What's on the Reading Radar? #read #reading #TBR #WishList

I have missed creating a Reading Radar post twice this month, which is unusual for me. I love talking about books, even if I'm just putting them on my wish list. December is also the month that I start putting together my list of favorite reads for the year and I agonize over pairing the list down to something sane and manageable. That... that project I haven't started yet. I don't know about y'all but this month has exhausted me in unexpected ways to the point that things I usually enjoy, I put off because I have no mental energy. That is me at the moment. 

BUT, I have a Reading Radar today with books that I have read or am reading, so I'm taking this as a win. :)

Title: Earth Husbands are Odd

Series: Earth Fathers, 2

Author: Lyn Gala

Length: 167 pages

Genre: Romance / Sci-Fi / Aliens / Gay / 

Notes: This will end up on my favorites list for 2020.

Blurb: Max, the stranded Earth pilot, and Rick, his tentacled partner in love, are forced to return to a universe that dismisses Rick as an asymmetrical, loud outcast. But Rick hasn't told Max the whole story. Max wants to live in a universe where his children and his lover are respected and given a chance to shine. He doesn't know the odds are stacked against them. Max is going to have to catch up fast if he wants to win a battle that is less about weapons than manipulating the rest of the universe into being fair.

To protect his sweet, belchy partner in love and their three offspring, Max will change the universe, one stubborn alien at a time, and he might have to start with the one he loves.

Title: Dragon Scholar

Series: Dragon Hoard, 1

Author: Minerva Howe

Length: 236 pages

Genre: Erotic Romance / Paranormal / Fated Mates / Mpreg / Gay / 

Notes: Fun, sexy, angst-free story. I can't wait for the next one to come out. It hit the spot for me and I devoured it. 

Blurb: Devon Marks loves books more than just about anything. They're his job and his passion, and they've brought him to an auction where he meets the hottest guy he's ever seen. When Brand Drake offers to let Devon come and value his extensive collection at an old mansion high in the Colorado mountains, he knows life as about as good as it gets.

Brand Drake knows he wants Devon the moment they meet, so he goes about adding Devon to his hoard the same way he would an amazing old book. But when Devon starts eating him out of house and home and showing signs that he has emerging dragon traits, he knows he hasn't just found a lover, he's found a mate.

When Devon starts to show signs of something even more amazing, Brand calls on his brothers Eagan and Tyson to help him figure out what to do, as well as how to tell Devon what's going on with his body, which is life-changing, and also dangerous. Someone always wants dragon magic to use, and Brand has to find a way to keep them safe, and to keep Devon with him, hopefully forever.

Title: Stop Kidding Around

Series: Magical Mates, 2

Author: Macy Blake

Length: 307 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Fated Mates / Gay / 

Notes: This was a sweet, fun addition to the series. I hear that Olly will be getting a book. :)

Blurb: His so-called mate thinks it’s fate. Toby has other ideas.

When Toby Sanders shows up to interview for a teaching job at a mysterious estate, he’s not expecting his world to flip upside down and backward.

Shifters are real… and the hottest, most protective wolf of all is claiming him as a mate.

Toby can’t deny that Brooks is everything he ever wanted and never thought he could have--loving, strong, drop-dead gorgeous--or that the two little girls Brooks wants to adopt give Toby a glimpse of the family he’s always dreamed of…

But how the heck is he supposed to believe in this mating magic stuff when life has taught him that the only person he can count on is himself?

As dangers from multiple sources threaten everything he’s come to care about, Toby learns that being part of a pack isn’t just about accepting his fate, it’s about choice: choosing to trust Brooks, choosing to believe in himself, and choosing to fight for the life and love he deserves, even if he has to cross the entire fae realm to do it.

Title: Baby & the Late Night Howlers

Series: 

Author: Kathryn Moon

Length: 426 pages

Genre: Romance / Omegaverse / Alternate World / Bisexual / Poly /

Notes: Normally, I don't read Omegaverse in any combination, but I was told that this one is not like the vast majority of them and I took a chance. And they were right. In this book, Omegas hold the power so there is no dubcon involved. It's actually sweet with a pinch of angst (from a couple of the guys) and I'm really enjoying it. I'm about 30% in and there is a ton of relationship development going on. I would say this is a medium-ish burn. There's a lot of sexual tension and I will be glad when claiming starts to happen. LOL

Blurb: Baby’s heat is coming…

After years of assuming she was a beta, discovering her omega designation in a biker bar surrounded by alphas isn’t exactly fulfilling any fantasies for Baby. She only wanted to have a fun night, not get knotted, bitten, and bonded. Now Baby’s entire life is about to turn upside down.

With her heat on its way, she needs to find a pack, a nest, and alphas she can trust.

The Late Night Howlers have given up hope…

After years of waiting for an omega to choose them, this motorcycle club of alphas is ready to move on with their lives. Until one sweet woman takes a chance on them.

A rundown bar and apartment building is no place to spoil a new omega but the Howlers are determined to do right by Baby when she needs them. All they have to do is keep her satisfied while resisting the mouthwatering temptation to bite and bond her, permanently.

When a rival MC comes sniffing after Baby, her safety is put at risk and the Howlers may be torn apart forever.

Title: Murder Mittens

Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count)

Author: RJ Blain

Length: 314 pages

Genre: Romantic Urban Fantasy

Notes: I started this last night. It's a bit of fun reading.

Blurb: Becoming a bounty hunter and taking on the call sign of Murder Mittens wasn’t Harri’s brightest move, but what’s a lynx to do with millions of debt while working a customer service gig? The scars deforming her face won’t remove themselves, and she’ll bag and tag every criminal in the United States to get rid of them if necessary.

Being assigned a handler could make or break her, but did the powers that be really have to toss Sebastian Sumners her way? The lion with a stubborn streak as wide as hers tests her patience on a good day, but nothing makes her purr more than goading him into roaring.

Add in a protective family, a serial killer on the loose, and more trouble than any one cat needs, and it’s going to take a miracle for Harri to get through the most important job of her life.

Warning: contains magic, humor, cranky shapeshifters, cats, murder, and mayhem. Proceed with caution.

Title: The Werewolf Nanny

Series: 

Author: Amanda Milo

Length: 314 pages

Genre: Slow Burn Romance / Comedy / Paranormal / Shifters /

Notes: I actually found this book this morning. I'm going to see about squeezing some chapters in today. :)

Blurb: As a struggling single mom with a babysitter emergency, I’m relieved when Finn Cauley—Irish heartthrob, my boss, and my work-friend-who-I-keep-at-a-distance—takes me by the shoulders and says the four most beautiful words a stressed-out woman can ever hear: I will fix this.

Finn proceeds to literally drag a free babysitter into our house, for which I’m super grateful, really.

I just have just one teeny, tiny concern.

Our new nanny is a *werewolf.*

**WARNING: This book landed in the Erotica category, but this story is a *slow*-burn romantic comedy with more than 100,000 words of sweet wereshifter fun. If you're looking for sexy times to happen quickly and often, this is not the book you want today. I'm sorry!

Title: Hunger Pangs: True Love Bites

Series: Flirting with Fangs

Author: Joy Demorra

Length: 379 pages

Genre: Romance / Historical / Gothic / Alternate World / Bisexual / 

Notes: I'm about half way through and it is fantastic. I would definitely recommend it even if I haven't finished it yet.

Blurb: In a world of dwindling hope, love has never mattered more...

Captain Nathan J. Northland had no idea what to expect when he returned home to Lorehaven injured from war, but it certainly wasn’t to find himself posted on an island full of vampires. An island whose local vampire dandy lord causes Nathan to feel strange things he’d never felt before.

Particularly about fangs.

When Vlad Blutstein agreed to hire Nathan as Captain of the Eyrie Guard, he hadn’t been sure what to expect either, but it certainly hadn’t been to fall in love with a disabled werewolf. However Vlad has fallen and fallen hard, and that’s the problem.

Torn by their allegiances—to family, to duty, and the age-old enmity between vampires and werewolves—the pair find themselves in a difficult situation: to love where the heart wants or to follow where expectation demands.

The situation is complicated further when a mysterious and beguiling figure known only as Lady Ursula crashes into their lives, bringing with her dark omens of death, doom, and destruction in her wake.

One thing is for certain, nothing will ever be the same.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

New Cover Reveal: Constant (The Valespian Pact, 3) #scifi #spaceopera #lgbtq

 The final new cover reveal for the Valespian Pact rebranding is here! Yvonne Less of Art 4 Artists did a fantastic job with all of the covers. 

Meet Warlord Sohm'lan. Best Friend. Imperial Advisor. Waterfather. Champion of the Oppressed.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

New Cover Reveal: Striker #ValespianPact #SpaceOpera #lgbtq+

I'm a little behind with the reveals. I meant for this post to go up on the weekend.... *glances at the date* Obviously, that didn't happen. So for those of you who have been waiting, here is the new cover for Striker (The Valespian Pact, 2)! Say hello to Zeus Vondorian. :)

I am working on getting the files updated with Amazon, Smashwords, Kobo, iBooks, and such. Most of the sites are in the process of reviewing the files, and they are working shortened holiday schedules, so be patient. I didn't pick the best time for this change. LOL!

Thank you for stopping by and reading!

New Cover Reveal: Alpha Trine #scifi #spaceopera #lgbtiaq

 I'm not going to keep y'all in suspense. Here is the new cover for Alpha Trine. The Cover designer is Yvonne Less of Art 4 Artists. She did a fantast job bringing Dargon and Alpha to life!

The new covers will be uploaded at the beginning of next week. 

Thank you for stopping by and reading!

The Valespian Pact Rebranding

 Sooooo....

I did a THING. 

I never thought I would rebrand The Valespian Pact for many reasons. I adore the covers made by Aisha Akeju but when I was surfacing for some premades I came across one that grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I had a very strict idea about what Princess Athena looked like and there she was. But if I bought the cover for her, then her book wouldn't match the rest of the series.

That cover took me on a journey and I am so happy with what came of it. 

Watch this space for the reveal of the new covers for Alpha Trine, Striker, and Constant. :)

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

What's on the Reading Radar? #TBR #WishList

 Soooo. I forgot to work up a Reading Radar last week. I didn't even have a draft. The week got away from me. I'm on the ball this week even though I was sick a couple of days. I have some exciting news but I can't share yet. :D

Title: Storm Cursed
Series: Mercy Thompson, 11
Author: Patricia Briggs
Length: 368 pages

Genre: Romantic Elements / Urban Fantasy / Paranormal / Werewolves / Shifters / Fae / Vampires / Witches / 

Notes: I'm a little behind on this series. I stopped and started this book a couple of times. My anxiety couldn't take the suspense and I got too wound up instead of sinking into the story. I was able to finish it this last week and I have thoughts... and questions. It was an interesting addition to the series.

Blurb: My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.

And a coyote shapeshifter.
And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.

Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn’t stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who lived in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and treat with the fae.

The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming and her name is Death.

But we are pack, and we have given our word.

We will die to keep it.

Title: Dragon Scholar
Series: Dragon Hoard, 1
Author: Minerva Howe
Length: 215 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Dragon Shifters / Gay /

Notes:

Blurb: Devon Marks loves books more than just about anything. They're his job and his passion, and they've brought him to an auction where he meets the hottest guy he's ever seen. When Brand Drake offers to let Devon come and value his extensive collection at an old mansion high in the Colorado mountains, he knows life as about as good as it gets.

Brand Drake knows he wants Devon the moment they meet, so he goes about adding Devon to his hoard the same way he would an amazing old book. But when Devon starts eating him out of house and home and showing signs that he has emerging dragon traits, he knows he hasn't just found a lover, he's found a mate.

When Devon starts to show signs of something even more amazing, Brand calls on his brothers Eagan and Tyson to help him figure out what to do, as well as how to tell Devon what's going on with his body, which is life-changing, and also dangerous. Someone always wants dragon magic to use, and Brand has to find a way to keep them safe, and to keep Devon with him, hopefully forever.

Title: Beneath the Opal Arc
Series:
Author: Lee Colgin
Length: 244 pages

Genre: Love Story w/HEA / Fantasy / Paranormal / Vampires / Werewolves / Witches / Gay / 

Notes: The reason I put 'love story' instead of romance is because the author classified as such at the end of the blurb. Though he does say the characters get a HEA. This is part of a triology.

Blurb: As the battle rages around him, Laurence stops to witness a witch casting a powerful magical arc. Werewolves race past, running for cover, but Laurence can't tear his gaze from the vulnerable spellcaster.

When Remy is injured, he doesn't expect a vampire to come to his rescue. What is he to Laurence if not dinner? But Laurence carries him to safety, ensures he gets treatment, and protects him from a pack of angry werewolves.

No one knows how long the magical arc will hold. Frightened by what might happen when it falls, Remy needs to escape the frontlines and find a safe haven before his own people hunt him down for treason.

As sparks fly between the unlikely pair, can they find solace in love, or will the supernatural war claim two more victims?

Beneath the Opal Arc
~A vulnerable witch lost on enemy soil
~A lonely vampire fighting to protect his charge
~A love story neither of them saw coming

Beneath the Opal Arc is an MM Paranormal Romance packed with adventure, a steamy love story, and danger at every turn. This novel contains violence and scenes intended for mature readers. This is book one of a series, and though some threads are left for book two, there is no cliffhanger. These characters get their HEA with another adventure yet to come!

Title: Breath
Series: (Scales 'N' Spells Book 2)

Author(s): AJ Sherwood, Jocelyn Drake
Length: 435 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Dragons / Mages / Gay /

Notes:

Blurb: A Mage’s List for Freedom:

1. Escape his evil, controlling clan.
2. Get a job.
3. Work magic on HIS terms.
4. Avoid all dragons.

Tori was doing great until sexy dragon Baldewin interfered.

Between the little gifts, constant protection, and the steadfast confidence from the overgrown lizard, Tori wonders if maybe that last step needs revising. He has no chance to consider it.

Not before trouble called Jaeggi REALLY hits. Now he’s on the road trip from hell to the one place he’d never thought would be a safe haven. A clan of dragons.

Assuming they make it, that is.

Tags:
Dragon shifters, mages, fated mates, hurt/comfort, enemies to lovers, not mpreg, interracial couple, road trip, No Flying, nope not even with a dragon, dwarf hunting in Poland, Tori needs allll the hugs, Baldewin is happy to supply them, dragons are ninjas, attempted kidnapping, mages being BAMF, insecurity, trust issues, Tori is an arse, Baldewin is adorable, Cassie is over it, virgin character, but not for long fufufufu, dysfunctional family, family of choice, magical realism, cuuuuudles, the authors regret nothing

Title: Finally Home: Josiah
Series: (Where the heart is Book 1)

Author: K-lee Klein
Length: 119 pages

Genre: Romance / Contemporary / Gay /

Notes:

Blurb: Josiah Nelson left the family home where his father’s bullying and his own fears made life a penance, swearing never to return. Now he has a funeral to arrange, another joyless Christmas holiday to survive, and a ranch to sell, before he can finally wipe the last dust of his childhood off his shoes and settle into his lonely big city life.

When he arrives in his hometown, Wyatt Aames is still there, still out and proud and everything Josiah secretly wanted when they were growing up. He can’t help feeling a tiny, fragile hope that this time, things might turn out differently. Especially when Wyatt seems set on teaching him that home isn’t the house you live in. It’s the place where your heart belongs.

This is a re-edited, rerelease of a book originally published by MLR in 2011. The book has been substantially expanded and improved in this edition.

Title: Laws of Attraction
Series: (Triorion: The Series)

Author: L.J Hachmeister
Length: 286 pages

Genre: Romance / Sci-Fi / Bisexual

Notes: 

Blurb: An uptight nurse. An outlaw telepath. When war erupts, will their accidental psychic bond tear them apart - or unleash true desires?

Nikkia "Niks" Rison thinks she has it all: A great career as a nurse, a steady boyfriend, and a life traveling the stars. That is until a medical experiment goes wrong and she's tethered to the mind of Rex, a gorgeous - and dangerous - telepath who uses her unusual talents to unleash her clients' desires. Caught in the middle of the intergalactic war against the telepaths, Niks faces her greatest fears as Rex is captured by the military and sentenced to a fate worse than death. Will Niks abandon everything she knows to save the one she loves?

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

What's on the Reading Radar? #WishList #Reading

 Weird week. Friday my brain insisted it was Monday. Thanksgiving was just Jason and me and a big turkey that cooked oddly. 

For this Reading Radar, I thought it could have a theme of manga/yaoi/graphic novels. I've been collecting a list of them that I would like to read and thought it would be fun to share.

Title: Check Please!

Series: Hockey, 1

Author: Ngozi Ukazu

Length: 288 pages

Genre: Teen, YA / Coming of Age / LGBT

Notes: 

Blurb: Eric Bittle may be a former junior figure skating champion, vlogger extraordinaire, and very talented amateur pâtissier, but being a freshman on the Samwell University hockey team is a whole new challenge. It is nothing like co-ed club hockey back in Georgia! First of all? There’s checking (anything that hinders the player with possession of the puck, ranging from a stick check all the way to a physical sweep). And then, there is Jack—his very attractive but moody captain.

A collection of the first half, freshmen and sophomore year, of the megapopular webcomic series of the same name, Check, Please!: #Hockey is the first book of a hilarious and stirring two-volume coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself during the best four years of your life. This book includes updated art and a hilarious, curated selection of Bitty's beloved tweets.

Title: We Became The Wives of Beasts Today!

Series Vol. 1

Author: Hazuki Natsu 

Length: 48 pages

Genre: #read

Notes: Lots of push and pull in this one. Not quite what I expected, but it did end with a cliffhanger.

Blurb: Yuya Asabuki is a young boy who lives with his older brothers. One day, he accidentally opens up the ancient shrine that was in his back yard, and three handsome Inugamis (dog gods) appear from inside. They insist that they will take Yuya and his brothers as their brides as a payment for being locked in the shrine by Yuya's ancestor. Yuya's partner dog god's name is Akatsuki. He is rough and insensitive. Yuya refuses to be his "wife" as he refuses to marry a man, but Akatsuki takes him to bed. Turns out Inugamis need to copulate with their wives to get energy... Vol.1, 50 pages.

Title: Twittering Birds Never Fly

Series: Vol. 1

Author: Kou Yoneda

Length:

Genre: Romance / Dominance & Submission / Manga / LBGT

Notes: 

Blurb: Yashiro is the young leader of Shinseikai and the president of the Shinseikai Enterprise, but like so many powerful men, he leads a double life as a deviant and a masochist. Chikara Doumeki comes to work as a bodyguard for him and, although Yashiro had decided that he would never lay a hand on his own men, he finds there's something about Doumeki that he can't resist. Yashiro makes advances toward Doumeki, but Doumeki has mysterious reasons for denying. Yashiro, who abuses his power just to abuse himself, and Doumeki, who faithfully obeys his every command, begin the tumultuous affair of two men with songs in their hearts and no wings to fly.

Title: Ten Count

Series: 

Author: Rihito Takarai

Length: 178 pages

Genre: Romance / Manga / LGBT

Notes: 

Blurb: Corporate secretary Shirotani suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder. One day he meets Kurose, a therapist who offers to take him through a ten-step program to cure him of his compulsion. As the two go through each of the ten steps, Shirotani’s attraction to his counselor grows.

Title: Love in Limbo

Series

Author: Haji

Length: 170 pages

Genre: Romance / Fatnasy / Manga / LGBT / #reading

Notes: 

Blurb: Calen, who has no memory beyond being a soldier, begins his new life in Limbo with a caretaker named Makoto. To atone for his sins, Calen has been given the powers of a reaper and tasked with guiding and protecting the souls of the dead. As he works alongside the purehearted Makoto, Calen begins to develop feelings for him. But will those feelings change once he learns Makoto’s true nature?

Title: Graineliers

Series: Vol. 1

Author: Rihito Takarai

Length: 196 pages

Genre: YA Young Adult / Sci-Fi Fantasy / #reading

Notes: 

Blurb: Rihito Takarai (Ten Count) pens anything but a garden variety fantasy! In a world where the seeds of plants are imbued with power, the wheels of fate begin to turn for Luca, an illegal seed cultivator, when the government-sanctioned Graineliers come to take away his father, who in turn hands Luca a rare and powerful seed...!

Title: Fence

Series: Vol. 1

Author: C.S. Pacat

Length: 107 pages

Genre: Romance? / Contemporary / Sports / Competitions / LGBT

Notes: There are many reasons why I have not read Captive Prince but I thought that I would give this series a try. 

Blurb: Novelist C.S. Pacat (Captive Prince) and fan-favorite artist Johanna the Mad team up for a new series perfect for fans of Check, Please! and Yuri!!! on Ice. Nicholas Cox is determined to prove himself in the world of competitive fencing, and earn his place alongside fencing legends like the dad he never knew, but things get more complicated when he’s up against his golden-boy half-brother, as well as the sullen fencing prodigy, Seiji Katayama. Collects issues #1-4.

Title: I Hear the Sunspot

Series

Author: Yuki Fumino

Length: 200 pages

Genre: Contemporary Graphic Novel / Deaf Character

Notes: 

Blurb: Because of a hearing disability, Kohei is often misunderstood and has trouble integrating into life on campus, so he learns to keep his distance. That is until he meets the outspoken and cheerful Taichi. He tells Kohei that his hearing loss is not his fault. Taichi's words cut through Kohei's usual defense mechanisms and open his heart. More than friends, less than lovers, their relationship changes Kohei forever.

Title: Coyote

Series

Author: Ranmaru Zariya

Length: 177 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Werewolf / LGBT

Notes: 

Blurb: In order to conceal that he’s a werewolf, Coyote avoids getting too involved with humans. But Marleen, a pianist at a bar he frequents, is interested in him and just won’t take no for an answer. When Coyote unexpectedly goes into heat for the first time, Marleen catches him while he’s unable to maintain his human form and offers up a tempting invitation. Coyote wants to resist, but can he?

Title: Crimson Spell

Series: Vol. 1

Author:

Length: 200 pages

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / LGBT / #reading

Notes: 

Blurb: Upon wielding an ancient sword that has been passed down through his royal family for generations, Prince Vald is struck by a curse that turns him into a demon! In search of guidance, Vald appeals to the powerful sorcerer Halvi for help, and the two set out on a journey to break the curse. However, there is one thing the handsome sorcerer is keeping secret from the young prince—the raging demon that Vald turns into every night can only be calmed when Halvi satisfies his lust! And so begins their epic journey in search of clues to break the young prince’s curse. 

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

What's on the Reading Radar? #WishList #TBR #reading

 *blink* and this week is gone, gone, gone. For the first time ever, I'm thinking about ordering my Thanksgiving dinner from the grocery store. Although, I want to make a carrot cake myself. I finished some books that I listed last week and complete a couple of new ones in between. 

Title: Treasured #read

Series:

Author(s): SJ Himes

Length: 91 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Dragons / Magic / Gay

Notes: This was a fun, sweet romance. I loved the world and would definitely buy more if SJ wrote more stories in this world.

Blurb: Needing employment to help his ailing mother, Alaric Keening gets a job as a billionaire dragon's clairvoyant. He never imagined his almost useless talent would ever become a marketable skill, and even worse--the sight of his new boss leaves him breathless. That was the worst, until the first day on the job, he finds himself nearly dying in the arms of his new boss.

Tarquin is a storm dragon, and he's been alone for centuries. Fleeing the Great Wars, he sacrificed his old territory and made a new home in Montreal, collecting companies to fill the void left by the loss of his hoard. Running an international company in the magical world means hiring a clairvoyant to protect his assets, and yet there is nothing to protect his heart when Alaric Keening walks into his office.

Between trying to keep Alaric alive and trying to find who's out to kill Tarquin, they can't deny the connection that goes far beyond that of a boss and his new employee--but that of a dragon and his treasure.


Treasured was previously published as the short story, A Caller From Montreal, in the Heart2Heart Charity Anthology Vol 4. It has been expanded and lightly edited with new content. Word count is 25,000 words.

Title: America Hippo: River of Teeth, Taste of Marrow, and New Stories

Series:

Author(s): Sarah Gailey

Length: 270 pages

Genre: Alternate History / Historical / Hippos Rules / Trans

Notes: This is on my wish list. Seriously, who does not want to ride a hippo?

Blurb: In 2017 Sarah Gailey made her debut with River of Teeth and Taste of Marrow, two action-packed novellas that introduced readers to an alternate America in which hippos rule the colossal swamp that was once the Mississippi River. Now readers have the chance to own both novellas in American Hippo, a single, beautiful volume.

Years ago, in an America that never was, the United States government introduced herds of hippos to the marshlands of Louisiana to be bred and slaughtered as an alternative meat source. This plan failed to take into account some key facts about hippos: they are savage, they are fast, and their jaws can snap a man in two.

By the 1890s, the vast bayou that was once America's greatest waterway belongs to feral hippos, and Winslow Houndstooth has been contracted to take it back. To do so, he will gather a crew of the damnedest cons, outlaws, and assassins to ever ride a hippo. American Hippo is the story of their fortunes, their failures, and his revenge.

Title: Discovering Destiny #TBR

Series: (Familiar Magick Book 1)

Author(s): Abigail Kade

Length: 125 pages

Genre: Romance / Urban Fantasy / Witches / Gay

Notes: I picked up the audiobook for this one. I haven't read this author before but the blurb sounds fun and interesting.

Blurb: Two witches. Two souls that are inescapably intertwined. What will they do when they discover their destiny?

Atherton Blackwood

Once upon a time, I was the heir to my family's seat on the High Council of Witches. After one horrific night, the Council was no more and all the families went into hiding. The likelihood I would ever find my mo shíorghrá, my soul mate, was gone. But by fate or luck, I’ve finally found my other half. Tobias Wyvern was destined to be mine, but we’re discovering that’s not all destiny has in store for us. I need to find out if our future will be our own, or if it will be determined by a prophecy that was written before either of us were born. I’ll do whatever I have to do, go wherever I have to go to find a way for us to be together.

Tobias Wyvern

I invited my next door neighbor, Arthur, to a family dinner to get them off my back, but what I’m finding out is that my whole life has been a lie. I was always told we were the only witches left in the world, but that’s because my family was too frightened to tell me the truth. They signed a marriage contract when I was a child, but had no intention of following through. The Wyverns and the Blackwoods would never be united if they could prevent it. When all hell broke loose, they were able to disappear. Now fate has brought Atherton Blackwoods into my life, and we come to realize we're made to be together. But it's not that simple. By coming together, we’ll set into motion a destiny neither one of us could ever have predicted. Are we willing to put our lives on the line to break the cycle of destruction ?

Title: Taking His Confession #WishList

Series: (Cloth & Stone Book 1)

Author(s): PJ Friel, Saffron Hari

Length: 278 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Gargoyles / Gay

Notes: I've been looking for gargoyle books for a while now and got exited when I saw this one. But there is a warning that there is a cliffhanger. I did notice that books 2 and 3 are scheduled for release so readers won't be waiting long for the next book.

Blurb: Sparks fly when a man of the cloth teams up with a cursed creature of stone to save a troubled teen from a ruthless drug lord. 

Gideon Fawkes longs to meet the handsome young deacon who teaches at St. Anthony's Boys Academy. There's just one problem. Gideon is a gargoyle, and he's pretty sure Deacon Cruz only dates humans.

Cordero Cruz knows a lot about forgiveness. It's the cornerstone of his calling. Too bad he can never offer it to himself. Because of him, people died, and there's no redemption for that kind of mistake.

But a lack of humanity and a heart filled with guilt are nothing compared to a young man's life. When a merciless criminal threatens Cordero and one of his students, Gideon will have to risk more than his stony hide to protect them. Cordero must do the unthinkable to prove he's deserving of the gargoyle turned guardian angel. But when their road to hell is paved with good intentions, they must learn only trust and redemption can pave the way for love.
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This book ends on a cliffhanger and is the first book in a trilogy that MUST be read in order for maximum reader enjoyment.

Title: Cutie and the Beast #reading

Series: Fae out of Water, 1

Author(s): EJ Russell

Length: 9 hours

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Fae Lords / Gay

Notes: I'm in the middle of this book and it has some hilarious moments. The drunken zombie dance made me laugh tears. 

Blurb: Temp worker David Evans has been dreaming of Dr. Alun Kendrick ever since that one transcription job for him, because holy cats, that voice. Swoon. So when his agency offers him a position as Dr. Kendrick’s temporary office manager, David neglects to mention that he’s been permanently banished from offices. Because, forgiveness? Way easier than permission.

Alun Kendrick, former Queen’s Champion of Faerie’s Seelie Court, takes his job as a psychologist for Portland’s supernatural population extremely seriously. Secrecy is paramount: No non-supe can know of their existence. So when a gods-bedamned human shows up to replace his office manager, he intends to send the man packing. It shouldn’t be difficult - in the 200 years since he was cursed, no human has ever failed to run screaming from his hideous face.

But cheeky David isn’t intimidated, and despite himself, Alun is drawn to David in a way that can only spell disaster: When fae consort with humans, it never ends well. And if the human has secrets of his own? The disaster might be greater than either of them could ever imagine.

Title: How to Elude a Vampire #read

Series: VRC: Vampire Related Crimes, Book 2

Author(s): Alice Winters

Length: 9 hrs, 40 min

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Vampires / Gay / Humor

Notes: Yay! I finally got around to reading this one after skipping around the series. Claude is much cuter in his book 

Blurb: Finn

When the vampire stalking me sent me a letter, I was prepared for my new life with the man I love to get thrown into chaos. But as the days stretch on and nothing happens, I become determined not to allow that monster to rule my life and decide that Marcus and I will move on.

We can’t always allow the past to haunt us. If that includes pestering Marcus and harassing my fellow detectives, they’d better learn to love it because I’m not going anywhere, even if they like to remind me I’m the only human working in a department filled with vampires.

But Marcus loves me for who I am, even if he’s not crazy about the cute pet names I call him like McBitey. Being with him is more than I could have dreamed, and even with the trials thrown in our way, he never fails to make me smile.

Marcus

When Finn joined the VRC, I never expected how everything would change. Now that he’s the brightest part of my days, I’m unsure of how I existed without him. Before Finn and I can settle into our new life together, we’re called in as lead detectives when a body is found in the river, and the case soon hits closer to home than we anticipated.

I want to be by Finn’s side to keep him safe, but at the same time, Finn’s fighting for the freedom he’s always wanted after being forced to live a life of fear. What I do know is that my future is with Finn, no matter what happens.

How to Elude a Vampire is the second in the VRC series and contains a display of manly prowess that doesn't go as desired, reluctant bonding with a new pet, interfering with a snarky Russian's love life, misuse of office supplies, a vampire with a killer fashion sense but very little game, a total lack of ancient kung fu powers, a feisty human who almost always gets his way, and the possessive vampire who adores him.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

What's on the Reading Radar? #reading #TBR #WishList

The last couple of weeks have had some ups and down. One of my pups passed, bone cancer of the spine. I took a week off and then Jason took this past week off and I only worked the morning (because he slept late) and then spent time with him. I've been reading a lot!! Although it's been several books at once. Focus issues so I've been jumping around.

Title: Iron and Velvet #reading

Series: Kate Kane Paranormal Investigator, 1

Author(s): Alexis Hall

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / England / Vampires /  Witches / Weres / Light Mystery / Lesbian / Bisexual / 

Notes: I'm about midway through this audiobook and it's been interesting. Not as much mystery as I expected. Kate has a lot of tumultuous background that is told and it makes me feel as if this starts in the middle of a series. I'm also finding it hard to consider this a romance. Not a lot of romancing going on. There's a lot of lust, but... Maybe it's because I'm not a fan of all the various love interests presented. We'll see what the next half of the story unveils. 

Blurb: I like my women like I like my whiskey: more than is good for me.

Name's Kane, Kate Kane. I'm a paranormal private investigator, which is like a normal private investigator except - and stop me if you're having trouble following this - more paranormal. This business comes with a few basic rules: don't start drinking before noon, don't get your partner killed, don't sleep with the woman who killed him.

Last year I broke all of them.

The only rule I didn't break was the one that said don't work for vampires. But then a dead werewolf showed up outside the Soho shag palace of Julian Saint-Germain - a bloodsucking flibbertigibbet who's spent the last eight centuries presiding over an ever-growing empire of booze, sex, and hemoglobin.

I shouldn't have taken the job. The last thing I needed was to get caught in a supernatural smackdown between a werewolf pack and a vampire prince. Even if the vampire prince was dangerously my type. But what can I say? I was broke, I'm a sucker for a pretty face and I gave up on making good decisions a long time ago.

Contains mature themes.

Title: Wicked Gentlemen #reading

Series:

Author(s): Ginn Hale

Genre: Romantic Elements / Gothic Fantasy / Gay

Notes: This book has been on my To-Read list for years. I've always heard how great it is. The audiobook is quite engaging and it seems to be a set of short stories that weave together for the overall plot. The shortness is actually working in my favor because it gives me good points where I can set the book down. I'm really enjoying the book so far.

Blurb: Belimai Sykes is many things: a Prodigal, the descendant of ancient demons, a creature of dark temptations and rare powers. He is also a man with a brutal past and a dangerous addiction.

And Belimai Sykes is the only man Captain William Harper can turn to when faced with a series of grisly murders.

But Mr. Sykes does not work for free, and the price of Belimai's company will cost Captain Harper far more than his reputation.

From the ornate mansions of noblemen, where vivisection and sorcery are hidden beneath a veneer of gold, to the steaming slums of Hells Below, Captain Harper must fight for justice and for his life.

His enemies are many and his only ally is a devil he knows too well. Such are the dangers of dealing with the wicked.

Contains mature themes.

Title: Her Vampire Mates #reading

Series:

Author(s): Tamsin Baker

Genre: Romance / Historical / Paranormal / Vampires / Bisexual / Ménage /

Notes: I've been a very vampire mood the last couple of months and I love the dynamics of this story setup where the deadly vampire is the woman, not a man.

Blurb: Can a handsome human bring a dominant vampire to her knees?

Dominance. Blood. Lust.

My immortal soul craves them all.

As Madame of a brothel, I hold the power. Make the rules.
Antony, my long-time friend and lover, satisfies most needs.
But I’m never fully sated.

Not until Benedict enters my dungeon.

This striking human hungers for my domination, and revels in my pleasure.
He is my blood mate.

The discovery offers something far more powerful, more dangerous than I ever expected—a chance at love.

Antony’s damaged soul is drawn to the man I’ve claimed as my own. When he joins our carnal bliss it’s clear we now share more than just our friendship and our bodies.
We share a mate.

A human mate whose love has the power to heal us. Or break us both.

Can two possessive and passionate vampires make a relationship work with the one human they are both destined to love?

Title: How to Save a Human #reading

Series: (VRC: Vampire Related Crimes Book 4)

Author(s): Alice Winters

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Vampires / Humor / Gay

Notes: I have really enjoyed this series... I read the first book and skipped to the 3rd, and this is the 4th. I am going to read book 2 since I know how the bid bad turns out. It was just too angsty for me for awhile. LOL! This one just released and I've been reading by chapter when I'm not engaged with crocheting (where I listen to audiobooks instead). It will be interesting to see how this one pans out since the timeframe spans the 1st three books.

Blurb: River

When I meet Bentley DeGray, I’m at the lowest point in my life because no matter how much I fight, my past won’t let me escape. Bentley makes me laugh and care and love, but what does any of that mean when I’m living a lie?

Things get complicated when I find out he’s with the Vampire Related Crimes Unit, the organization looking for answers about the abductions of prominent vampires.

The same organization that stands in my way.

My time is ticking down while I’m wound up in this role I’ve been forced to play, but I know that I would be drowning without Bentley by my side.

Bentley

We’re facing something that runs so deep that we don’t know who we can trust besides each other, even within the VRC. River makes me feel like every day is worth living and enjoying—like I’m not so alone. I can’t imagine life without him. But I know that if I want to keep him by my side, I will need to do everything I can to help him so our love doesn’t get cut short before it can truly grow.

How to Save a Human contains a cat who shows her affection by not drawing (much) blood, art projects that are a little… sketchy, the most underwhelming “bull” ride ever, and vampires that may or may not be in the mob.

Title: By Imperial Decree #pre-ordered

Series: ESTO Universe

Author(s): Angel Martinez

Genre: Romance / Sci-Fi / Royalty / Mechanic / Gay

Notes: This comes out on the 17th and I will slotting the whole day for reading! I CANNOT WAIT

Blurb: An Imperial prince can only hide for so long—but his solution of a hastily invented engagement could backfire spectacularly.

Marsh Kensinger's work as the utility mechanic for Bremen Station keeps his life interesting - but never quite as interesting as finding a pilot still hidden inside a hibernation drawer in what should have been a salvage craft. He knows he shouldn't get involved, but the Altairian Imperial crest on the private craft and the semi-conscious pilot's odd questions pique his always-whirling curiosity.

Still unattached at a concerning age for an imperial son, Prince Shiro Shinohara hadn't been running from the endless, mind-numbing rounds of omiai his mother, the Empress, had mandated. Not exactly. He'd just wanted a break from persistent suitors at the family retreat on Ceti Tau. The short respite becomes a panicked flight for his life when one of the suitors stalking him attacks the family compound.

Worried for the soldiers he was forced to leave behind, afraid there's a conspiracy to kidnap him, Shiro confides in the handsome mechanic who found him and in a moment of panic, concocts the fiction of a serious relationship with Marsh. It's only until Shiro's people can reach him and he can press charges back home. Marsh is willing to play along and Shiro's just going to have to keep himself together and not, under any circumstances, fall for the wonderful, generous man who refuses to stop helping him.

Title: Fangs for the Memories #read

Series: (Dead and Breakfast Book 2)

Author(s): Julia Talbot

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Werewolf / Bisexual / 

Notes: I had the first book of this series, Fangs and Catnip, on my Halloween post and I read it all the way through and jumped on this one. I love this series and I hope that Julia plans to write more about these characters. There are so many who need their mates!

Blurb: One wolf has lost his memory, but they’ll both lose their hearts.

Bitten werewolf Tom owes the folks at the Dead and Breakfast big for saving his life. So when they ask for help with a rogue wolf at the B&B, he’s happy to do his part, Though he isn’t quite prepared for what he’ll find.

Werewolf Nathan lost everything to a sadistic kidnapper—his freedom, his memories, and maybe even his ability to be human. But as soon as he meets Tom, he knows he might be able to reclaim his life. And even a turned wolf like Tom feels the mating call. The trouble is, Tom isn’t the only one who wants Nathan, and they’ll need help from all their supernatural friends at the D & B to defeat a powerful enemy and keep their love—and themselves—alive.

This is a previously published title. The publisher has changed.

Title: Love for My Zombie Kings #read

Series: (Zombies Rule The World Book 1)

Author: Leesha McCoy

Genre: Romance / Post Zombie England / Paranormal / RH / 

Notes: There is so much that I love about this book. It has some sciencey aspects since our Heroine is a science prodigal, but I don't know how accurate or made-up it is. I'm okay with that. LOL! It is RH with her and five Zombie shifter brothers. I have never read of or heard of zombie shifters, and I really want to see where this story arc goes. I did have a couple of moments where she was completely attracted to sometime I would not be, because hey, zombies. But I liked everyone. Although I have questions, lots of questions about how it ended. I am going to read the next book to see what other new things the author throws at me.

Blurb: Five dead brothers want me, and I plan to keep them all.

The dead took over the night a year ago, bringing with them terror beyond our wildest dreams. As a scientist and a specialist in DNA, I've been in the thick of it since the very beginning.

Now, however, a new type of zombie has emerged.

They've called it a Zed-Two.

It's stronger, faster, but most importantly, part human. It can shift from human to zombie in the blink of an eye, but also eat half a body in about twice that time.

One was captured, but it escaped. Now my lab seems to have gotten their claws into one.

And I'm the reason why.

He twists shit inside my mind.

The things he can do and the things he makes me feel through the glass...

Then one of his brothers gets himself captured, too.

And all hell breaks loose.

This book features five gorgeous men who fiercely love one woman.
18+ Not intended for readers who do not enjoy a steaming hot good time.

Title: Rage (Her Monsters Book 1) #read

Series: 

Author: K.A. Knight

Genre: Dark Romance / Paranormal / RH

Notes: So I started this on a whim and was kinda of surprised at how much I really liked it, considering how it started out. It has some horror elements since she is on a revenge war path and she's pretty savage. Her mates are Kernunnos, a nephilim, a dragon king, and minotaur. I'm reading the second book and she's pulling more mates to her. This is a dark and imbalanced world, and I think I know where this will go, but I know that there is at least one more book to the series that is not out yet, so I'm dragging my feet to complete book 2. Mind the warnings for this book.

Blurb: My husband killed me.

Then he screwed his way through the city, the only problem? I didn’t stay dead. It seems killing me woke something deep inside, something so dark and buried so deep I never knew it was there.

I don’t know what I am, I don’t really care. All I can think about is revenge, even as the monsters in the dark start to surround me. Their horns and black eyes, mouths filled with fangs claiming I am theirs.

My monsters will have to wait, he will regret the day he crossed me.

Are you scared of the dark? You should be.

*18+ Reverse Harem Romance. Warning this book contains scenes and references of abuse/assault that some readers may find triggering. Along with graphic sex scenes and violence. This is a dark book*

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