Can’t stop, won’t stop. Last year read so much this that I decided to break my favorite annual post (my reading list) into a monthly series. 2023 has already proven to be just as productive as 2022 so I will continue to post a monthly reading list.
As an extra bonus MightyMiley will be posting her reading lists from time to time. You can also keep up with Hunkiedorië this year as I release more book content than I have in the past.
Something new this year is an added 5 star rating system!
1 star: Did not like it
2 stars: It was okay
3 stars: Liked it
4 stars: Really liked it
5 stars: It was amazing
This should go without saying but as this is just my opinion. Reading books are a deeply personal experience. Something that really strikes the right cord with me may not be your flavor or vice versa. I have the upmost respect for authors and creative types. And although they may not get a high ranking from me, it does not diminish the amount of hard work and bravery it took for them to produce their content. You will never be able to please everyone nor should you try. I hope that my followers are inspired by the books that I share and form their own opinions. Let me know what you think, do you have any suggestions on what I should read next?
Click here to find by full 2023 Reading List on Amazon
*Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What I’ve read so far:
Disclaimer: there may be a few spoilers; if you read on you have been warned.
Hunkiedorië’s January Bookshelf 2023
And now…may I present…
Hunkiedorië’s February 2023 Bookshelf:
The Orc Wife (Monsterly Yours #1)
by S.J. Sanders
Sammi is having the worst weekend. When what was supposed to be a secluded romantic get away turns into a near death experience when she is stranded alone in the mountains during a snow storm by her two-timing boyfriend, Sammi faces a desperate situation. With no cell-service, dwindling food supplies, and a power outage, she doesn’t think it could get worse until an accident leaves her unconscious and vulnerable. When she comes to, she awakens to find herself in a warm cabin, and her rescuer a creature of fantasy–an orc. And he thinks that she will be a perfectly obedient pet. Ha! He wishes. Orgath is an exile, the son of a vanquished chieftain of his clan. His days and nights are spent alone more often than not. When he finds a tiny human while hunting in the human world his compassion moves him to rescue the little thing and bring her home as a companion. He quickly finds out that there is a lot more to humans than orc-kind has believed. When things starting heating up and passion ignites between them, they discover the potential for a lot more in their relationship than either could have imagined.
Hunkiedorië Review: This is the first SJ Sanders book I’ve read and the first in a series and I loved it! The sass, romance, and adventure of this book is fantastic. Very different from anything I’ve ever read before and an introduction to a world I can not wait to learn more about.
Click here to buy The Orc Wife on Amazon
The Troll Bride (Monsterly Yours #2)
by S.J. Sanders
Cavek, youngest son of the Troll King of the Middling Kingdom, never thought he would fall in love with a human, but when he sees Kate, he knows that she is his fated bloodbonded mate. They have one perfect night and he promises to return for her, but when he is delayed for a year in returning for her, he does not know how welcoming she will be. Amid war brewing with the werewolves, he has a mate to woo and an infant son to claim. How hard can it be?
When her best friend Sammi came home with an orc husband, Kate didn’t know what to think. As an avid reader of all things pertaining to folklore and high fantasy she didn’t imagine anything dealing with orcs and trolls to be good news; yet, she was surprised to find that they were nothing like she’d ever been led to believe—especially not a sinfully sexy troll named Cavek. One night of passion is all they had before he returned to his world with whispered promises to return. When she discovers she is pregnant she adjusts her life to the expectation of having to raise a troll baby on her own. A year later she wakes up in a strange world and a troll determined to be her forever one and only. He says they are fated to be together, and now they have a son to raise, but time will only tell if love will find a way.
Hunkiedorië Review: This book was a great follow up to The Orc Wife I have quickly become a fan of this series. My only issue is that these books feel too short and I am afraid I will work my way through the series too quickly. S.J. Sanders I need more!!!
Click here to buy The Troll Bride on Amazon
The Accidental Werewolf Mate (Monsterly Yours #3)
by S.J. Sanders
Arawl is the youngest son of the alpha and portal guardian for Evarue werewolf tribe. It is a thankless, demanding duty and he despises the impingement on his freedom that other unmated males enjoy. He wants his freedom more than anything, instead he is expected to take a mate and be an upstanding male in the tribe. There is no fun in that. When an opportunity comes for him to escape to the human world for a single day of pleasures among humans, he jumps at the chance. He doesn’t expect himself to encounter a female who makes his mating instinct roar to life, nor to wake up in his true form accidentally mated!
Ana hasn’t had an easy life. When she aged out of the foster care system without family ties, it left her with no one except her best friend Jinx. Though she mourns the one thing that’s been missing most of her life, she isn’t going to trust her heart to just anyone…certainly not a fickle male who isn’t interested in settling down. When a sexy stranger she brings home turns out to be an enormous man-wolf she didn’t think she could be any more surprised—until she discovers that, during their wild night of passion, he accidentally mated her to him. Now she must enter a world she never imagined in order to find the one person who might be able to sever the unintended bond between them. She doesn’t expect to fall in love with the people, nor to find herself in the midst of a mystery when females begin to go missing once again from the tribe. It could be the adventure of a lifetime, or the fates may have something more in mind for this stubborn witch.
Hunkiedorië Review: Not my favorite of the series, deception and lack of respect between partners in the majority of the book kept me from really feeling attached to the characters and their storyline. But, the world Sanders has built and continues expand upon is always a joy.
Click here to buy The Accidental Werewolf Mate on Amazon
The The Pixie’s Queen (Monsterly Yours #4)
by S.J. Sanders
Born into a family of witches, Orenda has the misfortune of being the sole member of her family born without magic. The smallest bit of magic that she can claim for herself is the ability to sense out magical talismans. She is drawn to them and makes it her task to keep the most powerful of them out of the reach of her family. Yet, when she comes across an ancient talisman in an antique shop, she is swept away by its magic into the fae world, but not unchanged. Shrunk and stranded alone in the depths of the troll kingdom, Orenda must rely on the help of a hive of male pixies. Although they say that she is their queen, and lure her with every touch, they promise to help her return home. They are nothing like she’s ever imagined a pixie to be and give her a taste of a life that she couldn’t have imagined. In a world of magic, she—a magic-less witch—strangely finds her place until events provide an opportunity to return to the human world. It leaves Orenda with a choice: to go back home or remain by their side?
Among pixies, although long-lived, they only have a opening of a handful of years to find their mates before the elders determine that the hives be broken and the males stripped of their breeding and mating abilities to serve as protectors for young unmated queens. Shavish is determined that his hive, though well beyond the suitable age of mating, do not come to a similar fate. His hive brothers Orel and Gwin may have resigned themselves to being guardians and Dazi retreating to his scholarly works, but he is not willing to give up yet. Although being mated to a small wingless queen wasn’t quite what any of them imagined, they resolve to not give her up. They will court their queen and win her for their own.
The Pixies Queen is a m/m/f/m/m romance and does contain m/m. Please be aware that The Pixie’s Queen is an expanded version of the novella Love Blooms for the Pixie Queen that appeared in the Love Blooms Anthology.
Hunkiedorië Review: This books didn’t feel complete to me. Upon writing this review I now know that this story is an expanded version of a novella. I love me a poly-romance, it was a bit too angsty for me. And I felt as though there was a lot of story left unexplored. The storyline with her family felt like a missed opportunity. But overall I liked the story.
Click here to buy The Pixie’s Queen on Amazon
The Unicorn’s Mare (Monsterly Yours #5)
by S.J. Sanders
Steph Bennet has a 5 year plan to get ahead despite the new challenges that have come with the fae crossing into the human world. Regardless, she is focused on her goals, and that doesn’t include a shape shifting unicorn who insists that she is his mate and the only key to his survival and getting his waning powers returned to him.This can be negotiated…right? Not wanting to be anyone’s mate but also not wanting to be responsible for the death of a unicorn, she will pose as his mate and go with him across fae territory to the Heart of Wells in the golden grotto. Once his powers are restored and the magic binding them severed then it’s contract fulfilled and she can get back on track. No problem. Now if only she can just get rid of the rag tag band of fairies out for a nibble on blood infused with unicorn magic and make it there in one piece. She is prepared for anything except falling in love.
Eliph, like most unicorns, has waited centuries to find his mare, his perfect mate. He will allow her to think that there is escape but she will soon find out that fae matings, especially among unicorns, are forever.Please be aware that this preorder date is subject to bumped up to a sooner date if the book gets finished on time.
Hunkiedorië Review: This book had such potential but I could not stand Steph. She was rude, ungrateful and determined to bitch and moan without contributing anything to the group. I think Eliph deserved better. I am all for the overcome hurt and trust issues plot but her damage drug on and on way too long.
Click here to buy The Unicorn’s Mare on Amazon
How to Claim a Human Mate (Monsterly Yours #6)
by S.J. Sanders
Lynn Taylor: After fifteen years of marriage, I’m out. I’m finally free while my ex-husband has moved on to greener pastures. I don’t have much to my name outside of a failing coffee shop I inherited and my cat, Casper, but I’m determined to make it a success, even if that means scouting a new location for it. The last thing I want or need is to be dragged cross-portal to attend a harvest festival put on my brutish orcs. I can’t say no to my very determined best friend. Throw in an opportunity too good to pass up and I might just have to take a chance on a new future I never dreamed of. Even if I have to dodge a flirtatious orc with a gaudy fashion sense and a promise of forever in his eyes.
Bodi Ironclaw: As a bachelor orc in my prime, I can’t understand how it is that I’ve not found my mate. Surely it shouldn’t have been this hard to find my bloodbond? Sure, I have a few silvering hairs appearing, but I’m hearty as ever and determined to find my perfect one. With the harvest festival open to humans this year and bringing with it a delightful female with a passion for coffee who makes my blood sing, I’m starting to believe that this time things will turn around and I will be lucky in love. If only I can get my prickly female to see this warrior is the male meant for her.
Hunkiedorië Review: I really enjoy the world and series built by S.J. Sanders that being said I felt really lost when we revisited orc characters from book one. Bodi’s sister went from being an amazing cook in book one to helpless in the kitchen in book 2, his brother in-law went from a sweet, happy-go-lucky extra friendly orc from another clan to a quiet and broody background character. And in book one Bodi had a sweet elderly father that lived with his sister and served as some sort of knowledge keeper. In this book his father no longer existed and was replaced by a very opinionated mother. Ignoring all these confusing changes the story itself was funny and sweet.
Click here to buy How to Claim a Human Mate on Amazon
Trick or Orc (Monsterly Yours #6.5)
by S.J. Sanders
Kassie Edwards—When a messy divorce, an absentee father who can’t even bother to call, and small-town gossip leaves my kids hurting, I decide that it’s time for a fresh start. Armed with our few possessions and limited savings, we move across realms to help out at my—until recently fellow-divorcee—best friend’s new cafe, The Spiced Pumpkin, just in time for the Halloween season. Ghostly goblins may have it in for me this time as everyone prepares for the greatest festival the village has ever seen. Pumpkin patches, carnivals and a goblins ball are a delight, and I’m tempted to trust my heart again by an Orc whose confections are only as sweet as his heart.
Garval Ironclaw—Ever since the last harvest festival, I haven’t been able to get a certain female out of my mind. Even now that I’ve hung up my battle axe in exchange for the warm comforts of a cozy kitchen in my own bakery inside of The Spiced Pumpkin. Co-owning this little establishment is a dream come true for this giant of an orc, but what I truly yearn for is the female I haven’t forgotten. The same female who is now working in the kitchen across from me. I can’t seem to stay away even when I know I should. And with the human festivities of All Hallows Eve bleeding into our quiet village, merging with our own traditions of Hallow Night, I’m eager to cook up a few memorable treats. I’m not such a fool that I cannot see that no sweet can compare to the lips of the female I wish to make my mate.
Hunkiedorië Review: Loved this one. I am a sucker for a Halloween themed book, Orcs in a bakery, and a big strong cinnamon role MMC. I could use a dozen more Orc books from SJ Sanders. In addition to rocking her Orc storylines, she nails writing men who are eager to adopt their partners children as their own without pause and I am here for it!
Click here to buy Trick or Orc on Amazon
Goblin Candy (Monsterly Yours #7)
by S.J. Sanders
Grimsal has always enjoyed life and the numerous pleasures it brings—perhaps more so than most. But when his hunger brings him back to the human world with a particular sweet tooth to satisfy, he discovers that coming into her fertile, sexual prime has brought new appetites to assuage. He craves something delectably sweet that can only be found with the right mate. Candy is all that, and with her love of horror, her fascination with the chase, fear and desire is his perfect match in every way. With Halloween in the air, he will use all the tricks in his bag to win his mate to keep!
Candy is a woman with a passion for life, sweet indulgences, horror, and most especially when they come all packaged together in the fun of Halloween. Not to mention all dark decadence that the world has to offer. When her boyfriend dumps her right before her favorite holiday because he can’t appreciate her fascination with the spooktacular, Candy knows that this is her opportunity to really enjoy the festivities the way she wants to. She never expects to meet her perfect match in a mischievous goblin who takes it all to the next level and adores all that she brings. What can a girl do but fall in love?
Goblin Candy is a 46k Halloween novella set in the Monsterly Yours universe that is full of small spooks, graphic sex, and seasonal fun.
Hunkiedorië Review: Love me a spooky queen, with confidence for days. Candy was an awesome character and I loved seeing Grimsal get his own story, he was such a great character who deserved the fantastic story he got here. As the last book in the series I was sad to say goodbye to the world SJ Sanders has created, but I don’t think it is goodbye forever. There were a few characters that seem to have been set up for their own stories and I am chomping at the bit for more.
Click here to buy Goblin Candy on Amazon
How High We Go in the Dark
by Sequoia Nagamatsu
In 2030, a grieving archeologist arrives in the Arctic Circle to continue the work of his recently deceased daughter at the Batagaika Crater, where researchers are studying long-buried secrets now revealed in melting permafrost, including the perfectly preserved remains of a girl who appears to have died of an ancient virus.
Once unleashed, the Arctic plague will reshape life on Earth for generations to come, quickly traversing the globe, forcing humanity to devise a myriad of moving and inventive ways to embrace possibility in the face of tragedy. In a theme park designed for terminally ill children, a cynical employee falls in love with a mother desperate to hold on to her infected son. A heartbroken scientist searching for a cure finds a second chance at fatherhood when one of his test subjects—a pig—develops the capacity for human speech. A widowed painter and her teenaged granddaughter embark on a cosmic quest to locate a new home planet.
From funerary skyscrapers to hotels for the dead to interstellar starships, Sequoia Nagamatsu takes readers on a wildly original and compassionate journey, spanning continents, centuries, and even celestial bodies to tell a story about the resilience of the human spirit, our infinite capacity to dream, and the connective threads that tie us all together in the universe.
Hunkiedorië Review: This was a book club selection for work. I had seen this cover on my Goodreads feed and loved the cover art, saving it to my TBR without knowing a thing about it. When it came up for book club I was excited. After I made my way through chapter one I was hooked. And then…it all went downhill from there. I was unaware that each chapter was a different story. This book was an emotional rollercoaster and extremely engaging it was so well written. My co-worker was reading it for the second time and said she got much more out of it discovering all sorts of hidden connections and minute details, which doesn’t surprise me. This book was fraught with many layering stories and characters. I can easily understand why this is a popular book, but it just wasn’t for me. I felt absolutely wrung out upon completion and scrambled back to my world of cozy monster romances.
Click here to buy How High We Go in the Dark on Amazon
The Witches
by Roald Dahl
This is not a fairy-tale. This is about real witches. Real witches don’t ride around on broomsticks. They don’t even wear black cloaks and hats. They are vile, cunning, detestable creatures who disguise themselves as nice, ordinary ladies. So how can you tell when you’re face to face with one? Well, if you don’t know yet you’d better find out quickly-because there’s nothing a witch loathes quite as much as children and she’ll wield all kinds of terrifying powers to get rid of them.
Hunkiedorië Review: At the end of 2022 I bought the Roald Dahl collection and have slowly been working my way through them. My biggest takeaway…these books were definitely written in a different time. The casual handling of child abuse which is seemingly normalized in these books is a bit shocking. I think if these stories were re-written to be a bit more pc the actual magic of the story would shine through a bit more. I am struggling to enjoy these but will work my way through them regardless.
Click here to buy The Witches on Amazon
The Baker’s Guide to Risky Rituals (Sweet Pea #1)
by Kathryn Moon
A Kitchen Witch with a bite, a King of Hell on a mission, and a candy coated town hiding bitter secrets.
Josie Benoit, gourmet patissier and kitchen witch, may not be a Sweet Pea native but she’s made the small town her home and she intends on keeping it that way. When trouble rolls into town on the seats of shining motorcycles, and the safety of her home and her own reputation are put at risk, Josie bands together with her coven to protect her world from a dark influence. If only that dark influence wasn’t so deliciously handsome.
King Beleth is not a demon to be trifled with. Leader of the Hell’s Bells MC and one of the great warlords of the Bowels, Beleth takes pride in his work and has the patience of a… man who knows what is best is worth waiting for. Known as Bell—to his friends, which you are not—he’s come to Sweet Pea to dismantle the core of good at the heart of the little town. But upon arrival he discovers three things that might just get in the way of his work:
Sweet Pea is more disgustingly adorable than they were warned.
The town has a coven of witches protecting it.
He’s developing a sweet tooth.
Hunkiedorië Review: YES! This is the start of what is sure to be a fun series. I love watching a big tough demon type character having his eyes opened to all the possibilities being out of Hell offers. I haven’t read any witch romances in a while and it was fun to see a Creole kitchen witch/Hell sponsored motorcycle club match up. I am assuming each witch will get their own book even though there are only two books published right now but I can’t wait for more.
Click here to buy The Baker’s Guide to Risky Rituals on Amazon
The Knitter’s Guide to Banishing Boyfriends (Sweet Pea #2)
by Kathryn Moon
A Stitch Witch trapped in a cage, a Demon in search of a challenge, and old enemies creating unlikely allies.
June Byrne, stitch witch and unofficial leader of the Sweet Pea coven, just wants a little peace and quiet. She has everything under control, even the demons of Hell’s Bells MC, until a stranger steps into her knit shop asking for help. Sucked back into her ugly past with her ex-boyfriend and his coven, June’s peace is shattered. When the bonds of the Sweet Pea coven fracture too, June turns in an unexpected direction. What will be the cost of tangling her troubles with a dangerously handsome demon?
Ashtaroth is no King of Hell. He’s the demon with the skills and determination to unravel even the most intricate problems. He can carve away at a civilization like a sculptor digging the human frame out of a hunk of marble. And when he’s done? He can shatter the remnants into an unsalvageable mess. June Byrne appears to be the perfect puzzle to solve; a witch so guarded with charms, she blends right into the background.
Ashtaroth has her in his sights and he will make an art out of breaking her walls down, as long as she doesn’t catch him in her threads first.
Hunkiedorië Review: What’s not to love about a demon king of Hell who specializes in arts and crafts and joins a local knitting club to spend time with his crush…its too stinckin sweet!
Click here to buy The Knitter’s Guide to Banishing Boyfriends on Amazon
Games with The Orc (Monster Smash Agency #1)
by Kathryn Moon
Sunny has spent years of her life hiding from her own desires and hiding them from those she loves. Forced to face the idea of denying that part of herself forever, Sunny takes a nose dive out of her routine and into her fantasies. All she needs is the help of Monster Smash Agency and one exceptionally talented Orc.
Khell’ar has mastered his work with Monster Smash Agency, satisfying his clients with perfect expertise. Guiding inexperienced Sunny into a new realm of extreme pleasures should be easy, simple. All he has to do is follow her requests, play his part, and not form a mating bond.
But Sunny is orc bait, and Khell’ar is more than even her wildest dreams could concoct.
Hunkiedorië Review: Kathryn Moon just gets me, I loved this book, which isn’t a surprise since I have adored almost every other book she has put out. But it is clear I have a big thing for sweet orcs. Even better is the fact that this book is listed as Monster Smash Agency 1, meaning that there will be more books like this to come, hopefully we wont have to wait long.
Click here to buy Games with The Orc on Amazon
Choosing Theo (The Clecanian Series # 1)
by Victoria Aveline
Being kidnapped by aliens is only the start of Jade’s problems. Thankfully, her rescuers, an alien race known as the Clecanians, are willing to protect her, but she has to stay on their planet for one year and respect the rules of their culture–including choosing a husband. Jade refuses at first but decides to play along until she can find a way back to Earth.
Theo, a scarred mercenary who prefers a life of solitude, is stunned when Jade selects him as her husband. After years of being passed over, he never imagined he would be chosen and neither did anyone else. Only one explanation makes sense…the curvy enticing female must be a spy, and Theo’s determined to break her cover using any means necessary.
As Jade and Theo are forced to spend time together, their chemistry becomes undeniable. But neither can afford to bring love into the equation, especially since Jade seems determined to go home. After all, she can’t possibly stay here, right?
Hunkiedorië Review: I often heard this series described as the better version of Ice Planet Barbarians, and I can see why. Although I don’t believe anything could ever be better than Queen Ruby Dixon’s writing this did come in at a close second. I like the similarities between the two: abducted human women, saving a planet of mate starved men. The addition of advanced technology and futuristic civilizations of many different types of aliens was a huge boon for this series. I loved it and sped through the books in about a week only to have my world rocked when the last book I could get my hands on ended in a HUGE cliff hanger (the first of the series actually) I need more and I don’t want to wait!!
Click here to buy Choosing Theo on Amazon
Freeing Luka (The Clecanian Series # 2)
by Victoria Aveline
Luka has spent his life researching fertility in the hopes of discovering a cure for the Clecanians’ low birth rates. After years of working tirelessly with little progress, he becomes enraged when he uncovers a sinister plot to abduct compatible species from their home planets. But before he can tell anyone what he’s discovered, he’s captured, drugged, and thrown in a cell.
It’s just Alice’s luck that when she finally begins to get her life on track, she’s kidnapped by reptilian creatures and forced into a cell with a fierce incoherent alien for some kind of breeding experiment. Even though they aren’t able to communicate, Alice and Luka find solace in each other’s company. As the days drag on, it becomes harder to keep her heart locked away, until she can’t help but wonder what a life with Luka might look like outside their dark prison. When an opportunity to free herself, Luka, and the other human prisoners presents itself, Alice takes it.
Once free, can Alice and Luka’s tenuous relationship survive on this planet? Will the evil men that held them prisoner ever see justice? And can they play a part in the rescue of the other women being held captive around this strange new world? Alice knows only one thing for certain—her life will never be the same again.
Hunkiedorië Review: Angst, adventure, and aliens what more do you need?!
Click here to buy Freeing Luka on Amazon
Saving Verakko (The Clecanian Series # 3)
by Victoria Aveline
When Lily is freed from alien captivity, she refuses to wait for rescue—or recapture. She’ll take her chances in the forest. Navigating the exotic terrain won’t be easy, but it beats the alternative. Then, an enormous alien falls into her camp and makes her question everything. He’s rude, grumpy, and annoyingly sexy. Trusting him would be a mistake. And yet…the idea of leaving him behind hurts way more than it should.
Verakko was supposed to liberate the kidnapped humans, then return home to fulfill his obligations. Getting dropped into the forest at the feet of the most confounding female he’s ever met was not on the agenda. So, he’ll help her, then they’ll go their separate ways. That’s the plan…until he starts to suspect that Lily is his mate. She doesn’t trust easily. He has secrets and responsibilities he can’t avoid forever. Only one thing is clear. If Lily and Verakko want their happily ever after, they’ll have to fight more than the dangers of the forest to get it.
Hunkiedorië Review: I liked Verakko much more in the previous books, he had a bit of a gruff personality change. I liked him better as the shy, bookish, sweetie we met in the previous book. A good story and a great look at more of the planets citizens and cultures.
Click here to buy Saving Verakko on Amazon
Tempting Auzed (The Clecanian Series # 4)
by Victoria Aveline
Alejandra is a survivor. So far, she’s lived through abduction, a near drowning, and being lost in an alien forest. She thought things were finally starting to go her way when the most intense, grumpy, and insanely tempting man she’s ever seen rescues her from a monster. But sadly, that’s just when everything gets even more complicated.
Auzed has his orders. He is to find the missing human and deliver her to Tremanta. Getting caught trespassing in Sauven territory was not part of the plan. Neither was pretending to be the sexy beauty’s fiancé to protect her from forced marriage to a Sauven stranger…but here they are.
Their relationship was supposed to be fake. But it’s not long before they start to wonder if true love and a happily ever after is possible for two star-crossed opposites. And if it is…just how far are they willing to go to claim it?
Hunkiedorië Review: Who wouldn’t want a sexy stranger to rescue you from an alien jungle. Auzed make quite the entrance and captures hearts on arrival. Another book, another chance to explore more of Celcania. At this point I am beginning to realize how good the girls got it ending up in Tremanta compared to the other cities on the planet.
Click here to buy Tempting Auzed on Amazon
Using Fejo (The Clecanian Series # 5)
by Victoria Aveline
She’ll do anything to get home. He’ll do anything to keep her with him, forever…
Vanessa doesn’t have the luxury of building a happily ever after on a new planet like her fellow alien abduction survivors. She must get back to Earth. Her family needs her, and she can’t afford to let them down again. So, she’ll find a way to break Clecanian law and get home—even if she has to marry (and betray) a sexy space pirate to do it.
Fejo can’t believe his luck when Vanessa, a gorgeous human with a sharp tongue, chooses him as her husband. He doesn’t know what he did to win her favor, but he’s determined to do everything in his power to make her happy. If only he could figure out why his alien bride is so reluctant to accept the kindness—and pleasure—he’s so eager to offer.
Vanessa’s plan was simple. Until she started falling for her ridiculously charming husband. Now, she has to figure out how to get home without breaking Fejo’s heart—or her own. Easy, right?
Hunkiedorië Review: Space Pirates, Space Pirates, SPACE PIRATESSSSSSS. MY FAVORITE. And seriously Fejo melted and broke my heart. I want to wrap him up in my favorite blanket and love him forever. I am glad Vanessa finally got her head out of her ass because Fejo deserves the best!
Click here to buy Using Fejo on Amazon
Releasing Maladek (The Clecanian Series # 5.5)
by Victoria Aveline
Turns out crash-landing into love is possible…
Katie is content with her post-alien-abduction life. Not only has she found work as a royal attendant, but her current assignment on a galaxy cruise is enjoyable, too…until the ship is brought down by a malevolent species. Now she must rescue her friends and escape a hostile planet—all by herself. Then she crosses paths with a sexy stranger who changes everything…
Forced labor in an enemy prison camp was nowhere on Maladek’s agenda. But his own troubles will have to wait. Because against all odds, his mate is here. Now he has to focus on getting her to safety—and convincing her that fated mates are real. It would all be so much easier if he had more experience being a hero…
The circumstances are dire. Their timing couldn’t be worse. Even if they manage to escape their captors, is a happily ever after possible for Katie and Maladek? They’re about to find out…
***This novella was originally published in the 2022 charity anthology Claimed Among the Stars, but now features two all-new bonus chapters and an epilogue.
Hunkiedorië Review: I was glad to see Maladek get a redemption story, and was fascinated by a new planet and the terrifying creatures that live there. Also pretty sure that they debt that Katie has in her pocket by the end of the book will be the perfect solution to the huge cliffhanger at the end of the next book in the series, Resisting Maxu.
Click here to buy Releasing Maladek on Amazon
Resisting Maxu (The Clecanian Series # 6)
by Victoria Aveline
Being kidnapped by aliens and whisked away to another planet isn’t always a bad thing…
Meg isn’t like the other alien abduction survivors. She doesn’t miss much of anything from her former life—least of all her deadbeat husband. Her Clecanian rescuers gave her a fresh start, and she plans to enjoy it. Being recognized as a mate is not on her agenda. Too bad a grumpy, possessive, and all-kinds-of-sexy alien has other plans for her…
Maxu never expected to find his fated mate. But he recognized Meg at first sight. Sadly, she’s not as pleased with the match as he is. She’s guarded in a way he doesn’t entirely understand and pushes him away at every turn.
Meg can run, but she soon realizes there’s nowhere to hide—not from a hunter like Maxu. But that doesn’t mean she’ll give in easily. If he wants a happily ever after with her, he’ll have to fight for it.
Good thing he’s not above playing dirty.
Hunkiedorië Review: Maxu is a bit of an ass, and Meg is a bit of a pain. Neither are characters that I particularly jibe with, although I do sympathize and understand why they are the way that they are. However what the heck Victoria Aveline?!? Every book in this series is wrapped up in a happy little bow but no, not this one. I didn’t realize the series wasn’t complete and I end on the only book with a devastating cliff hanger and now have to wait who knows how long to see if we can get these major issues resolved.
Click here to buy Resisting Maxu on Amazon
The Kingdoms
by Natasha Pulley
Come home, if you remember
The postcard has been held at the sorting office for ninety-one years, waiting to be delivered to Joe Tournier. On the front is a lighthouse – Eilean Mor, in the Outer Hebrides.
Joe has never left England, never even left London. He is a British slave, one of thousands throughout the French Empire. He has a job, a wife, a baby daughter.
But he also has flashes of a life he cannot remember and of a world that never existed – a world where English is spoken in England, and not French.
And now he has a postcard of a lighthouse built just six months ago, that was first written nearly one hundred years ago, by a stranger who seems to know him very well.
Joe’s journey to unravel the truth will take him from French-occupied London to a remote Scottish island, and back through time itself as he battles for his life – and for a very different future.
Hunkiedorië Review: My poor heart could not handle the amount of angst that is this book. This book was recommended to me by my coworker Carolina last year. Time travel, mystery and adventure. It sounded perfect, I was thinking something along the lines of Outlander. I was not prepared for the wet noodle of a character that is Joe Tournier, or the absolute miserable monster Missouri Kite. A well written and unique book, just way too sad for my taste. I left the story feeling dissatisfied and a bit confused. I think it ended as best it could and it should make for a great book club discussion at work next month.
Click here to buy The Kingdoms on Amazon
Love, Laugh, Lich (Claws & Cubicles #1)
by Kate Prior
Some people have monsters for a boss, but not everyone has an undead Necromancer Lord at the office.
Lily has been the Lich’s secretary ever since his evilness took over the company. She loves her job, but she’s got some questions about her boss. Like what’s under that cloak of ever-billowing.
Her wondering intensifies when one day the Lich needs something from her that isn’t just scheduling appointments– but a shiver. He needs it for a spell, but it feels like it crosses a line from their usual workplace banter.
After her contributions to his dark rituals become more than OSHA compliant, she starts to contemplate whether the Lich Lord returns her feelings, or still only sees her as his secretary. Lily may have given him her body, but he never asked for her heart.
Love, Laugh, Lich is a M/F office monster romance with light comedic elements, roughly 17k words. Content notes will be on the author’s website.
Hunkiedorië Review: I did feel a little off balance in this book, it felt as though there was a book or series before this that I may have missed. It is so enjoyable reading a all powerful monster type fumble their way through a budding relationship. The Lich Lord is so stinkin cute with the flowers and trinkets, and trying so hard. And I just about lost it when he had his little jealous temper tantrum.
Click here to buy Love, Laugh, Lich on Amazon
The Orc From the Office (Claws & Cubicles #2)
by Kate Prior
Mate-bonding with a co-worker is against company policy, accidentally or not.
Janice knows better than anyone that entanglements with co-workers are risky business. But when Janice accidentally breaks a co-workers nose, she finds herself unexpectedly mated to an orc, and under Monster Resources’ scrutiny.
Khent from the IT Department is quiet and nerdy, despite the tusks. His emails are overly wordy. He won’t stop apologizing even though she’s the one who broke his glasses.
Clearly, fate got this one wrong. All Janice has to do is stay away from Khent until the bond dissipates. Easy enough, right? Except…
…Her company laptop chooses this week to need the orc from the IT Department, repeatedly…She accidentally clicks on orc porn at work and has to take remedial phishing training with Khent…Their bond will keep pulling them back together until it is completed.
Hunkiedorië Review: Ohhhhh shy dorky Orc for the win. All he wants is a mate and is thrilled that it could be Janice, only to have her act like a total idiot by trying to dodge him. A sweet and spicy monster romance with a happily ever after.
Click here to buy The Orc From the Office on Amazon
Cookies For My Orc Neighbor (Sweet Monster Treats #1)
by Michele Mills
The big green Orc living next door to me is so very mysterious. He works from home and rarely goes outside. And when he does go out, he never wears a shirt buttoned over his massive chest, no matter the weather. Small children and senior citizens run screaming when he stomps to his truck, so I guess I understand his reticence?
But today is Valentine’s Day and I’m worried the big guy is sad and lonely. My neighbor is more angry-looking and growly than usual, despite that darling puppy he recently adopted. And since I happen to be alone this Valentine’s Day too, I decide to bring him a plate of my famous sugar cookies. Everyone warns me not to disturb him because Orcs always claim their Brides in the dark of winter. But for some reason, this doesn’t worry me at all.
Hunkiedorië Review: I was looking for a sweet and short way to wrap up my month and my orc stories have been hitting exactly right lately. I was a little hesitant with the tacky covers but I am glad I gave them a go. I have enjoyed Michele Mill’s writing in the past and these books were exactly what I was looking for, simple and sweet.
Click here to buy Cookies For My Orc Neighbor on Amazon
Candy for my Orc Boss (Sweet Monster Treats #2)
by Ava Ross
A new life, a new job, a new orc husband . . . Wait, isn’t he supposed to be my boss?
After my ex announces his wedding to someone other than me, I’m eager to leave town. A new life and a new job are just what I need to restore my mojo. On the way to my destination, I overnight at a hotel where edible unmentionables and a tattooed orc construction worker rock my world. I sneak out the next morning, figuring I’ll never see him again.
Until I walk into my new job. That hot orc construction worker? He’s my boss. He’s eager to continue where we left off. And those symbols on his wrists? According to orc tradition, they mean we’re married.
Candy for my Orc Boss is a sweet and steamy monster romance that is part of the Sweet Monster Treats collection. It also fits into Ava’s Monsterville, USA world. Each book is standalone, containing its own Happily Ever After, and they can be read in any order.
Hunkiedorië Review: Orc construction workers? Whoooowee, this was something I didn’t know I needed but thank you Ava Ross for the introduction. This book is part of Ava’s Monsterville, USA world and I am looking forward to reading more from this series next month.
Click here to buy Candy for my Orc Boss on Amazon
Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy (Sweet Monster Treats #3)
by Ava Ross
Her grumpy orc neighbor has the best buns in town – and his baked goods aren’t bad either!
When Elara flees corporate life to open a coffee shop in the small southern town of Fairhaven Falls, the last thing she is looking for is a relationship. But when she meets Grondar, the gruff orc owner of the bakery next door, sparks fly. Literally.
Grondar has been burned by human females before. He has no intention of letting the feisty little female next door get under his skin – no matter how attractive he finds her. And it certainly doesn’t mean he’s going to let her get away with sabotaging his business.
Despite their disastrous first meeting, Elara still finds herself having inappropriately heated thoughts about the massive orc next door. It doesn’t help that every time he stomps over to lecture her she ends up in his arms!
Can they overcome their initial animosity and their very obvious differences to find their happily ever after?
Hunkiedorië Review: Another Orc baker, and I’m lovin it. This book feels as though it could easily be part of another series. This is a well developed world and a few of the characters felt as though they were set up to have their own stories.
Click here to buy Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy on Amazon
We are just getting started, and I can not wait to share my monthly reading list with you all as we move through 2023. If you have any suggestions please let me know!
My Top 5 Reads of 2023 (thus far)
- Monstrous Matches Series
- Monsterly Yours Series
- Good Deeds
- The Clecanian Series
- Claws and Cubicles Series
My Top 5 Reads of 2022
- Corsair/Corsair Brothers/Risdacverse (series)
- Ice Planet Barbarians/Ice Home (series)
- The Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac (series)
- Bonds That Tie (series)
- Dragon Kin (series)
My Top 5 Reads of 2021
- The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter (Theodoa Goss)
- The Viscount Who Loved Me (Julia Quinn)
- The Toll (Neal Shusterman)
- The Midnight Library (Matt Haig)
- The Immortals (Jordanna Max Brodsky)
My Top 5 Reads of 2020
- Mr. Dickens and His Carol (Samantha Silva)
- Scythe (Neal Shusterman)
- Thunderhead (Neal Shusterman)
- The Vine Witch (Luanne G. Smith)
- Ready Player One (Ernest Cline)
My Top 5 Reads of 2019
- The Graveyard Book (Neil Gaiman)
- Strange Practice (Vivian Shaw)
- Dreadful Company (Vivian Shaw)
- Grave Importance (Vivian Shaw)
- Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
My Top 5 Reads of 2021
- The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter (Theodoa Goss)
- The Viscount Who Loved Me (Julia Quinn)
- The Toll (Neal Shusterman)
- The Midnight Library (Matt Haig)
- The Immortals (Jordanna Max Brodsky)
My Top 5 Reads of 2020
- Mr. Dickens and His Carol (Samantha Silva)
- Scythe (Neal Shusterman)
- Thunderhead (Neal Shusterman)
- The Vine Witch (Luanne G. Smith)
- Ready Player One (Ernest Cline)
My Top 5 Reads of 2019
- The Graveyard Book (Neil Gaiman)
- Strange Practice (Vivian Shaw)
- Dreadful Company (Vivian Shaw)
- Grave Importance (Vivian Shaw)
- Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
Hunkiedorië Founder
Creative Director
Foodie & Craft Pro
Leave a Reply