Marriage & Masti by Nisha Sharma

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Marriage & Masti: A Novel – HarperCollins AU

Title: Marriage & Masti
Author: Nisha Sharma
Series: If Shakespeare Was an Auntie #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Immigrant, South-East Asian
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

This was such a brilliant ending to this trilogy. A wonderful fake marriage/ friends to lover’s trope. And I just adored it. Honestly, I couldn’t put it down. And my only really complaint is that Marriage and Masti is the final book in the If Shakespeare was an Auntie series. I loved all three women in this and enjoyed the men. But I do think that Marriage and Masti was my favourite – what a way to round out the trilogy.

Marriage and Masti was a really fun and light-hearted romance. One that had me smiling throughout. Even writing this review a while after the fact leaves me smiling and feeling relaxed. Just the kind of contemporary romance I enjoy. There was still enough angst and drama to make it impossible to put down. But overall, it was so sweet and heart-warming.

Deepak was definitely my favourite of the three males. Probably because he was completely oblivious about Veera’s feelings. I mean, it’s obvious to everyone else that she loves him. But he’s absolutely ignorant of the fact. Yet, after he realises his foolish ignorance, I love how quickly he leans into the relationship. With everything he has and all he is.

Veera is a great counterpoint to Deepak. She is incredibly self-aware, strong, and independent. But also serves as a great reminder that sometimes us strong and independent women just need someone in our corner. Or a hug when things get rough. I love how, regardless of all the drama that occurs throughout the story, Veera is able to go through it with her head held high and dignity intact.

I absolutely loved reading Marriage and Masti. I thought it was a great round out to the trilogy. But it would so be a great book to read as a standalone. A perfect departure from reality and way to believe in love and happily ever after again.

<- Tastes Like ShakkarMore Nisha Sharma ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

An English Bride in Scotland ReRead by Lynsay Sands

Book Review, , ,
Overview
[(An English Bride in Scotland)] [by: Lynsay Sands]

Title: An English Bride in Scotland ReRead
Author: Lynsay Sands
Series: Highland Brides #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Scottish romance,
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

It’s been a while since I first started reading this series, and Lynsay Sands in general. So, rather than diving back into its kind of late in the piece, I decided that I really wanted to start at the beginning and reread it all. And honestly, it was just as good and fun as I remembered. So now I can’t wait to reread To Marry a Scottish Laird.

Annabel’s sweetness is really great. She’s tough, but also wildly naive. And I love that, although she tries, she’s unable to truly trick her new husband. Nor does she really want to. Rather, she chooses to embrace the life she’s given and find joy in it. Plus, her very sweetness makes her fit in beautifully with the rest of the Clan.

One of the parts I really enjoy about this story is how all of the seemingly bad luck moments throughout are actually connected. Theres so many hints throughout, but the explanation at the end ties everything together so beautifully. I also love how the villain is unexpected. I mean, on this read through, I knew who it was. But, somehow, it still wasn’t obvious even with that knowledge.

An English Bride in Scotland is a well written historical / Scottish romance. It is a great escapism novel with enough drama to keep you hooked. Even knowing how this tale unfolds, I struggled to put it down. A great reminder of why I like Sands’ writing so much.

<- More Lynsay SandsTo Marry a Scottish Laird ReRead ->

Image source: Amazon

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone ReRead by J.K. Rowling

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by Rowling, J. K

Title: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone ReRead
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Magic, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1997

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I read this; I still love it. And the older I get, the more I appreciate the joys of having Harry Potter in my life. I enjoy this each and every time I read this. But something about having kids and rereading Harry Potter, thinking of sharing it with them… that hits differently.

Picking up Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone again was like turning to a beloved friend for a big and comforting hug. Every word is familiar and comforting. Every moment has been experienced before. But it was still impossible to out down. Unforgettable in the best of ways.

Rowling built an amazing world in Harry’s first forays into the wizarding world. I love how meticulously the world has been structured, creating a reality that fits snuggly alongside our own. A reality that had me waiting for my Hogwart’s letter when I turned eleven (I didn’t get it, but maybe they have mature age students…).

At the core of this series for ne is the love between the Golden Trio. They get off to a rough start, but their way to each other is still inspiring. To have that kind of loyalty, love and lifelong friendship is definitely a life goal. One that most people don’t achieve but damn has this always given me hope.

<- More J.K. RowlingHarry Potter and the Chambers Secret ReRead ->

Image source: Booktopia

The Sea of Monsters ReRead by Rick Riordan

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters (Book 2) by Rick Riordan (Paperback)

Title: The Sea of Monsters ReRead
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Greek mythology, Mythology
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2006

Thoughts

This might not be my favourite Percy Jackson story, but it is an entertaining one in so many moments. Mostly because it involves Annabeth and Percy going to save Grover. Who is in a wedding dress. And if you want to know why and how, you just have to read the book. Honestly, whenever I think about this novel, I think about the very bizarre and entertaining image of a satyr in a wedding dress. That will happily live rent free in my brain.

Like with everything about Riordan’s work, I love how the adventure and insanity of this story unfolds. It is a constant surprise and entertainment, witnessing Annabeth and Percy careen from moment to moment. I also love how Riordan is able to seamlessly integrate Greek mythology into the contemporary world. Plus, the non stop action of the tale makes it kind of impossible to put down.

Although the adventure in The Sea of Monsters isn’t my favourite Percy Jackson adventure, it is still one I enjoy. I also love how it reveals the prophecy that is going to hang over Percy’s head for the rest of the series. Where The Lightning Thief introduces the Camp Half-Blood world, Percy, and all of the fun cast, The Sea of Monsters, starts to introduce the overall story arc which will carry through the next three books.

Part of introducing the larger story arc and politics of this world, means that Tahlia is also introduced. I love how she is a total counterpoint to Percy and brings in an extra layer of chaos and confusion to the story line. Plus, her presence and other moments of reveal throughout this show the depths to which Kronos’ scheming sinks. Something that beautifully reflects the original Greek mythos and the convoluted nature of some of the tales.

<- The Lightning Thief ReReadThe Titan’s Curse ReRead ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Wolf Brother: Book 1 (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness)

Title: Wolf Brother
Author: Michelle Paver
Series: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Historical fantasy, Magic
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2004

Thoughts

I first read Wolf Brother a very long time ago, and I vaguely remembered loving it. And reading the second book, Spirit Walker, before having to wait until the rest of the books got published. And then promptly getting distracted. As with everything I dive back into as an adult, I was intrigued to see how I would enjoy this on a reread. Luckily, this was as brilliant as I remembered, and I absolutely adored the adventure that I was taken on. Paver’s ability to structure the complex world of Torak and Wolf is brilliant, and, alongside the high stakes adventure, made this a book impossible to put down.

When I read this, I was kind of in the mood for a very fast paced book. And, this was a little bit slower than I had anticipated. However, it was still an amazing read. I love the world building and the beginnings of this series. Wolf Brother feels like the perfect set up for the rest of the series. And I can’t wait to meet more of the clans, magic and mayhem that these characters will find themselves in throughout the series.

As a standalone story, Wolf Brother works brilliantly. It is a great coming of age story in which a young boy starts to find out about his past, and fix the mistakes of his father. But, even if the first villain has been defeated, there is a lot of conspiracy and challenges for Torak to overcome. He is the product of a unfavored union, and the consequences of this are just unfolding. I also love that there is just a hint of magic and power throughout the story that I am intrigued by. Paver is phenomenal at creating a sense of suspense that makes me want to dive right into Spirit Walker.

I read a lot of different fantasies, but I rarely get to read one that is based in an ancient civilisation. There was so much nuance and intrigue to the creation of this world. And the genuineness of this historical aspect to the story made it more textured. I loved everything about this novel, and I’m so glad that I chose to dive back into this as an adult. Sometimes revisiting things we loved as children pays off.

<- More Michelle PaverSpirit Walker ->

Image source: Amazon

To Kill a Badger by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
To Kill a Badger by Shelly Laurenston

Title: To Kill a Badger
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Honey Badger Chronicles #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

I’ve been hanging for this story, and the wait was well worth it! Everything about this had me absolutely inhaling the damn thing. It was ridiculously amazing. I knew it would be, because Laurenston is a seriously wonderful author. But, still, I did not want to put this book down at any point.

Since the very first hint of Nelle and Keane, I’ve been waiting to see how they would end up together, and how their dynamic would work. And honestly, I wasn’t  disappointed. When they were first hinted at, they didn’t, quite seem to fit. But then, throughout To Kill a Badger, it really started to make sense. They were ridiculous, fun and really cute as a couple. I also loved how they just accepted each other as they are, without expecting change or compromise. 

I also really enjoyed getting to know Nelle more. She’s the fourth of the basketball team to fall in love, and although I doubt the fifth one will get her own story (as Streep is already coupled up), she rounded the team,s romances out nicely. I mean, I am absolutely here for it if Streep gets her own story. But still. Nelle’s was pretty great and it was great to know how all of the Malone brothers fit in with the Honey Badger insanity.

As much as I love the honey badgers who feature in this series, there was something great about getting to know the “old crones” who were introduced at the end of Breaking Badger. They are kind of what I imagine the MacKilligans and basketball team will turn into when they reach menopause and decide to not give a damn about the rest of the world. Not that they do much already. There were so many moments where I giggled out loud, and many of them featured this older generation.

<- Born to Be Badger ReReadMore Shelly Laurenston ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

The Undoing by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Shelly Laurenston | The Undoing

Title: The Undoing
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Call of Crows #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Norse mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

Jace and her background is kind of heart breaking, but, it just makes you want her to have a happily ever after all that much more. I also love how she just… overcomes and deals with her past. Then, she manages to have compassion and a great sense of self in amongst this. Yes, there is the Crow Rage, but that’s the whole reason I love these books – they’re women who are enraged. And honestly, who isn’t enraged in this day and age?

Jace has very quickly become one of my favoured characters in Laurenston’s work – mostly because she is an introvert. The desire to just be by yourself and exist in your own world is one that I understand intimately. Although, I love how she just refuses to engage in the things and conversations that she doesn’t enjoy. Alright, she’s a little more blunt and aggressive than I would ever be comfortable being. But, that’s the joy of fiction – you can live vicariously through the experiences of others.

Ski works beautifully with Jace (and gives me a lot of hope for us awkward weirdos). He takes the time to stop and figure out just what makes Jace tick. And then chooses to lean into it. He doesn’t judge, and doesn’t try to change her. Rather, he decides on her and chooses to meet her where she is. It was absolutely adorable how he slowly courts her, until she realises that she’s in a relationship and has been decided on. It’s wonderfully sweet and incredibly cute the way they find their way to one another, and figure their nonsense out together.

Although this is a great paranormal romance, I love how there is so much violence throughout this. Jace is great, intellectual and actually really sweet. But, I also love that she has berserker rage that turns her into a completely unhinged menace to everyone. Everything about her and her powers made me smile. The way that Jace’s special brand of violence fits in with the rest of the Crows… absolutely beautiful.

<- The UnleashingThe Unyielding ->

Image source: Shelly Laurenston

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The House in the Cerulean Sea: 1 : Klune, TJ: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: The House in the Cerulean Sea
Author: T.J. Klune
Series: Cerulean Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Cozy fantasy, LGBTQI, Magic
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I picked up The House in the Cerulean Sea for a reading challenge. And honestly, it just looked kind of cute. And that was it. I had absolutely no idea what to expect. I kind of like that I went into this with absolutely no expectations, because damn was it amazing! I loved every minute of it and most definitely did NOT want to put it down.

This might have a bit of a romance to the core of it, but for me, this was a story that was all about Found Family. Not just family, but also finding your place in the world. It kind of made the romance take a huge second stage to the idea of the whole crew falling for one another.

I found the very dry and plain way in which the author made everything in the world sound to be very humorous. I love that it starts off very drab, boring and grey (I never knew writing could actually be so GREY). And then, as Linus finds his place in the world and new family… the colours just begin to leap off of the pages. The contrast worked brilliantly and really drove home that feeling of belonging which is so easy to embrace.

There were so many secrets and plots throughout this story. Many, many moments occurred that I just didn’t expect. And yet, even though some of the more questionable aspects of humanity were highlighted, there was so much hope for the future. In every single moment and word. A truly optimistic and cute story. Now I can’t wait to dive into the next one.

<- More T.J. KluneSomewhere Beyond the Sea ->

Image source: Amazon

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton

Title: The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love
Author: India Holton
Series: Love’s Academic #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Magic, Romantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

Beth and Devon are just way too damn cute, I honestly couldn’t stop reading about them and the insanity that leads to their happily ever after. From the very first sentence, they are a somewhat unorthodox couple in a very unorthodox world. Something that I love about Holton’s writing. They are a cute and hilarious couple, one that obviously belongs together. But, the journey to getting there was so entertaining and fun filled, that I couldn’t put it down.

One of the things I love about this story is just how ruthless and utterly insane the Ornithologists are. I mean, kidnapping, guns, just mayhem and total insanity. All in a race for academic recognition (something that I absolutely can believe). I mean, their insanity had me laughing out loud at moments throughout this story. The fact that there is a façade of hilarious politeness to the ruthlessness was just so very British. I also loved how all of these very British moments and corrections were highlighted with a crossed out line through the more honest words. It just added to the humour and entertainment.

A story that starts out with two ornithologists competing against one another, and then unfolds into a huge conspiracy was vastly entertaining. I absolutely love that there is a huge conspiracy in this competition, and how this steadily unfolds. Plus, there is the structure of the magical world and all of the different types of incredibly dangerous birds messing up Beth and Devon’s plans. Then, there’s the involvement of the media in the conspiracy, constantly trigging and altering the direction of the story line. The power of the media was kind of brilliant, and seriously enjoyable.

I absolutely adored this novel. I couldn’t put it down, and I was laughing throughout the whole thing. Yet, Holton was also able to bring a lot of heart and emotion to the story. Amongst the entertainment and chaos, there is a lot of affection and the building of a great relationship. A relationship that I was completely invested in, something that doesn’t always happen.

<- More India HoltonThe Geographer’s Map to Romance ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Hounded ReRead by Kevin Hearne

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Hounded (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #1) by Kevin Hearne | Goodreads

Title: Hounded ReRead
Author: Kevin Hearne
Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Celtic, Magic, Mythology, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2011

Thoughts

It’s been a long while since I first read Hounded, and I remember thoroughly enjoying it at the time. But then I had to wait forever to get Hexed, and the series kind of fell into the rest of my TBR. Right now I’m kind of wondering why I did that – this is a great novel and one that I absolutely adored. I mean, I seriously want and need to dive right back into this insanity as soon as humanly possible. There is just something brilliant, fun and wonderfully enjoyable about it. Plus, I want to see where Hearne is going to take the series…

Something about the idea of a 2,000 year old Druid who has managed to somehow piss off a number of Celtic Gods really appealed to me. I also loved how the Celtic Gods seamlessly fit into the world as we know it. The combination was both hilarious and joyful. One that I couldn’t get enough of. Plus, Atticus and all of his experiences, his slight cynicism, but also encompassing joy of the world as we know it. Brilliantly created and had me smiling and laughing throughout.

Atticus and Oberson are most definitely hero and sidekick goals – I love that Atticus is finding himself in situation after situation through Hounded. But, through it all, he has his faithful dog sidekick. The way that Hearne is able to bring Oberon to life was brilliant (as was all of his characterisation throughout this story). I particularly enjoyed how much he emphasised the easily distracted nature of dogs and their unquestioning loyalty to their masters.

The layers of folklore and mythology work brilliantly well together throughout Hounded to create a complex and enjoyable world. I really loved this start to an urban fantasy series, and plan to actually dive into Hexed this time around. There is so much potential drama on the horizon, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!

<- The Grimoire of the LambHexed ->

Image source: Goodreads