Bend for Balor by Aiden Pierce [Review]

Bend for Balor (Holiday Horrors #5) by Aiden Pierce
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 1, 2026

Holiday Horrors
1. Burn for Jack
2. Bleed for Cupid
3. Prey for Rabbit
4. Cry for Krampus
5. Bend for Balor - Paperback | Kindle

Aiden Pierce
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Balor wants more than vengeance… He wants me—bent, broken, or burning.

After my grandparents’ mysterious and tragic murder, I move back to Ireland to continue their legacy and run the family antique business. But there’s more than dusty collectibles and bittersweet memories waiting for me.

The evil eye is there, watching, the way it has since my childhood.

Legend has it that my family is descended from monster hunters. They protected Ireland from Balor, the terrifying king of the giants, with an eye that could deliver death with a single glare. The eye was supposed to be our good luck charm.

So why does everyone I love keep dying?

Turns out, there’s an ancient monster lurking within the ancient gemstone, plotting to punish me for what my family did to him centuries ago…

When Balor’s vengeance turns to heated obsession, I must bend to his will. Or break.

Thoughts on Bend for Balor: No lie, these holiday themed books are SUPER working for me. They're a little dark (which I'm enjoying) PLUS I get to pull out my knowledge of Irish mythology with Maeve and Balor's story. Admittedly, said knowledge is rusty as heck, but I was able to follow along with delight when Balor was introduced. What can I say, this is my giddy face!

Anywho. Maeve and Balor. She's the last descendant of the bloodline who trapped Balor. Something she isn't aware of and took no part in. He's the king of a now defunct race of giants and he's NOT happy to have spent the last several hundred years trapped. He's kinda sorta plotting what he'll do to Maeve if he ever gets free, but he's also kinda sorta maybe a little obsessed with her also.

When the cultists who killed Maeve's grandparents (they REALLY want to get their hands on Balor's power) accidently break his cage, Balor thinks he's hit the jackpot. And he kind of has. I mean, he's no longer imprisoned and he can absolutely take revenge on Maeve for her family's part in trapping him. Except, umm, no. He can't. Because she's his fated mate who doesn't get burned by his fire and he's VERY UNHAPPY ABOUT THAT. Until he isn't.

Both Maeve and Balor have some baggage to get over, but after an extended say in the Otherworld, they manage to work things out. For a bloodthirsty brute, Balor is pretty careful with the fragile human who the gods have chosen for him. And Maeve? She just needs to work on the societal hangups that come with liking things with her monstrous male that normal people wouldn't understand.

GOOD STUFF ALL AROUND!

The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss [Review]

The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 18, 2026

Purchase Links: Hardcover | Kindle

Marissa Meyer
| Website | Amazon |

Tamara Moss
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

It’s all fun and games until someone ends up dead.

Six months ago, season four of The Escape Game ended in horror when contestant Alicia Angelos was found murdered on set.

Now season five is underway, and new contestants are ready to put their skills to the test solving the show's trickiest escape rooms. There's Adi, the cryptographer; Carter, the math whiz; Beck, the wannabe game master, and . . . Sierra Angelos, the girl who got away with her sister’s murder. Or so everyone believes.

But Sierra’s not just here to win. She’s here for justice.

When the contestants begin uncovering clues that hint at the identity of Alicia’s true killer, it becomes clear that the stakes aren’t high in this competition, they’re deadly. If these teens want to win—and survive—the game, they must solve the biggest mystery of all: who killed Alicia Angelos?

Thoughts on The Escape Game: The idea of a reality show where individuals who are whizzes at solving problems and escaping from complicated situations is good in theory. BUT (yes, that's a big but) when someone dies during the finale of the previous season and the person voted most likely to have done the deed is the victim's sister AND she's now been invited back to because THE DRAMA! Well, things get messy.

To say that this team hits a few bumps in the beginning might be understating things. Sierra is all sharp edges and towering anger. She knows what the others think of her, but she has her reasons for being back on the show. Reasons she doesn't want to share. Because, you know, she doesn't trust anyone. Beck, Adi, and Carter have their own reasons for joining the show and NONE of those reasons revolved around having a perpetually on edge teammate who might have gotten away with murder growl at them constantly.

They all have to deal with their own problems and insecurities, start trusting one another, AND come together as the crack team they know they can be if they hope to stay in the game long enough to figure out the truth about Sierra's sister's death. It takes time, effort, and one not-so-fun experience in a walk-in freezer before things start to gel.

That said, when you're looking for the truth behind a murder, you have to watch your back. And your front. And maybe take a few chances that put you in dangerous situations. You also have to be smart enough to decipher clues, read a room, and stay one step ahead of anyone who might be behind you. Bottom line: YESSSSSS. GOOD STUFF!

Only On Gameday by Kristen Callihan [Review]

Only On Gameday by Kristen Callihan
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 28, 2025

Purchase Links: Paperback | Kindle

Kristen Callihan
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A “fake” fiancée is just the trick to help a bad-boy football player clean up his image. Trouble is, there’s nothing fake about the way August feels about his “pretend” fiancée.

August Luck is on the brink of greatness: top NFL draft pick, a great team, multiple corporate sponsorships, but he keeps messing it up with bonehead moves. After his latest shenanigan goes viral, everyone is telling him to get his act together.

Penelope Morrow grew up with August. Their mothers were best friends. Unfortunately, Pen always fled the room with a look of disapproval on her pretty face whenever August was around. But Pen has a problem too: she inherited her grandparent’s house and can’t pay the estate tax.

On a whim, August decides a temporary public engagement is the solution to both their problems—he’ll pay her taxes, and she’ll help his image. Win-win.

But, when it comes to Pen, nothing is certain or safe. Because Pen isn’t so reserved anymore. This time, she’s smiling back at him. And he likes it. A lot. Will they each survive the ruse unscathed?

Game on...

Thoughts on Only On Gameday: Ohmygoodness. August and Pen. August is the first round draft pick who everything expects great things from. And he's drowning under that weight. He's doing boneheaded things that even he can't fathom. Nothing career ending (at this point), but the guy is slowly sinking and he keeps telling himself and everyone around him that he's okay. It's fine. He has everything under control.

And he mostly does. Except when he doesn't.

As for Pen, she's painfully shy, doesn't like asking anybody for anything, and August is offering her a lifeline that's too good to be true. Well, except for being in the public eye thing. But she can handle that. Probably. Her biggest hurdle (besides asking for handouts)? It's REALLY hard to pretend this is all pretend when she gets a little flustered whenever August smiles at her. Oh. And lying to people. She's not real keen on that part.

So they've both caught feelings while trying to pretend they're haven't. Everyone around them sees the way they look at one another. Let's just say this "pretend" relationship is complicated. So complicated. Except it's really not. Because August and Pen fit well together. Everything else is just noise.

Fantastic family dynamics (on the Luck side), a not-so-great dad (on Pen's side), complicated emotions, plenty of smolder and heat, and two people who are working on figuring things out. *thumbs up*

RtP's Week in Review (04/05/26)

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

• Smitten by the Alien Saloon Owner by Ursa Dax [Review] - Alien love!
• Burn the World Down by Anna Hackett [Review] - New AH series!
• Knotting Cinderella by Siena Stone [Review] - Werewolf love!
• Egg Hunt by M.L. Philpitt [Review] - Chase, chase!
• Prey for Rabbit by Aiden Pierce [Review] - Shifter love!
• Orc by Layla Fae [Review] - Orc love!

Bookish Delights

• Books added to the pile
• Copperhead (Naga Brides #8) by Naomi Lucas
• Currently reading
• Titanoboa by Naomi Lucas

Orc by Layla Fae [Review]

Orc (Monster Ever After #4) by Layla Fae
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: October 25, 2025

Monster Ever After
1. Jack
2. Grim
3. Satan
4. Orc - Paperback | Kindle
5. Crow
6. Full Sack
7. Mr. Jingle
8. Bunny
9. Thick Beef
10. Jack 2

Layla Fae
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

“We’ll need a bucket,” Gurd said, taking off his pants.

Karla never dreamt she’d meet an actual orc. Orcs don’t exist. They aren’t dangerous and powerful, with fists that might squeeze the life out of a hippo, not to mention a frail human. Their essence certainly isn’t, well, abundant – and also green and smelling deliciously nutty…

OK, fine, they exist. One is standing right there. Smelling nutty.

But even though he fills her with longing, Karla’s certain no orc in his right mind will go around lusting after her, a curvy woman suffering from adult acne, right? It’s impossible.

Well, guess what?

Gurd the Orc is in Karla’s bedroom, more than ready to conquer her with his green sword. And he’s asking for a bucket because you know what happens when an orc comes.

Karla’s carpet might never be the same after this.

Thoughts on Orc: I'm deep in my monster season and ORCS. Bruh. These guys know how to have a good time. Just ask Karla. And her poorly abused furnishings.

BUT FIRST! When Satan pops in (HI, LUC!) and offers a group of Orcs the chance to spread some havoc in the human world, Gurd and his buddies jump on it. Because there are ladies in the human world, something that is sorely lacking in their world. While they were SUPPOSED to cause mayhem and chaos while Luc was off spending time with his honey, Gurd finds himself doing some research (on the glorious internet, answerer of all questions asked, and purveyor of vast quantities of knowledge) and ends up chatting up a lady who's into monsters and other supernatural/fantasy things. What can be said about this except, YAY INTERNET CHAT ROOMS, I guess.

Anywho. Karla thinks Gurd is just a really dedicated cosplayer. Until, you know, she realizes he's the real deal. While she was initially a little freaked out by this (because OMG! ORC!), it doesn't take long until she's down for whatever it is Gurd wants to do. Unfortunately, this leaves her apartment a little worse for wear. BUT...she gets a hunky Orc who likes to shower her with pleasure (among other things), so she's okay with the mess.

A little chase, an Orc who's willing to defend his chosen lady from any threats (by hunting down and killing her enemies, but so it goes!), and a lady who likes her oversized honey and everything he comes with. *BIG BIG THUMBS UP*

Prey for Rabbit by Aiden Pierce [Review]

Prey for Rabbit (Holiday Horrors #3) by Aiden Pierce
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 20, 2025

Holiday Horrors
1. Burn for Jack
2. Bleed for Cupid
3. Prey for Rabbit - Paperback | Kindle
4. Cry for Krampus
5. Bend for Balor

Aiden Pierce
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

The silver wolf thinks I’m his prey. Little does he know, he’s mine.

The rabbit shifters and the werewolves have had a truce for centuries. Our burrow sets three of our kind loose in the woods on Easter to be hunted, to be slaughtered like the prey we are.

Then, the wolves leave us alone for the rest of the year.

When I’m selected as a sacrifice for this twisted tradition, I refuse to be another victim. All it takes is an abandoned cabin in the woods, an old ax, and the unexpecting wolves thinking I’m an easy target like all the rest.

The silver wolf is the only one who doesn’t underestimate me. It’s just my luck that when I scent him… I go into heat, and his inner beast chooses me for its mate.

Too bad we want each other dead.

Thoughts on Prey for Rabbit: A rabbit who isn't about to allow herself to be sacrificed quietly and a wolf who isn't interested in the hunt until he meets one fierce rabbit. These two don't seem like a good match on paper, but Ruth wakes Carver's wolf up and he sets all her senses blazing.

Or, more importantly, he sets off her heat. Which is problematic for several reasons starting with he's a wolf and she's a rabbit and ending with her heat pheromones are going to have all the wolves able to track her far too easily. So she does what any good bunny shifter would do and tries to entice Carver to claim her.

Did I mention that she also chopped off his brother's head while escaping after being caught on the hunt? Or that her sister was the previous year's sacrifice and Carver and his brother were there when she was caught? Yeah, these two have a little baggage to deal with. Frankly, both the wolves and rabbits as a whole need to take a long, hard look at the way they've been doing things because it's pretty messed up on both ends.

Anywho. A little running, a little chasing, an axe that sees some action, a wolf who knows what he wants, and a rabbit who gives as good as she gets. GOOD TIMES!

Egg Hunt by M.L. Philpitt [Review]

Egg Hunt (Twisted Holidays #2) by M.L. Philpitt
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 24, 2025

Twisted Holidays
1. Silent Night
2. Egg Hunt - Paperback | Kindle
3. Fright Night
4. Be Mine
5. Midnight Kiss

M.L. Philpitt
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

People rationalize their desires by calling them sins, and then use the Easter holiday to seek repentance before doing it all again. The pearl-clutchers of town would send me straight to hell if they knew what I enjoy. My sins are my own.

The day starts like any other, but then I learn she’s moved back. The woman I wanted for so long. She’s here. She’s free. But I’m about to change that.

When the town’s annual Easter egg hunt comes around, I decide that her and I will be having a private one. Even if she has no idea I’m the man behind the mask.

Except, I’m not the only one chasing her, but what he doesn’t realize is, she’s mine. My hunt. And wolves defend their prey.

Run, little rabbit, run.

Thoughts on Egg Hunt: This was a little lighter than other books in this series and...I liked it? Yep, I liked it. A lot. For all Jace is into the chase and being a little rough, he's also super into consent. He gives Payton plenty of opportunities to tap out if he's pushing her too far, but our girl is ALL IN from the start. Even more so when she realizes maybe the one hunting her isn't the stranger she originally thought he was.

Yup, Payton's into the chase. She's into being hunted through the woods. It speaks to a part of her she had never been able to indulge and, in fact, had been shamed for by her previous boyfriend. Who's a total tool, btw. Anyway. Payton spills her secret want to Jace and Jace is into being the chaser, so it works out for both of them. Not that Payton knows it's Jace, at first. She's just thrilled to be able to experience this thing she's been craving.

A very adult egg hunt, a little chasing, some steamy times in the woods, a man who knows what he wants, and a lady who is willing to let go and experience something she never thought she'd have. *thumbs up*