SHIFTING FATE by Carrie Pulkinen

Title:  SHIFTING FATE
Series:  Crescent City Wolf Pack #5
Author:  Carrie Pulkinen
Publisher:  Carrie Pulkinen
Publish Date:   10.12.2021
Category /Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Recommended for:  18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing:  received as an unedited ARC
Received from:  Carrie Pulkinen
Goodreads link: Hearts Unleashed (Anthology) 
Date completed: 08.12.2021
 
Description from the publisher:
He'll cheat fate to save the one he loves.
 
Noah L'Eveque is a werewolf who can’t shift. Only the eldest offspring of the pack have that ability, and his twin was the lucky one to be born first.
 
But Noah refuses to accept his fate.
 
As the alpha's sister, Amber Mason has six months to find a mate or the consequences for her family will be dire.
 
Noah has been in love with Amber since they were kids, and he’s determined to awaken his dormant wolf and help her fulfill her duty to the pack.
 
But achieving his dream comes at a cost he never considered. A new demonic threat has been awakened, and it's reigning terror on New Orleans.
 
If he can't vanquish the demon and keep his pack from discovering the truth about the fiend's appearance, it could mean the end of the Crescent City Wolf Pack.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SHIFTING FATE is the sixth book in the Crescent City Wolf Pack series.  It is released this year exclusively in the Hearts Unleashed Anthology and will stand alone as an introduction to the series.
 
This is a phenomenal paranormal friends-to-lovers romance with page-turning suspense action.  I loved it as part of the series, but if you haven’t read any other books in the series, this introduction will make you one of those who know the secrets that the alpha doesn’t know!
 
Note:  While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
 
Crescent City Wolf Pack series:
1.      Werewolves Only
2.      Beneath a Blue Moon
3.      Bound by Blood
4.      A Deal with Death 
4.5  A Song to Remember
5.      Shifting Fate
Also from Carrie Pulkinen:
·         Bewitching the Vampire
·         Escorting Jessica
·         Reawakened
·         The Rest of Forever
·         Sign, Steal, Deliver (Gods of Thunder MC #2)
·         Soul Catchers
·         Sweet Release
Crescent City Ghost Tours series:
1.      Love & Ghosts
2.      Love & Omens
New Orleans Nocturnes Series:
1.      License to Bite  
2.      Shift Happens
3.      Life’s a Witch
3.5 Santa Got Run Over by a Vampire
4.      Finders Reapers  
Shift Creek Series:
Up Shift Creek
1.      Flipping the Bird  
Spirit Chasers series:
1.      To Catch a Spirit
2.      To Stop a Shadow
3.      To Free a Phantom
 

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GIRDLES AND GHOULS (Anthology)

Title:  GIRDLES AND GHOULS
Series:  N/A
Author:  L.A. Boruff
Publisher:  L.A. Boruff
Publish Date:  09.30.2021
Category /Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Recommended for:  18+ due to sexual content.
Grammar/editing:  received as an unedited ARC / errors excused.
Received from:  L.A. Boruff
Goodreads link: Girdles & Ghouls
Date completed: 10.01.2021
 
Description from the publisher:
Halloween can be hectic, especially for women over forty who fight evil and solve crimes, all while getting dinner on the table.
Fourteen of the best and brightest paranormal women's fiction authors have banded together in this collection of spellbinding tales featuring older women who are killing it. Now, if only it would stay dead.

With stories from:
L.A. Boruff & Lia Davis, authors of Witching After Forty
Lacey Carter Andersen, L.A. Boruff & Helen Scott, authors of Magical Midlife in Mystic Hollow
Daphne Moore & L.A. Boruff, authors of Unfettered
Lisa Manifold, author of Hexes & Hot Flashes
Jennifer L. Hart, author of Magical Midlife Misadventures
Terri A.Wilson, author of Last Round
Kat Parrish, author of The Shadow Palace
Ella Winters & Ruby West, authors of The Queen's Crossroads
Kate Moseman, author of Midlife Elementals
Katie O’Keene, author of Designer to the Dead
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OLD MAGIC AND ODD MOTHERS is the ninth book in the Witching After Forty (#4.5) series by L.A. Boruff & Lia Davis.  These stories do need to be read in the order of release.
Excellent addition to the series with a focus on Olivia and her surprises.  Those surprises are doozies!  I have read every book in this series so it probably isn’t fair for me to say if it would stand without that knowledge.
 
COOKIES AND COVER UPS is a prequel to the Mystic Hollow series by  Lacey Carter Andersen, L.A. Boruff & Helen Scott.  This is a prequel, though three other books have already been released.  I would recommend that if you haven’t started reading the series, read this one first.  A beautiful introduction to the series and a deeper understanding of what life was like for Deva, Carol, and Beth before Emma returned to Mystic Hollow.

FORGETFULNESS AND FETCHES is the fifth book in the Reckoning series by Daphne Moore & L.A. Boruff.  Though I have not read any other books in this series, I was able to catch on (mostly) to what this world was about.  Still, it was obvious to me that this was not the first of a series and I didn’t know their pasts.  I did enjoy it and it intrigued me enough to wish for more.

SAMHAIN & STRETCH MARKS is the fourth book in the Oracle of Wynter series (#3.5) by Lisa Manifold.  The series follows the story of Wynter, but this book is about Florry, her guide and how she became the Oracle of Theama before Wynter.  This absolutely will stand on its own and could be read as a prequel to the series.  I have not previously read any of this series, but I loved this world and would love to read more.

MUFFIN TOP AND MAGIC by Jennifer L. Hart is a stand-alone paranormal woman’s fiction and it is delightful.  This story has relatable characters, paranormal twists, laugh-out-loud humor, and peanut butter cups.  I have to admit to charging that mom-tax myself.

HAS-BEENS & HOCUS POCUS by Terri A.Wilson is also a stand-alone paranormal woman’s fiction.  Marilyn Bordeaux has lived her life to the fullest and made it in Hollywood, but scandal sheets have labeled her as a has-been diva.  Then she gets the phone call that her grandmother has passed away.  That’s when the reader finds out that “Marilyn” was raised as Mimi Patin in Morro Sound and she is a witch, not a bi…  This is a story of starting over on the next chapter of your life and getting it right.

POTIONS AND PILLS by Kat Parrish is a stand-alone witches and vampires story.  If this is part of a series, I couldn’t find any reference that supported it.  This completely stands on its own and I absolutely loved it.  Rachel and Melanie are best friends, but Melanie doesn’t know that Rachel is a witch until she gets tangled up in a battle between vampires and vampire hunters.  Excellent story with relatable heroines, scary hunters, and vampires that I wanted to trust.

SCARS & SCRYING is the third book in the Queen’s Crossroads (#2.5) by  Ella Winters & Ruby West.  It is an almost innocent romance between a single mom who is a werewolf and her son’s new friend.  It is obvious that this is part of a series; there is a lot of reference to something that happened to Rosa’s son, Carlos, the summer before.  Still this does stand without knowing what those prior events are.  I will say there is a lot of repetition especially of the “single mom” and “nearly lost Carlos” variety.  Other than that, I really enjoyed the story, and I truly loved the ending.

CROW’S FEET AND CAPERS is the third book in the Midlife Elementals series and a prequel by Kate Moseman.  This story stands on its own without having read any of the previous books. Lenore Frost is ready to retire when her bosses run off with the company coffers leaving her with nothing in her company-controlled retirement fund.  This story runs a fine-lines between retribution and justice, recompense and larceny, and left me wondering the right and the wrong.  I too was harmed by my former employers as I reached retirement.  Would I have gone to such extremes had the keys been available to me?

HEELS AND HEXES by Katie O’Keene is a stand-alone paranormal story of witches and husbands. An interesting world has been built and I would love to explore it some more, especially that dress store!
 
Note:  While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
 
 

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THE WITCH AND HER WARRIOR by Susannah Shannon

Title:  THE WITCH AND HER WARRIOR
Series:  Kiss of Magic Anthology
Author:  Susannah Shannon
Publisher:  Lunabell Publishing
Publish Date:   02.01.2021
Category /Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Recommended for:  18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing:  received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from:  Susannah Shannon
Goodreads link: Kiss of Magic
Date completed: 02.03.2021
 
Description from the publisher:
Fadie's fate was determined before she was born. Her powerful magic will be used to change her appearance  and she will be married to a prince.  
 
Fadie likes living in her own skin . She likes her soft curves, and rosy skin.  
 
Her skills as a healer are put to the test when she finds a warrior on the brink of death.  He assures her that she is beautiful as she is. But what secrets does Alexander have? Can they forge a new fate together?
 
This is part of the Kiss of Magic Anthology- all of the stories in it are supernatural romances with a confident, plus size heroine.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This story made me think about the way that society makes women (and girls) feel about themselves.  The standards of beauty in relation to advertising as opposed to the belief that there is someone for each and every one.
 
Fadie has been brought up that she and her sisters, as witches, are therefore ugly.  She will have to suppress everything that makes her “her,” namely her preferred living arrangement and her appearance in order to create the magic that will allow her to be socially acceptable.  I can relate.  How often have I been told, “you laugh too loudly.”  So, now I don’t laugh at all (and there are comments about that as well).  In order to be accepted by those around you, a women often changes who they are – whether it’s more makeup, different clothes, or changing their voice.  Fadie – and her sisters – are sacrifices to patriarchal society at war with the dragons.
 
I love how Fadie and Alexander meet.  I love how they get to know each other, even if it is very quick.  Most of all, I love how Alexander loves her just as she is.  Then she finds out that she made a false assumption, and the truth may change everything.
 
Yes, this was a quick romance, but it made me do a lot of thinking.  It wasn’t pushy in that pursuit, but instead it was entertaining in provoking my contemplation.
 
I read this in one sitting, because I could not let it go.  I would love to read more from Susannah Shannon!
 
Note:  While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Shifter Central, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
 
Also from Susannah Shannon:
·         Given to the Highlander
·         Guarded
·         A Handful of Stars
·         The Witch and Her Warrior (Kiss of Magic Anthology)
Cass Chronicles Series:
1.      Roasted
2.      Relish
3.      Rendered
4.      Rare
5.      Red Velvet
6.      Raspberry Mousse
Love and Other Magic Series:
1.      The Sorcerer’s Willful Bride
2.      The Sorcerer’s Willful Wife
3.      The Sorcerer’s Willful Witch
4.      The Sorcerer’s Willful Halloween
Norse Warriors Series:
1.      Her Gilded Dragon
2.      Her Gilded Tiger
3.      Her Gilded Firebird
 

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SASSY SUPES ANTHOLOGY

Title:  SASSY SUPES
Publish Date:   11.23.2020
Category /Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Recommended for:  18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing:  received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from:  Carrie Pulkinen
Goodreads link: Sassy Supes
Date completed: 11.27.2020
 
Description from the publisher:
Who are we? We’re a group of cray-cray authors who thought it’d be totes fabu to all write and release #paranormalchicklit books together. From witches to fae to super sexy shifters, we’ve got the best #pcl in any flavor you desire. Free anthology complete with 13 short stories in this awesome genre! Because who doesn't want 13 supernaturally fun stories!

This is an anthology of short stories introducing readers to our Paranormal Chick Lit world. Afterward, you'll be so hooked you'll want more! The links at the back of each story will provide you with more information.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thirteen prequels and I loved them ALL.  I want to read all of these series.  Do you think I can squeeze them all into my schedule?  I already have one of the follow up books and will be reading it next. (Thank you, Carrie Pulkinen.)  Many of these were new-to-me authors.  I am so glad I had the chance to get to know them through this anthology.
 
Yes, the stories lived up to the title – many sassy lady supernaturals – but each story was unique and wonderful.
 
Listed below is the prequel in the anthology along with the first book (or two) that will be in each series.
 
Note:  While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
 
Dating Dracula Series (Kinsley Adams):
      The Truth about Vamps
1.      Dating Dracula
Vampire Final Rose Series (Cyndi Faria):
       Oops, I Dated Our Bachelor
1.      Oops, I Ate the First Impression Rose
Eros & Co Series (Kerri Keberly):
       Tipsy in Love
1.      The Business of Love
2.      Chasing After Love
Real Men Love Witches Series (Celia Kyle & Marina Maddix):
      Witch Way Is Up
1.      Witch in Charge
Vampire Cherry Series (Sotia Lazu):
      A Merry Christmas
1.      Cherry Stem and the Pissed-Off Ghost
2.      Cherry Stem and the Undead Male Model
Sucking Dead Series (Andie M. Long):
      Number 1 Fangirl
1.      Suck My Life
Which Witch Series (Tami Lund):
      How I Fell into Bed with a Demon
1.      The Demon You Love
Midlife Mayhem Series (Julia Mills):
      Hot Flashes and Pink Spandex
1.      Hot Flashes and Granny’s Ghost
Somebunny Series (Annie Nicholas):
      Somebunny
1.      Somebunny to Love (releases 07.26.2021)
Old Salem Cove Series (Corinne O’Flynn):
      A Dram of Mystery
1.      Magic by the Pint
Shift Creek Series (Carrie Pulkinen):
      Up Shift Creek
1.      Flipping the Bird
Bond That Binds Series (TL Reeve & Michele Ryan):
      My Beasties Bonding Ceremony
1.      27 Bonding Ceremony Dresses
Tales of a Supernatural Soccer Mom Series (Krystal Shannan):
      You’ve Got Fae
1.      Minivans, Monsters, and Mayhem
 
LINK
Free via Bookfunnel
 

BLACK CAT CROSSING (an anthology)

Title:  BLACK CAT CROSSING
Publisher:  Sweet Promise Press
Publish Date:   10.20.200
Category /Genre:  Cozy Mystery, Anthology
Recommended for:  14+
Grammar/editing:  received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from:  Molly Fitz
Goodreads link: Black Cat Crossing

Date completed: 10.21.2020

 
Description from the publisher:
Picture a chilly fall night spent curled up in your favorite armchair with a purring cat on your lap and a mug of steaming cider in your hand... Are you cozy?

Good. Now imagine how much more cozy you’ll feel when you add a book to the scene.

BLACK CAT CROSSING offers the perfect finishing touch for all that autumnal bliss. This collection of 11 all new, never-before-read cozy mysteries is thrilling without being terrifying—yup, it’s just what the witch doctor ordered.

From talking pet detectives to strays harboring magical secrets, friendly ghosts in need of aid, vampires who don’t bite, and even poison apples intended for costumed princesses, come celebrate Halloween with ten sweet and delicious stories that will keep you up well past your bedtime.

Note: While intended for a grown-up audience, these stories are clean and wholesome and okay to share with the younger readers in your life, too. Enjoy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Usually when you get an anthology there is one or two great stories and the rest you slog through.  Not so in this great group.  Each one holds its own.  Many are prequels or first in a new series; all stand on their own even if they are further into their series (e.g. Black Cat Benefit).
 
Many of these wonderful authors I have had the pleasure of reading at least one book previously.  For some, this was my first and I pray it won’t be my last.
 
The unifying factor was, as the title suggests, a black cat.  Whether a familiar, a shifter, or a furry friend, whether they could talk or not, each was instrumental and sweet…. Or grumpy… as their personality dictated.
 
Don’t make me pick a favorite.  I can’t do it; I enjoyed them all.  This book makes me the crazy cat lady claiming all eleven…. Just thankful that I don’t need to have the litter boxes!
 
Note:  While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
 
Stories in Anthology:
·         Black Cat Benefit (Molly Fitz)
·         Secrets of the Black Cat (Mila Riggs)
·         Black Cat Comes Back (Emmie Lyn)
·         A Wash & Werewolf (S.E. Babin)
·         A Haunted Offer (Carolyn Ridder Aspenson)
·         Kitty Cat Caper (Stephanie Damore)
·         Bewitching Henry (Michelle Francik)
·         Poison Apple Potion (Nyx Halliwell)
·         Magic and Mystery (Izzy Wilder)
·         The Witch Wears Prada (Lisa Siefert)
·         Blackjack Crossing (F.M. Storm)
 

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