Light My Fire: GSC in Love Book 1, Katy Manz

This was just...okay.  I had really high hopes because dragons, I mean, it's got dragons!  But alas, dragons were not enough to make me love this story.  The dragons were the best part, especially Zander, with their complicated, potentially tragic family situations, the love and support, and the lack of pride that could have destroyed them all.

But then you've got Rayne who seemed to be a total boss, in control of so much, an incredible magic wielder, and fierce.  He should have been the best partner to Zander.  I generally love an omega who doesn't fit the stereotypical role and doesn't want to, but here he was so disdainful of those who chose what he feared.  Yes, he got over it, but he was so arrogant, so unbending, so narrow sighted when things got tough.  I wanted to see him be humbled, not just come to the conclusion that he needed to do better.  There was a dream and I truly needed to see that dream because days later and I'm still mad at Rayne for doing what he did to Zander.

Overall this was a good story, not a bad one, but I just don't know that I will put book two high on my TBR list.  Maybe, maybe because Rayne won't be the lead and there will still be my dragons I'll give it a chance...  This was my first book by this author so I think I will give it a chance, I just wasn't impressed by one of the male leads.

Oh, but the best scene ever, the one that totally stabbed me right in the feels, yeah, that might definitely make me come back for more.  Zander's father's immediate reaction to his mate's distress?  That was pure gold with so much love and so much of a 180 from the male we met near the beginning.  Beautiful moment.  So yeah, maybe I will read book two sooner rather than later...

*$3.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

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!

Nixing the End of the World: Phoenix's Quest Book 1, Alice Winters

Alastair and Nix...a good mix of tame, bewildered, crazy, and outrageous, I was alternately sedate and on the edge of my seat with the pacing of the story. I found Alastair to be a cross between Leland from Hitman and Marcus from VRC with his weapon wielding and snark in the face of his denial of past guilt and current interest in Nix. In this particular instance, it's the story surrounding him that assisted with being a unique character, but I found a whole lot of similarities to past Alice characters so he felt familiar even if I knew nothing about him.

In fact, I can't say I really learned all that much about him by the end of this first book in this new series. We do find out where his guilt comes from and his hesitance around his bond with Nix, but other than to give context, it wasn't much in the way of really knowing him. I'm eager to find out more and to watch him really open up to Nix. I want to see more of his power, what it can do, and how Nix can balance it out.

Speaking of Nix, his own power is an unknown until pretty much the end of the book. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about Nix taking the entirety of the story to get only a clue about what his power is and how to use it before he's thrust into the crazy with the villain. I really look forward to seeing him train and grow with his own magic in addition to the bond building he and Alastair really need to get working toward.

Together they work for me. It's a slow growth between them and I'm glad that they didn't really act on their attraction until it felt right because there were so many unknowns, so much going on with and around them, that it would have distracted from the story and felt forced. They've got a long road ahead of them and I want to be with them every step of the way.

The cast surrounding them is quite varied, though the ones directly involved were...interesting. Some were introduced with a bang and then kind of left off to the edges of the goings-on until near the end and I wasn't exactly liking that. Another, the BFF, was actually my least favorite character out of everyone introduced. I'm guessing she'll grow on me as the story continues though. The villain surprised me. Not in who they were, but how it all played out and what they did. I'm super stoked to see where things go from the cliffhanger bomb that was dropped.

Even though this wasn't a resounding five hilariously awesome star story, I have a feeling I'm going to love the whole series. Between the shenanigans of creatures, humans, and guardians and the plot that's barely getting off the ground, there's a whole lot to look forward to and I seriously can't wait to jump back in as soon as book two is available.

$5.99 on Amazon

Nix
“You are the savior of mankind” are the last words I ever expected to hear while nibbling on fries. The thing is, I’m not mankind saving material. I don’t even have magic (and just found out it exists). I’m the most boring, normal(ish) human ever.

Suddenly, I’m being tossed right into the middle of a fight that started years before I was even born, and then I get partnered up with Alastair, a quirky magical Guardian. He is rather attractive and sweet when he’s not into the whole “woe is me, I can’t let myself fall in love with you” nonsense. I mean, the moment he took my annoyingly judgmental grandma hostage, it was all over for me. I was hooked.

Now the only problem is… what exactly are we saving the world from?

Alastair

The moment I laid eyes on Nix, the naive yet easygoing human captivated my attention, and now I’m determined to protect him. But despite my amazing and majestic abilities, we might not make it out of this mess. Still, there must be a reason Nix was chosen. No, he doesn’t have pizazz and maybe he really doesn’t have magic, but he’s also one of the strongest and kindest men I’ve ever met.

Now if I can just get him to stop throwing blankets at enemies, we might have a shot at this.

Touch of Magic: Mages of Ravenshire Book 1, Stella Rainbow

 

This was a really cute story and I'm always a sucker for the idea of fated mates.  To believe there's someone out there that matches your soul, it's beautiful.  What made this different from most insta-love situations between fated mates is the emphasis on them building on their bond by getting to know one another, connecting on a level that's more than just physical.  By adding that slightly unique take on the common magical trope we get a much more well-rounded relationship development that's truly believable.  I mean, we're dealing in forever here, and starting off strong with both commitment and genuine affection is a great place to start.  Building that into a love that can stand the eons before them and it's even better.

Jai is very sweet and so very sick.  I liked the dose of reality, that he didn't try to overwork himself just because he didn't like the body fated him, but he saw his limitations clearly.  Even though those limitations isolated him, he didn't let them take away from the things that did bring him joy.  His relationship with Padfoot was cute, as with his little brother, Joy.  Finding Raph was a miracle and a blessing, both for his health, but for the heart that wasn't meant to be alone.  He had so much care to give and Raph was the perfect recipient.  And seeing him grow into a fierceness I wasn't sure was there made him that much better.

Raphael was similar in his isolation, except his was a far deeper wound because he was rejected and reviled by the family that was supposed to love and support him no matter what.  Unfortunately it led to a self-imposed exile from a home he loved, but even tragedy can lead the way to freedom.  For him it came in the forms of a saucy squirrel and the mate of his soul.  If not for the bad, he wouldn't have found his true self and his forever.  Raph was a very sweet man and even though he's described as goofy I didn't see that side of him at all, even the cheesy lines he threw at Jai weren't what I'd say was goofy.  His charm is in his giant heart and will to do good despite his circumstances.

I honestly can't wait to delve back into their town to learn all about and more of Cass, the fire mage that comes to everyone's rescue.  The kidnapping bit in the story served as a way to bring him over from Ravenshire, but I can't say that it was a great element in the story.  It brought about three good things: bringing Cass, showing Jai's fierceness, and making Raph realize his own cowardice...but something about the whole thing just didn't truly fit though I can't exactly put my finger on why.  It was kind of out of left field and I felt like something else would have suited the story better and still have done those three things.

Overall this was such a sweet story with really great characters, perfect "pets", and an introduction to a world I'm looking forward to getting back to.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Fate always has a plan...

Jai:
I've lived my whole life with a terminal illness, knowing I'd never be "normal." I basically just existed, one day at a time with my dog as my sole, faithful companion. Then one day, Fate intervened and an encounter with a beautiful man gave me something I'd never had before: Hope.
Could I really have the life I never thought I would have? Could I have all the things I'd only ever dreamed of having?
Health, happiness, a full life...love?

Raphael:
I was always the black sheep of the family, the mage with faulty magic. I'd lived for a hundred and fifty years being taunted and put down, and I'd had to take it all with a smile.
When I'd finally had enough, I left my home in Ravenshire and moved to Mistvale. Fate intervened when I was least expecting it and a chance encounter with a beautiful man tipped my world on its axis, and I discovered things I hadn't known about myself.
Could Jai really be the answer to all my questions?

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 Midnight Gardener: The Town of Superstition Book 1, R.G. Thomas

I typically don't read YA, but the premise of this one really intrigued me.  I was happily surprised to find that I quite liked it and am very interested to see where we end up with this series.  There were definitely very cliche bits that I hope aren't indicative of what's in store for us, but overall I enjoyed reading this story.

Thaddeus was a unique teenager in that there was very, very little sulking, minor misbehaving, an earnest and respectful attitude toward his father, and seemingly well-adjusted despite relocating suddenly every few months.  It was all a little too nice, too understanding.  It wasn't bad, just super tame and a bit unrealistic.  He was interesting on his own though, with a curiosity and intelligence as well as a bit of intriguing mystery that hinted to more.

Surrounding him is a paranoid father that clearly had Thaddeus' best intentions at heart, but the mystery surrounding his actions was played up a lot with no questions being asked.  Once the whole reveal came it was quite dramatic and while Thaddeus played the peacemaker for the group, I was absolutely on the side of the father and felt a bit frustrated with a lot of posturing and still no answers, only cryptic responses and lofty judgmental reasoning coming from the leader of the group.

One thing that truly bothered me was the constant, "I'll tell you when I think the time is right" pronouncements after promising honesty and answers.  The only place that thinking can lead is to a big reveal disaster.  I would much rather the ending wasn't such a cliche edict from his father and something more like, "Okay, son.  You're right.  A lot of the danger we're in was caused by secrets and I want to protect you with the truth, no matter how difficult those truths may be.  Let me tell you about your mother/the village/magic/etc."  It would have been a suitable cliffhanger for a YA as they take that step through the door instead of giving us yet more excuses, secrets, and withholding of vital information that will likely blow up in everyone's faces when answers come from yet another source that wasn't the intended one.

Other than that, I am suitably interested in all the different characters and dangers that we're going to face on the adventure.  There's a lot of growth and supernatural discoveries that are sure to happen and I'm willing to along for the ride.

*$4.99 on Amazon

A lonely teenage boy whose father has moved them too often for him to make lasting friendships.
A mysterious neighbor his own age who hums as he gardens... at night... surrounded by fireflies.
Superstition is the town Thaddeus Cane and his father, Nathan, have settled in this time, and every evening Thaddeus becomes more intrigued with his new neighbor. When Thaddeus finally works up the nerve to visit his neighbor, the crush blooming underneath surfaces, and he realizes that Teofil, the midnight gardener, is lonely as well. When his father finds out where he's been spending his time, Thaddeus is forbidden from returning. But the attraction is too strong, and soon Thaddeus is back in Teofil's yard, leading to the revelation of long held secrets that upend Thaddeus' quiet life and sends him on the adventure of a lifetime.

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.

The Second and His Bonded: Kincaid Pack Book 2, Kiki Clark

Kieran and Bennett had a bit of a spark in The Alpha and His King that I was absolutely looking forward to reading all about in this story, but while there was a lot of devotion and a bit of a spark in the book none of that came until well over halfway through it.  What carried me through the story was the yearning I had to see Bennett finally get his HEA.  He definitely got it, but it was absolutely hard-won and not without a considerable amount of angst and peril along the way.

I fell in love with Bennett in the first book of the series much more than I ever loved either of those MC's so was looking forward to this book to see him find his way to a forever love.  Bennett was similar in this book to the first where he was kind, gruff, and concerned with the care of others, but there was an avoidance and obliviousness here that wasn't present before.  He knew he was drawn to Kieran and knew there was something wrong, but he gets all butt-hurt with Kieran's lashing out the first time he extends his brand of caring.  All the patience and understanding flew out the window and then he's surprised and gutted when the results of his actions pretty much recreated exactly what happened with Kai.  The blinders surprised and disappointed me.

Their relationship was always rocky, but it was Kieran's hot and cold behavior, his immaturity, his willful and intentional hurting of Bennett that bothered me the most.  It took way, way too long for him to soften and appreciate what Bennett was offering.  Even Bennet's mature and wise decision to wait until Kieran was ready was overshadowed by Kieran's inability to think logically, accept his own feelings, and his weak-willed attempts at adjusting to his new life.  The abuse he suffered was severe and some of his reactions are understandable, but his near constant decision to isolate and deny himself the things he knew and acknowledged he needed was beyond frustrating, especially because it lasted so dang long.

There is a wonderful moment though, when we're predicting a TSTL moment because of his stubborn need to assert himself, but instead there's intelligent action, proper precautions taken, and a courage found that nearly completely redeems him.  Kieran finds his backbone and inner strength and even though it took nearly the whole book to get there, we're rewarded with someone that's worthy of the Bennett I fell in love with at the series' outset.  His own acceptance of his new home, his new family, it was gradual and took more of the focus of his side of the story once it got really rolling and I liked that that aspect was given adequate page time.

Overall we were given a story that too closely imitates the first book rather than becoming something truly unique despite the carryover of abusive family and a wonderful conclusion filled with hope for a whole lot of suffering shifters.  The lead-in to the next book promises more internal angst as well as a new face to an old threat and even though I wasn't completely astounded by awesomeness as yet in the series, I'm looking forward to where we're going next.

$4.99 on Amazon

As the son of an enemy, Kieran never expected to find a family with the Kincaid Pack... or a true mate’s bond.

After barely escaping his abusive family, wolf shifter Kieran McAllister struggles to find his place in the Kincaid Pack. Especially with the pushy but gorgeous second-in-command showing up every time Kieran turns around… and making him want things he shouldn’t.

The traumatized wolf who continuously refuses Bennett Young’s help has begun to haunt his dreams. But if there’s one thing he knows, it’s that tiger shifters don’t have mates. So why can’t Bennett get Kieran’s sad eyes out of his head?

Despite their differences, Kieran and Bennet find something they never expected in each other. Just as their bond begins to grow though, Kieran's past threatens to destroy the very pack they both have been fighting to protect.

The Alpha's Warlock Series, Kris Sawyer

The first half was a bit slow and the voice was a bit distanced so it didn't draw me in very well. After that the drama increased and the connection between Clyde and Terry deepened so I felt more engaged in their world. The villain was expected but their appearance was completely surprising. There was also another villain who turned out to be just a vindictive, violent person adhering to an old grudge. Which is which?

It was well written but could have been more engaging. Ending the story at the point it did made me believe in the love of the MC's and excited for the continuation in Resurrection. The two men need a lot more detail as individuals because we get a little background about their fathers but we don't have much to go on in terms of knowing them as men. There's much to improve on in that aspect. There is also no steam, almost every passionate moment begins with heat and then cuts to a vague mention of their satisfaction. Fine, I suppose, not every story needs hot sex, but it would be much appreciated.

Overall, this is a good start to a series and a generally enjoyable and very quick read.  3 stars.

This was a good continuation.  We begin with just as much uncertainty and confusion as we were left with when Cursed ended.  Here, however, we're given an additional "bonus" of emotional angst and an ever-widening gap between Clyde and Terry.  Terry is committed to finding out about the past that was stolen from him and Clyde is so uncertain about what the truth is.  He wonders if his feelings are getting in the way of truth but can't bear to let Terry go.  They're both struggling under the weight of the unknown.  There's something else at work, though, someone banished to memory and secrecy...but not for long.  With the pack's future hanging by a thread and Terry's presence bringing more turmoil than it soothes the lovers are unsure of where their future lies.

So making a decision for them both, Terry goes off in search of his past.  But the darkness that clings to him from the land between is another unknown that threatens everything.  There's a new power in him that he needs to learn to control or it will control him.  There are also the people in the past that he finds.  I can't say I'm a fan of his avoidance and acceptance of affection with Dominic.  For being so connected to and devoted to Clyde, he should have, after the first instance, encouraged more distance from his past because it would be the right thing to do.  Then the thing with the council, I can see that coming to haunt him in the next book.

I was far more excited by this book than Cursed and have high hopes for where this whole story will go.  There's Terry's new power, Clyde's new Alpha status, a pack divided, a war brewing, factions and mysteries at every turn...there are a lot of places to go with this.  3.5 stars.

The Serpent's Coil: Tin Star Witches - Witches of Ruby Gulch Book 1, Elizabeth Silver

Even though this is listed as first in the series, it doesn't have to be read in order since it's not a chronological series, only related in that the world they all exist in are shared amongst all the books.  That being said, some elements are also the same, not just the setting.  There are certain powers in weapons and relationships with guardians that are common throughout, but the individual powers can vary.  In this case, there are elements involved and this was unique to this story and was something I really, really drawn to simply because it was new to me in this world.

Both men in this story have something incredibly interesting to offer this world of the Tin Star witches.  Their powers aren't something we've seen in other stories and I was fascinated to see where it would take us.  We got a quite general introduction to their powers, that they were related to the elements, but not a ton about how they use them or anything really deep about the possibilities or implications of their powers.

I have to admit the outcome was quite tame and everything was an HFN finish, even that with the family and the source of the earthquakes.  I wish so much that were not the case because the buildup was there, the climax however, wasn't as powerful as we were leading toward.  Even the chemistry between the men was tame and more sweet, but with a lot more feeling coming from William than Marcus.  I didn't feel the depth of love or longevity coming from Marcus to match William's sweet intent and that was another avenue of importance that wasn't given its due.  So overall the story was fine, it just wasn't as strong as others in the series I enjoyed, like Ruby Run.

*$3.99 on Amazon

New Mexico Territory. 1868.

Marcus Rivers knows something is very wrong with the magic around Ruby Gulch. He’s kept his suspicions to himself, but his investigations have gone nowhere. And after months of living rough and fruitless searches, he’s on the verge of giving up. Then the mine owner’s son comes home.

Freshly graduated from the San Francisco University of Magic, William Dolan returns to find the town on edge. Even the land thrums with tension. When he meets Marcus and together they stumble onto the secrets of the mine, Will is going to have decide if he’s able to defy his father. If he’s strong enough to go for what, and who, he knows what’s right.

The differences between the two men are as wide as the desert. Wealth, race, status – despite all this, fate keeps throwing them together again and again. They’re going to have to work together if they’re going to save countless lives. The hard part, however, is going to be figuring out what to do with their hearts if the ruby dust ever settles.

Forged in Magic: Twin Star Witches - Witches of Ruby Gulch Book 2, B.A. Tortuga

There was so much feeling and trepidation that filled the prologue that I was emotionally primed for whatever the rest of the story offered.  And then we meet Owen who is gruff, gritty, and grieving.  The tone was really set right from the start with how harrowing their journey might become.  Add in a wonderful guardian, some truly interesting and humorous side characters, and this was a solidly enjoyable story.

But I have to mention the stuttering feel of the writing, the dialogue, and the timeline confusion.  I didn't think the story actually flowed smoothly from one moment, one crisis, one passionate embrace to the next.  The transitions and feelings that connected each of those could have been polished and finessed so it could effectively carry the feels we were set to expect with the beginning of the story.  It wasn't clear how much time passed between the tragedy and the reunion either.  Though if it was and I missed it, that's my bad, but seasons were mentioned, Owen was uncomfortable yet resigned to the idea that his beloved was dead and so he sought physical affection from purchased bodies, and the appetites of the Eaters in relation to how often and how much they fed from Jericho's magic...all of these things pointed to a longer time apart, but it also felt like it was maybe not very long?  I just didn't like constantly wondering whenever some time frame was referenced and I had no actual reference to refer to.

The side characters, the number of animals, the sweet children, the very clear love between the MC's, and the interesting element that was the Eaters were all parts to enjoy in the story.  While not my favorite book in the series, it's a solid addition and hasn't given me any reason to not continue with the next book I can get my eyes on.

*$2.99 on Amazon

When Owen McBride sees his lover Jericho stagger into their homestead outside of Ruby Gulch, New Mexico, he thinks he’s seeing the dead come back to life. Jericho was lost to him when the wagon train he was leading was taken by monsters called Eaters, and Owen expected to be alone the rest of his life.

Blind, poisoned by magic, and near real death, Jericho Nater comes back to Owen, needing the love his man offers, and his help. The doomed wagon train’s children are still alive, and Jericho has promised to go back for them. Owen can’t bear to lose Jericho again, but he would never deny Jericho something so important. Together they must find a way to save those kids, and to make their way home alive.

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?