Book Review: Hex, Love, and Rock & Roll by Kat Turner (Coven Daughters Book 1)

 Genre: Paranormal Romance / Contemporary Fantasy

Tropes: Celebrity Romance, Age Gap, Accidental Curse, Witchy Magic, Grumpy/Skeptic Hero, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn Tension

Spice Level: 🌶🌶

Format: Physical Copy

Series: Coven Daughters Book 1

                Helen is desperate. Her yoga studio is failing after a disastrous investment. Her best friend can barely look at her. So when she’s offered the chance at a money spell, she takes it. The witch gives her a choice: Left or right. Choose wrong, and there will be consequences. Helen chooses. She’s gifted enchanted crystals and strict instructions: bless one with good intentions and gift it properly. Skip a step, and a curse follows. And somehow? She accidentally hexes her celebrity crush. Brian. The Brian. The only problem? He doesn’t believe in magic. Now they’re stuck together trying to break a curse he isn’t even convinced exists.

                This is a paranormal age-gap celebrity romance with strong magical elements and plenty of spice. It takes a minute to really get going—but in the best way. The tension builds steadily. There’s delicious back-and-forth, stubbornness, denial, and just enough chaos to keep you turning pages. I genuinely wondered how the author would wrap everything up as the ending approached. They absolutely did. The couple’s arc feels complete, satisfying, and earned—while still leaving plenty of magical threads open for future books in the series.

                I loved the characters and the world building in the story and will absolutely read on at some point. The author does an amazing job of describing everything the characters are going through and I especially loved the astral-projection scenes.

                This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here.

You’ll Love This If You Enjoy:

• Witchy vibes with real consequences
• Celebrity romances with tension
• Age-gap dynamics
• Slow burn that turns spicy
• Magic that feels vivid and dangerous
• Emotional payoff with a satisfying ending

I really enjoyed this one and will absolutely continue the series when I’m in the mood for more magic.

Book Review: Of Visions and Secrets by Kathryn Ann Kingsley (Tenebris Book 1)

Genre: Gothic Fantasy / Dark Paranormal Romance

Tropes: Missing Person Mystery, Twin Bond, Occult Horror, Coastal Gothic Setting, Forbidden Romance, Slow Burn, Cliffhanger Ending

Spice Level: 🌶 – Minimal (1 explicit scene)

Format: eBook

Series: Ongoing (Ends on a cliffhanger)

    Emma Mather’s twin brother is missing—and she refuses to believe his goodbye letter was genuine. Convinced something is wrong, she travels to the eerie coastal town of Arnsmouth to uncover the truth and bring him home. Beast be damned.

    I first saw this book on BookTok and let it sit in my screenshot TBR for far too long (since July 30th, 2022, apparently). It has a strong old-school gothic feel, layered with occult elements and creeping unease. The atmosphere is one of the book’s strongest features. It is set in a historical England town where it is frowned upon for women to even wear pants let alone half the things Emma gets up to in this book.

    There’s plenty of plot here, and the romantic tension builds naturally throughout the story. The relationship development felt earned, not rushed. However, the ending left me conflicted. The book closes on a cliffhanger that has the potential to undo everything established in the final chapters. Whether that twist works will depend on how the sequel handles it.

    Rafe was easily the standout character for me. His “infestation” and what it could mean for Emma opens the door to something deliciously dark in future installments, and that possibility is what makes continuing the series tempting.

    That said, while the writing and world-building were strong, I didn’t walk away feeling deeply attached to the characters, which has me undecided about continuing.

📚 Availability:

Available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here. 

⭐ You’ll love this book if you enjoy:

• Gothic coastal settings
• Occult and supernatural mystery
• Twin bond storylines
• Slow-burn paranormal romance
• Dark fantasy with cliffhangers

Book Review: The Cursed by Harper L Woods (Coven of Bones Book 2)

     Grey betrayed her. Used her magic and opened a door to Hell. Never told her who he was and NOW he wants her at his side? Her entire life has been a lie. All the years of torture at her father's hands and she fell right into Grey's trap. 

    This book picks up immediately after book 1. I started this series because someone in one of my smut groups grabbed this book in the series and got as far as "Devil Worship" and was done. For clarity's sake, there isn't any actual devil worship going on. Unless you count worshiping his body...    

    This book still has the spice that is in book 1, but Willow comes more fully into herself. I still love both main characters and I still hate the same characters as in book 1. Although, they are dealt with in this book, so that's nice. 

    I love how descriptive this book is from raising the dead to keeping a familiar. Every instance it is like you can see the characters adventures unfold instead of just reading it. 

    The story is addicting and I was devastated when I got to the end only to realize book 3 hasn't come out yet. As with book 1 this does end on a cliff-hanger leaving you desperate for more. I cannot wait for book 3 and will likely read it as soon as it's released. (October 2025, if you're curious).

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $12.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

The Coven (Coven of Bones Book 1)

Book Review: Haunted: Perron Manor by Lee Mountford (Haunted Book 1)

 

    Sarah and Chloe inherit a house that is so far beyond anything they could ever had imagined owning. A sprawling manor that they hope to turn into a bed and breakfast, however the house has a dark past. Determined not to let the ghost stories, murders, or cult activities impact their dream the pair move in with Chloe's husband and young child in tow. Everything is going great until their boiler is set to be replaced and with it the minor activities in the house spiral. 

    I found this book from a Facebook ad. It suggested it, I was mildly interested, then I proceeded to see it every time I opened my app for the next week. So, I downloaded it. There were zero regrets. I will say I started to have some regrets towards the end of the book, but my concern didn't come to fruition, so it was fine. I draw a very hard line at child death and would have DNF'd it. But, all was well. 

    The child in question in the book, Emily, was on track for her age in some aspects and severely behind in others. At least in what I have seen with my 3 children as well as the other children I have been around at this age. Still, it was a minor detractor from the book, and didn't play a part in the actual plot. 

    As for the plot I loved it. One of my favorite books and movies will always be The Shining and this book does a great job of a haunted manor. Sprawling floorplan, cult room, ghosts, and a demon. Who couldn't love this. It's like someone took Rose Red, The Shining, and Thirteen Ghosts and decided they would make a great mashup. I have absolutely zero complaints about this book's plot and will definitely read more from this author. 

    I will say that this is book 1 of 9 in a series called Haunted. Personally, I think everything in this book wrapped up nicely, even with there being a technical reason to return to the house. If we are moving on to another place and even all new characters I would read on in the series. Sticking with the characters in this book as they complete their new vengeance doesn't hold a lot of personal appeal, though. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for  $4.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Becoming Insane by Leyla Cardena

     When the body of a junkie is left outside one man's apartment he and his previous best friend reconnect, only to slowly descend into madness together. The trigger may be a long buried shared memory from their childhoods that has come for them once more. Will the pair be able to regain their sanity and return to a normal life, or will their newfound afflictions bring them into a permanent institutionalized state?

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I found this book a bit hard to get into. We jump around between the two characters as they complain about their average lives not going how they want, without ever actually doing anything to change them. Then, the madness slowly starts to overtake them with one insane instance after another to the point the reader doesn't know what is going on half the time. 

    Don't get me wrong, the insane bits held some excitement, although all the details on what actually happened to the pair I am still unclear on after actually finishing the book. Even though the book wasn't my favorite that I have read recently I didn't walk away from it with any feelings of distaste. My favorite part was where the agent and psychologist were tracking down the man. I'd say more about him, but considering that was the best bit, I'll leave it out. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.97 by clicking here. 

Book Review: History is a Lie by Morton R Leader

      Intent on revenge William preys upon those he holds responsible for his disfigurement, until he stumbles across something odd. Rather than finding a man and a call boy having a good time in the hotel room the boy is having blood removed in a dazed state. Curious, he sits with the man and hears his far-fetched story about being essentially a vampire, but not like the traditional ones. They live for long periods but are not immortal, can go in the sun, and each has their own unique set of powers that increase when they are better fed. Still, to believe this man the entirety of history as it is known is a lie and was instead guided by this kind. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. You may notice that the last review I wrote was also by Morton Leader. I promise you this was not by design. In fact, the writing styles between the two books differ so greatly that I didn't think to check the author at any point up till writing this review. 

    The book started off on a weak point, in my opinion, and I almost stopped reading. We start by seeing a cult-like church protesting LGBTQ+ which results in someone throwing a Molotov cocktail into the cab of a truck, seemingly killing a very young boy who didn't want to be there in the first place. Who shouldn't have been there. From there the book picks up where the boy is now an adult and is exacting his revenge on those he feels is responsible for his disfigurement. The rolling of the eyes here is real. 

    Still, because of this we are able to meet the true main character of the book Marcus and hear his story. While the book takes place in the United States there are a lot of British terms within the book as well as multiple scenes in other countries. Not only as Marcus tells the story of not only himself, but his people, but also as we meet up with others and find how they reached the point Marcus was not present for. 

    This book is a dark fantasy and is not without merit once you get past that first chapter. I went from hating the book and being completely over it to enjoying it by the time it was all said and done. Can't say I agree with how the book ended, but you will see what I mean there for yourself. 

    I've complained about the bad, but really it wasn't prevalent. Marcus is a creature with an unusually large lifespan that has vampire-like qualities. However, their weaknesses are very different. Take enough damage they die. Salt water will melt them. And they can die of old age. They are born only and cannot be made. Unique, but interesting. Salt water was a bit weird, though. 

    We see different viewpoints throughout the book from those of his kind wanting to help humans advance in exchange for blood, those wanting to rule over humans and take what they want, and Marcus who just wants to co-exist peacefully. A you live your life and I'll live mine mentality. With how this book started it is surprising there is anyone with that mentality in this book, but I digress. 

    We hear about multiple points in history (most of which American readers won't recall unless you are a foreign history buff-of which I am not) that are not quite like the books tell us. Instead it is described how these events came to pass through more supernatural means. Humans are often the "bad guys" in this book as they are frequently the aggressors. Not saying that the group who wanted to use humans as cattle was in the right, however, I find it hard to believe it would have gotten to that point if the humans hadn't treated them as slaves to do their bidding for so long. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.94 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Secret Code of the Dead by Charlie Purple

     People have always wished to communicate with their lost loved ones. However, though many say they can commune with the dead there has never been a way to be certain. Hadrian has unlocked this secret code that the dead use to communicate and is able to understand what they want. The prediction of a death, some wonderful wish magic, and his friend is on board. The belief comes too late as Hadrian had already shared his findings with another. Once that knowledge is shared Hadrian becomes the captive of a cult. Can Jen and David save him before he is converted? 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. While this book is primarily about David becoming a believer in his long-time friend's abilities and Hadrian's new ability to commune with the dead it is told from David's perspective most of the time. We follow David to his new job, through a blossoming relationship, to a foreign country as a war reporter, to visit his mother, and home again. 

    All of the points within this book are resolved, however there is still more reading to be done. While I have not yet started the next book I do have it and will be starting it relatively soon. This book has a little bit of everything and is still believable. We shall see what this collection has in store for us. I will say that book one is closer to a novella in size than an actual book, which is why I am trying not to give everything away with this review. I can safely say that the book is well written and the characters are easy follow. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $0.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Their Pieces Were Stars by C. D. Tavenor (Chronicles of Theran Book 3)

 

    300 years after the death of Jill Theran receives a communication from her telling him to come to a planet previously unknown to the Interstellar Alliance. While they will go, they feel it is a trap and are ready for anything but what they find. Jill must answer for her crimes, no matter the justification she has for them. Before Theran arrives at the planet Raith and Carter received a distress signal and went to investigate. They find a mysterious planet where the inhabitants ancestors lost all memories of their life before and do not have any modern comforts. The more they find about this planet the stranger it gets from cultists kidnapping members of the community and Raith to unseen nanites everywhere on the planet. 

    I received this audiobook from the narrator in exchange for an honest review. As always, I have nothing but positives to say about Benjamin Fife and his narrating abilities. On to the book! In book 2 of this series I was starting to get bored. Nothing was very exciting and everything I expected to happen did. I didn't see how book 3 would get any better and procrastinated it for the longest time. I have to say that if you ignore Flight of the 500, as it is a stand-alone set in the same universe, Their Pieces Were Stars was the most exciting of the books. I kept wondering how the tiny excerpt about aliens would play in and where that story would lead. I now have that answer and there is a bigger area that could lead to in this storyline. 

    I feel like this book stopped in a good place, although I'm not sure how I feel about continuing the series. My favorite characters are Raith and Carter, just as they were in the Flight of the 500. Raith is sarcastic and rash while Carter is the more politically correct and level-headed. They compliment each other well and I enjoy their interactions. 

    Jill was painfully obvious throughout the entire series and I never particularly cared for her. I don't know that I agree with her justifications, but I will leave that for you to decide. This book has a lot of action and intrigue, but you will need to read at least books one and two first. 

    I really liked how they did the alien life-form in this book. It is a very intriguing concept. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: In the Shadow of the Mountain by Reed Alexander

     For a small mountain town tucked in the mountains tourism is the main draw during Summer months. Winter, however, there are only 70 residents. While this suits most just fine Dean, the quarterback at the local high school wandered into the forest finding a great new thinking spot which has given him a way out. Now, he must show as many others as possible. The only problem is a local with a bum leg, his sister, and her husband stand in his way. Will anyone survive this invasion?

    I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Somehow, after already reading one of Reed's books I wasn't expecting another insectoid alien-like creature cult. I'm not sure why it surprised me, and don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, but it did. It seems that is this author's theme in writing and I half wonder if these are dreams he has and he has a fear of insects. Wouldn't be the strangest thing to occur and it makes for a good read. 

    There are only one or two spots within this book with any typos. It is, however, chock full of phrases that make it obvious this author is from southern united states. I loved them, having spent most of my life in southern Kentucky. Things like 'happy as a pig in shit' and 'hair of the dog'. People will give you really weird looks if you say things like that further north...from experience. 

    I don't have any complaints to speak of outside of the book length. At 88 pages it is more of a novella than a book. However, I do suggest taking the time to read this book of a fight between normal people and those affected by the aliens(?). 

    This is normally the part where I list how much it's available for on Amazon and a link for purchase, but apparently the book isn't currently on Amazon. I messaged the author about this and will update this post with a price and link for purchase when I have one!

    Update: The author responded that this book is now a part of a collection available by clicking here for $2.99. 

Books by this author: 

In the Beginning

The Unnatural Perpetrators

Book Review: Dark City by Anna Mocikat (Shadow City Book 2. - A. K. Mocikat)

 

    Since the Glitch, in the land that was once Hollywood, the only remaining safe-haven is a small town of a few hundred people. After the brutal attack against the town lead by public enemy number one, the vampire Eurydice, the local blood-bank was destroyed. Now the town must rebuild and to do so they need their local hero, Colton, to inspire the masses. When he donates things seem to be going well until Colton begins having seizures, Louise is under the thrall of Eurydice, and a massive flood pours from the sky for the first time in 12 years. Can Colton, Bombshell, Eric, Jean, and the others save the small town and those they hold dearest?     

    I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I received the book a while ago and am just now getting to it. Anyone who has been reading my reviews for any length of time knows this has nothing to do with the author. I absolutely adore Anna and Shadow City (book 1) is what started our communications. Since then I have read and reviewed 4 other books for her, not including this one, and look forward to many more in the future. She is a very talented author and I am lucky to know her. 

    When I first started Dark City it had been almost 2 years since I had read Shadow City. However, the first few paragraphs reminded me so much of the first book I had to go back and open book 1 again and make sure I was reading the right copy. I was. Just like that I was back in the world of the Glitch in the dark city that was once Hollywood. Dark Ones abound. Vampires are entitled pricks for the most part or just savage, in Eurydice's case. Then there are the humans who are raiders, religious idiots, or just normal people. All are doing what they can to survive. I picked up where I had left off in book one without feeling the gap of the last two years and loved every second. 

    Yes, there were some errors within the book. However, Anna and I are working together to get those resolved now. There is nothing more than I wish to see than for her to succeed. As with book one the book is gripping and leaves you wondering if this little pocket of civilization can survive the overwhelming power of The Dark Ones. Unfortunately, this book ends on a cliffhanger and there are still many things unresolved. What happens to Eurydice, Vincent, Colton, and Louise? 

    I won't say what happens that I am singling them out. That is for you to learn as you delve within the pages. My only warning to you is this. Once you start you won't be able to stop and you need to be prepared for the fact that Anna has not yet written a third book. I do hope she will at some time in the future. I do, however, understand that Behind Blue Eyes and Cyber Squad are taking up a lot of her time currently. 

    I still find myself drawn to Eurydice just as I was in book one. You can read my review of book one by clicking here. She is so sure of herself, yet shows the humanity that was once a part of her being at times. I adore everything about her. Even when she makes stupid decisions. Update: I just spoke with Anna and she tells me that she will have book 3 out late this year or early 2023. I am beyond excited! 

    Don't hesitate to pick this book up as it is available on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here. This is available on Kindle Unlimited. 

Books by this author: 

Shadow City (Shadow City Book 1)

Behind Blue Eyes (Behind Blue Eyes Book 1)

Fallen Angels (Behind Blue Eyes Book 2)

War Games (Behind Blue Eyes Book 3)

The Tigress (Behind Blue Eyes Book 5)

Cyber Squad Level 1 (Cyber Squad Book 1)

Cyber Squad Level 2 (Cyber Squad Book 2)

Cyber Squad Level 3 (Cyber Squad Book 3)

Nephilim Volume 1

Nephilim Volume 2

Nephilim Volume 3

Space Punks

Nightingale's Song (Space Punks Book 2)

Neon Nights (There's No Murder in Paradise Book 1)

Neon Dreams (There's No Murder in Paradise Book 2)

Neon Fever (There's No Murder in Paradise Book 3)

Book Review: In the Beginning by Reed Alexander

     Joan is a private investigator tracking down the husband of her client in some seedy motel. She's got her pictures and is just about to relax when she sees a tweaker boy in the parking lot. When she goes out to confront him she notices he's bleeding and takes him under her wing. She doesn't know just how much this one decision can change her life. However, she soon finds out when the man going after Dustin is more than he seems when he takes a bullet to the head and comes back for more. 

    I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. There wasn't much to this book. Not entirely sure it is even a book. More like a prequel. A very short prequel. The pdf file I received was 141 pages long, but each page only has a quarter of the page filled. It is frustrating, to say the least, when you don't get as much of a story as you'd expect. 

    That being said this wasn't a bad little story. It is short and has a lot of action in it. Characters that won't stay dead, a creepy cult, and a woman just trying to do what she thinks is best. The promise was there and while it delivered I don't think it was as complete a thought as it could have been. I feel like there was more that it could have offered, but didn't. I don't know if that is because this was just a short story banging around in the author's head that he needed to get out and lost all interest when it was put to paper or if they're planning to make a series out of it. 

    I can't say that I had a particular favorite character in this book. I didn't particularly care one way or the other about Joan and I didn't like Dustin at all. Not because he was a druggie. People have struggles with that and while I have never done any kind of drugs I get that the struggle can be real for them. My friend and father both used to use and struggle with the threat of relapse whenever they have a stressor. I just didn't like his weak and pathetic attitude. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $4.35 by clicking here.

Books by this author: 

In the Shadow of the Mountain

The Unnatural Perpetrators

Book Review: Immersion Online: The Zealot by Evan Klein (Immersion Online Book 2)

     Mace has completed his training and is no longer a noob. Now, he is starting in the city of Granville, and he can see why his boss, Haggarty, refused to give him details. The previous Constable gave his guards no authority and havoc was being wrecked in the town. After curbing one disaster it seems that the city has more in store for him. There is a relic merchant, Rhia, to add some spice and maybe a little confusion to his life. In an attempt to complete the quests given to him by Rhia to find her missing relics there may be something much bigger at play that not even the creator of the game has a say in. A battle the likes of while Immersion Online has never before seen will soon be waged, but there is more at stake then stats. 

    This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review in the form of an ARC. After reading book 1 of the series I was intrigued with what book 2 would bring. That being said, I loved book 2 more than book 1. I finished the book in 4 reading sessions and it would have been less if one of my friends hadn't called needing me to stay on the phone with her for a long drive home. Putting down this book was a hard task to accomplish and I am sure that you will feel the same once you begin reading it. 

    There is more action in this book than in book 1, and you would easily be able to enjoy it without having read The Noob. I know for a fact that I will be needing book 3 as soon as I have the ability. I don't know if I will have to wait until release like everyone else for book 3, as I know Evan is currently writing it, but I truly cannot wait. There are so many questions that I have at the end of the book and am sure that Klein will not disappoint to have these answers as the series continues. 

    While the favorite character from book 1 was a moonshiner with a prickly past, I think I am going to have to replace that spot with Tinsie. Seriously, who doesn't love a sprite? That being said, the fact that she repeats some words three times randomly as she talks made me question if she was a NPC instead of a Starborn. I have now chocked it up to one of the random little quirks that comes with the feisty deputy, but do wonder if she has this issue in the RW as well. 

    This is a book for gamers and anyone who loves a good fantasy book. I have already been driving my aforementioned friend nuts saying she needs to get both books next week. I am sure both she and my husband are tired of hearing me try to force this book on them. My husband would love it, but he is stubborn and for some reason refuses to use the Kindle app that I downloaded on his phone. Something about it needing to be the Google Books app. Annoying male. 

I completely recommend this book. This book is available on Amazon for $1.99 by clicking here.        This book is available on Kindle Unlimited.   

Books by this author: 

Immersion Online: The Noob (Book 1)

Immersion Online: The Symbiont (Book 3)

Immersion Online: The Herald (Book 4)

Book Review: Follow Him by Craig Stewart

    Jacob lost his mother when he was young and later, when other events in his life happened he found himself with The Sacred Heart. Their goal was to rid the world of love by bringing back The First. The First was here long before anything else and was the reason humans had love in the first place. Nina, Jacob's fiancé has plans to bring him home, but will her love bring him back from this cult or will The First get her as well? 

    The first part of this book was really slow and I didn't really think I would like the book. Then, when I got to part 2 I was hooked and couldn't put it down. It was a stimulating read that will make your heart race and question some things, if even for a moment. For instance: how far would you go for someone you love? Just how quickly can the love that holds you together turn toxic? 

    If you like cult thrillers then you will like this book. This book is available on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here.

Book Review: The Cambodian Book of the Dead by Tom Vater

     Maier was once a war-time journalist who decided to call it quits when his friend and guide was blown up in Cambodia. One death too many. However, the thrill of his previous life led him to be a private detective. Too bad his new client may be the last one he ever takes, especially placing him right back in the country he left so long ago. 

    A rich coffee company heir left Germany to go open a diving business in Cambodia and his mom wants him to come home and take over as he should. It is up to Maier to go, find out what is keeping him there, and make him an offer he can't refuse. 

    Under the guise of becoming a real estate investor Maier hopes to get in good with the locals. However, what lies in wait for him is a haunting past and is bigger than he could have anticipated. It may even mean the end of his life. Will Maier be able to solve his case or even escape with his life? 

    This book....this book. Where to begin. It has a lot of facts in it. I didn't fact check them. Didn't really have the desire to if we are being honest here and that is the point of reviews, right? If we take out all of the random facts and we just plot this, I liked it. Without the facts and history lessons we have a fast paced book with lots of action that could have happened very easily. A suspenseful thriller as it were. This book has strong Stieg Larrson vibes. With the addition of all of those facts it was like I was reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo all over again. If you are a Sieg Larrson fan then you will enjoy this book.  If you are not then maybe you will if you ignore all the trivia. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $2.99 or free with Kindle Unlimited by clicking here.