Cursed with Benefits by Roxie Ray [Review]

Cursed with Benefits by Roxie Ray
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 10, 2026

Purchase Links: Paperback | Kindle

Roxie Ray
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

House-sitting a creepy mansion was supposed to be easy—until Nadia accidentally wakes up a grumpy vampire lord who’s now magically bound to her.

Step One: Get him to stop calling people “peasants.”
Step Two: Convince him that biting is NOT an acceptable form of communication.
Step Three: Absolutely, under no circumstances, fall for him. (Oops.)

Thoughts on Cursed with Benefits: What was supposed to be a summer of self-care and re-learning to love herself turned into something a teeeeeeny bit different for Nadia. Different as in the house she's house-sitting for is possibly haunted, the vampire she accidentally awakened is smokin' hot, and the local vampires are SUPER invested in getting her new vampire housemate to join them.

They will literally go to any lengths to get him. Including, but not limited to, betrayal, vague promises, invading his dreams, an over the top masquerade ball, and just being general jerks.

To say that Cristian isn't into their whole court thing might be understating it. The guy has already dealt with being bound by them once, he's not about to let them get their metaphorical fangs in him to drain him dry now that he's escaped.

In fact, he just wants his freedom. But since he's magically bound to Nadia, he's kind of stuck. Except...being bound to her starts feeling less like a prison every day. He admires her kindness. He appreciates her bubbly spirit. He feels maybe a little less lonely when she's around.

So when the vampires targeting him put her in their sights, he does what any powerful vampire lord would do...well, maybe that's not right. He does what he thinks he needs to do to keep Nadia safe. Even it if might not end well for him.

A spooky house, some serious affirmations, more than a few steamy kisses (not to mention a bite or two), a vampire who found something worth fighting for, and a lady who realizes she doesn't need to face the world on her own. You know, as long as it's the right person she's facing it with. *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!

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*

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.

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!

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.

Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews [Review]

Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels #8) by Ilona Andrews
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: August 30, 2025

Kate Daniels
0.5. A Questionable Client
1. Magic Bites
2. Magic Burns
3. Magic Strikes
3.5. Magic Mourns
4. Magic Bleeds
4.5. Magic Dreams
Curran POV Collection
5. Magic Slays
5.3. Magic Tests
5.4. Magic Gifts
5.5. Gunmetal Magic
5.8. An Ill-Advised Rescue
6. Magic Rises
6.5. Magic Steals
7. Magic Breaks
8. Magic Shifts - Paperback | Kindle
9. Magic Binds
10. Magic Triumphs
Small Magics

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Grey Wolf
1. Magic Stars

Iron Covenant
1. Iron and Magic

Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years
1. Magic Tides

Kate Daniels World
1. Blood Heir

Roman's Chronicles
1. Sanctuary

Ilona Andrews
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

After breaking from life with the Pack, mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate—former Beast Lord Curran Lennart—are adjusting to a very different pace. While they’re thrilled to escape all the infighting, Kate and Curran know that separating from the Pack completely is a process that will take time.

But when they learn that their friend Eduardo has gone missing, Kate and Curran shift their focus to investigate his disappearance. As they dig further into the merc’s business, they discover that the Mercenary Guild has gone to hell and that Eduardo’s recent assignments are connected in the most sinister way…

An ancient enemy has arisen, and Kate and Curran are the only ones who can stop it—before it takes their city apart piece by piece.

Thoughts on Magic Shifts: Kate and Curran have left the Pack and things are...they're okay. I guess. Like, they both wanted it to happen. Leaving the Pack didn't break either of them. But it's also hard to go from full-steam ahead to hey, okay, we can take our time on things. Even if it's something you want.

All things considered, both Kate and Curran aren't great at relaxing. They're both driven protectors and they kind of need something to protect. Which isn't the worst problem to have because this is post-Shift Atlanta and Roland is flirting around the edges of everything and it's highly likely that SOMETHING will come up needing the two of them to get all protective.

Oh, hey. Here it is. Eduardo (the werebison) is missing and it turns out he and George have a thing. When Mahon (George's pop) declines to look for him (for some rather antiquated reasons), George asks Curran and Kate for help. Things might be complicated as they separate from the Pack, but Curran and Kate step up. And find themselves in the middle of something big. (Of course they're in the middle of something big. I don't think either Kate or Curran knows how to do small.)

Following the clues isn't difficult, but keeping all their friends alive and the city from being destroyed from a being that keeps escalating is not easy. Along the way, Kate has a major medical emergency, her dear old dad pops in for some quality one on one time, and there's a whole lot of ancient magic flying around. Not literally on that last part.

Danger, family ties, powerful magic, and a handful of people trying to keep it all from falling apart. *thumbs up*

Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews [Review]

Magic Breaks (Kate Daniels #7) by Ilona Andrews
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: August 29, 2025

Kate Daniels
0.5. A Questionable Client
1. Magic Bites
2. Magic Burns
3. Magic Strikes
3.5. Magic Mourns
4. Magic Bleeds
4.5. Magic Dreams
Curran POV Collection
5. Magic Slays
5.3. Magic Tests
5.4. Magic Gifts
5.5. Gunmetal Magic
5.8. An Ill-Advised Rescue
6. Magic Rises
6.5. Magic Steals
7. Magic Breaks - Paperback | Kindle
8. Magic Shifts
9. Magic Binds
10. Magic Triumphs
Small Magics

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Grey Wolf
1. Magic Stars

Iron Covenant
1. Iron and Magic

Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years
1. Magic Tides

Kate Daniels World
1. Blood Heir

Roman's Chronicles
1. Sanctuary

Ilona Andrews
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

As the mate of the Beast Lord, Curran, former mercenary Kate Daniels has more responsibilities than it seems possible to juggle. Not only is she still struggling to keep her investigative business afloat, but she must now deal with the affairs of the Pack, including preparing her people for attack from Roland, a cruel, ancient being with godlike powers.

As Roland’s long shadow looms ever nearer, Kate is called to attend a gathering of leaders from Atlanta’s supernatural factions. When one of the Masters of the Dead is found murdered by a shapeshifter, Kate is given less than twenty-four hours to hunt down the killer. And this time, if she fails, she’ll find herself embroiled in a war that could destroy everything she holds dear...

Thoughts on Magic Breaks: Things are heating up with Roland and he's a complicated individual. As Kate is coming to realize. She might not be ready for their meeting, but it looks like it's going to happen whether she wants it or not. That said, Hugh d'Ambray is pushing things forward and he's about as subtle as a sledgehammer.

What does that mean? Well, Hugh is putting things in motion and Kate has to figure out how to keep herself and her people safe. When a shapeshifter is accused of murdering a Master of the Dead (something that could lead to all out war between the Pack and the People), Kate has to figure out who did the deed, why they did it (because Kate is thorough like that), and how to keep this mess from devolving into something she can't let happen.

Since things are never a straight line with Kate, soon she's dealing with a betrayal (which isn't really a shock), being abducted, and trying to keep herself and Ghastek alive long enough for Curran to find her. Waiting to be rescued isn't really Kate's thing, but sometimes a lady's gotta do what a lady's gotta do.

A murder, an investigation, betrayal, Pack politics, a visit with dear old dad, a Beast Lord who will stop at nothing when his mate's life hangs in the balance, and a lady who will do anything to keep her people safe. MAN, these are good books!

The Witch's Christmas Catastrophe by Kristen Painter [Review]

The Witch's Christmas Catastrophe (Nocturne Falls #16.5) by Kristen Painter
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 23, 2024

Nocturne Falls
1. The Vampire's Mail Order Bride
2. The Werewolf Meets His Match
3. The Gargoyle Gets His Girl
4. The Professor Woos the Witch
4.5. The Witch's Halloween Hero
4.6. The Werewolf's Christmas Wish
5. The Vampire's Fake Fiancée
5.5. The Vampire's Valentine Surprise
6. The Shifter Romances the Writer
6.5. The Vampire's True Love Trials
7. The Dragon Finds Forever
8. The Vampire's Accidental Wife
9. The Reaper Rescues the Genie
10. The Detective Wins the Witch
11. The Vampire's Priceless Treasure
12. The Werewolf Dates the Deputy
13. The Siren Saves the Billionaire
14. The Vampire's Sunny Sweetheart
15. Death Dates the Oracle
16. The Vampire's Former Flame
16.5. The Witch's Christmas Catastrophe - Paperback | Kindle

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Jayne Frost
1. Miss Frost Solves a Cold Case

Kristen Painter
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Witch Holly Winters is ready for a peaceful, magical Christmas in her family’s cozy mountain cabin in Nocturne Falls. She plans to do some knitting and watch all the best holiday movies. But when ancient dark magic begins to stir in the snowy forest, peace and serenity quickly disappear. With danger lurking at every turn, Holly teams up with Demetrius Voss, a brooding and irresistibly handsome vampire neighbor, to unravel the mystery menacing their beloved supernatural town.

As they work together to contain the rising threat, Holly finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Demetrius’s quiet strength and unexpected charm. Between Christmas lights, snowball fights, and quiet moments by the fire, sparks begin to fly—proving that even in the midst of chaos, the holiday spirit has a way of bringing people together.

With two quirky cats, a dash of romance, and an epic battle against ancient forces, Holly and Demetrius must rely on each other to protect the town they love. Will they restore the magic in time for Christmas—and discover that the greatest gift of all is the one they never saw coming?

Thoughts on The Witch's Christmas Catastrophe: Two individuals who very much expect to spend the holidays alone end up cohabiting thanks to a winter storm and it's VERY good they had one another to rely on. You know, since something dark and dangerous is stirring in the woods and seems to be targeting Holly's cabin.

Like I said, it's a good thing the winter weather sent Demetrius looking for a warm place to hunker down. While they're both generally solitary (with the exception of their respective cats), they are much stronger together than they are alone. And Holly needs all the strength she can get when something big starts testing the wards around the mountain.

Soon she and Demetrius are working together to figure out what's out there. And the more time they spend with one another, the more they find themselves wondering how they went so long without. A little detective work, a little gentle prodding, and a few meals together is only the start. GOOD STUFF!

Top Secret Vampire by Ava Ross [Review]

Top Secret Vampire (Monsters, PI #4) by Ava Ross
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: July 7, 2025

Monsters, PI
1. Secret Agent Gargoyle
2. Ice Lord Incognito
3. Dragon Detective
4. Top Secret Vampire - Paperback | Kindle
5. Ogre on Patrol

Ava Ross
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Can my heart take the bite of Secret Agent Vampire?

Reese: Moving back to Mystic Harbor was supposed to be a fresh start, but my welcome wagon has a knack for mischief. First, my blender explodes, then a seagull decides I’m its target. When I think things can’t get any weirder, someone scrawls “Leave Town” on my bathroom mirror. To restore my sense of security, I hire a vampire detective named Wolfram to help me track down a potential stalker. Wolf, with his dramatic black cape and surprisingly cute fangs, makes my heart flutter in ways I didn’t expect. But once we unveil the identity of the person determined to chase me out of town, our time together will end—unless we decide to bite out of love.

Wolfram: As a born vampire, not one of those measly made vampires, I control my hunger with donated blood. The only blood a born vampire truly craves is that of his destined mate. Taking a job at Monsters, PI turns out to be more than a just a favor to my orc friend; it leads me to my fated one—Reese. Now, an unseen enemy threatens her peace in this quaint town. I, Wolfram Xavier Vladimir Zegrath, will eliminate this menace. Then I will claim my true mate as my bride.

Thoughts on Top Secret Vampire: Writer on a deadline Reese has moved back to Mystic Harbor and things are...not quite going the way she thought they would. Someone seems determined to run her out of town and she needs answers if she's going to hit her deadline AND settle in the way she'd like to. So she heads out to Monsters, PI to find someone to help her.

That someone? A slightly stuffy vampire who knows Reese is his mate the moment they touch. Wolfram is a little taken aback by finding his destined mate, but he absolutely knows he will protect her from whoever is trying to hurt her.

Unfortunately, the list of suspects is a little longer than either of them would like. From the assistant who recently quit (and moved on VERY quickly to another position) to the former professor who hypes himself up by saying he's the reason Reese's writing is as good as it is (and who happens to be the person her assistant moved on to) to Reese's aunt who has always been a little sore over the relationship between Reese and her mom...let's just say there are more people than Reese is comfortable with on this list and leave it at that.

A few odd pranks, a little B&E, a creepy doll, a frame job, a vampire who would do anything to keep his special someone safe, and a lady who knows a good vampire when she meets him. *thumbs up*

Zomromcom by Olivia Dade [Review]

Zomromcom (Supernatural Entanglements #1) by Oliva Dade
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 27, 2025

Supernatural Entanglements
1. Zomromcom - Paperback | Kindle
2. World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon

Olivia Dade
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

When Edie Brandstrup attempts to save her sweet, seemingly harmless human neighbor from the first major zombie breach in two decades, she’s stunned to be saved by him—and his ridiculously large sword—instead. As it turns out, he's actually a super-old, super-surly vampire. But for all her neighbor's newly revealed cynicism and lethality, Gaston "Max" Boucher (yes, Gaston) is unexpectedly protective. He wants her to stay in his safety bunker until the breach is resolved. Edie can’t risk more innocent people getting killed, though—and Max won’t let her save them alone.

As they unravel a sinister conspiracy to set zombies loose on the world (again), the duo meet a host of lovable allies and discover they're not the only ones willing to fight for the future of humanity. Despite the awful timing, Edie finds herself falling for the vampire who’s helping her save the world . . . but all their dangerous plans could end their future before it even begins. As she and Max battle side by side, Edie must decide whether having a love worth living for also means having a love you'd die for—and, in a world that grows deadlier by the minute, whether that’s a risk she’s willing to take.

Thoughts on Zomromcom: Straight up, I SUPER loved this book. It had zombies speaking sad French (just to be clear, they weren't speaking sad words in French, just the fact they were speaking French was sort of sad. Maybe? There was something a little melancholy about it, OKAY?) and a GLORIOUSLY GRUMPY vampire who really didn't like Edie riffing on his name (honestly, though, how could anyone resist when presented with a vampire named Gaston who growled whenever you sang his song to him) and ridiculously friendly counterfeiters and trolls who could eat their weight in appetizers before even beginning on the main course. Yeah, I loved this book.

So. Zombies. A potential zombie outbreak isn't fun, but the government assures everyone they have everything under control. So Edie goes about her regular life (or as regular a life as possible, all things considered) living inside one of the containment zones. Her neighbor might be a hardcore dudebro, but even dudebros don't deserve to be snacked on by zombies. So when a zombie goes gunning for said neighbor, Edie jumps in to save him. With her burrito. Which is just as ineffective as it sounds, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do when her only weapon is her dinner. (To be fair, the burrito survived the incident and was duly devoured by Edie once things had settled down.)

Fortunately for Edie (and her burrito), dudebro Chad was actually a vampire and he had some serious sword skills. And some really nice glutes. Which Edie ogled whenever possible because WHY NOT? If a zombie breach isn't a good reason to stare at your formerly-a-dudebro-but-now-a-hot-vampire neighbor's buns when he's wearing tiny furry underwear, WHEN IS?

Anywho. Let's just say things go a little south. Max (who does NOT go by Gaston, thankyouverymuch) and Edie team up (mostly because Max is a big softie where Edie's concerned and he can't let her go off on her own when she refuses to stay put in his glam man-cave bunker) and start to unravel some plans that possibly put both humans and supernaturals on the extinction list. And by "possibly", I mean if they can't figure out how to deal with things, things are going to be baddddd for everyone. So bad.

I got to the end of this book and I really really REALLY wanted more. It hit the spot on so many levels. *thumbs up*

Slaying at the Saloon by Beth Dolgner [Review]

Slaying at the Saloon (Nightmare, Arizona #3) by Beth Dolgner
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 15, 2025

Nightmare, Arizona
1. Homicide at the Haunted House
2. Drowning at the Diner
3. Slaying at the Saloon - Paperback | Kindle
4. Murder at the Motel
5. Poisoning at the Party
5.5. Headless at Halloween
6. Clawing at the Corral
7. Axing at the Antique Store
8. Fatality at the Festival
9. Terminated at the Trailhead
10. Body at the Bakery

Beth Dolgner
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Stakes, suspicion, and secrets in Nightmare, Arizona

When a server is found with a stake through her heart onstage at Nightmare Saloon, everyone at Nightmare Sanctuary Haunted House worries a vampire hunter is in town. After all, the murder happened just before the curtain rose for Allie Nunes, a vampire singer traveling through Nightmare.

Olivia Kendrick and her friends at the Sanctuary must protect Allie and the other vampires, all while trying to find out who slayed the saloon girl. But as more details emerge, Olivia realizes the victim had a dark past and a lot of enemies. Tracking down the killer won’t be easy.

While Olivia works to solve the case, she also has to guide the handsome, brooding Damien Shackleford through a shocking discovery about his missing father. Starting over at midlife wasn’t supposed to be this hard, or this dangerous…

Thoughts on Slaying at the Saloon: The Sanctuary vampires are a little concerned when a human is found staked. Fortunately for them, Olivia had a front row seat (not literally, I think she was more in the back of the seats, but she was there when things happened) to the reveal of the body and she's not one to let a mystery slide. Especially when her friends might be in danger.

Let's face it, while the victim might have been human, the stake through the heart is concerning.

So Olivia starts asking questions. She formulates theories. She learns about another mysterious death the year before. She refines those theories. She has suspicions. Lots of suspicions.

On the other side of the coin, she and Damien are working together to...I don't know if I'd say they're actively searching for Damien's father, exactly, but they are finding clues that lead to more questions. Damien's also working with Olivia to get a handle on her abilities (although Olivia's half convinced she doesn't actually have any abilities) and the more time she spends with the brooding guy, the more she softens toward him.

Some vampiric shenanigans, a man who likes the ladies, a mine with a secret, and a lady who just can't let injustice lie. So she does something about it.

Because the Night by Kylie Scott [Review]

Because the Night by Kylie Scott
Format: paperback
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 2, 2025

Purchase Links: Paperback | Kindle

Kylie Scott
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Waking a monster from its sleep is never a good idea.

Skye Carter is as normal as normal can be. But when she chances upon a man in the basement of an abandoned Hollywood Hills house, she's suddenly playing tour guide, and introducing a fifteen-hundred-year-old vampire to this century. And who even knows what’s going on with her teeth.

The truth is, immortality can get old—which is why Lucas Thorne went to sleep for seventy years. But he’s back and ready to take on undead enemies and friends alike. In a world where threatening creatures roam the night streets, he's the most dangerous of them all.

Thoughts on Because the Night: Skye's life takes an unexpected turn when she ends up cataloging a big, abandoned house for her job that isn't nearly as abandoned as she thinks. In fact, there's a very old, somewhat cranky vampire in the basement. To be fair, I'd probably be somewhat cranky myself if awakened early from a solid nap. The fact his nap was running around the 70 year mark means Lucas woke up both cranky and hungry.

Which is to be expected, really.

Unfortunately for Skye, she was closest individual who could help with the hunger part. And, well, THINGS HAPPENED. Now she's a fledgling vampire with a brooding master vampire trying to teach her how to effectively vampire. You know, why she teaching him about the modern world. Lucas is a little broody, more than a little grumpy when things don't go his way, and he plays his cards VERY close to the vest. Which is maybe a little alarming to Skye when the big guy doesn't seem to care whether she continues with her undead existence or not.

No worries, however. Lucas is actually pretty invested in making sure Skye thrives. He's just really bad at showing it. That said, his other progeny (who are gathering to make sure all Lucas's plans go according to, uhh, plan) are quick to point out how out of character Lucas is acting with her. Which confuses Skye a wee bit, but she gets over it.

A swank house in the hills, a little accidental killing, a vampire family who are whole-hearted in their embrace of their newest sister, some backstabbing vampire politics, a vampire who knows what he wants when he sees her, and a lady who had no idea how much her life would change when she ventured into the basement. GOOD TIMES!

A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience by Stephanie Burgis [Review]

A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience (The Unexpected Adventures of Lady and Lord Riven #1) by Stephanie Burgis
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 15, 2025

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

Stephanie Burgis
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Margaret Dunhaven may have been forced into marriage with the sinister vampire lord of Shadowcroft Manor to fulfill a family obligation, but she's not about to stay trapped there for long. The beastly man doesn't even have any decent tea leaves in his kitchen!

However, when she realizes that she's not the only one who's been forced into this marital union, it's time to join forces with her unwanted new husband. If they can combine her scholarly skills with his ancient history, then, working together, they might just manage to reclaim her inheritance, break his curse, and find their freedom.

...Just so long as they don't fall in love along the way.

Thoughts on A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience: Oh, this one was fun. Margaret is a lady who's too smart (in all the best ways) and has been bamboozled and outright lied to by her family and now finds herself married to a vampire. To be fair, her family ambushed her when she was exhausted and disoriented and she's VERY unhappy that they managed to get the upper hand. She's also not thrilled that her new husband is a vampire.

But, like I said, she's smart. It doesn't take long before she starts piecing the hows and whys of their new union together and figures out why this was sprung on them.

On Lord Riven's end, he's about as thrilled to have a new wife as Margaret is to have a husband. Well, at first. As it turns out, Margaret is the kick to the metaphorical pants he needs to jolt him out of his brooding. She's smart and driven and it isn't long until he's making plans for a journey. But maybe the biggest surprise is that he enjoys spending time in his wife's company and finds he possibly might want to do it for the long term.

A dusty manor, a twisted bargain, a vampire who needs to let go of his guilt, and a lady who has met her match in the Lord of the manor. *thumbs up* all around.

The Vampire's Former Flame by Kristen Painter [Review]

The Vampire's Former Flame (Nocturne Falls #16) by Kristen Painter
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 14, 2025

Nocturne Falls
1. The Vampire's Mail Order Bride
2. The Werewolf Meets His Match
3. The Gargoyle Gets His Girl
4. The Professor Woos the Witch
4.5. The Witch's Halloween Hero
4.6. The Werewolf's Christmas Wish
5. The Vampire's Fake Fiancée
5.5. The Vampire's Valentine Surprise
6. The Shifter Romances the Writer
6.5. The Vampire's True Love Trials
7. The Dragon Finds Forever
8. The Vampire's Accidental Wife
9. The Reaper Rescues the Genie
10. The Detective Wins the Witch
11. The Vampire's Priceless Treasure
12. The Werewolf Dates the Deputy
13. The Siren Saves the Billionaire
14. The Vampire's Sunny Sweetheart
15. Death Dates the Oracle
16. The Vampire's Former Flame - Paperback | Kindle
16.5. The Witch's Christmas Catastrophe

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Jayne Frost
1. Miss Frost Solves a Cold Case

Kristen Painter
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Ephelia Moreau doesn’t know she’s in danger. All she knows is that her mother’s up to something. Nothing new there. Her mother has been trying to dictate Ephie’s life since the day she was born. So when an old boyfriend suddenly appears and tells Ephie about the cool little town he lives in, Ephie jumps on the chance to take a trip, not realizing she’s doing exactly what her mother wants. Or what kind of trouble is headed her way.

Remy Lafitte wasn’t supposed to be in New Orleans. He was only there to see a sick friend, but then the mother of a former girlfriend finds him and asks for his help. He can’t refuse, and not just because her mother is threatening him. If Ephelia’s in danger, Remy will do anything he can to protect her (and her cat). She was, after all, the only woman he’s ever loved.

Ephie and Remy have a lot of catching up to do, but they may not get the chance when a real threat comes to Nocturne Falls. Suddenly, Ephie’s life hangs in the balance and Remy must make a decision. Even if it means breaking his own heart again.

Thoughts on The Vampire's Former Flame: Deputy Remy Lafitte of the NFPD is up and he's in a bit of a pickle. Well, it's not so pickle-ish, really. But he does find himself suddenly tasked with keeping his former lady friend safe by said lady friend's mother, who does NOT like vampires. Which means Ephie must really be in danger if her mama is coming to him, of all people.

So (with some creative finagling by Ephie's mom), Remy and Ephie are off to Nocturne Falls were they have a chance to get reacquainted. Seeing how Ephie's being kept in the dark about the danger (which Remy is NOT happy about), Remy is being kept on his toes. By Ephie (because she really is his one true love) and by the danger that could pop up at any moment.

On Ephie's end, she was too young when she and Remy first met and her mother's hatred of vampires might have influenced her response when Remy wanted to take things further. But she's never forgotten the charming vampire and having him reappear after so long is...actually, it's kind of weird. And it's even weirder that her mom isn't digging in her heels about them spending time together. But Ephie's willing to take what she can get and spending time with Remy is really no hardship. Then danger comes knocking and suddenly things take a turn.

Complicated family ties, a hint of voodoo, danger, even more complicated family ties, a vampire who never stopped loving the woman who captured his heart, and a lady who is far more than what she seems. I must say, I enjoy spending time in Nocturne Falls. Even when danger is around every corner. *thumbs up*