Can’t stop, won’t stop. Last year read so much 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, Mighty Miley 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 it2 stars: It was okay3 stars: Liked it4 stars: Really liked it5 stars: It was amazing This should go without saying, but this is just my opinion. Reading books is a deeply personal experience. Something that really strikes the right cord with me may not be your flavor or vice versa. I have the utmost 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 my 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 Hunkiedorië’s February Bookshelf 2023 Hunkiedorië’s March Bookshelf 2023 And now…may I present… Hunkiedorië’s April 2023 Bookshelf: Space Army Recruits: Day 1 (A Kinky Queer Space Opera) by Kinley Grey Media: eBook | Genre: Sci-Fi Erotica | Tags: Romance, Science Fiction, LGBTQIA, Erotica, Short Stories, Poly First in a series! When Rory overhears a space army instructor talking about the recruits’ unusual Day 30 challenge, he’s ready and willing to do whatever it takes with his seven new bunkmates to earn his place in an SDF platoon. Because this sexy small-town boy will get down and dirty with women and men—kinky, public, Space Army banging—before he goes back to the farm! Hunkiedorië Review: I picked up this series as part of Stuff your Kindle Day and it is safe to say I have never read anything like this. Very Short and very spicy. Basically, it is secret military orgy training as a form of team building before sending soldiers on deep space missions. Space Army Recruits: Day 8 (A Kinky Queer Space Opera) by Kinley Grey Media: eBook | Genre: Sci-Fi Erotica | Tags: Romance, Science Fiction, LGBTQIA, Erotica, Short Stories, Poly Second in a series! Rory’s crew is working out their kinks (literally!) in preparation for the Day 30 “test” they know will determine their fate in the SDF, crossing boundaries and climbing into each other’s bunks to get extra-familiar with each other. But the mysterious Smith keeps to himself. Will the big man get shuttled back to Earth for refusing to play nicely with others, or can Rory find a way to persuade Command that Smith deserves a second chance? Hunkiedorië Review: I’m not sure I can really recommend this book to anyone in my life, but I did really like these. It’s spicy to the max, but there are so many really sweet elements to these characters as well. I just wish that instead of several extremely short editions, this story was just written in one longer book. Space Army Recruits: Day 15 (A Kinky Queer Space Opera) by Kinley Grey Media: eBook | Genre: Sci-Fi Erotica | Tags: Romance, Science Fiction, LGBTQIA, Erotica, Short Stories, Poly Rory’s got a virgin in a jam, teammates getting jumped in space station hallways, and the most intense interspecies communication exam ever. His squad is absolutely determined to get assigned to a FarCol ship before Day 30. But how many times can Rory save the day to get them there in one piece, and what exactly will the handsome, twisted Command demand he do in exchange for keeping his crew safe? Hunkiedorië Review: Not surprisingly, I made my way through these books very quickly. The biggest bummer is that there is no next/final book on the horizon. From what I found via Google search, this author just writes for fun when the feeling strikes and doesn’t feel any rush to release new content, which as a reader, is driving me insane! Nephilim the Awakening (Wrath of the Fallen Book 1) by Elizabeth Blackthorne Media: eBook | Genre: Paranormal Romance | Tags: PNR, LGBTQIA, Demons, Shifter, Angels, Vampires, RH Two angels, a wolf shifter, a vampire, and a demon walk into a bar… Sounded like a bad joke to me too, but no, these are the sinfully hot guardians I have watching my back as I try to track down my missing mother. Turns out she was a witch and a guardian as well, helping to maintain the balance between Heaven and Hell on Earth and protect humanity from their inhabitants.The punchline? Apparently, I’m not human either, but no one seems to be able to tell me what I am. Certain possibilities mean my soul could be condemned to eternal torment just for existing, and when the lines between good and evil start blurring, how will I know who I can trust?If you like strong female characters, sexy supernaturals, and dark, steamy romance where the heroine never has to choose between love interests, you’ll love this series that combines all of these into a fast-paced thriller that will leave your head spinning and your heart racing! Hunkiedorië Review: Another Stuff your Kindle Day addition. Overall I liked this book and this series; it had a little bit of everything in it. The world-building was pretty great, but I think there were a few missed opportunities to dig more into the mythology as well as take more time to develop relationships and friendships amongst most of the characters. Some aspects of the story felt a little rushed, which is surprising as it is a four-book series; there was plenty of time. Nephilim the Summoning (Wrath of the Fallen Book 2) by Elizabeth Blackthorne Media: eBook | Genre: Paranormal Romance | Tags: PNR, LGBTQIA, Demons, Shifter, Angels, Vampires, RH A creature born of darkness and sin. I am Nephilim. The discovery of what I am has left me reeling, but it has also left me with some amazing powers, a gorgeous pair of black wings and four hot guys in my bed. You’ve got to look on the bright side. Caught up in a world of powerful relics and ancient gods, I am torn between trying to rescue my mother from her kidnappers or tracking down the powerful artifact they are seeking. The Concordia can’t find out what I am, or I’ll be condemned for eternity, but it seems like I am not the only one keeping secrets. I need to rely on the powers and devotion of my Guardians, but I’m not sure who I can trust. When everything around us is falling apart, will we be able to stay together? Or is there a worse betrayal ahead? *Nephilim the Summoning is a dark and steamy reverse harem novel for readers aged 18 and over. Triggers include torture, sexual abuse, and graphic violence. Hunkiedorië Review: Honestly, I don’t think I read enough celestial/mythology-themed books. I thoroughly enjoyed the world built in this series and wanted to explore it even more! Nephilim the Reckoning (Wrath of the Fallen Book 3) by Elizabeth Blackthorne Media: eBook | Genre: Paranormal Romance | Tags: PNR, LGBTQIA, Demons, Shifter, Angels, Vampires, RH Move over Angel of Vengeance! Those that betrayed me had better run because when I catch up to them, they will wish they were burning in Hell!Just as we were coming together, our team of Guardians has been ripped apart, and I will stop at nothing to get the demon I love back home where he belongs. Leaving a trail of blood and carnage behind him, Shemyaza is seeking something. If he finds what he seeks, he will become unstoppable. I know if we don’t discover what the Watcher wants, the whole world could suffer. But Shemyaza isn’t the only one with secrets. My team, my men, have accepted me no matter what I turn out to be, but as Euriel probes deeper into the events of the past, will he discover what I am, and if he does, will he ever forgive me? Hunkiedorië Review: It was nice seeing some of the main characters experience a wider range of emotions and see some real depth added to their interactions. I’m not going to lie; I tore through this series, the cliffhangers had me stressed out, and I am so grateful that this was a completed series by the time I got around to reading it. Nephilim the Unleashed (Wrath of the Fallen Book 4) by Elizabeth Blackthorne Media: eBook | Genre: Paranormal Romance | Tags: PNR, LGBTQIA, Demons, Shifter, Angels, Vampires, RH They say it’s always darkest before the dawn. But what if the sun doesn’t rise? I’m not going to lie; things look pretty bleak where I am right now. Imprisoned in Gehenna, where even angels don’t dare tread and about to be condemned to eternal torment, I’m not feeling very optimistic right now. Shemyaza has possessed Cain and is now invincible, I’m not sure if Amadi has even survived his possession, and Euriel looks at me like he’d love to oversee my eternal torment himself. If Shemyaza opens the Gates of Tartarus and releases the Watchers and Nephilim imprisoned within, a war like never before will begin between Heaven and Hell with Earth as their battleground and the human race may well be slaughtered in its wake. The apocalypse is imminent, and Heaven is turning a blind eye. It’s up to the Concordia to stop Shemyaza, and thankfully, I know some pretty awesome supernaturals who’ll help me fight what’s coming. That’s if I can get out of this cell… Nephilim the Unleashed is the fourth and final book in Wrath of the Fallen, a paranormal reverse harem romance series. If you like strong female characters, sexy supernatural, and steamy romance, you’ll love this series that combines all of these into a fast-paced thriller that will leave you wanting more! Hunkiedorië Review: Elizabeth Blackthorne did a wonderful job wrapping up this series, but I am ready for the next step. I could follow this crew and the Concordia on dozens of adventures. I hope to see this world explored even more in the future. The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games, #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes Media: Audiobook & Paperback | Genre: Mystery | Tags: YA, Contemporary, Mystery/Thriller Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why—or even who Tobias Hawthorne is. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man’s touch—and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes. Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also occupied by the family that Tobias Hawthorne just dispossessed. This includes the four Hawthorne grandsons: dangerous, magnetic, brilliant boys who grew up with every expectation that one day, they would inherit billions. Heir apparent Grayson Hawthorne is convinced that Avery must be a conwoman, and he’s determined to take her down. His brother, Jameson, views her as their grandfather’s last hurrah: a twisted riddle, a puzzle to be solved. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive. **The games continue in The Hawthorne Legacy, The Final Gambit, and The Brothers Hawthorne! Hunkiedorië Review: I found this book absolutely delightful. Exactly the fast-paced, entertaining escape I was looking for! A YA story with major to Knives Out or Locke & Key vibes, though that says nothing about all the puzzles, riddles, and pretty boys that will have readers tearing through The Inheritance Games series. The Hawthorne Legacy (The Inheritance Games, 2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes Media: Audiobook & Paperback | Genre: Mystery | Tags: YA, Contemporary, Mystery/Thriller The Inheritance Games ended with a bombshell, and now heiress Avery Grambs has to pick up the pieces and find the man who might hold the answers to all of her questions—including why Tobias Hawthorne left his entire fortune to Avery, a virtual stranger, rather than to his own daughters or grandsons. Thanks to a DNA test, Avery knows she’s not a Hawthorne by blood, but clues pile up hinting at a deeper connection to the family than she had ever imagined. As the mystery grows and the plot thickens, Grayson and Jameson, two of the enigmatic and magnetic Hawthorne grandsons, continue to pull Avery in different directions. And there are threats lurking around every corner, as adversaries emerge who will stop at nothing to see Avery out of the picture—by any means necessary. With nonstop action, aspirational jet-setting, Knives Out-like family intrigue, swoonworthy romance, and billions of dollars hanging in the balance, The Hawthorne Legacy will thrill Jennifer Lynn Barnes fans and new readers alike. Hunkiedorië Review: Wonderfully written with enough plot twists to keep you pleasantly engaged while enjoying the unique use of riddles weaving together a story of intrigue and romance. Relaxing read providing a great escape from whatever ails you. But, be warned, you won’t be able to put it down and you might as well purchase the entire series . . . because reading these books is all you’re going to want to do until you’re finished. The Final Gambit (The Inheritance Games, 3) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes Media: Audiobook & Paperback | Genre: Mystery | Tags: YA, Contemporary, Mystery/Thriller To inherit billions, all Avery Kylie Grambs has to do is survive a few more weeks living in Hawthorne House. The paparazzi are dogging her every step. Financial pressures are building. Danger is a fact of life. And the only thing getting Avery through it all is the Hawthorne brothers. Her life is intertwined with theirs. She knows their secrets and they know her. But as the clock ticks down to the moment when Avery will become the richest teenager on the planet, trouble arrives in the form of a visitor who needs her help—and whose presence in Hawthorne House could change everything. It soon becomes clear that there is one last puzzle to solve, and Avery and the Hawthorne brothers are drawn into a dangerous game against an unknown and powerful player. Hunkiedorië Review: As much as I liked the first two books, this one really pulled out all the stops and really made the story feel cohesive. This is truly a great series that has kept me as a reader guessing and thinking all the way through. Bear in a Bakery: A fated mates romance (Estes Park Shifters Book 1) by Liz Paffel Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: PNR, Shifter, Small Town Romance, Cozy, Fated Mates One sexy carpenter bear shifter. One sassy human with a sweet, sweet cinnamon roll.Allie Rowe is in a bind after drunk raccoons do a number on her business, Sticky Sweet Bakery. With a major event coming up, she can’t afford to be out of commission… but she can’t afford to fix things, either. Her meddling father thinks he’ll play matchmaker when he hires sexy carpenter and bear shifter Dax Mitchell to lend a hand. She’s already played the rejected mate game, and isn’t going there again, thanks. Bear shifters are trouble with muscles. Shifters are off limits! Dax won’t take no for an answer, making her wonder if he’s helping from the kindness of his heart, or if he’ll require some sort of repayment… Dax is under pressure to take a mate before the fates rob him of his strength. His dying father’s wish is to see his son mated. A staunch bachelor, Dax is inclined to change his mind when sexy, curvy Allie offers him a taste of her sweet roll. When an unexpected enemy makes himself known, and time winds down on his chance to take a mate, Dax must decide how far he’ll go to claim his fated mate. Bear in a Bakery is a fun, fated mates paranormal romance featuring fated mates and lots of sticky sweet yumminess! Hunkiedorië Review: This story is adorable and packs a lot into less than 200 pages. There is an instant connection but also internal conflict and even an internal ex-boyfriend who isn’t going quietly. The chemistry between Allie and Dax is explosive and right there, but her reservations put a stop on anything instantaneous. I really enjoyed this read and the spice is fun! Sweeter Than Honey (Estes Park Shifters Book 2) by Liz Paffel Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: PNR, Shifter, Small Town Romance, Cozy, Fated Mates One minute Cara Neal is celebrating her win as Kansas City’s Entrepreneur of the Year by maybe drinking too much and finding the wrong guy… the next, she’s carrying a secret and every male bear shifter in three states is after her. She’s on the run, forced to leave her thriving jewelry business behind for the wild Colorado mountains. She has no choice but to accept help from the alpha mountain man grizzly shifter who offers protection, free of charge. He’s sexy. Tormented. Maybe a little gruff. But any man who sings to his hives of honeybees can’t be that intimidating, right? Until he turns those dark, hungry eyes on her, and Cara knows she’s going to have to repay his kindness. And… probably not with one of her award-winning necklaces. Jett Mitchell had a family once. They’re gone, and so is his tolerance for anyone outside his mountain. He’s content living alone on his organic farm, raising honeybees. When the sexy little human shows up with her surprise baby bump, his protective instincts go into overdrive. He should turn her away. He shouldn’t want to keep her safely tucked away in his mountain home. Or watch her belly grow. Or long for things he can never have again. Bear shifters don’t get a second chance fated mate. He can’t keep her… But he’ll be her bear shifter protector until it’s time to let her go. And heaven help any other male who gets in his way. Hunkiedorië Review: A sweet story about two people who save each other. This is the second book in the series and I am looking forward to the others. Looking for a quick read, give this series a try. Bear In A Bookstore (Estes Park Shifters Book 3) by Liz Paffel Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: PNR, Shifter, Small Town Romance, Cozy, Fated Mates Grizzly shifter Desi Mitchell is ready to settle down and start a family. As a former security expert for the United States military, he’s starting his own security firm just in time as frenzied treasure hunters from the Famous Race take over the town and bring a rash of weird happenings. He’s watching out for the residents, including sexy new bookstore owner, Kora Meredith. His bear wants to claim her as his fated mate. She wants him to secure her home tighter than Fort Knox and get lost. Kora is converting the hundred-year-old brothel into a bookstore to help forget her past. Staying busy helps soothe her chaotic mind—a mind that won’t let her have a relationship, or grand adventures, or go to the store somedays. She tries to deter Desi when he insists on helping her. She resists when he swears they are fated mates. But the clues lead them to a treasure neither of them was expecting. And danger threatens to push Kora over the edge. Can they find what they’re looking for before it’s too late? Hunkiedorië Review: This book deals with the FMC’s mental health / PTSD struggles after a traumatic event. I felt the author did an amazing job creating an authentic story that also encourages and supports. At the end she offers a wonderful letter to the reader. Wild In The Woods (Estes Park Shifters Book 4) by Liz Paffel Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: PNR, Shifter, Small Town Romance, Cozy, Fated Mates Fox Mitchell has made a name for himself teaching high-octane survival classes to city slickers looking for adventure when he’s not busy as acting captain of the Estes Park Search and Rescue Squad. He’s happy being a loner, even if everyone around him is getting hitched. Please. No one is going to domesticate and neuter him, thanks. Especially not the irritating woman who tries to rope him into an interview for some magazine he’s never heard of. He’s about to send her packing when his family reminds him, he needs a date for a wedding and they’re not about to back off until he gets one. Lulu Orlando has a lot to prove to her boss. As the only female reporter on staff for a prestigious men’s magazine, she uses a contact in Estes Park to find Fox Mitchell, the sought-after survival expert no one has been able to coax into an interview. Her ex is after her job, and if she doesn’t land this gig, she’s screwed. She has no choice but to agree when Fox proposes a deal: be his fake girlfriend for a weekend and successfully complete his most challenging survival course, and she can have the interview. Except nature is too messy. She hates dirt. And bugs. Camping means a five-start hotel with an infinity pool. Ditching her designer heels for hiking boots, she doesn’t realize she’s trekking head-first into danger, and strength she didn’t know she had. Fox gets more than he bargains for but everything his inner grizzly bear craves, as he’s forced to let go of what he thought he wanted… To save the one thing he can’t live without. Hunkiedorië Review: For me, this is the best story of the four! They were all good, but this one doesn’t have a dull minute anywhere! Lots going on and out won’t want to put it down till you get to the end.  The Vampire in the Bookstore by Elle M Drew Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: PNR, Vampire, Book about Books There is nothing more interesting to a book-loving vampire than an old bookstore…and a human with the rich aroma of ink and parchment embedded in her skin… For more centuries than he cared to count, Declan had found more comfort among his books and his personal library than he ever did around others, whether they be human or supernatural. With eternity before him, he treasures knowledge, the pursuit of it, and the preservation. Nothing, and no one, could ever part him from such endeavors. Until, among the stacks of a familiar bookstore, he encounters a human with a love of books that rivals his own, and an interest in perusing his personal collection… But for Rosamund, meeting Declan is so much more than exploring his home library, as she knows his secret. His deepest one. The one she knows he treasures above all others. She knows that he… is her favorite author. And in just one very loosely planned encounter… she needs him to reveal everything… For the pursuit of knowledge, of course. And perhaps something else. This monster romance features a plus-size heroine who knows what she wants and how to get it and her vampire love interest, who shares her love of old books and extensive libraries. This novella encompasses a long evening shared, ending with a HEA. Hunkiedorië Review: I love vampires, I love bookstores-this should be awesome. It was not. The first couple chapters were okay. And then it turned into a rushed attempt at what was an interesting concept. I just could not get into this novella. I didn’t particularly like either of the characters. I didn’t care about the storyline and even though it was short it felt like a chore to get through. A Shifter’s Sin (Wolves of Hawthorne Cove Book 1) by Debbie Cassidy Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: PNR, Shifters, Aliens, Merfolk, Warlocks, Fated Mates, RH A Lycan that can’t shift is no use to anyone. I’ve made it my mission to be useful to my pack. As pack enforcer, I’m fast and strong, but when the time comes to bond with my mate, it isn’t enough. Rejection means lone wolf status and isolation from the pack. But when a package arrives with an unexpected inheritance, the pack that wants to shun me, suddenly has a new use for me. Turns out, I’m the proud owner of a house in mysterious territory, rumored to be home to a pack of beautifully twisted shifters. Hawthorne Cove is Impregnable to Lycans, but not to a half human like me. Now I have a second chance to be accepted by my pack. All I have to do is infiltrate the Hawthorne pack, find the source of their power and steal it. Easier said than done. Because once I pass the mystical boundaries surrounding the town, I’ll be absolutely, and totally at the mercy of the wolves of Hawthorne Cove. Authors note: A Shifter’s Sin is a paranormal romance story with multiple love interests and a heroine who will grow into her strength and power as the series progresses. Hunkiedorië Review: I think I got a book from this series on Stuff your Kindle Day which led me to buy the entire series at the same time, and I am so glad I did! This book was a fantastic read. It is full the of drama, mystery, and deceit. Great start to a series and the first book I’ve read from Debbie Cassidy. A Shifter’s Trial (Wolves of Hawthorne Cove Book 2) by Debbie Cassidy Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: PNR, Shifters, Aliens, Merfolk, Warlocks, Fated Mates, RH A mark, a Calling, and a fate I didn’t see coming. I thought surviving the Hawthorne alpha’s wrath would put an end to my trials. I was wrong. I’ve been marked, branded by mystical forces, and with no clue what’s about to happen I’m going in blind. All I know is that it will be a test of survival. All I want is to find a way out. But as the hours tick by and the Calling gets close, I’m forced to accept that maybe fate can’t always be thwarted. Sometimes the things we wish for, are the very things we should be running from. Hunkiedorië Review: I could not put this series down it is seriously amazing! Every turn of the page brings new twists and turns and new supernaturals, I can’t get enough. A Shifter’s Heart (Wolves of Hawthorne Cove Book 3) by Debbie Cassidy Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: PNR, Shifters, Aliens, Merfolk, Warlocks, Fated Mates, RH There’s a darkness inside me, and it wants to be known. I came to Hawthorne with a plan that got obliterated by revelations that forever changed me. Now the darkness threatens to claim me and the only way to stop it is to find out who I really am. The otherworldly shifters that wanted me dead will now do anything to keep me safe, but unfortunately not even my mates can protect me where I’m going.Sometimes there’s a cost to survival, and I’m about to discover mine. Hunkiedorië Review: I can honestly say I have never read a series like this before. I try to imagine the way a story will go when I read and I am pretty good at it since most storylines are somewhat predictable. This one isn’t and that makes it that much more exciting and quite the literary adventure.I live for this series. I’m constantly on the edge of my seat waiting for the next shoe to drop and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. Every revelation is a slash to the heart and every twist is utterly consuming. A Shifter’s Curse (Wolves of Hawthorne Cove Book 4) by Debbie Cassidy Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: PNR, Shifters, Aliens, Merfolk, Warlocks, Fated Mates, RH I don’t regret what I did. I’d do it again. But what happens now? The relic keeping the taint at bay has fractured and it’s all my fault. As the fractures grow, it’s only a matter of time before the taint breaks free. There’s only one solution. Find the Dagda and beg him to fix what I broke. I’m about to enter a race against time. If I fail, the world as we know it will pay the price A price we can’t afford. Decisions have consequences and mine are about to bite me in the ass. Hunkiedorië Review: Debbie Cassidy never does disappoint with her stories…they just getting better and better with each book she adds to the series. The books is action packed, full rollercoaster of a ride with drama, steam, mystery and danger in every page. I love that Debbie Cassidy gives her readers such a vivid bold world with such big characters to fill it with. And in this book she gives a whole lot of action, as Quinn and her mates race to save the others. There is a very down-the-rabbit-hole feel that adds to the storyline and brings new perspective that I really liked. A Shifter’s Choice (Wolves of Hawthorne Cove Book 5) by Debbie Cassidy Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: PNR, Shifters, Aliens, Merfolk, Warlocks, Fated Mates, RH They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I’m hoping that isn’t the case for me I’m the spawn of darkness, and the news has spread, making me a target for forces designed to protect this world. I can’t be a danger to the people I love. I need to fight. I need to master the power inside me and prove I’m not the monster they believe me to be. But when the tiniest slip can unleash the darkness, every choice matters. I just hope I make the right ones. Hunkiedorië Review: I really enjoyed this series. It was different than most RH stories I’ve read. I liked that Quinn was tough, but not immature or naive. I liked that her guys made changes to their behaviors to meet Quinn’s needs, but that Quinn made changes and tried to meet their needs too. A lot if times series tend to make the guys do all the compromising and the MC doesn’t have to do anything to make the relationship work. So I enjoyed seeing compromise. I liked that the guys were protective, but they knew when to let go. The plot was interesting and the story flowed well. The characters were well developed. I haven’t been disappointed in any books I’ve read by this author, and this one is no exception. Highly recommend if you like RH series. When She’s Fearless (Risdaverse)  by Ruby Dixon Media: eBook | Genre: Alien Romance | Tags: Aliens, Abduction, Past Trauma, Fated Mates, Instalove, Plus Size Heroine After being stolen from Earth, I learned that I could live each day in fear…or I could meet life head-on and unafraid. I chose the latter… Which is why, when I find a terrifyingly huge cat-alien male hip-deep in my favorite fishing spot, I don’t run away in fear. I introduce myself. Is it reckless? Sure. But I’ve never met anyone quite like the feline Hrrrusek. And when I catch him marking my door as his territory, instead of calling for help… I invite him in. This instalove novella features a heroine who’s having fun being reckless and a hero who doesn’t know what hit him. All vibes, very little plot. Enjoy! Hunkiedorië Review: I really love this series that resolves around human women and alien men. The books in this series are a mix between long stories and novella length. This story ‘When she’s fearless’ is a novella. Like the other stories in this series we find ourselves on the planet Risda III and the main characters are Chelsea and Hrrrusek. Chelsea is a human women, who was kidnapped from earth, sold as a slave and now living a free life on Risda III for the last two years. Chelsea had a horrible life as a slave but now that she’s free, she’s determined to life a good life and enjoy every moment without fear. Hrrrusek is a Praxiian, a cat like alien. His race is feared by many and especially by the human women who had a Praxiian owner when they were slaves. So Hrrrusek is really surprised and confused when he meets a woman human who isn’t afraid of him and is even kind to him. Just like in the other stories in this series, you got both POV’s in this story. It was a quick, fun read. Seven Brides for Seven Alien Brothers (7 book series) by Honey Phillips Media: eBook | Genre: Alien Romance | Tags: Aliens, Pioneers/Settlers, Space Western Each book in the Seven Brides series features a different couple and may be read as a standalone, but the books do link together. This sweet and steamy series is intended for mature readers. Hunkiedorië Review: I’ve been a Honey Phillips fan in the past so I bought the whole series at once. UGH! This series was painful, the FMC felt weak and whiny. Although the books were set in space the entire society took on a pioneer approach to life living simply and (CRINGE) oppressing women and finding value only in their ability to remain quiet, compliant and wed well. And although the characters said they wanted more they didn’t actively do anything to change this way of life which was very disappointing. I should have DNF’d this series but I was certain things would turn around (they did not). Furbidden Attraction: A Small Town Shifter Romance (Raven Falls Cursed Romances Book 1) by R. O’Leary Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: Shifters, Banshees, Werewolves, Ghouls Rules are for humans… and he’s definitely not human. Louisa moved to Raven Falls to start over. But her new life is seeming more like a mistake with each passing minute. Her apartment looks nothing like the pictures, her evil boss might actually be possessed, and the sweet, injured dog she brought home isn’t actually a dog. Not that the exceedingly attractive naked man in her bed isn’t a step in the right direction–but it would be nice if she knew who he was. Knee-deep in a dangerous investigation, memories missing, and a bullet wound in his shoulder, Jack is running out of time to figure out who is hunting shifters. In spite of the danger, Louisa’s dark curls and warm vanilla scent tempt the beast inside of him far too much. But Jack doesn’t have time to dawdle with the sassy brunette… unless he takes her with him. Kidnapped and pissed off, Louisa wants nothing to do with the sexy shifter and even less to do with his secret world of monsters. But the longer she spends with Jack, the less she can deny the odd pull between them… even if it is forbidden. Hunkiedorië Review: I bought this entire series because of a funny TikTok post on the authors account. And it was a great decision. This series is hilarious, exiting and sweet. The style of writing felt very similar to reading G.A. Aiken’s Dragon Kin series. Unbearable Temptation: A Small Town Shifter Romance (Raven Falls Cursed Romances Book 2) by R. O’Leary Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: Shifters, Banshees, Werewolves, Ghouls, Grumpy/Sunshine Buried under the weight of his role as Alpha, Nate will do anything to find his missing shifters, even if it means babysitting a sassy eyewitness who has an unhealthy obsession with pink–and sugar. Everything in Rainy’s life is finally going according to plan. Her bakery is flourishing, and there’s nothing but blue skies and cupcakes ahead–until she witnesses a feathered half-man, half-monster being kidnapped from the alley behind her shop. Thrust into a shadowy world of supernatural creatures and curses, all Rainy wants to do is hide in her bakery with a bowl of cake batter. She definitely does NOT want to spend her days drooling over the sexy shifter tasked with her protection… right? Nate has a lot resting on his shoulders: the safety of his clan, a tiny daughter still learning to use her claws, and a council of bloodthirsty Alphas at his throat–not to mention the mountain of paperwork threatening to bury him alive. The last thing he needs is a feisty blonde forcing him to wear a pink apron and bake tarts. But as clan Alpha, her safety is his responsibility… at least that’s what his bear tells him every time she looks in his direction. The sugar-hating grouch is everything Rainy doesn’t want. But there’s something about Nate that drives her crazy in all the best ways. Can her heart resist the bear–or will the two of them embrace the temptation? Unbearable Temptation is the second book in the Raven Falls Cursed Romances series. This is a steamy paranormal romance with a grumpy single dad shifter and his sweet human mate. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after! Hunkiedorië Review: The plot in this book is also just as engaging as the first. I feel like O’Leary has done a wonderful job of having an overarching plot connect through two books, but each book having their own plot that connects to the main plot so well. We learn more about what the FBI wants with supes, and groundwork has been laid for the continuation of the over arching plot as well as the next couple. Howling Devotion: A Small Town Shifter Romance (Raven Falls Cursed Romances Book 3) by R. O’Leary Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: Shifters, Banshees, Werewolves, Ghouls Desperate for a shot at claiming his mate, Beau will do anything to get the stubborn owl to give him a chance…even if he has to hijack her investigation. Alice has always prided herself on being an asset to her shifter clan — that is, until she messed up so badly her Alpha won’t even look her in the eye. Confidence shaken and desperate to redeem herself, she has no time for the handsome wolf dogging her steps–even if he is claiming to be her soulmate. When a mysterious monster starts making trouble in Las Vegas, Alice leaps at the opportunity to prove she is more than just a scatterbrained librarian. A little time away to wallow in self-pity, hunt down a monster, and maybe get a nice tan is exactly what she needs… unless a certain wolf has other plans. For months, Beau has chased his fiery mate. She’s stubborn, smart, and… nothing like he expected. But from the second his wolf laid eyes on the stubborn owl shifter, he’s known she was meant to be his. Frustrated but determined, Beau will do whatever it takes to win her over — even if he has to follow her across the country to do it. A wolf only gets one mate and he’ll be damned if he lets her get away. Alice isn’t sure how much longer she can resist his bad-boy charm… or if she even wants to. Enduring the wolf’s fierce devotion might just be more than she bargained for. Howling Devotion is the third book in the Raven Falls Cursed Romances series. This is a steamy paranormal romance with a smart, sassy woman and her sexy, devoted werewolf. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after! Hunkiedorië Review: This book was swoon worthy, like who doesn’t want a man who is determined to get the girl of his dreams, his mate, his other half and he’d does it all through so much love and patience. I like that all the books in this series are follow the same story line. We are still look for the bad guys that are kidnapping women and are getting close..I think. Alice feels like she needs to redeem herself after Rainy and Abby getting taken in the last book. So she volunteered to go to Vegas to investigate some missing women. Beau invites him self along and the whole scene made me laugh. Deathly Desire: A Small Town Shifter Romance (Raven Falls Cursed Romances Book 4) by R. O’Leary Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: Shifters, Banshees, Werewolves, Ghouls For months the wolf has watched his mate from afar. He’s finally ready to make his move… that is, if a tiny witch doesn’t derail his plans. A wolf only gets one mate, and Bennett’s monster chose the minute he laid eyes on Iris. The smiling ghoul is fierce and beautiful… and way out of his league. That’s not going to stop him from getting the girl–assuming he can ever get his foot out of his mouth and actually ask her out. His wolf is ready to seal the deal, but Bennett’s past has other plans. He made a deal to save a life and it’s time to pay up… it just never occurred to him that the price might include babysitting a preteen witch. How the hell is he supposed to keep a kid alive when he can’t even stop a potted plant from dying? Iris has had very little time for anything in her life but work. She certainly doesn’t have the time to lust after a wolf… but for him, she might just be willing to make an exception. Tattooed and all kinds of sexy, the scarred wolf is exactly the kind of monster she needs in her life–and her bed. When Bennett ends up on her doorstep saddled with a tiny witch, Iris has no choice but to offer her help. She might be a ghoul with teeth like a shark, but she’s not a monster. Besides, helping the wolf means keeping him close… very close. And with nowhere to hide, how long before they can’t help but give in to the wolf’s desire? Deathly Desire is the fourth book in the Raven Falls Cursed Romances series. This is a steamy paranormal romance with a hot scarred wolf and his smart badass mate. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after! Hunkiedorië Review: Another knock it out of the park, inhale it in one night, swoon fest from O’Leary! The perfect balance between rich, edge of your seat plot, steamy perfectly paced spice, and sassy, giggle inducing romance! Bewitching Allure: A Small Town Shifter Romance (Raven Falls Cursed Romances Book 5) by R. O’Leary Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: Shifters, Banshees, Werewolves, Ghouls, Enemies to Lovers All magic has a price… but to possess the witch, he’s willing to do whatever it takes. Don’t get involved with monsters. That’s Juniper’s number one rule for staying under the radar… and the one rule the witch has trouble following. She should have turned down the shifter Alpha when he offered her the job, but the money was good and her sister needed new soccer cleats. All magic comes with a price… and so does interfering. Alone and hunted by witches and undead alike, Juniper has no choice but to embrace her powers–and somehow find a way to keep the handsome FBI agent dogging her steps from getting killed in the crossfire. FBI Special Agent Alexander Reid has one job: recruit the witch. Piece of cake, right?Wrong. Sure, Juniper is beautiful, and fiery, and following her around is far more entertaining than being chained to a desk — but getting attacked by undead monsters isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Reid is in over his head and he knows it. Quitting his job is looking more and more appealing with each horrifyingly supernatural minute, but there’s something about Juniper that he can’t seem to get out of his head. The bewitching temptress is driving him mad–but is it magic… or something else entirely? Bewitching Allure is the fifth book in the Raven Falls Cursed Romances series. This is a steamy paranormal romance with a witchy single mom and her hot FBI agent. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after! Hunkiedorië Review: Rom-com meets para-shifter mystery thriller. a mixture of d bag in all the best ways! Just when you think you have it figured out there is a twist and a kiss and the mystery turns again! Siren Craving: A Small Town Shifter Romance (Raven Falls Cursed Romances Book 6) by R. O’Leary Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: Shifters, Banshees, Werewolves, Ghouls Her siren call might just be more than he can handle… Another day, another stalker. Every time a tiny bit of Lexie’s power leaks out, it enthralls any poor fool unlucky enough to be standing next to her. The magic always wears off… eventually. The siren has no choice but to lay low and wait for the obsession to pass. What better place to hide out than a town full of monsters? Cam is on loan to the town of Raven Falls to solve their shifter problem. But no matter how hard the scientist tries, he can’t seem to get the monsters back to their human form. It’s not exactly a surprise. He can’t even fix his own broken monster. The last thing he needs is another distraction from his work. Because that’s exactly what the clumsy siren is. A curvy, enticing distraction. Cam has a job to do—now if only he can ignore her sweet siren call long enough to do it. Hunkiedorië Review: This book was so cute there’s humor and klutziness, drama and spice. Loved this couple and the bonus epilogues for each of these books are a must! Screaming Sins: A Small Town Paranormal Romance (Raven Falls Cursed Romances Book 7) by R. O’Leary Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: Shifters, Banshees, Werewolves, Ghouls He’s promising to make her scream, but the joke’s on him.Eliza is a banshee—screaming is what she does best. TW: suicide and self-harm Hunkiedorië Review: I’ve been a fan of shifter romances for a while now, but the monsters added a little something extra to the mix. Great characters, hilarious banter, terrific storylines….can’t ask for more than that! Winter Caress: A Small Town Shifter Novella (Raven Falls Cursed Romances) by R. O’Leary Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: Shifters, Banshees, Werewolves, Ghouls, Fake Dating, Christmas, Novella A Cursed Romance Christmas Novella! He’s broken, her wolf is a killing machine, and somehow they have to survive the holidays… together. Keep a handle on her wolf. Easier said than done. After months of being held in captivity, Bea’s wolf is unpredictable, at best. And on her bad days? Downright monstrous. She’s barely keeping herself from going furry and attacking her toaster every time her toast pops up—and now she has to celebrate Christmas with her noisy family? Not if Bea can help it. What she needs is a reason to be unavailable… like a new boyfriend. Now she just needs to convince the sexy bird-shifter from her support group to go along with her plan. Tortured, battered, and just a little bit broken, Connor is having one hell of a year. After being poked at by scientists and spending months stuck in his bird form, he’s still getting used to being human again. The noise, the emotions, the nightmares. It’s all too much. The last thing he wants to do right now is sing Christmas carols with his pushy clan. He’s been tortured enough, thanks. When a pretty wolf with haunted eyes offers him an arrangement, it’s just the escape he wants. If only he could as easily escape the need burning in his gut every time he looks in her direction… Working together, they might be able to dodge their families through the holidays… if they don’t get caught under the mistletoe first. Hunkiedorië Review: I enjoyed reading about these two broken and sad people finding their way with each other. I was worried we wouldn’t get to see Connor or Bea get a happy ever after, after all the crap they went through. Glad to be proven wrong. This has some hard parts, but is so worth it. Frosted Kiss: A Small Town Shifter Novella (Raven Falls Cursed Romances) by R. O’Leary Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: Shifters, Banshees, Werewolves, Ghouls, Found Family, Christmas, Novella A Cursed Romance Christmas Novella! Banished to a trailer park with nothing but the clothes on his back, Carter has lost every thing worthwhile in his life. The tiger inside of him isn’t so sure… There’s nothing Shelby wants more than to finish up her degree and keep her hellion siblings out of trouble through Christmas break… but her new neighbor is making it hard to focus. He’s sexy, arrogant, and makes sculptures out of beer cans in his yard. There’s nothing about him that should appeal to her, but Shelby can’t take her eyes off of him—maybe because he can’t ever seem to put a shirt on? All Carter had to do was keep his furry nose out of other peoples business, but he just had to go and do the right thing. Now he’s disowned, destitute, and stuck in the trailer park from hell. Drowning his misery in cheap beer and toaster waffles, he’s doing his best to avoid the loud pack of humans that live next door… especially the one with the cute freckles. Avoiding Shelby is only going to get more difficult as the holidays draw closer… because the only thing Carter’s tiger wants for Christmas, is her. Hunkiedorië Review: What a fantastic Christmas present to see Carter get his HEA! I enjoyed watching this little family come together and the way the real Carter slowly emerged. Deerly Beloved: A Cursed Shifter Prequel (Raven Falls Cursed Romances) by R. O’Leary Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: Shifters, Banshees, Werewolves, Ghouls, Origin Story, Novella A Raven Falls Cursed Romances historical prequel! See where the curse began! Every king needs a queen… and every monster needs a heart. All her life, Abelia has had to pretend to be something she’s not. The dutiful daughter, the quiet princess, and now… the reluctant wife. The last thing the frustrated princess needs is another overbearing man in her life to critique her lackluster embroidery skills—but for the handsome Beast King, she might just be willing to make an exception. Cern’s not quite sure why he ever agreed to marry a stranger. His kingdom is at war, a coven of witches is demanding a meeting, and now he has to juggle a betrothal as well? He’d rather use his crown as a paperweight and call it a day. But the strange princess is nothing like he expected. She’s fiery and clever and so much more than he could have hoped for. Cern would rather stay and steal kisses from Abelia than meet with the dangerous coven, but every king has responsibilities. The sooner he gets the meeting over with, the sooner the Beast King can get back to his princess. But when everything goes wrong… will their love be able to withstand the curse? Deerly Beloved is a prequel novella to the Raven Falls shifter series! This is a steamy paranormal romance origin story with a sexy monster and his stubborn princess. Hunkiedorië Review: I loved getting to read the origin story for the Raven Falls supes. I almost wish I would have read these origin novellas first. Hexed Heart: A Cursed Shifter Prequel (Raven Falls Cursed Romances) by R. O’Leary Media: eBook | Genre: PNR | Tags: Shifters, Banshees, Werewolves, Ghouls, Origin Story, Novella A broken monster. A desperate witch. A match made in hell. The kingdom of Davos is in chaos, and so is Wilos. Banished by his king, the cat shifter is doing his best to keep it together… and failing. Who knew farming would be so hard? The sooner the cat takes over and drags him off into the woods for good, the better. Curse them all—if Verity could go back in time and slap every last one of her foolish fellow witches, she would in a heartbeat. Create an army of monsters hellbent on revenge? Not the witches’ smartest plan. There’s nothing left to do but run and hope that nothing with fangs catches up to her… especially while she sneaks a desperate night of sleep. The last thing Wilos needs is a witch hiding out on his farm. She’s beautiful and annoyingly alluring, but she’s a witch—and the sooner he gets rid of her, the sooner he can go back to being left alone. With half the kingdom hunting her and his cat watching her every move, getting rid of the stubborn creature might be easier said than done. Hexed Heart is a prequel novella to the Raven Falls shifter series! This is a steamy paranormal romance origin story with a sexy monster and the witch stealing his heart. Hunkiedorië Review: I didn’t love the 180 personality shift for Wilos after the curse. However I loved following his journey to discovering peace with his new situation. I’ve fallen a bit behind in posting the monthly book posts so be ready for a lot of material coming your way soon. If you have any suggestions please let me know! My Favorite Book this Month: It was a tie between the Raven Falls Cursed Romances series and the Wolves of Hawthorne Cove Series My Top 5 Reads of 2023 (thus far) My Top 5 Reads of 2022 My Top 5 Reads of 2021 My Top 5 Reads of 2020 My Top 5 Reads of 2019 My Top 5 Reads of 2021 My Top 5 Reads of 2020 My Top 5 Reads of 2019 HunkiedoriëHunkiedorië Founder Creative Director Foodie & Craft Pro http://www.hunkiedorie.net

Another year means another book list. Follow along to be inspired by my monthly reading updates!

It seems that I read A LOT in July, so I have broken my normal monthly post into two parts. Part one is all Ruby Dixon, I have listed the books in my recommended reading order for the Risdaverse/Corsair books.

This week the Hunk gals hit up the opening night of the Minnesota Zoo’s Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. This spooktacular adventure runs at the Minnesota Zoo from October 4th through Halloween.

Halloween is creeping in around us, and what better time than now to explore a new book? I am a big fan of Science-Fiction and Fantasy books, so this month is a great time to share my favorite books perfect for the Halloween season.