Review:

 

This manga has three stories. Neither one interacts with the other, so they can stand alone.

The love scenes are on the tame side, which I am totally fine with. The author focuses more on the characters and plot than random, raunchy, explicit sex scenes.

The stories are more wholesome than complicated or dark.

Takemura is a loner. He prefers to keep to himself, a lesson he learned in high school. Take has no interest in socializing until a colleague at work pesters him. Natsui is Take’s opposite. He is well liked by all of his co-workers and peers. Natsui is also a single father. The two men run into each other in the supermarket, and Natsui invites Take over for dinner.

Natsui is a sweetheart! He refuses to allow Takemura to alienate himself. Natsui tries to include Take in all social gatherings, at work and outside of work.

I feel for Takemura. The incident at school scarred him from putting himself out there. He just does not want to experience that kind of hurt again. I like how Natsui’s influence is slowly helping Take become more approachable.

This is my favorite story of the whole manga. I guess I like the single father finding love with a man angle.

 Kuma’s curt demeanor and scowly appearance makes people assume he is a delinquent. He is a third-year at high school. Yagi is an elite college student. He breaks up with his boyfriend in front of Kuma and his boyfriend’s younger brother. Something about Yagi’s expression haunts Kuma. He vows to make Yagi forget his ex and to make him happy.

The story felt a little one-sided to me. I wish it would have focused on Yagi, enough to give me a feel about his character. Mainly, the story felt like it was all about Kuma and his accepting his feelings.

 

Harada is a friendly and outgoing first-year college student. He is studying business. Kodama is a reserved and standoffish third-year college student. He studies psychology. Harada insists on becoming friends with Kodama after helping the older male when he fell ill. Kodama cannot help but psychoanalyze Harada’s “supposed” feelings.

I simply could not get into this story. It just fell flat to me.

I received this manga through Netgalley

Jeffe Kennedy's cover for The Dragon's Daughter and the Winter Mage

 I simply cannot wait to get my hands on this book! I will definitely be doing a review after reading!

The cover is absolutely gorgeous. Don’t you agree? 

September is my birthday month (though I rarely have good birthdays). This is something I can look forward too.

Invisible Loner

Gendra—partblood daughter of an elite mossback soldier and the only shapeshifter to

achieve the coveted dragon form—is anything but interesting. She’s actually plain and

awkward and … invisible. Every guy she meets either looks right through her

or—worse—thinks of her as just a friend. Fortunately Gen is far too practical to wallow in

self pity. Much.

A Search for True Love

But as Gen accompanies her oldest friends on a quest for Her Majesty High Queen

Ursula, she can’t help feeling bitter about her lonely fate as, two by two, they pair off with

each other. As usual, everyone but odd-woman-out Gen seems to be finding the

happiness in true love that has always eluded her. And Gen’s pathetic attempts to come

out of her shell have only met with social disaster.

Dragon’s Daughter

Still, with magic rifts plaguing the Thirteen Kingdoms and a strange intelligence stalking

them from an alter-realm, Gen has plenty to deal with—especially when she’s cut off from

the group, isolated and facing a lethal danger. It just figures that Gen is on her own, once

again. But with no one coming to save her, she has only herself to rely upon.

And, perhaps, the help of a mysterious, stranded magician…

Releasing September 24, 2021

buy links:

https://jeffekennedy.com/the-dragon-s-daughter-and-the-winter-mage

Review: Home for a Cowboy Christmas by Donna Grant

 

Dwight Reynolds is former FBI and Homeland Security. He now runs the family ranch in Montana. Dwight agrees to hide a woman in the witness protection program for his friend. Something about Emmy draws him, yet he tries not to act on his growing attraction. However, the people searching for Emmy show up. Will Dwight’s military skills be enough to protect Emmy? Can he convince her to stay in Montana once the danger passes?

Emmy Garrett works for a large bookkeeping firm in Denver, Colorado. She is testifying against the city’s greatest mob bosses. When her location is compromised again, Emmy finds herself in Montana. Dwight and his dog, Sam, make her feel safe for the first time. However, Emmy cannot help but worry about endangering them with her problem. Can Emmy manage to survive until the trial? Or will she become another casualty?

Dwight is a man who feels the need to protect those around him. It is an ingrained trait. I admire Dwight’s honorable behavior. He refuses to take advantage of Emmy during a difficult time. Dwight knows she is not in a good mental or emotional place to welcome a relationship. What I adore the most about Dwight is his willingness to help Emmy deal with her PTSD. Since he is a recipient of the same problem, Dwight knows the signs and symptoms, so he knows the best ways to overcome it.

Emmy is such a courageous woman. She has been through such a harrowing experience that many people would have buckled beneath. I admire Emmy’s integrity. It took incredible bravado to testify against a mob boss. Emmy knew that it would endanger her life, but she could not let a criminal go unpunished. What I like about Emmy is how her traumatic experience allowed her to discover things about herself. She let many opportunities pass because of her fear and uncertainty.

HOME FOR A COWBOY CHRISTMAS is a standalone, holiday-themed novel from Donna Grant. I am not really a fan of holiday stories; however, I do make exceptions for certain authors. I like how the story encompasses both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanksgiving is a holiday not commonly found in books. However, the two holidays are not the main focus of the plot.

HOME FOR A COWBOY CHRISTMAS is a wholesome and warm-hearted tale with the right amount of suspense. Dwight and Emmy’s romance is more of a slow-burn than instant attraction, which made it easy to enjoy.

Review: Paws off the Boss by Casey Griffin

 

Aiden Caldwell is the CEO of a prestigious investment firm. He meets Piper when she interrupts a business meeting to deliver a singing telegram. Aiden never thought he would see her again, only to run across her at the rescue dog shelter. He cannot help but like the spunky and independent female. Dangerous mishaps happen around Piper, endangering her life and that of her canine charges. Can Aiden convince Piper to trust him? Or will a misunderstanding destroy their budding romance?

Piper Summers cannot seem to catch a break. She works three jobs to put herself through veterinary school. Piper even volunteers at the Dachshund Rescue center with her doxie partner, Colin. She just needs to hold on until she graduates. Piper encounters Aiden Caldwell during a disastrous singing telegram gig. She soon finds herself a victim of a stalker, who is determined to chase her from the center. However, Aiden proves to be her knight-in-Armani. Can Piper learn to rely on Aiden? Or will she crash-and-burn?

Aiden is such a love! He may have been born into a privileged life, but he never once acted like a snob. Aiden does not believe he can fix everything with money or his company’s influence. I like how he can be himself around Piper. She is the first person he has encountered who does not want something from him.  What I love the most about Aiden is how he taught Piper that it is all right to depend on others occasionally. That she does not have to deal with all her problems alone.

Piper is such a riot, especially her interaction with her partner-in-crime, Colin. She is a stubborn woman, one who hates asking others for help or assistance. Piper believes she must tackle the entire problem head on. I admire Piper’s drive and dedication. If it helps pay her tuition and bills, she will endure any unpleasant or degrading job. What I adore the most about Piper is her disinterest in Aiden’s money and influence. She may be down on her luck financially, but she refuses to rely on him for money.

PAWS OFF THE BOSS is the first book in Casey Griffin’s quirky, dachshund-oriented series, A RESCUE DOG ROMANCE. Its former title was MUST LOVE WEINERS. The author has received the right back to the series, and she decided to revamp the story. Of course, I had to read the changes. The story did not disappoint. It made me giggle and smile from start-to-finish. I am a dachshund mom, so it’s a delight to read a story with that particular dog breed.

PAWS OFF THE BOSS is a charming and hilarious tale of two people from different social standings learning to compromise to be together. I cannot wait to read the changes the author made in the next two books.

Review: The Haunted Homecoming

 

Verity Long eagerly anticipates her hometown’s homecoming weekend. She cannot wait to see her mother again – who returns home to watch the opening of the time capsule her class buried in 1986. The unveiling reveals more than what the community expects. Verity decides to use her ghostly expertise to help solve the case. However, her mother and her ghostly partner makes things difficult. Can Verity find the killer before the end of homecoming? Or will she find more than what she bargained for?

Sheriff Ellis Wydell expects more than the usual trouble during Sugarland, Tennessee’s homecoming weekend. The opening of a time capsule buried in 1986 brings even more people to his hometown. However, no one expects a dead body to be among the buried contents. Ellis knows that he cannot keep Verity, or her mother, from investigating the case. Can Ellis trust Verity to be vigilant and careful in her ghostly investigation?

I like the emergence of this new side of Verity’s personality. She is done with people taking advantage of her niceness and kindness. Verity no longer allows people to push her around but holds her own ground, thanks to a certain gangster’s influence.  I adore how Verity refuses to use her relationship with Ellis as a shield or weapon. She prefers to fight her own battles. What I like the most about Verity is her relationship with her mother. The two do not have the cookie-cutter perfect relationship. They have their fair share of problems.

The only complaint I have is that Ellis did not have much “show time” in this novel. He seemed to be mostly in the background, only to appear here or there. The danger element of Verity’s ghost career still concerns Ellis, but he is making the effort to work through that. I adore that about him. What I love the most about Ellis is his protectiveness towards Verity and Lucy. He adores Verity’s pet skunk.

Frankie has shown incredible growth in this book. He is at a crossroads in his afterlife. Frankie cannot help but feel inadequate when compared to his late brother and sister-in-law’s romance, and that feeling stands in the way of his relationship with Molly. It is uncharted territory for the snarky gangster. What I love the most about Frankie is his concern towards Lucy. He and the skunk have always had a tenuous relationship. However, when someone threatens Lucy, he quickly forgets his woes and wants to protect her.

THE HAUNTED HOMECOMING is book ten in Angie Fox’s comical paranormal romance series, SOUTHERN GHOST HUNTER MYSTERIES. The story can easily stand alone. However, I highly suggest reading the prior nine books and novellas to understand both Verity and Frankie’s gradual evolution. I approve of the direction the author went with side characters, Melody and Duranja.

THE HAUNTED HOMECOMING is an entertaining, quirky and light-hearted mystery tale. I never grow bored reading this series. I am on pins-and-needles for the next installment!

Review: The High Mountain Courty by A.K. Mulford

 

Remy is a red witch in hiding. She and her brown witch companions evade the witch hunters searching for them. Remy tries to flee when she encounters four mysterious fae in the tavern she works at. However, she finds herself coerced into accompanying them on their quest. Remy cannot fight her growing attraction to Hale, the Prince of the Eastern Kingdom. Will Remy and Hale find the magical artifacts in time? Can they successfully elude the Northern Kingdom? And what will Remy learn about herself?

Hale Norwood is the illegitimate son of the Eastern Kingdom’s monarch. He needs a red witch to help find two important magical artifacts to thwart the Northern Kingdom’s domination. He and his companions run across Remy in a backwater tavern. Hale presses her to aid him on his quest. Something about the red witch calls to him. What dangers await Hale and Remy on their quest? Can they keep the Northern Kingdom from ruling the world? Will Hale betray his father and kingdom to protect Remy?

Remy shows such incredible growth throughout the story. As the story progresses, she discovers the person she is meant to be, and she comes into her own. I admire Remy’s determination to learn how to fight and defend herself. She did not want to be dependent on others for protection.  What I like the most about Remy is how she encouraged Hale to reunite with his mother. She wanted him to understand how fortunate he was to still have her in his life.

Hale steadily won me over. At first, I thought he was too pompous and rude, especially towards Remy, Heather, and Fenrin. However, I started to soften towards him once I learned more about him. I empathize with Hale’s need for his father’s acceptance. He tries so hard to please the man, only for naught. What I like the most about Hale is how he encourages Remy to find herself. He gives her some helpful nudges along the way.

THE HIGH MOUNTAIN COURT is the first book in A.K. Mulford’s fantasy romance series, THE FIVE CROWNS OF OKRITH. It is also the author’s debut book. I like the author’s creative take on witches, especially how they are distinguished by color, and each caste has their own specialty. The story lagged in places, especially close to the end, but I understand the author needed the time to set up the way her world worked. I must admit that I do like the side characters Talhan and Briata. They made the story funny and entertaining.

THE HIGH MOUNTAIN COURT shows such incredible promise for the fantasy romance genre. It is nice to see another author venturing into my favorite genre. I am curious to see what further adventures await us in this world.

Review: Lisa Childs' THE HUNTED

 Review courtesy of Romance Junkies

RATING: 4

Sheriff Deacon Howell holds a deep hatred for Halcyon Hall, a former asylum known as Bainesworth Manor turned health spa. When the place claims another victim, he intends to catch the murderer. However, someone does not want Deacon to expose Bainesworth Manor’s oldest and darkest secrets. He never expected to be fascinated with one of its residents, a woman with her own deadly secrets. Can Deacon find the murderer before they kill again? Or will he lose more to Bainesworth Manor?

Olivia Smith is a famous pop star. She checks into an exclusive spa in Maine to escape her stalker. Olivia soon learns about the place’s horrific past. During her stay, she finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation. Olivia trusts no one, especially not the handsome sheriff on the case. When her stalker strikes again, she wants to run but impassable roads keep her at the resort. Will Olivia become another victim of Bainesworth Manor? Can she learn to trust Deacon?

Deacon is a man haunted by his entangled past with Bainesworth Manor. The place has always been his greatest downfall. I empathize with Deacon over his rocky relationship with his teen daughter. He truly cares for Holly and her wellbeing; he just does not know how to communicate with her. What I admire the most about Deacon is his integrity. He refuses to follow in his father’s corrupt footsteps. Instead, Deacon intends to bring all the past wrongs to light at great risks to his life.

Olivia is an inspiration for women and mistreated teens. She is a woman who has survived an abusive and neglected childhood. I admire how Olivia used music as an outlet to purge herself of the toxicity from those experiences. She could have bottled up all that negativity until it corrupted her soul. What I like the most about Olivia is her ability to recognize other tormented souls. She understood the turmoil and pain Deacon and Holly were experiencing. Olivia may not have set out to help father and daughter, but she did help the two to bridge the gap between them.

THE HUNTED is book two in Lisa Childs’ romantic suspense series, BANE ISLAND TRILOGY. I have not read the first book, so there were instances when I felt that I missed some vital information. However, it did not hinder my ability to follow the story’s plot. I wish the author would have stuck with just the hero, the heroine, and the villains’ point-of-view. The others seemed to boggle down the story’s pacing.

THE HUNTED is a thrilling tale of two people learning to accept their shortcomings during a terrible time. I hope the next book is about Edie and Elijah. I cannot wait to learn the rest of Bainesworth Manor’s lethal secrets.

Painting fun + story: Kheldin

 

The resin figure I chose to show is from LOOT-STUDIOS Welcome pack.

The mystery man – Yeah, I too thought of Aragorn/Strider from Lord of the Rings when I first saw it. Then another character came to mind (Kheldin)…

Sadly, I did not create him, and I do not know his owner’s real name. This character interacted with my first character Kiirri – who will always be dear to my heart. Kiirri and Kheldin is one of my favorite couples…

This is how I imagined he looked when Kiirri first encountered him in a tavern. I remember him sitting in a darken corner watching everyone in the room.

I hope someday I can find a figure that matches Kiirri

 

Please excuse any grammatical errors in the writing piece. This is actually a section from another novel of mine – that needs a massive overhaul. If it will ever get done I cannot say. Kheldin’s name is a place holder for now.

            Kiirri cradled the earthenware cup with pale fingers. She shifted her stance to search for an ideal place to enjoy her treat. Maybe even partake in some conversation. Taverns, in her estimation, were the best place to gather intel and gossip.

She touched her gaze on each person within the room. Dwarves, centaur, and a variety of elves frequented the place. She even spotted a minotaur of all creatures.

Three harried barmaids flitted from table to table, removing cups and dishes only to replace them later. She commiserated with the one who attended the table with the centaur, enduring the man’s leer and swishing tale.

However, the occupant in the dim corner garnered her immediate attention. He blended seamlessly into the shadowy darkness. The cowl he wore obscured the parts of his face that would have been visual.

Kiirri sensed no malice or enmity from him. ‘Then why all the distrustful glances?’ She pondered before tilting her nose up to scent the air. This enigmatic person challenged her animalistic senses.

She detected magic. It felt so soothing and warm to her senses. She sniffed again and caught the pungent tang of bark, leaves, and soil. A scent she often associated with the forest folk and the druii.

Intuition told her this person was not sylvan.  Beneath that she caught the unmistakable musk of man. ‘That answers that question. Now the other.’

The man posed no threat. He simply sat in his corner and watched the tableau of the room without joining in. Her curiosity prompted her approach.

“May I join you?” Kiirri motioned her head to the empty chair at his table.