Mx. Phoebe

Sibling rivalry is at its best in Soul Sucker. Kayla Maurais writes teen angst that kicks you in the gut no matter how old you are. Mind you this kind of merges between young adult and new adult genre due to the maturity level of Shea and Dash - never mind their occupation (chuckle).

Soul Sucker is a clean, diverse sibling sci-fi adventure. I had a great time reading it and if you like sci-fi antics then you will too.

I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

Autumn's Deceit changes everything for Aiden Parrish's team and what a shake-up indeed.

Mary Stone keeps the series fresh with new twists and a psychological terror which will last long after the final page. Stone keeps us in the loop as to what the killer is thinking, but knowing where it all originates is the real mystery. I will say that this is a psychological killer who thinks long term. It is soooo good.

Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms.


I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

Surviving Chaos is the prequel in Fires new series “End of Days”. I gotta say that Fires whetted my appetite and I can't wait to join Cass and Daisy on their journey - perilous as it will be. (insert spooky music here (chuckle))

I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.

T.C. Mill and Alex Freeman succeed in their objective. The sex here is imaginative and written well. Now let me get back to that page I bookmarked (chuckle).

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

I love Holiday. I cannot wait for the next book in the series. I don't know whether I want her to stay in the habit or follow the private detective road, but either way I will follow her (chuckle now I can hear Sister Act (Dir. P. Rudnick, 1992) in my head).

Check out the rest of my review at Mx. Phoebe's Viewpoint. Link in bio.


I got this book from my library. I love my local library and you should check out yours too. Request LGBTQ+ books and they will stock them! #freethebooks

The romance in And Then She Kissed Me is one of redemption and second chances. Bliss gives Devon the opportunity to live all of her girlhood dreams with her best friend Sadie. Bliss gives us first kisses, comfortable laughs, and heat. The supporting cast is funny and there are mentions of characters from previous books.

And Then She Kissed Me is a second chance romance for those who crushed on their best friend in high school and always wanted to get the girl.

I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.

Revenge is the name of the game. Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it in For She is Wrath.

I received a free copy of this book, and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

The author gives us a really sweet, cute, and funny romance. I fell in love with both women. I have to be honest, I loved everything about this tale. I just want more and more.

I got this book from my library. I love my local library and you should check out yours too. Request LGBTQ+ books and they will stock them! #freethebooks

What a surprise Moon Dust in My Hairnet is! I just love the diversity of characters. JR Creaden gives us life on the moon that represents what we see around us and I love it.

I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

The one thing you are not supposed to bring up on a first date? Politics. That is kind of hard to avoid if you are the First Daughter and you see a woman you like (laugh). Yolanda Wallace writes about a woman with all of the right curves and style in Robby Rawlins in True Colors. I would have asked her out too if I was Taylor, secret service be damned. (laugh).

Wallace creates quite an interesting premise and conundrum for Robbie and it is interesting to go through her thought process. It was Taylor's journey that had me thinking the most though as I read this just a few weeks ago and was watching the United States get ready for its presidential election. I loved Wallace's interpretation of Taylor's responses to the unfolding events. Then Wallace throws in some action and drama and makes everything spin...very exciting.

True Colors is a wonderful read. If you are wondering what to do while waiting for the results of this election, spend some time falling in love in the middle of politics in True Colors.

I got this book from my library. I love my local library and you should check out yours too. Request LGBTQ+ books and they will stock them! #ebooksforall

Down Among The Mushrooms by William C. Tracy

I really thought a flower was just going to come up and eat someone like Seymour (laugh). Instead William C. Tracy has them shoot some pretty powerful weapons. I do not want to live in this world that Tracy has created. Wow betweeen agism, attacking environmental species, and no real food? Yeah...no. BUT this makes for a very fun read even if it is a bit gory at times. No one is safe from the fauna, but at least Agetha gets to hook up for a minute with Doctor Beth. This is a clean and sweet romance amidst the gore of everyone getting hurt. (laugh)
Dew Diligence by Robin C.M. Duncan

This story is just crazy and by that I mean it has so many twists that you can feel like Julia and never know what is quite going on. I think this is a take on Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, but sshhh I never read the book and I am going by the previews to the movies I have seen. The story moves quickly and has lots of action. There is a sweet romance going on in the background. Dew Diligence focuses on the world of Rowan and just staying alive.

Brie and the Marsh Kraken by Sara Codair

I don't want to give anything away, but I would not be dallying with a kraken (laugh). Just saying.

There is definitely something in the water in Cape Cod. Sara Codair has two childhood friends meet again to save their homesteads from corporate marauders. Luckily for us Brie and Gretchen have unresolved crushes to fix. Odair brings some heat and maybe a helping hand to the task of getting reacquainted. We get action, sex, and a severe anxiety riddden ADHD heroine to root for.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Sorin's tale is a complicated one in Foxfire in the Snow. J.S. Fields takes us on a journey of an alchemist whose world is suddenly changed with the realization that their mother is missing.

Fields takes us through so many emotions as Sorin is betrayed, blackmailed, and bewitched. Sorin is paired with the Royal Daughter Magda who used to be a childhood friend. There is comfort with Magda, but there is also more confusion, pain, and yet again betrayal.

Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.

I love the team of Ada and Louisa! Sarah Bell has created a unique couple to solve mysteries together.

Bell debuts this couple as having already solved a mystery or two and they are already romantically involved. The Murder Next Door mystery starts on the first page. The trail to truth is complicated and absorbing. Bell integrates period history into the tale as it affects many suspects.This unraveling of secrets is impactful and unfortunately very realistic.

Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.

I love football and I love women playing the game. I picked this story because of these things. Lundlin made the book more impactful than just some fluff to read to kick off the season.

Check out the rest of my review at Mx. Phoebe's Viewpoint. Link in bio.

I really enjoyed Unexpected Goals. There is some drama but Kelly Farmer keeps it to a low key level which I appreciate.

I think what I appreciate the most about Farmer's books is the variety of people. Jenny is not as involved as Amy is in the rainbow community, but within the hockey team itself there are a variety of humans who come from different countries, experiences, and with a common goal of playing a sport to the best of their ability. There is even the distasteful Renata who is all about the sport and you have to admire that even if you don't agree with how she showcases her ambition. No one says that she isn't a beast on the ice.

Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.

Oh my gosh I love The Christmas Chevalier so much! Meg Mardell has written one of the sweetest romances I have read this holiday season.

If you are a follower then you know that I am not a huge fan of historical fiction. Mardell makes you forget that you are reading a historical romance. I am saying this, but the simplicity of the time frame actually makes the romance even sweeter. Mardell's descriptions are on point and emphasize what is important: this is a romance.

There is a villian of the tale, but whether it competes against the enemy of fear is not for me to share - no spoiler alerts here! Alvy has been on his road alone for some time and especially during this time period it is a difficult one. Mardell writes a conundrum that is at times witty and bashful...and scary. I wasn't sure at first who Alvy was going to end up with and I loved dancing into the unknown.

The subertuge, the waltz, the arguments, and let me not forget the skating pond mark The Christmas Chevalier as a romantic timepiece. I adore Alvy and Laura together. The journey to recognize true love is one I want to take every year.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

Rachel Gold creates a conversation when you read one of her books. Synclair is no different as it is an intriguing talk about religion. I love the different opinions and ideas that Gold's characters engage in and express. It is actually a process that I am going through right now and Gold's book comes right on time.

Synclair is about more than religious introspection as Gold adds romance to the mix. Now is this done in a typical way? Heck no! It is a Gold book. First we have Kinz, the girl she currently secretly crushes on and who just happens to be her best friend. Then her best friend from the past comes back and she is hot. She is not only gorgeous, but likes girls.

Easy triangle right? (laugh) Then there is an accidental kiss with someone else and talk about complications! I loved it and Synclair. Gold takes on some controversial topics and does it splendidly!

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

This is my second year reviewing Best Lesbian Erotica of the Year published by Cleis Press.What makes this year different from last year's Volume is the language. The language is different in a way that I actually don't have words for.

I actually started this anthology differently than I have ever started one. I looked at the Table of Contents at the titles of the stories. (gasp!) I slowly scrolled down and the last title jumped out at me so hard it was smacking me in the face. (laugh)

I love the title of Amy Butcher's story. I quickly went to the last story of the book and Butcher starts the story dreaming in verse. I have never been that cool. Butcher's story is funny and an ode to every woman who wants to please their partner or be pleased by them. The lamenting of the different types of toys is comical. I kept chuckling over the different types of labels that Butcher uses.

I then went back to my usual randomly selecting a story and I hit on the most beautiful language in Torrent and Tumult: A Bipolar Romance. June Amelia Rose writes so...and here is where I lose my words. Rose is descriptive and eloquent. There is poetry to the writing and it is about such tough subjects as addiction, mental health, ostracism, loneliness, and submission. Rose shares the pain, but the words are so beautiful that the pictures drawn seem at odds with the suffering. I don't know if any of that made sense, but Rose's story hit me in the gut it is so beautiful.

Color me illuminated because I did not know that an asexual story could make me sigh when no fun happens. Nicole Field brings asexuality into a new light for me in Three Options. The sensuality of a kiss is vivid. The importance of a kiss and kissing is lost nowadays (my personal opinion), but Field makes me want to go out and grab someone and kiss them for hours. Field actually makes me ache. Then the limitations of foreplay is such a powerful tool. It enforces the parties to focus and is a great D/s tactic. I don't see it that often and Field utilizes it brilliantly. I love seeing an orientation that someone would not connect with erotica published.

I loved experiencing Kyla's first time having intimacy as a woman. Kathleen P. Lamothe also asked a question even I have not heard of before (laugh) - I feel so out-of-date. Now I get the color answer that Kyla gives later.

Sinclair Sexsmith says in the Introduction, “I love “fun.” Sexsmith echoes my thoughts exactly about what fun means to me. Sexsmith also says that idea of this volume is to expand the reader's thoughts as to what is erotic and what is an erotic experience. For me, one of the major stimulators is words. Sexsmith hopes that we find this volume “delicious”. Sexsmith has succeeded, it is so delicious and I want to get drunk on it...everyday.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

This is a heavily edited review, to read the full review please go to my blog.

Mona is having a time tough at the Academy: each spell she casts conjures a kitten.

Ever since Mona started at Grimalkin Academy her magic has not been working correctly. Mind you she has been working magic since she was four-years-old and never had a problem. Then she went to a party a week ago and every time she practices magic a kitten appears.

If that was Mona's only problem that would still be too big. Ivy, one of the mean girls at the Academy, has put Mona in her crosshairs. Thomas, a professor's assistant, wants to help find a cure for her loss of magic. The new boy at the Academy, Caspian, is actually interested in her, but that is only until he realizes that no one likes her. Then her best friend Daphne is pressuring her to tell her twin brother that she crushes on him.

No pressure.

First Time's A Charm (Amazon, B07NR13958, 2019) is truly charming in its confusion, sarcastic wit, and kittens. Arizona Tape has competition in the Academy field as I am starting to crush on Laura Greenwood with this series.

There is mystery and witty one-liners that make you chuckle. The poly relationships are on a backwards slow-burn in this book which I am starting to realize is a trend with Greenwood. I have to admit that while I was reading, I was already trying to figure out who the bad guys are (laugh).

Already Greenwood has left us some clues and some deep staring off into space moments (huge hint right there!!!!!). Just saying.

If you have not started this series, right now is the perfect time as Greenwood has just announced that this series is complete. So read along with me because this looks like a good one rainbows.

I do not know how Laura Greenwood does it, but she has made being back at Grimalkin Academy seem fresh in Catching A Vampire. Mind you this series came before the Kitten series which I have already reviewed, but she managed to keep Daphne's life pretty much a secret in the Kitten series. So here I am back at the Academy and looking at it through the fresh eyes of Heath and Daphne.

I have to say that it is pretty cool. The mystery ahead has been hinted at, but Greenwood is concentrating on the romance between Daphne and Heath in Vampire. Greenwood has given us a couple of villains already and there has to be another that we just cannot see yet. (hehehehe)

I am getting excited. Lucky for me I already have the next book.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

On the run from demons, Amy is hidden at the Ember Academy for Young Witches. Now to tell her what she is.

Amelia, aka Amy, has always been different. She suffers from ADHD and her brain processes information at a faster pace than other kids her age. She is trying a new medication, but the side effects are horrific headaches.

One night while out with her parents, cousin, and her Aunt Jessie, they are attacked by demons. Demons that say they want her! They slice her Mom's throat and curse her mother.

Now she is hiding away at an Academy for witches while her mother lies in a coma. Everyone is keeping secrets from her telling her that she will know that truth one day. Meanwhile, demons and who knows who else is trying to kill her.

Then she sees the girl she kissed at a party last summer. Her name is Natalie and by the way, she is a vampire. I should probably tell you about her friends....

I loved this book! The academy trope is a familiar one to me of late, but this one beats all and I will tell you why.

L.C. Mawson introduces a plethora of characters from almost every area of life in Basics of Spellcraft (Amazon, B082853L1Z, 2019) the first in her “Ember Academy for Young Witches” series. Amy has mental health issues and is just discovering and coming to terms with her sexuality. She is also having to grow up fast within her boundaries to handle new experiences.

The other characters deal with issues that range from transitioning to a girl, sexuality, race (and not just being Asian), autism, parental death, parental abandonment, and bullying. There are consequences that are permanent. Mawson does not take the easy way out of some situations.

Did I forget to mention action, romance, mystery, and magic? (laugh) Mawson gives us the full package in Basics. If this is the introduction to the Academy, then sign me up for more! ✶✶✶✶✶

I received an ARC of this book from Author L.C. Mawson and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

Derin Dark has done everything possible to keep his family safe from the Government. He has suppressed everything about himself to promote their status. Finally, he is graduating as a Lieutenant and raising his family's status to “Patriots”. They will be able to eat better and have more privileges.

This europhia last but a moment when the rebels strike at the graduation parade. Derin's brother is caught as a trader. A young man, Dylan, that Derin secretly crushes on is also accused.

The government holds a “Trial of the People”, a televised execution decided by the people of the accused and their entire family. Decisions and choices have to be made...and is it possible to beat the government from within a cage?

Heroes of Englandom (Silver Moon, B07VCH6B14, 2019) is the first book in the “Englandom” series by Erik Jacobs with a gay young man as the hero. Jacobs is detailed in his explanation of everything from the Caste system to clothing to the action on the ground.

Derin is a conflicted character who has done everything for family. Jacobs writes a strong character to look respect and admire. The love story between Derin and Dylan is sweet.

There are some intense scenes and issues such as familial death. Overall, Heroes is the beginning of Derin and Dylan's journey against the hierarchy and it will be interesting to see where they go.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

Ylva is facing the evil that took her husk and she has to decide whether to fight or run to fight another day.

Ylva finds herself untethered in the Veil and then attached to the man who took the wolves from the Academy. He brings her to the Forest of Illusion where she finds herself stuck until she solves the puzzle of the Forest only to end up with more than she bargained for in the process for freedom always has a price. Upon her the Academy, nothing returns to normal as once again Ylva faces yet another animal who decides she makes a nice lunch. She once again survives to find the world changed again for her and those around her as a time clock has been started and it is a race against time as lips are sealed, battles are fought and lost, and Ylva is once again standing alone in the darkness.

It is so hard not to give anything away (banging my head). I waited with lots of anticipation for this sequel and Arizona Tape did not disappoint with Valkyrie 102: How to become a Valkyrie her second book in “The Afterlife Academy” series. I got short of breath just typing the above because so much more happens and I want to tell you, but I cannot because I want to live to see the next book (laugh). Tape takes us on a whirlwind with Ylva and it is actually a good whirlwind for her character, not so much our hearts or her's, but for the character. Ylva is facing more than just the man that took her wolf, but her determination to be who she wants to be as she faces the battles on her own. In the first book, she was determined to find as many allies as possible and in this one she ends up fighting most of the battles on her own. Her relationship with Ryoko is a typical one for two teenagers, they share loving scenes and fight scenes. I love them together. Just like with LOL, we need to start an “Afterlife Academy” club because I need someone to discuss my theories with and I already have so many - Tape makes the series addicting and there is nothing more that a reader wants and hates and that is to crave the next book. I hope you are on this journey with me because Tape makes it worth the wait.

Valkyrie 201 is due out in September 2019, I will be trying to snoop around the Academy in the meantime...(ssshhh don't tell Arizona what I'm doing).

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P.S. Did anyone catch what the guide in Forest of Illusions said to Ylva many times: “Remember, everything is an illusion,” that has stuck in my head and made me think this better not be a when Bobby wakes up dream. Just saying Arizona you have to show up at a conference sometime (laugh - just joking).

T.B. Markinson continues the angst and fun of Tegan and Gemma in Girl Love Happens Season Two. I think I was chuckling for a couple of hours after Tegan's meeting with The Hobbit. Let's just say that Markinson's klutzy Tegan provides plenty of laughs.

Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.

Can a strip club owner and a dancer find happiness when one keeps getting accused of murder and the other is a murderer?

Cordelia is settling in to her role dancing at Mallory's strip club when she accepts a date with a cop who will not take “no” for an answer. In heat and being stalked by a crazy cop is only the beginning for Cordelia, but luckily for her Mallory steps in when she is attacked on stage. Mallory does not date or do long-term relationships, but she is in heat too and she and her coyote have an itch for Cordelia. Trouble keeps the pair on their toes as they are being attacked on all fronts as Mallory is being accused of murders she did not commit though someone keeps setting her up. Cordelia is running from secrets from her past, the crazy stalker, secrets she is learning in her new town, and people who keep trying to kill her. To add to all of the craziness, there is not just one serial killer in town who is trying to keep hidden and keep killing too.

Serenity Snow knows how to pack a mystery and let me tell you Cordelia falls into a lot mysteries (laugh) in Catching a Coyote. Snow writes an interesting character with Cordelia as not only is she running from a mysterious past, but she has amazing powers and shifting capabilities. Her ability to compartmentalize is astounding with everything that is thrown at her within the story and though I do not understand her choices sometimes, she at least does (laugh). Snow creates great chemistry between Mallory and Cordelia and their first full-blown sex scene is everything a reader could want in a sex scene. Unfortunately, it takes place early in the book and there really is not much after that. I personally would have liked more sex as with all of the talking in the beginning of the book about all of the sex, it would have been nice if the story backed it up. All talk - no action (laugh). I do like the story though and would definitely read another Snow book and I recommend this one.

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