To Kill Badger by Shelly Laurenston

4 Stars

Nelle Zhao is a loner, born and bred. Her own company is plenty, and her thoughts are certainly way more interesting than the tedium of reality. But she's also fiercely loyal—to her honey badger teammates and their mission, and now to the three gorgeous big tiger shifters known as the Malone brothers. Especially Keane, who doesn't know how to accept a friendly paw. But Nelle excels at helping! And at ignoring other people's irrational demands, such as doing it all alone. Keane, poor pretty kitty, doesn't understand the kind of assistance a shit-starting honey badger like Nelle can truly offer....

Keane knows two things—he doesn't like other people, and he is going to take down the de Medicis' human trafficking ring. Alone, as in by himself. It's safer that way. But the truth is the de Medicis are a seriously evil coalition of male lion shifters who are not only snatching innocent humans for fun and profit, but who also killed his father. And their combined power means that Keane's going to have to let long-legged, jet-setting Nelle join the fight. And getting close to Nelle is suddenly bringing out his roar....

I liked Nelle and Keane a lot. I wish more of the book was with them verse everyone else. There were some characters that had their personality changed from previous books and I don’t understand why. Nelle was managing Charlie which never happened previously. The entire team was terrified of her in previous books. The book still had a lot of humor and I enjoyed that.

Book 6 Badger Chronicles

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Spicy Little Curses by J.T. Geissinger

4 Stars

A reporter’s disbelief in the supernatural is tested when she uncovers a tattoo artist’s sinister family secrets in an enthralling short story by New York Times bestselling author J.T. Geissinger.

Petra is skeptical when it comes to the French Quarter’s creepy urban legends. Until she meets Dax Rousseau, the proprietor of the House of Ink and Blood. The eldritch markings on his flesh tell more than the tale of a doomed bloodline. They come slitheringly alive. And the nearer Petra gets to the maddeningly sexy Dax, the closer she is to being the next victim of his ancient family curse.

I really enjoyed this one. The narrators did an amazing job bringing the story to life. I enjoyed the curse story line. I liked how it all played out between Petra and Dax. The twist towards the end was different and not what I expected.

Book 3 Scared Sexy

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Wrong Witch to Hex With by Molly Harper

3 Stars

As the youngest of three sea witch sisters, Linney Seaworth lives a secluded existence in her family’s secret cottage on Moonshadow Cove, the far side of Starfall Point. Together, the Seaworths wield magic derived from the surrounding waters to keep the human population safe from paranormal threats. But Linney has always longed for a more adventurous life ... which is exactly what she gets when handsome newcomer Gray Brockhurst shows up on the Island.

Gray just inherited one of Starfall’s oldest ghost tour companies. Even though he’s never believed in ghosts, he’s continuing the family business to honor his late grandfather, who relished in sharing the island’s lore. But Gray is thrown for a loop when a lovely local interrupts his tour and changes his entire world view. Apparently, ghosts are all too real, and he’s been offending them with inaccurate stories during his “performances.”

But soon the Seaworths face a bigger problem: A deadly enemy has been unleashed, and it’s unlike anything they’ve ever encountered. As Linney and Gray work together to stop it, the attraction brewing between them just might be the most powerful magic of all.

This book was just ok. It built on Starfall Point series so there isn’t a lot of world building. My issue with the book was it felt rushed and there wasn’t a lot of character development. Yes it built on Starfall but these characters are new. I did enjoy it just wanted more. I am hoping the next two books will give more.

Book 1 Moonshadow Cove

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Supernatural Academy: Year One by Jaymin Eve

3 Stars

Maddison James is about to discover some truths about the world.

Firstly … supernaturals exist.

WTF?

Secondly … she is one, even though no one seems to know exactly what kind.

Double WTF.

Thirdly … she’s about to go back to school.

Well, things just got a little more interesting.

The Supernatural Academy is where shifters, vampires, magic users, and fey are educated. Where they are taught about their abilities, and how to function in the human world. Maddison already has the human part down, but this supernatural thing is an entirely new dangerous game.

Example one: mean girls who can actually turn you into a frog.

Example two: Asher Locke, a god at the Academy. Not literally … well, who knows for sure. He certainly acts the part, as do all of his minions who worship him.

Asher drives her crazy, because apparently gorgeous and arrogant is her thing. Sparks fly between them, and the more they’re thrown together, the more Asher is determined to figure out what’s been blocking her abilities.

Until the moment the truth is revealed, and they find out nothing in this supernatural world is what they thought.

Including each other.

Maddi is thrown into a supernatural world she wasn’t aware of. She rolls with the punches so she can discover everything she can. It’s one of the things I liked best about her. I also liked all the guys and secondary characters. Some of my issues with the story is it jumps around on the timeline. It jumps ahead in the time to move the story along and it doesn’t make sense and was very jarring. There also needs to be some character development to like/hate some of the characters. Overall, I liked it enough to continue the series.

Book 1 Supernatural Academy

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Dirty Lying Faeries by Sabrina Blackburry

4 Stars

For better or for worse, the newest changeling has arrived . . .

When Thea Kanelos’s best friend drags her to an art gala (that’s definitely not her thing), she doesn’t expect a chance encounter with Devin Grayson to change her life forever. The handsome stranger isn’t just anyone—he’s a powerful fae, charged with bringing Thea into his world.

Believing that she’s always been human, Thea must accept that everything she’s known about herself up until now has been a lie. She’s not human at all. She is a fae—funny, because she doesn’t even believe in faeries.

But with strange creatures now visible on the street and fangs and colors flashing in the shadows, it can’t be denied: faeries are real. And with the Winter Solstice approaching, a magnificent ball will bring her fully into the fae world and draw her closer to Devin with whom she has a deepening and dangerous attraction.

As her new powers awaken, Thea learns she plays a more pivotal role to the fae than she ever imagined. And when the barrier between the human and the fae worlds begins to crack, it will be up to her to save not just herself, but everyone she loves from a terrible fate.

Loved this take on the Fae. Thea was amazing and so relatable. Devin was awesome if a bit of a dick but does get better by the end. Loved most of the secondary characters except Thea BFF. She annoyed me throughout the book. I think she was supposed to annoy so meh. My biggest issue with the book is I am left wanting to know what ended up happening with Thea family. It is explained she will have to limit contact for reasons you will need to read to find out. The book just kind of ends without any resolution between Thea and her family. With that said I still can’t wait to pick up book 2.

Book 1 The Enchanted Fates

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Noir Reformatory by J.R. Thorne and Lexi C Floss

3 Stars

Wrapped in a world of sin and sexy alpha angels.
Forever defined by my black wings.
My father, King of the Nora, sent me to Noir Reformatory to atone for crimes I didn’t commit.
So what’s a girl to do? Escape, obviously.
Except I need allies to accomplish that feat and no one wants anything to do with King Sefid’s daughter. If anything, my claim to the throne has only made running that much harder, and worse, I’m stuck with two hot angels standing in my way.
Auric is my supposed guardian, his white wings marking him as my superior in this deadly playground. Only, I’m his princess and I refuse to bow to a warrior like him.
And Novak, the notorious Prison King, is hell-bent on teaching me my place. Which he seems to think is beneath him. In his bed.
This prison resembles a training camp for soldiers more than a reformatory for the Fallen. I suspect something nefarious is at play here, but of course, no one believes me. I’m the guilty princess with black wings. Well, I’ll prove them all wrong. I just hope it isn’t too late.
My name is Princess Layla.
I’m innocent.
And I do not accept this fate.

This one has more questions than answers. It feels like you come into the story part way into it. The writing is good and even though I have so many questions I’m willing to give it a shot since all are out.

Book 1 Noir Reformatory

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Fortune Academy One by J.R. Thorne and Lexi C Floss

3 Stars

Welcome to Fortune Academy, a school where supernaturals can feel at home—except, I have no idea what I am.

The last thing I remember is arriving at the massive gates with a Bounty Hunter staring me down. I have a feeling he was supposed to take me to the monster holding arena to fight and die. Instead, I'm Fortune Academy's newest student.

I can relate to the monsters in ways the other students can't. My mentor, who is way too hot for his own good, tells me my behavior is the result of my memory loss and that I'm just trying to identify with a past pain that I've buried too far to feel. I think he's wrong. I think the reason I can't relate to any of the students is because I'm one of the monsters they're trained to kill.

I don't fit into any of the supernatural cliques, but that doesn't stop me from collecting enemies. A brawny wolf shifter, a moody dark mage, and a playboy demi-god have decided to break me. They think I don't have any powers and that I was recruited by mistake. It'll be their funeral if they push me too far, because this girl isn't taking any of their sh--t.

My name is Lily Fallen, but don't let my pretty face fool you. I'm a monster in a school uniform and it's only a matter of time before I teach these males a lesson they won't forget.

Pretty good start to a new series. It does end on a cliff but all the books are out. Nice world building and character development. Can’t wait to see where everything goes and who ends up with Lilly.

Book 1 Fortune Academy

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Winter Fae Queen by J.R. Thorne and Lexi C Floss

4 Stars

 The Royal Water Fae I’m in love with just hired me to be his intern.

Oh. My. Fae.

I only applied for the job because of a dare, and now I’m packing my bags for the North Pole.

No big deal. I can totally be professional. I haven’t seen him since the Academy anyway. Maybe he’s gotten fat from all the Winter Fae sweets

Except, no. Kalt hasn’t gotten fat at all. He’s still perfectly chiseled and even more gorgeous than I remember. And worse? He has two equally hot friends.

A royal elf named Lark.

And a sexy-as-sin selkie named Norden.

I am so screwed. And I mean that literally because the elf and the selkie seem to think I’m their mate. Only Kalt completely disagrees.

Oh, and not only am I dealing with these three hotties, but my water magic is also on the fritz. I accidentally stirred up a snowball fight in the middle of Santa’s workshop, then ice tinsel started shooting from my fingertips like confetti.

It’s a problem.

One I’m not sure how to solve.

So, yeah, wish me luck! And send warm vibes. I really need some help melting all this snow…

Kalt frustrated me so much in this book but he finally got it in the end but it took way too long. Loved how all in Norden and Lark were with Arica and how they tried to ease into the relationship but ended up rushing. It didn’t feel like a 438-page book. It reads easy and fast. So, if you are looking for a good holiday book this is a good one to read.

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Cocoa with Krampus by Nattie Rhodes

3 Stars

My best friend tells me everything.
She warned me I shouldn't stay in New York for the imminent holiday season. She also said my supervisor is a jerk. What she didn’t tell me is that the evil King of Christmas is real.
I don't believe in magic, let alone Santa.
On the night of the anniversary of losing my mother, I'm invited to dinner with my sleazy boss who just cannot take a hint. After escaping his entitled, wandering hands I find myself wrapped in the comforting, protective arms of the holiday bad boy himself, Peter Krampus.
Will his abilities scare me away? Or will I learn that true love, and Christmas miracles, do exist?

This was a cute holiday book. Tieran needed more of a backbone. Her boss’ consequences weren’t enough for what he tried to do. I loved how peter was all in and wanted to take care of her instantly. Same with the BFF. My biggest issue was how it ended. It felt rushed and incomplete. Overall, I enjoyed and hope the BFF gets her own book.

Book 1 Divine Demons

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Vampire Librarian by Kristin Kova

4 Stars

Save London from an impending vampire apocalypse? Sorry, my week is all booked.

That’s a book pun—I’m a librarian. Specifically, the arcane archivist at the Witching Library in the heart of London.

Humans don’t know about the secret magical world of witches, shifters, and seers like me. So when vampires steal a dark codex from the library, no police come to save me when I’m caught in the crossfire. I’m left in a pool of blood, with a searing scratch on my arm.

When I transition and lose control of my new thirst, a dangerously powerful—and hot as hell—vampire pulls me back from the edge. Lazarus has a proposition for me: if I help him track down my sire before he can expose the supernatural world, he'll teach me to control my hunger.

If we fail, the council’s terrifying Shadowhounds will execute my monstrous sire and all his progeny. Including me.

I miss my library already.

Fans of urban fantasy with slow burn romance will love Karina Dobrev, our reluctant, introverted heroine; Lazarus Kaine, our deadly, irresistible hero; and Keith, a magical cat with impeccably high standards. The Shadow Order: Vampire is a complete four book series.

Weird but good read. Very enjoyable urban fantasy. No romance in this one at all but hints for future books that there will be a romance. Loved the references to the Mummy Movie about no harm reading a book. I loved the characters and the world so far. It’s a different kind of vampire book but a good read. It ends kind of on a cliff but not a bad one.

Book 1 Shadow Order

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TBR by Sedona Ashe

4 Stars

I always thought I’d die crushed under the weight of my TBR pile, but my death was a plot twist I didn’t see coming.

Save your sympathy! Now that I’m dead, I’m living my best freaking life. I’m free to read books for hours on end without worrying about food, rent, or, well, any other interruptions.

It looks like I might finally be able to get through my TBR list… maybe.

The only one who can see me in my ghostly form is Wasabi, an adorable rat that lives in the library archives. That changed when a not-quite-human guy showed up in town and caught me admiring his gorgeous body—er, I mean, smile. If it was possible to die twice, I’d have done it on the spot from sheer embarrassment. I was drawn to him like a moth to an ugly Christmas sweater, but I fought the pull. My TBR list was calling, and men were a distraction I didn’t need or want. Books before boyfriends, am I right?

But it turned out the man wasn’t traveling alone. He was part of a three-man team that investigated strange ghostly occurrences, and they’d come to Amberwood to figure out why lost souls were gathering here. They are determined to convince me there is more to life than books and show me the joys of being shared by three adoring partners.

Resisting one irresistibly sexy man was hard enough, but three? And that was before a purple-eyed reaper appeared in town, and I started making bets I couldn’t win. I was fighting a losing battle by continuing to deny what my heart was telling me… and that was before I got a lap dance from death.

I can’t deny I’m addicted to their touch. Still, I prefer to keep my drama inside the pages of a book. But that becomes impossible when I realize lives are in danger… including those of the men I’ve started to think of as mine. I’m still haunted by my death, but maybe it’s time to face the truth and stop being such a good ghoul. They say you only live once, so I guess it’s time to find out if you only die once as well. Is YODO a thing?

My TBRs aren’t going to read themselves, and these men are becoming a distraction I don't need. Although, maybe I could take a quick break after I finish one more chapter....

I LOVED this book. I loved the characters and the development in the story. There is one scene with the grim reaper that was amazing. Would love to see more books in this world. Also who doesn’t have a massive TBR you want for ever to read.

Amazon

Swipe Right for Monsters by R O’Leary

4 Stars

“Download Monstr and slither into your future mate’s DMs!”

Tequila shots and dating apps don’t mix. Celebrating the end of grad school, Drunk Nicole thought it would be a brilliant idea to find a monster sugar daddy to help her pay off her student loans and help her fix up the rundown house she had inherited.

Surely there was a rich vampire or gold-laden dragon out there who might have a thing for messy brunettes with threadbare sweatpants and a caffeine addiction?

 

But in the light of day (and her crippling hangover) Sober Nicole thinks Drunk Nicole was an idiot. Especially now that her notifications are blowing up and five fanged hotties want to take her to dinner… or eat her for dinner.

It is a dating app for monsters, after all.

I loved this book so much. FMC is looking for sugar daddies basically and it comes to bite her in the butt and she does make it up to the men she falls for. Loved this little twist as it’s normally the guys screwing up. I really hope more books will be written in this world as I really liked the premise.

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Monster’s Desire by Jillian West

3.5 Stars

The picturesque town of North Falls is as beautiful as it is deadly.

When Nadia is called to help deliver a human woman's little elven babies, she knows she can't say no. After all, she's masquerading as a fertility witch since blood witches were hunted out of existence several generations ago.

But North Falls isn't like any other sanctuary city Nadia has been to and the differences are enough to make her blood boil.

Haven is run by decent monsters, but a corrupt council with an agenda of their own leads North Falls. The ward around their town is failing and they aren't above compelling the witch to their bidding.

Everything will have to fall into place for her to survive the trip. Unfortunately for Nadia, her luck has never been all that great. Add in a rogue alpha wolf, a council-appointed vampire guard who would be more accurately described as a spy, and a couple of demons from her past and it looks like she might just have a fighting chance.

Well, until the council ups the ante that is. Will her newfound protectors be enough to keep her alive? Or will they run when they learn her secrets?

I was so looking forward to this one but it wasn’t as good as the first two. I missed all the original characters and felt there was a pacing issue. There were times it moved but other times I was frustrated with no movement at all. Overall, it was fine and a nice way to round out the series.

Book 3 A Monstrous World

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Monster’s Wife by Jillian West

4 Stars

The picturesque town of Haven may offer sanctuary for all, but the irony is getting harder to miss: monsters are vanishing.

Aline knows better than to meddle. The runaway Princess of Faere learned the hard way what happens when others see what her magic can do.

No, it's far better to focus on her own problems like running The Monster's Den and staying off the paranormal council's radar.

Tragedy strikes Haven as things are finally starting to come together for the lonely fae, and Aline has no choice but to intervene.

The blows keep coming when the paranormal council initiates a full-scale inquiry into why monsters vanish from Haven.

It seems her house of cards is about to tumble.

Can she trust the ghosts of her past and the unhinged monsters desperate to be a part of her future to help keep her safe?

Will they even want to when they see what she's capable of?

There is some overlap with the first book. It was interesting to read and see it from a different perspective. I also loved the give and take between FMC and her men. The original mates were very much misunderstood and I feel bad for them. The continued world building in this book adds to the overall series. Can’t wait for the third one.

Book 2 A Monstrous World

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Hunter’s Choice by Timber Phillips

3 Stars

I lead a simple life on the Olympic Peninsula running Moonchild Owl Haven, a bird sanctuary for sick and injured owls.

When I'm not doing that? I work a regular shift at the animal hospital fulfilling my day job.

Life is pretty great, what with my best friend Charlie coming around daily to help with my fly babies, but it's also lonely. I mean, Charlie is old enough to be my grandad and the only other man in my life? A not even legal teen that’s like a younger brother.

Meeting people out here in the sticks is tough. Tougher still for a girl like me who can't string two words together without stuttering so bad she can't be understood. For the most part I'm okay with that, but sometimes I wish I could do away with my whiteboard and just tell people how it is, what I'm feeling…

After all, a man wants someone he can talk with, not just someone he can talk at.

At least that's what I've been told...

This was such a sweet story and I loved Jessamine and Gunter. It’s a nice twist on shifter story. It was predictable but still a good read.

Amazon

Fortune Academy: Year 2 by JR Thorn

3 Stars

I found my five Virtues… but they didn’t want to be found.

Talk about reluctant. My five Virtues all need to be taught a lesson, even Kaito, my mentor who thinks he knows everything—FYI, he doesn’t.

Hendrik, a dark mage who thinks he’s still pulling the strings.

Logan, a wolf shifter who hasn’t caught on that I’m really his alpha.

Dante, a brutal hunter who doesn’t realize he’s the one being hunted.

Orion, a playboy demigod who hates that all he wants now is me—and no one else. He’ll be the hardest of all to break.

The tables have turned and there’s a monster loose in Fortune Academy (hell yeah, that’s me, by the way). A year has passed on the outside, but it’s only been a few short weeks for supernaturals who are ramping up for Fortune Academy’s big exam. This is a test of our fortitude and our powers unlike any we’ve had before. The Third Echo of Calamity is on its way to Earth and I need to be ready for it, which means I am going to need my Virtues on my side.

I feel them in my soul and have never been more certain of anything in my life. I’ve called my Virtues to me, whether they are ready or not.

They are mine.

Picks up where the first ended. The story progressed nicely with more added on to the story. It did take me a hot minute to get into the story but once I did I was all in. I like the different guys she ends up with and I can’t wait to see where everything is leading. The one big downside was the cliffhanger ending.

Book 2 Fortune Academy

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Bonds Eternal by Yve Vale

3.5 Stars

A Realm War. Fragile mate bonds. And a powerful Elven mage intent on eliminating humans.

The Elven King and the Unseelie Mage plan to take everything from my mates and me. The futures of both realms are at stake, and it is up to us to stop the destruction. But our mate bonds are damaged. As we face impossible challenges, I don’t know who I can trust, not even my mates. Caught in the middle of the fray, I will do anything to safeguard the realms and thwart the war. But that also means my mates have to protect me at all costs. Emerging magical powers, a ragtag group of allies, and our desperate hope for a future will have to be enough to thwart the most powerful elves ever known to Fae.

 

This book wraps up the series nicely. It was interesting to see how it all plays out. I liked the characters for the most part. There was a bit too much whining from FMC and one of the guys was too headstrong for his own good. With the four books combined and cut down as all of them dragged at times. It was still a good story but it just needed something.

Book 4 Fae Hearted

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Hell Kissed, Fire Kissed, Soul Kissed by AK Koonce

3 Stars, 2 Stars

Rhys was not expecting her night to end the way it did but she will do anything to get away from the alpha who wanted to make her his whore. She is on a journey to find her family and a way to stay far away from her past. Will she be able to find all her answers and get her HEA?

This was one book that was split into 3 weird parts. It didn’t make sense to split up and book 1 is the only one I enjoyed. It went downhill so quickly from book 1. The descriptions for books 2 and 3 didn’t match with what happened in the book and it was disappointing. I also have so many unanswered questions. If given a chance I would skip this one.

Book 1 – 3 Rejected Realms

Hell Kissed 

Fire Kissed 

Soul Kissed 

Blood Moon by Jillian Graves

3 Stars

Hazel loves working her bar and seeing her supernatural regulars. She occasionally needs to blow off steams, but anonymous strangers work for that until she meets Vlad. She thinks he’s an excellent lay but is definitely running away when she finds out he’s the owner of the night club that just opened a crossed from her bar that is trying to close her down. Will they find their HEA?

This was a super spicy short story. I wanted more world building and character development but for a short story it was really good. Loved the main characters story and seeing them get their HEA. Will definitely check out other books by this author.

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Blindly Acquitted by Katie May

 

2 Stars

Everyone is out for the Queen of the Labyrinth. They are willing to pay big bucks to take her and her men out. The only safe option is to find a way out of the prison. Will they be able to escape and live happily ever after?

I wanted to love this book so much. I loved the first one. It was different and an amazing read. This one I kept putting down because it was mostly sex within the group in between assassination attempts. There is also a new guy thrown into the mix and it just felt weird. I didn’t really connect with him as he just was thrown in and there was no time with him. Overall, I wish I had stopped after book 1 because it was fabulous.

Book 2 Out of Sight

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