Murder Go Round (Witch City Mystery 4) by Carol J. Perry

Lee Barrett has agreed to attend a storage auction with Aunt Ibby--even though she suspects the forgotten rooms will yield more junk than treasure. Her skepticism vanishes once the two win a bid on an overlooked locker and uncover a trove of beautiful curiosities, including a stunning wooden carousel horse with gentle eyes and fading paint. But just before Lee leaves the fairground relic at a local repair shop, the sight of a silver samovar awakens her psychic abilities and conjures visions of murder. 


Lee prays the intrusive ESP episode was just a glimpse into the past--until her policeman boyfriend reports a dead man outside the repair shop. Apparently, the unknown victim had been hot on Lee's trail since the auction. And with the horse found dismantled, it looks like he was up to no good. What's the story behind the antique equine, and could a strange bubblegum-chewing woman with fiery hair have something to do with the crime? Guided by her gift and O'Ryan, her wise tabby cat, Lee's set on catching the murderer . . . before she's sent on the darkest ride of her life. 

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

Can I start off by pointing out, why do 90% of 'cosy mystery' heroines have cops for boyfriends? I know its helpful for the story but it is soooo repetitive. 

I didn't mind this book, but it didn't really leave a mark. Case in point, I'm writing this review about a fortnight after finishing the book and I'm struggling to remember what happened. 

There was a bit more romance than normal for a 'cosy mystery' novel, but it was still only limited to kisses, sleepovers, and allusions towards certain activities occurring on the sleepovers (lol). 

The writing was a bit convoluted. Lots of unnecessary elements to try and throw the reader off the scent, i.e. various red herrings, and constant mention of those 'cards' with the 'clues' written on them. 

Probably my biggest issue was the editing/facts. There was a couple of continuation problems, for example the date with Rupert was on, then cancelled, then suddenly back on? As for the facts, the golden egg from the scrap collector was sold in 2012 not 2011 and Russian's generally believe that it is Maria not Anastasia in the second grave with Alexei, it's an American romantic ideal that it is Anastasia. 

All in all, okay book, but nothing new, and nothing impressive, especially the end which was really hands off/disappointing/cheap. 

Rasputin's Supernatural Dating Service by David D. Hammons

Monsters, ghosts, dead, undead, and Frankensteins still unsure if they’re depressed because they’re abominations against existence or if it’s just been forever since they’ve been laid, all can find love with Rasputin’s Supernatural Dating Service!

Eli Kowalski has seen his share of freaks as a Certifier for Rasputin’s Supernatural Dating Service. It’s his job to weed out the real monsters from the weirdos with too much black lipstick. While on a routine certification, he comes across the Tablet of Nicaea. A powerful witch and self-proclaimed “Men’s Rights Activist” wants to steal the tablet and use it to kill all supernatural creatures so that “nice guys” like him can have a better chance with women. Eli must unite with the supernatural policing agency, the witch’s ex-girlfriend, and the constantly-naked Rasputin to save supernatural creatures in the name of love. He’ll probably excuse himself from Rasputin’s victory orgy, though.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

OMG what a hoot! This was definitely a comedy read and I really enjoyed it. From the minute we were introduced to Rasputin, every time he appeared 'on-screen' I had Boney M's disco hit 'Rasputin' playing in my head. Then the author brought it up in the book! (Magic disco ball to save the day anyone? lol)

The story itself wasn't that complicated it was really all about the writing and the comedy that won me over. I loved how the main character was a human who knew more about the supernatural world than a witch did, how you can't trust anyone with a Delaware license, and how Mormon's are a supernatural race, just to name a few.

If you want a fun, laugh out loud read, definitely give this book a go. 

Probably the only thing that annoyed me was why did a dating agency have to do the work of a policing agency (when it comes to certifying supernaturals) and why was a policing agency so incompetent? (Letting themselves be completely taken over, shouldn't they have safeguards in place?!) I get that it was to help to story move forward, but it annoyed me.

Leo Loves Aries (Signs of Love) by Anyta Sunday

A new person will enter your life in the early year, Leo. Look past any moments of frustration they might bring and laugh—this could be the start of a thriving friendship.

Theo Wallace usually laughs at the horoscopes his mom sends. Still hung up on his ex-girlfriend and practically friendless, this one begs him to reconsider. Because a friendship that stuck, that thrived…

Well, that would be a reason to leave past pains behind and look to the Bright Future.

When his sister Leone challenges him to find her the perfect date for a spring wedding, Theo uses it as a chance to make new friends. Theo’s ex economics tutor and newest roommate Mr Jamie Cooper seems to be a possible and convenient match. Real convenient. Like written in the stars, convenient.

All he has to do is make sure this Jamie is good enough. Could really be the one for her, and the friend for him.

But watch out, Leo, the stars have a surprise in store…

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

A sweet story but very slow. Could have done with some better editing, the first two thirds just dragged unnecessarily. 

I liked the whole friends to lovers angle, though I was in a bit of disbelief at how easily Theo could accept a change in his sexuality. Like with no thinking about it at all. 

Outside the Lines by Caitlin Ricci

Alex has always wanted to help people, so when he finds a scared, homeless child, he doesn't hesitate to take 'Socks' to the shelter where he works, Trinity House.

Over the course of four years, a chance meeting turns into friendship. When Socks turns eighteen, they're excited, because it means they can move in with Alex—until Alex rejects them, and Socks realizes an affection they thought mutual was only ever one-sided.

Years later, Socks has become Trin, a psychiatrist who specializes in helping children. And they still want desperately to know why Alex rejected them long ago…

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

My biggest problem with this book? It was advertised as a m/m  and yet we never find out what Socks/Trin is. I get that its part of the story, but god it was annoying and a real turn off.

Other issues:
 - the change in character of Trin was ridiculously quick. He went from not wanting to be touched, to wanting to move in together and make an instant family with a foster kid and his roommate, all in the space of a couple of weeks. Yes I understand that the main characters had history, but it undermines his whole character. Plus in the current part of the story there was no connection between them, but that was probably due to the writing.
- apart from the start where Trin was Socks, there was no more mention of Trinity House, or the kids it looks after. A 'major'plot point that was quickly dropped, once it served its purpose. - the ages were badly written, Trin and his roommate both acted older than their supposed years and Alex acted a lot younger.
- another reviewer on Goodreads pointed out that there was no way the Trin was a Doctor at the age of 24, it apparently takes 12 years of study/prac and considering he was homeless at 14, the math just doesn't work. 

The only reason I finished this book was because I wanted to know the answer to Trin's gender. Curiosity killed the cat, and in this case there was no satisfaction to bring it back. 

Shelton in Love (Shelton 1) by Dianne Hartsock

Shelton is falling hard for his best friend and roommate, finding Nevil's dark good looks and moments of gentleness almost impossible to resist. But Nevil is more interested in affairs of the body than the heart. As Shelton's desire for the man grows, he wonders if he can change Nevil's mind. But does he even want to? Nevil might not stay, once he learns Shelton's secret, and then his loneliness would be complete.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

When I read this book I had no idea that it was the first book in a series. I felt like the book itself was a very disjointed, clunky effort at a stand-alone 'series in a book'. The things mentioned in the blurb only made up  the first couple of chapters, then we jumped from time to time, place to place, over a period of a couple of years and several 'events'. 

Neither of the characters were very likable, you didn't really care about the relationship, and every time there was 'temptation' I honestly felt like they should just give in and call their relationship quits. 

Can't say I'll be reading the rest of the series, even if I got it for free, this book was too much of an effort to read. 

P.S. The 'secret'was so mild and then forgotten about so quickly it wasn't even a plot point. 

A doctor botched his circumcision when he was a baby and left him with some scars and small parts of discoloration. Nevil doesn't care, and they move on.

EDIT: I just read the rest of the blurbs for the series and it turns out the the book I read contains them all! This would explain the choppiness of the book I read, BUT I can't believe they didn't make this known in the book! They basically shoved the whole series into a book and republished it as an original. So stupid!!! Plus it makes the blurb even more irrelevant. BAD PUBLISHING.

Ge-Mi (Part One) by Mell Eight

A hundred years ago evil scientists spliced human genes with those of animals, creating a genetic mutation passed on through the generations. Hated because of their differences, these Ge-Mi's live on the fringes of society where they scrounge and scrape to get by.

Nevada is half Ge-Mi, and hides that fact behind baggy clothes and by keeping distance between himself and everyone around him. One day his peaceful life is shattered by an explosion and the arrival of a pack of wolves to sniff out the culprit. Wolves have excellent noses and as Alpha, Taylor can sniff out every one of Nevada's secrets- and the harder Nevada tries to resist, the more difficult staying away from Taylor becomes.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

I liked the idea of the story, what I didn't like was the writing, the characters, or the lack of any real ending.

This was apparently set in a dystopian future, though it was very poorly explained, the only real hints were that the cars fly (?) everything else seemed the same. I don't know what was the situation concerning things like the internet, but it seems unbelievable to me that towns and city's were successfully controlled by individual feudal lords in a 20-something century where global connections were available. 

There was no connection between the two main characters, and I don't just mean due to the lack of sex. There was no chemistry, no strong feelings, no anything. This wasn't helped by the fact that the character of Taylor was very badly written, he was initially very unlikable before doing a 180 on behavior throughout the very short time-span of the book which was unbelievable.

I think I'm going to give up on trying Mell Eight books, they always seem to be missing something that makes them likable/readable. 

His Fake Alien Fiancee (Out of This World 2) by Patricia Eimer

Princess Perripraxis not only has to find a fiancé—and fast—she’s got to find one who doesn’t mind that her “no makeup” face has green and purple scales. Otherwise, Daddy Dearest has plans that don’t include Perri’s compliance. Candidate Number One: Her sexy human best friend, Brandt.

Bartender Brandt Turner didn’t need all those years in the army to teach him never to leave a man behind. Or an alien princess in need of a pretend fiancé. If she needs someone to play the lovesick fool to convince her dad to let her stay on Earth, well then, he’ll let the world think Cupid finally took him out.

But Perri’s father has no intention of playing nice—and he’s not above cruel and unusual alien torture to make things go his way. But Brandt is willing to complete the mission…however far he has to go. 

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

I'm not a fan of aliens or sci-fi, I only requested this book because it seemed like a quirky romance. It wasn't. It was your general run of the mill romance that has been done to death, with certain elements replaced with ''original'' content in the form of aliens.

I think the only reason this book didn't make the DNF pile was I skimmed pretty much the whole thing and it was over quickly. 

The characters are somehow very one dimensional and not very likable and Perri's sister was TSTL. Wish I hadn't wasted my time. 

The Devil's Submission by Nicola Davidson

Disinherited by his parents and estranged from his wife, Fallen pleasure club co-owner Lord Grayson ‘Devil’ Deveraux long ago learned to place his trust in ledgers rather than people. But his ice-cold reserve hides the scandalous truth: he’s a man who craves pain with his pleasure, and a loving lady to instruct him.

Banished to the country when her whirlwind marriage collapsed, Lady Eliza Deveraux never knew why Grayson fell out of love with her: she’d tried so damned hard to quell her fiery self and be a proper, obedient wife. But when Eliza is forced to return to London and back into Grayson’s intoxicating world, banked passions reignite. Can a marriage built on secrets and pretense truly get a second chance?

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

I went into this book with a bit of hesitation because I am not a fan of BDSM and I hate plots that rely on miscommunication. 

However, for some reason it worked. The BDSM aspect wasn't overwhelming and most of it was bearable (a few too much descriptions of 'wet, glistening pussies'for my taste). The miscommunication was cleared up without to many unnecessary dramas, and honestly because of the time period, the type of misdirection/miscommunication was understandable and probably expected. 

I liked how the plot points were dealt with and how the 'bad' guy got their due (not really a bad guy more an irritating one, lol). If I had any criticisms it would be that this would have made a really good novel rather than a novella had the author put a bit more time and effort into it. I'm only giving it 3 stars because while it was good (and some parts startling original), it wasn't amazing and some of the sexual writing was a bit off putting (seriously, enough with the pussy! >_<).  

Love Tokens by Megan Derr

Chanda is the Lord of Honey Flower House, which caters to those who have a taste for the paranormal between the sheets. Being an incubus makes him all the better at the job, even if it also leaves him lonely. 

Then a demon appears on his doorstep in search of a missing person, and Chanda is quickly reminded why he prefers the relatively quiet life as master of a pleasure house—but also reminds him of a bitter past he's tried to leave behind, and dreams he gave up on a long time ago. 

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

Nothing startling, just a nice, sweet, short story. 

After my last Megan Derr book (The Prince of the Moon) was such a disappointment, I'm glad that this story is back up to par. 

The Prince of the Moon by Megan Derr

All Solae wants is to be accepted and loved by the family that has always rejected him. But given it was his late mother who cursed the kingdom to eternal winter, the chances of that happening are minimal. If he can find a way to break the curse, however, surely that would be enough to change their minds regarding him.

But Solae is forbidden to practice magic because of his mother, which limits his ability to pursue solutions. Desperate for advice and new ideas, he contacts a famous curse breaker—and has no idea what to do when the unexpectedly shows up, handsome and friendly and dangerously intriguing.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

I can't believe I'm writing this, but I didn't enjoy this book. One written by Megan Derr. She's usually my go to author for a good tale especially a fairy tale with a twist.

However this one just felt short and cheap. We were cheated out of a proper justice ending and that just left me feeling disappointed and cross. Add in the stupid characters not getting any comeuppance, no real plot and the writing feeling thin and we are left with a short story that feels really hastily written without any of the care or thought that Megan is usually really good at. 

Hopefully this is not a sign of things to come and the next book from Ms Derr will reaffirm my love for her stories.