Category Archives: Fantasy Romance

#WOTR24 #Review – Hoist the Flag: Triangles and Tribulations Book 1 by Cassandra Featherstone

***This was previously published in the Jingle My Balls Anthology. This version has bonus content!***

Click to send… and I’m outta here.

Being the infamous fairy tale ‘Jack’ isn’t as glamorous as it sounds. My entire life has been a series of memes—before they were even invented!

My current ‘Jack’ title is companion to the Ice Queen—who spent the first couple of years singing that song—but my sentence here is almost over. I’m going to make a run for it to retire with my shaker of salt on an island in the Caribbean while I drink piña coladas.

Before I leave, I realize my heart wasn’t as frozen as I thought and I have to save Queenie from her evil sister. We make a plan to escape together after the Yule celebration, but even that falls victim to my legendary bad luck.

Enter two bumbling pirates who were playing Robin Hood, a monkey, and a sea voyage to our permanent hiding place…only to trip over a bottle on the beach that contains a mysterious map to a legendary graveyard filled with famous treasure the moment we arrive.

My spill draws the attention of our pirate friends and two other local hotties who can’t resist damsels in distress.

Insert eyeroll here.

My girl and I didn’t ask to be conscripted on an adventure with two shifter pirates, a masseuse, a demi-god, and a merman who think we’re on the menu, but here we are.

Maybe I should have taken the Ice Queen’s musical advice when I first arrived ?

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Kelly

First, this cover is amazing! I mean we have a gorgeous female pirate and I immediately think of a female version of Jack Sparrow. I was scrolling and immediately stopped to check it out. Second, the blurb grabbed me by throat, pulled my hair, and made me one click, like RIGHT NOW! Needless to say, I have incredibly high hopes that this story is going to consume me. I am ready to ride high and laugh my money maker off. However, I had a difficult time at the beginning. This could be because this is a ‘new to me’ author and I am not familiar with her writing style, but I was expecting a YO HO HO glorious grand time and got stuck in the snow. The beginning was quite foreboding with detail (that is needed) to give you each of the female character’s backgrounds so that you understand why they are planning to escape. There are funny and extremely hot scenes throughout the first half, but it didn’t really pick up until about the 60% mark for me. Now, this is where things get really good. We get a lot more action with the escape, add the shifter pirates and crew, plus a special request comes into play. Now, I am hooked! I need to continue this journey and see what the next leg has in store for this crazy crew!

Cassandra Featherstone profile image

Cassandra Featherstone has been writing since she could hold a pencil.

Her passion for literacy is unmatched, but when she picked up her laptop to write her first published novel in March 2020, she focused on subjects that not only spoke to her soul, but affected many of the women she’d met throughout her twisty life path.

Cass’s vision of a more inclusive whychoose genre lead her to include various types of polycules and diverse characters with three-dimensional personalities, hopes, and dreams that readers adore. Due to her relationships with friends and family, bullying, PTSD, body dysmorphia, mental illness, reinvention, and claiming your space are frequent themes in her books. She frequently champions other authors who also strive for accurate, respectful representation of LGBTQIA+ characters in their whychoose romance.

Her works include urban fantasy, paranormal, contemporary, and academy whychoose/polyam with characters over eighteen. Her books never include non-consensual elements, but feature accurate, safe depictions of BDSM and kink lifestyles.

She’s also affectionately known as the Muppet for her outrageous, extroverted personality and her wacky brand of theater kid social media posts and videos.

Cassandra lives in the Midwest with her computer geek husband, artsy college goblin, an author dog named Tilly, and five cats that Loki himself spawned.

Follow here everywhere: https://cassandrafeatherstone.com/followcasseverywhere/

#BookPromo #Review- Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) by Rebecca Yarros

Don’t miss the explosive new sequel to Rebecca Yarros’s bestselling hit, Fourth Wing.

“The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.” —Xaden Riorson

Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.

Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.

Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.

But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.

Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.

I’m going to leave this review short and sweet because I’m a firm believer of going into a story, completely blind. Especially with a book like this one.

So I’m sure most of you have heard of this series. It’s basically everywhere right now and for good reason.

This series is about Basgiath, a war college, and the students and faculty that attend/work at it. AND of course, we can’t forget the dragons.

Iron Flame is year 2 for Violet and her friends and man, does this one pack a punch. It’s pretty much action right from the very beginning. I thought book one stressed me out but man, this one topped that and more.

I won’t give anything away but if you like fantasy romance, I 100% recommend this one. I haven’t been this invested in a world in years. I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series! Also, THAT ending. My heart is so happy.

#WOTR23 #RH #LegendaryMonstersKids #Audio #fantasy #paranormal #vampires – Monsters, Prodigium Academy book 1 by Katie May, narration by Bridget and Jake Bordeaux

As the daughter of Dracula, you would think I’d be born the perfect monster.

You couldn’t be more wrong.

As far as monsters go, I’m a screw up—if I’m not tripping over my own feet, I’m accidentally murdering someone (it’s a real issue, guys).

Left with no choice, Dad decides to send me to Prodigium—otherwise known as Monster Academy—to train me on how to be a better monster.

When bodies turn up on campus, I’m the prime suspect (not that I can blame them. I’ll be pretty suspicious too if bodies drained of blood show up right after Dracula’s daughter arrives).

With the help of my mortal-nemesis Vin, Van Helsing’s son

Frankie, Frankenstein’s son

Mason, Medusa’s son

And Jack (sometimes Hux), Dr. Jekyll’s son

I might have a chance of uncovering the truth.

If I’m not murdered first.

The struggles of being a vampire, am I right?

This is a horror comedy reverse harem with some dark elements. After all, you can’t have a bunch of monsters without some darkness. This is book one of a series.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this audio book.

I met this author and my charity book signing.  I couldn’t read anything at the time but when I saw her at another event I ran over.  I said I need to read something and this book she sold me on this one.  I bought a signed copy for a friend for Christmas.  I purchased the audio because I am an audio junkie.

I must admit I am not usually a fan of “academy-type” books.  But the blurb and listening to Katie talk made me put that aside.  I am glad I did.  The book was what my heart needed.  I am a huge fan of “Monster” horror or creatures of horror. To know I was going to meet the children of some biggies like Dracula, Jekyll and Hyde, Frankenstein, etc I was sold!!!  Being a Lit major and reading all of these original works was perfect for me.

Ok the story…lol….I like the comedy of the character.  Violet was a bit of a quirky girl but that is what I liked about her.  We are all kinda quirky right?  The guys in the story were just perfect fun to read.  I mean can you imagine dating all of these guys??

I have to say this was my first book by the author and I really enjoyed the world building and character development.  I will for sure add the other books to my reading when I can.

Katie May is a romance writer of numerous genres! She writes everything from horror to fantasy to contemporary. #whychoose

She has a gorgeous tabby cat who she adores, and she’s obsessed with coffee and horror movies.

#WOTR24 #Review – Baker Down: Magic and Mayhem Universe by A.J. Renee

Bougie Treats was my dream—and is Assjacket’s favorite spot for peanut butter and jelly donuts and chocolate croissants.

After an electrical storm damages my ovens, I’m left scrambling to keep the bakery running. I blame my reaction to the repair man on my earlier-than-normal mornings.

Keeping my growing attraction to the good-looking visitor in check should be easy… except at every turn, the simple repair is delayed by unknown forces.

How is a witch to protect her heart when fate keeps intervening?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

When the hottie that comes to fix your ovens, fries your girly circuits, you invite him to lunch! Cami is having a helluva week. Her ovens stopped working and she is running herself ragged trying to keep up with the bakery. D’Angelo has been called to fix her ovens. However, when one thing goes right, another goes wrong and D’Angelo has to postpone the repair. These two have an instant connection but both of them are trying to talk it down. He has to leave and she has to stay. This just won’t work! Fate, which most of the time has its own laughable agenda, pushes these two together. Oh, and we cannot forget about Ricky! He has to be one of my favorite familiars! Love him!

Baker Down is an adorably funny, super cute, and humorous story! If something can go wrong, it will go wrong, but for the absolute best! Just like with the other stories in this universe, you should expect quirky characters around every corner that will keep a smile on your face.

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AJ Renee is a military wife and mother of three. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with her Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

She loves to read and write steamy romance with a happily ever after. When not working, you can find her playing World of Warcraft, board games, or outdoors for a run or hike.

https://www.facebook.com/ajreneeauthor

http://https//WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/AJRENEEAUTHOR

http://https//WWW.TWITTER.COM/AJRENEEAUTHOR

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15251253.A_J_Renee

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/aj-renee

#WOTR24 #Review – All I Wank for Christmas: A Romantic Comedy by Tori Ross

Tori Ross, author of Contact High and The Cuffing Season Contract, is back with a laugh-out-loud holiday romance sure to jingle your nuts and roast your bells.

After a series of unfortunate events left Holly Hepperdine without an accounting job, the only way to pay bills, pay for her sister’s school, and help her sick mother is to work at the local rub and tug massage parlor, The Happy Stroke Club, making a hundred dollars a “pop.”

Jasper Nicholas is stressed to the max on Christmas Eve. His father is ill, and Jasper has to run the family’s delivery service tonight. On a whim, he stops for a quick massage, realizing too late that there are other perks of the purchased package. He indulges but can’t get the gorgeous woman with the witty banter out of his mind, even after they go their separate ways.

When Jasper comes down Holly’s chimney late on Christmas Eve, she realizes Jasper is Santa Claus’s son and tasked with delivering gifts to the world’s children. He also needs desperate help with navigation and inventory. Can Holly and Jasper keep their hands to themselves long enough to deliver the gifts?

All I Wank for Christmas is an irreverent, raucous romantic comedy standalone, sure to put you in the mood for a happy holiday season…no Happy Stroke Club needed.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

OMG, I just can’t even with this book! I laughed out loud and then had to stop and fan myself. This story will keep you on your toes!

Holly gives a handy to Santa’s son! What more is there to say??? You should literally stop reading this review and just read the book 😊

The story is a bit “over the top” but that is what makes it so great!

Jasper stops at a massage parlor thinking he could relieve some stress. He just didn’t realize the type of parlor he was going into and got so much more than he bargained for from Holly. These two have an instant attraction and both of them can’t stop thinking about each other. When Jasper searches Holly out and lets her in on the secret that he is Santa’s son, she skeptically goes along with it to deliver presents. The night is a disaster and if something can go wrong, it does. But the story and shenanigans that they get into will have you glued to this book eagerly turning to the next page.

We have all heard eleventy billion Santa stories but this one takes the cake! The characters are witty, the banter is hilarious, and the steam level continues to increase throughout the story.

I highly recommend this for a fun, but hawt, Christmas read!

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Tori Ross is the bestselling and award-winning author of steamy contemporary romance and romantic comedy. Her book, The Cuffing Season Contract, won the National Indie Excellence Award for romantic comedy, and she’s written several shorts, novellas, full-length books and serials. When she’s not writing, she runs a podcast called Sitting Here Reading Corn with Tori Ross and plays pickleball to get out of the house. She lives with her family and a hyper dog that needs extensive training.

#Review #Cyborgs #HEA – Tin Soldier (Silver Cyborg Series Book 3) by Ava Cuvay


The Army shuffled Staff Sergeant Gage Austin off to a menial desk job at the Pentagon as hush money… as if he’d admit to anyone he’s a cyborg. Society abhors cyborgs, so Gage keeps to himself and suffers the daily humiliation of an extensive security scan with stoic fortitude. He’s a soldier down to his core processor and would willingly give his all—red blood and blue lubricant—for the land he loves. As such, he accepts the task to locate and safely retrieve missing Pentagon assistant Audra Muir. Yet as sparks sizzle between them, Gage questions whether he’s delivering her to salvation… or doom.

Audra Muir has spent years pilfering secrets about corrupt government oversight of the cybernetics industry under the guise of her job at the Pentagon. As she leaves for breast cancer treatment, she happens upon earth-shattering intel. Determined to hand this information over to the people who will wage that particular war, she battles her own personal recovery and rages against a society that can make a cyborg, but can’t save women from breast cancer. Yet when Gage Austin kisses her, that anger dissipates, replaced by a passion that just might deliver her flagging faith in humanity… and herself.

Gage and Audra find peace from their own inner demons within the heat of each other’s arms. But defeating the evil that is ruining the cybernetics industry is a far bigger enemy, and requires the force of a secret band of rebels and their hidden cyborg army.

Book Three of the Silver Cyborg Series. This story has a romantic happy ending and a resolution of the storyline continuing through books one and two.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

This book absolutely blew me away. I finished the story, which is the end of the series, and felt like I lost a limb. Cyborg fan for LIFE!! When you read this book, please make sure that you read the dedication and author notes. This book pulled at my heartstrings in a lot of ways. You will have all the feels right from jump with this one. When Audra and Gage finally come together, they collide and there are fireworks! These two, even though they are fighting their own battles, have been doing a ton on their own because of their own situations (which is explained in the book, so just read it!), and they don’t realize how much they need someone to help them. The best part is they are able to help each other fight their own battles. As the story progresses, they really figure out what is truly worth fighting for. I finished reading this book and just had no clue how I was going to express to anyone how much I love this book AND the series, let alone how I was going to write a review. I don’t think many people are into “cyborg” type romances and what not but the Silver Cyborg series is so much more than that. It is real people, with real problems, that come together to fight for a good cause. But let us not forget the humor, wit and sarcasm that comes right along with these characters. I literally messaged the author when I finished the book and asked why was it over… I know that all good things come to an end. I highly HIGHLY recommend this book and most of all, this series!

Ava Cuvay is an award-winning bestselling author of out of this world Sci-fi and Paranormal Romance featuring sassy heroines, gutsy heroes, passion, adventure… and the word “moist”.

She resides in central Indiana with her own scruffy-looking nerfherder and teen kiddos who think her “Rizz” is “cringe” but she “passes the vibe check” and her books “hit different.” No cap.

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.

Ava Cuvay – Out of This World Romance

https://facebook.com/AvaCuvayAuthor/

https://instagram.com/avacuvay/

Email: Ava.Cuvay@avacuvay.com

#Review – Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros

An Instant New York Times Bestseller
A Goodreads Most Anticipated Book

“Suspenseful, sexy, and with incredibly entertaining storytelling, the first in Yarros’ Empyrean series will delight fans of romantic, adventure-filled fantasy.” —Booklist, starred review

Fourth Wing will have your heart pounding from beginning to end… A fantasy like you’ve never read before.” ―#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout


Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

The Empyrean series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Fourth Wing
Book #2 Iron Flame

I had seen posts about this book for weeks before I purchased it. When one of my friends said that she loved it and I knew that this wasn’t her normal genre, I had to drop everything to read it and boy, man, gosh, am I ever glad I did.

This book was on a whole other level. I haven’t read something like this in years. The world building, the characters, the friendships, the love, the fighting, the grumpy dragons, the sizzling chemistry…man…seriously, I truly have no words.

I couldn’t read this book fast enough. I had to know what all the hype was and I knew that the book ended in some sort of way but I still wasn’t expecting that.

I haven’t felt this way about a book and world since I read The Black Dagger Brotherhood for the very first time.

The world building in this book was top notch, the originality, the heroine…I could keep gushing but trust me when I say this, read this book! I didn’t even read the blurb and went in completely blind and boy am I glad I did. I can’t say it enough but I truly loved this book and it’s now in my top 5 of favourite books I’ve ever read. I don’t re-read books often either but I’m about to jump into re-reading this to get ready for book 2 that comes out on November 7th.

Thank you, Rebecca, for sharing your world with us and I can’t wait for the rest of this series.

#WOTR23 #Review – To Teleport, or Not to Teleport?: Magic and Mayhem Universe by A.J. Renee

The drama that follows the colorful, supernatural citizens of my town is enough to glue anyone to the couch for a binge sesh.

I used to pride myself in the fact that the most exciting thing affecting my small-town life was my students’ shenanigans. But then my childhood crush returns, setting off a barrage of complex emotions in my witchy heart.

My quirky power of sniffing out secrets starts making my visions go crazy. Being preventable isn’t exactly one of their features, and they’re all targeting him. As if that isn’t stressful enough, my dormant teleporting powers decide it’s time to activate.

My cousin can’t bake her chocolate croissants and sweets fast enough to help me cope with the pitfalls waiting to hit my inner circle. Or how the boy who’d left me has become hotter than the fires of hell.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Oh my stars! Goofy cute but purrrrfectly hawt! These types of stories are the kind that everyone needs, especially if you are trying to get out of a reading slump! This is definitely a dramedy that has everything! There are parts that are the corny type of funny that make you laugh out loud, then you move on to the hawtness that our panther shifter brings to the table, and all wrapped up with some murder mystery. Aileen is our female MC witch with a lot of quirks whose senses start to go even more haywire once her childhood friend, Grayson, returns just as abruptly has he left. Visions start coming and going, she is teleporting to places she doesn’t understand, but one thing that this has in common is Grayson returning to town. Mix in some mischief and murder to round everything off and you won’t be able to put it down. There were literal times that I laughed out loud and then had to turn around and fan myself, LOL! This story was absolutely fun and crazy, but most of all, it kept me entertained! Bravo, AJ!

Author Logo

AJ Renee is a military wife and mother of three. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with her Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

She loves to read and write steamy romance with a happily ever after. When not working, you can find her playing World of Warcraft, board games, or outdoors for a run or hike.

#Review #Dragons – What a Dragon Needs (Star of the North Dragons) by Ava Cuvay

What a Dragon Needs (Star of the North Dragons) by [Ava Cuvay]

Dragon Council Emissary Lucia Bengtsson visits Minnesota’s clan to discover how they thwarted a recent invasion by a long-prophesized World Destroyer. What she finds is a family that welcomes her with an unquestioning warmth she’s never experienced among her own clan members, who have always judged her by the diminutive size of her Light Dragon. Only the sexy yet antagonistic Ivar Drekison demands she prove herself while he keeps her at arms-length. Arms she desperately wants wrapped around her.

Third-born son of the Star of the North clan, Ivar Drekison’s attitude is as sharp and cold as his Metal Dragon’s claws. When Lucia Bengtsson, the gorgeous yet standoffish Dragon Council representative, arrives to interrogate his family on their battle strategies, he senses an underhanded betrayal brewing. While everyone else adores Lucia and her gentle manners, Ivar clashes with her in an attempt to force the truth behind her visit. In doing so, he must also battle his own overwhelming attraction to her.

This novella is the second in the Star of the North Dragon series, which can be read in any order or as standalone novellas.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Dragons! Seriously, need I say more? Ivar will have a special place in my heart forever. He is my soul-dragon. He is brash, rough around the edges and loves to drop the f-bomb (I’m in love!). Lucia is the opposite of everything that Ivar is. She is small, naïve, and very proper. She grew up within the Dragon Council and her family is part of the Elders. She is tasked with going to Minnesota and bringing back a representative from the Drekison family, who saved the world from destruction. She experiences the biggest shot of culture shock when she arrives at the Drekison home. This world is nothing like her own. However, right from the very beginning, Ivar and Lucia are drawn together. Both try to fight it but we all know that just won’t happen. Watching their relationship grow and seeing how Ivar helps Lucia to come out of her shell will make your heart melt. Now, I don’t want this to seem like some mushy, gooey romance, even though it is, but the author inserts the perfect amount of debauchery and shenanigans to make it fun, and HAWT, too!

This book is a little softer than the first because the fight with the World Destroyer is over, but it just as swoon worthy. To anyone that reads this, KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF IVAR! HE’S MINE!

Author Logo

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.

#WOTR23 – #Review – The Villainous Wonderland Boxset: The Complete Series by A.K. Koonce

The Villainous Wonderland Boxset: The Complete Series by [A.K. Koonce]

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I am not sure exactly what I was expecting when I started reading this series. I knew that it was an Alice in Wonderland retelling and I have read many retellings. However, this one took me by surprise. It was not what I was expecting! I am generally not a big fan of RH but this wasn’t all about the bedroom action. There is a great story unfolding with each page that is turned. The harem of men all have their own secrets and agendas but so does Madison our MC. She is brought to Wonderland in hopes of fooling the king that she is the real Alice. However, the real Alice ends up showing up, at the most inopportune time might I add, and then the real craziness begins. It’s a great story, lots of banter, tons of epic one liners, but a heartfelt story all going on at the same time. I absolutely recommend this series! You shouldn’t even have wasted your time reading this review, you should have already one-clicked and started the series!

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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.