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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rivals is the seventh book in the Mafia Elite series, which tells the story of the five mafia families based in Chicago. It’s an addictive series, full of romance and action but also family, friendship and warmth.

Rivals focuses on Nico, who New York mafia princess Mia identifies as her best hope at escaping from the plans her father and step brother have for her. Mia gets Nico’s protection, and that of his family, while Nico gets information that could enable him to bring down her family’s human trafficking operation.

There are plenty of secrets and twists and turns along the way, some quite unexpected! Mia has much to learn about her past and family, whilst also being used to the very different dynamic of her new family.

I’d recommend reading the books in order – each focuses on a different couple but the stories lead into one another and characters develop as you go along. And where some of the books bring in a character who is new to the mafia so you can learn some of the background from their perspective, Mia already knows or at least knows of most of the main characters and their stories.

This is a five star read for me! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and can’t wait to read more from this author.

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bake Happy is the final instalment of the Bake Believe trilogy, bringing the series to a satisfying conclusion with a captivating story of fate, wishes and grumpy teenagers.

If you’re new to this series, I would recommend reading the books in order. It’s a wonderful series for teen readers full of magic and delicious food. It would make a great holiday read as every chapter is accompanied by a recipe for a delicious treat that appears in the story – it will definitely provide days of entertainment!

I particularly liked the extent to which Bake Happy addresses the moral implications of Cat’s family’s gift/curse. They are, for the most part, careful when they bake emotions into things to only do happiness. But what if people don’t want to be happy?

I also really liked getting to spend a bit more time with Maurice, and hear his story. It’s great that this series brings together several generations of family members who share their ideas, experiences and baked goods with each other.

Definitely 5 stars from me! I’d recommend it to teen and pre-teen readers who love baking and magic (and have already read the first two books – if not, do that first!)

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The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not.The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE COOL THING: A DARK COMEDY. OR NOT. is the first book in THE COOL THING SERIES. It’s a satisfyingly weird book that takes the kind of yuckier, messier parts of humanity and gives them a good shake up with some truly wacky sci-fi elements.
I’m always a fan of a detailed book that really captures my imagination, and this definitely did that. Somehow, the level of grossness at times made it even more vivid and tangible for me, and I was really drawn in. Like, we see former sporting hero Carl trying to salvage a pack of cigarettes that had an unfortunate encounter with a bottle of beer. I’m pretty sure I could smell and taste them as I was reading.
I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re looking for loveable characters. But you’ll certainly find interesting characters here! Readers may find some of the content offensive or upsetting, and this is definitely not a book for younger readers.
This book gets five stars from me. I was totally engrossed, and really enjoyed it! It has me looking for the weird and magical in the everyday, which is wonderful!

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes Book 2) by T.S. Simons – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes #2)The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Liminal Space is the second book in T.S. Simons’ exciting Antipodes series. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, with survivors connected by Stargate-esque portals, this series has me totally hooked!
One of the things I particularly like about the series is the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world, which makes it a great lockdown read (if you can cope with the “disease wiping out most of life on Earth” plot at the moment).
In this sequel, Cam has grown and learnt a lot. He is confident in what he has to offer to his community, and is learning to let go of things outside of his control. All of the characters are adapting to the new way of life, but also missing aspects of their old lives and wondering if things ever could go back to normal.
This series is very much a series for today’s world. As well as themes that relate to our experiences with COVID-19, there is a huge focus on environmental issues and our responsibilities towards the planet. It is a thought-provoking book that I would recommend to young adult readers. It gets five stars from me!

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Death & Mirrors (All Things Dark & Deadly Book 1) by SF Benson – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book OneDeath & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Death & Mirrors is the first book in the All Things Dark & Deadly series. It’s a captivating fantasy story full of magic and mystery. References to Alice in Wonderland and Sherlock Holmes indicate that these are significant influences on the book, and it shows!

Evaline is grieving her mother, and trying to piece together the archaeological expedition that led to her mysterious death. She’s also coming of age, and coming into her full powers, without the guidance and support of her mother.

There’s plenty of great world building here, with both a sort of historical urban fantasy setting and the weird and dangerous mirror world. Both settings are engaging and immersive, with details that bring them to life.

This book will appeal to fans of fantasy mysteries and Victorian/Edwardian settings. If you’re someone who goes for every “dark re-imagining of Alice in Wonderland” you can get your hands on (which I totally am I even went to the theatre last week to see one!) you will love this book! It gets five stars from me.

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I’m Not Your Difference (Fitz Series Book 4) by Theresa Sederholt – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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I'm Not Your Difference (Fitz, #4)I’m Not Your Difference by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m Not Your Difference is the fourth book in the Fitz Series of mystery stories. This book highlights the character Andy, introduced in the earlier books as Fitz’s brother-in-law and close friend. The crime part of the story centres around a homophobic serial killer, with Fitz fighting to prove that what appear to be a series of guilt-ridden suicides are not what they seem. Meanwhile, Andy is trying to get back on the dating scene as a single father with early onset Parkinson’s.

This is a sensitive story, with many scenes focusing on domestic and family life. We see in flashbacks Andy’s family coming together to support him when he’s diagnosed sun Parkinson’s, and later their concern for him as he agrees to reconnect with his ex. We also see Andy’s love for his adoptive daughter, Stella, as well as his niece and nephew.

This book works alright as a standalone, if there are themes in it that particularly interest you. But reading it as part of the series will give you more background for the other characters.

I’m Not Your Difference gets five stars from me – an enjoyable and captivating read!

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Blood & Vengeance (The Casket Girls Book 2) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Blood & Vengeance (The Casket Girls #2)Blood & Vengeance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blood & Vengeance is the second book in the Casket Girls series. It’s a great series – vampire-hunting paranormal romance set in 18th Century New Orleans. I love the setting – a lot of attention has been paid to historical detail making for a vibrant and interesting world to explore.
It’s definitely worth reading this series in order. Although from a romance perspective each story focuses on a different couple, the paranormal plot that runs through is developed from book to book. The background of Blood & Ravens will really help readers appreciate Blood & Vengeance.
With Greer off in the Underworld, the focus in this book shifts to Desiree. She’s determined to eliminate the remaining vampires that were preying on her and her companions. This determination is heightened when she learns that the vampire that was assigned to her – who got a taste for her blood – may still be out there. Desiree is a good foil to the pining Theron, and steps up to the mark to advocate for Jaxon as he proves his willingness to change. It’s good to see characters who were previously in a fairly powerless position gain agency and learn to stand up for themselves.
This is another five-star book, and I’m excited to see that the series will continue! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the previous one, and would recommend the previous one to all fans of paranormal romance and anyone with an interest in New Orleans’ history.

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Castor’s Kiss (Soul Bonded in the Stars Book 2) by Tai James – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Castor's Kiss (Soul Bonded in the Stars # 2)Castor’s Kiss by Tai James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Castor’s Kiss is the second book in the Soul Bonded in the Stars series. Following on from the previous book, we catch up with Mia who is being held captive and made to fight in a deadly arena. Castor is sent to rescue her, ahead of Keira and Phoenix, but the rescue mission turns out to be a lot more complicated than anticipated and Castor and Mia have to fight to survive long enough to make their escape.
This is an interesting play on the soulmate trope. Neither Castor or Mia are particularly looking for a soulmate – in fact, Castor has been actively supressing his instincts to search out his soulmate. And it’s a really inconvenient time, as both need to be focused on fighting and developing as a team. They have to learn to make it work, and not let their feelings distract them from the task at hand.
Soul Bonded in the Stars is a vibrant sci-fi romance series with wonderful settings and characters. In Castor’s Kiss, I particularly liked De’ara, who Mia initially dismisses as incapable of fighting and in need of saving. De’ara gets a chance to prove herself and show what she can really do.
I would recommend this series to sci-fi fans. It is probably worth starting with the first book, Phoenix’s Touch, to get to know the world and characters and to enjoy Keira and Phoenix’s story. Castor’s Kiss gets five stars from me!

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Pilot Who Knows the Water (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 6) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Pilot Who Knows the Waters (Lord Hani, #6)Pilot Who Knows the Waters by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pilot Who Knows the Waters is the sixth book in the Lord Hani Mysteries series. This is a great series for historical fiction fans, with a vivid Ancient Egyptian setting. There’s so much detail that really brings the world to life, totally absorbing the reader. If you haven’t already read other books in the series, I would recommend reading them in order to get to know the characters and the world.
Hani is enjoying some peace and quiet, and looking forward to the security of a bountiful harvest, when the book picks up. Of course, he never gets to enjoy much downtime with his family and it’s not long before he’s swept off on another adventure.
I like that Mery-ra, Hani’s father, comes along on this adventure. He’s quite the character, and fun to have around! And also brings knowledge, experience and good sense to the table.
This book gets five stars from me. It’s a great read that I would definitely recommend to fans of ancient history and mystery stories.

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The Cave of Rúin Ársa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Cave of Ruin ArsaThe Cave of Ruin Arsa by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Cave of Ruin Arsa is the third book in the Cross of Ciaran series. This time travel series is best enjoyed in order, starting with The Cross of Ciaran, to get to know the characters and contextualise the story.
The historical setting in this book is great, and I like the use of archaeology in the modern-day setting to connect with the past. It’s also fun seeing the ancient characters navigating a modern world – this is a trope I always enjoy!
The Cave of Ruin Arsa is a captivating story, with plenty of twists to keep readers engaged. We learn more about Ciarán and Aodhán’s past as it comes back to haunt them, while they are trying to build a new life for themselves. There are themes of faith and religion, and love and loyalty that run through the story and motivate the different characters.
This book gets five stars from me! If you’ve enjoyed the Thunder On The Moor series by the same author you’ll definitely love this series! Or if you enjoy historical and time travel romance.

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The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Vardoger Boy (Forerunner Series)The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Vardoger Boy is the second book in The Forerunner Series. There’s a summary of the previous book at the start, but it is best enjoyed after reading Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse.

This is an exciting story with fantasy elements set in the UK during Viking times. Having lived near York/Jorvik, I enjoyed recognising familiar sites and landmarks! There’s plenty of historical detail and the author really brings the world to life with multisensory descriptions. It really captured my imagination!

I particularly liked the depictions of women. There are shieldmaidens, who are as at home on the battlefield as male warriors. But there are also women who prefer working with needles than swords who prove ready to fight when the need arises. Kara is a wonderful character, and it’s particularly interesting seeing her grow in understanding as she sees a new side of the women in her life.

I would recommend this series to readers who enjoy historical fantasy, especially those interested in Vikings and Norse mythology! It gets five stars from me, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Collateral Damage is the sixth book in the Mafia Elite series. This is a great series, with plenty of fun characters to get to know and a good mix of romance and suspense.
In Collateral Damage, we get a chance to learn more about Trey, who has been in the background of the other books. Balancing his role in the mafia with his ER duties is pretty all-consuming, and Trey has been losing himself in his work after his girlfriend died from a bullet meant for him.
One of my favourite characters in this book is Katherine, a family friend who Trey is helping get the treatment she needs. She’s certainly a force to be reckoned with, and I hope we see more of her in the future!
I would recommend reading the series in order, starting with No Way Out. There are a lot of characters and backstory to get to know, and the stories are all very enjoyable.
This book gets five stars from me! I always look forward to these books and can’t wait until the next one comes out in the fall (and Nico finally gets a chance at romance…)

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Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bake Off is the second in the series, sequel to Bake Believe. It is a fun urban fantasy for preteen and teen readers who love baking and food. There’s a recipe at the end of every chapter – I can imagine reading it together during the school holidays, doing a chapter a day and then making the recipe! But I ended up mostly reading it on the subway, saving the recipes for later. Anyway, I do love a book that lets you know how to make the delicious treats it’s been describing!
The story is written from Cat’s perspective. I really like the style – it feels like chatting to a teenager about their interests and experiences. Even the recipes are in this friendly and conversational style. Cat is observant, and we see her thought process as she notices the tensions and behaviour of her family and figures out how best to respond.
This is a really fun read! I love baking and enjoy reading fantasy, so it’s perfect for me and gets five stars! I would recommend the series to young readers who love to bake and eat delicious food!

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Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Taming of the FewTaming of the Few by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Taming of the Few is an exciting urban fantasy, the first in the Guardians of the PHAE series. People around their world are finding dormant magical abilities and mutations manifesting, and facing discrimination and violence as people respond in fear. PHAE have established a haven in Ireland, attracting “Unhidden” who have no option but to leave their own lives behind.
This is an engrossing and entertaining book. The characters really make it for me – they feel like people I know (albeit with paranormal abilities I’m not aware of my friends having!). We learn what makes them feel comfortable and safe, and then watch as they’re taken away from their comfort zone. There are plenty of moments of lightness and character-focused scenes as well as the action and drama.
One thing I really like is that the Unhidden aren’t overpowered. Many have niche and specific abilities, or even inconvenient physical mutations. This means that those who object to the Unhidden can pose a real threat, with the numbers and aggression to have the upper hand. It also means characters can’t rely wholly on their abilities to keep themselves and each other safe.
I’d recommend this book to fans of superhero stories like the X-Men, with characters learning to cope with new and growing powers. It gets five stars from me, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

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Nite Fire: Exit Strategy (Book 5) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Exit Strategy (Nite Fire #5)Exit Strategy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Exit Strategy is the fifth book in the Nite Fire series. If you haven’t read the others, you definitely should before you read this one! They’re fantastic, and you will enjoy Exit Strategy a lot more if you’ve gotten to know and love the characters over the course of the previous books.
Dahlia Nite has been trained to focus on the immediate situation, and saving the people she can in the moment. But when the immediate situation is an apocalypse, she needs to work on the bigger picture and figure out how to save humanity. As well as protecting those around her the best she can. And dealing with the metamorphosis she is currently going through. So it would be an understatement to say she’s got a lot on her plate.
At this stage in the apocalypse, pretty much everyone is well aware of the existence of a myriad of paranormal creatures. I really like the moments where Nite sees that people care a lot more about what she does than who she is. There’s a lot of great character stuff in amongst the action-packed fight scenes and intriguing detective work.
This book gets five stars from me! I’ve loved this series – I’m sad that it’s come to an end, but looking forward to reading more by this excellent author!

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Blood & Ravens (The Casket Girls Series Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance (The Casket Girls Book 1)Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blood & Ravens is the first book in The Casket Girls series. I was drawn to it by the 18th-Century New Orleans setting and was soon captivated by the vivid world and the paranormal plot.
The story builds on the experiences of young women who were sent from France to North America to marry the settlers and highlights the challenges they faced – seasickness, uncertainty, isolation, husbands with whom they had no romantic connection – as well as the conditions back home that would make this seem like an attractive choice. But it adds in a paranormal element, with vampires taking advantage of the situation to start a new life overseas.
There are some great characters in this book – Greer of course, and also her friends. I particularly like Desiree and am thrilled to see that the second book in the series will focus on her! I can’t wait to learn more of her story.
This is an enjoyable read, with some plot twists that really caught me by surprise! The best thing about it is the setting – clearly well-researched and with plenty of detail to bring it to life and also encourage an interest in this period of history. It gets five stars from me!

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Blood & Ravens (The Casket Girls Series Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Veil of Gods and Kings is the first book in the Apollo Ascending series. It’s a mythology-inspired romance with plenty going on story-wise!
Apollo has been living amongst humans, including his mortal sister Temi. He’s not keen on ascending to his position as sun god, which would mean he could no longer spend as much time with humans. Growing impatient, Zeus sends him to live with Prince Hyacinth, whose obedience to his father makes him a great role model. Unfortunately, Apollo and Hyacinth have an established dislike of each other which makes it very, very difficult for them to work together. Or for Apollo to be even vaguely polite.
I particularly like the friendship between Temi and Epiphany, Hyacinth’s sister. As well as chapters from Apollo and Hyacinth’s POV, we get chapters from Epiphany’s perspective. Like Apollo, she is reluctant to follow the path that is expected of her – in Epiphany’s case, to get married and leave the place she calls home.
The author includes content warnings at the start of the book. I think this would be included in the preview, so I won’t repeat them here as they are a bit spoilery.
This book gets five stars from me! An enjoyable queer romance with a fun Ancient Greek setting.

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson

Manipulator’s War is the first book in the Ruarnon Trilogy, an exciting fantasy series, aimed at teen and young adult readers.
The story echoes The Chronicles of Narnia, bringing a group of teenagers on a school trip into a fantasy world where they are destined to play an important role. They have to work out how to survive, and fulfil their fated roles so they can return home. It’s fun seeing how the group dynamics and relationships change throughout the book as they get to know each other and find their places in an unfamiliar world.
I was drawn to this book by the nonbinary main character, Ruarnon. It’s great to see queer characters in fantasy! As a nonbinary reader, it helps me feel like I could have a place in the fantasy world and I’m sure it helps other readers be more understanding and accepting (and learn how to use they/them pronouns!).
This book gets five stars from me, and I’m looking forward to the sequel coming out! I would recommend this to teenagers who’ve enjoyed fantasy series like the Tortall books and are looking for something modern and captivating.

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Spring’s Showers (Romantically Seasonal Series) by C.A. King – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Spring's Showers: Romantically Seasonal: SpringSpring’s Showers: Romantically Seasonal: Spring by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spring’s Showers is the first book in the Romantically Seasonal series. Often accused by the other gods of having an easy job, Cupid has challenged four of them to successfully bring one couple together each. In this book, it’s Mother Nature’s turn to show just how simple matchmaking can be. Or, possibly, how difficult.
This is a fun romance with a gentle supernatural side. Mother Nature’s search for love takes her to a small, unassuming town where her green fingers land her a job at a horticultural nursery. There’s a fun cast of characters she meets along the way – I particularly like Phoebe, the young assistant at the nursery, and Alex’s dad with his novelty slippers.
This is a four-book series, and the rest of the series is out already so I’m looking forward to reading through them in the near future! It gets five stars from me. I would recommend it if you like stories with meddling gods and are in the mood for something light and entertaining.

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The Sound of Murder (Musical Murder Mystery Series) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Sound of MurderThe Sound of Murder by K.L. Montgomery

The Sound of Murder is the first book in the Musical Murder Mystery series. It’s a spin off from another series by this author – Dangerous Curves. Panic at the Playhouse, the 8th Dangerous Curves book, introduces Ruby Ecco, who is the heroine of the Musical Murder Mystery series. You don’t have to have read Panic at the Playhouse to enjoy The Sound of Murder, but if you plan to read both I would recommend starting with the earlier book to avoid spoilers.
This is a very enjoyable read! If you can cope with having the songs from The Sound of Music going round your head relentlessly while you read it, you’ll get caught up in an intriguing case. After a castmate is found dead, Ruby is concerned local police aren’t taking the case seriously. She’s got plenty of clues (and a song she’s made up about them) but needs to piece these together to find out the truth.
I love musicals, and enjoy a cozy mystery. If you’re like me, this series will not disappoint! I would recommend reading in a setting where you won’t be embarrassed if you find yourself humming “Do-Re-Mi”…
The Sound of Murder gets a solid five stars from me, and I can’t wait to read West Side Murder when it comes out!

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Class Clown (Ghost Girl Series) by Allan Evans – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Class ClownClass Clown by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Class Clown is a gripping YA horror story. Abbey has a history of paranormal experiences and starting a new high school hasn’t changed this. She’s doing her best to settle in and make friends, which would be much easier to do if inexplicable things didn’t keep happening to her and her new friends.
If you’re into clown-related horror, this is the book for you! There are clowns everywhere. At the circus, of course, but also in the school corridors, the mirrors, people’s selfies, the middle of the road… SO many clowns. If you’re scared of clowns, this isn’t the book for you (unless you enjoy being scared in which case it’s perfect for you!).
Abbey is a fun character, I like her inquisitive nature and obsession with 80s music! As well as being a ghost-magnet, she’s good at connecting with other people and builds a circle of friends, mainly from her soccer team, who join her in her attempts to save the school from the clown invasion.
Abbey’s story begins in another book, Abnormally Abbey. Class Clown makes sense on its own, and you get plenty of background information as we go along, but if you intend to read Abnormally Abbey I would recommend starting there to avoid spoilers.
This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend it to fans of high school paranormal stories, like Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

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Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Weep, Woman, WeepWeep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Weep, Woman, Weep is a fascinating modern fairytale. Set in a remote village in New Mexico, it tells the story of a curse that has affected generations of women and one woman’s desperate attempts to resist it.
La Llorona is a haunting spirit, who takes lively and independent young people and fills them with sadness, redirecting them towards lives of passivity, conformity and obedience. Mercy has watched this happen to her neighbours and friends, and sees the impact La Llorona’s curse can have even generations later. She is determined to fight this seemingly inevitable fate and carve out her own path in life.
Despite the dark themes in this book, there is plenty of warmth and hope as well. There is Mercy’s friendship with Mr. Consuelo, who gives her a job working on his farm, and with young Miguel, who Mercy employs on her own farm. There is the continual cycle of new life as Mercy’s farm overcomes challenges and thrives. There is Santos, who works his magic into soothing balms and cleansing soap. And there are the little ways Mercy finds to keep her sadness at bay.
This is an engaging and original book, and gets five stars from me. I would recommend it to fans of magical realism, such as books by Cecelia Ahern and Jostein Gaarder.

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Ruthless Heir (Mafia Elite Book 5) by Amy McKinley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite, #5)Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ruthless Heir is the fifth book in the Mafia Elite series. It’s a gripping series, so I couldn’t wait to read the next book when it came out! The series focuses on the Italian Mafia in Chicago, with each book centring on different members of the families. Some have been brought up in this life, whilst others are new to it and drawn in either by family connection or romantic relationships.
I would definitely recommend reading the whole series in order. This story does work as a standalone – both of the main characters are new to the Mafia so we get to learn about it from their perspective – but knowing the backstories of the other characters adds to the experience.
Ruthless Heir is Luc’s story. He has clawed his way from a difficult childhood to becoming a successful businessman, unaware even of the existence of the Chicago Mafia, let alone his rightful place amongst them. His background makes him a good match for Summer – both used to having to fend for themselves.
A misunderstanding leads to Summer getting wrapped up in Mafia business (definitely nothing to do with the chemistry between her and Luc…). It’s interesting to see the families through her eyes – someone who is fully aware of the public image of the notorious bosses and their wives. She knows it’s dangerous to trust anyone, especially the Mafia.
Ruthless Heir was another book I couldn’t put down, and definitely gets 5 stars from me! It’s an action-packed story with plenty of twists and surprises along the way. I’m looking forward to the next book, due out in the summer!

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The Traveler: Book 2 by Deborah Dugan – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Traveler: Book 2The Traveler: Book 2 by Deborah Dugan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed The Traveler so leapt at the chance to read Book 2. It didn’t disappoint! Book 2 brings us loads more of Harry’s backstory, which is fascinating, as well as developing the present-day story. I would only recommend this book to people who have read Book 1 – I think it would come across as a bit slow and confusing if you’re not coming at it from that angle. So if you’re reading this review and haven’t read Book 1 I would put that at the top of your tbr list!
At the end of Book 1, Harry went into stasis – an incredibly long and deep sleep that would allow him to replenish his energy and heal his body. While he is in stasis, he dreams of some of the many lives he has lived before and these make up the bulk of the story. These are fantastic, taking us to a variety of moments in history and seeing how different humans have responded to Harry in these times. These stories in themselves are very engaging, and at times emotionally moving.
Meanwhile, we get to keep up with what’s going on in the world Harry left behind as he sleeps. We see Tristan recovering from the emotional rollercoaster of the first book – I was very grateful to see him still in the story.
This book gets five stars from me! I can’t wait to read the next one! I would recommend the series to readers of sci-fi and fantasy who are looking for something entertaining, thought-provoking and original.

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The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Ghastly GumballThe Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Ghastly Gumball is a fun paranormal romance. It’s a quick read – novella-length with short chapters – so great for a cosy afternoon or night in.
I’ve enjoyed this author’s work before, drawn by the diverse LGBT+ representation. The Ghastly Gumball again features multiple same-sex relationships which is fantastic!
I like that in this book we get a character who is totally clueless to the magic in the world around him who is suddenly dragged into the complicated and amazing world of witches and daemons and shifters. It’s messy and confusing for Lockwood but he figures things out, eventually, with a lot of help.
There’s plenty of tentacles in this, if you’re into tentacles. And I have to say an octopus daemon isn’t something I’d ever considered before, and Clyde is a great character!
This book gets five stars from me! If you’ve enjoyed other books by this author, such as the Life Is Hell series, you’ll love this! And if not, this is a great place to start!

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Daire’s Devils (Daire’s Devils Series Book 1) by Danielle Ackley-McPhail – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Daire's DevilsDaire’s Devils by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Daire’s Devils is an exciting military sci-fi novel. It combines influences from the real military with a vibrant future setting that will satisfy even the pickiest sci-fi fans.
The story is gripping from the start. We see Kat, believing she’s been given a boring job to keep her safe only to find that she’s in a lot more danger than she realised. There are levels of secrets and mysteries to solve, and plenty of action along the way. I love Kat’s resourcefulness, and she’s not overskilled to the point of seeming unrealistic.
This book will appeal to fans of Star Trek and other space military stories. There’s great attention to detail, including seemingly mundane aspects like what the showers are like and how the “meat” is produced. This paints a vivid picture, and helps make the story more believable. They also address things like grief and guilt for the ordinary crew members who are killed when a ship is destroyed – something which many stories seem to gloss over.
Daire’s Devils gets five stars from me! This is a captivating story that will take you on an amazing adventure!

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, #4)Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Secrets is the fourth book in the Mafia Elite series. I have found myself really engrossed in this series, and have enjoyed other books by the same author including the Gray Ghost series, so I was excited to read this!
In Savage Secrets, we finally get to catch up with Elena. She’s been on the run, presumed dead by pretty much everyone. But when her new identity is compromised, it’s a race between the Italian and Russian mafias to get to her, and she doesn’t know who she can trust.
This is a fast-paced, exciting story. As Marco fights to protect Elena, his sister Sofia, and the rest of his family, he can forget that they have plenty of fight in them themselves. And there’s plenty of secrets, with Elena’s adoptive mother, Nicole, helping her uncover the truth about her birth mother, aided by coded messages hidden in the library.
There are unexpected twists and turns, and moments where you’re lulled into a false sense of security (but also moments where everyone’s actually safe and can enjoy a few drinks, some conversation, remember they’re in a romance novel…).
This book gets five stars from me, and I can’t wait to read Ruthless Heir when it comes out! I would definitely recommend starting at the first book in the series, No Way Out, so you can get to know the characters and watch them grow through the series.

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Journeys Through Collection: Volumes 1-3 by James Talisman – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Journeys Through Collection: Volume 1-3Journeys Through Collection: Volume 1-3 by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Journeys Through is a wonderful series of metaphysical fiction books. With interconnected stories set in an array of vibrantly described worlds, it really is a treat for readers looking for something a bit different that will fuel their imaginations.
I particularly enjoy how this book sits across multiple genres, with different storylines fitting more into, say, space opera or urban fantasy. Common themes, and the author’s writing style, provide consistency through these different worlds in the MultiVerse.
These three books all get five stars from me, and it’s so handy that they’re all collected together in one volume! I would definitely recommend getting this version if you haven’t already read the first couple of books, so you can move seamlessly between them rather than having to wait until you have an opportunity to get the next book!

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Journeys Through AllCreation (Journeys Through Book 3) by James Talisman – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Journeys Through AllCreation (Journeys Through Book 3)Journeys Through AllCreation by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Journeys Through AllCreation is the third instalment of the epic Journeys Through series. It’s a rich and detailed fantasy story that weaves together multiple interconnected threads. I would definitely recommend starting with the first book in this amazing series – Journey’s Through SpaceTime.
The author really has a knack for worldbuilding, and this story which takes readers between different worlds really is a treat! I particularly enjoyed the Himalayan setting on Earth, bringing together the fantasy and the power of the real setting. Plenty of vivid descriptions to keep readers’ imaginations busy!
As with the other books in the series, this is not the easiest to follow at times. It definitely demands a lot of your attention – great to read when you’ve got a lot of time and space (no pun intended) to get truly absorbed in the book. There’s a lot at stake in the MultiVerse so once you get into it it’s an absolutely gripping story!
This book gets five stars from me. I’d recommend the series to fans of sci-fi an fantasy who want to be taken on a truly awesome adventure!

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The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2)The Clockwork Solution by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Clockwork Solution is the second book in The Clockwork Chronicles. It is a steampunk fantasy about a young witch whose unique power, Technomancy, puts her at the forefront of a changing world of both magic and technology. This series will delight young adult and older readers who enjoy the intersection between magic and tech, and stories with a historical setting.
In this second book, Arabella is sent to Ireland to see if there is anything her family – both witches and “mundane” relatives – can do to help reduce the impact of the famine. But witches, blamed by many for the famine, are not welcome in Ireland. And there is no guarantee that the forces threatening her in London won’t have followed her across the Irish Sea.
I particularly liked Eliza and Sarah, the Guardians who accompany Arabella and her sister, Rowena, on their journey. Both powerful and experienced, they have strong personalities which at times are in conflict but at others provide a balanced and thorough approach.
This book gets five stars from me, and I can’t wait to see how Arabella’s next adventure turns out. I would recommend readers start with the first book in the series, The Clockwork Witch, to get to know the characters and the wonderful world portrayed in the books.

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