My Boyfriends Are All Monsters by Kimberly Lemming [Review]

My Boyfriends Are All Monsters (Scared Sexy #6) by Kimberly Lemming
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 25, 2025

Scared Sexy
1. Hot for Slayer
2. Falling
3. Spicy Little Curses
4. Space Vampire
5. Beautiful Nightmare
6. My Boyfriends Are All Monsters - Kindle

Kimberly Lemming
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Lucy Sawyer’s wish for true love lands her in an enchanted town where the men are supernatural, the chemistry is off the charts, and everyone wants to date her. But they say that things that seem too good to be true usually are, and soon Lucy may need to decide if she’s willing to pay the cost of her happily ever after.

Thoughts on My Boyfriends Are All Monsters: No lie, I didn't know what to expect with this book (multiple partners? love rhombuses? something else?!?) and HA I LIKED IT SO MUCH. Sure, sure, Lucy's suitor had a few creepy moments (people talking in unison is terrifying, okay?!?), but it/he WORKED. So hard.

To start, Lucy is in a bad place when we first meet her. Both literally and figuratively, as it turns out. The boyfriend she's followed on this hiking trip has left her to her own devices (aka, to make her way up the mountain to their campsite on her own) while he (probably) doesn't do much to fend off the advances of his "friend" who (likely) wants to get in his pants. Abandoned in the woods, Lucy indulges in a bit of whimsy to make herself feel better and tosses a coin in a well as she makes a wish.

As one might expect, not only does something hear her wish, it sets out to make it come true. Now Lucy is in a Hallmark movie-worthy town surrounded by sexy men who are all giving her bedroom eyes. Which is not a terrible place to be, as it turns out. Even better, once she realizes what's happening (well, once she gets over her disbelief after realizing what's happening, really) she has a veritable BOUNTY of sexy goodness to indulge with.

Let's just say that her suitor is willing to give Lucy anything she can imagine. And then some.

Seriously, this one was so much fun. *thumbs up*

Beautiful Nightmare by Katee Robert [Review]

Beautiful Nightmare (Scared Sexy #5) by Katee Robert
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 24, 2025

Scared Sexy
1. Hot for Slayer
2. Falling
3. Spicy Little Curses
4. Space Vampire
5. Beautiful Nightmare - Kindle
6. My Boyfriends Are All Monsters

Katee Robert
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

When Gemma’s supposed to terrify her appointed victim, she ends up captivated instead. Caleb, a romantic who believes in all things supernatural, finds her adorably pink-skinned, horned form more alluring than alarming. But as their steamy night unfolds and unexpected feelings bloom, Gemma must choose between her demonic duties and the human who makes her feel anything but monstrous.

Thoughts on Beautiful Nightmare: Oh man. A paralysis demon who's REALLY bad at her job - which really was more about being forced into a box she didn't belong in than being bad, I guess. Gemma just wasn't the sort who wanted to terrify. She didn't like feeding off fear or causing it. However, being a demon, she kept trying even though it wasn't the thing that called to her.

What does call to her? Caleb and his kindness. His caring. His attraction to her. That last part kind of boggled her, to be honest. Spending time with him and being appreciated for all the parts she had to usually keep hidden was something she'd never experienced before. And she didn't hate it.

On Caleb's end, he didn't mean to get super turned on by the demon trying to scare him, but she was captivating and naked and THINGS HAPPENED. Spending time with her even when she was trying to scare him? WORTH EVERY MINUTE.

A sex-ay encounter, a little fear, a human who isn't nearly as afraid as he is expected to be, and a demon who finds attraction and caring a whole lot sweeter to snack on. I must say I liked this one. A lot!

Fated to the Hunter by Lynnea Lee [Review]

Fated to the Hunter (Xarc'n Warriors #13) by Lynnea Lee
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 27, 2025

Xarc'n Warriors
0.5. Pursued by the Hunter
1. Claimed by the Hunter
2. Wanted by the Hunter
3. Taken by the Hunter
4. Cherished by the Hunter
5. Rescued by the Hunter
6. Stolen by the Hunter
7. Captured by the Hunter
8. Protected by the Hunter
8.5. Hunter's Valentine
9. Desired by the Hunter
10. Coveted by the Hunter
11. Craved by the Hunter
12. Treasured by the Hunter
13. Fated to the Hunter - Kindle
13.5. Holly and the Hunter
14. Chosen by the Hunter

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains
1. Hunter's Quest

Lynnea Lee
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

KIERA
Running the first-ever Trader’s Market is chaotic enough; I don’t need a horned, purple alien with fangs, claws, and zero chill crashing my party.

Bael’k says he’s here to help, but so far, all he’s done is scare away the one person I need to see. When I finally track down the elusive nomad and snag the map I’ve been hunting for, guess who volunteers to be my protector on a quest I never planned to take?

It’s my first time out of the settlement walls in years, and I’m woefully unprepared. But with my knight in shining loincloth by my side, I might just survive.

BAEL'K
They say the mate bond is absolute, eternal, and chosen by fate. But I don’t believe in fate. I believe in my blades, my shuttle, and the war I was bred to fight. I never wanted a mate… until I met Kiera.

She’s fragile, stubborn, and maddeningly fascinating. When she sets out to recover lost tech in a dangerous Dead Zone, I volunteer, thinking it’ll earn me glory. But the moment she steps into danger, every protective instinct I’ve got flares to life.

I soon realize she’s not just a mission. Kiera’s mine. And I’ll burn the stars down before I let anything take her from me.

Thoughts on Fated to the Hunter: Both Kiera and Bael'k are 100%, absolutely NOT looking for their special someone. Which we all know means THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN. Because you can't unequivocally announce you're not looking for romance without romance taking a running leap at your face. Figuratively speaking.

Anywho. Kiera isn't interested in dealing with the heartbreak of losing anyone else (not even romantically, just in general. She's dealt with too much loss already during this bugpocalypse and no thank you) and while the Xarc'n warriors are nice to look at, she's firmly off the market. As it turns out, Bael'k feels the same. He's a warrior bred to eradicate the bugs and he's planning on continuing to do that even after Earth gets liberated. He might not be against seeing what all the fuss is about with a human woman (physically speaking), but he doesn't think it's fair to engage in anything deeper when he's planning to head off-planet as soon as his mission is complete.

Fate (and their hearts) however has other plans for these two. Plans where they have to spend plenty of time together with a lot of tension simmering between them and THINGS HAPPEN. Such good things.

To back up, Kiera and Bael'k are doing the forced proximity thing because they're heading into a dead zone on a technological treasure hunt. The hunt might be a bust, but it also might help the survivors in their ongoing battle against the bugs. No lie, I liked the treasure hunt aspect and the creepy, abandoned mansion. Plus, you know, the forced proximity.

A treasure hunt, a rough journey, a little betrayal (sort of, I mean is it betrayal if it's programming?), a warrior who has to readjust his priorities, and a lady who realizes she might like adventure more than she thought she would. *thumbs up*

The Lone Cyborg by Honey Phillips [Review]

The Lone Cyborg (Cyborgs on Mars #6) by Honey Phillips
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 26, 2025

Cyborgs on Mars
0.5. High Plains Cyborg
1. The Good, the Bad, and the Cyborg
2. A Fistful of Cyborg
3. A Few Cyborgs More
4. The Magnificent Cyborg
5. The Outlaw Cyborg
5.5. The Cyborg with No Name
5.6. Cyborg Rider
5.7. The Cyborg Way
6. The Lone Cyborg - Paperback | Kindle

Honey Phillips
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Can a stubborn miner and a gruff cyborg ranger survive the dangers of Mars—and their growing desire?

Mattie is perfectly happy on her isolated mining claim, thank you very much. She and her cybernetic canary Sylvester are doing just fine—no matter what the big, grumpy cyborg responsible for her territory seems to think.

J-418 takes his job as a ranger very seriously. Frequent checks on the stubborn, annoying—and ridiculously adorable—woman living on her own are just part of his job. They certainly aren’t because he actually enjoys his encounters with the prickly little female.

When danger forces the two together, they make a series of startling discoveries, not the least of which is an unexpected passion. But life on Mars is about to change - for everyone!

Thoughts on The Lone Cyborg: We've been getting hints about the future (past?) on Mars and YESSSSS. I'm IN! But before that, our next cyborg ranger gets his chance at a happily ever after.

J-418/Jeb is drawn to Mattie, but he keeps his distance as much as he can. Which just means he only swings by her claim twice as much as the other homesteaders' claims in his territory. Mattie's prickly and independent and he likes how she makes him feel when they interact, as brief as those interactions are.

On Mattie's end, she likes J-418, but she also has some serious abandonment issues. So she gets a little snarly at him when he swings by and does her level best to make sure she doesn't have to rely on anyone, especially the hunky cyborg. Then he shows up with a warning about possible outlaws in the area and suddenly she kind of has to rely on someone other than herself and it's jarring. As it turns out, being around Jeb is not a hardship. AT ALL.

A little danger, an unexpected find in a lava tube, some forced proximity (gotta love those Martian storms!), a ranger who doesn't think love is in the cards for him, and a lady who has to learn to trust her honorable cyborg won't leave her in the lurch. No lie, I am EXCITED about the future on Mars with what happened here. *thumbs up*

Pastries and Pints by Allie Winters [Review]

Pastries and Pints (Aurora Bakery #2) by Allie Winters
Format: ebook
Source: provided for review
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 3, 2025

Aurora Bakery
1. Frosting and Flames
2. Pastries and Pints - Paperback | Kindle
3. Sugar and Secrets

Allie Winters
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

As the wildcard middle sister, Sydney is more used to hearing words like chaotic and sarcastic to describe her than responsible. But when her family’s small-town bakery is selected for a business initiative to attract customers, she sees a chance to finally prove she’s more than just flaky pastries and quick comebacks.

What she doesn’t expect? To be partnered with the town’s newly renovated bar—or its broody, frustratingly attractive owner, Pierce. Especially not after overhearing him say he’s not interested.

After inheriting his late grandfather’s bar, Pierce is barely holding his head above water figuring out how to manage it—let alone the rest of his life. He doesn’t have time for distractions. Especially not ones with sharp wit, killer baking skills, and a habit of getting under his skin.

But as beer meets dessert and the lines between bickering and banter begin to blur, Sydney and Pierce find themselves mixing more than just business. As the town rallies behind their unlikely partnership, they need to decide if they’re willing to let go of old hurts—and take a chance on the kind of connection that doesn’t follow any recipe.

Thoughts on Pastries and Pints: Aurora Bakery's middle sister is up and she's HARD on herself. Seriously hard. She uses her older sister Rachel as her yardstick and can clearly see all the ways she doesn't measure up. In her mind, even the smallest of mistakes is a glaring mark against her and she jumps to the worst possible conclusion (sometimes based on incomplete information) when she starts spiraling.

Pierce is a man caught between two worlds. Renovating and then running his late grandfather's bar gives him something to focus on and he doesn't know how to tell his family that he doesn't want what they want anymore. He likes making the bar work. He likes using his business degree to make something concrete with the bar. And he likes Sydney.

Of course, he doesn't tell her that (in fact he says the exact opposite while trying to deflect with one of his employees and ends up pricking the tender parts of Sydney with his words when she overhears) and, frankly, Sydney comes out swinging when they're paired together for a small business collaboration. yeah, our girl doesn't pull her punches. It isn't until she sees the unguarded side of Pierce that she starts to unthaw a little.

But it takes a lot to reach that point. On both their ends. Sydney always thinks she's not enough and Pierce can't see how he fits into this new town doing something he enjoys when his family doesn't approve and keeps pushing for different things.

A little snark, a few steamy encounters on a desk, an event that gets people talking, and two people who need to work through their issues before they can make things happen in the long term. *thumbs up*

Space Vampire by Ruby Dixon [Review]

Space Vampire (Scared Sexy #4) by Ruby Dixon
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 23, 2025

Scared Sexy
1. Hot for Slayer
2. Falling
3. Spicy Little Curses
4. Space Vampire - Kindle
5. Beautiful Nightmare
6. My Boyfriends Are All Monsters

Related Series:
(RD series containing clones or splices)
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Corsair Brothers
1. Corsairs: Adiron

Ice Planet Clones
1. R'jaal's Resonance

Sunrise Cantina
1. Only the Clonely

Ruby Dixon
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Dana, the overlooked human pet of an alien scientist, and Vlad, a genetically engineered vampire with a taste for more than just blood, find themselves unexpectedly alone on a deserted space station. As they plot their escape, they’ll have to navigate cramped quarters, steamy encounters, and the growing realization that they might be each other’s perfect match. But with their captors in hot pursuit, will their budding romance survive the vast emptiness of space?

Thoughts on Space Vampire: Vampires in space! YES! I really should have guessed that the Mesakkah scientists who like to Frankenstein custom-made gladiators would accidentally cobble together a creature who needs blood to survive and has an aversion to light. TO BE FAIR, Vlad isn't a creature. He's a fully realized individual who got sick of being poked and prodded and having his genetics manipulated. And now he's broken out of his containment, terrorized the scientists experimenting on him, sent them fleeing in terror, and has a human lady as a companion.

All valid responses to what he went through, if you ask me.

Anywho. Vlad and Dana. He's the aforementioned splice with a taste for blood. She's a human pet who got left behind when the scientists fled. He needs blood to survive and, as it turns out, Dana has blood to give. The fact the two of them already kind of like each other (even before the biting) is a bonus. After the biting? BIG BONUS. Because Dana doesn't mind Vlad's bit AT ALL.

A sweet, blood-drinking splice, a lady who isn't happy as a pet, and an abandoned space station the two can cavort in. Sure, the space station might only be a short term solution (because those scientists aren't likely to leave all their expensive equipment behind), but having free rein of the place as they learn about one another is no hardship. GOOD STUFF with VAMPIRES IN SPACE! YESSSS!

RtP's Week in Review (02/22/26)

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

• Bound by Flames by Jeanine Frost [Review] - More Vlad!
• Into the Fire by Jeanine Frost [Review] - Even MOAR Vlad!
• Shades of Wicked by Jeanine Frost [Review] - Ian and Verity are up!
• Wicked Bite by Jeanine Frost [Review] - More Ian and Verity!
• Wicked All Night by Jeanine Frost [Review] -The EPIC conclusion to Ian and Verity's romance!
• Spicy Little Curses by J.T. Geissinger [Review] - Curses in the French Quarter!

Bookish Delights

• Books added to the pile
• None!
• Currently reading
• The Inheritance by Ilona Andrews

Spicy Little Curses by J.T. Geissinger [Review]

Spicy Little Curses (Scared Sexy #3) by J.T. Geissinger
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 24, 2025

Scared Sexy
1. Hot for Slayer
2. Falling
3. Spicy Little Curses - Kindle
4. Space Vampire
5. Beautiful Nightmare
6. My Boyfriends Are All Monsters

J.T. Geissinger
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Petra is skeptical when it comes to the French Quarter’s creepy urban legends. Until she meets Dax Rousseau, the proprietor of the House of Ink and Blood. The eldritch markings on his flesh tell more than the tale of a doomed bloodline. They come slitheringly alive. And the nearer Petra gets to the maddeningly sexy Dax, the closer she is to being the next victim of his ancient family curse.

Thoughts on Spicy Little Curses: I REALLY liked this one. Petra is bringing some hardcore skepticism to the French Quarter and she absolutely doesn't expect to run into any REAL dark magic or curses or anything of that ilk. Then she meets Dax and...well, he's kind of a grumpy, nearly anti-social hunk and she's ABSOLUTELY NOT ATTRACTED TO THAT. Except, she is.

Petra's also not intimidated by his scowling demeanor or his sharp words. In fact, she kinda likes the dark edge he has. Well, until something ghoulish singles her out when she's around the big guy.

On Dax's end, he's perfected the art of driving people away. He snarls and grumps and Petra doesn't seem to be bothered by it. Honestly, he kind of likes all her prickles and sharp edges even though he tries his hardest not to. Considering what happens to women who fall in love with Rousseau men, he's ABSOLTUELY NOT GOING TO GET INVOLVED WITH HER. Except she's not one to back down and for all his growling, he's not one to leave someone to die if he can try to help.

Dark magic, nasty curses, tattoos, ghostly goings on, a grumpy tattooist with a whole lot of smolder, and a lady who doesn't know when to quit. In a good way. GOOD STUFF!

Wicked All Night by Jeaniene Frost [Review]

Wicked All Night (Night Rebel #3) by Jeaniene Frost
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: October 2, 2025

Night Rebel
1. Shades of Wicked
2. Wicked Bite
3. Wicked All Night - Paperback | Kindle

Related Series
(Find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Night Huntress
1. Halfway to the Grave

Night Huntress World
1. First Drop of Crimson

Night Prince
1. Once Burned

Jeaniene Frost
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A gift from the gods...

Veritas and Ian have finally defeated their worst enemy, but the power it took to pierce through to the netherworld has unexpected consequences. Soon, Veritas is forced to rely on the last person she trusts---a golden deity named Phanes, who seeks far more than a temporary alliance with the beautiful vampire.

Can unleash hell...

But a supernatural escape soon pits Veritas and Ian against beings seeking to rule over mortals once again. Now, they must rally friends and foes alike--if the vampire council doesn't execute Veritas first. Plus, a wedge between Veritas and Ian threatens to destroy their love. Can they stand together against the unearthly powers about to be unleashed? Or does their love--and humanity--not stand a chance?

Thoughts on Wicked All Night: Man, Veritas and Ian just can't catch a break, can they? They defeated Dagon, but the demon left a parting gift and Ian is NOT doing well as a result. Which leads Veritas to agree to help Phanes because I'm pretty sure Veritas would have cheerfully agreed to burn down the world if it meant Ian would survive.

Except Phanes isn't the paragon of virtue he presents himself as. In fact, he kind of has that tricksy vibe going and he sort of left a few things out of his request for Veritas's help. Sure, Veritas was desperate enough to agree in the first place so she didn't have a whole lot of time to double check that what he offered was above board and all that. Let's just say that Phanes is kind of a jerk and leave it at that.

BUT...now that Ian is healed up and has regained his strength, he's not about to let his honey face anyone or thing on her own. So he does what he has to do (which is just as extreme as one would expect from Ian) and soon Veritas and Ian and trolling the underworld, fighting old gods, brokering deals between vampires and ghouls, and doing everything they can to fix the wrongs they had an unwitting hand in.

Yeah, these two have A LOT going on. Volcanoes and powerful friends banding together to stop imminent destruction and fundamental changes to the way the vampire council is run. Veritas and Ian are both making waves and THINGS ARE HAPPENING! (and MAN it was nice seeing all those familiar faces one last time!)

Wicked Bite by Jeaniene Frost [Review]

Wicked Bite (Night Rebel #1) by Jeaniene Frost
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 29, 2025

Night Rebel
1. Shades of Wicked
2. Wicked Bite - Paperback | Kindle
3. Wicked All Night

Related Series
(Find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Night Huntress
1. Halfway to the Grave

Night Huntress World
1. First Drop of Crimson

Night Prince
1. Once Burned

Jeaniene Frost
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Some promises are meant to be broken…

Veritas spent most of her life as a vampire Law Guardian. Now, she’s about to break every rule by secretly hunting down the dark souls that were freed in order to save Ian. But the risks are high. For if she gets caught, she could lose her job. And catching the sinister creatures might cost Veritas her own life.

Some vows are forever…

Ian’s memories might be fragmented, but this master vampire isn’t about to be left behind by the woman who entranced him, bound herself to him, and then disappeared. So what if demons, other Law Guardians, and dangerous, otherworldly forces stand against them? Come hell or high water, Ian intends to remind Veritas of the burning passion between them, because she is the only person seared on his mind—and his soul…

Thoughts on Wicked Bite: To protect Ian after his memories were fractured, Veritas sent him back to his happily hedonistic life. Since he couldn't remember the time they spent together, he'd go right back to his old self and wouldn't miss her. At least that was what Veritas's bruised heart told her.

As it turns out, Ian's feelings were deep enough that they couldn't be erased completely and it wasn't long before he was hunting down his errant wife while stirring up trouble as only Ian can. In other words, Ian wasn't going to be kept out of the fight against Dagon even if he didn't remember exactly what was going on.

Soon Ian and Veritas are verbally sparring with one another as they try to find the freed souls. Ian's convinced Veritas feels more than she'll admit (which is true). Veritas is trying her hardest not to get too tangled back up in Ian because she's convinced he doesn't feel for her what she does for him (which is false). Quite frankly, ALL Ian's vampire pals can see he's more than a little smitten and they're all floored by this. It's just that Veritas is way too close to the situation to see it herself.

Unexpected family connections, new abilities, betrayal, unleashed power, unexpected complications, a vampire with a powerful new skill set, and a Law Guardian who is having a REALLY hard time flying under the radar. To be fair, being married to Ian already makes it difficult to keep things on the down low. Ian with a purpose? Let's just say he's very determined vampire who isn't about to let his new wife skip out on their marriage. Even if it's for his own good.

Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost [Review]

Shades of Wicked (Night Rebel #1) by Jeaniene Frost
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 25, 2025

Night Rebel
1. Shades of Wicked - Paperback | Kindle
2. Wicked Bite
3. Wicked All Night

Related Series
(Find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Night Huntress
1. Halfway to the Grave

Night Huntress World
1. First Drop of Crimson

Night Prince
1. Once Burned

Jeaniene Frost
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

The Rule Breaker...

Master vampire Ian is unrepentant, shameless…and every shade of wicked. He’s made one too many enemies in his two centuries of existence, including Dagon, a demon who now lays claim to his soul. Ian’s only chance to escape Dagon is to join forces with a Law Guardian, but he's never been able to abide by the rules for long.

The Law Maker...

Veritas’ normal role is police, judge, and jury to reprobates like Ian. But she has her own ax to grind with Dagon, so if she can use Ian as bait...well, all’s fair in law and war. As they scour supernatural hotspots to perfect their trap, Veritas soon realizes Ian’s carefully cultivated, devil-may-care roguish image hides something much more powerful. And Ian discovers Veritas has shocking secrets of her own. As they’re drawn to each other with a passion as intense as their peril, either love or justice will prevail. But each will have devastating consequences.

Thoughts on Shades of Wicked: Putting my thoughts together for this one is taking me a MOMENT. I mean, Ian has always been the hedonistic vampire who pokes and pokes and pokes at someone until they just completely lose it. He's the type of extreme pleasure seeker who will try anything once and he absolutely delights in pointing that out to people.

He's also so much more than that. I mean, the guy sold his soul in an effort to bring Mencheres back when he thought Vlad had killed him. He's purposefully over the top so people don't look too deeply at him and they all seem to underestimate him because they see exactly what he wants them to see. Which is kind of exactly what happens to Veritas when she busts in on him to use him in her hunt for Dagon.

To be fair, Veritas also has a few layers SHE doesn't let anybody see. So really, she and Ian are pretty similar in the sense. Veritas, however, went the upstanding, Law Guardian route (instead of the pleasure-loving reprobate). Which means she's hiding A LOT from her fellow Law Guardians because she's pretty much breaking vampire law just by existing.

She also has a serious hate on for the demon Ian needs to break his bargain with, so these two are WELL MATCHED in that respect.

A whole lot of fighting, secrets, family bonds, familiar faces, smoldering looks, innuendo, magic, a vampire who is far more than he pretends to be, and a Law Guardian who has locked herself away so tightly she doesn't know what she's capable of. GOOD STUFF all around!

Into the Fire by Jeaniene Frost [Review]

Into the Fire (Night Prince #4) by Jeaniene Frost
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 23, 2025

Night Prince
1. Once Burned
2. Twice Tempted
3. Bound by Flames
4. Into the Fire - Hardcover | Kindle

Related Series
(Find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Night Huntress
1. Halfway to the Grave

Night Huntress World
1. First Drop of Crimson

Night Rebel
1. Shades of Wicked

Jeaniene Frost
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

For nearly six hundred years, Vlad Tepesh cared for nothing, so he had nothing to lose. His brutal reputation ensured that all but the most foolhardy stayed away. Now, falling in love with Leila has put him at the mercy of his passions. And one adversary has found a devastating way to use Vlad’s new bride against him.

A powerful spell links Leila to the necromancer Mircea. If he suffers or dies, so does she. Magic is forbidden to vampires, so Vlad and Leila enlist an unlikely guide as they search for a way to break the spell. But an ancient enemy lies in wait, capable of turning Vlad and Leila’s closest friends against them . . . and finally tearing the lovers apart forever.

Thoughts on Into the Fire: Just when Vlad and Leila think they have a handle on the bad guy who's been causing all their problems, they find out there's a necromancer with a chip on his shoulder. A chip that's kind of specifically Vlad shaped. And? The necromancer has bound his and Leila's lives together so everything he feels, she feels. Which means ending him is off the table. Probably.

Now Vlad and Leila are on the hunt for a way to break the spell tying her to Mircea. This takes them into Ian's orbit and MAN that guy likes his pleasure. He also has slightly more depth than he likes to pretend he does and sometimes he does things in the heat of the moment that might come back to bite him later. Of course, Ian being Ian, he might actually like the biting part. HA. That guy. 

But back to Vlad and Leila! Vlad is doing his usual medieval warlord thing, Leila's pushing back (which also trying to be aware of when pushing might distract Vlad). Leila is also learning a little more about what makes her different from most everyone else. Yup, the lady is special in an powerful bloodline sort of way. Speaking of which, are we ever going to see where Gretchen ends up? I mean, there's a certain former Crusades knight who seems to have a vested interest in keeping her whole and hearty. Just sayin'.

Secrets, a few answers, forgiveness, a power upgrade (or two), a few familiar faces, a vampire who loves with everything inside him, and the lady who can hold her own against him. *thumbs up* all around!

Bound by Flames by Jeaniene Frost [Review]

Bound by Flames (Night Prince #3) by Jeaniene Frost
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 22, 2025

Night Prince
1. Once Burned
2. Twice Tempted
3. Bound by Flames - Paperback | Kindle
4. Into the Fire

Related Series
(Find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Night Huntress
1. Halfway to the Grave

Night Huntress World
1. First Drop of Crimson

Night Rebel
1. Shades of Wicked

Jeaniene Frost
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Play with fire, pay the price

Leila's years on the carnie circuit were certainly an education. What she didn't learn: how to be a vampire, or how to be married to the most famous vampire of them all. Adjusting to both has Leila teetering on a knife edge between passion and peril, and now the real danger is about to begin . . .

Vlad must battle with a centuries-old enemy whose reach stretches across continents and whose strength equals his own. It isn't like Vlad to feel fear, but he does . . . for Leila, because his enemy knows she is Vlad's greatest weakness. As friend and foe alike align against him—and his overprotectiveness drives Leila away—Vlad's love for his new bride could be the very thing that dooms them both . . .

Thoughts on Bound by Flames: I'm back with Vlad and Leila and MAN these two have a lot going on. I mean, not only are they facing off against a powerful vampire with a grudge against Vlad (which, by definition, means he's also gunning for Leila), but Vlad is very much a product of his time. Meaning his knee jerk reactions are to muster a big show of force and completely annihilate whoever is rising up against him. He's also a little (teeny-tiny bit) draconian in how he tries to shield Leila by making decisions for her. In her best interests, OF COURSE.

Let's just say that Leila isn't about to roll over and let Vlad get away with that. Well, at least not every time.

That said, Vlad has a reason for being ridiculously overprotective. Because when Leila gets abducted VERY BAD THINGS HAPPEN and nobody likes that. Fortunately, Leila is strong enough to weather what's done to her and she has allies in unexpected places. On the downside, the whole experience pretty much suuuuccccks and isn't something anyone should have to go through.

Vlad's dealing with some big emotions, Leila's getting a bit of a power upgrade, enemies get their comeuppance, new enemies emerge, and there's a whole lot of blood and guts. Because, you know, it's Vlad. And his lady? She's almost as dangerous as he is. *thumbs up*

RtP's Week in Review (02/15/26)

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

• Robber's Road by J.L. Bryan [Review] -  Ellie and crew are BACK!
• A Honeymoon of Grave Consequence by Stephanie Burgis [Review] - Let the honeymoon commence!
• Horned to be Wild by Honey Phillips [Review] - Minotaur love!
• Ride or Die by Hailey Edwards [Review] - Frankie and Kierce!
• Twice Tempted by Jeanine Frost [Review] - VLAD!
• Falling by Christina Lauren [Review] - Sexy PNR!

Bookish Delights

• Books added to the pile
• None? Oh my!
• Currently reading
• Alien's Bargain by Honey Phillips

Falling by Christina Lauren [Review]

Falling (Scared Sexy #2) by Christina Lauren
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 24, 2025

Scared Sexy
1. Hot for Slayer
2. Falling - Kindle
3. Spicy Little Curses
4. Space Vampire
5. Beautiful Nightmare
6. My Boyfriends Are All Monsters

Christina Lauren
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Cat should be afraid of Brigan—the devastatingly gorgeous stranger at a Halloween party whose very presence makes everyone else fall at his feet. But while his supernatural allure drives others to mindless obsession, Cat somehow keeps her wits…even as she surrenders to temptation. When this cursed being realizes she alone can see his true nature, one night of searing passion could break a centuries-old spell—or doom them both.

Thoughts on Falling: A chance meeting at a house party (Cat was there with the guy she was about to break up with and Brigan was there because that's what he does) changes everything for both cat and Brigan. She's a grad student who's new-ish to the city and is realizing her current boyfriend is more a boyfriend of convenience than anything else. He's a cursed being who has kind of given up on ever breaking his curse.

Then he spots Cat from across the room and she doesn't fall at his feet like most do and...he's intrigued. He doesn't think anything more than a fleeting connection, but even that is something.

Cat however, isn't about to let the beautiful stranger who doesn't feel like a stranger walk away without answering some of her questions. Not after he rocked her world like he did. So she follows him and soon the two are telling their stories to one another. And THINGS HAPPEN.

Super enjoyable. Brigan is lonely and without hope. Cat is realizing she's wasted the last three months on a guy who she shouldn't have. They smolder. They connect. He tries to push her away, she pushes back. In a good way. *thumbs up* all around.

Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost [Review]

Twice Tempted (Night Prince #2) by Jeaniene Frost
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 22, 2025

Night Prince
1. Once Burned
2. Twice Tempted - Paperback | Kindle
3. Bound by Flames
4. Into the Fire

Related Series
(Find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Night Huntress
1. Halfway to the Grave

Night Huntress World
1. First Drop of Crimson

Night Rebel
1. Shades of Wicked

Jeaniene Frost
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Dating the Prince of Darkness has its challenges . . .

Leila's psychic abilities have been failing her,and now she isn't sure what the future holds. If that weren't enough, her lover Vlad has been acting distant. Though Leila is a mere mortal, she's also a modern woman who refuses to accept the cold shoulder treatment forever--especially from the darkly handsome vampire who still won't admit that he loves her.

Like choosing between eternal love and a loveless eternity . . .

Soon circumstances send Leila back to the carnival circuit, where tragedy strikes. And when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who may be closer than she realizes, Leila must decide who to trust--the fiery vampire who arouses her passions like no other, or the tortured knight who longs to be more than a friend? With danger stalking her every step of the way, all it takes is one wrong move to damn her for eternity . . .

Thoughts on Twice Tempted: I decided to dive back into Vlad and Leila's world (after a long absence) and HOO-BOY is it good. Vlad has the fire and the smolder while Leila brings the sparks. Kind of literally, really. Let's just say I'm enjoying being in their world again and leave it at that.

Ha. No. Let's not leave it. Why? Because these two have some SERIOUS baggage. Vlad doesn't want to admit he's in love with Leila because love is a weakness. TO BE FAIR, he comes from a time when his weaknesses were used against him in the most horrific ways and he's not willing to open himself up to that sort of vulnerable position again. BUT...Leila kind needs the words. She's not willing to take anything less than all of Vlad since SHE'S already heart deep and she deserves someone who loves her.

Thus begins a kind of harrowing adventure where Leila leaves Vlad, almost gets blown up, has to face the fact that someone is trying to use her against him, and she has to figure out who to trust. Which is easier said than done because Vlad has a lot of enemies since he's not exactly a subtle kind of guy when it comes to cheesing people off.

The good news? Leila isn't dead (despite Vlad's fears) and she's going to have a long, long life (probably. unless someone ends her) figuring out Vlad's quirks. On the downside, the lady comes PERIOUSLY close to losing said life on several occasions. But then I guess that's just some of the baggage that comes with loving a guy who is known for skewering people who make him angry.

Betrayers are uncovered, bad guys are dealt with (mostly), and Leila and Vlad are working on figuring things out.

Ride or Die by Hailey Edwards [Review]

Ride or Die (The Body Shop #5) by Hailey Edwards
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 20, 2025

The Body Shop
1. Fair Market Value
2. Amber Gambler
3. Midnight Auto Parts
4. Cheater Slicks
4. Ride or Die - Paperback | Kindle

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy
1. How to Save an Undead Life

Black Hat Bureau
1. Black Hat, White Witch

The Potentate of Atlanta
1. Shadow of Doubt

Hailey Edwards
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Kierce sacrificed himself to save Frankie, and now it’s her turn to rescue him. Whether he wants her to or not. That means venturing into Abaddon, the land of the dead, and hoping she can locate him within its shadowed depths before Dis Pater notices his favorite toy is missing. But Dis Pater isn’t the only deity she has to fear.

Frankie’s father has learned of her journey down to his domain, and he won’t take no for an answer when he welcomes her into his home. As if one MIA parent materializing wasn’t bad enough, her mother arrives with her own emotional baggage in hand. Forget the perils of traversing the underworld. Navigating this family reunion just might be what kills her.

Thoughts on Ride or Die: Oh.My.Goodness. Kierce is in a bad place (literally) after sacrificing himself so he didn't hurt Frankie and Frankie is VERY NOT OKAY WITH THAT. The being in a bad place part. I mean, she's also not thrilled with the sacrificing because seeing the guy she has feelings for (regardless of how hard it is for her to admit to said feelings) getting hurt for her is difficult, but being a God Blood does give Kierce a measure of immunity against death so there is that.

On the downside of things, having an immunity to death also means a person can be hurt and tortured in horrible ways and not die. Which is (unfortunately) also a reality when you're the Viduus of a death god.

Anywho. Frankie doesn't care what she needs to do to get Kierce out, she's willing to do it. Well, provided her siblings are also kept safe. It turns out she's not cool with sacrifice on any level, except maybe her own. That said, Frankie also gets hit hard with a whole lot of truths she wasn't looking for. Like who her parents are. Which was really something she wasn't expecting to find out so the truth of that kind of threw her (not to mention that her dad is kinda a douchenozzle with some mad scientist aspirations and NO THANK YOU. Her mom's pretty cool, though). However, finding out her parentage also put some things into perspective. Like why her abilities are a little off center and why she has the type of bond she has with Anunit.

Let's just say this was a VERY satisfying ending. Frankie gets answers (so many answers). The bad guys get their comeuppance (so much comeuppance). The past is unveiled and feelings are admitted to. That last part might have been the hardest for Frankie. She's a lady who likes to play her cards close to the vest and finding out what she found out about herself had her questioning a lot of things that were and could be. Fortunately, her friends and family pulled her out of her head and made sure she knows she's loved. GOOD STUFF ALL AROUND!

Horned to be Wild by Honey Phillips [Review]

Horned to be Wild (Harmony Glen) by Honey Phillips
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 19, 2025

Harmony Glen
1. A Troll in the Hay
2. Hiss and Tell
3.Big Enough to Bite
4. Never Been Gargoyled
5.Purring for her Lion
6. Bread with the Orc
7. Horned to be Wild - Paperback | Kindle
8. Foxer Upper
9. Can't Help Growling in Love
10. Time to Stirrup Love
11. The Genie's Wish
12. Reptile Dysfunction

Honey Phillips
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Big horns. Bigger… heart?

When city artist Lila inherits her great-aunt’s cottage she expects rustic charm—not a fixer-upper with a failing roof and a grumpy, reclusive minotaur living next door. Torin is big, brooding, and annoyingly attractive. He might have the social skills of a tree stump, but every time he stomps to her rescue she’s more intrigued.

Torin likes his life quiet, his woods undisturbed, and his horns—and his heart—well out of sight. Unfortunately his deliciously curvy new neighbor has a way of bypassing all his carefully crafted rules. She’s sweet, sassy, and impossible to ignore.

But Torin has spent years hiding, and Lila’s presence threatens to upend the safe, quiet life he’s built. As the town's art fair approaches, Torin must decide if he’s ready to show more than his carvings to the world!

Thoughts on Horned to be Wild: A monster friendly locale with serious small town vibes? Sign me up, besties! Seriously. I'm down for the monsters and the poorly kept secrets that roam the streets.

First up, there's Lila. She just inherited a serious fixer-upper from her great-aunt and she's ready to simmer in small town life. Plus, she ditched her obnoxious ex (who was super dismissive of her art) and she's totally not planning on starting any relationships in the near future. Which, AS ONE KNOWS, is the exact recipe to summon a hunky, grumpy minotaur who has a few trust issues.

Which brings us to Torin. He's heart-wary and has absolutely ZERO intention to get involved with his new neighbor. But Lila is persistent and kind and she's nothing like the woman who shattered his heart. Also? She's has serious appreciation for his wood carving and slowly chips away at his walls with her sincere compliments and obvious love of the things he makes.

One (not-so) secret library project, (more than) a few household repairs, a super obnoxious ex, a mischievous (and matchmaking) goat, a storm, a minotaur who is a wood carving cinnamon roll, and a lady who is willing to fight for the monster who matters to her most. *thumbs up*

A Honeymoon of Grave Consequence by Stephanie Burgis [Review]

A Honeymoon of Grave Consequence (The Unexpected Adventures of Lady and Lord Riven #2) by Stephanie Burgis
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 30, 2025

The Unexpected Adventures of Lady and Lord Riven
1. A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience
2. A Honeymoon of Grave Consequence - Paperback | Kindle

Stephanie Burgis
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Margaret, Lady Riven, never expected to find herself married, much less enjoying a honeymoon with her vampiric husband. Of course, they’ve only agreed to stay married for logical, practical reasons, but Lord Riven has kept his promise to supply her with excellent tea and even better company as they travel together across the continent. Unfortunately, her newfound notoriety has traveled along with them – so she’s delighted when they arrive at a secluded inn deep within the Black Forest, far from high society.

However, the inn is full of lethal supernatural creatures who find Margaret’s arrival anything but welcome—and for all of Margaret’s academic prowess, she’s infamously inept at making friends. When a new threat appears in her own mirror, she finally realizes that the greatest danger is to her heart...and she’ll have to rely on a remarkable assortment of newfound allies to help her save the immortal vampire who holds it.

Thoughts on A Honeymoon of Grave Consequence: Margaret and her vampiric husband are on their honeymoon tour (after successfully beating her morally bankrupt family in court and getting her inheritance back) and they're making waves. Actually, one of Margaret's papers has made some waves and Margaret is desperate to stop all the horrible socializing that comes with the recognition. Hence, she and Lord Riven have booked a stay at an isolated inn in the Black Forest.

The inn comes with some colorful (and slightly unfriendly) individuals, but Margaret is used to being snubbed (ahh, the price of being a woman in academia) and the solitude is worth it.

Except...there might be something going on in the forest. Something that could put Margaret, Lord Riven, and the others in danger. Margaret's going to have to win over the supernatural inhabitants of the inn if she hopes to figure out what's going on before something very bad happens. Unfortunately, that means Margaret's going to have to socialize. Something she's not very good at and genuinely tries to avoid. (To be fair, Lord Riven has no problem shouldering the socializing side of their marriage. In fact, he kind of enjoys it after spending time with only himself before Margaret crashed into his life.)

A little danger, a nefarious plot, some delightful flirting, acceptance, good tea, and a newly married couple who have no problem with their other half's quirks. GOOD TIMES!

Robber's Road by J.L. Bryan [Review]

Robber's Road (Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #22) by J.L. Bryan
Format: paperback
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 18, 2025

Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper
1. Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper
2. Cold Shadows
3. The Crawling Darkness
4. Terminal
5. House of Whispers
6. Maze of Souls
7. Lullaby
8. The Keeper
9. The Tower
10. The Monster Museum
11. Fire Devil
12. The Necromancer's Library
13. The Trailwalker
14. Midnight Movie
15. The Lodge
16. Cabinet Jack
17. Fallen Wishes
18. Sunset House
19. The Funtime Show
20. Miracle Mountain
21. Mortuary Manor
22. Robber's Road - Paperback | Kindle
23. Evermore Plantation

J.L. Bryan
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

According to legend, a ghostly car haunts the old, rarely traveled road twisting through the woods outside town. Those who wish to see it must follow three rules: drive at night, turn off all the lights inside and outside the car, and silence the car's radio or sound system.

Driving in darkness and silence, navigating only by the light of the moon and the stars, generations of teenagers and other reckless thrill seekers have dared each other into trying to see the legendary car. Some have crashed and died, only adding to the road's stories of danger and death.

New problems bring paranormal investigators Ellie Jordan and Stacey Tolbert racing to the scene, where they face a crash course in how to stop a lethal, yet somehow beloved, supernatural legend before it drags more innocent lives across the finish line.

Thoughts on Robber's Road: I must say that I genuinely enjoy what Ellie and Stacey have to go through as they work on figuring out the whos and whys of the hauntings they're investigating. I mean, there's usually food involved (good food, based on Stacey's unwavering dedication to finding decent eateries in the places they're in) and a whole lot of research (which Ellie doesn't mind engaging in, but Stacey is not a huge fan of). Plus PLUS there is cool, creepy history they get to unearth.

Honestly, these investigations might be a little dangerous (most of the time), but food, library time, and piecing together fact from legend gets a thumbs up from me. (The danger part is a little problematic, tbh, but you take the good with the bad!)

So. This time around, Ellie and Stacey are investigating a haunting on a dangerous road. We're talking a literally dangerous road. One with no guardrails and hairpin turns. And once you throw in the ghostly car that likes to menace folks things get really weird. It also doesn't like survivors. Which means Ellie and Stacey have their work cut out for them as they race (kinda literally) to figure out what's what before another survivor is claimed.

Like I said, I genuinely enjoy all Ellie's adventures from the initial setup (and Ellie's vague distaste of all things outdoorsy) to the research to the piecing together of how to stop whatever it is they're dealing with. GOOD STUFF all around!

RtP's Week in Review (02/08/26)

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

• Destined to the Reaper by Regine Abel [Review] - Back in the Shadow Realms!
• Destined to the Lycan by Regine Abel [Review] - More Shadow Realms!
• Sacred Sins by Nora Roberts [Review] - Classic NR!
• Mage Assassins & Other Misfits by Annette Marie & Rob Jacobsen [Review] - Kit!
• There's Something About Dragons by Sara Ivy Hill [Review] - Dragon love!
• Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood [Review] - Vampire/Slayer love!

Bookish Delights

• Books added to the pile
• Lights Out (Into Darkness #1) by Navessa Allen
• The Grim Steeper (Witches' Brew Mysteries #3) by Gretchen Rue
• Currently reading
• The Logical Girl's Guide to Mating with a Werewolf by Lola Glass

Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood [Review]

Hot for Slayer (Scared Sexy #1) by Ali Hazelwood
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 24, 2025

Scared Sexy
1. Hot for Slayer - Kindle
2. Falling
3. Spicy Little Curses
4. Space Vampire
5. Beautiful Nightmare
6. My Boyfriends Are All Monsters

Ali Hazelwood
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

When Aethelthryth—“Ethel” to her modern-day Manhattan neighbors—finds her sworn nemesis Lazlo Enyedi with no memory of who or what they are, an ancient hunt becomes an unexpected chance at forbidden passion. He’s crashing on her couch, solving her sudoku puzzles, and looking at her like she’s his eternal flame (minus the whole bursting-into-ashes part). As his memories slowly return, Ethel realizes she might be in danger of losing more than just her head…

Thoughts on Hot for Slayer: I must say that I dug the vampire and her dedicated slayer. Aethelthryth has been dancing through the years with the man sent to end her bloodline and while they've come close to ending one another, circumstances have a way to keeping them thisclose from succeeding. For a vampire who longs for a connection, Ethel is willing to take her fleeting encounters with Lazlo and let things be.

Then Lazlo swoops in to save her from an ignoble death and suddenly Ethel has a sexy man with no memory crashing on her couch. A sexy man with no memory who makes her feel things and bats her loneliness away. Which is dangerous since she's pretty sure Lazlo's going to go back to trying to end her once his memories return.

I liked this one a lot. Ethel is a decent individual who lives by a pretty moral code. She might need to drink blood to survive, but she does it in a way that she can live with. Well, maybe not live, but you get the point. Meanwhile, Lazlo has his own code and it takes a bump on the head and some forced proximity before things move in the direction they need to move in with these two. *thumbs up* all around.