Tag Archives: Julie B

The Shapeshifter’s Gambit by Grant Pierce-review & excerpt

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The Shapeshifter’s Gambit (The Faceless Chronicles 1) by Grant Pierce-review & excerpt

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 1, 2026

A dark epic fantasy of prophecy, loyalty, and demons.

The strangers foretold the world would end in fire—and Logan would strike the match.

Kalen and Logan grew up as brothers in all but blood. But when a secretive order recruits Kalen, he learns a devastating truth: Logan is destined to summon the dread fiend Astaroth and unmake the world.

The order wants Kalen to kill him before the prophecy comes to pass.

Driven by memories of their youth and visions of a burning future, Kalen refuses to believe Logan is lost. The path ahead is paved with betrayal and death. Reapers and a murderous shapeshifter trail Logan, guarding him with a devotion carved from fear.

As fate tightens its grip, Kalen must face the truth he dreads most. Logan may be the world’s last hope… or its final curse.

When fate is written in fire and blood, only the damned can bend destiny to their will.

••••••

REVIEW:The story centers on Kalen and Logan, who grew up as close as brothers. When Kalen is recruited by a secretive order, he discovers a chilling prophecy…. Logan is fated to summon the demon Astaroth and bring about the world’s end!!

The order demands Kalen kill Logan to prevent this catastrophe. Torn between loyalty, shared memories, and terrifying visions of a fiery apocalypse, Kalen rejects the order’s command and sets out on a perilous path…

Logan is protected by reapers, assassins, and a particularly lethal shapeshifter to a fanatical level, but is this by fear or devotion?

As we travel through the book, Kalen grapples with the possibility that Logan might not be the villain everyone fears, but then again he could be something far worse, the world’s final curse!! And for most of the book I wondered the same thing myself, and that had me wanting to find out which way Logan would go! 🤔

It’s a grim, world steeped in dark magic, and demonic forces.

You have a friendship that could go either way, Logan and Kalen go through so much together, I really wanted them to triumph.

The pacing keeps things moving, balancing the quieter mand backstory with brutal confrontations and escalating stakes.

The writing is straightforward and immersive, effectively conveying a sense of dread and inevitability, I have to admit, the first couple chapters almost had me putting it down, but I’m glad I persevered as it definitely got better, then i couldn’t outfit down.

As a first book in a planned series (The Faceless Chronicles), it sets up an intriguing larger arc involving shadows, power, and uncreation, without feeling overly incomplete, though it clearly builds toward more.

If you’re drawn to fantasy with strong character driven drama, prophecies, and creatures like demons and shapeshifters used in service of the plot rather than as gimmicks, this should hit the spot.

Overall, a solid debut that promises an ambitious series.

It is full of potential, with room to grow in world building depth in future installments.

If the blurb’s themes appeal to you, it’s worth checking out, especially as an indie epic fantasy launch.

An epic dark fantasy that delivers on its promise of prophecy, betrayal, demons, and high stakes moral dilemmas.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

Extinction Isn’t The Goal. It’s The Starting Point.“The Lightbringer insulted us by keeping us caged for centuries. His death alone won’t suffice. The death of his people won’t be enough. Killing the humans is just the beginning. The Lightbringer’s failure must be absolute. I intend to extinguish all life. Everywhere.”

Thezgoron’s corpulent eyes widened. Realization dawned. “The human prophets believe the Lightbringer will drive back the darkness when that time comes.”

“Fantasies to help them sleep. Besides, how will he save them if he’s already dead? My plans are already in motion.” Astaroth looked beyond the crystal housing. The fae had regrouped, preparing another charge. Behind him, the portal weakened. With or without Thezgoron’s ichor, he would need to leave soon. “I can free you… if you give me some of your blood.”

Nearly eight hundred fae soldiers closed in. Commanders shouted orders. Archers gathered behind a wall of kite shields, readying to fire. Thezgoron ignored them. Astaroth glanced toward the battle formations, distracted.

“Allow me, brother,” Thezgoron said, noting the distraction. He opened his mouth wide enough to swallow a man whole. As his lips parted, his black tongue unfurled, revealing a gaping maw that seemed to go on forever. From the depths of his body, Thezgoron roared. The reverberations bounced through his prison, amplified by its structure. It exploded from the thin crack like a cannon blast. The blare was so loud that even Astaroth had to cover his ears. The ear-splitting cacophony forced the fae soldiers to cup their hands over the sides of their heads, to little avail. The fae screamed. Blood poured from their ears as they fell to their knees. In moments, hundreds were dead. The roar faded. Thezgoron closed his mouth with a satisfied smile. “Much better. Now we won’t be distracted.”

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Crown of Storms & Starlight by Susan Person-review tour

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Crown of Storms & Starlight (Empire of Curses and Dreams 3) by Susan Person-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 30, 2026

Some destinies end in ashes. Others are reborn in starlight.

Fated mates blessed by the magic of a goddess, Ari and Rain face their darkest hour. Her father, Albert, has become something beyond fae or vampire, a false king determined to devour the magic of all fae-kind and forge a new world in his image.

Ari must lead her allies, her friends, into the darkness one last time. But Albert knows his daughter’s greatest weakness. She would burn the world to save those she loves.

Victory demands more than magic. It requires the absolute surrender of two souls who were always meant to burn together.

The fate of not only fae-kind but the entire realm rests on the edge of a dagger and the strength of a bond forged in storms and starlight.

The storm has come to claim its queen. The reckoning has come for them all.

••••••

REVIEW:Crown of Storms and Starlight by Susan Person is the explosive, heart wrenching finale the Night and Rain series deserved.

From the very first page, this book grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.

Ari and Rain have always been a fated mates pairing that felt electric, storm and starlight, chaos and calm, two souls who burn brighter together than apart. ❤️‍🔥

In this concluding installment, their bond is tested in the most brutal ways imaginable.

Albert, Ari’s father, has transformed into something monstrous, a false king whose hunger for power threatens to consume not just fae kind but the entire realm. The stakes have never been higher, and the tension is relentless.

What I loved most was how deeply emotional this finale felt. The author doesn’t shy away from the cost of love, leadership, and sacrifice. Ari’s journey from a woman protecting her found family to a queen willing to face unimaginable darkness is powerful and raw. There were moments that genuinely made my chest ache. (scenes of quiet moments between Ari and Rain 💔)

The “absolute surrender” the blurb promises? It delivers.

(There are moments I cried and cheered.)

The world building reaches its peak here, with the magic system expanding in creative, sometimes terrifying directions. The side characters I grew to love (and sometimes fear) get satisfying arcs, and the themes of found family, loyalty, and the blurred line between hero and villain were just 🤌🏻🤌🏻 (morally gray characters who still manage to steal your heart. 😜)

That said, the pacing is breakneck. While the action and emotional highs are thrilling, some resolutions felt swift after such a slow burn buildup in earlier books.

A few threads wrapped up a touch too neatly for my taste, though the emotional payoff largely made up for it.

Overall, this book is a worthy but shattering conclusion to a lush, atmospheric romantasy series full of fae intrigue, goddess blessed bonds, and high heat tension.

It’s dark, dreamy, and devastating in the best way. If you enjoy fated mates who would burn the world for each other, powerful heroines, and finales that actually feel like a reckoning, this one is worth the wait.

A fitting end that left me satisfied, a little heartbroken, and already missing this world.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

Susan Person is a multi-contest finalist in the paranormal and dark paranormal romance categories. A former member of Romance Writers of America since 2013, she served on the PRO Steering Committee for several years. Recently, she returned to college to pursue a degree in anthropology and graduated in May of 2021. Susan enjoys meeting writers and readers alike at conferences. Her grandmother’s love of Harlequin novels was passed on to her, and she was fascinated by paranormal worlds and mythology. The combination of the two led her to the paranormal romance genre. She knew at an early age she wanted to write powerful heroines and fulfills that dream today by writing empowered heroines who take charge in their paranormal worlds.

Susan grew up on a thoroughbred horse farm before moving to the big city of Dallas. She considers herself a Texan but is loyal to her home state of Arkansas. A lover of travel, she has visited several countries with many more to go on her list. She particularly loved dowsing at Stonehenge and seeing the Eiffel Tower light up at night. The outdoors are a place Susan finds inspiration and can often be found in a park, at the lake, or on a road trip. She especially loves the mountains. Furry animals hold a special place in her heart. Dogs tend to seek her out as a friend, and she gladly returns their friendship.

Connect with Susan

Website | https://www.susanperson.com

Goodreads | https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20564505.Susan_Person

Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B08F9BPRDY

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/susanwritespnr

Facebook Group |  https://www.facebook.com/groups/980820979340926

Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/susanwritespnr/

Bookbub |  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/susan-person

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Deceived (D’Immortali Vampire Dynasty) by LA McGinnis-review tour

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Deceived (D’Immortali Vampire Dynasty) by LA McGinnis-review tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 27, 2026

The Dominico family controls Venice—every shadow, every secret, every vampire—and rules the D’Immortali Dynasty with an unforgiving fist.

When Don Marcello ordered my father’s assassination, he thought he’d settled an ancient rivalry. He started a war instead.

Now I’ll paint this city red with their blood.

I have one chance at revenge—marry Gabriel Dominico, the Don’s golden heir, and destroy their empire from within. My plan is simple. I’ll become his innocent bride, hide a knife in my veil, then carve out his heart to keep for my own.

But as we exchange our vows, Dante Dominico returns.

The exiled son.
The traitor the empire tried to destroy.

In front of Venice’s most powerful vampire families, Dante shatters my carefully laid plans like they were made of glass, claiming his sworn right to steal me from his brother’s altar.

Now I’m bound to the wrong Dominico. The brutal, ruthless male forged in the fighting pits of the Fossa, returned to Venice to wreak his own version of vengeance.

And if I’m not careful, I’ll be the one ending up in a box.

•••••

REVIEW: Deceived: The D’Immortali Vampire Dynasty Book 1 by L.A. McGinnis is a deliciously dark, fast burn enemies to lovers vampire mafia romance that sinks its teeth into you from the very first page and refuses to let go.

Set against the moody backdrop of Venice, this story blends high stakes revenge, forced proximity (via a very dramatic altar interruption), and scorching chemistry into a gothic cocktail that’s equal parts bloody and seductive. 😜

The premise is 🤌🏻🤌🏻, it’s for fans of morally gray antiheroes and stabby heroines…. Emberline (our fierce FMC) watches her family get destroyed by the powerful Dominico vampire dynasty. Her meticulously plotted revenge? Marry the golden heir Gabriel, play the innocent bride, then gut the empire from the inside. Simple, right?

That’s until exiled brother Dante, the brutal, (battle hardened fighter forged in the pits) storms the wedding and claims her as his by ancient right. Cue the forced marriage to the “wrong” brother, simmering hatred that flips into forbidden heat, and a web of power plays, betrayals, and secrets that keep the tension sky high. (Yeah, keep up 😜)

I loved Dante, he is the ultimate damaged, ruthless hero. He’s not just “morally gray”, he was exiled, and now back for blood (and now, her). The age gap tension and his intense, possessive energy make every interaction crackle. He’s the kind of villainous love interest who makes you root for him even while questioning your life choices. 😂

Emberline is smart, vengeful, and unapologetically stabby. She doesn’t lose her edge once the marriage happens, instead, she navigates the dangerous new dynamic with cunning and fire. The banter between her and Dante is sharp, witty, and often laugh out loud funny amid the darkness.

Steamy and plenty of it, with that “hate you but can’t keep my hands off you” energy.

If you’re into tropes like forced marriage, forbidden romance, revenge plots gone sideways, hot morally gray vampires, and a fierce heroine who brings a knife to a wedding, this delivers in spades. It’s got the dark glamour of vampire lore with the ruthless family intrigue of mafia romance, all wrapped in lush Venetian settings.

For me, Deceived is a gripping, addictive read that left me eager for more of the D’Immortali world.

If you like your romance dark, possessive, and dripping with tension (think a vampiric The Godfathermeets Twisted) enemies to lovers with a Venetian twist, pick this up.

It’s bloody good fun. 😜

(I devoured it and immediately wanted the next one.)

Highly recommended for those who enjoy steamy paranormal mafia romance with bite. 😜

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

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Lady Veronica’s Lost Gem (Riddle Sisters 6) by Jennifer Monroe

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Lady Veronica’s Lost Gem (Riddle Sisters 6) by Jennifer Monroe-review

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A deadly mission. A stolen legacy. A love neither of them saw coming.

Lady Veronica Standwick has spent years proving she is more than another woman waiting for rescue. As a spy for the Underground, she has learned to trust no one and guard her heart with the same precision she guards the Crown’s secrets. But when she locates the lost heir to the Saltersford dukedom, those iron barriers begin to crack.

James Dunning is a quiet schoolteacher who believes shaping young minds is the greatest adventure he will ever have. When a sharp-tongued beauty arrives at his door claiming he is the lost heir to a dukedom, he thinks she has lost her mind. But the proof she carries is undeniable. And so is the woman holding it.

As James adjusts to his new life as a duke, the mystery of why he was kidnapped as a child brings on a new danger—an assassin wanting to take his life. As Veronica fights to keep him alive, James finds the red-headed beauty impossible to read and harder to look away from. For Veronica, the allure of James awakens a feeling she thought long buried: love. But the secret she hides may destroy them both before his enemies ever get the chance.

Lady Veronica’s Lost Gem, Book 6 of the six-book Riddle Sisters series, is a sweet and clean Regency romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. Perfect for fans of Sarah M. Eden and Julie Klassen.

•••••••

REVIEW: Lady Veronica’s Lost Gem is thrilling conclusion to The Riddle Sisters series, a sweet, clean Regency romance that perfectly blends espionage, mystery, and opposites/attract love.

As book 6, it wraps up the overarching family secrets and conspiracies while giving the fiercely independent Lady Veronica her own well deserved happily ever after.

Lady Veronica Standwick is no damsel in distress. She’s a skilled spy for the Underground, hardened by years of guarding Crown secrets and trusting no one. Her ironclad emotional walls have served her well, until her latest mission leads her straight to James Dunning, a quiet, unassuming schoolteacher who turns out to be the long lost heir to a dukedom! When Veronica arrives at his door with undeniable proof of his true identity, James’s peaceful life of shaping young minds is upended in the most dramatic way possible!

What follows is a delightful rags to riches journey as James navigates his new role as duke, complete with etiquette training from the sharp tongued Veronica. The chemistry sparks immediately through their opposites attract dynamic…. she’s all fiery determination and guarded vulnerability, while he’s steady, kind, and seems to genuine.

As danger escalates, an assassin targeting the new duke, plus the lingering mystery of James’s childhood kidnapping, Veronica must protect him while fighting the unexpected pull of her own heart. James, in turn, sees through her defenses and gently pushes past every barrier she’s built. 🥰

Veronica is a strong, capable, and layered, character, yet her buried longing for love makes her vulnerable. James is the perfect counterbalance, patient and honorable, with a quiet strength that proves far more compelling than any rakish charm.

Their romance builds naturally through shared danger, stolen moments, and mutual respect, staying true to the clean/sweet style with tender kisses and heartfelt connection rather than explicit content. The spy elements add welcome suspense and intrigue without overwhelming the central love story. The author ties up the series’ loose ends beautifully, delivering satisfying resolutions for the Riddle sisters while keeping the focus on Veronica and James.

As the finale, Lady Veronica’s Lost Gem feels like a warm, rewarding send off to a beloved series. It’s low angst overall, with just enough tension from the assassination plot and Veronica’s internal struggles to keep pages turning.

If you’re looking for a clean Regency romance with a clever spy heroine, a kind hearted hero who rises to the occasion, secret heir vibes, and gentle opposites attract sparks, this one is a gem. It stands well on its own but is even richer after following the previous Riddle Sisters books.

Highly enjoyable and a perfect palate cleanser after reading some of the stuff I’ve read 😜

I loved seeing Veronica finally let someone definitely a series highlight!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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The Highlander’s Wicked Ways by Julie Johnstone -review

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The Highlander’s Wicked Ways (Spellbound Hearts 3) by Julie Johnstone -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 26, 2026

When Murieall Buchannan asks for my protection, I offer her the only thing I have left—a bargain carved from sin.

Murieall

I stole a witch’s magic goblet to save my mama’s life and paid for my folly with a curse that binds me to the dead.

The voices never stop. Their grief claws at my mind, and now people whisper I’m mad. My betrothal has been shattered, my reputation destroyed, and time is running out to break the curse before I lose everything.

The witch’s answer to my pleas for forgiveness is as cruel as it is impossible: I must make the wickedest Scot in the Highlands feel again. Munro Ross is grief-hardened, sinful, and dangerous. He wants nothing to do with redemption, but to save myself, I must save him.

Entry into his domain comes at a wicked price: one month in his bed. I tell myself I can endure anything for freedom. What I don’t plan for is the honorable man I find under the dark surface, or the way his touch strips away my careful control, or how falling for him may cost me far more than the curse ever could.

Munro

I lost my wife. I lost my son. And I buried my heart with them.

I don’t believe in witches. I don’t believe in forgiveness. And I don’t save desperate women who come begging at my door. So when Murieall Buchannan asks for my protection, I give her the only thing I still know how to offer—temptation wrapped in shadows and desire.

She’s meant to be a distraction, a fleeting indulgence to dull my pain. But by day, I see a patient, brave woman. And night after night, the ice I’ve built around my heart begins to crack. When she starts whispering truths I was never meant to hear, I realize this bargain may destroy us both.

Because if I let myself feel again, I’ll have to face the lies and betrayals that surround us. And the secrets that unite Murieall and me may be the very ones that tear us apart.

••••••••••

REVIEW: The Highlander’s Wicked Ways by Julie Johnstone is her third book in the Spellbound Hearts series it’s a Scottish historical romance that centers on grief, healing, and the raw vulnerability of learning to feel again.

This final installment in the Spellbound Hearts series delivers an emotionally intense journey that will bring tears as two broken souls find their way back to life and love.

Murieall Buchannan is haunted, (literally) by a curse she brought upon herself when she stole a witch’s magic goblet to save her mother. The voices of the dead now claw at her mind day and night, destroying her reputation and leaving her desperate. To break the curse, she must accomplish the impossible, make the most grief hardened, emotionally frozen Highlander in the Highlands feel again. (Simple 😝)

Munro Ross has buried his heart with his late wife and son. He offers Murieall no noble protection, only a dark, sinful bargain, one month in his bed in exchange for whatever “safety” he can give.

What begins as a transaction born of desperation slowly becomes something far more profound, a tender, aching exploration of pain, patience, honesty, and the terrifying risk of opening one’s heart once more. (I sobbed in parts 😢)

Munro is a classic tortured hero, morally gray, angry at the world, and convinced he has nothing left to offer, but as we peel back his layers, we watch the ice around his heart crack night after night. Murieall’s quiet bravery and whispered truths reach the man beneath the grief, had wanting to shake the highlander and tell him to love her!

Murieall is resilient yet deeply vulnerable, she carries the constant torment of the curse while fighting not to lose herself. Her journey isn’t just about breaking the curse, it’s about hope, and the ability to love without fear.

The redemption arc for Munro feels earned and profoundly satisfying, while Murieall’s strength shines through her compassion and quiet courage.

The magical curse adds high stakes and a haunting atmosphere, but it ultimately serves the emotional heart of the story, turning what feels like a punishment into a path toward healing and connection.

If you love Highland romances that prioritize deep emotional healing, vulnerable heroes, and heroines who heal through love rather than just magic, this book will stay with you.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking a romance that doesn’t just entertain but moves you, perfect for curling up with a cup of tea (and maybe a tissue or two).

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

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The Daredevil (The Dawn of America 3) by Regan Walker-review

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The Daredevil (The Dawn of America series Book 3) by Regan Walker-review

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 April 14, 2026

Before there was a Continental Navy, there was one man’s courage…

When young merchant captain Samuel Tucker learns that war has broken out between Britain and the Colonies, he cannot stand idle. Leaving the safety of London’s port, he races home across a storm-tossed Atlantic to offer his sword to liberty’s cause. Along the way, he saves a valuable ship, her crew, and her cargo, a deed that brings him before General Washington himself. The grateful commander offers Sam command of one of his newly armed schooners.

From those perilous beginnings in Washington’s shadow fleet, Sam rises through the ranks of the Continental Navy and beyond, eventually commanding a privateer that strikes deep into the British supply lines. From the fogbound wharves of Marblehead to the treacherous shoals of Halifax and Europe, he wages war with the daring of a man who seems to fear neither sea nor shot. To his men he is “the Daredevil”—fearless, quick-witted, and guided by an unshakable faith.

Yet amid the thunder of broadsides and the peril of capture, Tucker’s heart is not immune to gentler battles. Mary Gatchell, the steadfast Marblehead woman whose prayers sustain him from shore, anchors the life he risks with every voyage. But the sea is a jealous mistress, and every homecoming may be his last.

•••••••••

REVIEW: This novel delivers a stirring blend of high seas adventure and quiet heart during the earliest days of the American Revolution. I read the last one The Salamander and loved it, so I was delighted when i found the next book.

It centers on Samuel Tucker, a young merchant captain who abandons the safety of London when war erupts. He races home across a dangerous Atlantic, saves a ship and its valuable cargo along the way, and earns an audience with General Washington himself. That encounter launches him into command of one of the fledgling Continental Navy’s armed schooners, and from there he rises through daring raids, privateering missions, and risky strikes against British supply lines. His men dub him “the Daredevil” for his fearless seamanship and quick thinking, all underpinned by a deep, unshakable faith that feels authentic to the era rather than preachy.

What I enjoyed most was the vivid naval action. The author captures the tension of fog, the thunder of broadsides, the peril of shoals near Halifax, and the constant threat of capture or shipwreck with a real sense of motion and danger.

The story never loses sight of the human cost, the long absences, the fear of never returning, and the sacrifices made by those fighting for liberty without seeking personal glory.

Tucker is a compelling hero, brave but not reckless, principled, and grounded in faith and duty.

Interwoven with the battles at sea is a tender, steadfast romance with Mary back in Marblehead. Their relationship unfolds through letters, prayers, and brief homecomings, It’s not overwrought or overly dramatic, instead, it feels like a quiet anchor, highlighting themes of love, loyalty, and the hope of building a life worth fighting for.

I love that the author weaves real events and figures into the story seamlessly, making the early Revolutionary naval efforts come alive. (I have to admit that I’m not up to date on my American history

If you’re drawn to well researched historical fiction that balances swashbuckling adventure, faith, and heartfelt romance, this one delivers.

It’s inspiring without being overly dramatic, exciting without sacrificing substance, and leaves you rooting not just for victory at sea but for the man daring enough to risk everything for both liberty and the woman waiting ashore.

A solid, engaging read that honors the unsung heroes of the Revolution’s maritime front.

I’d happily sail into the rest of the Dawn of America series after this.

Copy supplied for review

Review by Julie B 🦋

Award-winning author of historical novels

Signup for Regan’s Newsletter and get all the news, new releases and deals… and you might win a book! http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com/Award-winning, bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval romantic historical fiction. Also an avid reader/reviewer of historical love stories set in the 19th century or earlier. Author website: www.reganwalkerauthor.com. Historical Romance Review blog: reganromancereview.blogspot.com.

My stories will sweep you away, I promise. They are historically authentic with real historical figures. I do hundreds of hours of research for each book.

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Loving a Witch is Totally Foolish by Aura Hayes-dual review

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LOVING A WITCH IS TOTALLY FOOLISH (Total Chaos 2) by Aura Hayes-dual review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 15, 2026

Ava McGuire should be dealing with moving on after her devastating breakup. Instead, she’s been thrust into the world of paranormal. As if learning that your best friend is mated to a serial killer vampire wasn’t bad enough, she learns she has her own vampire mate.

Valen has been held prisoner for longer than he can fathom. The human world is vastly different than the one he was taken from centuries ago. For starters, there are tall buildings and places that claim to make your lunch in under five minutes. He’s having to relearn the world around him while navigating the complicated urge to claim his mate while also being wary of touch after being held captive.

Ava and Valen, with the help of their friends, are trying to get to the bottom of what’s really going on in Chicago. All the rain, all the paranormals showing up, and what was the true reason Valen was taken all those years ago?

Ava herself just might be the key to it all. Turns out, she’s not some simple human, she’s the last of the line of one of the most powerful witch families to ever exist.

•••••••••••

Julie’s Review 🦋: I went into Loving A Witch Is Totally Foolish expecting chaos, spice, and laughs after falling hard for the first book and wow, it delivered all that and then some. This one felt even warmer and more emotionally satisfying than Loving a Vampire Is Total Chaos, and I devoured it in basically one sitting because I could not put it down.

Ava is such a lovable mess. She’s still raw from a crappy breakup, trying to process the fact that her best friend is now mated to a (former? Not really 😂) serial killer vampire, and suddenly she’s tossed headfirst into the paranormal world with her own fated mate showing up. She’s cheeky, bubbly, and sarcastic when she needs to be, she has this incredible resilience that makes you root for her from page one. Watching her discover she’s not just some ordinary human, but the last of a powerful witch bloodline was exciting.

Then there’s Valen. Oh my heart, Valen. This man has been through absolute hell, centuries of captivity, and yet he’s this curious, attentive, gentle giant who’s trying to navigate modern Chicago (fast food! skyscrapers!) while battling his instincts to claim his mate and his deep wariness of touch.

The way he and Ava navigate that trauma together is so tender and healing. He’s a virgin MMC (sigh) sweet, a little awkward at first, but incredibly devoted once he opens up. Their banter is playful and flirty, the forced proximity and fated mates tension is 🤌🏻, and the spice? Let’s just say it’s noticeably hotter and more frequent than book one 😜

What I loved most was how the book balances the romcom lightness with darker threads. The found family from book one is back and even stronger here, the Chicago mystery (all that rain, the surge of paranormals, Valen’s kidnapping) keeps you guessing, and there’s genuine tension without tipping into really scary territory. It still feels like a fun, hilarious escape, but with more heart and depth in the character arcs.

The “dark” in this dark romcom mostly lives in the backstory and the larger plot, Valen’s past, the threats building around them, while the romance itself is surprisingly soft, hopeful, and giggle inducing. 😝

If you loved the unhinged sunshine energy of the first book, this one shifts gears a bit toward a sweeter, more protective dynamic while keeping the witty dialogue and chaotic paranormal vibes alive. When Valen starts showing his “don’t touch my mate” vibe, I did squeal. It’s the kind of story that makes you kick your feet, laugh out loud, get a little teary during the vulnerable moments, and immediately start counting down to book three.

So, if you’re in the mood for fated mates, vampire x witch, healing trauma through love, found family, and a perfect mix of spice, humor, and mystery, this is an absolute treat.

Valen and Ava are precious, their story is addictive, and the Total Chaos series just keeps getting better. And we know who the next book is about, and I loved that we will probably still see the characters from the previous books.

Highly recommend, especially if you need something fun, steamy, and comforting with a side of supernatural intrigue.

________

Sarah’s Review: She’s back at it again! Ms. Hayes’ next addition in the Total Chaos series is here and me oh my is it oh so good! Loving A Witch is Totally Foolish is book two in the series. As always, I do recommend reading the books in order to get the most out of them, but also in this case, they are a definite must.

We met Valen in book one “Loving a Vampire is Total Chaos” and from there I knew I had to have his story. After being locked up for centuries, he is finally free, but the world is a very different place than what he is used to and that leads Valen into some foolish, but funny situations. When he sees Ava for the first time, he knows she is the perfect match for him, but it just might take a little convincing for her to feel the same way.

Ava on the other hand is just out of a bad relationship and isn’t sure if jumping into a new one is a good idea, but Valen isn’t just any guy. She is drawn to him in a way she doesn’t fully understand, but it’s getting harder and harder to fight the more time they spend together. These two have such great chemistry together, they feed off the parts of one another that make each other unique and it just makes them that much more interesting and enjoyable to read.

If you’re looking for a magical romance read with a kick, this is your book. If you loved book one and want to follow through with the series, welcome to the chaos car, I hope you packed a spare pair of undies, you will need them. 🥵 Ava is the perfect partner to Valen simply because she is patient, kind and understanding of the trauma he has been through. Valen is Ava the same way, he is curious, protective and obsessed with her, she has her own hang up and he works them out with her versus making her feel uncomfortable and broken. When you find your person, you find your person.

The third book in the series is a giant mystery and I am waiting with baited breath to see who our mystery couple is…..Here is hoping it’s just as good as the first two books.

Copies supplied for review

 

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Mister Van Doren (CEOs of Kink 1) by Crea Reitan -review tour

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Mister Van Doren (CEOs of Kink 1) by Crea Reitan-review tour

Purchase Link: https://geni.us/mvdcrrelease

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 7, 2026

Every secret has a dangerous consequence.

My son loses his damn mind when Bennett is injured in a hunting accident. This brings Doc Mark to my doorstep. It doesn’t take long to realize that Mark and I share something in common – kinks people only whisper about.

We negotiate an arrangement to live out our secret fantasies while Mark nurses Bennett back to health. Those fantasies leave Mark with his defenses lowered, and when Mark is attacked, I learn that my son takes after his father far more than I would have thought

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

Auden Van Doren and Doctor George Markanich (Mark)

•••••••••

REVIEW: This book is a delicious, high heat MM romance that dives straight into the shadowy, whispered desires of two powerful men who finally stop pretending.

Auden Van Doren is the classic billionaire CEO with a reputation, he’s the “slutty” one in the family (his words, not mine), the guy who never settles and keeps his private life very private.

When his son Rhodes completely unravels after Bennett gets hurt in a hunting accident, family doctor Mark (George Markanich) shows up to help.

What starts as medical care quickly turns into something far more charged.

The setup is brilliant, forced proximity while Mark nurses Bennett, combined with that electric moment when Auden and Mark realize they share the same dark, intense kinks that most people only fantasize about in secret.

They negotiate an arrangement to explore those fantasies safely while Mark is on site.

What follows is raw, primal, and unapologetically filthy…. chase scenes, power exchange, being overpowered and held down, all executed with intense chemistry and surprisingly thoughtful aftercare.

The spice is off the charts, but it never feels over the top. There’s real negotiation, consent, and vulnerability as Mark’s defenses come down.

I loved how Crea Reitan weaves this into the larger Van Doren universe. If you’re already hooked on the family (with their chaotic, protective, sometimes unhinged energy, Rhodes and his pack of massive wolves alone had me grinning), this feels like a natural extension.

Auden’s son takes after his father in ways that add a layer of danger and family loyalty when things escalate. The attack on Mark brings real stakes, blending the erotic with suspense without derailing the romance.

Auden is commanding and experienced but surprisingly reflective about his reputation and his relationship with his son. Mark is the composed, professional doctor who harbors these hidden, submissive/primal cravings, he’s breathtaking when he lets go.

Their connection is scorching hot, but also tender in the quieter moments.

At around 221 pages, it’s a quick, addictive read, perfect for “just one more chapter” sessions that turn into staying up way too late.

It’s not a slow burn slow build epic, it’s more like a tightly packed, intense novella length story with a lot of heat and some emotional payoff.

If you’re new to the Van Doren books, it still works as a standalone entry point into this kinky CEO world, (though if your not familiar, the characters it maybe a little overwhelming) i loved the family cameos 😊

I did love the mature MM romance (both men are established adults), heavy kink/BDSM elements (primal play, power dynamics, etc.), billionaire tropes with real bite, and a touch of danger/family drama.

Overall, I had a fantastic time with this one. It delivers exactly what the blurb promises, secret fantasies coming to life with dangerous consequences.

The chemistry between Auden and Mark is magnetic, the kinks are powerfully written, and it left me eager for more in the CEOs of Kink series.

If you enjoy Crea Reitan’s signature blend of chaotic family vibes, heartfelt moments beneath the filth, and unfiltered spice, this is a must read.

It’s steamy, addictive, and a great kickoff to a new kinky corner of the Van Doren world. 😜

Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for something primal and satisfying.

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:

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