Category Archives: Fantasy

#Review – Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic (Dowser Series Book 3) by Meghan Ciana Doidge

I hadn’t set foot in the human world for more than a few hours in over three and a half months. Sure, I was stronger and faster than I’d ever been before, and I had a shiny new sword, but I was seriously chocolate deprived. I don’t recommend quitting cold turkey. And the new sword was a problem — to my mind, anyway. It represented all the expectations of a powerful father and a new otherworldly life. A life that wasn’t the one I’d worked so hard to build. It also represented the responsibility I had to bring my foster sister Sienna to … what? Justice? I didn’t know if that was even possible. What I did know was that Sienna wouldn’t stop, and that I couldn’t just leave everything up to fate and destiny … or maybe I was. Maybe I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing. If you believed in that sort of thing. I just hoped that before the chaos and mayhem renewed, I’d manage to get my hands on some chocolate. It didn’t even have to be single-origin Madagascar. I was utterly prepared to lower my standards.

Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic is the third book in the Dowser series, which is set in the same universe as the Oracle, Reconstructionist, Amplifier, Archivist, and Misfits of the Adept Universe series. While it is not necessary to read all the series, in order to avoid spoilers the ideal reading order of the Adept Universe begins with Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1).

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

 

Twinsie Kelly’s Review

Whew! Jade learns so much but still needs to learn to trust herself.

“Nothing happens without purpose. It is just the why that is obscured.”

The path that Jade takes from book 2 to book 3 was different than I anticipated but we do get to meet a new friend!  This is quite a different adventure than the first two books, however we are still trying to chase Sienna and her chaotic craziness. The web that the author weaves for the plot is very intricate and done very well. There were a lot more emotional events in this book than I was expecting. There is still the usual wit and banter but it is definitely more emotional. This story brings ALL the Adepts together for a common cause. However, there are more questions. Something still doesn’t feel quite right. I am still not quite convinced that Sienna can be defeated. Even with everyone’s help, I just couldn’t quite shake that uneasy feeling. I am hoping that Jade’s backbone gets a bit stronger because she is still a little too naïve for me. We will see.

 

Meghan Ciana Doidge profile image

Meghan Ciana Doidge writes tales of true love conquering all, even death. Though sometimes the love is elusive, the vampires and werewolves come out to play in the daylight, and bloody mayhem ensues.

#Review #Audiobook – The Reign of the Anti-Santas: A Christmas misadventure for grownups by Colin Dodds

Rudolph’s in a Cadillac, Santa’s in hiding and Christmas itself is being bought and sold with the fate of the world at stake. The Reign of the Anti-Santas tells how Christmas fell into the hands of Santa’s spoiled kids, low-level gangsters, faded TV-movie heartthrobs, tech bros and lifestyle gurus, and what happens when one elf and an old Santa on the lam step up – against all odds – to save the day.

A raunchy thrill ride through seventy Christmas Eves, The Reign of the Anti-Santas is Goodfellas meets ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – just in time to wash the candy-cane taste out of your mouth, get Mariah Carey out of your ears, and change how you see December 25th forever!

  • “Verdict: Get It” – Kirkus Reviews
  • Runner Up, 2023 Best Contemporary Fiction – Indies Today Awards
  • Silver Award, Seasonal/Holiday Fiction – Reader Views Annual Literary Awards
  • Finalist, Humor – Foreword Indies Book of the Year
  • Finalist, Literary Fiction – Literary Global Book Awards
  • Finalist, Cross-Genre – Literary Global Book Awards
  • IndieReader Approved
  • IndieReader Books of the Month List

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“(A) memorable fictional cosmos… Underneath the sharp wit, however, is a profound cautionary tale about the slippery slope between the sacred and profane… Dodds artfully couples uproarious comedy with deadly serious cultural commentary. An engrossing novel that’s both hilarious and insightful.” – Kirkus Reviews (Verdict: Get It)

“(A) fascinating fable… as modernity takes its toll on Christmas… among the more cynical story beats are moments of introspection that cut deep. It’s a meaningful and strangely beautiful read… a compelling story of life, human nature, and at least one of the meanings of Christmas.” – IndieReader (4.5/5 STARSIndieReader ApprovedIndieReader Books of the Month List

“(A) unique and audacious Christmas tale that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride… truly captivating… a fully realized universe of elves with a rich history and culture… challenges our preconceptions of Christmas and invites us to ponder the true essence of the holiday.”– Book Commentary (5/5 STARS)

“(A) potent combination of dark humor, satire, and even tragedy” – Readers’ Favorite Reviews (5/5 STARS)

“If you’re looking for meaning, there is plenty to be found, and if you crave satire, there is none better. Even if you’re just looking for a fun twist on some beloved traditions, you’ll be glad you picked up this unconventional elf-noir holiday extravaganza… A holiday parody for the ages…” – Indies Today (5/5 STARS)

“The transition of Christmas history becomes an immersive and captivating read… joy and laughter in this witty and thought-provoking narrative.” – Lit Global Reviews (5/5 STARS)

“If you’re looking for meaning, there is plenty to be found, and if you crave satire, there is none better. Even if you’re just looking for a fun twist on some beloved traditions, you’ll be glad you picked up this unconventional elf-noir holiday extravaganza… A holiday parody for the ages…” – Indies Today (5/5 STARS)

“Dodds has crafted the perfect book that just may change your perspective on the holiday… fresh perspective and wit are what drive the story… a coming-of-age story for us all.” – Reader Views (5/5 STARS)

“(A) romp through the season that will delight adult readers… a vivid plot that keeps readers laughing, guessing, and thinking, make The Reign of the Anti-Santas a top recommendation” – Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

 

Twinsie Kelly’s Review

Ok, this is definitely for the grown-ups and those of us with a satirical sense of humor, not for the faint of heart. I listened to this in audio format and the narrator hit it out of the park! The story is told from an elf’s point of view from waaaay back in the day when he was younger. He accidentally ends up in Santa’s sleigh and ends up helping deliver toys that Christmas. However, NO ONE helps Santa deliver toys. This is where these two forge a special bond. But just like with everything, even magical Christmas, it costs money. Then you follow this elf throughout his life. He talks about how the blue-collar elves work, how some of the elves turn into Pine trees, big business/mafia comes in and takes over Christmas, elves fleeing the North Pole, Rudolph owning dealerships and driving a Cadillac. Sex, drugs, gambling, and MONEY! This story is so over the top in some areas that you just have to keep going to see what else this author is going to come up with. I feel like calling it a trainwreck that you can’t stop watching is not a good way to describe it but in some ways that is the only way that I can describe it. I found myself hurrying to turn the audio back on so I could find out what else was going to happen. It was just insanity ALL THE TIME! Over many, many years this special elf becomes THE elf that ultimately helps to save Christmas. There were laughs, there were gasps, but there was a happily ever-ish end to the story. You just have to read it!

 

Colin Dodds profile image

Colin Dodds is an award-winning author and filmmaker, whose works include Pharoni, Ms. Never and The 6th Finger of Tommy the Goose. He grew up in Massachusetts and lived in California briefly, before finishing his education in New York City. Since then, he’s made his living as a journalist, editor, copywriter and video producer. His work has appeared in Gothamist, The Washington Post and more than three hundred other publications, and been praised by luminaries such as David Berman and Norman Mailer. Forget This Good Thing I Just Said, a first-of-its-kind literary and philosophical experience (the book form of which was a finalist for the Big Other Book Prize for Nonfiction), is available as an app for the iPhone. He lives in New York City, with his wife and children.

#Review – Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic (Dowser Series Book 2) by Meghan Ciana Doidge

Three months ago, I lost my foster sister, Sienna, to the darkness. As in blood magic and chaos and general mayhem. No one saw it until it was too late, but I should have. Now, I have a wounded heart and soul that I can’t even reveal to anyone around me, because I’m supposed to hate Sienna with the fiery passion of the justified. And I do. I just wish I didn’t feel so lost without her, so unsure of the path I thought I had carved for myself, and so outclassed by the powerful Adepts constantly by my side these days. I’m not even sure if they’re with me for my own protection or because my shiny new powers are rare and valuable. Assuming I ever figure out who or what I am, and how my magic actually works. Even chocolate can’t save the day every time … just most of the time. At least I’ve got that going for me.

Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic is the second book in the Dowser series, which is set in the same universe as the Oracle, Reconstructionist, Amplifier, Archivist, and Misfits of the Adept Universe series. While it is not necessary to read all the series, in order to avoid spoilers the ideal reading order of the Adept Universe begins with Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1).

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

 

Twinsie Kelly’s Review

I was completely hooked after reading Trinkets, Treasures, and other Bloody Magic that I jumped headfirst right into Book 2. Well, Sienna is gone and Jade is working to practice her magic. She continues to be extremely frustrated as everyone seems to be one step ahead of her. There are still lots of questions to be answered…a rare magical species is found, a life debt that is acting up, and then there are the families that are so full of loyalty, love and half-truths. Now a sorcerer wants to use her. The question is whether he wants to use her for good or evil. I really enjoyed the first book and couldn’t wait to get into the second book but the second didn’t go quite the way I thought it would. There were so many new characters that were introduced and then they just disappeared for a long time. You get a new plot with additional information about Jade’s past that then finally brings some answers. The ending really had my head spinning. It definitely wasn’t what I was expecting, and I honestly am not sure I am 100% behind where the story is going. I plan to continue the journey to at least the third book before I make any final decisions because I am very curious what happens next. This has definitely taken some twists and turns that were very unexpected.

 

Meghan Ciana Doidge profile image

Meghan Ciana Doidge writes tales of true love conquering all, even death. Though sometimes the love is elusive, the vampires and werewolves come out to play in the daylight, and bloody mayhem ensues.

#Review – Fallen Gods (Fallen Gods 1) by Rachel Van Dyken

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

They said the Gods were myth. That the Giants were only stories told around dying fires. They lied.

The Gods aren’t dead—they’re only sleeping, locked in mortal bodies, scattered across the world, waiting for the right spark to wake them. And my father is the most ruthless of them all.

He raised me to obey. To bleed. To be his blade when the time came. Now he’s sending me to Endir University, a place filled with ancient bloodlines and deadly secrets, to steal back Mjolnir, the hammer of legend. If I fail, everyone I love dies.

I’m always impressed by authors who can create these types of worlds. My sister is the same way and I’m always bugging her to write a book. So kudos to you authors! This is also my first Rachel Van Dyken book that I’ve read even though I’ve “known” her for years.

As for this book. I really enjoyed it. I’m not a huge enemies to lovers reader. No reason really. It’s just not a trope I search for when picking up a book. But I enjoyed it in this one.

I loved the mythology parts and I’m always fascinated by those topics.

We meet Rey who is assigned a mission by her dear old dad and she has a week to do it. What could go wrong right?

Then we meet Aric, who’s a sleeping giant and is grumpy and miserable and I was digging it.

This book had quite a few twists and turns that I couldn’t predict.

I can’t wait for book two and I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

One click – https://amzn.to/4qBkG0I

#review #audiobook #whychoose Bitter Brambles (Ivy Institute 2) by Albany Walker narrated by Brooke and Jake Bordeaux

I expected to die as soon as I stepped foot into the Ivy Institute, but dying would have been too easy.

Nothing at The Ivy is quite what it seems. Not the enigmatic demon whose touch kills everyone he touches, yet somehow saved my life the first day I arrived. Nor the dark deity combat instructor who vows to train me to survive the Undertaking. A deadly game held to entertain the Gods he’s forsaken.

The headmistress brought me here to be her secret weapon. She made it clear if I can’t be useful, I’ll be dead. When I’m torn from The Ivy and my mates, I’m certain she’s responsible.

Huddled in the icy cliffs of Mount Nivei lies Frostburn Institute where the cold will kill you nearly as fast as its inhabitants.

Death seems inevitable, until an unlikely ally makes himself known.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221312795-bitter-brambles

 

i was given this audiobook from the author for an honest review

After arriving at Ivy, Briar was starting to get a bit comfortable she’s now got not 1 mate but 2 one she has fully attached to and the other just emotional. while working on her fighting next thing she knows it was black, she was bit by a snake and on the verge of dying, then she was traded to a new cold institute. both of her mates are fuming not knowing where she was and not being able to know how to get her back. Briar just wants to survive and after proving herself different, in the meantime she not only was discovering that she had some powers that she didnt know she had, she also now mated to a wolf shifter as well as her 2 back at the Ivy. this girl has her hands full while just trying to survive. the audio book was great and the story is just as good.

Albany lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her high school sweetheart. She spends most of her time juggling her four children’s extracurricular activities, with her nose stuck in a book. When not reading you can find her writing her very own book boyfriends. Albany’s passion is writing romance with real characters that are far from perfect, but always seem to find their own happily ever afters.

#review #audiobook #whychoose Tender Thorns (Ivy Institute 1) by Albany Walker Duet Narration by Bridget and Jake Bordeaux

Nestled in the shadows of the Mori Forest lies The Ivy Institute. It may look like something out of a fairytale, but if the rumors are true, it’s where nightmares reign.

The only way to get into the elite facility is by invitation and, once received, it’s impossible to refuse.

They were never supposed to know I existed, yet here I am, walking toward the only place that might be more dangerous to me than where I grew up.

Secrets shroud the institute and its inhabitants, but I have secrets too. Secrets that will get me killed…or worse.

I guess I’m about to find out.

Please note: Tender Thorns is a dark academia whychoose romance novel intended for mature audiences.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/206876665-tender-thorns

https://www.amazon.com/Tender-Thorns-Ivy-Institute-Book/dp/B0F6YVJH9L/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.r3_JPmfcWxPnsJAUUU0LuNR__fjbquzVOch-hc5mpj-tUgUZmnvs07-CXCg1nV-KZRo28eo0moTJohcikPLu8PPt_i9GoHOlXzHWIC_yfP1RAuFbmqOj8_FusXEJyDgnm4gsoOkV-7Im8eFbQ2mTPaQHZaPfWHeg7JxvKNUvbMWsvt7sQ8T-ckxFwgRYaCF75u7vyrlnlx-eJCXzeKlP4uGzi4W3RnK4kVZN4fNv7eDyGvS7XJSm_NCJzKZk3fK9NMTbG95YGxm3AO0DyxYEnMKKr9fd3vCh2RWo7AS7dKY.dmCEKPUYEraQt41fjFkKihHJYgMoayyPJ6T3A52GNI4&qid=1767971941&sr=8-4

i was giving this audiobook by the author for a honest review

Last week I received my invitation to The Ivy Institute to train with all the others like me or so I’m told, my father got greedy and used me as his cash cow. I was almost unstoppable so when I got my invitation I was dreading it. al the Ivy Institute we were the elite from witches, vampires, shifters, healers and almost any kind of supernatural being you could think of now I was one of them, at my new home where I hope I would learn about my powers and hopefully survive. in a new place where I’m granted privacy and respect, I’m not sure what to do with it but I’m hoping they too aren’t taking advantage of me. this was a great read it started out a little slower for me, but I had just finished a different genre, so it took me a while to get into it but once it picked up for me it was fantastic as usual.

Albany lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her high school sweetheart. She spends most of her time juggling her four children’s extracurricular activities, with her nose stuck in a book. When not reading you can find her writing her very own book boyfriends. Albany’s passion is writing romance with real characters that are far from perfect, but always seem to find their own happily ever afters.

#Review #AudioBook – Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser Series Book 1) by Meghan Ciana Doidge

If you’d asked me a week ago, I would have told you that the best cupcakes were dark chocolate with chocolate cream cheese icing, that dancing in a crowd of magic wielders — the Adept — was better than sex, and that my life was peaceful and uneventful. Just the way I liked it. That’s what twenty-three years in the magical backwater of Vancouver will get you — a completely skewed sense of reality. Because when the dead werewolves started showing up, it all unraveled … except for the cupcake part. That’s a universal truth.

Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic is the first book in the Dowser series, which is set in the same universe as the Oracle, Reconstructionist, Amplifier, Archivist, and Misfits of the Adept Universe series. While it is not necessary to read all the series, in order to avoid spoilers the ideal reading order of the Adept Universe begins with Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1).

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

 

Kelly’s Review

This book! Listen to it, trust me, you will be hooked!

In my opinion, a narrator can make or break a story for me. The narrator did a fantastic job of capturing the main character, Jade, but was also able to take on the other characters as well. The narrator hooked me! There are times when it takes me a while to finish an audio book because I am just not that invested in them. I found myself making time to listen. I was like, I NEED MORE!

The characters and world building were well developed. Jade and Sienna bickered and bantered like most siblings which would bring a smile to your face because you can imagine doing this with your own sibling(s). The vampires and wolves….Let me tell you something. There is a death that I did not see coming and completely threw me off my game. For that, I applaud the author because it is hard to surprise me with something like this and I love a twist like this! (claps loudly)

This series is so much different than the normal paranormal vamps, werewolves, and witches. It is so much more. It is fun to listen to with its witty banty and mystery. Highly recommend!

 

Meghan Ciana Doidge profile image

Meghan Ciana Doidge writes tales of true love conquering all, even death. Though sometimes the love is elusive, the vampires and werewolves come out to play in the daylight, and bloody mayhem ensues.

#WOTR26 #Review – Dumpster Fire by Jay Leigh Brown

Secrets. Lies. Betrayal. I have no one to trust.

A simple job from a sweet ghost sends my life into a tailspin.

I’m racing against the stepsons of the most powerful Seer in Grand Rapids. And they will do anything to get what I’m looking for.

I should have let them have it.

Unfortunately, I’m not capable of going back on my word.

Now, with an extra job, two insanely hot jerks, and a cascade of secrets, I can no longer trust my best friend. I’m on the run, my magic is on the fritz, my life is in danger, and there is no one I can trust. All I have to do is deliver my package, keep my magic hidden, and stay off the radar of the most powerful Seer in the city without the help of my best friend.

I am Salem Teller and I never miss my mark, even when the odds are stacked against me.

*** This is a why choose enemies to lovers romance. The guys are not cinnamon rolls and Salem is no lady. It’s a tough world they are navigating, and the folks and magic that reside in it are not always nice. Please visit my group or contact me for a specific list of things that some may find painful.***

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

 

Kelly’s Review

I picked this book up purely because of the book name and cover. I mean, Dumpster Fire? Come on? Who is not intrigued by that title? The cover is hot! And if you turn the page, Dump, the raccoon, is on the inside!

Enough about why I picked up the book and the cover. The story is soooooo great! This world that the author has built is original. A breath of fresh air! The throuple in this story are all hard headed in their own ways, all with their own agenda, and everyone…I mean EVERYONE has a secret. The types of magic users and types of magic being used differ than what most of us are used to and it is incredible!

As the story progresses and secrets start to unravel, the dumpster fire starts to burn hotter and hotter. Dump, Salem’s raccoon familiar, is so amazing!  It’s wonderful when they (Salem, Raine, and Reese) realize it is okay to break when you’ve found the right people to put you back together again.

There are a ton of twists and turns around every corner. One of the best things about the book is the comedy that breaks all the drama up. You will laugh, you will want to punch someone, you will want to give Salem a hug, and then back away because Raine or Reese have it taken care of (wink wink). Oh, and wait until you experience the library! The freaking LIBRARY!

 

Jay Leigh Brown profile image

Jay Leigh likes all the beverages both alcoholic and caffeinated. She hates seafood and pumpkin spice and adores every flavor and genre of fine men and books. She resides in the wilderness of Michigan, boating and camping all summer, writing all winter. She’s a decent photographer and shamelessly purchases all things dachshund. A prolific breeder, she has a huge family, having far more than the allotted 2.2 children with the hottie who put a ring on it. One day she hopes to hang up her stethoscope permanently, and spend all her time palpating nothing but her shiny new retro keyboard. Dreaming in stories, she wants nothing more than to drown both your face and your panties with her words.

#Review – Vicious Fae (Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac Book 3) by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

The King will fall.

While I continue my hunt for the Fae who killed my brother, I have to try to keep my heart away from the vicious boys who could be responsible for his death.

But as my investigation leads me down a dangerous road and answers seem closer than ever before, I’m whisked away to the elite school, Zodiac Academy, with the four Kings, and my heart becomes more vulnerable than ever.

There are so many secrets left to uncover, and I sense something terrible is about to come to light.

But I’m in so deep to this dangerous labyrinth, what if this road only ends in blood?

The series continues with Elise trying to find her brother’s killer. Lots of excitement, drama and tension between her and her guys.

BUT we finally get a scene between Ryder, Dante and Elise and holy crap on a cracker. It was what I had been waiting for. I loved every bit of it.

I am sad how the book ended and I hope things change. There’s still two more books, so who knows what’s going to happen. I can’t really say without giving some major spoilers but wow, what a ride.

Can be read in Kindle Unlimited – https://amzn.to/4lU3HVN

#Review #LittleMermaidEasterEggs – Fathoms Below (Short Story Bundle) by Ava Cuvay

FATHOMS BELOW – A Short Story Bundle Drenched with Romance
Under the sea, Atlantia’s mer-creatures are devoting full time to floating… and falling in love.

– BETTER WHERE IT’S WETTER
Ariel LaRue assumes the sexy merman pictured on the lake house is “just art.” Then a violent storm topples her into his arms, and she discovers the ocean isn’t the only thing that gets her wet.

– KISS THE GIRL
Mako, a young Sharkanian General, knows there’s more to life under the sea than hunting for food and waging war with the Atlantians. But he struggles against his own predatory nature until a gentle mermaid calms the savage hunger of his heart and tames his sharp bite.

– POOR UNFORTUNATE SOULS
Ursule has an uncanny knack for problem-solving which has earned him the grim moniker Sea Witch. Unfortunately, it doesn’t prevent pesky merpeople from approaching him with their problems. Until two captivating eel-maids invade his lair, wishing for nothing more than his company. And his talented tentacles.

– PART OF HIS WORLD
Prince Eric wasn’t always royalty. For that matter, he wasn’t always a merman.

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

 

Twinsie Kelly’s Review

This short story bundle set in Atlantia starts with Ariel housesitting and then being turned into a mermaid. “Be nice to the sharks, pretty mermaid. They’re not mean. They’re misunderstood.” It is Better Where It’s Wetter, I would never argue with that!

We then really get to meet Mako in Kiss the Girl. This is more of a grumpy sunshine type of story. He is the big bad Mako but what he doesn’t realize is that he is really a protector. Pearl brings this out in him. I am in love with Mako!

Next, we meet Ursule. He loathes everyone literally just wants to be left alone. However, when he meets Two Unfortunate Souls and realizes how badly they have been treated and starts empathizing with them as he treated others in the same manner. Ursule thinks he is dying because he starts feeling regret, LOL!

Each story will make you smile, roll your eyes a bit, and comes with a high level of steam that will leave certain areas boiling. Oh, and don’t forget the Little Mermaid Easter Eggs!!!!!

 

Ava Cuvay profile image

Ava Cuvay writes out of this world romance featuring sassy heroines, often-alien-but-always-sexy heroes, and an alcoholic beverage or two… Set in a galaxy far, far away. She resides in central Indiana, USA with her own scruffy-looking nerfherder, kiddos who are growing up without her permission, and two kitties that make her laugh. She believes life is too short to bother with negative people, everything is better with Champagne, and Han Solo shot first. When not writing, Ava is thinking about writing. Or wine. And she’s always thinking about bacon.