This audiobook is a little on the long side (15 hours!) but don’t let that scare you away from the incredible world that C.L. Schneider has created. The action is well written and easily visualized and the interpersonal relationships are wonderfully realistic and thoughtfully cultivated. I look forward to seeing where the characters end up in the next book and how it affects the professional, platonic, and romantic relationships of everyone involved.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bridget McCulloughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBridget McCullough2021-11-02 21:17:402021-11-03 07:03:58Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors (Book 3) AUDIO BOOK by C. L. Schneider – Review by Bridget McCullough
Quote: “I will not fight fair on this. Things need to change, and this is how it begins.”
Review: This was a super fast read. Probably the shortest book I’ve ever read. It falls under the forbidden love trope. The 3 main characters are super likable. I liked the storyline- it was creative. There was a few twists in the story that I didn’t see coming (I’ll spare you spoilers for this quick read)! I would definitely read sequels.
Valkyrie provides a short, but fully intriguing MM paranormal romance. This was my first introduction to the author and I am excited to read other novels by them! The story, while brief, is intertwined with beautiful details throughout. If it was fleshed out a bit more, I know I would have been re-reading it over and over. That said, I wasn’t able to put the book down and felt various emotions in connection to the characters, the setting, and the tension between what the society in this story deems “normal” or not. A beautiful connection at the end has made this a book I will remember!
I really enjoyed this short story. This author is definately one of my favourites and this book is brilliant. These stories are paranormal romances involved shifters. In this book it is a MM romance and they shift into vulture and jackel. The characters are really well written that you feel connected to their story from the beginning.
This is a really moving story and it takes the subject of death and deals with it in a respectful and beautiful manner. It is also a story about finding your mate when you least expect it and defending your love against all the odds.
The action continues with Scott and Zelda in book 3 of the series. If you thought the first two were full of twists and turns, buckle up because this book has you in for a bumpy ride! I would highly recommend reading the first two books before attempting this one, as there is a lot of backstory that will add to the emotion of this one. Overall a very good addition to the series, though definitely not for the emotionally faint of heart!
If you enjoyed book 1, you will definitely enjoy this one as well! It continues with our favorite characters from Peaceful Slumber, Scott and Zelda, but follows new characters this time around. While you don’t have to read the first book to follow this one, it definitely adds to it. Like the first, there are many twists and turns that you won’t see coming! It’s another enjoyable read that I would highly recommend!
This book uses a somewhat common theme – the ability to communicate with and see the dead. However, it spins this theme into an unexpected romance, and it works better than you would think! I enjoyed this easy read, especially how the two characters, Scott and Zelda, developed throughout the books. Both had satisfying stories and character growth, and there were twists that I definitely didn’t expect! There were times that I thought the book was over and questions were being left unanswered, but all the loose ends were tied up by the end! I would definitely recommend this book!
This series continues to be enjoyable to listen to. The narrator is fantastic. I love Dahlia’s character in this series and now a new mystery comes to light. Dismembered bodies everywhere along a riverbank turning up and it’s up to help Dahlia solve the mystery while trying to keep safe. This story keeps you on your toes with mystery and twists. Looking forward to see what happens next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2021-11-01 20:32:292021-11-02 19:23:53Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors (Book 3) AUDIO BOOK by C. L. Schneider – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
I originally picked up this title as a light little Halloween read. My first story by Naomi Valkyrie, I was immediately sucked into the beautiful world she’s created. There’s something really beautiful about a love story set against the backdrop of death. I felt myself reminded a bit of Egyptian mythology, which made the story even richer for me, personally. Acheron is a Vulture shifter- he touches and cares for the souls of the dead. Because of this, he’s seen as unclean, and he stays to himself. When he takes a job in the city, he finds himself drawn to Errapel, who is nursing the soul headed for death. By law, Acheron cannot take a mate, but as the two work together, we find ourselves wondering if the law is enough to keep them apart.
Truthfully a gorgeous short story, bursting with a myriad of emotions and brilliant storytelling. I really enjoyed Naomi’s storytelling, even though I’m not generally a sci-fi reader. She will definitely go on my “Always read,” list after this stunner of a story.
Well, this chapter in the series was excellent and intense. The action was strong and gripping. I took my phone everywhere because I couldn’t stop listening. The characters seem to be well-developed. I love the fact that audio gives them an extra layer of personality. Don’t we all wear msdks while trying to solve problems? That seems so hard to hide who you are while going about daily life. I am a huge fan of this series. I definitely recommend this one to the sci-fi and fantasy lovers.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2021-11-01 15:39:012021-11-02 18:48:17Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors (Book 3) AUDIO BOOK by C. L. Schneider – Review by Shelly Kittell
This is the third book in the series. I have enjoyed all of the books so far. I really liked getting to see more of Zelda and Scott’s relationship. We learn more of how Zelda feels about not being able to see ghosts. This was a pretty heavy book with all that goes on during it. I cried because I felt bad for Zelda and Scott. Overall a good series with an interesting theme.
I read this series in less than a week, back to back, I couldn’t put it down! So. Many. QUESTIONS! Of course, I loved it (can I note that I am not normally a huge paranormal fan, but Barrett has written this series in such a way that it doesn’t have me rolling my eyes for how unrealistic ghost stories tend to be… like, I can actually imagine this all happening to someone as it’s being told. COLOUR ME IMPRESSED!) but I am now impatient for the next installment as there was a teaser at the end and it did its job. It teased. I have been teased. Now I want the book! This installment followed Scott and Zelda again as they went through their lives; their family fuller and happier thanks to the addition of lifelong friends, but of course something is missing. Tragedy strikes, and then it strikes again, and again. They really cannot seem to catch a break. Meanwhile the three-year old little princess is taking everything in stride and their friends are assisting in every way they can. Secrets are revealed, boundaries and relationships are tested, and characters are introduced. Can’t wait for the next book and to see what literary 180 Barrett will take this time!
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals takes place in Kharon the only place safe for Acheron, a Vulture shifter. He goes to spend the last moments with the dying to write their stories and help them be set free after death. He is shunned since he touches the dead and it is dangerous for him to go to Mandara. He makes the journey to the city that he is being pulled to, but is it just to write the last wishes and words of the dying or something more? He’s forbidden from taking a mate so what are his options when he meets Errapel to whom he is drawn to?
I actually really enjoyed this book. Naomi Valkyrie keeps you interested and even with the shortness of this book, you get a good sense of the characters and she even does pretty great with her character development. I did wish there were was more to this book and would have gladly kept reading. I am definitely interested in more of her books in the future!
This is an MM paranormal romance so I would recommend it to anyone who loves books like this! It was a good book and the first MM romance I had read. The writing is great and keeps you wanting more and it is a very quick read!
Fate, Frankincense and Funerals is a novel by Naomi Valkyrie.
The title of the novel caught my attention and I thought it was perfect for Halloween.
Acheron is a Vulture shifter that is shunned by society because of his involvement with the dead. He takes an assignment to go to the city of Mandara. There he encounters Errapel, the nurse that is looking after the soul he is there to assist. Errapel is also the reason he was pulled to the city in the first place. Law states that Vulture shifters are not to take mates so what is Archeron to do? Leave the man behind or fight society’s rules?
I love how Archeron tried to fight his attraction to Errapel at first. Even walked out the room when he suggested they could try. But I had a feeling he would give in eventually.
I really wish this was longer. It ends on a slight cliffhanger so I am hoping we will see these characters and learn more about their future together.
This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. I have enjoyed her books from the first one I picked up. They are well written and the author’s attention to details kept her books engaging and hard to put down. This book is no different. I was pulled into the story by the characters from the beginning. They bring the story to life on each page. They are connectable and made the story fun and entertaining to read. This is a paranormal romance story that is fast paced and hard to put down. This is a story about mountain lion shifters. A story of pride and letting go of the past, overcoming it. This is a great story that has great growth of the plot and characters throughout the story. This is a great pick and I highly recommend it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2021-11-01 05:07:352021-11-02 15:33:44The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie is a great MM paranormal tale. When I saw Naomi had another book out, I didn’t hesitate to grab it and as always she didn’t disappoint in any way. For once I actually read the blurb and found myself a bit sad, angry and torn for the characters and I still felt the same way once I dug into this fantastic story. It may be short, but it packs a punch. Naomi’s world building, characterisation and narrative have a way that draws you in to the heart of the story which I wish was a little longer because I wanted more. Society shuns them and archaic laws forbid them. Reviewed by @jennadb
I don’t normally read M/M romance but I love this author and paranormal romance. And I am so glad I did. The only thing I would want to change is more! Just me being greedy! This story is a really great quick read. I love how Errapel is so patient and understanding with Acheron. To do what Acheron does takes a strong heart, but will it be strong enough to fight?
This was a pleasant short story. I wish it was longer to be honest. I’d love to once about Carissa’s childhood. The things shes seen. I’d like to know what life was like for Azrael growing up. I thought the relationship between Acheron and Errapel was beautiful and complimentary. I want to know what lies in there future. I also need background info on how the towns were set up. And also, SHIFTERS?! I love it. I wasn’t sure how I’d like it but this story had an amazing concept, characters were well developed and the story line was magnificent .
I wish there were more than 5 stars to give because if there were, I would definitely give this book so much more! I just loved this MM Paranormal Romance and though this story was short, it really packed a punch. Azrael, who is the high priest and Sovran tasks Acheron, is a vulture shape shifter to go to Mandara to help tend to a dying patient. When Acheron arrives in Mandara he meets Errapel and the mate bond is strong. Errapel is a nurse attending to Carissa, who is dying. Her wish is to die at home and then transition back to Kharon. As Acheron gets to know Carissa more as he writes down in her final journal her childhood memories and all the way up to adulthood, there is more to Carissa that you learn and the secrets she shares. More than anything, she wants their world to change and she feels that Acheron and Errapel are to make that change with their bond. Will love prevail between Acheron and Errapel? Definitely read and find out, you will not be disappointed. I am really hoping that there will be more to these characters and this book so I am going to keep my fingers crossed :).
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie. I love Naomi Valkyrie so I knew this book would be great and I was not wrong! Its the story of Acheron a vulture shifter who feels a very strong pull to the city that he’s forbidden to go to. When he gets there he realizes its Errapal. Errapal is a nurse to the dying and I know I’ve been sent to help him. My attraction to Errapal is out of this world and I can’t deny it even though Vulture Shifters are forbidden to take a mate. As they spend more and more time together Acheron is more in love with Errapal than ever. Can they fight society and win to be able to be together? This is a great Paranormal romance that is steamy as can be. Its also very short so if you are like me you will fly through it in no time! Read this amazing story to find out what happen!
I thoroughly enjoyed this MM paranormal romance which had me hooked from page one. This is a fairly quick read which I read in one sitting and I found myself completely immersed in the story. Vulture shifter, Acheron is shunned by society because he touches the dead but is safe in Kharon, when he feels a pull towards the city he makes the treacherous journey to Mandara. Arriving there he discovers that it was hare shifter and nurse Errapel that was to calling him to. Errapel is the nurse to the dying soul that Acheron has been sent to assist, and he is also his mate. However, vulture shifters are forbidden from taking a mate by law, but the pair can not help being drawn to one another. To stay together and have a chance at love the couple would have to not only beat the archaic laws but also fight society. I fell in love with Acheron and Errapel and really felt for them and their situation of forbidden love. The chemistry between the couple sizzled off the page and the characters were really bought to life by the authors detailed writing. The authors descriptive narrative also bought the setting to life, and she’s done a wonderful job of creating a whole new world and making it feel real. This was an enjoyable and engaging short story and one which I definitely recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2021-10-31 18:03:312021-11-02 13:27:45Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Jennifer Gordon
I had never written a novel by this talented author, prior to this one. I must say I was blown away with my first impression! The craft of the writing was beyond amazing, and the characters that I met were so real and convicting, and I felt constantly I was right there with them living in the moment!
The story was a paranormal romance, but different than others I have read. I felt this one gave myself as the reader so much and asked for nothing in return, but literally sheer pleasure and enjoyment. I was constantly captivated by the story, and wanting to know more, and edge of my seat at times with accounts of wanting a full sexy passionate scene to take place!
Kharon the main male lead was a critical character. The story was a very enjoyable read, it was a quick read. I found that though it was a quick duration for the read, you still got so much out of this book, as much as you would with a longer page number book. When Kharon meets Errapel you can tell there was passion between the two. Were they so different from the worlds they live in or perhaps they were more the same? I found what I loved about this book, as much as the characters and learning who they are was how Kharon saw his experience with Errapel as more than just a life experience. IT gave him thoughts, and wonders, and I found meeting her, and what they had between them, shifted his perspective and what he wanted to do with his life! Something we all can relate to, as one moment can truly define us!
Loved this book. It was a easy and fast read for me. Completely enjoyable as well. I loved it from start and all the way till I finished the closing sentence on the final page. I was very happy and love struck with this author’s writing. I will be reading more for sure! I happily recommend this book and this author!
Nite Fire: Smoke and Mirrors by C.L. Schneider is the third book in the Nite Fire series. I read the synopsis and loved the concept so much that I didn’t even see that this was the third book in the series! However, I was so hooked by the beginning of this book that I continued to listen (audio-version) even though I did not have prior knowledge of the characters and their previous stories. While I was slightly confused by the dynamics between some of the characters at the beginning of the book, I was able to quickly fill in the dots. Overall, the book was action-packed, mysterious, and gave just enough spooky vibes for the Halloween season! I enjoyed the characters and all of the supernatural elements this book had to offer!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jasmin Mariehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJasmin Marie2021-10-31 15:50:272021-11-02 13:24:25Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors (Book 3) AUDIO BOOK by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jasmin Marie
Even though I am usually not a short story reader, when I come across a book by Naomi Valkyrie I am always going to pick it up and read it. She is just one of those authors for me.
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals is a short read (yes I wish it was a longer story but that is just because I’m a greedy gus! LOL) that will hold you captivated from start to finish. Its fires your imagination and draws you in with intense characters and a vivid world created by this amazingly talented author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2021-10-31 15:27:012021-11-02 13:23:17Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Jules Herbert
Fate, Frankincense and Funerals is a very well-written tale. This is my first book by Valkyrie, and it’s not a genre I typically read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were quite interesting and deeply believable. I wish there was more backstory – on this world she’s created, the relationships, and societal beliefs of its inhabitants. I was very curious about some of the unanswered questions. Honestly I debated giving this a 5-star review, and would have if those elements had been included. This authour is excellent, and I will be checking out some of their other works.
This a a very quick short read. Errapel I like this character. Carissa and Errapel interactions. I wish it was a more full story as I felt I was just getting into it and it ended.
I am a loner in the world, banished from love and shunned by my world as I touch the dead but he came into my life unexpected but can we stay together or will the law win.
Acheron is a Vulture shifter and is a loner as many people from his world shy’s away as he touches the souls of the dead, but when he is sent on a mission to help a nurse usher a soul to the other world he jumps at the chance to change his surroundings and experience something new.
Errapel is nursing the soul, when Acheron arrives he sees more than the keeper of the soul, he sees a man who has love in his heart but the only problem is that Acheron by law can not find a mate. Can they overcome this and find a mate in each other.
I do have to say that I’m not normally into this Syfy genre but I actually enjoyed this short story. The story between these two main characters was intriguing and interesting to read. The detail in this world was brilliant and as the book is technically a novella it does not feel like you have been short changed.
Will I read more, probably this story has peaked my interest within this genre and would like to read more by this author to see inside the world of shifters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2021-10-31 13:20:302021-11-02 13:15:41Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Angela Shirley
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie is a fantastic paranormal MM romance. Wonderfully woven, this story is another feather in Ms. Valkyrie’s hat! She seems to have a limitless well of intriguing stories just waiting for her to release them onto the pages and into the world for us to enjoy. She never ceases to amaze me with her highly original storylines that have their own identity and her unique and clever touches stamped all over them. This book had a bit of an Egyptian mythology feel to it- turning up the intrigue level several notches for me. This story might be on the shorter side, but it packs the punch of a much longer novel. I would have loved the story to be longer, not because it was lacking anything- but because I was so caught up in the story that I wanted to know more about the society and backgrounds etc. Archeron is a vulture shifter, an outcast from the ‘normal’ shifter society due to his service to the dead and dying. Errapel is a caring nurse hare shifter. Their worlds collide when fate brings them together to ‘care’ for a dying client. And so, the sparks of change ignite- making for a wonderful story about fated mates and the power of love. The story is sweet, spicy, sexy, emotional, and romantic. It has a bit of dystopian feel to the fantasy, too. We enter a shifter society with its own unique identity- with superb worldbuilding from Ms. Valkyrie- she constructed a very interesting world in which to set her story. She also explores themes of race, discrimination, castes, bigotry, societal expectation- as well as setting a spark for change. Can’t wait to see what Ms. Valkyrie does next!
A short but poignant book. On the surface this book is a wonderful love story of finding a mated bond. When you look beyond the surface the story brings an awareness of racism and fear of others different then yourself. The author shows that love comes at any time in one’s life whether you are ready for it or not. The strength of our elders is given to the next generation to be brave and stand up for what they believe in no matter the consequences. A very enjoyable quick read.
The Mating Call is the first book in the Long Claw Pride series by Brooke May. It is the start to a sublime new shifter series- this time we get mountain lion shifters. Ms. May had me at shifters – but making them mountain lions added an extra element of interest for me. It turned out to be a really great paranormal romance, with fated mates, drama, angst, family, community, finding where you belong, letting go of the past, and more. Cheyenne and Lane were so easy to love- I was completely invested in them and the outcome of their story. Ms. May didn’t make it too easy for them though- and they had to work for their chance at happiness. This is definitely my favourite book of Ms. May’s- so far! I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series now! Can’t wait!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2021-10-31 11:13:072021-11-02 13:07:17The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Angela Hayes
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