Book Review: Unfinished Business (Wolftown) by Tim Susman

Unfinished Business by Tim Susman is the first book in the urban fantasy series Wolftown. Private Investigator Jae Kim doesn't have a werewolf problem—at least not as long as he can keep clear of his ex-boyfriend Czoltan. But when a suspicious police report hits the streets of Wolftown, Jae suddenly finds himself hunted on the streets he used to freely roam. Dodging bullets from Wolftown vigilantes, he's stuck hiding out with Czoltan while he and his were-bear ghost Sergei search out whoever set him up—and his life isn't the only one at stake.

Unfinished Business had a bit of a slow start for me, but I was quickly caught up in Jae's personal drama and the multilayered world and character building. I thought the mix of adventure, personal growth, mystery, and honesty about mental health all come together perfectly. I liked getting to know Jae, and seeing the complexity of his relationships and how war and family dynamics shape the way he reacts to the world around him. I thought the mystery and crime aspects were handled very well, and even when I thought I was a step ahead I greatly enjoyed the ride. I really liked the way mental health, honesty, and prejudice were approached throughout the book, and I expect it to be handled similarly in future volumes. Honestly, my only complaint is that when the book ended I felt like I had just gotten to fully know and understand some of the characters and I wanted more. I look forward to whatever comes next. 

Unfinished Business is a highly engaging read and the start of a series I will be following.

Book Review: Of Claws and Fangs: Stories from the World of Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood by Faith Hunter

Of Claws and Fangs: Stories from the World of Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood by Faith Hunter is a collection of shorter works featuring heroines Jane Yellowrock and Nell Ingram, as well as a host of other characters from the Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood series.  From a vampire-filled Halloween evening in New Orleans to the searing tale of how a certain were-leopard first got his spots, this collection has something for everyone, and each story is sure to put the super in supernatural. With eighteen stories in all, Of Claws and Fangs will enrich and entertain—it’s a must-have for Faith Hunter’s readers and all lovers of fantasy.

Of Claws and Fangs  is a collection of vignettes, short stories, and a novella all from the world of Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood. Those that subscribe to the newsletter and follow Hunter online might have seen some of these stories previously, but most will be brand new to readers. I loved getting a look at some of the moments between the stories I have read and particularly moments from characters the generally do not get to have their thoughts shared. I loved that some of these stories tie the characters I felt I have come to know well, and those that always seem on the periphery, closer together in ways I never expected. This was a great collection and I think all fans of Hunter's work will enjoy it very much. 

Of Claws and Fangs is a must have for fans of Faith Hunter. For those that prefer to listen, the audiobook version is available, and extremely well done. 

Early Book Review: Awakened (Diablo Lake) by Lauren Dane

 Awakened is the third book in the Diablo Lake series by Lauren Dane. It is currently scheduled for release on October 26 2021. I have not read the previous books in this series. While I think this book can be enjoyed on its own, returning readers will get more out of it than newcomers. 

It’s autumn in Diablo Lake and the town is buzzing with preparations for Halloween, Samhain, Collins Hill Days, and the wedding of the newly elected mayor and her wolf shifter fiancé. Ruby Thorne can’t think of a better time of year to come back for good and open the health clinic she’s been planning for the last six years. Her connection to the town and its veins of magic have snapped back into place, flooding her with a power eager to jump to her call. She has a sense of rightness. This witch is exactly where she’s supposed to be. So it’s not much of a surprise that he comes back into her path just like he was meant to. Damon Dooley has spent the last few years learning how to run the pack at his older brother’s right hand. There’s been upheaval. Outrage. Violence. Old rules have created a silence so crushing it’s collapsed the fabric of not just the wolf shifters, but the town as a whole. And yet, Ruby has returned. Man and wolf agree she needs to be in their life regularly, and before long, things move from serious to something magically deeper. Bound to one another heart and soul, both committed to what’s best for Diablo Lake, Ruby backs Damon as he pushes for much-needed change. But when something falls into Ruby’s lap and she learns the whole, terrible truth, secrets need to be spilled. How—and by whom—becomes the only question.

Awakened is a book with several subplots that fans of the series will be eager to see move forward. Even as a newcomer to the series I was interested in the community drama and how things were going to play out. I thought that there was a great deal of character and world building that was very well done. The families and how everyone was connected and had unique personalities was very well done. That being said, I felt like the relationship between Ruby and Damon was a little too easy. They had the previous knowledge of each other, but spent some time getting to know how they had each changed. They were very open and communicated well about what they needed or wanted from each other, and their commitments to their families and communities and the interruptions that might take place. The majority of tension came from outside, the politics and past that the werewolf pack was dealing with. There just was no will they/wont they or how are they going to come back from this moments to keep me invested in the couple. It just did not grab me and make me care about Ruby and Damon, who were just a little two perfect on their own and together. 

Awakened is a must read for fans oft he series and author, but it just did not capture my attention like past books from the author. 

Book Review: Van Helsing Academy (Supernatural Rehab) by Stacey O'Neale

Van Helsing Academy is the first book in the young adult Supernatural Rehab series by Stacey O'Neale. Mina can't remember anything about the night she was attacked. All she knows is what she's been told: she got separated from her team during a mission and turned up two months later covered in cuts and bruises alongside two dead vampires. After being blamed for their deaths, she is sentenced to three years at the supernatural rehabilitation center, the Van Helsing Academy. As Mina searches for answers, lies are slowly unraveled and alliances forged. Soon she will uncover a secret plot that threatens to destroy her family legacy and ignite a war between the supernatural factions.

Van Helsing Academy is a solid series opener. I thought that the world and character building was well done. There were many of the usual boarding school tropes, but there were definitely deviations from that as well. I liked the development for Mina, and while I was not always happy with her I thought she was consistent and true to character. There were some high points, and I enjoyed  those very much. To be honest, I saw at least some of the big twists coming. There were some hints and dropped bits of information that I really expected to become important, and maybe they do later in the series, but I felt like some great potential was there and just not followed through. So many possible twists or characters that were left behind. 

Van Helsing Academy is a good read, and I think fans of the genre will really enjoy it. 

Book Review: Of Mettle and Magic (MagicSmith) by L.R. Braden

Of Mettle and Magic is the fifth book in the MagicSmith series by L.R. Braden. Readers do need to read this series in order to understand the character development and relationships. When the Unified Church in Rome is destroyed by rogue sorcerers, tensions explode. Alex Blackwood will do whatever it takes to prevent a war between the humans, fae, and Earth paranaturals--even turn herself over to the PTF. But when a man she thought long dead walks back into her life at the head of a sorcerer army, surrender is no longer an option. With all the world watching, and half hoping she fails, Alex and her friends scramble to find a peace that won’t cost them everything.

Of Mettle and Magic is a good continuation of the story, and also a building block for further developments. I was happy to return to Alex's world, and it was great to see some of my favorite secondary characters make appearances and some twists that I have been expecting to make themselves known. There is plenty of action, planning, and growth of power and understanding. Some dynamic shifts and some great moments. I was hoping for a bit more on the character growth side, and a little less of the world imploding. Do not get me wrong, there were some great moments and I was glad to read the book. But I love the complexity of the characters, and I feel like the growing complexity of the world and danger around them has overtaken some of what I really enjoy about this series. There were definitely some great growth and moments of revelation and understanding on Alex's part, but there were also moments were I was less engaged as the preparations for fighting and whatnot needed to happen. I still love this series- but this one just did not capture me the way I expected and hoped for. 

Of Mettle and Magic is a solid continuation of this story, and I think fans of the series will need to read it, but it just did not resonate with me as thoroughly as the previous books. 

Book Review: Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses by Kristen O'Neal

Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses by Kristen O'Neal is a young adult novel. Priya worked hard to pursue her premed dreams at Stanford, but a diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease during her sophomore year sends her back to her loving but overbearing family in New Jersey—and leaves her wondering if she’ll ever be able to return to the way things were. Thankfully she has her online pen pal, Brigid, and the rest of the members of “oof ouch my bones,” a virtual support group that meets on Discord to crack jokes and vent about their own chronic illnesses. When Brigid suddenly goes offline, Priya does something out of character: she steals the family car and drives to Pennsylvania to check on Brigid. Priya isn’t sure what to expect, but it isn’t the horrifying creature that's shut in the basement. With Brigid nowhere to be found, Priya begins to puzzle together an impossible but obvious truth: the creature might be a werewolf—and the werewolf might be Brigid. As Brigid's unique condition worsens, their friendship will be deepened and challenged in unexpected ways, forcing them to reckon with their own ideas of what it means to be normal.

Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses is a book that started slow for me, but quickly hooked me into caring about all the members of the chronic illness support group. That was what kept me reading, and I am very glad I did. I like the honest and well researched way the illness and the character's experiences with them- and other people's reactions to them- were described. It was all very real and honest, which I appreciated. So often we do not see some of the hardest aspects of being chronically ill, the emotional and mental components. I loved the character and relationship development, and find myself wondering how the future goes for the characters. I have a feeling these characters will stick with me for quite a while. Everything felt real, and honestly if there are werewolves this is pretty much what I think they might be. 

Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses is a read that will draw readers in, foster understanding, and leave readers wanting more. 

Early Book Review: Captive of Wolves (Bound to the Fae) by Eva Chase

Captive of Wolves is the first book in the Bound to the Fae series by Eva Chase. It is currently scheduled for release on December 9 2020. 

For years, the monsters who killed my family have held me in a cage. Brutalized and half-starved. Only kept alive so they can steal my blood. Until one evening when four eerily gorgeous men break me out of my prison. They give me a soft bed and delicious food. They say they'll protect me—but their generosity may come at a price. My rescuers are monsters like my captors: fae who shift into wolves. A curse gripping the faerie realm turns them wild under the full moon. Only my blood can cure their rage. These fearsome men need me, and not just to lift the curse. A tragedy left them outcasts, and offering me to their rulers could win them back the home and the power they lost.
No matter how kindly they treat me, no matter how their smoldering eyes and strong hands stir unfamiliar desires in both my body and my heart, their castle is just another prison. As long as I'm a prize more than a person, my life will never be my own. I've survived this long without giving up. I won't roll over now. But how can one damaged human girl hold her own against the savage fae?

Captive of Wolves is a book that had a rough start for me. In the beginning I thought I might have read something very similar before (and I have) and was left wondering if this series was part of a larger series. I do believe I have read something else by the author, and they have enough of a back catalog that both aspects are possible, but it also reminds me a little of a series by Sadie Moss, different set up and very different details, but the same kind of story. The characters seem to be slowly developed, with the guys especially slow to unwind. While I liked Talia's determination and empathy I have to admit that she had more than one 'too stupid to live' moments that just had me shaking my head and closing the book for a moment to get past it. The character, world, and relationship building was well thought out, but very much slow burn and build up. I did like the story, and think the author did a good job of setting up the story. However, it felt a little too slow and like the guy's emotions and past were much less developed than Talia's. That combined with the familiar feeling of the story made it less exciting to me. I did like that we got several points of view, that helped develop the guy's a little more for me. I think this book will be a near perfect read for some, but it just did not hit that sweet spot for me.

Captive of Wolves is a decent start to a series, with a paranormal and reverse harem leaning, I think it will hit the spot for fans of the genre but will miss the mark for others.

Book Review: Come On, Get Lucky by Jacqueline Rohrbach

Come On, Get Lucky by Jacqueline Rohrbach is a paranormal romance with a mystery to solve. Grant is looking for love, but there’s one big problem—himself. Due to Grant’s massive size, not to mention the fact he’s also a werewolf, all the eligible bachelors steer clear of him, preferring men who are a little less ginormous and a lot less monstrous. Only Lee, Grant’s best friend and vampire extraordinaire, sees him as a gentle giant who longs to give awesome backrubs, cupcakes, and endless affection to his lifelong mate. Lee is tired of the same old song and dance of dating and then breaking up. The only steady presence in his life has been Grant, a tried-and-true friend who always knows what to say and the right spot to scratch. So, when Grant finally breaks up with his flighty boyfriend, Lee sees an opportunity to let his carefully guarded heart out of its box and try for something real and lasting. There’s a problem, though: Lee has always forbidden romance between friends, an order he’s drilled into Grant’s head over and over again. That means Lee might need to throw their friendship to the fire. To find passion, they’ll have to become enemies. To find love, they’ll have to get lucky.

Come On, Get Lucky is a book with a lot going on. Lee and Grant are good friends, and neither has had much luck in the love department. From the description of the book I thought Grant's size was going to be mentioned more in the story, but I found that his werewolf nature tended to get much more attention than his size. The friends to more aspect between Lee and Grant was both charming and frustrating. Grant was trying so hard to be good, and the set up by Lee that is mentioned in the blurb is much more of a question in the actual story of whether his efforts were on purpose or just kind of happening. I would have liked some more of the story clearly from Lee's point of view and maybe a conversation or two between the two that could have moved things along much quicker romantically but still left plenty of room for the drama and danger aspects of the story. I really liked the side stories about the rabbit and 'stalker'. I found that the dichotomy of the vampire and werewolf fighting over and caring for a bunny sweet and fun. I also found how both were so distracted that they missed the clues about how something more sinister than someone unhappy to be turned down was happening until the stakes were raised. There were some serious twists and turns, and I was always curious about just what would happen next. 

Come On, Get Lucky is a good book, with a lot going on. I just might be looking for the author's backlist for more good reads.

Book Review: Courting Darkness (Magesmith) by L.R. Braden

Courting Darkness is the second book in the Magesmith series by L.R. Braden. I do recommend reading this series in order to best understand the character and world building.

The paranatural community isn’t done with Alex. She’s been summoned to the fae court, and she's got her hands full trying to prepare. But her date with the fae will have to wait. There’s been a death at the gallery, and the man she hoped would be a part of her future is the prime suspect. Bitter enemies pull her into the middle of a paranatural war for territory that has her dodging police, swords, teeth, and claws—not to mention the truth. The deeper she digs, the more secrets she uncovers, and the less certain she is about the innocence of the one man she wanted to trust. She thought she was done with murder and monsters, but she’ll have to enter the belly of the beast if she hopes to save her friend.

Courting Darkness is a good continuation of the series. It did take me a little while to settle back into Alex's world and remember where we left off, but that is normal in urban fantasy for me. I enjoyed the continued character development for Alex and those closest to her. I thought the newly introduced characters were very well done and helped the story move along and set up plot points for the future rather than feeling like extras tossed in. I thought Alex's struggles to balance wants, needs, safety, and friendship was on point and well handled. The danger was high, but the emotional stakes felt just as high and the physical. I will say that I thought this book would deal more with the fae court than it did, but I enjoyed being surprised a bit with this detour. However, that also made the story feel almost like a side quest.  I am eager to read the story arch that I was more expecting- as this book does add some interesting possibilities for complications in the upcoming books. I will definately be continuing this series because I cannot wait to see what happens next. 

Courting Darkness is a thoughtful continuation to the series. I think fans of the first book and the genre will really enjoy it. 

Early Book Review: A Drop of Magic (The Magicsmith) by L.R. Braden

A Drop of Magic is the first book in The Magicsmith series by L.R. Braden. It is currently scheduled for release on July 31 2019. With the world clinging to a fragile peace forced on the Fae by humanity after the Faerie Wars, metalsmith Alex Blackwood is plunged into the world of the half-fae who traffick in illegal magical artifacts. Her best friend’s murder and his cryptic last message place her in the crosshairs of a scheme to reignite the decade-old war between humans and fae. Worse, violent attacks against her and the arrival of a fae knight on a mission force Alex to face a devastating revelation of who and what she is. To catch a killer, retrieve a dangerous artifact, and stop a war, Alex will have to accept that she’s an unregistered fae “halfer” with a unique magical talent—a talent that would change everything she believes about her past, her art, and her future. Her world is crumbling around her, and Alex will have to decide who to trust if she and the world are going to survive.

A Drop of Magic starts with the basics needed for a complex urban fantasy world and a strong main character. Alex has been through a lot, and tries to do her bet in her art and day job while still trying to keep a safe emotional distance from her friends and acquaintances. Everything is turned upside down when her good friend is killed and her own identity is brought into question. I like that she struggles a little with the chaos that begins to surround her- but still manages  to keep moving forward and trying to solve the mystery. The murders and missing items of the story were very well written, and I thought the danger and sleuthing for the characters and readers alike hit a good balance, and I am glad to say that the conclusion was not on my radar, and I was a little surprised. I enjoyed learning about the characters closest to Alex, and really like that there were multiple possibilities for romantic interest the story never made that leap. I hate when all the world and character building gets pushed aside for a romance- even though I love a good love story.  I have a feeling that romance is coming, but I was gla to get a solid understanding of Alex and her world beforehand.  Some of the twists I saw coming, while others managed to sneak up on me and take me by surprise. I liked that the story did have a solid, satisfying conclusion but left plenty of room for more revelations and twists in future complications. I also enjoyed the collection of fae and shifters that made their appearance, and cannot wait to see what else pops up in the future.

A Drop of Magic is a good start to an urban fantasy series. I think I will be continuing this one to see where it goes. 

Book Review: Wolf Hunger (SWAT) by Paige Tyler

Wolf Hunger is the seventh book in the SWAT series by Paige Tyler. While the romance is not dependent on having read the previous books in the series, the danger, conflict, and some character building was done in the previous books. So, if you are a reader that wants to understand all the lore and whys behind the main characters and big bads I highly recommend reading this series in order, if you can let go of that and enjoy the characters focused on in the story at hand, then feel free to read out of order and enjoy.

When SWAT Officer Max Lowry meets Lana Mason, he falls fast and hard. He’s positive she’s The One. And Max’s favorite part? Lana’s a wolf shifter too, so they can skip the awkward reveal and head straight to the happily ever after. There’s just one problem: Lana doesn’t know that she’s a werewolf.  To make matters worse, hunters with intent to kill have tracked Lana to Dallas. Max has to figure out how to keep Lana safe, show her who and what she really is—and just how much she means to him.

Wolf Hunger follows the larger story arc about hunters and danger for werewolves. Readers that have not followed the series might not be ready for how much of the story focuses on the danger and suspense element that is connected to that. I like that Lana has a good head on her shoulders, and that even though she trusts Max she did not just shrug and move on after she was shown the truth of werewolves. She had a nice freak out, as any sane person tossed into chaos might. I also like how the community of werewolves, and police in town, changes and grows through the book. People are so much more than they seem, and I liked getting a glimpse at the deeper aspects of some of the secondary characters that have peppered earlier books. I found Max's conflicts and personal history to be well handle and still heart breaking. It was an important part of the story, and one of the most compelling parts. My only big issue with the book is the non story that surrounded Lana and Max's romance. It was kind of glossed over, and I found myself more interested in Lana's parents and Max's issues than them as a couple. 

Wolf Hunger is a good read, and I liked the story. It just did not wow me, and I thought the emotional and relationship development could have had a little more to it. 

Book Review: Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas (White Wolf) by Terry Spear

Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas is the first book in the White Wolf series by Terry Spear, but is connected to the other paranormal romance series by Spear. Romance writer Candice Mayfair never missed a deadline in her life—until the playful bite of a werewolf puppy accidentally turns her into an Arctic wolf shifter. Talk about a life-changing event! Candice is at the end of her rope with the unpredictable shifting, a strong desire to howl, and the need to vacuum constantly to keep the shedding fur under control. Enter werewolf private investigator Owen Nottingham. Owen has a new mission: convince the pretty she-wolf she needs to join his pack in time for Christmas and be his mate. It’s the only way he can think of to keep her safe.

Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas is a quick read, and one while very connected to the other books in the series also felt a little more insulated. I liked Candice's character. She is pragmatic and steady- doing what she needs to do to survive without panicking or acting out. Owen is pretty steady and I liked his respect and determination when it came to getting to know Candice. I think the background drama was a little too much, and the developing relationship was almost no longer the focus of the book, although the pair did actually discuss things and act like mature adults for the most part. I felt like the hard stuff (Candice's coming to terms with being a werewolf as an example) and skipped over. It was a good, but not extraordinary or unexpected read. 

Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas is a better read for me than some of the more recent books in this extended series. It is what fans of the author are looking for and expecting, but nothing more than that. 

Book Review: SEAL Wolf Undercover (SEAL Wolf) by Terry Spear

SEAL Wolf Undercover is the fifth book in the SEAL Wolf series by Terry Spear is the 22nd book in the Heart of the Wolf series. Even though I have read most, if not all, of this series I still felt a it like I was missing something when I started this book. While parts of the story stand up fine on its own, there are a lot of important bits that only those that have been following the series will fully enjoy. However, even for us, after twenty something books even some of us have forgotten things that were important.

Special wolf agent Jillian Matthews has joined the jaguar-run United Shifter Force to track down a deadly criminal. She’s even willing to work with PI Vaughn Greystroke—until the hot, growly SEAL wolf makes the mistake of getting in her way. Naturally, she shoots him. Who could blame her? Vaughn Greystroke has always worked alone. But when a string of attempted murders puts him in the crosshairs, teaming up with the Shifter Force begins to sound like a good idea. Even if he has to work with alluring—and potentially treacherous—Jillian Matthews. Vaughn is a trained SEAL, after all. He can surely keep his distance from Jillian...no matter how much she’s getting under his skin.

SEAL Wolf Undercover is a romance with lots of action, plenty of detective work and mingling of characters from different storylines, not all of which I remember or felt like I needed. I liked that Jillian is independent and capable, but I do not feel like her or Vaughn were completely fleshed out. There are the trust issue, which was fine, and the shifter instant mate connection thing, which was not unexpected. However, I think there was very little focus on the couple, it was more about the twisted plot that resulted in people getting shot or otherwise injured. I do like that Jillian and Vaughn were both investigators, so they withheld judgement and trust for a good while, but there was very little working things out together, it all just fell together too easily for me. However, I think this might just be my personal burn out due to the number of books I have read from the author, and my apparent inability to stop reading them even when I know I need to take a break. 

SEAL Wolf Undercover is exactly what one expects from this series, however I think I need a break from it, after I finish the one related book I still have in my queue. It is good, but starting to feel too complicated to keep all the interwoven stories straight, and too little about the couple the book is about. 

Book Review: Between a Wolf and a Hard Place (Heart of the Wolf) by Terry Spear

Between a Wolf and a Hard Place is the twenty first book in the Heart of the Wolf series by Terry Spear. Alpha werewolf Brett Silver has an ulterior motive when he donates a prized family heirloom to the Silver Town hotel. Ellie MacTire owns the place with her sisters, and he's out to get her attention. Ellie is even more special than Brett knows. She's a wolf-shifter with a unique ability to commune with the dead. Ellie has been ostracized in the past, so she protects herself and those she loves by revealing nothing-not even when strange and dangerous things begin to happen in Silver Town. And especially not to the devastatingly handsome and generous wolf who's determined to win her over.

Between a Wolf and a Hard Place picks up pretty close after the 17th book in the series, A Silver Wolf Christmas, and continues the pairing of of the Silver brothers and the MacTire sisters. Along with the romance we get some ghostly mysteries and interfering families- all to be expected when you look at the series and the players involved. I liked Ellie's character, she is strong and independant, with out making foolish decisions. Brett was a nice guy, with the possessive attitude that comes with being an alpha wolf, but seems to be good at tamping it down when that is the smarter path. However, I have to admit hat I never really connected with him- feeling more like he was the expected character, with the expected personality, rather than a person in his own right. I cannot pinpoint anything that left me flat, but something just did not work for me. The same with the danger level- the majority of Spear's romance has some serious danger in store for one or both of the major players, I never really felt that here. I just was never on the edge of my seat. 

Between a Wolf and a Hard Place is a decent read, but I think I might be done with this series ( after I read the next two with I already have on my Kindle). The story is still a good read, but not as engaging and suspenseful as the first few I have read. With the amount of books I still want to read, this just might be one of the series I need to put aside.

Book Review: Midnight Curse (Disrupted Magic) by Melissa F. Olson

Midnight Curse is the first book in the Disrupted Magic series by Melissa F. Olson, which is a follow up to the Scarlet Bernard book, so you could think of it as the fourth book in that series if you would like. It also has some characters from the Boundary Magic series. I think I would recommend reading the other series first, before jumping in here. Since I adore the books, I think it would be a pleasure rather than a task. However, if you want to just dive in, there is enough groundwork and explanation in the book that I think newcomers could catch up quickly. 

Scarlett Bernard is used to cleaning up messes. As a human who cancels out any magic around her, Scarlett’s job is to keep the supernatural world hidden—at any cost. But on the eve of the Vampire Trials, a two-day tribunal that allows the otherworldly community to air their grievances, Scarlett receives a blood-soaked message from Molly, her estranged former roommate. Molly, a vampire, had been living with twelve human college students…and in one terrible night, she slaughtered them all. Scarlett believes Molly’s been set up, but no one else in the Old World agrees with her. Meanwhile, the true perpetrator is determined to make sure Molly goes on trial for the massacre—and the penalty is death. With less than two days to prove her friend’s innocence, Scarlett calls on former LAPD detective Jesse Cruz to help her dig into Molly’s past. But no one—Molly included—wants Scarlett and Jesse to bring the terrible truth to light.

Midnight Curse is exactly what fans of Olson are looking for. The first chapter was spent playing catch up and remembering what I had read already, but I think that is the case for more series or related books with good backstories. I think there is a good amount of information so that newer readers to the world will catch up, but I still recommend reading the books in order to get a fuller understanding of the larger relationships and politics involved. I really enjoyed the growth that Scarlet shows, and the realistic personal and interpersonal reactions and feelings. I thought the danger and mystery were well done and pretty perfectly paced. I liked that not everything, and everyone, was perfectly good or bad- but that Olson continued to show how most everyone comes in shades of grey.

I was glad to see Molly back into Scarlet's life- although not in the way anyone was really hoping for. I also like that the book wrapped up the mystery and struggle of the particular story while still leaving plenty of open avenues for future books that will not be a reach or stretch. I was glad to see Jesse back as well, and think this is going to be a great series with the majority of my favorite characters. A must read for fans, and good motivation for urban fantasy fans that have yet to read her work to start from the beginning and become a fan.

Midnight Curse is another great book from Olson. I was disappointed that I took this long to get around to reading this book, but so glad I did. To those that like audiobooks, I highly recommend listening to the series. I binge listened to ALL the previous books from Olson via my library overdrive offerings and Audible. The reader is wonderful, and actually reading this book rather than listening, I still heard the narrator I was used to in my read as I read.

Early Book Review: Wolf Hunt (SWAT) by Paige Tyler

Wolf Hunt is the sixth book in the SWAT series by Paige Tyler and is currently scheduled for release on June 6 2017. Remy Boudreaux is back in his hometown, New Orleans. He's there with three of his fellow Dallas SWAT officers for a week of training with the NOLA PD. On the eve of a tropical storm, Remy and his buddies prowl the French Quarter. One tantalizing scent captures Remy's senses, forcing him to follow until he is face to face with Triana Bellamy, his beautiful high school crush. After reconnecting, Remy and Triana are close, very close. Remy struggles to keep things casual. Ever since his partner, and lover, was killed on the job, he's kept women at a distance. But when a mysterious wolf pendant ropes them both into danger, Remy's protective instincts kick in. He may have to reveal his true self and hope Triana accepts him.

Wolf Hunt opens with the scene that explains how Remy's partner, and lover, was killed in a raid. So readers know right away that he is going to be reluctant to get attached from the very beginning. My only issue with it is that the raid seemed so familiar to me that I had to check and double check to make sure I had not read this book before. I know raids gone wrong are all going to be similar on some level, I started off my read unsure, but was glad that the rest of the story made up for my initial unease. I liked hat Remy reconnects with someone he knew from his past, but that readers still got to know Triana and her mother a little. I think the mother was my favorite character- and I spent a good portion of the book worried that she was going to get killed, because I liked her and her forthright style and stubbornness so much. She was three steps ahead of Remy, Triana, and the  root of the danger haunting them all the whole book. I say some of the twists and connections coming right away, but was happy to see some of the interesting ways they came about. I enjoyed the read, but could have done with less stubborn brooding and more actual conversation between Triana and Remy- but that is something that I find to be a common issue in romance of all sub-genres.

Wolf Hunt is not far off what I was expecting, but was glad to see a few unexpected twists along the way. Fans of the series will want to pick this one up, and since the stage is set off the SWAT home turf I think newcomers to the series will be able to fully enjoy the read as well. 

Book Review: Wolf Unleashed by Paige Tyler

Wolf Unleashed by Paige Tyler is the fifth book in the SWAT series. The previous books (in order) are: Hungry Like the Wolf, Wolf Trouble, In the Company of Wolves, and To Love a Wolf. While each book could be read on its own, I think reading them in order will offer more understanding of the paranormal particulars and character personalities- which will make for a more engaging read.

Lacey Barton can't deny her crazy attraction to Alex Trevino, but that doesn't mean she has time for the gorgeous SWAT officer. She's hell-bent on discovering who's behind the brutal dogfights sending countless mauled animals to her veterinarian office. The trail leads Lacey to a ring of vicious drug dealers and suddenly she's in way over her head-right smack in the middle of a SWAT stakeout. With Lacey in danger, Alex's wolf side is unleashed. But when she witnesses Alex shift, she's even more terrified. Now it's up to Alex to crack the case-and earn back Lacey's trust and, ultimately, her heart.

Wolf Unleashed is another fast paced adventure in a world of this SWAT series. I like that the characters are complex. Lacey has some issues to work out and some series trouble pausing to think about self preservation- but is quick to look out for others. I felt like Alex was a little too perfect, but maybe his perfection is what was needed for Lacey to let him in. I liked the larger storyline of crime fighting, and found the suspense very well done. I will admit that I saw trouble coming with Lacey's sister miles away- and actually predicted some of the big surprises and reveals before they happened. Although, I still enjoy Tyler's writing style and enjoyed the read. I did not think this one was as outstanding as some of the other books I have read in the series, but it was still worth a Saturday night's time.

Wolf Unleashed offers exactly what I expected from the author. Characters with depth, issues and danger that need facing, and the ability of those characters to communicate when all is said and done. Fans of the series will need to read it. I would recommend reading the book as part of the larger series, only because of the ground work that has been laid in them for the werewolf information and character development. I have enjoyed the series, so if this looks like something you would enjoy, starting at the beginning will not be a hardship.

Early Book Review: Wolf’s Clothing (Legend Tripping) by E.J. Russell

Wolf’s Clothing by E.J. Russell is the second book in the Legend Tripping series. It is currently scheduled for release on October 10 2016. I was somehow unaware it was part of a series until I started reading it. It did take me a bit to catch up, and I think that readers that have already read Stumptown Spirits will have a head start. However, I did catch up and full enjoy the novel despite the lack.

For Trent Pielmeyer, the answer is run like hell. Run away from his hostile family, away from the disbelieving cops, and far, far, far away from anything that smacks of the supernatural. After seven years’ captivity in a whacked-out alternate dimension, he is so over legend tripping.When Christophe Clavret spots Trent in a Portland bar, he detects a kindred spirit—another man attempting to outrun the darkness of his own soul. But despite their sizzling chemistry, Trent’s hatred of the uncanny makes Christophe hesitant to confide the truth: he’s a werewolf, one of a dwindling line, the victim of a genetic curse extending back to feudal Europe. But dark forces are at work, threatening more than their growing love. If Christophe can’t win Trent’s trust, and if Trent can’t overcome his fear of the paranormal, the cost could be Trent’s freedom and Christophe’s humanity. Or it might be both their lives.

Wolf’s Clothing is an interesting book that initially took me by surprise. I wish I had read the previous book first, but I feel like the character development and story stood well on its own. Trent has survived seven years of horror, and come out the other side only to have to hide the reason he was missing and deal with the family issues he had been trying to avoid his entire life. In trying to ground himself he runs to the only people that know his story- only to discover that his plan is no longer a viable option. Christophe has his own problems, and when the pair meet they are instantly in lust. I like that the plot is complex, as are the characters. This could have been an easy love story with only the supernatural revelations standing in their way- but the plot against Christophe, the wedding, and Trent's facing of his demons make the story move quickly. I like that the story is a LBGTQ romance under all the other things going on, and is not used as a gimmick or attention grabber. It flows perfectly with the story and felt fully organic rather than because the author was trying to fit in a niche or be trendy. I love a read that defies exceptions in a multitude of way while feeling like it just happened rather than being planned. The rest of the story is so full of complications, betrayal, and coming to understand the bigger picture that it was simply wonderful.

Wolf’s Clothing made me eager to go back and read Stumptown Spirits, and explore the few other books by the author. I think readers that enjoy urban fantasy and complex characters and conflicts will enjoy the read. I would not recommend it to read that are upset by non traditional couples and LBGTQ stories.

Book Review: Boundary Born by Melissa F. Olson

Boundary Born is the third book in the Boundary Magic series by Melissa F. Olson. Something wicked is at work in Colorado’s supernatural community. Vampires are being paralyzed or killed with poison, a weapon favored by witches. This offense threatens to break apart the already-fractured alliance between witches and the undead. The state’s cardinal vampire, Maven, summons boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther to stop the killing before it ignites a war. Lex has barely started investigating when she gets another surprise: the biological father she’s never met arrives on her doorstep. He has answers to all of Lex’s questions about her bloodline, but getting those answers could mean betraying the life she’s already built. Then the next vampire is poisoned—and this time it’s Maven herself. The new evil that hunts Lex is powerful and ruthless enough to stop the strongest supernatural creature in the state. In order to find such a killer, Lex will have to face down her own birthright and call on every ally—both living and dead.

Boundary Born is another winner from Olson, with a near perfect combination of character development, drama, and action. While reading I never knew if Lex was going to have a revelation, a big bad was going to pop up, or if a comic moment might be next. The constant surprises and highly developed characters kept me reading eagerly. Lex is a woman with some serious history and issues, and is well aware of that. I like that she is a complex character, and that even those that should be simple are more complicated than really needed to the story. No one is completely what they seem- no one is all good or bad. They characters are like real people, with shadows in light changing their perception and coloring their actions even when they do not seem aware of it. I like that we got to see more of Maven’s history and glimpses of Lex’s ancestry. I also like that while there is a romantic aspect to Lex’s life- it takes a back seat to more practical and immediately dangerous aspects of the day. 

Boundary Born is another wonderful book from Olson. I am a huge fan, after playing catch up on her previous series, and am looking forward to where ever these stories take us. If you are a fan, this book will keep you happy and eager for more. If you have not read anything from the author I highly recommend either starting from the beginning of this series, or starting at the very beginning with the Scarlet Bernard series. Trust me- they are all fantastic.