Needing the Kraken: Cursed Mermen Book 6, Aramis Jordan

This book was...interesting.

I liked the premise and was drawn into the general story trajectory and was tantalized by the tentacle love... But somewhere between the beginning of the middle and the very end I got lost. The spice was there, oh holy good night, was it there, but that was kind of what carried the story. There were feels and they came on slowly since admissions were kind of few and far between with most of the feels being revealed through actions and inner dialogue rather than being shared and communicated.

The scene where certain personal truths were shared and explained was actually done well with tact, heart, and acceptance. Perhaps it was a little too easy, but by this point there was a whole lot of drama put behind them, danger conquered, and time for genuinely deep feelings to take root. I didn't mind that it was more tender and sweet rather than complicated.

And we have the implantation and birthing scenes....oh my... If that kind of cephalopod stuff is not your thing, understandable, just skip ahead.

Also, if this is the first book of the series that you read, as was the case for me, there's nothing included, even in the epilogue, that would give spoilers for any of the previous books. There are a couple characters and groupings that interested me in the epilogue, but I have to say, despite that interest, those stories will likely not make the top ten on my To-Read list merely because the writing is very word heavy with less progress achieved than expected with the sheer number of words. I totally feel the reviews of readers that said they skimmed a whole lot. At times I wish I had.

*$4.99 on Amazon or Free on KU!

A man on the run.

A dangerous sea witch offering shelter.

Nobody can know who Sebastian really is. Driven from his home and chased by the king’s henchmen, Sebastian runs into Malik, a sea witch and kraken shifter. At first he’s repulsed by Malik’s eight long appendages, but with nowhere to go, Sebastian has no choice but to fling himself into Malik’s many arms.

Malik is the mightiest witch in the New World. His magic grants him dark powers, but the one thing he can’t have is love—because Malik guards a deep secret. When Sebastian comes to him for protection, he grants it. As they grow closer, the pressure on Malik to reveal his best-kept secret mounts. But what if the truth sends Sebastian running into the arms of his enemies?

Needing the Kraken is a 72,000 word MM romance. It features an intense love story, plenty of steam, secret identities, close proximity and a non-binary main character. This gay, paranormal romance is a standalone and the final book in the Cursed Mermen series. HEA guaranteed!

Omega Alone, S. Rodman

I very much wanted to like this book. The premise grabbed my attention and I was curious about how the rescue would become love, how Luca would find his strength, and how Erik would find his softness. While those three things happened, I found far too much that bothered me deeply to truly enjoy the story and the outcome.

Trigger warnings not mentioned in the synopsis:

Dubious consent during matings, yes, on more than one occasion and each time it bothers

Attempted rape

Stockholm syndrome

Administration of drugs without consent

Forcible invasion of memories through magical means

Physical abuse

Trafficking of a person

Uninformed consent at every freaking turn

Just with that list alone this book should be a one star review. There were huge issues with how Luca was sold in the first place, bound to a vampire, then sold again to the wolf shifter who becomes his mate, beginning with Luca's time with the vampire, not dealing with Luca's fear, obvious distress, lack of knowledge, his reaction to Erik's pack, and his silence in reaction to virtually everything if he's not either crying or trying to escape, seeing nothing of his own innate magic or talents in general, getting virtually no dynamics of Erik's pack...

The thing is though, I didn't hate the story. It's a long list of what was missing and inadequate, but there are moments of sweetness and hope and one tiny bit of humor after Luca does a really cool thing near the end and other characters that managed to grab my interest insomuch as to make me actually consider continuing with this world if there is to be a series to follow.

...yeah, I know.

So yeah, huge red flags, incredibly disturbing scenes that are not addressed constructively or satisfyingly, and a lack of character depth or growth that really doesn't inspire me to recommend this story at all. But...I might actually read more from the world at some point, so there is that.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Thin Ice: Pine Cove Book 6, HJ Welch

Okay, so I'll be honest. There were issues in the story. Ones that would likely decrease a lot of people's enjoyment of the book and the characters. But for me, even though I saw those things, I still loved the overall story, and the men, and the ridiculousness, and the side characters, and the confessions, and the grand gesture...I enjoyed so many moments that even the missteps weren't a road block for me.

Kamren was vulnerable, sassy, and definitely not an idiot. While I do wish we got a little more of his evolution, his overcoming the insecurities and commitment hesitations, it was very clear that he did grow; he did come to accept love, change, and a whole lot of reasonable pampering.

Lee had a bit of a backbone issue and his own insecurity issues to deal with, mostly stemming from his family situation. Until he could come to terms with himself and realistic expectations he could place on both his own shoulders as well as the judgy family members, he was as stuck as Kamren in a cycle of unfulfilling life choices.

Together they found a love that, as cliche as it sounds, conquered all. The resolutions to so many of the issues were simple and quick, which I actually kind of liked because all the stuff already going on was getting a little extra so big, sappy, slightly unrealistic decisions fixing everything kind of worked for me.

So yeah, I'm not blind to quite a few things that didn't really work or make sense or weren't given enough fleshing out, but at the end of it, I just didn't care. The men just worked for me, Gamma and Mia cracked me up, the big emotional moments were suitably cheesy and wonderful, and I felt the feels.

*$5.99 on Amazon

Kamran’s ex broke his heart, tricked him into aiding a bank robbery, and now he wants him to do one last job. There’s only one way to say no: seek the protective custody of the biggest, grumpiest FBI agent ever. And pretend to be his boyfriend for a week-long family reunion in their giant mansion. Wait, what?

Agent Lee Marshall is notoriously all work and no play. Letting a flirty, hot-as-sin playboy like Kamran get under his skin is not an option. He has to protect him, not hook up with him. But pretending they’re an item for a week? That couldn’t hurt…

Kamran swore he’d never love again, but Lee will do anything to keep him out of harm’s way. Maybe there’s a teddy bear heart under the hunky FBI agent’s gruff exterior, and Kamran is the only one who can tease it out. What started out fake becomes all too real, but when Kamran’s past catches up to him, Lee must risk everything to save him.

The Hunter and the Cultist: Hunter X Slayer Book 1, J.A. Giaquinto

The premise seemed really, really intriguing with an MC romantic pairing that really didn't work on paper but could have become something amazing.  Adding in the threats of an unknown danger, unlikely allies, and a whole lot of sarcastic snark balanced with naive sweetness and I was definitely interested in reading this story.

For being the first book in a series I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a world I should have known about already.  Some of the explanations came as Gustav and Kain explained things to Abel, but those explanations didn't really come until pretty deep into the story, not far along but deep into the crazy unfolding.  Using terminology, relationships, and situations that seemed well established and well known without cluing us in in some way left me a bit frustrated for a good third of the story.

There was a definite pull between the MC's and I could see the fated mate thing working and was glad their culmination of the romantic part of their relationship didn't happen right away.  It took a while for everything to be right for their moment to come together...though I will say it felt a little too "perfect" seeing as how Abel was a complete virgin and there was still quite a bit that wasn't fully fleshed out between them.

It wasn't until near the end that Gustav's bad habits took the fore and nearly ruined everything.  And it certainly didn't help that Abel's anger issues and sudden lack of understanding and patience coincided with Gustav's epic pity party.  The separation was kind of necessary, I guess, but with so much awful that happened up to that point I was hoping for something a little different.  Ending as it did with counseling, hope, forgiveness, love, and bonding really helped to smooth things over.

So while there was turmoil and turbulence from the word go, there was a softer side of things that made a valiant attempt to balance it all out and end things on a happier note.  There are quite a few side characters we met along the way that made me curious as to whose story will be next so there's also that, I suppose, to bring me back to their world.

*$5.99 on Amazon

Gustav Markov is one of the best Rogue Hunters the Vampire Council has ever seen. But he's snide, sarcastic, and is by far the most infuriating man ever to walk the Earth. That changes when a mission puts him on the path of not only a fiend from his past but his Lifemate.

Abel Simpson has never known a life outside The Willows. His faith has been shaken by the actions of those around him. But nothing has rocked him like the dark-haired man who walks into his life.

Gustav and Abel find a connection neither man has ever felt before, and it seems almost perfect. Until the specter from Gustav's past rears their head, intent on repeating history.  Can Gustav and Abel stop this menace before another young life is destroyed? Or will more blood be spilled all in the name of family?

Hunter's Moon: Alpha Triplets Book 1, Minerva Howe

This story definitely made the most of the tropes.  Fated mates with instant attraction and aggression toward the interlopers and insta-love being at the forefront of those tropes.  I'd say this story was a little light on the plot and the depth, but if you can get past all the gratuitous sexy times, you do find the bits of a plot that rescues omegas in danger as well as a set of alpha triplets that are as unique as they are the same that have a lot of potential for a fantastic pack.

The world itself is interesting, but we get very few, read none, of the details of the unique aspects of it, like the different names of the moon, the significance of triplet alphas that share a soul, the different wolf breeds, the pack structure they do and don't follow...there's a lot of detail that is missing and brings down the enjoyment of the story.  I'm hoping we get more in the subsequent stories, but I doubt it if they're all meant to be short stories that focus on the sexual healing of the magic peen and the bonding of mates through that oft-repeated act.

I actually felt myself being interested in the alphas and when the story finally got to the plot outside the bedroom.  The MC's in this particular story felt unbalanced and unlikely, though Derek was interesting because we actually got more of his thoughts regarding his family, job, art, and future hopes.  Ethan was kind of a stereotype come to life and his naivety was written more like a child and both his style and level of communication came of so childlike that it made nearly every intimate scene quite uncomfortable for me until near the end when he started to read as simply a naive, abused young man.

Despite feeling this book is more of a 2.5 stars than a legit 3, there are some grains of potential that I'm mildly interested to find out how they turn out.  Chris intrigues me as do the other alphas, Jax and Ryder, so I'd be willing to give the series a further read, but I can't say I'm running out to add them to my TBR list either.

*$2.99 on Amazon

When a rogue wolf brings a sweet omega to Derek Lowell's tattoo shop, he takes one deep breath and knows he can't let Ethan leave with the jerk. This omega is meant to be his, and Derek will do whatever he needs to do to save him.

Ethan is a Worthless One, an omega sold to a bad pack as a child, but he has a core of steel under his vulnerable exterior. When Derek offers him a safe haven, Ethan knows he has to try to overcome his past and grab his new Alpha with both hands. Cam Derek keep Ethan safe and teach him how to accept all the gifts Derek has to give him?

Huntsman: Fox Hollow Zodiac Book 1, Morgan Brice

A fox and a wolf, fated mates and good men, who never would have met if not for the danger of a hunter of lore used to scare children into keeping the shifter secret among a world of humans.  There was so much to enjoy in this story from the world to the chemistry between mates, side characters with loyalty and personality as well as tact, a self-sacrificing MC that is NOT TSTL, and a subtly sweet way of expressing grieving and healing from it.  With a strong start to this series I know we'll be in for a romantic and supernaturally chaotic ride that fits right in with this author's style.

Liam ran away from danger in the way that foxes do and I liked his character, the way he was invested in his job and was eager to make friends in a town he knew would become his home.  I'm glad he didn't fight his mating instinct though truly appreciated the way he tempered that desire with honesty and caution.  Just because they were mates didn't mean they had to rush into a claiming.  Sometimes we get the fated-mate = insta-love situation in these trope-based stories, but in this story we got something that used human sensibilities and a very believable progression...up to a point, of course.

In addition to being interesting on his own as a part of a relationship with Russ, Liam became my favorite when he dove head-first into the search for the Huntsman, both in determination and in logic.  Too many times we see one MC feeling guilty and then running headlong into danger with nary a thought to using their brain and embodying the TSTL heroines we see in bad horror B-movies.  Instead Liam tempers that guilt with intelligence, precaution, and common sense.

Russ was good in a more subtle way.  He was dealing with years of grief over the loss of his husband, though not his fated mate.  Attempting to reconcile those two types of love gave us a mature and sweet evolution for Russ as he came to accept his fated mate while balancing not forgetting his former husband and also not letting it be a reason to avoid Fate's guidance.

The overall danger that surrounded everyone and everything was pretty well hidden despite having predictable parts that moved the story along.  While having the villain doing the cliche monologuing wasn't exactly awesome, the rest was, as was the introduction of other nefarious foes that may come calling as well as other characters that are sure to get their own stories.  I'm really looking forward to watching the series grow and evolve as we get other stories from the little town's residents and newcomers.

*$5.99 on Amazon

A grieving wolf. A hunted fox. Fated mates, thrown together by chance, and the looming threat of a fabled Huntsman who might tear them apart forever.

Fox shifter Liam Reynard is running from a killer. He uproots his life to find sanctuary in Fox Hollow, deep in the Adirondack Forest in New York.

When his car breaks down, sexy wolf shifter Russ Lowe comes to the rescue, and one touch makes it clear they’re fated mates. Neither man was looking for love, and both are still mending from past heartbreak. When mysterious fires and disappearances threaten Fox Hollow, Liam fears the killer is hot on his trail. Can he protect the town and his fated mate from the evil hunting him, or will an ex-lover’s betrayal cost Liam everything he loves?

The Hero and the Hidden Royal: Royal Powers Book 2, Renae Kaye

I usually adore this author and while this story was a nice one, it didn't really meet what I've come to expect from them. This was a sweet story that's in a truly compelling world that started with a bang in Duking it Out by E.J. Russell, but has kind of fizzled in terms of the individual relationships. There is some crossover in some drama that occurs in the first story which gives a bit of cohesion here, but the romance in this story just wasn't compelling.

Both men were cute at first, but there was a whole lot of inner monologuing and description and storytelling that didn't make the story feel dynamic. It instead dragged where more dialogue and perhaps even a dual POV would have given us something different, something...just more, I suppose. I liked where we ended up and that Derek mostly figured himself out and was eventually recognized by the royals for his courage. That was a bright spot because it showed character evolution, but the romance was tame and Sam was short-sighted with his role in the whole drama. His sweetness and interest in Derek was good though, so it was enough to think they were a good match.

So overall this was a nice story, just not a compelling one. The world is more interesting than this particular couple and I'm hoping that the series gets back to where we started.

*$3.99 on Amazon

One frightened man with an illegal superpower. One brave man who wants him regardless.

Both are put to the ultimate test. And failure is not an option.

Derek Carson has a superpower—invisibility. But in a country where all those born into the royal family have a superpower, Derek is banned from using his power because he’s not “officially” in the royal family tree. He’s required to conceal it, but how can he do that when fear triggers his invisibility?

And Derek is afraid of everything—spiders, insects, strangers, thunder, heights…. Without control of his power, an invisible man is actually a hard thing to hide. He’s never been brave in his entire life, until the night he rescues a stranger who attempts to stop a robbery.

Sam Jeffries is everything Derek wishes he could be—big and strong, with a protective streak a mile wide—but most of all, Sam is brave. Unlike Derek, Sam’s not afraid of anything. Sam is hero material.

For Sam, dating a guy who’s not only scared of many things, but is invisible most of the time, is not easy. However he thinks Derek is worth it. When Derek turns invisible on him, Sam just kisses him until he forgets about his anxieties and reappears.

But when Derek is kidnapped, both will be tested.

Now Sam has something to fear and Derek must be brave enough to survive.

Smash & Grab: RELIC Book 1, Maz Maddox

Seriously, dinosaur stuff and paleontology?  Pink mohawks?  A deep love of kids?  Why has no one yet written a dinosaur shifter that is both cute and fierce?  Dalton is absolutely adorable as well as being a punk.  He's thoughtful and considerate even while pushing Simon's buttons.  Well, to be honest, he pushes everyone's buttons, but he knows when enough's enough.

His pretty Simon takes a little while to come around to things, but when he does his devotion to Dalton is just as strong as Dalton's is for him.  I'm completely in love with this story, not just because of the novelty, but also because it was well-written, the pacing was right for the characters and the situation, the relationship was believable, and the set up for a series was really well done. I'm just sold. I cannot wait to see who finds their person next!

*$4.99 on Amazon

My standard issued lab badge reads 'Simon' but it really should say 'unexciting nerd with no social life'

Don’t get me wrong -- I love what I do with a passion, but it doesn’t leave a lot of time for much else.

Especially romance.

While chipping away at my work, I’m suddenly the person between hired cartel muscle and the fossil that will define my career.

Which isn’t the most insane part of the story.

My savior is a chaotic, bat-wielding punk with a bubble gum pink mohawk and a killer smile.

In a mad dash to escape the thieves, my knight in studded armor sweeps me across the country while hitting every tourist trap along the way.

While smuggling a fossil, might I add.

Oh, and did I mention this pink punk can shift into a dinosaur?

Duking it Out: Royal Powers Book 1, E.J. Russell

So not a meet*cute kind of story, more like a meet*antagonize/judge story, which actually works in making you feel something for both men.  There's so much to start the story with, a huge chip on the shoulder, an isolated man with a good heart, a confrontation to sort out, instant attraction, a power no one understands, political intrigue...just so much to jump into and while it seems like a huge assortment of things to tackle by the end of the story, it all works out satisfactorily.  A bit simply, but with a shorter story that focuses on the bonding of two men in a forced proximity situation and misunderstandings that really center on them more than anything else, it was well balanced and needed that external simplicity.

I really, really enjoyed the time they spent on the island and when the prickly handsome Tarik is the first one to look closer into Sander, it's that turnaround, patience, and care that truly clinched the story for me.  Sander was gentle and so sweet that he was my favorite at first so watching Tarik become what Sander needed through being open and kind I was all about being in love with them.

Where things went from the island was a little regrettable, but it did give them a chance to sort out their hearts to really decide if it was just a proximity/loneliness/survival thing enhancing their feelings or if it was based on something deep, something real.  When they came back together it was all kinds of awkwardly adorable and I thought the conclusion was just right for Tarik, Sander, and the countries' situation.  This was a wonderfully sweet story that I'll likely add to my re-read shelf for when I need a superpowered pick-me-up.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Royal dukes from rival countries, shipwrecked on a deserted island. The grudge match of the century—or a love story of super-heroic proportions?

Sander Fiala, Duke of Roses, is fourth in line to the South Abarran throne, even though his rogue power earned him the nickname “The Monster of Roses” and got him banished from the Castle. But right before he’s about to set off on his annual birthday sailing trip, the Queen asks him to meet with the notoriously volatile North Abarran Duke of Arles.

Tarik Jaso, Duke of Arles, expects the worst from people because—let’s face it—people are the worst. His superpower bombards him with any and all electronic transmissions, which…yeah, people suck. So when he’s attacked and wakes up in the cabin of a stranded boat, he knows he’s royally screwed. Because the man looming over him—the man he’d gone toe-to-toe with right before the attack—is the infamous Monster of Roses.

Tarik is positive the Monster is behind his kidnapping. Sander is sure the whole thing is Tarik’s fault. As they work toward rescue, Tarik realizes that the disturbingly hot Sander is no monster, and Sander discovers that Tarik’s temper masks a caring soul wrapped in a cantankerous (though undeniably sexy) body.

For their burgeoning connection to endure, they’ll have to duke it out with political factions, dark conspiracies, and centuries of traditions that keep them on opposite sides of the border.

But first? They have to get off this damn island.

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 49

  

• The D- in 403B, Jess Bryant
• Blood Ruby: Tin Star Witches - Witches of Ruby Gulch Book 4, Kiernan Kelly
• Dragon Consultant: Supernatural Consultant Book 1, Mell Eight

This was an overall cute story with characters that I wanted to get to know and at the outset it was setting us up for a meet-hate-cute situation that I was all over.  But very quickly it devolved to something a bit more juvenile than endearing.  Once they finally got to the dating portion it was quick and definitely steamy so I was back on board.  But very quickly it became repetitive both in action and being stuck in their head.  The separation was necessary, though I feel the situation was forced by an incredibly unthinking Brett.  As a vet there was a whole lot that I didn't understand with his behavior.  The beginning was amusing and the ending was really, really good, I just got a bit lost in the middle.  3 stars.

Ishago and Finn had a rather auspicious meeting and while it made things interesting and drew me in, there wasn't a whole lot to maintain that interest.  Their interactions felt like words on a page rather than organic and fluid and even Finn's personality couldn't really make up for the dialogue that felt slightly contrived.  The action was reserved for near the end of the book rather than something that built based on multiple events that carried them to that point.  Things would probably have worked better if the confrontation and resolution weren't reserved for the very end.  There could have been quite a lot more build up and anticipation for the end as well as more care given to crafting Ishago.  Finn stole the show as did his familiar and I wish that Ishago would have been as compelling as Finn.  3 stars.

The different types of dragons, the elements of danger and mystery, and the hint of romance combine to make this a very interesting series to dive into.  It didn't all work together and some personality things were a little questionable, but that's only because this story is so short that we don't get a whole lot about any of them.  We have basics and for a start to a series with shorter-length stories I didn't mind too much.  There was enough to draw me in and pique my curiosity.  3.5 stars.

Just My Luck, Alice Winters

I knew I'd enjoy the story overall, mostly because I adore this author's writing, but this story had a much different feel than others because it was darker and had quite a few elements that needed time and care to get to the answers and the healing.  For the issues to be tackled adequately as well as maintaining the comedic flair that makes Alice's stories all their own wasn't easy, but I think it was done well.  I fell in love with both characters, was charmed by the dog, and was definitely happy with the ending.

Killian came across as both immature and intelligent at the same time while also being oblivious and giving us a sense that he was hiding something too.  He was kind of complicated in a way I didn't expect.  And his atrocious upbringing that we got in the flashbacks made me ache for him over and over again.  He didn't grow up easy.  I think it made him an even more understanding and perfect partner for Shepherd.

The humorous moments that came from Shepherd were a bit unexpected, but surprisingly perfect for who we learn he is.  He's damaged, definitely, but I didn't predict how he reacted to the choices he was forced to make when he was young.  Part of me is torn that he found a way to be intimate with Killian because trauma doesn't always have such an easy transition.  It wasn't really easy, but the lighter moment where he realized what he felt for Killian and what he felt previously was miles apart felt easy.  So while I'm a little conflicted about that, there's an overwhelming part of me that thought that moment was necessary for both men and that it was logical yet full of feeling.

Even though there is a bit of a loose end with the father and the consequences he faced, the end bit with Killian and Shepherd was all kinds of lovely.  It was tender, funny, and exactly what I'd needed to read about their tumultuous journey.  Their happiness was hard-won in the face of all the danger that sought them and when Shepherd's playfulness met with Killian's sass and amusing excuses it all came together.  It was my kind of story, the kind that I could willingly re-read and recommend, which I do, whole-heartedly.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Killian
When I’m tossed into the trunk of a car, I realize that what little luck I have has finally run out—especially when I find that Tony, the man who’d abducted me, is planning on using me to get back at my father. My chances for escape look pretty bleak when I’m handcuffed to Tony’s bodyguard, an intimidating man named Shepherd who apparently loves tight shirts and seems to be amused by making my life miserable. Soon, though, I learn that Shepherd has a heart and a brain. And sometimes, those two things can be a bigger weapon than anything in a time like this. I just have to learn how to wield them.

After Shepherd gets me away from Tony’s men, I discover that he’s a survivor, a fighter, and the only person who seems willing to help me when it feels like the whole world is against me. At first, I’m not sure if I can trust the man, but the more we get to know each other, the more I realize that he’s funny and kind of sweet. He’s determined to protect me, but he doesn’t know all of my secrets. He doesn’t know that Tony isn’t the only one looking for me. But together, as we face betrayal and taking down the worst monster of all, we’re determined that we will be the lucky ones after all.

The Blacksmith Queen: The Scarred Earth Saga Book 1, G.A. Aiken

This author is seriously one of my absolute favorites and I've read everything any library I can find that carries them in both their pen names.  The insane world they create under the name G.A. Aiken is fascinating, well-detailed without being overly complicated, includes incredible creatures and their personalities are all distinct as races, and the characters are both nuanced and simple so the overall story carries a wonderful balance.  And with the irreverent, slightly immature, witty humor?  I'm just...gone.  I adore it.  And I've already re-read it four times.

With this story in particular, we're in the same world of the dragons in Dragon Kin, just in another part of the world and we get to focus on a human and the centaurs she meets all because of a quietly power hungry sibling no one ever expected much of.  I really love Keeley, how her thoughts are always of her forge and her family, that her daydreams are of what she can create from her own hands and fire.  Despite her difficult relationship with Gemma, it does get sorted in the end once they both drop their prejudices and expectations and just express their feelings, the banter and "arguments" between every other character fit with the characters themselves as well as with the author's style.  Keeley in particular is positive, loyal, determined, and just scared enough to balance out her desire to do what's best with what's possible.

Well, what's possible in this world is nothing short of fantastic.  She meets amazing creatures, amazing characters, and her adventure is more about forging her own path to becoming the kind of queen the world needs to combat her brilliant yet soulless sister.  The story follows that journey and the romance is kind of a consequence of getting to know one another in all kinds of situations.  That's something I absolutely adore about this author's stories, that lust and getting it on is rarely the first thing that happens when there's a saga to be had.

Characters are well-formed, connections are made, and the relationship is often based on a believable foundation.  When species live as long as they do in this world, it would be a shallow connection and a horrendous future they'd face as mates if it weren't strong and real before adding all the sexy times.  The romance does take a bit of a back seat in this story and I feel that was absolutely appropriate for not only the MC's, but for the whole saga that's to come.  It's a part, not the focus, and I CANNOT WAIT for more!

*$6.99 on Amazon

The Old King Is Dead
 
With the demise of the Old King, there’s a prophecy that a queen will ascend to the throne of the Black Hills. Bad news for the king’s sons, who are prepared to defend their birthright against all comers. But for blacksmith Keeley Smythe, war is great for business. Until it looks like the chosen queen will be Beatrix, her younger sister. Now it’s all Keeley can do to protect her family from the enraged royals.
 
Luckily, Keeley doesn’t have to fight alone. Because thundering to her aid comes a clan of kilt-wearing mountain warriors called the Amichai. Not the most socially adept group, but soldiers have never bothered Keeley, and rough, gruff Caid, actually seems to respect her. A good thing because the fierce warrior will be by her side for a much longer ride than any prophesy ever envisioned …

His Fairy Share: Starfig Investigations Book 3, Meghan Maslow

We began the series following Twig and his tumultuous relationship with his fae father and the unexpected boon of a mate in the form of a mage in slavery to a cruel unicorn.  The evolution of the series has been shifting to focus on Quinn and while I wasn't a fan of that in the second book because it essentially neutered all the good and badassery we found in Twig, it really came into its own here in the third book.  I'm really, really hoping for a fourth book because there are still a few issues not completely dealt with and I'd like to see this move into a true partnership now that we've gotten a pretty good base of the two MC's as individual powers.

This certainly wasn't what I expected or even wanted when I began the series, but on its own, this is a really great read.  There are exciting battles, tons more magic, pirates, alien-ish creatures, familial discoveries, and so much more.  And with a huge dose of learning to accept yourself and the past that led you to where you found what you truly needed.

Quinn has really come into his own here.  While there was little to no mention or dealing with the abusive past that led him to this point, he's taking his own future and his mating into his own power and really growing with it.  Twig has become an important side character and I'm hoping they find their way together as a pair because he truly provides the vulnerability, the heart, and the more interesting nuances to the story that it very much needs.

I think my favorite parts are the pirates and the fighting scenes.  We're introduced to new characters that are compelling on their own and add depth to the new realm we're thrust into.  The big battle over the ocean isn't ridiculously overpowered and skewed to one side, it's balanced in that there was give and take on both sides that was part of a larger whole that was the story and all its moving parts.  I really liked this book and as mentioned before, it wasn't where I thought we'd end up, but I'm glad that it was far more interesting than I'd thought it would be.

*$5.99 on Amazon

“Why does this always happen to us?” –Quinn Broomsparkle, wizard extraordinaire

Six months have passed since wizard Quinn Broomsparkle left behind his indentured servant shackles. He’s in love with his half-dragon/half-fairy familiar, Twig Starfig. He’s got a home. Friends. A job. And a father-in-law he could do without. A pretty close to perfect life. But as Quinn has learned the hard way, things rarely stay peaceful for long. Especially when a Starfig’s involved.

Summoned to his home realm and a past he’d thought left behind, Quinn and Twig find themselves in the middle of evil machinations . . . with no clear enemy. When Quinn’s younger brother, Zak, goes missing, it’s Starfig Investigations on the case.

Being the first wizard in a thousand years isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. On top of a missing brother, a broken-hearted red fury, an archivist with a secret, and a ghost pirate-parrot who’s determined to return to his captain, Quinn and Twig’s relationship is sorely tested when questions—and unhappy answers—about their mating dilemma are pushed to the fore.

All Quinn wants is his fairy share of happiness. Is that so much to ask?

Alpha's Embrace: Omega Misfits Book 3, Wendy Rathbone

From the very beginning of the series I was intrigued by the idea of Sylphs and new we'd get at least one of their stories.  For all the mystery and agony surrounding these men, there had to be individuals among them that didn't fit the lore passed around their society.  Misha was one such man and it took a kind, earnest, and determined Alpha to give him the future filled with love he didn't dare to dream could become a reality.

There were quite a few directions we could have been taken in with this story and while none that I expected happened, the path we took was interesting in quite a few ways.  Despite being interesting it drifted from one point to another while not really progressing and that made this book a little harder to read than the previous two.  I think there was a bit missing in the way of depth because for all the intrigue, mystery, genetic anomalies, surprise bonds, nefarious characters, and "planning" for their future, we got virtually none of the completion of any of those points.  They really could have been streamlined and refined and this would have easily been my favorite of the series.

It took way, way too long for anything romantic to happen and Geoff's constant denial was incredibly taxing, especially because there were a couple times when he seemed to come to the defining conclusion about his convictions toward Misha rather than away from him and in the next moment he's mentally and verbally denying anything he feels about him.  This is not my kind of roller coaster.

Overall there was a whole lot that drew me in with the premise, but the slow-burn wasn't implemented effectively to make me believe in the MC's or their romance.  With so many points of interest that weren't visited with intention I'm wondering where this series is going from here.  I'm still interested enough in how the author weaves a story from unconventional societal pairings with the men of this world that I'll absolutely be back for more.

*$3.99 on Amazon

I am Misha.

My name was given to me at birth by the doctor who delivered me. I have never known my parents. I live in a ten by ten space with one window, a sink and toilet, a bed and a locked door. Once a day I’m taken to an outdoor exercise area. I am allowed a limited access tablet and tutored online by computer programs. I have one friend I talk to through a tiny crack in the wall. His name is Cedric and he has trouble keeping himself quiet. When he isn’t talking to me about monsters and demons, he screams all the time.

Why is my life so isolated and depressing? Because I am a Sylph. Sylphs are the byproduct of illegal Omega to Omega matings. We are all beautiful, but 99.9% are born insane. The rarest of Sylphs, like me, show no outward signs of madness or brain damage, but we live in institutions because we cannot be trusted.

All of us Sylphs who have lived long enough to pass through puberty have hypersexual disorder which makes life even more difficult for us, let alone our keepers. It is like something Alphas call the Burn, a mating urge Alphas experience once every couple of months.

But we’re Sylphs, not Alphas, and this Burn thing? We experience it all the time. It’s a huge problem and why we are kept isolated. Most of us don’t survive through our teens because of it.

One day, a handsome Alpha comes to interview and study me. He calls himself the Chief of Staff but his real name is Geo. Like magic, I fall in love with him instantly. I do everything I can to seduce him. He will have none of it because touch between an Alpha and a Sylph is taboo. But I have plans. No matter what, I intend to bond him and make him mine. Forever.