Kristen Painter has extended the Nocturne Falls Universe and got a bunch of authors to write novellas. I think they are a must read for fans of the Universe. And also a great way to discover new author- or at least to me they were mostly new authors.
The first batch of releases were in January 2017. The second in now (in May 2017).
You can find the other reviews here:
Nocturne Falls Universe Review's Part 1
Nocturne Falls Universe Review's Part 2
Nocturne Falls Universe Review's May 2017 Part 1
Nocturne Falls Universe Review's May 2017 Part 2
The Mermaid Catches Her Mate
Author: Jax Cassidy
Publisher: Sugar Skull Books
Series: Nocturne Falls Universe
Pages:Kindle Edition, 125 pages
Genre: PNR
Release Date: May 23rd 2017
Summary:
Luna Matsya is a local celebrity as a trendsetting hairstylist, but she’d prefer to spread her fin in a nice body of water rather than make a big splash around town. She’s starting to believe that her ability to live and walk among mortals is more of a curse rather than a blessing. Especially now that the flashy tent from a touring magic show is blocking her lake. Where’s a mermaid to swim when the slightest mistake can put her in the spotlight?
Ace Conall is infamous for his daring tricks and he plans to make history with an epic illusion before taking a lengthy hiatus. This is a chance for him to finally feel at home after harboring a secret that may be the greatest magic act never revealed. What he hadn’t expected was falling for a smart-mouthed siren tangled up in his plans.
Review:
If I had to describe The Mermaid Catches Her Mate in one word it would be: sweet.
It really is a sweet novella that reminded me of Ariel - and who doesn't like the little mermaid?
I was however equally smitten and not that taken by Ace. Don't ask me why, he felt a bit over the top and melodramatic to me. Just not quite it somehow.
In fact I was not a huge fan of the character building. The support cast felt a bit set up, if that makes sense. I mean they were somehow to conveniently whatever there needed to be and quite cliche.
Regardless this is well written, I liked the story line and the world building is quite fun.
Enjoyable read for sure.
Rating: 
⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯⎯
The Nymph Next Door
Author: J.L. Farey
Publisher: Sugar Skull Books
Series: Nocturne Falls Universe
Pages: Kindle Edition, 94 pages
Genre: PNR
Release Date: May 23rd 2017
Summary:
Laurel Barker is a nymph on a mission: find a new home for herself, her lackadaisical dog, and her tree. The free-spirited wood nymph is soul-bound to the tree she saved before it was cut down to make room for a golf course. She hopes that a town full of supernatural folks will be the haven she needs to finally put down roots. Because her tree isn't looking so hot, and if he dies, so does she. It's not a fate she cares to experience, especially after running into the too-hot-to-be-legal police officer in town. No matter how long her life has already been (and it's been long), he has her thinking about the next phase of it and how much fun it could be.
Aiden Morris became a big-city detective to serve and protect, but a soul-crushing accident put an end to his career and sent him running. He finds a level of solace in Nocturne Falls. Being a small-town police officer suits him, and his remote cabin gives him peace, quiet, and a safe place to shift and roam the woods. Life is about as good as he expects it to get. At least, until he meets the nymph next door. He can't stop thinking about her, especially when it seems he may lose her. And when the past comes looking for them, he has to decide whether to keep running, or stand by the woman who's planted herself in his heart.
Review:
Super cute!
I seriously enjoyed The Nymph Next Door. I loved the banter between Aiden and Laurel.
It's a fun little novella. Except for the end, it felt rushed and a tad too convenient. But it also left me with unanswered questions. The good news however is, that this will be continued. Can't wait to read more about these two.
Rating:
⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯⎯
Magic's Fate
Author: Sela Carsen
Publisher: Sugar Skull Books
Series: Nocturne Falls Universe
Pages: Kindle Edition, 124 pages
Genre: PNR
Release Date: May 23rd 2017
Summary:
Fulfill three quests, return the missing shards of an evil sword, or people die. Nothing a wounded Russian sorcerer and an artist with a talent for roping can’t handle.
Rodion Czernovitch is in Nocturne Falls recovering from a serious injury and working hard not to fall for his sister’s best friend. When evil comes knocking on his door and she accidentally gets in the way, it’s time to quit brooding and start preparing for battle.
Carina Valdis just wanted a cup of coffee. But when she ran into her bestie’s brother - her big crush - and subsequently into an evil wizard’s curse, it’s going to take all her skill and patience to teach the overbearing warrior that love and wit (and a couple of rope tricks) can conquer all. Even the threat of death.
Review:
Magic's Fate has wonderful world building. I liked Sela Carsen's previous NFU novella Magic's Song a whole lot as well.
Again, the world building is interesting and inspired. In fact it reminded me a bit of Ilona Andrews Kate Daniel Series, which is a very good thing if you ask me.
The storyline was captivating, action packed and intriguing.
My only little issue the romance was too insta. I mean they went from 0 to 100 in a second. I kept thinking woah, slow down, this just all happened, like a minute ago.
Add to that, that some of the dialogues felt a bit too cliche and it is "only" a good read for me rather than a fantastic one. Still I really love the world building and I loved revisiting the previous characters as well.
Rating:
⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯⎯
The Doctor Falls For Her Gargoyle
Author: Cate Dean
Publisher: Sugar Skull Books
Series: Nocturne Falls Universe
Pages: Kindle Edition, 90 pages
Genre: PNR
Release Date: May 23rd 2017
Summary:
Dr. Sophie Mead has a problem.
She's falling for one of Nocturne Falls' resident gargoyles: the tall, muscled, and sexy Elias Saunders.
But when Elias comes to her after being attacked, she has to put aside her attraction for him. What looks like a small mark on his left forearm is more than just a mark. His skin is turning to stone - and it's spreading.
Sophie enlists the help of an old family friend, and joins Elias on a desperate quest to find out what's happened to him, and how to stop it, before he becomes a statue. Permanently.
Review:
I enjoyed The Doctor Falls For Her Gargoyle very much.
The mystery was clever, I had suspicions and got it eventually right, much to my pleasure.
The plot is great, it keeps you guessing and had me engaged.
The characters are well done, Dean blends new ones with the ones with already know with ease. In fact this novella fits perfectly into Painters series, so much so it's uncanny. Really well done character building and interesting world building make this a great addition.
My only little issue however was the romance, there is this slow build-up. Well they kinda pine- which I loved - but then all over sudden we are an item and love declarations... It was too much of a jump from one to the next. It makes the story feel rushed. Pity.
Still cute! And I would have happily read more!
Rating: 
