Category Archives: Fantasy

Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Part of a Series, Reverse Harem, Suspense, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR23 #Review – Within the Wonder (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 2) by A.K. Koonce

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Within the Wonder: A Reverse Harem Series (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 2) by [A.K. Koonce]

What happens when the woman you’re pretending to be stares you down face to face?

Things get awkward.

And deadly.

In Wonderland, there can only be one Alice. A series of absurd trials and dangerous games are the only way to solve who is the real Alice and who is the fake.

If I win, I’ll have the power to save two kingdoms. If I lose, it’ll be more than just the Hatter who’s lethally mad.

Fake it till you make it, right?

Let the Alice Trials begin. Welcome to Wonderland, bitches.

This is a reverse harem series recommended for readers 18 and over.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

HOLD THE PHONE! Whaaat? There’s another Alice! The real Alice? Now cue the Slim Shady music! Ok, so if you made it to the second book, you will completely, without a doubt, understand where I am coming from. At this point, we know that Madison’s vagina is not broken and will not be put up on a shelf to collect dust. Whew! That would be a horror story! But now we have possibly the real Alice. The real Wonderland is even crazier than in the first story. But I really love how the villains are so easy to hate AND fall for at the same time. Everyone has secrets and boy are they surfacing! And now that the harem is really happening, these men get frustrating as all get out! They all want to protect Madison, but by protecting her they are telling her what to do or not letting her in on what should be done.

“It’s like having an agnel and a devil being your voice of reason, except the angel thinks with his fu**ink cock, and the devil…also thinks entirely with his sinful cock.”

ACCURATE!

Oh, I am not sure why I go on with this review. I am on to find out what happens next. I suggest you stop reading this review and hurry on with reading this book!

Author Logo

A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She’s a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts.

Fantasy, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, YA

#Review – The Immutable Pact – Clara & Damien (Book 3): Delta Underground Operatives by Sarah Noffke

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The Immutable Pact - Clara & Damien (Book 3): Delta Underground Operatives by [Sarah Noffke]

Who knew that it would be voodoo that saved the world?

Clara and Damien know exactly how to take down the most sadistic man—Taz Kiera.

But that doesn’t mean it will be easy.

Actually, it will involve solving a series of complex riddles, hunting down magical items and risking their lives.

Oh, and employing a dark magic that could burn out their souls.

Luckily, Damien doesn’t have one as a vampire.

However, he is quickly learning he will do anything to protect the soul and heart of his partner, Clara Jordan.

Who knew that fighting evil would make two people fall in love?

But love also complicates everything!

Can this duo do what it takes to take down a power so fierce it could destroy humanity?

If they do, they win.
If they don’t, then everyone loses.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Voodoo, love, and….poltergeist? YUP!! And so much more! This might be my favorite of the series, just saying! This entire series has been quite fun, especially the banter between Clara and Damien. Opposites do attract! There is a rollercoaster of events that takes both of these through a series of “side-quests” in order to get to the big boss at the end. The best part is that these side-quests take each of them through a learning experience. It takes both of them out of the comfort zones to a point that they get super uncomfortable, but get some really great, and somewhat strange, takeaways. The shenanigans that they find themselves in will keep you turning the page to try and figure out what could possibly happen next. While I love Clara and Damien’s story and would enjoy continuing to follow them, I feel that this was the perfect ending to this part of their journey. I truly hope that Ms. Noffke finds some other story to insert these two in because a cameo would be amazing! And to the author, Sarah, THANK YOU for keeping me entertained!! You rock!

Author Logo

Sarah Noffke is a prolific USA Today Best-Selling Author, who writes YA and NA science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. Most of her stories draw on her experiences living on the West Coast, growing up in Texas or traveling the world.

Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected–like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.

Noffke’s books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.

To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com

For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide

Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Part of a Series, Reverse Harem, Review, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR23 #Review – Into the Madness (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 1) by A.K. Koonce

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Into the Madness: A Fantasy Romance Series (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 1) by [A.K. Koonce]

I didn’t fall into a place of wonder and madness. I was taken.

This world is a perfect, enchanting wonderland. The people here are just as alluring.

But we all have our secrets.

Like the white rabbit who’s leading a rebellion right under the King’s nose. Or the sweet March Hare who’s actually an enemy spy. Or my one true ally in all of this, a killer who’s so feared they won’t even say his real name.

As for me, I have more secrets than all of them combined. Because Wonderland is waiting for the beloved Alice Liddell.

And I’m just the bitch pretending to be her.

This is a reverse harem series, recommended for readers 18 and over.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Being the queen of bad decisions can feel reckless but relaxing at the same time. When you are going to mess up, you may as well do it proper-like. And this is how we meet Madison, our pretend Alice. She has quite the past. Then, one evening after she was terribly disappointed with her choice of man in an attempt to sow some wild oats, she finds herself in a mysterious world where all things are a bit wonky. One thing that I love about Madison is, even though the hand she was dealt was crap, she ends up being a fighter. This Wonderland is definitely a darker version than we are used to and the characters are very, very different. Madison even chuckles to herself throughout the book as she is putting together which person is who from the Alice in Wonderland fairytale that we all know. I was very intrigued as the story continued and pieces came together. There is a lot of angst, snark and wit. However, “Alice” (who is really Madison) is promised to another and these men cannot go any further with her. It is tension filled, but the wait is totally worth it because once the collision occurs, fireworks explode…and nooooot with you think it will be!!!! What I am saying here is, this is a must read. Stay tuned because I am going in for the next book!

Author Logo

A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She’s a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts.

Fantasy, Paranormal, Review, Sci Fi, Shifters, Suspense, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, YA

#Review – The Reluctant Assassins – Clara and Damien (Book 2): Delta Underground Operatives by Sarah Noffke

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The Reluctant Assassins : Clara and Damien (Delta Underground Operatives Book 2) by [Sarah Noffke]

Werewolves are the worst.

Especially a lone one…

Clara and Damien know they must bring down a rogue werewolf to get to his boss.

Taz Kiera must be stopped.

The mentalist has gone too far—abducting coma patients, siphoning their powers and abusing magic.

But to get to him, the unlikely pair of assassins are going to have to kill a rabid werewolf.

That won’t be easy, but it’s definitely going to be entertaining.

Vampires love killing werewolves.

Empaths don’t like hurting anyone.

But together, Clara and Damien must stop this evil before it goes too far and harms too many.

Can this duo join forces to stop a power so fierce it could destroy humanity?

If they do, they win.

If they don’t, then everyone loses.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

What a mindbender! Wait, mind melder is probably a better description. Clara is literally taking her mind on the riskiest journey ever and Damien can only be there to support her. Clara and Damien have had a moment to rest, but now it is time to regroup. Clara is struggling with the fact that she killed someone. Even though they were awful and that person didn’t care about life, Clara is still bothered by it. Damien can feel this, and he is unsure of how to actually help Clara. The longer these two work together, their connection, from the puddle and simply by being friends, grows so much stronger. This story really comes to life as they are working together like never before. Watching each other make sacrifices for each other and for the good of all humanity, is extremely humbling. They have to stop at nothing to stop Taz from siphoning power from the coma patients. This journey brings planning to an all new level and there is no more just letting things happen. There is plenty of action and tons of witty comebacks for our favorite duo, that will keep you completely invested in this story. Now, I am impatiently waiting for the next book. Thank you Sarah for keeping me entertained!

Author Logo

Sarah Noffke is a prolific USA Today Best-Selling Author, who writes YA and NA science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. Most of her stories draw on her experiences living on the West Coast, growing up in Texas or traveling the world.

Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected–like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.

Noffke’s books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.

To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com

For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide/

Fantasy, Paranormal, Review, Urban Fantasy/Urban Fiction

#Review – The Raven Sorceress by Bella Roccaforte

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The Raven Sorceress

Aisling gripped her phone staring at a message she thought she’d never see.

Her father left behind two things when he disappeared. A dagger that glows in moonlight and an amulet. Aisling has no use for either trinket her father bankrupted them to find. She never believed in his treasure hunts or his faith in the portal to fae. But when someone breaks in and almost kills her fighting for the dagger, she knows her father isn’t just off on one of his expeditions. He’s in danger. Now, so is she and sibling Alex. She’s dragged to the Fae realm to reclaim a birthright she doesn’t want.

Will Aisling fight for her people that are being tortured and transformed into zombie-like creatures? Or will she walk away?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

The Raven Sorceress is a great story full of life altering magic. Truly incredible.

Aisling gets a text, that one text that puts a million different things into motion. Her father always taught her to be prepared, think on her feet, and always be able to defend herself. She never thought this day would come. While she is working through the clues and trying to figure out why people are after her, she meets Ferg. But he is no regular person. He promises to take her to her father and answer many, many questions. The longer she and Ferg travel, the more questions she has especially about the prophecy. No matter what anyone says or does, she finds that fate has brought her exactly where she is supposed to be, and that the prophecy will unfold. Aisling is the Raven Sorceress and has incredible power. The best part is the that the prophecy isn’t exactly what it seems and packs quite the twist to this story. Oh, and the ending! I can’t even begin to tell you about the ending. Actually, I won’t tell you about the ending. You need to read this to understand where I am coming from with this. You won’t be sorry.

Author Logo

Award Winning Author!

Bella’s motto has always been that you can choose to watch life pass you by or your can be the one spinning the world. Life isn’t coming to you, go out and capture it.

Her love of story telling has spanned her entire life and now she’s thrilled to be bringing her crazy musings to you in her stories.

To stay current on new releases please click the “Stay Up To Date” option on the right side of the profile and consider joining my mailing list here: http://www.bellawrites.com/join-my-mailing-list/

Bella is the author of:

The Crescent Hunter Series (Moon Crossed)

The Deadly Dreams Series

The Award Winning Wounded Bird Series

A Wolf’s Hunger:

Dax

Saint

Mako

A Vampire’s Thirst

Grey

Hunter

Dark Moon Falls world co-creator

Abel

Silas

Kellan

And more.

Please feel free to connect with her via Facebook, Twitter, Email or her website!

https://www.facebook.com/Bellaroccaforte

https://plus.google.com/+BellaRoccaforte/posts

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7151265.Bella_Roccaforte

https://twitter.com/BellaRoccaforte

Find Bella

Fantasy, Review, Sci Fi, Suspense, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Vampire, Wolves

#Review – The Improbable Pair – Clara and Damien (Book 1): Delta Underground Operatives by Sarah Noffke

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The Improbable Pair - Clara and Damien (Book 1): Delta Underground Operatives by [Sarah Noffke]

A brand new Urban Fantasy adventure from USA Today bestselling author Sarah Noffke — perfect for fans of The Unstoppable Liv Beaufont.

Blood-sucking vampires and vegan psychics don’t mix.

But to save the world from a magic-stealing madman, they’re going to have to.

The Delta Underground Operatives, humanity’s last line of defense against evil threats, only enlist the brightest and the best.

Clara and Damien fit the bill.

So when a threat like no other can only be stopped by a perfect assassin team, the organization recruits these two unlikely vigilantes with complementary skill sets.

Too bad they can’t stand each other.

He’s dangerous. She’s peaceful.
He’s loud. She’s meditative.

They don’t see eye to eye, but they’ll have to fight side by side.

As their target hunts the innocent and threatens to destroy the delicate balance of magic, everything rests on the duo’s ability to work together.

Clara wants peace. Damien wants vengeance.

Only they can take down evil.

But first, they’ll have to learn to get along….

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

The Dodgers should eat magical turnips to win. There, I said it! LOL! (go ahead and read it to find out why, I dare you)

Psychics that are allergic to the sun and vegan vampires….what a pair! Wait, I think I got that mixed up, or did I? Clara and Damien are quite the improbable pair. These two are literally the exact opposite of each other. They are brought into the world of the Delta Underground Operatives and are put on a special mission as the newest assassin duo. The way these two get along is great. In true Sarah Noffke fashion, these two are witty, sarcastic, and aren’t afraid to throw a punch either. The banter is hilarious but will also ground you as they become closer. Awwwww! I think they like each other! Whoa! Maybe not…. Jk!

These two are presented with an impossible mission with little training but come together as a force to be reckoned with. I couldn’t stop turning the pages and ABSOLUTELY need more. I am incredibly happy that Sarah continues to write books for me! 😊

Author Logo

Sarah Noffke is a prolific USA Today Best-Selling Author, who writes YA and NA science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. Most of her stories draw on her experiences living on the West Coast, growing up in Texas or traveling the world.

Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected–like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.

Noffke’s books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.

To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com

For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide/

Coming of Age, Fantasy, M/M, Mystery, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Thriller, YA

#Review The End of August, Part Two by Rue Volley

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The End of August: Part Two by [Rue Volley]

It’s 1985.

Jelly bracelets are on every wrist.

Beaded friendship pins are on every shoelace.

Cellphones are not a thing.

Slumber parties, roller skating rinks, and arcades are all the rage.

Every kid has a key to their home and knows how to babysit themselves.

And Molly Ringwald is everyone’s fantasy girl.

But for fifteen-year-old August East, his world revolves around his new house, his new friends, and a boy by the name of Keller West, that has stolen his heart.

Not to mention that whole haunted victorian home, the mysterious death of the last owner, and, oh yeah, the empty mausoleum in his backyard.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

This story has me all messed up! I am literally all over the place with this, but in the best possible way! Part one ended in a cliff hanger and this one is no different, but WHOA! I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING! I mean, I am strolling along reading the story, and we take a sharp right turn into a place I had no idea we were going, then ALL of the feels exploded! I audibly gasped and had to stop for a moment to catch my breath, and then I just couldn’t stop reading. I had to know everything. I NEEDED to know what was going to happen next. I am on the edge of my seat because I know the next collision is going to happen, but when it doesn’t happen right away because there is a different plot twist…..well, I am just beside myself. Please excuse me for keeping this review short, but I need to start Part Three. I literally can’t wait any longer. Ms. Volley, you have a new stalker because you have me hooked!

Rue Volley

Connect with Rue:

Website: http://www.ruevolley.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruevolley/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rue-volley

Twitter: @RueVolley

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Rue-Volley-146299465525490/?fref=ts

Coming of Age, Contemp. Romance, Fantasy, M/M, Paranormal, Review, Suspense, Thriller, YA

#Review – The End of August, Part One by Rue Volley

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The End of August: Part One by [Rue Volley]

Heartstopper meets Stranger Things!

It’s 1985.
Everyone is wearing a Swatch Watch and carrying a Trapper Keeper.
Goonies, Back to the Future, and The Breakfast Club are killing it at the theaters.
Super Mario Brothers is a lifestyle.
Posters of Duran Duran and Madonna are on every bedroom wall.
But for fifteen-year-old, August East, the biggest news is the move his family made to the odd little town of Whynot, Ohio, a cute boy named Keller West, and, of course, that whole murder thing.
*This is a DUAL POV*

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

“I’ve seen this movie and it turns out bad. Like really bad.” There’s a haunted house and all the makings of a classic horror movie! Ok, so it’s not a movie but I LOVE that this is set in 1985 with none of the tech-y stuff teens have now. This is a great YA, coming of age book with a spooky backdrop. People are always hiding things, wearing masks, and things are no different with the team of teens in this story. Each character is struggling or working through something. August is new to Whynot and has a bit of a difficult past but gets befriended immediately by the spooky Evie (OMG, she’s a ghosthunter!). Very soon after, he has quite a few friends that just need to see the house he is moving into. Why? Because it is a funeral home, complete with the cremation burner! There are some spooky, and not so spooky but still very scary, things (emotionally and physically) happening to the group. I do need to add that MM romance isn’t really a go to for me, but this just worked. There are very real feelings happening that will keep you hooked to the story. August and Keller, they are falling in love, or at least falling in like, with each other. The rest of the characters really round the story out and help put some perception into what and how the boys and others are feeling. The only con to the book is that since this is told in a dual POV, there are several chapters that basically repeat themselves so that you can get the thoughts and feelings of both characters that happened within the same conversation/scene. Those parts were a little redundant for me. However, the storyline is great and there is much more to come. The cliffhanger has made me immediately want to dive right into Part Two because, I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!

Rue Volley

Connect with Rue:

Website: http://www.ruevolley.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruevolley/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rue-volley

Twitter: @RueVolley

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Rue-Volley-146299465525490/?fref=ts

Fantasy, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Suspense, Vampire, Western Romance, Witches

#Review – Blood Bounty (Charmslinger, Book 1) by Liza Street

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Blood Bounty (Charmslinger Book 1) by [Liza Street]

Gracie Boswell’s got a charmed bullet, a brand new posse, and a pack of outlaw vampires to kill.

The tiny town of Penance has a big vampire problem—and charmslinger Gracie Boswell aims to be the solution. A whole nest of vampires makes for a mighty fine bounty, though, and Gracie is far from the only charmslinger angling for the job. When a charming local layabout and an old competitor elbow their way into Gracie’s posse, she’s forced to at least pretend to play nice…but trust is scarce in the west, and smart bounty hunters always sleep with one eye open.

But Gracie doesn’t have much time to watch her fellow bounty hunters—Penance’s vampire nest is bigger and more organized than anyone suspected, and there’s at least one traitor in the town’s midst. Soon, Gracie finds herself in the unenviable position of leaning on her posse…and at least one of them isn’t what he claims to be.

USA Today best-selling author Liza Street continues to thrill with a brand new western gothic series of outlaw vampires, sinister fae, and good old-fashioned treachery. Pick up Blood Bounty for a wild ride through the dark and dangerous west!

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Wild West Vampire Bounty Hunter…what more could you ask for?!

If you are a fan of Westerns and “things that go bump in the night”, you should absolutely give the Charmslinger series a chance. I love the idea of the Old West having Vampires and such. I randomly found a recommendation for this on Facebook and was instantly hooked when I read the blurb. Just like in the olden days, for the most part, bounty hunters were frowned upon because they simply found people for money. It is no different in this story. But add another twist to it because our MC, Gracie Boswell, is a human bounty hunter that slings witch charms. They have helped her more times than not and she just keeps her distance from the people that have nothing better to do than look down on her. She is the one that keeps their little towns and lives safe.

She comes across a wanted poster for a nest of vampires that are wreaking havoc on Penance with a great bounty. Money that could help change her life. She goes to Penance to get more info and to start the hunt but ends up with a posse that is very different than she is. She has worked alone for so long that she has an incredibly difficult time working with the posse but it turns out, she is going to need them.

The story started out a bit slow for me but I think that it needed to in order to get a really good feel for the world and the characters. As you get further into the story and things start to pick up, you will get to the point where you can’t stop turning the pages. This nest is intriguing and these vampires are not similar to the ones that have been used over and over in other stories. This series definitely has my attention and I am looking forward to reading book two to see what other trouble Ms. Boswell can get into.

Liza Street

Liza got her start in romance by sneak-reading her grandma’s paperbacks. It wasn’t long before she started writing her own series. Now she’s a USA Today bestselling author who spends her time writing about shifters with fierce and savage hearts.

FREE BOOK! Join Liza’s mailing list to get a copy of Fierce Heartbreaker, as well as more free, exclusive content and updates on sales and new releases! To join the mailing list, copy and paste this link into your browser: https://lizastreetauthor.com/free-book

Fantasy, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Shifters, Suspense, Witches, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR23 – #Review – Don’t Cry Over Spilled Potions (Which Village, Book 3) by L.C. Mortimer aka Sophie Stern

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Don't Cry Over Spilled Potions (Which Village Book 3) by [L.C. Mortimer]

For fans of Buffy, Charmed, and Hocus Pocus comes a story about second chances and new beginnings.

Don’t cry over spilled potions.

Once upon a time, I was in love.

My husband was stolen from me before I was ready, but I found him again.

Now he’s back.

He’s here with me in Which Village, but he has no memory of the past and no idea that the two of us were inseparable.

When a foe from his werewolf days threatens to tear us apart, Stanley and I have a choice to make, and it’s not going to be an easy one.

Don’t Cry Over Spilled Potions is the third book in the WHICH VILLAGE series. This book features female main characters who are middle-aged (or fast approaching it) and who have magical powers.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Excellent finale for the Which Village series! I absolutely love this series and Don’t Cry Over Spilled Potions is no different. Jaden and Stanley’s love story is one that against all odds should continue. Now that Jaden has her husband back we get to experience what exactly Stanley is and has been going through….absolute hell. People are tricky and sneaky, but to find out you are something you are not feels like a curse. It is almost like Jaden and Stanley have to meet again. Neither know much about the other but both feel the connection. Is that connection going to be enough to save them? That’s the question, my friends. “The curse of the werewolves is a nasty one.” Both, Jaden and Stanley, have to deal with their own feelings of self worth and wondering if they are good enough. But when push comes to shove, true colors shine bright! If you are looking for something that is a bit different from the normal witches, werewolves, and things that go bump in the night, you need to read this series!

L. C. Mortimer

L.C. Mortimer likes zombies, shifters, and things that go bump in the night. When she’s not busy dreaming up her next story, Mortimer can be found dancing, traveling, or curled up with a cozy mystery.