Review for Jeffe Kennedy's "BLADES, BOOKS AND THE BANDIT"

 

BLADES, BOOKS, AND THE BANDIT
Fantasy Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Jeffe Kennedy

RELEASE DATE:
May 14, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Brightlynx Publishing, Inc

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958679890

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.jeffekennedy.com/home

 

 

Bandit has been secretly pining for her fae princeling since their inevitable parting. When she learns that Azul has been abducted, she sets out to rescue him. The only hitch? The Citrine realm is unchartered territory where few humans have gone and returned. If she has any hope of succeeding, Bandit must rely on her smuggling partner, Goldilocks. However, she soon realizes that the situation is not as it seems. Will Bandit be forced to say a final goodbye to her fae love?

Bandit’s carefree and rowdy personality is subdued in this volume. Glimpses of her former self do appear, occasionally. She feels like a pale simile of the person we met and enjoyed in book one. I understand the reason Bandit is like this, the whole “once you go fae, you can never go back to mortals” ideology. I like how she is willing to risk everything, even daring the unknown, to rescue Azul.

Azul does not appear until halfway through the book, which is both understandable and a bummer. The reason for his forced engagement remains a mystery. We do, however, get a small clue near the end. I hope book three finally provides answers and a resolution. I still enjoy the snarky, innuendo-filled banter between Azul and Bandit.

BLADES, BOOKS, AND THE BANDIT is the second book in Jeffe Kennedy’s fantasy romance series, THE FAST AND THE FAE. The story picks up where book one leaves off. So, it is necessary to read LOVE, LIES, AND LEY LINES before venturing into this one. It (LLaLL) introduces the author’s world, the dynamics between humans and fae, how Bandit and Azul met, and other important details.

I did not get a movie vibe from this one like I did with the first. There is no question about the Smokey and the Bandit vibe with LLaLL. If there is one for BBatB, it went over my head. Or I either did not watch the movie or liked it (big possibility).

Side note: In the first book, I had a small nitpick about a certain term used a lot in the book. The author calmed down on its usage in this book. I still have a difficult time taking it seriously… and it still throws me off. But, that is a me problem I will just have to deal with.

Review for Fuyumi Soryo's "MARS 30th Anniversary Edition, Volume 1"

 

MARS 30^th Anniversary Edition, Volume 1
Romance. Manga

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Fuyumi Soryo

RELEASE DATE:
June 16, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888777848

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Rei Kashino lives a fast-paced, reckless life. He skips school, gets into fights, womanizes, and races his motorcycle. Rei happens upon Kira at a park when he asks her for directions. He later recognizes her at school the following day. Rei cannot help but be drawn to the timid girl, thus starting their unorthodox friendship.

Kira Aso is a withdrawn, unassuming girl - who spends most of her time drawing. She encounters Rei in the park. He is the epitome of everything Kira distrusts. Instead of answering him, she draws him a map on the back of an old drawing. Kira’s opinions of Rei change as they slowly get to know one another. She even dares to ask him to model for her.

Kira and Rei are complete opposites, especially in personality. Rei is popular and recalcitrant. He likes to do things his own way and on his own terms. Kira is introverted and timid. Her timidity often leads people to take advantage of her. For all their differences, Kira and Rei are both wounded souls, damaged emotionally and mentally. I like how they seem to help each other confront their demons. Kira finds confidence while Rei decides to come to terms with his past.

The art style is clearly old school – which I found refreshing. The manga was first released, in English, in 2002. And it has been out of print for decades. I never heard of it until I saw it available on Netalley. I wanted to try something a little different than what I generally read.

The story’s plot is easy to follow. Yes, there are some trigger warnings, such as bullying, suicide, sexual assault and harassment, and violence. I found Kira and Rei easy to like and connect with (but then I am a sucker for the wounded/tortured types. I would love to continue with the manga… Enough to buy the hardback version once it releases? Now that is a stretch. I would if it came into omnibus format.

Review for Kumosoku "WHAT IF I SAID, "I LOVE YOU"? Volume 1

 

WHAT IF IS SAID, “I LOVE YOU”?, Volume 1
Boys Love, Manga

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kumosoku

RELEASE DATE:
June 30, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888778203

RATING:
3

 

 

Kazuho and Tokio have always been close friends. As they enter high school, everything shifts. Kazuho realizes his feelings for Tokio are romantic, not platonic. He worries how Tokio might react if he learns the truth, so he begins to distance himself. Will Kazuho find the courage to confess his feelings? And what will Tokio’s answer be?

I am still on the fence about this manga. The storyline just did not invoke much interest in me. I would have liked a little more on Tokio’s point-of-view. It would have allowed the story to flow a little better and to allow readers to connect with him better. It felt one sided, like everything centered around Kazuho.

Volume One reads more like a one-shot. So, I am curious yet not so curious, what the mangaka plans for the next volume.  And for readers who like the steamy, raunchy sex scenes will be disappointed. It is mostly Kazuho agonizing over his feelings and yearning for Tokio. His angst that it will be unrequited.

Review for Kinley MacGregor (Sherrilyn Kenyon)'s THE FORSAKEN

 

THE FORSAKEN
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Sherrilyn Kenyon (under the alias Kinley MacGregor)

RELEASE DATE:
May 12, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GY5KNSLK

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Draven de Montague, the Earl of Ravenswood, is known for his reputation on and off the battlefield. When his neighbor accuses him of raiding their villages, he consents to his king’s solution. Draven assures his sovereign that he will not lay a hand on his guest-slash-hostage in anger or lust. However, she tests the boundaries of his resolve. Can Draven resist Emily’s amorous pursuit? Or will he forsake his honor to have her?

Lady Emily is the youngest daughter of a powerful earl. She yearns to leave her father’s household and to start her own family. When she becomes a political hostage for a year, Emily decides to seize her chance. Tempting Draven to the altar proves to be a difficult endeavor, but Emily refuses to relent. Can she breach the barrier surrounding Draven’s heart? Or will another obstacle stand in Emily’s way?

Kenyon is the reason why I am a sucker for the wounded/tortured hero types. She writes them incredibly well. And Draven did not disappoint me. He has survived a traumatic childhood full of emotional and physical abuse. My heart bled for everything Draven underwent from his father’s hand. I can understand why he chooses to shut himself off from others and distrust them. What I love the most about Draven is how Emily helps him overcome his demons. It is not instant progress but a slow, agonizing one.

At first, she is afraid of him because of his reputation and her father’s prejudiced. However, Emily’s opinion of Draven changes as she spends time in his presence. She starts to see the good that others either ignore or overlook. I adore Emily’s determination to show Draven the love he never got to experience as a child. She never gave up on him. What I admire the most about Emily is how she openly rebukes her father for his cold treatment of Draven.

THE FORSAKEN is the first book in Kinley MacGregor’s historical romance series, BROTHERHOOD OF THE SWORD. I have been a fan of this author’s works (as both Kinley MacGregor and Sherrilyn Kenyon) for about seventeen years now. Originally released in 2001 as MASTER OF DESIRE, this is one of the author’s earlier works I have not read. I am ecstatic that she re-published it. I hope Kenyon plans to do that with the rest of her out-of-print titles.

Review for WITCH HAT ATELIER, Grimoire Edition 1

 

WITCH HAT ATELIER, Grimoire Edition 1
Fantasy

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kamome Shirahama

RELEASE DATE:
May 5, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888777794

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Coco is a young girl from a remote village, who is fascinated by magic. She discovers that becoming a witch is not possible for everyone. When a witch visits her mother’s shop, Coco’s curiosity leads her to secretly watch him. She attempts to replicate what she observed, but things go terribly wrong. The witch decides to accept Coco as his latest apprentice. Her magical journey starts from there.

I really do not understand why many have problems with Coco. She is your typical child. Curious about the things that they are into and prone not to listen to adults/parents. I like that Coco is floundering in her introduction to magic, clumsy even.

What I like the most is how the magic system works in this world. Why the secrecy… And why a selective few are allowed to practice it. The mangaka does a brilliant job explaining the reasons. It is different, and it does not follow the same ol’ mold from others.

I have noticed a mixed range of opinions regarding the anime adaptation of this manga. I wanted to see what the hype is all about. When I discovered this edition available on Netgalley, I decided to take a chance to see if I would enjoy it. If I enjoy it, I plan to watch the anime and buy the manga.

Small nitpick – though I completely understand – the ARC only covers content from the first volume and some art. It is a preview edition than the full thing. So, no behind-the-scenes information on the world, interview with the mangaka, or early sketches. For the purpose I wanted, it is enough. I got a taste of the art style and the story’s premise. The art, including the few colored versions, is beautifully and tastefully done. It is not flashy or too detail orientated as some. I plan to start the anime sometime this week and buy the manga when finances allows.

Review for Casey Griffin's "A FAKE WORSE THAN DEATH"

 

A FAKE WORSE THAN DEATH
Paranormal Romance, Mystery

 

 

AUTHOR:
Casey Griffin

RELEASE DATE:
May 15, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Charming Frog Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781990470455

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Violet Woods directs her efforts to investigating her fiancé’s murder. She reluctantly accepts help from her nemesis, who promises to share useful case intel. Violet attends the exclusive estate auction without Lucy when the reporter fails to show. A corpse and counterfeit jewels land her into yet another mystery to solve. Plus, she suspects her deceased fiancé is keeping secrets from her. Is this new case somehow linked to Nolan’s unsolved murder?

Violet has shown such incredible growth through the series. Her return to Charm Island forces Violet to face her inner struggles, both mentally and emotionally. She is also taking her witchy abilities more seriously. I like how Violet and Lucy finally come full circle. This latest case helps them finally discard their rivalry. What I love the most is the slow progression of Violet and Max’s relationship. It is more like a slow-burn, second-chance type deal. And I admire Violet’s determination to stop running away when things get dicey or difficult.

A FAKE WORSE THAN DEATH is the fourth installment in Casey Griffin’s paranormal-mystery series, A CHARM ISLAND MYSTER. I suggest starting this series from the beginning, as each book reveals a clue to her fiancé’s cold case. The prior novels also explain the setting, Charm Island and its quirks, along with Violet’s witchy abilities.

Review for Sherrilyn Kenyon's HELL TO PAY

 

HELL TO PAY
Paranormal / Urban Fantasy

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Sherrilyn Kenyon

RELEASE DATE:
April 28, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0G631NF1Z

RATING:
5

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

 

 

Luke Teivel, Lucifer’s son and heir, finds himself exiled from Hell and stranded on Earth. He vows to find the one responsible and make him/her pay. Luke works for Infernal Affairs – a covert division of the police that deals with supernatural cases. He and his new partner are investigating one that involves art students and missing souls. Someone is framing Luke with the murders. Could this case be connected to his banishment?

Detective Sorcha O’Malley is transferred to Infernal Affairs after an incident at her previous department. She is assigned to be Luke’s latest partner. Sorcha tries to adjust to the eccentricities of her new workplace and colleagues. Her and Luke’s first case quickly pulls Sorcha into the supernatural world. When he is framed for murder, she helps him clear his name. Will Sorcha be able to settle in within her department?

Luke made the entire story so fun to read. His snarky wisecracks and antics made me giggle continuously. I never knew what to expect him to do next or what sardonic remarks would come out of his mouth. My favorite thing about Luke is that he is more of an antihero than a traditional one. He is not above bending the rules or doing underhanded things to get the necessary clues for his cases. Luke’s mannerisms and quips remind me so much of Tom Ellis’s portrayal of Lucifer. They literally have the same vibe.

Sorcha proves that she is the perfect balance for Luke. She has this steadying influence that seems to mitigate his satirical nature.  I like how Sorcha could not stand Luke’s personality at first. Then slowly, she begins to find her groove with him and interact accordingly. I cannot wait for the author to delve more into Sorcha’s lineage and background. She has alluded to two significant events in her past which continue to impact her.

HELL TO PAY is the first book in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s brand-new paranormal series, INFERNAL AFFAIRS. It blends elements of SUPERNATURAL and LUCIFER, especially the cop angle. This series’ tone reminds me of the early DARK-HUNTER books. Same snarky humor, which is the author’s trademark. And quirky and entertaining characters with sarcastic wit and bold personalities. A name from one of the author’s Kinley MacGregor series is mentioned. I freely admit I had a fangirl moment because I recognized the character.

As I told my husband, there is no sex scenes. Yet. There is a lot of innuendo, flirting, and sexual awareness between the two mains. I have a feeling this series is going to be like Nalini Singh’s GUILD HUNTER series, mainly focusing on Luke and Sorcha. Which, I am totally on board with.

Review for Janna MacGregor's "CURVES FOR THE SECRET DUKE"

 

CURVES FOR THE SECRET DUKE
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Janna MacGregor

RELEASE DATE:
May 26, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Self-published.

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0FTGG52WQ

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Lady Penelope Harrington needs to marry and live humbly to secure her inheritance. She accepts a teaching position at an all-girls finishing school in Scotland. Penelope persuades her friend Edward to accompany her. She leads everyone at the school to believe he is her husband. However, the unknown stranger following them may reveal their deception. Will Penelope succeed in the task that her father left her?

Mr. Edward Thornton is the son of a tutor. He promises Penelope’s late father that he would always look out for her. When she asks him to act as her escort, Edward reluctantly agrees. He even assumes the role of her husband to protect her on the journey. Edward suspects the man trailing them works for a villainous viscount seeking to marry Pen. Who is the man really seeking? Penelope? Or could it possibly be Edward?

Penelope is an effervescent whirlwind with a love for ridiculous hats. I like her teaching style. It is a little out there, but it did capture her students’ rapt attention. What I love the most about Penelope is how she never cared about her and Edward’s stations. She treats him as her equals and knows that she can trust him.

Edward is such a sweetheart! He has always been Penelope’s staunchest ally, even with the differences in their station. He refuses to allow anyone to take advantage of her or hurt her. I love how Edward adores Pen’s full figure. He is quick to admonish her whenever she bashes on her curves.

CURVES FOR THE SECRET DUKE is the seventh book in the BUSTY BODICE CLUB series. Each of the seven stories are written by a different author featuring full-figured sisters. Novella in length, the stories do not take long to read. This installment is by Janna MacGregor, an author that I am familiar with.

Review for Annabelle Anders' "CURVES FOR THE BEASTLY DUKE"

 

CURVES FOR THE BEASTLY DUKE
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Annabelle Anders

RELEASE DATE:
April 28, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Penny Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0FQWBMG51

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Rosamund “Rosa” Harrington needs to publish something meaningful under her own name to gain her inheritance. She decides to write an article about the Beastly Duke of Bexley. Rosa wants to banish the ugly, dark rumors circulating about Julian. She pretends to be a common miss to gain his reluctant cooperation. However, Rosa’s deception may unravel all her good intentions. Will Rosamund’s article change society’s outlook on Julian?

Julian Cavendish, Duke of Bexley, chooses to lead a life away from public scrutiny and societal speculation. He has accepted the moniker attached to him. Julian’s isolation is interrupted when a determined miss arrives at his doorstep, eager to write his story. The woman appears unfazed by his gruffness or the scar on his face. Julian distrusts Rosamund’s intentions, but he allows her to stay. Can Rosamund convince Julian that he is not beastly?

Rosamund pleasantly surprised me. I admire her determination to publish an article to prove the rumors about Julian false. She wanted the world to truly see the man beneath the scars. Yeah, Rosa went about it underhandly. But she meant no disrespect by it. Rosamund knew it was the only way she could gather the pertinent information about him.

It is no secret that I adore wounded/tortured hero types. And Julian did not disappoint me! My heart went out to him. War changed him both inside and out. I understand Julian’s need for solitude after the cruel speculations of his peers and the public. He knew that no matter how hard he protested, people would believe what they wanted. What I adore the most about Julian is how he did not allow his isolation to interfere with his ducal duties. He channeled all his focus onto his lands and tenants, doing what needed to be done for those dependent on him. Also, he had his wood carving hobby.

CURVES FOR THE BEASTLY DUKE is the fourth book in the BUSTY BODICE CLUB series. Each of the stories are written by a different author featuring full-figured sisters. This installment is written by Annabelle Anders, a new-to-me author. The Beauty and the Beast vibe made me eager to continue reading till the end.

Review of Jennifer K. Lambert's "AMONG THE THORNS"

 

AMONG THE THORNS
Fantasy Romance

 

AUTHOR:

Jennifer K Lambert (aka Jeffe Kennedy)

RELEASE DATE:
July 14, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Bramble

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250360373

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://jenniferklambert.com/

 

 

Rose is regarded as the generation’s most promising oneiromancer, potentially rivaling Oneira. She even attracted the interest of a minor prince. Rose has always felt different from her classmates, as if something in her life was missing. She soon discovers the presence of an untrained oneiromancer bearing her likeness, who is causing havoc. When Rose confronts the other sorceress, she realizes they are both victims of a lie. Will she uncover the mastermind behind their separation?  At what cost to herself?

Thorn spends her life isolated in a woodland cottage, unaware of her magical ability. She wishes for freedom and to be rescued by her dream prince. Thorn seizes her chance when her guardian leaves her unattended. She quickly realizes that she is ill-equipped to navigate the outside world safely. When a more refined version of herself arrives, Thorn learns they are involved in someone else’s plot. Is it possible for her and Rose to break free from the political agenda that confines them? Can Thorn learn to control her magical ability?

Sebastien is the seventh son of King Soren. When it becomes apparent his ability is zoopathy, he is enrolled in a school of magic. Sebastien’s father has an ulterior motive for sending him to that school: to persuade Rose to accept his contractual offer. When he is unsuccessful, he heads home and unexpectedly encounters a softer, fragile facsimile of the sorceress. Sebastien unintentionally helps the two women discover one another. Which sorceress will he choose? The sophisticated, aloof one? Or the vulnerable, guileless one?

In the beginning, I did not care too much about Rose. She came off too snobbish, too anti-social for my tastes. However, my opinion started to change once I learned more about her. Then her demeanor and attitude made sense. What I like the most about Rose is her willingness to help Thorn reclaim the life stolen from her. Yes, she was a little harsh towards Thorn sometimes. However, it was necessary to keep the other woman from doing involuntary harm.

My heart went out to Thorn. She has been mentally abused and taken advantage of by her guardian. And she has been deprived of the necessary tutelage of her abilities. It is understandable why Thorn’s personality is the total opposite of Rose’s. I admire the bravado it took for Thorn to take the initiative to learn about her magic in secret. Yes, she bumbled through it and made many mistakes along the way.

At first, Sebastien did not leave much of an impression on me. His upbringing in the royal court left him cynical about love, especially all that Sebastien had to endure. I am surprised he turned out as he did. I like Sebastien’s closeness with his two unpopular half-sisters. He wants nothing more than to improve their lives since they looked after him throughout the years. I believe they are the reason he turned out pretty decently instead of being ruthless jerks like their other siblings.

AMONG THE THORNS is the second book in Jennifer K. Lambert’s fantasy romance series, NEVER THE ROSES. The story can easily standalone. It features a completely new group of characters, basically picking up where NEVER THE ROSES leave off. Oneira appears twice in the book with Stearanos once. Mostly they are mentioned (or referenced).

I enjoyed this book way more than the first. Yes, the beginning did start off slowly. However, it was necessary to introduce the three main characters and their situations. Once things became established, the pacing picked up.

Review for Cathy Maxwell's "CURVES FOR THE RAKISH DUKE"

 

CURVES FOR THE RAKISH DUKE
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Cathy Maxwell

RELEASE DATE:
April 14, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Catherine Maxwell Inc

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798993094106

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://cathymaxwell.com/

 

 

Lady Celeste Harrington is the second eldest among eight sisters. She wants to fulfill her late father’s wish to create a charity that is dear to her. After her proposal is rejected by an influential matron, Celeste seeks assistance from a person unafraid of the woman’s power. She first needs to persuade The Dragon of London to support her cause. Will Oliver’s patronage make Celeste’s charity a success? Or will it hinder it?

Oliver Granier, the Duke of Salcomb, also known as The Dragon of London, seeks to show he is more than his reputation. When he responds to an anonymous summons, Oliver expects a romantic rendezvous. Instead, he is approached by a reserved wallflower requesting his support in her charity venture. Lady Celeste intrigues him. By helping Celeste with her charity, will new possibilities open for Oliver?

Celeste impressed me. She moved outside her comfort zone to fulfill her father’s last wish. I like how Celeste stood up to Oliver.  She spoke her mind when she felt he took over her charity. Celeste did not stand by meekly and allowed him to get away with it. What I love the most about her is how she did not allow one rejection to dissuade her. Instead, Celeste found another way around the obstacle blocking her.

Oliver was a hit and miss with me. He did have some good qualities and some bad. What annoyed me is how Oliver took over Celeste’s charity once he got onboard. He should have included her in some of the decisions. What I adore the most about Oliver is how he never once took credit for the charity’s creation. He made certain the public knew the true mastermind behind the endeavor.

CURVES FOR THE RAKISH DUKE is the second book in the BUSTY BODICE CLUB series. Each of the eight stories are written by a different author featuring full-figured heroines (sisters). This installment is written by Cathy Maxwell. Novella in length, it did not take me long to finish. I am not new to this author. I have read a few of her books, so I am familiar with her writing style.

Georginia is the next Harrington to be featured. The author who will be writing her story is Tracy Sumner. I like how the stories go from the oldest to youngest.

Review for Larissa Ione's "LEGACY OF DESIRE"

 

LEGACY OF DESIRE
Paranormal Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
May 12, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781963135497

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Scotland, Scotty for short, is the youngest daughter of Ares – one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She and her two friends, Mace and Blade, make up DART’s top-performing team. When Scotty decides it is time to lose her virginity, she asks the two to help her find the perfect candidate. Their latest mission goes disastrously wrong and upsets the trio’s dynamics. Which one will Scotty ultimately choose? Or will she allow Fate to take the decision off her hands?

Blade is one of three siblings born to Shade and Runa – a seminus demon and a werewolf Mace is the only child of Lore and Idess, a seminus/human hybrid and earthbound angel. Scotty, Blade, and Mace have pledged not to pursue romantic relationships among themselves. However, both men have harbored feelings for Scotty for years. An incident during their latest mission disrupts their tight bond, and it sparks conflict between Mace and Blade. Can Blade and Mace find a way to resolve their differences?

I am on the fence when it comes to Scotty. There are things that I both liked and disliked about her. I like that Scotty took more after her father when it comes to combative skills. She can handle herself without needing a male to come to her aid or rescue her. Scotty’s attitude did grate on my nerves now and then.

Out of the three, Mace is the one who annoyed me the most. He was too much a jerk. I do not remember ever feeling this way towards Wraith, whom Mace takes after in attitude. However, I do like that he has a relationship with both Wraith and Lore. I empathized more with Blade. His family has endured a lot of traumas over the years. I love that Blade and Stryker finally resolved their differences at the end.

LEGACY OF DESIRE is the third installment in Larissa Ione’s dark paranormal romance series, DEMONICA BIRTHRIGHT. It is a sequel to the author’s popular DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE books. This series follows the next generation – the children of the couples from the prior two series. I encourage new readers to start there before delving into this one. Reoccurring characters make frequent appearances throughout the book. Plus, it allows them to understand the state of the world, and how it got to that point.

I admit that I had reservations going into this book. Mostly, I feared that it would be a love triangle. And I cannot stand those. The ones I root for RARELY get chosen. I suspected halfway through it would end up being a three-way relationship (MFM). That type of pairing is not a favorite of mine, but one I could accept.

The pairings I am most looking forward to are Amber and Talon and Sabre and Aleka. I do hope Rade gets a book. For some reason, he caught my attention (and empathy). I want to know more about him, and I want him to have a happily-ever-after. Also, I want a book with Dare, Hades and Cat’s son. So many of the next generation I want to have their happily-ever-afters!

Review for Jeka BC's "INTO THE WITCH'S GARDEN"

 

INTO THE WITCH’S GARDEN
Slice of Life, Paranormal Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jeka BC

RELEASE DATE:
April 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Self published

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798251903904

RATING:
3.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://writtenbyjekabc.weebly.com/

 

 

Rhiannon is a green witch. She decides to relocate to a metropolis in hopes of finding other witches and warlocks. A handsome businessman comes into her flower shop, afflicted with a death curse. This marks the first indication in three years that another witch or warlock resides in the city. Rhiannon takes on the task of helping Leon find the individual responsible for cursing him. Can she prevail?

Leonard “Leon” Montgomery owns a prestigious hotel and casino chain. He visits Rhiannon’s flower shop seeking a special out-of-season flower for his late wife’s grave. Leon doubts the woman’s claim that he is cursed, but after a near-fatal car accident, he reconsiders. He brings Rhiannon into his workplace to help uncover the culprit responsible for the curse. Will they find the witch/warlock in time?

I could not connect (or like) Rhiannon. In short, her personality irked me. Rhiannon did and said some things that just annoyed me. I feel that she could have approached things in a different way with better results. She is self-taught. So, she hopes by connecting with other witches/warlocks, she will come to understand her abilities and limitations better.

I think the story could have benefited with more chapters and scenes in Leon’s point-of-view. As is, it felt one-sided. It would have helped me connect with Leon better and understand him. Even towards the end, he felt like a virtual stranger.

INTO THE WITCH’S GARDEN is a one-shot novel by Jeka BC. It took me a while to adjust to the first-person narrative.  I read more third-person narratives than the former, so that is understandable. The story’s tone came across too Young Adult for my tastes. I steer clear of that genre because it does not appeal to me. I believe that is what happened here. And the ending just felt slapped-together and rushed.

Review for Kotaro's "VOICES IN THE SEA FOAM"

 

VOICES IN THE SEA FOAM.
Boys Love

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kotaro

RELEASE DATE:
May 05, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781647295806

RATING:
4

 

 

Aito is a reincarnated mermaid princess, one who died tragically from unrequited love. He believes the curse followed him into his new life as a human. Aito has sworn off love because of it. However, a chance encounter with Toru causes him to change his mind. Can Aito find a way to break his curse? Or will history repeat itself?

Toru is a junior in the sound and engineering department of college. After watching a video of Aito singing, he realizes he wants him to do vocals on a track. Whenever Toru is around Aito, the other man cannot speak. When he finds a way around their communication barrier, Toru finds himself falling in love with Aito. Can he convince Aito to go out with him?

Poor Aito. I can understand his reasons for being so jaded about happy endings and love. Being bombarded with such heart-wrenching memories at a young age would have anyone swearing off love.

I only have one small nitpick. I would have liked more of Toru’s point of view. Aito’s friend Mizuki has more scenes than Toru – which seems odd and off putting for me. It did not allow me to connect with him.

Mizuki may be a side character but he/she is a GREAT friend. I admire how far he/she went to help Aito overcome his curse. There was no derision, just acceptance.

This is basically a Boys Love twist to The Little Mermaid telling – the Grimm version not Disney. There are no heated sex scenes nor any heated kissing. Overall, it gives off a wholesome vibe.

A one-shot manga. So the pacing between Aito and Toru is rushed in some places. I would not be adverse to another volume being released, side stories showing the progression of Toru and Aito’s relationship.

Review for Jil Hashikura's "HONEY BEE & LEMON BALM" Volume 1.

 

HONEY BEE & LEMON BALM Vol 1
Boys Love, Slice of Life, Yakuza

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jil Hashikura

RELEASE DATE:
April 7, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888777589

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Kaoru Mitsuya is a down on his luck, former yakuza. Yuichiro Shirouzu is a florist in the entertainment district. Kaoru discovers Yuichiro unconscious in an alley and helps him return to his shop. Yuichiro offers him both a job and a place to stay. Kaoru finds himself falling in love with his beautiful employer. Will he confess to Yuichiro? And how does Yu feel towards Kaoru?

Kaoru and Yuichiro’s personalities complement each others. Kaoru is rough-around-the-edges and abrasive. Yuichiro is calm and often clueless. I like how Yu tries to help Kaoru turn his life around. My heart melted when he held an impromptu birthday party for him. I adore how protective Kaoru is towards Yu, especially once he finds out about his frailty.

This manga is such a wholesome yet fun read! Some parts had me laughing (especially Ryo’s interaction with Kaoru. I can see those two becoming friends). There are no sex scenes – which I am totally fine with. The story and its progress does not call for it. I am glad it was not mired down with it.

I will be buying a copy for my collection when it is released. This is totally a keeper. I cannot wait for the next installment!