November sped by and December arrived when I wasn't looking (or, more likely, when I was frantically editing two books at once...). I threw myself into Christmas decorating this week and reading holiday books and listening to Christmas music, and I maybe have figured out Christmas is in a few weeks. Or maybe it hasn't sunk in yet. Either way, it's time to talk about what I read last month.

Graveyard Shift by Jenn Burke: This latest book (hopefully not last? please?) in the Not Dead Yet series was fantastic. I also cried a ridiculous amount. This book killed me. I mean, don't be scared, there's a happily ever after here, but so many tears before we get there. I loved the three books in this series. If you like paranormal romance, go get Not Dead Yet and start reading these.

Witchblood by Lissa Kasey: I've been meaning to read this book for a while, and I'm so glad I finally did. It's another paranormal romance with witches and magic and shifters and kitsune lore. I'm definitely hoping for more from this world.

Gilded Cage by KJ Charles: This book was wonderful. Let's start there. A Victorian era romance/mystery with Susan Lazarus, lady detective, and Templeton Lane, jewel thief...who have major history. This book brings together three of the author's series, and as someone who's read all of them, that was so much fun (I'm still quite disappointed in Dickie Vane, though. What would his uncle Richard think of how he turned out?). I loved seeing how everything entwined and finding out more about favorite characters...and for Susan to get a book! And she is just as fantastic as I'd hoped when first meeting her as a almost-feral child in An Unnatural Vice. She's grown up into a strong, determined woman (she's also bisexual, if you're looking for bi rep in m/f books). You don't have to read all of those other books, nor even the other books in this series--Any Old Diamonds and The Ratcatcher's Daughter—to understand this book, but they're all so good, you should think about doing it anyway.

Vendetta in Death by JD Robb: This is the 49th book in the In Death series, a series of futuristic/sci-fi/mystery romances, and I'm still happily reading all of them, enjoying my time with Eve, Roarke, and their family. I got who the murderer was pretty quickly in this one, but I still enjoyed the ride.

The Takeover Effect by Nisha Sharma: Nisha is a fellow NJRW member, and I've been really excited to read this book. It's a desi contemporary romance by a South Asian author that includes a tense corporate/tech espionage and legal thriller type plot as well. Really good (I especially loved heroine Mina, who is a badass lawyer), and I'm looking forward to the next two books about the other Singh brothers.

A Prince on Paper by Alyssa Cole: It took me far too long to get to this last book in the Reluctant Royals series, which is sad because it was so much fun. I'd been waiting for Nya's book after meeting her in the previous books in the series, and Johan intrigued me in the previous book as well. They're fun together in their fake relationship that turns into more. I also loved Johan as the protective big brother. Also, bisexual hero in an m/f book is great to see.

Bitter Heat by Leta Blake: I really enjoyed this latest book in the Heat of Love series. It's the story of Kerry, trying to escape an abusive relationship and heal, and Janus, trying to redeem himself for his past behavior. Their relationship is a lovely, slow burn build from friends to lovers. I also really enjoyed learning about what's happened to the characters from the previous book, especially Caleb, who I adored in that one.

​What have you read and loved lately?

It's November (somehow...???) and time to talk about books we read and enjoyed in October. I decided to try to stick to books that were either paranormal or felt otherwise seasonal for my reading last month, so that's what you'll find on this list. I reread a few favorites too, which I'm pretty sure I listed when I wrote about Halloween book recs, so I'm going to list the ones I read for the first time here:

Mastering the Flames by SJ Himes: This fourth book in the Beacon Hill Sorcerer series has a slightly different feel than the first three, which makes sense because we're seeing the world through Isaac and Constantine's eyes this time around. And it was really good. I loved their romance and seeing more of favorite characters and the paranormal world set in modern day Boston. I went back and did a reread of the first three books after and now I can't wait for more!

Defender by Claire Cullen: Defender is the first book in a new shifter series, The Lost Pack. I was intrigued by the world building and characters, and I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes.

Beating the Bounds by Parker Foye: Beating the Bounds is a short novella set around Halloween and involving the fae. I could've wished for more (I almost always want more and longer stories!), but the setting and atmosphere were wonderful and the f/f romance was lovely.

Deosil by Jordan L Hawk: This is the 11th and final book in the Whyborne & Griffin historical fantasy romance series, and I can't believe it's over. It's been one of my favorite series and one of my most reread (I'd been doing an audio reread in the lead up to this book too). Though I'm sad it's the last book with these characters, it was a lovely and satisfying conclusion. The paranormal threat that had been building over the series is dealt with well, and the relationships are all handled beautifully, so we remember that family is one of the big themes of the series. I can only be grateful to the author for creating these characters and the horrible murder town that I would move to in a heartbeat. If you haven't read it, start with Widdershins and binge your way through it. I'm a little jealous of you getting to discover it for the first time.

Mainly by Moonlight by Josh Lanyon: This little paranormal mystery was definitely a fun romp—it also absolutely reminded me of the television show Bewitched, which was possibly deliberate, as we have a witch who doesn't seem to use his powers much marrying a human with no magic who doesn't believe/know about it. Here, the witch is accused of murder and the fiancee is the police commissioner, to add a bit of a wrinkle. I'll be reading the next to see what happens between these two. (As an aside, I never understood why Samantha was so willing to not use her magic in that show. I would never!)

Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova: This young adult fantasy is about a bisexual Latina teenager who is also a powerful bruja refusing to use her powers. The world building is fantastic, especially the world of Los Lagos, where Alex has to journey to save her family. I'm definitely going to pick up the next book in the series.

Monster Till Midnight by EJ Russell: This short is so much fun! Set at Halloween, it has aspects of magic and time travel, and also a sweet romance. And while I would love to know more about what happens to these two guys, this story was so well done and well-realized, it didn't feel at all incomplete.

Love Spells (For the End of the World) by Alys Murray: This was a cute, quick read about a witch and the witch hunter who vowed to kill her when they were teenagers having to team up to save the world—and fall in love.

What did you read and love in October?

October begins my favorite time of year—autumn is my favorite season, but really, I love the whole time straight through Christmas. It's definitely not time to think about Christmas, though, not with Halloween a day away and lots more fall still on the horizon. I love watching the leaves change color and smelling woodsmoke on the crisp air. I love pulling out my boots and cozy sweaters and walking with the leaves crunching under foot. I love baking pumpkin muffins and cookies and all sorts of autumn treats. I love dressing up for Halloween, though I don't always have the opportunity anymore. And I love reading books that put me into the feel of the season.

I thought I'd share some books recs for this time of year with you. Just so you know, I am not a horror fan at all. I'm good with spooky and eerie and a little scary at times, but horror and I don't get along. Most of the recs I'm sharing aren't super scary, but most are paranormal and because of that or because of a seasonal feel, they seem appropriate for this time of year and Halloween.

A Little Familiar and Nothing More Certain by R Cooper: I love these little gems. They're paranormal, and they feel so autumnal and warm and cozy, just the perfect mood for this time of year. The romances are lovely and sweet too. I probably read them every year.

Once Upon a Haunted Moor by Harper Fox: This book has all of the atmospheric and lyrical writing I expect from Harper Fox. It's seasonal and a bit scary and the beginning of a wonderful romance and series centered on Gideon and Lee.

Hainted by Jordan L Hawk: Actually lots of Jordan L Hawk's books would be good for this post, maybe all of them. I'm actually doing an audio reread of the Whyborne & Griffin series right now, which lined up well with October, though I've been doing it because the last book was just released. They're all paranormal romance, some contemporary, some historical, all really good.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness: Vampires, witches, daemons and a mix of romance, mystery, and history that is really compelling. This first book in the series is set around this time of year, so it feels even more appropriate to me. There's also a television show of the book now, which I really enjoyed even though it's a bit different from the book.

Vespers by Liv Rancourt and Irene Preston: I really enjoyed this vampire romance (which is the beginning of a series!), and I love the atmospheric setting of New Orleans.

Spindrift by Amy Rae Durresson: A really lovely romance and a seriously creepy ghost story all in one book.

Trick or Treat by Sydney Blackburn: This is such a sweet, adorable Halloween-themed short. Not a paranormal, but a meet cute romance set at Halloween.

I'll stop there, or I'll go on forever! Do you have any favorite books for autumn or Halloween?

Time continues to pass far too quickly and somehow it's October and time to talk about books read in September. I didn't do much reading while I was away at the beginning of the month and most of what I read was rereads in audio. I've been continuing my reread of Jordan L Hawk's Whyborne & Griffin series in anticipation of the last book coming out soon, but I alternated that with the audio of Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly's Forbidden Desires series. Those books are so fun, and somehow the audio made it even better. I had to stifle laughter on planes and out on my morning walks so much. Here are some other books I read and enjoyed in September:

A Crown of Iron and Silver by Hailey Turner: This urban fantasy series has gotten better and better with each book. I very much enjoyed this third book. The relationship between the main characters keeps developing in wonderful ways, and the world building and plot just keep deepening I'm really intrigued to see what happens next. Definitely start with the first book in the series so you can understand what's going on. 

​A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas: How have I waited so long to read this? The first book in Sherry Thomas's gender-flipped Lady Sherlock series is so good. I love the little references to Sherlock Holmes canon and all the differences too. The second book is ready and waiting for me on my Kindle.

Fated Hearts by Garrett Leigh: This is a fated mates shifter story, which isn't what I expected from Garrett Leigh, but was really good. There's lots of action and the world is interesting, and I really liked the characters. I'm looking forward to seeing where the Shadow Bound series goes next.

​Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan: This was an excellent YA fantasy with intriguing world building and a lovely f/f romance. It also sets up a sequel that I'll be looking for. (Content warning for sexual assault/aftermath of sexual assault and violence)

​Polaris Rising by Jessie Mihalk: Badass space princess on the run teams up with a shady character to save them both and the universe. How could I not with that set up? It has a fantastic blend of science fiction, action, and romance, and some great characters. I'm looking forward to reading the second book, Aurora Rising, which just came out.

The Rat-Catcher's Daughter by KJ Charles: This novella was delightful. It fills in a little gap in the Lily-white Boys series and also refers to beloved characters from an earlier series (as a fan, I was super excited by that). The romance trans f/cis m asexual romance was just lovely too, and my only complaint is that I wish it were longer (because I want more of the characters, not because it wasn't well developed on its own). Thankfully, the next book in the series is out in a few weeks, so I won't have long to wait.

What have you read and loved lately?

It's time for another reading post, though I'm not sure how...where did August go? As much as I love fall—and I love it a lot—I don't think I'm ready to let go of summer. August, as quickly as it went, was filled with some great reading. 

Familiar Magic by Virginia Kelly: I love the Forbidden Desires series that Virginia Kelly writes with Piper Scott, so I snatched up this short immediately. It's about a cat shifter who has to steal something from a powerful mage and ends up caught by him. I really enjoyed the characters and the world, and I really wanted more of them. I was very excited to find out this is going to be the start of a series.

The Townsend series by Lily Maxton: I finished reading this historical romance series this month (I'd read the novellas in it a while back and the first novel last month...once again reading all out of order...sigh). I enjoyed the stories of the three other siblings very much. Each stands alone, but it was nice to have all the background by reading the novels in order. The series is mostly m/f with one m/m novel and an f/f novella.

Playing House by Ruby Lang: This was a delightful novella about two urban planners, both Asian American, who knew each through their work falling for each other while pretending to be in a relationship and touring fantastic real estate in New York City (the fantastic real estate was fun too). I devoured this, and now I'm looking forward to more in the series.

A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian: Another novella, this one an f/f historical in which a lady's maid with and a lady's companion fall for each other while getting revenge on a man who'd wronged one of them. It was lovely and fun, and I very much enjoyed it. It's connected to Cat Sebastian's Turner series, but you don't have to have read the series to enjoy this novella.

The Brilliant Death by Amy Rose Capetta: I've been meaning to read this Young Adult fantasy for a while and finally borrowed it from the library this summer. The world is inspired by pre-unification Italy and the magic system is quite intriguing. The main characters are gender fluid and queer, and their romance is lovely. This isn't a super light read (there was a character death that made me very unhappy), but it is a really good one. From the ending, it seems that there may be a sequel at some point, and I'll look forward to it.

Offbeat Crimes series by Angel Martinez: I've had these on my Kindle for a while and somehow hadn't read them yet (this seems to be the story of my life trying to get through my TBR). I opened the first one on a whim and was completely sucked in to this paranormal series of a police precinct filled with cops with paranormal abilities that are a bit strange and the quirky cases they solve (and the romances, of course!). I've been reading them one after another. They're not long, making them quick and charming reads.

In audio, I started a reread of Jordan L Hawk's Whyborne and Griffin series, which is a favorite of mine. The last book will be out soon, and though I'm not ready for it to end, a reread seemed appropriate.

What have you read and loved lately?

July slipped away from me in the hectic haze of writing and preparing for RWA and edits for The Spymaster's Secret, and now it's August and time to talk about books we read and loved in July. Despite what felt like a frantic month, I did do some reading. I continued a KJ Charles reread in audio with the Charm of Magpies series and its related story Rag and Bone. In print and ebook, I read:

Footsteps in the Dark anthology: I don't read a ton of anthologies because short stories don't always work for me, but this m/m romance/mystery anthology has a bunch of authors I like and some others I've been meaning to try. The stories are long enough that you can really get into them. Some worked better for me than others, but overall I really enjoyed the anthology.

Knight's Fire by SJ Himes: Knight's Fire is a lovely little fantasy with a romance between a prince/knight and a dragon shifter. It's cute and sweet and just delightful. Perfect if you want a fantasy romance that's on the lighter side. (I especially love dragon Zephyr!) I can't wait for more in this world and with these two.

Demon on the Down-Low by EJ Russell: I don't know why it took me so long to finish this trilogy! This might be my favorite book of the three. I loved the couple, especially Zeke, and it wrapped up the series nicely with appearances by the other couples and tying up what was causing all the mix ups. This is the second trilogy set in this world, but I'd love to read more in it.

Enchanting the Earl by Lily Maxton: I've read the novellas in the Townsend series, but not the novels and I decided it was time to change that. Enchanting the Earl is the first book. It gives us the oldest sibling who's back from the war with what is probably PTSD and the difficulty of adjusting to life after having a leg amputated. He's inherited a title and a remote property in Scotland and decides to isolate himself there. He doesn't count on his siblings' insistence on accompanying him or the unexpected presence of a woman already living at the property. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Kitten by Jack Harbon: I heard a pitch for this one somewhere that said it was "The Devil Wears Prada but Gay" which sounded pretty interesting. It definitely had those vibes. It's an interracial (a Black MC and an Asian MC) workplace romance with a bit of an age gap. The romance is pretty sweet, but the story has a melodramatic, soap opera feel to it. 

Nothing Gained by Macy Blake: I'm really enjoying the Chosen One series. The world building is really interesting, and the characters are fun. It brings together magic and all sorts of magical creatures—vampires, dragons, griffins, fae, shifters—in a quest to save the magical world plus a romance along the way. Definitely read this series in order.

The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite: I picked up this book at RWA (though I'd been planning to get it since it came out), and I immediately settled down to read it. This is a lovely f/f historical romance between two women who are both scarred by past relationships and rather insecure and awkward with each other to start. The romance is a slow burn and is really caring and passionate. The wider plot with an aspiring lady astronomer coming up against male bias is engaging too. I loved the scenes of female strength and solidarity that came among the characters. There's also an interesting thread about the line between art and craft and art and science.

Swallow by Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly: Swallow is a spin-off of the author's Forbidden Desires series and probably should be read after those books. But the series is so much fun anyway. Dragon shifters! Baby dragons! Adorable pets! Plus great characters and romance. This books gives Grimbold a HEA and shows us how sweet he is underneath the grumpy exterior. Can't wait for more of these!

What have you read and loved lately?

Somehow, it's July already, and time continues to pass far too quickly...nevertheless, it's time to talk about what we've been reading. I read some great books in June (and unintentionally dove into a reread of KJ Charles books via audiobook as well, which I'm continuing into July). Here are some books I enjoyed in June:

Midnight Flit by Elin Gregory: I reread Eleventh Hour, the first book in the series, before I jumped into this one and enjoyed both immensely. I love Briars and Miles/Millie even more after Midnight Flit, which is a mystery/spy story that involves dashing across several countries and a trip on the Orient Express. The adventure was fun, but the characters, both main and supporting, and the romance were the best part for me. The ending seemed to set up another adventure for these two, and I dearly hope we get it soon.

Once & Future by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy: This is a YA novel in which King Arthur is reincarnated as a girl and Merlin is aging backwards and now a teenager, and the whole thing is set in space. The characters are queer and diverse, and though serious, the story is also fun. The end is a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm waiting for the next book to see how it all turns out.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston: I really loved this enemies to lovers, fake friendship to romance between the son of the first female American president and a British prince. Both MCs were great, but I adored Prince Henry. I love a royalty romance anyway, and this also brought back memories of being a Georgetown student living in DC and interning on Capitol Hill and watching tons of West Wing. It just gave me all sorts of nostalgic feelings while also sucking me into the romance. 

Not Dead Yet and Give Up the Ghost by Jenn Burke: I loved these books, just binged right through them. They're paranormal mystery romances between a guy who is sort of a ghost but not really and a vampire. It's a second chance romance, which I love, and the supporting characters—the family they build—is really wonderful too. Also, a demisexual main character! I can't wait for book three this fall.

Marriage of Unconvenience by Chelsea M. Cameron: This was a sweet, light marriage of convenience romance between two woman who have been friends since childhood who both need money and marry so they can get at an inheritance. And then of course realize they've been in love all along. Very cute but with some editing issues that I couldn't help noticing.

Hither, Page by Cat Sebastian: I adored this post-WWII mystery romance between a country doctor trying to put his experiences in the war behind him and a jaded spy. The mystery and setting of a tiny English village are very Agatha Christie, and the romance was lovely. I'm hoping for more with these two soon.

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi: Another YA, this one set in late 19th century Paris but with magic. The world building is complex but interesting, and the cast of characters is incredibly diverse. It's a combination heist, Da Vinci Code-esque fantasy novel, and those adventure sequences were especially fun. The ending left me sad (for reasons that would be spoilers) and also intrigued for where the series goes next.

​What have you read and loved lately?

Somehow, we're a week into June already, which I still have not fully realized, but it at least means it's time to talk about last month's books. I spent a week of May on the beach in South Carolina, which means some of these are my beach/poolside reads for the year. Here are some books I enjoyed last month:

Proper English by KJ Charles: Proper English is a romance/English country house murder mystery and was absolutely delightful. I enjoyed every minute of it and wished for more at the end, not because the story wasn't complete but because I wanted more time with these characters. This is a prequel to Think of England (which I went back and reread after because I wanted more of Pat and Fen and because I've always loved Archie and Daniel) and shows us how Pat and Fen ended up together. I loved the romance between them and how their characters fit together. And, as for the mystery, let me tell you, never has someone so deserved to be murdered.

Time's Convert by Deborah Harkness: Time's Convert is an addition to Harkness's All Soul's Trilogy, which I enjoyed very much (Did anyone else watch A Discovery of Witches? I thought it was so good!). This books flips between present and past, showing us Phoebe's transformation into a vampire, giving us Marcus's history, and catching us up with the Bishop-Clairmont family since we last saw them. I'm eagerly awaiting more books and season two of the show!

Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas: My favorite Kleypas book is still (and probably always will be—I love Sebastian and Evie) Devil in Winter, so it was lots of fun to read Devil's Daughter, which has Sebastian and Evie's oldest daughter as its heroine. I really enjoyed the story on its own, but the scenes with characters from that earlier book made me so happy. I also listened to Devil in Spring (about Sebastian and Evie's eldest son) on the car ride home from South Carolina to round out the vacation. I might have to reread Devil in Winter too.

Hooked by Claire Cullen: I really enjoyed the latest in the Siren Cove series. The shifter/merman series as a whole is really good, and this one gave us more background on the history of wolves and sirens plus set up what I think will be the final showdown, while also giving a lovely romance. The series is probably best read in order.

A Duke in Disguise by Cat Sebastian: I'm just realizing how much of my reading was historical romance last month! The latest Cat Sebastian gives us an illustrator who has epilepsy and finds out he's the lost heir to a duke (and really doesn't want to be) and the bisexual radical bookseller who is his best friend (and the woman he loves). This is the second book in this series, but they can probably be read out of order (though Unmasking the Marquess is excellent, so you should go read that too).

What have you read and loved lately?

Does anyone else feel as if this year is just flying by? Somehow, it's May already, and I still think it's February! But, I did read some great books in April, so I guess that's something.

Thrown to the Wolves by Charlie Adhara: This is the third book in the series, and it might just be the best yet. I love how the relationship between Oliver and Cooper is developing, and I love that we got more of the paranormal aspect in this book. I really want more books! I'd say read this shifter/law enforcement series in order.

All Souls Near & Nigh by Hailey Turner: Another book that's even better than the first book in the series in my opinion. The series is predominantly urban fantasy, but there is a romance that gets more development here, as does the world building and the complications for our characters. I'm excited to see what happens next. 

Mating the Huntress by Talia Hibbert: This book has been sitting on my Kindle since October, and for some reason, I hadn't gotten to it. I should've read it ages ago! It's a fun little Halloween romance between a werewolf and a werewolf hunter. 

Connections in Death by JD Robb: There are almost fifty books in this futuristic mystery/suspense series, which I've been reading since I was in high school, and I still turn up every time for more of Eve and Roarke and the family they've built.

Stranded by Claire Cullen: I'm really enjoying this series about sirens and werewolves. This third book gave us some more info about siren society in addition to a sweet romance, and I'm looking forward to more.

Pink Slip by Katrina Jackson: The premise of Pink Slip is that a married couple, who happen to be spies, have a thing for their PA, and the feeling is mutual. If you like super steamy spy poly romances, this one may be for you.

I also listened to Band Sinister by KJ Charles (which I loved just as much listening as I did reading the first time) and Misfits by Garrett Leigh (same).

What have you been reading lately?

Anyone else feel like they blinked and March disappeared? I can't complain that it's beginning to (slowly...) feel like spring. And it's time to talk about my March reads! Here are a few books that I enjoyed last month:

A Duke by Default and Can't Escape Love by Alyssa Cole: I really enjoy Alyssa Cole's Reluctant Royals series. A Duke by Default has been on my Kindle for far too long, but I finally devoured it last month and then moved right into the novella. And I'm looking forward to the next book in the series too.

New Horizons by Hailey Turner: This is a novella that gives a supporting character from Hailey Turner's futuristic MetaHuman Files series his own HEA. I loved reading his story and catching up with other characters from the series. Probably best to read the rest of the series first.

Vampire with Benefits by EJ Russell: Rusty and Casimir may be my new favorite couple in the fun Supernatural Selection series. They were just perfect together. I have the last book in the trilogy and need to dive into it soon.

Fangs and Catnip by Julia Talbot: This was just such an adorable book with a romance between a vampire writer and a cat shifter innkeeper. I needed something light, and this fit perfectly.

What have you been reading lately?