I’m having a blast diving into The Guild Codex universe! I’ve been following Annette’s recommended reading order from her site, and Four Shifters and a Stranger was such a treat. It’s a lovely prequel that shows how Ezra first crossed paths with Aaron and Kai.

Four Shifters and a Stranger is the first prequel in the Guild Codex: Spellbound timeline. Personally, I think it’s best enjoyed if you read it after Two Witches and a Whiskey but before starting Demon Magic and a Martini.

The plot: After a mysterious stranger saves Aaron from a shifter gang and disappears, Aaron and Kai set out to find him. They eventually locate the young man in a grim state and bring him home, discovering he is an eighteen-year-old who has been homeless for two years. Though they work to welcome him into the magical world of the Crow and Hammer, his secrets stay hidden even as the mage duo evolves into a trio.

Four Shifters and a Stranger takes us back to the very beginning. Fans of The Guild Codex universe will truly enjoy this heartwarming short story.

Rated: 4 Stars

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The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren is book two in The Portlock Paranormal Detective by Heather G. Harris & Jilleen Dolbeare and Narrated by Alyse Gibbs.

It was such a treat to return to Portlock! I was completely hooked by this paranormal mystery and absolutely can’t wait to dive into the next audiobook.

Bunny, our lead heroine, is definitely not your average vampire. We’re starting to get some cryptic hints about how she was actually murdered when she was turned, which just makes me more curious. On top of that mystery, it looks like she’s busy being trained to take on the Nomo role in town.

We dive deeper into the supernatural setting, even taking us beyond the town’s life-saving barrier and giving us a glimpse of the dark thing out there. We continue to learn more about the different characters in town and I find them to be pretty cool and quirky.

The romance takes a backseat in this series, unfolding at a very deliberate, slow-burn pace. Conner, the dark haired vampire leader of the Portlock vampires and Bunny finally kiss. The interaction triggers actual sparks, leaving Bunny—and the reader—searching for answers about the deeper meaning.

I really enjoy the mystery at the heart of each book in this series, but I do wish we got more progress in the romance department, learning about Bunny’s powers, and moving the overall arc plot forward faster.

Audio: The narrator truly brings the story to life, providing distinct and memorable voices for every character.

Overall, The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren delivers a unique supernatural setting filled with engaging mysteries. I’m definitely planning to continue my listening of The Portlock Paranormal Detective series.

Rated: 3.5 Stars

For the January 2026 TBR Challenge the theme is Still Here, I picked a series I’ve been neglecting and so, I returned to the Black Hat Bureau.

Gray Court is book seven in the Black Hat Bureau by Hailey Edwards and narrated by Stephanie Richardson.

Picking up in the wake of Gray Tidings' explosive finale, Gray Court finds Rue, Asa, Clay, and Colby stealing a moment of peace before Rue’s return to the Black Hat Agency. But tranquility is short-lived as Rue grapples with a growing internal darkness. Haunted by her reliance on the grimoire’s power, she fears her corruption will inevitably taint Colby’s pure white magic.

Gray Court is a whirlwind of progression where the overarching stakes advance by leaps and bounds. Rue is forced into high-stakes decisions that carry a heavy price, grounding the supernatural action in real emotional weight. From the opening pages to the final scene, the relentless pace kept me completely hooked.

Rue’s evolution is both powerful and painful. While her magical abilities reach new heights, she is haunted by the forced isolation from her human found family—a heartbreaking sacrifice made solely to ensure their safety. As she constantly frets over Aiden’s wellbeing, she must perform a dangerous tightrope walk, balancing her noble mission against the encroaching pull of her darker powers.

Audio: I loved experiencing the story through Rue's eyes! The narrator does a fantastic job with the voices, making it easy to tell exactly who is speaking based on their tone and personality. Whether it’s a specific species or a certain age, every character feels like a real individual. The emotional depth they bring to the performance really makes the main characters stand out.

I truly loved every bit of Gray Court. Rue is such a compelling protagonist, and I can't wait to see the side effects of her schemes in the next book!

Rated: 4 Stars

I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Guild Codex World and so, I’m excited to participate in the 2026 Read-Along. My original thoughts still apply. The 'why mes' with Tori got tiering to listen too. The hot and cold with Aaron’s feelings is frustrating. Other then that this one ups the stacks and brings loads of fast-paced action.

Two Witches and a Whiskey is book three in The Guild Codex: Spellbound series by Annette Marie and narrated by Cris Dukehart. It’s an entertaining listen full of action and trouble.

Tori ends up moving into her own place. The authorities start sniffing around the Guild and so, Tori is told to stay away. Naturally she ends up getting involved in a dangerous ritual and finds herself in a pickle. She struggles in this installment; in that she’s afraid of losing her job, her friends, and her little place in the magical world. I ended up getting frustrated with Torri in this book; because some of her decisions lacked the maturity that she has shown in previous books. She was also kind of whiny in this one.

As for a romance I’m a bit lost and not sure where its going.

We are treated too Kai and we get loads of background information on the lightning mage and his family. The adventure and magic are out of this world. What really makes this series is all the characters and they’re bonds that have formed. We are also treated to a plethora of magical creatures. I really enjoy all the new creatures that we meet.

Audio: The audio narration is fantastic! I love how the narrator pulls me into the story that I become engrossed, swept away into the magic, the adventure and whatever mayhem is happening. I highly recommend the audiobooks for this series.

Two Witches and a Whiskey ups the stacks and brings us loads of fast-paced action.

Rated: 3.5 Stars

I bought the hardcover on release day and pre-ordered the second novel. The covers are absolutely stunning! I eventually decided to switch to the audiobook, though, as listening is much easier for me these days than reading a physical copy.

The Spellshop is an enchanting debut that beautifully kicks off the Spellshop series with its sweet cozy romance and fantasy vibes.

The pacing is gentle—bordering on slow at the start—but it perfectly captures the heroine’s desire for a quiet life guarding the books she has sailed away with. Her return to her childhood island home feels like a 'booklover’s dream,' blending a magical library setting with cozy, cottagecore vibes. Despite the occasional drag in the plot, the atmosphere is so charming and immersive that it kept me hooked until the end.

As a librarian, Kiela’s deep love and protective nature toward her books shine throughout the story. You truly feel her drive to share the magical spells that the old government has kept hidden from the people. While her social aversion felt a bit intense at times, I found it quite relatable—as someone who isn't much of a 'people person' and prefers quiet solitude over socializing, I could definitely understand her perspective.

Caz, the magically sentient spider plant, was absolutely fabulous! I loved him as a sidekick; he’s such an unusual companion who brought both humor and wisdom to the plot. The story is also packed with wonderful side characters, from the local villagers and the 'hot bookshelf-building neighbor' to the spirit animals and hidden magical creatures. Ultimately, it was Caz and Mep who truly carried the heart of the story.

Audio: This was my first experience with Caitlin Davies as a narrator, and I thoroughly enjoyed her rendition of this sweet cozy. Her performance is incredibly relaxed, capturing the essence of each character perfectly. Even when the story’s pacing slowed, Davies’ narration kept the cozy atmosphere flowing beautifully.

A heartwarming and cozy escape! While the pacing meant it wasn't an instant hit for me, its magical atmosphere is undeniable. I'll be back for the next installment and it's well worth the listen for those that love Cozy Romantasy.

Rated: 3.5 Stars