Monthly Archives: February 2026

Chaos (Twisted Kings NV 5) by Eva Simmons-review

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Chaos (Twisted Kings Nevada 5) by Eva Simmons-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 27, 2026

When I find my fiancé cheating on me, I make the mistake of turning to the one man who wants to destroy my ex more than I do… his brother.

Once upon a time I was torn between the two of them. Dean Graham laid his heart on the line and asked me to choose him, but I couldn’t for reasons he can never find out about. He left town and I haven’t seen him since.

Now I’m at his mercy in the heart of Vegas and he’s nothing like the rancher I remember.

He’s Jaded. Cold.

A Twisted King.

He’s a permanent fixture at his MC’s strip club, and he’s spent more years behind bars recently than free from them.

If I were smart, I’d have hightailed it back to Texas the second we came face to face. Except now that he has me a second time, he refuses to let me go.

Dean makes me beg.

Bargain.

Crawl…

If I want his help ruining his brother, I’m going to have to let him ruin me first.

•••••

REVIEW:Chaos is book five in the Twisted Kings MC series by Eva Simmons.

This book follows Chaos aka Dean Graham, ex felon, and road captain for the Twisted Kings. His MC club means everything to him. That is until Willa walks back into his life. Chaos and Willa are from the same small Texas town. Both of their lives have always had chaotic family dynamics. When thry were younger Willa chose Chaos’ brother Kaiden, and ge left town broken hearted.

That was twelve years ago. Chaos never thought he would ever see Willa again, until she walks into the strip club he manages. She shows up with information that can help Chaos save his family ranch in Texas. While he debates on whether he can trust her or not he has little choice when his heart decides he still has feelings for her. But Chaos doesn’t know the real reason Willa picked Kaiden. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Chaos and Willa navigate their past, and relearn each other again.

The tensions are high, the stakes even higher. Thoroughly enjoyed this book ad a stand alone. But will definitely be checking out the other books in this series.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin

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Oops I Hexed Him Again by Lauren Smith-review

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Oops I Hexed Him Again by Lauren Smith-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 5, 2026

When magic goes wrong, love might be the only spell that works right.

As a hedge witch, Calli Wynter’s perfectly organized life revolves around her cozy bookstore, the magical herbs she cultivates, and her carefully curated magical spells. But when Malcolm “Mac” Wellesley—a half-warlock playboy with spectacularly unpredictable powers and far too much sexual attraction —accidentally destroys her prized pumpkins for the Halloween festival, her quiet world and her magic explode into delicious chaos.

Mac’s been avoiding his powerful warlock family and their expectations ever since his magic proved more “otherworldy disaster” than “mystical mastery.” Being heir to a bloodline like his is impossible to deny, and complicated, when he’s stuck in the quirky town of Moonstone Falls, trying to fix both Calli’s garden and get the sexy witch to give him a chance. What he doesn’t account for is Calli’s romantic heart and her patient wisdom tempting him to stop running altogether.

As autumn deepens and their attraction grows undeniable, Calli and Mac discover that their different magical styles create something beautiful when combined. But when Mac’s disapproving warlock father arrives demanding he fulfill his family duties, Mac must choose between the life planned for him and the magic he’s found with Calli.

Can a hedge witch and a half-warlock prove that the best magic happens when opposites attract? In Moonstone Falls, where every day feels like Halloween and love spells are strictly optional, Calli and Mac are about to discover that some enchantments are worth fighting for.

•••••

REVIEW:OOPS I HEXED HIM AGAIN by Lauren Smith is a contemporary, adult, erotic, paranormal, romance story focusing on hedge witch Calli Wynter, and blood warlock Malcolm ‘Mac’ Wellesley.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives (Calli and Malcolm) OOPS I HEXED HIM AGAIN follows in the aftermath of the introduction and relationship between our story line couple. Malcolm Wellesley is the son of a blood warlock, and a human female, a non-magical person but upon his birth, a prophecy foretold of great things for our story line hero, and a blood vow would ensure Malcolm took his place. Malcolm believes he has no magical powers and the magic he does possess is uncontrollable and potentially dangerous but when Malcolm accidentally opens a portal to Moonstone Falls, a small town inhabited by supernatural creatures, Malcolm will discover his fated mate, a hedge witch Calli Wynter, and a witch-lock bond may be the death of not only Moonstone Falls, but our couple as well.

The world building focuses on a prophecy; on a promise, and on Malcolm’s destiny to sit on the Salem Witch Council. Moonstone Falls is the answer to Malcolm’s struggling magic but once released, our hero will be deemed a threat but all is not as it appears to be, fate intervened years before, pushing our couple together.

The relationship between Calli and Malcolm is one of fated mates. Calli has offered to teach Malcolm how to control his magic and in doing so will discover their mutual attraction and need for one another. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of magical and colorful secondary and supporting supernatural characters. We are introduced to Calli’s friend and fellow witch Sage, warlock Jasper, yeti Finnigan, and Malcolm’s parents Reginald and Sarah Wellesley, council member Lady Serafina Batsford, and hunter Cain Henson, as well as Malcolm’s familiar Hades, and Calli’s familiar Persephone. I am hoping the author has plans for more instalments.

OOPS I HEXED HIM AGAIN is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, discrimination, memories and history, fate and family. The premise is edgy and engaging; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are desperate and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Contractually Yours by Crea Reitan-review tour

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Contractually Yours by Crea Reitan-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 19, 2026

Sign your love away…

Enfield

I never wanted an arranged marriage but to continue the spoiled lifestyle I live and support my three children, I sign on the dotted line with a plan to get what I want and ditch the wife. My parents have other plans and the woman I’m contracted to turns out to be a man. I’m livid.

Xavi

I’ve been looking forward to this day for years. After watching six older brothers get their happy endings, all I want is mine. But the man who walks through my door is angry, mean, and not interested. My happy ending is heartbreak instead.

••••••

REVIEW:Contractually Yours by Crea Reitan is a heartfelt, MM contemporary romance that delivers exactly what it promises, an arranged marriage gone wrong (or right?), grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and an emotional journey from resentment to love.

The story centers on Enfield, a man who reluctantly enters an arranged marriage to maintain his luxurious lifestyle and support his three children.

He’s furious when he discovers his intended spouse is a man, Xavi…. a sweet, optimistic soul who’s been dreaming of his own happy ending after watching his six older brothers find theirs.

What starts as anger, coldness, and a secret plan to “ditch the wife” (now husband) slowly transforms through forced proximity, heartfelt moments, and Enfield’s gradual shift from asshole to devoted partner.

This book shines in its classic romance tropes. The grumpy/sunshine contrast is spot on…. Enfield’s initial meanness and frustration clash endlessly with Xavi’s sunshine personality and chaotic, endearing energy. The slow burn is a sloooooooburn, with Enfield’s internal conflict over his sexuality, he lashes out with no thought of how it would hurt the other persons feeling.

The “a$$hole to swoon” moment was worth waiting for, watching Enfield soften, grovel a bit, and embrace his feelings had me finally letting my breath out.

The one redeeming thing about Enfield was his love for his children, (Enfield’s kids are part of his motivation and life), and the way he is can sort of explained as we meet his parents! I loved how he was with his kids, there were his priority.

Xavi, I think deserved a better partner, Enfield was vile to him, and I don’t think Xavi should have forgiven him so quickly (my opinion) he was just like a puppy that kept getting kicked! He held out hope that it would work, he almost gave up and quit! And his indifference to kids! I really thought that would be a sticking point, but the author solved that situation 🤐

As a standalone, it doesn’t require prior knowledge of Reitan’s other works (though she often connects characters across her “Creaverse,” with Xavi and Enfield referenced in other books like Rumor Has It). As you read the book, you vaguely remember the person, then all of a sudden I have the urge to go back and reread that book. (And then I get sucked down the rabbit hole 😜 and I practically rereading everything 😂)

If you’re into arranged marriage stories with a redemption arc, forced proximity, and a big HEA, this will hit the spot.

A solid, swoony addition to Crea Reitan’s growing list of queer romances. Perfect for fans of slow burn MM with grumpy heroes who fall hard.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

 

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website /

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Jenson / Elijah (Elite Singles 1 & 2) by B.L. Wilde-reviews

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Jenson / Elijah (Elite Singles 1 & 2) by B.L. Wilde-reviews

JENSON
Elite Singles #1
by BL Wilde
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark erotic, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2025

Are you ready to visit Beckett Estate?

Sex is power. I’d always known that. My wealth may have come from old money, but starting The Elite opened doors and a fortune I didn’t know existed. An exclusive club where you can act out your darkest fantasies in the comfort of a private country estate? Of course, the rich flocked to join.

There were only three rules.

1. You have to be invited by a member to become a prospect.

2. The seven shareholders vote must be unanimous for you to join.

3. What you do at the club can’t be expressed to anyone that isn’t a member or prospect of the club.

Acting out my own desires at the sex club and The Elite Singles (its sister dating site) was all I needed until I met her.
Now I want something that’s more than sex, and I don’t care how deep I need to delve to find it! She might be my undoing, but I’m a rigger. Once I catch her, I might tie her so tightly that she’ll never be able to get away from me.

•••••

REVIEW:JENSON is the first instalment in B.L. Wilde’s contemporary, adult ELITE SINGLES erotic, Dom/sub romance series focusing on the investors of the Elite Singles and Sex Club: Jenson, Elijah, David, Demetri, Sebastian, Atlas and Freya. This is forty-four year old billionaire businessman Jenson Beckett, and thirty-five year old HR manager Kat Reeves’ story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including graphic sexual situations, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jenson and Kat) JENSON focuses on the Dom /sub relationship between our story line couple. Jenson Beckett doesn’t do relationships, his gets his pick of any woman he wants from the membership at the Elite Sex Club, co-owned by himself, and his friends and investors Elijah, David, Freya, Atlas, Demetri and Sebastian but when Elijah brings a new ‘prospect’ to the club, Jenson finds himself pulled into the aura that is our story line heroine. Kat Reeve is a highly sexual woman who has specific demands when it comes to $ex but our heroine never expected to fall for the man in charge. Jenson offers Kat a six month contract but a lack of communication and a series of misunderstandings find our couple on the outs before the six months is over.

The world building follows several pathways including the fractured relationship between Jenson Beckett and Elijah Wishbone. There is some dark history between Jenson and Elijah, and in this, our heroine is caught between the man with whom she is falling in love, and a work relationship that may be damaged beyond repair.

The relationship between Kat and Jenson is erotic and sexual in nature. Kat’s needs go beyond the ability of more than one man but Jenson believes he is man enough to serve our heroine with everything she needs. Jenson is a Master of rope play, with the Shibari method his claim to fame, and in this, Jenson is hoping to ‘rope in’ the woman that calls to his heart.The $ex scenes are erotic, provocative and carnal.

We are introduced to the owners and investors in The Elite Sex Club: Elijah Wishbone, David, Sebastian, Freya, Atlas and Demetri-each with their own sexual kinks, proclivities and specialities.

JENSON is an erotic story of secrets and obsession, broken friendships and grief, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is edgy and spicy, focusing on the $ex lives of our leading couple. The romance is seductive ; the characters are determined and sassy.

Copy supplied for review

_______

ELIJAH
Elite Singles #1
by BL Wilde
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark erotic, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Hatred is a powerful emotion. I’ve carried it with me for so long that I have no idea how to let go anymore.

Brooke pushes me past the loathing, though. She almost makes me feel again.

It’s a good job we hate each other. If I got the chance to have my wicked way with her, it might destroy us both.

•••••••

REVIEW:ELIJAH is the second instalment in Bl Wilde’s contemporary, adult ELITE SINGLES erotic, Dom/sub romance series focusing on the investors of the Elite Singles and Sex Club: Jenson, Elijah, David, Demetri, Sebastian, Atlas and Freya. This is businessman Elijah Wishbone, and PA Brooke’s story line. ELIJAH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion where Elijah’s story begins.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including graphic sexual situations (MF, FF, MFM, MFMFM, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Brooke and Elijah) ELIJAH follows Elijah as he continues to spiral in the face of grief and loss he blames of Jenson Beckett. Elijah struggles with the who and what of his The Elite’s owner Jenson Beckett believing Jenson destroys everyone with whom he touches but Elijah battles between head and heart as it pertains to Jenson’s new assistant Brooke, a hate filled attraction that is fueled by Brooke’s need to emasculate our story line hero. As the story progresses, Elijah’s need to dominate and claim Brooke is outmatched by Brooke’s need to push all of Elijah’s buttons but a scene together brings our couple closer together.

The world building focuses on the tempestuous relationship between our story line couple, a rage filled, angry relationship predicated upon perception and jealousy. Elijah’s darkness is fed by perceived betrayal, and the loss of a woman Elijah once loved.

The relationship between Elijah and Brooke is turbulent and stormy, without a precipitating event to justify the cause. As Elijah watches Brooke from afar, his need for our storyline heroine inflames his jealousy, and the anger directed towards someone else. The $ex scenes are provocative including multiple partners.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including the return of the Elite Sex Club investors: Jenson and Kat, Elijah, David, Demetri, Sebastian, Atlas and Freya, all of whom have different sexual proclivities and needs.

ELIJAH is an erotic story of grief and loss, $ex and obsession, friendships and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is provocative, haunting and raw; the romance is edgy; the characters are desperate, determined and stubborn.

 

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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Vows & Vengeance (The Ivanov Bratva 1) by Kelsie Calloway-review

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Vows & Vengeance (The Ivanov Bratva 1) by Kelsie Calloway-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 20, 2026

My father sold me to a monster. I wasn’t supposed to want him to devour me.

Nikolai Ivanov is the Pakhan of the Bratva. Cold. Ruthless. And now, thanks to my father’s debt, my husband.

I arrive at a wedding in a dress I didn’t choose, expecting to survive. He expects me to submit. Neither of us expected the fire.

I meet his ice with defiance. He meets my resistance with patience. Every look is a dare. Every touch is a claim. And when he corners me in the dark, I realize the most dangerous thing isn’t him. It’s how badly I want to stop fighting.

He says I belong to him now. The terrifying part? I’m starting to want to.

•••••••

REVIEW:  VOWS AND VENGEANCE is the first novella in Kelsie Calloway’s contemporary adult THE IVANOV BRATVA romance series. This is Bratva Pathan Nikolai Ivanov, and Sable Ashford’s story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sable and Nikolai) VOWS AND VENGEANCE focuses on the arranged marriage between our story line couple. Sable Ashford is payment for a debt, sold to the Pakhan of the Ivanov Bratva but our heroine refuses to break, and is determined to survive, at all cost. Nikolai Ivanov is struggling with the woman with whom he will fall in love. He never had any intentions of ownership but when Sable’s father offers up his daughter, Nikolai sees a possible future with our story line heroine but the Ivanov Bratva is about to go to war, and Nikola is determined to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The relationship between Sable and Nikolai begins as an arrangement. Sable was completely unaware of her father’s connection to organized crime, yet she was raised to be the obedient and submissive daughter of a man who ruled with an iron fist. Nikolai is taking him time, refusing to frighten the woman that calls to his heart but a perceived betrayal threatens any chance at a happily ever after, a betrayal Nikolai is hoping to go away. The $ex scenes are intimate but limited, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text/

The secondary and supporting characters include Nikolai’s brothers: Alexei, Sergei and Dimitri, all of whom play a role in the Ivanova Bratva.

VOWS AND VENGEANCE is a quick read; a story of betrayal and vengeance; secrets and lies, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. the fast paced premise is engaging and dramatic; the romance is limited but seductive; the characters are determined and charismatic

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Penthouse Prey (Primal Club) by Emma Castle-review

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Penthouse Prey (Primal Clulb)  by Emma Castle-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 13, 2025

Welcome to the Primal Club where all your darkest fantasies come to life…

Quinn Huxley never expected to run into Devlin Rayburn, the boy who bullied her in high school, ever again. But twelve years later, he walks back into her life offering her the one thing she can’t refuse: one night with him and he’ll save her parents’ failing business.

All she has to do is come to the opening night of Devlin Rayburn’s private, elite penthouse club and play his little game. She thinks she can handle him, but the moment she steps into his glittering world and discovers what his game is, she’s trapped…by her own desire.

Run, little princess, run…

He will chase her, catch her and claim her until she forgets everything outside herself but him and the pleasure he can give her. But when the night is over, will either she or Devlin be able to walk away from each other?

••••••

REVIEW:Penthouse Prey by Emma Castle is the first toe-tip into this author. While the novella is short, it sure as heck packs a punch. Check your trigger warnings before reading this, there are dark elements and no book is worth a person’s mental health.

We start our story off in a prep school of all things, Devlin and Quinn, two people so different but clearly drawn together. Devlin and his jerky goons make it their life’s mission to bully and overall destroy Quinn’s life. Quinn is the odd girl out from a poor family (compared to the others) who is attending the school on scholarship. One day, the goons take things too far and corner Quinn in the library. When things get crazy, it’s Devlin who comes to her rescue, even if it doesn’t look like it. From that moment on, she was his. She just didn’t know he was also hers.

Over a decade later Devlin returns, but it’s not to help her family, or bully Quinn. No he wants her for her, always has, always will. They make a deal for one night of primal play at Dev’s new club in exchange for his help with her family’s business. But little does Quinn know it’s not just for one night, he wants to lay the world at her feet. He wants to love her.

Penthouse Prey had me a little worried when I first started reading. CNC is a genre of writing that some authors can pull off better than others, and Ms. Emma can do it well. For a novella under 100 pages, I was pleasantly surprised with the characters and the writing style. It is mostly spicy scenes, but they are done well and the characters do have good chemistry. Overall, I am happy with the quick read.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

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Dark Joy (Carpathian 39) by Christine Feehan-review

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Dark Joy (Carpathian 39) by Christine Feehan-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 6, 2026

Sarika Silva has come to Peru’s rainforest to learn about her family’s history and her own capabilities as a jaguar shapeshifter. What she finds is a dangerous world out of her nightmares, where jungle shifters and ravenous vampires vie for dominance and a gorgeous, lethal predator is waiting to claim her for his own.

Tomas Smolnycki and his brothers have hunted vampires for centuries. As some of the oldest Carpathians, they are accustomed to seeing the world in unfeeling gray. So Tomas is ill prepared for the emotions that rise like a tidal wave when he hears Sarika’s voice. As his world bursts into color, he knows he has finally found his lifemate—a woman he’s compelled to protect whether she likes it or not.

Despite an attraction to Tomas that defies logic, Sarika has no interest in being bound to anyone. But as an ancient enemy gathers power in the darkness, Carpathians and their lifemates from around the world must come together to fight back. And Tomas and Sarika’s bond could be the one thing that will save them from total destruction…

•••••

REVIEW:DARK JOY is the thirty-ninth instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult CARPATHIANS paranormal romance series. This is ancient Carpathian Tomas Smolnycki, and jaguar shifter Sarika Silva’s story line. DARK JOY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: All Carpathian males must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul. As the unmated Carpathian male ages, the darkness begins to envelop his soul, eventually turning the male vampire or forcing him to greet the dawn.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Sarika and Tomas ) DARK JOY follows jaguar shifter Sarika Silva as she ventures to the Peruvian Rainforest in the hopes of discovering her family’s history but Sarika never expected to come face to face with Carpathian Tomas Smolnycki, a man with whom she had been in communication for several years, a man she only knew as T. Smolnycki Sr. Sarika believes the Carpathian male is dangerous and dark, but she will soon discover that she is the other half to Tomas’s soul, and is struggling with the idea of mated to such a dangerous man. Sarika will meet several jaguar shifters she knew nothing about but all is well not well in the Peruvian Rainforest, the female shifters have been targeted, and our heroine is determined to save them all.

The world building is slow as Tomas imparts his knowledge of the Carpathian to his fated mate. Meanwhile, Sarika must come to terms with her history, the memories she can no longer reach, and the wave of grief and loss when all is revealed.

The relationship between Tomas and Sarika is one of fated mates. Tomas and Sarika have been communicating via mail regarding the environment and the rainforest yet neither one suspected their lives would one day be intertwined. Sarika is powerful and magical in her own right but combines with the Carpathians, she is a force unto herself. Tomas is quick to claim his mate but the conversion to Carpathian does not take place until the final few pages of the last chapter. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar, colorful, and supernatural secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we met in the previous instalments including Dominic and Solange Dragonseeker, Jasmine and Jubal Sanders, Tomas’ brothers Lojos and Mataias, Riordan and Juliette De La Cruz, Sarika’s cousin Luiz De La Cruz, Zacarias and Marguerita De La Cruz, Dax and Riley.

DARK JOY is a slow building story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and relationships, fate and love. The action sequences are not as detailed or prolonged as in some of the earlier instalments. There is plenty of reflection and contemplation as Sarika struggles with the demons from her past. The supernatural premise is inviting but a little dry; the characters are animated; the romance is seductive.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Dead Woman Walking by Carolyn Arnold-review

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Dead Woman Walking (Detective Amanda Steele 15) by Carolyn Arnold-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N paper / Indigo paper/

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 25, 2026

Preparing the empty house for another viewing, she knows she’s taking a risk showing it at night. She never told anyone she was here, but she desperately needs this sale. If she pulls it off, she can finally give her daughter the life she deserves. But as she climbs the stairs, goosebumps spread down her arms. She’s not alone…

When the body of realtor Christine Lane is discovered in one of Woodbridge’s most affluent homes, Detective Amanda Steele is left reeling. The victim was dating Amanda’s half-brother, making him an immediate suspect. They’ve never been close but Amanda knows he’s not a killer.

As forensics move in to process the crime scene, Amanda is ambushed by a well-dressed woman desperately trying to get inside the house. Dominique Sharp is a successful lawyer and expected her house to be sold by the time she returned from a business trip to DC. Could she have been the intended target?

Delving into Dominique’s business, Amanda and Trent discover a long line of disgruntled employees and a dark web of secrets that lead them to a killer who will stop at nothing to get their deadly revenge on her.

But can Amanda take the greatest risk of her career to lure the killer back into the light? And will she have to sacrifice someone close to her to ensure justice is finally served?

••••••

REVIEW: The story kicks off with a tense, atmospheric opening…. a realtor preparing a luxury home for a nighttime viewing, only to realize she’s not alone…..

The murder of Christine Lane hits close to home for Detective Amanda Steele when it’s revealed the victim was dating Amanda’s half brother, immediately putting him in the suspect spotlight. (Oooooh prime suspect)

Amanda knows he’s innocent, but proving it means diving into a tangled web of secrets tied to successful lawyer Dominique Sharp, the home’s owner, whose business dealings reveal disgruntled employees and a vengeful killer. (Ooooh 🫣)

I liked how the balance of personal stakes with classic police procedural elements was done. Amanda’s relationships (including with her partner Trent) add emotional moments, while the investigation ramps up with twists, red herrings, and high tension moments. The plot builds relentlessly toward a risky confrontation, keeping me turning those pages late into the night. 🥱

Whether you’re new to the series (like I am) or a longtime reader, this one will keep you guessing until the final reveal.

I’ve not read an of the previous books, and it doesn’t really matter, as each story is different. But I’m definitely going back to read a few more.

I’d happily watch this as a movie or a mini series, as long as it’s not changed in anyway. 🤨

Highly recommended for anyone craving a totally addictive crime thriller!

Copy supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie B

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