Review for Larissa Ione's "RAZR"

 

RAZR
Paranormal Romance

 

AUTHOR:

Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
February 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GP6F8HPQ

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Rarz (aka Razriel) is an angel that is neither Fallen nor Unfallen but a unique case. He is sentenced to serve Azagoth in Sheoul-gra. Rarz needs to find two of the missing Gems of Enoch to restore his heavenly angel status. A lead takes him straight to Jedda Brighton. He knows that she has information about the gems’ whereabouts. Can Rarz convince Jedda to give them to him? Or is there more at play than what he realizes?

Jedda Brighton is a gem elf – an elf who needs to consume jewels to live. She finds herself the unfortunate target of two angelic beings, both wanting the Gems of Enoch. There is something about Rarz that draws Jedda to him. And she is unable to resist the attraction brewing between them. Can Jedda trust Rarz with the truth about herself? And what will she sacrifice to give Rarz the diamond he needs?

Rarz made me laugh with his elf references and nicknames. I am a little disappointed that he did not make a D&D reference when he found out about Jedda’s race. But that is just me. What I adore about Rarz the most is the sacrifice he was willing to make for Jedda.

It is a given that the whole elf-thing is what I like the most about Jedda. And I like that she is not a push-over. What I love the most about Jedda is how she mirrors Rarz in sentiment. She is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for him.

RAZR is the fourth book in Larissa Ione’s dark paranormal romance series, DEMONICA UNDERWORLD – a spinoff from her DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE series. It is best to start with the prior two series before this one. They properly introduce the author’s supernatural world and the state it is in (and why). Naturally, Azagoth and Lillian appear in the story. And Hades! I grinned when he and his warped sense of humor made a brief appearance. Shh, Hades is a new favorite of mine!

Larissa introduces a new realm to her Demonica-verse. An elven one! I have been elf-obsessed since reading R.A. Salvatore and Elaine Cunningham’s books (Salvatore’s Drizzt books and Cunningham’s Liriel Baenre and Arilyn & Danilo books, plus EVERMEET). I can be extremely finicky when it comes to high fantasy elements. But, I must give the author kudos for making an elven realm that captured my interest.

I like the creativity behind the gem elves. It fondly reminds me of a creation that a friend and I made during our role-playing era (we called ours jewel elves, and they were born with gems attached to certain parts of their bodies). We never really got to do much with ours. What a bittersweet memory that provokes.

RAZR’s first publication came in April 2017 by Evil Eye Concepts, Inc. The author has re-released nine volumes of the series with new covers, tweaked/fleshed out scenes, and added bonus content.

Review for Larissa Ione's "Z"

 

Z
Paranormal Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
February 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GP5LXTHX

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Zhubaal (aka Z) is Azagoth’s fallen angel assistant. He has spent hundreds of years searching for his angelic lover’s reincarnation. When Z is about to give up hope, an emim daemani arrives in Sheoul-gra. He suspects she is carrying his beloved’s soul. Vex is more than what Z bargained for… And he does not want to be attracted to the bold and brash woman. Can Zhubaal accept Vex for who she is? Or will he continue to be stuck on the past?

Vex is a daemani – a person who unwillingly attracts and absorbs demonic souls. She hopes to secure a deal with the Grim Reaper to take the five souls she is carrying, especially her latest acquisition. Vex first encounters Azagoth’s prickly assistant. Something about the handsome fallen angel calls to her soul. Can Vex entice Z to let go of the past? Or will his angelic beloved’s memory continue to be an obstacle?

Zhubaal surprised me. At first, I did not care for him because he behaved like a jerk towards Lilliana in AZAGOTH. My opinion of Z started to change in HADES.  I found myself empathizing with him when he told Cat about waiting for someone special. Zhubaal did annoy me when he expected Vex to be more like Laura, once he learned the truth.

Vex is the perfect contrast for Zhubaal. She is daring, independent, and secure in her promiscuity and lasciviousness. I like how Vex stands her ground with Z about Laura. She knows she is completely different from her past life. Vex refuses to become that woman for Z. She wants Zhubaal to love and accept her for the woman she is now.

Z is the third book in Larissa Ione’s dark paranormal romance series, DEMONICA UNDERWORLD – a spinoff from her DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE series. I do recommend starting with D and LoD before reading this series, especially if you are new to the author’s world. The Four Horsemen (LoD) are mentioned in this story. Naturally, Azagoth and Lilliana play important roles in the story. I am kind of bummed that Hades is only mentioned because I love his personality.

Z’s first publication came in April 2016 by Evil Eye Concepts, Inc. The author has re-released nine volumes of the series with new covers, tweaked/fleshed out scenes, and added bonus content.

Review for Larissa Ione's "HADES"

 

HADES
Paranormal Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
February 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GP664W5R

RATING:
5

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

 

 

Hades is Azagoth’s second-in-command. He is responsible for punishing the evil demon souls that arrive in Sheoul-gra’s Inner Sanctum. His world is turned upside down when a beautiful Unfallen slips into his realm and creates chaos. Hades knows Cat is off limits to him. But he cannot help but be drawn to her. Can Hades protect Cat from the turmoil happening in his domain? And will he risk Azagoth’s wrath to have her?

Cataclysm (Cat) is an Unfallen who works for Azagoth. She wants to redeem herself, so she can earn back her wings and return to Heaven. Cat accidentally allows unauthorized souls into the Inner Sanctum. She tries to fix her mistake only to wind up trapped in the hellscape domain. Cat must rely on Hades to get her back to Sheoul-gra. Will Cataclysm act on her attraction to Hades? But at what cost?

Hades is a riot! Oh man, how I love that man’s snarky, warped sense of humor. I do not know how many times his antics and quips had me laughing – something I have not done in the last two weeks since my dog died. Hades made me not want to put the book down. I found myself glued to my kindle, dying to find out what happens next.

Cataclysm is so easy to like. She has this energy about her that makes her endearing. I like how accident-prone Cat is. That added to her charm. Then there is Cat’s chemistry with Hades. Woozers! Off the charts hot. What I adore about Cat the most is that she owns up to her faults. But, she earnestly tries to fix the mistakes that she has caused.

HADES is the second book in Larissa Ione’s dark paranormal romance series, DEMONICA UNDERWORLD – a spinoff from her DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE series. I suggest starting there before venturing into this series. Lilliana and Azagoth play important roles in the story. Reaver makes a couple of appearances. And Thanatos, from LETHAL RIDER, the third book in the LORD OF DELIVERANCE series, is mentioned frequently.

HADES’s first publication came in March 2015 by Evil Eye Concepts, Inc. The author has re-released nine volumes of the series with new covers, tweaked/fleshed out scenes, and added bonus content.

Review for Larissa Ione's "AZAGOTH"

 

AZAGOTH
Paranormal Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
February 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GP6DDJH8

RATING:
5

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

 

 

Azagoth is a powerful fallen angel commonly known as the Grim Reaper. He governs Sheoul-gra, a realm where the souls of demons are kept. Azagoth informs Heaven he will no longer father Memitim, and that he desires a mate. Heaven sends him Lilliana – an angel unlike any of the others sent before her. Will Lilliana be Azagoth’s downfall? Or his greatest strength?

Lilliana is an angel with the ability to travel through time. Unfortunate events lead her to be chosen to become Azagoth’s mate. Raphael orders her to steal a certain artifact and bring it to Heaven to gain her freedom. Lilliana starts to waver once she gets to know the dangerous fallen angel. Will she decide to remain in Sheoul-gra? Or will Lilliana choose her old life?

Larissa Ione sure knows how to write a nummy, bad-boy character that you cannot help but love. And whoa is Azagoth bad with a capital B. But he is so much more! For all his Altitude (yes, I purposely capitalized the A), Azagoth has a soft side that he rarely shows.  It is only for his children and Lilliana. I understand Azagoth’s desire to have a mate. After years of loneliness, he simply wants someone to share his life with. What I adore the most about Azagoth is his fierce protectiveness towards Lilliana. He refuses to allow anyone, even him, to cause her harm or pain.

Lilliana is a good balance for Azagoth. Even though he frightens her, she still stands her ground against him. She refuses to be a push-over. I like how Lilliana’s opinion and feelings toward Azagoth changes once she gets to know the true him. She learns there is more to him than what is taught in Heaven. Lilliana is a good balance for Azagoth. Even though he frightens her, she still stands her ground against him. She refuses to be a push-over. I like how Lilliana’s opinion and feelings toward Azagoth changes once she gets to know the true him. She learns there is more to him than what is taught in Heaven.

AZAGOTH is the first book in Larissa Ione’s dark paranormal romance series, DEMONICA UNDERWORLD – a spinoff from her DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE series. I highly recommend starting there before delving into this series. Characters and situations from those books are mentioned intermittently. Even a certain underground hospital that long-time fans love is mentioned. Idess from ECTASY UNVEILED and Conall from SIN UNDONE do make a small appearance.

AZAGOTH’s first publication came in June 2014 by Evil Eye Concepts, Inc. The author has re-released nine volumes of the series with new covers, tweaked/fleshed out scenes, and bonus content.

I have been a fan of this author and series since the MySpace era – where I was first introduced to her by a friend. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to read the DEMONICA UNDERWORLD books when they first came out.  I am grateful for the chance now!

Review for Christina Britton's "YOU HAD ME AT HEIST"

 

YOU HAD ME AT HEIST
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Christina Britton

RELEASE DATE:
June 16-, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538769133

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
http://christinabritton.com/

 

 

Iris Rumford is a member of the Wimpole Street Widows Society, a group of widows who covertly rectify injustices. She has been searching for the one responsible for stealing her late mother’s botanical works. Iris is shocked to discover the thief intends to take credit for her mother’s ground-breaking research. When she and the widows try to reclaim the stolen journals, a lone guard thwarts their every attempt. Can Iris keep the culprit from publishing her mother’s works as his own?

Oliver Beckett is a former (and disgraced) Bow Street Runner. He struggles to find employment to support his widowed mother and younger sister. Oliver accepts a position to safeguard a noble’s botanical collection. He senses something suspicious about his new employer, but he chooses to ignore his instincts. Oliver spots a mysterious yet beautiful stranger near a glasshouse he guards. Her presence threatens his job. Will Oliver continue to put his family’s safety over his instincts?

I could not help but connect with Iris in the prior book. She is different from the heroines I generally prefer. Her idiosyncrasies are what made Iris stand out to me. I understand why some people would find them off-putting or odd to deal with. Not me, I thought they added to her charm. What I love the most about Iris is her steadfast determination to reclaim her mother’s stolen work. She wants her mother to receive the recognition, especially in her field, that she rightly deserves.

I admit that I am a little disappointed that Iris was not paired off with Parsons. However, I do feel that Oliver is a better fit. This generally does not happen to me. Once I get stuck on wanting a certain pairing, I tend to lose enthusiasm for the story if it does not happen.

My heart went out to Oliver. He is the unfortunate victim to the corruption within his previous job’s hierarchy. I understand the dilemma that Oliver faced. He made the difficult decision to swallow his morals for his mother and sister’s benefit. I imagine Oliver despised himself for that. What I love the most about Oliver is how easily he accepted Iris. He did not find her odd but refreshing. Oliver also got outraged on her part whenever someone disparaged her.

YOU HAD ME AT HEIST is the second installment in Christina Britton’s historical romance series, WIMPOLE STREET WIDOWS SOCIETY. This story can easily stand alone. I do recommend starting with TO HEIST AND TO HOLD before starting this book. What I adore the most about this series is that most of the characters (save for one) belong to the working/middle class than aristocracy. It is a nice change of pace for me, especially in this genre. Yeah, I am still not fond of the widow aspect, but that is my own personal quirk.

Heloise and Ethan, the couple from the prior book, do make an appearance. Though Heloise appears more in the story than her husband. I am a little bummed that Ethan’s business partners did not have a role in the story. Perhaps the author will consider writing a spin-off series about them. Teagan and Parsons deserve a book!

Review for Suji Kim's "UNDER THE OAK TREE", Volume 3

 

UNDER THE OAK TREE: Volume 3
Fantasy Romance

 

 AUTHOR:
Suji Kim

RELEASE DATE:
June 23, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780593871256

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Lady Maximillian “Maxi” Calypse has survived the grueling journey to Livadon. She watches as her husband and his knights continue onward to the battlefield without her. With no news of Riftan, Maxi impersonates a cleric, so she can travel to the combat zone. She is ill prepared for the cruel realities of war or the circumstances of her actions. When her past threatens the future, Maxi has a difficult choice to make. Can she help Riftan overcome their latest obstacle? And what sacrifice will Maxi have to make?

Maxi continues to show such amazing character growth. She no longer wants to be that pathetic, timid woman hiding behind Riftan. Maxi wants to share his burdens and troubles. I admire the bravado it took for her to follow him to the battlefield. Maxi knew that she would enrage Riftan by defying his orders. To me, it felt like she came into her own there.

It hurt to see all of Maxi’s progress and hard work nearly destroyed because of her father. Riftan’s behavior did not help matters either. However, I like that Maxi persevered. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next installment. I hope Maxi’s newest journey will instill confidence in her. That she can be the person she desperately wants to be.

This installment does touch on some sensitive and triggering subject matters. Physical and emotional (or mental) abuse and miscarriage being the main ones. The author does warn about this at the start of the book.

Review for Sherrilyn Kenyon's "HOUSE OF ICE & SHADOWS "

 

HOUSE OF ICE & SHADOW
Fantasy Romance

 

AUTHOR:

Sherrilyn Kenyon

RELEASE DATE:
February 17, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0DWBCB6GQ

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Gisela Bloodthorn serves as the Centaur queen’s personal assassin. She is ordered to protect the demon holding the contract between her queen and the previous high king. Gisela is also tasked with eliminating any Outlaws she comes across. She encounters Xaydin, who helps her avoid unwanted notice in a foreign kingdom. Gisela learns they are pursuing the same demon but for different objectives. Will she be forced to fight Xaydin? Or will her true lineage cause them to remain enemies?

Xaydin Kazakh is a fallen half-troll prince and a member of the Outlaws. He is known as the Oathbreaker due to his vow to eliminate all apaswere. Xaydin searches for the demon holding the contract between the former High King and the Centaur Queen. When he sees Gisela struggling in his kingdom, he steps in to help her. Xaydin invites her to join him after discovering their shared goal. Can Xaydin and Gisela learn to trust another? Will he give her a reason to question her loyalty to her queen?

Gisela and Xaydin have much in common. They both have deep-seated trust issues. And they both have endured torture and abuse by the Centaur Queen’s hand. I like how Xaydin did not let Gisela’s parentage bother him, especially after learning that she too was a victim. He easily saw how different mother and daughter are.

I love how being around Xaydin and his brother caused Gisela to waver in her allegiance to her mother. They helped her see who the real monsters are in the Thirteen Kingdoms. And that she should not be ashamed of her lineage.

HOUSE OF ICE & SHADOWS is the second book in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s fantasy-romance series, MYTH & OUTLAWS. It is best to begin with the first book, HOUSE OF FIRE & MAGIC, before venturing into this one. It introduces the author’s new world – the different kingdoms, key players, and the conflicts in that the world. Dash, the hero from HoF&M, is mentioned frequently throughout the story. He and Tanis DO make an appearance.

I began this book during a very sad and stressful time. It helped distract my brain from worrying excessively over my injured dog (who sadly passed away). My thanks to Sherrilyn Kenyon for giving me that respite!