The Shifter Lords series by S.E. Babin just keeps getting better with each new book she releases. In the perfectly named Power Shift, multiple characters come to new heights of development and impact in the overall series arc.
Some have huge moments of personal magical growth and character progression. Others have revelatory scenes that shake up the backgrounds and future of main characters here. And others simply get their long awaited comeuppance.
It’s all done through a narrative that is written with humor, dramatic scenes and wonderful threads of mystery and mythology.
I started it and didn’t stop until I finished it, so invested in the characters and events as they rapidly unfolded. Suspense, magical creatures, endearing poisonous fauna and a found family of supernatural beings that I just adore.
This is a series that I highly recommend and found absolutely amazing. A winner!
Evie Quinn is tired. Of magical politics. Of cursed bouquets. Of hot Shifter Lords who kiss her like a promise and then send her potential love interest to another state.
All she wants is to run her flower shop in peace, maybe master the whole “accidentally-a-Chimera” thing, and avoid becoming a pawn in the games of gods and Lords.
But when has Evie ever gotten what she wanted?
When Finn arrives with a warning about a new threat, and her mother starts sniffing around for a lost possession she thinks Evie has stolen from her, the Floromancer feels the walls closing in on her.
Add in some unfortunate magical misfires, Caelan’s insistence on a quickie wedding she never agreed to, and the presence of a god too close to figuring out exactly what she is, and Evie has her hands full with no solutions in sight.
When secrets unravel and ancient enemies rise, Evie will have to choose: play nice to survive … or become the storm they never saw coming.
‘“You seem to be under the impression I work for you and you can give me orders. Let me fix that.” I hung up.’
Finished one Andrew’s series and immediately dive into two more simply because I can’t get enough of what these authors turn out in terms of worlds, characters and just fantastic storytelling.
Although on a current hiatus with one new release (and series) and another soon to come, luckily the married writer couple known as Ilona Andrews has a huge group of published books to explore.
Burn For Me establishes the universe in which this complicated urban fantasy story begins. In the 1800’s a chemical known as the Osiris formula was developed/found and used by humans to change their genetic composition magically. For some it was good, some great, and some horrific. It varied by individuals and family lines. And that changed the world.
Before anyone could control who got the formula, governments fell , and over time, power and control organized themselves by genetic Houses of Magical Power. It’s a deeply complex and well thought out system Andrews has created for the Hidden Legacy series. Both magical and political.
The foundation is the Baylor family and those who are connected to it, genetically and by relationships. The first trilogy is focused on Nevada Baylor and her relationship with “Mad Rogan”, Connor Rogan.
I’m actually close to completing all the novels and love this series and universe. The development and design of the growth of the Baylor family is incredible.
Nevada Baylor is a detective here in a transformed Houston. Her family is a small detective agency that scrambling to get by after the bills and debts that the long term care and eventual death of her father left them in. By their choice.
The Baylor family are outstanding characters, disabled sniper mother, vet mechanic Gran, two cousins and two sisters who are among those who will develop/reveal their own skills and powers as the storylines continue. Each one so perfectly defined and unique that they jump vividly off the page.
Connor “Mad” Rogan had to grow on me. His background was slowly revealed by the plot which helped to turn him into a more connectable character. In fact, his becomes more of a horror story than upbringing.
But Nevada is a powerhouse from the beginning. Relatable, stressed, trying to make the right choices for the family and keep the tenants that her father set down for her and the family.
I found the action sequences amazing, the magical battles suspenseful, and the plots full of political scheming and layering for future storylines.
Live for these stories! And highly recommend them!
Cover art by Gene Mollica
Hidden Legacy series : complete as of now
Divided into 2 sections, each with a different sibling as main character and her own trilogy.
Nevada Baylor and Connor’s arc, beginning trilogy:
Burn for Me #1
White Hot #2
Wildfire #3
Diamond Fire (wedding novella)
2nd Trilogy arc: sister Catalina Baylor and Alessandro Sagredo
In this spellbinding first novel in #1 New York Timesbestselling author Ilona Andrews’s urban fantasy Hidden Legacy series, private detective Nevada Baylor navigates her way through an alternate world where dynasties, built on inherited wealth and magic, guide the course of humanity.
Nevada Baylor runs a small-time detective agency in Houston, Texas, busting scammers, exposing cheaters, and dealing with petty criminals. She’s very good at her job—helped by a magical ability to sense when someone tells the truth or lies. But when she’s forced into accepting a case to find a radical pyrotechnic who can conjure heat and fire at will, Nevada knows she’s out of her league. To bring him to justice, she’ll have to join forces with someone who wields an even more dangerous power.
Connor “Mad” Rogan is a former combat mage, a telekinetic singularly responsible for mass destruction in war-torn countries, and a member of one of the most powerful magic families in the world. His nephew has been kidnapped by the fugitive pyromaniac, and Nevada is his best chance at finding them both. But unlike Nevada, Connor could care less about societal law and order, and has no qualms about extinguishing his family’s enemy.
Bound by their mission, Nevada and Connor clash over their tactics and moral beliefs, even as things undeniably heat up between them. But the man they’re chasing is involved in a darker conspiracy that threatens to destroy the city—and destabilize the balance of power the elite magical families use to influence every nation on Earth
Well , what an unexpected surprise! Part murder mystery, part Groundhog Day twists, and all around suspense adventure, this was a fantastic read.
Harper expertly weaves an important element from Infernal Enchantment (book 2) into the narrative here, one that sees Emma racing through time to prevent the worst possible scenario from happening.
It’s clever, moments of heartbreak, and stupefying humor. New characters make impactful entrances, and Emma’s romantic relationship with her vampire lord moves forward, eventually.
I was sure that this was my favorite, then I read Scorched Heart. But this is definitely among my top books of the series. Fabulous.
Supernatural Squad might be small, but we’re growing in power. The vampires and werewolves of London are beginning to respect me more and I feel like I know what I’m doing – even if I don’t yet understand what I truly am.
Unfortunately, there might be a few snags to deal with. I’m trying to avoid Lord Horvath, the black-eyed vampire leader who seems intent on a more intimate relationship. There’s also Devereau Webb, who runs a small criminal syndicate and has offered me a mysterious gift that I’m certain I don’t want. And across the span of one single day, supernatural hell breaks loose across the city of London.
A suicidal vampire has climbed up the London Eye.
Three werewolves have hijacked a tourist bus.
This might prove to be the longest day of my life.
Midnight Smoke is the third book in the thrilling Firebrand urban fantasy series.
Another great story in The Portlock Paranormal Detective series! Bunny and her found family of supernatural characters in this small town in Alaska are getting closer to the end of the series. And the authors still have plenty of mysteries, drama, and dark cases to unravel before that happens.
There’s an emotional case of missing teenagers that’s hitting the small town police department of supernaturals hard, especially since it looks like both girls are from the supernatural world.
Bunny is dealing with the investigation, while Connor is facing his father threatening to come to town. With all the drama and fear that comes with it.
And always their friend, mer Sidnee kidnapped boyfriend is on their minds. As well as Reggie, who spends most of his time as Fluffy.
Just amazing with an incredible plot or multiple plots, tons of suspense and the potential for heartbreak. And my fav hag, Matilda’s role is growing.
So hard to wait for that penultimate book to come this winter. Another fantastic book and recommendation.
Cover design by Christian Bentulan. Published by Hellhound Press Limited.
The Portlock Paranormal Detective series:
The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death, a prequel.
The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf, Book 1.
The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren, Book 2.
The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee, Book 3.
The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine, Book 4.
The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergiest, Book 5
The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas, Book #5.5
The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag #6
The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid #7
The Vampire and the Case of the Ghastly Golem #8 – Jan 29,2026
After everything that went down in Chrome Mine, I’m starting to fear that I may never see my Sidnee again because the Sidnee I’ve been left with – well, she’s downright scary.
Just as we try to catch our breath, calamity strikes again: the mayor’s son-in-law is murdered. Suspicion is being thrown around like confetti, and those in the frame include the mayor himself and the usually mild-mannered Sidnee.
To make matters worse, a couple of teenage girls have vanished – no clues, no witnesses and no explanation. And it appears they might not be the first to be snatched.
As if I needed one more thing to juggle, Connor’s father, the Vampire King of America, sends a team to interfere in our investigation. One of the girls is a rare, born vampire and the king has given us an ultimatum: find her … or he’ll come knocking. I am absolutely not ready to meet the in-laws, especially not the terrifying, homicidal sort who sees hybrids like me as something to exterminate.
Connor is falling apart, the case is slipping through my fingers, and our happily-ever-after is looking further away than ever…
Dive into this fast-paced urban fantasy series if you love mystery, humour, found family, and a slow-burn romance.
Demon on Deck, the second book in Deborah Wilde’s Bedeviled series, explores the origins of the main female character, Aviva Fleischer, a agent of the Jewish paranormal agency The Maccabees, who is trying to hide her identity as a half demon being.
The complex universe that author Wilde created in book 1, and started establishing a series mystery arc about a human purity sect and a cure for vampirism continues here. The cases that Aviva, her team as well as her ex-boyfriend, the Vampire Prince, Ezra, involve multiple otherworldly fascinating characters, intriguing paranormal realms, and compelling investigations.
Ones in this case that lead to some surprising twists and revelations.
Demon on Deck strengthens the game here all the way through. The characters have been able to be used in ways that deepen their power and development. The storylines have greatly expanded both the world building and the overall arc narrative.
And the suspense and plot going forward is greatly amplified by the ending here without it being a cliffhanger.
I’m really excited for the next book in this series. Another winner and rec for me.
“I don’t want you calm. I never have.” Ezra’s lips curled up into a smile with sharp edges and no warmth, his fangs peeking through. “I want you dangerous.”
When Aviva lands a baffling murder investigation, she discovers that the key to solving the crime lies in the last place she expects—a deadly magic gaming hall aboard a freaking yacht. Because why solve a supernatural murder on nice solid ground?
While she navigates this high-stakes inquiry on the high-seas, she’s also hunting a mysterious artifact. Should it fall into the wrong hands, it’s game over for any half-demons—like her.
No pressure.
But here’s the real storm on the horizon. Her ex-lover and partner-in-crime, Ezra, is still in the picture. Sparks are flying, and not the good kind. Well, not always. Old wounds and smoldering desires have resurfaced, and she’s not sure if she’ll sink or swim.
Bon voyage.
Featuring a smart, funny heroine and a banter-fueled vampire romance, this wickedly addictive urban fantasy will keep you reading way past bedtime.
I really thought this was the series finale but was so thrilled to see I was wrong. There’s at least one, perhaps more to this fantastic, compelling series coming before it finished.
This picks up shortly after the cliffhanger ending of Midnight Auto Parts, where Frankie and friends found that Matty’s soul is missing from his body. To discover what happened to his soul, Frankie, boyfriend Kierse, and several otherworldly traveling companions head to New Orleans where souls are going missing too, including another one who is incredibly close to Frankie.
Edwards absolutely brings it here in here narrative. The characters are, throughout this story and events that occur, grow their magical powers, in storylines that build a new depth of emotion as well as a connection to each other. Edwards moves from really complex, stressful situations to hilarious moments and back to heartbreak with each new scenario and often frightening suspense filled scenes.
Yes, there’s another cliffhanger. And all the characters are pulling together, just as the mythology and world building is expanding even further. Totally amazing and highly imaginative elements that grab you!
This is one of my must read series. It’s a series low on sexual content but highly recommended for excellent writing, great characters and fantastic world building.
Matty has lost his soul, and it’s up to Frankie to find it before his body gives up the fight for survival. But soon his isn’t the only life at risk from the soulless condition. The affliction is spreading from Thunderbolt, Georgia, into the beating heart of the French Quarter and right up to Madam Vionette Fontenot’s front door.
When Frankie returns to New Orleans in search of answers, she finds herself at the mercy of a god who covets her newfound powers as the guardian of the Alcheyvāhā. He makes it clear he’s willing to do whatever it takes to wield her for his own benefit. Even if it costs Frankie everyone she loves.
What an outstanding series and way to read this series/collection! I was able to watch the characters develop their powers, continue to work through deep personal issues and deal with betrayal and shocking twists in their lives through all the stages in their journey. Without stopping.
All the stories flow together seamlessly and reading them becomes a joyful marathon experience, shortened only because my dog has needs and I wanted coffee.
I don’t want to give away more of the many plot lines described than are listed in the blurbs because Harris delivers characters that are so much more complex and interesting than they initially appear to be.
We get a long overdue visit and meeting with the Dragon Court, complete with locations, lots of politics and historical or just ancient beings.
Trials, mysteries, and more importantly , engaging new characters and threats to Emory and Jinx’s relationship and lives, as well as the status quo of the otherworldly beings by the anti-beast faction.
This has everything one could want, and written so fantastically. Action, suspense, mystery, romance, and much more.
And the ending is so satisfying I was left grinning with deep delight.
My bookshelf is groaning in anticipation because I’ve already decided I need these in hardback.
Love, love, love this and the preceding omnibus too. Grab these up!
I’m supposed to be meeting with Emory’s dragon Court and amazing them with my suave wit and shining intellect. Instead I’m on the trail of a kidnapper. Someone has stolen away a centaur teenager, Alfie, from a magical circus. The circus master has hired me and Gato to find out who took him – hopefully before Alfie swims with the fishes.
The problem is, no one in the circus is who they say they are. The Other Circus is a front for a magical underground, helping those that want to leave their magical lives far behind. They’ve spent years keeping their heads down and their mouths shut and it’s going to take more than asking nicely to get this bunch to crack.
The clock is ticking, not just to find Alfie, but also for me to impress Emory’s dragon Court. When I finally meet them, I’m going to have to pass through a series of consort challenges before they’ll recognise me as Emory’s intended mate. Oh, and they won’t tell me what’s a challenge, and what’s not. Nothing is what it seems, but luckily I come with an inbuilt lie detector. I’m itching to prove to the standoffish dragon-shifters that I’m more than a pretty face but finding Alfie has to come first.
I’m juggling things as best I can, but all it will take is one wrong move to bring everything crashing down on my head …
Burn through this fun, fast-paced, laugh-out-loud mix of urban fantasy and mystery.
This collection contains the following books:
Challenge of the Court
Betrayal of the Court
Revival of the Court.
These are books five to seven in The Other Realm series. It is strongly recommended that you read Books one to four first, starting with Glimmer of the Other.
If you like humour, heart, a strong heroine and a slow burn fade-to-black romance, check out The Court Series – the addictive urban fantasy series by internationally best-selling author Heather G. Harris.
Don’t miss all the books set in the Other Realm!
The Other Realm Series
Glimmer of the Other
Glimmer of Dragons
Glimmer of Hope
Glimmer of Christmas
Glimmer of Death
Glimmer of Deception
Challenge of the Court
Betrayal of the Court
Revival of the Court
The Other Wolf Series
Protection of the Pack
Guardians of the Pack
Saviour of the Pack
The Other Witch Series
Rune of the Witch
Hex of the Witch
Coven of the Witch
Familiar of the Witch
Destiny of the Witch
Written in British English.
For the maximal reader experience, it is recommended that you read The Other Wolf series before you read The Court series, though the events in The Other Wolf series are explained if you prefer to dive right in.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 