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Review: Prince of Darkness by Rebecca Zanetti
Prince of Darkness
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 17
Unknown to humans, beyond daylight lies a world of intoxicating darkness where deadly creatures prowl with insatiable desires and unbelievable power: vampires, demons, witches, shifters. When vulnerable humans find themselves thrust into that realm, they’ll never be the same. . .
In the aftermath of war, a fragile peace hovers between the Kurjan nation and the Dark Protector coalition. Yet amid labyrinthine politics and intrigue, Vero Phoenix, a Kurjan, stands apart. He has lived devoid of legacy or lineage—until the day he backed his newly found brother as king, putting himself into the treacherous position of enforcer and shield. Yet there is another thorn in his side, no less vexing, undeniably captivating—and all-too-human . . .
Lyrica Graves was once ensnared by Kurjan captors and now embodies defiance and freedom as she guides other women to independence and modernity. She is particularly amused—and breathtakingly fearful—by her tangles with Vero. But their clashing also belies a sizzling connection, a dark attraction between supernatural and fully human that threatens their chosen destinies and makes them a target for far too many enemies . . .
4,5 Stars
A fantastic beginning to a new chapter of the Dark Protector series.
Vero is a Kurjan, a prince and in charge of trying to integrate his people into a new way of life. Diplomacy is something that he doesn’t have and patience he has even less of. Trying to rebuild a broken nation, avoiding assassination attempts and trying to get everyone on the same page, Vero feels that weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Although the presence of a certain female keeps Vero off his balance, just a bit. Whether he feels that she is a thorn in his side or that’s just his excuse for something he’s not quite ready to admit.
Lyrica is an enhanced human female, an empath who was kidnapped during the previous ruler, but yet has been given a job that she has taken very seriously. Lyrica has been put in charge of helping those who have been kidnapped relocate or re-oriented with society however they wish. Lyrica is a modern woman in all sense of the word and wants all the females to be able to experience anything they should desire. She does have a bit of a hard time understanding why any of them would want to stay. She’s a strong woman and willing to stand toe to toe with anyone. Even with that Kurjan who makes her blood boil, but for so many different reasons.
I love this new chapter that Rebecca Zanetti has given us on her dark protector for. This is the first book within the 17 book series that has been primarily of a kurjan point of view. That is one of the reasons that this series stays so fresh and interesting. Vero and Lyrica are a perfect opposites attract match. I love their tension, their banter and how hard they fight their attraction. In places it’s comical and others you just want to shake them both and hope they get with it. They are so opposites of one another it’s but it so works for them. He is in all sense a warrior built for battle, but truly would rather be in a lab and she is a foot shorter than him and has enough sass for all of them. I very much enjoyed their story. And I’m very excited for what will be happening within this new arc of the dark protector’s world.
Review: HIs Dark Vendetta by Katelyn Brehm
His Dark Vendetta
Katelyn Brehm
Bonded in Blood Series, Book 2
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
SIOBHÁN
Once upon a time, I thought he’d be my happily ever after. Now, I’m not sure I’ll survive his dark vendetta.
I’ll never be safe. My found family is as dangerous as the one I escaped. I need to run, but Luca Moretti has other plans. My family murdered his father, and he wants me to pay the price.
Kidnapped and trapped by the man I wanted as a lover but is now my enemy, I wait for him to break me like he broke my heart.
We’re a modern-day Romeo and Juliet. Except in our version, Romeo tries to kill Juliet.
LUCA
Desire. Obsession. Revenge. The end of my blood feud is within reach. And it starts with her.
The New England dons granted their blessing—if I play by the rules, vengeance is mine. One life for my father’s.
But blood demons need Sources, and as a capo, I need to earn. Even with the feds breathing down my neck.
Each day I dodge bullets and the law, she chips away at my walls until there’s nothing left but the truth. An unwanted truth that shatters my resolve to break Siobhán Connelly and instead make her mine.
HIS DARK VENDETTA is the second book in the Bonded in Blood series. Each book is an interconnected standalone Paranormal Mafia Romance with a guaranteed HEA.
4 Stars
A vampire mafia book. Hello yes this one is totally up my alley. His Dark Vendetta by Katelyn Brehm was an unexpected read that checked off all my boxes.
I will be honest this is a hard review to write without putting a lot of spoilers in it. I very much enjoyed this dark romance tale. Siobhan and Luca have an incredible story of how they were able to get to their happily ever after. This is a dramatic tale from beginning to end. It’s complex and just sucks you in. Two broken people. One out for revenge and the other that just wants to wash your hands of everything that her family is involved in. It is rare that an author writes a character That I don’t particularly care for and it’s very hard for me to find red redemption. I can say that Luca definitely did that. This is an incredible story in so many ways. I’m definitely going back to the first book in the series.
Review: Dusk Unveiled by Carrie Ann Ryan
Dusk Unveiled
Carrie Ann Ryan
Ravenwood Coven Series, Book 2
NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues her magical paranormal series where a town keeps its secrets, but an aging curse might just be their downfall.
The Christopher curse is one of legend—so old that every new generation knows they will be touched by it. With every spell muttered, every magical pull needed to save her town, Laurel Christopher knows she’s one step closer to burning to ash and leaving those she loves behind. She’ll fight with all she has to protect her people—and the man she loves—but she might not have enough strength remaining to save herself.
Jaxton Dark lost his best friend to the necromancer attacking Ravenwood but refuses to lose his mate to a curse that could take them both. He’s well aware of the loss calling them, but before he can stand up for those he loves, a betrayal cuts him to the core.
Sacrifice was always an inevitability when it comes to the curse that threatens their fate. Yet it’s only when the darkness makes a subtle and surprising move that star-crossed lovers, Laurel and Jaxton, will truly find out the meaning of who they could be and what they must give up to survive.
Dusk Unveiled is the fast paced and thrilling second installment of the Ravenwood Coven Series.
Laurel, on top of fighting a battle to save her town, is fighting another battle within herself. A cursed fire witch whom with every bit of magic she does the flames kill her a little bit more from the inside out. Her magic has her trapped in a dangerous loop keeping herself at a distance from those she loves.
Jaxton is wing leader of the hawks. He’s a natural and powerful leader. He shoulders not only the responsibility and safety of his own people but also to the inhabitants of the town. He’s a fighter and a believer. Jaxton has a Determination that is so strong that he’s determined not only to help his friend but turn their relationship into what it could be.
Dusk Unveiled was fantastic. Carrie Ann Ryan delivers non stop action packed, fast paced, unfaltering to termination and a love that survives the flames. My goodness this was a very intense story. Intense in action and emotion. Laurel may just be the strongest female character that Ms. Ryan has written. I will not say she’s in denial, she’s just being realistic as to what her situation is. She gives every bit of herself to protecting the town before she will be able to do more. Jaxton stands his ground with his wing while trying to do all he can for Laurel. He knows they are meant for one another. Through the danger and self-sacrifice they not only manage to save their town but they both gave themselves to save themselves. They were perfect for one another; it just took them a bit to get there.
I have been reading Carrie Ann Ryan for about 10 years now. When I found out she was doing a story about witches I was so ecstatic. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this trilogy would be what it is so far. The world building is outstanding. The characters are amazing. Ms. Ryan has taken figures from legend and lore that we have come to love over our years of reading, giving them her twist and making them into something new and fresh. Dusk Unveil Is a fantastic paranormal read.
Review: Shadow Web by Yasmine Galenorn
Shadow Web
Yasmine Galenorn
Moonshadow Bay Series, Book 5
It’s my first Thanksgiving back in Moonshadow Bay, and everything is hunky-dory until the Witches Guild assigns me a research project for the upcoming Winter Solstice Festival. Not only do I melt down my computer, but I download a demon who ends up stuck in my house.
But Tarvish the Funtime demon is the least of my worries when my grandmother asks my BFF and me to go undercover. A magical pyramid scheme has moved into town and it’s siphoning more than money off its recruits. Will we be able to take it down, or will the leader of the cult manage to silence us for good?
It’s Thanksgiving time in Moonshadow Bay and January Jackson, in what should be a wonderful vacation while hosting her first Thanksgiving upon returning home, she soon realizes what the hustle and bustle of the season is all about. When a research project comes from left field and leaves her without a computer, a strange demon manifests in her house and an undercover mission from her grandmother that has her on edge. With chaos rising and soon a house full of people, January has a lot to cross off that to-do list in Shadow Web.
I thoroughly enjoyed Shadow Web. January is really becoming one with herself. She is learning who she is and it’s very much starting to show. I felt a big sense of hearth and home throughout the story. She has finally I believe put her past life behind her and is really looking forward to things to come. She’s happy and it shows. January knows that family is not always blood and she sees that in the people around her. She’s willing to help get to the bottom of things and even puts her own self in danger to make things right. From Funtime Demons to putting her own self in danger January makes leaps and bounds with who she is and what she’s capable of doing. Yasmine Galenorn gives a true holiday feel with her unique style of paranormal with Shadow Web.
Review: Harvest Web by Yasmine Galenorn
Harvest Web
Yasmine Galenorn
Moonshadow Bay Series, Book 4
:1. Starlight Web
3. Conjure Web
4. Harvest Web
5. Shadow Web
Yasmine Galenorn has an amazing talent for creating a world you never want to leave. Moonshadow Bay is magical.
January spoke too soon about her summer being a quiet one. Fall hits her in full force creating much havoc and mystery. Recent house renovations have awoken a few spirits in January‘s house. Upon investigation skeletal remains have been found in a forgotten room within the house. Not to mention a mysterious creature having his way on the town. January is knee-deep in more paranormal chaos then she can shake a stick at. With The help of her coworkers at Conjure Ink and Ari, a best friend’s work is never done, January is determined to get her house back and take out an urban legend before it does any more damage.
Harvest Web is a fast paced, thrilling paranormal suspense. First and foremost Ms. Galenorn’s world building is top notch and like no other. Moonshadow Bay is unique and magical. Just like the beings within. January has become a favorite character for me. She continues to develop and discover more about herself. She’s strong yet adaptive. In Harvest Moon, January finds a confidence within herself we have not seen before. She’s quick thinking and willing to learn. She knows her weaknesses and is able to admit the things in life she doesn’t want. I can relate to January in many ways allowing me to connect with her. Harvest Web brings things from the past, mysteries of forest and a whole lot of magic. Harvest Web was fantastic. Written with raunch rich details you truly feel like you are in Moonshadow Bay.
Review: From Spirit and Binding by Carrie Ann Ryan
From Spirit and Binding
Carrie Ann Ryan
Elements of Five Series, Book 3
NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues Lyric’s prophecy in this breathtaking sequel to From Flame and Ash.
In my quest to unlock four of my five elements, I have watched those I love fade into ash and ruin. Bearing the weight of soul-crushing loss, my friends and I must try to regroup and journey back to the only home I have left—the Obscurité Court.
With the future uncertain, and the one person who could help my control my new powers missing, I’ve never felt more lost.
The King of Lumière wants revenge for his lost brother, and I stand in his way. With a missing king, a lost prince, and a few unexpected allies, I will have to battle more than one enemy as the darkness wraps its claws in my future…and in my heart.
Book 1: FROM BREATH AND RUIN
Book 2: FROM FLAME AND ASH
Book 3: FROM SPIRIT AND BINDING
Book 4: FROM SHADOW AND SILENCE
3.5 Stars
Carrie Ann Ryan continues her Elements of Five series with the latest release From Spirit and Binding.
Picking up where book two, From Flame and Ash, leaves off at a jaw dropping moment. Lyric continues to grow in her abilities while following the path of the prophecy that has been laid out before her. Many questions are answered but those answers come at a high and steep price. Lyric may not realize the strength she possesses but those around her do. Lyric and her band of allies truly begin to realize the force that they are together.  The faith they possess for Lyric is a need bonus that steers her toward her destiny. Those friends and allies are source of support that she didn’t realize she needed and the strength they allow her is something she wouldn’t have without them.
Ms. Ryan is giving fans a truly epic adventure of a read with From Spirit and Binding. Twists and surprises are everywhere leading Lyric through a crazy emotional and physical ride. Lyric struggled at times but fate always seems to know when to step in. As this series begins to come to a close, the anticipation for what’s in store Lyric is high and sure to be even more epic in the end. 

Review: A Sprinkling of Murder by Daryl Wood Gerber
A Sprinkling of Murder
Daryl Wood Gerber
A Fairy Garden Mystery, Book 1
Fairy garden store owner Courtney Kelly believes in inviting magic into your life. But when uninvited trouble enters her shop, she’ll need more than a sprinkling of her imagination to solve a murder . . .
Since childhood, Courtney has loved fairies. After her mother died when Courtney was ten, she lost touch with that feeling of magic. A year ago, at age twenty-nine, she rediscovered it when she left her father’s landscaping business to spread her wings and start a fairy garden business and teashop in beautiful Carmel, California. At Open Your Imagination, she teaches garden design and sells everything from fairy figurines to tinkling wind chimes. Now she’s starting a book club tea.
But the light of the magical world she’s created inside her shop is darkened one night when she discovers neighboring dog-grooming business owner Mick Watkins dead beside her patio fountain. To make matters worse, the police suspect Courtney of the crime. To clear her name and find the real killer, Courtney will have to wing it. But she’s about to get a little help from an unexpected source . . .
4 Stars
A Sprinkling of Murder is an enchanting beginning to the magical new Fairy Garden Mystery.
Open Your Imagination is Courtney Kelly’s wonderfully popular fairy garden shop. A place that allows one to believe. Courtney is a charming woman who is creative and a bit nosy. With an ex cop for a father, a fairy on probation on her shoulder and a ragdoll cat in tow, Courtney will make you a believer in fairies without even trying. When a neighboring business owner is found dead In Courtney’s shop, she finds herself at the top of the suspect list and a non stop determination to find out who the real killer is. Maybe a little fairy magic is just what she needs.
A Sprinkling of Murder is a fun and whimsical cozy that will keep you thinking. The plot is a puzzle that seems like the pieces change as they are trying to fit in place. Courtney is a very likable character and I love that she carries her cat, Pixie, with her as if she were a dog. I love the way her mind thinks up scenarios and she tries to figure out if they are feasible or not. Courtney’s persistence never falters even though she’s a prime suspect. The mystery is just one of the great elements of the story. The setting is cozy and has plenty of charm. The love that we learn about the fairies as Courtney does. I love that there’s just enough paranormal to make you think but not so overwhelming that you can’t believe it.
Daryl Wood Gerber has a unique and entertaining beginning to her Fairy Garden Mystery series with A Sprinkling of Murder. I can’t want for the next magical mystery.
Review: Witching Moon by Yasmine Galenorn
Witching Moon
Yasmine Galenorn
The Wild Hunt Serie, Book 12
An Ante-Fae Adventure
When you dance with Death, you have to be willing to roll the bones…
Still shaken from her run-in with the serial killer, Raven turns to a new and unlikely friend. But the Ante-Fae Trinity has dark secrets in his background, and he threatens to destabilize Raven and Kipa’s relationship when he leads Raven down a wild, dangerous path. When Trinity encourages Raven to behavior so extreme that even Kipa questions her sanity, will the Wolf Lord and Raven’s dearest friends be able to drag her back from the precipice? Or will Raven tumble into an abyss so dark that she may never be able to find her way out again?
4 Another epic installment to The Wild Hunt series.
Raven is dealing with some self issues, while an innocent exploratory adventure turns for the worse when something far more dangerous than they were expecting awakens.
Ravens friend Trinity invites her to visit a beautiful secret Garden. More than flowers lay in awaiting when Raven hears the shrieking of spirits all around. For fear the two have woken something very nasty and dangerous, Raven will need the help of The Wild Hunt for this mission.
Witching Moon is an action packed and emotional read. Raven’s growth throughout this book shows just what a strong character she is. Admitting your faults is never easy and asking for help even more so. Being the independent woman she is, she tries helping herself and realizes her problems go deeper then she is able to heal herself. With the encouragement and help of her friends, Raven begins the journey to heal her mind and soul. Raven and Kipa take a big step in their relationship. Their chemistry is amazing. Kipa is a good man and truly has Raven’s Best interest at heart. Even when she’s trying to push them away. I love how he stood beside her and encouraged her to talk. That one’s definitely a keeper.
Witching Moon was amazing. Action packed and fast moving with a lot of healing and growing. Ms. Galenorn’s world are something magical and I alway enjoy a visit with The Wild Hunt.
I received a complementary copy of this title for an honest review. Receiving a review copy does not reflect my opinion of this title.
Review: Graveyard Shift by Darynda Jones
Graveyard Shift
Darynda Jones
Charley Davison series, Book 13.5
Guarding a precocious five-year-old who is half-human, half-god, and 100% destined to save the world is no easy feat.
Garrett Swopes was the ultimate skeptic until he met a certain hellion and her husband. They vanished after stopping a catastrophic event and left him, a mere mortal, in charge of protecting their gift to mankind. But when she disappears as well, he needs the help of another breed of hellion. One who can see past the veil of space and time. One who betrayed him.
She will get a truce in the deal, but she will never earn his forgiveness.
Marika Dubois’s son—a warrior in the coming war between heaven and hell—was foreseen long before his birth. But to create a child strong enough to endure the trials that lay ahead, she needed a descendant of powerful magics. She found that in Garrett Swopes and tricked him into fathering her son. A ploy he has never forgiven her for. But when he knocks on her door asking for her help, she sees the fierce attraction he tries to deny rise within him.
And Marika has to decide if she dares risk her heart a second time to help the only man she’s ever loved.
Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.
4 Stars
Darynda Jones just knocked my socks off. Graveyard Shift is a must for any fan of the Charley Davison series.
Garrett is a human charged with a godly mission. When said charge is as unpredictably predictable as her mother, Garrett knows the lengths he may have to go to keep her safe. Or so he thought. When Beep vanishes and can’t be found on any plane of existence, Garrett swallows his pride, so to speak, and asks the one person for help who both makes and breaks his world.
Garrett is so much more than I gave him credit for. His layers are deeper than I could have put together. Marika was something more than what allows people to see. Together they were each other‘s best friend and worst enemy. Working together to find Beep shows them just what they truly were for one another.
OMG- I even begin to describe this book. So much OMG. Darynda Jones gives fans a caffeine fueled, action packed, moment we have all been waiting for kind of story with Graveyard Shift. Reunions, epic battles and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. Anyone who is a fan definitely needs to read this one as soon as they possibly can.
Review: A Spell for Trouble by Esme Addison
A Spell For Trouble
Esme Addison
The Enchanted Bay Mystery Series, Book 1
Alexandra Daniels hasn’t set foot in the quiet seaside town of Bellamy Bay, North Carolina in over twenty years. Ever since her mother’s tragic death, her father has mysteriously forbidden her from visiting her aunt and cousins. But on a whim, Alex accepts an invitation to visit her estranged relatives and to help them in their family business: an herbal apothecary known for its remarkably potent teas, salves, and folk remedies.
Bellamy Bay doesn’t look like trouble, but this is a town that harbors dark secrets. Alex discovers that her own family is at the center of salacious town gossip, and that they are rumored to be magical healers descended from mermaids. She brushes this off as nonsense until a local is poisoned and her aunt Lidia is arrested for the crime. Alex is certain Lidia is being framed, and she resolves to find out why.
Alex’s investigation unearths stories that some have gone to desperate lengths to conceal: forbidden affairs, family rivalries, and the truth about Alex’s own ancestry. And when the case turns deadly, Alex learns that not only are these secrets worth hiding, but they may even be worth killing for.
4 Stars
An enjoyable cozy paranormal mystery.
The new Enchanted Bay Mystery Series introduces readers to the small, corky town of Bellamy Bay and Alexandra “Alex” Daniels. Alex is a former risk manager from New York returning to see family that she hasn’t seen in two decades, and to help with the family Apothecary. Little does she know, but is soon to find out that there are reasons that Alex’s father kept her away.
A Spell for Trouble is a light, entertaining and fun paranormal cozy mystery with lots of twists and spunk. From the picturesque descriptions of this beautiful town, to the way the magic is woven through the plot and the way the characters charm their way into your liking. The world building is off to a fantastic start and within one book you really get a feel for the personality of the characters. Alex may have made some not so great choices at times but I did love her tenacity and will do what she needs to do to achieve her goals. Esme Addison has caught my attention and I’m eager to see what she has in store for The Enchanted Bay Series.
Coffee Books Life 