Tag: trilogy finale

Review:  All Out of Flux (Stolen Hearts Book 3) by Nazri Noor

Rating : 4.5🌈

All Out of Flux is the final book in Nazri Noor’s Stolen Hearts trilogy.  In this story, brujo witch Leon Alcantara and mage Max Drake are still in pursuit of the Quartz Spider , a time mage who threatens existence itself.  

Noor’s narrative has been building up to this, including the amazing sea dragons that inhabit Leon for a spell in exchange for powerful magic.  This element expands as another dragon is introduced and a scary scenario is unveiled for their appearance.

This is a fast paced, action packed book, where if you skip a sentence or two, you’ve missed an important step or aspect of the game that’s playing out in the narrative.  

I find the entire Las Lunas universe endlessly imaginative.  The spider beings, from the Jade and Amethyst Spiders to the very Queen herself, this is such a uniquely fascinating element that I love and could wish for additional exploration. 

And also there’s Max’s criminal, entertaining, persistent family to dive into as well.  Tons of characters waiting for their own input into Max and Leon’s lives and further adventures.

That final battle and scenes left me with some major issues but it was most definitely dramatic and memorable.  Did I have several questions about how it was possible and why it was happening in the first place? Yes.  Did know one know about the Masque? However, everything is satisfactory and maybe any further series will bring answers for us.  You never know.

If you love fantasy fiction, magical stories, here’s a trilogy you won’t want to miss. 

Stolen Hearts:

Hex and the City #1

Elixir of Strife #2

All Out Of Flux #3 – finale

Buy link

        All Out of Flux (Stolen Hearts Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Time is running out.

Leon Alcantara and Max Drake are finding help in the most unlikely of places. A third dragon has manifested, promising Leon untold elemental power. Another specter from Max’s past returns to haunt him, presenting a tempting offer.

But everything comes with a price.

Perhaps the risk is worth the reward. More anomalies are erupting across Dos Lunas. The boys need all the help they can get against the rogue time mage responsible. The Quartz Spider has finally shown his hand, and only Max and Leon can stop him.

But how can they stop the enemy when the enemy is time itself?

  • Publication date: August 30, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 148 pages

Review: Nelson & MacIlwraith: Moon Murder Mysteries III by K. Sterling

Rating: 4🌈

This type of book is extremely hard to read at times, and , for the same reasons, very difficult to rate. I wish I didn’t have to write that because I love how this series began.

K Sterling is a fascinating, imaginative writer, and I put several of Sterling’s works among my favorites. But that same inquisitive, brilliant mind that brings forth moving, modern, emotional narratives of nannies amidst Manhattan high rises can also get so caught up in creating a densely told labyrinthine fantasy tale.

One that starts with the following involved, detailed explanations from the author on

1.About Magickal Appropriation (BCE 2nd century Gaul, Ireland, Britain Druidic rituals etc)

2. Content Warnings And An Apology

3. Pronunciation & Translation Guide (very good and extremely long and will be repeated throughout the book with footnotes)

This is a clue on how the author intends to proceed with the book and address the issues of the religious aspects of the creation/combination of the storytelling and mythology found within.

Sterling is being both extremely precise with the foundations of this trilogy and themes of ancient gods awakening , then adding in the various mysteries and investigations as well as a huge sexual magic aspect to make a whole.

But instead these elements supporting or harmoniously combining together with other magical components, it gets weighed down by the author’s interpretation and references. All the numerous examples of footnotes, and descriptions which halt the story and take the reader from the narrative.

Example :

“Followers of the Badb or the Morrígan offer sacrifices to the warrior goddess because the lore holds that on the eve of the Battle of the Plain of Pillars—Samhain Eve—she met with and married the Dagda and the two mated. After, she advised him to gather his greatest warriors and that she would wield chaos and destruction when it was time to face the Fomorians [5] in battle the next day. On Samhain, they faced the enemy for the soul of Ireland and it was her ruthlessness that drove the Fomorians into defeat.”

The complex layers of additional properties of multiple mythologies (although primarily Celtic) , witchcraft, coming to life with foreboding consequences for the Earth and humanity, that the density overloads the characters and storylines right up to the 75% of the book. Then the actual plot and action is started back up again. It’s wrapped up quickly by Sterling as the author wants to get to the main drama, the god stuff that’s been playing out all along.

That’s a shame because the human drama. All those dead, tortured murdered girls, the cult and mystery behind them, that was , for me, the fascinating part of the story .That’s the real thing here. That investigation, the whole side themes and characters.

But the god awakening, all the research and mythology involved, and that thread was the one that Sterling was invested in and that’s what ended up being the one that led the narrative show.

So how to rate a book that the author put so much heart, so much research, time, so much effort into creating and crafting a story that, for me, ended up feeling like I was reading bits and pieces of a thesis or research for a project?

I found parts of this really interesting. I enjoyed reading the footnotes, albeit in stages. And I was entertained by the wrap up of the original storyline of the girls and that cult.

Everything else was just so dense and overly complex that I ended up removed from any connection I’d made previously to the main characters and their circle of friends.

That’s a shame because that first book presents a duo unlike anyone I’d met before.

I’m making no recommendations. If you like references, the author, mythology, check it out.

There’s a fourth book coming out.

Nelson & MacIlwraith: Moon Murder Mysteries I – III by K. Sterling, complete

Next up:

Nelson & MacIlwraith: The Curious Case of the Cadwallader

Buy link:

Nelson & MacIlwraith: Moon Murder Mysteries III

Blurb:

The Moon Murder Mysteries conclude…

Nelson & Nox are hunting for the real killer behind the Moon Murder Mysteries, but they’re having to do that while preventing a god from getting what he wants.

With Nelson learning more than he ever thought possible about sex magick, Nox needs to make peace with his past and come to terms with who he is, but can he do that while curses abound and the killer is far too close to home?

Nox is a little bit witchcraft. Nelson is a little bit Federal Bureau. Together, they’re a wickedly good team, but can they solve the puzzle and catch a murderer before Nox’s fate catches up with them?

• Publisher: Bawdy Books (March 20, 2024)

• Publication date: March 20, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 290 pages

Review: Stone Heart (The Gargoyles of Arrington Book 3) by Jenn Burke

Rating: 4 🌈

Stone Heart is the finale to Jenn Burke’s terrific The Gargoyles of Arrington trilogy. Teague O’Reilly, the object of the curse, as well as the only brother not to have found his soulmate, is currently caught up in a fabricated plot, one that has him mate bound to a shifter under false pretenses. That would be Chris Holt, a bear shifter whose cursed sleuth can’t shift properly or have young. A prophecy said a trio of gargoyle brothers would lead them home so he trapped Teague into a bond without thinking of the consequences to Teague and others.

The other being Frankie, a mountain lion shifter who’s found his way through some very dramatic events to the O’Reilly brothers mansion and into Teague’s life.

Burke is giving the last book and relationship a new aspect from the previous two. Teague has been resigned to dying, especially since finding out that Chris has deceived him. However, the twist is both Chris and Frankie are not only mates but believe Teague is their mate too. So there’s a potential for a triad relationship between the three people if they all can work through the huge issues and raised barriers.

That includes the fact that Teague is asexual and doesn’t want a sexual relationship with his “mate’, a barrier Teague has raised in his mind without any evidence that it wouldn’t work out. Teague is ace , terrific representation which puts his soulmate bonding into a different light than his brothers. Both Chris and Frankie, the would be soulmates , are definitely sexual beings. So there is a need for communication. There’s the issue of age (younger) within Teague’s mind,but, tbh , everyone is younger than the O’Reilly brothers who’ve lived hundreds of years.

The author has to tackle each element that serves as a barrier to their triad soulbond and do so while finishing off the arc theme of a vengeful Fae determined to get her promised son or bring death to all.

That’s a plentiful task for Burke to take on in one novel, let alone also get rid of the curse on Chris which would allow his bear clan to become full bear shifter once again.

Did I feel all the elements were fully explored and narratively explained to their fullest potential here? Not really. I think Burke had too many interesting topics and side storylines that needed fulfillment for that to happen.

Terrific aspects of this book? The ace representation , Frankie working through his feelings of inadequacy, and the abiding love of the O’Reilly brothers for each other. Teague has been a consistently strong character and watching him grow and develop as a partner here in his own right has been one I wanted to see. I just wish I found the chemistry between the three of them to be more believable. Perhaps it just didn’t work for me, not the triad, but that we had no prior background for this to happen.

Other storylines I found less filled out? The police department element which was never well based or executed. Chris’ sleuth’ curse ending . That requires way more explanation. And then the quick work that was made of Muirloch. Plus that other last revelation.

I did love that almost bittersweet scene at the end with all three brothers reflecting on those missing loved ones and where they all ended up. It’s a lovely quiet moment and a perfect way to end the trilogy.

While Stone Heart may not have been my favorite of the series, I did enjoy it. And I’m definitely recommending all three books that make up this remarkable arc!

The Gargoyles of Arrington:

✓ Stone Wings #1

✓ Stone Skin #2

✓ Stone Heart #3 – finale

Buy Link:

Stone Heart: An M/M/M Enemies-to-Lovers Paranormal Romance (The Gargoyles of Arrington Book 3)

Description:

Maybe his heart isn’t made of stone after all…

Centuries ago, Teague O’Reilly and his brothers were cursed to be gargoyles, and their only hope for freedom was to find their true loves. Teague knows he’ll be cursed forever—who would love someone who doesn’t want sex?

Chris Holt does. The bear shifter tricked Teague into binding their souls together in hopes of ending the Holt family curse. He didn’t realize how that jeopardized Teague’s chances to find true love, except… Chris is pretty sure he might be it. Him and Frankie.

Younger than the two other men, Frankie’s had a difficult life as an orphaned mountain lion shifter. He knows he belongs to both Teague and Chris, and Chris knows it too. But they’ll need to work a certain type of magic to convince the asexual gargoyle that there’s more to love than sex.

When the dark, fae-like creature who’s been tormenting them for months resurfaces with a new plan to subjugate them, Frankie will do anything to protect his men.

Anything.

Stone Heart features a male/male/male triad relationship between an oblivious asexual gargoyle, a gay himbo bear shifter, and a fierce gay mountain lion shifter. There’s also a cabin with only one bed, lots of self-discovery, and a huge found family. It’s the final book in the Gargoyles of Arrington series and has the hardest-won happily ever after, I promise.

Review: Double Play (Hit and Run Book 3) by E.M. Lindsey

Rating: 5🌈

The finale story of the Hit and Run trilogy, Double Play brings back Herve Truffaut, the ex boyfriend of Pietro and ex best friend/employer of Thierry as a main character. Herve’s been a truly villainous person and his actions have caused enormous emotional pain as well as huge harm physically to both those men. He’s been hated and his narcissistic, self destructive personality gave no indication he would be redeemed.

Usually, that’s a iffy proposition for an author after making a character so reviled in previous stories. Most of the time it honestly doesn’t work.

Even here, Herve’s prior actions and the severity of the damage he’s caused to others is brought up often, as well as the fact most believe he’s not deserving of forgiveness.

That adds a rawness to the perspective and a darker side to the story and characters.

But Lindsey is able, by creating a fully balanced and multi layered being in Herve, to make us believe in his desire to change.

Now we get the complicated background, the abusive mother, the tormented adolescence, and the deep damage that left on him that helped create the monster he became. And is now trying to redeem.

The illnesses Herve suffers from , narcolepsy and cataplexy, are woven expertly into his life and character. I had little knowledge of both diseases until they were described in detail by Herve’s actions and emotional status throughout this story. The utter vulnerability and scary nature of these Illnesses are well portrayed.

Orion Coulter’s pain and situation derives from a different type of anguish and overwhelming sense of impending loss. That of a man he considers his brother due to ALS. His brother in law is dying and his grief is overwhelming him.

This sensitive issue is beautifully handled from many aspects. From that of the man himself who’s death is swiftly coming, his wife who is Orion’s sister, and then Orion who loves them both and does what his best friend wishes. He’s leaves for a vacation planned for the couple that they will never take.

Bring on the tissues. Because this is a heartbreaking aspect of this story.

The men, Orion and Herve , meet, talk, and begin a complicated realistic relationship, one with a man who’s prone to falling down, has a tight medication schedule and health requirements. Somehow, Lindsey makes it plausible, sexy, and hopeful.

As Orion is a MLB player on the same team as the other couples in the previous books, all those characters make important appearances here.

This is a tale of life, love, and redemption. It’s beautiful and tightly crafted.

I loved the ending and I’m highly recommending it. It’s the finest story, imo, of the trilogy.

Hit and Run Trilogy:

✓ Switch-Hitter #1

✓ Line Drive #2

✓ Double Play #3

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showDouble Play (Hit and Run #3) by E.M. Lindsey

https://www.goodreads.com › seriesHit and Run Series by E.M. Lindsey

Description:

If self-destruction is an artform, then HervĂŠ is a master artist.

After all, he’s perfected self-sabotage since he was young and full of promise.

He’s spent his life running from his past and pushing away anyone who might break down his walls, but it wasn’t until his body betrayed him that he realized just how lonely his present had become. Now he’s in the countryside, trying to figure out if anything is worth salvaging, and wondering if he’s the sort of man who will ever be worth a second chance.

Even when Orion Coulter—one of the star pitchers on the Denver Vikings—shows up in his little village like some sort of predestined knight on a white horse, Hervé doesn’t trust him. How can he when Orion is close to all the men Hervé hurt?

But Orion’s situation is more complicated than Hervé realized, full of pain and grief, looking for some kind of escape. And while Hervé knows that he hasn’t quite earned meeting the man of his dreams, Orion’s quiet voice, tender hands, and impossible promises has him wondering if maybe—just maybe—the universe is willing to give him the chance he doesn’t deserve.

Double Play is the final book of the Hit and Run MM baseball romance series. It features countryside kisses, grief, redemption, long walks, careful handling, and a painfully tender happily ever after.

—-

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

Review: Sweet to the Core (Lighthouse Bay #3) by Amy Aislin

Rating: 4.25🌈

Amy Aislin’s Lighthouse Bay is one of those lovely contemporary romance series that’s continues to resonate with me. It’s the gorgeous setting of Lighthouse Bay, with its small town community, with its variety of people, from it’s Mayor to it’s Main Street of stores ,who’s owners we’ve gotten to know well through the novels.

We’ve loved the town’s heartwarming displays at the Christmas season and watched, as they planned, built, and then marched down Main Street for the parades! Aislin has made us feel a part of these people and their community.

We’re there as they work through their personal issues, cry out and get support and love when facing a health crisis, and when they decide to trust and find true love again.

These are gentle, emotionally adult novels where the people are remarkable in their love for their town, friends and family, and the often slow to romances.

Often a balm to the heart with the gentle love stories, the men here in Sweet to the Core, Dev Stone of Dev’s Bakery, and Clark Ricci, wildlife biologist, with a little ghostly intervention, get their own story and HEA. It’s that favorite friends to lovers trope.

Dev and Clark have been a part of the previous books as everyone is connected through friendship and family relationships. Dev has had an enduring crush on his older cousin’s best friend for decades. Now in his thirties, Dev has no reason to expect their friendship to change anytime soon.

A two person POV, we have a front seat to the resigned state of Dev’s affections for Clark, the dreams he’s letting go of, and the way he’s pushing himself at the Bakery. Dev is a believable young man who’s falling into a pattern he soon won’t know how to get out of.

Clark Ricci, is a man who loves his job, but with his friends settling down, starts to get the uneasy feeling he’s missing something.

It takes his father’s very real, financial issues to launch a change for all of them. With some ghostly assistance that points the way to the Annual Sweet to the Core Apple baking contest.

Aislin’s beautifully layered characters, a community with its shops in all stages of financial growth, and a group of citizens that have come to feel like family, full of believable life situations, relationships that require communication and emotional depth, and lots of love, fill Sweet to the Core .

It’s a terrific way for this trilogy to end, however much I’d like it to continue. Or at least end on another Christmas novel.

I’m highly recommending this and all the books of Lighthouse Bay. They are lovely, heartwarming contemporary romances.

And this cover is lovely too.

Lighthouse Bay:

🔹Christmas Lane #1

🔹Gingerbread Mistletoe #2

🔹Sweet to the Core #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showSweet to the Core (Lighthouse Bay #3) by Amy Aislin – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Dev has pined for his cousin’s best friend for years, but no matter how hard he wishes, Clark sees him as nothing but a friend. And it’s as a friend that Clark comes to him for help.

Clark’s father is on the brink of losing his house and the fastest way to make a quick buck is to win the $10,000 prize in the inaugural Sweet to the Core apple baking contest. Only problem? He’s never baked anything that hasn’t come out of a box.

But Dev has. As a baker, he’s Clark’s best chance.

For the first time, Dev has something Clark wants. Only problem? Dev needs the prize for himself. The only thing he wants—besides Clark—is to buy the local lighthouse where he last spent time with his parents before they died.

Working together means opening a lot more than a barrel of apples, though. They may have found the recipe to love.

But will Dev have to give up the only connection he has left to his parents in order to have it? Or will Clark let his father down? They can’t both have everything.