Desire of Whimsey - A Quick, Dreamlike Romance with Promise

A dream-spun novella that blurs the line between reality and imagination, Desire of Whimsy introduces readers to a world where love transcends consciousness itself. Though brief (only 76 pages), it lingers like a half-remembered dream—haunting, original, and full of promise.

 

About the Book: Desire of Whimsy

Serenity is a young nurse living in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she spends her days caring for patients in the coma ward. But her nights are anything but ordinary. In her dreams, she meets a mysterious man whose presence feels both strange and familiar. What Serenity doesn’t know is that the man, Trance, is himself trapped in a coma, caught between two worlds and unaware of which is real. When their dreamscapes collide, both are drawn into a fragile balance of love and loss that challenges the very boundaries of existence.

 

BookHookup Review: Desire of Whimsey

At its heart, Desire of Whimsey by Rebecca LaChance is a story about connection—the invisible thread between souls that even sleep cannot sever. The novella’s premise is compelling and refreshingly original, blending romance and surrealism in a way that immediately captures interest.

The dialogue shines throughout, carrying the emotional weight of the story and keeping the pace lively. While the writing sometimes leans more toward telling than showing, the emotional depth and worldbuilding are lightly explored, making the story feel like a quick sketch rather than a fully developed world. The brevity of the book makes it an incredibly quick read. It feels more like a draft of a larger story, one that invites expansion rather than completion.

Rebecca LaChance’s imagination and heart are undeniable. The dream sequences are evocative, and the emotional bond between Serenity and Trance is touching in its simplicity. The novella shows an author with real promise, and I’m eager to see how she develops her craft and universe in future works.

BookHookup Note:

Desire of Whimsey is clean in tone and language overall but includes one brief, sensual self-pleasure scene. Recommended for mature teen and adult readers.

 

I received a free copy of this book from Booktasters for honest review purposes and was not compensated for my opinion. Some links in this post may be affiliate links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which helps support the blog at no additional cost to you.

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Moonset on Desert Sands - Family Drama with a Supernatural Twist

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Sherri L. Dodd returns with another gripping installment in Arista Kelly’s story. Arista is a very likable and relatable heroine, strong, determined, and resilient, which makes readers instantly care about what happens to her. Moonset on Desert Sands blends witchcraft, suspense, and family drama against the vivid backdrop of the Arizona desert, exploring Arista’s growing supernatural abilities as she uses them for good to combat evil and protect those she loves.

 

About the Book: Moonset on Desert Sands

After a traumatic year surviving a serial killer, Arista Kelly has settled into a quieter life with her Auntie in Sedona, Arizona. Working at a metaphysical shop and navigating a budding romance with local security guard Dakota, she begins to feel like life is finally returning to normal.

But fainting spells and memory lapses start to disrupt her life, prompting a return to her hometown of Boulder Creek to uncover answers. There, Arista must face past heartbreak and the dangerous machinations of her Uncle Fergus, who has now formed an even more sinister alliance. Deaths, stalkers, and supernatural threats test her courage, while the bonds of friendship and family are pushed to their limits. Her likability, courage, and use of witchcraft for good invests readers in her journey, eager to see how she overcomes these challenges.

 

BookHookup Review: Moonset on Desert Sands

Dodd masterfully intertwines suspense, paranormal intrigue, and family drama, keeping readers on edge as Arista navigates both external threats and her own growing powers. The desert setting adds a rich sense of place, heightening tension and immersing the reader in the story.

Arista’s determination and resilience are impressive, and her use of witchcraft to fight evil adds an empowering and morally positive element to the story. While her handling of personal loss sometimes feels understated, the plot is full of twists, mysterious deaths, and unpredictable threats that keep the pages turning. Her likability, relatability, and ethical use of magic make her a compelling heroine that readers will cheer for, deepening the suspense and emotional investment.

This book can be read as a standalone, though readers will get a richer experience if they start with the first installment in the series, Murder Under RedwoodMoon. I've already read, Hummingbird Moonrise (Book 3). The review coming soon!

 

⚠ BookHookup Note: PG 13. A word of caution to my readers who want to avoid profanity. It's not heavily laced with profanity, but does include occasional profanity (including the F word), mild sexual content and witchcraft themes integral to the story’s mystery. 

***

As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book from Black Tide Tours and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

 

About the Author: Sherri L. Dodd

Sherri was raised in southeast Texas. Walking barefoot most days and catching crawdads as they swam the creek beds, she had a love for all things free and natural. Her childhood ran rampant with talk of ghosts, demons, and backcountry folklore. This inspired her first short story for sale about a poisonous flower that shot toxins onto children as they smelled it. Her classmate bought it for all the change in his pocket. It was not long after that her mother packed the two of them up and headed to the central coast of California. She has ping-ponged throughout the area ever since.

Her first real step into writing was the non-fiction fitness book, Mom Looks Great – The Fitness Program for Moms published in 2005, and maintaining its accompanying blog. Now, transmuting the grief of her father's passing, she has branched into Fiction, specifically the genre of Paranormal Thriller with generous dashes of Magick Realism! Her Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy released book one - Murder Under Redwood Moon - in March 2024. Book two - Moonset on Desert Sands - released in March 2025, and the final book in the series will release October 2025!

https://www.sherridodd.com
https://www.instagram.com/SolisRedhead

 

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I focus on clean fiction across genres—historical romance, suspense, crime, children’s, and more. When books include content that may not be suitable for all readers, I provide clear disclaimers so you can choose wisely.

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A Fraying of Schemes - Perfect for fans of clean, sweet fiction

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Blythe Baker’s A Fraying of Schemes is a delightful historical cozy mystery that’s both easy to read and sweet in tone, even while centering on a murder. This third installment of the Dickinson Sisters Mysteries finds Iris and Lily staying at a hotel while their home is under repair—a temporary inconvenience that quickly turns into something far more sinister when a guest is found dead.

 

 

About the Book: A Fraying of Schemes

The historical setting adds an extra layer of charm and atmosphere. Social expectations, reputation, and the rhythms of the time period all shape how the sisters approach their investigation, grounding the mystery in a believable past. I enjoyed the way Baker wove these details into the story without making it feel heavy-handed, the history enhances the plot rather than slowing it down.

BookHookup Review: A Fraying of Schemes 

One of the strongest parts of the book is the interaction between the characters. The bond between the Dickinson sisters is warm and engaging, and their exchanges with the other hotel guests provide both humor and tension. The mystery itself is well-paced, with enough clues dropped along the way to keep me guessing. I found myself actively piecing things together, trying to determine who killed Mr. Igram, and the eventual reveal was satisfying without feeling too predictable.

Overall, A Fraying of Schemes is an enjoyable and accessible read. With its mix of historical flavor, likable characters, and a solid puzzle at its core, it’s a perfect choice for fans of cozy mysteries who enjoy a touch of history alongside their sleuthing.

Black, White, and Gray All Over - A Memoir of Resilience and Truth

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Black, White, and Gray All Over is both a personal memoir and a chronicle of a city and a profession, told with an immediacy that makes you feel as though you’ve been invited into the passenger seat for a years-long ride-along. Frederick Reynolds writes with the economy of a seasoned storyteller, sketching people, places, and moments with just enough detail to make them vivid without ever slowing the pace.

 

From the turbulent 1960s, through the shifting social and political landscapes of the ’70s and ’80s, to the present day, Reynolds takes us through a life lived in service—and in struggle—within the Compton Police Department. We meet an array of characters: fellow officers, community members, victims, and perpetrators, all rendered as more than just names on a page. Compton itself becomes a living, breathing character—wounded, resilient, and endlessly complex.

What makes Reynolds’s story even more compelling is his personal journey. He did not come from an easy beginning—his early years were marked by family dysfunction, alcoholism, and instability. Yet, he rose above those challenges, carving out a path defined by discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to confront the darkness, both on the streets and within himself. His growth over the years is as much a part of this memoir as the crimes he investigated or the history he witnessed.

This is not a memoir that seeks to glorify, nor one that aims to condemn. Instead, it’s an unflinching yet compassionate look at what it means to serve in a broken system, to witness both the worst and the best of humanity. The book acknowledges the violence, hardship, and moral gray areas that come with police work, but those moments are never gratuitous—they’re presented with purpose and context.

Reynolds also weaves in moments of levity and tenderness: the camaraderie among officers, small acts of kindness from unexpected places, and glimpses of his life beyond the badge. These moments provide a necessary counterpoint to the heavier material, reminding us that humanity persists even in the toughest environments.

By the time I reached the last page, I felt I’d not only read one man’s story, but also witnessed the evolution of a life—from troubled beginnings to a hard-earned wisdom. Black, White, and Gray All Over is powerful, memorable, and well worth the read, especially for those interested in the intersection of personal history and broader social change. It’s a testament to resilience, integrity, and the belief that where you start does not have to determine where you finish.

 

A Haunting Fusion of Hemingway and Lovecraft

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jorah Kai's The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu is a brilliant reimagining of Ernest Hemingway’s classic The Sun Also Rises, infused with a chilling Lovecraftian twist. Kai takes Hemingway’s disillusioned characters and places them into a surreal world where reality warps under the weight of cosmic horrors. The result is a haunting experience that blends Hemingway’s minimalist prose with Lovecraft’s psychological terror.

About the Book: The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu

Kai mirrors Hemingway’s characters—particularly Jack and Brett—perfectly but pushes them into a nightmarish reality where time, logic, and emotion break down. The sparse, direct style evokes deep emotions with minimal words, though the repetition typical of Hemingway's dialogue works here to amplify the tension. It’s a masterful use of the author’s signature approach to convey mental and emotional unraveling.

The horror in this novel isn’t cheap; it’s existential, slow-burning, and pervasive. Figures like Cthulhu and Nyarlathotep add an incomprehensible dread that mirrors the characters’ own internal struggles. The fear is not built on gore but on the creeping realization that human frailty means nothing in the face of an uncaring, vast cosmos.

BookHookup Review: The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu

Though I’m not deeply familiar with Lovecraft, I appreciated the way Kai integrated the cosmic elements. The epilogue is especially compelling, teasing a future mash-up with another well-known author that leaves you eager for more.

The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu is a triumph for both Hemingway and Lovecraft fans. Kai has crafted a journey through madness that seamlessly blends literary depth with cosmic horror. If you love Hemingway’s style and enjoy psychological terror, this is an unforgettable read.

While I may not be an avid Hemingway enthusiast, Jorah Kai’s skill in weaving his own unique narrative voice with the shadow of Hemingway’s prose shines through. As a fan of Kai’s fantasy work, I found The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu to be a fascinating exploration of existential horror. It’s a haunting, thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the final page.

***

As BookHookup Reviews, I received an advance reader copy of this book and was not compensated for providing this review.

A Measure of Rhyme: Gripping supernatural conflict

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

After finishing A Measure of Rhyme, the second book in Lloyd Jeffries’ Ages of Malice series, I find myself captivated by the emotional depth and the intensity of supernatural conflict that unfolds. While I missed the first book, A Portion of Malice, I plan on revisiting it after experiencing the gripping events of this sequel.

 

About the Book: A Measure of Rhyme

The story centers around Rhyme Carter, who finds herself caught in a dangerous love triangle. Married to the Antichrist—Cain—she is forced into a heart-wrenching decision between her duty and her love for another man, Emery Merrick. While the notion of the Antichrist may spark interest, it's worth noting that this interpretation may not align with traditional biblical teachings. The narrative is thick with emotional turmoil, as Rhyme’s love for Emery becomes the driving force for her to reclaim her life, all while facing her powerful, and manipulative, husband.

BookHookup Review: A Measure of Rhyme

What makes this book stand out is not just the perilous stakes but the complex relationships that define it. Rhyme’s struggle is both personal and global—her choices will impact her love life, her survival, and the fate of humanity. The moral dilemmas she faces challenge the boundaries between right and wrong, all within a world where the supernatural is very real. This deep dive into human emotions and ethical complexities is masterfully done, balancing internal conflict with external pressures.

Lloyd Jeffries doesn’t disappoint with his vivid storytelling. The imagery is immersive, pulling readers into both the heavenly realms and the darkest corners of Earth. His characters, both old and new, continue to evolve in unexpected ways, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Rhyme is a standout character—one of the strongest female leads I’ve encountered in recent memory—and her journey from librarian to world-saving heroine is as thrilling as it is inspiring.

The book seamlessly chronicles the saga of a secret society’s quest for domination, building tension as the world moves closer to an apocalypse. There are so many layers to this story: love, betrayal, redemption, and the looming threat of annihilation. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, where survival isn’t just about physical battles, but about holding onto hope when everything seems lost.

Fans of supernatural thrillers and epic sagas will find themselves hooked, as the action and suspense escalate in each chapter. The stakes are high, the characters complex, and the plot never slows down.

Though I came into this story without the context of the first book, I am now eager to experience it and learn how the saga began. A Measure of Rhyme is a fantastic continuation, and I am already looking forward to what comes next in this dark, high-stakes series.

Gripping crime thriller from start to finish

If you’re searching for a gripping crime thriller that captivates from start to finish, look no further than SZ Estavillo’s The Serpent’s Bridge. This debut novel is set against the gritty backdrop of Los Angeles and intertwines suspense with a trio of compelling female protagonists who are as flawed as they are courageous.

About the book: The Serpent's Bridge

The Serpent’s Bridge shines with its portrayal of a resilient Hispanic female protagonist at its core. LAPD Detective Anaya Nazario’s unwavering determination and complex backstory make her a standout character in a genre often dominated by male leads. She’s a flawed character haunted by the unresolved murder of her father, a trauma that continues to shape her relentless pursuit of justice. Estavillo skillfully introduces Detective Nazario in an adrenaline-fueled opening scene setting the tone for unfolding high-stake action.

Detective Anaya Nazario

Alongside Detective Nazario, readers are introduced to Millie Ann Goodwin, a pastor’s wife grappling with her own demons, and Esperanza Florez, a pivotal witness whose testimony holds the key to unraveling a string of unsolved murders. Each character is meticulously developed, with their intermingling stories adding emotional engagement and layers of depth and intrigue to the narrative.

Esperanza Florez

Book review: The Serpent's Bridge

Beyond its compelling characters and suspenseful plot twists, The Serpent’s Bridge delves into timely themes such as immigration and mental health, providing a thought-provoking backdrop against which the protagonists navigate their challenges. Estavillo seamlessly weaves these issues into the story’s fabric enriching the reader’s experience with its relevance and depth.

Having read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy), I can confidently say that The Serpent’s Bridge delivers a thrilling ride from start to finish. SZ Estavillo’s ability to blend action-packed scenes with nuanced character development makes this novel a standout in the genre. Whether you’re drawn to intricate mysteries or powerful character-driven narratives, The Serpent’s Bridge is a must-read that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment. I’m happy to give it 5 out of 5 stars.

 **Warning: The Serpent’s Bridge contains a few explicit scenes of sexual content and frequent use of profanity. Reader discretion is advised for those sensitive to such content.

 

About the author: SZ Estavillo

Biracial Thriller Author | Debut 2024-2025 The Serpent Series @HeberBooks | Literary & TV Agency Experience | MA: TV, Radio & Film | Multi-Genre Reader | Social Media & Content Ninja