Mistress of Fear: A Psymage Urban Fantasy Romance

by Lauretta Hignett

All I ever wanted in life was to fall in love.

Which was a little ironic, considering I grew up in a secretive commune of magical warrior women.

The Flowers of the Sword didn’t fall in love. We were the hidden powerbrokers of the supernatural world, trading in secrets and death. We didn’t help anyone except each other, and we didn’t trust anyone at all.

Especially not men. Only my sisters mattered. Everyone else in the world was an asset, a target, a tool to be used.

I never really fit in with my family, though. Even from a young age, I knew I wanted a different life. A soft life—one without pain, without fighting, without hiding, without deception. A life where I didn't need to use my magic as a weapon. A life where I could trust people, and use my powers to help them heal.

So I turned my back on my family, and I walked away.

And I did it. I fell in love. I thought I was going to be happy forever.

I was wrong.

And my family was right all along. Men weren’t to be trusted. Love isn’t real.

Now, vengeance will be my legacy. I’m going to rip the whole world apart to find the people who did this to my sisters. The path to revenge is taking me right to the doorstep of the powerful factions that rule the biggest supernatural city in the whole continent. Witches and wizards, vampires, combat mages, shapeshifters and fae... it doesn't matter to me.

The Senate of Magical Detroit won’t know what hit it.


Mistress of Fear is book one in A Legacy of Vengeance and Magic, a gripping Urban Fantasy series with nail-biting supernatural suspense, magical political intrigue, and a sizzling slow-burn romance.

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2026

About the author

Lauretta is an Amazon bestselling urban fantasy author with a passion for writing kickass characters, weird magical creatures, hilarious banter, and a touch of romance.

When she’s not writing, you'll find her enjoying terrible craft projects, unnecessarily complicated cocktails, and hanging out with her two little kids and her dog, Lola the delinquent lab cross.

In case you're here to check, please know that Lauretta does NOT use generative AI in any story or in any artworks in her books AT ALL. Every weird character and bizarre plotline comes entirely from her own brain, and she types every word herself. Support human art!

Reviews

[Mel B · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Lauretta's books are always such a fun read and Mistress of Fear doesn't fail to be thrilling and entertaining!

I love to see a FMC in her 30s and always such a fun take on a new character! Although Dora is obviously the favourite here.

I can't wait to read the rest of this series as it comes out!

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Lauretta Hignett has an incredible talent. Not only is she able to conjure up a riveting read, she produces characters that are likeably unhinged. So outside the norm, she carries this genius to the supporting cast. And each book or series of hers I read, I WANT a series of an introduced side character. I got it too in with Rose in this book, a character I desperately wanted to know more of. ALL is explained as to why she's in Detroit. But, as Lauretta magnificently does, there's another character who captures my heart and imagination, that would be Dora. Who we've met before in the previous series and who is a delightful weirdo, and, probably, the most unhinged of all of Lauretta's characters, which is really saying something, so, yes, I want a Dora book please.

But let's start with the FMC in this book. Rose. Rose who left Eternity College, Rose who'd left an indelible mark on me, Rose who has a very unusual magic, Rose hiding so many secrets, slowly, brilliantly, unravelled before me. Rose is on a mission to find the person who destroyed her entire family and all her leads, led her to Haven Insurance. Where she got a job, to uncover the perpetrator, but she certainly didn't count on Sasha Morgan. He unsettled her, he made her magic scream. No, not in bliss....in danger. . Gentle, loving, kind, smart, helpful Rose didn't deserve what happened to her, not her childhood, not her disaster of a relationship with her ex. Meeting Mrs Chen was an eye opener, a beautiful, albeit unusable experience and I wanted to sob with Rose at Mrs Chen's nurchuring "Having Martha cooking for me, calling me “baby” and healing me, and just generally mothering me like this made me want to howl."

Talking of bliss, Rose's life is anything but. She's had a hard upbringing, unrelentless toughness around her, as she says, "We were raised to be tough and stoic and to keep secrets and to work for the good of our family and nobody else" Forging a new life for herself, fell apart quickly and, with snippets of messages from her ex-fiance and bff, we get to experience it all with her. Hell, the craftsmanship Lauretta displays, we freaking get to experience EVERYTHING with Rose! Afterall, Rose's almost mantra, "Knowledge was power. Power was everything." works for me too as I get to see it all. Golly do I love Martha Chen! Rose's landlady is nothing like Rose expected, nor is little Glory who had me giggling the moment she appeared. So off the cuff precocious, I love her. In fact, the building, the apartment, the inhabitants, are nothing like Rose expected. Nor is Sasha Morgan. Rose can't decide if she wants to end him or jump his bones. Instead, she settles for joining him to expose a conspiracy, which is as convoluted as it comes! Yes... a major betrayal too... Locating an ancient artifact, finding those responsible for the demise of Rose's entire sisterhood, getting revenge, these were a few of the almost impossible tasks she was dealing with.

Again, the author captured my imagination and soul! This book is a little steamier than Lauretta's previous books and boy was I fanning myself. The humour, although often macabre, is another trait of this author. So many surprises hit me, like what Sasha did, like Cody showing up. Real gobsmack moments! I'm using these words often, sorry in advance, the plot is genius, the characters are brilliant, the execution of it all, absolutely phenomenal! Then, Ms Hignett throws a grenade in the epilogue, completely unexpected and jaw dropping magnificent!The effortlessness way this author punches at my emotions, I don't even realise HOW much until I'm in the thick of writhing serpent effects in my stomach, my mouth dropped in anguish, adrenaline through the roof, as I feel it ALL! It's as though Lauretta has "borrowed" Rose's unique magic and infused it within the text. Shall I say it once more? Genius, brilliant, outstanding!

[MaD · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Having read this author’s previous works, I wanted to check out the new series. Truthfully, I took me a bit to become engaged in the storyline...and to even like the FMC. But suddenly, something clicked and I became engrossed!

Rose. a psymage, left her family of women warriors...no men allowed. But she wanted something different. She wanted love and a true family..so she left, found her 'true love', was planning her marriage ...and then caught him cheating with her maid-of-honor-to-be. Feeling like her sisters were right and men were no good, she returns home only to find every decimated...everyone dead. Now she is on the hunt for the person or persons responsible with only 1 clue. Back to her old life...'secrecy is everything, death before disclosure, and family comes first'.

Paranormals must still hide their existence from humans. The clue leads Rose to take a job at an 'Insurance company' for crowd control when humans accidently witness something supernatural. She finds that it seems to be the center of the hive that devasted her life. Now Rose must wade through the powerful political factions of the biggest supernatural city on the continent if she wants her revenge complete.

Along the way, she meets many interesting characters (and this seems to be one of the authors great talents). Martha the women who rented her an apartment is truly an unexpected wonder. Her daughter, Glory is a digiwiz - her own term, and is an immense font of information. Barbara is a massive question mark - who or what is she?! Dora...there are almost no words to describe her...obviously paranormal, otherworldly, magically talented, literal, zany, being who, thankfully, calls Rose her BFF. Wouldn't want to get on HER bad side! And then there is Sasha. Another question mark as to what type of supernatural he is. Rose has a gift that can usually identify anyone, but Dora and especially Sasha as mysteries. And the heat coming off of Rose and Sasha when they get close? Whew!!

Still much to learn. Sasha continues to grow. And grow on you! A big...WHAT?! in the cliffhanger that really has you crying for more...NOW!

Well done. Can't wait to see what happens next!

I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leigh Brooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH FREAKING HELL YES!. This is another stunning read from an author I adore and admire so damn much I'm in awe of her talent every single book i pick up of hers. From the moment I discovered Lauretta, the very first book I read of hers, she drew me in to her writing like a moth to a flame, and never let go. And she is my absolute QUEEN of the unhinged character. But it's her ability to not only create these phenomenal characters, but how she taps into my inner psyche every time to make them so believable, so likeable I can't help but fall for them, even if their brand of crazy defies all logic (looking at you here Dora.) So I find myself once again sucked in the orbit of Ms Hignett's world building, her absolute genius of the plot twist (and yes even with 13 pages of theories, I still didn't see that ending coming dammit). Did I love it, that's an understatement, because add in a new level of this author's writing with a few racier scenes between the two leads, along with her signature brand of humour and I'm here all the damn way.

I just knew from the start that I was going to love Rose, why, because from the snippets I got from her character in Marie's series, I knew there was more than met the eye. On the outside, Rose had the perfect life, a great job as a therapist at Eternity College a wonderful fiancé she adores, but nothing is as it seems. Planning her wedding she returns home to her sister's to get approval for the life she now has, only to find everything she knew destroyed. Not only were her sisters massacred, but going home to the love of her life she finds him with someone else. Even though she wants to avenge her sisters, her childhood wasn't necessarily a happy one. Because she didn't fit in with their ideals, she was gentle to their stoic and ice, and she has always wanted more than their beliefs, and thought she'd found it. But eighteen months later sees her following leads to who wiped out her family and she's on a path to vengeance.

Moving to Detroit the biggest supernatural city in America, she takes a job at Haven Insurance. The only only clue she has from a corrupted voicemail that points her to someone that took everything from her, wielding a stolen ancient artifact she needs to destroy. But she doesn't bank on the people that she meets and is drawn into something much bigger than she realises. Vengeance maybe in her heart but she's in a battle for something else. Rose immediately endeared me to her because she steps in when the ghosts of her past tell her she shouldn't. However, by doing so she got a mother/grandmother figure she desperately should have in Mrs Chen, a fantastic cook who can heal with food. An instant found family who are as quirky as they are amazing. Glory, Clay and Ezi. Yep I'm adopting them as my very own right now.

Even more than that there's the mysterious Sasha Morgan, A man she works with, one of her bosses, who Rose can't read but is totally drawn to. Even though they absolutely despise each other. Yeah I got chills every time they are together. He is the ying to her Yang but my god their banter and heat set my pulse racing. (Swoony already)

And Miss Dora Winterfeather she is as unhinged as they come. She makes crazy almost seem normal and you know what I'm totally into her brand of absolute chaos. 🥰

I'm literally panting for more, because yes, the humour, the action and and surprises from this author will always have me clamouring for more. Book two please bring it on. So if you love jaw dropping moments, a found family vibe and a enemies that find heat to each other. This is absolutely for you. Highly recommend 😁

[Roberta Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose Cordelia Peregrine, was raised in a secret sanctum of supernatural sisters. All were magical warriors, women who worked as assassins, spies and secret agents. They made trades, transactions in torture. To The Flowers Of The Sword, only They mattered. Outsiders were assignments, marks, or minions, especially Men. They didn't Love, when they wanted children, they picked a suitably talented male and mated. All but Rose... even as a young girl, all she desired was to fall in love, marry, and have babies. She was tired of hiding and lying, so she ran away.
She thought she found her dream in Eternity, Louisiana. She found her soul mate, her true love in Louis, a professor at Eternity College. She had her Happily Ever After! Excitedly, she traveled to the sister's sanctuary to share her news and and is met with a massacre.
Rose is on a mission of revenge and Vengeance. Eighteen months of torment, travelling, and trawling for clues, brings her to the Brink City of Detroit, Michigan, the biggest supernatural city in N America. A city packed with imperious imposing Supes, Fae, Mages, Shifters, Witches, Wizards and the Senate Of Magical Detroit. Rose has one small clue, a garbled voicemail, and a location, Haven Insurance.
She gets a job in crowd control with her degree in Psychiatry, and rents an ugly little room over a Chinese restaurant, from a Mrs. Chen via email. Saving her landlord from combat mages on her first night was not what she expected. "Death Before Disclosure" was the Flower's family motto, but save her she does, and her magic is revealed. Mrs. Chen, Martha, is gentle and kind, and her cooking is miraculous. The building mysteriously expands, contracts, and provides delectable oddities on a whim. All the tenants, Glory, a self proclaimed digiwhiz, Ezi, Clay and even Barbara have magical powers. For Rose, working at the Insurance company seems simple enough, with ample time to search for her quarry. Another new hire, delightfully daring Dora Whitefeather, declares they'll be BFFs! Crowd control becomes dangerous though, when there is a serial slayer afoot. When she meets the mysterious and stunning Head of Finance, Shasha Morgan, his mental magic messes with her mind, and his body inflames her desire. She can't pierce his shield and read him though.... could it be Sasha who ordered the slaughter of her sisters? Can she enlist him in her cause while also cracking the case of the cutthroat in the city? I absolutely adore Lauretta Hignett and she is an auto-buy for me, I'd read a Spelling Bee List if she wrote it! Her dramatic depiction of parts of Detroit, the city that I grew up in, was absorbing and authentic. Though sadly, I've never met any beings like these....I wish!! I adore the fantastical found-family, especially the darling, divine Dora, and the sexy scorching slow burn with Sasha!
'Mistress of Fear' is book one in A Legacy of Vengeance and Magic, the pièce de résistance of Urban Fantasy for 2026!!!
I fervently await book 2!!! arc read

[Gretchen Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series, and I’m already looking forward to the next one! It moved at a quick pace with lots of action, with plenty of room for humor & glimpses into the tragedy of the MC’s backstory. I really liked the MC, who was born into this weird cult of badass female mercenaries, but only longed for a normal life. This is the story of what happened after her attempt at normal life completely collapsed, which sets up a really interesting character study as she tries to figure out who she is now & what her purpose is. She’s a good egg despite her dark past, but still flawed enough to feel like a real person - she’s impulsive and occasionally hotheaded, but without being obnoxious about it. I also appreciate that she can put her money where her mouth is, so to speak. She’s a competent fighter who understands what her boundaries are. She’s also in her mid-thirties, so her expertise feels earned.

The worldbuilding is pretty interesting, especially in the setting of a Detroit that is mainly inhabited by supernatural beings, with humans as the oblivious minority. I also REALLY liked the side characters in this book. They are earnest and kooky, and just a lot of fun in general. We just see the beginnings of a found family in this book. Oh, and there’s a magic house! It’s very charming.

The romance is pretty meh for me; it’s an insta-lust scenario - and there is some explanation for why this happens, although it’s left a bit of a mystery in this first book - and that’s just not my favorite trope. But at least it doesn’t really show up until halfway through the book, and doesn’t get past a steamy makeout scene. So there is still plenty of that story to tell, and I hope the rest of the series will work to get me more invested in this couple. We will see.

I received a free ARC of this book and was asked to write an honest review. I was not given any incentive to write a positive review. I intend to read the rest of the series whether I get another ARC or not. I’ve read another series by this author that I really liked (the “Susan” series) so I’m pretty confident I will enjoy this one as well.

[Andi · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Lauretta Hignett is back with a new urban fantasy series in a crossover from the Eternity College series, featuring protagonist Rose. I’ll admit that Marie’s series is my least favorite of this author’s, and I was worried that I’d feel the same about this Psymage series. Thankfully, that concern was far from the truth.

Thirty-four-year-old Rose Peregrine is a psymage and former assassin and spy who left her fiancé and best friend behind after discovering their affair. She moves to Detroit—a predominantly supernatural city—to find and destroy an ancient arcane relic, as well as the man currently possessing it who also killed her family of female warriors.

The world is richly drawn, with Detroit governed by ten supernatural “Holds” ruled by both a Senator (figurehead) and Director (de facto leader). The Holds include Beastbound, Creed, Flock, Gilded, MarkStar, Mothersworn, Nightstalker, Realm, Spirit, and Sourcelight. Supernaturals are strongly encouraged to join a Hold, but Rose has no interest in doing so, because all Hold members are classified and registered, and she wants to keep her psymage abilities secret.

Rose finds an apartment in a nondescript building in a less desirable part of town above a Chinese restaurant. But nothing about this building or its occupants is as it seems.

First, her landlady, Martha Chen is a medmage. Her thirteen-year-old “granddaughter,” Glory (a techmage), lives with her. Also in the building are brothers Ezekiel and Clay—the former in college, and the latter high school. Then there’s the mysterious Barbara. I absolutely adored Barbara. This group definitely gave off the “found family” vibes.

Rose obtains a job with Haven Insurance. She is hired to use her psychic abilities during crisis calls. But her real purpose of working at Haven is to find the Eye of Helios and the man who stole it and killed her family.

The pacing was fast, and I really enjoyed the story. Rose was an excellent main character, as were the side characters, especially Sasha Morgan. But be prepared that MISTRESS OF FEAR is steamier than Hignett’s other series. Regardless, I can’t wait for the next one!

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose Peregrine has been traveling for 18 months after the incidents in Louisiana. She found out her fiancé was cheating on her after coming back from her family home with devastating news. Now the only thing she has left is vengeance for her family. With nothing but a corrupted voicemail to go on, her search takes her to the Brink city of Detroit and Haven Insurance where she gets a job with crowd control. But she is not the only one searching for vengeance and another employee there may get in her way and try to not only her mark but a powerful artifact as well.
Rose has many facets to her and not even she knows who she truly is. We met her as Marie's therapist in the Eternity College series. That was Rose's most recent identity, and she has stuck with it for the most part. She is a former spy/assassin who left her family when she realized she was too "sift" and wanted a normal life. Now she is confused and vengeance driven but still is able to hold a soft spot for those who wiggle their way into her heart. She moves into quite the quirky house (Barbara) and its tenants are all people who want to be hidden for one reason or another. We find out a little bit about her housemates and I can't wait to find out more. And last but certainly not least, Dora. Omg I am so happy we get a book with Dora! If she is half as hilarious as Dwayne (and I suspect she will be), then she will take the spotlight for sure!
This book is full of all the things you have come to expect from Lauretta. It's hilarious, action packed and full of surprises. Right from the beginning you can't help but be drawn into the story and root for Rose. Rose takes you on a rollercoaster of a ride with emotions as well. Between her regret and fear that she has swirling around her constantly, she is learning to find joy with the people living in her house and even Dora. Lauretta has a way with the morally grey characters, and I can't wait to see where Rose's journey takes her.

[Brooke F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistress of fear

When I heard there was another book coming from Lauretta Hignett, with an intriguing side character from her previous series taking the lead, saying I was excited seems an underwhelming way describe it! I love interconnected stories and getting to know different characters better. Mistress of Fear features Rose, former Flowers of the Sword member, former psychologist to our beloved egomaniac Marie Shipton at Eternity College, former fiancée to Louis(the dirty rat) and new resident of Detroit.
After having her heart broken by her fiancée(the dirty rat) and best friend(also a dirty rat) ,then finding her sister’s slain at the Flowers compound, Rose can think of only one way forward , Vengeance.
Tracking a mysterious phone call to the city of Detroit, Rose makes it her mission to gain employment at Haven Insurance where she’s sure she will find answers to who is responsible and seek her revenge. She finds a place to live which is interesting to say the least and introduces us to her new landlord and some rather unusual housemates. Haven Insurance is also a mess of characters, one who, if your familiar with
Lauretta’s other series will be a pleasant, albeit utterly strange surprise. Rose is a psymage and that sure is going to come in handy dealing with the layers of political issues in the biggest supernatural city in the states.
There’s so much to love in this book, we’ve got mysteries galore, Rose’s personal journey to finding out who she really is, a sizzling attraction to a enigmatic, very attractive man, a new crazy bff with a love of spreadsheets and an ex fiancée who you will want to put through a meat grinder and feed to the crocodiles…
Lauretta is an instant buy for me, her books never fail to entertain me in the best way possible and I’m eternally grateful for her ability to take me away and distract me from the real world with her brilliant characters and amazing plots.

[Angel Heliogram · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem of a novel. Definitely one of my 2026 faves. What I loved:
-The female lead is a mess. She's had 2 personas stripped away and the road to a third version of herself is going to be rough. I love every mistake she made and how complex her inner dialogue was in the context of the story. The insanity of grief, lifelong insecurity, betrayal, and the lack of a real sense of family gave fuel to her actions that were sometimes ill-advised. But this is NOT a female lead who is TSTL. When she makes a mistake, she knows it, and owns it. Clearly very clever, has initiative, and is an innovative thinker. She has skills and seems more powerful than she understands. Her priorities are also set to shift. Meanwhile she has more personal baggage than an Airbus passenger jet. Am Team Rose all the way. So looking forward to her next book. (On a side note, I really love her hair.)
-The found family aspect is excellent. Sometimes authors overwhelm the story with the found family and it's annoying when you're still trying to engage with the lead. Here, we're with Rose all the way, but the support crew are in place for future shenanigans, and they're all interesting. (Love Barbara's sense of style, too.)
-All the sly digs at incels, the patriarchy, privileged bros practicing spite and petty power plays, not to mention the moral hypocrisy of faux religions today—through a supernatural filter—could only come from a deeply exasperated woman living in the 2020s. All were welcome, and appreciated. Keep up the good work.
-The love interest is hot, powerful, tortured, and traumatised. His backstory is clearly epic. Feels like they may or may not destroy each other as the two of them fight against fate. Love the vibe.
-Dora is clearly the greatest urban fantasy character OF ALL TIME. I'm looking forward to her album.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! That was brilliant!

There is intrigue, attraction, humour, and action - all blended together to make a really enjoyable book.

The main characters (Rose & Sacha) are excellent.

The opposing and supporting characters (including Martha & co) are all good in their roles (and some definitely leave a few questions open for the future).
(Special mention for the return of Dora - a great character who has been crying out for a bigger part in a series!)

There were some valid observations of life:
"Good people were afraid of lots of things. Bad people weren't scared enough."

I loved the humour throughout:
"He's very Heathcliff," Dora said, still staring.
"If Heathcliff was adept at accounting software."

+
"Hush now, child." Martha chided. "Just because the wrapper is wrinkly, it doesn't mean the candy isn't sweet."

+
"You must come to my church sometime," Johan Monk said to my breasts.

+ One that I can't quote here [risk of spoiler] but Dora's stadium moment literally made me laugh out loud!

(I also had to chuckle at the corporate-speak in the welcome presentation - that meaningless fluff gets everywhere doesn't it?! - and also that even powerful supernaturals get frustrated with the "I am not a robot" tests!)

I gradually found myself getting wound up at the increasingly abusive voicemail messages from Rose's ex (so yes, that bit of the plot definitely worked ...) however the overall balance of the book was superb [as you might expect from this truly first-class author].

Definitely an excellent start to what promises to be another gripping series.


(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own honest opinion.)

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read every book written by Lauretta Hignett, but each new book is just as eagerly anticipated as the last. The reason for this is that I am guaranteed superbly written storylines, characters that are so vividly described that it’s easy to imagine and to love them and plot lines that will keep you guessing until the perfect moment for their delivery.

This latest series has started with a bang. Rose, who we met in the Eternity College series, has had her world turned upside down and now she’s out for vengeance. As she arrives in Detroit we meet the first person who will become significant in her life - her new landlady, and so the story begins to unfold. Events are never quite as they seem and somehow the psymage out for revenge for the death of her family, starts to gather a new, found family around her. Her new BFF for life is an absolute joy - I was SO happy when I realised that Dora had arrived with her fair share of chaos to bring to the party.

Be prepared, heartstrings will be tugged on, there will be laughter, and edge-of-the-seat scenes which will see you wanting to be left alone so that you can just keep reading. There is also a love interest that is more than a little complicated and promises to bring its fair share of fire to proceedings. The end of the book brings plenty of surprises to keep you guessing, intrigued and invested. Next please - as soon as possible!

[Tracey Tonkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Firstly, that ending?!?, that leaves so many questions and I am absolutely coming back to find out the answers, loved this book. The FMC, Rose, is a badass, and the men in this book - well that is complicated but I am so here for it! There is also the amazing found family, wild sidekick and dangerous situations that I can always rely on from this author. The plot keeps you guessing and waiting, never knowing what is real and what will just be the intro before you learn more, iykwim. There are battles, relationships building, mystery and conspiracies, and so much more. I feel like I can’t find the right words to describe just how much I enjoyed this book, one of the best UF reads of the year, without a doubt.

I am blown away by how amazing this first book in Lauretta’s new series was, but not totally surprised as she has never let me down. Yes I am a self-confessed fan girl, but of all her series so far I think this may be my absolute favourite first book, I literally could not put it down.

It has all the unique characters and quirky UF plot you expect from this author, and for the best experience I highly recommend reading her earlier works in this world, as the FMC in this series was around in the last series, and a sidekick character is one we met in the series before that - each series is entirely readable without reading previous ones, but I believe more enjoyable with all the background. Eagerly anticipating the next book, to find out what happens next but also to enjoy that level of engagement with a book that gives you a real break from reality, a chance for a proper escape from life the way only the best books can 😎🙃

[M Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was extremely lucky to be allowed to participate in an ARC of Mistress of Fear. Truth be told I had pre-ordered it as soon as I knew it would be available, but when the opportunity came up that I could read it DAYS before it was released to the masses?! You bet I jumped on that chance!!

O.M.G!! I LOVE Rose!!

The very first Saved Voice Mail Message-not even a full page into the story- put me on Team Rose immediately and I will never abandon her.

Such great characters. Lots of excellent development. Love the Found Family Trope.

Loretta always has her FMC find such amazing friends. FYI also firmly on Team Dora.

Two things can be true at the same time.

Not sure how I feel about MMC, Sasha...I have reservations but I am 110% ready to read the next book to either confirm or assuage those feelings.

After I re-read Mistress of Fear again.
"It was like finding out your greatest enemy's wingwoman was Godzilla, and she was off her meds."
SO. Freaking. Good!!
Best advice I have is get it on your Friday, so you have time to read it straight through without work or Life interrupting you. I was quite annoyed when I had to put it down and go to work.

[Emma Bain · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

My word this one was good, I fear a new series obsession has been cultivated! This first outing in a new series follows on from one of the side plotlines of the previous Eternity college books. Here we see our former college psychologist and reluctant psymage come front and centre after her whole world implodes both romantically and personally. Rose moves to Chicago to both escape and set right some wrongs by committing a murder.....only she doesn't know who she is murdering yet. Queue our plethora of simply outstanding supporting characters who have their own stories and complications going on - a new landlady with several adopted children who are quirky to say the least, Barbara who endeavours to see to Rose's every want and need regardless of legality! And Dora our BFF in training and a character we have ALL been waiting to meet! Throw in a secret shadowy cabal and a once burned twice shy romance interest and we have a coming series that promises to knock our socks off as we giggle and clutch our pearls! I read this in one sitting so be prepared to clear your schedule cos this one is superb!

[Jen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose is a psymage who’s on a mission to avenge the deaths of her sisters. Fans of the author will remember Rose as Marie’s rather unhinged psychologist from the previous series. I liked Rose’s brand of crazy, so I was really excited when I discovered she was getting her own series. Rose has taken a job in Detroit to find the people responsible for her family’s death, which means she’s working undercover in an insurance office. She quickly discovers there’s a lot more going on that she expected including political drama, a BFF even more unhinged than she is, the start of a new found family, and a stranger who hates her, but also makes her magic go wild. There’s a lot of really interesting and likable characters in this book, from the land lady, to the house, to Dora (I love Dora!!!). I absolutely devoured this book in less than a day and that counts reading the epilogue twice since it had such a great hook for the next book! Ms. Hignett knocked this book out of the park and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

[melissa thompson, · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose's life fell completely apart 18 months ago, she went home to tell her family about her upcoming wedding only to find them murdered. When she goes back to her fiance she finds him in bed with her best friend. Now she is on the path of revenge. She has secured an apartment in Brink city and her first night there was weird the landlord can heal with food and the apartment keeps changing and passing out strange offerings. Her new job at an insurance company is even stranger one coworker named Dora is very weird and has taken a liking to Rose. She isn't sure if it's a good or bad thing. And her boss keeps staring at her and showing up wherever she is at work. When Rose gets a lead on one of the suspects she attends a fancy party to pick his brain and find who ordered the murder of her family. Unfortunately her boss Sasha is there as well and he knows far more about her than he should. She can't trust anyone in this city and there is a killer murdering innocent people Rose must find him before anyone else dies. Fantastic first in series!

[Amanda Bartley · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I recieved this Advanced Reader Copy

Rose is a disgraced spy/assassin who tried to find her normal and had her heart smashed. She wants to avenge her family after her sisterhood of assassins were all murdered and the trial led her to Detroit.

She's a certified psychologist who never fit in with her sisterhood, with her mind-fear powers and her want to have a normal life. She was never a good spy.

She's still trying to figure who she is.
She goes undercover in Detroit to follow the only clue about who murdered her family.
She's found a new family of some misfits, a new home and friends. And some complications she never considered, mostly in the form of a man.

There is some spice. Mostly a tease right now. But there were many pulls on my heart!
We have our bad-ass FMC and a MMC that has been hurt and won't trust her. It isn't quite enemies to lovers, it is more like haters to ? Could be lovers? I see some huge secrets coming out about these 2!

This is classic Lauretta Hignett and i cant wait to read more about Rose

[Nicole Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose is amazing, but Dora steals the show

Another home run from one of my favorite authors. Lauretta is the Queen of Quirky Characters, and it shows. Rose is our strong but emotionally messed up female lead. She makes friends with Dora at work. Dora is completely unhinged, in the best, funniest way. We’re never really sure what Dora is, which is kind of the fun part for me.

Of course, I’m coming to this story without having read Maria’s series, so I found out in the author’s note at the end that Dora is introduced there. And now that I know her parentage, I love her even more.

But this is also to say that if you haven’t read any other of Lauretta’s stories, you’ll be OK starting with this one. But you’re really going to want to dig deeper into the magic-within-mundane universe she’s created. And for those who’ve already dipped a toe in that universe — if you love any of her stories, I’m pretty sure you’ll love Mistress of Fear just as much.

Now if you’ll excuse me — I need to catch up with Marie’s series. Gotta go.

[Bigmommanina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh this is definitely my cup of tea!!!!!

"I grew up in a secretive commune of magical warrior women. We were the hidden powerbrokers of the supernatural world; spies, assassins and undercover operatives, trading in secrets and death. We didn’t help anyone except each other, and we didn’t trust anyone at all.

Especially not men. Only my sisters mattered. Everyone else in the world was a target, a tool to be used, or totally irrelevant.

The Flowers of the Sword didn’t fall in love

I turned my back on my family, and I walked away.

And I did it; I fell in love. I thought I was going to be happy forever.

I was wrong.

My family was right all along. Men weren’t to be trusted. Love isn’t real.

Now, vengeance will be my legacy. I’m going to rip the whole world apart to find the people who did this to my sisters. The path to revenge will take me right to the doorstep of the powerful political factions that rule the biggest supernatural city in the whole continent. Witches and wizards, vampires, combat mages, shapeshifters and fae... it doesn't matter to me"

Wowzer! This book blew my socks off! Rose is the whole package (although a little fucked up during shipping & handling 😂) This book is full of my kinda characters the kind that I'd happily share a brew with & probably make some new BFF's! The world building is on point & the politics are spot on too! Throw in some adventure, intrigue, twisty-turns, wicked word play & humour & you've got yourself a brilliant new series to get obsessed with

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick, enjoyable read, and I’m already looking forward to the next installment in the series! I have a feeling we’ve only scratched the surface of these characters, and there’s so much more development to come.

Rose is a strong, capable woman who struggles with self-doubt, something I think many of us can relate to. Her strength and vulnerability make her feel wonderfully human.

I’m also intrigued by Dora and suspect there’s much more to her story than we’ve been shown so far. And I especially want to learn more about Rose’s found family—Martha, Glory, Ezi, and Clay. We’re given just enough of a glimpse into these relationships to make me want to know their histories, how their bonds were formed, and what makes this unconventional family tick.

This first book feels like an introduction to a much larger story, and I’m excited to see where the author takes us next! Can't wait to see the relationship between Sasha and Rose play out!

[Ruth Cumberbatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am happy that we now get to read Rose’s story. She appeared in the Eternity College Chronicles but her final appearance there left us all wanting to know what happened.

Rose wants to find out who killed her entire family, kill the person, and destroy the artifact that was used to find them. Meanwhile there are constant fights between magical people in front of humans, which involves a lot of chaos.

This book is certainly action packed. I love Dora and am looking forward to more of her chaos. I want to visit the ghost house, and would really like to try its cocktails, not to mention Martha’s cooking. I did not predict the ending, but when I read the final sentence all I could think was “Oh yes, that makes so much sense! Should have thought of that one.”

This is another wonderful book from Lauretta Highnett, and I can’t wait for the next book.

[Susan1566 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book.
Rose was brought up in a society of female warriors who hired themselves out for different covert activities including murder. She didn’t want to do this so basically ran away to have a normal life. This is where we first met her, a therapist at Eternity College that was helping Marie. But when everyone in her family was killed, she’s back in the game.
She is searching for whoever killed the family, who ordered it and the plan is to kill those responsible. And the trail starts in Detroit.
This book is filled with wonderful characters, Mabel Chen her magical landlord and Mabel’s family: Dora – her co-worker, not completely sure what she is but it’s entertaining, Sasha – is he enemy or romantic partner.
There is action, surprises, suspense, and humour.
It will be hard to wait for the next book.
Another one that is a definite recommend.

[FionaH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterpiece from Lauretta Hignett! This is the start of a new series from this wonderful author. Set in the same Otherworld as many of her other series, this one is mostly unconnected (apart from one hilariously chaotic crossover character), and could be read without having previously explored this universe.

Rose had a fairly rotten upbringing (what with being trained as a covert agent-type) and when she tried to break away and enjoy a normal life, everything went horribly wrong. Now she is on the path of vengeance, but first she needs to find those responsible.

I loved this book, as I have all of Ms Hignett’s work. Rose is a wonderful character – extremely damaged, yet clearly inherently kind. The supporting characters were so engaging, with everyone from her landlord to her boss having secrets of their own to protect.

My only complaint about this book is that I now have to wait for the next one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melissa · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

ARC review: Premise: Rose gets a job with a supe insurance agency she believes will lead her to who killed her family. First off- I love this world and I get so excited every time the author expands/ continues the series!
Some dislikes first (and these are totally my opinions): 1) not a big fan of instalove or instalust or fated mates….blechhh it’s just an ick of mine. 2) it may have been just me, but I couldn’t figure out Rose’s magic. She’s psychic but can manipulate fear as well? I wasn’t really sure. Maybe I read too fast.
Likes: 1) Dora. 2) Dora. 3) Dora. Hahahahaa I can’t wait for more of her! 4) also looking forward to more of the housemates. Love the mysteriousness and the quirks! I of course love strong female leads the author writes so well.
I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy where this series is going (I always do).

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really excited to see what comes from this series, because the first book is fantastic. Rose is a really interesting character as she struggles to live up to her own expectations and the memory of her sisters while trying to hunt down their killers. The other characters are well written and really interesting. There are some interesting friendships developing, and the relationship with Sasha is pure spicy tension. The worldbuilding is great, especially the building that Rose lives in. The story itself is intriguing. There are a lot of little story threads throughout the book, and I'm curious to see how they get woven together. Based on everything else I've read from the author, it'll be worth the wait. Overall, this is a great start to a new series. Highly recommended!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kate Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not explain how excited I get when Lauretta drops a whole new series on us. Rose is a heartbroken woman, on a mission to destroy anything that gets in her way and I am so ready to follow her into battle. I almost dropped the book when a certain character showed up, utter genius sidekick/bestie choice, waiting with bated breath to see what chaos is unleashed with that pairing!
As with all Lauretta Hignett books the writing is incredible and the storytelling never disappoints but after being left with that ending (bad author lady!) my world is rocked and I need the next one asap please and thank you! Absolutely amazing, always an auto buy author for me, Rose might actually overtake Chloe as my favourite of all characters if the rest of the series carries on like this. A definite recommend!

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book, and I am just so blown away with that ending. Let’s back up. This is a series opener, and we meet, or are reintroduced, to Rose from this author’s last series. She’s pretty much destitute, and she’s found a place to stay in Detroit, where she’s going to take her ultimate revenge for her sisters’ death even if it means her own. I was immediately drawn into the story from the beginning, like usual, and I feel so sorry for poor Rose. And, oh, my, her friend Dory! I can’t wait to find out more about her. Add in the jaw-dropping conclusion, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next. Fans will enjoy this latest book! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Kerensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant and compelling start to the newest series in the wonderful world created by Lauretta Hignett.

We finally get to learn more about Rose, a character introduced in the last series (The Eternity College Chronicles). We find out why Rose left her job and fiancee, how she obtained an unusual skill set for a school counsellor and what is driving her quest for vengeance. The plot is well paced, with characters you can relate to and care about. There are still lots of questions to be answered including those around the place Rose is living, in her new home of Detroit, as well as the twist at the end that both surprises you and has you kicking yourself for not realising it was coming.
Really looking forward to the next one.

[Alecia Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven’t experienced the joy of this author, quit waiting and dive in!! I think this series might be the best one yet, but you should decide for yourself. I say that about every series by Lauretta, but seriously this is sooo good! I loved that there was a little mystery when Marie ran into Rose and Marie couldn’t figure out what had happened to Rose. ( Marie knows everything is ALWAYS right) I loved the new family of characters and one of my favorite things about books by this author, there’s always a tie in to past series. Dwayne’s daughter is an absolute treasure! And the cherry on top? Takes place in my home state of Michigan. Cannot wait for the next book!