My review of Jessica Scarlett's "TOWN OF SHADOWS"

 

TOWN OF SHADOWS
Victorian (England) Fantasy

 

 AUTHOR:

Jessica Scarlett

RELEASE DATE:
July 1, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Book

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0D2TC17HB

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.goodreads.com/jessicascarlett

 

 

Dorothy St. James cannot control her magic, so she keeps herself at home to avoid the authorities. When the Rook kidnaps her father, she wants to ask The Samaritan for help. The only person who seems to know the masked hero’s identity is Ashley Gardner. Dorothy strikes a bargain with him: If she can find and decipher his three clues, he will tell her who the Samaritan is. Can Dorothy win the dangerous game that Ashley set? Or will she discover far more than what she bargained for? And at what price?

Ashley Gardner uses his charismatic charm and magical abilities to get what he wants. He flits between polite society and the dark underworld, belonging to neither. Ashley fears that Dorothy could throw a wrench into all his schemes and plans. The clever chit insists that he reveal the Samaritan’s identity to her. Ashley knows the knowledge could put Dorothy’s life in jeopardy, along with his. Can Ashley keep Dorothy from winning his game? But at what expense?

I could not help but sympathize and empathize with Dorothy. Her inability to keep her gift from activating whenever someone used magic caused her to alienate herself. However, she did not spend all that time being idle or playing the damsel in distress. She instead helped her father with his scientific research. What I like the most is how Ashley gave Dorothy the impetus to step outside her comfort zone. She found herself doing things she ordinarily would not have before.

Ashley intrigues me! I am a sucker for the wounded/tortured types. Ashley fits the criteria perfectly. I feel the author barely scratched the surface with all that is troubling him. What I like the most is Ashley and Miles’ dynamics (or their bromance as some would call it). The two are opposites especially in behavior. They have also been through a lot together.

Miles easily became my favorite character! I simply adore his shyness around women. He fondly reminded me of an old role-playing character of mine – who suffered from the same affliction.

TOWN OF SHADOWS is the first book in Jessica Scarlett’s Victorian Fantasy series, SLANTED LONDON. I am new to this author’s works. The story’s synopsis is what drew me to request the book from Booksprout. The idea of a parallel universe set in a Victorian era yet intermeshed with magical elements. It intrigued me enough to take a chance on a new author and new series. In some ways, it reminds me of steampunk (one of my favorite genres) but without the mechanical jargon and technology.

The ending is what kept me from rating the story higher. I loved everything about the book until that point. It left me dissatisfied and disappointed. Others may like the twist. It just did not sit well with me.

I am leery about continuing with this series. Which is sad because half-way through I wanted the next book to center around Miles and Emme. Then there is Nicholas. The man gave off serious creeper (and eck) vibes.

Review for Heather Graham's "THE SWORD OF LIGHT"

 

THE SWORD OF LIGHT
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Heather Graham

RELEASE DATE:
October 14, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Harlequin Trade Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780778387633

RATING:
2.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.theoriginalheathergraham.com/

 

 

Deidre, the daughter of a Ri, receives a mysterious sword amid a skirmish with Northmen invaders. She learns it is one of the Tuatha De Danann’s four sacred gifts that exist to protect their emerald isle. Kylin, the son of a Northman and Irish mother, comes to assist Deidre in the skirmish. The two warriors share a dream about a devastating battle yet to come. They set off to find the other sacred gifts while preparing their people for the upcoming invasion. Can Deidre and Kylin find the traitor among their people? And will they successfully thwart a greedy jarl from invading their beloved homeland?

THE SWORD OF LIGHT is a standalone novel by Heather Graham, also known under the alias of Shannon Drake. I am no stranger to this author’s works, both historical romances and romantic suspense. They do tend to be either a hit or a miss with me. Unfortunately, this one is a miss.

I could only read this book in short bursts to keep my mind from wandering and from growing bored. Which is sad because 1) I love stories about ancient Ireland and 2) I felt the story’s concept held such promise. I believe if the author broke it up into a four-book series with each book centering on a sacred gift, it would have been better. Perhaps include the reason and history behind each gift’s creation.

 It felt that Kylin and Deidre found the sacred gifts too swiftly to be believable. I would have loved it if the author had touched more of the Tuatha De Danann, more specifically the ones who visited Deidre and Kylin. The other problem I had with the story is with the dialogue. Some parts came off as stiff and disjointed, while other areas became repetitious.

Honestly, I could not stand Deidre. I understand she is supposed to be a fierce female warrior (someone like Xena or even Boudicca) – one who can stand her own against men. However, that is not the impression I got from her. From her demeanor to the way she interacted with people (and yes, the way she was written) it all felt forced, like telling rather than showing.

Review for Jill Shalvis' "HE FALLS FIRST"

 

HE FALLS FIRST
Contemporary Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jill Shalvis

RELEASE DATE:
August 05, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Sourcebooks, Casablanca

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781464243899

RATING:
5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.jillshalvis.com/

 

 

Ryder Colburn owns and operates a successful restoration business. He also takes on the care of his stroke-addled father – the very man who had abused him and his siblings as children. The death of his best friend and business partner has left Ryder emotionally stunted. Until he encounters the snarky-mouthed Penny Rose. The woman awakens something inside him, and Ryder finds himself drawn to her. Can Ryder help Penny overcome her issues? Or will his own stand in their way?

Penelope “Penny” Rose moves back home a broken shell of her former self. The fiasco of her last relationship causes her to swear off men and dating. Penny has given up her dream of opening a café to financially support her family. Then Ryder Colburn enters her orbit. Penny does not trust herself or her instincts when it comes to him. Can Penny trust Ryder not to hurt her? Will he help her heal from the trauma of her last relationship? Or will they both self-sabotage the possibility of a relationship?

Ryder is my favorite type of hero: wounded/tortured type. He is a man burdened daily by his own emotional baggage. Ryder puts everyone else’s needs before his own. I admire his decision to take care of his father. Ryder could have washed his hands of the man who had abused him and his siblings. Or hire a full-time caretaker to see to the man’s care and needs. Ryder even feels conflicted when confronted by the father of the present to the man of the past. What I adore the most about Ryder is his patience and care with Penny. He recognized a kindred spirit, one who has experienced something like he and his siblings did.

Penny impressed me. Not too many women have the bravery or temerity to escape an abusive relationship. She did. Penny knows the experience has left some issues she needs to deal with and heal from. I also empathize with her. With the state of the economy today and prices of things, being financially stable is a pipe dream. Many people are stuck at a job that hardly provides for them or their family. What I like the most about Penny is how she and Ryder have so much in common. They both have the inability to ask for help when it’s needed, preferring to take care of things on their own. They both take care of their loved ones and friends.

HE FALLS FIRST is the first installment in Jill Shalvis’ brand-new, contemporary romance series, COLBURN BROTHERS. This book is everything I come to expect from Shalvis: humor, witty characters and touchy/difficult subject matter. If I did not need to sleep or deal with the day-to-day housework, I could have finished this story in a day. I simply did not want to put it down because I became emotionally invested from the first chapter.

Now the wait for Caleb and Tucker’s books (impatiently I might add!). I have a suspicion on who Tucker’s love interest will be… I had hoped Penny’s friend Violet would be a good candidate for Caleb. Also, I am curious if Shalvis has any plans for Kiera. She deserves to find happiness again.

My favorite character in the book is Pika-boo, the green and yellow budgie. He makes me almost wish I had a bird again… almost. I remember the fun a mischievous, talking bird could be. Pika-book brought up sweet memories of my Nanday Conure, Draven and his favorite phrases.

Review for Youga Rayri's "SHOUT LOUD, MY HEART"

 

SHOUT LOUD, MY HEART
Music, BL

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Youga Rayri

RELEASE DATE:
June 17, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888775042

RATING:
4.5

 

Gen is EVE’s antisocial guitarist. He keeps to himself and does not interact with people much. Mike is the lead singer for ADAM, EVE’s rival. They two meet at a joint gig, where Gen becomes fascinated by Mike’s voice. Their paths continue to cross frequently which leads to feelings developing between the two. Will Gen’s sound evolve thanks to Mike’s influence? Is it a good thing? Or bad?

 Gen and Mike are complete opposites. Mike is like the day in appearances and personality to Gen’s night. These opposites balance the other.

I like that Gen calls Mike by his given name (Mika) and not the nickname saddled onto him. And I love how Mike is not put off by Gen’s loner personality.

 GIVEN and PINK HEART JAM started my enjoyment for music/band-oriented mangas. This one, SHOUT LOUD, MY HEART, did not disappoint. A one-shot – which is a bummer. It had potential if it would go further. There is a spicy scene near the end.

Review for Casey Griffin's "DEAD RINGER"

 

DEAD RINGER
Cozy Mystery, Paranormal-Mystery

 

AUTHOR:
Casey Griffin

PUBLISHER:
Charming Frog Publishing

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.caseygriffin.com/para-cozy-books

 

 

Violet Woods agrees to resize an engagement ring for two former suspects-turned-friends. When it disappears, literally beneath her nose, she uses her witchy ability to locate it. Violet discovers other shops have experienced thefts too. Can she find the culprit behind the thefts and retrieve the ring? Or will this loss spell doom for Charming Treasures’ business?

It is nice to see the interaction between Violet and Zelda. They still have their problems, but the two are slowly learning their partner’s quirks. I like how Violet is slowly learning to use her witchy ability. She does not have full control and blunders often.

DEAD RINGER is a novella in Casey Griffin’s paranormal-mystery series, CHARM ISLAND MYSTERY. The story takes place between books two and three, so it is necessary to read them first. Sadly, there is no clue revealed about the accident that claimed Violet’s fiancé at the end. DEAD RINGER is a quick yet cute story.

REVIEW: Casey Griffin's "Inlaid to Rest"

 

INLAID TO REST
Cosy Mystery

 

 

AUTHOR:
Casey Griffin

RELEASE DATE:
May 22, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Charming Frog Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781990470370

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://books.caseygriffin.com/

 

 

Violet Woods has gleaned new information on the accident five years ago that took her fiancé. She hopes Max can answer some questions she has about the incident. Violet accompanies her best friend to a new luxury resort, the very place that Max works at. However, she discovers a dead body near his boat. When Max becomes the top suspect, Violet knows she must help clear his name. Can she find the real murderer? And what other clues will Violet unearth about her fiance’s tragic accident?

Violet is still struggling to adjust to being a witch and her abilities. Then there is the guilt of her fiancé’s death AND abandoning her family and friends five years ago. I like how Violet is finally coming to terms with all of that. That she came to that conclusion herself allows her to heal and move on. I hope we learn more about Violet’s mother. She and her dad need closure.

INLAID TO REST is the third book in Casey Griffin’s paranormal-mystery series, CHARM ISLAND MYSTERY. The series is best read in proper order, starting with ENGRAVE DANGER.  Each book shows Violet’s growth, in both accepting being a witch AND healing from her fiancé’s death. The author does like to drop important clues on the accident at the end of each novel. Neat way to keep readers hooked and needing to read the next installment. I cannot wait for the next book!

I am giddy that my suspicions on Max proved correct! The author took her own approach with shifters, breaking away from the normal mold cast. I like that. I could elaborate but I chose not to because of possible spoilers. The fun is learning for oneself.

REVIEW for Jennifer K Lamber's NEVER THE ROSES

 

NEVER THE ROSES
Fantasy Romance

 

AUTHOR:

Jennifer K Lambert
(her other alias is Jeffe Kennedy)

RELEASE DATE:
July 8, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Bramble

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250360342

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://jenniferklambert.com/

 

 

Oneira is a former leashed battle mage for the Southern Lands. A formidable oneiromancer, wearied by the years of war and killing, she has retreated to isolation. On a whim, Oneira visits her rival’s extensive library. When she steals one of his books, an illicit correspondence begins between them. However, an impending war threatens to drag her back to her former life. Can Oniera find a way to thwart the war? Or will she make the ultimate sacrifice to save herself and Stearanos?

Stearanos Stormbreaker is a powerful battle mage contracted to the Northlands. When a thief steals one of his books, he sets out to learn their identity. Stearanos never imagined his mysterious thief to be his nemesis and rival. They engage in taunting yet engaging correspondence. However, his king’s greed threatens to ruin the relationship brewing between Stearanos and Oneira. Will war be inevitable? And what price will Stearanos pay to keep it from happening?

Oneira and Stearanos are kindred souls. They are both renowned and powerful battle sorcerers. The only difference is their specialty: Oniera with dreams and Stearanos with wards. Both mages understand the other where others cannot or will not. The weariness of countless wars only to satisfy their spoiled monarchs’ demands. The ramifications those deeds have on their conscience and spirits. I like how Oniera finally finds a way to atone for the sins she was forced to commit in the past. Stearanos had a part in it.

NEVER THE ROSES is the newest fantasy-romance novel by Jennifer K. Lambert. I am familiar with the author’s works under her other alias, Jeffe Kennedy. NEVER THE ROSES start off slow. Necessary, since the author needs to set up this brand-new world and its unique dynamics. It did take me a while to get accustomed to the pace, the characters, and the plot. Sometimes, the repetitious reminder that Oniera being an oneiromancer, caused my interest to flag.

I persevered. And I am glad that I did because the story’s momentum picks up once Oniera interacts with Stearanos. Their playful interactions kept my interest for the remainder of the book. I needed to know what happened next with the two battle mages.