Stone Wings: The Gargoyles of Arrington Book 1, Jenn Burke

There was something full of yearning in this story underneath the denial, the fake situation, the danger, and the reconciliation of curses, pasts, and hearts.  I truly enjoyed the book and am eagerly jumping into book two, quite glad it's on KU.

Drew and Josh had a slow, nice road to travel romantically and I can't say it was riveting, incredibly spicy, or even all that captivating.  It slowly swelled and filled my mind until I couldn't imagine they had any other option than to fall in love and make everything work.

There are other reviewers that have feelings about what happens when the curse breaks but I honestly don't have an issue with that.  I read so often when the temporarily supernatural being retains certain supernatural traits rather than the author letting the curse just break.  To me it seems that letting the curse break and return them to their original state prior to the curse is more believable than trying to come up with a reason as to why they should keep part of their cursed state merely because it would be helpful in the issues they were going to face, you know?

The drama surrounding the pride in their area and their distant past was interesting and a little too simplistic in their connection, but the biggest piece of interest was the element of their past.  When the story of their curse was related to Josh it was pretty obvious to me that there was going to be a piece of it that would return and despite being right I didn't predict the reason for all the turmoil.  I appreciated that.

Overall I thought the story was very sweet and I admired the person who initiated the reconciliation, feeling that the appropriate person stood up to the other to call them out for their choice made out of fear.  And ending the story with the lead-in to the next book in the series felt right as well, that it wasn't just a HEA for the couple and a vague forboding for what's coming, it was something concrete, something that was a bit more believable as what could happen next.

And, side note, the wolf pack being involved really added something intriguing to the story and has me all kinds of curious.  It answered some questions, raised some interest, and brought a lot of elements of the story to life.  I'm eager to see where Rian's story takes us and how things will evolve around their clan.

*$4.99 on Amazon or FREEon KU!

Be Fairy Game: Starfig Investigations Book 2, Meghan Maslow

Being right isn't always a great thing.  That goes for what I was anxious about for this book as well as Twig and Quinn.  The ability to say "I told you so," doesn't feel great when you were hoping for so much more.  There were some incredibly sweet sentiments expressed, a few humorous scenes, and an incredible amount of potential for the series as a whole so the story isn't a total miss, there were just also some immensely disturbing scenes that left me feeling icky and not altogether comfortable.

What I was right about in my fears expressed in my review for book one is the relationship dynamic between Twig and Quinn.  In the name of "empowering" Quinn and not following a more stereotypical dominance dynamic Quinn continually undermines Twig's decisions, makes him doubt his intentions, belittles his instincts, hurts his feelings, and dismisses his fears.  Quinn has lowered in my estimations as a good partner for Twig.

Their whole relationship is a struggle for me, actually.  I'm still in love with their potential and I'm having a difficult time reconciling that with the reality.  There are so many, too many, times that their whole dynamic is brought up to dissect only to be dismissed or interrupted and it leads to too many moments of doubt, hurt, and unresolved frustrations.  There's a power thing going on that's taking a back seat to Quinn's consistent need for secrecy and putting his struggles, his feelings, and his issues above Twig's.  I'm not a fan.

One scene that gave me all kinds of icky feels was where Twig's first time with catching was under the influence of an incubus' magic crazy dust and Quinn's inability to care for Twig.  He's lucid enough to get acknowledge the effect of the powder and to get them to a relatively private space, but once again, his desires, his situation, is far more important than all the fear and hesitation that Twig has expressed over months of being together before this moment.  Just no.  So many times, no.  And then for Twig to reassure and comfort and seek out Quinn's well-being...this can only be a bad thing in the long run.

I don't want to make this a ranty review where it seems I don't like the story because I actually do in a general way and in the view of a series as a whole with fascinating characters and shenanigans that were quite entertaining (Bill's fear of garden gnomes, anyone?).  So in the interest of keeping the ranty bits short, I'll briefly mention the other things that bothered.  Twig's father, the too-quick-to-forgive moment with his mother, the surprising lack of empathy from Twig as we, once again, defer to Quinn's sense of right and wrong when it comes to feeling for and helping misunderstood beings (Twig should be the ring-leader in seeking to help and liberate instead of being uber judgy and needing Quinn to remind him of his own perception parallels), the lack of Twig's backbone with his father's discrimination and machinations, the lack of connections made between really obvious stuff...  I think there are a couple more, but that's quite enough, I feel.

While I don't know how I feel about focusing on Quinn in the next story, I am excited to see where this series is going.  And Bill, his yearning is palpable and when he's not acting like a preachy queen I'm absolutely in love with him and hope to see him get the being who will love him.  Bill's mention of Twig's scent is incredibly intriguing and I'll absolutely stick with this until we get that answer...there are a whole lot of little foretelling bits in relation to Twig and his eventual growth and power that I'm absolutely champing at the bit for and can only hope don't come through Quinn's power or control, but from him on his own and within himself.  I want to see Twig's brain truly engage and to find out what his fae gift is.

The list of things I'm looking forward to is arguably longer than the things that bothered me in this book so it's safe to say that I'm definitely in for more and am committed to sticking with the series and I'll be holding out hope that Twig and Quinn get it together in a way that makes me feel warm and fuzzy instead of apprehensive.

*$4.99 on Amazon

They’re baaacckk!

When a simple ‘find & fetch’ case throws private investigator Twig Starfig and newly-minted wizard, Quinn Broomsparkle, into the middle of an EBI murder investigation, it’s just another day in the Elder Realm.

If murder were Twig’s only problem, he’d be the luckiest half-dragon in the land. Murder he can handle. Fulfilling his promise to his scheming, power-hungry father to run for a seat on Lighthelm’s city council? Meh, he’d rather face a demon with a toothache.

On top of their case going sideways, and Twig running for a council seat he really doesn’t want, Twig and Quinn are forced to face some unpleasant realities about their budding romance, while still learning how to handle the wizard-familiar bond they now share. Throw in a red fury with abysmal taste in boyfriends, a ghost pirate-parrot who drinks too much, a murderer who will stop at nothing to get what they want, a host of new friends and enemies, and you’ve got a situation where no one is safe and everyone is Fairy Game.

By Fairy Means or Foul: Starfig Investigations Book 1, Meghan Maslow

There is a whole helluva lot of stuff going on in this book.  Not taking into account they myriad creatures that flit in and out of each and every scene of the story, there is a vast world of worlds, politics, societal issues, and machinations that could, and sometimes do, trip up the MC's all along the way.  While I do feel that the world-building is ultimately effective, it's a whole lot to tackle and has the potential to derail whatever plot and character growth we hope to see in future installments.  I'll be keeping my eye out for that one.

It's always a gamble tackling a fantastical story like this one and I think we're on our way to a really great series if each element can be reeled in or woven well into whatever craziness Twig and Quinn get thrown at them.  There are a lot of directions we could go with the framework given here and I'm fairly excited to see how it all pans out.  Despite having a ton of potential, there was a lack of depth to the characters and their dynamic.  I wish so hard that this story had an alternating POV.

With only Twig's perspective he felt both obstinate and vacillating because we're tossed from his resolute determination to stick it to his father even to his detriment and then seeing his resolve crumble at various moments where the capitulation was unnecessary.  I had a hard time getting a grasp of who he is and what his real motivations were.  He's got a heap of baggage to sort through and I'm unclear as of yet if he'll improve as he wades through it all and whether or not Quinn will help or hinder his personal evolution.

Quinn is much harder for me to like.  I feel for his plight, truly I do, but his character is similar to Twig's in that he's stubborn just to be stubborn and also vulnerable because of the hand life has dealt him.  Because of his stubbornness he puts Twig into situations where not only is Twig put in danger, but he undermines anything good Twig wants to do and ultimately is given credit for the good that does happen, like he's the one leading Twig around and it feels forced and unnatural.  I don't have a good feeling for where their relationship is going if that's going to be their dynamic from here on out.  I'm hoping my gut is wrong on this one and that Quinn will support and strengthen Twig instead of patronize and placate him, effectively making him a powerless Alpha in the name of "empowering" Quinn's character.

The world and all its intricacies are intriguing, to say the least, and I have a ton of hope for Twig.  With all the complicated relationships he's got going on and the bargains he ends up making with his father I'm excited to see where we go from here.  I'm anticipating situations that will bring individual character growth for Twig, new characters and relationships that will bring humor and a sense of belonging, and deeper interactions (with more steam) with Quinn as the series continues.  I'm definitely diving in to book two as soon as I can.

*$4.99 on Amazon

The last thing half-dragon, half-fairy private investigator Twig Starfig wants to do is retrieve a stolen enchanted horn from a treacherous fae, but there’s no denying the dazzlingly gorgeous unicorn who asks Twig to do just that. Literally, no denying, because compelling the reluctant detective is all part of a unicorn’s seductive magic.

To add to his woes, Twig is saddled with the unicorn’s cheeky indentured servant, Quinn Broomsparkle. Dragons are supposed to want to eat humans, but Twig’s half-dragon side only wants to gobble up Quinn in a more . . . personal way. Making matters worse, it’s obvious the smokin’ hot but untrustworthy sidekick is hiding something. Something big. And not what’s in his trousers. In the PI business, that means trouble with a capital Q.

Throw in gads of zombies, a creepy ghost pirate ship, a malfunctioning magic carpet, and Twig’s overbearing fairy father’s demands to live up to the illustrious Starfig name. Naturally, an old but abiding enemy chooses this time to resurface, too. Those inconveniences Twig can handle. The realization he’s falling for a human who isn’t free to return his affections and whose life may hang on the success of his latest case?

Not so much.

Familiar Beginnings: Happy Endings Book 2, Alice Winters

Knowing the crazy from the past isn't done with either Havoc or Miles, I was sure we were in for something rather dark before everything got solved.  That wasn't the case and I think the overall situation was incredibly well done.  Not only do we get some amazing surprises, but we finally get to see some phenomenal power, the power we saw hints of throughout Happy Endings.

Miles has a great head on his shoulders and I've always loved that he knew to think through a problem and not just rely on blasting who or whatever was in his way.  That he also finally came to terms with his guilt and what to do with it was fantastic because it showed an evolution within him that was necessary for him to truly accept the happiness he deserved.

Havoc's heart was actually a surprise.  Not like I couldn't believe it, but a shock in how fervent his feelings were.  The way Miles' memories were shared a lot more in this continuation gave us a lot more depth to their interactions and how deep Havoc's distrust went, that even though he knew something was different about Miles, it's difficult to separate centuries of betrayal and abuse.  Watching them truly share their hearts and minds was a testament to how far they've come together.  His adamant request to Miles was a bit of a surprise, but one of the most touching moments.  We don't get a lot of touchy-feely confessions from the taciturn and flirty demon so in that moment we get to see exactly his level of trust, commitment, and love for Miles.

Seeing all the pieces come together, having various confrontations and battles of the magical type, and the culmination of it all into one vanquishing moment brought everything together in a satisfactory way.  I think what I was most moved by was the softness.  Things really could have gotten crazy and gory with the story's set up but instead we were built on a foundation of feelings, of determination, of bonds.  The snark was softer, the friendships more real, the good more powerful.  This story didn't feel like so many others of this author's work and that is absolutely not a negative in any way for me.  I adored the MC's and wish there were more of them.  I'd happily dive back into their world right now.

*$3.99 on Amazon!

Smart men quit while they’re ahead—they lay low and hope disaster blows on by them. Not me. Especially when disaster seems to follow me and my soulmate Havoc, a demon I bound to me three hundred years ago with my magic.

The dark mage Geoff is back from the dead and creating chaos by devouring the hearts of people with magical abilities, giving him overwhelming power as his followers grow. And since I’m one of the strongest mages alive and am leading the resistance against him, he’s coming for me next. Oh, and it might have something to do with the fact that I was also the one who originally killed him. But you can’t blame me; the guy needed to die.

Havoc and I, along with our unlikely band of… (I don’t want to say heroes, I can’t give them that much credit) annoyances will stop at nothing to end the destruction. It doesn’t hurt that there’s a sexy demon by my side every step of the way. For the first time in three hundred years, I’m finally with the person meant for me, and I will do anything to keep from losing him.

Cold Case Psychic Novellas: Spellbound, Blood Song, Hunter's Curse Pandora Pine

  

• Spellbound: Cold Case Psychic Novella 2
• Blood Song: Cold Case Psychic Novella 3
• Hunter's Curse: Cold Case Psychic Novella 5

Shocked by a sizable inheritance from his recently deceased mother, Niall Gallagher has a chance to recreate his life to follow his heart.  His heart leads him to his roots in Salem, Massachusetts where he meets Tobin Woods, the man that might just be his future.  But only if they can figure out why there are spirits threatening and hurting him in order to keep him away from The Black Cat Inn.

Tobin definitely didn't have his life together.  Niall's opportunity gives him a second chance and I like that he made the most of it.  I think their relationship moved incredibly fast and their declarations came way too soon.  I liked their dynamic between sweet and sexy, especially Niall's concussion-confessions which made him way cute.  Their overall story felt a bit disjointed and too hurried without proper depth and growth of a budding relationship.  Despite that, their story was pretty good and with all the action and supernatural elements we come to expect from the Cold Case Psychic stories and crew.  3 stars.

*$2.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Luca is a struggling student and gets a nasty surprise after trying something different to earn more cash.  Answering a B&E call puts Francisco Jackson and Luca on a path to finding exactly who and what they need for a happily ever after.  The song Luca hears tells him they could be mates, but knowing so little of his condition puts them both at a disadvantage.  It will take a lot of trial and error between them to figure it out...unless whoever put Luca in this position gets their hands on him first.

Cisco is a bit of a surprise because of how willing he is to see and help Luca with anything and everything.  He and Luca have a communication issue in the beginning but I loved that Greeley was the one sent to help get Luca's head on straight and that it was Ronan who Cisco reached out to for answers.  Each person helped them sort out exactly how to begin and their natural talents and attraction got them the rest of the way.  I'm eager to see if there will be a reckoning with the instigator of Luca's vampirism...  Overall this was a really sweet story that gave us answers and sexiness and introductions to more characters pivotal to the Cold Case Psychic crew's future.  4 stars.

*$2.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Refusing to join a dark witch's cadre Hunter Conroy is encased in stone as a gargoyle.  Hundreds of years later he finds himself in Salem, Massachusetts in the company of a strange group that oddly feels like home.  It's the first time he's ever wanted to fight against returning to stone form.  A big part of that is Walker Harmon, the only man to fully capture Hunter's heart.  With his deadline quickly approaching it'll take everything the whole crew has, and maybe someone extra, to change his fate so he and Walker can have their chance at forever.

I wasn't exactly a fan of Walker's when we met him in Blood Song and it felt like it took him too long to accept everything that Hunter and the Cold Case Psychic crew was offering him in Hunter's Curse.  It wasn't until much later in the story that he finally went all-in for Hunter.  Hunter felt a little too apathetic for most of the story and I wanted to like him so much more than I did.  Both men eventually got it together toward the end though.  The final confrontation was a little too "surprise, one of you guys are going to go against the plan because you can't seem to think logically or trust one another" and that was frustrating.  Once everything settled I could see where they have the potential to be true partners as well as great additions to the rest of the Cold Case crew.  3 stars.

*$2.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!