Two friends. Two worlds. A selfish desire that threatens them both.

Raijin killed a witch and found himself cursed.

Sandro went to Raijin’s aid and became an assassin’s target.

Neither expected that they would trigger the biggest upheaval their world had seen in a thousand years.

And that it needed the love between them to lift the curse.

Cursed, the second book in the Balance of Magic series, is a slow-burn m/m fantasy romance featuring friends-to-lovers who become soulmates, irate death gods, curses, inept, narcissistic politicians, curious, compassionate witches, and a found family.

Purchase Link: Amazon.com

Goodreads: Cursed by Jackie Keswick

Review

Rating: 5 stars

*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*

Cursed is the second book in the A Balance of Magic series. Picking up where the first book left off, we find Raijin trying to make sense of the events and their aftermath, as well as being appointed the new hunter for the Yamakage Clan.

Sandro is an orphan born into the Lugano Clan, but ostracised for reasons unknown to him after his parents’ death. Instead, he is raised in the Custodia, always wondering the truth of his past. When Raijin arrives at the Custodia, he is partnered with Sandro and the two quickly form a close friendship, which eventually turns into something more. Together they face demons and witches, whilst both trying to unravel secrets from their pasts.

I really enjoyed reading the second instalment to the series. It expanded greatly on the world created in the first novel. I loved how the author wove different mythologies and cultures together to create something truly unique. The characters of Raijin and Sandro were very different from each other. Raijin’s self-assurance contrasts against Sandro’s inverted nature, but the two just work perfectly together despite being opposites. I was also glad to see the inclusion of Rakurai and Tenzen from book one in the series, and I cannot wait to see what will happen next!

The Shivering Ground blends future and past, earth and otherworldliness, in a magnetic collection that shimmers with art, philosophy, dance, film, and music at its heart.

A haunting medieval song in the mouth of a guard, an 1800s greatcoat on the shoulders of a playwright experiencing a quantum love affair, alien worlds both elsewhere and in the ruined water at our feet: these stories startle us with the richness and emptiness of what we absolutely know and simultaneously cannot pin into place.

In the tender emotions, hidden ecological or relational choices, and the sheer weight of a compelling voice, readers “hear” each story, endlessly together and apart.

Purchase: Amazon.com

Goodreads: The Shivering Ground & Other Stories by Sara Barkat

Review

Rating: 5 stars

*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*

I enjoy reading short stories and Sara Barkat’s collection offered something different, and it did not disappoint.

The collection is a combination of different genres with unique and interesting characters weaving together tales that captivate the reader. The stories are written in a way that leave you with a feeling not unlike melancholy. Each tale is wonderfully descriptive and written in different styles to suit the genre.

The stories provide enough answers not to leave you feeling frustrated but there is an emphasis on letting the reader decide and come to their own conclusions, which I really liked.

If you enjoy short stories that leave you contemplating the outcomes, I highly recommend this collection.

The seed of evil has been planted …

What will happen when its roots take hold?

Ékleipsis: The Abyss is the second short story collection by the award-winning author.

Tales of depravation and insanity are woven together with unrelenting style and depth, scrutinizing human nature’s degeneration when compromised by tragic, vicious circumstances.

These complex, wretched individuals and the irremediable conditions they are desperate to claw out of—or into—invoke the unfathomable question: What devastation are we truly capable of when left with no way out but down . . . into the obscurity of the abyss?

Purchase: Amazon.com

Goodreads: Ékleipsis: the Abyss by Tamel Wino 

Review

Rating: 5 stars

*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*

Ékleipsis: the Abyss is a collection of short horror novels with a focus on the darker side of human nature. I was drawn to reading this collection as the premise and ideas behind it sounded really gripping and promised an intense and dark read. It did not disappoint.

Each tale is a standalone story with well-developed characters. Some are good people to which bad things happen, some are morally grey, and others are definitely darker in nature. The stories are paced perfectly and there are many twists and turns to keep you guessing until the last minute. Some play off more modern threats (internet stalkers!) and others on more traditional fears (hitchhiking and ending up in a car with a possible serial killer), and each one delves into the human mind and the natures of the protagonists and antagonists alike.

If you enjoy psychological horror and short stories, then I recommend you reading Ékleipsis: the Abyss!

A romantic trip to Paris…
… A dead body at a famous landmark.A trip to Paris for Ram’s birthday was never going to go smoothly. From the second he spots a police presence while exploring a monument and learns there’s been a murder, he’s chomping at the bit to get involved – and when he’s recognised by a fan, he gets his chance.

With Will sucked into the investigation as well, this should a chance for them to enjoy an international reputation and solve a case for the Paris police. But as more bodies appear and the case gets more complicated, their unfamiliar surroundings could turn around and bite them.
Locked out of their hotel, with their cash stolen and an unfriendly police force shutting them out, Ram and Will might just come up against their biggest opponent yet. Are they embroiled in a conspiracy that could overtake them entirely – or are the shadows in the corners of Notre-Dame really just shadows?

Purchase: Amazon.com

Goodreads: Blood Sacrifice (Serial Investigations #8) by Rhiannon D’Averc

Review

Rating: 5 stars

When Will and Ram take a romantic trip to Paris for Ram’s birthday, work couldn’t be further from their minds and least of all that they might get caught up in a murder investigation. However, when a captain of the Parisian polices asks them to consult on a case, neither of them feel that they can turn down a chance to raise their profile with their first international case. The ritualistic murder scene was never going to be a straightforward case to solve and as the death count begins to rise, Will and Ram find themselves getting drawn in deeper. The killings are just the start and what they discover could once again put their lives in danger.

I was excited to read this eighth book in the series, and especially so because it takes our heroes away from London and their familiar surroundings. Paris is a great setting for a murder mystery, especially one with so many twists and turns. I enjoyed seeing how their investigations went down in unfamiliar territory and their interactions with the French police. I liked Captain Varon’s character, even if Will and Ram weren’t so fond of him! And I would like to see a reappearance from him in future novels.

This time the mystery takes on much darker tones and, on the surface, appears to be a ritual or satanic killing. However, it would seem that more sinister forces are at play and that this is setting the scene for something much bigger.

This is another excellent instalment to the series, and I cannot wait to find out what happens next!

Ram has spotted his dream locked room mystery case on the news – and he’ll stop at nothing to get himself involved with it. The problem is, newly-minted DCI Alex Heath isn’t too happy about it – and neither is his successor as DI…

An invitation to go home and visit family should be a happy occasion, but for Will, it’s quite the opposite. Spiralling into doubt and fear about Ram outing him to his parents, Will risks pushing him away entirely. And when he does go home, things aren’t going to be plain sailing. Will’s father is an ex-Ambassador, and he’s got many years of finding out secrets behind him.

As both are rocked by revelations about Will’s past and his present, Ram and Will have to contend with doubting policemen, ugly habits rearing their heads, and the struggle to trust one another. And there’s the question of how Harry got that black eye…

Purchase Link: Amazon.com

Goodreads:  Blood Pressure (Serial Investigations #7) by Rhiannon D’Averc

Review

Rating: 5 stars

When Will and Ram learn that Alex has a locked room case, Ram is determined to get involved. After all what PI could resist a challenge like this? However, both Alex and the new DI aren’t too keen on having their input, not that this will stop Ram from trying! But first they need to survive a visit to Will’s parents who have no idea that their son is gay, and that Ram is anything more than a friend. Events threaten to push them apart as does Will’s father when he finally learns the truth. Throwing themselves into the case might be what they both need, especially when it seems that the police may need their help after all.

I couldn’t wait to read book 7 in the series. I have loved Will and Ram since book 1 and the series just keeps getting better and better. Now that they are in a relationship, they have further difficulties to overcome. Despite some old issues threatening to come between them, what I love about this couple is that they are there for each other when it counts despite everything that is thrown at them.

The mystery is just as intriguing as ever and I enjoyed following the case and trying to work it out for myself too! Again it was full of suspense and twists that I never saw coming!

I thoroughly enjoyed Blood Pressure and cannot wait to read book 8 in the series!

Until death does us part, but it’s knocking on our door…

I’d had enough. That’s how I found myself in a dingy alleyway with my revolver in my hand. I was sick and dying anyway, and there was nothing I could do about it. Nothing except maybe taking back some shred of control by going out on my own terms.

One deep breath. Two… Three… Four…

Surrounded by the darkness of my own mind, this was the only solution I could see, but before I could do something I’d regret, rock star Anno Goodkind crashed into my life and flipped it upside down.

It was supposed to be one casual hookup. No complications and definitely no feelings. No, the most logical thing to do would be to stuff my emotions down so nobody got hurt. Especially not him. But nobody told me that love didn’t give a damn about logic.

CONTENT WARNING: This story has a HEA but deals with heavy themes of illness, suicide, anxiety, and depression. Reader discretion is advised.

Goodreads: Never Fade Away by E.L. Esch

Purchase: Amazon.com 

Review

Rating: 5 stars

*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*

Vincent is dying. His doctors say that he has at the most five years before cancer takes his life. Weary of the fight and the lack of control of his own destiny, he makes a decision that finds him in an alley after a gig, gun in hand and set to take back control by ending his own life. What he doesn’t expect is for rockstar Anno Goodkind to literally crash into his life and save it that night. Before long, Vincent finds himself falling for the man who saved him. Much to Vincent’s dismay, Anno has feelings for him too. But how can Vincent allow them to embark on a relationship when he has so little time left?

Never Fade Away is not an easy read. There are trigger warnings and some readers may find it upsetting. For me, the realism and sometimes stark way that the issues were dealt with invoked a rawness that whilst at times was heart-breaking, made this a truly emotional read.

The story is told from Vincent’s perspective and the insight you gain into his different emotions whilst trying to come to terms with his diagnosis is at times painful but creates a deeper connection with the character. Anno has his own struggles as Vincent’s attempted suicide brings back the pain of his friend’s death. It is beautiful reading how the relationship grows in such circumstances and despite the dark subjects, there is a ray of hope for a better outcome.

This is a highly emotional read and one that I very much recommend.