Mage Assassins & Other Misfits by Annette Marie and Rob Jacobsen [Review]

Mage Assassins & Other Misfits (The Guild Codex: Warped #5) by Annette Marie and Rob Jacobsen
Format: paperback
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 14, 2025

The Guild Codex: Warped
1. Warping Minds & Other Misdemeanors
2. Hellbound Guilds & Other Misdirections
3. Rogue Ghosts & Other Miscreants
3.5. More Than a Little Warped
4. Stolen Sorcery & Other Misadventures
5. Mage Assassins & Other Misfits - Paperback | Kindle
6. Conquering Reality & Other Misconduct

Related Series:
(Find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
The Guild Codex: Spellbound
1. Three Mages and a Margarita

The Guild Codex: Demonized
1. Taming Demons for Beginners

Annette Marie
| Website | Amazon |

Rob Jacobsen
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

The weirdness level of my life has reached an all-time high. Which is saying something, considering I started out as a psychic conman and somehow ended up as a MagiPol agent. And not just any agent. Lately, I’ve been Captain Blythe’s right-hand man and most trusted confidant.

Yeah, I know. Super weird.

It’s also kind of awkward because, unbeknownst to her, I’ve also teamed up with her most loathed nemesis, Darius King, guild master of the Crow and Hammer and the number one guy on the Consilium’s “To Be Eliminated” list.

Oh, and the Consilium? It’s just a secret organization embedded deep in the upper echelons of the MPD that’s using its nefarious influence to take over the world. Or destroy it. We’re still figuring that part out.

“We” being me and Blythe. And me and Darius. But not Blythe and Darius. Like I said, it’s awkward.

Unfortunately, the Consilium knows we’re on to them. Their plans are already in motion, and if we don't find a way to stop them, the mythic world will change for the worse—and there'll be no going back.

Thoughts on Mage Assassins & Other Misfits: I must say that Kit has a finely developed sixth sense for landing in the most unhinged situations a person could land in. With Lienna still dealing with family emergencies, Kit is on his own as he helps both Captain Blythe and Darius in their investigations. Not that the good Cap knows Kit has thrown his hat in with Darius, which is yet another burden Kit is carrying around.

The good news? Lienna does rejoin Kit wherein she immediately gets info-dumped with everything that's been going on since she's been gone (which is a lot). The bad news? Kit and Darius are in the middle of some BIG things and it's dangerous for them and everyone around them. Not that danger stops Lienna from jumping in. She has feelings for Kit (which she's finally admitting to) and she's not about to let him face the things that go bump in the night on his own.

MEANWHILE, since things have reached a boiling point with the Consilium and their nefarious plans are moving forward, all the separate pieces of the investigation are sort of forced to work together. Which means Captain Blythe and Darius have to deal with their past (I'm cautiously holding out hope that they could also have a future together, but I guess part of that depends on whether they survive everything thrown at them. Guys, there is A LOT thrown at them).

ALSO MEANWHILE, Kit's abilities are explored a little more and he and Lienna make some connections regarding what he can do and what he can potentially do. Because Kit's ability to psycho warp is only the beginning. The dude has an entire arsenal up his sleeve and he's only scratched the surface.

Big things are coming (some of them already came) and Kit, Lienna and crew are right in the middle of it all. Not going to lie, I'm ready to see how they beat the bad guys and save the day (because there is SO MUCH they have to right at this point). *thumbs up* all around.

Sacred Sins by Nora Roberts [Review]

Sacred Sins (D.C. Detectives #1) by Nora Roberts
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 9, 2025

D.C Detectives
1. Sacred Sins - Paperback | Kindle
2. Brazen Virtue

Nora Roberts
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

In the unbearable heat of another sultry Washington, D.C., summer, a serial killer is on the loose. Dr. Tess Court, one of the capital’s most successful psychiatrists, wants nothing to do with the case—until the police convince her to lend a hand to the lead investigator, legendary ladies’ man Detective Ben Paris.

Scarred by his family’s history, Ben has even less use for shrinks than Tess has for him—but the forces of animal magnetism and a shared desire to catch the demented criminal known as “The Priest” inexorably erode the walls they’ve built. They’re opposites in so many ways, yet that seems only to fan the flames of attraction for which danger has supplied the spark. To stop a killer who thinks he can absolve sins through murder, Ben will need every ounce of psychological insight Tess can offer him. And she’ll need the help of a lawman willing to stare fear in the face if she’s going to avoid becoming the madman’s next victim.

Thoughts on Sacred Sins: This is an older NR book and I kinda think I might have read it before, but it was long enough ago that I didn't remember the whos and whys of the investigation. In other words, it's like a new book all over again for me.

So. Ben isn't a fan of psychiatrists (for reasons), but he's extremely attracted to Tess when she's brought in to consult on his most recent case. Given that the killings of said case are front page news, her insights are needed to help build a profile on the killer. On Tess's end, she tolerates Ben's dislike of her profession because she can see it stems from past experiences. However, she only lets him get away with so much and she pushes back when he crosses any of her lines.

As these two start deepening their connection, the killer is developing his own connection to Tess. Which means Tess is in danger, but it's also possible they can use that connection to help catch him.

A couple murders, a cuddly bear of a partner, some smokin' hot kisses, a detective who fights falling for his honey, and a lady who gives her all in everything. *thumbs up*

As an aside that has nothing to do with the actual plot of the book, the smoking these characters engaged in. I mean, I get that this is an older book and smoking was a thing back then, but there's just so much of it. Not a fan of that, but I completely understand that it was prevalent back in the day and it ultimately doesn't take away from the story, it's just something I noticed because YUCK.

Destined to the Lycan by Regine Abel [Review]

Destined to the Lycan (The Shadow Realms #3) by Regine Abel
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 16, 2025

The Shadow Realms
1. Destined to the Wraith
2. Destined to the Reaper
3. Destined to the Lycan - Paperback | Kindle

Regine Abel
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

She trusts him with her life.

Terminally ill, and with no possible medical or magical cure in sight, Amara turns in desperation to the Weaver. To her dismay, the solution she offers sends Amara on a mission even deadlier than the illness slowly killing her. She enlists Remus, the only Lycan guide who consents to take her on this perilous journey. Although afflicted by his own curse, Remus is strong, fearless, and the fiercest protector Amara could have hoped for. The gentle soul behind his intimidating exterior touches her deeply and gives her an even greater reason to want to live.

He would gladly die to save her.

Cursed from birth and treated as a pariah by his pack, Remus is resigned to live as a lone wolf. When Amara comes seeking aid, his joy at realizing that she’s his Twin Flame is quickly crushed. Amara is dying and the only cure is pure insanity. Against all logic, Remus pledges to save the sweet and courageous female who looks at him like a worthy male, not a feral beast to be banished.

After a lifetime of misery, Remus will fight the Gods themselves to protect the one good thing Fate has ever given him… or die trying.

Thoughts on Destined to the Lycan: The Weaver is at it again and this time she's helping someone who isn't one of her children. Which isn't to say there aren't connections to her running throughout, but neither Remus nor Amara are technically hers. BUT she is setting things in motion to help more of her children, so I can see why she agreed to send Amara on the journey she's on.

So. Amara and Remus. Amara is dying by inches, day by day and her only hope at this point is the Weaver. The Weaver (as is her MO) has an answer, but the cure is nearly as deadly as the disease and there's a very real possibility Amara won't survive what she has to do. But the Weaver is clever and soon Remus has agreed to lead Amara on her dangerous journey. Admittedly, Remus mostly stepped up because Amara is his other half and any chance (even one that doesn't look workable from the outside) is better than watching her waste away.

The thing about this journey is that it's just one thread in the bigger picture. Not just for Amara and Remus, but also for Lyall (who they meet along the way) and possibly the Demon Wolf. The Weaver is good at lining things up and putting them in motion when the time is right, so I see big things coming down the line for her sons and those who match them. (Does the Weaver have any daughters? I AM CURIOUS!)

A mysterious illness, a dangerous journey, a familiar face or two, a Lycan who's more than he seems, and a lady who is willing to go the distance when it's required. *thumbs up*

Destined to the Reaper by Regine Abel [Review]

Destined to the Reaper (The Shadow Realms #2) by Regine Abel
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 11, 2025

The Shadow Realms
1. Destined to the Wraith
2. Destined to the Reaper - Paperback | Kindle
3. Destined to the Lycan

Regine Abel
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Could she give him her soul?

Determined to free her brother from the clutches of an evil necromancer, Kali enters into an improbable agreement with Pharos, an Angel of Death. Behind his cold and intimidating appearance, she discovers a kind, selfless, and protective male who fascinates her. She would blindly follow Pharos into the deepest pits of Hell. But the cost for his aid is Kali’s soul, and that seems too steep a price.

For half a millennium, Pharos wasted away, enslaved by the necromancer who appropriated his powers to pursue reckless ambitions. Today, the stunning Blood Mage whose pure soul enthralled him turns out to be the key to his redemption. Kali is strong, dauntless, and loyal to her very core. The bride he awaited his entire life…

As the confrontation with their nemesis escalates, the possessiveness Kali awakens in Pharos further fuels his need to protect her. How can he do so when she denies him the one thing that will save her life?

Thoughts on Destined to the Reaper: The morally deficient necromancer who tried to strong-arm Ronika's property from her in book 1, has bound an Angel of Death and is using his powers to do terrible things. Which, for the record, Pharos VERY MUCH doesn't like. But Pharos is bound and doesn't see a way out of his predicament, so he has no choice but to endure it. Until, you know, a beautiful Blood Mage crosses his path.

Kali is motivated to stop Cornelius since he's enslaved her brother. Freeing Pharos and stripping the necromancer of a whole bunch of his power helps both her and Pharos and Kali is willing to do anything toward that end. Except give her soul. Fortunately, there's a workaround of sorts that isn't quite as foolproof as the soul-giving but will get the job done. Probably.

For the record, I don't think crossing the Weaver in any way, shape, or form is advisable. She has a long reach and powerful allies and she doesn't hold her allies back when they come to extract some vengeance.

Anywho. Kali and Pharos have to work together, they get close, Kali has to make a choice that hinges on trust. We get to meet one of Pharos's brothers (who is pretty darn good at speeches that make a girl think) and the necromancer and his flunkies get what's coming to them. I mean, they REALLY get what's coming to them.

I'm digging this world and the Weaver and all the threads she can pull to put things in motion. *thumbs up*

RtP's Week in Review (02/01/26)

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

• Blood Heir by Ilona Andrews [Review] - Julie and Derek part 2!!
• Silver & Blood by Jessie Mihalik [Review] - ROMANTASY LOVE!
• Echo: The Sniper by Stacy Gail [Review] - Back with the Men of Psi!
• Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose [Review] - Apocalyptic romance!
• Destined to the Wraith by Regine Abel [Review] - GLORIOUS PNR!
• Ready for Her Yeti by Neva Post [Review] - A little PNR!

Bookish Delights

• Books added to the pile
• Silver & Blood (Silver & Blood #1) by Jessie Mihalik
• Enchanting the Fae Queen (Queens of Villainy #2) by Stephanie Burgis
• Titanoboa (Naga Brides #7) by Naomi Lucas
• No Matter the Cost (Unsanctioned #2) by Anna Hackett
• Beast Business (Hidden Legacy) by Ilona Andrews
• Currently reading
• Beast Business by Ilona Andrews

Ready for Her Yeti by Neva Post [Review]

Ready for Her Yeti (Alaska Yeti #1) by Neva Post
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 9, 2025

Alaska Yeti
1. Ready for Her Yeti - Paperback | Kindle
2. Fake Dating Her Yeti
3.Yeti for Love
4. Rescued by Her Yeti
5. Married to Her Yeti

Neva Post
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Can beauty love the snow beast?

Helen is eager for a break from her life after being dumped before her wedding. She jumps at the chance to return to Alaska as a winter caretaker at a resort lodge. A month of solitude is exactly what she needs to recharge, refocus, and regain control of her life. But Helen discovers she isn’t alone. The position has already been filled by the legendary yeti, who turns out to be kind, quirky, and hot enough to melt snow.

Rab is ready to hunker down for winter and enjoy some creature comforts. He has food in the pantry, stacks of firewood, and a bed with sheets that feel like silk after months of sleeping on the ground. There’s only one problem. The elusive beauty who secretly stole his heart years ago is back and has claimed his job. He never dared reveal himself to Helen before, but now that he has, he’s afraid one month with her won’t be nearly enough.

Thoughts on Ready for Her Yeti: (Kelly's note: I 100% know this book is not Shining-adjacent, but anytime I see something where someone is alone in an isolated place for any length of time I get SERIOUS Overlook vibes in my head. Nobody gets killed in this book [which I figured], but Helen and Rab do get to enjoy themselves [repeatedly] in a snowed-in lodge and that's GLORIOUS.)

Helen's in need of some serious alone time and a remote lodge where the only person she needs to deal with is herself seems like the perfect opportunity to get herself in order. Only...she's not quite as alone there as she (or the lodge owner) thought. The fact the other caretaker is a big, sweet Yeti is surprising, but Helen gets over the surprise pretty quickly. While Helen likes Rab and wouldn't mind AT ALL finding out if his fur is as soft as it looks, she's also getting over a breakup and keeps reminding herself she needs to take care of herself before anything else.

As for Rab? He's eyeballed Helen (and liked her) from afar for years. Her showing up at the lodge unexpectedly thanks to a bit of miscommunication could have turned out badly, but Helen is adaptable and open minded and soon the two are sharing meals. Among other things. The only rough spot between them is knowing Helen is only staying in Alaska for a month. Because Rab? He wouldn't mind her staying a whole lot longer.

An empty lodge, some delicious food, a house party, some sizzling interactions, a sweet Yeti who is willing to go the extra mile, and a lady who needs to prioritize her wants so she can get all the things she needs. *thumbs up*

Destined to the Wraith by Regine Abel [Review]

Destined to the Wraith (The Shadow Realms #1) by Regine Abel
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 10, 2025

The Shadow Realms
1. Destined to the Wraith - Paperback | Kindle
2. Destined to the Reaper
3. Destined to the Lycan

Regine Abel
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Would he save her or be her damnation?

Hounded by a necromancer hellbent on appropriating her ancestral lands, Ronika must recover an ancient relic from a cursed mansion to keep her enemy at bay. To do so, she requires an escort. Convincing an enraged wraith to help seems like an impossible task. But she discovers that the being behind the billowing shadows is an honorable protector who moves her in an unexpected fashion.

After centuries of terrorizing the land while lost to madness, Asheron cannot believe this fragile human, with her weak green magic, has managed to bring back his sanity. Ronika’s incredible strength, fearless determination, and the gentle way she touches him soothes the monster he has become and awakens a powerful longing and possessiveness in him. But she does not realize the deadliness of the deal she has struck to defend her land.

He will stop at nothing to protect the woman who has claimed his heart. But will Asheron’s efforts bring about Ronika’s salvation or doom them both?

Thoughts on Destined to the Wraith: Ronika's in a rough spot. She can either roll over and let a truly terrible necromancer take her home and probably enslave her deceased family with his power or she can attempt to gain the help of a wraith who can drain her life with a touch. Both seem equally impossible, but Ronika would rather go down fighting than hand over her home to the necromancer.

So she sets out to bargain with a wraith.

As it turns out, Asheron as the wraith is...not quite in his right mind. Fortunately, Ronika has an ace or two up her sleeve and manages to intrigue him enough to bring out his more mortal side and convince him to help her. Also fortunately, Asheron's mortal form (and his wraith form, come to think) doesn't disgust Ronika and she's able to fulfill her end of the bargain. (Something she doesn't mind IN THE LEAST doing.)

On Asheron's end, helping Ronika is a no-brainer. She gives him the sort of peace he hasn't experienced since he became a wraith and he's determined to work on making their partnership something more permanent. They just have a mansion crawling with foul things to survive and a necromancer to thwart before they can do that happily ever after thing.

A truly awful necromancer, a whole lot of danger, the mysterious Weaver who very much wants Ronika to succeed, a wraith with a powerful protective streak, and a green witch who will go to any lengths to protect her home. *thumbs up*