him to Villainy by AJ Sherwood Miracles 1-6

Review: How I Stole The Princess’s White Knight and Turned Him to Villainy: The Coronation: The Complete Works Bonus Short Story by A. J. Sherwood

Rating: 4🌈

The drama is over, the evil princess (and her father) is so so dead. So what’s a handsome knight and his newly wed sorcerer to do? Why be crowned King of course!

Here the party , all the hijinks, the kitties, and the HFN’s because, luckily, A.J. Sherwood isn’t done with Tan and Devan yet!

So enjoy! And wait for the shenanigans to begin again.

Part of: How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned him to Villainy

Special short bonus story to the following, now a boxed set.

How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned him to Villainy by AJ Sherwood Miracles 1-6

Review: Merry Christmas Cupid (Hartbridge Christmas #3) by N.R. Walker

Rating: 4.25🌈

N.R.Walker takes us back to that incredibly beautiful and charming place, Hartbridge, Montana, supposedly for the last time, in Merry Christmas Cupid.

No Aussies this time, except for newly transplanted Gunter Zuniga’s interactions with our couples from the past two stories.

Gunter Zuniga, 44 years old, grieving the loss of his father and a breakup of a longstanding relationship on the day of his father’s funeral, relocates to a small town he’s never forgotten for their kindness and support towards his father and himself towards the end of his father’s life.

The old heritage home calls out to him, and that’s how he meets Clay Henderson, a man whose generosity sparks a friendship, a ease into the town, and a new journey forward for both.

Merry Christmas Cupid is a slow, lower angst romantic tale. Clay learns to fully embrace his bisexuality and come out to those that matter. Gunter gains a new found family and close knit set of friends.

Hartbridge, Montana is picturesque and Hallmark descriptive. From the citizens we’ve met before in previous books to new ones that call out for new romances of their own, Merry Christmas Cupid is a lovely holiday gift for fans of this author and lovers of seasonal fiction.

I’m certainly sorry to see this series end if Merry Christmas Cupid truly marks a ending to the Hartbridge Christmas stories!

Pick it up and enjoy Walker’s trademark well crafted characters, heartwarming plot, and heartfelt moments!

Hartbridge Christmas:

✓ Tic-Tac-Mistletoe #1

✓ Christmas Wish List #2

✓ Christmas Cupid #3

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showMerry Christmas Cupid (Hartbridge Christmas, #3) by N.R. Walker

Description:

After a year of tragedy, forty-four-year-old Gunter Zuniga is leaving heartbreak behind and moving to the peaceful and picturesque town of Hartbridge, Montana. He buys an old house in need of some work, which he naively thinks he can manage now that he’s single and retired—he has nothing but time.


Clay Henderson runs the local sawmill with his dad, and it’s the busiest time of year. Firewood and Christmas trees are in high demand, and a delivery of firewood to the old house on Cedar Bark Road leaves him curious about the new man in town.


Clay has never had time for romance and Gunter certainly isn’t looking, but Hartbridge has a way of working its Christmas magic; the jingle of Christmas bells, snow, and love are ringing in the air. And Gunter and Clay are about to get the best Christmas gift they never asked for.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer