REVIEW Dangerous Desires: Demon Queen Trials (Supernaturals of Mystic Oaks #1) by Shana Vernon

Dangerous Desires: Demon Queen Trials (Supernaturals of Mystic Oaks #1) by Shana Vernon
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: August 23, 2022
Format: eARC (Courtesy of the Author)

Dangerous Desires is the second novella set in the world of Mystic Oaks (the first in the series before Shana Vernon’s Twisted Fate) and builds a foundation for a different aspect of the series worldbuilding. Anaella is an anomaly, as the daughter of two Archangels, and frequently rebels against the rules. When the leaders of the Silver City decide they’ve had enough, they assign her a mission; go to Hell and enter the Demon Queen Trials to become Lucifer’s queen. Once there, she must find the one weapon able to kill him or she will never be allowed home again. 

Overall, this was a short entertaining tale (clocking in at about 100 pages in ebook form). I’m excited to read more stories set in the Mystic Oaks universe. It’s hard to comment on the plot without giving things away (especially with the length), but this definitely ranks high on my list of short stories for the year. I would recommend this story to urban fantasy and paranormal romance readers who enjoy action-packed, fast-paced page-turners. 

Thank you to the author for providing me with a complimentary review copy of Dangerous Desires. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review the novella immensely! Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed Dangerous Desires. All opinions expressed in the review are my own and not influenced in any way. 

About the Book

I'm the daughter of two powerful Archangels - yay me. So, let's just say the expectations are high, and when I'm caught partaking in one of the worst sins - lust - I'm sent on an impossible mission. 

They want me to join the Bride Trials in Hell to become the Queen of the most ruthless Demon King out there - Lucifer. 

They say there's only one weapon that can vanquish him. A weapon the angels except me to find and use against him. 

Cross your fingers and pray I can get in and out without Lucifer figuring out what I'm up to, because the minute I see him I know more than my life is at stake, my heart is too.

Hell hath no fury like Lucifer scorned.

About the Author

Shana Vernon is a full-time writer and mother of triplet boys. She grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and moved to Israel in 2012. She completed an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences from Bar Ilan University. 

Shana fell in love with reading as a child by escaping into the fantasy lands of Hogwarts and Narnia.​

When she isn’t writing or taking care of her kiddos, Shana spends her time reading, exercising, experimenting with cooking, or traveling around the world.

Twisted Fate: Season of the Witch (Supernaturals of Mystic Oaks #2) by Shana Vernon

Twisted Fate: Season of the Witch (Supernaturals of Mystic Oaks #2) by Shana Vernon

Rating: 4 Stars

Release Date: October 31, 2021 (Anthology Release Date)

Format: eARC (Author's Newsletter)

Publisher: Panthera Publications

I received a copy of this short story through the author Shana Vernon’s newsletter, and I’m so so happy that I took the time to download it. For the record (and for those who may not want to subscribe to a newsletter), this story is also available through the Season of the Witch anthology by Panthera Publications that was released at the end of October 2021. 

Despite the short length of the story, the author did a lot to set up the worldbuilding for Mystic Oaks. The magic system is really cool - I want a magical tattoo! I’m desperate to read more about Kieran and Lani after seeing how much chemistry they have. Overall, after finishing Twisted Fate, I’m excited to read more stories that are set in the same universe. I can’t really comment on the plot too much without risking spoilers or parroting information from the blurb, but definitely one of my favorite short stories of 2021. I would recommend this story to urban fantasy and paranormal romance fans who love action-packed, fast-paced page-turners.

About the Book

She’s a witch with a target on her back…
… He’s a prince from a powerful dark coven.
Can she accept his help while denying the sizzling chemistry between them?

I should have known my life would come crashing down when I met a mysterious masked man in the gardens of the ball, and kissed him. Or rather… he kissed me. Passionately. Before I had a second to catch my breath, we were attacked by rogue witches.

And his mask slipped.

Only my luck would reveal the prince of the Hawthorn coven, notorious for dark magic. He offers his protection from the assailants, and with danger around every corner, I accept. Albeit, a bit ungraciously.

The heat between us is nearly irresistible, but can I truly trust the prince of a dark coven?

If I don’t, I might find myself dead before the week is over.

About the Author

Shana Vernon is a full-time writer and mother of triplet boys. She grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and moved to Israel in 2012. She completed an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences from Bar Ilan University. 

Shana fell in love with reading as a child by escaping into the fantasy lands of Hogwarts and Narnia.​

When she isn’t writing or taking care of her kiddos, Shana spends her time reading, exercising, experimenting with cooking, or traveling around the world.