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RELIC #5
Gardens & Ghosts
For the past few years, I’ve been living with a ghost. My husband - my mate - was lost because of choices I made. As one of only a few tyrannosaur shifters on this planet, I have resigned myself to an immortality alone, married to my work. I am more than happy to keep my walls up, heart guarded, and my focus set on my missions. That was until a compassionate, plant obsessed man stomped into my life. Henry is everything I don’t have time young, reckless, eager to prove himself, and desperate to push all of my buttons. Some of those buttons he hits with expert precision. When we learn about a rare, and life changing shifter fossil being traded on the black market, Henry and I set out into the concrete jungle of Chicago to steal it back. The treasure is heavily guarded, worth a fortune, and sought after by all manner of deadly adversaries. If we can keep our heads down and maintain a professional relationship, we might make it through this alive. Henry has other plans.
****
Gardens & Ghosts can be read as a standalone, but it is highly recommended you read King & Queen (RELIC #3) so you get all the story!
****
Gardens & Ghosts can be read as a standalone, but it is highly recommended you read King & Queen (RELIC #3) so you get all the story!
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2023
About the author
Maz Maddox
33 books615 followersMaz Maddox is the odd lovechild between a unicorn, dinosaur and vampire. The outcome is a human-like figure who inherited aspects of all three. She is a champion of logic and science, adores beauty and whimsy, and has a slight streak of darkness that dances the line of genius and insanity.
Residing in the wild land of cowboy boots and Shiner beer, Maz spends her time with her two dogs and a husband who she adores, and is constantly demanding that science gives her a pocket sized triceratops. The efforts of these demands have yet to be fulfilled.
When she’s not pining over the lack of chihuahua sized ornithischia, she’s a writer who loves crafting adventures tales sprinkled with humor, a hefty helping of romance, and topped with a happy ending.
Residing in the wild land of cowboy boots and Shiner beer, Maz spends her time with her two dogs and a husband who she adores, and is constantly demanding that science gives her a pocket sized triceratops. The efforts of these demands have yet to be fulfilled.
When she’s not pining over the lack of chihuahua sized ornithischia, she’s a writer who loves crafting adventures tales sprinkled with humor, a hefty helping of romance, and topped with a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
May 20, 2024
WHAT A FUCKING ENDING TO A SERIES 👏👏👏👏
Yes Maz Maddox, yes yes YESSSSSSSSSS!
CHEFS KISS FOR YOU ON REPEAT AND ON FULL LIP SMACKING ASMR VOLUME. 💥📢
IDGAF if I have a lot of feelings over silly dinosaur shifters, the amount of PURE JOY this series delivered me, was cataclysmic 🥹💖
I AM SO WEAK FOR INTERCONNECTED GAYS, PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD LET ME FIND MORE INTERCONNECTED GAY SERIES THAT SLAP HARDER THAN HOT CHIP WHEN YOU’RE HUNGOVER PLEASE 🙏🏼👏
Montana daddy and silly dumb dumb Henry getting the ending they deserved ALMOST made my cry 🥹
I just wanted Montana to be happy and getting railed SO BADLY 🥹🥹🥹🥹
I am at a loss for words because I can’t believe that my Dino dicks books are over 🥲🥲🥲
I have so much to say… that I have literally nothing to say.
Yes Maz Maddox, yes yes YESSSSSSSSSS!
CHEFS KISS FOR YOU ON REPEAT AND ON FULL LIP SMACKING ASMR VOLUME. 💥📢
IDGAF if I have a lot of feelings over silly dinosaur shifters, the amount of PURE JOY this series delivered me, was cataclysmic 🥹💖
I AM SO WEAK FOR INTERCONNECTED GAYS, PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD LET ME FIND MORE INTERCONNECTED GAY SERIES THAT SLAP HARDER THAN HOT CHIP WHEN YOU’RE HUNGOVER PLEASE 🙏🏼👏
Montana daddy and silly dumb dumb Henry getting the ending they deserved ALMOST made my cry 🥹
I just wanted Montana to be happy and getting railed SO BADLY 🥹🥹🥹🥹
I am at a loss for words because I can’t believe that my Dino dicks books are over 🥲🥲🥲
I have so much to say… that I have literally nothing to say.
March 30, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“Why are you grinning like a madman right now?” “Because I want to kiss you.” Henry chewed on his lip anxiously. “But I don’t know your boundaries in the morning. Can I kiss you? Do you want to eat first? I can make you a plate.” How the hell was this prehistoric predator, a five thousand pound killing machine, able to be this adorable first thing in the morning?
Turns out, if a book or audiobook is only available through the BookFunnel app, I forget it exists, which is a massive shame, because it means it took me ages to listen to this audiobook. I had such a blast with this book and finished it the same day I started. I mean, first of all, these guys are dinosaur shifters, which should be enough to make anyone wanna read it. If you pair that with a main character who has only been awake as a human for a year and a half, hilarity and cuteness will ensue. Henry is the cutest damn character, and I love him a silly amount.
Montana is understandably closed off after losing his mate/husband a handful of years prior, and in many ways he’s still grieving, not feeling like he’s allowed to move on. Resisting Henry isn’t possible, though. The dork tries to woo him by providing food, chocolate and dancing. In dino form. Pretty sure this won’t be the last time I listen to this book.
Oh! And there’s a heist! And action! It was like the entire book was put together with the things I love most.
Kirt Graves is one of my favorite narrators, and he did a fabulous job with this book. I’m thankful for the ‘ARC’ from Hoof & Fang.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Dinosaur shifter
Love after loss
Widower
Heist
Age gap
Recently awakened shifter
First times
Found family
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Death of a husband (past, off page)
Death of wild animals (off page)
Graphic violence
On-page murder
Erotic spanking
Gun violence
Injured MCs
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, multi
Genre: Dinosaur shifter romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: ‘Awake’ for 1,5 years and 100+ years
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 344
Oh my God, I wanted to build a nest for him so bad. I started eyeing sticks. I needed color. Rocks! Colorful rocks! Blue. I needed blue. SO MUCH BLUE to match his eyes.
“Montana?” Henry’s voice was a cool ripple, calm and steady. “Henry,” I answered back. From the mild calamity on the other end, I could visualize Henry forgetting about his size and crawling over laps. He had a tendency of reverting into old habits when he got excited, which was as charming and chaotic as a Golden Retriever puppy.
Blaise had warned me over and over that the whole good ol’ boy look was a honeypot of heartache, and I hadn’t really believed him until I saw Montana in cowboy boots and Wranglers. It had been a series of epiphanies igniting all at once, about four hundred of them being about my sexuality.
“You are not wearing those outside this condo. They are stripper pants, and we need to be professionals.” “Since I made money in them,” he said innocently, “doesn’t that make them professional?” My finger was defeated, and I stared at him like the frustrating, harlot puzzle piece he was. “I can’t tell if you’re legitimately asking me or if you’re a master at fucking with me.”
“I have to go. Baatar, I’m sorry I fucked things up. I’m sorry I didn’t trust you. You’re a good friend, even if you are a jerk.” “Oh.” He got silent for a moment, something I’d never heard from him. “You’ve thrown me off. I had so many more ways I was going to call you a twat, and you just ruined it.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
“Why are you grinning like a madman right now?” “Because I want to kiss you.” Henry chewed on his lip anxiously. “But I don’t know your boundaries in the morning. Can I kiss you? Do you want to eat first? I can make you a plate.” How the hell was this prehistoric predator, a five thousand pound killing machine, able to be this adorable first thing in the morning?
Turns out, if a book or audiobook is only available through the BookFunnel app, I forget it exists, which is a massive shame, because it means it took me ages to listen to this audiobook. I had such a blast with this book and finished it the same day I started. I mean, first of all, these guys are dinosaur shifters, which should be enough to make anyone wanna read it. If you pair that with a main character who has only been awake as a human for a year and a half, hilarity and cuteness will ensue. Henry is the cutest damn character, and I love him a silly amount.
Montana is understandably closed off after losing his mate/husband a handful of years prior, and in many ways he’s still grieving, not feeling like he’s allowed to move on. Resisting Henry isn’t possible, though. The dork tries to woo him by providing food, chocolate and dancing. In dino form. Pretty sure this won’t be the last time I listen to this book.
Oh! And there’s a heist! And action! It was like the entire book was put together with the things I love most.
Kirt Graves is one of my favorite narrators, and he did a fabulous job with this book. I’m thankful for the ‘ARC’ from Hoof & Fang.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Dinosaur shifter
Love after loss
Widower
Heist
Age gap
Recently awakened shifter
First times
Found family
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Death of a husband (past, off page)
Death of wild animals (off page)
Graphic violence
On-page murder
Erotic spanking
Gun violence
Injured MCs
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, multi
Genre: Dinosaur shifter romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: ‘Awake’ for 1,5 years and 100+ years
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 344
Oh my God, I wanted to build a nest for him so bad. I started eyeing sticks. I needed color. Rocks! Colorful rocks! Blue. I needed blue. SO MUCH BLUE to match his eyes.
“Montana?” Henry’s voice was a cool ripple, calm and steady. “Henry,” I answered back. From the mild calamity on the other end, I could visualize Henry forgetting about his size and crawling over laps. He had a tendency of reverting into old habits when he got excited, which was as charming and chaotic as a Golden Retriever puppy.
Blaise had warned me over and over that the whole good ol’ boy look was a honeypot of heartache, and I hadn’t really believed him until I saw Montana in cowboy boots and Wranglers. It had been a series of epiphanies igniting all at once, about four hundred of them being about my sexuality.
“You are not wearing those outside this condo. They are stripper pants, and we need to be professionals.” “Since I made money in them,” he said innocently, “doesn’t that make them professional?” My finger was defeated, and I stared at him like the frustrating, harlot puzzle piece he was. “I can’t tell if you’re legitimately asking me or if you’re a master at fucking with me.”
“I have to go. Baatar, I’m sorry I fucked things up. I’m sorry I didn’t trust you. You’re a good friend, even if you are a jerk.” “Oh.” He got silent for a moment, something I’d never heard from him. “You’ve thrown me off. I had so many more ways I was going to call you a twat, and you just ruined it.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
September 5, 2023
⭐️4.5 stars ⭐️
Sweet, perfect ending to this unexpectedly fun series.
Similar to the others, Gardens & Ghosts was a nice blend of action and romance.
Montana and Henry’s relationship was more of a slow burn than the previous, but lovely all the same.
Their dynamic was grumpy/sunshine at its finest, and I just adored Henry and his golden retriever puppy vibes.
I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more by this author.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Sweet, perfect ending to this unexpectedly fun series.
Similar to the others, Gardens & Ghosts was a nice blend of action and romance.
Montana and Henry’s relationship was more of a slow burn than the previous, but lovely all the same.
Their dynamic was grumpy/sunshine at its finest, and I just adored Henry and his golden retriever puppy vibes.
I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more by this author.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Shelved as 'audio-tbr'
June 21, 2024putting it back on my tbr. I listenened to all of the other books on audio, and just read that Maz plans on releasing the audiobook on Audible some time in 2024. I'll wait then ;)
October 31, 2023
Heed the spoiler alert ahead if you haven’t read this or the previous books in the series. For a quick nonspoiler review of the audiobook, skip to the end of the review. A string of dino emoji (🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖) will indicate when you’re safely past the spoilers.
Original review September 2023:
Vague but IMO huge spoiler ahead. If you haven’t read the previous books in the series, I advise you to NOT read the rest of my review which I intend to edit anyway after completing the audiobook in addition to having completed the ebook. That said, I think it’s highly unlikely I’ll lower my rating from 4 stars and more likely that if I change it, it would be to raise it. Unless you’ve read the entire series, I encourage you to stop reading now 🛑🚫🚨
I finished reading the ebook last night and started listening to the audiobook a few hours later and am still mulling over my feelings about this one. I loved the series and this book is no exception but I’m going to wait to fully review it until I’ve finished the audiobook as I’m slightly conflicted about the purpose of the mission and the new dimension it adds to certain relationship dynamics. I think many/most readers will like the new dimension but personally, I think the original nature of certain relationships was more poignant, impactful and beautiful prior to the addition of this new plot twist.
My vagueness is intentional to avoid a huge spoiler that I think impacts previous books in the series.
🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖
Regardless of anything else, I love Henry like crazy and think he has a beautiful mind, manner and way of expressing himself. I’m not sure yet but he may be my favorite character of the entire series 💖💖💖
Edited to add after finishing the audiobook:
Sigh, I finished the audiobook weeks ago but have been in a super funk and kept telling myself I’d review it later. Well, it’s later and I’m still in the funk and don’t have the spoons for a legit review 😫😅 What I can say is that I LOVE THE WAY KIRT GRAVES HAS NARRATED THIS ENTIRE SERIES! Sorry for shouting but I love it so much! And yeah, I’m bumping my rating from 4 to 5 stars. This book and this series may not be perfect and it may be ridiculous and require suspension of disbelief but it is so much fucking fun. I adore the characters! I adore the plots! I adore the humor! And I adore the way Kirt Graves brings it all to life! Graves is brilliant and I wish he narrated all my m/m faves! Seriously, brilliant!
Note to self: next time you listen to the audiobook, write a better review! G&G and Henry and Montana deserve better than your wish washy original review!
Original review September 2023:
Vague but IMO huge spoiler ahead. If you haven’t read the previous books in the series, I advise you to NOT read the rest of my review which I intend to edit anyway after completing the audiobook in addition to having completed the ebook. That said, I think it’s highly unlikely I’ll lower my rating from 4 stars and more likely that if I change it, it would be to raise it. Unless you’ve read the entire series, I encourage you to stop reading now 🛑🚫🚨
I finished reading the ebook last night and started listening to the audiobook a few hours later and am still mulling over my feelings about this one. I loved the series and this book is no exception but I’m going to wait to fully review it until I’ve finished the audiobook as I’m slightly conflicted about the purpose of the mission and the new dimension it adds to certain relationship dynamics. I think many/most readers will like the new dimension but personally, I think the original nature of certain relationships was more poignant, impactful and beautiful prior to the addition of this new plot twist.
My vagueness is intentional to avoid a huge spoiler that I think impacts previous books in the series.
🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖
Regardless of anything else, I love Henry like crazy and think he has a beautiful mind, manner and way of expressing himself. I’m not sure yet but he may be my favorite character of the entire series 💖💖💖
Edited to add after finishing the audiobook:
Sigh, I finished the audiobook weeks ago but have been in a super funk and kept telling myself I’d review it later. Well, it’s later and I’m still in the funk and don’t have the spoons for a legit review 😫😅 What I can say is that I LOVE THE WAY KIRT GRAVES HAS NARRATED THIS ENTIRE SERIES! Sorry for shouting but I love it so much! And yeah, I’m bumping my rating from 4 to 5 stars. This book and this series may not be perfect and it may be ridiculous and require suspension of disbelief but it is so much fucking fun. I adore the characters! I adore the plots! I adore the humor! And I adore the way Kirt Graves brings it all to life! Graves is brilliant and I wish he narrated all my m/m faves! Seriously, brilliant!
Note to self: next time you listen to the audiobook, write a better review! G&G and Henry and Montana deserve better than your wish washy original review!
May 7, 2024
Montana's romance! Finally!
This was one of my favorites in the series, right after grumpy Baja's romance in book 2.
Loved Kirt Graves narration, per usual - this audio can be purchased from Kirt Graves' & Maz Maddox's production company website, Hoof and Fang.
This was a good mix of silly 'just go with it' and some very sweet romance. Of course you should shimmy to 'Cotton Eyed Joe' while holding out a dead deer to the person you're wooing. Bathroom showers absolutely can be destroyed on accident. Puking mid fight, totally normal behavior. So much silly.
Also excited to get some closure and options for the human + shifter previous relationship arcs.
This was one of my favorites in the series, right after grumpy Baja's romance in book 2.
Loved Kirt Graves narration, per usual - this audio can be purchased from Kirt Graves' & Maz Maddox's production company website, Hoof and Fang.
This was a good mix of silly 'just go with it' and some very sweet romance. Of course you should shimmy to 'Cotton Eyed Joe' while holding out a dead deer to the person you're wooing. Bathroom showers absolutely can be destroyed on accident. Puking mid fight, totally normal behavior. So much silly.
Also excited to get some closure and options for the human + shifter previous relationship arcs.
September 12, 2023
Ohhhhh my heart. There was so much to love about this book, about sweet Henry still learning to be human and saving plants, of Montana who is still grieving and not allowing himself the chance to be happy. Of this great bunch of friends and family who care so much for each other. I LOVED this book.
The last book in the RELIC series (although c'monnnnnn this can't be the last book, right?!) focuses on the leader of the RELIC team, Montana, who is still grieving over the death of his husband. Henry is a newly awoken shifter and is still learning how to be human.
OK I ADORED Henry. What a sweet man and sweet dino, trying to woo Montana. And Montana is so dumb and oblivious haha. He kinda made me frustrated, but I also love how Maz wrote the emotion and longing and just emotional devastation he's still healing from. There were so many sweet moments between the two of them, I just loved them becoming more than coworkers/friends.
And there are some hilarious moments along the way too....especially involving a Rex HAHA.
There are a lot of things I can't say b/c of spoilers, but there are some answered questions that I have been curious about. And things I want ANOTHER STORY for haha.
I recommend you read this series from the beginning as it will make the most sense. The couples all show up in this one, as well as other characters, and it just makes sense to read in order. I know you're like - dino shifters?! But you gotta read this series. Maz knows her shit with dinosaurs and it's written so, so well.
I can't wait for what's next for Maz!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The last book in the RELIC series (although c'monnnnnn this can't be the last book, right?!) focuses on the leader of the RELIC team, Montana, who is still grieving over the death of his husband. Henry is a newly awoken shifter and is still learning how to be human.
OK I ADORED Henry. What a sweet man and sweet dino, trying to woo Montana. And Montana is so dumb and oblivious haha. He kinda made me frustrated, but I also love how Maz wrote the emotion and longing and just emotional devastation he's still healing from. There were so many sweet moments between the two of them, I just loved them becoming more than coworkers/friends.
And there are some hilarious moments along the way too....especially involving a Rex HAHA.
There are a lot of things I can't say b/c of spoilers, but there are some answered questions that I have been curious about. And things I want ANOTHER STORY for haha.
I recommend you read this series from the beginning as it will make the most sense. The couples all show up in this one, as well as other characters, and it just makes sense to read in order. I know you're like - dino shifters?! But you gotta read this series. Maz knows her shit with dinosaurs and it's written so, so well.
I can't wait for what's next for Maz!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2023
Very fun, very entertaining, had me laughing quite a bit. Also was my least favourite of the series - I was quite bored in spots, and honestly I felt like Henry deserved better. But I am not a huge fan of the dead spouse trope, and wouldn’t have read this if it weren’t in a series I have been loving.
October 2, 2023
I can't believe we've reached the end of the RELIC series! 😭 I'm sad to say goodbye to this motley crew, but it's been a fun time. While Gardens & Ghosts was not my favorite of the series, Henry is definitely one of my favorite characters from the series. He's right up there with Dalton for me. All in all, the book was 3.5* read, but I'm rounding up because Henry was so precious. 🥹
Sadly, Gardens & Ghosts didn't click for me the way I had hoped. It might have even been my least favorite of the series. I'd been looking forward to Montana's story since the beginning, so it could have been an unmet expectations thing, but I'm not sure that's the entire reason. I think part of the reason was that it took a long time for the story to get going. I'd say the first 20% of the book was spent re-introducing every prior couple from the series. I'm not going to lie, it was a slog to get through. I don't mind catching up with everyone, but the way it played out felt cumbersome. I kept losing interest and putting the book down and coming back. It wasn't even until the halfway mark that the story really took off and I wanted to keep reading. 🥲
In the end, I didn't hate it at all, but I didn't love it either. I had really hoped the series would go out with a bang, but it sort of just ended. 🤷🏼♀️ Don't get me wrong, it ended nicely. Things played out the way you'd want based on the intent of the mission, and there were exciting moments and fun times between the middle and end, but everything ended too quickly. I wanted less catch-up at the beginning and more follow-up at the end. I think time was spent in the wrong places and that made the read less satisfying than it could have been. That being said, I love the RELIC boys and all the happiness they've given me over the course of the series. I'm certainly going to miss them! 😭
Sadly, Gardens & Ghosts didn't click for me the way I had hoped. It might have even been my least favorite of the series. I'd been looking forward to Montana's story since the beginning, so it could have been an unmet expectations thing, but I'm not sure that's the entire reason. I think part of the reason was that it took a long time for the story to get going. I'd say the first 20% of the book was spent re-introducing every prior couple from the series. I'm not going to lie, it was a slog to get through. I don't mind catching up with everyone, but the way it played out felt cumbersome. I kept losing interest and putting the book down and coming back. It wasn't even until the halfway mark that the story really took off and I wanted to keep reading. 🥲
In the end, I didn't hate it at all, but I didn't love it either. I had really hoped the series would go out with a bang, but it sort of just ended. 🤷🏼♀️ Don't get me wrong, it ended nicely. Things played out the way you'd want based on the intent of the mission, and there were exciting moments and fun times between the middle and end, but everything ended too quickly. I wanted less catch-up at the beginning and more follow-up at the end. I think time was spent in the wrong places and that made the read less satisfying than it could have been. That being said, I love the RELIC boys and all the happiness they've given me over the course of the series. I'm certainly going to miss them! 😭
September 25, 2023
“I’ve waited sixty-five million years for you to hold me.” I breathed him in, shutting my eyes to solidify it to memory. “We can stay like this for as long as you want.”
Perfect ending! This one hurt so much and made me cry - TWICE! but man was it good.
We finally get Montana’s story and if you’ve read the rest of the series you know that he’s still grieving and blaming himself for his husband Reaper’s death. Naturally this comes up a lot in this book and it was so emotional. In book 3 we meet Henry, the newest addition to the RELIC team and he’s still learning how to be a person but he knows that he wants Montana and is willing to put in the work to get past those walls.
There’s some failed courting attempts, a Geralt of Rivia striptease, plants, parties, and planes, and a giant purple dildo called Rex.
Lots to love in this final adventure with the team and I loved the ending so much!!
I’m still hoping for a spin off Origin book - Ruben says he has “something annoying to take care of” and I’m hoping that something annoying is Xiang! 🤞🏻
Perfect ending! This one hurt so much and made me cry - TWICE! but man was it good.
We finally get Montana’s story and if you’ve read the rest of the series you know that he’s still grieving and blaming himself for his husband Reaper’s death. Naturally this comes up a lot in this book and it was so emotional. In book 3 we meet Henry, the newest addition to the RELIC team and he’s still learning how to be a person but he knows that he wants Montana and is willing to put in the work to get past those walls.
There’s some failed courting attempts, a Geralt of Rivia striptease, plants, parties, and planes, and a giant purple dildo called Rex.
Lots to love in this final adventure with the team and I loved the ending so much!!
I’m still hoping for a spin off Origin book - Ruben says he has “something annoying to take care of” and I’m hoping that something annoying is Xiang! 🤞🏻
January 28, 2024
4.5 Stars
September 24, 2023
It’s ridiculous how much I loved this book. Definitely took my favorite place in this series, which kinda hurts since now it’s over. But I think it might even be my favorite of Maz’s books in all. Henry’s sweet innocent ways mixed with his natural sexiness went SO WELL with everything that makes up Montana. My gods, I just couldn’t get enough of them. They’re perfect.
September 23, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Gardens & Ghosts is the fifth installment in Maz Maddox’s entertaining RELIC series. The series focuses on a group of shifters who lived millions of years ago as dinosaurs, then went into a hibernation state until much more modern times. This is presumably the final book in the series and, while we have a new couple in Henry and Montana, the background to their story is really set over the course of some of the prior books. Montana has been a prominent figure throughout the series and we met Henry as a newly awakened shifter in King & Queen. So I was really excited to get their story here and I love the pairing of the sweet, adorable Henry with the more jaded and experienced Montana.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Gardens & Ghosts is the fifth installment in Maz Maddox’s entertaining RELIC series. The series focuses on a group of shifters who lived millions of years ago as dinosaurs, then went into a hibernation state until much more modern times. This is presumably the final book in the series and, while we have a new couple in Henry and Montana, the background to their story is really set over the course of some of the prior books. Montana has been a prominent figure throughout the series and we met Henry as a newly awakened shifter in King & Queen. So I was really excited to get their story here and I love the pairing of the sweet, adorable Henry with the more jaded and experienced Montana.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
September 1, 2023
What a great end to a series (I'm assuming it's the end as the author note sort of hints that it is). Henry is such a sweet, caring, tender soul. I love him and he needs to be protected at all costs. That said, his vulnerability and open heart caused me no small amount of emotional pain. Montana was often so cruel and/or oblivious to Henry's feelings and intentions that I just wanted to shake him. He had his reasons, yes. But wow, did the whole thing mess with my heart. Of all the books in the RELIC series, this one caused the most genuine tears from me. Despite the turmoil, I loved reading this book. I adore the RELIC crew and their "boyfriends and strays" with my whole heart. Confession, though? I'd totally go for a book about Ruben. Like, *please* let me have this.
September 26, 2023
Worth the wait!
I didn't think I could love any of the RELIC crew as much as I love Baha, but Henry is right there next to him. If you had told me 5 years ago that I would be head over heels for a bunch of gay dinosaur shifters, I would have laughed in your face, but here we are.
You could read this as a standalone or start here with the series, but I recommend reading in order, which will make this story all the sweeter.
I didn't think I could love any of the RELIC crew as much as I love Baha, but Henry is right there next to him. If you had told me 5 years ago that I would be head over heels for a bunch of gay dinosaur shifters, I would have laughed in your face, but here we are.
You could read this as a standalone or start here with the series, but I recommend reading in order, which will make this story all the sweeter.
May 21, 2024
So the Dino shifter made me bawl my eyes out like a new born.
This whole série is just so ridiculously over the top and heartwarming. I wish we had more books to go through but also the ending was kind of perfect.
I’ll miss them all but I will cherish the serie 💛
This whole série is just so ridiculously over the top and heartwarming. I wish we had more books to go through but also the ending was kind of perfect.
I’ll miss them all but I will cherish the serie 💛
April 11, 2024
Gay Dinosaurs for the win.
This series is just so freaking fun! While this wasn't my favorite in the series (King & Queen takes that spot) it was still a great installment. I hope that more dinosaur shifter books come in the future now that the RELIC series is over.
Henry was absolutely adorable!
This series is just so freaking fun! While this wasn't my favorite in the series (King & Queen takes that spot) it was still a great installment. I hope that more dinosaur shifter books come in the future now that the RELIC series is over.
Henry was absolutely adorable!
September 24, 2023
Absolutely obsessed with this final book of this dinosaur shifter gay romance series!!!
This was truly the perfect ending to the series- Daddy T-Rex needed a love interest, and Henry is absolutely perfect for him!
As always, we get laughs, adventure, a happy dinosaur family, and a mystery that ends up being a very happy ending for everyone.
This is such a great series, can't recommend it enough!!
This was truly the perfect ending to the series- Daddy T-Rex needed a love interest, and Henry is absolutely perfect for him!
As always, we get laughs, adventure, a happy dinosaur family, and a mystery that ends up being a very happy ending for everyone.
This is such a great series, can't recommend it enough!!
June 10, 2024
For me, Henry and Montana's story is the weakest of the series. It breaks my heart to only give it three stars.
I realize many of the things that annoyed me were necessary for the guys to end up together, but I wish the writer could have found different ways to make that happen.
I realize many of the things that annoyed me were necessary for the guys to end up together, but I wish the writer could have found different ways to make that happen.
September 13, 2023
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Gardens & Ghosts is the final book in the RELIC series by Maz Maddox. While I think this can hold up as a stand alone, all the couples from the previous books are in it, so having read them makes this book mean more.
When the discovery of a partially shifted fossil in amber has been discovered in the hands of black market collectors, the RELIC team are immediately on board to retrieve it. Montana plans to go solo, but Henry convinces him to take him along. Henry wants to prove himself as a team member and also try to woo Montana at the same time.
I'm going to start with Henry, because he was the absolute star of this book. He was just as precious as I thought he was going to be, and I loved everything about him. From his attempts to woo Montana, his honesty, and the relationships he built with the team. He worked so hard to prove himself and was bad*ss when he needed to be yet that never changed the cinnamon roll that he was at heart. I hurt for him every time Montana crushed his heart, whether he ment to or not.
I wanted him. So, so damn bad. This was my do-or-die, this was my rabbit, my shark, my pile of sticks, my street food— This was my offering to the man I wanted.
Next we have Montana , unfortunately, I found his character a bit of a disappointment. Being a widow I expected to feel heartbroken over his husband, but I wasn't. Reaper still felt more like a member of the crew , especially the way Henry included and asked about him. While I'm a fan of grumpy characters, his behavior hurt Henry so I wasn't a fan. I actually don't have much positive to say about him before the end of the book so I'll leave it at that.
How the hell was this prehistoric predator, a five thousand pound killing machine, able to be this adorable first thing in the morning? It should be illegal. It was uncalled for. I wasn’t prepared for it.
When they eventually get together, the steam between Henry and Montana is delicious <> . When Montana finally pulls his head out of his a** and realizes the depth of his feelings towards Henry, they are really sweet together.
His lips tugged at mine, devouring me like I was the last meal he’d ever have, teeth nipping just enough to send shockwaves through me.
Honestly, I felt the story dragged in the begging. I was speeding through Montana's chapters just to get to Henrys. It wasn't till the second half that I felt the book really picked up. The action, the relationship and the steam all increased at a steady pace. That resulted in a highly satisfying sweet epilogue for my favorite RELIC team members and Henry & Montana.
I loved him, more than anyone else I’d ever known in all of my many, endless lives, and I had never felt so completely lost.
Overall , Gardens & Ghosts was a great shifter romance and the perfect ending for this mismatched crew. Filled with prehistoric tag, found family, dino wooing, emotional support goose, a slow burn, steam, and a happy ever after.
Other Favorite Quotes:
Gardens & Ghosts is the final book in the RELIC series by Maz Maddox. While I think this can hold up as a stand alone, all the couples from the previous books are in it, so having read them makes this book mean more.
When the discovery of a partially shifted fossil in amber has been discovered in the hands of black market collectors, the RELIC team are immediately on board to retrieve it. Montana plans to go solo, but Henry convinces him to take him along. Henry wants to prove himself as a team member and also try to woo Montana at the same time.
I'm going to start with Henry, because he was the absolute star of this book. He was just as precious as I thought he was going to be, and I loved everything about him. From his attempts to woo Montana, his honesty, and the relationships he built with the team. He worked so hard to prove himself and was bad*ss when he needed to be yet that never changed the cinnamon roll that he was at heart. I hurt for him every time Montana crushed his heart, whether he ment to or not.
I wanted him. So, so damn bad. This was my do-or-die, this was my rabbit, my shark, my pile of sticks, my street food— This was my offering to the man I wanted.
Next we have Montana , unfortunately, I found his character a bit of a disappointment. Being a widow I expected to feel heartbroken over his husband, but I wasn't. Reaper still felt more like a member of the crew , especially the way Henry included and asked about him. While I'm a fan of grumpy characters, his behavior hurt Henry so I wasn't a fan. I actually don't have much positive to say about him before the end of the book so I'll leave it at that.
How the hell was this prehistoric predator, a five thousand pound killing machine, able to be this adorable first thing in the morning? It should be illegal. It was uncalled for. I wasn’t prepared for it.
When they eventually get together, the steam between Henry and Montana is delicious <> . When Montana finally pulls his head out of his a** and realizes the depth of his feelings towards Henry, they are really sweet together.
His lips tugged at mine, devouring me like I was the last meal he’d ever have, teeth nipping just enough to send shockwaves through me.
Honestly, I felt the story dragged in the begging. I was speeding through Montana's chapters just to get to Henrys. It wasn't till the second half that I felt the book really picked up. The action, the relationship and the steam all increased at a steady pace. That resulted in a highly satisfying sweet epilogue for my favorite RELIC team members and Henry & Montana.
I loved him, more than anyone else I’d ever known in all of my many, endless lives, and I had never felt so completely lost.
Overall , Gardens & Ghosts was a great shifter romance and the perfect ending for this mismatched crew. Filled with prehistoric tag, found family, dino wooing, emotional support goose, a slow burn, steam, and a happy ever after.
Other Favorite Quotes:
September 9, 2023
Goose
I’m no tyrannosaur but I’ll do my best to bellow as loudly as I can for Montana and Henry. Oh my dinosaurs, Henry is the sweetest, the cutest, the most precious dinosaur to ever dinosaur. He must be cherished above all. Baha and Jackson will always be my favorites because I can’t help but love that Spinosaurus to the depths of the river but Montana and Henry gave my heart a workout and made me feel everything.
“What was it?” I dared to ask, my heart thrown out to slaughter.
“For just a few minutes tonight,” Montana confessed like his soul was crumbling from the burden, “I could breathe.”
Gah, I tell ya, the feelings are real with these two, and you’ll feel them all. I laughed, oh how I laughed. I cried, Montana has some things to work through and Henry’s journey pulled at my heart. I smiled, so big I may never frown again, and I fell in love with my mind, my heart, and my soul. I love them, love all of the amazing RELIC family, though I hope some will get spin-offs. I plan to reread these again pronto because I’m not ready to leave them, but this book was a fantastic way to say goodbye for now. I Rex my case.
I’m no tyrannosaur but I’ll do my best to bellow as loudly as I can for Montana and Henry. Oh my dinosaurs, Henry is the sweetest, the cutest, the most precious dinosaur to ever dinosaur. He must be cherished above all. Baha and Jackson will always be my favorites because I can’t help but love that Spinosaurus to the depths of the river but Montana and Henry gave my heart a workout and made me feel everything.
“What was it?” I dared to ask, my heart thrown out to slaughter.
“For just a few minutes tonight,” Montana confessed like his soul was crumbling from the burden, “I could breathe.”
Gah, I tell ya, the feelings are real with these two, and you’ll feel them all. I laughed, oh how I laughed. I cried, Montana has some things to work through and Henry’s journey pulled at my heart. I smiled, so big I may never frown again, and I fell in love with my mind, my heart, and my soul. I love them, love all of the amazing RELIC family, though I hope some will get spin-offs. I plan to reread these again pronto because I’m not ready to leave them, but this book was a fantastic way to say goodbye for now. I Rex my case.
September 23, 2023
“The promise of a connection, a tangible, physical connection to a handsome man was a desperate breath I had needed so badly. I was so lonely. I wanted to kiss him, feel him, lean into the possibility of being happy— And that scared the absolute shit out of me.”
What a spectacular end to an amazing series!
I love all the books in this series so much, but Sink & Swim (book 2) has been my favourite until now. Y’all know how your girl feels about enemies to lovers paired with grumpy sunshine. That’s definitely my jam! So imagine my surprise when this beautiful, friends to lovers, hurt/comfort comes along and steels the show!
This series ending was everything I hoped for and more. The found family aspect, stronger than ever with tons of cameos. Montana final gets the healing and love that he deserves. And Henry, precious and perfect Henry! He is my new favourite character, beautiful, kind, strong, determined and such and innocent soul. I feel like I can read about him all day.
All of that paired with a dangerous Dino mission that is perhaps the most important find ever that will change their lives forever!
I HUGELY recommend that these be read in order. I seriously can’t wait to reread it!
What a spectacular end to an amazing series!
I love all the books in this series so much, but Sink & Swim (book 2) has been my favourite until now. Y’all know how your girl feels about enemies to lovers paired with grumpy sunshine. That’s definitely my jam! So imagine my surprise when this beautiful, friends to lovers, hurt/comfort comes along and steels the show!
This series ending was everything I hoped for and more. The found family aspect, stronger than ever with tons of cameos. Montana final gets the healing and love that he deserves. And Henry, precious and perfect Henry! He is my new favourite character, beautiful, kind, strong, determined and such and innocent soul. I feel like I can read about him all day.
All of that paired with a dangerous Dino mission that is perhaps the most important find ever that will change their lives forever!
I HUGELY recommend that these be read in order. I seriously can’t wait to reread it!
August 18, 2024
OMG! Ojalá TODOS los demás libros en la serie hubieran sido como este. Lloré, me harté a reír, suspiré, le chillé al Kindle un par de veces... La gente haría bien en no molestarme mientras estoy leyendo. Yo con un buen libro entre manos no respondo a nada ni a nadie 😂
4 ⭐ sólidas. Lo sentí apresurado en las partes importantes, y un poco lento en otras que no eran tan relevantes. Aparte, necesitaba un epílogo muuucho más extendido... y que Henry y Montana realmente hubieran hablado sobre ciertas cuestiones sin resolver. Pero, aun con todo, fue un libro casi perfecto y el final necesario y hermoso que se merecía esta serie 🙌🏻✨️ Voy a resentir muchísimo que no vayan a haber más libros, pero ojalá esté equivocada 🪴🦖❤️
4 ⭐ sólidas. Lo sentí apresurado en las partes importantes, y un poco lento en otras que no eran tan relevantes. Aparte, necesitaba un epílogo muuucho más extendido... y que Henry y Montana realmente hubieran hablado sobre ciertas cuestiones sin resolver. Pero, aun con todo, fue un libro casi perfecto y el final necesario y hermoso que se merecía esta serie 🙌🏻✨️ Voy a resentir muchísimo que no vayan a haber más libros, pero ojalá esté equivocada 🪴🦖❤️
October 9, 2023
Trigger warnings: death of a spouse (in the past), violence, death, plane crash, vomit
3.5 stars
This was both laugh out loud funny and the dumbest thing I think I've ever read. Like, I've known throughout the entire series that the whole dinosaur shifters concept was bonkers. But somehow this one - with the dead tyrannosaur husband and the bellowing for your mate and the ridiculously oversized dildo took the cake.
Like, it was fun and it was funny and it was thoroughly enjoyable. But also it was kind of eyeroll worthy at times and I could have done with less mating rituals.
3.5 stars
This was both laugh out loud funny and the dumbest thing I think I've ever read. Like, I've known throughout the entire series that the whole dinosaur shifters concept was bonkers. But somehow this one - with the dead tyrannosaur husband and the bellowing for your mate and the ridiculously oversized dildo took the cake.
Like, it was fun and it was funny and it was thoroughly enjoyable. But also it was kind of eyeroll worthy at times and I could have done with less mating rituals.
May 27, 2024
4.5 stars
This was hard to rate only because my expectations didn’t match the book entirely. I was expecting a funny mad cap adventure with romance. Gardens & Ghosts had that to a degree, but it was sooo sad. Montana was so hurt and broken, Henry unsure but hopeful. Angst affected all parts of the daring heists.
Suffice to say it made me cry… I didn’t want a book that made me cry. However, I loved Henry so much. He was exactly what Montana needed and in the end all is well (as to be expected)
This was hard to rate only because my expectations didn’t match the book entirely. I was expecting a funny mad cap adventure with romance. Gardens & Ghosts had that to a degree, but it was sooo sad. Montana was so hurt and broken, Henry unsure but hopeful. Angst affected all parts of the daring heists.
Suffice to say it made me cry… I didn’t want a book that made me cry. However, I loved Henry so much. He was exactly what Montana needed and in the end all is well (as to be expected)
September 22, 2023
A fitting end to this series both finishing off pairing everyone up but also leaving the door open for more stories.
Not going to lie, Dalton, who is still my favourite, had me a little emotional at one point. There were revelations that had far-reaching implications.
Henry, sweet, loveable Henry, added some much needed humor.
Sad to see the series end.
Not going to lie, Dalton, who is still my favourite, had me a little emotional at one point. There were revelations that had far-reaching implications.
Henry, sweet, loveable Henry, added some much needed humor.
Sad to see the series end.
September 16, 2023
Everything a conclusion should be!!!! So sad it’s done (this is one of my absolute favourite romance series and one of the stories I reread the most often) but can’t wait to see what Maz does next!!
September 27, 2023
I can't believe the series is over, but what a satisfying and exciting ending it was. Montana lost his husband 7/8 years ago, and he still hasnt fully recovered. My heart broke for him, and the hold grief had on him. He is off to recover a fossil that could help their species and the humans they love. Henry goes with him and continues trying to woo Montana, with some funny results in the beginning.
Henry is a sweet, innocent, little flower and needs protecting at all costs. He has come a long way during the past year and has become a great part of the team.
Fossil recovery is full of action and is the most important recovery mission to date. I could understand why Montana acted that way with Henry, but it was so frustrating at times, and it did break my heart. I just loved them together, and the sex was so hot. Can we also mention dildo rex? It made me laugh my head off!
The ending was perfect and the best way to end the series; it just made me so happy!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Henry is a sweet, innocent, little flower and needs protecting at all costs. He has come a long way during the past year and has become a great part of the team.
Fossil recovery is full of action and is the most important recovery mission to date. I could understand why Montana acted that way with Henry, but it was so frustrating at times, and it did break my heart. I just loved them together, and the sex was so hot. Can we also mention dildo rex? It made me laugh my head off!
The ending was perfect and the best way to end the series; it just made me so happy!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
December 11, 2023
Probs my favorite in the series. I think this one made me laugh the hardest, but that’s a hard one to confirm! It’s really all because of Rex and Henry’s hilarious candidness/naivety! I adored every moment. The laughter, the swooning, the everything. I’m so sad it’s over 🥹
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