Contemporary

expects to ever see the other one again; however, things work out differently, only Willow is heartbroken when it happens. It turns out that while her dreams of training a National Champion horse are dying, Jett’s dreams are coming to life. Fortunately, Willow has an amazing rapport with the horses, and Jett has deSinitely noticed.

This story is engaging and interesting. However, it needs the services of content and copy editors. Additionally, there are things that just do not Slow well or make sense. For instance, the protagonists are gazing at the farmland all around them (implying daylight), when they opt to race to the bottom of the hill and call the horses back to the barn. The horses arrive a minute later, yet it’s suddenly pitch dark. Also, a shooting crime happens within the story, and in less than a month, the perpetrator has been arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced. The timing seems unrealistic. Willow suspects her aunt has a new beauspelled bow. Readers notice these types of inconsistencies as it pulls one out of the story. In spite of these issues, the protagonists are both likable characters who bring out the best in each other, and who face challenges with maturity, wisdom, and skill beyond their years.

Carey Sullivan

The Cursed King

reader. At a few points near the middle, the story drags slightly, but just keep reading, because it picks up quickly and becomes steamy. The reader, just like the characters, is in no way left unsatisSied because when these two Sinally get together, the match is as hot as dragon's Sire and they strengthen each other in ways neither could have imagined. The book ends spectacularly, and leaves the reader desperate for more of the author’s works!

Valerie Vicars

Angelika Amon is the youngest of the quadruplet phoenixes caught up in a battle that haslasted Sive centuries; the only problem is, she can't actually shift into a phoenix. Angelika is desperate to prove she can be as much help in battle as her sisters; if nothing else, she believes being a phoenix who can'tt shift makes her expendable.

Airk Azdajah is a white dragon shifter who has been held prisoner for Sive hundred years by Pytheios, the false king responsible for the deaths of his family, as well as Angelika's. The two are drawn together, but Airk refuses to allow himself to get close to anyone. He has kept his dragon caged inside himself for Sive hundred years, and fears losing control to it and turning feral. Angelika believes that she is Airk can help each other, and in doing so be able to help save their world. Together they may Sind that strength comes from more than just power.

“The Cursed King” has all the elements one wants in a favorite paranormal tale! In the Sirst section of this book, the reader is introduced to Angelika and given enough character information about her sisters and their mates to create a connection with the

Blood and Thunder (Thunderbird Brotherhood book #2)

Wren Michaels

Everleigh’s? Or will Tag succumb to his fate, pulling Everleigh down with him?

“Blood and Thunder” is a magical, steamy romance for the ages. This story has everything the paranormal reader looks for, all the way down to shape shifters, with a hot romance thrown in the mix. The mixture of magic and romance is just enough to keep the reader wanting to turn the page. Wren Michaels has penned intense sexual scenes throughout this tale, leaving the reader - and the characters - a little hot and bothered. Tag and Everleigh’s connection from the start is strong, shown and developed well with each of their interactions. As the story grows, so do Tag and Everleigh, as they realize their pull for each other will not go away, no matter how much they try and stay away from each other. The author pulls us in with her quick wit, humor, and sarcasm, making the scenes relatable. Seeing the strong family bond Tag and his cousin share seduces the reader with each word as they anticipate the author’s next move. Thoroughly enjoyable!

Stephanie Bell

Rowtag Aktoon fears the inevitable when his cousin tells him of the vision he had of his death. Once the vision has been explained, Tag’s family persuades him to seek out a witch for guidance in staying alive. However, when Tag meets the witch, Everleigh Ulric, and realizing she is his mate, the need to prevent his death is magniSied. Tag tries everything within his abilities to help keep him and Everleigh above ground, but Tag’s powers alone might not be enough. Will Tag persevere with his mission and save his life and

A Vampire’s Midlife Crisis (MisBits of New Orleans Book 1)

Valerie Twombly woman who has long fought to care for herself and her child. Her new job may be to Six up a dilapidated former plantation mansion, but Sabrina’s natural nurturing promises more - the rehabilitation of the misSit souls that are sheltered there. Devilishly sexy Christoph is smitten and turns his seductive, but protective focus, on Sabrina. Her menopausal dilemma not yet resolved; he somehow makes her hot Slashes even hotter! For readers looking for the sweetness of a caramel drizzle with their steamy, hot café latte indulgence, this sexy vampire rom-com will not disappoint!

Joan Lai

Sabrina Davis is a Sifty-three-yearold divorcé e with an adult daughter, her own coffee and bakery shop, and hot Slashes. She thinks menopause is the greatest of her tribulations, until she awakens to discover that she has been turned into a vampire! Her daughter is cool with it, Sabrina’s hair and physique have never been better, and vampires are immortal, so why is she still suffering from those hot Slashes and panic attacks? Christoph Dracula, the King of the New Orleans coven, can “cure” her, but he demands repayment in the form of Sabrina parlaying her business acumen into renovating his new paranormal bed-andbreakfast. Said establishment, Fangri-La, is home to a retired reaper, a cute hell hound, a clumsy succubus, and an unpredictable, Sire-belching purple dragon. Imagine the fun when Sabrina inserts her own brand of sass into the mix!

One would guess by the title that “A Vampire’s Midlife Crisis” is campy and irreverent. One would be correct. Sabrina’s inner voice is sarcastic, scrappy, and yet endearingly vulnerable as a

A Kiss and a Dare

Charlene Raddon

work moving along on time, Gareen realizes he has a saboteur who keeps messing with his machinery and Sinding other ways to delay work. On top of that, his Siancé e and her mother arrive unexpectedly, adding to his daily —and nightly—woes.

Though “A Kiss and a Dare” has an air of medieval times, it is nonetheless a contemporary story. Readers will Sind themselves in a world of magic and mayhem. When the enchanted frog who is Gwenlyn is given a job at the castle by Gareen’s adoptive father, Gareen must see her every day and Sight his growing desire for her, especially when his Siancé e arrives. The tension grows as the mystery unfolds about an ancient curse. Adding to that trouble is the fact that his mother-in-law-to-be has a distinct dislike for Gwenlyn, and Gareen doesn’t know why. Books that mix magic with contemporary life always add a nice spark to reading lists. With the fun addition of the ancient language of Wales and the magic of an old curse, this book provides endless entertainment. It gives a whole new meaning to kissing the frog!

Leah Neale

All Gareen McTaggart ever wanted was a castle. His dream has Slourished as he’s worked to renovate the castle Ddraig in Wales, but his life becomes more complicated due to a frog, a dragonSly and a newt residing in the bog near the castle. After a fall, Gareen wakes to discover a frog has kissed him and is now a beautiful woman. Not much for magic, Gareen believes she is just an addled wanderer who can stay at the castle and recover.

Struggling to keep the renovation

Burying the Dead (The Dead Series Book 4)

Kerry Blaisdell actions. Then again, there isn’t time. As soon as Hyacinth tackles one problem, another rears its head. This is the fourth installment in the Dead Series, and while it can be read on its own, it probably is better to read the stories in order. There are numerous characters with various agendas that are a challenge to keep straight. Fans of urban fantasy will be excited by this fastpaced tale Silled with twists and turns that will leave readers breathless!

Tricia Hill

Hyacinth Finch might be dead, but her problems aren’t over. Her day job is helping archangel Michael sort souls and detecting stones that belong to Michael or Satan, which need to be collected before Satan can use them to escape his imprisonment in Hell. But none of that matters because her nephew has been kidnapped by a Hell Demon, and she’s desperate to get him back. She’ll do anything to save him, including making a deal with his father’s MaSia-demon family. But the deal they request will send Hyacinth on a hunt for a way into Hell and out. Meanwhile, her former lover is losing his ghostly essence and Hyacinth must Sind a way to heal him, while sorting out her feelings for a demon friend. Can Hyacinth pull it all together in time to save her nephew or will it come crashing down around them, unleashing Hell on Earth?

“Burying the Dead” is a highoctane adventure that raise the stakes from one page to the next! Hyacinth does whatever it takes to save those she loves, but she doesn’t always see beyond the moment to understand the consequences of some of her

Bloodcurse (The Bloodborn Series #5)

Sydney Windward

An illness known as The Rotting Blight has decimated the dwarven race’s numbers to a mere four hundred and twenty-two. Facing the possibility of extinction, Kirsa, daughter of the Chieftain, stops at nothing to Sind a cure, including experimenting on dozens of innocent vampires for their healing powers. However, the vampire Luca that she captures out of desperation to experiment on next turns out to be the man who steals her heart. Luca is heartbroken from losing his Sirst love to another vampire and his parents lack of affection. Falling instantly for Kirsa, he agrees to help Sind a cure for her people knowing it could end in his death. As feelings Sly and an ugly turn threatens Kirsa’s life, the Sight to Sind a cure becomes a race against time.

This slow burn paranormal romance blends the human and paranormal world together in a refreshing way. Humans are not only well aware of the paranormal, but the different races have developed laws to help keep peace. The way in which Luca and Kirsa’s relationship builds is sweet, and Luca’s desire for Kirsa is wonderfully done. That said, the story loses ground fast as Kirsa’s character becomes almost immediately unlikeable. She knows killing more innocent vampires will not cure her people but decides to continue doing it while also putting her human friends in danger. This mixed with the way in which Luca and other vampires almost instantly forgive her and the numerous plot holes may cause readers to fall out of the story fast. With some more attention to character development and editing, this book will surely touch every slow burn romance lover's heart.

Annalee Stilove

Midnight Craving (Ravens Hollow Coven #3)

Shari Nichols around her. While Cayden’s past makes it easy to understand why he pushes love away, it doesn’t help the reader see past his extreme rudeness that is displayed several times throughout the book. This, mixed with the editorial errors, can keep the readers from truly connecting with the story. Please be aware that this book does include themes of rape and sexual assault. With a little more attention put towards character development and edits this book will surely shine.

Annalee Stilove

Natalya was turned into a vampire by the elite Upper East Side vampire family after her life came to a violent end. While most might Sind the family who sired her to be a great new start, Natalya wants nothing to do with their plans or money and strikes out on her own to join the police force. A job that sometimes includes dealing with the brooding but alluring special agent Cayden. Cayden is a demon who fought in an ancient war that ended in the destruction of his family. Cayden Sinds Natalya’s personality irresistible, but he’s thankful the walls around his heart keep any possible relationship at bay. But when they are partnered together for a case, those walls prove no match for blossoming feelings.

A unique paranormal suspense romance that Sills the heart with healing warmth. In this world, paranormal creatures and humans are fully aware of each other and, for the most part, learn to get along. The way in which the paranormal is effortlessly interwoven into the real world is beautifully done. Natalya’s character is able to kick serious butt and maintain respect while still being nice to the people

Wicked Match (The Wicked Book Two)

Luna Joya and the other has been an arm’s length crush she has had on Senator Donovan’s dashingly handsome sworn guard, John. Life becomes a cluster bomb when Senator Bane sends Prys to America for a publicity project, and Prys accepts a contract to match Senator Donovan’s anonymous “most eligible bachelor” grandson, and she suddenly must investigate the surprising murder of Senator Sorenson. How many tiaras can this ice princess wear?

“Wicked Match” continues the thrilling political intrigue and upheaval of Luna Joya’s Wicked series. Prys and John fall in love amidst pressure and turmoil. The plot is busy with murder, death threats, deception, bloodlinepreserving matchmaking, and a Hollywood celebrity matchmaking reality TV show that just seems to add unnecessary drama. The strain only seems to push Prys and John closer together as he insists on being her protector, and she is determined to see him liberated from the dictates of his heritage. In public, she holds all the power and control. In private, their role reversal in the bedroom unshackles their wicked chemistry. A love story that is layered, multi-dimensional, and very sexy!

In a witch world where power and magic havebeen handed down through matriarchal lines for millennia, Lady Pryscilla Bane is the heir and legacy to the powerful Senator Bane. The perfect aristocrat and daughter, Lady Prys serves as Magistrate, forensic scientist, statistician, and legacy matchmaker, to name a few of her many responsibilities. Working herself to the hilt, she leaves little room for self-care or personal relationships, save for two. One is her best friend and fellow legacy, Bren Sandinghan,

Joan Lai

Sound of a Wylder Silence (The Wylder West)

Marilyn

Barr

HISTORICAL/WESTERN: Ikshu

Sagebrush is an Arapaho living in the shadow of his older brother, Nartan, who is a medicine man. Exiled from their tribe, they live on a homestead off the reservation along with Nartan’s wife, Olive. Ava Wylder has come home from school in New York. She hates the city and craves silence. When she meets Ikshu at a Christmas party, she falls for him because he does not speak above a whisper. He falls for this goldenhaired beauty. He is a master craftsman at leatherwork, and he makes her gifts. They become fast friends and more until Ikshu learns Ava’s last name is Wylder, and realizes the heiress is out of his league and backs away. Ava insists on going out to Ikshu’s homestead nearly every day to woo him, determined to make him hers.

“Sound of a Wylder Silence” is a treasure trove of information about the mystic rituals Arapaho men experience as they are maturing into manhood and asking for guidance into their later years. World building is so believable one can easily imagine what Wylder and the Sagebrush homesteads look like. Ikshu’s past is, however, brought up often, making this story feel repetitious, while the ending and epilogue feel rushed. Olive being a shapeshifter adds nothing to the story. It is odd the settlers are frightened of the Sagebrush brothers at Sirst yet embrace the relationship between Ikshu and Ava months later. Ikshu and Ava are delightful characters adding spark to this interesting story about life in the late 1800’s. Twenty-nine books in this fascinating series has something for everyone, so come take a trip to Wylder!

Belinda Wilson

was old enough to be turned into a dragon shifter herself. She has been raised by her dead mate’s parents, until the Alliance comes for them as well. Now she is on a mission to save them, but she needs help. Rune’s reputation speaks volumes, and she believes he’s the only one that can help her.

The Traitor (Fire’s Edge #6)

Abigail Owen

Rune Abaddon is a rogue dragon shifter who is determined to keep innocents safe from a corrupt government system. Having a bounty out for him makes things pretty difSicult for him. He has few places to hide, and with his allies scattered around the region yet also hiding themselves, Rune must stay off the grid and make himself scarce. All of that seems to be going well for him until Hayden Reece stumbles onto his mountain. Hayden has a complicated history herself. Her fated mate was murdered - as well as her parents - before Hayden

“The Traitor” is a combination of suspense, romance, and fantasy that is thrown together to make a great story. With this being the sixth book in the series, readers may Sind it beneSicial to start with the Sirst book in order to get a better understanding of the world building and characters. There are a lot of side characters mentioned throughout the story, but there isn’t a lot of information given about them, although it is implied that there is a history between them. Regardless, this is a very fast-paced, action-packed read. The banter between the two main characters makes for some laugh out loud moments, and there are quite a few steamy scenes between the pair as well. While the ending is a little predictable, there are a few twists and turns in the plot that are very unexpected, and will deSinitely make for a rollercoaster of emotions!

Jennifer Shepherd

Requiem for a Satyr: The Cursed Satyroi, Book 6

have time to slay a dragon, and is afraid to fall for someone because Theron will kill them. Darcy isn’t looking for a relationship. She had just come from a very abusive relationship which destroyed her. Darcy has low self-esteem and does not believe in herself. When she Sinds a sexy satyr hiding in her apartment, she doesn’t believe it at Sirst, but soon realizes her roommate was telling her the truth. She isn’t thrilled at Sirst, but something draws her to Calix and they make love. Calix leaves to go on his quest, and Darcy is taken by Theron to lure him away.

Calix is one of many satyrs that has been cursed, and with nothing left to lose but longs for vengeance against Theron, who killed his best friend. He doesn’t

“Requiem for a Satyr” is an engaging paranormal romance sprinkled with mythology as well as many twists that are far from predictable. Rebekah Lewis is clearly knowledgeable about Greek mythology, and has done a wonderful job of weaving it into a contemporary setting. The author has created very likable characters that have a sense of humor readers don’t normally see in books. The reader will love the banter between the characters, and the closeness that develops. Each character looks out for one another, and work together to overcome obstacles. This is the Sinal book in The Cursed Satyroi series, and although it can be read as a stand-alone, the other books should be read in order to have a better understanding of what is happening in this charming world. A great ending to a delightfully entertaining series!

Victoria Zumbrum

Mortal Heart (Alice Worth World Book 1)

Lisa Edmonds