Hex Me With Your Best Shot: Magic and Mayhem Universe (Hex Drive Book 4) Renee George

 

Blurb:

When you lust after a bear and start a deadly affair, it’s time to practice safe hex.

 

Vampire Dee Delgados has a huge problem in the form of a seven foot, four-hundred-pound bear named Time Bomb. The hunky bear Shifter thinks Dee smells like mushrooms, and, for her, he smells like sweet blood and wine. 

 

Unfortunately, vampire blood is highly lethal for Shifters, and one drop can end their relationship before it even begins. So what’s a love sick vamp to do when she has the mating blues? 

 

Run away, of course.

 

But when Dee goes on a year-long mission for her king that takes her all the way to the Bering Sea, the job puts her in the crosshairs of a heartless dragon and lands the bear Shifter she loves in a fight to the death. 

 

Dee, Time Bomb, and the RMCA team will need their wits and a lot of luck if they want to best the dragon on his own turf. At least, they’ll give it their hex shot.

 

My review:

Hex Me With Your Best Shot is an adorable addition to a series within a series but can be read standalone just fine. In this story we have an impossible match between a vampire and a bear shifter. Can love overcome all? Will Dee live long enough to find out. This story has delightful characters and a lot of sass. I totally enjoyed.

 

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Far From Destined (Promise Me #3) by Carrie Ann Ryan

 

 

 

Blurb:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan continues her sexy new contemporary stand-alone series with a broken heart and the shattered soul that can heal them both.

Macon Brady remembers every moment he lay on the ground, a bullet in his chest, his life bleeding out with each pulse. Yet his nightmares aren’t the only thing keeping him up at night.

Dakota Bristol left her ex with nothing but the clothes on her back and her child in her arms. She’s been hurt before and wants nothing to do with the shadows in Macon’s eyes. The problem? Her son loves him, and the more time she spends with the man, the more she’s afraid she’ll come to love him just as much.

Danger always comes back to haunt those who run. It was a lesson Dakota learned before. Now, it might be the man she refuses to fall for who makes the greatest sacrifice of all.

 

My review:

Veterinarian Macon Brady is broken. He’s survived being shot but it has changed him. Coffee house owner Dakota Bristol is broken too. Her ex did a number on her ego and her heart. These two may just be what the other needs.

This is an engaging and endearing tale that is sure to tug at your heartstrings.

 

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Bane's Choice (Vampire Motorcycle Club #1) by Alyssa Day

 

 

Blurb:

When a centuries-old vampire in search of redemption meets a doctor who’s on a mission of her own, a searing, world-destroying passion is the last thing on either of their minds.

Minds can be changed.

A doctor with secrets of her own is drawn to a dangerous predator in this pulse-pounding paranormal romance from New York Times bestselling author Alyssa Day.

What better way to hide the existence of vampires from humans than in plain sight? Thus, the Vampire Motorcycle Club was born. Bane, the 300-year-old vampire who leads the club, has fought for years to protect his kind. But the truth about vampires is not only that they exist, it is that they are creatures of pure desire. Conscience and restraint has been burned out of them by the process of Turning. Any woman Bane meets is either prey—or food.

Dr. Ryan St. Cloud finds out that vampires exist when one steals her patient out of the hospital right beneath her nose, leading her to question her own sanity. But when the dangerous man whose touch inflames her senses and whose gaze enthralls her comes to her for help, she is unable to refuse. Bane is a dangerous predator, but somewhere beneath his arrogance and power, she can see his heart—and she knows it could belong to her if she is strong enough to claim it. She is bound to a vampire, but loving her would be … Bane’s Choice.

 

My review:

Bane’s Choice is a wonderful start to a new series. This story is filled with magic, mayhem and love. The characters are engaging and make you want to know more. There is a delightful thread of humor throughout the tale that entertains.

 

Buy links:

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The Sassy Goddess by Julie Morgan

 

 

Blurb:

Mirror, Mirror on the wall who's the most amazing and talented witch of all?

Well, it's not me. At least not yet. Nope, I can't catch a break even if it bit me in the broom. Today's disasters included falling through a portal into a strange new world, running from a giant purple chicken and tripping into the arms of the hottest man my witchy eyes have ever seen.

Unfortunately, he's looking for a long lost princess. I'm no princess. Right now, I'm a hot witchy mess in fabulous clothes. Heck, my coven doesn't even want me.

But wait… maybe if I help find the princess everything will work out.

Maybe, I'll discover who I'm meant to be and my place in the Covenstead will be secure.

Who knows? I might even find a prince and a happily ever after of my own. I don't need a mirror to tell me I'm amazing. With some luck and a little magic, I'll figure it out myself.

 

My review:

Cesha is an orphan raised in the system and ostracized by the witch community. She does all right by herself but nowhere feels like home until she finds a portal to an incredible place and takes a job looking for a long lost princess.

This is a delightful tale of love, honor and empowerment. I laughed myself silly at some of the snark that fell from Cesha’s lips.

Heartily recommend.

 

Buy links:

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Bending the Paw (Paw Enforcement #9) by Diane Kelly

 

 

Blurb:

Make way for the long paw of the law as police officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner Brigit investigate a baffling new mystery in Bending the Paw, by Diane Kelly.

A MURDER WITHOUT A BODY IS LIKE A DOG WITHOUT A BONE

A bloodbath is a shocking new challenge for Megan and Brigit when Detective Audrey Jackson calls them to the scene of what could only be a brutal murder. But the one thing the nightmarish scene is missing is a victim. The frantic homeowner’s husband is gone, seemingly without a trace—and so is the money he was holding. Has a vicious killer committed what might just be the perfect crime?

Meanwhile, it’s hailing cats and dogs all over Fort Worth, and roofing contractors have descended on the city in droves. With plenty of damage and continuing storms, work delays are building up like so much runoff, but Megan is suspicious that one roofer may be a scam artist. Determined to leash every lawbreaker she and her K-9 partner find, Megan is building a case for prosecution, all while Brigit has her nose to the ground for a murderer…

 

My review:

Megan and Brigit are back in two baffling cases. She has a lot of blood but no body and she has a roofing contractor who isn’t following through but is it a crime? With the help of her furry partner and an active imagination Megan proves once again that sometimes you have to think outside the box to solve a puzzle. This is a wonderful addition to the series.

Buy links:

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Too Hexy For Her Wand (Hot and Hexy #2) by Susan Hayes

 

Blurb:

She’s forgotten who she was. He can’t forget where he came from. Their future is waiting – if they can leave their pasts behind.

Jet-setting witch Fern Summers thinks she has it all. A trust fund, a pedigreed familiar named Tiff-Tiff, and a lifetime of luxury ahead of her.  She couldn’t be more wrong.

A mysterious letter upends her world, sending her to the west coast - and a life she doesn’t remember.

Her Mission: Protect a town she’s never heard of from dark threats and worse fashion choices.

Her Allies: A familiar with abandonment issues and a sexy wolf-Shifter chef whose meals are almost as delicious as his kisses.

Her Enemies: A power-hungry warlock and a pack of beaver Shifters with a license to gnaw.

Her Plan: Banish the bad guys, be a better witch, and don’t fall for the wolf in black leather, no matter how well he crèmes  her brulee.

 

My review:

Secrets, surprises and silliness galore this tale will have you laughing and swooning and rooting for the good guys. This is a follow up to Too Hexy For Her Broom but can be read stand alone. A wonderful addition to the Magic and Mayhem Universe.

 

Buy links:

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The Rules of Enchantment by Wendy Tardieu

 

 

Blurb:

When a Sorcerer and a Scribe Team Up to Fulfill an Ancient Prophecy, The Fate of The World Lies in Their Hands

In the mythical kingdom of Salyndria, an exiled sorcerer named Leith plots to overthrow the restrictions placed on the use of magic by the Academy. Suspecting the worst, the Academy sends a beautiful young scribe, Kyler, to be his apprentice and act as an unwitting spy.

Leith tries to drive her away by proving his reputation as a vicious and unforgiving master, but he soon discovers his new pupil is far more useful than she appears. As her charms and magical abilities become all too tempting for him to resist, the two join forces to fulfill a hidden prophecy that will grant them incredible power.

Together, the sorcerer and the scribe will change Salyndria's history forever.

Their story is equally sinister and sensual, a romantic dark fantasy adventure full of suspense and surprises.

 

My review:

This story is billed as “An Erotic Fantasy Adventure Novel”. I’ll give it fantasy adventure and there are some sex scenes but I don’t think it qualifies as erotic. The cover freaked me out because there is a set of extra hands. That being said it was a fun escape and an interesting world. The characters are multidimensional and interesting. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

 

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Lipstick and Lies and Deadly Goodbyes (The Vampire Housewife #1) by Jodi Vaughn

 

Blurb:

Ever been almost beheaded by a snow plow? Turned into an undead by a homeless vampire? Cheated and betrayed by your lying sack of shit husband? Welcome to my life. Or, more correctly, my crazy afterlife.

To everyone behind the gates of our wealthy community in Charming, Mississippi, my husband and I were the Joneses everyone tried to keep up with. A beautiful house, the perfect gated community, two gorgeous kids, and a supposedly flawless marriage.

Until I came home and caught him rolling around in our bed, hip-deep in my best friend. Which led to the aforementioned snow plow incident. I woke up with a fear of the sun and a propensity for drinking blood. Or, in laymen’s terms, a vampire.

I thought vampires were supposed to be hot and irresistible. But my maker smells like he just stepped out of a sewer, and he has the appeal of a turd in a punch bowl. But you know how life is as one of the Joneses - you gotta keep up. Keep up appearances, that is.

I’ve swapped my triple, venti, sugar-free, nonfat caramel macchiato for a stainless steel rambler that keeps my O-negative at the perfect room temperature. I can still manage the carpool lane, with the right sunglasses to hide my crazy eyes. But between daytime soccer games, a missing college student who might have been a vampire kill, trying not to drain my soon-to-be-ex-husband, and keeping my neighbors in the dark, I’m shaking in my Jimmy Choos. I'm not sure I can do this.

My name is Rachel Jones, and I’m the vampire housewife.

 

My review:

Lipstick and Lies and Deadly Goodbyes is a laugh out loud tale of the lies we tell ourselves to get through the day. This story had me giggle-snorting, empathizing and ready to throw my phone out the window.  I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to listen to the next installment.

 

Buy links:

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Audible

The Hookup by Kindle Alexander

 

Blurb:

Meet me @ The Hookup?

A well-deserved celebration is in order for attorney Easton Elliott. Everything is going as planned until a tempting glimpse of the past sidebars the handsome attorney’s party.

An unexpected invitation has linguist Grant Holt excited about the spur-of-the-moment rendezvous. But words are futile when he arrives to find there’s been a mix-up.

A text, a celebration, and a misunderstanding all lead to…The Hookup 

 

The Hookup was previously released in The Bookworm Box's special edition charity box, Unconditional, 2019.

 

My review:

The Hookup by Kindle Alexander is a short sweet and sexy tale of two guys, a bar and a hookup. This story left me with a happy heart.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

Charming the Skeptic (Cat's Paw Cove #18) by Wynter Daniels, Catherine Kean

 

 

Blurb:

Will love open his heart to magic?

Paranormal investigator Wade Preston is so sure that anything supernatural is fake, he even hosts a TV series that debunks so-called haunted places. But when the show is in danger of being cancelled, he must wow his producers by exposing the most convincing occult phenomenon he can find—Tales bookstore in Cat’s Paw Cove.

Bookworm Astor Carmichael knows magic is real, because she has the power to step into the world of any novel, and her mischievous cat often joins her. Ever since her mom abandoned the family, Astor’s frequent jaunts into fiction is a lot more interesting than caring for her siblings and father.

When Wade sets his sights on the supposedly-haunted bookstore, he gets way more than he ever could have imagined. He’d never counted on the possibility that ghosts might actually be real—or that he’d fall for Astor—the beautiful woman who manages the bookstore.

 

My review:

Charming the Skeptic is an adorable tale of opposites attracting. Wade Preston spends his time debunking hauntings while Astor Carmichael knows magic is real. Astor is a young woman with too many responsibilities who escapes into a good book to relax. Literally. Wade had a brush with the paranormal as a child and has spent his life trying to make it untrue. He is not ready for Cat's Paw Cove or Astor but boy is it fun watching him awaken to the possibilities.  

 

Buy link:
Amazon

Deadly Past (Verona Bay #2) by Katie Reus

 

Blurb:

She lost everything once…

Autumn Perez was just twenty-two when she witnessed a brutal murder and gave up her entire life to put the killer behind bars. A decade later, witness protection has her settled in picturesque Verona Bay, teaching art at the local high school. It’s a quiet life…until she’s caught up in another harrowing event and she worries that the US Marshals will try to move her again. But Autumn is done running—she’s built a life, has friends. And now she’s pregnant after an intense one-night stand with her sexy neighbor.

This time she’s not running…

Lincoln Jordan has been biding his time with Autumn, his talented, gorgeous neighbor. The attraction between them is undeniable, and after their one incredible night together he wants more. But she’s determined to keep him at arm’s length. When it becomes clear that someone wants her dead, he steps up to protect her. He needs to earn her trust, and fast. Because the enemy is closer than they ever imagined.

Author note: This may be read as a stand-alone novel.

Verona Bay books:
Dark Memento, #1
Deadly Past, #2

 

My review:

Deadly Past is an engaging tale of a brave young woman overcoming her past and learning to love. Autumn is a classic example of what happens when you are forced to give up the life you’ve built to protect yourself from those who seek to do you harm. She’s done everything right but it has come at a cost. She’s afraid to let anyone in. Maybe Sheriff Lincoln Jordan can crack the wall she’s built around her heart. I really enjoyed watching these two find each other.

 

Buy links:
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Next Stop: You by Danica Raimz

 

 

Blurb:

Next time, she wouldn't stand clear of the closing doors. She would run through them ... to a whole new destiny.

LANIE: Chasing dreams only works if you forbid others from caging your spirit. Between my super-clingy boyfriend, Quinn, claiming he’d die without me and a micromanaging boss with a god complex, my spirit wilted. Owning my power meant shedding the safety nets I clung to after a brutal incident left me frightened to take risks.

Now, nobody expects a life-altering experience on a subway commute, but the delicious stranger flashing me a heart-stopping smile woke my desire for a bigger life. Was he Fate’s gift? A serial killer? Oddly, I didn’t care, and the silent connection between us made me do something very un-Lanie: I smiled back, forgetting Quinn’s possessive hand on my thigh.

I didn’t realize my smile would change three people’s lives forever.

ZANE: Her eyes slayed me: heavenly blue and mesmerizing despite a gut-stirring sadness. I had been many people in twenty-three years: child thug, teenage rescue, good son, sound studio prodigy, and now, ‘daddy’ to my nine-year-old sister. But a guy who stares at someone’s girl? Hell, no. Yet there I was, unable to look away, certain I could make her happier in life and between the sheets than the guy beside her.

The fantasy should have ended with my commute; my exhausting life didn’t allow for more. But Fate kept throwing us together, opening my eyes to possibilities and giving Lanie the courage to let go of Quinn.

Unfortunately, Quinn wasn’t ready to let go of her….

 

My review:

Next Stop: You is a heartwarming tale of love and responsibility. Zane has taken on the responsibility for raising his 9 year old sister after the death of their father.  Laine has been in a dysfunctional relationship for three years. All it took was a smile between strangers on the subway to start what would become a love story that will melt your heart. This story made me laugh, cry, sigh and left me with a smile.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

Warrior King: New Worlds (Crystal Kingdom #6) by Milly Taiden

 

Blurb:

Lilah McClure may be mouthy, bossy, and overly bold, but she knows what’s fair and hates injustice of any kind. When she and her cousins are captured by the mountain fae, she learns they’re living in the freakin’ stone age. Equality between genders? Nope, not even as a joke. The female fae need a champion to stand up for them against their king, show them how their lives should be free from oppression. Lilah is more than willing to take on that job. There’s just one big, sexy, problem. Ferrus. 

Ferrus sees no issues with how things have been for centuries. His beautiful, strong, independent woman is making him question the norms and traditions he’s known all his life and wonder if maybe their society is in need of an update. He isn’t sure what to believe, but he’s fallen for this strange little human, so he’ll do his best to keep her from being thrown into the dungeon, or eaten by wild forest creatures. 

Lilah has to negotiate with a cold-hearted king for the future freedom of generations of females and show the fae she loves that his ways are barbaric and must change. We can’t forget that some guy wielding dark magic is after her and her cousins, wanting his own revenge on the Crystal Kingdom.

 

My review:

Ferrus and his warriors may be big and tough and stuff but they are about to become enlightened as to just how strong the women in their lives are. No more hiding behind sheets, no more out of sight out of mind, no more being quiet and in the shadows. Earth woman, alpha female Lilah is going to wake them all with a great big dose of reality in this fabulous tale. I was shouting ROCK ON! Loudly throughout this wonderful story.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

Kitty's Mix-Tape (Kitty Norville #16) by Carrie Vaughn

 

 Blurb:

The final installment of the bestselling Kitty Norville series showcases the paranormal escapades of Carrie Vaughn’s fan-favorite werewolf talk-show host. This engaging short fiction collection - with its own soundtrack for each tale - is sure to delight both existing Kitty fans and anyone who enjoys urban fantasy at its grittiest and best.

Kitty Norville still can’t stay away from trouble of the supernatural kind.

Everyone’s favorite werewolf DJ is here to mix it up just one last time. Here you will find, or even newly discover, the irrepressible Kitty Norville with friends and enemies alike: Rick the vampire; Jessi Hardin, paranormal detective; Kitty’s husband Ben; Cormac, the bounty hunter; and the villainous Dux Bellorum. These irresistible tales are full of unpredictable twists and turns: lupines experimenting with astronomy, a cheating boxer with preternatural strength, vampires arriving from the Philippines.

As a special treat, author Carrie Vaughn (Bannerless) has provided her own selections for a mix-tape: story notes and songs dedicated to each tale.

So whatever you do, don't miss Kitty before she is gone. . . .

 

My review:

Kitty's Mix-Tape is a delightful mix of vignettes featuring characters from the world of werewolf DJ Kitty Norville. I love this series and miss the characters so this was like a gift. We discover Dux Bellorum’s backstory. We get to hang out with Kitty, Ben and Cormac in various locations doing what comes natural. Even Rick the vampire gets a story. I truly enjoyed revisiting these characters. Rock on, Kitty, rock on.

 

Buy links:

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Black Hollow: Finding Her Wizard by Gracen Miller

 

Blurb:

Nestled between redemption and damnation, Crimson Moon Hideaway was supposed to be a safe haven for the paranormal. Thanks to an unlikely nemesis, it’s anything but a refuge.

Jianna has a Valkyrie spirit and is fed up with Thad McNally’s stunts. Dumping Thad’s body in a watery grave sounds like a great idea but isn’t a viable option. So, she calls in reinforcements to protect the resort and her people. Jianna never expected hunky, heartthrob Hollywood actor, Caleb Weston, to offer her aid. Or that he is the infamous Merlin.

Merlin is no stranger to trouble. He’s solved countless problematic situations during his lifetime. The legend of King Arthur is only the tip of the iceberg. After his recent breakup with his long-time fiancée, he’s eager to help his best friend protect a paranormal oasis. But he gets more than he bargained for... a goddess bent on world domination, and a mate already married to another man.

Caught in the crosshairs of a goddess’ schemes, are they too late to halt her diabolical plans?

 

My review:

Finding Her Wizard is the marvelous bridge between Black Hollow and the Crimson Moon Hideaway spin-off. This story is filled with heat and humor. This is a brilliant escape with delightful characters, hot sex and a terrific story.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

The Names You Call Me by Kelly Violet

Blurb:

An impulse in class...
Rae-Ana Sharpe was like a brick wall. Solid. Steadfast. And hard to break through. Used to a long line of disappointing moments and heartache, this was now her life. Being hurt by her best friend Xander, though, was the absolute worst. She never really recovered from his unexpected dismissal. Then an impulsive moment in class one day brings him crashing back into her world.

Gives them a second chance...
Alexander Wirth made a colossal mistake the last days of high school. Two years later, it still weighed on his conscience. But Rae was never far from his mind or heart. Taking a chance, he enrolled in an elective way outside of his major. When his bet finally pays off, he gets a rude awakening and a shot at redemption. That’s if she even gives him the time of day.

When life constantly supplies you with lemons, do you lock your heart away for good? Or let the guy of your dreams fix you a glass of spiked lemonade?

 

My review:

The Names You Call Me is a thoughtful tale of opposites attracting. Black and white, rich and poor Xander and Rae shouldn’t work but they do. This story has us following Rae and Xander from becoming best friends in ninth grade through a blow up in their senior year and reuniting as juniors in college. This story will pull at your heartstrings and have you cheering from the sidelines. A wonderful YA romance.

 

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