Tag: book 6

July 2026 Wrap-Up

Personal Highlights from this month:

  • For the week of July 1st through July 4th:
    • Miss R had camp from Monday to Thursday (Barn owner canceled Friday due to extremely hot weather).
    • We are in the middle of a heat wave. It is so hot that Miss R’s barn put off all lessons until Monday, at the latest.
    • We had my best friend, Mrs. H, over on the 4th of July. She has just moved to NC (lives 45 mins from me) and is my oldest friend. We’ve been friends since we were 12, and we’re both turning 50 in the next year.
  • For the week of July 5th through July 11th:
    • We are still in a heat wave, but the dangerous heat has gone away, for now.
    • Mr. Z got his final bill in for college. They were missing some of his federal loans, but he should be all set once the college applies them. He forgot to do something on the FAFSA website (watch a 30-minute video and take a quiz). According to App State and FAFSA, the next time App State refreshes its server (which it does often), they will be applied.
    • Miss R is having a relaxing week off from helping at the barn/lessons. But starting next week, she will begin lessons with her new trainer and counseling at camp.
    • We attended a meeting for the police leadership camp that Miss R is attending in 2 weeks. This is a wonderful program (Miss B attended it when she was in 7th grade and it was just starting).
    • Mrs. H came and hung out at my house for a little while this week. We went out and had Mexican (which she loves but normally doesn’t have because her husband doesn’t like it). We made plans to see each other next week, with me driving to her place.
    • I took Biscuit to the vet this week. She is small (weighs almost 8lbs) but healthy. She got her 3-year rabies vaccine and her 1-year distemper/panleukemenia vaccine. I was told that next year they will be giving her the 3-year distemper/panleukemia vaccine (which they haven’t done before).
  • For the week of July 12th through July 18th:
    • Miss R was a counselor at her barn’s horse camp again.
    • She also asked her new instructor about having lessons twice a week. The instructor said we can either pay (unsure how much that would cost) or she can work at the barn to pay for the 2nd lesson. She said she’d work at the barn. This kid is a horse girl through and through… lol.
  • For the week of July 19th through July 25th:
    • We’re still having awful heat and humidity. I don’t think we’ve had a day where it’s been under 90. I am so looking forward to fall!!
    • Because of the heat, Miss R has been having lessons either super early (between 8-9) or in the evening (7pm).
    • Miss R also switched instructors because the one she’s been with for almost 6 years is moving to Virginia to be with her daughter. The instructor she has now is tough but fair. She plans on having Miss R show in the fall (too hot for the horses to show right now).
    • Mr. Z is in the final weeks before we move him into his dorm. His tuition is fully paid for (thanks to a student loan and 2k more in grants). We just have to get him packed, and he’ll be all set.
  • For the week of July 26th through July 29th:
    • Miss R started her leadership camp with our local police department today. Our department has been doing this since 2017/2018 (can’t remember). The SROs handpick the kids who attend. Miss R has been looking forward to it. They do everything from CSI to mock car stops/arrests to various demonstrations (taser, K9, etc.), as well as field trips (local aviation museum, movie theater, and a state park).

Books I Read:

  • Mob Boss Series by Michelle St. James
    • Ruthless (book 1):
      • Triggers
        • Abduction and Captivity
        • Dubious Consent / Dark Romance Dynamics
        • Organized Crime and Violence
        • Murder and Death
        • Explicit Sexual Content
      • My thoughts: I enjoyed this book, even though it felt a little far-fetched in places and Angelica got on my nerves. I felt bad for Nico, but he seemed too soft (aka nice) to run a Mafia family. He and Angelica had insane chemistry, but I kept wondering whether it was real or Stockholm Syndrome. I guess I’ll have to see in the next books!!
    • Fearless (book 2)
      • Triggers
        • Violence and Bloodshed
        • Kidnapping and Hostage Situations:
        • Death of a Parent / Grief
        • Suicide
        • Sexual Assault (Mentions)
        • Dubious Consent (Dubcon) Dynamics
        • Explicit Sexual Content
      • My Thoughts: I liked Fearless better than Ruthless (go figure). Nico and Angel’s chemistry was still off the charts and made for some very steamy sex scenes. The kidnapping storyline was interesting, but once body parts started arriving in the mail, I lost interest. I felt for poor Daniel, the only innocent one in this whole series. I am not a fan of cliffhangers, and this book was no exception.
    • Lawless (book 3)
      • Triggers
        • Violence and Gore
        • Murder and Death
        • Explicit Sexual Content
        • Captivity and Abduction
        • Profanity and Substance Use
      • My Thoughts: This was a whirlwind of a book. Once a hit was taken out on Angel and Nico came back from the dead, it was super fast. There were times when it seemed the storyline was running on fumes (mainly towards the end), but overall I enjoyed it. The end was predictable and sweet.
  • Memory’s Wake Trilogy by Selina Fenech
    • Memory’s Wake (book 1)
      • Triggers: Taken from the official trigger and content warnings listed by the author.
        • Violence, Harm & Trauma
          • Assault and violence
          • Murder and execution
          • Mass death and war
          • Kidnapping
          • Amputation and branding
          • Descriptions of blood
          • Nightmares about traumatic events
        • Child-Related Themes
          • Child abuse
          • Threats involving a baby or child
          • Childbirth
        • Social & Interpersonal Themes
          • Misogyny
          • Forced marriage
          • Use of the word “savage”
        • Mental Health & Substance Use
          • Suicide and suicidal ideation
          • Underage drinking
          • Profanity
      • My Thoughts: This was a great start to a series. I loved the plot but felt it could have been developed more in places. A couple of twists took me by surprise, especially the one revealed in the memory. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series once it is either free or on KU.
  • Emma Frost series by Willow Rose
    • Itsy Bitsy Spider (book 1)
      • Triggers
        • Captivity and Abduction
        • Graphic Violence and Gore
        • Cannibalism
        • Child or Minor Peril
        • Physical and Psychological Abuse
        • Mental Health Struggles
        • Religious Trauma / Cult Dynamics
      • My Thoughts: I had been waiting a long time to read this book. It has been on my TBR since 2018. I have read other Willow Rose books, enjoyed them, and expected no less from this one—I loved it. There are dual storylines (Emma and Astrid/Sebastian) that offer no clue as to how they are connected. The author revealed that connection very slowly. When the big reveal happened—the killer and motive behind the killings—I was shocked. I am looking forward to reading the next book!!
    • Miss Polly Had a Dolly (book 2)
      • Triggers
        • Kidnapping and Abduction
        • Child / Minor Peril
        • Psychological and Emotional Abuse
        • Captivity and Confinement
        • Violence and Harm to Minors
      • My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, even though it broke my heart in places. There are three interconnected storylines, one of which is told through flashbacks. I figured out who Patrick was fairly early, but I didn’t figure out who Helle was or who the old lady was, and that surprised me. I thought the book’s ending was sad, and I didn’t get any real sense of closure.
    • Run Run as Fast as You Can (book 3)
      • Triggers
        • Violence Against Mothers / Women
        • Gun Violence
        • Abduction and Kidnapping
        • Child Distress / Abandonment
        • Grief and Bereavement
        • Stalking
        • Cannibilism
      • My Thoughts: Another book I enjoyed. I figured out who the killer was, since the author made it very clear. But the motive wasn’t clear until almost the end of the book, which surprised me. I liked the secondary storyline with Lisa, even though it grossed me out. I loved that Emma turned what happened to her into bestselling books. I also liked that she took Victor seriously and had him help Sophia. Of course, I am curious to see if and how Lisa will get caught.
    • Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die (book 4)
      • Triggers
        • Graphic Violence and Murder
        • Gore and Blood
        • Confinement and Captivity
        • Stalking and Surveillance
        • Psychological Trauma and Repressed Memories
        • Bullying and Peer Cruelty
        • Death of a Parent / Family Trauma
        • Sexual Assualt/Rape
        • Drugging
        • Traumatic Dental Procedure/Medical Procedures
      • My Thoughts: This was a doozy of a book, and I don’t even know where to begin. It was written as a locked-room murder mystery that paid homage to Agatha Christie. I did enjoy the book, but I got confused by the multiple POVs (6-7). I was truly surprised when everything was revealed at the end. I was not expecting what was revealed. As with the other books, Emma is central to the storyline and helps solve what happened/who the killer was. I am very interested in reading the next book because I believe it will address the aftermath of this one.
    • Peek A Boo, I See You (book 5)
      • Triggers
        • Child Abduction and Endangerment
        • Graphic Violence and Body Modification
        • Stalking and Severe Harassment
        • Parental Dread and Psychological Terror
      • My Thoughts: Another Willow Rose book I enjoyed. The author split the storyline into three parts: the killer’s parents, Emma’s investigation, and one of the killer’s victims, rescued fairly early in the story. The author had me doubting what was going on with the killer, and I was surprised when the big twist was revealed. I didn’t see it coming at all.
    • Tweedledum and Tweedledee (book 6)
      • Triggers
        • Violence Against Children & Child Endangerment
        • Graphic Descriptions of Murder / Dismemberment
        • Grief and Loss of a Child
        • Gun Violence
        • Psychological Terror / Stalking
      • My Thoughts: In my opinion, this is the darkest of all the Willow Rose books that I have read so far. Like the other books, this book has two storylines: Emma’s vacation, the murders on the ship, and the past, focusing on the twins. I was completely shocked by the killer’s identity (it isn’t who you think) and the reason why.
    • Easy as One Two Three (book 7)
      • Triggers
        • Severe Medical Trauma & Coma
        • Child Endangerment & Teenager in Peril
        • Severe Vehicular Accidents / Hit-and-Run
        • Parental Panic and Distress
        • Abduction and Missing Persons
        • Murder
        • Assault (sexual and physical)
        • Captivity
        • Child abuse (sexual-no details; told through flashbacks)
        • Drugging
        • Loss of memory
      • My Thoughts: If I thought the previous book was the darkest, this was the scariest. It touched upon fears I have as a parent. I would not, in any way, like to live in this universe. The police are incompetent, as are the medical personnel. There are three storylines in the book: Emma’s, Mads (past and present), and the numerologist. I liked how the author connected everything. I also liked that two characters from a previous series were secondary characters in the book. I wasn’t surprised by the ending, but I was surprised by the epilogue.
    • There’s No Place Like Home (book 8)
      • Triggers
        • Graphic Murder and Slasher Violence
        • Stalking and Home Invasion
        • Gory and Macabre Imagery
        • Child in Peril / Family Endangerment
        • Psychological Manipulation
      • My Thoughts: This book paid a strange homage to The Wizard of Oz. The killer was obsessed with the movie and used his victims to portray various characters (Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion). As with her other books, this one was fast-paced and had a plotline with more twists than anything. There were three storylines: Emma (present), Louise (past and present), and Bjarke Lund/Jesper Melander (past and present). I loved how the author tied all three storylines together. She doesn’t hide who the killer is, but she does hide his accomplice. The reveal of the accomplice shouldn’t have been a surprise, but it was. Oh, and the numerologist from Easy As One Two Three appears as a secondary character (a counselor helping Maya with her amnesia).
    • Where the Wild Roses Grow by Willow Rose (book 10)
      • Triggers
        • Graphic Murder and Violence
        • Teenage Pregnancy & Historical Child Abuse
        • Violence Against Women
        • Stalking and Intimidation
        • Grief and Bereavement
        • Profanity
        • Descriptions of Corpses
      • My Thoughts: This wasn’t my favorite book in the series. Emma really got in over her head when she questioned the Gardai over the murders, and that put a huge spotlight on her and Morten. I did not like how Morten treated Emma throughout the book. Violet’s storyline also broke my heart. Now, I kinda figured out the partenage of the murder victims about halfway through the book, but I was only halfway right. As for the murderers themselves, I did feel bad for them, but my sympathy only went so far. By the end of the book, I was just glad that Emma and Morten were able to get out of Ireland without being arrested.
    • Waltzing Matilda (book 11)
      • Triggers
        • Violence & Murder
        • Child Endangerment
        • Supernatural/Horror Element
        • Atmospheric Dread
      • My Thoughts: This is the weirdest book in the Emma Frost series. Up until now, the crimes were rooted in reality, but this book went full-on paranormal. There were hints in the previous books (Victor), so I shouldn’t have been surprised when the author chose the route she did. But besides being weird, it was actually fun to read. I loved that the author fleshed out Victor, and I loved that he made a friend. I also loved that Maya started sleuthing on something totally different. I do wonder whether this supernatural aspect of the book will carry over into the remaining books. Guess I’ll have to see!!
    • Drip Drop Dead (book 12)
      • Triggers/Content Warnings
        • Triggers
          • Murder
          • Drowning
          • Death of multiple adults (serial killings)
          • Psychological distress
          • Claustrophobic situations
          • Peril and life-threatening situations
          • Fear of the unknown
          • Child endangerment (non-graphic)
          • References to death and mortality
          • Bullying
        • Content Warnings
          • Crime scene investigations
          • Corpses
          • Suspense and psychological tension
          • Eerie, supernatural-leaning atmosphere
          • Unexplained/paranormal phenomena
          • Small-town fear and paranoia
          • Family members placed in danger
          • Police investigations
          • Deception and secrets
          • Isolation
          • Anxiety and panic
          • Mild horror elements
          • Discussions of grief and loss
          • Emotional stress
          • References to unexplained scientific or paranormal events
          • Some blood and non-graphic descriptions of deceased bodies
      • My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, and the supernatural/paranormal elements worked well in this series. The author wove them seamlessly into the thriller/mystery angles. This book was a fast read compared to the others. It also ended on a cliffhanger, which I didn’t like. There was some light shed on Skye and her origins, as well as more children like her in the community. I did wonder about Victor and whether he was a foundling of some sort. I cannot wait to read the next book. I hope the author is able to resolve at least some of the storylines not resolved in this book.
    • Black Frost (book 13)
      • Triggers and Content Warnings
        • Triggers
          • Murder
          • Child death
          • Child endangerment
          • Serious illness involving a child
          • Medical trauma
          • Near-death experiences
          • Death from exposure (freezing/hypothermia-like symptoms)
          • Psychological distress
          • Fear for a child’s safety
          • Death of multiple adults
        • Content Warnings
          • Crime scene investigations
          • Corpses
          • Autopsy discussions
          • Cold- and winter-related deaths
          • Police investigation
          • Emotional distress
          • Parents fearing the loss of a child
          • Hospital scenes
          • Medical procedures and treatment
          • Suspense and prolonged tension
          • Small-town secrets
          • Conspiracy and deception
          • Grief and mourning
          • Blood (limited)
          • Descriptions of deceased bodies (non-graphic to mildly graphic)
          • References to infectious disease or unexplained medical conditions
          • Anxiety and panic
          • Peril
          • Themes of justice and revenge
      • My Thoughts: I thought this was a fitting ending to this series. The author managed to wrap up almost everything in this book. I still had questions about who Maya’s father was, and I wasn’t thrilled with Morten’s actions, but otherwise I was pretty happy with how everything ended. The paranormal storyline was merged with Lisa (the mayor )’s old storyline from a few books back, and Lisa, well, she delivered. As for Emma, Victor, Skye, and Maya’s storyline, I was hooked. I almost wished there were an epilogue showing what happened a few years later. I will be keeping an eye out for more books in the series, but given that this book was published in 2020, I highly doubt there will be one.
  • The Black Parade series by Kyoko M: I only read the first book, which I got for free from Amazon. I’d have to pay for the rest, and since I’m cheap, I’m waiting for it to go on KU or become free.
    • The Black Parade (book 1)
      • Triggers and Content Warnings
        • Trigger Warnings
          • Death and dying
          • Murder (including accidental killing)
          • Hell and eternal damnation
          • Demonic entities
          • Psychological distress
          • Violence
          • Blood and gore
          • Torture (including supernatural)
          • Threats of eternal suffering
          • Possession and supernatural manipulation
          • Alcohol misuse
          • References to suicide and suicidal thoughts
          • Trauma and survivor’s guilt
          • Emotional abuse
          • Kidnapping and captivity
          • Death of loved ones (referenced)
        • Content Warnings
          • Ghosts and spirits
          • Afterlife themes
          • Paranormal and occult elements
          • Demons and exorcism-like themes
          • Religious imagery and mythology
          • Murder investigations
          • Physical fights
          • Weapons and gun violence
          • Injuries
          • Graphic supernatural violence
          • Corpses
          • Profanity
          • Dark humor
          • Romance
          • Kissing and sexual tension
          • Alcohol consumption
          • Smoking
          • Moral dilemmas
          • Grief and loss
          • Anxiety and panic
          • Betrayal
          • Human sacrifice (referenced)
          • Monsters and supernatural creatures
          • Life-or-death situations
          • Suspense and horror elements
      • My Thoughts: I enjoyed reading The Black Parade, but I almost DNF’d it after the 2nd act (it’s split into three acts). The book seemed to go on and on before it finally ended. I liked Jordan and Michael’s romance, especially that it wasn’t insta-love. There was a lot of graphic violence that I wasn’t fond of, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of reading it.
  • The Velvet Rooms series by Linnea May: As with most of the books I read, I got this book for free from Amazon. And, also like most of the books I read, I am waiting for the rest of the series to go on KU/free.
    • Black Velvet (book 1)
      • Triggers and Content Warnings
        • Triggers
          • Emotional abuse
          • Psychological manipulation
          • Coercive relationship dynamics
          • Power imbalance
          • Emotional trauma
          • Consent negotiation and boundary-pushing
          • Obsessive behavior
          • Controlling behavior
          • References to past emotional wounds
          • Sexual coercion
        • Content Warnings:
          • BDSM themes
          • Dominance and submission (D/s)
          • Explicit sexual content
          • Sex work (escort/professional companionship)
          • Contractual relationship
          • Age-gap romance
          • Praise and degradation dynamics
          • Orgasm denial/sexual frustration
          • Voyeuristic themes
          • Possessiveness
          • Jealousy
          • Power exchange
          • Emotional vulnerability
          • Manipulation and mind games
          • Profanity
          • Romance
          • Explicit sexual language
          • Kissing and intimacy
          • Themes of trust and healing
          • High emotional tension
      • My Thoughts: This was a good book and reminded me of an explicit Pretty Woman. It wasn’t a fast read and took me two days. There are some very explicit sex scenes (see above), and most of the book takes place in the sex club, with cutaways to Elene and Damon’s personal and professional lives. I liked the HEA and can’t wait to read the next book.
  • Bridgewater County series by Vanessa Vale: I was only able to read the first book in the series, which I had gotten for free from Amazon. You have to buy the rest of the series, so I am waiting for those books to go either free or on KU.
    • Ride Me Dirty (Book 1)
    • Content and Trigger Warnings
      • Content Warnings
        • Explicit sexual content
        • Multiple romantic partners (MFM ménage romance)
        • BDSM/light power exchange
        • Consensual dominance and submission
        • Dirty talk
        • Nudity
        • Strong sexual themes
        • Strong language
        • Alcohol consumption (social)
        • Family inheritance
        • Small-town romance
        • Cowboy/ranch lifestyle
      • Trigger Warnings
        • Grief following the death of a family member
        • Bereavement
        • Emotional vulnerability
        • References to parental loss and family history
        • Mild jealousy
        • Possessiveness
      • My Thoughts: So, I am not a huge fan of ménage romances. Yes, I will read them, and yes, I do enjoy them, but I do not like the dynamics involved. But in Ride Me Dirty, I was pleasantly surprised. I was also pleasantly surprised that this book wasn’t all just sex. Instead, it focused on Kate’s stress, her job, her nasty ex, and her feelings about getting involved with Sam and Jack.
  • Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes series by Susan Stoker: Again, it’s the end of the month, and I am finding myself reading another 15-book series. So, like last month, I will be continuing the series into August. I am also pretty excited because I have read and enjoyed Susan Stoker’s books in the past.
    • Justice for Mackenzie (book 1)
      • Trigger and Content Warnings
        • Content Warnings
          • Romantic suspense
          • Law enforcement/criminal investigation themes
          • Texas Rangers and police procedural elements
          • Serial killer investigation
          • Kidnapping
          • Stalking and threats
          • Violence and danger
          • Weapons/firearms
          • Crime scenes and investigations
          • Strong language
          • Sexual content
          • Trauma recovery themes
          • Protective/heroic romance dynamics
        • Trigger Warnings
          • Serial murder
          • Murder of women
          • Kidnapping
          • Abduction/captivity
          • Burial alive
          • Threat of death
          • Psychological terror
          • Stalking
          • Fear and intimidation
          • Violence against women
          • Past trauma
          • Grief and loss
          • PTSD/trauma responses
          • Life-threatening situations
          • Physical violence
          • References to depravity and cruelty
  • My Thoughts: I really enjoyed reading this book. The love story between Mack and Daxton was adorable and very realistic, well, besides the whole serial killer angle. I loved that Mack had diarrhea of the mouth. It made for some pretty interesting conversations. And Daxton was amazing. He was respectful, funny, and when Mack went missing, was willing to burn the world down to find her. The ending of the book was also perfect!!
    • Justice for Mickie (book 2)
      • Trigger and Content Warnings
        • Content Warnings
          • Romantic suspense
          • Undercover FBI operation
          • Motorcycle club/gang setting
          • Organized crime
          • Illegal drug trafficking
          • Violence
          • Firearms and weapons
          • Crime and law enforcement
          • Strong language
          • Sexual content
          • Deception/hidden identity
          • Protective romance
          • Family conflict
        • Trigger Warnings
          • Organized criminal violence
          • Drug trafficking
          • Murder
          • Attempted murder
          • Threats of violence
          • Kidnapping
          • Physical assault
          • Stalking
          • Intimidation
          • Psychological manipulation
          • Emotional distress
          • Betrayal and deception
          • Life-threatening situations
          • Grief and loss
          • Trauma related to violent crime
          • Sexual assault
          • Dubious consent scenarios
  • My Thoughts: I enjoyed reading this book. Cruz and Mickie were complex characters. They both had baggage from previous relationships that made them wary about getting involved. Cruz was undercover in the same MC where Mickie’s sister was being set up to be a club whore, which was a little crazy. There is explicit sex (which I didn’t mind). The end of the book was insane. I want to drop some spoilers but won’t. Just be prepared to have your tissues out.
    • Justice for Corrie (book 3)
      • Content and Trigger Warnings
        • Content Warnings
          • Romantic suspense
          • Blind protagonist and disability representation
          • Medical setting (chiropractic practice)
          • Law enforcement themes
          • Murder investigation
          • Violence
          • Firearms and weapons
          • Crime
          • Strong language
          • Sexual content
          • Protective romance
          • Disability discrimination and misconceptions
        • Trigger Warnings
          • Mass shooting/multiple homicide
          • Murder
          • Witness to violent crime
          • Attempted murder
          • Stalking
          • Threats of violence
          • Physical assault
          • Home invasion
          • Psychological trauma
          • Fear and intimidation
          • Ableism
          • Emotional distress
          • Life-threatening situations
          • Grief and loss
          • Blood and violence
      • My Thoughts: Another great book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes series!! The author did a great job of telling the story through Corrie’s observations. Since she’s blind, the author used smell, hearing, and touch to convey emotions. I loved that Corrie was super independent, but what I loved more was Quint and his love for Corrie. When things went sideways at the end of the book, I was more upset for him than I was for Corrie. I figured Corrie, who was always thinking two steps ahead, would figure something out, and she did. Their romance wasn’t a slow burn; it was Instalove (yuck), but it was sweet. And the sex scenes were amazing. Overall, a great book!!
    • Justice for Laine (book 4)
      • Content and Trigger Warnings
        • Content Warnings:
          • Romantic suspense
          • Search and rescue
          • Survival
          • Accident and emergency response
          • Explicit sexual content
          • Strong language
          • Protective romance
          • Animal companion (stray dog)
          • Family and friendship themes
        • Trigger Warnings
          • Accidental fall
          • Trapped in a well
          • Confined spaces
          • Claustrophobia
          • Fear of suffocation
          • Fear of dehydration
          • Isolation
          • Search and rescue emergency
          • Physical injury
          • Emotional distress
          • Threats to life due to environmental circumstances
      • My Thoughts: I was surprised that I was able to read this book in one sitting. Then I reread the blurb and saw that it is technically a short story. Anyway, it was a good read. I liked the sparks between Laine and Weston. Their relationship moved fast (think Insta-love fast), but it was believable. When Laine went to the property and fell into the old well because she was trying to help the dog, it was believable too. I loved how Weston knew something was wrong and acted on it, instead of waiting. I also liked that we got to see Daxton/Mack, Cruz/Mickie, and Quint/Corrie in this book.
    • Shelter for Elizabeth (book 5)
      • Content and Trigger Warning
        • Content Warning
          • Romantic suspense
          • Explicit sexual content
          • Strong language
          • Firefighter and emergency response themes
          • Trauma recovery
          • PTSD
          • Anxiety
          • Therapy and healing
          • Grief
          • Protective romance
        • Trigger Warning
          • References to past kidnapping
          • References to a serial killer
          • PTSD and trauma responses
          • Panic attacks
          • Anxiety
          • Agoraphobia/fear of leaving home
          • Survivor’s guilt
          • Obsessive coping behaviors
          • House fire
          • Emotional distress
          • Grief and loss
          • References to the kidnapping and murder of a sibling
          • Rape (mentioned in a flashback)
          • Torture (mentioned in a flashback)
      • My Thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised by this book. When I first started reading this book and read about Beth’s phobia and what caused it, I was afraid that the author was going to gloss over everything. So, when the focus of the book, well besides Cade and Beth’s romance, was Beth’s agoraphobia, I was pleased. I liked that the author chose not to have Beth be mysteriously cured. I liked that she chose to get in-patient treatment at a facility that was dedicated to helping people with agoraphobia. And let’s talk about Cade. He was perfect but imperfect at the same time (when he confronted Beth after the 2nd fire). I loved watching their love bloom and survive. Oh, and the sex scenes were very spicy.
    • Justice for Boone (book 6)
      • Content and Trigger Warnings
        • Content Warnings
          • Romantic suspense
          • Explicit sexual content
          • Strong language
          • Law enforcement themes
          • False allegations
          • Stalking
          • Obsessive behavior
          • Protective romance
          • Small-town setting
          • Jealousy and relationship conflict
        • Trigger Warnings
          • False accusations of domestic abuse
          • Stalking
          • Obsessive ex-partner
          • Harassment
          • Psychological manipulation
          • Emotional distress
          • Threats of violence
          • Attempted murder
          • Fear and intimidation
          • Relationship-related trauma
        • My Thoughts: This book tells Hayden and Boone’s story, and it really is quite a story. Both characters carry a lot from their pasts: Hayden was emotionally and psychologically abused growing up, while Boone witnessed domestic violence as a kid and teen. At first, I felt unsure about how they met, especially since Boone’s ex accused him of domestic violence, but I moved past that pretty quickly. I enjoyed seeing Hayden go from hiding her femininity to embracing it. I didn’t fully connect with Boone, but that’s okay—I don’t always need to relate to every main character. The sex scenes were fantastic, and I loved watching Hayden slowly become more comfortable and open with Boone. What really stood out to me was how the story explored healing and trust. Both Hayden and Boone had to face their past traumas and learn to be vulnerable with each other, which made their journey feel genuine and meaningful. Seeing Hayden reclaim her sense of self and Boone work to break old patterns gave the book a deeper message about empowerment and the chance to build healthier relationships after tough experiences.
    • Shelter for Adeline (book 7)
      • Content and Trigger Warnings
        • Content Warnings
          • Romantic suspense
          • Explicit sexual content
          • Strong language
          • Firefighter and emergency response themes
          • Epilepsy representation
          • Disability representation
          • Service dog
          • Workplace harassment
          • Medical content
          • Protective romance
        • Trigger Warnings
          • Epileptic seizures
          • Medical emergency
          • Workplace harassment
          • Emotional abuse
          • Obsessive behavior
          • Stalking
          • Harassment
          • Psychological manipulation
          • Threats of violence
          • Attempted murder
          • Emotional distress
          • Fear and intimidation
          • Mental Illness
        • My Thoughts: This is another great book in the series. It was fun to see Dean get caught off guard by Adeline, and I enjoyed watching Adeline slowly open up to him. The way the author handled the service animal debate, especially the restaurant scene, was really well done. I also appreciated how Adeline’s epilepsy was part of the story without taking over the plot. I guessed who her stalker was pretty early, but it didn’t spoil the suspense. The ending was just right for the story.
    • Shelter for Sophie (book 8)
      • Content and Trigger Warnings
        • Content Warnings
          • Romantic suspense
          • Explicit sexual content
          • Strong language
          • Firefighter and emergency response themes
          • Disability representation (stutter)
          • Medical research/pharmaceutical workplace
          • Childhood trauma
          • Poverty
          • Prejudice and misunderstandings
          • Protective romance
        • Trigger Warnings
          • Emotional abuse (past)
          • Childhood neglect
          • Poverty
          • Discrimination and prejudice
          • Bullying
          • Harassment
          • Emotional distress
          • Threats to life
          • Physical injury
          • Medical emergency
          • Trauma recovery
      • My Thoughts: This was the sweetest book in this series. I loved Sophie and Chief (Roman )’s relationship. Yes, it might have gotten off to a rough start when Chief overheard part of a conversation that made it seem like Sophie was taking advantage of people of color/people who didn’t have much money (she wasn’t). But once they cleared the air on that, the romance was on. Now Chief did have some issues of his own (OCD and trauma from a childhood that consisted of poverty and racism), but again, he was able to work them out. Sophie also had trauma (bullying as an adult and a child due to her severe stutter), but unlike Chief, she was able to come to terms with it. I loved that the author included Navajo terms, phrases, and superstitions into the book. There was a turn towards the paranormal towards the end (starting with Sophie getting carbon monoxide poisoning and ending after the ritual). Still, it was written in a way that was respectful of Navajo culture. And speaking of the end, it was amazing. I liked seeing Sophie and Chief getting their happy ending.

Monthly Playlist (I use songs featured in the book, if there are any, along with a playlist generated by ChatGPT).

Featured Song of the Month

May 2026 Wrap-Up

Stack of fantasy books titled The Astral Compendium, Year of Dreams 2026, Whispers of Eloria, and Tales from the Void on a wooden table with glowing fairies, a candle, an open book, compasses, a lantern, and a steaming cup.

Personal Highlights from this month:

  • Week of April 26th through May 2nd:
    • Mr. Z finished his internship this week. I can’t tell you how happy I am that this is over. With gas prices shooting up and it taking $50 to fill my car’s half tank, I am thankful I won’t be driving 15 minutes each way to drop him off/pick him up. He learned a lot from the internship and is now interested in IT (still wants to major in history in college).
    • Miss R was sick at the beginning of the week. She was running a temp and just didn’t feel great.
    • I had my sleep study on Saturday. Normally, the clinic doesn’t do sleep studies on weekends, but they are short-staffed and have people working weekends. I now know what kind of mask I will be using for my sleep apnea (I have central apnea).
    • Mr. Z was able to register for classes at the end of the week. He meets with an advisor on Monday to see if the classes he picked will stay. His classes: 1st year seminar, Wellness Literacy, Historical Studies, Writing Inquiries, and Social Science.
  • Week of May 3rd through May 9th:
    • It’s my birthday this week. I am now 40-something (late 40-something…lol).
    • Mr. Z met with his advisor, and his schedule didn’t change. He was pretty happy. All he has left to do is send them his final transcripts, send the transcripts from CVCC (community college), sign the health form waiver, send over his vaccine records, and take out a student loan to cover the rest of his tuition.
    • Miss R had field day on Tuesday. She had a blast (they let the kids keep their phones, so we got details on every event she participated in).
    • Miss R also had her spring chorus concert on Thursday. Her grade sang “Don’t Worry Be Happy” (she had a solo) and “Shake It Off,” with a 6th/7th/8th-grade compilation of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/It’s a Wonderful Life” at the end of the show.
  • Week of May 10th through May 16th:
    • Mr. Z had his banquet, which signaled the end of his internship.
    • Miss R has her EOG (end-of-grade) testing on Wednesday and Friday.
    • Miss R went to the orthodontist on Monday and was finally able to pick out colors for her bracket band. She went with red.
    • Mr. Z went to the FAA building in Charlotte and got his drone license.
  • Week of May 17th through May 23rd:
    • Mr. Z had his senior awards night on Monday. He got cords for his academy (computer science), was recognized for getting his FAA license (for the drone), was a founding member of the HS’s esports team, and earned a Platinum rating on his ACTs.
    • Miss R passed her EOG’s. She was a little worried about math, but the teacher pulled her aside and told her that only 7 kids had passed the EOG (including her).
    • Miss R had her 6th-grade awards ceremony on Thursday. She made the AB Honor Roll (for the year) and received an award for Most Likely to be the Sheriff in a Western (LOL).
    • Mr. Z graduated on Friday!!!
    • Miss R was accepted into a leadership camp sponsored by our local police department (SROs run it). She can’t wait to attend.
  • Week of May 24th through May 28th (split week due to this post going live on the 28th)
    • Memorial Day here was rainy and cool. But I am not complaining, because we need the rain (we are under water restrictions due to drought).
    • I also had to get used to not waking up at 5:00 am (easier said than done).

Books I Read:

  • Geek Girl Mysteries by Sherry D. Ficklin: I got the first book in this series for free, and I am waiting for the other books to either go free or be added to KU. I also started this book the last week of April and didn’t finish it in time for my April 2026 Wrap-Up.
    • Playing with Fire (Book 1): This book stood out after a long series binge. As a YA mystery with a touch of romance, it offered a refreshing storyline. Farris’s character was memorable—snarky, strong, and vulnerable. While the cybercriminal’s identity was clear early, Farris’s method for discovering it was impressive. The book left me eager to read the rest of the series; it’s worth picking up if you’re looking for engaging YA mysteries.
  • The Districts series by Orion Enzo Gaudio: Another book that I got for free, and another series that I am either waiting for the rest of the books to become free or show up on KU.
    • EMP (Book 1): An engaging introduction to the series. It introduces multiple intertwined plotlines and characters. I am left curious about several matters, such as whether the president survived and the whereabouts of the First Lady. I expect these questions will be resolved in future books.
  • Daughters of the People series by Lucy Varna: I have been interested in this series for years, but never had a reason to read it (it had been sitting on my TBR for a while). So far, I like it and will be reading the rest of the books in the series (they were on KU as of this post).
    • The Prophecy (Book 1): This was an excellent series debut. It moved quickly, yet paused enough for meaningful character development. I appreciated Maya and Dierdre’s dynamic and their engagement with the other Daughters. Maya and James’ relationship evolved naturally from beginning to end. Several pivotal characters appeared, including those leading into the next book. The ending of The Prophecy was chaotic and intriguing, raising more questions than it answered. Normally, I prefer clarity, but this ambiguity was effective. The author thoughtfully added a glossary, which clarified terms used throughout the series.
    • Light’s Bane (Book 2): This book starts shortly after the events in The Prophecy. Like the first book, the author doesn’t skimp on action. At the same time, she builds Dani and Dave’s relationship, complicating matters as the head of The Shadow People wants peace (even though his brother doesn’t). Around halfway through, a twist hinted at in book 1 is revealed, and because it involves Dani and her parentage, I felt shock and sympathy for her. When the truth comes out, Dani’s anger toward Rebecca feels entirely justified, and I share in her frustration. The end, just as chaotic as the first book, had a funeral scene that gave me chills and left me feeling unsettled. Finally, the author hints at who book 3 will focus on, and I am really looking forward to it.
    • The Enemy Within (Book 3): This book is Indigo and Bobby’s love story. While I liked the book (and loved the second-chance romance), I did get a little grumpy about everything else that is going on. For instance, I thought Rebecca’s reaction to what Bobby did (the tattoo) and blaming it on Indigo was insane. Similarly, Bobby’s digging into Indigo’s past by asking her mother about her nightmares rather than asking Indigo felt off. Moving on, the whole storyline with India—her jealousy over Indigo having a husband (which made zero sense), her commitment to The Eternal Order, and her relationship with Bobby’s friend—was almost too much.
    • Tempered (Book 3.5): This is Hawthorne and Aaron’s story. I liked Hawthorne—she took zero crap from anyone and had a soft side reserved for Lali, her granddaughter. In contrast, I wasn’t so fond of Aaron; not believing Hawthorne about her age was understandable, but telling others she was crazy was awful. The things he said to her face (calling her delusional, etc.) made me want to go into the book and smack him. However, he did redeem himself, mostly because of how he treated Lali (Aaron was her puppy… lol) and because he admitted he was wrong about everything. The Eternal Order appeared when Hawthorne’s niece tried to kidnap Lali to raise her in the Order, and the assassin also showed up. Overall, it was a fast, good read.
    • In All Things, Balance (Book 4): This was Moira and Tom’s book, set right before, during, and after Bobby’s kidnapping. I loved Moira—a badass with a foul mouth and a kind soul, whose actions were fierce and touching. Tom, in contrast, frustrated me. He understood the Daughters’ customs but refused to follow them, leading Moira and Naomi (another Daughter) on, which unsettled me. Things worked out in the middle, aside from his bullheadedness, which almost got him killed. When Moira revealed what happened to her daughters during the Easter Massacre, my heart broke for her. The book ended in a shocking way after the Assassin’s actions, and the author set up the next book with Jerusha and Drew, leaving me eager for more.
    • Sanctuary (Book 5): This is Jerusha and Drew’s book. Fast-paced and heavy on the sex, Sanctuary was set mostly in Turkey. I loved Jerusha and Drew’s relationship. The Oracle’s connection to the head of the Shadow People explained a lot. Heads-up for sensitive content: Jerusha was subjected to repeated sexual assault for 10 days by Marcus, the younger brother of the Shadow People leader. The end was interesting, as the author didn’t reveal the next couple.
  • Saturn Society series by Jennette Marie Powell: I was only able to read the first book in this series (which I got for free). I am waiting for the rest of the books to either go on KU or become free themselves.
    • Time’s Enemy (Book 1): I felt somewhat ambivalent about this book. It started off strong, but towards the middle of the book (when he was saving Charlotte as a child), my interest waned. The rest of the book featured Tony moving back and forth in time, each time altering the future. I realized who Violet was early on, but her storyline frequently shifted. She moved from having amnesia to searching for her birth parents to knowing who she was, which made the plot harder to follow and didn’t seem to contribute much.
  • Beyond the Eyes series by Rebekkah Ford: As with 95% of the books I read, I got this for free (either from a newsletter or found on a blog I follow).
    • Beyond the Eyes (Book 1): I was ambivalent towards this book. I enjoyed Paige’s relationship with her friends. In contrast, I disliked anything involving Matt and Brayden and the insta-love. I also found the bullying subplot with Ashley unnecessary. Furthermore, I wish the author had explained where the dark beings came from. Paige’s premonitions were discussed repeatedly in the first few chapters, but the visions only appeared twice and lacked an explanation. Lastly, the ending seemed rushed, and the explanation about what happened to the ring didn’t sit right with me.
  • Hollywood Alphabet series by M.Z. Kelly: I almost cried when I saw how many books were in this series (26). But I am determined to continue finishing the series (the books are on KU). So here goes nothing.
    • Hollywood Assassin (Book 1): This was an outstanding start to the series. I appreciated Kate’s witty humor, even during setbacks. Her moral compass was uncompromising—she’d risk termination rather than distort the truth. I admired her commitment to the unexpected case she dove into. That case was wild, packed with unpredictable twists that left me reeling. The reveal of the antagonists stunned me, especially the last-minute surprise villain. Kate’s best friend, Natalie, was hilarious; I laughed out loud every time she appeared.
    • Hollywood Blood (Book 2): This was a strong sequel in the series. Typically, the second book diminishes the first’s momentum, but not here. The story was chaotic from start to finish, and I enjoyed every moment. Kate skillfully assembled the mystery of how Myra knew Karma and the cause behind the deaths surrounding Karma. Myra was disturbingly evil, yet I sympathized with her. It seems she would have been deeply traumatized without meeting Azareal or suffering psychological and sexual abuse from him. Azareal’s true identity shocked me; the reveal was entirely unexpected. The final two chapters delivered a major twist.
    • Hollywood Crazy (Book 3): This book occurs several months after Hollywood Blood. After Kate’s apartment exploded at the end of the previous book, she now lives with Natalie (who is separated from her husband) and other roommates. The roommates—and the thin walls—had me laughing uncontrollably. Conversely, I was fascinated by the investigation into the double murder. The plot was intricate and unpredictable, and Kate’s final revelation of the culprit and motive stunned me. A compelling secondary storyline involves Kate, her late father, and the circumstances of his death. I was genuinely taken aback by what was uncovered.
    • Hollywood Dirty (Book 4): I enjoyed reading this book. It unfolds several months after Hollywood Crazy, and Kate’s life grows even more chaotic. She is tasked with reopening a cold case after glaring inconsistencies in the original investigation come to light. This book consistently made me laugh. Nana’s antics provided essential comic relief amid Kate’s inquiry into Jezzy’s murder. I was stunned by what she discovered and surprised that earlier investigators overlooked so much. The plot involving Kate’s biological mother took an unexpectedly painful direction, revealing clues about the man who killed Kate’s father. The story became even stranger when Kate tracked him down and learned he was dating her adoptive mother. The finale is packed with surprises. What I appreciated most was that Jezzy’s death involved multiple people, not just one. There was also a devastating twist I never anticipated. I am eager to read book 5!
    • Hollywood Enemy (Book 5): This book is set shortly after Hollywood Dirty. I enjoyed the two main narratives: Kate’s search for the Artist and her being pursued by her biomother’s stalker. The FBI case she investigated captivated me. A serial killer inspired directly by a painting from a mentally ill artist was compelling. I appreciated how the author withheld the true culprit (well, in a way, he revealed it, but I didn’t recognize it until I finished the book). The stalker, who seemed like a literal chameleon, fascinated me. You never knew where or when he would emerge. The way the author wove both narratives together was impressive. The two twists at the end of the book stunned me and broke my heart.
    • Hollywood Forbidden (Book 6): Set three months after the tragic events of Hollywood Enemy and on Catalina Island, this book examines healing from grief and navigating life after trauma. It also delves into cults, specifically a sex cult, highlighting perseverance and the instinct to protect others. With dual plotlines, it tracks crime and investigation concurrently. I found the investigation engaging, though I was frustrated by the two officers assigned to help Kate. Kate’s decision to help search for the girls felt compelling, given that her best friend’s niece was missing. The investigation proved challenging, and I appreciated that. Kate fought for every clue. I also enjoyed the storyline about Grace and the missing girls, admiring her ingenuity and determination to help the younger girls. Her decisive actions at the end saved Sissy and her friends. The conclusion was somewhat predictable (the antagonists were apprehended), yet it also offered surprises. The ending seamlessly set up the next book.
    • Hollywood Games (Book 7): This book unfolds shortly after Hollywood Forbidden and delivers a thrilling ride. Kate and her friends (Mo, Natalie, and company) return energized after their “vacation.” While Kate investigates the murder of a former rapper turned reality star with a new partner (who has a phobia of dead bodies and aspires to act), she faces escalating turmoil in her personal life. The pace is relentless from the first page, and the author maintains strong momentum. A secondary storyline quickly intertwines with the main plot (FYI: blackmail has its limits). There’s also a thread about a cold case linked to the house where Kate is temporarily staying. And Kate’s ongoing romance with McCade, the cowboy sheriff from Catalina Island, adds depth. The plot twists are intense, and the ending is truly jaw-dropping.
    • Hollywood Homicide (Book 8): This story is set a few months after Hollywood Games. The book is tightly constructed and moves briskly, stirring heartbreak and humor in equal measure. I found myself laughing with Natalie, Mo, Nanna, and other unforgettable characters, even as emotional moments emerged. The plot follows Kate as she confronts her mental health, various relationships, and her career. I empathized with Kate, who felt pressure from all directions, both personally and professionally. Still, even at her lowest, she stayed committed to the case. I found it smart that the author sent Kate to a therapist; her sessions brought visible relief and helped her recover her incisive, boundary-pushing spirit. I enjoyed how she unraveled the case and outmaneuvered both the head of Section One and Jessica, who seems especially vindictive. I’m also intrigued by how her working relationship with Pearce will evolve. I was not surprised by the identity of the murderer or the location of the body in the cold case.

Monthly Playlist (I use songs featured in the book, if there are any, along with a playlist generated by ChatGPT).

Featured Song of the Month

April 2026 Wrap-Up

Stack of fantasy books titled The Astral Compendium, Year of Dreams 2026, Whispers of Eloria, and Tales from the Void on a wooden table with glowing fairies, a candle, an open book, compasses, a lantern, and a steaming cup.

Personal Highlights from this month:

  • For the week of March 30th through April 4th:
    • The first half of the week was full of appointments. I had my initial appointment with the Pulmonary Dr. (I have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and need a C-Pap machine).
    • I also went and visited my grandcats: Bug (who lived with us for 2 years along with his mom) and Coco (aka Coutore/the girls rescue kitten they adopted last Saturday). I also took in their mail/packages, topped off the cats’ water, fed both cats wet food, made sure the dry food dispenser was working, and cleaned the litterboxes. And, of course, I left my purse there, so BK, Miss R, and I went back to get it.
    • We had a surprise visitor late Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning. An unknown man came onto my porch and was looking at either my leaf blower, my air conditioner, or the charger for BK’s electric car. He kept his face covered because we have a sign that says “monitored by Ring audio and visual“. Gotta love wanna-be thieves. He got scared off when BK turned on the living room light and banged on the front window. But, I’m sure he’ll be back…sigh.
    • Miss R learned an important lesson about internet safety. She had lent her Instagram account to a school “friend“. Said “friend” posted very inappropriate pictures there, which were then shared on her Facebook. A friend of the family saw them and immediately called me. After talking to Miss R, we spent a few hours trying to delete the accounts (the girl kept undoing the deletes). We finally were able to move them all (6 of them!!) off her account, and Miss R changed her phone number, password, and put up 2-step verification. Like I said, a lesson learned.
  • For the week of April 5th through April 11th:
    • It’s spring break here, so all school-aged kids in my household were home from school for the week.
  • For the week of April 12th through April 18th:
    • Mr. Z officially has 2 weeks left of his internship. To be honest, I will not miss driving him to and from the hospital Monday-Friday.
    • Mr. Z also decided that he wants to go to the prom. And, boy, tickets are expensive ($50 for stag, $100 for a couple). He will be wearing a black tux with red lining. He is going stag.
    • Miss R rode a new horse this week, and she loved riding it. But, tacking her up was another thing. The horse wouldn’t let Miss R put the bit in her mouth, and if she got it in, the horse slipped the bridle off her head. It took two experienced people (her instructor and the barn owner’s daughter) to get the bit in.
    • Miss R had her unofficial chorus concert on Friday. I didn’t go, but I heard from friends who did that the kids did an amazing job.
    • Mr. Z had in impormto meeting with his drone class (which is why I didn’t get to go to the concert). I ended up waiting almost 2 hours for the class to finish (it was supposed to be 10-15 mins).
    • Miss R had a sleepover with one of her best friends. She also spent all day Saturday and almost all day Sunday with this friend.
  • For the week of April 19th through April 25th:
    • Mr. Z got his cap and gown this week!! He didn’t get his cords or his stole, but I think he’s getting them at Senior Night.
    • Mr. Z went to his prom, and he had a blast. He actually got up and danced (which surprised his father and me).
    • My best friend came up to visit on Sunday. We were able to catch up on a lot. I plan on driving down to visit her once school is out.

Books I Read:

  • Montana Promises Series by Vella Day (I wasn’t able to finish the last book by the end of March):
    • Burning Seduction (Book 5): I believe this is the last book in this series (but there are other series in the same universe). This book centers on Charlotte and Trent’s relationship, with a murder investigation as its backdrop. I loved how their relationship progressed. I also loved the little catch-ups that the author threw in about the other Montana Promises couples. There was an interesting secondary storyline with Harmon (Trent’s brother), and I can’t wait to see if he has his own book (I need to look).
  • The Valkyrie Series by J.K. Hawk:
    • The Nameless Survivor (Book 1): If you like a book told through diary entries and interoffice memos, this is the book for you. While I usually don’t enjoy this format, I did enjoy this book. However, some parts were difficult—such as the depiction of child rape in Mia’s recollections—and I was uncomfortable with the age difference between the survivor (whose name wasn’t given) and Mia, who was 15-16 years old, as it seemed to be at least 20-30 years. Other than that, it was a good read.
    • The Surviving Son (Book 2): This book didn’t live up to the first. My main issue was that the only person who could cure the virus was inexplicably allowed to leave on a risky search for The Nameless Survivor’s son in Northern New England. The timeline was also muddled, as Abel was described inconsistently as either a six-year-old or a teenager. I wasn’t satisfied with the portrayal of The Nameless Survivor, now renamed Adam. Most frustratingly, the ending left Stephanie and Abel’s fate unresolved, leaving the conclusion feeling incomplete.
  • The Imp series by Debra Dunbar (I was able to get almost the entire series on KU. There are 5 books that were not on KU or not on Amazon).
    • A Demon Bound (Book 1): This was an engaging book with a unique twist on the genre. Sam, an imp who has lived on Earth for 40 years as a slumlord, is drawn into a murder mystery when a werewolf blackmails her into trying to kill the rogue angel targeting her kind. The book is fast-paced, witty, and decidedly tongue-in-cheek.
    • Satan’s Sword (Book 2): Another engaging book that centers on Sam and her friends. In this book, Sam had to bail her foster brother, Dar, out of hot water with a higher-up demon. All she has to do is get an ancient artifact and deliver it to said demon. Sam is also dealing with a serial killer who is taking ears as trophies and has moved from the homeless to children. This book was funny, a little gross (there was a lot of gore), and just an overall good read. I am very interested to see what happens in the next book with Sam’s new title, the elves, the demon trying to kill Sam, and the vampires.
    • Elven Blood (Book 3): In this book, Sam must work for an Elven Lord to track down a unique elf/demon hybrid and bring it to the Elven lands, dead or alive. If successful, the Lord will resolve her demon problem. I found this book as enjoyable as the first two, and it was a quicker read. The plot had interesting twists, especially regarding the hybrid, and I liked Sam’s interactions with the Ruling Council of Angels.
    • Devil’s Paw (Book 4): Sam, for once, doesn’t have anyone wanting to kill her. She is content doing impish things (having lots of sex and causing mischief). But things go sideways when Gregory (the angel) is convinced that Sam is behind the murder of an angel and several demons (because of her devouring ability). I loved this book. It was a little faster-paced than the previous three books and featured much more action. I loved Sam’s interactions with Gregory, but I didn’t love how he treated her. I also loved that Sam’s emotional maturity has come so far in just three books and that she has developed strong morals. I was a little surprised and upset by the ending. But saying that, I can’t wait to read book 5 and see what shenanigans Sam gets into in Hel.
    • Imp Forsaken (Book 5): This book centers on Sam and Gabe (Gregory’s younger brother), split between Sam’s recovery in Hel after Gregory’s banishment and Gabe’s investigation into an angel rebellion in Aaru. The narrative alternates between their experiences: Sam’s struggle to heal/recover her powers, her violent encounters with powerful beings, and her leadership in a violent rebellion; Gabe’s efforts to uncover the source of unrest among the angels. The story is marked by intense violence and significant character development. I enjoyed seeing how Sam’s experiences shaped her, and I am eager to see her reunited with Gregory.
    • Angel of Chaos (Book 6): The book follows the Nephilim, Sam, and Gregory (revealed as Archangel Michael), focusing on the chaos Sam creates. It features significant violence and both physical and spiritual sex. The author expands on why angels cannot procreate. Another side of Gabe emerges, as hinted at in Imp Forsaken. Harper, a mortal, was enthralled and impregnated by an angel against her will, which led to anger and trust issues. The ending was expected, and Sam’s absorption of others into her household was intriguing. I’m curious about the Kingdom of Lies and Sam’s deals with sorcerers Kirby and Gabe.
    • Kingdom of Lies (Book 7): This book picks up a few months after Angel of Chaos. Sam’s quest to retrieve a dangerous, modified gem for a sorcerer becomes more perilous when a greedy demon uses the gem’s power to grow stronger. Meanwhile, Sam manages her relationship with Gregory, the tensions in her household, and the mystery of gates opening to other dimensions. Kingdom of Lies is fast-paced, plenty violent, but light on sex. The snark level is high (I love Sam’s sense of humor and her skewed moral compass). The author does something interesting by exposing humans to demons, angels, and other supernatural beings. I was slightly disappointed that the gate closings didn’t get more time, but that would probably take another book. I’m eager to see where Exodus (the next book) will go.
    • Exodus (Book 8): As the angel rebellion peaks and the Ruling Council pressures Sam to leave while elves advance on humans, chaos erupts. In response, Sam welcomes all refugees into her household (most of them on temporary status). She plans to defend Aaru alongside Gregory and his brothers using her Lows. The ensuing battle is tense and well described; plot twists unfold logically yet remain surprising. Ultimately, the conclusion is impactful, as Sam’s allies prove formidable.
    • Queen of the Damned (Book 9): This book starts several months after the events in Exodus. The angels (and Sam) are still locked out of Aaru and trying to get back in. Soon after, Sam learns someone has kidnapped three of her Lows. The investigation is chaotic, but she eventually uncovers the culprit—a very odd figure, like Mr. Rogers with an Ancient twist. The Ancient who took the Lows is unsettling, but ultimately seems fine. As she continues, Sam discovers the Ancients have awoken and want to return to Aaru—a storyline that is both humorous and a bit sad. Later, a surprising twist involving Harper’s angel baby daddy brings the plot full circle and adds a bittersweet note. At the very end, Samael is revealed to be alive. Overall, the book was a compelling, enjoyable read—I couldn’t put it down.
    • The Morning Star (Book 10): This book concludes Sam and Gregory’s journey, focusing on Samael’s rumored return after a 2-billion-year absence. When this rumor proves true, Sam tries to unite the Ancients and demons to avert war on Earth, all while raising Lux, an adorable Angel of Order. The fast-paced, hilarious story delivers well-written twists. Although I had anticipated the Samael reveal back in book 8, the actual revelation and the intense ending twist exceeded expectations. Lux’s biological sire wants him back, but Sam stands firm, and she discusses Lux’s safety with Remiel. The author delivers an astonishing final twist that powerfully concludes the series.
    • With This Ring (Book 11): Several months after The Morning Star, Sam is adapting to her new life, balancing committee responsibilities and personal milestones, including serving as a bridesmaid in Amber/Irix’s wedding. Her adopted angel Lux brings unexpected chaos by taking his ring-bearing role literally. Amid challenges—humans wielding powerful weapons, strict immigration rules, evasive elves, and a zombie onslaught—Sam is overwhelmed but ultimately solves everything in her signature chaotic style. This chaos, paired with her indifference to rules and deep love for Lux and her found family, grounds her and makes the book a joy to read. The hilarious sex toy scene exemplifies the humor, keeping me laughing throughout.
    • A Crown of Imp and Bone (Book 12): I expected this to be the last book, but the author announced book 13, which I’m eager to read. In this installment, Sam faces her most dangerous challenge, juggling wedding preparations and a quest for peace after Lux steals the Seelie Queen’s ring—breaking a historic contract and threatening humans. Sam’s mission plunges her into conspiracies: rescuing kidnapped Seelie girls, investigating mysterious towers, battling the Wild Hunt, Unseelie King for help, and a climactic fight. For the first time in the series, I genuinely feared for Sam’s survival.

Monthly Playlist (I use songs featured in the book, if there are any, along with a playlist generated by ChatGPT).

Featured Song of the Month

Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas (A Year-Round Christmas Mystery: Book 6) by Vicki Delany

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Date of publication: September 19th, 2023

Genre: Mystery, Christmas, Cozy Mystery, Contemporary

Series: A Year-Round Christmas Mystery

Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen—Book 1

We Wish You a Murderous Christmas—Book 2

Hark the Herald Angels Sing—Book 3

Silent Night, Deadly Night—Book 4

Dying in a Winter Wonderland—Book 5

Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas—Book 6

Purchase Links: Kindle | B&N | Kobo

Goodreads Synopsis:

It’s beginning to look a lot like murder in the sixth installment of this charming cozy mystery series, perfect for fans of Donna Andrews and Jacqueline Frost.

It’s the beginning of December in Rudolph, New York, America’s Christmas Town, and business is brisk at Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, a gift and décor shop owned by Merry Wilkinson. The local amateur dramatic society is intensely preparing a special musical production of A Christmas Carol. But it’s not a happy set, as rivalries between cast and crew threaten the production.

Tensions come to a head when a member of the group is found dead shortly after a shopping excursion to Mrs. Claus’s Treasures. Was someone looking to cut out the competition? Everyone in the cast and crew is a potential suspect, including Aline, Merry’s mother, and Merry’s shop assistant Jackie O’Reilly, who was desperate for a starring role.

It could be curtains for Christmas—and for Merry—unless the killer can be ferreted out of the wings.

First Line:

There are two types of people in the world: those who love picnics and those who hate them.

Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas by Vicki Delany

Christmas is taken very seriously in Rudolph, New York. It has been named America’s Christmas Town, and the month of December is when tourism is at its peak—knowing that, the local theater group decides to put on a musical version of A Christmas Carol. But tensions are rampant throughout the cast, with rivalries threatening the production. Things get even more perilous when the actress playing Mrs. Crachit is murdered in Merry’s shop. With a short time until the musical debuts and needing to get her shop reopened, Merry must find out who the killer is and why. Can Merry do it? Or will the musical and Christmas be ruined?

Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas is the sixth book in The Year-Round Christmas Mystery series. While it is book six, you can read this as a stand-alone. But I suggest reading the first five books before picking this one up. I wish I did because I needed clarification about different characters. On the plus side, the author does not refer to the previous books, which was enjoyable. I was just left to muddle out the characters.

I loved the premise of this book. A town where Christmas is celebrated year-round is adorable. Plus, I loved the name Rudolph. The author also explored what it was like to live in a small town in Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas. The gossip and information grapevine was terrific and mostly on point. I also liked that Merry was friendly with most other people in town (except for the grumpy bookstore lady).

The main storyline of Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas centers around Merry, the murder of Paula Monahan (Mrs. Crachit), and Merry’s amateur investigation into the murder. It took a while for the murder storyline to get going. The author did an extensive job of laying down Paula’s backstory (and how unlikable she was). While the storyline was well-written and well-fleshed, the author could have trimmed down some aspects, like the journey to the neighboring town or Merry finding out that Ian was cheating on his wife. Neither had any bearing on the storyline (except to distract from who the killer was). But I do wonder if they will be part of the next book.

I liked Merry, and I could see myself being friends with her. She was grounded and an average person. Her reaction to her mother’s theatrics was funny (did I say that out loud was said a lot). She truly cared about the townspeople, even if some of them (Jackie) drove her up the wall. I also liked the way that she looked into Paula’s murder. She didn’t do it as a super sleuth but as an average person trying to figure it out. I loved seeing her thought process and the moment she realized who it was.

The secondary characters made the book. They were each fleshed out and had distinct personalities and quirks. They made the book so much more interesting to read. I also suspect that Noel (Merry’s father) is Santa.

The storyline of the musical did make me laugh. It was a realistic look at what happens when a group of passionate people get together. It also showcases how egos can ruin a show and how people must take constructive criticism. Aline, Merry’s mother, was the only one who stayed out of the pettiness, and that was because she was a famous opera singer. She dealt with that type of stuff for years. I loved that she put the verbal smackdown on the group towards the end. Someone should have done it sooner.

The mystery angle was terrific. I wasn’t a fan of it getting off to a slow start, but the author showcased all the suspects and the motives. I had a plethora of people to pick a suspect from. But I couldn’t. The author did an excellent job of throwing out red herrings. I was blindsided by who the killer was. It was the last person I would have even suspected. And that person’s motive was ridiculous.

The end of Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas was great. The author wrapped up the murder storyline in a spectacular way. I also liked how the murderer confessed (twice). It was like that person could have cared less about being in jail.

I would recommend Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas to anyone over 16. There is mild language, violence, and no sexual situations.

Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Vicki Delany for allowing me to read and review this ARC of Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

If you enjoy reading books similar to Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas, then you will enjoy these:

Other books by Vicki Delany

A Dragon’s Dyne (The Talisman Series: Book 6) by Brett Salter

Publisher: Createspace

Date of publication: July 19th, 2023

Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade

Series: The Talisman Series

The Search for Synergy—Book 1 (review here)

Riders of Fire and Ice—Book 2 (review here)

Windy City Ruins—Book 3 (review here)

The Battle for Verdana—Book 4 (review here)

Desperate Tides, Desperate Measures—Book 5 (review here)

A Dragon’s Dyne—Book 6

Purchase Links: Kindle

Goodreads Synopsis:

Things have gone from weird to blatantly absurd in Rome and Julian’s quest to preserve the boundary between the Earth realm and The Void. With Darkbrand numbers growing at a terrifying rate, the escape of Beliarahm, the fiercest Nocturn yet, and the struggle to make ANY headway with the Elementals and all their tomfoolery, The Alliance has hit a veritable wall. Even with the promise of the light Talisman to oppose the forces of darkness, there’s just no telling how or where to find it. All the other Talismans are collected, but that doesn’t necessarily give our heroes any comfort, because to this point, these magical items seem to have served more as crosshairs than protection. Maybe they need something more than the Talismans. But what could that be?

First Line:

The heroes stood in a circle with no idea what to do next. The sun rapidly moves toward its decline into the horizon, but the group had accomplished little in the way of unearthing the next step to take.

A Dragon’s Dyne by Brett Salter

Rome, Julian, and their allies have gathered all of the Talismans and their Elemental counterparts together to preserve the boundary between Earth and The Void. But, they are stonewalled when they are told there is one more Talisman out there. This Talisman, with a Light Elemental, has the power to turn the upcoming battle in their favor. But the Alliance doesn’t know where it is and is given a few cryptic clues to follow. With more Darkbrands escaping The Void and The Tyrant King getting closer and closer to breaking through the barrier, there is no time to waste. Can Rome, Julian, and the rest of the Alliance find the Light Talisman? Will they be able to defend Earth from The Tyrant King?

When the author reached out and asked if I wanted to read/review A Dragon’s Dyne, I immediately said yes. I have been reading this series from book one and was waiting for book six to come out. I had become invested in this series and wanted to know what would happen. I wasn’t expecting this to be the last book in the series.

A Dragon’s Dyne is the 6th book in The Talisman Series. You cannot read this book as a standalone. You must read the first five books to understand character backstories/past battles/and character relationships. You will be confused if you do not read the first five books. And trust me, reading those books before you read this one is worth it.

The main storyline of A Dragon’s Dyne centers on Rome, Julian, their friends/allies, the search for the Light Talisman, and the battle to save Earth. It is a well-written storyline that kept my attention from the beginning. It is also a fast-moving storyline. There is some lag towards the middle of the book (when Rome and friends are searching for the Talisman). That lag I anticipated, and it didn’t take away my enjoyment of this book.

A couple of times, I was surprised by A Dragon’s Dyne. One is a huge spoiler, and the other, well, I should have seen it coming. All I can say about the spoiler is that my soul broke during that chapter. I was not prepared for that. But I also wasn’t prepared for what happened in the next chapter. Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions within a couple of pages. While I didn’t see it coming, the other surprise didn’t surprise me. It made sense (there were hints).

This book is written for middle-grade kids. The main characters are in middle school and act like it (mainly Julian). I could put any of my kids in this book, and they would behave very similarly to how Rome and Julian acted. There are no adult situations (well, Rome and his girlfriend kiss a couple of times) or language.

I loved the lore and the fantasy angle of A Dragon’s Dyne. I could have just read about the different dragons, how they fit in, or just disappeared with the human race, their customs, and magic. Those added touches added depth to this storyline and increased my enjoyment of this book.

I was sad to read that this was the last book in the series. But two things did stand out to me, which made me think the author would have spinoffs. One was Rome’s vision, and the other was what happened at the very end of the book. I hope the author decides to write more books in this universe.

The end of A Dragon’s Dyne was interesting. The author wrapped up all the storylines with the expectation of one. With what was written (see above), I hope that means more books in this universe.

I would recommend A Dragon’s Dyne to anyone over 12. There is violence. But there is no language or sexual situations.

Many thanks to Brett Salter for allowing me to read and review A Dragon’s Dyne. All opinions expressed in this review are mine.

If you enjoy reading books similar to A Dragon’s Dyne, then you will enjoy reading these books:

Other books by Brett Salter:

Dark Horse (North Oak: Book 6) by Ann Hunter

Publisher: Rebel House Ink

Date of publication: March 1st, 2019

Genre: Young Adult, Equestrian

Series: North Oak

Born to Run—Book 1 (review here)

Yearling—Book 2 (review here)

Morning Glory—Book 3 (review here)

To Bottle Lightening—Book 4 (review here)

Far Turn—Book 5 (review here)

Dark Horse—Book 6

Against the Odds—Book 7

Ride for Glory—Book 8

Hard Boot—Book 9

Inquiry—Book 10

Purchase Links: Kindle

Goodreads Synopsis:

Just when Alex could hardly stand waiting another second to test for her jockey license, a brutal attack sends her spiraling into a depression. She’s a failure as a person, a rider and friend. Even Dejado and Carol can’t seem to reach her. Can they help her pull through, and realize her potential in time to get Venus Nights ready for her first race?

On the heels of Joanna Campbell’s beloved Thoroughbred Series, and Walter Farley’s Black Stallion, comes a brand new teen equestrian series that will sweep you away like a runaway Thoroughbred.

First Line:

Alex woke to the sensation of her arm suspended.

Dark Horse by Ann Hunter

On the eve of her second test for her jockeying license, Alex is brutally attacked by a person she thought was a friend. This attack sends her into a deep depression. Feeling like a failure to everyone, Alex retreats inside herself. With her career as a jockey on the line, can her family and friends get through to her?

I was surprised when the author contacted me to review the rest of this series. I had reviewed books 1-5 years ago (back in 2018ish, I think) and figured she hadn’t written anymore. When I got that email, I jumped on it. I enjoyed the previous books and couldn’t wait to read this one. I wasn’t disappointed.

Before I get into the review, I want to throw a warning up. I haven’t been doing this because of Amazon, but it is warranted. Dark Horse deals with the after-effects of rape. The author detailed the rage towards the rapist, the blame the person raped deals with (internally and from other people), and the frustration that the person raped deals with (police seemingly doing nothing and the rapist walking free) perfectly. These scenes in this book are raw and can be triggering. So read cautiously and keep a Kleenex close because some of these scenes will make you cry.

Dark Horse is a fast-paced book in Hamlin, Kentucky. This book starts fast and keeps the pace up for the entire book. There is no lag, which pleasantly surprised me.

The main storyline in Dark Horse centers around Alex, the after-effects of her rape, her racing dreams, and the horses she loves. My heart broke for Alex while reading this book. She was obviously in pain, and I wanted to reach into the book, hug her, and tell her it would be alright. I also couldn’t understand why her foster parents didn’t put her into counseling afterward. I couldn’t put this book down because I wanted to know what would happen to Alex. I needed to know if she would get better if she would get her jockey’s license, and if the police would do anything about what happened to her.

I liked Alex, but I didn’t like seeing her this way. I wanted old Alex back, but I understood that Alex would never be the same after what happened to her. I think she had a lot of guts to show up at school, still having a bitten lip and black eye from Brad. It disgusted me to see how Brad initially tried to intimidate her, which escalated to him stalking her in school. How the principal treated Alex when she was told about Brad also disgusted me. And don’t get me started on the police. Why is it always the women’s fault when reporting a rape? And the excuse that he was from a good-standing family disgusted me. Guess what? People from good-standing families do bad things, like beating and raping women. My heart almost imploded with sadness in the middle of the book when Alex discovered something was being kept from her. While keeping something important secret was wrong, I understood why Hilary did. But, the cherry on top of everything made Alex make a very rash decision.

The racing angle of the book was fascinating. While I am somewhat knowledgeable about show jumping/dressage, I am not knowledgeable about racing. So, I enjoyed reading about how she got her license and how she had to prove herself to the officials.

I also loved the horse angle of the book. I was pleased to see that Morning Glory, Venus Nights, and Promenade were in this book. Those horses were a big part of Alex’s healing.

The author did touch upon Alex’s sexuality several times during the book. She had an on/off-again relationship with Dejado. She also was romantically attracted to Carol. The hint of a love triangle is given during the huge confrontation scene with Brad and Dejado. But I am wondering if it will be like that. Something tells me that Carol doesn’t feel the same way about Alex.

The end of Dark Horse was excellent. I liked how Carol and Alex decided enough was enough (after Alex’s accident with Promenade). They wanted to nail Brad’s butt to the wall and make him pay. That was one of the best and most satisfying scenes in the entire book. But the author didn’t exactly end the storyline. Instead, if felt suspended (I am sure there will be a trial). The author also didn’t end any of the other storylines. Instead, they will be continued into the other books.

I recommend Dark Horse to anyone over 16. There is violence and mild language, but there are no sexual situations. There is also talk of rape (off-page), depression, one scene of self-harm (cutting), and reckless behavior around horses.

Many thanks to Anne Hunter for allowing me to read and review Dark Horse. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

If you enjoyed this review of Dark Horse, then you will enjoy these books:

Other books by Ann Hunter:

Shadowed Visions (The Guardians: Book 6) by Reily Garrett

Publisher:

Date of publication: December 16th, 2022

Genre: Romance, Suspense, Paranormal

Series: The Guardians

Shadowed Horizons—Book 1 (review here)

Shadowed Origins—Book 2 (review here)

Shadowed Passages—Book 3

Shadowed Spirits—Book 4 (review here)

Shadowed Intent—Book 5 (review here)

Shadowed Visions—Book 6

Purchase Links—Kindle

Goodreads Synopsis:

Silver Wade has never been one to back down from a fight. Facing off against an organization imprisoning those with psychic abilities has become the biggest challenge of her life. The fact she’s also a shapeshifter would make her a unique specimen in their collection.

New to the world of spies and terrorism, she and her sister cross paths with three teens fighting to stay ahead of skilled assassins, intent on their demise.

Dacien McGreggor is well known among his peers for his calm demeanor in times of stress. When ex-detective Silver Wade crosses his path, his worldview is challenged.

Each member of the team is paired with another according to their psychic ability. Dacien and Silver must set aside their differences and work together in order to survive.

First Line:

Never had evil penetrated Colin’s skin, flowing through his pores as if the barrier of his flesh were instead a sieve.

Shadowed Visions by Reily Garrett

I was beyond excited when the author approached me to read/review Shadowed Visions. Why was I so excited? Well, Dacian was getting his HEA. I had waited for six books to see who his love interest was going to be, and it was in book five that the author gave a hint. It was a given that I would accept the invitation to this book. I have become invested in the storyline and characters. I also want to see what wild ride the author would take me on in this book.

Shadowed Visions is book six in The Guardians series. While you don’t need to read the first five books in the series, I highly recommend that you do. There is so much background in each book that missing one could mean missing something important. Side note: I didn’t read book three and needed clarification about what was happening for a good part of book four. So, read the previous books.

Shadowed Visions is a fast-paced book that takes place mainly in Florida. Where in Florida, you ask? The Everglades. The author pained a perfect picture of just how deadly The Everglades was. One of the secondary characters, Colin (who has a fantastic ability), was attacked by a panther and left for dead. The other location that Shadowed Visions take place in is Connecticut. There are also talks about visiting the other group in Pennsylvania, but the author did not take us there.

Shadowed Visions is Dacian and Silver’s story. The fight against the organization that hunts down talented individuals and captures them is still intense. Silver, who is the last of Kiera’s siblings to be found, is a panther shifter who is an adrenaline junkier. She never backs down from a challenge. Nikolai has paired her with Dacian, who can control energy. They are tasked with finding the organization’s last American stronghold, kidnapping talented people, and experimenting on them. When looking for a group of teenagers lost in The Everglades, Silver contacts a large group of panther shifters. It is then that the last part of a prophecy is realized. Can Silver bring the shifters and the psychics together? Or will she choose a side? And what about her new relationship with Dacian? Can it survive the upheavals going on around them?

As with the last five books, Shadowed Visions characters were wonderfully written. Even the secondary character had a depth to them that I was surprised to find out. It made for a more fleshed-out and exciting book.

  • Silver—I didn’t get a chance to get to know her in the last book (Wade’s book). What I saw of her, I liked. She was headstrong, loyal to a fault, an adrenaline junkie, and independent. She was still a little wary of the family she found, but that was understandable. For years, it was just her and Wade. When the panther shifters showed up, I thought she would leave to stay with them. I wasn’t surprised by what she chose, though. I also loved her interactions with Dacian.
  • Dacian—I was so excited that Sparky was getting his match. I paired them up in book five and couldn’t wait to see what adventure they would lead me on. I do wish that the author had revealed more about his background. But that didn’t cut into my enjoyment of reading his story. 

Shadowed Visions fit perfectly in the romantic suspense genre. The romance was a little low-key, but with what was going on in the book, I agreed with it. And the suspense angle was terrific too!! Those two genres are among my favorites to read.

The storyline with Silver, the prophecy, the shifters, and the psychics was interesting. I figured out what would happen around the middle of the book (when Gabe allowed Dacian and others into the compound). But it was still fun reading up to it. Of course, there was a neat twist at the end, where the author revealed something HUGE. Huge as in, certain someone showed up. And the way this person did it was epic. It explained something that had bugged me since book 1. And now I know how the next romance is going to be!!

The storyline with Silver, Dacian, and their romance was sweet. Like I said above, the romance was a little low-key, but with everything happening, I didn’t expect it to be a big showy thing. It wouldn’t have made sense.

The storyline with Roth, the organization, the kidnappings, and the family were not what I expected. I got a significant insight into why Roth was the way he was (spoiler: it was unfortunate) and why he was going to the lengths to destroy his sister and her family. I loved seeing where the organization was holding the kidnapped people, finally being brought down. But then someone said, in America, and it made me wonder, were there other facilities around the world? Would the teams have to travel to release those people? Food for thought there.

I had questions about some secondary storylines that were seemingly left open. The main one was about Colin’s brother and Mary. I was trying to figure out if Silver and Dacian had found him. I know they found his girlfriend’s body, but with how his storyline ended, I figured he wasn’t found. I sure hope that he shows up in the next book. His ability to hold his breath for hours could be a game-changer for the group. The one with Mary seemed to have ended, but she’ll be back. People like her don’t go away quietly.

The end of Shadowed Visions left me very excited. As I said above, a twist in one of the storylines revealed someone I hoped the author would announce. With Roth being back in the picture, I think the next book will be the climax of the series. But I also have a slight, niggling feeling that what happened to Roth in the past wasn’t what it seemed. Maybe someone is showing up unexpectedly? I know this; I can’t wait to read the next book!!

I recommend Shadowed Visions to anyone over 21. There is no sex, but there is language and violence.

I want to thank Reily Garrett for allowing me to read and review Shadowed Visions. All opinions expressed in this review are mine.

If you enjoyed reading Shadowed Visions, you will enjoy reading these books:

Once and Always (Blackhawk Security: Book 6) by Margaret Watson

Publisher: Dragonfly Press

Date of publication: August 2nd, 2022

Genre: Romance, Suspense, Mystery, Thriller

Series: Blackhawk Security

With One Breath—Book 1 (review here)

Once Removed—Book 2 (review here)

Once Burned—Book 3 (review here)

Fool Me Once—Book 4 (review here)

Just This Once—Book 5 (review here)

Once and Always—Book 6

Purchase Links: Amazon

Goodreads Synopsis:

Zoe was still in high school when she saw her father shot dead by a classmate obsessed with her, and then still a kid, witnessed the killer’s sentencing. A horrible tragedy, but now, thirteen years later, she’s thoroughly rebooted her life.

She’s the CEO of her own cyber security company, a celebrity in her field, and a speaker in high demand.

She’s just the kind of strong, self-reliant woman who can take care of herself in any situation.

Except the one she’s in.

She’s got a stalker.

And she already knows he’s a killer.

Given her background, Zoe knows instantly that she needs protection and she knows how to get it—her sister Mel’s the owner of Blackhawk Security.

But trust Mel to send Spence Flynn, the one agent Zoe can’t be alone with, but not because they don’t get along. It’s because attraction sizzles between the two of them like runaway electricity. And because they both know the last thing a body guard should do is get into a relationship with his principal.

It’s unethical and dangerous.

But how are they supposed to fight this thing? Spoiler: Good intentions suffer a knockout in the first round. And then, to the delight of the reader, the earth moves in the most delicious way.

Meanwhile, Zoe’s stalker is still sending her charms from a bracelet he stole from her thirteen years ago, the scariest being a heart he’s had engraved with both their names. Unnerving enough– and then he starts dropping off lunch for her, tailing her in a white Subaru, and trying to break into her condo.

Spence has his hands full in more than one way. And Zoe has a public appearance coming up. The perfect time for a stalker to strike.

First Line:

His heart racing, Ethan Davies slowed his steps as he neared Zoe’s locker.

Once and Always by Margaret Watson

If you have been following my blog long enough, I have a few authors I review regularly. Margaret Watson is one of them. I am a big fan of her books, and I always accept the invitation to review them when it comes to my email. When the invite for Once and Always appeared in my inbox, it was a no-brainer that I would accept.

Once and Always had an exciting plotline. At 18, Zoe witnessed her father killed by an obsessed classmate, and then she had to go through a trial. Thirteen years later, she has moved on with her life until she starts receiving packages. Those packages contain charms from a bracelet she lost around the time her father was killed, and only one person could have it—Ethan, her former stalker who killed her father. Contacting her sister, who owns Blackhawk Security, she is assigned a bodyguard until Ethan is caught. But when she sees who it is, she is slightly concerned. Zoe has been thirsting after Spence since he helped Nico the year before. The feelings are mutual, but Spence is there for a job: to protect Zoe from Ethan until he is caught. Will that happen? And will Zoe and Spence give in to their mutual attraction?

Once and Always is book 6 in the Blackhawk Security series. Once and Always can be read as a stand-alone book. But I suggest reading the first five books before picking this one up. That way, you know who the secondary characters are that are mentioned in Once and Always.

I will put a trigger warning on this review. The author did take great care to show sympathy and understanding for Ethan and made several references to mental illness reform (mainly about the facility he was held at for five years) and knowledge. There are mentions of attempted kidnapping. There are also talks about Ethan’s mental illness, and the author does show how he spiraled back into his delusions after his mother died. But, if these trigger you, I suggest not reading this book.


I did not expect to find sympathy for Ethan. The villains in most books are pure evil. But Ethan, well, he was different. The things he did to Zoe were terrible; there is no question about that, but knowing that he suffered a relapse after his mother’s death did soften my stance on him. The scenes in the cabin only cemented my opinion of him. I also liked that Zoe and Spence understood that after the fact. Their actions at the end of the book (which was discussed after the cabin) were proof of that.

I liked Zoe. She was a strong, opinionated, outspoken woman who knew her worth. Being a tech company CEO in an industry with few women shaped her. What also shaped her was what happened to her as a teenager. How could it not? I loved reading her scenes because she was always on point. She wasn’t afraid to share her feelings, even if she knew that the other person didn’t return them (the scene with Ron comes to mind, and a scene with Spence towards the end of the book).

I liked Spence, but I wanted to smack him at various times during the book. He was great at his job and would do anything to keep Zoe safe. But he wasn’t too good with personal skills or sharing his feelings. I did agree with him that they (him and Zoe) needed space, but I didn’t agree with how he phrased it. Also, I didn’t particularly appreciate how he treated Zoe after the scenes at the cabin. I talked out loud to the book and said, “Dude, you seriously didn’t say that to her!!” Spence had a lot of baggage he needed to lose, and I was afraid he would miss that ship with Zoe.

The secondary characters did make the book. These secondary characters flushed the book out and made the plotline more interesting to read.

I enjoyed the romance angle of Once and Always. There was a bit of Insta Love, but it was easy to overlook. It was an easy romance to read, and I liked knowing (well, for the most part) how Zoe and Spence would end up.

The sexual tension between Zoe and Spence was immediate from the beginning. It didn’t take long for them to end up in bed. The author raised the pressure by just having them look at each other. I loved it. I was a little meh about Zoe being a screamer during sex. She made Spence’s ears ring the first time she climaxed and every time after that. All I could think was, “What was her downstairs neighbors thinking” and “I hope the apartment is soundproof”….lol.

The mystery angle of Once and Always was also well written. It wasn’t too much of a mystery about who was sending the charms and why. The mystery, to me, was if Ethan would grab Zoe and when. The author gave several false leads, and I was kept on edge, wondering if it would happen.

The suspense angle was intertwined with the mystery angle. The author did a great job of keeping guessing at when (and if) Ethan was going to capture Zoe. I also was kept on edge by Spence and his decisions.

The end of Once and Always did bring tears to my eyes. While I was sad about how it ended, I loved how Zoe and Spence brought awareness to mental illness. I loved how the author wrapped up Zoe and Spence’s storyline. I am not sure who will be featured in book 7 (if there is a book 7), but if I had to guess, it would be Mel and her business partner. Either way, I am looking forward to it.

I would recommend Once and Always to anyone over 21. There are graphic sex, language, and violence. There are also the trigger warnings that I posted above.

My Fair Queen: Allies of the Fae Realm (Paranormal Misfits: Book 6) by C.J. Anaya

Book Cover

Publisher:

Date of publication: August 31st 2021

Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy

Series: Paranormal Misfits

My Fair Assassin—Book 1 (Review Here)

My Fair Traitor—Book 2

My Fair Imposter—Book 3

My Fair Invader—Book 4

My Fair Princess—Book 5

My Fair Queen—Book 6

Purchase Links: Amazon

Goodreads Synopsis:

It’s not every day an obscure orphan girl becomes a fae queen.

Crysta and her companions have found the diadem and stone, but just when it looks like the tide has finally shifted in their favor, Crysta is sucked into Terise’s sleeping curse with no way of escape and nowhere to hide from Titania’s ruthless attacks.

And now she is permanently bonded…to the wrong fated mate.

Jareth is not only heartbroken at the loss of his fated mate bond, his mating frenzy is in overdrive, preventing him from functioning. He and Kheelan must overcome their differences if they hope to free Crysta, but they are faced with more setbacks as Titania takes faerie captives by the hundreds, building her army and growing her powers.

And the diadem, the key to Moridan and Titania’s undoing?

Tainted by Titania’s curse.

But a cursed relic isn’t the only surprise the wicked queen has in store for Crysta. The battle for control over the minds and hearts of the fae is one Titania intends to win by any means necessary.

Can Crysta and Jareth unite the Unseelie and Seelie Courts before Titania and Moridan destroy the Fae Realm?

First Line:

“Oberon will never allow this,” Titania said, pacing the floor of her bedroom, her tears flowing as she thought of her sons, their bodies torn in battle.

My Fair queen by c.j. anaya

I have said this on my blog before, and I repeat it, I don’t particularly appreciate picking a book up halfway through or at the end of a series. I feel that I am missing out on storylines and character arcs. Unfortunately, I did feel the same way about My Fair Queen, but the author did do a fantastic job of slipping in background stories of the secondary and main characters. So I didn’t feel that out of sync with the book.

My Fair Queen is the last book in the Paranormal Misfits series. It cannot be read as a standalone book. If you do (like I did), you will be left feeling that you missed out on something important (like I did).

The pace of My Fair Queen was lightning fast. Everything happens within a couple of days of the books starting. There is some lag towards the middle of the book (when everyone has a chance to breathe for a minute), but it didn’t affect how I enjoyed the book.

It did take me a little while to get into My Fair Queen. I want to say I started to get interested when Crysta and her friends go visit the vampires. Then the book got interesting.

The storyline with Titania was heartbreaking. The author does reveal why Titania did what she did at the beginning of the book. For the author to get me to feel pity for the bad guy is good writing.

The storyline with Crysta, Jareth, and Keelan was sad also. There were references to what Keelan did to Crysta and Jareth (and I don’t know if I could forgive and forget). There were also references to why Keelan’s fated mate has bonded to another (again, another sad story). That storyline was resolved at the end of the book. But there were some things left up in the air. It makes me wonder if there will be a series with Keelan in it.

There is some mild language in My Fair Queen. I didn’t mind that, but some people do, so the warning. There are also some heavy petting situations with Jareth and Crysta. There is sex, but that is during the last chapters of the book. It isn’t graphic, but you know what they’re doing.

The end of My Fair Queen was exciting. I loved the big showdown between Crysta and Titania. I also loved how Crysta defeated Titania. The same with the battle scene between Jareth and his father. The author wrapped up those storylines, but I have some questions that the author didn’t answer in this book.

I would recommend My Fair Queen to anyone over the age of 16. There is violence, mild gore, and language. There are also some kissing scenes and one sex scene.

Love You To Death (Moonlight & Murder: Book 6) by Reily Garrett

Book Cover

Publisher:

Date of publication: June 25th, 2021

Genre: Mystery, Romance

Series: Moonlight & Murder Series

Shifting Targets—Book 0.1

A Critical Tangent—Book 1 (Review Here)

Pivotal Decisions—Book 2

Seeds of Murder—Book 3

An Unlikely Grave—Book 4

Deadly Interception—Book 5 (Review Here)

Love You to Death—Book 6

Purchase Links: Amazon

Format Read: Unedited ARC

Received From: Author

Goodreads Synopsis:

Four young women leave their dorm for a night of fun… then vanish. Each holds a unique talent with a promising career post-graduation.

FBI agent Taylor Winston and her K9 partner track the latest victim of a failed kidnapping through the Allegheny Mountains. The case, given lower priority due to lack of evidence linking to prior victims, heats up when the killer sets his sights on acquiring the federal agent.

Veteran Dylan Fitzpatrick relocates to a remote cabin to avoid the good intentions of well-meaning friends. Fresh air, forest, nature. They soothe the soul—until a scream shatters his peaceful solitude.
When a Texan spitfire suspects Dylan is the clever killer behind multiple kidnappings, he delves into a world of lies and deceit, betrayal and unwanted attraction.

Timing is crucial as he protects the strong-willed dynamo with a target on her back.

First Line:

Thick clouds created patchwork shadows on the hills straddling the valley.

Love You to Death by Reily Garrett

I was excited to see that Reily Garrett had released another book in her Moonlight & Murder series. I was even more excited when Reily approached me to review Love You To Death. I immediately said yes. I am glad that I did. Love You To Death is a well-written, fast-moving romantic suspense that I couldn’t put down.

Love You To Death is the 6th book in the Moonlight & Murder series. I recommend reading the previous books in the series but only to get the backstories of the characters mentioned in the book. Other than that, readers can read this book as a standalone.

Love You To Death got off to an explosive start. The book was on fire from the first chapter, where Amelia is drugged and transported somewhere. The author was able to keep that fast pace up for the entire book. There was no lag, and in fact, the plotline ramped up even more towards the end of the book.

I had liked Dylan in Deadly Deceptions, and I loved him in this book. He dealt with everything that came at him with a calm that I know I wouldn’t have. After a rocky start, he was dedicated to keeping Taylor safe. I also loved that he had healed enough from his girlfriend’s death to move on. He had suffered greatly in Deadly Deceptions, and it fitted that he got his happy ending.

I didn’t like Taylor at the beginning of Love You To Death. She came across as very abrasive during that first meeting. I mean, there was a young man with Amelia who was mentally incapacitated (I assumed he had Downs Syndrome, but I could be wrong), and she allowed her K9 to bite him. On top of that, she refused to listen to Dylan and had him tagged as the attacker. Her only reason: He was at the scene when she arrived, and why would he be there (dismissing his claim that he was hiking and heard Amelia scream). She stonewalled anyone who tried to tell her that he couldn’t have done it and dismissed people that told her otherwise. It wasn’t until the middle of the book that I started to have a change of heart. By the end of the book, I liked her and had come to understand her a little better.

Keeping in mind how I felt about Taylor, I did think that she and Dylan had chemistry. The author didn’t spend a lot of time with their sex scenes, but they were hot (just not graphic). I understood why she did it. The plotline with the kidnapping and the investigation was the main focus of the book.

Speaking of the main plotline, I loved it. I couldn’t figure out who it was, and the red herrings that were thrown out, worked. The author kept me guessing at who was kidnapping the co-eds while sneaking in chapters with the kidnapper.

The end of Love You To Death was terrific. I was surprised at who the kidnapper was (the author answered the why of that earlier in the book). The author also left with a mini-cliffhanger. I didn’t mind it because I believe it leads into the next book.

Love You To Death is a well-written romantic suspense novel. I couldn’t put it down.

I would recommend Love You To Death to anyone over the age of 21. There is violence, mild language, and sexual situations.