Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

Shifters are disappearing without a trace, and the supernatural community believes a banished wolf is either the key to the world's demise or its salvation, in the thrilling paranormal suspense novel, Hell's Key (Siblings of the Underworld: Book 1) by Linzi Baxter. When Paldon is marked and banished from the North American Pack without a trial, she trusts no one. Becoming a private investigator, she makes her living as a bounty hunter chasing humans. A decade later, Paldon's life is once again disrupted when the Vampire King and Ryker, the Alpha wolf of the local pack, come to warn her that supernaturals are vanishing. Arguing that she doesn't need protection, Paldon is adamant about taking care of herself. That is until she goes home and finds her human secretary held captive in her living room. After a bloody battle with demons, a decaying wolf, and trolls, Paldon receives the unsettling news that she is the daughter of Lucifer. And worse, he doesn't know who her mother is. Believing her mother is behind the attacks and disappearances, Paldon must find her without blowing up the world or getting killed. Struggling to maintain the power that flows through her, she grudgingly works with Ryker and her sister Wrath, one of the deadly sins. Who is abducting the supernaturals? And why are they targeting Paldon?

The opening book in an exciting series, Hell's Key (Siblings of the Underworld: Book 1) by Linzi Baxter is a scintillating shifter story, in which a daughter of the devil is the principal character. From the first sentence, Paldon's snarky nature is amusing and entertaining. Akin to Janet Evanovich's character Stephanie Plum in attitude and vocation, Paldon contrasts with hers as a shapeshifting wolf and the offspring of Lucifer. Brilliantly written, this stunning novel has engaging characters and is filled with humor, romance, and suspense. Although the story comes to an abrupt and unexpected ending, the startling conclusion is the perfect segue into the next book, leaving the reader hungry for the sequel. Far superior to Stephenie Meyer's Twilight novels, fans of shifter and vampire stories will not want to miss reading this series! With the inclusion of intimate scenes, it is more suitable for the age of young adult readers and above.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Neck-Romancer: A Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance by Elizabeth Dunlap is a paranormal romance with a difference. Jaz Neck didn’t specialize in anything magic when her friends did and has resigned herself to a life of Ordinary. She has a friend – a ghost – who follows her to her grandmother’s where, all of a sudden, Jaz finds her specialty. She is the first necromancer in 400 years, the only one in existence, and that gives her the in she needs to join the Highborn Academy again. The same old bullies start on her once again but there is a good side to this for Jaz. Like her mother, she finds herself linked with not one but three soulmates and they couldn’t be any different – a Lycan, a ghost, and a warlock. But there are dark forces on the rise – will Jaz’s soulmates have the strength to protect her?

Neck-Romancer: A Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance by Elizabeth Dunlop was an entertaining read, a great start to a new series. As well as a good, solid, plot, it lives up to the ‘medium-burn reverse harem’ story it is with a couple of well-placed explicit sex scenes – definitely NOT recommended for younger readers! There is also some explicit language, although a lot of it has been ‘sanitized’ – “effing” instead of the alternative, for example. The characters are fantastic – an eclectic, unlikely set of main characters, all really well developed and a lot of fun. This is a unique story and clearly our heroine is going to face a lot of trials in future books. The main female character was supposedly in her 20s but it felt more like she was a teen – until a bit later in the book. It did not spoil the story for me though and this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to the next book.

Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite

In L.B. Gilbert's Earth, Gia, the Earth Elemental, has been poisoned. After being infiltrated by the alchemist, John, and betrayed, the Elementals found it very hard to trust anyone, but they needed help. The only person who can possibly be of aid is Salvador, a witch with a family history of darkness and evil. Sure he broke away, healed instead of harmed, but John had seemed to be trustworthy too and he betrayed them. But this poison is not the only thing to fear. John is intent of wiping supernaturals from the world and leaving its care to humanity, and now he has just the weapon to do it - something that not only poisons the body but works on a deeper level. Supes aren't his only target; he intends to take down the Mother, liberating the land of all her children. Can the Elementals do what must be done to stop him, or will they fall to his plan?

Earth is the fourth book in L.B. Gilbert's, The Elementals Series. Strong world and character building are key to this journey as the reader is whisked away in a race-against-time adventure where the path of the future is uncertain. While it is the final book in the series, the manner in which it has been penned means it has its own self-contained plot. There are parts that no doubt reward someone who has read the other books, but the reader does not need this knowledge to enjoy the tale. Danger, disaster, plans, wars, and betrayal propel the reader through a plot filled with magical creatures from dragons to witches. I enjoyed watching the reluctant camaraderie and contradictory feelings that start the foundation of a relationship between characters. The smooth flowing style of L.B. Gilbert is sure to hook a reader and take them along on an epic journey to save the world where there is more than one surprise in store. Engaging, riveting, and compelling. The rules are changing, the stakes are unprecedented, and you'll just have to know how it all ends.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

A reincarnated medieval knight and his squire fight to protect a modern-day lady from an ancient dark spell in the exciting romance novel, Hot Magic (Cat's Paw Cove Book 5) by Catherine Kean. While his grandfather is on vacation, Lucian Lord and his feline squire, Galahad, are in charge of his antique shop, Black Cat Antiquities. Molly Hendrickson, a third-grade teacher from Seattle, is temporarily in town to settle her recently deceased mother's estate and take charge of her cats. When Molly brings some of her mother's items to Lucian's shop to be evaluated, she and Lucian are instantly and inexplicably attracted to each other. However, dark magic is brewing beneath the surface of the town and is threatening their past, present, and future. Will Molly and Lucian have a chance at romance? Or will a sinister presence take over their lives?

Hot Magic (Cat's Paw Cove Book 5) by Catherine Kean is a delightfully entertaining paranormal romance novel. A bewitching plot and enchanting characters create an enthralling story. The twelfth-century English backdrop of the story made a marvelous setting for the characters and set the tone for the ancient magic that flowed into the present-day background of the mystical village of Cat's Paw Cove. The town and characters are unique, giving the story a feeling of enchantment and mystique. From the very beginning, it captures the imagination and builds to an exciting finale. I thoroughly enjoyed the book from start to finish, and I highly recommend it to everyone who loves romance novels with a magical flavor.

Reviewed by Dinah Roseberry for Readers' Favorite

Somewhere by the Sea (Finding Somewhere Series, Book I) by Verna Clay is a treasure trove of emotional triggers that take a young widowed woman to her deceased family’s dream place as a final challenge to hold onto, and let go of, her departed husband and son. Burdened by the knowledge that she was responsible for their deaths, Somewhere — a small shore town that they’d been planning to visit as a family — was her only salvation. This was her last chance to hold them in her living world and to keep from letting them go.

As I went deeper with Verna Clay into Somewhere by the Sea, I found the setting of the town was so well presented that I could feel myself being drawn into its unique charm — just as heroine Faith Bennison was: she needed to be away from memories, yet she needed to have those same memories etched in her mind. Of course, as is usually the case, all is not quaint and lovely at the Hope Bed and Breakfast, or with the friendly shopkeepers, ocean views, and handsome men (like Baxter, the B&B owner’s son, who has her heart beating much too quickly). But just as happiness can bring an unlikely couple together, so might loss provide a similar cause, as is the case for Faith and Baxter. In fact, the town has even more relationship issues than those of Faith and Baxter blowing through the gentle winds, and those need their own happy endings. But for now, would this place be the right home for Faith to put down roots? There could be problems: the people in town — as nice as they are — don’t believe she is seeing what she is seeing. Some are thinking the worst. To be honest, she, too, doubts her own eyes. There are great risks to her and her new friends, and especially the attractive Baxter, when the paranormal pays a visit to Somewhere by the Sea.

What I loved about Verna Clay’s romantic tale is being totally immersed in the setting. I could picture the town so clearly with its houses and hills, the walking trails, the haunted stone house, the museum, the diner, and all the other nooks and crannies. I could walk down Main Street and Ocean Boulevard today and interact with Gabby and Leo and Vicki and Baxter. I could be Faith. I could love Baxter. The writing is superb as Clay's paranormal lazes through the town and along the beaches, barely noticed until… well, just know that there’s a reason for everything, and learning to make better choices can make a heart flutter when in the right person’s arms. Somewhere by the Sea (Book I) by Verna Clay is a gentle romantic experience that will leave you wanting more of Somewhere. This first book in Clay’s series will beckon you forward to the next and the next. You may want to bring along your paints and easel.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Gage McAllister is the oldest vampire in The Lost Boys Rock Band. He tries his best to protect his bandmates, show them they are worth the hard work, and tries his best to stay away from Acelynn, even if his whole being craves her. Years ago, she saved him, but there is something about her that reminds him of his past lover who died centuries ago. Scared of the heartache, he does what he thinks is best and keeps a healthy distance from her. However, there is something between them that keeps pulling them together and Gage’s desire to protect Acelynn gets stronger by the day. Can they find a way to be together, minus the heartache? Or are they destined to lose each other before they can properly love each other?

Protected by a Vampire is the fifth book in the Immortal Hearts of San Francisco Series by Susan M Griscom. Sizzling and seductive, the novel offers the perfect balance between a great plot and good times. Gage is such a cool character; he is sharp, attractive, intelligent and ready to take action. However, what I loved most about him was the fact that he didn’t shy away from his flaws and faults. He knew what he was doing wrong; he understood it and that made him attractive to me. Acelynn is just as sharp and intelligent, but she is less ruled by her emotions. She is more assertive of the two, which makes them a very complementary couple. The narrative was great and it flowed smoothly. I liked the descriptions a lot; they made the story more vivid and enjoyable. The author portrayed the relationship between the protagonists beautifully while also keeping the momentum and the mystery alive. Needless to say, a splendid romance!

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Shadow King is an urban fantasy novel written for adults, penned by author Susan K. Hamilton. Combining the modern world with the old legends of the Faerie and Fae people, this exciting and romantic adventure follows our heroine Seireadan Moore. A seer haunted by visions of the figure who destroyed everything in her past, Seireadan’s mission comes to head when she crosses paths with Fae mob boss Aohdan Collins. A playboy and a ruthless Boston gangster, Aohdan’s life is set on a new course when he meets Seireadan, and the pair soon embark on a magical and dark crime adventure that is sure to change them both forever.

Author Susan K. Hamilton has cleverly created a romance novel which ticks all the boxes, packaged beautifully within a lavish urban Fae fantasy setting. The excitement of the dangerous relationship between Seireadan and Aohdan has plenty of punch, with his mafia-style life and the violence and intrigue that go with it. But then, layered on top of the bad boy genre, we find the well described and highly emotive magical story line of Seireadan’s visions. Bringing an epic history of destroyed worlds and displaced people into the mix, the adventures deepens and gains meaning and complexity as the plot continues. Hamilton balances the genres and mixes them well, throwing in cinematic romance and violence with a flair for modern dialogue that keeps the scenes exciting on every page. Overall, Shadow King is a novel overflowing with content, and an exciting and satisfying tale not to be missed.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Water is the third book in The Elementals series by Luz B. Gilbert, a paranormal romance with interesting twists. One thing occupies Serin's mind — to get justice for the disappearance of her mate. She is a highly skilled fighter and a mission puts her in the path of death as she seeks the truth. All she wants is vengeance, but when she crosses paths with DEA agent Daniel Romero, the man with a mysterious connection to the disappearance of her mate, a bond quickly develops between them, a bond that also transforms into an attraction. While Serin seeks to protect everyone she loves, falling for the DEA agent might not be the best thing for her, or can it just be bad timing? Can she protect those she loves without being distracted by Daniel?

Luz B. Gilbert creates a kick-ass kind of character in Serin, but the stakes are high for her. She sets out on a mission with enemies everywhere and it is hard to know who to trust. The author uses Serin's encounter with DEA agent Daniel to build suspense, with readers wondering if the agent isn’t a disguised enemy waiting for the most appropriate moment to give Serin a deadly blow. The narrative has a strong premise. The protagonist is a character with a moral code of conduct — she puts her life on the line to protect her own — but she has just lost someone she cares about so much. Her anger is awakened and she takes readers with her on a roller coaster ride packed with action. This book is cunningly plotted and skillfully written, and the author has what it takes to grab and keep the attention of the reader.

Reviewed by Maureen Dangarembizi for Readers' Favorite

The Dragon’s Psychic by Linzi Baxter is a paranormal romance novel and book one in the Immortal Dragon series. Talia works for the supernatural council. She can see the history of an object when she touches it. Using her gift, she’s helped put away some of the most vicious supernatural murderers. That is until Gideon, head of the council, tries to blame the murder of two council members on their eight-year-old daughter. Kirin is a dragon shifter who has been contracted to find the missing child and psychic. He has always done his job and adding a little more gold to his hoard never hurt anyone. Catching up to the fugitives is easy but turning in his mate is not so simple.

The Dragon’s Psychic hit all the right buttons and is a great addition to the dragon shifter romantic sub-genre. It was most enjoyable. I loved the hero and heroine but I loved the little girl more. Alida's powers are just amazing and I can’t wait to see how she will impact the next books in the series. The story is not just about romance but also about doing what is right. For those who like stories on fated mates, this book should be right up their alley. There isn't as much conflict between the main characters but it certainly doesn't take away from the ending. Linzi Baxter introduces a host of alpha dragons sure to add sizzle to the coming books in the Immortal Dragon series. With the villain still at large, readers will enjoy uncovering the mystery as more books come out.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Kaida was an adopted child and ever since she turned sixteen a lot of inexplicable and weird things kept happening to her. She dreamed of her friendship with a boy called Brady. She wanted to know about her family's history and past, and she had taught several courses on the history of Paganism and modern Wiccan practices. Kaida had already done her research on the Galloway sisters and the original Meath clan when a letter from her biological mother sent her to Massachusetts and Six Fates Island. She met her other two sisters and Brady there. Brady and his two brothers, Riley and Tristan, and the Meaths always believed the Galloways were witches. Brady felt an inexplicable connection and unusual bonding with Kaida the first time he met her. Now the sisters have to break a three-century-old curse placed on the Meath and the Galloway families. Will they succeed in doing it? Will Kaida and Brady be able to bring the families together?

Bewitched (Fated Book 1) by Kelly Moran is the unusual love story of Kaida Galloway and Brady Meath set against the backdrop of witches, curses, fate, destiny, and dreams. Bewitched has intrigue, magic, suspense, love, betrayal, and revenge woven into it with some paranormal activity which makes it a compelling read. The author keeps up the suspense and weaves in a sense of urgency that makes the reader curious to know what is going to happen next. The description and details in narration add to the eeriness of the plot, and this modern-day story of witches and paganism will make the reader eager for Book 2. The romance, the curse, and the paranormal theme make this book an entertaining one and I will be keen to grab Book 2.