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

What am I doing? Seriously y'all, edits. I got excited yesterday because I finished a round and I could finally do something else! And then I remembered that I have edits waiting for me for other books. *cue a two-year-old mental temper tantrum* I want to write new words, all the new words. I'll have to mix it up and see if I cannot do both while I'm waiting for the last round of edits for Constant to make it back to me.

A break in the edits meant I got to break for some reading! Not a lot mind you, but it's more than I have read for a while. 

Title: Midsummer Song
Series: (Midsummer's Night Book 5)
Author: Megan Derr
Length: 52 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Gay

Notes: I love this series. I have them not only on ebook but if they are on audio, I have that format as well. I was so happy to stumble across this and read it right away. I love have everybody underestimates Low!! Great addition to this feel-good series. I hope there are many, many more. 

Blurb: All Daniel's ever wanted is to sing. Being a siren has always made that a dangerous undertaking, but he's never needed magic to make people like his songs. His bandmates, however, are more than willing to use his siren talents to get what they want—even if they do it against Daniel's will.

Betrayed and distraught, Daniel flees in the dead of night, bound for anywhere that will keep him out of sight until his contract with the band expires. Exhausted after hours of driving, he decides to stop for the night, and winds up stopping in a strange town known as Midsummer's Night.

He's soon pointed to a bed & breakfast run by the world's most adorable brownie—who also happens to be a huge fan, reminding Daniel viscerally that whatever Daniel wants comes second to what he is and all the people trying to hunt him down.

Title: Skin and Bones
Series: (The Ever Chace Chronicles Book 1)
Author: Susan Harris
Length: 281 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Mystery / Urban Fantasy? / Werewolves / Vampires

Notes: Paranormal Investigation organization, mystery... I created an account on BookBub and they send out daily newsletters. This was on one and it said something about a grumpy werewolf and a mystery and I clicked. I'm here for the grumpy wolf. I hope he's really cantankerous. That would be awesome.

Blurb: Being human in a world filled with supernatural creatures can give a girl a complex. Dr. Ever Chace wants nothing more than to be able to stand out in this crazy place she calls home. When she’s asked to consult on a case where teens are being brutalized, she relishes the chance to make a difference by helping to stop a monster. But when she’s teamed up to work alongside a sexy shifter, she ends up with more than she bargained for.

Derek Doyle has been a member of the Paranormal Investigations Team since the monsters first revealed themselves to the world. Considering he believes it takes a monster to catch a monster, he’s definitely in the right place. As a lone wolf not used to letting many people in, he isn’t prepared for the effect his new partner, consultant Dr. Ever Chace, has on him.

With a murderer on the loose, Ever and Derek will have to put their attraction aside while the hunt continues. Easier said than done… right?

Title: Gideon the Ninth
Series: (The Locked Tomb Trilogy Book 1)
Author: Tamsyn Muir
Length: 437 pages

Genre: Fantasy / Sword & Sorcery / Action & Adventure / Lesbian / Romantic Elements

Notes: I have been looking at this book for a loooonng time. What has held me back was not knowing there would be an HEA. It's listed in the Lesbian Romance section of Amazon but when it first came out it was in the fiction section and sometimes fiction has bittersweet endings.

Blurb: The Emperor needs necromancers.

The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman.

Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead nonsense.

Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth unveils a solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers. Her characters leap off the page, as skillfully animated as arcane revenants. The result is a heart-pounding epic science fantasy.

Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse. She packs up her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and prepares to launch her daring escape. But her childhood nemesis won’t set her free without a service.

Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire, has been summoned into action. The Emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses to a deadly trial of wits and skill. If Harrowhark succeeds she will be become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier. Without Gideon’s sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die.

Of course, some things are better left dead.

Title: How to Vex a Vampire
Series: (VRC: Vampire Related Crimes Book 1)
Author: Alice Winters
Length: 360 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Vampires / Gay / Humor /

Notes: I think that I have a thing for paranormal investigation books at this time...

Blurb: Finn

Getting into the vampire-only detective unit was the easy part; what’s going to be more difficult is dealing with my new partner, an ancient vampire who keeps threatening to eat me. The unit has never had a human in it, and Marcus—or as I like to call him, Fangy McFangface—would really prefer to keep it that way. He’s grumpy, short-tempered, and broody, but I have a way with words and I know he’s starting to like me, even if he swears he’s not. But what he doesn’t know is that I didn’t join the unit because I was tired of being a homicide detective, I joined because there is someone after me. They’ve already taken enough from me and I’m afraid they’re going to take all of me if I don’t find someone to help. That’s all Marcus was supposed to be, but now, he’s so much more and I can’t imagine my life without him.

Marcus

The moment the pesky human walked through that door, I knew I had to get rid of him. He’s charming and almost everyone else instantly loves him, but he doesn’t understand how risky it is being part of this unit as a human. But as I get to know the stubborn man, I learn that perhaps he’s not as naive as I once thought. And maybe he’s what I needed to realize there is more to life than just work and my dog. A group arises who is threatening to disrupt the alliance between the humans and the vampires, but Finn is the one who shows me how strong that alliance can be and reminds me why it’s worth protecting. When threats hit closer to home, I realize I would do anything for Finn because he’s brought so much joy to my life—and because he’s mine.

This 105k word book contains: A creative use for undergarments, unintentional splits, a wolfhound who just wants to be a part of things, a vertically challenged human who still manages to wrap every vampire he meets around his little finger, the best date ever, possessiveness, really awkward dancing, some workplace revenge, and just a bite or two. Or three.

Title: Revelations
Series: Fire & Brimstone Scroll 1
Author: Nikole Knight
Length: 390 pages

Genre: Slow Burn Romance / Paranormal / Poly / Gay / 

Notes: 

Blurb: Jai was my strength, Noel, my sanity, and Gideon, he was my safety. For my family, I would do anything. I would die for them, and I feared, in the end, that’s exactly what would be asked of me.

College freshman, Riley Shepard, is nothing if not ordinary—except for his crippling shyness, social ineptitude, and, every once in a while, seeing things that don’t exist. Other than that, he is definitely normal. Or at least, he tries to be.

When one fateful night opens his eyes to a universe he never knew existed, his life changes forever. Reality-altering truths are revealed, and Riley must navigate a world of angels, demons, and everything in between. Thankfully, three overprotective Guardians have made it their mission to help.

With the promise of friends, family, and freedom finally within his grasp, he fears not only for his heart, but for his life as well.

But some things are worth dying for.

***This is a (very) slow burn harem/poly romance with a HFN ending. The series will be HEA. For trigger warnings, see author's note. This edition has been re-edited.***

Title: Dragon God
Series: (Dragon Gods)
Author: EE Montgomery
Length: 306 pages

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Sword & Sorcery / LGBT Fantasy / 

Notes: 

Blurb: Dragon God is a fantasy story of taking responsibility for your life and making right the mistakes of your past.

Fisher has lived a life of hardship and horror and made many decisions that harmed others. He now has an opportunity for a new life, a new beginning, where he can live in harmony with the world and the people in it. When he discovers an elixir he helped create is killing innocent people, he knows his only way to freedom is to destroy the sources of the elixir. He must confront the circumstances of his childhood and his banishment from the city of his birth in order to prevent more deaths. Unfortunately, the destruction of his past lingers and everywhere Fisher goes fire and death follow. It takes an encounter with the Dragon King, who reveals Fisher's true nature, and the love of a dragon god for Fisher to embrace who he truly is and begin to move forward.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

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

What is going on? Well, I forgot to create a post for the Reading Radar last Saturday. It has just been so busy with getting Constant polished for release (and all the things that go with it) and trying to catch up on the numerous projects waiting for me. Besides, I haven't read anything new in the last couple of weeks, but I have been re-reading. I have three audible credits that I can't find anything that I want to spend them on.

Title: The Brimstone Journals
Series: Collection Three
Author: Angel Martinez
Length: 165 pages

Genre: Romance / Sci-Fi / Fantasy / 

Note: 

Blurb: The Brimstone.

Cargo hauler, brigand ship, privateer. Crewed by the exiled, the misplaced, the uniquely strange and even a certain government assassin. Together, they've faced interstellar criminals, the wrath of archangels, the threat of frogs, their own terrors, nearly deadly buttercopters, and government paperwork. Through it all, as Brimstone's inhabitants expanded from two demons on the run to a complement of eleven various and sundry beings, they've become more than crew. They've evolved into family. Join us now for some snippets from the characters' timelines, flash fiction shorts between the stories from Shax and Verin as kids in Hell all the way to events after The Hunt for Red Fluffy.

The Brimstone Journals, Collection Three also includes a novelette in which the crew discovers that sometimes the simple task of holiday shopping is much more dangerous than it should be.

Title: MEM
Series: Alien Acquisitions, 1
Author: Misha Adrik
Length:

Genre: Romance / Sci-Fi / Interstellar Assassin / Bio-engineered Super Human / BDSM (maybe) /

Note: 

Blurb: Abel Bancroft is an Interstellar MI6 assassin who doesn’t do relationships. He is perfectly content playing at his favorite BDSM club and picking up random hookups to fill his nights. When he’s asked to play babysitter to a bio-engineered super-human, he knows his carefully ordered life is about to be thoroughly interrupted.

Humans fear the Reapers and Mem has known it his entire life. Raised in a facility on the barren moon of Arethea outside the orbit of Era 3, freedom is only a word that he knows exists in the dictionary. New London is supposed to be his opportunity to have a life, so long as he can put up with the arrogant, sexy agent assigned to watch him.

If the missions don’t get them into trouble, the sparks between them definitely will. Being perfectly matched by the MI6 wasn’t supposed to lead to the two of them crashing into bed together but sometimes falling together is the only way to keep from falling apart.

[includes: one smartass assassin Daddy, one genetically engineered sexpot, & making a place of peace in an uncertain universe]

Title: Mercenary Royal
Series: Dead Suns
Author: Shona Husk
Length: 199 pages

Genre: Romance / Sci-Fi / Mercenary /  Arranging Your Own Kidnapping / 

Note: What made me look at this series is I stumbled onto the 2nd book that has a bisexual MC, plus the blurb is interesting with her arranging her own kidnapping. And if she actually uses the gun she's holding on the cover, then I'm there.

Blurb: Is it a rescue or a princess-napping? Nyssa Leofric can't marry the new head of Riel Industries. They trade in illegal weapons and he only wants her for her wealth and family name. When her parents insist, and unable to escape on her own, she arranges arranges her own kidnapping, hiring the mercenaries known as the Dead Suns.

Jessie Tabris believes in two things: getting the money up front and that people lie. He takes the job because Riel owes him credits. But when Nyssa's ransom is paid, he finds himself in a bind. No one should be forced into a life they don’t want. But the Dead Suns are threatening to disavow him and his team if he doesn’t return Nyssa to Riel.

Now they must work together or they could both wind up as part of Riel's next experiment.

For readers who like action, romance and space battles!

Title: Saint of Dead Gods
Series: A Saint-Moreno Supernatural Thriller
Author: B.C. Palmer
Length:

Genre: Non-Romantic / Thriller / Urban Fantasy / 

Note: I feel as if I have been circling this book for ages. 

Blurb: Adam Saint was never much of a sorcerer to begin with and would rather be at the bottom of a bottle than anywhere near the supernatural world. For ten years he’s done a pretty good job of that—and even managed to get his demonic possession issue under control. That little vacation is about to come to a very painful end.

When Adam is approached by the Coven to find not only a powerful young witch who can see the future, but also his mysteriously vanished uncle—Portland’s supernatural sheriff—he doesn’t have much of a choice in the matter. Old Saint Pete is the only thing standing between Adam and the wrath of the Sorcerer’s Enclave. Problem is, the people responsible are already on someone else’s radar.

Vanessa Moreno’s life is about to change forever. She’s got two homicide cases that are equally horrifying, a foul-mouthed drunk raving about monsters and magic and other impossible things, and a man who spends half his time naked and the other half in the shape of a jaguar. The world has clearly gone insane—but if so, Vanessa must be mad as well.

Because monsters, magic, demon kitties, warlocks and ancient gods hungry for new life are deadly serious, and this dysfunctional dream team may be all that stands between us and the End. A tide of vengeance and magic is approaching, and billions of lives are on the line. Maybe they can stop it. Maybe they can’t.

One thing is for sure: survival in this world comes at a steep price. Always.

Saint of Dead Gods is a re-release of a previously published book "New Shoes", under Harbinger Press.

Title: The Unspoken Name
Series: (The Serpent Gates Book 1)
Author: AK Larkwood
Length: 464 pages / 18 hours & 37 Minutes

Genre: Fantasy / Action & Adventure / Priestess Turned Assassin / Wizard / LGBT 

Notes: So, I said that I had Audible credits to spend. I found something to spend it on. 

Blurb: What if you knew how and when you will die?

Csorwe does—she will climb the mountain, enter the Shrine of the Unspoken, and gain the most honored title: sacrifice.

But on the day of her foretold death, a powerful mage offers her a new fate. Leave with him, and live. Turn away from her destiny and her god to become a thief, a spy, an assassin—the wizard's loyal sword. Topple an empire, and help him reclaim his seat of power.

But Csorwe will soon learn—gods remember, and if you live long enough, all debts come due.

Title: Jack Addison vs. A Whole World of Hot Trouble
Series: The Complete Series
Author: KA Merikan
Length:

Genre: Erotic Romp / Fantasy / Humorous / Monster Hunter / Enemies to Lovers / Opposites Attract /

Notes: KA Merikan writes stories a little darker than what I usually read, but I saw this advertised as a humorous romp and I thought I'd give it a try.

Blurb: “Any monster is a lover if you’re brave enough.”

Jack Addison. Son of a world famous monster hunter. Irresistible jerk. Monster-curious.

Roux Chat-Bonnes. Ginger. Furry. Claws like razors and a tongue to match!

At just nineteen, Jack’s fresh out of a prestigious academy, set to make a name for himself as a monster hunter in a world where people need protection from strange and dangerous creatures.

Raised to see nonhumans as monsters to be eradicated, or at the very least—inferior beings, he soon finds out that he’s been taught lies, and his initial distrust of creatures turns into fascination that goes beyond anything his father could imagine.

After an encounter with a giant spider, Jack falls down a rabbit hole of affairs with werewolves, kitsune, a centaur, a merman, a tentacle creature called Nessie, and even a vampire!

But all of those dalliances fade in comparison to his one true heart throb—Roux Chat-Bonnes, a cat-like being, and his most vicious rival. As brave as he is infuriating, and as furry as he is sexy, Roux is the moral compass Jack wishes he didn’t have.

If he ever wants to win Roux’s heart, he needs to prove that he’s more than just a handsome jerk sneaking around with any monster he can get his hands on, but a man brave enough to do what’s right, even if it makes him unpopular. Even if that means standing up to his famous father.

In this serial, each episode encompasses a single event from Jack Addison’s career, but while they are partially self-contained, the romantic arc and Jack’s personal journey, develop over time, so it’s best to not read the stories out of turn.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

Just Around The Corner! #constant #TheValespianPact

I think that I missed making Constant's announcement here on the blog. The third book in the Valespian Pact has a release date! March 20, 2020! 

Whew! There were days when I thought I would never finish this book. It was a problem child from day one and I'm pretty sure that Constant is a bit smug about that fact.

I have been writing Constant almost exclusively for the better part of two years. It has given me fits the whole way. I had a plan, really I did, and Constant refused to follow the plan, went off the rails (many, many times) and it did whatever the hell it wanted, despite my protests.

Constant is about Prince Mestor and Warlord Sohm'lan, but it's also about the Vondorian family and the Atlaintician people. I've said frequently that this is a story that needed to be told and I didn't realize it until almost too late. 

Like I said, I had a plan and it was not for Mestor and Sohm'lan to have their own book. Their story was going to play out over the the next several books of the series with Mestor finally winning Sohm'lan in the last book, Legends. Their journey started while they were escorting Zeus and the Oethra 7 to Valespia, and I penned a couple of scenes to jump start things. Then I thought, "Hey! I bet there is enough to give them a novella that shares a timeline with Striker." And I wrote some more. Then I realized, that the 35k wasn't enough space for them... then, it reached 67k. I sent it out to the beta readers, and dude, it was not the best it could be.

Part of the problem was me thinking I knew what people wanted to read instead of writing the story that wanted to come out. There were changes coming to Atlainticia that I was going to mention in other books in passing because, dammit, I write romance and that other stuff was not romancey... but it was a part that makes the Vondorians, the Mar'Sani who they were, and shapes who Prince Mestor and Warlord Sohm'lan become.

Needless to say, that once I got over myself *cough*cough* wrong assumptions, I threw out chapters and scenes, and rewrote the story that had been waiting on me to get with the program. Two hundred and fifty thousand words (yes, you heard me correctly, 250k) later Constant is an Epic Sci-Fi/Fantasy Super-Novel. (And I never, ever want to write a story that long again!!)  Along the way there was a lot of cussing and cursing and threats of strapping the manuscript to a bonfire, but it eventually shaped itself into a novel of love and laughter, of hope and redemption, and of course, family. I can't wait for you to join the ride!

Blurb: 

Can a Warlord and a Prince find love when the galaxy is on the brink of war?

Chief Warlord Sohm'lan has a job he loves protecting the family who claims him as one of their own. He has known the loss of a mate and believed he would walk alone for the rest of his life… that is until Prince Mestor demanded more from him than duty. Unable to fathom why Mestor would want a widowed older warrior, Sohm'lan maintains his distance believing Mestor will eventually choose an amor closer in age and experience, even though the thought causes him more pain than it should.

Prince Mestor is tired of pretending and his patience is eroding. He needs Sohm'lan to see past their respective ranks and duties to who Mestor is underneath it all. Worried Sohm'lan will be lost to him if he pushes too hard, Mestor and Sohm'lan are caught in a dance of denied desires and tangled obligations.

Warlord Sohm'lan and Prince Mestor struggle to find a way to their heart's desire against the backdrop of galactic conspiracies, the dangerous mission escorting the Fal'Amoric royals, and discoveries within the Vondorian family that threaten to tear apart everything they hold dear. The two of them stand together to fight the coming battle whatever the consequences.

Add to your GoodReads' reading list! 

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

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

What a week! I got a little breathing room and took Friday off. Got some packing done and laundry... and that sounds boring but it was a change of pace which I really needed. I did get a new read under my belt but I also did some re-listening of audiobooks too. 

Title: Stop at Nothing
Series: The Chosen One, 5
Author: Macy Blake
Length: 246 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Poly / Gay

Notes: I read this over the week, excited to see how she would resolve the issue. It was a great culmination to the series. I love Nick. I love everyone else, but Nick...

Blurb: Series Finale

With all of his mates assembled, Sawyer Smith should be ready for his own version of the end game. He must defeat the god of air and restore both of their broken magics to all of the realms. There’s only one problem: he still doesn’t know how to do it.

HIs brother is a god and is raising the forces of darkness against Sawyer and his mates more quickly than he can mount a defense. It’s time to fight, but Sawyer has too much to lose to risk disaster. As the final pieces of the puzzle fall into place, Sawyer is faced with a task that seems impossible. He must go into battle without the knowledge or power to win.

So many of his questions remain unanswered, but Sawyer knows one thing: He will stop at nothing to keep his mates safe.

Title: Blazing
Series: Valos of Sonhadra
Author: Nancey Cummings
Length: 185 pages

Genre: Romance / Fantasy-Sci-Fi / Poly / MFMM /

Notes: I don't think that I have read anything by this author before, but this book is in the Valos series and I'm considering giving it a try. 

Blurb: A woman on fire.

Lucie survived four hellish years in prison, being sucked through a wormhole and crashing onto an alien planet. All she wants is to go home. Passion and rage burn in her. She wants her life back and nothing will stop her: not prison, not an alien planet and not three powerful aliens determined to claim her. They won't distract her with their smoldering embrace or fiery kisses.

Alien men forged from fire.

Sarsen, Ertale and Asche spent the last thousand years waiting for release from their bonds. When the intriguing female bursts into their lives, she frees them from their unending servitude and ignites the fire in their heartstones. Now she thinks she can just leave them behind?

Not acceptable.

All three will do whatever it takes to make Lucie understand that her body and her heart belongs to them.

The Valos of Sonhadra series is the shared vision of nine sci-fi and fantasy romance authors. Each book is a standalone, containing its own Happy Ever After, and can be read in any order.
Blazing is a Reverse Harem story with three heroes and one lucky heroine, complete and no cliffhangers.

Title: Witchbond
Series: Kitsune Chronicles, 2
Author: Lissa Kasey
Length: 308 pages

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Urban Fantasy / Gay

Notes: LOVE this series. 

Blurb: If your super power meant you could turn into a kitsune, a powerful fox spirit, you wouldn’t fear for the life of your mate, right?

Sebastian survived an entire year on the run from the supernatural. Then he met Liam, his fated mate and alpha werewolf, and thought maybe he’d found a home. Until the fae come calling. They want control of Seb’s power, even if that means eliminating Liam to get it.

When a trick leaves Seb in trouble with the werewolves, the military, and the fae, he fears his only option is to run. Except Seb is done running. He will stop at nothing to keep Liam by his side, even if it means letting his beast loose on them all.

Title: Slay My Love
Series: 
Author: Lee Colgin
Length: 242 pages

Genre: Slow Burn Romance / Enemies to Lovers / Vampire / Gay

Notes: I have never read Lee Colgin before but the cover caught my attention when I was book browsing. I've been looking for vampire romances lately and I love enemies to lovers, so I put this on the wish list. 

Blurb: What happens when you’re attracted to the very person who wants to kill you?

Gianni, a born vampire, lives among undead brethren striving to find his place in their society.

Franklin, a vampire hunter, accepts a mission from the Scourge to capture Gianni for testing.

The pair meet along dark city streets, and an ill-fated attraction smolders between them. Natural enemies form an unlikely bond, but the peace between them cannot last.

The Scourge—an ancient organization bent on conquering supernaturals—need a born vampire for their labs. Franklin needs to rise in the ranks to live up to his family name. Gianni is caught in the fray. Where shame and betrayal loom large, can a vampire and a slayer find love, or will one have to kill the other to survive?

Slay My Love is a gay paranormal romance with a slow burn enemies to lovers trope. Content includes passionate scenes and violence. Intended for mature readers.

56,000 words, standalone, no cliffhanger ending, HFN

Title: Lord of the Last Heartbeat
Series: (The Sacred Dark Book 1)
Author: May Peterson
Length:

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy Horror (per one of Amazon's categories) / Gay

Notes: So Dark Fantasy Horror is usually not a category that I usually read, but I have been looking for something different and I'm not going to know if this is going to jive with me unless I give it a try. 

Blurb: Stop me. Please.

Three words scrawled in bloodred wine. A note furtively passed into the hand of a handsome stranger. Only death can free Mio from his mother’s political schemes. He’s put his trust in the enigmatic Rhodry—an immortal moon soul with the power of the bear spirit—to put an end to it all.

But Rhodry cannot bring himself to kill Mio, whose spellbinding voice has the power to expose secrets from the darkest recesses of the heart and mind. Nor can he deny his attraction to the fair young sorcerer. So he spirits Mio away to his home, the only place he can keep him safe—if the curse that besieges the estate doesn’t destroy them both first.

In a world teeming with mages, ghosts and dark secrets, love blooms between the unlikely pair. But if they are to be strong enough to overcome the evil that draws ever nearer, Mio and Rhodry must first accept a happiness neither ever expected to find.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

This book is approximately 94,000 words

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

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

Man, January passed without me accomplishing what I wanted to accomplish, and yet I've been crazy busy. Edits, edits, and more edits as I work on getting Constant ready for publishing. Bespoken Lost is at 74k and I started a Valespian Pact side story as a *super secret project* (I'm not going to give any hints about it other than I love this little story!). I had hoped that I would have chapters for Assassin's Retirement ready and posted, but... points up at the edits, those have taken up the majority of my time. 

I honestly have not done a lot of reading the last couple of weeks, and what I have read has taken days for me to finish because I've had limited time. But I did go a little pre-order crazy for books that I'm excited for the release of and all of them have been releasing the last week or so.

Title: Not Quite Human
Series: Not Quite, 1
Author: Kaye Draper
Length: 151 pages

Genre: Romance / Urban Fantasy / Intersex MC / Poly

Notes: So I have been excited to get my hands on this book since she announced it was coming in her newsletter. 

Blurb: Not quite human, not quite beast. Not quite female, not quite male. Sometimes hunter, sometimes prey. Always alone. Until them.

Fiend hunter Sam “Sabertooth” Forest is used to being on the outskirts. A cur with a mix of shifter and human blood, Sam can’t fully shift to beast but can’t fully pass as human. Through sheer determination, and a desire to protect the broken shifter woman who raised them, Sam has managed to eek out a place of their own in a world devastated by the rift that allowed monsters to spill into the earth plane. Sam hunts monsters, sometimes curs and mongrels just like Sam. The work might be dangerous, and the humans might want to put the mixed breed hunter on their hitlist, but it’s a job. It’s freedom. Sam works alone and trusts no one.

The next hunt should bring in a big bounty—big enough to pay the pack extortion fee and keep Sam’s adoptive mother safe through winter. But when a Leprechaun horns in on the unicorn hunt and tricks Sam into forming a hunter’s guild, Sam is suddenly burdened by an overabundance of people.

Setting off to hunt one-horned murder beasts with an annoying leprechaun and a nerdy half-ogre is bad enough. But when you add in a betrayal by the seductive siren Sam has loved since childhood, and the machinations of a rich human politician, well…Sam’s simple, lonely little life just got a whole lot more complicated.


Author’s Note:

I love reverse harem, but I got sick of reading the same old tropes. In my books you will find atypical characters and varied sexuality. In general, you probably won’t find many alpha males or fainting females.

The Not Quite series is a harem/reverse harem urban fantasy series of novellas (between 35,000-45,000 words) and contains the following:

*adult language, and lots of it

*moderate levels of violence/gore/action

*graphic sexual situations

*polyamory/ multiple lovers

*LBGTQ and straight themes (the main character is intersex and will have both male and female lovers, and this is a harem, so expect M/F, M/M, F/F, MMMFF etc.)

*as usual, my characters all have their own emotional scars. This means the book MAY contain mentions of abuse, unpleasant situations, etc. Please do not read if you are triggered by things like this.

Title: Queen Takes Sunfires
Series: Their Vampire Queen, 11
Author: Joely Sue Burkhart
Length: 80 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Vampires / Poly

Notes: So far, I've been Team Shara over the other queens, but I've been looking forward to this book. Sunfires were a part of the bad guys in Shara's storyline and I'm intrigued how this will turn out.

Blurb: A Vampire Queen's Secret Baby

I awoke in a pile of garbage in a dark alley with no memory of what happened to me or even who I am. All I know is my name, Karmen. By the vicious scars on my body, I've been through hell and lived to tell about it. Barely.

In the hospital, my memory slowly begins to return. Something is after me. It's not safe. I have to get away. But I don't know who to trust. Certainly not the man who left me in the alley. He smelled like a wolf. Or the doctor, who asks me if I'm even human.

Then the doctor drops a bombshell. I'm pregnant. And I have no idea who the father is.

Only that his monsters hunt me in the burning light of day.

Title: Space Fox
Series: (G-Force Federation Book 1)
Author: LM Brown
Length: 202 pages

Genre: Romance / Sci-Fi / Shifters / Gargoyles / mpreg

Notes: I Love Brown's sci-fi books. I can't wait to see what she has in store.

Blurb: Protecting his shifter from threats is easy, but can he protect him from his own ambition?

As part of the G-Force Federation, gargoyle Jude is a newly promoted pilot eager to prove himself on his first solo assignment. Unfortunately, his plans go awry when his craft is shot down, leaving him stranded in the desert.

Kirby is a fennec fox shifter on the desert world of Cairo. When Jude’s ship comes under attack he races to help him, and after the crash he offers to guide him back to the base.

Their journey across the harsh desert is fraught with dangers, one of which is the lure of Kirby’s scent as he goes into heat for the first time. Jude’s protective attitude towards him pushes all the right buttons with Kirby, and it doesn’t take much for him to persuade the gargoyle to be his first lover.

When Kirby discovers he is pregnant they know one of them will have to make a sacrifice if they want to raise their baby together, but can either of them give up everything they have ever known?

***

Space Fox is Book One in the multi-author G-Force Federation mpreg, scifi series. Each book in the series can be read in any order. Join the G-Force Federation gargoyle warriors as they embark on their mission to protect and serve the Federation and possibly find their fated mates.

Title: The Rebel's Mate
Series: Blue Solace, 7
Author: CW GRay
Length: 230 pages

Genre: Romance / Sci-Fi / Fantasy / mpreg / Angst-Free / 

Notes: I'm re-listening to this series now. It's fun and cute and adorable and angst-free. I'm sad to see the series come to an end but excited to see what the author has up her sleeve.

Blurb: Welcome back to Charybdis Station and the crew of the Blue Solace: (Seventh Book in the series)

Finn Sterling is still adjusting to becoming the lieutenant of the blue fleet of Charybdis Station. As an orphan on Cardinal Hold, he never imagined he would have a position of authority as an adult and the trust his friends put in him makes failure impossible. When he is given the monumental task to find a large number of missing Vextonians, he'll take all the help he can get. When Finn's journey brings him to his mate, he discovers that finding the missing is only one part of the quest ahead of him.

Aiden Crow has spent the last year consumed with grief and his search for vengeance. When he meets Finn, he knows instantly that the man is his mate, but what could he possibly offer the beautiful, smiling Cardinal? As the search for the missing draw the two men together, Crow realizes that the greatest risk he faces is losing his heart.

Crow and Finn must work together to gather information so they can find the innocent before they are lost forever.

Author's Note: 55,000 words. This is a sci-fi/fantasy, m/m love story with no angst and no cheating, just a HEA. There is lots of action, a little sex, mpreg, and a few potty mouths involved in the story. 18+ readers only, please. It is also the seventh book in a series that is best read in order. Read "The Mercenary's Mate," "The General's Mate," "The Soldier's Mate," "The Lieutenant's Mate," "The Engineer's Mate," and "The Captain's Mate" first!

Title: The Dragon Mistress Book 4
Series: (The Eburosi Chronicles 11)
Author: R.A. Steffan
Length: 333 pages

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Dragons / Poly / 

Notes: 

Blurb: We ran away, but it didn’t solve our problems.Now, we’re going back to fight for Aristede.

And oh, yeah—there’s also the small matter of toppling Rayth’s corrupt younger brother from the Utrean throne, so we can remove the bounty on our dragons’ heads. I mean, what could possibly go wrong?

As the king’s eldest son, Rayth grew up expecting to rule. Instead, he ended up disgraced and exiled. When he unknowingly stumbled upon the last five dragon eggs in existence, using the creatures to take back his crown was the last thing on his mind.

All that changed after Rayth’s brother Oblisii murdered their father and stole the kingship. With that fateful blow, what started out as a simple rescue mission to find our lost comrade has become something much more.

We won’t be safe until Oblisii is dead, and dragons are once more protected in the land of Utrea. To make that happen, we’ll have to risk everything in a desperate gamble to control the throne.

In the end, I just want my family back.
I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.

* * *

The Dragon Mistress: Book 4 by USA Today bestseller R. A. Steffan is the last installment in a medium-burn fantasy romance series with dragonriders, where the heroine doesn’t have to pick one person at the end. It is part of the Eburosi Chronicles, along with The Horse Mistress and The Lion Mistress. It’s not necessary to have read any of the other books in the series before starting The Dragon Mistress arc.

A special note for Fantasy readers: herein, you will find explicit sex scenes, not all of which are heterosexual. If your gut reaction to that is “Eww” or even “Meh,” you probably won't enjoy this series.

Title: Alluvial
Series: Valos of Sonhadra, 1
Author: Amanda Milo
Length: 162 pages

Genre: Romance / Sci-Fi / Aliens / Dragons (that look like trees) / MFMMM

Notes: This I have read. It was fun and not dark like I expected since the word torture is in the blurb. I liked the re-imagining of dragons.

Blurb: Someone’s using me as leverage against my family. I was your average citizen, innocent of any crime worth going to prison for, and yet here I am.

But this isn’t a regular prison ship.

*Torture.*

Experiments.

They alter me. And when the ship crashes on an alien planet, some of my new abilities come in quite handy—it’s the side effects that aren’t entirely welcome.

Not by me, anyway. The tribe of aliens that have taken me captive?
They don’t seem to mind.

~The Valos of Sonhadra series is the shared vision of nine scifi and fantasy romance authors. Each book is a standalone with a guaranteed Happy Ever After and can be read in any order.~
**Note: Explicit content, sexual situations, and language warning. 44K word novel.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

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

Sorry I missed last Saturday's Reading Radar. It's been a bit hectic around here (ALL the edits that I want have a bonfire in the backyard with) and I've been a bit scattered. 

I haven't been reading a lot the last couple of weeks (points to the line above), but there has been a book or two and much adding to the TRB or Wish List. 

Title: All The Prince's Men
Series: 
Author: Samantha MacLeod
Length: 73 pages

Genre: Fantasy / Poly / Gay

Notes: This is waiting for me to read.

Blurb: When Prince Liam returns to his kingdom after five years of training at the magical Academy, he’s only missed one person: Cerdec, the boy who had once been Liam’s closest childhood friend. But Cerdec is now a knight pledged to protect the kingdom, and Liam fears his one-time confidant has forgotten their stolen moments of tenderness.

Newly-sworn knight Cerdec has had no shortage of lovers since Liam left the kingdom, but he’s never felt as close to them as he once felt to the prince. Now that Liam has returned, Cerdec is prepared to serve as his personal guard, even if the position torments him with a longing he’s terrified to voice.

And even if it means he must welcome and protect the foreign princess who has been betrothed to Liam.

* * * *

This steamy, polyamorous fantasy romance is a short stand-alone with a HEA.

Title: Conspiracy of Ravens
Series: Raven Crawford, 1
Author: JC McKenzie
Length: 399 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: Confession: I sometimes buy books because I like the cover (and then later, I hope that I like it). I've been resisting the urge because I have a slew of books that I bought because I like the looks and couldn't get into the story. I've been really good the last year not to do that anymore. Then this one keeps popping up. I love ravens and crows. The blurb sounds intriguing (and I'm envious of the succinctness), but I'm going to have to see if the sample tells me more. 

Blurb: Raven Crawford knows better than to venture into the seductive world of the dark fae or agree to any of their salacious promises. She plans to pay off her debts so she can get on with her life and stay far away from the denizens of the Underworld.

Unfortunately, her numbskull twin steals from the most tempting and lethal fae of them all. Now, Raven must help the Lord of Shadows get back what her idiot brother stole. Her only weapons? Just a little ingenuity and a whole lot of snark. It’s suicide for sure, but she’ll do anything to protect her twin.

Title: Not a Werewolf
Series: Jake and Boo, 1
Author: Madeline Kirby
Length: 219 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Psychic / Gay

Notes: I noticed this one at the Rainbow Awards and put it on my TRB list. It sounds really fun, like a cozy mystery, and angst free.

Blurb: When perpetual student Jake Hillebrand starts having strange dreams, no theory is too outlandish - even the possibility that he has become a werewolf. His best friend Don is no help, though – he doesn’t even believe in werewolves!

When the dreams lead Jake and Don to the body of a despised developer dumped along a Houston bayou, the only ones listening to Jake's theories are the dishy Detective Ruben Petreski and Jake's feline visitor, Boo.

In a historic neighborhood under threat from developers, everyone is a suspect, but so far all Jake's new-found psychic abilities seem to be good for is finding kittens and talking to squirrels. He's really going to have to up his game if he wants to escape the killer's attention - and catch Detective Petreski's.

Note: Contains excessive caffeine intake, cats, irritable detectives, lots of carbs, and no werewolves.

Title: Return of the Dwarf King
Series: The Adventures of Finnegan Dragonbender, 1
Author: Charley Case
Length: 233 pages

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: I picked up the sample of this because I'm highly intrigued with a dwarf as the MC and hero. If I like the writing style and the first pages grab me, I'll definitely get it.

Blurb: A broken ship. A missing friend. A whole new world of magical artifacts for the taking. A cosmic vacation for our intrepid treasure hunter.

After years of searching Finn has finally found the motherload. Unfortunately, there’s no way to get it home. And he’s got to meet John Wayne.

Stranded and alone in Denver, Colorado, Finn and his partner Penny (a foot and a half long Faerie Dragon) search for friends and allies in this strange new land.

But something about this place isn’t right. Magic has gone underground, and has anyone seen John Wayne?

Lucky for Finn he’s a Dwarf, and underground is where he does his best work.

Join Finn, Penny and their new friends on an adventure that spans the globe and holds the fate of an entire planet in its twists and turns.

And just maybe a tall Dwarf and a small dragon can find their place in the universe.

Title: Dead Eye
Series: Tiger's Eye Mystery
Author: Alyssa Day
Length: 279 pages

Genre: Cozy Mystery / Urban Fantasy / #read

Notes: This one I did read. It lured me in with, "If you are a Sookie fan... humor..." I have been nostalgic, thinking about rereading the Stackhouse series and thought why not. I enjoyed the story, not as humorous as I was expecting, but I might be a hard sell when it comes to that. I thought they should have called for help earlier than they did, but that is not how the plot rolled. It is a spin-off of a Poseidon series. Never heard of it myself but I thought I would take a look at it. If they are real romancy, then they probably won't be for me.

Blurb: For Jack Shepherd, tiger shape-shifter and former soldier, life is heading for a dead end. Dead End, Florida, to be exact. When he learns that he inherited a combination pawn shop/private investigation agency from his favorite uncle, Jack’s first job is to solve his uncle’s murder. Because sometimes it takes a tiger’s eye to see the truth.

Tess Callahan, who owns half a pawn shop in the strangest town in Florida, didn't expect Jack to show up and be so very enticing. And exciting. And annoyingly over-protective. But when yet another dead body shows up on her doorstep, it's time to take action. And if she has to team up with a sexy tiger shape-shifter to do it, well, that's just a bonus.

Welcome to Dead End, Florida, where Bigfoot keeps a winter home. And welcome to the Tiger's Eye Mysteries!

This novel is a paranormal mystery with magic, shape shifters, humor, vampires, a taxidermied alligator, witches, gunshots, bad singing, Crazy Hormonal Town, terrible parking, the FBI, swamp commandos, tigers, special agents, flirting, belly laughs, comedy, humor, and a pawn shop.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

Excerpt Reading of Constant #ValespianPact #scifi

Whoot! Just a quick note to let you know that Angel Martinez's Friday Reading is an excerpt for Constant (The Valespian Pact, 3). You'll need to head over to her website to listen. I love it! (so many exclamation points)

Thank you for stopping by and listening!!

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

Yay! The first Saturday of the new year. Usually, I have already blogged about what I want to accomplish this year... and I probably will, but I'll save that for next week. 

Today is about Books! And lord have mercy, I've bought quite a few the last couple of weeks bulking up my already leviathan size to-be-read pile. Help! Help! Not really, just kidding... mostly. :D

Title: Sweep with Me
Series: Innkeeper Chronicles, 5
Author(s): Ilona Andrews
Length: please be really long

Genre: Science Fiction / Fantasy / Romantic Elements

Notes: This doesn't release until January , but I'm already excited. There isn't a true blurb, which is killing me back their brother, Claus, showed up at the end of Maud's book. *Kermit flail* #preordered

Blurb: There’s no place like home for the holidays…especially at Innkeeper Dina DeMille’s bed and breakfast, which welcomes guests who are literally out of this world!

Title: The Christmas Bones
Series: Jake & Dean Investigations, 1
Author(s): Richard Amos
Length: 224 pages

Genre: Romance / Mystery / Urban Fantasy / Gay / Established Relationship / 

Notes: So, I didn't pay attention to the the part of the blurb in ((0)). I was just happy for a MM UF story. So this starts four years after another series, but this can be read as a standalone. I'm considering starting with the other series, but my reading time has been shortened due to LIFE and it would take me a while to get to this book if I started all the way over there... #TBR


Blurb: Balancing family life with being a kick-ass investigator is hard, especially when the holidays roll up.

Jake Winter and Dean Tseng are solving cases as PIAs (Paranormal Investigation Agents) in Amsterdam, as well as being fathers to their four-year-old daughter. With the festive season in full swing, everything should be calming down to make way for relaxing times with good food and presents delivered by Sinterklaas.
Right?

Since when was life ever that simple?

When a human body is discovered with every one of its bones missing, and creepy anti-supernatural protesters start lurking in the shadows with a sinister agenda, Jake and Dean are about to experience the nasty side of Christmas.

An Urban Fantasy filled with magic, mystery and mayhem

(The Christmas Bones is a sequel novel to the Coldharbour Chronicles series, set four years after the events of the final book. There are references to the previous series, but this story can be enjoyed without having prior knowledge of those books. It features an established MM relationship, and plenty of Urban Fantasy action.)

Title: Love Bites
Series: Thicker Than Water, 1
Author(s): Ann-Katrin Byrde
Length: 289 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranomral / Vampires / Gay / 

Notes: #WishList


Blurb: Other parents give their children toys and party games for their birthday. My dad gave me and my siblings wooden stakes and flash grenades. To protect us from vampires.

From the moment he adopted us, he warned us about the dangers that lurk in the dark. Obviously, I thought he was crazy. Vampires aren’t real, and I was already enduring enough panic attacks without buying into Dad’s insane ideas.

But then I met Talon.

Talon has fascinating scars and a mouth I want to kiss and a body I want to feel--and fangs.

Vampire fangs.

Suddenly, the weapons Dad gave me start looking real useful.

Only I don't want to fight Talon. I want to feel his teeth on my neck. I can't explain it. He makes my knees goes weak. I know it's wrong, but it feels right.

It feels like destiny.

When Talon bites me, I forget everything, even that he is a monster. Even that I shouldn't be falling for him.

Even that his coven wants me dead.

Title: The Bureau. Vol 1
Series: The Bureau 1-3
Author(s): Kim Fielding
Length: 7 hr, 39 min

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: This is not a romance series though each book the MCs become couples. It's on the darker side of things since the Bureau hunts paranormals that break the rules. I'd read the first two books before buying the audio (obviously I like them to buy the audio). The 3rd one, Creature, is my favorite so far. #read


Blurb: This collection contains the first three Bureau novellas:

Corruption

Once a proud demon of the night sky who carried nightmares to humans, Tenrael has spent decades in captivity as the star attraction of a traveling carnival. He exists in miserable servitude to men who plunk down ten dollars to fulfill their dark desires.

Charles Grimes is half human, half...something else. For 15 years he's worked for the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs, ridding the country of dangerous monsters. When his boss sends him to Kansas to chase a rumor about a captive demon, Charles figures it's just another assignment. Until he meets Tenrael.

Clay White

Someone - or something - is murdering young men in San Francisco. Clay White has been fired from the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs, but he's determined to track down the killer. When he comes across a vampire named Marek, Clay assumes he's caught the perp. But the encounter with Marek turns out to be more complicated than Clay expected, and it forces him to deal with his own troubled past and murky psyche.

As Clay discovers, sometimes the truth doesn't come easy - and the monsters are not who we expect.

Creature

Alone in a cell and lacking memories of his past, John has no idea who - or what - he is. Alone on the streets of 1950s Los Angeles, Harry has far too many memories of his painful past and feels simply resignation in facing his empty future.

When Harry is given a chance to achieve his only dream - to become an agent with the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs - all he has to do is prove his worth. Yet nothing has ever come easy for him.

Now he must offer himself and John as bait, enticing a man who wants to conquer death. But first he and John must learn what distinguishes a monster from a man - and what a monster truly wants.

Title: Baston
Series: The Adna Planet Series, 1
Author(s): Amelia Wilson
Length: 1 hr, 40 minutes

Genre: Romantic Elements / Alien Abduction / Action & Adventure / I recognize Graboids when I read them / MFM /

Notes: I was surfing the Audible sales and came across Sca, technically the 2nd book in this series and another short listen, and bough them both. The whole book is told in Baston's POV. I have a hard time saying this is a romance though. It's a short story and the majority of it is the 3 of them escaping from one fire to the land in another one. And I was very okay with that. I'm going to guess that Sca's story furthers their story line. And I have to say, that Cherie was competent, confident, and not cowed in Baston's eyes. #read


Blurb: What do you do when you're kidnapped by an alien race intent on making you their slave? You run away into more danger and hope you survive.

This is a standalone with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhanger. This audiobook also contains several additional bonus stories to enjoy!

Title: Noglion: Freedom
Series: Alien Lovers, 6
Author(s): Olivia Black
Length: 85 pages

Genre: Erotic Romance / Sci-Fi / Alien / MMM / Mpreg / 

Notes: This is an angst free romance between Eric and the brothers Gogrek and Ragnon. (No hanky-panky between Gogrek and Ragnon.) It was a fun read with a fare amount of sex (see the erotic tag) that results with Dennis getting pregnant, which is a big deal for the Noglion.  #read


Blurb: Dennis Osborne has kept his sexuality hidden, afraid of being ostracized. When he’s finally ready to admit the truth, Dennis volunteers to leave Earth. Dennis isn’t only looking for the freedom to be himself; he’s also looking for a mate. When Dennis is sent to Noglion, he’s scared. Did he make the right decision by leaving the only home he’s ever known? Gogrek Vemm is a government official. When Gogrek receives Dennis’s paperwork from the Glecerian ambassador, he knows that Dennis is meant to be his. The human is destined to not only belong to Gogrek, but also to his younger brother, Ragnon. It doesn’t take long for Dennis to learn about Noglion and his mates. Quicker than Dennis thought possible, he adjusts to his new life and falls in love. And then something shocking happens. Dennis becomes pregnant. Soon, jealousy threatens to tear this happy family apart. Luckily for Dennis, he’s got two fiercely protective mates. Olivia Black is a Siren-exclusive author.

Title: Galvanizing Sol
Series: Valos of Sonhadra Novella
Author(s): Amanda Milo, Poppy Rhys
Length: 104 pages

Genre: Romance / Sci-Fi / 

Notes: I did not read the first two books, but now that I've read Sol's, I'm going to go back and read them. I enjoyed the story and really liked that the love interest was a sentient robot. I did have a couple of quibbles near the end with the time frame and Sol's mission vs what he ended up doing, but it was still enjoyable and made me smile a lot.  #read


Blurb: I always lose the women I love...

I'd been assigned to visit Earth's Interstellar Penitentiary System, Concord, where my girls were imprisoned.
Stick to the plan, Sol, I tried to tell myself. That went to hell when the prison ship crashed. Well, a little before then. See, the ship wasn't just holding prisoners--they were being used for experiments.
They were torturing them.
They were torturing my girls.
I consider myself a level-headed man, but when I found that out, I lost my sh*t.
Had we not wrecked, I'd have lost a whole lot more.
I knew they were still alive--they had to be.
Somewhere, on this planet where everything wanted to eat you, were the only two women in the universe that I had left. That I loved.
Until her.

This is a follow-up novella for Alluvial and Tempest. Approx 26K words. There's adult situations, a little violence (maybe a little more than a little), and adult language--after all, this IS DaddySol's story.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!