Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

After six years of college, Princess Liliana “Lily” Rubyserpent returns home to her clan of hybrids. Awaiting her are a string of parties, including one for a huge family reunion and her twenty-fifth birthday. But that’s not all. She also learns that her childhood friends, Kayden, Trey, and Mason, are keen on holding her to a promise they had made to each other years ago. That they would be mates if by her twenty-fifth birthday, both sides were still single. Instead of exciting her, this only leaves her apprehensive about meeting them. They had drifted apart four years ago following an insensitive comment from Kayden. Soon, it becomes clear that she had been wrong about Kayden, and she gives in to their advances. However, as the trio courts her, she realizes that she has a darkness within her that may not only be affecting them but is pulling her into a world, where, unknown to her or her clan, her destiny lies. What exactly is Lily destined for? Find out in Their Promise by Catherine Banks.

If you are looking for a paranormal romance laced with drama, mystery, suspense, plot twists, and urban, dark fantasy, Their Promise by Catherine Banks is a worthy pick. With worldbuilding that integrates an urban world with the supernatural, and intimate, reflective prose, Banks introduces readers to interesting characters. The depictions of the scenes vividly painted the settings on the pages. Lily navigates her relationship with the trio—going on dates and losing herself in erotic escapades—and her investigation into the heightened demon activity in her home world. From the emotional sensations to the ambience of the scenes, the characters have conflicts and struggles relatable to the real world, maintaining the story’s grip on reality. Lily is just beginning to know herself and the world around her, yet the more she discovers, the more questions arise. The story ends with a powerful cliffhanger, promising more intrigue and answers in the second installment.

Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite

Night Shift by Allie McCormack is the ninth book in the Magic of Wishes & Dreams paranormal romance series. The story is set in the Hudson Valley, north of New York City, where shifters have been exposed to the world, and anti-supernatural extremism is quietly becoming something darker. Beth Kerrigan is a clouded leopard shifter piecing herself back together after a devastating betrayal. She found a sliver of peace working at a veterinary clinic alongside her twin sister Naomi. Then Tyr Lindström walks through her door. A 650-year-old vampire who builds custom motorcycles and installs security systems. Though he might be the last complication Beth needs, he might be the first person in years who’ll accept her exactly as she is, broken edges and all. Their connection builds slowly, negotiating not just the impossible distance between a mortal life and an immortal one, but also between old wounds and a future neither expected to want. When violence reaches the clinic doors, will Beth and Tyr be able to find a way to bridge not just the gulf between their worlds, but survive long enough to try?

Night Shift is a warm, character-driven read, and Allie McCormack writes the healing with genuine care. The romance between Beth and Tyr is a slow burn that earns every degree of its heat. The writing is clean and easy, the kind that lets you disappear into it on a rainy afternoon. The clinic community, including Djinn, shifters, vampires, demons, bloodhounds, and humans all tangled up by marriage, loyalty, and so much ancient history, hummed with a life of its own. Characters like Layla, Tobi, and the irresistible Jacinth feel like they're barely contained by the page; each one has a whole story behind their eyes, and I found myself eager to go back to earlier books to follow those threads. As someone new to this series, I found my way around the story with ease, but I felt like I had walked into a party already in full swing. It was almost like everyone knew each other's secrets, shared a history I could only glimpse, and it made me hungry to know more about this paranormal community. The themes of trust after trauma, what it means to deserve love, and the courage it takes to let someone in have quiet, real weight. Night Shift is a story that sneaks up on you and is perfect for fans of low-drama paranormal romance with real emotional heart.

Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite

In the dark paranormal thriller Vampyre Hypothesis: Elizabeth Ramsey, MD Series Book 1 by Tammy Battaglia, Dr. Elizabeth Ramsey is a forensic pathologist at Heartland Specialists in Kansas City, KS. Dealing with death and bodies has never shaken her, no matter how horrifying the cause of death—until just recently. When the burn victim now lying on her autopsy table first arrived, he was undeniably dead, a very dead corpse that bled and had real fangs. There’s nothing about them that is human. Still, Beth feels an intense need to save him. Her curiosity about what fuels his extraordinary healing abilities and what he is, in a way that won't bring him harm, is too strong to deny. But she needs to be careful. Luciano is a vampire. Even worse, a ruthless, vengeful vampire, centuries older than Luciano, is coming for more than just revenge; they want every last drop of blood, but most of all, they want Beth!

I love forensics and vampires, so this novel by Tammy Battaglia immediately caught my eye. Vampyre Hypothesis is unputdownable. The plot is masterfully executed, packed with deliciously cutthroat characters, intrigue, meaty plot twists, and ruthless atmospheric dread that hooks you and dares you to keep reading until you figure it out. I couldn’t get enough of all the heart-pounding intrigue. It’s a gripping, macabre, and unsettling journey. Perfect for readers who love mystery-packed thrillers, gripping paranormal fiction, and atmospheric drama steeped in mythology and the supernatural. You step into a world of true-crime vibes, monsters, and shadows, and feel the fear and inevitability of what must come at dawn weighing heavily on Luciano. The fights are blood-curdling, intense, and scary as the ancients clash with every deadly weapon, from bites that paralyze to lethal grips. There is also intoxicating forbidden ecstasy, smoking hot chemistry, and intimacy. Grab a copy now!

Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

A Fine Scottish Time: The Magical Matchmakers of Seven Cairns, Book 1, by Maeve Greyson, follows Jessa Tamson as her life is falling apart. After a devastating breakup, the loss of her dream job, a stolen car, and a sudden rent increase, she’s one disaster away from giving up entirely. When a bizarre tarot card dating app begins appearing on her phone, one she definitely didn’t download, Jessa ignores it at first. But when the app promises a way out of her spiralling life, she makes a reckless decision that changes everything: she follows its instructions straight to Scotland and into the 18th century.

A Fine Scottish Time by Maeve Greyson was right up my alley with time travel, adventure, and most importantly, fated mates. This novel is a delightful blend of contemporary angst, Highland history, and cosy yet compelling magic. This is a story about second chances, courage, and trusting the impossible, especially when the universe refuses to take no for an answer. Jessa is instantly relatable, being a heroine who’s truly at her breaking point, and her leap of faith from modern chaos into the misty Scottish Highlands is both desperate and brave. The tarot card dating app is an interesting, modern hook that opens the door to a richly imagined time-travel romance. The world-building was immaculately done, and I really enjoyed the small prologue where Mairwen introduces himself and gives the reader just enough information to go forward. I found the premise of this novel to be so intriguing, and I enjoyed reading it from start to finish.

Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite

Under The Apple Tree by Kathleen J. Easley opens with Kate Ecklund, recently divorced, buying an old Victorian mansion in the small town of Salmon Falls, Washington, hoping to turn it into a bed and breakfast. As she and her brother Jared start the renovations, they expect dust and broken pipes; what they don’t expect is phantom piano music, unexplained weeping, and a box of half-buried family history that soon draws Kate into the sad, unfinished story of Blossom Thatcher, the house's original owner. Between family secrets, a hidden gold mine, and a man dangerous enough to threaten her safety, Kate finds herself fighting to give Blossom's story the ending it never got.

Under The Apple Tree by Kathleen J. Easley walks a careful line between a present-day renovation and a 1940s romance that unfolds as a secret whispered across the decades. There is a ghost story, a family drama, and a treasure hunt in the storyline, and I appreciated how naturally the clues surfaced through old letters and small-town memories. The pace builds slowly, like weather rolling in over a mountain, and once the storm hits, it hits hard. I did not expect my throat to tighten near the end, but it did. At one point, Easley describes a coincidence in the story as "almost too uncanny to fathom." That line could just as easily describe the whole book, since fate keeps nudging these two timelines together until they finally meet. Kate is an easy character to root for, stubborn and a little dreamy, still finding her feet after her marriage ended. Her brother Jared brings welcome humor to the quieter scenes, Nathan makes a genuinely likable match for Kate, and the small-town cast, with nosy neighbors included, feels real rather than sketched. Blossom, though, is the one who stayed with me. Themes of loneliness, inherited grief, and love that outlasts a lifetime run through both timelines like roots under old floorboards. If you enjoy stories where the past and present sit at the same table, Under The Apple Tree will feel like coming home to a house you didn't know you'd been missing.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

Calla Sweet has lost her job and her last living relative. She relocates to Ireland to reconnect with her ancestry and claim her inheritance. While there, she befriends Saoirse Dunne, a delightful resident who knows everything about the area. Given the circumstances surrounding their meeting, Colm O'Donnell is the one person she desperately wants to learn more about. Colm has an air of seriousness that conceals the pain in his heart, yet a magnetic aura draws her to him, making it difficult for him to resist. Unbeknownst to him, this young woman has the key to a mystery he is determined to unravel in Hanna Park's The Scald Crow.

Hanna Park's The Scald Crow is the first instalment in the Beyond the Faerie Rath series. Park draws inspiration for the world-building from Irish folklore, detailing the intriguing connections between its legendary mystical beings and the deep-rooted beliefs linking the contemporary world to that enchanting realm. She intricately integrates Calla's origin story into the narrative, skillfully concealing significant aspects until the latter stages. This unique method will captivate readers, engaging them in discovering Calla's mysterious lineage and making them feel invested in the series. The dialogue flows smoothly, as the detailed narrative emphasizes the Gaelic words in the banter, making the narrative believable. Mystery enthusiasts will find the subplots intriguing, while fantasy purists will appreciate the details about mythical creatures. I was impressed by the seamless transitions between past and present, highlighting Calla's activities and the principal characters' viewpoints. The Scald Crow embodies the ideal fantasy-romance blend. I am keen to read the sequel.

Reviewed by Jefto Pierre for Readers' Favorite

Between Darkness & Light is the third book in Theresa Van Spankeren's War of Destiny series. The story takes place five years after the events that unfolded in book two. Julia finds herself in a precarious place--mentally and emotionally. After betraying her ka-tet to King Valentino, the king of vampires, her friends have begun to shun her. They believe Julia is of unsound mind. After all, she's hearing voices and receiving visions she can't quite explain. Julia reaches out to Matthew, a former ally. He is wary of her, but Julia convinces him to locate Samuel. Their quest is fraught with many challenges. They soon realize there is a dark force operating from behind the shadows. Amid the suspense and danger, Julia's apparitions continue to communicate with her. Will she come to terms with her abilities? Will Matthew and Julia uncover the truth before it's too late? Can they reunite with Samuel? Will Julia ever make amends with her ka-tet?

Between Darkness & Light is an intriguing vampire saga that delves into mental health issues, betrayal, love, loss, forgiveness, and redemption. It is teeming with paranormal elements, fantasy, and adventure. Theresa Van Spankeren does a stellar job with the world-building sequences throughout the novel. She includes just the right amount of action, suspense, political intrigue, hidden motives, tension, and shocking plot twists. As always, Julia's characterization stands out above the rest. I was interested in discovering how Julia would navigate the aftermath of her betrayal. I was very eager to observe her new dynamic with Samuel and the other ka-tet members. Her betrayal left Samuel in a particularly vulnerable state. Samuel and Julia dealt with her deception differently, yet their actions were authentic and relatable. Their susceptibility added depth to the storyline--this is why readers are captivated by these iconic characters. At the same time, Matthew and Julia share a mutual respect that plays out well in the novel. Fans of dark fantasy fiction won't be disappointed. Grab this must-read today.

Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

A Prince of the Djinn: Beyond Midlife Magic by Allie McCormack tells the tale of Amanda, aka Mandy Dupont, a grounded and down-to-earth woman whose world is turned upside down when she acquires a mysterious pendant that houses the ancient and enigmatic Djinn prince, Kieran. Though powerful and impossibly beautiful, Kieran carries the burden of having lived through many centuries, leaving his heart dulled by time. That is, until Mandy’s light rekindles emotions he thought were lost forever. Their connection is immediate yet tender, built not on superficial attraction but on mutual recognition. These two souls, who have stepped back from life's chaos, find each other when they least expected it.

A Prince of the Djinn by Allie McCormack is a beautifully written paranormal romance that blends heartfelt emotion with magic and just a touch of realism. McCormack masterfully paints Mandy not as someone to pity, but rather as a woman with a fierce spirit, humour, and unfulfilled dreams. What makes A Prince of the Djinn truly extraordinary is how it embraces the realities of aging without letting it define the character’s worth or capabilities. Mandy's age and physical limitations are acknowledged, and through that, we see her true strength of will and the beauty of her soul. On the contrary, Kieran's timelessness shows the loneliness and emotional fatigue that immortality can bring. The contrast between these two characters makes the end of this novel that much more significant and impactful. I think this book really touches on love's ability to transcend time, one’s body, and expectations. This novel is truly a rare find in the world of fantasy romance, and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

When Margaret Rouge, a powerful, red rogue wolf, realizes that her teenage daughter Stella has wandered off into the White Blood Pack territory, one of the most guarded wolf territories, she must act fast. However, the plan to rescue her daughter leads her and her rogue pack into the clutches of Lycan royalty, King Alexandar and Queen Lucianne. For Lycan royalty, hell is threatening to break loose. An unknown enemy has invaded vampire territory, abducting vampires in their wake, and the vampires think it’s Alexandar’s people. It does not help when the royal family learns that one of the king’s closest allies is bonded to a rogue wolf, Margaret. With their kingdom’s fate at stake, the royal family is forced to forge unlikely alliances and risk trusting their enemies to protect the kingdom. Discover how it all goes down in The Rogues Who Went Rogue: Book Two of the Coalescence of the Five by Stina’s Pen.

Lovers of romance paranormal novels with a touch of drama and fantasy will find The Rogues Who Went Rogue by Stina’s Pen an enthralling read. The author whisked me away from reality and hurled me into a world of endless imagination. I was treated to suspense, adventure, and plot twists I never saw coming. The great attention to detail and the vivid depictions of the scenes made me feel like I was next to the cast in every scene, slowly watching the action unfold. The author gives down-to-earth depictions of the cast. Juxtaposing their complex traits made it easy to connect with them. I could relate to Tate’s predicament, and I could not help rooting for him.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

A Shadow of Love by Amy S. Cutler is a gripping paranormal romance. It follows Annabelle Peterson, a freelance journalist, as she moves into a big old farmhouse in the middle of nowhere to start a new life after leaving her abusive husband. When Annabelle meets one of her new neighbors, she learns that her house may be uninhabitable because of paranormal activity. One stormy night, she hears someone calling her name and wonders if the house is indeed haunted. When Annabelle finds more information about the house, she learns about Christian and starts believing he's the spirit haunting her new home. She now wants to show him she doesn't get scared away easily. After he shows up a few times in her dreams, Annabelle and Christian form a deep connection with each other. However, Annabelle learns that her abusive husband is trying to find her and that there's a dark curse threatening her and Christian's future.

A Shadow of Love by Amy S. Cutler is a beautiful, unsettling, and heart-wrenching tale of self-discovery, forbidden love, letting go, friendship, and what we do to avoid losing someone forever. It explores new beginnings, finding a place to belong, abusive marriages, life after an abusive relationship, how quickly a great love can develop, and to what extent it can mark us. This story creeps you out, breaks your heart, mends it, and then surprises you with unexpected twists. Anyone in the mood for a spooky love story should grab this book. A Shadow of Love has the perfect couple and the right amount of mystery, suspense, romance, and paranormal for a compulsively readable novel.