M/M Monster Mania: Pretty Fly for a Vampire Guy Review

September 4, 2025September 3, 2025 by fnmanning ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Pretty Fly for a Vampire Guy sank its fangs into my heart from page one. (Is this a pun? It’s as close to puns as I get.) Anyway, the book is easily one of this year’s most delightful reads. It may be my favorite book of the year.

I enjoyed The Nokk and The Jock with its emo boy and bi awakening storyline but it didn’t hook me from the start like this one did. Maybe it’s because that book was my first time in the world and this wasn’t. Now I’m more familiar with the monster-filled university that recently welcomed human students, including many guys that are falling head over heels for monsters.

Overall Thoughts: This novel by Leslie McAdam and CD Rachels is so adorable and cozy. Not too much angst or drama but there is enough plot going on to make things interesting.

Also the pun game was super on point. So many monster puns. I am not a pun person because I’m terrible at them but that’s also probably why I appreciate them and I am in awe of all the puns at work here.

Tropes and Keywords: College/university setting, jock/nerd, adorable awkwardness, romantic comedy, misunderstandings, bat dads, learning to fly, kissing bets, study buddies

About the Novel

Owen embodies the quintessential nerd with his tortoiseshell glasses and insatiable curiosity. Despite his academic brilliance, he remains adorably oblivious to social cues and the awkwardness of creating a Powerpoint about why vampires are ‘objectively’ attractive. This earnest dork shows his presentation to his friends, and it happens to focus on a certain vampire.

Which is Clay, he’s the sexy jock who plays water polo. He isn’t perfect, he’s insecure about not flying, but he’s used to hooking up and getting anybody into his bed with ease. But he has his work cut out for him with Owen.

It’s a credit that so much embarrassment can happen and it only hooks me further because when Clay and Owen become lab partners for monster anatomy, Owen is all about studying Clay intensely. For science. But Clay thinks it’s a hook up and greets Owen naked and things get awkward. Er. Awkwarder.

What breaks the ice and gets them on the right track?

They become bat dad. To a bat. Bat dads. There may be a few daddy jokes involved.

When Owen accidentally injures a bat and seeks help from Clay, they forget about their strained relationship and go all in on nursing the bat back to health. Who knew co-parenting a bat would be so completely adorable?

The only thing I took genuine offense to was when naming their bat Bat Bathanson after Matt Nathanson they called the musician old school, which is probably true, but I didn’t realize how old school he was and I instantly felt ancient for liking him ‘back in the day’ since I was around back in the day. How do I become a vampire who doesn’t age? Someone please make that happen ASAP.

And when Clay and the bat need to learn how to fly, earning a kiss from Owen acts as an incentive, which is just pure classic rom-com material. Here’s a quote from that part:

Pretty Fly For a Vampire Guy Book Description

Clay

I suck at being a vampire—literally. When the Halloween Wave turned a third of the population into monsters, I thought I was one of the lucky ones. I get to have my fit twenty-year-old body for decades. And vampires are supposed to be sexy, right?

But now that I’m finally in university, I still don’t fit in. I was supposed to find myself and spread my metaphorical vampire wings. Yet, I’m not good enough to be an academic, and too inept at flying to hang with monsters like me. At least flirting with my new nerdy lab partner can be some fun in the meantime.

Owen

I can’t stand my lab partner. It’s not because he’s a monster—far from it, I find vampires attractive. But jocks don’t go for academics like me, especially airheads like Clay. We only need to get through this class.

Then one day we’re nursing an injured bat together, and Clay’s sweet, compassionate side rears its teeth. Despite my best efforts, this gorgeous bloodsucker has me enchanted. When he wants to learn to fly, how can I refuse? This jock keeps failing at taking to the sky, but I fear I’m the one that’s falling. A nerdy human like me dating a himbo vampire could spell a monster-sized disaster.

Pretty Fly for a Vampire Guy is a spicy paranormal romantic comedy set in the Creepin U shifter universe. Don’t read if you’re not interested in nerd-jock connections, flying lessons through the forest, monsters at university, and yes, a happily ever after

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: 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

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

Book Review: Catch and Release (MM Merman Romance) by Isabel Murray

January 5, 2022December 16, 2021 by fnmanning ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Quick Summary: The world’s worst fisherman stumbles onto the best catch ever when reeling in a mysterious man from the sea. Two fish out of water fall in love and try to find a place for themselves when one lives on land and the other at sea.

My Thoughts: Catch and Release is a beautiful, hilarious love story about basically falling for someone from outer space… or underwater. The writing is fantastic, though there’s only so much material to work with in this premise, and it goes on a bit too long.

Imaginary Rating System: 3.5 cryptids out of 5, except that seems unfair to the poor .5 creature

Our main characters

Joe used to be a hedge fund manager, had a near death experience, and changed his life. Now he’s a terrible fisher in a small seaside town. He’s minding his own business when he finds a strange man washed ashore.

Or is he a man? The guy’s caught in a net, and the situation escalates quickly when Joe tries to help.

The strange blue-haired person with gills doesn’t speak the language, is naked and well-endowed, and is instantly drawn to Joe. And weary/hostile to his buddy Jerry. And Joe is drawn right back, though he doesn’t know what to make of this encounter.

Joe doesn’t even really know what Dave is. They refer to him as a cryptid, a creature whose existence is rumored but not proven like Nessie, Big Foot, sirens, and mermaids. (However, we do learn what Dave is eventually.)

The Love Story

On the plus side, they’re attracted to each other from the jump. But they can’t communicate verbally. And humans aren’t well suited to prolonged periods in seawater. They come from different worlds and there aren’t cultural divides so much as species divides. Can they really make it work just based on the chemistry between them?

And yes, the name they give this buff, chiseled sea god… is Dave. It’s awesome.

Sidekicks and Shenanigans

Dave can’t really speak so Joe and his sidekick Jerry carry the brunt of the conversation, sharing their thoughts about Dave’s origins and what his behavior means throughout the novel. Jerry is great. He’s an older veteran fisherman who is absolutely no threat yet becomes the unwitting rival/enemy/pet of Dave throughout. He’s a lot of fun.

And many parts of the novel are light-hearted because making it work with an alien lover who doesn’t understand human customs has a learning curve. Dave woos Joe with fresh, sometimes frightening, fish, Joe worries Dave is a sea vampire for a bit, and there are some wild misunderstandings about mating rituals. It’s all very entertaining and hilarious.

If the hilarity isn’t in play, then the writing is so descriptive and beautiful instead. It’s a joy to read and a lot of rich detail and lovely writing. However, the problem when communication is limited and their environments aren’t compatible? The title says it all. There’s only two options: catch or release. So they get together and must separate, catch and release, catch and release, rinse and repeat. It just didn’t need to be as long as it was for me.

More about Dave:

Without giving much away, Dave isn’t human or animal. He’s pretty much treated as something else entirely. That’s just something to keep in mind as some might be uncomfortable with this concept. The romance is a bit different than with shifters or vampires because those are partly human or were human once. Dave has some human-like features, but he’s largely alien.

Quote From The Novel:

Catch and Release by Isabel Murray

Joe McKenzie’s high-flying London life imploded six years ago, and it happened dramatically enough that paramedics were involved. That’s all in the past. Now, Joe couldn’t be happier living a solitary life as a fisherman on England’s wild northern coast.

Okay, he could be happier.

It’s not like he’s depressed or anything but, you know. The weather’s not great. Life’s a bit samey. He’s only thirty-eight. The idea of another forty years is a bit exhausting, to be honest. He passes the time pretending to be a fisherman but the truth is, he sucks at it.

Then Joe makes the catch of a lifetime when he stumbles across the mysterious Dave washed up on the beach—an enormous man with gills and uncanny power over the sea. Once Dave stops trying to kidnap Joe and/or kill Joe’s fishing buddy, Jerry, turns out he’s kind of…intriguing?

And not half as smooth as he seems to think he is.

There’s a lot Joe doesn’t know about Dave. He doesn’t know why Dave keeps disappearing or why he can’t seem to stay away. He doesn’t know what Dave wants from him. He doesn’t even know what, exactly, Dave is. And Joe can’t ask, because they don’t speak the same language.

Joe does know one thing, though. He is in love.

Which, great. How’s that going to end well?

Catch and Release is a gay paranormal romantic comedy featuring a truly terrible fisherman with an octopus phobia, a merman (maybe? Confirmation pending) with no sense of personal boundaries at all, constant communication fails, a whole lot of sea life not in the sea but in Joe’s house, yes, it’s dead, some epic yearning from both sides, and bewilderingly enough, maybe a way to make it work?

Book Review: Dead Over Heels by Arden Steele

December 23, 2021December 21, 2021 by fnmanning ♥ 1 Comment

I’m a little early for New Year’s resolutions, and I also don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I guess I’m trying to be more flexible by reading Dead Over Heels. I usually hate straying from series reading order, though since the books in the Blackhaven Manor series are connected yet about different characters I made an exception. This was the perfect time to read too since it takes place over the winter holidays.

Quick Summary: A troubled loner finds a fresh start in a magical town. Meeting his fated mate helps, but running into an unexpected ghost does not. Oh yeah, he sees dead people.

My thoughts: What a great winter/holiday novel about fated mates who suddenly find themselves living together during the Christmas season. The book is full of sweet romance, domestic ups and downs, and just a touch of heat.

Fictional Rating System: 4.5 tiny cat sweaters out of 5

Keywords and tags: Paranormal romance, holidays, age gap, werewolf, medium, ghosts, fated mates, cranky cats, crankier spirits, fluffy, finding home, acceptance

Characters and Story (and Curtains?)

Fritz, called this for many technical malfunctions in real life, is a sweet, clumsy guy who is used to annoying people and occasionally hurting himself with his klutzy mishaps. Adding in medium abilities only makes matters worse. Even though supernatural beings are known, he thinks he’s just a regular guy who happens to see ghosts and never stays in one place too long because people will ask questions or he’ll overstay his welcome.

Until he arrives at Blackhaven manor. He’s looking for a job, and they instead send him to the sheriff’s office. Said sheriff rightly assumes this is a set up because the manor literally hires everybody, they even have a job which is basically Official Opener and Closer of Curtains. This isn’t at all related to the plot, but it’s a detail I remember when writing this, and I still find it amusing.

Vander is the sheriff, who indeed hires Fritz. It would be kind of rude to not give his fated mate a job. But before they can get to know each other better, Fritz accidentally touches some evidence and gets saddled with a ghost. A nasty one. Vander doesn’t know what’s happening, but realizes he needs to tread carefully to make his mate comfortable and get him to open up. So what follows is Vander low-key wooing his mate while Fritz tries to handle his uninvited ghostly house-guest.

Sweeter Than Sugar Cookies

While most shifters are apparently not huge fans of sweets, this book is filled with sugary goodness as the pair live together and fall in love. All while dealing with enthusiastic family members, a touch of demonic possession (or close enough), and hilariously feisty animals.

Honorable character mentions go to the hellbeast/nice kitty they babysit and the formidable goose who battles a werewolf and wins.

Honestly this wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. It’s an enjoyable book I didn’t really fall in love with, but I still recommend because of excellent writing and such fun, silly scenes that are sure to be memorable. I think there are lots of people who would love this novel when looking for seasonal reads, romantic comedies, and sweet love stories with relatively low angst.

Book Quote

Dead Over Heels by Arden Steele

It’s been twelve years since the Awakening. Otherlings are out of the paranormal closet. The whole world knows that creatures like vampires, werewolves, and witches exist. So, seeing dead people barely even rates on the freaky scale. Right?

Wrong.

Fritz Tolliver figures he must have done something terrible in a previous life to be afflicted with such a curse. In fact, every bad thing that has ever happened to him can be traced back to his unwanted ability. So, when a stupidly hot werewolf who’s way out of his league claims to be his mate, he should be thrilled. And he probably would have been if he hadn’t gone and gotten himself haunted by a nasty spirit on the same day.

When a human male strolls into the station asking for a job—and promptly spills an entire Americano on him—Sheriff Vander Hale has a feeling it’s going to be a bad day. Then, the door opens, the wind shifts, and suddenly, his whole world changes. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for his mate, no battle he wouldn’t wage, even if his enemy is technically already dead. Unfortunately, there’s just one problem with his plan.

He’d go to hell and back for Fritz, but how is he supposed to fight something he can’t see?

Series Info: Blackhaven Manor