Urban Fantasy

Review of Managing the Vampire’s Mansion by K. M. Shea

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Synopsis:
Starting over as a house manager in a charming small town sounded perfect. Until my new boss turned out to be a vampire.

After burning myself out at my corporate career, I take a job managing a mansion in a picturesque tourist town to reset my life.

The house is historic. The town is charming. The locals are welcoming. And, as I accidentally discover, my unfairly handsome employer, Beckett Kinge, is a vampire in hiding.

Beckett prefers order, privacy, and absolutely no supernatural mishaps.

Unfortunately for both of us, a rogue vampire is attacking the locals. The same people who have been nothing but nice to me. As attacks escalate and secrets unravel, staying uninvolved is no longer an option.

And somehow the only person who steps up to find the vampire is me—the mansion manager with poor people skills who knows absolutely nothing about supernaturals.

At least… I think I’m the only one working this case. But somewhere between tracking a killer and trying not to die, I realize Beckett isn’t just protecting his secret. He’s protecting me. And that might be far more dangerous for my emotional well-being.

Regardless, the rampaging vamp has to be found, or no one in town will be safe. Not even me.

This stand alone cozy urban fantasy story is set in the same world as the Magiford Supernatural City trilogies, but is located in a different (real life!) town in Wisconsin. If you’re searching for a stand alone story with cast of characters that will make you laugh while they try to solve a mystery and muddle with the supernatural, pre-order this book today!

Review:
“Jonas rubbed his hands together and beamed at me with the joy of an extrovert adopting an introvert.” (Page 20)

Getting another K. M. Shea book was such an unexpected treat! I am absolutely thrilled that she has semi-returned from her hiatus. While she may not be up to writing the epics that I originally found and loved her for, this book was just the right amount of cozy Magiford fun that I’d been missing. Abigail is human, but she isn’t a typical human. While never explicitly stated, her neurodivergent quirks make her all the more alluring and enchanting to those around Beckett/in his employ. I absolutely loved Abigail and how she could be so singularly minded about things–and that she was willing to do whatever she thought it took/would mean that she pushed herself to live more. There were so many things that she pushed herself into trying and doing that she had never done before, and it made her so relatable! Beckett was also quite relatable in that sometimes it just seems easier to not get involved with things and stick to yourself, until you realize that maybe people aren’t all quite as bad as you had given them credit for.

While the mystery here was a little lack luster and seemed quite obvious to me from the beginning, having figured it out early did not in any way deter from my giddy enjoyment of being back in the Magiford world, with special joy seeing some familiar faces (love you Aphrodite!)

If you’re into modern fantasy, vampires, someone being their authentic self and in doing so finding their people, and obviously K. M. Shea books, I’d highly recommend this novel.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of How to Negotiate With a Nightmare by Amy Boyles

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Synopsis:
In this cozy romantasy, the villain finally gets the girl.I have three problems:

One: The hot guy I met in the bushes (don’t ask) has magic so cold and dangerous it should come with a warning label.

Two: My family’s dragging me to a ball hosted by the Nightmare King—you know, the cruel monster who rules the dark half of town where the sun literally never rises.

Three: Turns out Hot Bush Guy and Nightmare King are the same person. And when our magic touches? We make flowers. Which would be romantic if I wasn’t supposed to be terrified of him.

Eryx Nightshade has spent ten years alone in his castle, haunted by a voice in his head that demands blood and revenge. Until I walked into his spell and the voice went from “destroy everyone” to “she’s pretty, don’t mess this up.”

Now he’s thrown a ball to find me. I’m trapped in pink tulle and sparkly sneakers. And every time we touch, our magic does things that shouldn’t be possible.

He thinks I’m his salvation.

I think he might be mine.

But I’m supposed to marry someone to save my family’s dying magic, and he’s got a revenge plot ten years in the making.

Falling for the Nightmare King wasn’t part of anyone’s plan.

Especially the nightmare’s.

Review:
“Sparkles don’t equal sweetness.” (Page 138)

This book did an amazing job of showing people with two very different types of trauma regarding having/being in relationships and what they had to do to overcome their biases. Usually instant attraction/fated mates/magical explosions are not a way to endear me to a relationship, but I think that for these particular two it was justified. As with all Boyles’ Seven Suitors books so far I would say it’s rather plot light/obvious but the story was well done. I actually much preferred seeing Chelsea have to really look insider herself and assess why she thinks so negatively about romantic relationships (not just short entanglements) to most of the work between Eryx and Chelsea. Nightmare was just so perfectly there–I couldn’t imagine the story without him. This story really had elements of so many fairy tales that I am not sure I could state which in particular she wanted to highlight; there’s obvious nods towards red riding hood, Cinderella, and Beauty and the Beast. All in all, a great light cozy fantasy book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Kiss My Ash by Lara McKenzie

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Synopsis:
Trauma handled with care. Humor sharp enough to draw blood.

Charlotte Marelli survived human trafficking and a catastrophic marriage.

Her life inside Umbrafore is small and deliberately constructed: work, wine, walls. The supernatural coffee shop runs smoothly. The vampire friend with benefits is a practical arrangement with no feelings involved.

Her therapist recommends rage journaling. Charlotte thinks it’s ridiculous, but starts anyway.

When the truth about her past unravels—about who sold her out, and how far the betrayal goes—Charlotte has to decide whether the life she’s built is living, or just survival.

Review:
“Old vampires were walking lie detectors with enhanced senses and centuries of practice, which was deeply inconvenient.” (Page 13)

“Some people enter a room and improve it. Others enter a room, and I remember that murder requires paperwork.” (Page 18)


“I wasn’t the woman things happened to anymore. I was the woman who happened back.” (Page 300)


We know Charlotte as an icon and this book jumps right in to show us exactly how iconic she is. I didn’t realize how much I needed this book from a slightly older and more experienced woman who everyone considers completely put together and nearly perfect. Everyone has things in their past that have shaped them to who they are today, but seeing how strong Charlotte is really put into perspective the welcoming environment she has created at Pulse. While I had an inkling from the beginning of what the big mystery was going to turn out to be that in no way deterred my great enjoyment from this novel. I absolutely love how scathing and snarky Charlotte can be, and I love that the reason we haven’t already seen that is because of a little journaling habit. (It might have made me wonder if I should do something similar.) All in all I could not get enough of this book, and I would continue reading more of Charlotte if there is more in the future.

This is by far my favourite book in the Umbrafore universe to date. Highly recommend if you’ve read Maya’s Blog book series.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Be Dreaming by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
For witch Astra Arden, newlywed life is almost perfect.
A little too perfect.
Even her snarky owl familiar, Archie, is getting suspicious.

After the chaos of her wedding, Astra is ready for some peace, but instead of mayhem, Forkbridge is facing a wave of… blissful departures. One by one, residents are vanishing overnight, leaving behind happy notes about chasing their wildest dreams. It’s a mystery with no victims, a crime with no culprit, and a town that’s getting emptier by the day.

When Astra’s own sister is the next to follow a mysterious magical calling, the disappearances hit too close to home. Astra senses an ancient, alluring power at work—one that doesn’t want to hurt anyone; it only wants to grant their every wish… forever.

Now, Astra must solve a case where the only crime is getting everything you’ve ever wanted.

No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing – only a captivating story suitable for adults.

Review:
“Real connection isn’t about getting everything you want. It’s about choosing to want the people who choose you back.” (Page 289)

Astra has come a long way from the girl who refused to wear anything but her military uniform and gloves! It’s interesting how Astra is now having to explain and use knowledge and experiences she’s had since coming home to combat with her younger sister feeling how she once felt. Given how clearly Astra wants her sister back more than anything, one has to wonder if the other two who had gone missing would have been chased quite so fervently. As a newlywed it’s great to see Astra trying to plan thinking of others and not just rushing in and expecting to be able to handle everything on her own all the time. It’s been great seeing her grow and adapt and learn and become more than what her job had been in the past, or the star power thrust upon her. I also really loved how a certain cop became a main player in this particular story; it reminded me of how things used to be with Emma and Astra.

As always, a nice cozy mystery and looking forward to the next one, which is available on May 21st.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Little Bean by Lara McKenzie

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Synopsis:
Maya thought marrying a shadow demon warlord was the craziest thing she’d ever do.

Facing escalating attacks from hate groups, Maya discovers that having a hybrid child doesn’t make her vulnerable—it makes her dangerous.

The girl who once apologised for existing is running out of patience with people who want her to be silent.

She’s come too far to shrink.

Review:
“Healing isn’t a straight line. It’s a spirally, messy loop of progress and panic and guilt.” (Page 301)

There was so much wisdom and growth of Maya working through her feelings about family since Little Bean came into the picture. This book also featured what I would consider a more realistic outlook on having a baby than most media does; it is often messy and sleep depriving. I love that despite all that Maya has gone through her voice and style never change and she’s just posting about life as she sees it, even when it seems to be too much (though sometimes those aren’t really posted).

While the ending was decent, I was bummed to think that this series had come to a close. I am elated that another book, book 6 of Maya’s Blogs, is coming out at the end fo this month!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Flat White Flag by Lara McKenzie

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Synopsis:
Maya’s post-resurrection body has developed magical broadcasting capabilities. The signal feeds directly into her fiancé’s nervous system.

She’s also inherited a demonic estate with a flair for psychological warfare and a disturbing passion for other people’s trauma.

Maya’s juggling a shadow-wielding warlord who moisturises with military precision, supernatural politics, and a body evolving faster than her coping mechanisms.

She’s starting to realise something horrifying: she might actually be the powerful one now.

Nobody is more alarmed.

Review:
“You have an alarming number of mugs.”
“I’m a barista.”
“You’re a ceramic hoarder with caffeine dependency issues.” (Page 5)

“It was mine and now it’s yours. That’s how homes work. They adapt, they remember, and they make space for whoever needs them most.” (Page 25)

“Your mother’s email sounds like it was written by someone who thinks mayo is too exotic. Good riddance to that toxic energy.” (Page 55)

This book continued in Maya’s cycle of learning who she is, and that she is perfect being herself. This book was packed full of unexpected plot, including the first real disagreement between Maya and Scorpion. There were times that I was so frustrated about how that panned out; if they just communicated! While as a reader I was frustrated, there was never a time where I felt like the characters were doing anything outside of experiencing a tough time and doing what they thought was best. I absolutely love seeing Maya continue to face new and difficult challenges and find a way to maintain a sunny (caffeinated) outlook and push forward in an unexpected way that shows despite just being a barista, she thinks about the big picture and helping others regularly.

*At this time I have finished the books in the series out so far as of a couple of months ago, so will try to refrain from any commentary that might give future plot points away.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Uncharted Grounds by Lara McKenzie

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Synopsis:
Life hasn’t been normal since a mermaid resurrected Maya Rivers.

Between supernatural side effects, the terrifying mermaid mafia who wants more than she’s prepared to give, and a shadow demon who would raze realms to keep her safe, Maya is trying to figure out who she is—and where she truly belongs.

In a world of chaotic friendship and found family, one thing’s certain: Maya isn’t just surviving anymore.

She’s ready to stand her ground.


Review:
“My bathroom is a battleground, my sleep schedule is a myth, and I no longer wonder why there’s seaweed in the sink.” (Page 13)

“Genevieve is the therapist I never knew I needed. She’s just like, “You’re an idiot and here’s why. Also, I’m stealing your crisps.”” (Page 48)

“I used to think closure came from burning bridges. It turns out that it can also come from walking away quietly and meaning it.” (Page 233)

This book was mostly about how to survive trauma, and still be yourself/not blame yourself for being protected. While Maya has her own place, she is still finding herself and although she has enough to consider after resurrection she certainly ends up with quite the fight in this book as well. I absolutely loved how Maya worked with those she cares about to gain more self esteem and be willing to stand up for herself. This series is also absolutely brilliant at breaking the fourth wall and mocking traditional book/romance novel tropes in hilarious ways (I totally agree with Scorpion!) The ending certainly had me instantly reaching for book 4.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Brew Diligence by Lara McKenzie

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Synopsis:
Just as Maya thinks she can relax into recovery and a budding romance with a demon general, the afterlife throws her a curveball.

The Grim Reaper who saved her wasn’t just locked away—he was erased from existence.

What starts as a rescue mission quickly becomes a masterclass in magical bureaucracy, inter-realm politics, and one seriously unhinged plot twist.

Join Maya again as she blogs her way through enough supernatural shenanigans to short-circuit reality.

Review:
“Don’t they realise I’m just a girl with a weird brain, a ghost cat, and questionable coping mechanisms?” (Page 64)

Maya’s life seems so different after the capture of someone who shall not be named, yet in many ways life continues. I wasn’t upset by the changes she had in her life because she is becoming more stable but there were times it was a bit frustrating that she would continue to fixate on something as a problem that very much was not. I quite enjoyed the new characters introduced and getting to know a bit more of their backstories. I wasn’t expecting the very huge life altering event within this blog sequence (but I bet Maya wasn’t either!)

I loved how everyone that Maya has worked with is willing to come together for her. Slowly she is realizing she is the glue (or the light, as many like to say) that helps everyone work together and stay on the same path. Learning more about Charlotte and her brilliant defense for Gary was truly spectacular. I would love to hear more of Charlotte, and I am very infested in continuing on to see where life takes Maya!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

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Synopsis:
A haunting Southern Gothic from an award-winning master of suspense, A House With Good Bones explores the dark, twisted roots lurking just beneath the veneer of a perfect home and family.

“Mom seems off.”

Her brother’s words echo in Sam Montgomery’s ear as she turns onto the quiet North Carolina street where their mother lives alone.

She brushes the thought away as she climbs the front steps. Sam’s excited for this rare extended visit, and looking forward to nights with just the two of them, drinking boxed wine, watching murder mystery shows, and guessing who the killer is long before the characters figure it out.

But stepping inside, she quickly realizes home isn’t what it used to be. Gone is the warm, cluttered charm her mom is known for; now the walls are painted a sterile white. Her mom jumps at the smallest noises and looks over her shoulder even when she’s the only person in the room. And when Sam steps out back to clear her head, she finds a jar of teeth hidden beneath the magazine-worthy rose bushes, and vultures are circling the garden from above.

To find out what’s got her mom so frightened in her own home, Sam will go digging for the truth. But some secrets are better left buried.

Review:
Creepy is for old Gothic mansions and run-down cabins out in the woods, not cookie-cutter houses in the middle of a subdivision. (Page 31)

I absolutely loved this book. While a haunted house story, this is the very opposite of a house you would expect something ominous to occur in; it’s in a subdivision! The characters have great depth, with clear interests and desires and while Sam likes how her life has turned out, it is also clear why that life might not have appealed to older relatives. Like any proper southern gothic story there is a proper build up of what ifs and someone must be messing with the family moments.

I loved that the neighborhood was so fleshed out and that everyone was clearly not just what the stereotype around them/their interests would make them out to be. There are a great amount of twists and turns and I loved that Sam really looked at everything happening from every scientific angle, especially when worrying about her mother. Despite the strangeness going on, she didn’t suddenly change her entire mindset to just accept what she had always known as not possible. The ending was quite peculiar but most gothic horror (here’s looking at you Lovecraft) has a bit of oddness to it. While the ending concept was certainly unique, I loved how Kingfisher interwove known oddballs of history to make up some of the ancestors’ pasts.

I greatly enjoyed this book and if you like haunted houses, realistic protagonists, vultures, and very sensible people being drawn into something that can’t easily be explained, this book is for you. (I do think most who enjoyed H. P. Lovecraft of Algernon Blackwood would like this book.)

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Squib by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
She’s supposed to find him the perfect match. Falling for him herself was not part of the deal.

Mallory has zero magic. No spells, no shape-shifting and no flashy Preternatural strength. But in the magical city of Coldstream, Mallory has made knowledge her power and she turns secrets and favours into currency.

Enter Alexander MacTire: alpha werewolf, wealthy businessman, and walking temptation. He wants Mallory to find him a mate. She wants absolutely nothing to do with him.

But MacTire isn’t used to hearing no—and Mallory’s not immune to his charm, no matter how hard she tries. What starts as a reluctant business arrangement soon turns into something dangerously personal. Because the more she gets to know him, the less she wants to help him find love … with anyone but her.

The first book in the Coldstream Chronicles is jam-packed full of magic, mayhem, and slow-burn heat. It can be read as a standalone or alongside The Cat Lady Chronicles.

Review:
“You present yourself as flowers and sunshine, Ms Nash, but in truth you possess a core of steel.”
“Titanium.” (Page 14)

I started this after finishing the last Cat Lady Chronicles book that is out now (see my review of A Skirl of Sorcery here). I already was interested in what Mallory’s backstory was going to be; she doesn’t have magic but she does have power. She is wily and has her own sense of self. In many ways Mallory is similar to Kit; more than she appears. This book was very different than those in the Cat Lady Chronicles and while the general who ends up with who was something I had predicted, wanted, and hoped since a certain restaurant scene in one of said Cat Lady Chronicles books, I was oh so pleased by the experience and interwoven client problem Mallory had to work through while dealing with Alexander MacTire. It was also so nice to see Ethan (MacTire’s nephew) again, even though he was a side character in this novel. I quite enjoyed the interactions between Mallory and Alex, and her straight to the point unwillingness to deal with him being an alpha-hole. I am interested to see what Mallory and MacTire end up dealing with in future installments, and hope that Kit becomes involved in helping with their maybe not so little vampire problem. The characters and world were well fleshed out, and of course I cannot wait for the next book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯


*This was read in February, but reviewed just now.