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Magic, Mayhem & Mates: A Collection of Novellas and Short Stories
392 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2025
4 people want to read
About the author
Naomi Valkyrie
24 books153 followersNaomi Valkyrie, author of the Life is Hell series and The Cursed series, is known for her unique writing style, perfectly flawed characters, and chosen family themes.
Naomi is fond of saying she is merely the humble vessel characters choose to tell their stories through. Thankfully, her family forgives her midnight writing binges and plies her with caffeine when the characters won't stop talking.
Join her newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming book releases!
www.kaleidoscoperomance.com
Naomi is fond of saying she is merely the humble vessel characters choose to tell their stories through. Thankfully, her family forgives her midnight writing binges and plies her with caffeine when the characters won't stop talking.
Join her newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming book releases!
www.kaleidoscoperomance.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 8, 2025
5 stars
I have read all of Naomi’s books, and when I saw this collection, I didn’t hesitate to grab it. As always, she did not disappoint in any way.
FATE, FRANKINCENSE & FUNERALS
Society ostracizes them, and outdated laws prohibit their existence. "Fate, Frankincense & Funerals" is a compelling MM paranormal tale. After reading the blurb, I felt a mix of sadness, anger, and empathy for the characters, and my emotions remained the same as I delved into this captivating story. Although it's short, it packs a powerful punch. Naomi’s world-building, characterization, and narrative style draw you deep into the heart of the tale.
THE GHASTLY GUMBALL
You never know what to expect from this author, but you can always count on a wild and entertaining ride. Her writing brought me the laughter I needed at just the right moment. My husband even commented on my loud laughter and the tears streaming down my face, asking if I was reading one of her books. This style of humour is exactly what I like. For me, this is her best work to date. It’s hilarious, crazy, quirky, bizarre, and magical all at once. I won’t give anything away because this gem should be savoured like fine wine and discovered on its own. To borrow Naomi's words: if you enjoy absurdly unbelievable stories and magical mishaps, this book is for you.
THE FINAL BITE
The Final Bite is a paranormal fantasy romance, and Naomi’s stories just keep getting better. Each time I read a new book; I say it’s my favourite so far. Naomi is a talented writer with an exceptional storytelling ability, bringing original and delightful characters to life. Her attention to detail and world-building is vividly rich and easily imagined. I read this in one sitting because it was so good that I simply couldn't put it down.
THE MEN OF EDEN COVE MANOR
Never one to shy away from any topic, Naomi brings us another wonderful M/M paranormal tale. I love that this story is unique, interesting, and fun. The narrative is told through the dual perspectives of the two main characters, which is a perfect way to truly understand who they are. They are complex, well-developed individuals with their flaws, quirks, and personalities.
I was blown away by Naomi’s distinct narrative style that brought the characters and their world to life. Although this is a quick read, it is a captivating tale that I wish were longer. The story is filled with drama, mystery, secrets, banter, a centuries-old puzzle, and much more. Readers will encounter plenty of surprises, twisty turns, and sizzling chemistry in this M/M romance as we unravel the layers and mysteries of Eden Cove Manor. What a discovery it is!
HOUSE VALDIS ORIGINS: XENOBIA
House of Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House of Valdis #0) is where the story starts and is the prequel to The Rise of House Valdis book 1. It is a quick read but that doesn’t mean that Naomi has not filled it to the brim with suspense, emotions, and everything more. After reading this everything about the first book becomes so much more and gives us an insight we had not seen before. This intense read was easy to get lost in and was over before I knew it. I enjoyed the first book, but this one was great.
THE ALIEN & THE CRIME BOSS
This is an MM alien mafia romance tale featured in the anthology *Aliens on Earth*. I love the quirky characters and the different stories that Naomi creates; this is one of my favourites. Leilphun is alone and on the run, finding that stepping into a new world is safer than staying where he is. However, Earth’s welcome wagon is not what he expected. Will his rescuer be his ruin or his salvation? Kasper aims to take over and is watching the war, staying on his current path, but what he doesn’t count on is the man he found in the ravine. Little did he know, his actions would change his life forever.
Do yourself a favour and start reading Naomi's work today.
I have read all of Naomi’s books, and when I saw this collection, I didn’t hesitate to grab it. As always, she did not disappoint in any way.
FATE, FRANKINCENSE & FUNERALS
Society ostracizes them, and outdated laws prohibit their existence. "Fate, Frankincense & Funerals" is a compelling MM paranormal tale. After reading the blurb, I felt a mix of sadness, anger, and empathy for the characters, and my emotions remained the same as I delved into this captivating story. Although it's short, it packs a powerful punch. Naomi’s world-building, characterization, and narrative style draw you deep into the heart of the tale.
THE GHASTLY GUMBALL
You never know what to expect from this author, but you can always count on a wild and entertaining ride. Her writing brought me the laughter I needed at just the right moment. My husband even commented on my loud laughter and the tears streaming down my face, asking if I was reading one of her books. This style of humour is exactly what I like. For me, this is her best work to date. It’s hilarious, crazy, quirky, bizarre, and magical all at once. I won’t give anything away because this gem should be savoured like fine wine and discovered on its own. To borrow Naomi's words: if you enjoy absurdly unbelievable stories and magical mishaps, this book is for you.
THE FINAL BITE
The Final Bite is a paranormal fantasy romance, and Naomi’s stories just keep getting better. Each time I read a new book; I say it’s my favourite so far. Naomi is a talented writer with an exceptional storytelling ability, bringing original and delightful characters to life. Her attention to detail and world-building is vividly rich and easily imagined. I read this in one sitting because it was so good that I simply couldn't put it down.
THE MEN OF EDEN COVE MANOR
Never one to shy away from any topic, Naomi brings us another wonderful M/M paranormal tale. I love that this story is unique, interesting, and fun. The narrative is told through the dual perspectives of the two main characters, which is a perfect way to truly understand who they are. They are complex, well-developed individuals with their flaws, quirks, and personalities.
I was blown away by Naomi’s distinct narrative style that brought the characters and their world to life. Although this is a quick read, it is a captivating tale that I wish were longer. The story is filled with drama, mystery, secrets, banter, a centuries-old puzzle, and much more. Readers will encounter plenty of surprises, twisty turns, and sizzling chemistry in this M/M romance as we unravel the layers and mysteries of Eden Cove Manor. What a discovery it is!
HOUSE VALDIS ORIGINS: XENOBIA
House of Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House of Valdis #0) is where the story starts and is the prequel to The Rise of House Valdis book 1. It is a quick read but that doesn’t mean that Naomi has not filled it to the brim with suspense, emotions, and everything more. After reading this everything about the first book becomes so much more and gives us an insight we had not seen before. This intense read was easy to get lost in and was over before I knew it. I enjoyed the first book, but this one was great.
THE ALIEN & THE CRIME BOSS
This is an MM alien mafia romance tale featured in the anthology *Aliens on Earth*. I love the quirky characters and the different stories that Naomi creates; this is one of my favourites. Leilphun is alone and on the run, finding that stepping into a new world is safer than staying where he is. However, Earth’s welcome wagon is not what he expected. Will his rescuer be his ruin or his salvation? Kasper aims to take over and is watching the war, staying on his current path, but what he doesn’t count on is the man he found in the ravine. Little did he know, his actions would change his life forever.
Do yourself a favour and start reading Naomi's work today.
February 11, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of novellas and short stories by a favourite author of mine. Having all six stories in one book meant I could ‘binge-read’ them all!! Each standalone story had me hooked by the intriguing storylines, quirky characters and immersive settings.
Story one ‘FATE, FRANKINCENSE & FUNERALS’ is a MM paranormal romance featuring Vulture shifter Acheron who is shunned by society because he touches the dead. Following a treacherous journey to Mandara he discovers that hare shifter and nurse Errapel is his mate. However, vulture shifters are forbidden from taking a mate by law. To stay together and have a chance at love the couple have to not only beat the archaic laws but also fight society. I fell in love with Acheron and Errapel and their chemistry sizzled off the page. The authors descriptive narrative bought the setting to life, making me feel immersed in the story.
In ‘The GHASTLY GUMBALL’ magic, romance and shifters come together in a fun, wacky story that I couldn’t put down. I loved all the characters as each one is so unique, but especially the cigar-smoking octopus named Clyde! Each one brings something different to the story, but the main characters, Lockwood and Rex where particular likeable. The chemistry between them really came across in the narrative and I was hoping they would get a HEA.
‘THE FINAL BITE’ is another MM romance, in which vampire Quinnlan Trinity has been chosen by the gods to have a second chance at life. The only problem is he has to find and take a mate within three days. Quinnlan finds himself at an abandoned motel in the middle of nowhere and wonders if the gods are playing a trick on him. Quinnlan finds a guy dying following a wolf shifter attack and wants to save his life, but by doing so the guy would have to be his mate. He could be dooming himself to a trip back to the afterlife or he could actually have found his mate. The descriptive narrative really brought the characters and setting vividly to life, whilst the plot twists kept me happily turning the pages.
‘THE MEN OF EDEN COVE MANOR’ is an enjoyable paranormal MM romance with a Halloween feel. Lucifer decides to uncover the mystery of the ‘men of Eden Cove Manor’, and has a confrontation with one of the hot, mysterious Manor men Mordecai. He wants to teach Lucifer a lesson for violating the Manor men’s privacy. However, he soon discovers that Lucifer may be the answer they have been searching for. Mordecai needs to convince Lucifer that he’s the missing piece to their centuries old puzzle before it’s too late. I liked how it was told from two characters POV which made me feel more engaged with them. Both the characters and the setting were brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the storyline.
‘HOUSE VALDIS ORIGINS: XENOBIA’ is the prequel to the House Valdis series. The unique storyline kept me happily turning the pages, and I loved the main character’s Xenobia and Urd. Xenobia has been raised in a society where women are treated like cattle and the only person she is friendly with is her best friend Urd. When they are both bought by a man with extreme sadistic tendencies she plots their escape. They hope to find the underground movement and get to safety, but whilst on the run and with their lives in danger Xen learns that the price of rebellion is high. I loved the relationship between Xen and Urd and I found this to be an enjoyable and engaging read.
‘THE ALIEN & THE CRIME BOSS’ is a MM Sci-fi/alien mafia romance which kept me hooked throughout. Kasper Kingston is in hiding having started a plan to weaken two major crime families when he comes across a man claiming to be from another planet. He believes Leilphun has been sent to kill him and so keeps him prisoner. Leilphun has left his home planet to avoid having to fight in the fighting arena, but to save Kasper he has to call upon his warrior spirit. To confuse things further Leilphun believes Kasper has initiated the betrothal ritual and Kasper is getting distracted by his otherworldly hero. I loved the two main characters and their chemistry sizzled off the page.
As usual the author brought both the characters and setting vividly to life making me feel immersed in the story. The author always does a wonderful job of creating whole new world’s and making them feel real. Along with her quirky, unique characters and intriguing storylines her stories are always enjoyable, engaging and real page turners!
Story one ‘FATE, FRANKINCENSE & FUNERALS’ is a MM paranormal romance featuring Vulture shifter Acheron who is shunned by society because he touches the dead. Following a treacherous journey to Mandara he discovers that hare shifter and nurse Errapel is his mate. However, vulture shifters are forbidden from taking a mate by law. To stay together and have a chance at love the couple have to not only beat the archaic laws but also fight society. I fell in love with Acheron and Errapel and their chemistry sizzled off the page. The authors descriptive narrative bought the setting to life, making me feel immersed in the story.
In ‘The GHASTLY GUMBALL’ magic, romance and shifters come together in a fun, wacky story that I couldn’t put down. I loved all the characters as each one is so unique, but especially the cigar-smoking octopus named Clyde! Each one brings something different to the story, but the main characters, Lockwood and Rex where particular likeable. The chemistry between them really came across in the narrative and I was hoping they would get a HEA.
‘THE FINAL BITE’ is another MM romance, in which vampire Quinnlan Trinity has been chosen by the gods to have a second chance at life. The only problem is he has to find and take a mate within three days. Quinnlan finds himself at an abandoned motel in the middle of nowhere and wonders if the gods are playing a trick on him. Quinnlan finds a guy dying following a wolf shifter attack and wants to save his life, but by doing so the guy would have to be his mate. He could be dooming himself to a trip back to the afterlife or he could actually have found his mate. The descriptive narrative really brought the characters and setting vividly to life, whilst the plot twists kept me happily turning the pages.
‘THE MEN OF EDEN COVE MANOR’ is an enjoyable paranormal MM romance with a Halloween feel. Lucifer decides to uncover the mystery of the ‘men of Eden Cove Manor’, and has a confrontation with one of the hot, mysterious Manor men Mordecai. He wants to teach Lucifer a lesson for violating the Manor men’s privacy. However, he soon discovers that Lucifer may be the answer they have been searching for. Mordecai needs to convince Lucifer that he’s the missing piece to their centuries old puzzle before it’s too late. I liked how it was told from two characters POV which made me feel more engaged with them. Both the characters and the setting were brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the storyline.
‘HOUSE VALDIS ORIGINS: XENOBIA’ is the prequel to the House Valdis series. The unique storyline kept me happily turning the pages, and I loved the main character’s Xenobia and Urd. Xenobia has been raised in a society where women are treated like cattle and the only person she is friendly with is her best friend Urd. When they are both bought by a man with extreme sadistic tendencies she plots their escape. They hope to find the underground movement and get to safety, but whilst on the run and with their lives in danger Xen learns that the price of rebellion is high. I loved the relationship between Xen and Urd and I found this to be an enjoyable and engaging read.
‘THE ALIEN & THE CRIME BOSS’ is a MM Sci-fi/alien mafia romance which kept me hooked throughout. Kasper Kingston is in hiding having started a plan to weaken two major crime families when he comes across a man claiming to be from another planet. He believes Leilphun has been sent to kill him and so keeps him prisoner. Leilphun has left his home planet to avoid having to fight in the fighting arena, but to save Kasper he has to call upon his warrior spirit. To confuse things further Leilphun believes Kasper has initiated the betrothal ritual and Kasper is getting distracted by his otherworldly hero. I loved the two main characters and their chemistry sizzled off the page.
As usual the author brought both the characters and setting vividly to life making me feel immersed in the story. The author always does a wonderful job of creating whole new world’s and making them feel real. Along with her quirky, unique characters and intriguing storylines her stories are always enjoyable, engaging and real page turners!
February 15, 2025
Magic, Mayhem and Mates by Naomie Valkyrie
4 Stars
This is a collection of six of her stories. This author has a wild imagination as is proven with this compilation. Each story is unique in its storyline and characters. Each can be easily read as a standalone. Here are a few of my favourites.
Fate, Frankincense and Funerals:
Most people when they hear shifter romance they automatically think of wolves. I loved that this book’s main character was a vulture shifter. Vultures are natural scavengers and the fact that this character worked with the dead fit perfectly.
The Ghostly Gumball:
The story follows Lockwood King who’s life changes dramatically after eating a gumball. The story is hilarious and unique with magic, sea witches and a quirky cigar smoking octopus.
The Final Bite:
It is a wonderful paranormal romance involving vampires and wolf shifters. It is Quinlan’s last chance to choose a mate and he only has three days to do so. If he fails, he returns to purgatory. This story is definitely original.
For those of you who have never read this author, this is the perfect chance to read several of her books at once. I highly recommend this collection.
4 Stars
This is a collection of six of her stories. This author has a wild imagination as is proven with this compilation. Each story is unique in its storyline and characters. Each can be easily read as a standalone. Here are a few of my favourites.
Fate, Frankincense and Funerals:
Most people when they hear shifter romance they automatically think of wolves. I loved that this book’s main character was a vulture shifter. Vultures are natural scavengers and the fact that this character worked with the dead fit perfectly.
The Ghostly Gumball:
The story follows Lockwood King who’s life changes dramatically after eating a gumball. The story is hilarious and unique with magic, sea witches and a quirky cigar smoking octopus.
The Final Bite:
It is a wonderful paranormal romance involving vampires and wolf shifters. It is Quinlan’s last chance to choose a mate and he only has three days to do so. If he fails, he returns to purgatory. This story is definitely original.
For those of you who have never read this author, this is the perfect chance to read several of her books at once. I highly recommend this collection.
February 10, 2025
From the moment I picked up my first book by this author she instantly became one of my favourites. I love how original and refreshing each and every book is. They are all so distinctive and yet have the same feel that I now associated with this author. This book is a collection of her different works and I love every book for a completely different reason. But with all of them, you are guaranteed to get strong and unique characters, and exciting and fast-paced story line and a book that you just can’t put down.
This is an author that I would highly recommend, even if you aren’t a usual fan of this genre. Her work is fantastic and really draws you in from the first page. Once I start reading one of her books I have to finish it – I have learnt not to start one of her books just before bed time!
This is an author that I would highly recommend, even if you aren’t a usual fan of this genre. Her work is fantastic and really draws you in from the first page. Once I start reading one of her books I have to finish it – I have learnt not to start one of her books just before bed time!
February 24, 2025
Magic, Mayhem & Mates: A Collection of Novellas and Short Stories by Naomi Valkyrie is a great collection of stories
Oh my, romance, magic, and shifters! It's a crazy, ridiculous tale about a man named LockwoodKing. Magic exists. Outside forces are interfering, but they are doing it for their own benefit—really.There is some swearing, both the magic type and the profanity sort.
Tentacle wrestling is inconvenient.Another story is about how Xenobia tries her best to blend in and avoid drawing attention to herself because she was raised in a culture that views women as nothing more than livestock. Except for Urd, she follows the rules and avoids being attached to others. The two women are purchased by a man with severe cruel tendencies, and Xen spends the night preparing their getaway.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings excitement into your life. I couldn’t put the book down.
Oh my, romance, magic, and shifters! It's a crazy, ridiculous tale about a man named LockwoodKing. Magic exists. Outside forces are interfering, but they are doing it for their own benefit—really.There is some swearing, both the magic type and the profanity sort.
Tentacle wrestling is inconvenient.Another story is about how Xenobia tries her best to blend in and avoid drawing attention to herself because she was raised in a culture that views women as nothing more than livestock. Except for Urd, she follows the rules and avoids being attached to others. The two women are purchased by a man with severe cruel tendencies, and Xen spends the night preparing their getaway.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings excitement into your life. I couldn’t put the book down.
February 21, 2025
This collection of six short stories was really good. I have read other books by this author and I have enjoyed all of them. This one was no different. Her books always catch my attention quick and are creative and full of all the emotions I want to feel when a reading a good book. Each book in this collection is different and unique and I didn't feel like I was reading the same story over and over just with different characters. I am very much looking forward to reading more by this author in the future!
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
February 5, 2025
Naomi Valkyrie is a mastermind at POV switches, absolutely flawless transitions.
Fate, Frankincense and funerals: there is a spicy MM scene at the end. A vulture shifter is banned from accepting mating bonds- as the last wish of his patient, he must obey and accepts his mates bond
The ghastly gumball: chapter titles were hilariously witty. An OCTOPUS shifter, an EEL shifter, literally brilliant!!
The final bite: a last chance romance from beyond the living realm!
The men of eden cove manor: a nosey Halloween lover gets way more than he bargained for
House valdis origins: Xenobia:: one of few that doesn't change POV or end in happily ever after. Strong subjects discussed. Slaves trained and sold.
The alien and the crime boss: Leilphun is an alien refugee who lands in a crime bosses yard and finally becomes one with his "warrior".
Fate, Frankincense and funerals: there is a spicy MM scene at the end. A vulture shifter is banned from accepting mating bonds- as the last wish of his patient, he must obey and accepts his mates bond
The ghastly gumball: chapter titles were hilariously witty. An OCTOPUS shifter, an EEL shifter, literally brilliant!!
The final bite: a last chance romance from beyond the living realm!
The men of eden cove manor: a nosey Halloween lover gets way more than he bargained for
House valdis origins: Xenobia:: one of few that doesn't change POV or end in happily ever after. Strong subjects discussed. Slaves trained and sold.
The alien and the crime boss: Leilphun is an alien refugee who lands in a crime bosses yard and finally becomes one with his "warrior".
February 7, 2025
This is a great collection of six short stories by an awesome writer. Her books are creative, unique, full of adventure and even some romance. This collection is no different. Each book in this collection has engaging and connectable characters. Each plot has growth throughout that makes it easy and entertaining to read. There is something for everyone in this collection and it is hard for me to pick just one. I have enjoyed this author’s creativeness from the start and look forward to seeing more from her in the future. I highly recommend this must read collection.
February 20, 2025
These were individual little stories packed with such a punch I had a hard time putting it down and devoted it as fast as I could read it. each story was unique in its own way, filled with supernatural, shifters, magic, humor, witches, romance, and so much more. These were very well-done stories and easy to read. I absolutely have loved everything that I have read by this author.
February 18, 2025
This is a collection of 6 short stories or novellas that are easy and quick reads. You have M/M, paranormal, romance, shifters, vultures, and vampires. This is a great way to see the different ways this author can tell a story and boy can she tell a story! I love this whole collection, but my favorite is Fate, Frankincense & Furnerals.
February 8, 2025
5 Stars
Magic, Mayhem, & Mates is a collection of 6 engrossing short stories by Naomi Valkyrie. The collection comprises of:
-Fate, Frankincense & Funerals is a fantastic paranormal MM romance. Wonderfully woven, this story is another feather in Ms. Valkyrie’s hat! She seems to have a limitless well of intriguing stories just waiting for her to release them onto the pages and into the world for us to enjoy. She never ceases to amaze me with her highly original storylines that have their own identity and her unique and clever touches stamped all over them.
This book had a bit of an Egyptian mythology feel to it- turning up the intrigue level several notches for me. This story might be on the shorter side, but it packs the punch of a much longer novel. I would have loved the story to be longer, not because it was lacking anything- but because I was so caught up in the story that I wanted to know more about the society and backgrounds etc.
Archeron is a vulture shifter, an outcast from the ‘normal’ shifter society due to his service to the dead and dying. Errapel is a caring nurse hare shifter. Their worlds collide when fate brings them together to ‘care’ for a dying client. And so, the sparks of change ignite- making for a wonderful story about fated mates and the power of love.
The story is sweet, spicy, sexy, emotional, and romantic. It has a bit of dystopian feel to the fantasy, too. We enter a shifter society with its own unique identity- with superb worldbuilding from Ms. Valkyrie- she constructed a very interesting world in which to set her story. She also explores themes of race, discrimination, castes, bigotry, societal expectation- as well as setting a spark for change.
-The Ghastly Gumball is an extremely fun story- a wonderful romp through the delightfully absurd. Cleverly woven this quirky story is a paranormal (MM) romance with humour, funny banter/antics/developments, magic, agendas, well-meaning but meddling family, mystery, drama, secrets, tentacles, curses, a sea witch, an oracle, daemons, originality, chemistry, mysteriousness, friendship, danger, adventure, sacrifice, tension…… and a bit of a twist of fate.
Lockwood King is just a regular guy working hard to make ends meet. But his life is about to be turned upside down- by one little gumball. That’s right- a gumball. How could a gumball completely and irreversible change the course of a person’s life you might ask? Well, you are going to want to read all the delightfully quirky and fun details for yourself! So, if you love fantasy, paranormal romance, and a very entertaining storyline, then this is one sweet story that you will definitely want to read!
I can always count on Ms. Valkyrie to deliver a captivating and highly enjoyable read, and this book is another winning recipe. This book introduces us to characters and a world I would love to know more about, so I am hoping that Ms. Valkyrie has plans for a series here and that there will be more books coming. I would love to see Brix and Xyris get their own story, as well as Jinx and Xianna. Fingers crossed (hint, hint Ms. Valkyrie- pretty please with sugar on top).
-The Final Bite is a fantastic paranormal MM romance. Another feather in Ms. Valkyries cap. She has such a vivid and abundant imagination, which she uses to weave wonderfully dynamic stories, bringing us something new, each and every time. She seems to have a limitless well of imagination and inspiration just waiting for her to release into the world for us to enjoy. She never ceases to amaze me with her highly original storylines that all manage to have their own identity, but also capture her unique touches that add a special quality to all her work.
This is another cleverly woven paranormal MM romance, with second chances, vampires, wolf shifters, action, mysteriousness, agendas, chemistry, family, hope, murder, a sinister foe, emotion, humour, fun, banter, and even a haunted house. The story is set on Halloween, which adds an element of mysteriousness to the story.
“Every ten years, the gods choose a paranormal being who has been unjustly killed and offers them a second chance at life. But this second chance comes with a catch, as set out by the rules imposed by the Gods.
1. You have 3 days to choose a mate.
2. You cannot use your powers to directly influence your potential mate.
3.You can only choose one person….If the potential mate rejects you then you go back to purgatory.
4. You must reveal the truth of the challenge to your potential mate.”
Easy peasy, right? Well not really when you are ‘dropped off’ in the middle of nowhere with the clock ticking on your second chance. No one wants to be flung back into purgatory…. Will Quinnlan find his mate in time? Or will circumstances force Quinn to put his second chance at risk? This is definitely worth the read to find out how it all plays out in the end…
-The Men of Eden Cove Manor is yet another sublime paranormal MM romance with a bit of a ‘why-choose’ dynamic. It never ceases to amaze me at the abundance of creative ideas that Ms. Valkyrie must have buzzing around in her head, as this is yet another highly original plot, distinctive from the rest of her works, but still with all the trademark touches and ‘personality’ that I have come to expect from her work.
Well-developed and cleverly woven, this story has vampires, mystery, action, adventure, spooky encounters, agendas, chemistry, emotion, humour, banter, supernatural elements, high stakes, a time crunch, quirky yet endearing characters, tension, suspense, danger, choices, Halloween hijinks, and a lot of flirting with danger. The story is set on/around Halloween, which adds an extra element of mysteriousness to the story.
Lucifer is a somewhat bold, bratty, and sassy individual who’s new to town. When he hears all the rumors surrounding “Eden Cove Manor” his inherently curious nature is engaged, causing him to make the impulsive decision to break into the manor and do some investigating of his own. They are just rumors after all. Right? But Lucifer soon finds himself drawn into a situation he could never have predicted- discovering plenty about the ‘Men’ of ‘Eden Cove Manor’, and himself, along the way. Throw in a little blackmail, a HUGE secret, time running out, desperate hopes, chemistry, and some much needed zest for life- and things take a fun and intriguing turn…
-House of Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House of Valdis #0) is the prequel to the House of Valdis series by Naomi Valkyrie. This book is a super quick and easy read. But don’t be fooled. There is quite a lot packed into a small package- in a great way.
I really enjoyed The Rise of House Valdis (Book #1) and after getting to the end of that story I really needed to know so much more about the characters and backstory- I was so curious and itching for more details, which this book does a great job of providing- filling in much of what I needed to know.
The story may have taken me less than 20 minutes to read but manages to span more than 12 months- with the intensity, suspense, and emotional depth of a much longer novel. It never felt rushed or cut short in any way. But having said that, I am completely fascinated by the “world” and characters Ms. Valkyrie has created- and I am greedy- so I would love to have read a longer version of this story ‘cos that’s how us needy and greedy readers roll lol. 😊
From Xen’s blue skin and sharp fangs, to her resilience, strength, and determination- she is completely fascinating. Her plight in this book was quite heart-wrenching and helped me understand her so much better. Finding out where she came from, and what she went through made for a riveting read, whilst helping to put everything from Book One in greater perspective.
-The Alien & the Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie is a really well-woven sci-fi MM mafia romance - with aliens, action, adventure, danger, high stakes, suspense, agendas, fated mates, emotion, tension, and much more.
Leilphun escapes his home world and arrives on earth and into a situation he never anticipated. Kasper Kingston has a plan and can’t afford any distractions or mistakes- but fate has its own agenda.
I loved this story so much. Loved the characters, the world-building, and other clever touches, and although this is a short story, it has the impact of a much longer novel. Definitely one of my favourites of this collection. Can always count on Ms. Valkyrie for an original and captivating read.
Can’t wait to see what Ms. Valkyrie has in store for us next.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Naomi Valkyrie!
Magic, Mayhem, & Mates is a collection of 6 engrossing short stories by Naomi Valkyrie. The collection comprises of:
-Fate, Frankincense & Funerals is a fantastic paranormal MM romance. Wonderfully woven, this story is another feather in Ms. Valkyrie’s hat! She seems to have a limitless well of intriguing stories just waiting for her to release them onto the pages and into the world for us to enjoy. She never ceases to amaze me with her highly original storylines that have their own identity and her unique and clever touches stamped all over them.
This book had a bit of an Egyptian mythology feel to it- turning up the intrigue level several notches for me. This story might be on the shorter side, but it packs the punch of a much longer novel. I would have loved the story to be longer, not because it was lacking anything- but because I was so caught up in the story that I wanted to know more about the society and backgrounds etc.
Archeron is a vulture shifter, an outcast from the ‘normal’ shifter society due to his service to the dead and dying. Errapel is a caring nurse hare shifter. Their worlds collide when fate brings them together to ‘care’ for a dying client. And so, the sparks of change ignite- making for a wonderful story about fated mates and the power of love.
The story is sweet, spicy, sexy, emotional, and romantic. It has a bit of dystopian feel to the fantasy, too. We enter a shifter society with its own unique identity- with superb worldbuilding from Ms. Valkyrie- she constructed a very interesting world in which to set her story. She also explores themes of race, discrimination, castes, bigotry, societal expectation- as well as setting a spark for change.
-The Ghastly Gumball is an extremely fun story- a wonderful romp through the delightfully absurd. Cleverly woven this quirky story is a paranormal (MM) romance with humour, funny banter/antics/developments, magic, agendas, well-meaning but meddling family, mystery, drama, secrets, tentacles, curses, a sea witch, an oracle, daemons, originality, chemistry, mysteriousness, friendship, danger, adventure, sacrifice, tension…… and a bit of a twist of fate.
Lockwood King is just a regular guy working hard to make ends meet. But his life is about to be turned upside down- by one little gumball. That’s right- a gumball. How could a gumball completely and irreversible change the course of a person’s life you might ask? Well, you are going to want to read all the delightfully quirky and fun details for yourself! So, if you love fantasy, paranormal romance, and a very entertaining storyline, then this is one sweet story that you will definitely want to read!
I can always count on Ms. Valkyrie to deliver a captivating and highly enjoyable read, and this book is another winning recipe. This book introduces us to characters and a world I would love to know more about, so I am hoping that Ms. Valkyrie has plans for a series here and that there will be more books coming. I would love to see Brix and Xyris get their own story, as well as Jinx and Xianna. Fingers crossed (hint, hint Ms. Valkyrie- pretty please with sugar on top).
-The Final Bite is a fantastic paranormal MM romance. Another feather in Ms. Valkyries cap. She has such a vivid and abundant imagination, which she uses to weave wonderfully dynamic stories, bringing us something new, each and every time. She seems to have a limitless well of imagination and inspiration just waiting for her to release into the world for us to enjoy. She never ceases to amaze me with her highly original storylines that all manage to have their own identity, but also capture her unique touches that add a special quality to all her work.
This is another cleverly woven paranormal MM romance, with second chances, vampires, wolf shifters, action, mysteriousness, agendas, chemistry, family, hope, murder, a sinister foe, emotion, humour, fun, banter, and even a haunted house. The story is set on Halloween, which adds an element of mysteriousness to the story.
“Every ten years, the gods choose a paranormal being who has been unjustly killed and offers them a second chance at life. But this second chance comes with a catch, as set out by the rules imposed by the Gods.
1. You have 3 days to choose a mate.
2. You cannot use your powers to directly influence your potential mate.
3.You can only choose one person….If the potential mate rejects you then you go back to purgatory.
4. You must reveal the truth of the challenge to your potential mate.”
Easy peasy, right? Well not really when you are ‘dropped off’ in the middle of nowhere with the clock ticking on your second chance. No one wants to be flung back into purgatory…. Will Quinnlan find his mate in time? Or will circumstances force Quinn to put his second chance at risk? This is definitely worth the read to find out how it all plays out in the end…
-The Men of Eden Cove Manor is yet another sublime paranormal MM romance with a bit of a ‘why-choose’ dynamic. It never ceases to amaze me at the abundance of creative ideas that Ms. Valkyrie must have buzzing around in her head, as this is yet another highly original plot, distinctive from the rest of her works, but still with all the trademark touches and ‘personality’ that I have come to expect from her work.
Well-developed and cleverly woven, this story has vampires, mystery, action, adventure, spooky encounters, agendas, chemistry, emotion, humour, banter, supernatural elements, high stakes, a time crunch, quirky yet endearing characters, tension, suspense, danger, choices, Halloween hijinks, and a lot of flirting with danger. The story is set on/around Halloween, which adds an extra element of mysteriousness to the story.
Lucifer is a somewhat bold, bratty, and sassy individual who’s new to town. When he hears all the rumors surrounding “Eden Cove Manor” his inherently curious nature is engaged, causing him to make the impulsive decision to break into the manor and do some investigating of his own. They are just rumors after all. Right? But Lucifer soon finds himself drawn into a situation he could never have predicted- discovering plenty about the ‘Men’ of ‘Eden Cove Manor’, and himself, along the way. Throw in a little blackmail, a HUGE secret, time running out, desperate hopes, chemistry, and some much needed zest for life- and things take a fun and intriguing turn…
-House of Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House of Valdis #0) is the prequel to the House of Valdis series by Naomi Valkyrie. This book is a super quick and easy read. But don’t be fooled. There is quite a lot packed into a small package- in a great way.
I really enjoyed The Rise of House Valdis (Book #1) and after getting to the end of that story I really needed to know so much more about the characters and backstory- I was so curious and itching for more details, which this book does a great job of providing- filling in much of what I needed to know.
The story may have taken me less than 20 minutes to read but manages to span more than 12 months- with the intensity, suspense, and emotional depth of a much longer novel. It never felt rushed or cut short in any way. But having said that, I am completely fascinated by the “world” and characters Ms. Valkyrie has created- and I am greedy- so I would love to have read a longer version of this story ‘cos that’s how us needy and greedy readers roll lol. 😊
From Xen’s blue skin and sharp fangs, to her resilience, strength, and determination- she is completely fascinating. Her plight in this book was quite heart-wrenching and helped me understand her so much better. Finding out where she came from, and what she went through made for a riveting read, whilst helping to put everything from Book One in greater perspective.
-The Alien & the Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie is a really well-woven sci-fi MM mafia romance - with aliens, action, adventure, danger, high stakes, suspense, agendas, fated mates, emotion, tension, and much more.
Leilphun escapes his home world and arrives on earth and into a situation he never anticipated. Kasper Kingston has a plan and can’t afford any distractions or mistakes- but fate has its own agenda.
I loved this story so much. Loved the characters, the world-building, and other clever touches, and although this is a short story, it has the impact of a much longer novel. Definitely one of my favourites of this collection. Can always count on Ms. Valkyrie for an original and captivating read.
Can’t wait to see what Ms. Valkyrie has in store for us next.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Naomi Valkyrie!
February 11, 2025
I was super excited to see all of these stories in one convenient book! This author is one that I never ever pass up because they are incredible at expertly crafting unique and interesting stories. Each different book within this collection has its own strengths and pulls, but one thing they all have in common is that they’re all fantastic.
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals
From the second I laid eyes on this beautifully captivating cover, my curiosity piqued. As soon as I realized who the author was, I knew I had to have it in my hands! This author has a remarkable ability to weave intricate tales that always draws me in, and each book feels like a journey into a gorgeously crafted world. This one is no exception!
Although this is a shorter read, it is masterfully filled with rich detail and depth. It’s beyond my wildest comprehension how she manages to create such an immersive experience without losing any momentum! The story flows seamlessly with each chapter unfolding at a natural pace that keeps you engaged from start to finish. I fell hopelessly in love with the characters and felt invested in them right away. The chemistry sizzles and there are twists that I didn’t see coming. I don’t want to give anything away and spoil the experience for anyone! I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that combines fantasy with heartfelt emotion.
The Ghastly Gumball
This is one of my absolute favorite authors and have read countless books by them. Somehow they knock each and every one out of the park, and this is no exception. There is a magnificent blend of paranormal happenings, wonderful humor, and romance throughout. I definitely laughed loud enough to startle my family multiple times. You will be gripped from the very first chapter because we have to know about the gumball! I’ll never understand how the author writes such short stories without sacrificing quality every time, but you won’t hear me complaining. If you’re looking for a quick and unique read that will make you laugh and feel for each character while getting lost in a vivid world, pick this book up right now! I cannot wait to grab another book by this author because I can’t get enough.
The Final Bite
I loved this book so much! Naomi Valkyrie has created yet another mesmerizing story, and I just can’t get enough of it. This paranormal romance is filled with steamy vampires, magic, and plenty of action. When the gods decide that Quinnlan deserves a second chance at love and life, it sounds like a miracle. Except that there are stipulations to this second chance. Quinnlan has three days to take a mate, or he goes back to purgatory forever. When Quinnlan finds Garrett bleeding out, he has a choice to save him or let him die. If he chooses Garrett and gets rejected, he risks heading back to the one place he doesn’t want to go. Can he really let him die, or will he take the chance for true love? I am never disappointed by this author’s work, and I’m happy to say that I’m left craving more after reading The Final Bite. I loved every moment of it and highly recommend picking it up for a quick escape!
The Men of Eden Cove Manor
This author is one that I will never pass up! Anytime I see a book with their name on it, I immediately pick it up regardless of what it’s about. They have several books that have made such an enormous impression on me, and I recommend them to basically everyone I come across. This is a phenomenal MM paranormal romance with a bonus Halloween theme which makes it a perfect fit for me! It combines dual points of view with my favorite holiday so color me a happy lady. It is amazing that such an incredibly storyline can be fit in so few pages. The flow is wonderfully natural, and the characters are brilliant. If you’re looking for a fantastic polyamorous paranormal romance, get lost in this beautifully created world. You won’t want to miss it!
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia
I am utterly amazed at how well the author can craft a story in such a short amount of time! This was a very quick read that took me less than 30 minutes to get through, and I absolutely cannot wait to pick up the other books in the House Valdis series. I was gripped from the very first page as the author paints a vivid setting where women are mistreated and abused. Xenobia tries not to form relationships with anyone because people tend to go missing. When she meets Urd, her rules go out the window and they try to find a way through this awful life together. I don’t want to give anything away, but trust me, you’ll hang on to every last word through this short book. I highly recommend picking it up as you’ll probably find yourself reaching for the rest of the series as well!
The Alien and the Crime Boss
This was the second book I had read by this author, and they have made it to my watch list! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this MM romance where we learn about Leilphun and Kasper. It’s a wonderfully creative story that had me on the edge of my seat the entire way through. It’s a quick read, but the story feels complete. I can't wait to see what other adventures this author creates for us. I highly recommend picking up this short venture into another world, you won’t regret it!
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals
From the second I laid eyes on this beautifully captivating cover, my curiosity piqued. As soon as I realized who the author was, I knew I had to have it in my hands! This author has a remarkable ability to weave intricate tales that always draws me in, and each book feels like a journey into a gorgeously crafted world. This one is no exception!
Although this is a shorter read, it is masterfully filled with rich detail and depth. It’s beyond my wildest comprehension how she manages to create such an immersive experience without losing any momentum! The story flows seamlessly with each chapter unfolding at a natural pace that keeps you engaged from start to finish. I fell hopelessly in love with the characters and felt invested in them right away. The chemistry sizzles and there are twists that I didn’t see coming. I don’t want to give anything away and spoil the experience for anyone! I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that combines fantasy with heartfelt emotion.
The Ghastly Gumball
This is one of my absolute favorite authors and have read countless books by them. Somehow they knock each and every one out of the park, and this is no exception. There is a magnificent blend of paranormal happenings, wonderful humor, and romance throughout. I definitely laughed loud enough to startle my family multiple times. You will be gripped from the very first chapter because we have to know about the gumball! I’ll never understand how the author writes such short stories without sacrificing quality every time, but you won’t hear me complaining. If you’re looking for a quick and unique read that will make you laugh and feel for each character while getting lost in a vivid world, pick this book up right now! I cannot wait to grab another book by this author because I can’t get enough.
The Final Bite
I loved this book so much! Naomi Valkyrie has created yet another mesmerizing story, and I just can’t get enough of it. This paranormal romance is filled with steamy vampires, magic, and plenty of action. When the gods decide that Quinnlan deserves a second chance at love and life, it sounds like a miracle. Except that there are stipulations to this second chance. Quinnlan has three days to take a mate, or he goes back to purgatory forever. When Quinnlan finds Garrett bleeding out, he has a choice to save him or let him die. If he chooses Garrett and gets rejected, he risks heading back to the one place he doesn’t want to go. Can he really let him die, or will he take the chance for true love? I am never disappointed by this author’s work, and I’m happy to say that I’m left craving more after reading The Final Bite. I loved every moment of it and highly recommend picking it up for a quick escape!
The Men of Eden Cove Manor
This author is one that I will never pass up! Anytime I see a book with their name on it, I immediately pick it up regardless of what it’s about. They have several books that have made such an enormous impression on me, and I recommend them to basically everyone I come across. This is a phenomenal MM paranormal romance with a bonus Halloween theme which makes it a perfect fit for me! It combines dual points of view with my favorite holiday so color me a happy lady. It is amazing that such an incredibly storyline can be fit in so few pages. The flow is wonderfully natural, and the characters are brilliant. If you’re looking for a fantastic polyamorous paranormal romance, get lost in this beautifully created world. You won’t want to miss it!
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia
I am utterly amazed at how well the author can craft a story in such a short amount of time! This was a very quick read that took me less than 30 minutes to get through, and I absolutely cannot wait to pick up the other books in the House Valdis series. I was gripped from the very first page as the author paints a vivid setting where women are mistreated and abused. Xenobia tries not to form relationships with anyone because people tend to go missing. When she meets Urd, her rules go out the window and they try to find a way through this awful life together. I don’t want to give anything away, but trust me, you’ll hang on to every last word through this short book. I highly recommend picking it up as you’ll probably find yourself reaching for the rest of the series as well!
The Alien and the Crime Boss
This was the second book I had read by this author, and they have made it to my watch list! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this MM romance where we learn about Leilphun and Kasper. It’s a wonderfully creative story that had me on the edge of my seat the entire way through. It’s a quick read, but the story feels complete. I can't wait to see what other adventures this author creates for us. I highly recommend picking up this short venture into another world, you won’t regret it!
February 8, 2025
The alien and the crime boss
Naomi is definately a favourite author of mine and I have read lots of her work. What I particularly loved about this story is the fact that I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out. This is a M/M romance and there was danger from the beginning from the crime bosses fighting for control, and also the danger of Leilphun being in a world that for an alien being could be really unsafe if he gets with the wrong people. For a time i was concerned that Kasper was just going to use Leilphun for his abilities and help further his fight to take over the criminal underworld. But as the story progressed it was easy to see that there was more between them, especially with how Leilphun channelled his warrior to protect Kasper.
I don't want to give too much away but it is a story that gripped me from the beginning and didn't let go.
It is another great captivating read from one of my favourite authors. I have never read a book that I haven't enjoyed.
Fate, Frankincense and funerals
I really enjoyed this short story. This author is definately one of my favourites and this book is brilliant. These stories are paranormal romances involved shifters. In this book it is a MM romance and they shift into vulture and jackel. The characters are really well written that you feel connected to their story from the beginning.
This is a really moving story and it takes the subject of death and deals with it in a respectful and beautiful manner. It is also a story about finding your mate when you least expect it and defending your love against all the odds
The Final Bite
This is a great quick read. I have loved every boon this author has wrote and this is another one to add to that list. This author does an amazing job of making paranormal romances gripping and captivating. Even though this is a short read the story feels complete and not left unfinished or like its missing parts as some short stories do.
Quinnlan has been give the opportunity of a second chance at life. The catch is he has to find his mate within 3 days. The additional snag is there is no second guessing or changing his mind once he has made a choice.
When he first meets Garrett he is in a bad way after being beaten up by a wolf pack. Quinnlan has a choice does he save his life and in doing so accept him as a mate or does he let him die? What will be Garrett's reaction when he find out the consequences of that choice and can Garrett really be Quinnlan's mate or he is the wrong choice?
The Ghastly Gumball
In this story Lockwood decides he's going to buy a gumball to keep him awake for his drive home. What he doesn't realise is that one decision will change his life forever.
Now Lockwood is cursed and while he is dealing with unstable magic, tentacles appearing out of nowhere and his life being turned upside down he also finds love in the form of Rex.
Lockwood and Rex seem perfect for each other but there is one problem in their way. Rex is promised to the king of the eels.
Can Lockwood and Rex overcome the differences and be together. Can Lockwood forgive all the secrets and learn to embrace his new life or will the something still be plotting against Lockwood and Rex having a happy ever after?
The men of eden cove manor
This is another amazing paranormal M/M romance from this author. I have read loads of book and I am never disappointed. The author does an incredible job of making the stories unique and with all the books I've read there is never the same story. What I love about this author is their ability to captivate me from the start and surprising me along the way.
This is a quick read which will keep you gripped all the way through. I don't want to give too much away but this is a story that has it all, danger, secrets, Paranormal activity and of course romance and chemistry.
When Lucifer breaks into the mysterious house that the town thinks is haunted he planned on proving all the gossip wrong. What he didn't expect was that one decision would change his life in ways he could never expect or imagine. The Men of Eden Cove Manor do hold secrets but will Lucifer embrace this discovery or run away like many have before him?
Xenobia
This was a great short paranormal story. It takes place before The House Of Valdis. Which is also a great book. It was a gripping story that kept me hooked and I read it in one sitting.
Xenobia lives in a home for slaves. She has shut herself off from people as she always ends up hurt when they leave. That is until Urd arrives as her room mate. Try as she might she cant help caring for her and their bond is strong.
When they are sold to a master who is very sadistic Xenobia does all she can to protect Urd from harm. And their master takes great joy in seeing the pain and torment in Xenobia when she is unable to do so.
Can Xenobia and Urd escape their master and be free of their torment or will it be too much for them to survive.
Naomi is definately a favourite author of mine and I have read lots of her work. What I particularly loved about this story is the fact that I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out. This is a M/M romance and there was danger from the beginning from the crime bosses fighting for control, and also the danger of Leilphun being in a world that for an alien being could be really unsafe if he gets with the wrong people. For a time i was concerned that Kasper was just going to use Leilphun for his abilities and help further his fight to take over the criminal underworld. But as the story progressed it was easy to see that there was more between them, especially with how Leilphun channelled his warrior to protect Kasper.
I don't want to give too much away but it is a story that gripped me from the beginning and didn't let go.
It is another great captivating read from one of my favourite authors. I have never read a book that I haven't enjoyed.
Fate, Frankincense and funerals
I really enjoyed this short story. This author is definately one of my favourites and this book is brilliant. These stories are paranormal romances involved shifters. In this book it is a MM romance and they shift into vulture and jackel. The characters are really well written that you feel connected to their story from the beginning.
This is a really moving story and it takes the subject of death and deals with it in a respectful and beautiful manner. It is also a story about finding your mate when you least expect it and defending your love against all the odds
The Final Bite
This is a great quick read. I have loved every boon this author has wrote and this is another one to add to that list. This author does an amazing job of making paranormal romances gripping and captivating. Even though this is a short read the story feels complete and not left unfinished or like its missing parts as some short stories do.
Quinnlan has been give the opportunity of a second chance at life. The catch is he has to find his mate within 3 days. The additional snag is there is no second guessing or changing his mind once he has made a choice.
When he first meets Garrett he is in a bad way after being beaten up by a wolf pack. Quinnlan has a choice does he save his life and in doing so accept him as a mate or does he let him die? What will be Garrett's reaction when he find out the consequences of that choice and can Garrett really be Quinnlan's mate or he is the wrong choice?
The Ghastly Gumball
In this story Lockwood decides he's going to buy a gumball to keep him awake for his drive home. What he doesn't realise is that one decision will change his life forever.
Now Lockwood is cursed and while he is dealing with unstable magic, tentacles appearing out of nowhere and his life being turned upside down he also finds love in the form of Rex.
Lockwood and Rex seem perfect for each other but there is one problem in their way. Rex is promised to the king of the eels.
Can Lockwood and Rex overcome the differences and be together. Can Lockwood forgive all the secrets and learn to embrace his new life or will the something still be plotting against Lockwood and Rex having a happy ever after?
The men of eden cove manor
This is another amazing paranormal M/M romance from this author. I have read loads of book and I am never disappointed. The author does an incredible job of making the stories unique and with all the books I've read there is never the same story. What I love about this author is their ability to captivate me from the start and surprising me along the way.
This is a quick read which will keep you gripped all the way through. I don't want to give too much away but this is a story that has it all, danger, secrets, Paranormal activity and of course romance and chemistry.
When Lucifer breaks into the mysterious house that the town thinks is haunted he planned on proving all the gossip wrong. What he didn't expect was that one decision would change his life in ways he could never expect or imagine. The Men of Eden Cove Manor do hold secrets but will Lucifer embrace this discovery or run away like many have before him?
Xenobia
This was a great short paranormal story. It takes place before The House Of Valdis. Which is also a great book. It was a gripping story that kept me hooked and I read it in one sitting.
Xenobia lives in a home for slaves. She has shut herself off from people as she always ends up hurt when they leave. That is until Urd arrives as her room mate. Try as she might she cant help caring for her and their bond is strong.
When they are sold to a master who is very sadistic Xenobia does all she can to protect Urd from harm. And their master takes great joy in seeing the pain and torment in Xenobia when she is unable to do so.
Can Xenobia and Urd escape their master and be free of their torment or will it be too much for them to survive.
February 28, 2025
Magic, Mayhem, & Mates: A Collection of Novellas and Short Stories consists of the stories Fate, Frankincense & Funerals; The Ghastly Gumball; The Final Bite; The Men of Eden Cove Manor; House Valdis Origins: Xenobia; and The Alien & The Crime Boss. Of the stories contained within this collection my three favorite stories were “The Ghastly Gumball”, “The Men of Eden Cove Manor”, and “The Final Bite”.
In The Ghastly Gumball Lockwood King is on the way to his mom and dad’s house late one night when he decides to stop at a corner gas station. Tired and not wanting to have caffeine because it's so late he instead chooses a gumball. He finds it odd that the gumball is black because he's never seen one before. He tries it anyhow and wishes that he hadn't because he can't believe how ghastly and disgusting the thing tastes. It leaves a horrendous taste in his mouth even after he spits it out. Lockwood thinks nothing more of it until he wakes up the next day and discovers some strange things. Little does Lockwood know that this one gumball will change his entire life.
Suddenly there's something that he realizes is a little bit different about him. His eyes are changing color. His hair is turning color. Things just get weirder and weirder as suddenly before him appears a cigar smoking octopus named Clyde. Then Lockwood himself starts growing tentacles. What on Earth is going on?! He realizes that there are outside forces at work, and it must be some sort of magic. With the help of his best friend, he starts delving into the mystery of what is happening to him.
This was an interesting read filled with magic, laughs, wackiness and some truly bizarre things. It was just such an intriguing read that I had to sit and find out what was going to happen next in this wacky world of this poor guy named Lockwood. It was an amazing, wacky, fun, and creative story by a fantastic author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Men of Eden Cove Manor is a MM Paranormal Romance with mystery, intrigue, suspense, action, danger, vampires, demons, and supernatural elements. Set around Halloween adds to the spooky, mysterious, creepy vibe of the story which centers around the characters of Lucifer and Mordecai. These two characters had their own unique quirks and personalities, and I was completely drawn into their worlds as they told their story from their own POV. Lucifer is impulsive, bold, reckless, and determined to live life on his own terms. When he hears about a mystery surrounding the men of a local manor he is determined to investigate and find out what all the fuss is about. According to locals, the manor is creepy, and they are terrified to go anywhere near it. Lucifer sees this as a challenge and while the men of the manor are away at a party he decides to break into the manor and explore. As he does so he gets more than he bargained for when he makes a startling discovery. Not only that, but Lucifer does not go unnoticed by Mordecai, one of the men at the manor. Mordecai is dangerous, cunning, and determined to toy with Lucifer as punishment for violating his privacy and trespassing in his home. Neither men are willing to back down from the challenge nor are either expecting to be attracted to the other. The ensuing story is full of blackmail, centuries old secrets, humor, witty banter, romance, and chemistry. Another amazing story by one of my favorite authors!
In The Final Bite, Quinnlan Trinity has been chosen from the paranormal world to get a second chance at life. Every ten years the gods choose someone who has been unjustly killed and give them a second chance. Except the gods seem a bit twisted as there are strings attached to this second chance. Not only does Quinnlan only have three days to find a mate but the gods have dropped him in an abandoned motel in the middle of nowhere. How is he supposed to find a mate in a place in the middle of nowhere?
Then Quinnlan finds a man bleeding out after an encounter with a group of wolf shifters. To save the man’s life he must feed him his own blood but in doing so this would bond him forever as his mate. He would also have to tell the man once he recovered that they are now bonded together forever, and Quinnlan has no idea what the man’s reaction will be. In either scenario he risks being doomed back to the afterlife.
Another intriguing and entertaining story by this author. Although the story was short, it packed a punch. The characters were interesting, and the scenes were well developed. I loved that the character of Quinnlan had so many facets to his personality. He was strong, courageous, kind, and witty. The added bits of humor throughout added a nice element to the other serious aspects of the storyline. A great read!
In The Ghastly Gumball Lockwood King is on the way to his mom and dad’s house late one night when he decides to stop at a corner gas station. Tired and not wanting to have caffeine because it's so late he instead chooses a gumball. He finds it odd that the gumball is black because he's never seen one before. He tries it anyhow and wishes that he hadn't because he can't believe how ghastly and disgusting the thing tastes. It leaves a horrendous taste in his mouth even after he spits it out. Lockwood thinks nothing more of it until he wakes up the next day and discovers some strange things. Little does Lockwood know that this one gumball will change his entire life.
Suddenly there's something that he realizes is a little bit different about him. His eyes are changing color. His hair is turning color. Things just get weirder and weirder as suddenly before him appears a cigar smoking octopus named Clyde. Then Lockwood himself starts growing tentacles. What on Earth is going on?! He realizes that there are outside forces at work, and it must be some sort of magic. With the help of his best friend, he starts delving into the mystery of what is happening to him.
This was an interesting read filled with magic, laughs, wackiness and some truly bizarre things. It was just such an intriguing read that I had to sit and find out what was going to happen next in this wacky world of this poor guy named Lockwood. It was an amazing, wacky, fun, and creative story by a fantastic author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Men of Eden Cove Manor is a MM Paranormal Romance with mystery, intrigue, suspense, action, danger, vampires, demons, and supernatural elements. Set around Halloween adds to the spooky, mysterious, creepy vibe of the story which centers around the characters of Lucifer and Mordecai. These two characters had their own unique quirks and personalities, and I was completely drawn into their worlds as they told their story from their own POV. Lucifer is impulsive, bold, reckless, and determined to live life on his own terms. When he hears about a mystery surrounding the men of a local manor he is determined to investigate and find out what all the fuss is about. According to locals, the manor is creepy, and they are terrified to go anywhere near it. Lucifer sees this as a challenge and while the men of the manor are away at a party he decides to break into the manor and explore. As he does so he gets more than he bargained for when he makes a startling discovery. Not only that, but Lucifer does not go unnoticed by Mordecai, one of the men at the manor. Mordecai is dangerous, cunning, and determined to toy with Lucifer as punishment for violating his privacy and trespassing in his home. Neither men are willing to back down from the challenge nor are either expecting to be attracted to the other. The ensuing story is full of blackmail, centuries old secrets, humor, witty banter, romance, and chemistry. Another amazing story by one of my favorite authors!
In The Final Bite, Quinnlan Trinity has been chosen from the paranormal world to get a second chance at life. Every ten years the gods choose someone who has been unjustly killed and give them a second chance. Except the gods seem a bit twisted as there are strings attached to this second chance. Not only does Quinnlan only have three days to find a mate but the gods have dropped him in an abandoned motel in the middle of nowhere. How is he supposed to find a mate in a place in the middle of nowhere?
Then Quinnlan finds a man bleeding out after an encounter with a group of wolf shifters. To save the man’s life he must feed him his own blood but in doing so this would bond him forever as his mate. He would also have to tell the man once he recovered that they are now bonded together forever, and Quinnlan has no idea what the man’s reaction will be. In either scenario he risks being doomed back to the afterlife.
Another intriguing and entertaining story by this author. Although the story was short, it packed a punch. The characters were interesting, and the scenes were well developed. I loved that the character of Quinnlan had so many facets to his personality. He was strong, courageous, kind, and witty. The added bits of humor throughout added a nice element to the other serious aspects of the storyline. A great read!
February 8, 2025
I have previously read all of the stories in this book but when I saw they were all in one convenient place, boy was I excited! I absolutely love Naomi Valkyrie. Their writing is so unique and each story takes you in a completely different direction. If you are new to this author, this collection is a great introduction to the wonderful and different styles the author can provide. I highly recommend anything written by this author!
FATE, FRANKINCENSE & FUNERALS
A vulture shifter, named Acheron, who goes into the city to tend to a dying patient. Vulture shifters are forbidden to enter the city or have a mate because they are considered 'unclean' since they deal with death. When Acheron gets to the patients home he meets a hare shifter, named Errapel, who is the nurse tending to the dying patient. Instantly there is what seems to be a mate bond. Acheron fights it since it is forbidden. As time goes on, the bond gets stronger.
THE GHASTLY GUMBALL
Lockwood, a mere mortal, ends up eating a gumball after work one day not knowing that this simple thing would turn his whole world upside down. The day after the gumball incident, weird and inexplicable things start happening to Lock. With the help of his best friend, they try to figure out what is happening to him. On top of all that, a cigar smoking octopus appears in Locks life. One day, a handsome man named Rex comes in where Lockwood works and there are instant fireworks. Lockwood tries to live a normal life while all of these weird magical things are happening around him.
THE FINAL BITE
Every 10 years, the gods choose a being in purgatory to have a second chance, with stipulations of course. You have 3 days to find your mate. Quinnlan is the chosen one this time. He is dropped off in an abandoned motel in a small town with very little hopes to succeed his mission. Quinnlan scopes out the town at night to find some potential mates when he spots a guy leaving town with wolf shifters trailing him. He decides to follow further to investigate and finds the guy beaten on the ground. He has a choice, continue his mission or save this random guy.
THE MEN OF EDEN COVE MANOR
Lucifer is a fiery being who toots to his own horn. Instead of waiting in line to the annual Halloween party the Eden Cove Manor hosts, he decides to break into the manor while it is empty to see what all the fuss is about. Rumors float all over the town about how the Manor is haunted and then men who live there are dangerous. Lucifer wants to see for himself if the rumors are true or if they are all hearsay. Little did he know that one stupid curious break and enter would change his life forever.
HOUSE VALDIS ORIGINS: XENOBIA
Xenobia is a slave. She lives in a home of women who are sold off to the highest bidder. She knows not to get close to anyone since it’s only a matter of time before one of them goes missing. That is until her new roommate worms her way into Xen’s heart. Urd gets through Xen’s defences and an unbreakable friendship is created. Xen’s friendship with Urd was going to be her downfall but she didn't know just how bad it was going to get.
THE ALIEN & THE CRIME BOSS
Kasper is a crime boss set on taking down and then merging the two crime families as one with him as leader. He goes to stay at a cabin for a bit to hide out until things cool down. When a strange man who is purple with chartreuse eyes shows up, Kasper has no idea if he was sent by the families or if he is the alien he claims to be. Leilphun was about to be sent into the arena’s as punishment on his home planet and decides to escape to Earth only to find himself bound by an attractive human named Kasper. Somehow Kasper accidentally betrothed himself to Leilphun.
FATE, FRANKINCENSE & FUNERALS
A vulture shifter, named Acheron, who goes into the city to tend to a dying patient. Vulture shifters are forbidden to enter the city or have a mate because they are considered 'unclean' since they deal with death. When Acheron gets to the patients home he meets a hare shifter, named Errapel, who is the nurse tending to the dying patient. Instantly there is what seems to be a mate bond. Acheron fights it since it is forbidden. As time goes on, the bond gets stronger.
THE GHASTLY GUMBALL
Lockwood, a mere mortal, ends up eating a gumball after work one day not knowing that this simple thing would turn his whole world upside down. The day after the gumball incident, weird and inexplicable things start happening to Lock. With the help of his best friend, they try to figure out what is happening to him. On top of all that, a cigar smoking octopus appears in Locks life. One day, a handsome man named Rex comes in where Lockwood works and there are instant fireworks. Lockwood tries to live a normal life while all of these weird magical things are happening around him.
THE FINAL BITE
Every 10 years, the gods choose a being in purgatory to have a second chance, with stipulations of course. You have 3 days to find your mate. Quinnlan is the chosen one this time. He is dropped off in an abandoned motel in a small town with very little hopes to succeed his mission. Quinnlan scopes out the town at night to find some potential mates when he spots a guy leaving town with wolf shifters trailing him. He decides to follow further to investigate and finds the guy beaten on the ground. He has a choice, continue his mission or save this random guy.
THE MEN OF EDEN COVE MANOR
Lucifer is a fiery being who toots to his own horn. Instead of waiting in line to the annual Halloween party the Eden Cove Manor hosts, he decides to break into the manor while it is empty to see what all the fuss is about. Rumors float all over the town about how the Manor is haunted and then men who live there are dangerous. Lucifer wants to see for himself if the rumors are true or if they are all hearsay. Little did he know that one stupid curious break and enter would change his life forever.
HOUSE VALDIS ORIGINS: XENOBIA
Xenobia is a slave. She lives in a home of women who are sold off to the highest bidder. She knows not to get close to anyone since it’s only a matter of time before one of them goes missing. That is until her new roommate worms her way into Xen’s heart. Urd gets through Xen’s defences and an unbreakable friendship is created. Xen’s friendship with Urd was going to be her downfall but she didn't know just how bad it was going to get.
THE ALIEN & THE CRIME BOSS
Kasper is a crime boss set on taking down and then merging the two crime families as one with him as leader. He goes to stay at a cabin for a bit to hide out until things cool down. When a strange man who is purple with chartreuse eyes shows up, Kasper has no idea if he was sent by the families or if he is the alien he claims to be. Leilphun was about to be sent into the arena’s as punishment on his home planet and decides to escape to Earth only to find himself bound by an attractive human named Kasper. Somehow Kasper accidentally betrothed himself to Leilphun.
February 8, 2025
I have read a few books from this author and I was happy to find this collection. The characters are very diverse and well written. I really like how there are many different worlds created by the author.
Fate,Frankincense & Funerals is a very different type of shifter book than I am used to but the characters definitely were engaging. The whole forbidden love theme really added to the drama. I don't usually stray from werewolf or werebear but I was not let down at all. The author spins such a st9ry that the reader is grabbed and comes along from the bumpy ride.
The Ghastly Gumball well again just what a ride. The characters are definitely unique and Octopus that is all I have to say. I mean magic and shifters throw in Romance and hey you got me hooked. I just love the fact Lock had friend support. Definitely brought a new magic to my reading.
I really like the plot in A Final Bite. A 72 hour game of chance to be able to live again. I like how the main character has doubts but takes the chance anyway. It really did keep me 9n the edge of my seat.
The Men of Eden Cove Manor well who doesn't love a good vampire story. I have to admit it isn't my usual vampire book but I was able to get swept up into it. The author definitely has a unique and refreshing view on her stories. I was drawn to the dark allure. The drama unfolds and kept me on the edge of my seat. I really liked the allure and mystery that drew the main character in.
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia also was a story that really grabbed me. The author really brought the characters to life and the drama in the story kept me on edge. I like how the author keeps the plots fresh and engaging. There is nothing predictable about the story and I couldn't put thus story down.
The Alien & The Crime Boss is a differn5 kind of story than I am sort of used to. I was impressed with the world the author created for this story. I like how there was a mafia tone to the story. I have to admit that I read this last story during a flare up of my health so wasn't able to fully appreciate but intend to readbit again. That aside I did enjoy the bits that I was able to have full attention on .
This book is a great way to get 6 of this author's works in one book and I would highly recommend it. The author has a refreshing universe created and the characters arenfr9m many walks of life etc. If you want to escape and wander the universe I highly recommend.
February 12, 2025
I really enjoyed that this is a book of novellas and short stories (6 total)
The first is fate, frankincense, & funerals which is about a shifter that is given a dangerous mission to help another shift with their end-of-life journey where he meets his mate…but will he accept his mate?
The second is The Ghostly Gumball and this one was my favorite it has a lot of elements to it and I just didn’t want to put it down so I could see how the story turns out. It’s about a guy that gets cursed by a gumball and how it changes him, and he’s introduced to so much of the magical world all at once and I thought this story was very original and interesting!
The third was final bite which is a story of a second chance at life and only 3 days to find a mate (that will in return accept him too). I’d already read this story before as a standalone I have on my kindle but love that this has many short stories in it!
The fourth is the men of Eden cove manor which is about a guy named Lucifer (it’s what he prefers to go by) who sneaks into a manor that the town swears is haunted and has a very interesting adventure. I really enjoyed this story, and it had my guessing what would happen next, and I didn’t predict at all how it would go which I liked.
The fifth was House Valdis Origins: Xenobia this is a story of a couple of slave girls at training to be sold off and this one is wild, but I found it very interesting and such a great story! And this has other books that go along with it so I definitely want to see what happens next! I’ll have to check out the next part of the story.
The sixth is The Alien & The Crime Boss which is about an alien named Leilphun who’s on the run and meets Kasper a crime boss who’s worried that the families are out to get him (and that Leilphun is an assassin). Then they both end up being attacked by the crime families. This is such a unique and original story!
I really enjoyed all of these stories it’s a great read! All are original, unique, and very interesting stories and they are all in one collection.
The first is fate, frankincense, & funerals which is about a shifter that is given a dangerous mission to help another shift with their end-of-life journey where he meets his mate…but will he accept his mate?
The second is The Ghostly Gumball and this one was my favorite it has a lot of elements to it and I just didn’t want to put it down so I could see how the story turns out. It’s about a guy that gets cursed by a gumball and how it changes him, and he’s introduced to so much of the magical world all at once and I thought this story was very original and interesting!
The third was final bite which is a story of a second chance at life and only 3 days to find a mate (that will in return accept him too). I’d already read this story before as a standalone I have on my kindle but love that this has many short stories in it!
The fourth is the men of Eden cove manor which is about a guy named Lucifer (it’s what he prefers to go by) who sneaks into a manor that the town swears is haunted and has a very interesting adventure. I really enjoyed this story, and it had my guessing what would happen next, and I didn’t predict at all how it would go which I liked.
The fifth was House Valdis Origins: Xenobia this is a story of a couple of slave girls at training to be sold off and this one is wild, but I found it very interesting and such a great story! And this has other books that go along with it so I definitely want to see what happens next! I’ll have to check out the next part of the story.
The sixth is The Alien & The Crime Boss which is about an alien named Leilphun who’s on the run and meets Kasper a crime boss who’s worried that the families are out to get him (and that Leilphun is an assassin). Then they both end up being attacked by the crime families. This is such a unique and original story!
I really enjoyed all of these stories it’s a great read! All are original, unique, and very interesting stories and they are all in one collection.
February 26, 2025
Magic, Mayhem & Mates: A collection of Novellas and Short Stories by Naomi Valkyrie. This is an amazing compilation of novellas. I loved it so much because I could read them all quickly and in order.
In Fate, Frankincense & Funerals Fate. Its the story of Acheron a vulture shifter who feels a very strong pull to the city that he's forbidden to go to. When he gets there he realizes its Errapal. Errapal is a nurse to the dying and I know I've been sent to help him. My attraction to Errapal is out of this world and I can't deny it even though Vulture Shifters are forbidden to take a mate. As they spend more and more time together Acheron is more in love with Errapal than ever. In The Final Bite its the story of Quinnlan Trinity who has been chosen to be given a second chance at life. When you are killed unjustly the gods and goddesses pick one person to have a second chance and this time they have chosen Quinnlan. The catch is he has to find a mate in 3 days or he will be sent back to purgatory forever. When he finds someone in trouble he uses his last chance to try and save someone. Risking his last chance at life will this person be worth it and will he be able to have a relationship with them? In The Alien and the Crime Boss its the story of Kasper Kingston who is on a mission to shut down the two main crime families and take over for them. Leliphun is an alien who has been kicked out of his kingdom and the leaders there want to put him in the fighting ring he has no intention of fighting so he leaves and vows to never return. Jumping thru a portal he ends up on Earth. Kasper finds Leliphun passed out in the woods and takes him home but ties him up because he doesn't know who or what he is. When he awakens he is questioned by Kasper but Kasper doesn't believe any of his answers. Kasper is attracted to Leliphun and has to decide if he can trust him enough to help him or will he end up being the death of Kasper. Do yourself a favor and read this wonderful paranormal romance bundle!
In Fate, Frankincense & Funerals Fate. Its the story of Acheron a vulture shifter who feels a very strong pull to the city that he's forbidden to go to. When he gets there he realizes its Errapal. Errapal is a nurse to the dying and I know I've been sent to help him. My attraction to Errapal is out of this world and I can't deny it even though Vulture Shifters are forbidden to take a mate. As they spend more and more time together Acheron is more in love with Errapal than ever. In The Final Bite its the story of Quinnlan Trinity who has been chosen to be given a second chance at life. When you are killed unjustly the gods and goddesses pick one person to have a second chance and this time they have chosen Quinnlan. The catch is he has to find a mate in 3 days or he will be sent back to purgatory forever. When he finds someone in trouble he uses his last chance to try and save someone. Risking his last chance at life will this person be worth it and will he be able to have a relationship with them? In The Alien and the Crime Boss its the story of Kasper Kingston who is on a mission to shut down the two main crime families and take over for them. Leliphun is an alien who has been kicked out of his kingdom and the leaders there want to put him in the fighting ring he has no intention of fighting so he leaves and vows to never return. Jumping thru a portal he ends up on Earth. Kasper finds Leliphun passed out in the woods and takes him home but ties him up because he doesn't know who or what he is. When he awakens he is questioned by Kasper but Kasper doesn't believe any of his answers. Kasper is attracted to Leliphun and has to decide if he can trust him enough to help him or will he end up being the death of Kasper. Do yourself a favor and read this wonderful paranormal romance bundle!
February 21, 2025
I have read a few books from this author and she always blows my mind. I started to read romantacy and this book was perfect for me. This collection has six short stories and novellas that all have a great ending. This collection shows how versatile this author is in her writing style. I loved them all but my favorite would have to be The Final Bite. This book collection will get you hooked right from the start. It only took me a couple of days to devour this collection. I can’t wait to see what this amazing author will write next.
Fate, Frankincense, and Funerals:
This story is about two different shifters that have a connection with each other. One of them is forbidden to have a mate. They will fight for what is right but will they find the love they are looking for?
The Ghastly Gumball:
This story was a rom com and I could not stop laughing. I absolutely loved Lockwood King. This story was a little out there but it was very good.
The Last Bite:
Quinnlan was killed and is now in the afterlife. The Gods choose him for a second chance but he has to find a mate in three days. Quinnlan has everything stacked against him but when he sees a stranger dying that’s when his luck changes.
The Men of Eden Cove Manor:
The final wish his mom told him was to live the life you want. He heard some rumors about the Men of the Eden Manor and now he wants to solve the mystery. Then he is challenged by one of the men and now he might be in trouble.
House Valdis Orgins:Xenobia
Xenobia is raised that women are nothing but property. Her main goal is not to be noticed and find a way out. When she is bought with a friend she finds a way out but will she ever be free?
The Alien and the Crime Boss:
Leilphun has escaped his prison of a planet. He is so happy that he might find freedom but when he wakes up he is on earth. Leilphun meets a human that he called himself Kasper. He seems nice but can he trust him?
Fate, Frankincense, and Funerals:
This story is about two different shifters that have a connection with each other. One of them is forbidden to have a mate. They will fight for what is right but will they find the love they are looking for?
The Ghastly Gumball:
This story was a rom com and I could not stop laughing. I absolutely loved Lockwood King. This story was a little out there but it was very good.
The Last Bite:
Quinnlan was killed and is now in the afterlife. The Gods choose him for a second chance but he has to find a mate in three days. Quinnlan has everything stacked against him but when he sees a stranger dying that’s when his luck changes.
The Men of Eden Cove Manor:
The final wish his mom told him was to live the life you want. He heard some rumors about the Men of the Eden Manor and now he wants to solve the mystery. Then he is challenged by one of the men and now he might be in trouble.
House Valdis Orgins:Xenobia
Xenobia is raised that women are nothing but property. Her main goal is not to be noticed and find a way out. When she is bought with a friend she finds a way out but will she ever be free?
The Alien and the Crime Boss:
Leilphun has escaped his prison of a planet. He is so happy that he might find freedom but when he wakes up he is on earth. Leilphun meets a human that he called himself Kasper. He seems nice but can he trust him?
February 28, 2025
Naomi Valkyrie’s Magic, Mayhem & Mates is a wildly entertaining collection of six paranormal romance stories that blend magic, shifters, aliens, gods, and humor into an irresistible mix of adventure and romance. Each story brings its own unique flavor, offering readers a diverse range of characters, settings, and supernatural intrigue.
From the emotional depth of Fate, Frankincense & Funerals, where a vulture shifter and a hare shifter must defy archaic laws to be together, to the chaotic hilarity of The Ghastly Gumball, featuring a meddling cigar-smoking octopus, Valkyrie showcases her ability to craft both heartwarming and absurdly fun narratives.
In The Final Bite, she takes on the high-stakes premise of a second chance at life, forcing the protagonist to find a mate in just three days, while The Men of Eden Cove Manor delivers a gripping mystery laced with romance and danger. House Valdis Origins: Xenobia is a darker, more intense tale of survival and rebellion, setting the stage for the House Valdis series. And in The Alien & The Crime Boss, Valkyrie dips into sci-fi romance, exploring trust, power, and unlikely attraction between an alien refugee and a human crime boss.
What makes this collection stand out is Valkyrie’s seamless mix of humor, heart, and heat. Whether it’s fated mates, magical mischief, or high-stakes survival, she delivers engaging, well-paced stories with compelling characters. The writing is witty, the world-building creative, and the relationships range from sweet to steamy, ensuring there’s something for every paranormal romance fan.
Final Verdict
Magic, Mayhem & Mates is a must-read for lovers of quirky, action-packed paranormal romance. With its mix of romance, adventure, and humor, it’s an entertaining ride that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. If you enjoy stories filled with supernatural surprises, charming oddball characters, and a touch of the unexpected, this collection is for you.
From the emotional depth of Fate, Frankincense & Funerals, where a vulture shifter and a hare shifter must defy archaic laws to be together, to the chaotic hilarity of The Ghastly Gumball, featuring a meddling cigar-smoking octopus, Valkyrie showcases her ability to craft both heartwarming and absurdly fun narratives.
In The Final Bite, she takes on the high-stakes premise of a second chance at life, forcing the protagonist to find a mate in just three days, while The Men of Eden Cove Manor delivers a gripping mystery laced with romance and danger. House Valdis Origins: Xenobia is a darker, more intense tale of survival and rebellion, setting the stage for the House Valdis series. And in The Alien & The Crime Boss, Valkyrie dips into sci-fi romance, exploring trust, power, and unlikely attraction between an alien refugee and a human crime boss.
What makes this collection stand out is Valkyrie’s seamless mix of humor, heart, and heat. Whether it’s fated mates, magical mischief, or high-stakes survival, she delivers engaging, well-paced stories with compelling characters. The writing is witty, the world-building creative, and the relationships range from sweet to steamy, ensuring there’s something for every paranormal romance fan.
Final Verdict
Magic, Mayhem & Mates is a must-read for lovers of quirky, action-packed paranormal romance. With its mix of romance, adventure, and humor, it’s an entertaining ride that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. If you enjoy stories filled with supernatural surprises, charming oddball characters, and a touch of the unexpected, this collection is for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2025
Magic, Mayhem & Mates is a collection of paranormal romance short stories and novellas. I had read several of the stories before as standalones and it was fun to revisit them as part of a collection, as well as reading some that were new to me. This would be a great introduction to the author, who has written several series that I’ve also enjoyed. It’s also a fun collection for existing fans to dip in and out of!
My favourite thing about this collection is how it showcases the variety and versatility of the author. Each story feels very different from the others, and all have elements that feel original, unusual and interesting.
I particularly like Fate, Frankincense & Funerals. I like the idea of a vulture shifter and the way the story centres around end of life care and there has been some great worldbuilding to create the cultures and traditions of a large community of shifters.
While I enjoy the story, I feel like Xenobia is a little bit out of place in the collection as it isn’t a self-contained story like the others, and doesn’t focus on M/M romance. That said, it leads readers into the House Valdis series which is very good!
While the stories generally have a focus on romance, there is plenty going on around this such as mysteries and problems to solve, and characters coming to terms with their paranormal situations. They are action-packed page turners with lots going on in a short space!
This collection gets five stars from me. If you’re a fan of paranormal M/M romance, with shifters, vampires, aliens and much more, you’ll love Magic, Mayhem & Mates
My favourite thing about this collection is how it showcases the variety and versatility of the author. Each story feels very different from the others, and all have elements that feel original, unusual and interesting.
I particularly like Fate, Frankincense & Funerals. I like the idea of a vulture shifter and the way the story centres around end of life care and there has been some great worldbuilding to create the cultures and traditions of a large community of shifters.
While I enjoy the story, I feel like Xenobia is a little bit out of place in the collection as it isn’t a self-contained story like the others, and doesn’t focus on M/M romance. That said, it leads readers into the House Valdis series which is very good!
While the stories generally have a focus on romance, there is plenty going on around this such as mysteries and problems to solve, and characters coming to terms with their paranormal situations. They are action-packed page turners with lots going on in a short space!
This collection gets five stars from me. If you’re a fan of paranormal M/M romance, with shifters, vampires, aliens and much more, you’ll love Magic, Mayhem & Mates
February 14, 2025
A fantastic and easy to get into, collection of short stories and novellas. I have read all of them as separate books, but having them all in one collection is a dream. Mostly all M/M romance themed, paranormal, and shifters The book consists of the following short stories and novellas:
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals: Two different types of shifters, one who is forbidden to take a mate, but they make it work and fight the way their world works and thinks to be together.
The Ghastly Gumball: Paranormal romance, drama and comedy. Lockwood and Rex are a beautiful couple. Sweet epilogue.
The Final Bite: Short and sweet with so many fantastic aspects to the story. Quinnlan getting a second chance at love with Garrett and the obstacles they face.
The Men of Eden Cove Manor: The men of Eden Cove Manor are hiding something. We get vampires and an entangled web of romance to figure out.
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia: An opening for the book The Rise of the House of Valdis. The story of Xenobia and Urd, their friendship and struggles.
The Alien & The Crime Boss: A warrior, Leilphun, becomes a “being” to defend and protect Kasper. Kasper forms an attachment to him while trying to merge the two empires
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals: Two different types of shifters, one who is forbidden to take a mate, but they make it work and fight the way their world works and thinks to be together.
The Ghastly Gumball: Paranormal romance, drama and comedy. Lockwood and Rex are a beautiful couple. Sweet epilogue.
The Final Bite: Short and sweet with so many fantastic aspects to the story. Quinnlan getting a second chance at love with Garrett and the obstacles they face.
The Men of Eden Cove Manor: The men of Eden Cove Manor are hiding something. We get vampires and an entangled web of romance to figure out.
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia: An opening for the book The Rise of the House of Valdis. The story of Xenobia and Urd, their friendship and struggles.
The Alien & The Crime Boss: A warrior, Leilphun, becomes a “being” to defend and protect Kasper. Kasper forms an attachment to him while trying to merge the two empires
February 20, 2025
What a fantastic collection from this wonderful author....here is reviews of just a few included here:
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals is a short read (yes I wish it was a longer story but that is just because I'm a greedy gus! LOL) that will hold you captivated from start to finish. Its fires your imagination and draws you in with intense characters and a vivid world created by this amazingly talented author.
There is so much to love about this book by this truly wonderful author. The characters are intriguing, mysterious but at the same time fun and the storyline told from two different points of view is really interesting. If I had to pick out something to complain about the only thing I could say is it's too short because greedy me wanted more!!! LOL I really hope we get to read more about the Men of Eden Cove Manor in the future.
The fact that author Naomi Valkyrie wrote The Alien and The Crime Boss was all I needed to see to know I had to read this book. I always enjoy her work and this one definitely did not disappoint! I loved absolutely everything about Leilphun and Kasper and of course their story. It was original and had me hooked from start to finish. do yourself a huge favour and grab it today!
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals is a short read (yes I wish it was a longer story but that is just because I'm a greedy gus! LOL) that will hold you captivated from start to finish. Its fires your imagination and draws you in with intense characters and a vivid world created by this amazingly talented author.
There is so much to love about this book by this truly wonderful author. The characters are intriguing, mysterious but at the same time fun and the storyline told from two different points of view is really interesting. If I had to pick out something to complain about the only thing I could say is it's too short because greedy me wanted more!!! LOL I really hope we get to read more about the Men of Eden Cove Manor in the future.
The fact that author Naomi Valkyrie wrote The Alien and The Crime Boss was all I needed to see to know I had to read this book. I always enjoy her work and this one definitely did not disappoint! I loved absolutely everything about Leilphun and Kasper and of course their story. It was original and had me hooked from start to finish. do yourself a huge favour and grab it today!
February 10, 2025
Magic, Mayhem & Mates is a collection of some of Naomi Valkyrie’s novellas. I don’t typically read much paranormal, or M/M books, but I really enjoy her stories. Overall a good collection of short stories. They are quick reads, but feel like full stories. She is really great at developing her characters, and describing the story with great detail and imagery. I honestly don't know how the author comes up with these stories!
First bite is my favorite. It's written from the perspective of the main character Quinnlan, but talking to the reader. He is full of sarcasm and snark.
Fate, frankincense and funerals is a good short story. I’ve never even heard of jackal or vulture shifting, but could fully envision it, due to the author’s imagery.
The Ghastly Gumball is pretty lighthearted, and will make you chuckle. This book ended much quicker than I excepted, but it had a good ending, things being wrapped up nicely. I would love to see this become a series, as I think Brixley has a story hidden in there- I want to know more about her powers and her on again off again girlfriend.
First bite is my favorite. It's written from the perspective of the main character Quinnlan, but talking to the reader. He is full of sarcasm and snark.
Fate, frankincense and funerals is a good short story. I’ve never even heard of jackal or vulture shifting, but could fully envision it, due to the author’s imagery.
The Ghastly Gumball is pretty lighthearted, and will make you chuckle. This book ended much quicker than I excepted, but it had a good ending, things being wrapped up nicely. I would love to see this become a series, as I think Brixley has a story hidden in there- I want to know more about her powers and her on again off again girlfriend.
February 13, 2025
I loved all of the Novellas but my favorite one was Fate Frankincense & Funerals. Naomi did a fantastic job like always!
Fate Frankincense & Funerals: This was an amazing read. For it being a short story and only being 57 pages long, I wasn't expecting much. I was proven wrong! Naomi put so much in these short pages, it felt like I was reading a fairly large novel! It was well paced and I quickly found myself immersed in the story. The one thing that I loved about this story was that the main animal focus was a vulture, not your typical wolf shifter story. This story also didn't have your typical "aplha hear me roar" type trope. Vultures aren't supposed to have mates in this world. It's actually forbidden because of them guiding those who have been touched by death. I'm not too into m/m stories, but this was beautifully well done m/m romance! I will for sure be passing this along to my LGBTQ friends!
Fate Frankincense & Funerals: This was an amazing read. For it being a short story and only being 57 pages long, I wasn't expecting much. I was proven wrong! Naomi put so much in these short pages, it felt like I was reading a fairly large novel! It was well paced and I quickly found myself immersed in the story. The one thing that I loved about this story was that the main animal focus was a vulture, not your typical wolf shifter story. This story also didn't have your typical "aplha hear me roar" type trope. Vultures aren't supposed to have mates in this world. It's actually forbidden because of them guiding those who have been touched by death. I'm not too into m/m stories, but this was beautifully well done m/m romance! I will for sure be passing this along to my LGBTQ friends!
February 13, 2025
An amazing collection of sci fi short stories by an inspiring author. Naomi never fails to completely bring you into the fold with her stories and hold you there as you follow her characters.
In Fate Frankincense and Funerals; We meet and follow Acheron (a vulture shifter) due to his work with the dead; he is on the outskirts of shifter society, shunned and alone, they are not meant to find their mate. Left feeling unsettled he is sent on a job he journeys to Mandara, where he meets Errapel (hare shifter) nurse to the dying patient he is sent to tend to, the mate bond falls into place.
A beautifully written MM shifter romance, touching on many other themes that many of us deal with daily.
In The alien and the crime boss we follow Kasper the crime boss and his run in with Leilphum an intriguing alien with two forms merge genres well, her character growth and development is complex and intriguing, the world built in this book is interesting merging crime family and scifi.
In Fate Frankincense and Funerals; We meet and follow Acheron (a vulture shifter) due to his work with the dead; he is on the outskirts of shifter society, shunned and alone, they are not meant to find their mate. Left feeling unsettled he is sent on a job he journeys to Mandara, where he meets Errapel (hare shifter) nurse to the dying patient he is sent to tend to, the mate bond falls into place.
A beautifully written MM shifter romance, touching on many other themes that many of us deal with daily.
In The alien and the crime boss we follow Kasper the crime boss and his run in with Leilphum an intriguing alien with two forms merge genres well, her character growth and development is complex and intriguing, the world built in this book is interesting merging crime family and scifi.
February 22, 2025
Naomi Valkyrie’s Magic, Mayhem & Mates is a diverse and engaging collection of paranormal romance novellas and short stories, bringing together six previously standalone tales into one anthology. For fans of the supernatural, this book offers a mix of shifters, magic, and romance, all with Valkyrie’s signature blend of heart and intrigue. Valkyrie excels at crafting complex, well-developed protagonists who don’t fit the usual tropes, making the emotional connections between them feel more authentic. Some are action-packed and gripping, while others take a slower, more introspective approach. I have read most of them separately. It's better having them all in one book. I love it! Valkyrie’s writing is always engaging, her characters are fantastically compelling, and the mix of magic and emotion keeps you invested. The collection as a whole is a solid addition to the paranormal romance genre.
February 11, 2025
Magic, Mayhem & Mates is a great collection of Naomi Valkyrie's short stories, which are all very intense. Each story has a unique theme that will draw you in and keep you interested in reading right to the last page, second-guessing what the ending will be. The character development in each of the stories is a key factor in all of the stories, and the author has worked to diversify each one with a characteristic unique to their storyline that leads to an amazing plot. There is one common theme throughout the stories, and that is the characters seeking their mates, no matter how different they may be, love conquers all obstacles. If you love reading short stories with a mythical theme, romance, and a lot of mystery, then this is a great book for you!
@Brandy Rymer
02/2025
@Brandy Rymer
02/2025
February 28, 2025
Six Delighfully Imaginative Short Stories
Naomi Valkyrie has tickled my imagination with these stories, from shifters to vampires and from magic curses to aliens this has a little something for everyone. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this going in, but I was very pleasantly surprised and impressed. There were a couple I felt were a bit too short to tell the whole story, but overall, I found myself intrigued and genuinely excited by the stories inside. They pulled at my heartstrings one minute and made me laugh out loud the next. I fell in love with these characters and wish, for the most part, there was more to the stories for me to read. If you like all things paranormal, you should read this book.
Naomi Valkyrie has tickled my imagination with these stories, from shifters to vampires and from magic curses to aliens this has a little something for everyone. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this going in, but I was very pleasantly surprised and impressed. There were a couple I felt were a bit too short to tell the whole story, but overall, I found myself intrigued and genuinely excited by the stories inside. They pulled at my heartstrings one minute and made me laugh out loud the next. I fell in love with these characters and wish, for the most part, there was more to the stories for me to read. If you like all things paranormal, you should read this book.
February 16, 2025
I have read all of these stories individually on my kindle. When I saw they were put together into a paperback, I just had to have them! I absolutely love this author's work. There is not a single book I did not LOVE by her. She is one of my very favorite authors. The things she can do with around 100 pages or less is incredible. I have read too many novellas that just left me hanging. They were too short, they had little detail, and I couldn't really get INTO the story. That is not the case with Naomi's. Her details, her characters, her world building is incredible and I cannot get enough of her books. Her stories are truly magical and supernatural in the best ways.
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