Reading the Paranormal

The Botanist and the Beast by Honey Phillips [Review]

2026-04-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

The Botanist and the Beast (Fairhaven Falls #8.5) by Honey Phillips
Format: ebook
Source: provided through author's newsletter
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 21, 2025

Fairhaven Falls
1. Trouble for My Troll
2. Fireworks for My Dragon Boss
3. Mistletoe for My Minotaur
4. Valentine for My Vampire
5. Gift for My Ghost
6. Wedding for My Werewolf
7. Kiss for My Kraken
8. Healed by My Hyde
8.5. The Botanist and the Beast
9. Brownies for My Grumpy Bunny
10. Guarded by My Gargoyle

Related books:
(Part of the Sweet Monster Treats series)
Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy
The Single Mom and the Orc
Protected by the Orc
Bidding on the Orc Outcast

Honey Phillips
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis:

Botanist Mia Barnes knew that searching for a legendary glowing plant in the mountains surrounding the quirky Southern town of Fairhaven Falls would be no easy task, but she never expected to land in the arms of Kade, a towering shadow guardian. Teaming up with the grumpy—but undeniably attractive—male to save the mystical plant (and possibly the entire town) from an encroaching darkness, Mia can’t help but wonder if love might bloom in the most unexpected of places... like the foggy, monster-filled woods.

Welcome to Fairhaven Falls where monsters and magic go hand in hand!

Thoughts on The Botanist and the Beast: A short and sweet little story set in Fairhaven Falls. Mia is a human who doesn't quite fit into the great outdoors, but she's determined to step outside her comfort zone a little and search for a plant that might or might not be real. Kade is the guardian of the woods who doesn't understand why he's drawn to Mia, but who can't quite help falling for her charming enthusiasm.

Throw in a little danger when Kade (not to mention the woods and possibly the town of Fairhaven Falls itself) is threatened by the darkness slowly consuming the plant Mia is searching for and he and Mia have to team up to fight whatever this darkness is. Which works nicely since they team up *winkwink* well together.

A fun, quick read with just the right amount of spice. *thumbs up*

Aspen by Adrian Blue [Review]

2026-04-24T03:00:00.000-07:00

Aspen (Harvest Moon #5) by Adrian Blue
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 4, 2026

Harvest Moon
1. Fieldwork
2. The Debt
3. Before the Frost
4. The Fog
5. Aspen - Kindle

Adrian Blue
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Running from a toxic relationship, she escapes into the November mountains seeking solitude and clarity. What she finds instead are massive hoofprints in the snow, deep claw marks on the trees, and a presence watching from the ridgeline. That night, she wakes to suffocating heat and an impossible need burning through her veins. Something is circling her tent, breathing just outside the thin nylon wall. What she finds in the moonlight is massive, inhuman, and utterly wrong. Every instinct screams for her to run, but the creature has already marked her, flooded her body with hunger so overwhelming she can barely think. She can run all she wants, but they both know how this ends.

Thoughts on Aspen: Taking an overnight trip to the mountains to get some distance from a not so great relationship sounds like a good idea, right? On paper, it was. But then something decidedly not human begins circling our girl's campsite and she's not quite sure what to think. I mean, she's scared, sure. But...BUT there's also something else there.

Something that has her excited when the beast catches her. Something that has her not fighting when he corners her against a tree. Something that has her enjoying everything he does to her.

AB monsters are always a treat and this one hits the sweet spot. So to speak. *thumbs up*

The Fog by Adrian Blue [Review]

2026-04-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

The Fog (Harvest Moon #4) by Adrian Blue
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 1, 2026

Harvest Moon
1. Fieldwork
2. The Debt
3. Before the Frost
4. The Fog - Kindle
5. Aspen

Adrian Blue
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Elizabeth Ashworth arrives in Thornmere seeking nothing more than solitude and silence. What she finds is a cottage on the edge of a dark forest, terrified villagers, and a fog that moves with unnatural purpose. Every night it comes, seeping beneath her door, watching her with silver eyes that gleam in the darkness. The creature offers no safety, no promises, only hunger and the certainty that it will consume her. She should be terrified, but when the creature whispers that she'll never be alone again, Elizabeth knows she's far past saving.

Thoughts on The Fog: Moving to a small village far removed from London after the death of her husband (where she can grieve or not grieve, at her discretion), Elizabeth finds something dangerous and cold in the forest outside her cottage. The village folk aren't terribly welcoming and business hasn't even started to pick up, but that fog creeping in from the trees kind of makes up for it.

Mostly because it isn't normal fog. But I guess Elizabeth isn't a normal woman, because it fascinates her. She watches it and it feels like it watches back. And then one night she finds out it is, indeed, watching back. As it turns out, she's okay with that. She's also okay with all the other things it wants to do to her.

A little danger, a village on edge, a monster in the fog, and a lady who is willing to embrace the dark (or the, umm, glowing thing in the dark) when it reaches for her. *thumbs up*

Before the Frost by Adrian Blue [Review]

2026-04-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

Before the Frost (Harvest Moon #3) by Adrian Blue
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 31, 2025

Harvest Moon
1. Fieldwork
2. The Debt
3. Before the Frost - Kindle
4. The Fog
5. Aspen

Adrian Blue
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Widowed farmer Margaret has spent eight years alone, aching with a loneliness she'll never admit out loud. Until the night she burns the last of the harvest and whispers her need into the November darkness. What answers is Jack, a massive creature of vines and earth with a carved pumpkin head and an ancient claim on her land. He says her loneliness summoned him, that she's his now until the first frost. Margaret knows she should run while she still can. But as Jack's vines wrap around her body and his dark voice fills her mind, she discovers that being claimed by a monster might be exactly what she's been craving.

Thoughts on Before the Frost: I don't know what it is about AB's monsters, but I LIKE THEM. This time around, we have a lonely woman who unwittingly summons something she doesn't expect from the depths of the land. Jack is...a lot. He's powerful and hungry for Margaret. He's also into consent. Which means he might claim her as his own, but he won't act on that claim until Margaret is ready for him to.

That said, it takes a day or two for Margaret to come to terms with the creature out in her corn field. He's big, powerful, and not at all what she expected when she whispered her wants into the darkness. To be fair, I don't know that ANYTHING that came out of the darkness would have been expected. I mean, she just gave voice to an off-the-cuff desire. Yeah, she was lonely and she absolutely meant what she said, but she never imagined anything actually coming of it.

Anywho. Margaret is lonely. Jack is there to take care of her loneliness. If Margaret plays her cards right, Jack could very much be more than a one time thing. As in, an every year thing. Since he's a giver, this sounds like an excellent situation for a lonely lady to be in.

The Debt by Adrian Blue [Review]

2026-04-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

The Debt (Harvest Moon #2) by Adrian Blue
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 30, 2025

Harvest Moon
1. Fieldwork
2. The Debt - Kindle
3. Before the Frost
4. The Fog
5. Aspen

Adrian Blue
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Food vlogger Cary buys a heritage turkey for her perfect Thanksgiving content, unaware she's stolen from a territorial shifter who claims the finest birds as his own. When the enraged creature crashes through her door demanding payment, the debt is simple: flesh for flesh. Submit willingly, or he'll simply take what he's owed. But as her body betrays her with every touch of his clawed hands and silken feathers, she realizes the real danger isn't what he'll take from her, it's how much she'll crave giving him more.

Thoughts on The Debt: I wasn't sure what to expect with an angry turkey-man taking out his upset on an unsuspecting food vlogger, but I mist admit he'd showed Cary the proper way to stuff things. And by things, I mean her. She learned the intricate ins and outs of stuffing.

Anywho. Cary makes the rookie mistake of buying a turkey from the farmer's market that a monstrous creature has claimed as his. To be fair, she wasn't aware of this claiming in any way, shape, or form. But she did it. And the creature was NOT happy to have his bird in her hands. So he demands payment and the payment is...not necessarily something Cary was willing to pay, but she ended up enjoying herself far more than she thought she would.

And she's considering going back next year to buy the finest turkey again. Just, you know, to relive the experience.

Fieldwork by Adrian Blue [Review]

2026-04-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

Fieldwork (Harvest Moon #1) by Adrian Blue
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 30, 2025

Harvest Moon
1. Fieldwork - Kindle
2. The Debt
3. Before the Frost
4. The Fog
5. Aspen

Adrian Blue
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Podcaster Emma Thorne will do anything for the truth about New Eden Collective, the cult where twenty-three people died in a night of unspeakable violence. When she discovers an otherworldly creature who witnessed it all, she strikes a dangerous bargain: pieces of the horrifying story in exchange for increasingly intimate contact. With each revelation, the price grows steeper, and Emma finds herself craving not just the truth but the demon's cold touch, his inhuman body, and the dark pleasure he offers. But when the last piece of the puzzle demands total surrender, Emma must decide how much she's willing to give and whether she can walk away from the one being who truly sees her.

Thoughts on Fieldwork: No lie, AB gives good monster romance. This time around, a woman looking for a truth that's been long buried meets a creature who can answer all her questions. For a price. To be fair, he doesn't answer any actual questions. He just...shows her. He shows her all the things that led up to the night when twenty-three people died.

And Emma can't walk away. Not literally. She COULD walk away. Her monster is all about consent, after all. But she can't let this story go untold, so she agrees to his first price and learns the first part of the story. Then she agrees to the second. And the third. As the story gets darker, his payment gets more intimate. Just the touch of her hand. Then a hug. Then more.

Honestly, Emma's not adverse to any of it. It might be a little strange at first, but she doesn't feel threatened by the creature. She willing pays his price time and again. The story she's learning saps her, however. It's sad and terrible and she wants to know how it all came to a head.

A little touch, a little more, a terrible story, a lonely creature, and a woman who wants the truth. Good stuff all around!

RtP's Week in Review (04/19/26)

2026-04-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting by Naomi Kuttner [Review] - Dante and crew are BACK!
While You Were Seething by Charlotte Stein [Review] - Road trip!
To Kill a Badger by Shelly Laurenston [Review] - Shifter love!
Guarded by the Snake by Layla Fae [Review] - Slithery monster love!
Chained by Teagan Grey [Review] - Monster love!
Cupid's Chokehold by Dee Garcia [Review] - V-Day sexiness!

Bookish Delights

Books added to the pile

None!

Currently reading

High noon Cyborg by Honey Phillips

Cupid's Chokehold by Dee Garcia [Review]

2026-04-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

Cupid's Chokehold (Festive ASF #2) by Dee Garcia
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 25, 2025

Festive ASF
1. Bad Santas
2. Cupid's Chokehold - Kindle
3. Dublin My Luck
4. Slash or Smash
5. Midnight Mischief

Dee Garcia
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Lala and Suki are celebrating their third Valentine’s Day together.
Not that they need to spice things up—they’re compatible in every way—but Lala wants to kick things up a notch for the day dedicated to love. A couple of enhancement chocolates, an app controlled device, and some drinks at this cozy little dive bar… Sounds like the perfect night, right?

Eros Lovett hates Valentine’s Day.
The only reason this grump opens his doors for the ridiculous Hallmark holiday is to offer a place of refuge for all his fellow anti-Valentiners. So when the girls waltz into his bar, giggling and brazenly affectionate, he whips up Cupid’s Chokehold on a dime, hoping the molotov cocktail will have them out the doors sooner rather than later. Just because the rest of the world falls captive to this scam of a holiday doesn’t mean he needs to be subject to it, too.

Turns out, the only thing going out the doors are the patrons because when the girls suddenly proposition Eros with a festive ménage à trois, he can’t find it in himself to decline.

This Cupid’s arrow might not be laced with love, but lust is in the air, and three isn’t always a crowd.

Thoughts on Cupid's Chokehold: It's Valentine's and Suki and Lala are enjoying themselves (immensely) while Eros is grumping his way through the end of the night as he just waits for it to end. Then Suki and Lala invite him into their celebration and suddenly Eros isn't hating the holiday quite as much.

No lie, Suki and Lala are both a little uninhibited, they don't mind public displays of ANYTHING, and they both think the grumpy bartender is smokin' hot. So they invite him to join them in their holiday celebration and WHOO-BOY does he apply himself to their pleasure.

A sex-ay, sex-ay evening with three individuals who are all about doing what feels right. And good. And pleasurable. Let's just say they all end up happy and leave it at that. *thumbs up*

Chained by Teagan Grey [Review]

2026-04-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

Chained (The Bastion #1) by Teagan Grey
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 6, 2026

The Bastion
1. Chained - Kindle
2. Ravished

Teagan Grey
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

He’s a monster in a cage, and she’s the only one who can tame him.

Arabella Kane is out of options. Desperate for money, she signs on as a Tamer at The Bastion, the underground prison where the world’s most dangerous supernaturals are caged. Her first assignment? A twenty-four–hour session with Rowan Hale—the most volatile inmate of them all. A hulking werewolf locked in a permanent state of rut.

He’s hunger and instinct, claws and fury—and he doesn’t just need release. He needs her. His possessive nature demands more than her body. It demands a mate.

For one day and one night, Arabella is trapped in his cell, at the mercy of his relentless desire. She only came for a paycheck. What she doesn’t expect is the dark thrill of surrender, or the way her body answers his every command. And when he whispers one possessive word against her skin, she knows she’s already lost.

Thoughts on Chained: Arabella honestly doesn't know what to expect when she signs on as a Tamer, but she needs the money and she doesn't see a lot of other options. When the warden throws all the rules and regulations out the window and asks her to take on Rowan Hale, Arabella is a little freaked out, but she says yes. Because the money is just that good for such a dangerous inmate.

While things could have turned out very badly for Arabella, they didn't. Rowan likes her scent (A LOT) and gets right down to business. He's rough around the edges and pushes more than a few of her boundaries, but he's careful enough to not do any permanent damage.

And twenty-four hours is plenty of time for both of them to know they've found something in that cold cell. To be fair, Rowan kind of knew he'd found something good as soon as he caught her scent. Arabella took a little longer, but her werewolf is exactly what she needs in all the right ways.

A cold prison cell, a snarly werewolf, and a lady who finds out a whole bunch of what works for her in a very short time. *thumbs up*

Guarded by the Snake by Layla Fae [Review]

2026-04-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

Guarded by the Snake (Monster Security Agency #2) by Layla Fae
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 6, 2026

Monster Security Agency
1. Guarded by the Golem
2. Guarded by the Snake - Paperback | Kindle
3. Guarded by the Spider
4. Guarded by the Kraken
5. Guarded by the Leshy
6. Guarded by the Vodnik
7. Guarded by the Nightmare
8. Guarded by the Reaper
9. Guarded by the Phantom
10. Guarded by the Krampus
11. Guarded by the Yeti
12. Guarded by the AI
13. Guarded by the Symbiote
14. Guarded by the Steel Seraph
15. Guarded by the Clanker

Layla Fae
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

She stole her way into my cold, serpent heart like a thief in the night.
The tiny human hires me to shield her from the vengeance of a powerful organization. There’s nothing wrong with that, except she stole from them, got caught, and now I have to clean up her mess. Add to that her incessant chatter, and I’m in for the most unpleasant job in my career.

Until her enemies bring out the big guns, turning the irksome protection assignment into a lethal fight for survival. Necessity pushes my principal closer and closer—too close for comfort. Forced to hide in small spaces, her skin rubbing against my scales, her warm breath on my face, my exasperation gives way to lust.

It’s just physical attraction, I tell myself. All I want is to bury my two spikes in her tight body and feel her writhing under me in pleasure. Nothing more than that. Because it’s impossible I could want her–the annoying, ballsy little thief who makes the sun shine with a smile.

One thing is certain: this is no longer just a job. I’ll butcher everyone who wants to hurt her.

Thoughts on Guarded by the Snake: Kim is in a tough situation and she needs the help of MSA to stay alive long enough to get revenge. Except, it's kind of one specific MSA agent she needs. Asan. A grim, scowly (he might not actually scowl, but you can FEEL the scowl he's holding onto in his neutral expression) shehru who is NOT thrilled to be taking on her contract.

Kim's fidgeting sets off his predatory instincts. Her willingness to take risks with her life makes him upset. And the fact she thinks she's going to be going into dangerous situations ALONE? Yeah, not happening. The big guy might not have wanted to take this contract, but he did and he's going to make sure his principal stays alive no matter what.

Honestly, spending day and night with her isn't nearly as irritating as he thought it would be. Her fidgeting grows on him. Her smiles are nice. She still takes way more chances than a human in her position should, but that's why she hired him.

More than a little danger (a person does not hire a bodyguard if there isn't danger on the horizon, you know!), some snake-on-human public smooching that the other snakes aren't thrilled with (shehru/human couples are pretty taboo, but Asan doesn't care!), one VERY sexy time on the dance floor, some oddly sweet dirty talk (Asan is a master as convincing his human to try just a little more), a snake with a protective streak a mile wide, and a lady who is more than willing to be talked into trying new things. *thumbs up*

To Kill a Badger by Shelly Laurenston [Review]

2026-04-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

To Kill a Badger (The Honey Badger Chronicles #6) by Shelly Laurenston
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 5, 2026

The Honey Badger Chronicles
1. Hot and Badgered
2. In a Badger Way
3. Badger to the Bone
4. Breaking Badger
5. Born to Be Badger
6. To Kill a Badger - Paperback | Kindle

Shelly Laurenston
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Nelle Zhao is a social media maven who knows what matters. And the only thing that matters right now is survival. Not easy, though, when her honey badger teammates attract trouble the way she attracts attention. She didn’t know when it became her job to protect the ones she cares about from themselves, but even she has to admit…she’s really good at it. Too bad some people don’t appreciate when she’s being helpful. Especially Keane Malone, who doesn’t know how to accept a friendly paw. But Nelle excels at helping! And at ignoring other people’s irrational demands, such as doing it all alone. Keane, poor pretty kitty, doesn’t understand the kind of assistance a shit-starting honey badger like Nelle can truly offer . . .

Keane knows two things—he doesn’t like other people, and he is going to crush the de Medicis, an evil coalition of male lion shifters who are not only snatching innocent humans for fun and profit, but also killed his father. And for once, he may not be able to fight this fight alone, forcing him to let long-legged, jet-setting Nelle join the fight. And getting close to Nelle is suddenly bringing out his roar . . .

Thoughts on To Kill a Badger: Honey badgers, man. It doesn't matter their age, they are all a little unhinged. Nelle and her teammates might not even be the most unhinged of the bunch. That title miiiiight belong to Tracey Rutowski and her band of middle aged miscreants. That group of badgers DOES NOT know how to do anything subtly. At all.

But let's not worry about Tracey and her crew (as an aside: you should absolutely ALWAYS worry about Tracey and her crew). This is Nelle and Keane's story (mostly) and THESE TWO. Nelle is one who doesn't ask for permission. She just steps up and does what needs to be done. This ranges from keeping Charlie out of the loop when it comes to what Max is about to crash into the middle of to decorating Mads house (complete with a half-court and wine cellar) without any input from Mads. So when Tracey tells her she needs to go to overseas to get the European honey badgers to help with their current problem, Nelle...actually Nelle digs in her heels. They don't need help. Nelle and her teammates can take care of whatever is going on themselves. Except the alternative is that TRACEY goes to Europe and the lady is a walking diplomatic disaster. So Nelle digs in her heels, but ultimately takes on the task set to her for the good of everyone. Also, there's a slight possibility doing this will get her out of her sister's wedding. Which Nelle REALLY does not want to be involved with.

While Nelle is moving and shaking the world's chessboard to her liking, Keane is sort of roped into joining her. Not because he cares what happens to anyone (excluding his own family, he absolutely does NOT care), but because Nelle just sort of keeps dragging him along. As her bodyguard. Which she doesn't need. But grouchy Keane maybe doesn't find Nelle nearly as irritating as most everyone else, so he follows along. He scowls. He roars when he gets upset. He does his big cat thing and pounces before playing with his food (not that he EATS people or anything. Mostly.) to keep Nelle out of trouble.

A whole lot of familiar faces (so many! *heart eyes*), an unholy amount of barely controlled rage (honey badgers, man!), Stevie accidentally stumbling over very dangerous things, bears, baking, a tiger that doesn't like anyone (until he does!), and a honey badger who can get herself into (and out of) some dangerous situations. I'm talking about Nelle with that last part. Although, that really applies to pretty much ALL the honey badgers. GOOD TIMES!

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
3. Gifted to the Alien Warlord

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Bubble Babes
1. All I Wanted Was Sushi But I Got Abducted By Aliens Instead

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
3. Gifted to the Alien Warlord

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Bubble Babes
1. All I Wanted Was Sushi But I Got Abducted By Aliens Instead

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*