This series keeps surprising me in all the best ways! I absolutely love how Victor and Zee both bicker and show that they care about each other. Adam This series keeps surprising me in all the best ways! I absolutely love how Victor and Zee both bicker and show that they care about each other. Adam said it best that he's not the filling, they all are. Each of them is important to balancing this relationship. Those two just use Adam as a filling because of "history". Adam's finally letting himself off his chain and I love how he's allowing himself to lean on others. While this series can be over the top (I mean another murder plot *giggles*), it still had a strong core of finding acceptance and found family. The people who've found their way to the SOS are truly unique and it's special watching them support Adam. Tom Collins may be having an identity crisis but he's still there slinging drinks and giving out some...mostly...decent advice. It's a little cliffhangery, and this story is still unfinished. It's pretty faced paced and I found it hard to put down. I think I'll do a reread from the beginning once the last is out just to watch the progression in each of the characters. I am having a blast reading this series and I don't really want it to end but will also be happy to see how it all shakes out!...more
This was a really fun read with a mysterious twist. Hugh is a constable and is the only one who seems to care what is happening to the murdered workinThis was a really fun read with a mysterious twist. Hugh is a constable and is the only one who seems to care what is happening to the murdered working men. During his investigation, which landed in his lap due to reasons, he comes across Spring Heeled Jack. The banter between Jack and Hugh is really well done! There's no time hopping and I loved the explanation of how Jack came to be in London. The murder mystery was intriguing and added a nice back drop to Jack and Hugh spending time together. This was a quick packed story with some very interesting characters. It did take me a chapter or two to really connect with it but once I did, it was hard to put down! I liked how the magic shop was woven in and I think this was a great addition to the series!...more
Lorin has tried to distance himself as much as possible from his magic. He's afraid of losing and hurting others and is hiding from himself until he'sLorin has tried to distance himself as much as possible from his magic. He's afraid of losing and hurting others and is hiding from himself until he's forced home. Kit has been trapped in his animal form for a long time and has been on the hunt for a witch to become his familiar. I loved how Lorin and Kit connected and Kit is just the cutest. This was a big slow burn but the pacing was well done and Lorin needed time to heal. There's a lot of soul searching and finding oneself on both sides. I loved how Kit tried to be there and keep Lorin smiling even as a fox. Lorin gave Kit the home that he was missing. This was a cute addition to the series and I really enjoyed reading it....more
This was a fun read and I enjoyed watching Marshall figure out not only how to woo someone but also exactly what secrets his neighbor is keeping. OverThis was a fun read and I enjoyed watching Marshall figure out not only how to woo someone but also exactly what secrets his neighbor is keeping. Overall the tone is pretty relaxed and comedic. Marshall is a very detailed oriented CFO/hobbyist serial killer who somehow gets roped into helping his neighbor, Felix, dispose of a dead body. I was kind of surprised that this was all from Marshall's POV as the other Fae Quin stories I've read have been dual POV. I think it would've been nice to have had a chapter from Felix's perspective, but it might've been a decision to not ruin the "surprise" as we unravel the story with Marshall. It's not that much of a surprise that Felix turns out to be a vampire, but it was fun to see the lightbulb moment go off for Marshall...and unsuspecting human. There are some heavier topics that are glossed over, but I didn't mind that in the context of this story.
I will say that the pacing on this one was a bit slow at times. I felt that the reveal was drawn out a little too long. Also, I do wish that the magic shop and The Owner had a more prominent role. The King (Emperor) tarot was subtly hinted hat, and could've been missed if you didn't know. I kept expecting Marshall to get a card somehow to help connect the dots, but it never happened. I enjoyed this one and it's a lot of fun. That being said, I think there are other stories by Fae that I enjoyed more....more
Gabe has found sanctuary in the city of Hex after the passing of his father. Van's a crossroads demon who has been running from his problems for a lonGabe has found sanctuary in the city of Hex after the passing of his father. Van's a crossroads demon who has been running from his problems for a long time. Van's finally catches up with him and sets a time limit to learn to curb his anger and is literally thrust into Gabe. I loved how Gabe saw something in Van that the others had a hard time seeing. It was sweet watching Gabe take care of and sooth Van while still giving him room to be himself. The same went for Van though. He loved the way Gabe took care of his plants and appreciated the ways that Gabe took care of him. This was a really sweet story that I think needed just a touch more to make it a five star read. I would've loved to have learned more about Gabe's relationship with his mother. There seemed to be more to unpack about his unwillingness to accept his nephilim side than just the necromancer story. I also would've loved to have seen more of Van and Gabe talking about why Van was always angry and felt the need to run. It's mentioned on a surface level, but I think it could've had a much more emotional punch if these topics were fleshed out just a bit more. The characters are a lot of fun and I love the others who live in Hex!
This is also kind of tied to a couple other stories that Morgan is/has written. You don't have to read those, but I'm kind of intrigued by the people who are drawn to this city so I plan to check them out too!...more
Dom's a pretty closed off character. We see him the most in Matty's story, but I think this one really stands on it's own. While prior reading wouldn'Dom's a pretty closed off character. We see him the most in Matty's story, but I think this one really stands on it's own. While prior reading wouldn't hurt, you can pick this one up and be fine if you haven't read any of the previous ones. He's been seeing Shae for a while now as a stylist/escort. I think Shae's escorting history was very well done and I appreciated the sex-positive narrative around this. Dom does not open up to people. He's afraid of letting people in and not only being betrayed but also of getting hurt. While I would've loved for these two to have been able to open up to each other without the scares, I think it's really the only way Dom would have been able to start to crack some of his shield.
These characters are super loveable and I've enjoyed this series. The heat between these two is more tender than spicy and I loved the way they clicked. This was a great way to wrap up the series!...more
So there's a lot that I liked about this one. The kink and heat is a 5 out of 5 for me. I think the scenes between Angel, Gideon, and Vihaal were verySo there's a lot that I liked about this one. The kink and heat is a 5 out of 5 for me. I think the scenes between Angel, Gideon, and Vihaal were very well done with Vihaal directing the other two. Vihaal and Gideon know each other very well as they're married but everything is new for Angel...including being with other men. I loved the scene where Vihaal feeds Angel. It was a really tender moment and these three worked together very nicely. It's always great to see good representations of poly relationships, and this definitely didn't disappoint there.
That being said, this is from Angel's POV and I will say that I just had a hard time connecting with him. I'm not sure what it was but there was something that just didn't click for me. It totally could've been the mindset I was in, but I felt that Angel kept giving me hot and cold vibes. Like he would mention wanting to go slow but then turn around and want to dive in. I felt a bit like I couldn't get a good read on him and that may be because Angel was discovering himself at the same time.
For me the story was a solid 4, heat a 5++. Gideon was my favorite character out of the three but I like them a bit sassy. Vihaal makes a great and caring Dom. Angel is a no longer clueless and a great addition to the established couple....more
This was a great addition to the Tales from the Tarot series. Like the others, you can read this on it's own. We meet Jeffery when he is in character This was a great addition to the Tales from the Tarot series. Like the others, you can read this on it's own. We meet Jeffery when he is in character giving a (saucy) historical tour of the tunnels as Madam Mattie. He comes across a pendant and suddenly has a djinn able to grant him wishes. Jeffery's always been a bit sad and unable to understand what's missing in himself. I found his journey to finding that missing piece with his gender very relatable and it's books like this that are important for others who may struggle with something like this and doesn't even realize that this type of demi expression is possible! Jeffery and Odai (the djinn) are perfect together. I loved how Jeffery moved the relationship along at a decently slow pace in order to build a solid foundation for their relationship. The rules around the types of wishes Odai could grant made sense and fit. The side characters are really well done and I loved Jeffery's friends SJ and Cas. This was a fun read with some nice spicy scenes and a heartwarming self acceptance woven through....more
I loved this story about Wren and Sutton. It's mostly from the POV of Wren which truly fits this story. Normally, I tend to prefer dual POVs but watchI loved this story about Wren and Sutton. It's mostly from the POV of Wren which truly fits this story. Normally, I tend to prefer dual POVs but watching this unravel from Wren's perspective was a very smart decision by Briar. Wren has some insecurities when it comes to his body, and for good reasons. He tries to keep to himself and is going about things like normal when Sutton interrupts his routine by "breaking into" the pool where Wren works. Sutton is upfront about what he wants and is almost honest to a fault. Wren gives as good as he gets and doesn't give into Sutton right away. Sutton's persistent though and it gives these two solid time to make the beginnings of a connection. This was a really moving story and both guys have their own demons to face. There's lots of feelings and tender moments sprinkled with some pretty hot scenes. This was a super well written story with very special characters. I absolutely loved both Wren and Sutton and was left with a few tears in my eyes and a warmth in my heart.
While there is a cameo couple from And Then You, you don't need to have read that prior to understand or enjoy this one. It definitely stands on it's own. If you enjoyed this one, then I highly recommend going back and reading the entire Until series as it's just amazing....more
This was a great story to kick off this new Tarot based series. I loved how the cards were woven into the story. Jennifer Cody is a super creative wriThis was a great story to kick off this new Tarot based series. I loved how the cards were woven into the story. Jennifer Cody is a super creative writer and it definitely shows here between the world building and the cast of characters! Dec is a bit lost when we first meet him and is given some direction that ultimately ends with him becoming a butler for Maxime who's a bit eccentric and has a lot of nephews. One of those nephews is Thoren who has an initial attraction to Dec but tries to avoid him since he isn't interested in starting anything. There is more to Maxime and his nephews than what meets the eye and I enjoyed watching Dec stumble upon their secrets. This is a really fun read and I loved the back and forth between Dec and Thoren.
I'm excited to see how the other authors incorporate the tarot into their stories for this series! I love tarot and think this is a really unique idea!...more
I enjoyed this story of Jesse and Sebastian. They've known each other for a while but never really knew the other and have always been a bit jealous. I enjoyed this story of Jesse and Sebastian. They've known each other for a while but never really knew the other and have always been a bit jealous. This has a lot of great push and pull between the two as they slowly start to open up to each other and lots of hate spice. I will say that I think it doesn't hurt to have read Willow's other series that this spins off as there are lots of characters that have appeared before. It took me a while to sort out everyone but I don't think it's necessary to have read them to enjoy this story. One thing I took a star away for was that Jesse and Bas' realization that their attraction is deeper and more meaningful happens way towards the end. We don't get much page time of these being together in an "official" capacity. It's cute and I had a lot of fun with this. I can't wait to see more about the guys that Jesse works with at the garage!...more
I highly enjoyed this spin off of the Dead Serious Case series! While I recommend reading the Dead Serious Case serious since it's really good, I thinI highly enjoyed this spin off of the Dead Serious Case series! While I recommend reading the Dead Serious Case serious since it's really good, I think you can pick this one up with no prior knowledge. This one has a bit of a lighter feel since there's no end of the world hanging over Ellis and the others at the hotel. However, the hotel is not in the best financial shape and the staff does consider it home. Morgan may have been born in England and spent the first six years of his life at the hotel, but he's locked those memories away and spent the rest of his time in America. He's come back to the hotel to confront his grandfather regarding some recent scandal. Overall, this is a fun romance between Morgan and Ellis with some ghosts acting as matchmakers. The ghosts get their own spotlight as they too have gotten into a spot of trouble with the bureau of ghostly affairs. It could come across as fluffy but Vawn does a great job of bringing depth and emotions to the characters and the situations. I did really feel for both Ellis and Morgan and the troubles they're dealing with. I hope we get to see more of Warren as he is an awesome brother to Morgan and quite a firecracker! ...more
This is a great second chance romance between Knives and Maddox. If you've read the ones that have come before, then you've for sure have picked up onThis is a great second chance romance between Knives and Maddox. If you've read the ones that have come before, then you've for sure have picked up on the tension between these two. I think this one can stand on it's own, but I do love this series and recommend that you read it in order. Maddox and Knives knew each other in their teens and were an item. Then something happens and Knives is betrayed by Maddox and gets locked up for a lot of years. Surprise surprise, they now work for the same mob boss. Tired of their bickering, he sends the two on a job to retrieve stolen goods. There's a bit of a toxic beginning to these two due to the trust issues and Maddox's self-loathing. I did like how these two finally found the beginning sparks of their trust in the other and then Knives possessiveness became something good rather than destructive. There's definitely some violence and the action is nicely paced with some fun/ridiculous characters thrown in. It's a fun ride and I enjoyed this one a lot!...more
I loved Archer and Jacob's story. Jacob cares about the opinion of others, and especially his father. He decides to hit up a bar after some shocking nI loved Archer and Jacob's story. Jacob cares about the opinion of others, and especially his father. He decides to hit up a bar after some shocking news where he meets Archer who's the bartender. These two hit it off and end up having a night of fun and some tender moments. However, the moment is ruined when Jacob learns that Archer is his dad's new wife's son. Archer is younger than Jacob but had a really good head on his shoulders. He's optimistic and always seeing the best of the situation and Jacob needs someone who gives him the space to be himself. Jacob's confident in the bedroom, but outside he's always worried about making mistakes. While Archer helps Jacob relax and enjoy life, Jacob also keeps Archer grounded. These two balance each other out well and I love all the soft moments between these two.
Jacob's dad is something else. Archer's mom definitely took some warming up to but I think her heart is in the right place. The story isn't terribly angsty but between the pressure Jacob's father places on him and Jacob's own fear of others' opinions, it has its moments of tension which give the story the right amount of depth. I really enjoyed this story and these guys are very sweet!...more
I liked that Dalton and Larken grew their relationship from friendship. These two find comfort in each other, especially when their feelings on their I liked that Dalton and Larken grew their relationship from friendship. These two find comfort in each other, especially when their feelings on their crushes becomes a bit complicated. Dalton has wanted a family for so long and never thought he'd get the chance as he's a beta. However, the beta sickness has changed this and his dreams are in reach with his best friend Larkin at his side. This is a really good FWB to more story. These two are there for each other and it's sweet seeing Larken prepare and take care of Dalton as he moves through this new transition. I love the raccoon and komodo dragon shifters! It's always awesome to see unusual animals and Dalton's alter is super adorable.
Truthfully, I think this was more of a three star read for me. I gave it four because I do really like this universe and there's a lot going on. However, I feel that a lot of the action happens off page. Larkin is supposedly this guard who's been trained since a young age and yet gets knocked out fairly often. By the time he's up, everything is over. There's also a lot of recapping. I think it's entirely possible to pick this one up without reading any of the previous stories. While you would have more context, there's a lot of explanations which kind of slow down the pace for me. There were quite a few times that the pace dragged for me. I will say that the pace definitely picked up once Dalton gets pregnant. From that point onward, it felt that we finally get some on page action and forward movement....more
While I've read the previous stories, I do feel that this one could stand on it's own. There is the overarching plot with the bad guys but it's been aWhile I've read the previous stories, I do feel that this one could stand on it's own. There is the overarching plot with the bad guys but it's been a while since I've read the last one and I didn't feel too lost. For a while, I kept getting forgetting that Matt was Lucas because I'm just not used to Lucas being a last name, but that's totally a me thing. There's a good balance between the action and romance between Matt and Ethan. It was nice to see these two start to drop their shields and see more of the truth of the other's character. I think what really makes these shine is the side characters. The team that Lucas works with is awesome and they have such big personalities! I'm glad that Ethan finally let himself start to open up to the idea of working with others. I think these two nicely balanced each other out and Ethan really gave Matt a safe place to rest and let go of all the stress he carries. I'm totally interested in a spin off series and had a lot of fun reading this!...more
This is a hard read but not only an important story but an incredibly well written one. I love the Sweet Alps Mates series but this one definitely botThis is a hard read but not only an important story but an incredibly well written one. I love the Sweet Alps Mates series but this one definitely both broke and mended my heart. I cried a lot during this one and I wanted to wrap both Shay and Bennett (and Lucas) up in blankets. After an intense alteration with his abusive mate, Shay packs up his son, Lucas, and makes his way to Sweet Alps to ask his brother, Asher, for help. A brother he hasn't seen in a super long time. What's special about this story is that Shay is an alpha. So we get to see how systems that are in place to help omegas in this situation crumble when it's an alpha who needs this support. My heart hurt for Shay because he has a lot to deal with before he's ready to drop into a relationship, even one that is fated. Bennett is the best mate for Shay but the timing is not right. Bennett has always wanted to find his fated mate and his path crosses Shay through his job at the hospital. Since there's nowhere else to go, Bennett takes Shay and Lucas back to his place to recoup until Asher comes back from visiting his in-laws. Bennett and Lucas hit it off and Lucas is the one of the best characters in this story. He is incredibly polite and yet can give the attitude like only a six year old can. Lucas' bluntness pulls on the heartstrings with how much he has also bonded with Bennett. I loved these guys and am so happy that they get the happy ending that is much deserved.
Sweet Alps is a truly special place and I hope we're not done with these guys yet. Bennett's best friend Seth is a firecracker. He's definitely an act first find the deets later kinda guy. The support he gives Bennett is special and I'm glad that Bennett has someone in his corner. ...more
I can't believe we're at the penultimate of this series already. It's good that there's still another lined up as I'm not anywhere near ready to leaveI can't believe we're at the penultimate of this series already. It's good that there's still another lined up as I'm not anywhere near ready to leave Adam, Zee, and Reynard...and all the others who work at the SOS hotel. These guys run into so many near death events and feelings run high. It was awesome to see Adam finally trust Zee with his big secret. These three can take on the world, and they may have to with all the explosions that they leave behind them. This series always makes me laugh! It's got some deeper themes to ground it, but I love how off the rails Adam's life can be. For just a boring human, he's got some stories under his belt. And if we get some killer frogs in the future, I'm blaming Zee!...more
I wasn't sure what to expect with Danny's story but it blew me away. I absolutely loved how we get to see Danny and Riley as friends with a crazy stroI wasn't sure what to expect with Danny's story but it blew me away. I absolutely loved how we get to see Danny and Riley as friends with a crazy strong relationship. These two have slot together perfectly and they know each other better than anyone else. I was a little worried that there would be distance between these two after a major even that affected Riley. However, some sense prevails and these two grow even closer. It was awesome seeing Riley call Danny out on his bs and force a confrontation when necessary. Danny, for his part, doesn't pressure Riley for more than he's ready to commit to...while still pushing him a touch out of his comfort zone. These two had me in both stiches and tears and I absolutely loved not only their banter but the characters themselves.
While this feels like the end of the Damned Connections, we're introduced to quite a few new interesting characters at Danny's pack (I'm already super invested in Logan as I can't stay away from crazy). It looks like we'll not be leaving these characters behind as we get to know the others that have been introduced through this and the Reckless Damned and for that I am incredibly grateful. These series have been some of the best written and I love seeing the characters slip into others' stories. Lark's books are truly not to be missed and best read in order...so start from the very beginning! ...more
I adored Gloombringer and it is definitely a unique story! I will say that it takes a bit to get used to the world at first but once I understood whatI adored Gloombringer and it is definitely a unique story! I will say that it takes a bit to get used to the world at first but once I understood what was going on, I was hooked. Adair feels that he ows the Gloombringer his loyalty as his father worked for the Gloombringer family before him. However, Oberon Gloombringer is not the best employer and doesn't feel that same loyalty back. Rain Moonstraiker is from one of the four head families sent to Gloombringer lands to hopefully find a solution to the impending doom from the volcano in the middle of the lands. While the four families sort of try for diplomacy, Rain and Adair have this instant connection and I think it's really well done how it's portrayed. I don't want to give anything away because I feel that it's one of those stories that is better to learn and uncover as you read it, but these characters are very well done and I enjoyed the dialogue. Every character feels different and some you just love to hate while others are a ray of sunshine. Some things are settled at the end of this one, but there's still plenty left open. Especially fixing the relationships between all four families! I'm really looking forward to seeing which story is next and hopefully some familiar faces along the way!...more