Jamie Jack
Delightful Paranormal Novella Fantasy or paranormal novellas quite often don't work because of the complex world that they reflect, which usually can’t be adequately shown in that short literary form. However, this author has made a compelling novella-length story—and without resorting to the dreaded information dump that many authors use as a shortcut. She pulls us right into the story on the wedding day of the hero's brother. His chosen bride has a hidden past that comes back to bite them all. All three become cursed—by the way, I thought this was beautifully done with that eerie incantation. Our heroine is a guardian angel who normally helps children find their best futures, but not all are easily led. So, she's feeling dispirited and needs a break, so she ends up where the hero is, just before the curse is about to run out (with dire consequences). Will he find true love in time, as the curse bade? In a beginning note to the reader, the author shares that the curse was partly inspired by the movie Ladyhawke, which is one that I certainly loved back in the day, though she played around with the details to make it more to her liking. She also shares the precise sources she used for other aspects of the book, including a book on palm reading. I thought that was a lot of fun. The book is well written and is suitably tight in both plotting and pacing for a novella. Not all novella writers do this as adroitly. The non-villains of the story are decent people who are caught in bad or tricky circumstances; I always enjoy seeing such characters fighting their way to an HEA. I found this to be a particularly delightful read after just finishing a more dark series. A well-written balm for the paranormal reader's soul. I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Tammy Payne (Book Nook Nuts)
What does a guardian angel do when they are burned out? They go on vacation. Well, that is what Leyna had planned to do until she has car issues which puts her in Willows Haven where something just isn't right. Vithar has been cursed along with his brother and his sister-in-law. He is doomed to dawn feathers which makes it difficult when one wants to woooooo a female. Can Leyna deal with everything that is to come? Will Vithar finally find love? Incredibly good story, sweet home town magical goodness.
tburbr
The story line and character work were great. The book had a smooth flow to it. This was a quick, fun read and a great addition to the Zodiac Shifters world. I look forward to more from this author. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
