Review by Sadonna
TITLE: High Stakes and Soulmates
SERIES: Fanged Mistakes
AUTHOR: Alice Winters
NARRATOR: Michael Ferraiuolo
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 10 hours and 17 minutes
RELEASE DATE: August 11, 2025
BLURB:
Ezio
One would think that being over two hundred years old would at least give me some skill at wooing the man of my dreams, though oddly, I seem to be fumbling around more than wooing.
But that’s alright, I will fumble my way right into Cyrus’s life if he lets me. After a rocky start, Cyrus is finally starting to open up to me as he realizes that vampires might not be all bad.
When Cyrus pulls me into a case, he discovers how much he needs me… and my werewolf friend disguised as a detection dog.
My past haunts my every step, but there’s nothing I want more than to leave my mistakes behind and focus on my future with the man I adore.
Cyrus
Death after death draws Ezio and me deeper into a mystery that is tearing through the city. My fear is that whoever is killing these people is toying with us, and I know I can’t figure it out alone.
Thankfully, Ezio is prepared to help me with anything I need (and then some), and he doesn’t come alone. He has Casimir (who is happy as long as Steve isn’t around), Julian (when he’s not naked), and Yorick (why is Yorick here?), who are determined to end this. But what we find is unlike anything we ever imagined.
Though it can’t possibly be worse than the delivery lady walking in on Julian naked again.
Ezio is ready to help me through it (the murder bit, not the Julian bit), if only I can leave my fears behind me long enough to accept the man I want more than anything.
REVIEW:
Note: This is the third in a series that really needs to be consumed in order. You will likely be lost otherwise.
Well this was quite the surprising tale!
Ezio has been trying to woo Cyrus for a long time. Cyrus has kept Ezio at arms length. Cyrus’s detective job has required him to reach out to Casimir and Julian and their vampire and werewolf friends. When a series of mysterious deaths occur where exsanguinated humans have been killed most likely by vampires and under very strange and similar circumstances, Cyrus calls in his Ezio, Casimir’s bestie to consult. Julian’s skills as a wolf are also needed. Things get even stranger when each crime scene has a tie to Ezio. Say what?
Ezio’s past comes rushing back to him. There is only one person who would be trying to get his attention and ruin his life. But he is SURE that person is dead. At least that’s what he’s been told and he believed it. But just as Cyrus and Ezio are making progress and Cyrus seems to be thawing, danger is lurking around every corner. And just how is Cyrus tied to Ezio’s past? And why is Ezio terrified that everything he thinks he knows may be a lie?
I can’t say a lot without spoiling this very surprising story. I did not see this coming at all. Ezio and Cyrus have to go through hell and back and realize that they really do belong together. Casimir and Julian and Gustav and Yorick provide a LOT of comic relief – thankfully. Ezio’s past is dark and sad and the man who delights in torturing him just won’t stop. Everyone is Ezio’s life is at risk and Ezio can’t deal with that. He’s willing to give it all up to save his friends and his found family. Cyrus has a long way to go to get to himself and Ezio is there to support him all the way. The parallel timelines give all the context for Ezio and his desire to keep Cyrus safe 😉
As usual Michael Ferraiuolo does a superb job with all these characters, accents and crazy scenes. It’s pretty much nonstop action in this one and Cyrus and Ezio are in constant danger. Julian as the floofy werewolf and Casimir and his beloved Gustav are a welcome distraction and provide a lot of laughs. The emotions are high here as is the danger and suspense. A continued brilliant partnership between this author and narrator. Bravo and Brava!
RATING: 
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