Reading the Paranormal

While You Were Seething by Charlotte Stein [Review]

2026-04-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

While You Were Seething by Charlotte Stein
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 15, 2025

Purchase Links - Paperback | Kindle

Related books
When Grumpy Met Sunshine
My Big Fat Fake Marriage

Charlotte Stein
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Daisy Emmett has been enemies with famous romance author Caleb Miller since they were in college together, and time hasn’t lessened their mutual loathing. So when she agrees to manoeuvre him through a PR disaster of his own making, she knows it’s not going to be easy. She just doesn’t realise how not easy until they somehow end up trapped in the same truck, on an endless road trip from one book tour stop to another, bantering and butting heads along the way.

Then, even more horrifying: people appear to be mistaking her for the woman he dedicates all his books to. The love of his life, his adored beloved—the one who doesn’t actually exist. Now they’re trapped into pretending she does and that Daisy is her, each fake kiss and phoney embrace ratcheting up the tension to the point where enemies suddenly seems a lot closer to lovers than either of them would like.

Or so they’re telling themselves.

But sometimes it’s hard to be sure, when seething turns into something so much more…

Thoughts on While You Were Seething: No lie, Charlotte Stein gives good grumpy heroes. Men who are growly and scowly on the surface, but who hide a decidedly softer side once a someone works their way past their scowls. Caleb Miller fits that bill to a T. The guy could give a master class in grumping. And yet under it all, he's gentle and considerate and he'd burn down the world to protect someone who needed him.

Which brings us to Daisy. She and Caleb have a bit of a past. Not a romantic one, either. More like, there was a vague potential for romance that fell apart before it ever got off the ground. But they both remember the other. Unfortunately, Daisy doesn't remember Caleb quite as fondly as he remembers her. However, when Beck (sweetly awkward Beck!) asks her to rehab Caleb's image after a BIG PR snafu, she agrees. After all, this is what she does. Fixing Caleb will (probably) be no different any one of the other PR disasters she's smoothed over in the past.

HA. Yeah. That's not accurate. It doesn't take long before Daisy is mistaken for Caleb's lost love and they're sharing cars and rooms and YEAH NOT THE SAME AT ALL.

On the plus side, Caleb isn't nearly the jerk Daisy thought he was. He's really just a guy navigating life the only way he knows how. He's a little awkward and a lot frustrated by all the lacks he sees in himself. And once these two start really talking? Things get laid out. In a good way.

A road trip that opens everyone's eyes (but which I mean Caleb and Daisy's), a kiss that rocks Caleb's world, several encounters that leave lasting impressions (in a good way), a man who is doing his best to be a different (better) person, and a lady who knows a good man when she meets him. Sure, she needs to get over her perception of him first, but THINGS HAPPEN in the best way!

The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting by Naomi Kuttner [Review]

2026-04-13T03:00:00.000-07:00

The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting (Retired Assassin's Guide #2) by Naomi Kuttner
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 23, 2025

Retired Assassin's Guide
1. The Retired Assassin's Guide to Country Gardening
2. The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting - Paperback | Kindle
3. The Retired Assassin's Guide to Amateur Theatrics

Naomi Kuttner
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Assassin. Gardener. Reluctant cat adoptee.

All Dante wants is to be left alone in the small New Zealand town no one’s heard of. No drama. No bodies. No questions.

But then, of course, the orchid convention comes to town, and Dante is knee deep in suspects, intrigue, and red herrings.

On top of all this, Dante must navigate a mysterious woman from his past, cat issues, and the terrifying prospect of a first date.

And he has to do it while fighting his instinct to solve problems the old-fashioned way: permanently.

Thoughts on The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting: Dante and his friends are drawn into another investigation on a suspicious death when one of the prominent orchid expert in town dies during the orchid convention. Of course, the only reason they suspect foul play is because Charlie saw the deceased's spirit right after he died and he was clearly trying to tell Charlie something of importance. Something Charlie, unfortunately, didn't catch in the chaos of the moment.

Now he, Dante, and Eleanor are trying to figure out who could have killed the professor. They're hampered by the fact it looked like an accident, the suspects are only there for the convention (which isn't going to last forever), and Inspector Avery is in town. He SAYS he's on vacation, but his mere presence means they need to stay mostly within the confines of the law. Mostly.

The good news is that Eleanor and Dante are experts at working around the law. They're flexible moral stance on rules and regulations give them plenty of wiggle room in all things investigative. Also, it's possible the Inspector really IS on holiday. So, you know, maybe he'll be more of an asset than an obstacle.

Meanwhile, Dante is venturing out into entirely new territory and he's...kind of terrible at dating. Small talk, too, but that's not a surprise. Eleanor is handing out sage advice while flirting with the Inspector. Charlie is his usual sunshiny, sweet self. Who just so happens to se ghosts.

I'm REALLY enjoying this series. Watching scarily intense Dante trying to blend in is a delight. His worry over his cat, his disaster of a date, and his extreme protectiveness of his new friends is *chef's kiss*

RtP's Week in Review (04/12/26)

2026-04-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

Only on Gameday by Kristen Callihan [Review] - New KC!!
The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Ross [Review] - Escape room murrrrder!
Bend for Balor by Aiden Pierce [Review] - Monster love!
Submitting to the Alien Barbarian by Petra Palerno [Review] - Alien love!
Abducted by Moonlight by Petra Palerno [Review] - A werewolf, alien, & human start a romance!
Crow by Layla Fae [Review] - Monster love!

Bookish Delights

Books added to the pile

None?!?

Currently reading

Copperhead by Naomi Lucas

Crow by Layla Fae [Review]

2026-04-11T03:00:00.000-07:00

Crow (Monster Ever After #5) by Layla Fae
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: October 26, 2025

Monster Ever After
1. Jack
2. Grim
3. Satan
4. Orc
5. Crow - Paperback | Kindle
6. Full Sack
7. Mr. Jingle
8. Bunny
9. Thick Beef
10. Jack 2

Layla Fae
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

He will do anything to protect her from monsters – and most importantly, from himself. After all, he is the worst of them all.

Veronica has lived through enough nightmares. She doesn’t need another one. And Crow knows he’s a grotesque beast, a sight unfit for human eyes. He settles for protecting her from afar and keeping his distance.

But he can’t help coveting her luscious body and wishing for things he can never have: her touch, her kisses, her screams of pleasure and sweet words of surrender.
He can barely fight off the urge to lay his eggs inside her.

And the thing that can alleviate his curse? A true love’s kiss, or rather, something much more lustful than a kiss. But Crow would never ask it of Veronica, even though his feathers quiver with how much he wants her.

Thoughts on Crow: Oh man, Crow. The guy (monster) is so down on himself about what he is and how he doesn't want to complicate Veronica's life by showing himself that it hit me in the feels. Dang it.

Anywho. Crow is a shapeshifting birdman (sexy birdman to straight up crow) who watches over Veronica like it's going out of style. He keeps himself hidden, but he knows everything about her. When a witch (the illustrious Baba Jaga, thankyouverymuch) tells him there might be hope for a cure to his curse if he can do a whole true love's kiss sort of thing, Crow can't imagine Veronica consenting to that. After all, he's hideous and monstrous and all those other terrible things.

Then he saves Veronica's life from her not-so-nice ex and Veronica's not looking at him like he's hideous at all. In fact, she might be willing to contemplate a kiss FOR STARTERS. Where is goes from there is anyone's guess. (HINT: It goes pretty far. Pretty far indeed.)

On Veronica's end, Crow isn't horrible or monstrous to her eyes. In fact, he's kind of hot. The fact he saved her when he could have walked (or flown) away says a lot to her. And she's more than willing to get physical with the big guy if it could help him.

A little danger, a little ovipositor play, a monster who is honorable to the core, and a lady who doesn't mind all her new honey's extras. *thumbs up*

Abducted by Moonlight by Petra Palerno [Review]

2026-04-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

Abducted by Moonlight (Petra Palerno's Filthy Shorts #2) by Petra Palerno
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 31, 2025

Petra Palerno's Filthy Shorts
1. Submitting to the Alien Barbarian
2. Abducted by Moonlight - Paperback | Kindle

Petra Palerno
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A werewolf stalks his newly found human mate in the forest when a UFO abducts them both. What happens when the alien tries to stake a claim on her as well?

Thoughts on Abducted by Moonlight: A werewolf finds his mate and before he can even introduce himself the two of them are abducted by aliens. This sounds completely tragic on a whole lot of levels, but the planet Poppy and Lowell are dumped on has an alien who fits into their duo NICELY. That said, both Lowell and Z think they're the only mate for Poppy and they're maybe a little competitive at first. Which is understandable, really. Since they're all about making sure their mate is happy, it doesn't take long until Poppy has the two of them working together toward that end.

To backup a bit, Poppy isn't thrilled to have two trigger happy males battling over her. She's not disinterested, necessarily, but she's not thrilled to be the prize in a werewolf/alien tug of war. She does, however, enjoy the two of them getting close and personal with one another.

So, yeah. These three fit together. In all ways.

Fast, nicely dirty (literally dirty, actually, because there aren't any options for showering on this planet), and a whole lot of fun. *thumbs up*

Submitting to the Alien Barbarian by Petra Palerno [Review]

2026-04-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

Submitting to the Alien Barbarian (Petra Palerno's Filthy Shorts #1) by Petra Palerno
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 29, 2025

Petra Palerno's Filthy Shorts
1. Submitting to the Alien Barbarian - Paperback | Kindle
2. Abducted by Moonlight

Petra Palerno
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Signing up for an alien breeding program should be scary, considering the aliens are ruthless barbarians. On the upside, they won’t hesitate to give it to you as rough as you like it.

In this installment, you’ll find: alien romance, size difference, double dongs, submission, bratting, breeding, will it fit, rough play, and pregnancy.

Thoughts on Submitting to the Alien Barbarian: Okay. Straight up, I liked this little nugget. Our FMC (who wasn't given the chance to give her name until the end, so we never actually learn it. This makes writing this review a little problematic since I will be referring to her as FMC, but it otherwise not an issue) signs up for an alien breeding program since she, umm, likes her sex-ay times a little on the rougher side. She's more resigned to the birthing part of the breeding program than excited by it, but the rough, no-holds-barred sex? She's DEFINITELY down for that.

The big purple alien that hones in on her is everything she wanted. What she didn't expect is that his mating knot would mark them as mates and her big rough barbarian isn't about to let her go. This honestly isn't an issue since she likes the guy and everything he does to (and for) her. In fact, when push comes to shove, she's more than willing to break a few rules to make sure they stay together.

Nicely naughty with a little alien submission (or maybe submission to the alien? Why not both?!?!) to keep things fun. *thumbs up*

Bend for Balor by Aiden Pierce [Review]

2026-04-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

Bend for Balor (Holiday Horrors #5) by Aiden Pierce
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 1, 2026

Holiday Horrors
1. Burn for Jack
2. Bleed for Cupid
3. Prey for Rabbit
4. Cry for Krampus
5. Bend for Balor - Paperback | Kindle

Aiden Pierce
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Balor wants more than vengeance… He wants me—bent, broken, or burning.

After my grandparents’ mysterious and tragic murder, I move back to Ireland to continue their legacy and run the family antique business. But there’s more than dusty collectibles and bittersweet memories waiting for me.

The evil eye is there, watching, the way it has since my childhood.

Legend has it that my family is descended from monster hunters. They protected Ireland from Balor, the terrifying king of the giants, with an eye that could deliver death with a single glare. The eye was supposed to be our good luck charm.

So why does everyone I love keep dying?

Turns out, there’s an ancient monster lurking within the ancient gemstone, plotting to punish me for what my family did to him centuries ago…

When Balor’s vengeance turns to heated obsession, I must bend to his will. Or break.

Thoughts on Bend for Balor: No lie, these holiday themed books are SUPER working for me. They're a little dark (which I'm enjoying) PLUS I get to pull out my knowledge of Irish mythology with Maeve and Balor's story. Admittedly, said knowledge is rusty as heck, but I was able to follow along with delight when Balor was introduced. What can I say, this is my giddy face!

Anywho. Maeve and Balor. She's the last descendant of the bloodline who trapped Balor. Something she isn't aware of and took no part in. He's the king of a now defunct race of giants and he's NOT happy to have spent the last several hundred years trapped. He's kinda sorta plotting what he'll do to Maeve if he ever gets free, but he's also kinda sorta maybe a little obsessed with her also.

When the cultists who killed Maeve's grandparents (they REALLY want to get their hands on Balor's power) accidently break his cage, Balor thinks he's hit the jackpot. And he kind of has. I mean, he's no longer imprisoned and he can absolutely take revenge on Maeve for her family's part in trapping him. Except, umm, no. He can't. Because she's his fated mate who doesn't get burned by his fire and he's VERY UNHAPPY ABOUT THAT. Until he isn't.

Both Maeve and Balor have some baggage to get over, but after an extended say in the Otherworld, they manage to work things out. For a bloodthirsty brute, Balor is pretty careful with the fragile human who the gods have chosen for him. And Maeve? She just needs to work on the societal hangups that come with liking things with her monstrous male that normal people wouldn't understand.

GOOD STUFF ALL AROUND!

The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss [Review]

2026-04-07T03:00:00.000-07:00

The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 18, 2026

Purchase Links: Hardcover | Kindle

Marissa Meyer
| Website | Amazon |

Tamara Moss
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

It’s all fun and games until someone ends up dead.

Six months ago, season four of The Escape Game ended in horror when contestant Alicia Angelos was found murdered on set.

Now season five is underway, and new contestants are ready to put their skills to the test solving the show's trickiest escape rooms. There's Adi, the cryptographer; Carter, the math whiz; Beck, the wannabe game master, and . . . Sierra Angelos, the girl who got away with her sister’s murder. Or so everyone believes.

But Sierra’s not just here to win. She’s here for justice.

When the contestants begin uncovering clues that hint at the identity of Alicia’s true killer, it becomes clear that the stakes aren’t high in this competition, they’re deadly. If these teens want to win—and survive—the game, they must solve the biggest mystery of all: who killed Alicia Angelos?

Thoughts on The Escape Game: The idea of a reality show where individuals who are whizzes at solving problems and escaping from complicated situations is good in theory. BUT (yes, that's a big but) when someone dies during the finale of the previous season and the person voted most likely to have done the deed is the victim's sister AND she's now been invited back to because THE DRAMA! Well, things get messy.

To say that this team hits a few bumps in the beginning might be understating things. Sierra is all sharp edges and towering anger. She knows what the others think of her, but she has her reasons for being back on the show. Reasons she doesn't want to share. Because, you know, she doesn't trust anyone. Beck, Adi, and Carter have their own reasons for joining the show and NONE of those reasons revolved around having a perpetually on edge teammate who might have gotten away with murder growl at them constantly.

They all have to deal with their own problems and insecurities, start trusting one another, AND come together as the crack team they know they can be if they hope to stay in the game long enough to figure out the truth about Sierra's sister's death. It takes time, effort, and one not-so-fun experience in a walk-in freezer before things start to gel.

That said, when you're looking for the truth behind a murder, you have to watch your back. And your front. And maybe take a few chances that put you in dangerous situations. You also have to be smart enough to decipher clues, read a room, and stay one step ahead of anyone who might be behind you. Bottom line: YESSSSSS. GOOD STUFF!

Only On Gameday by Kristen Callihan [Review]

2026-04-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

Only On Gameday by Kristen Callihan
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 28, 2025

Purchase Links: Paperback | Kindle

Kristen Callihan
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A “fake” fiancée is just the trick to help a bad-boy football player clean up his image. Trouble is, there’s nothing fake about the way August feels about his “pretend” fiancée.

August Luck is on the brink of greatness: top NFL draft pick, a great team, multiple corporate sponsorships, but he keeps messing it up with bonehead moves. After his latest shenanigan goes viral, everyone is telling him to get his act together.

Penelope Morrow grew up with August. Their mothers were best friends. Unfortunately, Pen always fled the room with a look of disapproval on her pretty face whenever August was around. But Pen has a problem too: she inherited her grandparent’s house and can’t pay the estate tax.

On a whim, August decides a temporary public engagement is the solution to both their problems—he’ll pay her taxes, and she’ll help his image. Win-win.

But, when it comes to Pen, nothing is certain or safe. Because Pen isn’t so reserved anymore. This time, she’s smiling back at him. And he likes it. A lot. Will they each survive the ruse unscathed?

Game on...

Thoughts on Only On Gameday: Ohmygoodness. August and Pen. August is the first round draft pick who everything expects great things from. And he's drowning under that weight. He's doing boneheaded things that even he can't fathom. Nothing career ending (at this point), but the guy is slowly sinking and he keeps telling himself and everyone around him that he's okay. It's fine. He has everything under control.

And he mostly does. Except when he doesn't.

As for Pen, she's painfully shy, doesn't like asking anybody for anything, and August is offering her a lifeline that's too good to be true. Well, except for being in the public eye thing. But she can handle that. Probably. Her biggest hurdle (besides asking for handouts)? It's REALLY hard to pretend this is all pretend when she gets a little flustered whenever August smiles at her. Oh. And lying to people. She's not real keen on that part.

So they've both caught feelings while trying to pretend they're haven't. Everyone around them sees the way they look at one another. Let's just say this "pretend" relationship is complicated. So complicated. Except it's really not. Because August and Pen fit well together. Everything else is just noise.

Fantastic family dynamics (on the Luck side), a not-so-great dad (on Pen's side), complicated emotions, plenty of smolder and heat, and two people who are working on figuring things out. *thumbs up*

RtP's Week in Review (04/05/26)

2026-04-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

Smitten by the Alien Saloon Owner by Ursa Dax [Review] - Alien love!
Burn the World Down by Anna Hackett [Review] - New AH series!
Knotting Cinderella by Siena Stone [Review] - Werewolf love!
Egg Hunt by M.L. Philpitt [Review] - Chase, chase!
Prey for Rabbit by Aiden Pierce [Review] - Shifter love!
Orc by Layla Fae [Review] - Orc love!

Bookish Delights

Books added to the pile

Copperhead (Naga Brides #8) by Naomi Lucas

Currently reading

Titanoboa by Naomi Lucas

Orc by Layla Fae [Review]

2026-04-04T03:00:00.000-07:00

Orc (Monster Ever After #4) by Layla Fae
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: October 25, 2025

Monster Ever After
1. Jack
2. Grim
3. Satan
4. Orc - Paperback | Kindle
5. Crow
6. Full Sack
7. Mr. Jingle
8. Bunny
9. Thick Beef
10. Jack 2

Layla Fae
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

“We’ll need a bucket,” Gurd said, taking off his pants.

Karla never dreamt she’d meet an actual orc. Orcs don’t exist. They aren’t dangerous and powerful, with fists that might squeeze the life out of a hippo, not to mention a frail human. Their essence certainly isn’t, well, abundant – and also green and smelling deliciously nutty…

OK, fine, they exist. One is standing right there. Smelling nutty.

But even though he fills her with longing, Karla’s certain no orc in his right mind will go around lusting after her, a curvy woman suffering from adult acne, right? It’s impossible.

Well, guess what?

Gurd the Orc is in Karla’s bedroom, more than ready to conquer her with his green sword. And he’s asking for a bucket because you know what happens when an orc comes.

Karla’s carpet might never be the same after this.

Thoughts on Orc: I'm deep in my monster season and ORCS. Bruh. These guys know how to have a good time. Just ask Karla. And her poorly abused furnishings.

BUT FIRST! When Satan pops in (HI, LUC!) and offers a group of Orcs the chance to spread some havoc in the human world, Gurd and his buddies jump on it. Because there are ladies in the human world, something that is sorely lacking in their world. While they were SUPPOSED to cause mayhem and chaos while Luc was off spending time with his honey, Gurd finds himself doing some research (on the glorious internet, answerer of all questions asked, and purveyor of vast quantities of knowledge) and ends up chatting up a lady who's into monsters and other supernatural/fantasy things. What can be said about this except, YAY INTERNET CHAT ROOMS, I guess.

Anywho. Karla thinks Gurd is just a really dedicated cosplayer. Until, you know, she realizes he's the real deal. While she was initially a little freaked out by this (because OMG! ORC!), it doesn't take long until she's down for whatever it is Gurd wants to do. Unfortunately, this leaves her apartment a little worse for wear. BUT...she gets a hunky Orc who likes to shower her with pleasure (among other things), so she's okay with the mess.

A little chase, an Orc who's willing to defend his chosen lady from any threats (by hunting down and killing her enemies, but so it goes!), and a lady who likes her oversized honey and everything he comes with. *BIG BIG THUMBS UP*

Prey for Rabbit by Aiden Pierce [Review]

2026-04-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

Prey for Rabbit (Holiday Horrors #3) by Aiden Pierce
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 20, 2025

Holiday Horrors
1. Burn for Jack
2. Bleed for Cupid
3. Prey for Rabbit - Paperback | Kindle
4. Cry for Krampus
5. Bend for Balor

Aiden Pierce
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

The silver wolf thinks I’m his prey. Little does he know, he’s mine.

The rabbit shifters and the werewolves have had a truce for centuries. Our burrow sets three of our kind loose in the woods on Easter to be hunted, to be slaughtered like the prey we are.

Then, the wolves leave us alone for the rest of the year.

When I’m selected as a sacrifice for this twisted tradition, I refuse to be another victim. All it takes is an abandoned cabin in the woods, an old ax, and the unexpecting wolves thinking I’m an easy target like all the rest.

The silver wolf is the only one who doesn’t underestimate me. It’s just my luck that when I scent him… I go into heat, and his inner beast chooses me for its mate.

Too bad we want each other dead.

Thoughts on Prey for Rabbit: A rabbit who isn't about to allow herself to be sacrificed quietly and a wolf who isn't interested in the hunt until he meets one fierce rabbit. These two don't seem like a good match on paper, but Ruth wakes Carver's wolf up and he sets all her senses blazing.

Or, more importantly, he sets off her heat. Which is problematic for several reasons starting with he's a wolf and she's a rabbit and ending with her heat pheromones are going to have all the wolves able to track her far too easily. So she does what any good bunny shifter would do and tries to entice Carver to claim her.

Did I mention that she also chopped off his brother's head while escaping after being caught on the hunt? Or that her sister was the previous year's sacrifice and Carver and his brother were there when she was caught? Yeah, these two have a little baggage to deal with. Frankly, both the wolves and rabbits as a whole need to take a long, hard look at the way they've been doing things because it's pretty messed up on both ends.

Anywho. A little running, a little chasing, an axe that sees some action, a wolf who knows what he wants, and a rabbit who gives as good as she gets. GOOD TIMES!

Egg Hunt by M.L. Philpitt [Review]

2026-04-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

Egg Hunt (Twisted Holidays #2) by M.L. Philpitt
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 24, 2025

Twisted Holidays
1. Silent Night
2. Egg Hunt - Paperback | Kindle
3. Fright Night
4. Be Mine
5. Midnight Kiss

M.L. Philpitt
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

People rationalize their desires by calling them sins, and then use the Easter holiday to seek repentance before doing it all again. The pearl-clutchers of town would send me straight to hell if they knew what I enjoy. My sins are my own.

The day starts like any other, but then I learn she’s moved back. The woman I wanted for so long. She’s here. She’s free. But I’m about to change that.

When the town’s annual Easter egg hunt comes around, I decide that her and I will be having a private one. Even if she has no idea I’m the man behind the mask.

Except, I’m not the only one chasing her, but what he doesn’t realize is, she’s mine. My hunt. And wolves defend their prey.

Run, little rabbit, run.

Thoughts on Egg Hunt: This was a little lighter than other books in this series and...I liked it? Yep, I liked it. A lot. For all Jace is into the chase and being a little rough, he's also super into consent. He gives Payton plenty of opportunities to tap out if he's pushing her too far, but our girl is ALL IN from the start. Even more so when she realizes maybe the one hunting her isn't the stranger she originally thought he was.

Yup, Payton's into the chase. She's into being hunted through the woods. It speaks to a part of her she had never been able to indulge and, in fact, had been shamed for by her previous boyfriend. Who's a total tool, btw. Anyway. Payton spills her secret want to Jace and Jace is into being the chaser, so it works out for both of them. Not that Payton knows it's Jace, at first. She's just thrilled to be able to experience this thing she's been craving.

A very adult egg hunt, a little chasing, some steamy times in the woods, a man who knows what he wants, and a lady who is willing to let go and experience something she never thought she'd have. *thumbs up*

Knotting Cinderella by Siena Stone [Review]

2026-04-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

Knotting Cinderella (Knotty Fairytales #2) by Siena Stone
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 27, 2025

Knotty Fairytales
1. Hunted and Knotted by the Wolf
2. Knotting Cinderella - Kindle
3. Knotted by the Beast
4. Hunted & Knotted by the Minotaur King

Siena Stone
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Turns out, getting a fairy godmother is great. Getting caught by four royal alpha wolves? That’s… complicated.

Ella’s spent years as an unpaid servant in her own home, but when a royal decree commands every unmated omega to attend the Prince’s mating ball, her evil stepmother makes one thing clear: servants don’t get to play princess.

Enter one meddling fairy godmother with a flair for dramatic transformations and very specific rules about midnight.

The plan was simple: go to the ball, have one magical night, maybe eat some fancy food, then disappear before anyone figures out she’s nobody special.

What Ella didn’t plan on? Walking into a ballroom full of eligible omegas and immediately catching the attention of Prince Adrian and his entire pack of alpha wolves.

One sniff of her scent and these four massive, gorgeous, extremely possessive shifters know she’s their fated mate. Their omega. Their forever.

They’re claiming their mate. All four of them. In every way possible.

Which would be romantic if Ella wasn’t currently running for her life because the clock just struck midnight, her dress is disintegrating, and she’s pretty sure turning back into a girl in rags in front of the entire kingdom would be bad.

Now they’re hunting her with nothing but a glass slipper and an obsession that borders on unhinged. And when they finally track down their runaway Cinderella… when they discover she’s been hidden in plain sight, sleeping in a closet and treated like dirt… these wolves stop playing nice.

And anyone who hurt her is about to learn that “happily ever after” has very sharp teeth.

Thoughts on Knotting Cinderella: A Cinderella retelling with four hungry wolves and one lady who is trying to make the best of her terrible situation with her step-family. She doesn't expect to be compatible with the royal wolves, but THINGS HAPPEN.

I'm getting ahead of myself, though. Ella is existing. Her stepmother and stepsisters use her ruthlessly to keep their house and themselves looking good. She wants better for herself, but can't see a way of getting out of the situation her stepmother has trapped her in. Then the invitation for the ball comes and Ella sees a chance to experience ONE night where she can forget about scrubbing and cleaning. BUT (as is the way with Cinderella's wicked stepmother) her stepmother forbids her from going. Even though the invitation specifies EVERY unmated omega is to attend.

Enter one fairy godmother, one night of dancing and revelry, and an unexpected connection with four royal wolves. Yup, Ella hits the jackpot with that pack.

Meanwhile, the prince is worried since he and his pack haven't found their omega yet. But one glance at Ella has him and the rest of his pack sure they've found their fifth. A little steam, a little heat, and an unforgettable night with their omega and then midnight hits and she bolts. Which means these wolves need to pull out all the stops to find the lady who completes their wolves.

I enjoy a good fairytale retelling so *thumbs up*

Burn the World Down by Anna Hackett [Review]

2026-03-31T03:00:00.000-07:00

Burn the World Down (Unsanctioned #1) by Anna Hackett
Format: paperback
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 5, 2025

Unsanctioned
1. Burn the World Down - Paperback | Special Edition | Kindle
2. No Matter the Cost

Related Series:
(Find all the reviews for the series under the 1st review)
Team 52
1. Mission: Her Protection

Anna Hackett
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

I’ll burn the world down for her.

Nash
I left my hometown behind. I joined the military, disappeared into black ops, and became a weapon for my country. I have no regrets.

Except one with pretty hazel eyes.

Now I’m retired, living a quiet life hiding in plain sight in Las Vegas. I still think of her. The prettiest girl I ever knew. My best friend’s little sister.

But I swore to leave her alone to live a normal life. That I wouldn’t drag her into the darkness.

Then I find out her life isn’t golden.

She’s in danger and I have the right set of skills to save her.

Georgie
Your life can change in an instant. One second, you have a happy family and a crush on your brother’s best friend.
The next, you’ve lost everyone you ever loved.

My family is dead and my sister fell prey to a predator. A rich, connected man who promised her the world.

And gave her hell instead.

Now, I have nothing left but a burning need for vengeance.

Until I collide with the boy who left me behind. A boy who’s now a tough, dangerous man.

He says he’ll protect me. He says he’ll help me take down my sister’s killer.

I might survive my revenge, but will I survive when he walks away from me again?

Thoughts on Burn the World Down: We're in LV where a group of former assassins are trying their hand at living normal lives. Mostly. Which isn't to say they're doing a bad job at that normal life thing, but that all have quirks and skill sets outside the societal norm and sometimes they need to stretch those muscles (for good reasons, now!).

Nash and his friends (his family, really, and I do love a good found family dynamic) are doing their thing when Nash realizes the woman asking about him is none other than the girl he left behind. The one he thinks is too good for him. The one who is on a path that she's not trained for and might end up destroying her.

Honestly, even if it hadn't been Georgie needing him, I think Nash still would have done what he did when he stepped in. Sure, he likely wouldn't have fallen in love with anyone else (and by "likely" I mean "definitely"), but he would have still done everything in his power to help anyone else in Georgie's situation. Because that's the kind of guy he (and his found family!) is.

Which brings us to Georgie. She's heartbroken about her sister, running on fumes and the need for vengeance, and her plan to get the man who hurt her sister isn't exactly fool-proof. As she finds out when rushing him and his bodyguards ends badly. Having Nash on her side is unexpected. Sure, she went looking for him, but she didn't expect to find him and she didn't realize how badly she needed the emotional support of someone who had her back until he was there for her.

A little danger, a bad man who exploits starry-eyed women, found family (love!), a former assassin who is exactly the man Georgie needs, and a woman who knows a good man when she finds him. *thumbs up* to the start of another fantastic series!

Smitten by the Alien Saloon Owner by Ursa Dax [Review]

2026-03-30T03:00:00.000-07:00

Smitten by the Alien Saloon Owner (Cowboy Colony Mail-Order Brides #7) by Ursa Dax
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 28, 2025

Cowboy Colony Mail-Order Brides
1. Married to the Alien Cowboy
2. Wrangled by the Alien Rancher
3. Resisting the Alien Rider
4. Wanted by the Alien Warden
5. Married to the Alien Mountain Man
6. Rescued by the Alien Bull Rider
7. Smitten by the Alien Saloon Owner - Paperback | Kindle
8. Longing for the Alien Lawman
9. Bound by the Alien Buckaroo

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Holiday Romances of Elora Station
1. Chimera for Christmas

Ursa Dax
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A gentle alien saloon owner. An artist searching for a softer life. And the love that neither of them ever dared to hope for…

Capitalism and chronic illness are not a good mix. When my debilitating migraines get me fired from my factory job, I’m desperate. For a change. A chance. The space to think, rest, and paint like I’ve always wanted. I’ve never managed to make money from my art or secure a patron. So this new mail-order bride program on Zabria Prinar One now feels like the best (and only) way to escape my imploding life.

I sign up as a participant even though marriage is the last thing on my mind.

But then I meet Rivven, the quiet, lonely alien saloon owner who takes care of me when yet another migraine strikes. He’s sweet, strong, and generous beyond belief – offering me his bed to sleep in and his best bucket to barf in.

There are other men, too. Xennet and Dorn. Record snowfall has delayed their arrival at the saloon, but they should be here within a week.

In just a few days, I’ll have to choose which alien cowboy I’m going to spend the rest of my life with. I need to give each of them a fair chance.

Even though I think I might already be smitten by one…

Thoughts on Smitten by the Alien Saloon Owner: These Zabrians are all total sweethearts and Rivven is no exception. He's sweet, caring, hardworking, and absolutely WORSHIPS Shiloh pretty much as soon as he meets her. No lie, I'm super excited that we're getting to spend more time with the different cowboys on Zabria Prinar.

So. Shiloh and Rivven. She's a human lady who's enraptured with the sky and landscape of the planet the first time she sees a picture of Zabria Prinar. Applying for the bride program seems like a no-brainer since she's currently out of a job (thanks to the gross foreman) and this planet offers opportunities she wouldn't otherwise have. That said, the fact she'd be marrying one of the men on the planet doesn't really hit Shiloh until she's met Rivven and realizes he's all in on this idea of marriage.

As for Rivven, he's trying not to get his hopes up with the first human woman coming to their zone, but Shiloh calls to him from the moment he sees her. She's suffering from a migraine, is barely aware of what's going on, and he wants nothing more than to comfort and protect her. His constant, gentle presence has her looking at him in a way she didn't expect to and it isn't long before she starts to realize this kind, incredible male might be the best thing that's ever happened to her.

A few adorably awkward moments, a couple of familiar faces (Tenn and Tasha!), a male who wants nothing more than to cherish the incredible woman who lights up his life, and a lady who finds more than a little creative inspiration on this wide-open planet! MAN, I like these sweet, awkward aliens!

RtP's Week in Review (03/29/26)

2026-03-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

Baby for the Alien Warrior by Honey Phillips [Review] - Alien love!
Pillow Talk Killer by London Lovett [Review] - Back on Frostfall!
Tentacles and Truffles by Aly Tatum [Review] - Alien loving x 3!
Tentacles and Troubles by Aly Tatum [Review] - Alien loving and beauracracy!
Bleed for Cupid by Aiden Pierce [Review] - Monster love!
RtP's 2026 Series Tracking - January-March - Let's track some series!

Bookish Delights

Books added to the pile

World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon (Supernatural Entanglements #2) by Olivia Dade - For review!
I Punched an Alien and Now We're in Couples Therapy (Cosmic Chaos #2) by Kimberly Lemming - For review!
Welcome to Murder Week by Karen Dukess
Sky Daddy by Kate Folk

Currently reading

Marc by Anna Hackett

RtP's 2026 Series Tracking - January-March

2026-03-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

While I'm not hosting an official Seriously Series Challenge this year, I liked being able to track series I've completed. So... here we are. Tracking some series.

By category:
Series started in 2026: 10/3
Series started before 2026: 21/9
Series rereads: 1/1

By month:
January

Started in 2026:

Completed: 6

The Bastion (Chained, Ravished)
Falling for the Monster (Curses and Cornstalks)
Halloween Heat (Heat with the Hellhound, Hellhound's Obsession, Submitting to the Hellhound)
Improbable Meet-Cute (The Exception to the Rule, Worst Wingman Ever, Rosie and the Dreamboat, Drop, Cover, and Hold On, With Any Luck, Royal Valentine)
Protector to Predator (The Gargoyle's Prey Thing, The Werewolf's Prey Thing, The Vampire's Prey Thing, The Monster's Prey Thing, The Demon's Prey Thing)
Unholy Holidays (Knot Today Satan, Knot Again Satan)

In progress: -none-

Started before 2026:

Completed: 11

Beneath the Wild Sky (Take a Hike)
Daddy Issues (Kissed and Missed)
Firefly Junction (Shock at the Sweetheart Ball)
Harmony (Enter the Nightmare)
Harvest Moon (The Fog, Aspen)
Holiday Horrors (Bend for Balor)
The Honey Badger Chronicles (To Kill a Badger)
Hot Wolf (Hot Wolf in the Country)
Knotty Fairytales (Knotted by the Beast)
Lunar Station Eros (Tentacles and Troubles)
Nightmare Acres (Nightmare Acres)

In progress: 2

Alien Wolf Tales (Alien Song)
Monster Security Agency (Guarded by the Snake, Guarded by the Spider, Guarded by the Kraken, Guarded by the Leshy, Guarded by the Vodnik)

Rereads:

Completed: -none-
In progress: -none-

February

Started in 2026:

Completed: 2

Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances (Accidentally Yours, Time Will Tell, Second Act Romance, A Play for Love, Death to Valentine's Day, Valentine's Slay)
Witches Love Monsters (Oops! I Summoned a Liderc, Oops! I Summoned a Metamorphic Monster, Oops! I Summoned a Demonic Merman, Oops! I Summoned a Night Demon)

In progress: 2

Hook Trilogy (Hook, Line, and Tentacles)
Hot Under the Collar (Downward Wolf, Alpha-Bet Soup, How to Housebreak Your Werewolf, Emotional Support Alpha, Bite My Wiener)

Started before 2026:

Completed: 5

Groom & Doom (The Mermaid in the Shot Glass)
Hidden Legacy (Beast Business)
Mate Hunted (The Artsy Girl's Guide to Mating with a Werewolf, The Independent Girl's Guide to Mating with a Werewolf, The Friendly Girl's Guide to Mating with a Werewolf, The Logical Girl's Guide to Mating with a Werewolf, The Hungry Girl's Guide to Mating with a Werewolf)
Seasons of the Pack (Peppermint Pines Pack)
Tallean Mercenaries (A Hope for Ranek)

In progress: 2

Alien Wolf Tales (Alien's Bargain)
Monster Security Agency (Guarded by the Nightmare, Guarded by the Reaper, Guarded by the Phantom, Guarded by the Krampus, Guarded by the Yeti, Guarded by the AI)

Rereads:

Completed: 1

Breach Wars (The Inheritance)

In progress: -none-

March

Started in 2026:

Completed: 2

Hot Under the Collar (Bite Me Twice)
Taken by the Stars (Heart of the Deep, Starbound, Breach Protocol, The Queen's Shadow, The Captain's Claim)

In progress: 1

Hook Trilogy (Sucker for Love)

Started before 2026:

Completed: 5

Aspect and Anchor (Vowed to the Vulture God)
Cowboy Colony Mail-Order Brides (Longing for the Alien Lawman)
Masked Men (Puck Me Dead)
Supernatural Entanglements (World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon)
Xarc'n Warriors (Chosen by the Hunter)

In progress: -none-

Rereads:

Completed: -none-
In progress: -none-

Series Rereads (Annual Roundup)

Completed: 1

Breach Wars by Ilona Andrews

Bleed for Cupid by Aiden Pierce [Review]

2026-03-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

Bleed for Cupid (Holiday Horrors #2) by Aiden Pierce
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 19, 2025

Holiday Horrors
1. Burn for Jack
2. Bleed for Cupid - Paperback | Kindle
3. Prey for Rabbit
4. Cry for Krampus
5. Bend for Balor

Aiden Pierce
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Roses are red, violets are blue. Hide your heart, little bird. Cupid’s Arrow is coming for you.

Callum is more than the CEO of Cupid Inc., the company that manufactures “love” potions and sells them to mateless supernaturals who want to take “fate” into their own hands. He’s an angel. Literally.

But even the devil came from Heaven.

So it’s just my luck that he also happens to be my boss… Until he discovers that I’m a mole for the organization protesting his company. Suddenly, I find myself as the test bunny for his most potent product yet: Cupid’s Arrow. And my mate-to-be? Callum himself.

Call it vengeance. Call it an insane marketing stunt. Call it fate. Whatever it is…

There’s no escaping Cupid Inc.’s dark angel and his terrifying brand of love.

Thoughts on Bleed for Cupid: Robin is in a tricky situation. She's feeding information about Cupid's Arrow to human protestors and she's both a little afraid and a lot in love with her boss. She doesn't think Callum is the heartless individual the protestors are painting him as, but the idea of this formula being created that basically roofies humans to fall for a supernatural doesn't sit well with her.

Callum is aloof, intimidating, and keeps his distance as best he can. Then he finds out Robin's the mole and now he has to deal with this egregious betrayal while also not wanting to completely destroy her. Because, yeah, he kind of has a thing for his assistant. A kind of big thing. So he doses her with the very drug she's trying to stop his company from making and, umm, things don't go quite as he expected.

Mostly because artificially trying to create something that is already present is maybe a little pointless. Yup, Robin doesn't need to be roofied because she's already into Callum. Really into him. Now they just have to set some boundaries, figure out what they're going to do with this info, and make things happen.

An angel with a little darkness, a lady who matches him, and a very eventful encounter that gives everybody all the things they didn't know they were looking for. *thumbs up*

Tentacles and Troubles by Aly Tatum [Review]

2026-03-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

Tentacles and Troubles (Lunar Station Eros #2) by Aly Tatum
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 2, 2026

Lunar Station Eros
1. Tentacles and Truffles
2. Tentacles and Troubles - Kindle

Aly Tatum
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

When an Emperor demands his son choose between love and legacy, a café owner armed with coffee and conviction proves that the fiercest revolutions start at home.
Hailey Calloway never meant to fall in love with three extraordinary beings. She definitely never meant to become the center of an interstellar incident. But when Imperial forces arrive to "reclaim" Prince Kael'ith from what they call contamination, she discovers that protecting her pack requires more than passion—it requires paperwork, courage, and an unshakeable belief that chosen bonds matter more than bloodlines.

Between rescuing her kidnapped bot from black market dealers, facing down an Emperor in her own café, and navigating the beautiful complexity of a four-person relationship that includes tentacle collection protocols and cyborg anxiety, Hailey learns that building a family isn't about perfection. It's about showing up. Choosing each other. And sometimes, weaponizing hospitality until even Emperors back down.

Because when you're bonded to:

- A Cephaloid scientist who expresses love through meticulous documentation
- A cyborg learning that emotions aren't weaknesses
- A prince willing to trade a throne for truth

...surrender isn't an option. Not when home is worth fighting for.

Thoughts on Tentacles and Troubles: The foursome that managed to shed their inhibitions and reservations thanks to a very helpful bot and some aphrodisiac-laced chocolates now has to fight for this thing blossoming between them. They also need to figure out how to rescue Hailey's bot from unscrupulous dealers. There's might also be a little matter of an insurance investigator and the damage done to her cafe when the Imperial forces tried to forcibly take Prince Kael'ith back.

Let's just say that a four-person relationship is complicated on every level.

Fortunately, Hailey and her men are more than willing to face those complications head-on. Facing those complications, as it turns out, involves aggressive kindness and a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations of the station they live on. Also, making a good cup of coffee.

While all this is going on, the group is also developing clear channels of communication with one another, a willingness to embrace their quirks in all shapes and forms, and accepting that their sassy, meticulously organized helper bot is going to offer suggestions and schedules for all things involving their relationship. Because they're ALL a big messy family now and this family likes to optimize cuddling and other varied relationship markers to ensure all members are happy and healthy. *thumbs up*

Tentacles and Truffles by Aly Tatum [Review]

2026-03-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

Tentacles and Truffles (Lunar Station Eros #1) by Aly Tatum
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 14, 2025

Lunar Station Eros
1. Tentacles and Truffles - Kindle
2. Tentacles and Troubles

Aly Tatum
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

When a chocolatier’s cosmic confections unleash an irresistible brew of tangled tentacles, glitchy cybernetics, and royal pheromones, love on Lunar Station Eros becomes anything but ordinary.

Hailey Calloway thought running Sweet Nebula—the coziest café on Lunar Station Eros—was wild enough. But one Valentine’s Day, a mischievous PA’s botched recipe accidentally turns her signature truffles into dangerously potent aphrodisiacs. Now, Hailey can’t stop blushing under the combined affections of three utterly different men:
Xy’lan, the brilliant alien scholar whose tentacles betray his hidden feelings.
Ronan Garret, a stoic bio-mechanical assassin struggling with emotions he’s never dared to embrace.
Prince Kael’ith, a glamorous rogue royal whose pheromones mask a surprising vulnerability.
Locked inside her café until she finds a cure, Hailey realizes she’s not the only target of this chocolate-fueled fiasco—Xy’lan, Ronan, and Kael’ith have equal (and sometimes highly flammable) interest in each other, too. When the antidote finally materializes, they all face a choice: sacrifice these edgy, life-altering desires or let a Valentine’s accident become the sweetest discovery of their lives.

Thoughts on Tentacles and Truffles: A helpful bot's ingredient substitution has Hailey and the three alien men she's attracted to buzzing. Actually, it's more than just the fur of them. There are multiple individuals on the station looking for alone time with their chosen special someone as Hailey's Valentine truffles work their magic.

But Hailey? She has three wildly different men looking at her and each other like there's a whole lot they want to explore. So these four do what any group would do when dosed with an aphrodisiac. They enjoy it while it lasts.

Xy'lan, Ronan, and Kael'ith are adventurous, creative, and willing to explore this thing brewing between them. Hailey gets to not only enjoy them individually, but watch them enjoying each other, as well. Which she is VERY into. BUT...they're also a group trying to navigate a new dynamic and they're careful with one another as they learn what boundaries to push and lines to cross.

Some potent honey, more than a few longing looks, a cafe that will likely need to be sanitized DEEPLY before Hailey can reopen, and four individuals who are willing to throw caution to the wind and see where this attraction takes them. *thumbs up*

Pillow Talk Killer by London Lovett [Review]

2026-03-24T03:00:00.000-07:00

Pillow Talk Killer (Frostfall Island #8) by London Lovett
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 18, 2025

Frostfall Island
1. Murder at North Pond
2. Death by Rocky Road
3. Ice Cold Killer
4. Bakery Bump Off
5. Harvest Moon Misfortune
6. Candlelit Calamity
7. Killing at the Kite Fair
8. Pillow Talk Killer - Paperback | Kindle

London Lovett
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

The PTK strikes again!

The notorious Pillow Talk Killer has been terrorizing the city for years. They’ve struck again, and now, the monster has come to Frostfall Island. Anna St. James never hesitates to jump into an island murder case, but this is different—a cunning, vicious serial killer who has evaded the police for years leaves no room for error.

Anna’s seen it all in her quest to bring killers to justice, but even Anna isn’t prepared for the shocking twist that awaits her this time.

Thoughts on Pillow Talk Killer: Full disclosure, I have a very difficult time talking myself into picking up the final book in a series. Not because I think it won't live up to the rest of the series or anything, but because I don't want to let series I've enjoyed go. So I'm patting myself on the back for convincing my unruly brain to dive in and watch it all play out.

And BOY did Anna have a lot to deal with. I mean, the PTK case has stumped the police and driven a dedicated homicide detective out of the force because not being able to catch the killer ate at him until he couldn't handle it. Nate's healed since those early days, but every time the PTK claims another victim his failure in stopping them hits him all over again.

Now PTK has come to the island and Anna is absolutely not going to sit idly by when she's 100% sure the police have arrested the wrong person. She starts following clues and her gut and puts herself in danger to find the truth.

No lie, this was a solid ending to Anna's series. She got closure on more than one front, saved the day (again!), and helped keep someone who matters to her out of prison. GOOD STUFF all around.

Baby for the Alien Warrior by Honey Phillips [Review]

2026-03-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

A warrior with nothing left to give. A woman who’s lost too much. A miracle that changes everything.

Dr. Corinne Vale thought her life of quiet study ended the day she was abducted and sold across the stars. Now, she’s on the run with a traumatized teenage girl and a baby she risked everything to save. When she encounters Commander Selik, a huge Cire warrior with haunted eyes, she expects another cage. Instead she finds a hero.

Selik has done his best to bury the past and the family he failed to save. He doesn’t expect the fierce, beautiful human he rescues to awaken feelings he thought long dead. But when a night of shared grief leads to a moment of passion, the impossible happens.

Now Selik will risk everything for his fragile new family.

Because sometimes the most powerful bonds are the ones you never saw coming.

Thoughts on Baby for the Alien Warrior: We're back with another Cire warrior who's given up on ever finding happiness and BOY does he get hit in the feels. Selik is stoic, does his duty as he feels he must, and absolutely resigned to living out the rest of his life alone. After all, he had a mate and a child he lost to the Red Death and he's both grieving and convinced (thanks to the Cire council) that with no Cire females left, bonding again is out of the question.

GUESS WHAT? These human ladies change things for all the Cire warriors they meet and Corinne is no different. Selik is drawn to her from the first. The fact she's adopted a Cire infant (which is an impossibility according to what he's being told by the council) and is fiercely protective of her stepdaughter awakens something in him. That she would continue fighting when the odds are against her stirs him in ways he never expected to be stirred.

As for Corinne, she has a teenage stepdaughter and a baby depending on her. She doesn't have time for breaking down or giving up. That said, she's teetering on both the emotional and physical edge when Selik crosses her path and it's either trust this proud warrior or let the desert world they're stranded on swallow them.

No surprise, she chooses the warrior. And what an excellent choice it is. Selik is kind and patient and willing to give up everything to keep her family together.

A little danger, a baby who shouldn't exist, a new life on a distant world, a warrior who will defend his new family with everything inside him, and a lady who never expected to find love among the stars. *thumbs up*

RtP's Week in Review (03/22/26)

2026-03-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

Alien Orc for Christmas by Ursa Dax [Review] - Alien romance!
Hot Monster Summer by J. Ever [Review] - Monster love!
Healed by My Hyde by Honey Phillips [Review] - Back in Fairhaven!
Hunted and Knotted by the Wolf by Imani Jay and Siena Stone [Review] - Wolfy love!
Grim by Layla Fae [Review] - Monster love!
Frankie's Funhouse by Beatrix Hallow [Review] - Animatronic love!

Bookish Delights

Books added to the pile

Nothing? OMG!

Currently reading

Gearing up to head out of town, so nothing at the moment!

Frankie's Funhouse by Beatrix Hallow [Review]

2026-03-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

Frankie's Funhouse (Umbra Valley #0.5) by Beatrix Hallow
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 8, 2025

Umbra Valley
0.5. Frankie's Funhouse - Paperback | Kindle
1. Meet at Midnight

Beatrix Hallow
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Desperation for cash has led me down a rainbow painted hallway to Frankie’s Funhouse—a children’s gambling casino. Or as my boss likes to call it, a pizza arcade.

The coworkers are strange, the patrons are disturbing, and the animatronics are possessed. Which I was willing to put up with until my boss died.

Well, he was murdered, actually.

Now I have to serve pizza and birthday cake while thinking about burning down the mall to hide a body for an animatronic that keeps hitting on me.

Drug dealings in the backrooms, puddles of blood seeping out from the storage closet, and parents threatening to talk to my (dead) boss if I don’t get their screaming kids' pizza was all manageable...

Until I realized I didn’t mind Frankie’s possessed tongue in my mouth.

Thoughts on Frankie's Funhouse: Going to be honest, a circa-1980's mall is already setting the stage for some serious carnage, so when a possessed animatronic gets thrown into the mix I just figure that ALL BETS ARE OFF. And I was right.

Ramona has taken a job that would probably steal the soul of anyone given enough time. Roller skates, rainbow booty shorts, and barely cooked pizza served to sugar-hyped kids (while their parents are busy getting busy in the back room). As if that's not enough, the animatronics are giving her the creeps. Well, one animatronic. And, umm, it might not actually be the creeps. I mean it is, but it maybe also isn't. Like, maybe she likes being chased by a possessed animatronic coyote who sing-songs her name while hunting her through the arcade.

But wait! That comes later. First, she has to get through her first shift (on her own, for the most part), deal with her now-deceased boss's body (yeah, things happen in those employee only rooms), and try to save the screaming kids from the bloodbath she's pretty sure is coming. You know, because of the possessed animatronic and the chainsaw it's wielding and all that.

A whole lot of creepy vibes (not all from the animatronics, thankyouverymuch), a little chase or two, way more blood than one would expect as a pizza arcade, an animatronic that wants to get its hands on Ramona, and a lady who just wanted an okay job, but ended up wearing rainbow booty shorts and finding out she might not mind the big metal creature stalking her through her work. Bloody, wacky, and pretty darn fun!