Tag: urban fantasy adventure

Review: The Wolf Vs The Dragon: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth #7) by Lauretta Hignett 

Rating: 3⭐️

This is yet another review I found myself editing due to my exasperation with the main character, particularly how, at the penultimate book in this series, the author is still continuing to have Daphne’s character remain in the same place as it was at the beginning of the series. 

Hignett has previously promised some growth for Daphne, especially with her annoyed “2 personality” inner dialogue, an element of the story and character that was highlighted prior as an issue. 

Those constant ongoing conversations between violent‘brain Daphne’ and the other kind, naive and frankly, TSTL Daphne are an element that are repetitive, slow down the narrative, and honestly, irritating at this point. I thought the two halves were reconciled but ,no ,here we are, still with the same ongoing arguments that were old several books ago.  

Brain Daphne: let me stab whoever. Emotional Daphne: No it’s wrong. Brain: stabby Stab! 

ED: no, we must carry on with our internal dialogue while there’s some poor soul watching us stand here. 

Just no. At 23 percent. Well the entirety of the book. Then it gets worse when one part of her calls the other part an idiot. And I’m agreeing. 

Myf, the tortured alcoholic dragon shifter is now an enemy. Guess who is whining about that betrayal after Myf stayed locked in cabinets, soused after drinking binges with Dwayne, for ages, while Daphne deals with other drama? Daphne. SMH. 

There’s multiple side storylines. The ones with Dwayne , which I’m sure will have ramifications in the finale, still feel like literal fluff. 

By the end of the story, while there’s some good stuff here with Myf’s rescue, and a revelation, Daphne’s still such an oblivious, whiny character that I just can’t care about her anymore. 

Daphne has gotten to be unreadable. Dwayne,her companion Chaos god, as well.  

I’ll probably get the last one just to see what happens. But characters like Daphne? Are only interesting to me when they evolve and develop as the series progresses. By book 7, she shouldn’t be the same person as she was in the first novel. Now she’s just one more uninteresting trope.

Too bad because there is interesting mythology and world building going on, and some fascinating concepts here. Those got the rating points. 

Book Cover by Atra Luna Graphic Design

Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth:

The Wolf Vs The Vampire #1

The Wolf Vs The Warlock #2

The Wolf Vs The Shifter #3

The Wolf Vs The Witch #4

The Wolf Vs The Monster #5 

The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae #6 

The Wolf Vs The Dragon #7

The Wolf Vs The World #8 – Nov 15,2025 – finale 

The Wolf Vs Santa: A Little Christmas Mystery

Buy link 

        The Wolf Vs The Dragon: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth

    

Blurb 

I don’t want to hurt her… but she definitely wants to hurt me.

Betrayal doesn’t sting. It hurts worse than that; it feels like a rake over coals, a disembowling, a slow, agonizing stretch on the torture rack.

Myf is hurt, and she’s found someone to blame. She’s focused all her pain on one target.

Me.

The Wolf Vs The Dragon is book seven in the Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth, a hot new Urban Fantasy series by bestselling author Lauretta Hignett.

Review: A Dragon Rider’s Guide to Retirement (Dragons of Safeway Haven Book 1) by Julia Huni

Rating: 4.5⭐️

What a wonderful find and absolutely fabulous read!  Julia Huni is an author I hadn’t heard of before but she’s now firmly in my author list to look forward to. 

A Dragon Rider’s Guide to Retirement, the first book in Dragons of Safeway Haven series by Julia Huni, is a quietly stunning story.  I’m not sure I’ve read one quite like this in a group of novels about dragons and dragon riders. 

There’s no fast paced adventure, no real action or battles. At least not yet. Those have already happened. In a long,  dark ongoing war between two countries that’s continuing to escalate and claim the lives of many, this story focuses on the recent retired warriors of each country.  One a battle witch who’s losing her powers and one a disabled dragon rider who lost his dragon in the war.  Both in their early 50’s and they’ve retired to Safe Haven , a mystical island unbeknownst to each other. At first. 

 What author Huni delivers is beautiful, deeply believable characters, ones who are dealing with their own trauma and personal losses. Who then are confronted with not only the physical enemy they have been fighting all these years, a enemy that has cost them greatly in terms of unbelievable loss and suffering, but they also have to face the fact that perhaps they have been rigid and bigoted in their own ways. 

Huni’s story doesn’t preach but slowly sees change occur as the characters interact with each other and the town people who are accepting them into their own lives.  It’s a magical place, full of many different kinds of beings and beautiful creatures. Including dragons. 

Acceptance, loss, grief and the ability to see things from different perspectives and move on is key here.  The dragon rider William Ordell, slowly becoming a part of Safe Haven, readjusting his views as he feels more at home with his new surroundings. And Calantha Stormbringer, a battle witch whose powers are fading, has returned to her home, feeling like a stranger only to find herself confronted by the very thing she was fighting in the war. 

Calantha and William are both very relatable and very well defined in their own personalities and challenges that each are facing in their respective retirements. From Calantha’s loss of powers after she reached menopause, (and the fact that most battle witches never survived to this age) to William dealing with the loss of his bond with his dragon, his dragon, his small corp of brother riders, and country and his leg.  They are the unlikely survivors of a deadly war that’s still going on. And this writer gives us remarkable insights into what happened, and how emotionally and physically this has and continues to affect them both. 

But there’s also light-hearted and heartfelt content in this book. Magical moments and a slow burn love story as well. 

I love it. Have to wait for the next one but totally worth it. I’ll savor this one and reread it just before the next is released. 

A definite winner and one I’m thrilled to recommend. 

Cover designed by Mariah Sinclair Designs

Dragons of Safeway Haven :

  • A Dragon Rider’s Guide to Retirement #1
  • A Blacksmith’s Guide to Dragon-Rearing #2 – Aug 31,2026

Buy

 Book 1 of 2: Dragons of Safe Haven 

Blurb 

They survived the war. Now they just have to survive retirement.

When dragon rider William Ordell is grounded by a battlefield injury, he trades conflict for peace and purchases an abandoned lighthouse on the island of Safe Haven. But quiet doesn’t suit a man used to action. After a series of mysterious fires, William finds himself launching the island’s first fire brigade—with help from the local sea dragons.

Calantha Stormbringer has left war behind, along with the last sparks of her fading magic. She retreats to Safe Haven to rebuild her late aunt’s dusty bookshop—and maybe herself. Restoring the shop will require patience, intelligence, and gold. Calantha figures two out of three isn’t bad.

What neither of them wants? To run into each other. Again.

Old grudges, magical dragons, and one cozy, nosy village—what could possibly go right?

A Dragon Rider’s Guide to Retirement is a cozy, low-stakes fantasy filled with magic, mischief, and a slow-burn romance that won’t steam your glasses. Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes, Cursed Cocktails, and J. Penner’s Adenashire series.

  • Publisher: IPH Media, LLC
  • Publication date: August 5, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 336 pages
  • Book 1 of 2: Dragons of Safe Haven

Review:  Magic Stars (A Kate Daniels universe story) by Ilona Andrews 

Rating: 4.75⭐️

I put a reading order for this and the titles of all the collected books below because while there’s a main series list of novels, the side stories factor greatly into this highly elaborate, incredibly detailed character driven narrative. 

Think of the books more like one of those detective white boards, with pictures, notes and strings running through them, attaching to each other, like an enormous tapestry of characters , stories and unusual mysteries that will eventually come together in one whole.  But you need all the pieces first. 

This short story, 4 chapters, featuring Julie and Derek, provides important information and background for the upcoming drama and storytelling for events that will happen in forthcoming novels. 

It also contains some emotional moments and new insights into these characters relationship, especially as Julie’s growing up and Derek’s role in her life and that with her adopted parents is changing too. 

Julie is 16. Derek 20. Neither is an accurate reflection of what their lives have been like, some of which is recounted here. 

Both will be seen again in Blood Heir, another step in their journey together. I can’t wait to see what the authors have in mind for them both. 

Fantastic. 

Reading Order : Kate Daniels Universe series:

Kate Daniels Series 

MAGIC BITES 

MAGIC BLEEDS 

MAGIC BURNS 

MAGIC STRIKES 

MAGIC MOURNS 

MAGIC BLEEDS 

MAGIC DREAMS 

MAGIC SLAYS 

GUNMETAL MAGIC (Andrea and Raphael)

MAGIC GIFTS 

MAGIC RISES 

MAGIC BREAKS 

MAGIC STEALS 

MAGIC SHIFTS 

MAGIC STARS (Julie and Derek)

MAGIC BINDS 

IRON AND MAGIC #1 (The Iron Covenant /Hugh d’Ambray  & Elara Harper) a must before the finale 

MAGIC TRIUMPHS – OG finale

Kate Daniels World 

BLOOD HEIR (Julie and Derek)

Roman’s Chronicles SANCTUARY Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years MAGIC TIDES 

MAGIC CLAIMS 

UNTITLED IRON AND MAGIC (The Iron Covenant /Hugh d’Ambray  & Elara Harper #2) -NRD

Buy link 

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comMagic Stars (Grey Wolf Book 1) eBook : Andrews, Ilona

Blurb 

Scarred, solitary Derek Gaunt has separated from his Pack, and is truly a lone wolf. With no family he answers to no one; but is fiercely loyal to a chosen few. So, when several of those close to him are murdered, he’ll stop at nothing to hunt their killer through the magic-drenched streets of Atlanta.

Never one to be left on the sidelines, equally determined—some might say stubborn—Julie Lennart-Olsen soon joins in his pursuit; and what began as revenge turns into a race to save the city. Their search pits them against powers they never imagined and magic so old, it predates history. It may cost Derek his life, but there are things for which even he would risk everything.

  • Publisher: NYLA
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: December 8, 2015
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 89 pages
  • Book 1 of 1: Grey Wolf

Review:  Infernal Enchantment (The Firebrand Series Book 2) by Helen Harper 

Rating: 5⭐️

This had so many wild elements to it. It also introduced new important characters to the series as well as moved Emma’s role as the main Supe Detective in a more matured, and more complex personality. She’s settling into that world, and shifting her perspective. 

The respective wolf shifter houses, the vampires remain otherworldly, with aspects of their lives and histories still hidden and evolving here. 

Infernal Enchantment is a fascinating aspect of the story. And I don’t think the author is through with it, even though the book is over.  

Another exciting story and winner for me. 

Check it out but read them in order. 

BOOK COVER DESIGN BY YOCLA DESIGNS

The Firebrand Series 

  • Brimstone Bound
  • Infernal Enchantment
  • Midnight Smoke
  • Scorched Heart
  • Dark Whispers
  • A Killer’s Kiss
  • Fortune’s Ashes

The Wolfbrand Series

  • The Noose Of A New Moon
  • Licence to Howl

Buy link:

        Infernal Enchantment (The Firebrand Series Book 2)

    

Blurb 

A gruesome case of grave robbing lands on Detective Constable Emma Bellamy’s desk.  But is there more to it than meets the eye? 

Being the sole police detective in London’s Supernatural Squad is no easy task. I have to navigate my way through a world teeming with supernatural creatures, from vampires to werewolves and everything else in between. My inexperience might count against me but my own shocking supernatural abilities will stand me in good stead – especially when I’m confronted yet again by the gruesome spectre of death…

A vampire has been mysteriously killed in the centre of the city.

Werewolf graves have been plundered for their bodies.

And I think I might be developing an ill-advised crush on a certain black eyed vampire Lord.

Infernal Enchantment is the second book in the thrilling Firebrand urban fantasy series. If you like dark twisty mysteries, smart heroines, and the faintest touch of slow burn romance, then you’ll love Helen Harper’s mystical adventure.

  • Publication date: October 1, 2020
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 290 pages
  • Book 2 of 7: The Firebrand Series

Review:  The Wolf Vs The Monster: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth by Lauretta Hignett

Rating:  5⭐️

What a fully immersive and jammed packed story The Wolf Vs The Monster turned out to be.  I was thinking this might be the last book but instead Hignett ramped up the suspense, the plot lines, gave us high action, white knuckle anxiety for our main characters, including multiple anonymous villains, unforeseen events and situations, magical powers and creatures, and a new teenage vampire I absolutely fell in love with. 

This book is a fantasy Toad’s wildest adventure ride with a cliffhanger ending and every single part of the story is fabulous. 

Plus a certain character gets a long overdue comeuppance. 

And other things, huge plot points are revealed here too. 

So it’s absolutely satisfying and that cliffhanger will lead to an amazing story.  So I’m excited to read this next book. 

The Wolf Vs The Monster: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth by Lauretta Hignett might be my favorite story of the series so far.  It’s extremely well written, the characters and tightly packed narrative is perfectly balanced, and that ending really adds to the overall momentum here. 

Love it. And it’s a highly recommended book. 

Book Cover by Atra Luna Graphic Design”

Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth:

The Wolf Vs The Vampire #1

The Wolf Vs The Warlock #2

The Wolf Vs The Shifter #3

The Wolf Vs The Witch #4

The Wolf Vs The Monster #5 

The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae #6 – July 15,2025

The Wolf Vs Santa: A Little Christmas Mystery

Buy link

        The Wolf Vs The Monster: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth

    

Blurb 

Sometimes it’s hard to tell who the real monsters are…

A strange creature attacked Romeo last night. A huge beast unlike anything anyone has ever seen in Philly before – an alien monster with natural armor, organic high-tech weaponry, and poison dripping from its limbs.

My intuition is screaming at me. It’s telling me the monster is not here for Romeo.

It’s here for me.

The Wolf Vs The Monster is book five in the Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth, a hot new Urban Fantasy series by bestselling author Lauretta Hignett.

  • Publication date: May 15, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 320 pages

Review: Midnight Auto Parts (The Body Shop Book 3) by Hailey Edwards

Rating: 4.75⭐️

It’s hard to say no spoilers when the blurb just goes ahead with the most shocking element of this book as well as the ending of the last. 

But where most novels would have a hard time finding a storyline that then raises the narrative bar for the characters and series arc, Hailey Edwards has no problem moving forward with another great book that’s thrilling, emotionally compelling and plot wise extremely complex. 

This is a fantastic story that I had to read twice, and then immediately regretted it because the next in the series isn’t released yet. It’s that incredible a series that I need to go straight into the next book. 

Frankie’s development goes into areas I hadn’t even considered, making me even more excited about the future. There’s new mythology, new gods and powers but even greater depth to the relationships and family dynamics.

Hailey Edwards is writing an excellent series and an amazing character arc with Frankie. 

A must read. 

Great cover art both for storytelling and characters. 

Cover by Damonza 

Illustration by Marouane Hs

The Body Shop series:

Fair Market Value #1

Amber Gambler #2

Midnight Auto Parts #3

Cheater Slicks #4 – Dec 25,2025

Other linked series:

The Potentate of Atlanta (6 book series) – this is set within The Potentate apparently 

The Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy (9 book series) in Savannah 

Buy link

        Midnight Auto Parts (The Body Shop Book 3)

    

Blurb 

The whole dying thing sucked, but Frankie isn’t going to dwell. She’s focusing on the positive. She’s alive. Ish.Her family is safe. Her business is booming. She’s even got a boyfriend. Everything is coming up roses in Thunderbolt, Georgia.

Until a client decides she needs more time and makes a run for it in her loaner body. Too bad for the client, the last thing Frankie does before a loaner hits the showroom floor is microchip them for this very reason. Finding the runaway soul will be a piece of cake.

Or it would have been if she hadn’t bumped into Carter, who’s working a case that gets tangled up in Frankie’s repo. Missing women. Stolen cars. Alien abductions? The only way to get Frankie out of trouble is to help Carter uncover who’s behind it all. And pray the answer isn’t her client.

 

• Publisher: Black Dog Books, LLC. (January 4, 2025)

  • Publication date: January 4, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 337 pages

Review: Crazy as a Loon (Yard Birds Book 1) by Hailey Edwards

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Hailey Edwards has quickly become another author who’s an auto read.  So when I saw this amazing cover ( yes,  an absolute classic) I was hooked. 

Yard Birds is an urban fantasy series about a group of retired coven of witches, once a part of powerful undercover force ,WitchLight Hub. 

Now down to five, Ellie Gleason and what’s left of the coven, Flo, Betty, Joan and Ida, have protected the town of Samford, Alabama for decades. 

I love that Edwards has these wonderful women as both realistically worn down by their lives as past magical agents and by life itself. They are widowed in some cases, had hip replacements, suffering various ailments, hardened by their previous employment, trying to hide their past and get by as old women. Who they are and aren’t, in a community that hasn’t a clue as to what they are. 

Then Elle’s great-nephew comes to her in need of help. And the old coven is reassembled to go investigate and solve the mystery of what is attacking the paranormal youth in a summer camp. 

The author has created many questions within the story and given the readers many curious elements and aspects of certain character histories that require further exploration.  The one that immediately comes to mind is the curse and mystery of Wally, Ellie’s dead husband.  He’s or his soul is been stuffed into one of those mounted talking fish that you see on tv. You know, the talking Bass? 

Why and who has cursed Wally isn’t revealed here. Just what the curse entails, what it takes to break it. A heartbreaking element for this couple. 

It’s one of those things going forward that I hope the author will resolve this for them both. 

The investigation was short but satisfactory. The fight scene involved a walker, which was also amazing. 

And there’s a recipe for a Yard Bird Margarita at the very beginning that I intend to try out this weekend. 

This is a book that keeps on giving. 

Another winner, fantastic content and cover.   More please. Especially of books with main characters of different generations.  Not everyone needs FMC or MMC in their 20’s consistently. 

Cover by Damonza. Great cover design and artwork. 

Yard Birds series:

Crazy as a Loon #1

Dead as a Dodo #2

Free as a Bird #3

Buy link

        Crazy as a Loon (Yard Birds Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Ellie Gleason has protected the town of Samford, Alabama for decades. It’s not as glamorous as her glory days as the WitchLight Hub, but it keeps her active during her golden years.

Life is good.

Well, it’s okay.

Fine.

It could be bloodier with a smidge more gore, but retirement is meant to be low-key. It’s not like her fragile bones could handle the strenuous hunt for monsters anymore, even if her current duties are dull as dishwater.

But when her great-nephew shows up on her doorstep in tears—or is he her great-great nephew?—begging for help, Ellie straps on her beloved shotgun, Bam-Bam, and gets the coven back together.

Sure, Betty just had a hip replacement, and Flo would rather flirt than fight, and Ida is busy with her anniversary plans, and Joan is…Joan. But Ellie is certain she can whip the girls into shape in time to defeat the creature preying on kids at a nearby summer camp. She might even have them home in time for dinner.

  • Publisher: Black Dog Books, LLC. (May 5, 2023)
  • Publication date: May 5, 2023
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 133 pages