Flighty Hearts & Broken Parts Book Review: M/M romance and cozy monsters

July 31, 2025July 29, 2025 by fnmanning ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

This is the first book I’ve ever read by Rhea Fox, but I feel like it’s a good introduction to the author. Flighty Hearts & Broken Parts is a quick read that’s easy to jump into and sweet as can be. All the best moments of falling in love and building a life together are offered in convenient novel form and shared between a breezy Slyph and a solid orc.

How it all starts

Beryl is an airy flighty Sylph, which is a pun because Sylphs are air spirits. (I’d heard of Syphs before but definitely didn’t know what they were, so I learned something.) Beryl works in a cafe and isn’t expecting a serious relationship but there’s something about the quiet orc that captivates him.

Kjartan is an orc who’s seen his share of battle in the past and is now trying to enjoy a normal life. He’s got some scars and baggage, but a new relationship with the right Slyph is apparently just what he needs to open up his heart.

While it starts as mutual attraction and an attempted hook up, things get domestic fast.

My Thoughts – It’s All About the Relationship

The novel is sweeter than a chocolate latte with extra caramel drizzle. Low stakes and no angst or greater plot isn’t really my cup of tea, but it’s a nice little change of pace to just read a book all about a romance blossoming. Beryl and Kjartan grow closer and build a relationship together and it’s fun to see them fall for each other.

Adorable as the couple here is, they have no trouble heating things up. There’s a lot of steam and not from cappuccinos. Not really what I expected from such a cute read but the scenes were welcome and very well done.

I also liked the Slyph and orc pairing, two rarer paranormal species that you don’t see every day.

Here’s a passage from the novel:

Reading Order and Hetero Warning

Reading out of order makes me twitchy and not only is this the second book in this series, it’s part of a whole larger universe that takes place in the Scottish city of Kirkmuir, which is not a real place since it’s heavily populated with supernatural folk.

This a cozy little novel, and there’s no huge plot details to learn before diving in so it’s probably okay to read in any order. But if you like low angst cozy romances and really want to get absorbed in the little world, probably best to read ‘em all. I mean, you don’t have to, but I can’t encourage you to be a rebel and go out of order like I did.

Keep in mind the first book and some of the novels in the series are M/F in case that’s not your thing.

Official Book Description

One is all wind and whimsy. The other all scars and silence. Together, they’re building something that just might last.

BERYL
Relationships? Not my thing. I like flirting, pretty things, and keeping things breezy—just like a good Sylph should. I’ve got a job I love, coworkers I adore, and enough sparkly highlighters to wallpaper a house. So why does Kjartan, the hulking orc carpenter with a quiet voice and a missing finger, make my heart flutter like it’s been caught in a windstorm?

One failed hookup and a surprising proposal later—dating, not that other D-word—and suddenly we’re buying furniture together like a couple of nesting lovebirds. But is good sex and shared home decor taste enough to bridge the gap between his countryside roots and my city life? Or am I doomed to fly solo again?

KJARTAN
After everything I’ve been through, I know better than to believe in second chances. But Beryl—bright, bold, unpredictable Beryl—sees through the walls I’ve spent years building. And somehow, he likes what he finds.

A single night with him turns into something more: weekend visits, cozy nights, and building a life one bookshelf at a time. But can I risk my heart again for someone who’s made of wind, here today, gone tomorrow? Or is this the moment I finally let myself believe in love?

Flighty Hearts & Broken Parts is a cozy MM monster romance featuring a silent orc with a broken heart, a flirty Sylph who talks a mile a minute, chore play, shared home improvement projects, and a low-stakes love story filled with warmth, healing, and a guaranteed HEA.

Book 2 in the Scales & Steam series – can be read as a standalone.

Book Review for The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard by Tavia Lark

July 9, 2025June 27, 2025 by fnmanning ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Premise:

Simon is set in his ways, which is understandable after four centuries of life experience. The prickly independent vampire doesn’t like change, but he’s forced to adapt when someone tries to kill Simon and he’s left weakened. Now he’s forced to rely on the werewolf bodyguard his sire hired to keep him safe while figuring out who tried to kill him.

The wolf Cody is struggling to maintain control and not go feral, which is difficult without a pack or mate. The last thing he needs is a stubborn charge.

Of course vampires and wolves don’t really get along in this universe. But vampires, wolves, witches, hunters have a treaty in place where they stay in the shadows and try their best to tolerate each other.

My Thoughts:

Supernatural stories in particular are good at not just enemies-to-lovers but natural enemies-to-lovers. Where they might not have hated each other at the beginning if not for their opposite natures and distrust between vampires and werewolves.

There’s a delicious reluctance to be around each other at first and thinking the worst of each other. This means the relationship is a slow build by necessity. They try to stay wary and keep their distance even though they feel drawn to each other, which makes it so satisfying when they do unite.

Simon likes being a big brat and riling Cody up, which is so much fun and my favorite part.

In some books, the smut can feel obligatory instead of hot as hell. This is not one of those books. The steamy scenes are fantastic, not to mention in character and romantic too.

The only thing I don’t love is that it took me forever to post a review. To be fair, this is no one’s fault but my own. One day I will post timely reviews but that day is not today.

Quotes

Tags:

Enemies to lovers, mystery, action, an artistic and isolated vampire, brooding werewolf, the wolf is vicious and yet still a big puppy for Simon, painting as foreplay, a centuries old vampire who is still somehow a brat, excellent bickering and sexual tension

Official Book Description:

Simon doesn’t want protection. Especially not from a werewolf.

Too bad the reclusive vampire doesn’t have a choice. Simon barely survived an assassin’s strike, and he isn’t safe yet. The attack left him weak and vulnerable, which is why his meddling sire hires him a bodyguard.

A big, burly werewolf bodyguard.

Cody’s instincts make him a formidable guard—if he can control his wolf. Living without a pack or mate makes him unstable. Dangerous. After accidentally shifting on his previous assignment, he has one chance to prove himself:

Protecting a bratty vampire who does not want his protection.

Keeping things professional is Cody’s only hope. Simon may have four centuries’ worth of defensive habits, but Cody can handle difficult clients. Except as Cody digs up the hurt behind Simon’s prickly exterior, and Simon starts to enjoy being cared for…

Staying professional might be impossible. Just like controlling Cody’s wolf.

The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard is an MM paranormal romance with forced proximity, chosen mates, and bickering to lovers.

Book Review: The Nøkk and The Jock

March 5, 2025February 21, 2025 by fnmanning ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for a slice of life romance that involves a jock, a mysterious monster, and plenty of water-related shenanigans, then The Nøkk and The Jock might just be your next favorite read.

Summary: Brandon is an eager human who becomes one of the first students at the monster-filled Creelin University. His excitement quickly takes a turn when he discovers that his new roommate, a moody nøkk, a type of water spirit, is avoiding him. As Brandon tries to befriend his enigmatic roommate, he might accidentally use a bottle of vodka and a spider to initiate an ancient bonding ritual.

Nøkk Folklore: Dive into Norwegian Monsters

What’s particularly interesting about The Nøkk and The Jock is how it weaves in elements of Norwegian folklore. Nøkks are water spirits known for their powerful and often deceptive nature, and I love getting a look at the supernatural myths in other cultures. Nokks tend to drown people, but it’s not so simple for the monster in this story.

And one funny little detail I enjoyed was that the nøkk had a relative who was a rowboat, which is a very excellent strategy if you’re trying to drown someone and steal their soul.

Sweet Romance Amid Emo Vibes

This book is just absolutely adorable. A very sweet romance despite the emo vibes and threat of death.

It’s a cute little slice of life romance where both guys love the water and try not to fall for each other. When thrown together as roommates, the nokk and jock quickly want to be more than friends but the jock thinks he’s straight and the nokk is worried about stealing the jock’s soul.

The jock Brandon goes through a bi-awakening as he looks after his gloomy roommate and accidentally courts him. The nokk known as Steve has many issues, like being afraid to show his true form, and joining the swim team may not be the best idea when he’s worried about drowning people with his powers, but it all works out in the end. Brandon’s sunny outlook and Steve’s more moody demeanor makes for a great dynamic.

The Playlist: A Perfect Musical Accompaniment

And let’s not forget the fantastic playlist! Featuring tracks from My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, K.Flay, and AWOLNATION, I love the bonus playlist and it has some awesome alternative songs.

Author Leslie McAdam said her teenager created an ‘emo Norwegian boy playlist’ and apparently I am an emo Norwegian boy because the songs fit my musical tastes very well. I had no idea. Can I speak Norwegian now?

Book Review: The Alpha and His King by Kiki Clark

April 12, 2022February 23, 2022 by fnmanning ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Quick Summary: An overworked alpha and abused half-wolf come together to lead a growing pack. But not everybody is happy with the pack’s success.

Overall Impression: Romance and action combine in this engaging first novel in a M/M paranormal romance series. A delicious story that creates an interesting world with many possibilities for the future. I also adore big stories with fun supporting casts where just about everybody is gay.

Rating: 5 out 5 fresh baked cookies

Issues and the people who have them

Being the alpha of a thriving supernatural pack is a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it. That somebody is Ric. He’s tough but fair and takes his alpha responsibilities very seriously.

Keeping track of all the ins and outs of his growing pack is difficult, and things can slip through the cracks. Like the two wolfs who were stealing from the pack. On the list of people you don’t wanna piss off, alpha werewolf should be number one but I guess they thought they were weren’t gonna caught?

When Ric and his enforcers go to deliver justice, they see stealing was tip of iceberg. Because the two elder Kings are keeping malnourished abused wolves in the shed, the dad’s children from an affair.

Kai comes out of the shed swinging a rake to protect the younger ones. Not exactly a meet cute but memorable. The kiddos then become under Ric’s protection but they are naturally cautious, afraid, and suspicious.

Kai is the eldest. He’s protective, nurturing, and of course very desirable to Ric. But his fresh and traumatic time with his father make a relationship complicated.

The push and pull between them takes up most of the novel and is done just right. A slow but not too slow burn romance as Kai heals that leaves you wanting more and fully satisfied when finally delivering on the sexual tension. The romance hits you in the feels, the steamy scenes hit you in the… other parts. Very good stuff on both counts.

Pack Justice

One little detail is that Ric originally intended to punish the Kings by banishing them and branding them. The punishment increases when finding the mistreated children and he ends up taking a hand from them each. Which, yep, sounds extreme, though this is the more traditional punishment that was common in the old days.

The harsher old ways of the old days haven’t completely been eradicated in modern times. Many packs have harsh rules where only the strongest survive, which is part of Ric’s pack grows as people seek sanctuary in his more accepting territory.

The dynamic between barbaric werewolf culture and more tolerant modern ways is highlighted many times throughout the novel. I think it’s fascinating to see the two different styles and a ‘realistic’ element for a story about werewolves, torn between two mentalities of brute strength vs. acceptance.

The writing is good at balancing romance and action with darker and deeper elements. I didn’t realize at first but there’s a lot of layers below the surface. And a little bit of magic and magical rituals, which also adds flavor.

Two Halves of One Whole

As Ric’s pack grows, it’s harder for one person to take care of everything. While it takes him a while to wise up, Ric is desperately in need of a complementary partner from the beginning. A lot of novels use this approach where it takes two to lead a pack, an alpha and mate, and both parties bring different strengths to the table. I thought it was particularly well done in this instance. Even right from the title, alpha and his king. Two superior forces that work even better together.

Quote

The Alpha and His King

When Kai flies out of a shed, swinging a rake, Rick’s life flips upside down.

As alpha, Rick’s dedication to his pack has never wavered—until Kai. The pull he feels toward the younger man is more than a simple distraction, but Rick won’t let himself lose focus. Not while a hidden enemy is drawing near.

Moving in with the grumpy alpha who saved him is a big change for Kai, and it isn’t long before he begins to ache for something he can’t have. As a half-human shifter responsible for his three younger siblings, he knows he can never be Rick’s mate.

Pushing aside their doubts and insecurities, they grow closer. But when the pack’s enemies strike, bringing their fears to fruition, Rick and Kai have to decide if they’re willing to risk it all to be together.

The Alpha and His King is the first book in the Kincaid Pack series and features a quick-tempered and possessive alpha; a sweet and feisty alpha-mate; shifters, seers, and witches galore; massive amounts of hurt/comfort; and a happily ever after.

Kincaid Pack Series

The Alpha and His King

The Second and His Bonded

The Deputy and his Enforcer

The Hunter and His Mates

Book Review: Witchfire by Austin Oakley

March 24, 2022March 21, 2022 by fnmanning ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

General Summary: Werewolves and a wayward hunter help one witch unlock his birthright. But starting fires and hunting the creatures who go bump in the night brings danger for him and everybody in his life.

Overall Impression: An intriguing first book with a keen sense of location. There’s an engaging love story and lots of potential for expansion.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Rainbow Roy unicorn plush toys

Is that a rusty sword in your pocket or are you happy to see me: Landon thinks he’s a regular guy in a small town, working to keep his family farm alive until a stranger asks Landon to sharpen his blade with witchcraft. Which is not a pickup line, though if it were, it would be a memorable one. Too bad it comes with the side effect of making the recipient wonder if you’re crazy.

Rousseau isn’t crazy. He’s a hunter tracking a werewolf, and this brings them together as they start an adventure bigger than one wolf. One of them is a plucky protagonist who makes wise cracks and flirts, the other is a tough guy hunter with a tragic past. While there are many serious and suspenseful moments, the romance is pretty much always adorable.

Your sex is on fire: there are all kinds of metaphors about steamy romance, being hot as fire, sizzling chemistry, etc. But in this book, the sex is literally on fire. Which is fun and makes for a memorable love scene.

(I’m not a huge fan of this song, but I feel compelled to put it here anyway)

Titles are hard: If I were rating my ability to remember the title of this book, I would say 0 out of 5. There was fire on the cover and the dude wields said fire, so my brain decided the title was Firestarter and would not be dissuaded from this. I eventually realized that wasn’t the title and so somehow I started referring to it as Firebrand instead. It’s actually pretty simple. The main character is a witch. He makes fire. Witchfire. There ya go.

There were a fair number of typos and formatting issues, which bothers some people, so I should mention that. It has been a minute since I read the book, so it’s also possible this has already been corrected.

From from the novel

Witchfire

A small town boy. A dark stranger. And secrets that no one was supposed to uncover.

When cattle begin to turn up dead on the family farm, twenty four year-old Landon Winfield assumes it’s the usual culprits. But along with the string of mysterious deaths that threaten him and his mother’s struggling farm, the arrival of a handsome newcomer with strange tattoos brings Landon face to face — or more like face to frothy mouthed muzzle —with the real predator that stalks the forests of Rock Creek.

A werewolf.

Yeah, those exist. And apparently, so do people that hunt them. Crazy, right?

The shocking revelations continue as the attractive hunter Rousseau reveals that Landon is a witch and has the power to summon fire at his fingertips. But his hands aren’t the only thing that heats up as he and the hunter work closely together to rid the small town of its werewolf problem and Landon finds himself falling for the knife-wielding stranger from Texas.

As they get closer, so does the angry beast that’s stalking them and Landon must embrace his newfound power if he hopes to save the farm, his family, and the hunter that holds his heart.

M/M Paranormal Romance Novel Review: The Alpha’s Warlock by Eliot Grayson

March 9, 2022January 31, 2022 by fnmanning ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Quick summary: An amateur warlock must make an impossible choice: mate or die. The former doesn’t sound so bad when tying himself to a gorgeous tough alpha… who hates his guts. Is die still on the table? Possibly, if their enemies get their way.

Overall Impression: This enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance is right up my alley, so I LOVED IT SO MUCH and highly recommend. Lots of ‘I hate you but you’re hot’ and snarking at each other even during life-threatening situations, their need to bicker is so strong.

Rating: five out five magical socks (or ten if they’re in pairs)

The enemy of my enemy

Nate has lots of potential, but his father siphoned away and controlled his magic when he was alive. The young warlock is a relatively late bloomer, still learning to use gifts. The story starts when a fun night out got him kidnapped and nearly bonded to a member of the Kimball pack. He seeks help from their neighboring rivals, the Armitages.

Except their help requires more than borrowing a cup of sugar or hiding out in their territory. The mating bond process has already been started on his end and he needs to complete it or he’ll die.

Nate already knows his potential new mate, which is part of the problem. He is incredibly sure Ian despises him and has always despised him. Ian used to glare daggers at him when they were kids, and he’s drawn to yet also on guard against the tight-lipped wolf. And if you don’t know where this is going, you will probably be able to tell when you read it. So I don’t wanna spoil, and even if it is a bit predictable, let’s just say that when they clear things up I wasn’t surprised, but I still found it very satisfying and well-done.

At least buy me dinner first

This is an enemies to lovers story on steroids as the enemies are forced not only to have sex but bind their souls together. Undoing it is technically possible but not exactly easy or pleasant. The ‘fuck or die’ trope naturally comes with implied consent issues, though I would say both people don’t want Nate to die and are as on board as they can be given the circumstances.

In fact, the sex part is simple. Or should I say totally scorching hot and delicious because it is very damn good smut, a+ steamy scenes. The other parts give them more issues, as they’re suddenly living with a stranger who maybe hates you and they’re forced to get along and work together while sinister forces conspire against them.

There’s a fair bit of angst with their feelings, which I adored, but even if you don’t enjoy angst the main character Nate is full of humor and snark. Such a witty protagonist, he builds the drama one moment then has me cracking up. This was the first novel I read where sprinting through the woods and evading pursuers turns into a piggyback ride, which is honestly a travesty since this scene is delightful as hell. And Nate is lucky he barely has to search for shoes because he can craft the perfect footwear with his powers. It pays to be a witch with magical powers. How do I make this happen?

From the Novel

The Alpha’s Warlock

Cursed, mated, and in for the fight of their lives…

Warlock Nate Hawthorne just wants a cup of coffee. Is that too much to ask? Apparently. Because instead of precious caffeine, all he gets is cursed by a pack of werewolves who want to use him for his magic. Now the only way to fix the damage is a mate bond to a grumpy and oh-so-sexy alpha in the rival pack, who happens to hate him. This is so not how he wanted to start his day.

Ian Armitage never intended to take Nate as his mate. The Hawthorne family can’t be trusted. Ian knows that better than anyone. The fact that he’s lusted after the way-too-gorgeous man for years? Totally irrelevant. Ian’s just doing what is necessary to protect his pack. This whole mating arrangement has nothing to do with love and never will. That’s his story and he’s sticking to it.

Nate and Ian will have to work together if they have any hope of staving off the pack’s enemies and averting disaster. That’s assuming they can stop arguing (and keep their hands off each other) long enough to save the day…

The Alpha’s Warlock is an explicit M/M paranormal romance featuring a snarky warlock, a brooding alpha werewolf, knotting, enchanted socks (long story), and a guaranteed happily ever after. This series does not contain mpreg.

The Mismatched Mates Series

The Alpha’s Warlock

Captive Mate

A Very Armitage Christmas

First Blood

The Alpha Experiment

Lost and Bound

Mini Review: Witchin Warlock by Charity Parkerson

February 28, 2022February 1, 2022 by fnmanning ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

About: A witch in a small town runs a psychic parlor. He wants to stay under the radar, which means he shouldn’t fall for the sexy investigator who seems intent on getting his help or seducing him. Hint: it’s both. There may also be zombies.

(Fun fact: ‘psychic’ is a world I’m physically incapable of spelling right. Along with ‘physics.’ I think the two words existing in the same language is what trips me up. I always get confused about what order the ‘y’ and ‘s’ go in and all hell breaks loose when adding the ‘h’ in there somewhere.)

Witchin’ Warlock is a fun, fast read with a little heat. The trouble with shorts like this is if it’s halfway decent, people want more. And I thought it was really cute and interesting. So I would have loved spending more time in this world, and it feels very fast paced because it’s over before you know it.

If you like M/M paranormal romance and novellas, there’s no reason you won’t love this one. Otherwise I’d call it worth checking out for anyone who has Kindle Unlimited. Though it is only .99 cents if you want to buy.

Witchin Warlock

Caspian comes from a long line of witches. Brock is third generation F.B.I. They shouldn’t fit but they do.

A year ago, Caspian moved to a small town in Ohio. He hoped the lack of competition in the area would be good for his psychic business, Futures Untold. The last thing he expected was a sexy F.B.I. agent to show up and treat him like a missing person’s bloodhound. Even though Caspian keeps doing favors for Special Agent Brock Wray, his distrust of authority runs deep. After all, they used to drown witches in this area back in the day, and Caspian has no desire to end up on Brock’s missing persons’ list.

Officially, no one knows how Brock keeps solving so many huge cases. Caspian is Brock’s secret weapon. The man knows things no one should. That’s not why Brock keeps showing up and making excuses to see Caspian. Caspian fascinates Brock. Not only does Brock’s inner detective need to know how Caspian knows so much, but Caspian is also smoking hot. He is the single most gorgeous man to step foot in their tiny town in ages. Brock isn’t dumb. He has to take Caspian off the market as quickly as possible and he’ll use any excuse to get close enough to do it.

When Brock takes Caspian along for the ride on a case, things will get weird. Let’s hope Caspian isn’t forced to show why he’s the most witchin warlock around or Brock might run for the hills.

Book Review: Wyrmwood by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes

February 17, 2022February 15, 2022 by fnmanning ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Quick summary: Do a supposedly extinct dragon and an incubus make the perfect match? The dragon thinks so. The incubus isn’t so sure. Though that could be because a tiny bit of kidnapping is involved. Romance and kidnapping so rarely go together well.

Overall impression: A delightful little story about the unconventional path to love for two supernatural creatures. While the book feels rich and complete, it’s also brief. There’s so much going on with the struggle to connect and understand each other, the emotional scars of each man, and even action and danger in the later chapters. It’s hard not to wish for a longer novel that could dive into everything in greater detail.

Rating: 4/5 shiny treasures

Not exactly a meet cute

Declan is an incubus with a conscience, unlike his father. He’s careful to only feed on humans once before they grow attached. Since he’s also part water nymph, he goes for a midnight swim in the ocean. It ends with him being scooped up by dragon and taken to an impressive lair full of treasure.

The dragon, August, believes Declan is his mate. Declan disagrees, though has no way of leaving.

In reality, kidnapping is never okay. In fiction, well, it still might not be okay but is at least understandable. August has spent a lot of time away from humans and doesn’t understand how his actions are perceived at first. He also has a kind of dragon-y intuition that lets him know Declan is his mate while Declan has no deeper understanding of this. He’s sure incubus aren’t supposed to have mates.

While the situation is dicey what with abduction and Declan needing to feed, I thought it was handled well and these inherent consent issues are examined closer before the couple gets too intimate.

Sexy Unsexiness

Since succubus and incubuses are like, desire incarnate and allure people with their raw magnetism or whatever, I really enjoy looking at the messier side of compulsive lust and attraction. The parts that are less romantic and glamorous.

So I really appreciated how being an incubus isn’t all about desire and sex here. Declan has many hang ups about this side of his heritage. His father is cruel and uses his allure to his advantage, but Declan vows not to hurt anyone. Though his resolve is put to the test, he refuses to feed off August, but how long can he go without eating? His promise not to hurt others becomes particularly important as the story goes on and is such a beautiful element. I don’t wanna give too much away, but it’s a great storyline and I love how they grow closer even while fighting too much intimacy.

Yay, storytelling (I’m bad at titling sometimes)

I really dig the intricacy of the story. Declan is so careful to be respectful of others, so him seemingly not having a choice in his potential mate is especially offensive to him and he doesn’t want to consider anything August has to say. He thinks August views him as another trophy to be hoarded. As dragons do.

What’s the saying, if you love a sex demon, set him free? That doesn’t sound quite right. Though of course August must release Declan over the course of the novel. It’s a narrative rule in stories like this. One of those be careful what you wish for situations on Declan’s part, but it gives him the chance to choose whether to be free or if he wants August.

Confusing and Pointy

So, there’s a talking sword that contains a piece of August’s father’s consciousness, which sounds stranger out of context. It’s wild but fun in context. I’m mentioning William the sword because having weaponry for a father is memorable and deserves a shout out for the interesting supporting character.

Not gonna lie, I have honestly no idea why the title is called Wyrmwood. I just can’t recall how it relates to the book I’ve described. If the reasoning was explained somewhere, I have since forgotten it. As I myself am often title challenged, I’m not judging since there is surely some connection and I have a terrible memory that’s probably to blame.

Book Quote

Wyrmwood

A dragon searching for a crowning jewel for his fabulous hoard.

A misanthropic incubus who just wants to swim.

Declan might be the world’s only shut-in incubus, but with a father like Elrith, it’s little wonder his faith in people is nonexistent. He skates through life as a computer programmer, closed into his tiny apartment, only feeding by ordering sex workers to his door. But his mother was a water nymph, and occasionally, Declan can’t resist the need to sneak out and swim. This time, he’s in for a surprise.

Augustine is a water dragon who has spent years building the perfect hoard, and now there’s just one thing missing: someone to share it with. When he spots the stunning creature swimming just outside his home, he realizes the jewel he sought has come to him. But after centuries of little human contact, he’s out of touch with the meaning of the word consent. When the tempting nymph chafes his control, August can’t figure out how to win him over.

But word of August’s treasure has reached greedy ears, and all he cares for is under threat. Can a dyed-in-the-wool misanthrope teach August the true value of possession before he loses everything?

Poisonwood & Lyric Series

Poisonwood

Wyrmwood

Hardwood

Paranormal Romance Book Review: Treasured by Cari Z

February 15, 2022January 4, 2022 by fnmanning ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Quick Summary: Getting picked up by a rich, sexy British stranger might just be too good to be true for a grad student with minimal magical abilities.

Treasured is a fun, magical heist book featuring a relationship between a sorcerer and shifter. This one is relatively low on angst and danger for the paranormal romance genre, there’s no tragic backstories or traumatic events, which fits with the heist style. It’s an exciting, steamy short read.

Made Up Rating System: 4/5 priceless magical artifacts

About Treasured

The action begins when a magical grad student with nominal abilities meets a sexy stranger at work. Danny can’t believe his luck that a total hottie is into him, even after he nerds out over magical artifacts. Rhys, the charming British hottie, asks him to dinner. And of course, we learn at the beginning that Danny is one of only a few people whose hands can pass through the magical glass safely at the museum where he works because he handles the exhibits.

Yes, the love interest is likely a mysterious thief with unknown shifter powers and motives. It’s not exactly subtle but the book is short so the action moves quickly. The short length may or may not bother you. I think a novella works for the theme and feeling of the book, but it may feel too brief and incomplete if you’re used to longer paranormal novels. This is more the start of a love story and grand adventure than complete in its own right, but the book is enjoyable and there’s a lot of potential for the future.

Finally, while I noted the book was light on angst and life-threatening situations, that doesn’t mean there’s no drama. What starts as a whirlwind romance gets complicated with that age old question: is he really into me or does he just want my museum clearance level?

Yes, that’s totally an age-old question. I ask it all the time.

My thoughts

Seeing the future or reading minds are valuable superpowers, but they come with such hassle and guaranteed TMI. And Danny’s foresight ability only gives him glimpses of like, a second later, so the same insight into the future can be attained by just, you know, waiting a second to see what happens.

Don’t get me wrong, he does have the chance to successfully use his gift throughout the book. It’s just one of those barely-a-power powers, which I admit I do love.

Sort of reminds me of a character I wrote recently, who starts turning invisible. He does the fly on the wall thing and has some fun seeing people behind the scenes and then it’s like… what now? Not terribly useful powers are probably some of the most fun to write and read about.

Book Quote

Treasured by Cari Z

Daniel Hart barely has enough magic to qualify as a student at the University of Arcane Studies. He’s not trying to change the world; all he wants is to study, work his job at the museum, and enjoy his calm, routine life.

Everything changes when he meets Rhys Daveth, a shifter with mysterious connections and even stranger taste, who pursues him with a passion that Daniel has never experienced before.

The chemistry between them is undeniable, but things take a turn for the worse when Daniel is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit–one that he suspects his new lover had a hand in.

Once the truth comes out, Daniel will have to choose between the steady, reliable future he’s always seen for himself and something deeper, more exciting, and far more dangerous than he could have imagined.

Series Titles

Treasured

Shadowed

Reclaimed

M/M Romance book review: Galen by Jaclyn Osborn

February 8, 2022February 2, 2022 by fnmanning ♥ 1 Comment

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. An angel and a regular human walk into an antique and curiosities store that the human owns and bicker over the ownership of a possibly possessed box. Oh, you haven’t heard this before?

Yeah, the premise of Galen feels fresh and intriguing, a unique spin for those looking for new takes on familiar paranormal romance stories.

Rating: 5 out of 5 possibly cursed rings (yikes!)

More than Demon but less than Angel

Angelic beauties who have heavenly origins fight against the forces of hell even though some think they should be damned too. When one of the fiercest warriors meets a hard to forget human, his strength and willpower are put to the ultimate test. Can an immortal angel love a human without it ending in tragedy?

Galen and his brothers are cursed because their fathers were Lucifer’s generals. They were taken early and trained to fight for heaven, though aren’t allowed in heaven. (Which is some BS if you ask me, but celestial leaders do not care what I think.) The brothers are the embodiment of deadly sins. Galen is wrath. Sometimes rage overcomes him and he loses self completely, he almost had to be put down because of it.

After learning the hard way, Galen has sworn to never love a human again. They all grow old and die while he doesn’t, so it’s too painful. Though there may be a way to ensure a bond with the right human doesn’t end in despair, though it involves a big sacrifice…

Fluffier than angel wings

Okay, there’s some angst over the nature of relationships between immortal beings/humans with short lifespans. And Galen has some anger issues. Plus, all the danger, secrets, and intrigue you might expect from matters of heaven and hell.

Yet somehow this novel is incredibly sweet, gooey and adorable. Sweeter than it has any right to be considering one part of the main couple is the embodiment of wrath and fighting his feelings every step of the way. Not that I’m complaining about any of this. Does it sound like I’m complaining? A little maybe. Let the record show: not complaining. It’s not the love story I was expecting, but the sweet human and his unshakeable connection with Galen balanced out the darker parts and it was very easy to get absorbed in this world.

While the romance at the core of the story is very sweet with lots of smut, there’s also a lot of action and adventure. Traveling to hell, epic sword fights, a lesson in demon cooking, all very exciting stuff.

A wild ride

The story is engaging also because of the vivid details the author uses. Osborn really makes everything come to life and the scene plays itself out in front of you.

Blame my ADHD brain, but I do get confused between the brothers. There are seven of them! Just make extra note of who is who at the beginning. Fortunately, they’ll probably become more familiar if you read the whole series.

Quote

Galen

Simon just wants to run his antique shop in peace. But then he finds a small mysterious box that’s (probably) haunted, and his shop is broken into by the hottest man he’s ever seen who then steals said creepy box. Now demons are after him and his only hope is to trust the tall, muscled, combat-boot-wearing thief who claims to be the son of a fallen angel.

Galen is charged with protecting humanity from dark forces. Cursed with Wrath, he’s hot-tempered and spends his days fighting demons and trying not to kill his six brothers when they irritate him.
His number one rule? Never fall in love. But then he meets Simon, a clumsy human who asks way too many questions and is—unfortunately—a total demon-magnet, and he starts breaking his own rules.

What’s inside the box, and why do the demons want it so badly? One thing is for sure… Simon can kiss his peaceful, ordinary life goodbye.

Book 1 in the Sons of the Fallen series. A low-angst urban fantasy MM romance featuring a grumpy half-angel and the human he swears he doesn’t like (he’s lying), seven warriors representing the deadly sins, a seaside mansion where they all live, banter, a snarky demon, and a HEA.

Sons of the Fallen Series

Gay Paranormal Romance

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