The Hitman's Guide to Righting Wrongs While Causing Mayhem (The Hitman's Guide #4) by Alice Winters

 

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Leland
Growing up, I was taught that getting too close to someone would be my downfall. But I’ve proven that wrong now that I’m happily married to Jackson, the greatest man in the world. The issue is that mayhem always seems to find me (which is definitely not my fault), and this time, it comes in the form of a woman looking for her daughter. What starts as a simple missing persons case turns into so much more, forcing me to rely on my found family and others, including a muscley “bear” who will definitely not whisk away my husband with his irritatingly sexy accent—I mean, yes, I’m very focused on this case… Jackson, don’t look at me like that.

Jackson
While Leland is “code potatoing” (whatever that means on his strange cheat sheet), I’m left questioning what he’s gotten himself into this time. At least he’s willing to let me assist him, even if he’s still positive that I should just “sit pretty” and let him handle everything. But with the girl missing, he knows we need to work together to determine whose game we’re playing because not everything is as it seems. Of course, when one gets involved with Leland, nothing is ever simple. But maybe that’s just the way I like it.

Contains: speed walking up way too many stairs while holding pointy objects, feel-better cookies that didn’t turn out quite right, Spanish that definitely isn’t Spanish, and lots of long-suffering people being swept up in Leland’s shenanigans once more.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

The Hitman's Guide to Righting Wrongs While Causing Mayhem is the fourth book in Alice Winter's amazing series. 

I smiled throughout this book. I snort-laughed throughout this book. Basically, it is absolutely fabulous and is a perfect addition to the world of Leland and Jackson's world. 

Leland's obsession with his babies is something I didn't know I needed in my life. But, omg, these moments are everything!!!

And let's not forget about all the secondary characters. I love them all. Henry, Cassel, Kevin, Mila, etc.

This book is full of sarcasm, banter, and snark. It's also full of scary situations that are all carried off with light-heartedness.

Overall, I can't get enough of this series and these characters. Alice Winters is one of the best at writing charming, off color characters who leave you laughing and smiling throughout all their antics. It just doesn't get any better. 

Ghost of Lies (Medium Trouble #1) by Alice Winters

 

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Hiro
Though I was born with the ability to see the dead, I struggled with it until my brother was killed and his ghost was left behind. Now, I’m determined to figure out who is responsible for his death… the problem is that Detective Maddox Booker, the one working the case, is a grumpy and stubborn man who wants nothing to do with me and definitely doesn’t believe in ghosts. It doesn’t help that I keep finding myself looking ridiculous in front of the detective, thanks to interfering ghosts who enjoy laughing at my expense. Still, the more I’m around Maddox, the more I realize that beneath that surly exterior is a kind and caring man who will do anything to help.

Maddox
When another man dies, I know we have a serial killer on our hands—the same murderer who has remained elusive for a year and a half. To add to my frustration, I keep running into Hiro at crime scenes only to hear him claim that he can talk to ghosts. The words of the dead could lead us to the serial killer and even tell us who is next, but ghosts? There’s no such thing as ghosts. Hiro is determined and charming, and no matter what I do, I can’t stop letting him get involved. He's definitely snagged my attention, but when he nearly winds up dead, I know he's getting closer to the truth—and if I don’t do something soon, he might be next.

Ghost of Lies is full of action, mystery, humor, and romance. Though more is planned for this couple, the mystery is solved and there is a happy ending. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Ghost of Lies is the start of the Medium Trouble series. This Alice Winters book is riveting from the start and looks to be the beginning of another fantastic series. 

From the start, this book grabbed me, with humor and plenty of charm. Good god, I fell for Hero immediately. 

This gem is a romance mixed with a murder mystery, a medium, ghosts, action, danger, and non stop laughs. It's full of hilarious banter and wit. Hero and Maddox are simply hysterical together. But add in Hero's friends and omg, I can't get enough of this story. 

The romance is great, with the two slowly falling for each other, and the sarcasm and attraction between them being amazing. 

As for the mystery, well damn. The author kept me guessing throughout, with plenty of twists, turns, and surprises. 

Let's be honest; there's nothing else quite like an Alice Winters' story. She manages to keep humor throughout, all while getting her characters falling for each other with non stop banter and non stop innuendoes. The storylines are always fast paced and intriguing, keeping you up late into the night. 

Ghost of Lies is another stellar book added to Alice Winter's catalog. Just read this one and read all her books if you haven't yet discovered her genius. You won't regret it!

Nixing the End of the World (Phoenix's Quest #1) by Alice Winters

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

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Nix
“You are the savior of mankind” are the last words I ever expected to hear while nibbling on fries. The thing is, I’m not mankind saving material. I don’t even have magic (and just found out it exists). I’m the most boring, normal(ish) human ever.

Suddenly, I’m being tossed right into the middle of a fight that started years before I was even born, and then I get partnered up with Alastair, a quirky magical Guardian. He is rather attractive and sweet when he’s not into the whole “woe is me, I can’t let myself fall in love with you” nonsense. I mean, the moment he took my annoyingly judgmental grandma hostage, it was all over for me. I was hooked.

Now the only problem is… what exactly are we saving the world from?

Alastair
The moment I laid eyes on Nix, the naive yet easygoing human captivated my attention, and now I’m determined to protect him. But despite my amazing and majestic abilities, we might not make it out of this mess. Still, there must be a reason Nix was chosen. No, he doesn’t have pizazz and maybe he really doesn’t have magic, but he’s also one of the strongest and kindest men I’ve ever met.

Now if I can just get him to stop throwing blankets at enemies, we might have a shot at this.


Nixing the End of the World contains a flaming "horse" with antlers who inexplicably appears when needed (or not), an interfering BFF who didn’t really mean to light the trunk on fire, a six-toed cat that looks like he put a claw in a socket, and an incubus who just wants a smoothie without anyone losing their clothes.

My Rating -5  Stars!

Nixing the End of the World is a fabulous start to the Phoenix's Quest series. This is classic Alice Winters perfection. 

Saving the world has never been so entertaining!

Let me start by saying I usually won't even give stories like this a try. But it's Alice, so I had to. And I am thrilled I did.

Nix's world is upended when he discovers he's the one who will save the world. With Alistair agreeing to guard him, the laughs are non stop. 

Omg, Nix. Nix is so damn lovable with his innocence and lack of knowledge about pretty much everything. And oh man, I love his family too. 

This is a tale of adventure, healing, and a whole lot of danger. But, with Alice's amazing writing style, everything scary or dangerous is lighthearted and easy to read. 

I can't get enough of these men. The banter, the barbs, the sarcasm, and the hilarious situations. I adore how close they become, with funny moments involved. And better yet, I just adore their whole journey. 

Written in alternating first person pov, the writing is smooth, fast paced, and well developed. The world building is stellar, with everything being fair game in this world of magic and mages. The secondary characters are entertaining and add tremendously to the fun.

Nixing the end of the World is a fabulous read. Everything about this Alice Winters read kept me riveted throughout. It's the perfect mix of action, magic, humor, and ultimately some romance. 

Of Secrets and Wolves (Winsford Shifters #1) by Alice Winters

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

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Rowan

My whole life, I’ve been taught to despise shifters. So when I’m hired to track two escaped convicts, I’m suddenly thrust into the world I hate—or thought I did. Yet I’m inexplicably drawn to the alpha of the pack whose land the convicts may be hiding on. He’s different than any shifter I've ever met—laid back and quick to laugh, caring and protective, and makes me feel complete for the first time in my life. As secrets are revealed, I start to wonder if everything I’ve been raised to believe was a lie, though it may not matter because it seems like someone wants us dead.

Quinn

I’m no stranger to prejudice from humans, but it’s different when Rowan comes into my life. Though I shouldn’t let myself be distracted, I’m captivated by him. At first, he’s stiff, fighting to keep his misconstrued beliefs intact, but as I break down the wall he’s created, I’m able to show him a place among the fun chaos of my pack. After one of my pack goes missing, it leaves Rowan and me racing to bring them home, but the only way we’re going to survive this is if Rowan learns to accept the bond that’s growing between us—a bond that could give us the strength to put aside our reservations and give in to what both of us want.

Of Secrets and Wolves is an action-filled romance with a dash of comedy. It’s the first book in a series with a continuing storyline and an HFN.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Of Secrets and Wolves is the first book in Alice Winter's Winsford Shifters. It also happens to be her first shifter book, and it's great. 

It doesn't take long for us to meet Quinn, and once we do, the story takes off. I adore the fact that Quinn isn't the typical alpha. And I love the way the two interact.

Soon the tracker Rowan and the alpha Quinn are off in search of the escaped convicts. Their journey includes plenty of suspense about the search, as well as developing feelings for one another. A human and a shifter! Bring it on!

Rowan's been raised to not trust shifters, so his working with one adds to the fun. And I love that they can only fight their feelings for so long. 

In an effort to not spoil anything, I don't want to say too much about the actually storyline. But there are some fantastic twists and turns, along the way of this mystery/action tale. 

This one isn't quite the humor we've come to know in an Alice Winters book. But, it is still full of humor, banter, and charming characters. There's plenty of one liners and laughs, as well as fur and catnip! And, wow, I love the variety of animals involved. 

The writing style continues to be wonderful. Written in alternating 1st person pov, the characters are fully brought to life. The storyline is great, with lots to keep the reader entertained. And best of all, the author excels at writing dialogue. The mystery is well done, with many aspects to it along the way. 

Overall, Of Secrets and Wolves is an entertaining shifter romance. Alice Winters excels in her combination of serious moments, action, humor, and romance. As this is an ongoing series, Alice leaves us with a HFN ending, and left me excited to see what comes next. 

How to Save a Human (VRC: Vampire Related Crimes, #4) by Alice Winters

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

River

When I meet Bentley DeGray, I’m at the lowest point in my life because no matter how much I fight, my past won’t let me escape. Bentley makes me laugh and care and love, but what does any of that mean when I’m living a lie?

Things get complicated when I find out he’s with the Vampire Related Crimes Unit, the organization looking for answers about the abductions of prominent vampires.

The same organization that stands in my way.

My time is ticking down while I’m wound up in this role I’ve been forced to play, but I know that I would be drowning without Bentley by my side.

Bentley

We’re facing something that runs so deep that we don’t know who we can trust besides each other, even within the VRC. River makes me feel like every day is worth living and enjoying—like I’m not so alone. I can’t imagine life without him. But I know that if I want to keep him by my side, I will need to do everything I can to help him so our love doesn’t get cut short before it can truly grow.

How to Save a Human contains a cat who shows her affection by not drawing (much) blood, art projects that are a little… sketchy, the most underwhelming “bull” ride ever, and vampires that may or may not be in the mob. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

How to Save a Human is another awesome read by Alice Winters. The fourth book in the VRC: Vampire Related Crimes series, it is recommended to read the series in order. 

It's hard to explain the pure genius of an Alice Winters book. It's a given that the main couple will be full of banter, barbs, and snark. You will laugh often, yet you will also fall in love with the men. Each couple is absolutely lovable and there's always some danger and action in the background. I say background since it's never an angst ridden affair. The writing is always fabulous, with a fluid pace, unique characters, and an intriguing storyline. And this one is just that!

In this edition of the series, the VRC is investing some murders and trying to solve their investigation. Unfortunately for Bentley, the man he met in the coffee shop is also the one his team is hunting. 

As far as the relationship is concerned, they meet in a cute way in a coffee shop which just so happens to involves some unicorn porn conversations. It's all classic Alice Winters hilarity which pulled me in immediately.  

As things progress, everything is sweet under all the banter. Honestly, I continue to be in awe of the way Alice manages to create a bond between her couples while always having non stop snark. Even during sex scenes. It's an impressive skill not all authors could achieve.

This story is one with conflict, as the two being involved is definitely a conflict of interest. It's also one with a serious undertone of Bentley losing all those he cares about. His relationship with his niece is touching, and the developing relationship with River isn't going to be an easy ride. River's illness is absolutely heartbreaking, but beautifully helps the story along. 

One of my favorite parts of the story is River's niece's reminder to enjoy the relationship you have with people for as long as you can have them. The good memories will far outweigh the pain of the loss in the end. I love this.

How to Save a Human is a fantastic read. This Alice Winters story is pure delight. I enjoyed every moment with these men and look forward to re-reading this one often. 

The Hitman's Guide to Tying the Knot Without Getting Shot: (The Hitman's Guide #3) by Alice Winters

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
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Leland
Is a nice little wedding with Blow-up Randy and Jackson My Love too much to ask for? Clearly, because someone’s trying to kill one of us… again. Generally, this would be my thing and I would jump right in singing my murder song, but they want Jackson dead and I will do anything (and I mean anything) to keep him alive—including and not limited to: ten Dobermans, bulletproof glass, and dragging Cassel in with the promise of more Jerebear. These people have no idea what they’ve done targeting the man I love because I’m coming after them. But when it feels like everything might be lost, I start to understand that I have a family now who will stand by my side and do everything they can to make sure we end this on our terms.

Jackson
When someone attacks me, it’s clear they want something from me. The issue is that I have no idea who they are or what they’re after. And if I don’t figure it out soon, I’m afraid Leland is going to smother me with his overprotectiveness (or put me in a bubble at the top of a tower). The issue is that time is ticking and with the price tag on my head, there’s no telling who is coming for me or when. Together, Leland and I have to decipher who is telling the truth in this game of life or death because I have plans to marry the man of my dreams and no one is going to stop me—especially with Leland by my side.

This 100k word book contains humor, action, romance, bad behavior on a golf course, sort of abducting a child who lacks kung fu power, enough car chases and shooting to make even Leland happy, and spontaneous singing.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

The Hitman's Guide to Tying the Knot Without Getting Shot is an amazing book. The third book in Alice Winter's Hitman series, it's fabulous. 

This time around, Leland and Jackson are searching for a man who's attacking women. Making things worse, someone's trying to kill Jackson. Luckily for the couple and for the readers, this sends the men on some hilarious adventures.

No one entertains quite like Alice Winters. She even makes a murder funny. How is that even possible? Seriously, I shouldn't being laughing during a murder scene, but I did. 

Leland. Omg Leland. He remains one of my all time favorite characters. No one is quite as crazy and lovable as the former Hitman is. 

This is a story that will keep you entertained throughout. If Leland's love of guns isn't enough for you, there's also a large pack of dogs, a cute kid, and a fence to keeping you laughing. The fence. Oh, the fence. Sigh. 

And of course let's not forget about Big Bubba and Mac Attack! I love these men. I love them individually and I am obsessed with them as a couple. The banter and sass is not stop with these two. As we've come to expect from the previous books, these two love each other deeply, but never stop bantering. 

"Why do you make me feel so reluctant to spend time with you?" Jackson asks. 

"I feel like you're second-guessing our upcoming marriage, " I tell him. 

Not stop antics, non stop amusement.

Mystery wise, Alice keeps the reader on their toes, but always laughing and then laughing some more. 

And omg, Jackson's mother had me in stitches. 

The Hitman's Guide to Tying the Knot Without Getting Shot is more of what I've come to love about Alice Winter's books. This story has heart, humor, and plenty of action. And if you are looking for the funniest wedding vows ever, look no further. 

If you haven't yet read Alice Winter's Hitman series, what the heck are you waiting for? They are a must read if you enjoy laughing. 

Just My Luck by Alice Winters

Amazon Link - Available in KU

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When I’m tossed into the trunk of a car, I realize that what little luck I have has finally run out—especially when I find that Tony, the man who’d abducted me, is planning on using me to get back at my father. My chances for escape look pretty bleak when I’m handcuffed to Tony’s bodyguard, an intimidating man named Shepherd who apparently loves tight shirts and seems to be amused by making my life miserable. Soon, though, I learn that Shepherd has a heart and a brain. And sometimes, those two things can be a bigger weapon than anything in a time like this. I just have to learn how to wield them.

After Shepherd gets me away from Tony’s men, I discover that he’s a survivor, a fighter, and the only person who seems willing to help me when it feels like the whole world is against me. At first, I’m not sure if I can trust the man, but the more we get to know each other, the more I realize that he’s funny and kind of sweet. He’s determined to protect me, but he doesn’t know all of my secrets. He doesn’t know that Tony isn’t the only one looking for me. But together, as we face betrayal and taking down the worst monster of all, we’re determined that we will be the lucky ones after all.

Just My Luck is a 101k book that includes a dog that wants to eat Killian’s face off (or maybe just play with his shoe), handcuffs used in a disappointing way, way too much running, a hero that can’t hit the broad side of a barn with a gun (which might have something to do with the fact that he picks up a book instead of practicing every chance he gets), a game of strip checkers that doesn’t go as planned, and two broken souls who find peace in each other. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Just My Luck is another fabulous romance by Alice Winters.

With her usual snark and banter, she has once again crafted a lovable romance that will leave you mesmerized. 

Killian is taken hostage by Shepard. What follows is a hilarious series of barbs and chatter between the two men. Dear lord, I love the banter and wise cracks. 

Shepherd and Killian are amazing together. Both men are survivors with so much love to give. They deserve one another and I am so happy they found each other. The differences between the men are fantastic. One comes from a world of money and privilege, the other has been on the streets. And both are far too familiar with pain.

Their story is funny and sad. It's an adventure for survival, with a connection developing along the way. There are some good twists, witty banter and an adventure filled with love, secrets and lies. And Bear, the dog, who is just waiting to eat Killian is a spectacular addition to the fun. Omg, I love Bear!

All told from Killian's first person pov, this slow burn romance will keep you intrigued and entertained throughout. Damn, I love the way Alice tells a story. There's always a large dose of humor that lightens the danger and action, of which there is plenty. Her use of flashbacks in this tale is well done and adds tremendously to the strength of the story, as the reader slowly understands what has shaped Killian.

Just My Luck is another classic Alice Winters read. If you are a fan of her previous books, you need to read this one. If you have never read her books before, but you are a fan of snark and banter, read this now and then read her previous books. You won't be disappointed.

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How to Elude a Vampire (VRC: Vampire Related Crimes #2) by Alice Winters

Amazon Link - Available in KU 

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Finn
When the vampire stalking me sent me a letter, I was prepared for my new life with the man I love to get thrown into chaos. But as the days stretch on and nothing happens, I become determined not to allow that monster to rule my life, and decide that Marcus and I will move on. We can’t always allow the past to haunt us. If that includes pestering Marcus and harassing my fellow detectives, they’d better learn to love it, because I’m not going anywhere even if they like to remind me I’m the only human working in a department filled with vampires. But Marcus loves me for who I am, even if he’s not crazy about the cute pet names I call him like McBitey. Being with him is more than I could have dreamed, and even with the trials thrown in our way, he never fails to make me smile.

Marcus
When Finn joined the VRC, I never expected how everything would change. Now that he’s the brightest part of my days, I’m unsure of how I existed without him. Before Finn and I can settle into our new life together, we’re called in as lead detectives when a body is found in the river, and the case soon hits closer to home than we anticipated. I want to be by Finn’s side to keep him safe, but at the same time, Finn’s fighting for the freedom he’s always wanted after being forced to live a life of fear. What I do know is that my future is with Finn, no matter what happens.

How to Elude a Vampire is the second in the VRC series and contains a display of manly prowess that doesn't go as desired, reluctant bonding with a new pet, interfering with a snarky Russian's love life, misuse of office supplies, a vampire with a killer fashion sense but very little game, a total lack of ancient kung fu powers, a feisty human who almost always gets his way and the possessive vampire who adores him. 

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

How to Elude a Vampire, the second book in the VRC: Vampire Related Crimes series, is as wonderful as the first book How to Hex a Vampire.

I am not a fan of vampire stories, but this is not even close to a typical vampire book. It starts with humor, it ends with humor, and there's humor all throughout. 

The men are just fabulous. Finn is as charming of a human as one can be. His constant jokes about being short and human are hysterical. His humor regarding his prothesis is amazing. Of course, when you spend time with his family, you realize where he gets said humor. 

This tale includes an unsuspecting butt of a joke gone wrong, a tiny ass dog, plenty of short jokes, and lots of charm. I love everything about it. 

When it comes to the murder investigation, I adore that all of it also has humor. The author excels in offsetting any major danger or angst with her humor as well. 

For me, every Alice Winters book is a must read, and How To Hex a Vampire is certainly no exception. Read it. But be prepared to laugh. Out loud. Often. 

RELEASE BLITZ - Familiar Beginnings (Demon Magic #2) by Alice Winters

OUT NOW

Amazon Link - Available in KU
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Blurb

Smart men quit while they’re ahead—they lay low and hope disaster blows on by them. Not me. Especially when disaster seems to follow me and my soulmate Havoc, a demon I bound to me three hundred years ago with my magic.

The dark mage Geoff is back from the dead and creating chaos by devouring the hearts of people with magical abilities, giving him overwhelming power as his followers grow. And since I’m one of the strongest mages alive and am leading the resistance against him, he’s coming for me next. Oh, and it might have something to do with the fact that I was also the one who originally killed him. But you can’t blame me; the guy needed to die.

Havoc and I, along with our unlikely band of… (I don’t want to say heroes, I can’t give them that much credit) annoyances will stop at nothing to end the destruction. It doesn’t hurt that there’s a sexy demon by my side every step of the way. For the first time in three hundred years, I’m finally with the person meant for me, and I will do anything to keep from losing him.

Familiar Beginnings is a 63k word sequel to Happy Endings. It contains a powerful mage who just wants to be left in peace, a mysterious curly-haired troublemaker, gargoyles that are literally dumber than stone, a river trip that doesn’t feel at all like a vacation, and a “cat” with some unusual features and deadly claws.

Snow One Like You (Snowed In - Valentine's Inc. #9) by Ashe Winters

Amazon Link - Available in KU

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Blurb

Trapped in the mountains by a massive snow storm is bad enough. It can’t possibly get any worse, can it? But oh, yes. Yes it can.

I'm comfortable with my calm, organized, and simple life. I enjoy my job as a date-for-hire with Valentine’s Inc. until the newest edition to the company throws my life into utter chaos.

Spencer is a hurricane I never wanted to experience. And now I’m trapped alone with him in our bosses’ mountain cabin by a surprise snow storm with only a small generator and our own bodies to keep us warm.

I’m not sure if I can survive both the raging blizzard outside and the burning storm growing in my heart the longer I’m forced to spend time with the real Spencer.

Snow One Like You is part of the multi-author Snowed In - Valentine's Inc. series, but can be read as a complete standalone. 

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Ashe Winters' Snow One Like You, part of the multi-author Snowed In - Valentine's Inc series, is a sweet enemies to lovers romance.

In this one, Spencer and Angel are stranded together during a snowstorm, starting off the entertainment. These are two men who don't get along, yet the sparks fly. Yes, their passionate dislike leads to passionate need for one another.

Their story is one of banter and sass, as well as that of a twink and a bear. With just 124 pages, the reader doesn't get a detailed background, but there's plenty to enjoy without it. The humor is great, the sex is hot, and the storyline is just super sweet. Spencer is a loveable brat, who just loves to pick at the hunky bear, Angel.  

Unlike the previous books in this Snowed In series, this one has Valentine's Inc truly involved. Not only do we get to visit with the men of  Valentine's Inc, both of the main characters also work for them. 

Overall, Snow One Like You is a delightful, short romance that will leave you smiling.