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Dead Keen (Things Unseen Book 2) by Anise Eden – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Dead Keen (Things Unseen #2)Dead Keen by Anise Eden

Dead Keen is the second book in the Things Unseen series. It’s a sequel to Dead Sound, but can be read as a standalone. It’s a thriller that centres around nightmares. Con and Neve are back, having travelled to London, and are using their knowledge of psychology to help Con’s future sister-in-law, Ciara, who is being haunted by bad dreams and dangerous sleepwalking.

Along the way, Con and Neve are also dealing with some of their own psychological baggage. Neve’s anxiety is more intense in the aftermath of the previous book. And Con has to confront the family issues that made him leave Ireland a long time ago. They both need space to heal, but are also driven to help Ciara escape her torment.

This is a page-turner, absolutely fascinating to read. I love encountering Ireland through Neve’s eyes, for the first time. There are beautiful descriptions of scenery and landmarks as she explores. And Con’s family bring some interesting dynamics to the story.

I’d recommend this book to fans of medical and psychological thrillers. It gets five stars from me!

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Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3)Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rogue Wolf is the third book in the Protector Wolf Shifter Series. It’s an enjoyable paranormal romance series that is definitely worth reading from the beginning (Shadow Wolf) as it’s a continuous story that’s told through multiple books.

As this book begins, Tamaska is preparing to become a wolf shifter and join Kodiak’s pack. It seems that this is the best way to keep her safe and allow her to be with the man she loves. But it is not a straightforward process, and others in the pack are wary around Tamaska making her determined to prove herself.

This is an exciting book with elements of action and mystery as well as the romance. I particularly like the changing dynamics in the wolf pack as leadership changes, and Kodiak’s approach of encouraging younger members to play bigger roles.

This book gets five stars from me. You should start with Book 1 if you haven’t already read it! Paranormal romance fans will love this series.

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Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2)Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Marked Wolf is the second book in the Protector Wolf Shifter Series. It continues the story from the first book so you should definitely start there. When I finished Shadow Wolf I couldn’t wait to continue the story, and Marked Wolf lived up to expectations!

In the previous book, Kodiak and Tamaska got tangled up in each other’s lives when a Blood Opal was stolen from under their noses. Both of their reputations hinge on getting the opal back as soon as possible.

This is an enjoyable paranormal romance, with a mystery to solve in the midst of it. Kodiak and Tamaska have a lot to overcome, including Tamaska’s fear of dogs! There’s plenty of interest in the social dynamics of Kodiak’s pack, as he has to choose between his loyalty to the pack and desire to protect Tamaska.

This book gets four stars from me. If you enjoy paranormal romance with shifters/werewolves and vampires, you’ll love this series!

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Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Fortune's Favorite (Soulbound Journeys #2)Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fortune’s Favorite is the second book in the Soulbound Journeys series, which follows on from the Crown of Stones trilogy. It expands the world of the Crown of Stones as Ian Troy travels encountering new places and learning more about the world and himself. I’d recommend at least reading The Wandering Isles first, that’s a good entry point.

In Fortune’s Favorite Troy encounters evidence of the Shinree, his people. He’s lured in by a desire to learn more about this branch of history, isolated from the world he was born into. The readers, too, are drawn in by our curiosity.

While The Wandering Isles developed the relationship between Kane and Troy, Fortune’s Favorite pushes them apart. Mundane quarrels and increased distance are followed by division and fighting.

This is another five star read. I loved the Crown of Stones trilogy and these new Soulbound Journeys books are expanding the story and the world in wonderful and fascinating ways! I’d recommend this to fans of epic fantasy.

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Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Flowers of Evil (Hani's Daughter Mysteries Book 1)Flowers of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Flowers of Evil is the first book in the Hani’s Daughter Mysteries series, a spin-off from the Lord Hani series of historical mysteries. I really enjoyed the Lord Hani books so was excited to see the story expanding! I’ve particularly liked the times in the past that Neferet has had a substantial role in Lord Hani books, such as Lake of Flowers, so it’s great that she now has her own series!

Like other books by this author, Flowers of Evil presents a vibrant and informative historical world, clearly informed by significant research. It’s so immersive and sensory, with plenty of details about everyday life in Ancient Egypt.

This story combines a murder mystery with Neferet and Bener-ib’s struggles to make it as independent medical practitioners. They are facing prejudice and mistrust, but are desperate to use their skills to help people.

Flowers of Evil gets five stars from me! For fans of the Lord Hani books, this is more of the things you’ve loved and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! This is also a good starting place for readers who are new to the author.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries #6)Parisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Parisian Intrigue is the sixth book in the Notebook Mysteries series. I love this series, and I’m always excited about reading the next book! Emma is a sleuth solving mysteries in the late 19th Century. Her adventures often coincide with interesting historical events – in this case, we get to visit the Paris Exposition! That’s one of the top things I’d go to if I had a time machine so it’s wonderful to be able to see it in the story.

The setting of this book is great, the author paints a vivid picture of everything from the boat they travel to Europe on to the wonders of the exposition. It’s a wonderfully immersive read!

I like that Dora and Tim come along for the adventure. It’s good to learn more about those characters and see how they get involved in different situations.

I’d recommend reading the whole series – it’s great! And you get to know the characters properly. But you could jump in here if you’ve got a particular interest in the Paris Exposition. It gets five stars from me!

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Love Bites More (The Darkness & Light Duology, and the Love Bites World) by TL Clark – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Love Bites MoreLove Bites More by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love Bites More is a fantasy romance that is set in the same world as the Darkness and Light Duology. It is a standalone story, but will be enjoyable to fans of the other books as it further develops familiar characters.

The story picks up with Elan and Arwyn, two elinfae who are frustrated as their attraction to each other contradicts their longstanding agreement not to jeopardise their friendship by getting romantically or sexually involved with each other. Newcomer Hassan provides a welcome distraction to both, but also complicates things!

As the story gets going, there is plenty of magic and action in addition to the romance. It’s very entertaining! The world is well established from the earlier books, but it’s easy to pick up what you need to know if you’re starting here. There’s even a summary at the start of the book to fill in any gaps.

This gets four stars from me. I’d recommend it to fans of queer and polyamorous romance, particularly if you’ve enjoyed the rest of the series!

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The Book of Hours (Coin/Hours Duology Book 2) by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Book of Hours (Coin/Hours Cycle 2)The Book of Hours by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra

The Book of Hours is the second book in The Coin Duology, but can be enjoyed as a standalone if you don’t mind some spoilers for The Coin. It is full of action and suspense, as Gabriela is pursued by an art dealer desperate to buy a work for far less than she knows it is worth. Richard, who was tasked with protecting her in The Coin, is back to try and convince her of the level of danger she’s in and keep her safe.

There’s a fun cast of characters in this book! I’m particularly fond of Jeremy, who works as a bodyguard and chauffeur for Richard. He brings some comic relief, but is also observant and loyal to those he cares about.

This is an exciting book for fans of romance and crime, particularly if you’re interested in art-related crime. It’s a real page-turner, moving between perspectives to leave you on a cliffhanger so you have to keep reading to get back to the same character. It gets five stars from me!

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Falling AgainFalling Again by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Falling Again is the third book in the Buckeye Falls series. Each story can be read as a standalone, focusing on a different couple, but the same characters are in all of the books so it’s good to read the series in order to see them develop and avoid spoilers!

Anthony and Nathalie really need to work on their relationship. With plenty of other urgent commitments and emergency situations coming from work, the kids, and their extended families, they’re struggling to make time for each other. Occasional romantic moments are undermined by a myriad of distractions and it’s clear to both of them, and seemingly half of the town, that something has to change.

This is an enjoyable and fun read! I like that this series focuses on different kinds of relationships – reinvigorating an old relationship can be just as romantic as starting a new one! The kids, Maddie and Otis, are great and add a lot of playfulness (and glitter!) to the story.

Although she’s not the focus of this story, CeCe and her amazing baked treats are back and feature prominently enough that I would recommend having some snacks available as you read this book! It gets five stars from me.

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Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny Book 5) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny #5)Soul Redeemed by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Soul Redeemed is the fifth book in the War of Destiny series. I would definitely suggest reading this fantasy series in order, starting with Lost Soul, to follow the story and get to know the characters. The series follows Julia, a vampire who is part of the Resistance against the Vampire King.

In Soul Redeemed, Julia is learning how to use and control her powers to communicate with the dead. She’s done it before, knows she can, but doing it on cue to prove her abilities and help the cause of the Resistance is easier said than done.

There is some great world-building in this series, which combines historical elements with vibrant fantasy. And a wonderful, ever-expanding cast of characters. Julia has a lot of complicated relationships to navigate with the other vampires, with centuries of emotional baggage to consider!

This book gets five stars from me. I’d recommend it to fans of dark fantasy and historical fantasy who love vampires. I can’t wait to read more!

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella OneTalks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella One by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talks Like Thunder is the first book in the Red With Native Blood series. It is a coming-of-age story, suitable for YA readers, which follows a young woman whose life is turned upside down as a child by diseases brought by white settlers and who has to learn to live in a world where her community is constantly under threat.

This is an engaging story which draws on history both to educate and to enhance the reader’s experience. There are plenty of details which bring the story to life, as the writers paint a strong, sensory picture. It’s beautiful to read!

At times, this book gets quite dark and sad as it addresses historical atrocities. For younger or more sensitive readers, it may be worth reading together with someone else so you can discuss what happens and the issues that are raised.

I would recommend this to fans of historical fiction, particularly those with an interest in Indigenous American culture and history. It gets five stars from me, I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

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Ghosts of Alda (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 2) by Russell Archey – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Ghosts of AldaGhosts of Alda by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ghosts of Alda is a fantasy book, the second in the Obscured Throne Trilogy. It’s worth reading the series in order, so start with Ashes of Aldyr then come to this book.

This is a post-apocalyptic story set in a fantasy world, where the connection between beings, magic and nature exacerbates the impact of ecological disaster. The book moves between different characters’ stories, showing how different individuals have been affected and are trying to move forwards after the Rupture. It’s dark at times, but there is plenty of optimism running through.

I particularly enjoyed the mysteries surrounding the Fifth Sect of magic. This had me intrigued early on and it was great fun piecing together more information as I encountered different characters’ perspectives!

This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend it to fans of high fantasy looking for something big to get your teeth into.

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Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 2) by Elise Carlson – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy #2)Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Secrets of the Sorcery War is the second book in the Ruarnon Trilogy. It’s definitely a series to read in order, so if you haven’t already I’d recommend starting with Manipulator’s War which is another great book.

This is an epic fantasy series with teenage characters, suitable for YA readers and beyond. It’s set in a vibrant and diverse fantasy world with some characters who have come from our world. In Secrets of the Sorcery War there are plenty of new settings to discover alongside Ruarnon and their friends!

I was initially drawn to this series by the nonbinary main character. It’s so great coming across well-written nonbinary characters in genres I enjoy like fantasy! And more broadly it’s a great tool for teaching people how to use they/them pronouns.

As Ruarnon develops as a leader, their understanding and skills at diplomacy grow. This is fun to read, as they keep being thrown into Situations and having to figure out how to respond. They’re also aware of their own limitations and shortcomings and open to asking for help or information that they need.

This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend it to fans of fantasy worlds such as Narnia and Tortall looking for a great modern series to get stuck into!

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection)Fireflies by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fireflies is an erotic story that follows bisexual, polyamorous couple Mike and Dane as they navigate changes in their needs and relationship. It’s part of The Physical Collection but these are all standalone stories so you don’t need to read any of the others to enjoy this one!

What drew me to this book is the representation of polyamory. Mike and Dane have been together for seven years and are a more mature couple (in their 40s/50s). Polyamory has meant different things to them over the course of their relationship – from independently hooking up with other people to shared encounters. They have to navigate their different needs and desires, as well as the stigma and assumptions attached to polyamory.

This book is for you if you enjoy M/M and M/M/F erotica. There’s plenty to enjoy there! And it’s interesting to have a story that juxtaposes soulmate-esque themes with one-off hookups, allowing the characters to have multiple and complex romantic and sexual needs. It gets four stars from me, and I’m keen to read more from this author!

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Tally and the Angel: Book Three, Japan by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Japan (Tally and the Angel #3)Japan by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third Tally and the Angel book, and is set in Japan. It’s a fantastic continuation of the series! I love how readers get to explore different parts of the world through Tally’s travels and discover unique supernatural phenomena in the places she ends up.

Tally and the Angel is a great series for preteens who love learning about different cultures! Tally is a great heroine, always curious and good at making friends and getting into (and out of!) trouble. Tally’s new friends in this book, Yoshi and Miyu, help her explore Japan and share their family histories.

This is another five star book for me! I’m really enjoying this series! I would recommend starting from the first book, set in India, but there’s an introduction that gets you caught up if you’re particularly interested in Japan and want to jump in at this book.

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A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Curse of Ash and Iron is an exciting gaslamp fantasy book that draws on fairytales and illusions to build a vibrant and magical world. Ellie and Ben are enjoyable leads!

Ben is skeptical about the magic that has Ellie trapped in a curse. He has devoted himself to studying magic tricks and illusions, dreaming of being a performer, and believes there is a practical explanation for everything. But he is also loyal to Ellie and keen to help her in spite of his reservations. This perspective balances the story as he is wary and critical at every turn.

I love the setting of the Centennial Exposition! It’s such a fun, rich space to explore along with the characters, marvelling with them at the wonders on display. The author describes all settings well, it’s really an immersive read!

For me, this is a five star read. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would recommend it to all gaslamp fantasy fans, as well as fans of other historical fantasy looking for something new.

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Last King (Legacy of Riverfall Book 1) by Amabel Daniels – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Last King (Legacy of Riverfall Book 1)Last King by Amabel Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Last King is the first book in the Legacy of Riverfall series. It is a fantasy story that follows healer Maren whose life is turned upside down when viscous creatures attack her village. As they have done in the past, the community locks themselves in nearby caverns to wait until it is safe. But Maren doesn’t make it to the caverns in time, and is now cut off from her community in a hostile world.

This is an exciting book, in a vivid fantasy world. As Maren leaves the village she knows so well, we join her in exploring the amazing and often dangerous world beyond! I enjoy the dynamic between Maren and Kane, particularly with Maren’s refusal to accept Kane’s claims that she is fae, keeping her wary of him. I also enjoy the focus on herbs and plants, essential to Maren’s healing work and her hopes to save her sister Thea.

This book gets five stars from me, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series! I’d recommend it to fans of fantasy, particularly those interested in healing magic and fae.

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A Spot of Earl Slay (Tea Time Troubles Book 1) by Aubrey Elle – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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A Spot of Earl SlayA Spot of Earl Slay by Aubrey Elle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Spot of Earl Slay is the first book in the Tea Time Troubles series. I love tea, mysteries and wordplay so was immediately drawn to this book, and it did not disappoint! It’s a fun cozy mystery series set in a small town. The main characters are a mother-daughter duo who are close to each other but going through a difficult patch in their life.

My favourite characters are Barbara and Ingrid, the neighbours who look after Naomi and Ella when they arrive and get straight into gossiping about the murder and the town in general. There’s such a good dynamic between them and I love how they intuitively find ways to connect with Ella.

This is a great comfort read for snuggling up with a cup of tea and a baked treat (and I would recommend getting the tea and treat ready before you start reading as it won’t be long before you’re craving them!). It gets five stars from me, I’d recommend it to cozy mystery fans! I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.

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To be a Fae Legend (Realm Chronicles Book 3) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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To be a Fae LegendTo be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To be a Fae Legend is the third book in the Realm Chronicles series. The stories are best read in order, so if you’re new to this series go back and read To be a Fae Queen (which I described as enjoyable, magical and vibrant when I read it a couple of years ago!) first. And if you’ve read the other books, you’ll already know you’re in for a treat!

This is a great series for teen readers who love fairy stories and fantasy adventures! There are some fantastic characters with relationships complicated by rank, responsibilities and conflicting loyalties. It was great to see more of my favourite character, Alfreda! Often the MVP, in my opinion… Titania’s development over the series has been good, she’s much more diplomatic and able to cope with situations that would have been too anxiety-inducing before, but is still true to herself and those she loves.

This is another 5-star read for me! I couldn’t wait to read it as soon as it came out and it didn’t disappoint. If you’ve enjoyed the rest of the series, you’ll love this!

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The Traveler: Book 3 by Deborah Dugan – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Traveler: Book 3The Traveler: Book 3 by Deborah Dugan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Traveler: Book 3 is the third book in The Traveler series. I’d highly recommend reading the books in order to get to know Harry and Tristan from the start of their relationship, and hear more of Harry’s backstory.

This is an enjoyable and original speculative fiction series. Harry is a unique creature who has been around, in some form or another, for a very long time and observed much of human history. He is intelligent and powerful but also vulnerable and must occasionally undergo a long period of stasis which leaves him with a new form.

In book 3, Harry is just emerging from stasis so we see him adapting to the changes he has undergone, and Tristan and Elena adapting to having Harry back in their lives again. And, of course, it’s not long before there’s new trouble and danger they need to get themselves out of…

This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend it to fans of comedy sci-fi/fantasy with familiar domestic settings. The whole series is an entertaining and thought-provoking read!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries Book 5) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries book #5)Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Suspicions is the fifth book in the Notebook Mysteries series. It’s a great series of historical mysteries, set in the late 19th Century. I would recommend reading the series from the start – it jumps straight into the action (quite literally – the first word is Emma being hit over the head) so you’ll need the earlier books to get to know the characters and past cases they’ve worked on. I love how we see references to the previous cases as people come back to help out, so to enjoy that you’ll need to have read the others first!

By this stage in the series, Emma is confident and has a broad range of skills. She’s had the chance to work on some of her weaker areas, such as using firearms, whilst still preferring to play to her strengths. She still has to face being underestimated, but can find that works to her advantage.

There’s plenty going on in the story, with layers of mystery to unravel. There are a bunch of interwoven threads in a well-paced book that balances tension with moments of safety and warm character moments.

This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend the series to all fans of historical mysteries.

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With Fire and Sword (Thunder On The Moor Book 4) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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With Fire and Sword (Thunder on the Moor, #4)With Fire and Sword by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With Fire and Sword is the fourth book in the Thunder on the Moor time travel romance series. It’s set in the Borders between Scotland and England, with the storyline moving between the 16th Century and modern world. I’d recommend reading this series in order – With Fire and Sword throws you straight into the middle of the action so you’ll need the rest of the series to understand what’s going on!

This is a fun story for anyone with an interest in historical fiction and research. I particularly enjoy the bits where Will and Maggie, helped by Rev Edward, are going through historical records and tombstones to try to figure out what happened in the time they left behind.

There’s plenty going on – action, adventure and a bit of magic as well as the romance! It’s a real page-turner as you jump between time periods and have to wait to find out what’s going to happen.

This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend the series (read from the start!) to fans of historical and time travel romances.

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Destiny of Light (Quirk of Destiny Book 3) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Destiny of Light: Final Book in Quirk of Destiny TrilogyDestiny of Light: Final Book in Quirk of Destiny Trilogy by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Destiny of Light is the third book in the Quirk of Destiny Trilogy. It’s definitely worth reading these books in order as the story jumps right in – you’ll need the previous books to get to know the characters and what’s going on!

This is a fast-paced dystopian sci-fi story. It explores themes such as power and privilege, science and ethics. It’s thought-provoking but also a gripping story that you will struggle to put down! It’s full of twists and turns. There’s also a great cast of characters, and you’ll easily find yourself rooting for Calum and his community as they struggle to survive.

The story is told in short chapters, changing between different settings and focal characters. Personally I prefer longer chapters that get me more immersed in the story, but this style suits a story where there’s a lot going on, and would be great for readers who find short chapters work better for them. I will say it’s good for reading on the subway – I could squeeze in a couple of chapters before my stop!

This book gets four starts from me. I’d recommend it to fans of apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic sci fi, but make sure you read the series from the start!

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Frozen By Lies (Sleigh Riders Book 1) by Martha Sweeney – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Frozen By Lies (Sleigh Riders Book 1)Frozen By Lies by Martha Sweeney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Frozen By Lies is the first book in the Sleigh Riders series. It’s perfect if you’re after a paranormal romance that will get you in a festive mood! There’s snow and hot chocolate and everyone has appropriately festive names, but refreshingly it isn’t too cutesy. It’s decidedly an adult book and there’s conflict and animosity as well as romance and magic.

Noelle is a fun protagonist! Proactive and determined, she won’t let matters rest and is ready to stand up to her protective cousins. I also like Grandma Sapphria who stands out from the rest of Noelle’s family as sympathetic and supportive.

This book gets four stars from me. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series – hopefully it will be out in time to enjoy next holiday season.

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Shadow Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Shadow Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 1)Shadow Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shadow Wolf is the first book in the Protector Wolf Shifter Series. Tamaska has hired wolf shifter Kodiak and his pack as security for an event she’s running. She’s unimpressed from the start, when Kodiak turns up as the event is about to start and refuses to follow her directions. She’s even less impressed when he fails to prevent the theft of the precious opal he’s been hired to protect.

Shadow Wolf introduces us to an intriguing world where vampires and wolf shifters live in a precarious truce alongside oblivious humans. They are powerful but not overpowered – see, for example, the wolf shifters needing to pick up work in security to be able to support themselves financially. Tamaska is oblivious to this world but has been thrown into it whether she likes it or not.

This book gets four stars from me. It would appeal to fans of paranormal romance, particularly werewolf/shifter romance. The next book in the series, which continues Tamaska and Kodiak’s story, is due out in a few months – I’m looking forward to seeing how their story develops!

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls, #2)Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Falling for You is the second book in the Buckeye Falls series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone if you don’t mind getting a few spoilers for Falling Home! It follows CeCe and Evan who have both ended up working at the same diner. They have feelings for each other, but CeCe has a rule against dating coworkers.
This is an enjoyable book for anyone who enjoys a culinary romance! Evan is such a sweet character – I love all the things he does to stay close with his sisters, who are themselves great characters, particularly Mallory!
It’s also an uplifting story, with CeCe learning to face the past she has been running from and overcome the pain she still carries. It’s great seeing how her community are there for her when things are tough.
This book gets five stars from me! A great comfort read. I would recommend keeping snacks in reach as the descriptions of food in this will definitely make you hungry…

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Grace Under Fire (The Anderson Sisters Book 2) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Grace Under FireGrace Under Fire by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grace Under Fire is the second book in Jennifer Raines’ The Anderson Sisters series. It can be read as a standalone, as it follows a different sister from the first book, but if you plan to read both I’d recommend reading them in order to avoid spoilers.
Grace is a cheesemaker and stands to take over the farm that has been in her family for generations. She’s used to being independent and relying on herself, but is still building her business and isn’t yet ready to buy the farm. But she has to, soon, or lose it forever. Which means she’s forced to accept help from others – family, those in the community who want her to succeed. And the brother of her best friend, who she hasn’t spoken to since the friend’s suicide many years ago.
This is an emotional read about accepting help and coping with challenging situations. The relationship between Ryan and Grace is well written – they’re both open about their attraction to each other, but reluctant to get involved with each other when there is so much for them to work through. I like Ryan’s dog, Satan, who breaks the tension and helps us see Ryan’s caring side. And Bluey the farmhand is fun, always bringing a cryptic crossword clue he’s stuck on (how did the author find so many cheese-themed clues?).
This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend it to fans of rural romances.

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The 45th Parallel (Antipodes Series Book 6) by T.S. Simons – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The 45th Parallel (Antipodes, #6)The 45th Parallel by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The 45th Parallel is the sixth book in the Antipodes series. I would highly recommend starting at the first book in the series (Antipodes) and reading in order to get to know the large cast of characters and vast setting that has built up by this point in the series.
The Antipodes series is post-apocalyptic, set after a virus has made most of the surface of the planet uninhabitable. The protagonists of this book, Caitlin and Seraphine, are part of the next generation after the disaster who were created to be immune, and therefore more able to survive on the surface of the planet. It is expected that they will both have children, passing on their immunity to the next generation. But neither of them is keen to settle down, they are easily bored and always in search of their next adventure.
This is a fun continuation of the series! It’s good seeing the next generation of characters coming of age, with the older characters who were the focus of earlier books now viewed from a different angle. Cait and Sera are enjoyable characters – young and dissatisfied with the world they’re inheriting, but also caring for others and trying to make a positive impact.
This book gets five stars from me. I’d definitely recommend this series to fans of post-apocalyptic sci-fi!

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Titanian Warrior (Titanian Chronicles Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Titanian Warrior (Titanian Chronicles #3)Titanian Warrior by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Titanian Warrior is the third book in the Titanian Chronicles. It works alright as a standalone, as each story focuses on a different pair of characters and their story, but reading the full series from the start will give you more of Hagen’s backstory.
This is an enticing mythological fantasy that follows Faiza and Hagan’s struggles against the powerful and abusive Master O. Faiza has been careful about toeing the line with Master O, and trying to keep her more rebellious sister Lilith out of trouble. But Master O’s behaviour towards them is getting worse, and she can’t resist the urge to help Hagen when Master O brings the wounded stranger home.
This is a romantic story with plenty of action and magic woven through. It’s a real page-turner as you’re constantly wondering if your favourite characters will be ok, and what Master O will do next. The fantasy world is well developed and I like this book moving the story to India.
I’d recommend this to fans of fantasy romance looking for a new, vibrant world to explore!

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Lucky Stars by Fantasia Yu – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Lucky StarsLucky Stars by Fantasia Yu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lucky Stars is a fun sci-fi romance. It’s great if you’re looking for some fast-paced adventure alongside the romance! I was attracted by the “Roman Holiday in space” description and it definitely delivers on that, so if you’re a fan of Roman Holiday and also space you’re in for a treat!
I really like the dynamic between Princesses Pola and Mora at the start, which establishes the difference in expectations for Mora as the eldest, but also emphasises her youth and independence.
I also love the descriptions of places and cultures – there’s a lot of worldbuilding gone into this! It’s a great book if you enjoy exploring fantastic worlds.
This book gets five stars from me. It’s the first I’ve read by this author, and I look forward to reading more!

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