What's on the Reading Radar? #reading #read #newrelease

What's going on? I got a book hangover from American Werewolf in Space. I spent a couple days sampling until some of this month's preorders started dropping. One of my preorders dropped super early and now I have plenty to read again.

Title: American Werewolf in Space

Series: Not Your Momma's Alien Romance, 1

Author: Alisha Sunderland

Length: 335 pages

Genre/Tropes: Romance / Sci-Fi / Paranormal / Bad@ss FMC / 

Notes: I picked this up because of the title and cover. I barely looked at the blurb before I started sampling. I was hooked from the first page and developed a girl crush on Jack before the end of page two. This will be in my top ten for this year. I'm going to buy the paperback and I'll pray to the book gods that it gets an audiobook because I want that too. There is action and plot. Mind the title. If you've seen American Werewolf in London, then you'll need to keep the expectation of a bit of gore. Jack's not apologizing for that. I really can't wait for book two. Funny story, at about the 60% mark I was experiencing the 'end-of-book anxiety' so I went to check the blurb for book two only to discover that it wasn't out yet. Then I consoled myself with talk of reading her backlist, only she doesn't have one since this is her debut book. I really hope book two comes soon. 

Blurb: On board this spaceship I’m only certain of two things:

1. The movies lied to me.
2. I’m about to mark an alien and take him like the beast I am.

Look, I didn’t believe in aliens either — until I was abducted by them.

Waking up on board a spacecraft among several other naked, terrified women prisoners mostly ruled out my government lab fears. Thank God.

But just in case, I tore our captors limb from limb.

That’s when I discover our fellow prisoner — General At’ens.
This alien is different from the others, mostly because he’s about ten times stronger, ten times — ahem —bigger, and... no. He can’t be my mate.

The things I’m imagining us doing are something no shifter should be contemplating with an alien. But if I’m going to hell, I’d rather earn my place...thoroughly.

My desires are about to become the least of my problems however, because like it or not we’re now embroiled in a vicious war of the planets — and that includes Earth.

If I want a home to go back to, I need to focus.

Yep, I’m screwed.

American Werewolf in Space is the first book in the Not Your Mama’s Alien Romance series by Alisha Sunderland.

**Author's Note**
This book contains bloody violence, spicy scenes with *extra appendages*, and a foul mouthed heroine. If you like your leading ladies delicate and in need of a rescue then this book isn't the one for you. If you want a kill and eat first and ask questions later kinda gal, well then keep on reading! This book ends on a soft cliffy!

Title: The Orc and Her Bride

Series: (The Sapphic Orcs of Torden Book 1)

Author: Lila Gwynn

Length: 236 pages

Genre/Tropes: Romance / Fantasy / Arranged Marriage / Sapphic / 

Notes: 

Blurb: Sapphic fantasy romance with a monstrous twist…

RUGA KARRSDAUGHTER, dutiful orc princess with a heart of gold, has spent the years since her sister was elected queen serving the orc country of Torden. Her duties now include marrying an elf princess for a much-needed alliance against an outside threat.

ELKETH CERIDWEN, rakish elf princess with a penchant for chaos, has never lifted a finger in her life. Now that an engagement is sprung upon her by the stern elvish king, she has to fulfill a fifty-day betrothal period in Torden surrounded by strangers…unless she can wreak enough havoc to get sent back home.

These poor orcs don’t know what they’re in for.

A gentle orc princess is betrothed to a bratty elf princess in this sapphic fantasy romance. This novel is first in The Sapphic Orcs of Torden series but can be read as a standalone.

Title: Demon for the Win

Series: Much Ado About Demons World

Author: Meghan Maslow

Length: 174 pages

Genre/Tropes: Romance / Paranormal / Murder Mystery / Fated Mates / 

Notes: 

Blurb: Dryad Tuli Cato has 3 rules he lives by: No relationships, no drama, no trouble.

When a gorgeous incubus offers a night of no-strings passion, Tuli readily agrees. Only that no-strings night sure feels like a lot more.

Okay, Tuli has 2 rules he lives by: No drama, no trouble.

Being the sous chef at the most exclusive restaurant in town makes no drama a challenge. Especially when the kitchen’s in an uproar after a staff member turns up dead. Murdered.

Um, Tuli has 1 rule he lives by: No trouble.

Surely, he can stick to this 1 simple rule. . . except it turns out, he might be the murderer’s next target.

Incubus Kem Balthasar has only 1 rule he lives by: Enjoy life.

It’s a lust demon’s nature, after all. Creatures either want to be him or do him. Or maybe a bit of both.

When Kem lays eyes on a slender dryad hottie across a crowded sex club, suddenly he’s thinking of another L-word and it’s not one he ever thought he’d feel.

Okay, Kem has 2 rules he lives by: Enjoy life, romance Tuli.

Convincing the skeptical dryad that Kem’s a worthy—and faithful—partner is hard enough. But it’s even harder to date a guy who might wind up dead.

Right. Kem has 3 rules he lives by: Enjoy life, romance Tuli, and keep the little dryad safe.

Easy, right?

Demon for the Win is a 40k just-one-night, fated mates, novella set in the Much Ado about Demons world. Each book stands alone. This book contains explicit scenes, a little black book with loads of secrets, jealous trees, sex club shenanigans, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.

*Previously published in the Your Book Boyfriend’s Boyfriend giveaway.

Title: Jenn Burke

Series: (The Gargoyles of Arrington Book 2)

Author: Stone Skin

Length:

Genre/Tropes: Romance / Paranormal / Bookish Historians / Hurt-Comfort / 

Notes: 2.28 release date. I'm counting the days.

Blurb: Can he break his curse before time runs out?

Despite being cursed to sleep as a gargoyle for a hundred years, and awake for only twenty-five, Rian O'Reilly is an optimist. He knows he can find a way to break the curse through the tattooed runes he's spent years mastering. No need to wait for this true love crap. But he hasn't found the right combination of magic and his time is almost up. Rian isn't ready to lose everyone and everything. Again.

Professor Logan Davis knows about loss. In the past year, he’s lost his mother, his twin, his werewolf pack, and he’s on the verge of losing his mind. So when he’s invited to Arrington to learn about a legend he’s never heard of, he jumps at the chance for a working vacation. He doesn’t expect to find a handsome gargoyle who needs his help to break a centuries-old curse—and he certainly doesn’t expect his grief to finally overwhelm him.

As Rian comforts Logan, he starts to wonder if there might be something to this true love crap after all. He'd give anything to help this gentle giant of a man, but Logan needs time to heal...and time is the one thing Rian doesn't have.

STONE SKIN is a male/male paranormal romance featuring a magical tattoo artist gargoyle who doesn’t want to go, a werewolf professor who needs time to rediscover himself beneath his grief, and a budding love that might be the answer to everything…if only it has time to bloom.

Title: Rescue: Savage Galaxy

Series: Rescue Trilogy, 1

Author: Kassie Keegan

Length: 227 pages

Genre/Tropes: Romance / Erotic Romance / Aliens / Polyamorous / 

Notes: this preorder was supposed to release in June but it's here now! So excited for this series!

Blurb: A woman is in love…

… with a man harboring a complicated past.

Both are running for their lives from a powerful enemy.

Kat has loved darkly handsome Michael since she first met the wary protector. Although he desperately desires her, he curbs his passion, believing he’s unworthy of her attention.

Will he trust her with his battered heart?

Kat utterly enchants Michael with her golden beauty, luscious curves, and compassionate nature, but he’s a killer-turned-bodyguard. His past would scandalize her gentle soul.

What will happen when time runs out?

When a vicious enemy stalks the royal children in their care, Kat and Michael agree to deliver them to safety, even though they must alter their very DNA to survive.

They barely escape a deadly explosion.

During the perilous rescue Ambassador Prime Mezere and his companions Dominik and Commander Courau are fiercely drawn to Kat and Michael, sensing they have finally found their destined mates.

As Kat and Michael adjust to their new beast-natures, the males must entice Michael to join them, and seduce Kat to claim them all.

Will they succumb to their beast-natures and accept the Call to Mate?

You’ll adore Savage Galaxy Rescue by USA Today Bestselling Author Kassie Keegan because it’s action-packed with spicy romance where everyone falls in love with everyone while experiencing delicious enticement ending with a satisfying happily-ever-after.

Savage Galaxy Rescue is a stand-alone in a series where the heroine’s Coalition is complete at the finale and was previously published in the Claimed Among the Stars Anthology. BONUS CONTENT! Savage Galaxy Rescue includes exclusive illustrations of the Lio Heroes and more!

Title: From Fear

Series: Princes of the Blood, 1

Author: Megan Derr

Length: 180 pages

Genre/Tropes: Romance / Fantasy / Vampires / Evil Demons / Shifters / Polyamorous / 

Notes: It has been a while since I read this series. I meant to reread so that things were fresh in my mind, but I didn't get to it and when this released this week I just jumped right in. I'm a rebel like that. I did recall enough of the series so that I knew how the base world operated. I'd forgotten the slight undercurrent of horror that it's based on and now that I'm done, I wanna go back and immerse myself. I really enjoyed the addition to this series. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!

Blurb: Fifteen years ago, several wolf pups were kidnapped by poachers to be illegally sold abroad. They were rescued by a Prince of the Blood, and the Wolves of the Moon vowed the debt would someday be repaid. Now of age, wolf Ilkay Thrace is determined to fulfill that vow. Before he can, though, the Wolves' home high in the peaks of Dragon Claw Mountain is ravaged by an earthquake that reveals an ancient, forgotten temple—and awakens something dark and terrible in its depths. Now, instead of repaying their debt, the Wolves must once again ask the King's Legion for help.

Despite the time that has passed since the Legion was nearly wiped out, their greatest strength, the Princes of the Blood remain few. It is one of their newest, Prince Dalibor, who is sent to evaluate and assist the Wolves. But Dalibor is born of a demon of wrath, his greatest power the ability to drive all living beings out of their minds with rage and fear. He is brash, loud, and reckless, even by the standards of the Legion, and the very last person that should be going into dark, treacherous caves containing ancient evil.

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What's on the Reading Radar?

What are you up to? I missed last Saturday, again. I only had this post partially created and by the time I remembered I didn't finish, the weekend was pretty much gone. Not only that, I'm scrolling the list and not recalling what theme or the reasoning for my choices. What can I say, last week was crazy.

Title: January Blues
Series: Northarbor Coven, 1

Author: Jax Stuart

Length: 186 pages

Genre/Tropes: Romance / Fantasy / Paranormal / Gay / Alternate Universe / 

Notes: I haven't read the other series referenced in this blurb. EDIT: I finished this on Thursday night and I really liked it! In this world, everyone knows about paranormal people. Going in, I suspected Cody would be a sunshine character, but he's a survivor who puts up a good front. He's so easy to identify with. Toth was great, too. This can be read without having read the series it spun-off from. I am going to go back and read the Sweetwater Pack series while I wait for more to be released on this one.

Blurb: While practically human in a coven of powerful witches, Cody has still picked up an enemy. After an assassination attempt fails spectacularly, his rival summons a demon to get rid of him.

Contracted to ruin Cody's life, Toth tries everything within the rules to break the perpetually cheerful man. Nothing he does seems to work, and he is pressed to try something else: seduce Cody.

Cody's hidden magic soon has Toth under his spell and he has to decide if his freedom or Cody's heart are more important.

January Blues is a 34k spinoff novella from the Sweetwater Pack series but can be read as a standalone. While MPREG can happen in this world, it doesn't in this story.

Title: Wielder
Series: Soldier and Swords, 1

Author: Margaret Couplet

Length: 143 pages

Genre/Tropes: Contemporary Fantasy / Dystopia / Gay / 

Notes: This isn't a a romance. None of the categories attached to this are gay romance but gay fiction, though there may be romantic elements. That doesn't mean that there isn't heat. I listened to the the audio clip and it is a smexy section. I did pick up the ebook sample and it I liked it. I might get the audiobook instead of the ebook, though, just because I have a hard time finding something to listen to when crocheting. 

Blurb: Hundreds of years after a race of magical beings called dindeary have taken over most of the world Corporal Clark Jameson is graduating from the Human Empire’s military academy after four years of grueling work. As a common born orphan from a small town too close to the border for anyone’s comfort Clark knows that he doesn’t have many prospects until, on the night before his future unit is to be decided he meets a strange pair of men who belong to the infamous Squad 42: Adam Milson, a sexy blonde that makes Clark’s blood run hot, and Harry Browning, the mysterious swordsman carrying one of the 13 magical swords which the dindeary will do anything to reclaim.

He never expected to see them again, especially considering Adam Milson was the heir to one of the most wealthy provinces but the next day he is called before all three of the members of Squad 42 and is offered the opportunity to try and wield Harry’s sword, Linsgarum. But Clark was a commoner, he couldn’t wield a sentient blade that burned any who were deemed unworthy, could he?

Title: Primal Instincts
Series: A Reverse Harem Love Story

Author: Nicole Edwards

Length: 244 pages

Genre/Tropes: Romance, Contemporary / RH / BDSM? / 

Notes: I haven't read Nicole Edwards in a while. She only writes contemporary but she was one author that I could count on having a well rounded menage romance when she wrote it. This popped up on one of my searches and nostalgia got me. 

Blurb: What twenty-four-year-old recent college graduate would sign up to uncover a secret kink club rumored to be hidden within the walls of a multi-billion dollar  conglomerate?

Me.

Why? Well, that’s easy. I’ve spent my entire life with my nose to the grindstone, doing the right thing, focusing on my future, and now I’m bored, which isn’t a good thing when you have an insatiable curiosity.

I probably should’ve considered the type of bait needed for a fishing expedition of this magnitude when I applied for the job at Primal Instincts, LLC, looking to uncover the secret world that exists only on the whispers of those who’ve never so much as glimpsed the dark, seductive inner workings because those who had wouldn’t dare reveal anything.

Now that I’m through the door, I’ve got my determination and single-minded focus to keep me moving forward. I will figure it out if for no other reason than to say I did.

Provided I don’t get sidetracked by not one, not two, but three men who are ridiculously good at keeping secrets.

Title: Hitmen & Heartaches
Series: Hitmen & Hexes

Author: Charlotte Brice

Length: 304 pages

Genre/Tropes: Romance / Urban Fantasy / Mystery / 

Notes: I'm not sure if this should be considered a dark romance. This is a four book series which is complete and while reading through the blurbs there are references to different triggers. I actually really like the sound of the Russian hitman throughout the series and is the reason I might pick this up to read.

Blurb: Voodoo and Hunter are not your average private investigators. Being a witch doctor and a werewolf gives life added challenges. Finding love is one of them.

The Lincolnshire Poacher transmitted it's strange song for fifty years before going silent in 2008. When the disbanded ghost radio transmits one last message, no one can ignore the mystery sound. Things don’t go to plan when the inn keeper, Carl, becomes a target of international hitmen.

When Hunter loses his heart to the Russian Assassin, Doll, things start to change for the better.

It’s not an easy journey, but these men learn to accept each other, even if they are all squashed together in a magical motorhome
And they still need to solve why the world wants Carl dead.

This book is suitable for readers over 18. It contains graphic sex and violence, including the death of a main character. But no one says he doesn't deserve it. Otherwise, it ends on a HFN, no cliff-hanger.

Title: Heir's Companion
Series: Companion Series, 1

Author: RY Long

Length: 313 pages

Genre/Tropes: Medieval Fantasy / Alternate World / 

Notes: I'm in the middle of reading this one. This is not my usual pick. Despite the trigger warnings, the humor of the blurb and tags convinced me to give this a try. I won't categorize this as a romance or even having romantic elements simply because Cas is an unwilling slave. He's caught in a situation in which he does his best to make the situation more palatable for himself. I'm at the point in the story where the relationship between Cas and Raidon is slipping into more of a partnership. I'm invested in the story and interested in seeing where it goes, but I will admit if somethings don't happen by the end of the trilogy (i.e. abolishing that nasty tradition of sex slaves, freeing Cas) then I'll be highly disappointed.  

Blurb: Being transported to a strange world and sold as a sex slave to a young lord? 9 out of 10, Cas does not recommend (What? His master is hot.).

When the going gets tough, lit geeks analyze. Cas is going to analyze his way right out of this trope, thank you very much.

Trigger warning scene, check inside for details

Tags:

Evil uncle, master/slave only in name, teacher kink, hurt/comfort, isekai, falling in love, medieval society, found family, brief, romance lovers unite, lit geeks for the win, sex education, carriages suck, seriously, who maintains these roads, the staff is awesome, maids really do know everything, the king and Bob are the best, Bob needs a bondage set, Cas and Raidon fuck like bunnies

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What's on the Reading Radar?

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for warmer weather. I need to bask in the sun and get some natural vitamin D. I've been cold here lately and if I had a sauna or hot tub, you'd find me in it 24-7, just sayin'. LOL

Reading had been alright this week. 

Title: The Sheriff of Shard Hills

Series: 

Author: Jenn Burke

Length: 

Genre/Tropes: Romance / Sci-Fi / Alien /  Old Love / New Beginnings

Notes: I really enjoyed this story. It's told from Varuna's POV and I sympathized with him trying not to expect too much from Kerrick who he's loved for ages and thinks can do better. There's a brief mystery that leads some deeper revelations. Would definitely recommend. 

Blurb: Space station cop Varuna Das is different. He’s half-human, half-dimeti, and the mix of DNA has had some interesting consequences…like a tail he does his best to keep hidden. Well into middle age, he’s used to being treated badly because of his looks, and as much as he hates it, he understands it. Humans and dimeti just finished a twenty-year war, after all.

What he doesn’t understand is why Major Kerrick StarCourser, a young, beautiful war hero, keeps coming back to him for no-strings sexy fun. Or why Kerrick’s suddenly shown up, bruised and battered, just as Varuna transfers to Shard Hills, a small town on a nearby planet, to take over as sheriff. Kerrick doesn’t show any sign of leaving this time, settling into Varuna’s new home and cooking up a storm. It’s as though he was never a special forces officer.

Confused as he is, Varuna loves having Kerrick there. His life in Shard Hills is shaping up to provide everything he’s ever wanted: a home, a purpose, a family. But when Varuna’s dark past catches up to him, will Kerrick’s heroic integrity let him forgive and forget…and stay?

The Sheriff of Shard Hills is a 30,000 word novella with a middle-aged, half-alien cop who doesn’t see his own value, a young, fem war hero who does, and a happily ever after. Once the shooting stops, of course.

Title: Reject Me

Series: Immortal Vices & Virtues, 1

Author(s): Kel Carpenter, Aurelia Jane 

Length: 532 pages

Genre/Tropes: Romance / Paranormal / Vampires / Shifters / Alternate Reality / 

Notes: When I went looking for (again) for something in the rejected mate trope I stumbled across this one and decided to give it a go. It is set in a shared universe so any of these can be read as standalones. I really enjoyed how Dannie was a different kind of paranormal and though it set her up to be an outcast, she had a strong sense of self that was admirable. When I'm looking for rejected mate books, I want what was given to me here, where the mate who was her childhood bully doesn't get a pass just because they are mates. I also liked how Dannie handled him throughout the whole book. There for a moment or two, I was afraid it was going to be MFM and though I like reading those, I needed Markus to remain rejected. Elias was a great love interest, flawed though he was. He sorta walked right into that reading of his fate, thinking he was going to outwit it. I also enjoyed Dannie's family and the LBGT inclusion represented there. If you enjoy reading MF PNR, I would recommend this. Good writing, interesting plot with a couple of twists. I'm definitely looking up this writing duo to see what else they have.

Blurb: “Markus Del Reyes, I reject you.”

He left me no choice.

I refuse to spend the rest of my life with my childhood bully for a mate. I may be a cursed shifter, incapable of shifting—but I wasn’t desperate.

Not till the Alpha Supreme cast me out of the House of Fire and Fluorite for rejecting his son.

Now I’m packless.
Homeless.
No longer under the protection of a House.

Until the dark vampire king of Blood and Beryl turns his sights on me.

In return for protection from my former House, I have to become his fake mate.
I'll be a queen and a fraud.

It's a treacherous lie to live—and I find myself forgetting what’s real and what’s not with every stolen touch and heated kiss we share. What starts as a business arrangement turns complicated when my heat hits, and the king insists on being the one to help me through it.

I’ve lost everything for doing what I know is right, but the greatest danger I ever faced was never losing my life … it was opening my cursed heart.

**Reject Me is a spicy standalone paranormal romance set in the Immortal Vices and Virtues Universe. Every book is a guaranteed happily ever after with a satisfying ending and no cliffhangers. Perfect for fans of Immortals After Dark, Black Dagger Brotherhood, and the Demonica series.**

Title: Cair 

Series: Veiled City, 1

Author: Eryn Hawk

Length: 331 pages

Genre/Tropes: Romance / Alternate World / Paranormal / Gay 

Notes: I just started this one but I'm enjoying it so far. The world is one that knows about the fae who live in a part of the city around the portal between worlds. It seems that the fae and humans don't mix too much, but I'm not that far in yet. Not much else to say yet since I'm only at the part where Luca is starting his job for Cair. I do think that plot for this book wraps up here because the name on the next book belongs to Cair's brother. 

Blurb: Twenty-five-year-old Luca Elliot lives in a city divided. The humans and the supernaturals mostly keep to their own kind, but Luca—curious and desperate for work—crosses the border and finds himself employed by a tall, stupidly handsome Fae with killer horns. He should be intimidated, but instead, Luca is utterly captivated. Falling for the boss is a bad idea though, right?

Cair Haryk is only a visitor to the human world and, between his position in the Fae kingdom and a bargain he made years ago, he can never remain. He's content with that until he meets Luca—his soulmate—and hires him to work in his high-end lounge. Cair tries to guard his heart, but fate has other plans and, despite his best intentions, he falls for the pretty little human. Hard.

Luca can't enter the Fae realm, and Cair’s time in the mortal lands is drawing to an end, so while the attraction between them is irresistible, their situation is impossible. They can't be together. It’s tragedy and heartbreak just waiting to happen.

Isn’t it?

CAIR is a MM paranormal romance with spice, size difference, and soulmates. It features a lovable human trying to find his place in the supernatural world, and a secretive Fae who's not as detached as he pretends to be. This is the first book in the Veiled City series.

If you want to know more about this story's tropes, kinks and warnings, visit my Instagram (authorerynhawk) for a full content list.

Title: Den of Escape

Series: The Den, 1

Author: Juniper Cole

Length: 252 pages

Genre/Tropes: Romance / Paranormal / UF? / Polyamorous / 

Notes: 

Blurb: Foster can’t explain the changes in his body that started when he escaped his abusive ex. Despite the eerie feeling that he’s being watched, he forces himself to leave his apartment after a month of hiding. To his surprise, his distracted wandering leads him to the Den, a night club unlike any he has ever been to.

Calix has never felt more trapped. With a boss that constantly makes inappropriate comments and magic he can’t control, the stress drives him to The Den, a perfect place to lose himself in pleasure.

Boaz thought it was going to be another boring night guarding the hellgate beneath his club until he spots two beautiful men dancing the night away. The moment their scents hit his nose, he knows that everything is about to change.

When unexpected dangers shake the foundation of their newfound love, the men must decide how much they’re willing to sacrifice to fight for their love, and their world.

Den of Escape is a paranormal romance about three men falling in love. It is the first book in The Den series, which will follow a new couple in every book. It can be read as a standalone though characters will make appearances in later books so they are better read in order. It contains explicit content, graphic language and situations some readers may find uncomfortable. For a more detailed description please check the content guide inside the novel.

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What's on the Reading Radar? #read

How's your week going? Mine always see to be going fast. Trying to make friends with one of the flocks of crows that sweep through the neighborhood once a week. 

This is being posted on Sunday instead of Saturday simply because my writing week got in the way of blogging, which I'm not complaining about. So I decided I would create the post late. It's short too, with only books that I read this week in between searching through the rejected mate trope for a plot I want to read. Still searching... 

Title: The Body Catcher

Series:

Author: Megan Derr

Length: 192 pages

Genre/Trope: Romance / Fantasy / Gay / Poly / 

Notes: This hit the spot. Grumpy character, sunny character, bickering, political intrigue, and occupations you don't normally see. I really enjoyed the story and was really happy with how things turned out. 

Blurb: Tashi is a body catcher, paid by inhabitants of the poor districts of Ossiri City to dispose of inconvenient corpses. The fewer questions he asks about them, the happier everyone tends to be. It's not an easy life, and the money isn't great, but it's better than the life he led when he was first thrown out on the streets with nothing but the clothes he was wearing.

Then a colleague asks him to help with the bodies of a woman and babe who died in the birthing. Not just any woman and child, either, but a royal princess and her secret bastard. Though he wants no part of the mess, Tashi agrees, and finds himself facing his past and enough trouble to kill him and anyone stupid enough to help him.

Title: The Trouble with Trying to Love a Hellion

Series: (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 3)
Author: Jennifer Cody
Length: 189 pages

Genre/Trope: Romance / Urban Fantasy / Poly / Ace Spectrum Character / Sunshine Character / Grumpy Guts Character / Puppy Pile Cuddles / Found Family / Consent and Acceptance Galore / 

Notes: I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. If you have questions about Edovard, read the author's forward for the thorough and no-spoilery heads-up. I thought this was pretty much perfect and I loved every minute of it. Edovard is a delight and I loved seeing the world through his eyes. He's sweet and naïve and doesn't have a mean bone in his body. Highly recommend!

Blurb:

Edovard:

Um…I was told I’m supposed to summarize my story here, but recently I’ve learned that blurbs are hard so I’m not sure what to say.

My name is Edovard Durand Folange. I’m twenty seven years old from Fresno, California, and recently I moved across the country to live with my new parents and brother. Oppa kills people for a living, and Papa is his announcer guy, and my brother is like his assistant, and I guess it turns out I’m the person the magic tells who needs to die—it’s called being an Augur. I don’t really know what that word means, but even though it’s scary, I’m getting used to it.

It’s nice to have a job, but Santanos (he’s the Avatar of Evil) offered me a second job, and I’m really excited about that because I get to work with him and help him fix the minions. A lot of them aren’t doing very well, so my second job is to make sure that everyone gets as much love as they need in their lives. Sometimes that means killing people who are stealing all the love away from them. I guess maybe I’m a little evil too, because I don’t mind letting Oppa kill those people to save the minions.

The Trouble with Trying to Love a Hellion is a 52k MM+ paranormal romance, featuring a cinnamon roll narrator with more than the usual amount of love to give and a sultry incubus who happens to be the Avatar of Evil. If the minions are especially affectionate with the cinnabun, well, who can blame them when he’s the best cuddler they’ve ever met?

Contents include: blood, viscera, someone dies because they call Edovard dumb, and Edovard accidentally creates a polycule, but that’s ok because he’s just making sure everyone gets enough love to be emotionally healthy.

Title: Contaminated

Series:

Author: Amanda Milo

Length: 4 hrs 44 min

Genre/Trope: Romance / Sci-Fi / Aliens / Beauty & the Beast

Notes: So this has been on my TBR for a while. Contagion is the second book in this series and follows the friend from this one, so I knew a little about what went on as well as the side character. When it came out on audio, I gave it a go and oh man, some places were hilarious. It also made me want to reread Contagion (which is one of my all time favorite rereads) another read. Would definitely recommend.

Blurb: The people of my planet are under a devastating genetic curse. To treat the disease’s effects, we’ve turned to cultivating a rare flower. That’s my occupation: raising and studying this flower. That’s precisely what I’m doing the daycycle that an alien drops into our research plot, approaches our plant….

And cuts my flower’s head off, stealing the bloom.

Note: This 37K standalone story is intended for listeners 18+ due to romantic elements. There is no cheating. There is a happily ever after, because this is a sci-fi retelling of Beauty and the Beast--you have to have an HEA. (There is, however, no singing cutlery.)

Important Note II: No unicorns were harmed in the making of this story.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

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

January's half gone and I've barely read anything this month. I've been thinking about this blog and whether or not I'm using it to it's full potential or not. The easy answer to that is 'not' but then that begs the question about what I want to do with it. There are so many different social media platforms that if I try to participate in all of them, I wouldn't get anything done. What I want to do is a question that I will be poking at the next couple of months. So for the time being, I'll continue to do the Reading Radar for Saturday's post. This is the one place that I feel comfortable talking about what I'm reading or wanting to read. 

I've save several soon-to-be released covers but didn't note when that release would be, so I'll save that for next week. Today will be all about manga/yaoi. 

Title: Moon & Sun

Series: Vol. 1

Author: Akane Abe

Length: 

Genre/Trope: Yakuza Romance / BDSM elements / Friends / Non-Binary MC / 

Notes: 

Blurb: Masahiro, heir to a yakuza syndicate, has been skating through life without much purpose. When he stumbles one night into the drag club where his childhood friend Hana works, the drunk and obnoxious Masahiro causes such a stir that the beautiful owner of the club is forced to deal with the yakuza brat themself. Is one good spanking all it will take to put the heir apparent on the right path in life…and love?

Title: Tales of Beastkin

Series: Adam & Shiro, 1

Author: Bella Chan

Length: 

Genre/Trope: Mafia Romance / Paranormal / Omegaverse /  

Notes: So, when I grabbed this cover a couple of weeks ago, I thought it was yaoi manga but looking at the blurb, which doesn't follow managa's usual format, I think this might be book. No pictures. Imma going to leave here, 'cause why not?

Blurb: When an alpha wolf shifter mafia boss meets a beaten-up foxkin boy on the run, both their lives change in an unexpected way. A steamy hurt-comfort paranormal shifter mafia mm romance.
Adam

The Beautiful Monster.

Alpha wolf shifter Adam Sullivan, dubbed The Beautiful Monster, is on a “sabbatical leave” of his position as the head honcho of one of the most powerful mafia clans in America. Relishing in his newfound peaceful life, Adam’s wonderful tranquility is being threatened when he happens upon a beaten-up foxkin youth in the back alley of New York City. The moment Adam lays his eyes on the exquisite white-haired, cobalt-blue-eyed Shiro, he is beguiled and knows he’ll be kissing his serene life goodbye if he doesn’t walk away. When Shiro begs for his help, Adam loses the fight to the inevitability and takes the boy home.

Shiro

Into the arms of a beautiful monster…

Shiro is a beastkin, a race of humans with small animal characteristics society despises. Having escaped the institute, he lives in the backstreet scavenging for survival. When Adam saves him after a deadly beating, he is grateful. It isn’t long when Shiro finds himself falling in love with Adam, whose rough exterior and standoffish kindness steals the boy’s fragile heart. Shiro knows he can’t linger around and take advantage of Adam’s generosity, but leaving is just so damn hard, especially when Adam makes him feels he belongs, a feeling he desperately yearns for.

Tales of Beastkin: Shiro is a hurt-comfort paranormal shifter alpha-omega mafia mm romance (boys love, yaoi) with some dark themes. The uke (Shiro) is a beautiful beastkin (a race of humans with small animal characteristics) and the seme (Adam) is an alpha shifter hunk. Note: Seme is the man who does the chasing (the top) and uke is the male being chased (the bottom) in the romantic relationship.

Tags: Hunky wolf shifters, standoffish mafia boss Adam, alpha shifters being protective of their cute mates, omegaverse, cute fox beastkin with white hair and blue eyes Shiro, twinks, sassy wolf beastkin, adorable fox ears, knotting, mpreg later in the series, hurt-comfort, age gap, some dark themes, BL stands for Boys’ Love, it’s a yaoi omegaverse with supernatural, beautiful Shiro is our baby uke, hotty-hot Adam is very daddy, expect steamy scenes between alpha and omega, omega pheromone is sweet nectar that drives their mate crazy.

Title: The 9 Lives

Series: Vol. 1

Author: Rachel Manija Brown

Length: 176 pages

Genre/Trope: Futuristic Sci-Fi / Aliens / Master & Slave Society / 

Notes: I'm on the fence about this one and I keep moving it on and off the wish list. It sounds like Adrian saves Conri though doesn't ascribe to society's practice. But I could be wrong. It is on KU so it would be easy for me to check it out. 

Blurb: Alien refugees have come to Earth. They call themselves 9-Lives. Humans call them cat-boys, and force them to live as collared pets. Conri, a rebellious young 9-Life, ran away to escape this fate. But when a human named Adrian saves him from capture, Conri is torn between his desire for freedom and another desire he can't quite admit, even to himself... Can two people meet as equals in a world divided between masters and slaves?

Title: University of the Underworld

Series: 

Author: Ziloi

Length: 488 pages

Genre/Trope: Fantasy / Mistaken... IDK, from the blurb they both have made assumptions

Notes: 

Blurb: All ghosts in the Professional Malevolent Spirits and Creative Terrorizing Program aspire to become a top malevolent spirit of the underworld. And as for Cui Yue? He’s only here because of Bai Shaonan's unrequited love for him—or at least that was what he thought. Oh well. If Bai Shaonan likes him, it won't hurt to give a little feedback. But ever since he met Bai Shaonan, Cui Yue’s been spending all his time either being hunted, or on his way to being hunted. Hey Shaonan, do you want to fix your love life first?

After admitting a new student who would go on to break the record for the lowest grades in the school’s history, Bai Shaonan firmly believes that Cui Yue's devotion to academia is solely because of himself. Oh well. If Cui Yue likes him, it won't hurt to give a little feedback. But since Cui Yue is spending all his time either being hunted or on the way to being hunted, the only way toward a truly peaceful future is to deal with these issues, once and for all.

Title: Servant & Lord

Series: 

Author: Lo, Lorinell Yu

Length: 232 pages

Genre/Trope: Contemporary / Class Differences / Friends

Notes: I noticed that the reading age is 16 & up.

Blurb: Christian has always admired handsome, talented composer Daniel. Their shared appreciation for music marked the beginning of a friendship between a willful boy and a sophisticated young man... But when tragedy strikes and circumstances twist around to put Daniel in the service of Christian's wealthy family, their bond is tried in unexpected ways.

Years ago, the universal language of music drew them toward one another. Now, Christian has to hope it's still enough to bridge the gap between their vastly different lives.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

What's On The Reading Radar? #newrelease #TBR

I'm late but I did create a blog post for today! The question was what to post and I went with January releases. I had some preorders come in this week that I'm excited for.

Title: Shadow's Embrace

Series: Demons of San de Lain, 2

Author: M.A. Church

Length: 302 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Demons / Gay

Notes: 

Blurb: Kage: Am I still a monster? Very much so. Am I loved? Absolutely. Will I burn it all down to protect my mate? You better believe it. Hunters have come to San DeLain once again, and they’re targeting humans and paranormals for their sick experiments. Many have gone missing. Some for many, many years. Then new information comes to light, and plans are made to raid their top-secret lab and bring home those taken.

But no one is safe, especially Austin.

In the midst of all this, an old flame returns, bringing chaos into their lives. But not all is as it appears to be.

Austin: Kage is still my monster, even if he’s no longer under my bed. I claimed him, and no flame from the past is going to take what’s mine. But the ex isn’t the only danger lurking in the shadows. The hunters have struck close to home, and something heartbreakingly evil is exposed, shocking the paranormal community.

Especially Kage.

What is real? And what is nothing more than a mimic of the real thing?

This is book 2 in the Daemons of San DeLain series which should be read in order.

Title: Blood Omen

Series: (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer Book 6)

Author: Sheena Jolie

Length: 85 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Gay

Notes: 

Blurb: Set in the Infinite Arcana Universe, BLOOD OMEN is a fascinating peek into the wider world of the Beacon Hill Sorcerer by SJ Himes....

Remi has been doing the same job for the last two thousand years: specialist courier of valuable magical objects and sensitive information. Sent on a mission to get a powerful talisman to the City Master of the Boston Bloodclan, Remi ends up with an unexpected complication: Celyn, a beautiful fae college student who was in the right place at the wrong time.

Celyn was instantly attracted to the sexy vampire when they met by chance at a pub. Thinking he was about to experience the best hook-up of his life, Celyn never expected to end up running across the streets of Budapest with Remi while the High Council of Sorcery was trying to kill them.

Dodging spells and holing up in secret lairs, Remi and Celyn find something even rarer than the object Remi carries: a chance at true love.

BLOOD OMEN is an MM vampire/fae romance featuring a laid-back vampire with a dangerous profession, an adventurous fae college student with some interesting gifts of his own, and a connection to the ongoing battle between the High Council of Sorcery and the infamous Necromancer of Boston, Angel Salvatore...

Reading order is not essential, and for reference, this novella of 22k words takes place after LOVE SPRINGS ETERNAL in the BHS timeline. Features extended character cameos from BHS regulars. Previously released through Prolific Works in 2022. No changes to the text have been made. Sheena Jolie is the new pen name of the author formerly known as SJ Himes.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

What's on the Reading Radar? #wishlist

I've been neglectful of the Reading Radar for the last couple of months. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things.

This week's list is from my manga/yaoi wish list. I've been reading a lot of them when I haven't been rereading. This list is a little longer than usual because I'm cleaning out my radar folder. If I'm not going to put it on the Reading Radar in the next couple of weeks then I'll be pushing my old finding into a (maybe later) folder to reconsider when my interests shifts. The main folder was getting too cluttered and I started saving current interests elsewhere. It was getting messy. So time for a purge. My computer is thanking me for freeing up so much space. (And the book worm in me feels the need to refill it. LOL)

Title: Fangs

Series: Vol. 1

Author(s): Billy Balibally

Length: 240 pages

Genre: Paranormal / Vampires / 

Notes: So this is on my TBR instead of the wish list. I bought it and I have to keep reminding myself to read it. Note to self: this is that reminder.

Blurb: "What kind of guy is unlucky enough to get bitten... and survive?"

As the sole survivor of a vampire attack, En wakes up to find that his hair has gone white as snow... and, worse, that he's developed a craving of his own for blood.

Fortunately, the vampire health and welfare organization FANGS is there to help with the transition, and the handsome Ichii steps up as his guardian and mentor. Swept up into a confusing and lonely new world where everyone seems to be hankering for a taste of his "virgin" blood, En must navigate the FANGS pairing system, an arrangement that sets up compatible vampires as mutual feeding partners... and partners in all other ways as well. But what happens when En panics and declares that he'll be paired with Ichii? And what does brooding, rough-around-the-edges Ichii make of his spunky, outgoing new charge?

Title: I'm the Catlord's Manservant

Series: Vol. 1

Author(s): Rat Kitaguni

Length: 189 pages

Genre: Paranormal / Shifters

Notes:

Blurb: AT THE MERCY OF THE FELINE MASTER Yukiharu Izumi just wants one thing-to be a normal high school student. But homeless, penniless, and with nobody else to rely on, he finds himself begging on his knees in front of…shape-shifting cats? They’re willing to take him in-but only if he waits on their every whim. And so start his chaotic days as the catlords’ manservant!

Title: A Gentleman Nobles Vacation Recommendation

Series: Vol. 1

Author(s): Momochi, Misaki

Length: 208 pages

Genre: Fantasy (Larping in an alternate world--essentially)

Notes:

Blurb: When Lizel mysteriously finds himself in a city that bears odd similarities to his own but clearly isn't, he quickly comes to terms with the unlikely truth: this is an entirely different world. Even so, laid-back Lizel isn't the type to panic. He immediately sets out to learn more about this strange place, and to help him do so, hires a seasoned adventurer named Gil as his tour guide and protector.

Until he's able to find a way home, Lizel figures this is a perfect opportunity to explore a new way of life adventuring as part of a guild. After all, he's sure he'll go home eventually... might as well enjoy the otherworldly vacation for now!

Title: On or Off

Series: Vol. 1

Author(s): A1

Length: 

Genre: Contemporary

Notes:

Blurb: Winner of the Ridibooks 2019 BL Awards! Available unabridged and uncensored for the first time in English.

They say all's fair in love... and work?!

After joining his friend's startup, university student Ahn Yiyoung never imagined he'd end up presenting their work directly to SJ Corporation, a major company headed by one of the most sought-after talents in the country: Kang Daehyung. It certainly doesn't help that, on top of being a bigshot executive, strikingly handsome Director Kang is his ideal type!

When his presentation fails to go as planned, Yiyoung's desire to impress Director Kang leads him to take desperate measures... and lands him in a whole new mess, tangled up between his personal and professional relationships. How far is Yiyoung willing to go to achieve success in both his love life and his career?

NOTE: This book contains mature themes and explicit sexual content, including situations involving dubious consent. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age.

Title: Self-Love and Lingerie How to Love Your Coworker Vol. 1

Series:

Author(s): Rie Honjyou

Length: 133 pages

Genre: Contemporary

Notes:

Blurb: Haruta is introverted and always wears a bra to protect his sensitive nipples. What happens when his extroverted coworker figures out his secret and urges him to wear sexy lingerie...?!

Title: The Other World's Books Depend on the Bean Counter

Series: Vol. 1

Author(s): Yatsuki Wakatsu (Author), Kazuki Irodori (Artist), Kikka Ohashi (Artist)

Length: 180 pages

Genre: Paranormal / Fantasy

Notes:

Blurb: Once upon a time, in the not too distant past, a holy maiden was summoned. Not just any holy maiden—one hailing from modern Japan. But this story is not her story. This is the tale of the humble accountant, Kondou, who accompanied her and his trials and woes as he accounts in a new world... But no tale is complete without a love interest. And who better to play that role than the handsome knight captain Aresh? Will he begin a personal quest to save said bean counter—who toils around the clock—or is Kondou doomed to be married to his work evermore...?!

Title: Love Nest, Vol. 1

Series: 

Author(s): Yuu Minaduki

Length: 242 pages

Genre: Contemporary

Notes:

Blurb: Masato just wants some peace and quiet on his day off, but the kids upstairs continue to make that impossible, so he escapes to his friend Naruse’s gay bar. Sympathetic to his ongoing plight, Naruse recommends Masato just move into his second home since he’s not using it. But upon his arrival, Masato find a gruff, untidy older man already living there. Does this real-life odd couple stand a chance as roomies…and perhaps something more?

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!