Monday, April 20, 2026

#BookReview ~ New Sins for Old Scores by Tj O'Connor ~ @Tjoconnorauthor ~ #ParanormalMystery #Mystery

New Sins for Old Scores by Tj O'Connor



Book Details:

New Sins for Old Scores by Tj O'Connor
Black Opal Books
May 27, 2017
Paperback 367 Pages
ISBN-13: 978-1626946750
E-Book ASIN: B071S213GB
Goodreads

About the Book:

Murder, like history, often repeats itself. And, when it does, it’s the worst kind of murder.

Detective Richard Jax was never good at history—but, after years as a cop, he is about to get the lesson of his life. Ambushed and dying on a stakeout, he’s saved by Captain Patrick “Trick” McCall—the ghost of a World War II OSS agent. Trick has been waiting since 1944 for a chance to solve his own murder. Soon Jax is a suspect in a string of murders—murders linked to smuggling refugees out of the Middle East—a plot similar to the World War II OSS operation that brought scientists out of war-torn Europe. With the aid of a beautiful and intelligent historian, Dr. Alex Vouros, Jax and Trick unravel a seventy-year-old plot that began with Trick’s murder in 1944. Could the World War II mastermind, code named Harriet, be alive and up to old games? Is history repeating itself?

Together, Jax and Trick hunt for the link between their pasts—confronted by some of Washington’s elite and one provocative, alluring French Underground agent, Abrielle Chanoux. Somewhere in Trick’s memories is a traitor. That traitor killed him. That traitor is killing again. Who framed Jax and who wants Trick’s secret to remain secret? The answer may be, who doesn’t?

My Review:

New Sins for Old Scores takes place in modern day but features a lot of flashing back to the 1940s. Detective Richard Jax - or just Jax - was just ambushed during a stakeout. He is wounded and his partner, Leo, is dead. As he lays dying, Jax attempts to make sense of what just happened, all while hearing voices. He awakens in a hospital room taken aback by the ghost he can see and hear. His new ghost friend is Captain Patrick McCall - or Trick - a former OSS agent from WWII. Together, Jax and Trick have a dual agenda - find out who killed Leo and shot himself plus find out who killed Trick 70+ years ago.

Tj O'Connor does a fantastic job with all of the misdirects he has written into New Sins for Old Scores. I found myself bouncing back and forth between characters trying to figure out who was responsible for the deaths in 1944 and the deaths now. I was certainly surprised at the outcome of the story and to finally find out who Harriet was and how the two time periods connect.

The world building, both in present times and in the past, is wonderfully descriptive. The development of each scene was done with precision and I was able to fully visualize everything that transpired. The author's writing style is easy and flows along nicely. Even with all of the angles, threads, characters, and time spans, the author does a great job keeping everything in check.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


My Rating:


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#BookReview ~ High Spirits at the Village Inn by Sharon Booth ~ #CozyRomance #Romance #Paranormal ~ @BoldwoodBook

 High Spirits at the Village Inn


About the Book:

Spring has arrived in the Cotswold village of Rowan Vale and everyone is in an optimistic mood.

Everyone except Danny. He’s had a rotten eighteen years stuck in a village where all his hopes and dreams were shattered. His annoying ex-work colleague, who seems determined to look on the bright side of the afterlife, won't leave him alone. And – as if that wasn’t bad enough – he’s facing eternity dressed as Adam Ant.

Meanwhile, in London, Rory plans to whisk his wife Kirsty away to the Cotswolds for their wedding anniversary. But when they arrive in Rowan Vale, Kirsty is horrified. How could her husband be so insensitive?

Rory insists that they stay at The Quicken Tree Inn and face up to the issues in their marriage. Kirsty has no choice but to go along with him, hoping she can finally put what happened all those years ago behind her. But when she spots her long-dead cousin in the village, things take a decidedly difficult turn...

Will confronting the ghosts from her past be a recipe for happiness or disaster?


My Review:

High Spirits at the Village Inn is a delightfully different ghost story. 

The novel begins with a couple who've lost their way after 10 years of marriage. Cassie and Rory are at a milestone anniversary and Rory plans a trip out of town to celebrate. The town in question? The place where dear family members had passed 18 years prior. Cassie's discomfort with Rory's decision reaches a whole new level when she sees the cousin she lost. Rowan Vale is filled with spirits of the dearly department, and her cousin isn't the only one to appear. 

The novel turns into a story of second chances, unpacking of emotional baggage, admissions, and redemption. I really enjoyed this paranormal fantasy romance. I found the story unique and enjoyable. The characters are fun and entertaining. I loved meeting the living and the ghosts. Rowan Vale village is a quaint town thriving on the nostalgia. High Spirits at the Village Inn is a lovely cozy romance with paranormal elements.

Of the four books in the series, this is only the second one I've read. I'm going to read the others, don't worry. I just need to carve out some time. 

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


My Rating:



Visit the Author:

Sharon Booth is the author of feel-good stories set in charming, quirky locations, and now writes cosy romances with a magical twist for Boldwood. She lives with her husband in East Yorkshire, England.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: @sharonboothwriter

Instagram: @sharonboothwriter

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/SharonBoothNews

Bookbub profile: @sharonboothwriter


Purchase Link:

Amazon

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If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.
Thank you for supporting Reviews by Saph.

Friday, April 10, 2026

#NewRlease #BookReview ~ Crepe Capers: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel: (Wanda's Witchery, Book 11) (Haven Hollow, Book 46) by J.R. Rain and H.P. Mallory #PWF

 

Crepe Capers
Wanda's Witchery, Book 11
Haven Hollow, Book 46



About the Book:

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as Haven Hollow’s High Witch, it’s this: when life gets weird, it usually means someone cursed something.

And lately? Things are getting very weird.

It started with a simple package delivered to my shop, Wanda’s Witchery. Inside were two rings—one for me and one for my cousin Astrid. I thought they were a sweet surprise.

Turns out they were a curse.

Now Astrid has her humanity back… and I’ve been turned into the very thing I’ve spent my life fighting.

A vampire.

No heartbeat. No magic. And an overwhelming craving for blood that I’m trying very hard not to indulge—especially when it comes to my annoyingly attractive vampire husband, Lorcan.

But becoming undead is only the beginning of my problems.

Someone hired private investigators to spy on me. The vampire establishment is starting to question whether my “turning” was real. And if they discover the truth about the lie that kept me alive, they won’t just be angry.

They’ll kill me.

As if that weren’t enough, the cursed rings may be connected to a terrifying entity using my cousin as a pawn—a creature powerful enough to rewrite magic itself.

Which means my sudden transformation might not be an accident.

It might be a move in someone else’s game.

Now I have to figure out who’s behind the curse, why they targeted us, and how to survive vampire politics without losing the town—and the life—I love.

Because I may be undead now…

…but I’m still Wanda Depraysie.

And if someone thinks turning me into a vampire is going to stop me from solving this mystery, they clearly don’t know witches very well.


My Review:

Crepe Capers is book 11 in the Wanda’s Witchery series, a spin-off of, and book 46 in the Haven Hollow series. Things are really crazy in Haven Hollow in this book. A PI has been hired to catch Wanda being less than truthful in her turning into a vampire. With fortuitous timing, Wanda and Astrid fall victim to a pair of cursed rings that swap them; Astrid becomes mortal and Wanda becomes a vampire. A blast from Lorcan’s past turns up, causing mayhem. The final straw? The same being using Maverick as a pawn in whatever game is being played, has now contacted Wanda with an incredible, but totally unhinged, offer.

Crepe Capers is another fantastic and fun novel in the Haven Hollow series. I love Wanda, Lorcan, and the entire crew. We don’t get a whole lot of the other Haven Hollows characters in this book but buckle up for a wild ride with those we do get to see. I loved the story, characters, setting, and writing.

The Wanda's Witchery series by J.R. Rain and H.P. Mallory is excellent. This writing duo brings interesting stories, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking mysteries to life. The character development provides history and growth, and the world-building creates a fantastic world to watch the characters grow and evolve.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


My Rating:



This post contains affiliate links.
If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.
Thank you for supporting Reviews by Saph.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

#BookReview ~ Mayhem and the Mortal by Shanora Williams ~ #Romantasy #GrumpyxSunshine #MorallyGreyHero #EntangledPublishing #RedTowerBooks @redtowerbooks @EntangledPub

Mayhem and the Mortal by Shanora Williams 



Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0F6MCPN6B
Publisher: ‎ Entangled: Red Tower Books
Publication date: ‎ March 17, 2026
Print length: ‎ 418 pages
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1649378057


About the Book:

One mission. One curse. No escape.

Zaira doesn’t want a hero. She needs a weapon.

To save her sister from a soul-devouring curse, she has to cross The Shallows—a nightmare landscape of ruined magic, shifting paths, and vicious creatures that eat people alive.

Her guide? Thane Valkor: sorcerer, assassin, walking red flag. His name clears rooms. His magic kills quietly. And whatever he’s really after, it’s not salvation.

He promises to help. He might even mean it.

But Zaira knows better than to trust a liar with a blade and ice in his veins.

She just doesn’t have a choice.

My Review:

I didn't even know how much I needed this book until I read the first page. I loved meeting Zaira, Thane, Algar, and Rynthea, but you know who stole the show for me? Zephra. Of course, it would be the pet.

Mayhem and the Mortal is an amazing romantasy novel. I was swept away in Zaira's journey to save her only living relative, her sister Analla, from a horrible curse. Her only recourse is to battle her way to an island that may hold the key to breaking the curse. She tries to hire a local sorcerer to lead her to The Shallows but when they are refuse, Zaira finds herself in front of a mysterious man in her local tavern. 

Thane has issues and baggage that even an airline would put a limit on for a traveler. He promises to escort Zaira to The Shallows and protect her the entire way. He's broody, grumpy, and closed-off. It's a good thing he's cute and good with weapons and magic. 

Along the way, the unlikely duo gather a couple more adventurers; a conman, Algar, and a minotaur, Rynthea. Together these four travel across different lands trying to stay alive, in hopes of reaching The Shallows. There, they hope to fulfill the destinies they each desire, and make it back home alive.

Mayhem and the Mortal is amazing! From the start of the book there is not a dull moment. Zaira is a mortal who plans the unthinkable to save her sister. She comes across as naive, but I'm here to tell you that can't be any further from the truth. She's strong, as fearless as she can be while traipsing through dangerous territories, fighting deadly creatures, and checking her emotions at the door. 

The author did a great job with the world-building. Very vivid and descriptive imagery decorated the pages in this book. The dialogue flowed smoothly, the story was perfectly-paced, and I was lost in this adventurous, action-filled, romantasy. And, that ending?! Bring on the next book!

I simply devoured Mayhem and the Mortal.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


My Rating:


Review previously published on Sapphyria's Books.




This post contains affiliate links.
If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.
Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

#BookReview ~ Obsidian Empire by Elizabeth Hunter ~ #Vampires ~ The Firebird and the Wolf, Book Three



Obsidian Empire by Elizabeth Hunter is now live!


The ruler of an immortal empire.

The rising voice of an ancient clan.

The relationship they've hidden from everyone.

Tatyana Vorona was just a bookkeeper until she made a bargain with a powerful vampire that lead to her death and a brand new life of blood and brutality. She tried to run. She tried to hide. But Oleg Sokolov is a man who gets what he wants.

Oleg has the ability to manipulate fire, the power to command an empire, and a will that cannot be broken. But political upheaval and blood loyalties have kept him from publicly claiming the woman who owns his heart.

For five years, they’ve loved in private and played rivals in public. Tatyana has come into her own as a leader of an ancient immortal clan. And Oleg is a breath away from stomping out the brother who betrayed him. If he can play the right pieces in this political game, he might win the ultimate prize— publicly marrying the woman who is already his wife.

The conclusion to an unforgettable vampire fantasy trilogy—OBSIDIAN EMPIRE is packed with heat, heart, and high stakes action. Elizabeth Hunter continues her own empire of stellar romantic fantasy!

My Review:

Obsidian Empire is the third and final book in the Firebird and the Wolf trilogy. Tatyana and Oleg’s story comes to a satisfying conclusion but the path to their HEA is paved with secrets, betrayal, and bloodshed.

Obsidian Empire was everything I had hoped it would be and so much more. I’m sad to see these characters go, or get relegated to background characters in future books, but the author ends their trilogy in spectacular fashion. The novel is full of action, adventure, passion, and suspense.

The writing is fluid and cohesive, never becoming wordy or confusion. The conversations flow, the character development dynamic, and the continued world-building strong and vivid. The pacing of the story is perfect, never too fast or too slow.

Prepare to get lost inside Tatyana and Oleg’s final story.


Originally reviewed on Sapphyria's Books.


I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


My Rating:




Purchase Links:



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If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.
Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

#BookReview: Juliette Cross's Vessel Trilogy ~ Forged in Fire, Sealed in Sin, and Bound in Black #PNR #UF @Juliette__Cross

Genevieve Drake never knew this demon world existed. Now she just wants to survive it. Hunted on the streets of New Orleans, Gen turns to the hunter, Jude Delacroix, who is bound to protect her soul and who’s also captured her heart.

2022 updated covers

Series Information:

Author: Juliette Cross
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Romance

Reviews of this trilogy are of the Entangled Publishing editions; although I own the Samhain editions and the 2022 updated editions, as well.


Books in the Series:

Forged in Fire
The Vessel Trilogy, Book One

2017 cover

ISBN: 9781640632172
Word Count: 98K

About the Book:

Genevieve Drake has never been the helpless kind of girl, has never needed to be rescued. That is, not until her twentieth birthday when some dude nearly chokes her to death in an alley and a hot stranger rips a monster from inside the guy.

The hot guy? Jude Delacroix—Dominus Daemonum, Master of Demons. Now her guardian, whether she likes it or not.

But she’s seriously beginning to like it.


My Review:

Genevieve Drake is a normal woman living in a normal everyday world until the night she turns 20. Everything about her life is turned upside-down with introduction of demons and guardians. The fact that she's been identified as a Vessel and now on the radar of two very powerful demons is just icing on the cake really. Fortunately, Genevieve has as pretty hot guardian by the name of Jude Delacroix, or Mr. R & B (Rugged and Beautiful). 

Jude is a very powerful and quite ancient piece of male flesh - one that doesn't look a day over 30. Built, sexy as hell, and that voice??!! It makes Genevieve shiver in anticipation. Except, it doesn't matter how hot and sexy he is or how much Genevieve wants to put her hands all over him. She's a pure and untouched Vessel and to keep her safe, a virgin she must remain. Of course, Genevieve refuses to believe the seriousness of her new life and finds herself in serious situations that could compromise her purity, life, and what side of the line - Light or Dark - she stands for.

Genevieve is a very likable character. She is snarky and sweet. Her life hasn't all been wine and roses, however, as she still harbors a lot of feelings and emotions pertaining to the suicide of her mother many years prior. Juliette took Genevieve's character and turned her into someone that many readers will be able to relate to, made her realistic and genuine. Now, I know not everyone is a Vessel like Genevieve (::wink::) but her normal human qualities make her a strong character. She doesn't exactly fall onto the Vessel/Guardian bandwagon easily but I wouldn't have liked her as much if she just took everything as gospel. Making mistakes, not listening to Jude, and general disbelief, even after seeing a demon disintegrate before her very eyes, made Genevieve a more credible character.

Jude is a fantastic hero in Forged in Fire. He takes Genevieve under his wing and promises to protect her - even when she risks her safety by not listening to him. He's honorable in the sense that he doesn't want to defile her - even though it's clear he would love nothing more than to ravish her body - in order to preserve her purity as the Vessel. Jude knows that Genevieve is safer from the demons as a virgin. He has secrets that Genevieve tries to get him to reveal but Jude only talks about what he wants to talk about, which irritates Genevieve. I love the bantering, sexual tension, and interactions between Jude and Genevieve.

I really enjoyed Forged in Fire.  I read it when it came out originally and loved revisiting Genevieve and Jude this past few days.  Juliette's writing style is wonderful and sometimes lyrical. The dialogue between all characters is smooth and understandable. The plot is wonderfully constructed and the world building was done extremely well. The details were descriptive enough to paint wonderful pictures in my mind as I read along but not overly done or obnoxious.

Previously reviewed on Sapphyria's Books.
 

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


My Rating:



Sealed in Sin
The Vessel Trilogy, Book Two

2017 cover



ISBN: 9781640632189
Word Count: 90K

About the Book:

While Jude Delacroix spends his days and nights searching for the prophecy, another protector steps in to take his place. Thomas, a guardian angel, claims Genevieve is his to protect if the demon hunter does not. As threats against her life escalate, he offers her the power to sift.

Knowing the transfer of power comes through a kiss, she hesitates. Thomas stirs a desire where there should be none.


My Review:

 Sealed in Sin is action-packed as Genevieve, Jude, Kat, and George search the globe for the other half of the prophecy.  Genevieve and Jude are growing closer with each passing day, making it difficult to remain chaste and keep Genevieve untainted.  When Genevieve's guardian angel continues to show up at opportune times and offers her the ability to sift,  additional feelings start to brew within Genevieve.  Things aren't always what they seem and Genevieve learns the hard way to be a bit more discerning in whom she trusts.

Genevieve grows so much in Sealed in Sin.  Suddenly thrust into the paranormal world in book 1, Genevieve wasn't at all prepared for anything she learned.  As the story progressed, we do see her getting stronger but in book 2 the is a very marked difference.  She's hunting demons with Kat like she's been doing it her entire life.  Jude is gone a bit more but he's trying to find the prophecy so that Genevieve, the Vessel, can plan for the upcoming war.

Juliette's writing style is wonderful and sometimes lyrical. The dialogue between all characters is smooth and understandable. The plot is wonderfully constructed and the world building was done extremely well. The details were descriptive enough to paint wonderful pictures in my mind as I read along, never becoming overly done or obnoxious.

I couldn't put the book down and devoured it in a couple of days.  

Previously reviewed on Sapphyria's Books.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 


My Rating:


Bound in Black
The Vessel Trilogy, Book Three

2017 cover

ISBN: 9781640632196
Number of pages: 88K


About the Book:

Genevieve Drake is on a dangerous mission—to find the soul collector, Lethe, and enter the deepest, darkest level of the underworld, where no one has ever gone into and returned.

But when an old enemy makes a surprising appearance, she is tested to the point of breaking and risks remaining in this dark abyss forever.


My Review:

Of the books in the trilogy, Bound in Black is my absolute favorite (they are all great but book 3 is superb).  The conclusion to the series is deep and emotional.  Juliette Cross takes Genevieve and Jude to an all new level, one that had me weeping in sadness and for joy.  During all of the emotional upheaval, everyone is preparing for the impending war between Light and Dark.

Juliette's writing style is wonderful and sometimes lyrical. The dialogue between all characters is smooth and understandable. The plot is wonderfully constructed and the world building was done extremely well. The details were descriptive enough to paint wonderful pictures in my mind as I read along but not overly done or obnoxious.

The book is engaging and I was pulled back into the wonderful world of Genevieve and Jude.  There were two brilliantly carried out plot twists that took my breath away.  I was horrified yet captivated by the truths revealed.  Everything about this series is perfection.  Now that the series has concluded I feel lost without the world created by Juliette Cross.  I would love for there to be more in the world of The Vessel and her family.

I couldn't put the book down and devoured it in one day.  

Previously reviewed on Sapphyria's Books.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


My Rating:





This post contains affiliate links.
If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.
Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

Monday, March 9, 2026

#BookReview ~ Tarnished Beginnings (Soul Dance, Book 1) by Ann Gimpel ~ @AnnGimpel #Shifter #Fantasy #Novella

Tarnished Beginnings by Ann Gimpel




Book Details:

Kindle File Size: 438 KB
Print Length: 111 pages
Publisher: Ann Gimpel Books, LLC
Publication Date: June 29, 2017
ASIN: B073JT64DP

About the Book:

Tarnished Beginnings is the prequel to the Soul Dance series. Novella length, it's shifter fantasy, but not a romance. The other three books in this series are full length romances with HEAs. Join Tairin as a young woman struggling to survive in 1700s Egypt. You'll meet her again in Tarnished Legacy, book two of Soul Dance.

1700s Egypt is a haven for magic-wielders of all kinds. Vampires hold court, staying one step ahead of the priests and priestesses who want them dead. Gypsy caravans roam the Nile from north to south and back again, plying their wares, telling fortunes, casting Tarot cards, and stealing from the gadjos.

Tairin Jabari was born in a caravan and has always believed she’s Romani. Why wouldn’t she? Her mother and father never suggested otherwise. The Rom have harsh rules. When Tairin’s first shift catches her unaware at thirteen, her father disappears, and the elders move with deadly speed to punish her mother for mating outside the blood.

Hurt, lost, confused, and fearing for her own life, Tairin runs away, leaving her mother’s smoking funeral pyre behind. If she could only find her father, he’d welcome her. He’s always loved her, hasn’t he? Only problem is he’s in a shifter settlement. With her mixed blood, they won’t welcome her any more warmly than the Romani. It doesn’t take long before Tairin discovers how desperately unprepared she is for life outside her protected caravan. With her survival on the line every single day, she and her wolf face hard choices.

My Review:

Tarnished Beginnings takes us on an adventure in 1700s Egypt. Tairin is the product of a Romani gypsy and a shifter – a union that, if known, results in the death of those who dare mate outside the gypsy clan. Additionally, the shifter clan will not acknowledge her either due to the dual heritage. She learns rather quickly that the world is neither kind nor safe outside the confines of the gypsy caravan; however, there is no turning back.

Get ready for the intro to what is sure to be a wonderful shifter fantasy series. I enjoyed the set up for the series in Tarnished Beginnings. Tairin’s character is young yet forced to grow up quickly in order to survive in a land where women were possessions with no rights or protections. The world building is done well and the reader will find themselves magically transported to Egypt in their mind’s eye. The dialogue was smooth and believable and I was engaged in the entire story.

Ann Gimpel is one of my favorite authors. Her stories are fresh and unique and her characters are strong and captivating. Her characters are real. They have real emotions, are likable, and are written in such a way that no matter their genre (paranormal, steampunk, historical), the reader will connect with them.

As of Oct. 4, 2017, this book is from my private collection. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.


My Rating:


Visit the Author: