Note: Reviews are listed alphabetically by author’s last name.
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Ranger
Onley James (Jericho’s Boys #4)
James expands her fantastic world once again in this book with a closer introduction to the Conti family, setting up Enzo Contri as a perfect match to Seven and the greater Conti clan as another intriguing and delightful trove of characters to explore. Characters should never exist in a vacuum, and I had as much fun with Enzo and Seven’s relatives and friends sharing their opinions on the developing relationship as I did the romance arc itself. Even the romance is proof that not all dynamics are identical, and the slow burn element was a fun change-up from the more common “obsessed at first sight” connections in these connected series without ever sacrificing any of the intensity or sexiness. The external conflict is also not as interwoven with the romance arc, but never felt shoehorned in, inviting Enzo and Seven’s connection with and investigation of the matter in a natural manner. On the other hand, the greater emphasis on the online video game that ties Jericho’s Boy’s together was a truly pleasant surprise. As a gamer, I recognized the influences but also loved how James made the game unique to her world and tied it into Seven’s character development, with a perfect ending that made this nerdy reader truly swoon.
Soulbound Series
Hailey Turner
Note: This spoiler-free review covers all 7 books of the Soulbound series, plus the epilogue novella. I knew that once I started reading these books, I’d fall into the world and not come up for air until I devoured the entire series. So, I saved them as a treat during my recent vacation, starting book 1 in Miami, tearing through them on a cruise ship around the Caribbean, and completing the binge back home in Maryland. Open-world urban fantasy is one of my favorite niche subgenres, and Turner does an amazing job balancing magic and tech in this universe. Patrick is immediately an intriguing and sympathetic character thanks to how he’s introduced after another major conflict that has left him wounded in more ways than one. Turner weaves together necessary details from that backstory into the new conflict as elements are introduced, while also upping the tension and stakes in each subsequent book (never an easy feat, especially considering the length of this series). However, Patrick doesn’t face these new battles alone. Though the gods may have had a hand in bringing Jono into his life, the men form an unbreakable alliance despite rather than due to that manipulation. The growing emotional attachment that accompanies this bond is a lovely through-line that adds rather than distracts from the external drama. Other secondary characters, whether more found family for Patrick and Jono, old friends, reluctant allies, or terrifying enemies, are also always distinct figures that flesh out the community, and mythology, of this fascinating world. I wasn’t ready for the story to end, though Turner does gift readers with satisfying conclusions to every storyline. I’ll definitely be adding this series to the list of books I recommend often to fans of speculative fiction, romance, or both, in much the same way I share my love of this author’s Metahuman Files series.
Resurrection Reprise
Hailey Turner (Soulbound Universe novel)
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: That we get 8 whole books featuring Patrick and Jono’s love story but only 1 book for Spencer and Takoma is clearly evidence of bias against necromantic magic. With only a single novel, this romance follows a much more traditional narrative arc, but that doesn’t mean Turner ever skimps on the depth or drama of the accompanying external conflict. Because there is so much focus and time within the story dedicated to that conflict, though every turn draws the men closer together, I also appreciated that the book closes on a solid connection between Spencer and Takoma that has the possibility to grow into forever, rather than an immediate total commitment. After all, Takoma’s vampiric lifespan gives forever an entirely different meaning. Even better, this book includes all the amazing Fatimah content that makes Spencer such a unique character, and our favorite dragon Wade shows up to do what he does best (snack and set things on fire). This story doesn’t necessarily need a follow-up, but I’d still be first in line if Turner ever does give us more.
Secondhand Skin
Hailey Turner (Soulbound Universe)
Watching Wade grow as a character since nearly the beginning of this series has been an absolute delight. Not only do I appreciate Turner giving him his own happily ever after, but the care and intention she brought to his romance arc were also noted. She doesn’t erase the trauma Wade has endured for the sake of the romance, but also doesn’t let it hold him back, which is a credit to how she develops Riordan as a safe space for him. That Riordan is a water being makes for a fascinating contrast with our baby dragon, but Turner also doesn’t take the “opposites-attract” shortcut. Instead, the loyalty and affection Riordan and Wade both have for their clans, with a tiny dose of “fated mates” sprinkled on top, develops into a sweet, natural connection between each man. This romance follows a lovely through-line between the intriguing external plot that borrows from elements Turner has explored in other books while also being a completely original conflict that allows Wade and Riordan to work together effectively and show what excellent partners they make, in all facets of their lives. Fans of the rest of the Soulbound series should make sure not to miss out on Wade’s story, but also make sure to have plenty of snacks on hand while reading!