Book Review: The Wolf's Curse by Alex Gates

Title: The Wolf's Curse
Series: Reapers Reborn Chronicles #1
Author: Alex Gates
Genre: Fantasy; Paranormal; Supernatural; Werewolves; Witches
Publication Date: February 19, 2024

Doryan Miller's life takes an otherworldly turn when he finds himself joining a team of supernatural misfits.

Meet Doryan, a man with the strange gift of chatting with the dearly departed. For most of his life, the dead have kept him company as he wandered across the country. But then, without warning, he's thrust into a world where werewolves roam and ancient magic exists.

He's recruited by Project Phoenix, a secret squad of individuals led by the enigmatic Erik Haller. Their mission? Hunt down things that go bump in the night and keep humanity safe from the forces of darkness… but their first gig is no simple paranormal pest control. They're tracking a werewolf, and this shapeshifter isn't your average furry friend.

As the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur, it's a race against time for "Project Phoenix." Can they stop the beast before it sinks its claws into more victims?

Rating

*I received a copy of this book digitally for free and am leaving this review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

 I was curious about this book after reading the synopsis. Doryan seems like such an interesting character and his ability to interact with spirits and the Phoenix Project had me immediately picking this up to read. I was glad that I was correct about Doryan. He seems to be a very unique character and individual and the way he handles everything makes him feel real. The other characters were okay. I liked that the 'muscle' Adria was female (although, a little too 'not like other girls' she even mentions how she doesn't get along with them). The plot was okay but I feel like there was just too much crammed into this book, at times it just felt like too much. I know that the first book is a setup for the series but it's okay to slow down and let things progress as the bigger story unfolds.

Overall, an interesting start but a little too jam-packed. 

Anthology Review: Classic Monsters Unleashed

Title: Classic Monsters Unleased
Edited by: James Aquilone
Authors: Joe R. Lansdale, F. Paul Wilson, Jonathan Maberry, Ramsey Campbell, Lisa Morton, Owl Goingback, Richard Christian Matheson, Seanan Mcguire, Maurice Broaddus, Dacre Stoker, Linda D. Addison, Kim Newman, Alessandro Manzetti, Geneve Flynn, Tim Waggoner, John Palisano, Simon Bestwick, Lucy A. Snyder, Monique Snyman, J.G. Faherty, Michael Knost, David Surface, Kelsea Yu, Lindy Ryan, Gaby Triana, Gary A. Braunbeck, Sean Eads, Joshua Viola, Carlie St. George, Mercedes M. Yardley, Rena Mason, Leverett Butts
Genre: Anthology; Fantasy; Horror; Paranormal; Werewolf; Vampires
Publication Date: July 12th, 2022
Publisher: Black Spot Books

Stories of famous monsters in a new horror anthology edited by James Aquilone and featuring Joe R. Lansdale, F. Paul Wilson, Jonathan Maberry, Ramsey Campbell, and many others.

Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dr. Moreau, the Headless Horseman, the Invisible Man, the Phantom of the Opera, the Wicked Witch of the West—they're all here, in this collection of horror short stories that reimagine, subvert, and pay homage to our favorite monsters and creatures.

Rating

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

I actually started reading this a while ago as I wanted to do this review for Halloween, but life got in the way (as it always does). I finally finished it and I am so happy that I did. I loved the different takes on each Monster. This anthology was so refreshing as I was getting tired of all the same monster horror tropes and knowing exactly how each story was going to end. Like most Anthologies, I did like other stories more than others, but that is always expected. Each author's reimagined monster added something new to the monster genre. I'm glad I wasn't left feeling disappointed or let down when I finished this book and will be looking up a lot of the authors that contributed to this book. 

Overall, a new exciting take on the Classic Monsters in Horror.

Book Review: Of Mates and Magic by Maggie Francies

Title: Of Mates and Magic
Series: Eliza Falls #1
Author: Maggie Francis
Genre: Romance; Supernatural; Werewolf; Witches
Publication Date: January 10, 2022

Cora:
If you’d asked me when I was a kid if I thought being able to control fire was on my list of Cool Things About Me, I’d have said heck yeah! Turns out controlling the elements is a little trickier than you’d think. Especially since a certain someone moved to town and threw my magic into a tizzy. He’s big, broody and sexy as hell. Just thinking about him makes my hair stand up and my fingers tingle. If only he’d talk to me instead of grunting and glaring all the time, I think I could talk back to him.

But my magic is unpredictable and I can’t let him get too close, for his own good. It’s better for everyone this way.

Seb:
The moment I met her, I knew Cora was the only one for me. After years spent searching for home, I’ve found it in the cagey glare of a woman who lights me up inside and sends me into a spiral of longing. She’s brilliant, beautiful and as salty as a honey badger. Utterly perfect in every way.

I just need to use my words and not grunt at her like a caveman whenever I see her. But my Wolf wants to claim her in very carnal and biblical ways. It takes all my energy to contain his enthusiasm, making for a lot of awkward interactions. Every damn time.

But now that I’ve found her, my Wolf won't be satisfied until we build a home for her and she accepts us as Mates. I just need to control the beast inside me long enough to convince her to give me the time of day and earn her love.

 Rating

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

Hello Fellow Readers,

This was such a cute and sexy romance, and it was a plus that it also had supernatural elements. Cora is a witch who tries very hard to stay in control of her magic. Seb is a werewolf trying to find his pack, the problem is that Cora is his mate she just doesn't know it yet. 

I love that despite the whole mate dynamic Seb was patient with Cora, he doesn't try to force or dominate her (until she wants him to). Cora of course feels drawn to Seb, and not just because he's hot but deep down as something primal. Seb and Cora are both just great and I love the alternating POV. I tend to lean toward romances that you can read both the thoughts and feelings of the main lead. I feel like it gives more insight into the romance and it really did in Of Mates and Magic. 

When the two finally get together oh do we get sparks and spice... so much spicy goodness. They were Hot! Francis does such a good job with the smut scenes, we can really feel the chemistry between the two leads and the mating dynamic takes it to a whole other level. I love how the "conflict" was mostly an internal thing for Cora and Francis also captured this very well. It wasn't just some stupid situation. I can't wait to read the next book in the series featuring Tate, Seb's fun brother. 

Overall, a sexy start to this supernatural romance series.