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*

Knotting Cinderella by Siena Stone [Review]

Knotting Cinderella (Knotty Fairytales #2) by Siena Stone
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 27, 2025

Knotty Fairytales
1. Hunted and Knotted by the Wolf
2. Knotting Cinderella - Kindle
3. Knotted by the Beast
4. Hunted & Knotted by the Minotaur King

Siena Stone
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Turns out, getting a fairy godmother is great. Getting caught by four royal alpha wolves? That’s… complicated.

Ella’s spent years as an unpaid servant in her own home, but when a royal decree commands every unmated omega to attend the Prince’s mating ball, her evil stepmother makes one thing clear: servants don’t get to play princess.

Enter one meddling fairy godmother with a flair for dramatic transformations and very specific rules about midnight.

The plan was simple: go to the ball, have one magical night, maybe eat some fancy food, then disappear before anyone figures out she’s nobody special.

What Ella didn’t plan on? Walking into a ballroom full of eligible omegas and immediately catching the attention of Prince Adrian and his entire pack of alpha wolves.

One sniff of her scent and these four massive, gorgeous, extremely possessive shifters know she’s their fated mate. Their omega. Their forever.

They’re claiming their mate. All four of them. In every way possible.

Which would be romantic if Ella wasn’t currently running for her life because the clock just struck midnight, her dress is disintegrating, and she’s pretty sure turning back into a girl in rags in front of the entire kingdom would be bad.

Now they’re hunting her with nothing but a glass slipper and an obsession that borders on unhinged. And when they finally track down their runaway Cinderella… when they discover she’s been hidden in plain sight, sleeping in a closet and treated like dirt… these wolves stop playing nice.

And anyone who hurt her is about to learn that “happily ever after” has very sharp teeth.

Thoughts on Knotting Cinderella: A Cinderella retelling with four hungry wolves and one lady who is trying to make the best of her terrible situation with her step-family. She doesn't expect to be compatible with the royal wolves, but THINGS HAPPEN.

I'm getting ahead of myself, though. Ella is existing. Her stepmother and stepsisters use her ruthlessly to keep their house and themselves looking good. She wants better for herself, but can't see a way of getting out of the situation her stepmother has trapped her in. Then the invitation for the ball comes and Ella sees a chance to experience ONE night where she can forget about scrubbing and cleaning. BUT (as is the way with Cinderella's wicked stepmother) her stepmother forbids her from going. Even though the invitation specifies EVERY unmated omega is to attend.

Enter one fairy godmother, one night of dancing and revelry, and an unexpected connection with four royal wolves. Yup, Ella hits the jackpot with that pack.

Meanwhile, the prince is worried since he and his pack haven't found their omega yet. But one glance at Ella has him and the rest of his pack sure they've found their fifth. A little steam, a little heat, and an unforgettable night with their omega and then midnight hits and she bolts. Which means these wolves need to pull out all the stops to find the lady who completes their wolves.

I enjoy a good fairytale retelling so *thumbs up*

Burn the World Down by Anna Hackett [Review]

Burn the World Down (Unsanctioned #1) by Anna Hackett
Format: paperback
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 5, 2025

Unsanctioned
1. Burn the World Down - Paperback | Special Edition | Kindle
2. No Matter the Cost

Related Series:
(Find all the reviews for the series under the 1st review)
Team 52
1. Mission: Her Protection

Anna Hackett
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

I’ll burn the world down for her.

Nash
I left my hometown behind. I joined the military, disappeared into black ops, and became a weapon for my country. I have no regrets.

Except one with pretty hazel eyes.

Now I’m retired, living a quiet life hiding in plain sight in Las Vegas. I still think of her. The prettiest girl I ever knew. My best friend’s little sister.

But I swore to leave her alone to live a normal life. That I wouldn’t drag her into the darkness.

Then I find out her life isn’t golden.

She’s in danger and I have the right set of skills to save her.

Georgie
Your life can change in an instant. One second, you have a happy family and a crush on your brother’s best friend.
The next, you’ve lost everyone you ever loved.

My family is dead and my sister fell prey to a predator. A rich, connected man who promised her the world.

And gave her hell instead.

Now, I have nothing left but a burning need for vengeance.

Until I collide with the boy who left me behind. A boy who’s now a tough, dangerous man.

He says he’ll protect me. He says he’ll help me take down my sister’s killer.

I might survive my revenge, but will I survive when he walks away from me again?

Thoughts on Burn the World Down: We're in LV where a group of former assassins are trying their hand at living normal lives. Mostly. Which isn't to say they're doing a bad job at that normal life thing, but that all have quirks and skill sets outside the societal norm and sometimes they need to stretch those muscles (for good reasons, now!).

Nash and his friends (his family, really, and I do love a good found family dynamic) are doing their thing when Nash realizes the woman asking about him is none other than the girl he left behind. The one he thinks is too good for him. The one who is on a path that she's not trained for and might end up destroying her.

Honestly, even if it hadn't been Georgie needing him, I think Nash still would have done what he did when he stepped in. Sure, he likely wouldn't have fallen in love with anyone else (and by "likely" I mean "definitely"), but he would have still done everything in his power to help anyone else in Georgie's situation. Because that's the kind of guy he (and his found family!) is.

Which brings us to Georgie. She's heartbroken about her sister, running on fumes and the need for vengeance, and her plan to get the man who hurt her sister isn't exactly fool-proof. As she finds out when rushing him and his bodyguards ends badly. Having Nash on her side is unexpected. Sure, she went looking for him, but she didn't expect to find him and she didn't realize how badly she needed the emotional support of someone who had her back until he was there for her.

A little danger, a bad man who exploits starry-eyed women, found family (love!), a former assassin who is exactly the man Georgie needs, and a woman who knows a good man when she finds him. *thumbs up* to the start of another fantastic series!

Smitten by the Alien Saloon Owner by Ursa Dax [Review]

Smitten by the Alien Saloon Owner (Cowboy Colony Mail-Order Brides #7) by Ursa Dax
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 28, 2025

Cowboy Colony Mail-Order Brides
1. Married to the Alien Cowboy
2. Wrangled by the Alien Rancher
3. Resisting the Alien Rider
4. Wanted by the Alien Warden
5. Married to the Alien Mountain Man
6. Rescued by the Alien Bull Rider
7. Smitten by the Alien Saloon Owner - Paperback | Kindle
8. Longing for the Alien Lawman
9. Bound by the Alien Buckaroo

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Holiday Romances of Elora Station
1. Chimera for Christmas

Ursa Dax
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A gentle alien saloon owner. An artist searching for a softer life. And the love that neither of them ever dared to hope for…

Capitalism and chronic illness are not a good mix. When my debilitating migraines get me fired from my factory job, I’m desperate. For a change. A chance. The space to think, rest, and paint like I’ve always wanted. I’ve never managed to make money from my art or secure a patron. So this new mail-order bride program on Zabria Prinar One now feels like the best (and only) way to escape my imploding life.

I sign up as a participant even though marriage is the last thing on my mind.

But then I meet Rivven, the quiet, lonely alien saloon owner who takes care of me when yet another migraine strikes. He’s sweet, strong, and generous beyond belief – offering me his bed to sleep in and his best bucket to barf in.

There are other men, too. Xennet and Dorn. Record snowfall has delayed their arrival at the saloon, but they should be here within a week.

In just a few days, I’ll have to choose which alien cowboy I’m going to spend the rest of my life with. I need to give each of them a fair chance.

Even though I think I might already be smitten by one…

Thoughts on Smitten by the Alien Saloon Owner: These Zabrians are all total sweethearts and Rivven is no exception. He's sweet, caring, hardworking, and absolutely WORSHIPS Shiloh pretty much as soon as he meets her. No lie, I'm super excited that we're getting to spend more time with the different cowboys on Zabria Prinar.

So. Shiloh and Rivven. She's a human lady who's enraptured with the sky and landscape of the planet the first time she sees a picture of Zabria Prinar. Applying for the bride program seems like a no-brainer since she's currently out of a job (thanks to the gross foreman) and this planet offers opportunities she wouldn't otherwise have. That said, the fact she'd be marrying one of the men on the planet doesn't really hit Shiloh until she's met Rivven and realizes he's all in on this idea of marriage.

As for Rivven, he's trying not to get his hopes up with the first human woman coming to their zone, but Shiloh calls to him from the moment he sees her. She's suffering from a migraine, is barely aware of what's going on, and he wants nothing more than to comfort and protect her. His constant, gentle presence has her looking at him in a way she didn't expect to and it isn't long before she starts to realize this kind, incredible male might be the best thing that's ever happened to her.

A few adorably awkward moments, a couple of familiar faces (Tenn and Tasha!), a male who wants nothing more than to cherish the incredible woman who lights up his life, and a lady who finds more than a little creative inspiration on this wide-open planet! MAN, I like these sweet, awkward aliens!

RtP's Week in Review (03/29/26)

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

• Baby for the Alien Warrior by Honey Phillips [Review] - Alien love!
• Pillow Talk Killer by London Lovett [Review] - Back on Frostfall!
• Tentacles and Truffles by Aly Tatum [Review] - Alien loving x 3!
• Tentacles and Troubles by Aly Tatum [Review] - Alien loving and beauracracy!
• Bleed for Cupid by Aiden Pierce [Review] - Monster love!
• RtP's 2026 Series Tracking - January-March - Let's track some series!

Bookish Delights

• Books added to the pile
• World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon (Supernatural Entanglements #2) by Olivia Dade - For review!
• I Punched an Alien and Now We're in Couples Therapy (Cosmic Chaos #2) by Kimberly Lemming - For review!
• Welcome to Murder Week by Karen Dukess
• Sky Daddy by Kate Folk
• Currently reading
• Marc by Anna Hackett

RtP's 2026 Series Tracking - January-March

While I'm not hosting an official Seriously Series Challenge this year, I liked being able to track series I've completed. So... here we are. Tracking some series.

By category:
Series started in 2026: 10/3
Series started before 2026: 21/9
Series rereads: 1/1

By month:
January

• Started in 2026:
• Completed: 6
• The Bastion (Chained, Ravished)
• Falling for the Monster (Curses and Cornstalks)
• Halloween Heat (Heat with the Hellhound, Hellhound's Obsession, Submitting to the Hellhound)
• Improbable Meet-Cute (The Exception to the Rule, Worst Wingman Ever, Rosie and the Dreamboat, Drop, Cover, and Hold On, With Any Luck, Royal Valentine)
• Protector to Predator (The Gargoyle's Prey Thing, The Werewolf's Prey Thing, The Vampire's Prey Thing, The Monster's Prey Thing, The Demon's Prey Thing)
• Unholy Holidays (Knot Today Satan, Knot Again Satan)
• In progress: -none-
• Started before 2026:
• Completed: 11
• Beneath the Wild Sky (Take a Hike)
• Daddy Issues (Kissed and Missed)
• Firefly Junction (Shock at the Sweetheart Ball)
• Harmony (Enter the Nightmare)
• Harvest Moon (The Fog, Aspen)
• Holiday Horrors (Bend for Balor)
• The Honey Badger Chronicles (To Kill a Badger)
• Hot Wolf (Hot Wolf in the Country)
• Knotty Fairytales (Knotted by the Beast)
• Lunar Station Eros (Tentacles and Troubles)
• Nightmare Acres (Nightmare Acres)
• In progress: 2
• Alien Wolf Tales (Alien Song)
• Monster Security Agency (Guarded by the Snake, Guarded by the Spider, Guarded by the Kraken, Guarded by the Leshy, Guarded by the Vodnik)
• Rereads:
• Completed: -none-
• In progress: -none-

February

• Started in 2026:
• Completed: 2
• Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances (Accidentally Yours, Time Will Tell, Second Act Romance, A Play for Love, Death to Valentine's Day, Valentine's Slay)
• Witches Love Monsters (Oops! I Summoned a Liderc, Oops! I Summoned a Metamorphic Monster, Oops! I Summoned a Demonic Merman, Oops! I Summoned a Night Demon)
• In progress: 2
• Hook Trilogy (Hook, Line, and Tentacles)
• Hot Under the Collar (Downward Wolf, Alpha-Bet Soup, How to Housebreak Your Werewolf, Emotional Support Alpha, Bite My Wiener)
• Started before 2026:
• Completed: 5
• Groom & Doom (The Mermaid in the Shot Glass)
• Hidden Legacy (Beast Business)
• Mate Hunted (The Artsy Girl's Guide to Mating with a Werewolf, The Independent Girl's Guide to Mating with a Werewolf, The Friendly Girl's Guide to Mating with a Werewolf, The Logical Girl's Guide to Mating with a Werewolf, The Hungry Girl's Guide to Mating with a Werewolf)
• Seasons of the Pack (Peppermint Pines Pack)
• Tallean Mercenaries (A Hope for Ranek)
• In progress: 2
• Alien Wolf Tales (Alien's Bargain)
• Monster Security Agency (Guarded by the Nightmare, Guarded by the Reaper, Guarded by the Phantom, Guarded by the Krampus, Guarded by the Yeti, Guarded by the AI)
• Rereads:
• Completed: 1
• Breach Wars (The Inheritance)
• In progress: -none-

March

• Started in 2026:
• Completed: 2
• Hot Under the Collar (Bite Me Twice)
• Taken by the Stars (Heart of the Deep, Starbound, Breach Protocol, The Queen's Shadow, The Captain's Claim)
• In progress: 1
• Hook Trilogy (Sucker for Love)
• Started before 2026:
• Completed: 5
• Aspect and Anchor (Vowed to the Vulture God)
• Cowboy Colony Mail-Order Brides (Longing for the Alien Lawman)
• Masked Men (Puck Me Dead)
• Supernatural Entanglements (World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon)
• Xarc'n Warriors (Chosen by the Hunter)
• In progress: -none-
• Rereads:
• Completed: -none-
• In progress: -none-

Series Rereads (Annual Roundup)

• Completed: 1
• Breach Wars by Ilona Andrews

Bleed for Cupid by Aiden Pierce [Review]

Bleed for Cupid (Holiday Horrors #2) by Aiden Pierce
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 19, 2025

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

Aiden Pierce
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Roses are red, violets are blue. Hide your heart, little bird. Cupid’s Arrow is coming for you.

Callum is more than the CEO of Cupid Inc., the company that manufactures “love” potions and sells them to mateless supernaturals who want to take “fate” into their own hands. He’s an angel. Literally.

But even the devil came from Heaven.

So it’s just my luck that he also happens to be my boss… Until he discovers that I’m a mole for the organization protesting his company. Suddenly, I find myself as the test bunny for his most potent product yet: Cupid’s Arrow. And my mate-to-be? Callum himself.

Call it vengeance. Call it an insane marketing stunt. Call it fate. Whatever it is…

There’s no escaping Cupid Inc.’s dark angel and his terrifying brand of love.

Thoughts on Bleed for Cupid: Robin is in a tricky situation. She's feeding information about Cupid's Arrow to human protestors and she's both a little afraid and a lot in love with her boss. She doesn't think Callum is the heartless individual the protestors are painting him as, but the idea of this formula being created that basically roofies humans to fall for a supernatural doesn't sit well with her.

Callum is aloof, intimidating, and keeps his distance as best he can. Then he finds out Robin's the mole and now he has to deal with this egregious betrayal while also not wanting to completely destroy her. Because, yeah, he kind of has a thing for his assistant. A kind of big thing. So he doses her with the very drug she's trying to stop his company from making and, umm, things don't go quite as he expected.

Mostly because artificially trying to create something that is already present is maybe a little pointless. Yup, Robin doesn't need to be roofied because she's already into Callum. Really into him. Now they just have to set some boundaries, figure out what they're going to do with this info, and make things happen.

An angel with a little darkness, a lady who matches him, and a very eventful encounter that gives everybody all the things they didn't know they were looking for. *thumbs up*