Dark Warren by Adrian Blue [Review]

Dark Warren (Spring Fever #4) b Adrian Blue
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: October 29, 2025

Spring Fever
1. Midnight Prey
2. Cocoon
3. Wildflowers
4. Dark Warren - Kindle
5. Night Bloom

Adrian Blue
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

When Ivy Chen inherits her estranged grandmother's isolated cottage, she expects to sell it quickly and return to her city life. Instead, she discovers her family's centuries-old pact with the local fertility deity and an ancient covenant that must be kept. As the spring equinox approaches, Ivy is torn between fear and an inexplicable attraction to this primal creature who claims her blood recognizes him. Facing a choice that will affect not just her future but the land's very survival, Ivy must decide if she'll flee like her mother did or surrender to the dark, forbidden communion that Warren demands. What begins as terror transforms into something far more intimate as Ivy discovers the true nature of her inheritance—and the fierce, primal pleasure of keeping the covenant.

Thoughts on Dark Warren: This was the book that had be itching to read this series (look, old magic and primal bunny-creatures are equal parts terrifying and interesting and I honestly don't know why anyone wouldn't feel the same) and in an act of unparalleled restraint I actually read the the others first before diving into this one. MAN what a ride.

So. Ivy has inherited a quaint cottage from the grandmother she never knew. She's planning on looking it over with an eye for selling, but fate or life or the magic in the land or something has other things in mind. Strange, terrifying creatures in her garden, cryptic warnings, and gifts that both intrigue and repulse her have her head spinning. It isn't long before she's trying to figure out what this mysterious covenant is that her grandmother was involved in. She's not exactly okay with what she's finding, but she's also curious enough to keep looking deeper.

No lie, she finds a lot. There's a primal being who puts the decision on the future of him and everyone around them in her hands. The fate of the land literally depends on what she decides to do. And she's...not disgusted. I mean, eventually she reaches that point. At first she's overwhelmed and scared, but Warren calls to her on a level she's kind of afraid to explore. But she's also never felt the sense of home and belonging that she's felt since she stepped into her grandmother's cottage.

Let's just say that Ivy weighs her choices, digs through as much research as she can find, and goes into everything with an open mind. And when she finally makes her choice? THINGS HAPPEN!

Run For Us by Jaye Pratt [Review]

Run For Us (Masked Men #6) by Jaye Pratt
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: October 29, 2025

Masked Men
1. Don't Get Caught
2. Nowhere to Hide
3. Are You Scared?
4. You're Ours Now
5. Hold Your Breath
6. Run For Us - Paperback | Kindle
7. Dirty Cowboys
8. On Your Knees
9. Savage Stalkers
10. Filthy Puckers
11. Brutal Bodyguards
12. Puck Me Dead

Jaye Pratt
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Sometimes life hands you a fork in the road. Mine feels more like a tidal wave crashing down on me, just as I’m about to turn thirty. Until now, I’ve been trying to live up to my mother’s impossible standards while drowning in deadlines, but I’ve finally had enough.

Bluebell Bay is my escape plan. It’s a chance to figure out what I want from life, a place I don’t have to pretend. Two weeks to relax and decide on my next steps.

Three masked men, one game of chase, and a night that awakens some things inside me I didn’t know I’d buried—desire, freedom, and the need for something real. These strangers make me feel powerful, worshipped, and sexy.

But when the masks come off, so does the illusion that this was just for fun. These men see me, flaws and all. They’re not just offering me pleasure; they’re offering something real.

I know I can’t have them—that life is only a fantasy. They’re too young and don’t need my drama added to their lives. But then they make an offer too good to refuse… Can I have everything I’ve ever wanted?

Thoughts on Run For Us: In a connection with Hold Your Breath, Kinsley is Jace's cousin and she's vaguely wistful about Jace's poly relationship with his partners. She doesn't think SHE could ever have anything like what he has, but she appreciates how much joy the group relationship brings to him.

To be clear, when I say Kinsley thinks she could never be in a poly relationship, it's more because she has some seriously unresolved trauma about reaching for the things she wants. The one time she did, it turned into something tragic and her family has been holding that over her to keep her in a box ever since. So while she might want the type of relationship Jace has, she doesn't think she deserves or could hold onto anything like that.

Fortunately for everyone, Kinsley stumbles into a group of men who are more than willing to push her boundaries and show her she's good enough as she is. Kazen, Shore, and Rip are three men who speak to the different parts of her. And while she's falling for them in the daylight hours, she's also being chased by three masked men during the night (thanks to Jace's birthday present to her!) and that's a thrill she didn't know she wanted.

Killer crabs (according to Shore), a group of men with their varied strengths and weaknesses, and a lady who has to learn to love herself and all her desires before she can be the partner they know she will be. *thumbs up* and a special *thumbs up* to getting some face time with Jace and his crew.

Hold Your Breath by Jaye Pratt [Review]

Hold Your Breath (Masked Men #5) by Jaye Pratt
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: October 29, 2025

Masked Men
1. Don't Get Caught
2. Nowhere to Hide
3. Are You Scared?
4. You're Ours Now
5. Hold Your Breath - Paperback | Kindle
6. Run For Us
7. Dirty Cowboys
8. On Your Knees
9. Savage Stalkers
10. Filthy Puckers
11. Brutal Bodyguards
12. Puck Me Dead

Jaye Pratt
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

All I wanted was to add a little excitement to my love life, maybe take a risk and step out of my comfort zone. Unfortunately, my bright idea to tie myself to a chair for my now ex-boyfriend went horribly wrong, and I got a little stuck. Humiliated, I had no choice but to call my stepbrother, Micah, for help, and because the universe has a twisted sense of humor, he brought his two best friends, Jace and Zac, along for the ride.

To escape the embarrassment, I left for my family’s Easter holiday early, but I wasn’t expecting company, especially not three masked strangers who seem to know exactly how to make me feel alive. They’re everything I’ve been missing—bold, attentive, and completely irresistible. For the first time, I can truly let go of my fears.

When I can no longer ignore the truth staring me in the face, that all three men want me, I’m forced to confront my deepest fears. The walls I’ve built around my heart crumble, leaving me vulnerable to the possibility of something real. Now, I have to decide if I’m brave enough to take a leap of faith and be theirs, or if I’ll let my fear keep me from the love I never saw coming.

Thoughts on Hold Your Breath: When life throws a curveball and leaves a person tied naked to a chair, sometimes they have to bite the bullet and call the one person they really don't want to call to get them out of their embarrassing predicament. Cue Willow calling Micah, resigned to enduring some relentless teasing, but at least she won't be naked after. Or tied to a chair, I guess.

No lie, things didn't quite turn out the way Willow thought. Micah did come to her rescue, but he brought his two hunky friends and now they've all seen her naked. They also went out for drinks after because why not? And Willow might have had to tell the men what led to the situation they found her in.

So Willow does what anyone would do when faced with all that and flees to the house her family is staying at for the holidays early to get herself in order. Except the massive house is Micah's and he knows exactly where she is. He and his BFFs are determined to give Willow the experience she's craving. Repeatedly.

As it turns out, Willow thought Micah hated her, but he's really only been trying to keep himself in check. Now? He's letting himself off the leash. He's going to convince Willow the four of them have a future worth fighting for. *thumbs up*

RtP's Week in Review (10/11/26)

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

• Don't Get Caught by Jaye Pratt [Review] - Masked men love!
• Burn for Jack by Aiden Pierce [Review] - Monster love!
• You're Ours Now by Jaya Pratt and Samantha Barrett [Review] - More masked men love!
• Wickedly Sweet by Steph Macca [Review] - Vacay in Salem!
• Wildflowers by Adrian Blue [Review] - More monster love!
• Slash or Smash by Dee Garcia [Review] - Sexy times at Halloween!

Bookish Delights

• Books added to the pile
• Harvest Season (Seasons of Carnage #2) by Brynne Weaver
• A Cute Little Murder by Molly Harper
• Currently reading
• The Dragon's Favorite Strays by Ruby Dixon

Slash or Smash by Dee Garcia [Review]

Slash or Smash (Festive ASF #4) by Dee Garcia
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: October 24, 2025

Festive ASF
1. Bad Santas
2. Cupid's Chokehold
3. Dublin My Luck
4. Slash or Smash - Kindle
5. Midnight Mischief

Dee Garcia
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Raven Vexley is that girl: pumpkin spice in hand, cozy sweaters on repeat, and a deep love for all things spooky. Fitting—or maybe a little on the nose—considering she lives in Hollow’s Moor, a small town where Halloween starts at the end of August and doesn’t let up until November’s last breath. Most years, Raven and her friends spend All Hallows’ Eve party-hopping and chasing thrills, but this time, after a few drinks and half-hearted scares, they decide to switch things up.

An escape room.

The Lock Box is the Moor’s newest haunt. Owned by a stepbrother duo who take Halloween as seriously as the rest of the town, they’re dressed in full slasher gear and awaiting their next victim when Raven and her giggling, tipsy crew stumble through the front doors. After the girls select the Haunted Mansion experience, the pseudo-brothers walk them through the rules, ending with a cryptic warning:

If the walls shift and your party is scattered, do not turn back. The manor favors those who move forward…

It’s all laughs until the lights cut out and Raven suddenly finds herself alone, cornered and vulnerable with Ghostface and Jason. Her pulse says scream, run, but something about the way those soulless, masked eyes look at her as they close in makes it all too clear: They’re playing a new, chilling game—and she’s the grand prize.

Slash…or smash?

Thoughts on Slash or Smash: This is a short and spicy little nugget of a story where a lady who likes masked men meets the two masked hunks who own the new escape room in town. She's interested, they're interested. THINGS HAPPEN.

Raven is old enough to be tired of the same old party scene on Halloween. So when one of her friends suggests trying the new escape room in town, she's down for that. She's even more down for it when the owners are masked hotties who look at her like she's the main course at an all you can eat buffet. When they separate her from her friends and suggest a thrilling alternate game, Raven is 100% on board.

Ghostface and Jason are thrilled to have Raven to play with and it doesn't take long before they're all getting something out of the game.

Fast-paced, spicy, and with some serious masked hotness. *thumbs up*

Wildflowers by Adrian Blue [Review]

Wildflowers (Spring Fever #3) b Adrian Blue
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: October 28, 2025

Spring Fever
1. Midnight Prey
2. Cocoon
3. Wildflowers - Kindle
4. Dark Warren
5. Night Bloom

Adrian Blue
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Deep in the isolated Blackwood Nature Reserve, a wildlife photographer's spring expedition turns into something far more primal. In the dark forest, the night has eyes, and every shadow is watching. Gwen is about to experience everything the forest has to offer. As the line between violation and ecstasy blurs, she will become the vessel for a terrifying spring ritual.

Thoughts on Wildflowers: I'm enjoying this series because it's delightfully whacked out and I'm here for exactly that. BUT...spiders, man. Creeping horror of the creepingest kind. Spiders that need a host. Spiders that can communicate. Spiders that have chosen a human woman as their breeding vessel. *stares in concerned horror*

Yeah. Gwen got WAY more than she bargained for when she took this trip. While it was terrifying and she wasn't really given a choice on being chosen (thank you, temporary paralyzing venom!), she also...didn't hate it? Like, she kind of did, but she also didn't. I mean, main spider dude made THINGS happen and she was kind of down with that.

I really don't know how I feel about this. Mostly because spiders aren't my thing, but Gwen was into it. And they were into her. Literally. And she walked away at the end with an open invitation to return the next year, so...YOLO GWEN! Or YOLO year after year, I guess.

Wickedly Sweet by Steph Macca [Review]

Wickedly Sweet (Wickedly Psychos #1) by Steph Macca
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: October 28, 2025

Wickedly Psychos
1. Wickedly Sweet - Paperback | Kindle

Steph Macca
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

After my boyfriend has a not-so-little accident with his new female best friend, I jump at the opportunity to take a small vacation with my brother to Salem for Halloween. He's annoyed, but his two best friends? Not so much.

Halloween and Salem speak to my soul. There's something about the thrill of being scared, the adrenaline that makes your heart pound while you fight your mind to stay in control. Then, once it's all over, the rush of wanting to do it again.

I'm drawn to horror and fear. Scary movies? Check.

Deep, dark fantasies? Check.

Being chased through the Halloween Witch Hunt by two shirtless, neon skull mask wearing men covered in blood? Check.

Maybe I'm sick and twisted. But there's a reason villains are often painted as hot, seductive men.

It's because women like me exist. And we want to scream in more ways than one.

Thoughts on Wickedly Sweet: Tagging along on her brother's trip to Salem for Halloween, Audrey isn't looking for anything more than a chance to unwind and forget about her cheating ex. Then she has a few drinks with her brother's friends and tipsily shares how she likes the idea of being chased. Little did she know Brax and Nate were taking note of every word she said.

Now she's heading into the Witch Hunt (where the women who sign up as witches are literally chased by hunters) and two hunters have their eyes on her. Which is fine by Audrey because she doesn't plan on being caught. GUESS WHAT? Not only do her hunters catch her, they treat her to a night of delights. Or at least an hour-ish.

A little game of cat and mouse (or witch and hunter, I guess), one very sexy knife, a duo who know how to treat their lady right, and a lady who didn't mind being caught IN THE LEAST. *thumbs up*