The Sphinx Pride by Arizona Tape

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Overview
The Sphinx Pride (The Griffin Sanctuary Series Book 5) eBook : Jade, Ariana, Tape, Arizona: Amazon.in: Books

Title: The Sphinx Pride
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

As with the rest of the Griffin Sanctuary books, I really enjoyed how The Sphinx Pride provided some great insight into animal sanctuaries and some of the challenges of conservation. Yes, these are mythical creatures, and there’s generally some form of silver lining within the story line – something that doesn’t always happen in reality. But I really love the insights into just how challenging the choices in conservation can be.

As with everything in Tape’s world of the Griffin Sanctuary, I’m always intrigued as to how she is going to create and describe the mythological animals. And I kind of loved how the sphinxes in this story were a combination of mandrills and lions. I absolutely adore Mandrills, and have a fascination with all big cats. The combination was great, and I really enjoyed how Tape used aspects of both animals’ behaviours to create the creatures in this story.

Alongside the passion of animal conservation, I really enjoy how Charlotte and Felicity continue to grow in this story. I mean, they’re just a cute couple anyway. The way that their relationship continues to build and both women are able to support each other is just gorgeous. It’s nice to read about a supportive relationship that continues to unfurl with minimal drama and angst.

The Sphinx Pride is a quick and easy read that reminds me of how much I love animals and conservation. I’m not sure if I love the Griffin Sanctuary because of the storyline, the characters, or the reminder of how much I adore animals. I can’t wait to read the next story in the series!

<- The Dragon LanternThe Griffin Flock ->

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The Fairy Festival by Arizona Tape

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Overview

Title: The Fairy Festival
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #0.75
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

The Fairy Festival is a quick, easy and light read. One that I dived into when I needed it the most. It was fun, brilliant and a great little departure from reality. It also acted as a really nice introduction to Charlotte and why fitting in at Griffin Sanctuary was such a rare and special moment for her. I loved this little insight into Charlotte’s history, and really enjoyed the joyful simplicity of this story.

I kind of wish that I had read this tale earlier in my read through to the Griffin Sanctuary series. It was a nice and fun story, but it also gave a bit more context to Charlotte’s character that I could’ve done with. I also really loved the peace and imagery that the Fairy Festival invokes in the mind’s eye.

The Fairy Festival reminded me why I really enjoy this series. It’s brilliant, cute, and, ultimately all about conservation. I was absolutely the passionate young person who wanted to sit and stare at the skies for hours, just to catch a glance of something rare and beautiful. Plus, the love for the environment that Tape shows through her words is gorgeous. It’s also just such a simple and unforgettable read.

Lastly, I really enjoy how Charlotte doesn’t want to break the rules (that actually exist for a reason). And, ultimately, how right she is about not breaking the rules. Rule breaking is great, but if you’re doing it for selfishness, and at the detriment of the environment, yeah, I’m on Charlotte’s side with this one.

<- The Griffin MissionThe Unicorn Herd ->

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Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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Overview
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers (A Vera Wong Novel Book 1)

Title: Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
Series: Vera Wong #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Cozy mystery
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I didn’t quite love the beginning of the Vera Wong series as I did the Aunties series. There was just something about it that didn’t quite hit as strongly and joyfully. But, that may be due to the age of the protagonist. I love a good novel, but I found it that little bit more difficult to connect with an elderly lady. Whereas, the Aunties series features a woman closer in life stages and age to myself, so she was much easier to connect to.

There was also the fact that I found Vera a little bit difficult to actually like. Although a lot of her thoughts and feelings come from a good place, I honestly found her kind of irritating. She was meddling, stubborn and a little bit challenging for many to deal with. This made it even more difficult to relate to her, and, again, challenging to truly get into the book when I really just didn’t care what was going to happen to the protagonist.

Although I enjoyed this novel to a degree and ended up reading the whole thing, I ended up skimming through big portions of it. I so badly wanted to like it and was intrigued by the premise, so I kept on returning to it. Plus, I wanted to find out who the murderer was. But, I also found it a little bit tedious and frustrating to actually read (mostly for the above readings). I did love the different points of view and the different suspects, it was difficult to figure out who might be the actual culprit.

All in all, I wanted to enjoy this more than I did. However, I really enjoyed that this was all about found family and embracing the people who life throws at you. I also found this to be a ridiculously cheerful murder mystery, which I found hilarious and enjoyable. Plus, ultimately, the villain wasn’t who I expected, and I do love when a murder mystery is able to surprise me. Not a bad book, but not one I’m desperate to dive into again either.

<- More Jesse Q. SutantoVera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) ->

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Wild Embrace ReRead by Nalini Singh

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Overview

Title: Wild Embrace ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Companion
In: Wild Embrace (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Collection, eBook
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I love the two collections of Psy Changeling novellas. They are all fun and kind of light compared to the rest of the series. They also add so much more texture and feeling to the world that I already adore. A great way to pass a little time away from reality.

Wild Embrace is kind of impossible to put down. Although there are four completely separate stories, you just want to keep feeling so happy and joyed by the stories. However, I do also recommend reading each of these novellas in the order with the rest of the series. It involves patience, but it definitely pays off.

Wild Embrace is full of sweet romances, and just all round a really enjoyable read. There is just enough angst in each of the stories to leave you coming back for more. But not quite as much as in the main series. Interesting, intriguing and inviting stories which will leave you coming back for more.

Wild Embrace is a great collection of stories and one that tends to get picked up a lot in my rereads. A lot like the rest of the Psy Changeling series, it has become a comfort read that I just don’t want to step away from.

<- Wild Invitation ReReadMore Nalini Singh ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Wild Invitation ReRead by Nalini Singh

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Overview

Title: Wild Invitation ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Companion
In: Wild Invitation (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Collection, eBook
Year: 2013

Thoughts

I absolutely love this collection of novellas, they build upon the Psy-Changeling world beautifully, although aren’t necessary to understanding the overall story line. Plus, sometimes it’s really nice to just read a collection of novellas to revisit a world that I love. A way to revisit a world without committing to a whole novel.

I really love how the Wild Invitation collection builds upon the Psy-Changeling world. I personally prefer to read the novellas within the order of the series, because I’m somewhat obsessed. But, I could absolutely read this after the fact too. Honestly, it’s just a great collection of four romances that anyone can and should read.

Honestly, I love everything about this collection and, even as I write this, kind of want to read it again. Just because it was so damn enjoyable. It’s a great way to depart reality for a while, without getting too insanely invested into a single novel (so really good when I have to do the responsible adult things).

<- Primal MirrorWild Embrace ReRead ->

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Flirtation of Fate ReRead by Nalini Singh

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Overview

Title: Flirtation of Fate ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #12.1
In: Wild Embrace (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I seriously enjoyed reading about Kenji and Garnet as they find their way back to one another. I enjoyed it the first time, but with each and every reread, I enjoy it that little bit more. There is something great about how they are able to grow into themselves and find their way back to one another, and it definitely melts my heart each and every time.

This is another novella in the Psy Changeling series where the couple and their past has been hinted at. There have been many teasers, but even though there are many hints and moments, their actual story is even better. Whenever I get up to Kenji and Garnet’s story in the reread, I get a little bit excited and rush to dive in.

As much as I enjoy this story, I still think that Kenji is kind of an idiot. You just don’t make decisions for others, particularly those you love. You give them all the information and let them make a decision for themselves. But, I do enjoy how his foolish choices actually lead to a lot of growth for both characters.

In amongst all of the shenanigans, Garnet’s growth is great. But, what I love the most is that in her growth, she finally takes a step back from her hurt feelings. Garnet’s willingness to see the truth and forgive the last is just beautiful and I love the maturity that it shows.

<- Heart of Obsidian ReReadSecrets at Midnight ReRead ->

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Heart of Obsidian ReRead by Nalini Singh

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Overview
Heart of Obsidian: Book 12 : Singh, Nalini: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Heart of Obsidian ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #12
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: 2013

Thoughts

I always look forward to getting up to Heart of Obsidian when I’m doing a Psy Changeling reread. There is something about Kaleb’s story that I just really enjoy. It probably has something to do with the fact that he’s the big Boogey Man of the series to begin with. But, as the stories unfold, you realise that he is much more multifaceted. And by the time you get to Heart of Obsidian, your view has majorly shifted.

Although Kaleb may not quite be the villain he is originally portrayed to be, he’s not exactly a good guy either. Which makes Sahara a really great counterpoint to Kaleb. Where he is hard and dark, she is soft and bright. With the ability to find joy and happiness in spite of a very difficult life. The fact that they are total opposites works brilliantly and I really enjoyed how Sahara ends up being Kaleb’s redemption for some less than moral choices.

Although Heart of Obsidian is all about Kaleb finding his heart, I love that it is also about the fall of Silence. It’s something that has been worked towards in all of the preceding books, but finally getting to that point feels momentous. It also makes total sense that this is a big part of Kaleb’s journey to redemption. He has so many choices, and ultimately (thanks to Sahara) chooses the “right” / moral thing.

There are so many hints and little Easter eggs about Kaleb in the lead up to Heart of Obsidian. Which makes it all that much more exciting to finally get to his book. I also love that his story starts the final story arc for the first season of the Psy Changeling series. Knowing what is to come just made the moments in this all that much more powerful and exciting.

<- Partners in Persuasion ReReadFlirtation of Fate ReRead ->

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Partners in Persuasion ReRead by Nalini Singh

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Overview

Title: Partners in Persuasion ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #11.5
In: Wild Embrace (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I love that this is one of the few Psy Changeling stories which features a very dominant female and a very submissive male. I mean, most of the stories don’t really feature submissive as the love interest, because that’s not the vibe of this series. But still, I really enjoyed this departure from the dominance of the other couples and characters.

I also seriously enjoyable the fact that Partners in Persuasion features a leopard and wolf. Again, there’s another story with this, but not as many as if probably like. Particularly as Desi is such a beautiful confident feline, and I love how she absolutely sweeps Felix off his feet.

Although Desi is wonderfully confident, its her fumbling attempts to connect with Felix that I particularly loved. I was constantly laughing and smiling at her not always successful attempts. And then there’s Felix, who is just confused by the attention. It just lends more credence to the fumbling beginning of their relationship. And creates a really cute and sweet novella. One which always leaves a great, big smile on my face.

Finally, as joyous as this whole story is, I absolutely adore the fight scene in thw bar. There is something glorious about a man who is proud of his woman’s strength that leaves me smiling and happy. Felix is so willing to have Desi’s back (figuratively and literally) that a girl can’t help but smile at his awesomeness.

<- Tangle of Need ReReadHeart of Obsidian ReRead ->

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Tangle of Need ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Tangle of Need: Book 11 : Singh, Nalini: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Tangle of Need ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #11
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: 2012

Thoughts

This is the second or third time I’ve read through the Psy Changeling series. And I still find that Riaz and Aria’s story is one of my favourites. It’s all about choice and choosing the one you want to spend the rest of your life with. Rather than just being about succumbing to fate and the person you end up mating with.

Another aspect of Tangle of Need that I love is the fact that both characters are finding a way to get over their heartbreak. They manage to find a way to heal together, sometimes in being with one another. At others, giving each other time and space. Ultimately resulting in their own happily ever after. One that is built in the comfort of a good friend and great sex.

I always enjoy stories that feature a secondary character you’ve already started to fall for. In the case of Tangle of Need, its Riaz’s story arc started earlier in the series. I enjoyed how it built up before this story even started. Meaning that there was no hesitation to connect and hope for his happily ever after. Aria, whilst newer to the series, is also impossible to not love.

Where I just wanted Riaz to find his forever love and happily ever after, Aria’s story was one about being a strong-willed independent woman. I love how Singh highlights the challenges of being a strong-willed woman in a man’s world. And how this can be really challenging to dins someone who will stand by you when you’re strong. Not tear you down and push you behind them. I seriously enjoyed how Riaz was able to do this for her.

<- Texture of Intimacy ReReadPartners in Persuasion ReRead ->

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Texture of Intimacy ReRead by Nalini Singh

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Overview

Title: Texture of Intimacy ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #10.5
In: Wild Invitation (Nalini Singh)
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, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

No matter how many times I reread the Psy-Changeling series, there is something about Lara and Walker’s story that I absolutely adore. The fact that it isn’t a standalone actually kind of works. They have a less angsty relationship than some of the other couples in this series. But, I think the joy and simplicity of their tale is a good way to break up some of the heavier aspects of the Psy-Changeling storyline.

Although Walker and Lara’s relationship starts in Play of Passion, it is in Texture of Intimacy that all of the little pieces come together. Not just their slow falling in love, but also the way that they are able to make their lives fit together. Plus, this story incorporates Walker’s children, Marlee and Toby, in the beginnings of the relationship. Showing how both children choose to accept Lara into their family with excitement and love. 

I think one of the things that I really enjoy about Lara and Walker’s story is Lara’s giving nature and ability to love. As someone who works in the “caring fields”, I kind of understand this drive to do anything and everything for the people under my care. I also know what it’s like to have that capacity to care, until you end up burning yourself out. The fact that Walker manages to balance this out, by placing Lara above everyone else and caring for her, it just worked perfectly. And makes me hope that one day I’ll find someone who is able to pull me back from giving too much too.

This novella took place over a decent period of time, but was also kind of sweet and light. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and look forward to diving into more of the Psy-Changeling world. Even if it is just to get a glimpse of Walker and Lara again as they support and love one another, and the children they both love.

<- Kiss of Snow ReReadTangle of Need ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh