My Beautiful Neighbour by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
My Beautiful Neighbor (The Greene Family, #1) by Piper Rayne | Goodreads

Title: My Beautiful Neighbour
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Greene Family #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

It’s fun reading about Cade and Presley as they fall in love, they’re a little bit fun and cute. With enough drama and angst thrown in there to keep things entertaining. I mean, they are the quintessential Friends with Benefits who catch feelings couple, which is exactly why I don’t believe in being Friends with Benefits. I particularly love how quickly Presley is on the uptake of her feelings and change of opinion. But, Cade, being a typical bull-headed male, was so much slower in the uptake. Which made for some interesting conflict and a little bit of humorous family banter.

I dove into this because of The Issue with Second Chances and Rylan’s story. As with many books created by Piper Rayne, there is a layer of connection, and in this case, Rylan is the last of the Greene Family to fall in love. It was fun to go right back to the beginning and find out about the unique dynamics of this family. Cade worked really well as the introduction to the Greene Family. I mean, it doesn’t go into too much depth about the structure beyond the fact that they are a blended family, but some of Cade’s hangups reveal the challenges that some of his siblings are going to face in the future.

I really liked the way that Presley not only has to negotiate falling in love, but also discovering her sister and trying to figure out this relationship too. Honestly, I was expecting a little bit more resistance to Presley’s relationship with Clara (from Clara herself), and I absolutely adored the fact that there wasn’t. I was also completely expecting Jed to try and actively sabotage his brother and Presley. Again, I like that this didn’t quite work out the way that I expected. Both these startlingly new and challenging relationships for Presley offered challenges, but not to the point that there was too much emotion and angst.

Honestly, one of my favourite things that I love about Piper Rayne’s writing and stories is how it is all about love, family and acceptance. And My Beautiful Neighbor absolutely fits within that theme. I absolutely adored how accepting and open Clara and the rest of the Greenes are towards Presley. I love the support and encouragement that the family offers and just how generous they are in their love.

<- My Twist of FortuneMy Almost Ex ->

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Birth of a Baby Daddy by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Birth of a Baby Daddy : Rayne, Piper: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Birth of a Baby Daddy
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Baileys #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Although there was a bit of a teaser at the end of Advice from a Jilted Bride and you kind of had to guess which twin this was about… I already kind of knew. I mean, it could have gone both ways, but something about the reactions and the start of their story made me guess Rome. And, I absolutely loved that, not only was I correct, but also that his story started off with such a wonderful bang. Diving straight in from the scene at the end of Advice from a Jilted Bride, you are just swept up in the chaos of a Baby Daddy getting to know the mother of his child and his daughter.

I loved that this romance was one in which the couple get to know one another through co-parenting. In fact, there isn’t a huge romantic drive at the beginning of the story, it’s more about their daughter and trying to figure out how to co-parent. And, it isn’t until they start to really get to know one another that they start to fall. It’s a great way to go from one-night stand, to co-parents, to lovers, and in doing so, acknowledging and dealing with all of their nonsense and hangups. 

One of the facets of this story that I loved the most was how quickly Harley enjoys jumping on board with welcoming the Bailey family into her daughter’s life. Whilst she shows up with no expectations, and just wants information, she quickly welcomes her daughter’s family without actually putting up many barriers. I’m so used to romances and stories in which the mother is reluctant to open the door to the extended family, and I love that she’s not like this. Completely, totally and utterly putting her daughter’s needs and well-being above all else.

I love that Birth of a Baby Daddy introduces the very first of Grandma Dori’s first great-grandchildren. The whole Bailey clan might want to get to know Calista, but it is Grandma Dori’s intense (and somewhat manic) need to get to bond with Calista that really drives it. Plus, there is this sense of family and love that I can’t get past with this series. It might be about Rome and Harley, but, for me, it’s also about how the entire Bailey clan are able to pull together and support one another.

<- Advice from a Jilted BrideOperation Bailey Wedding ->

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Advice from a Jilted Bride by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Advice From A Jilted Bride : Rayne, Piper: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Advice from a Jilted Bride
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Baileys #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I had already guessed that Brooklyn was going to be the next sibling in the Baileys series, I mean, her story arc was already perfectly set up in Lessons from a One-Night Stand. What I wasn’t sure of was how this was all going to unfold. I mean, it was pretty obvious that Brooklyn was going to be left at the alter by a horrible man. Because leaving someone at the altar already puts you into this category, but I didn’t know how she was going to find her forever partner, or how the ex-groom would continue to be vilified. It happened, it happened brilliantly, and I seriously loved this whole story.

The Meet Cute for Brooklyn and Wyatt was brilliant – I mean, she’s in a wedding dress, throwing a book out the door, and then making Wyatt bleed in the very opening portions. Then, they start to get to know one another. I really loved how this wasn’t the most picturesque and romantic of meetings, and honestly, Brooklyn kind of acted like a psycho (understandably). But, it was certainly a memorable meeting. One that will have me giggling anytime I reflect on this story and good jilted bride tales.

Like Austin in Lessons from a One-Night Stand, Wyatt had to stop and seriously reconsider what his life goals were. I also love that he is the big city business man who, ultimately, decides to give it up to follow a happier ever after. I’ve read plenty of stories in which the woman has to give up her dreams and rejig her future to match her partner, but this is one of the few that I’ve read in which the man has to shift his priorities in a way that involves moving to a small town and following love. Which, I absolutely adored. After all, sometimes it should be the man who needs to compromise in a larger manner.

I read Advice from a Jilted Bride in one sitting due to insomnia. And it was honestly a great way to distract myself and keep myself calm. This was a beautiful, cute, and sweet story. It made me smile, laugh and believe in happily ever afters. Which, sometimes is all I really want from a good book. Plus, Jeff is an idiot. I just had to put that out there, because, seriously idiotic.

<- Lessons from a One-Night StandBirth of a Baby Daddy ->

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Lessons from a One-Night Stand by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Lessons from a One-Night Stand : Rayne, Piper: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Lessons from a One-Night Stand
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Baileys #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I really loved the story of Austin and Holly. Honestly, I picked this book up when I needed a little bit of a pick me up, and it hit absolutely perfectly. One of the reasons why I enjoy Piper Rayne so much – their writing is always somewhat cheerful and sweet. And it always works as a great pick me up in the darker moments. Don’t get me wrong, Austin and Holly have got their share of challenges and angst (it’d be boring otherwise), but it is that perfect balance of angst that makes you want to keep reading, without destroying your heart in the making. Which some books do, and they also have their time and place.

One of the things that seriously kept me diving into this series was the fact that Holly moved to Lake Starlight to find her father and get some answers about her past. But, there are a whole heap of hints that there is more to it than appears on the surface, and that this is going to be a major point of conflict. It made me continuously inhale Lessons from a One-Night Stand – I couldn’t wait to see what barriers Holly’s parenthood would throw up. And, because it was Piper Rayne, it really didn’t throw up the barriers / work out the way that I had anticipated.

Then, there’s the counterpoint to Holly. Where she eventually falls for the quaint town and has moved there for answers, all Austin wants out of his life is to leave the town that he grew up in. I love how both Austin and Holly have to readjust their expectations for their future. At a point of conflict and turning in my own life, it was a good reminder that the things we need and love aren’t necessarily what we expected. In particular, for Austin, he has to actually sit back and wonder if past dreams are worth chasing, or if it’s okay to create new ones to reach for.

Lessons from a One-Night Stand is a great introduction to the Baileys siblings and the different challenges that they will face. Both having lost his parents at a young age, and being the centre of a small town. It was fun to read how stifled, and yet supported Austin feels by the people around him. As someone who is part of a small community and town, I can completely attest to how this can feel. On the one hand, small communities can really come together to support one another. On the other, sometimes that nosy entitlement can get a bit overwhelming.

Austin might be the first of the siblings to fall into his happily ever after, but I also absolutely adored learning more about the siblings and their lives. It also helps that I read Lessons from a One-Night Stand after starting the Lake Starlight series – so I had a bit of insight into how the next generation was going to unfold anyway. It was fun to read about the generation before, and now I can’t wait to keep inhaling the rest of the Baileys siblings stories.

<- More Piper RayneAdvice from a Jilted Bride ->

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The Duke and I ReRead by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Duke And I: Number 1 in series

Title: The Duke and I ReRead
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2000

Thoughts

I read the entirety of the Bridgertons series a long while ago, before the TV show even came out. And, honestly, after I felt like the second season of the series was an absolute flop, I was intrigued to see how a reread of The Duke and I was going to sit. It’s always a risk to return to a loved show, but, luckily for me, I absolutely loved this! It made me feel grateful and kind of validated that I had had the pleasure of reading this the first time, but that I also got to enjoy this so much on a reread. There is just something about Daphne and the rest of the Bridgertons that Quinn does a brilliant job of creating. Something that still pulls me in and makes me just devour the pages of the book.

Daphne and her willingness to buck against tradition a little, but still trying to fit the mould was still something I really adored. I mean, not many people in reality (no matter what time period you’re focusing on) are going to completely go against the grain. That just paints a target on your back, but Daphne did a perfect job of still going with the expectations and flow of society, but also finding a way to stay true to herself. I particularly loved how willing she was to punch Bedgebrooke in the face when he overstepped his bounds. One of the things I really didn’t enjoy about the TV series was that Anthony is really pushy about placing her with such a fool. But, in the book, he is 100% on her side – knowing that Bedgebrooke is an absolute fool and not wanting to commit her to that for the rest of her life.

Quinn works really well at writing strong sibling relationships – I have read a few of her books, and this is always something that shines out to me. I love how loyal and steadfast the siblings are to one another. But, also the fact that they are total pains in the butt to each other on a daily, if not minutely basis. Again, I particularly loved Anthony throughout the book – he turned down multiple unwanted suitors for Daphne, he actually wanted to go along with their scheme when he realised how it would benefit his sister. And just in general, was a good guy. But, he is also the reason that his sister throws a mean right hook and drives her to no end of frustration with his pigheadedness. Because brothers.

Then there is Quinn’s ability to create Violet. She is a beautiful powerhouse of a woman and one that I absolutely adored. The first time I read The Duke and I, there were no children in sight within my life. Now, as a mother, man do I want to be a mum like Violet. She controls her household with love and affection. But, is also able to steer her children toward a better future with an iron will and a big heart. I particularly love the scenes in which she grabs her tall, strapping sons by the ears and maneuvers them how she sees fit. Or kicks them out of the house when they overstep – a mother that I really want to turn into. Especially when I have a son who is absolutely going to tower over me in the coming years.

<- More Julia QuinnThe Viscount Who Loved Me ReRead ->

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The Fire in the Forging ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Fire in the Forging: No. 3

Title: The Fire in the Forging ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Emelan #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1998

Thoughts

It really doesn’t matter how many times I read this book, this series – I still love it and just… inhale the whole damn thing. Often in one sitting. Because it is just that good! Plus, there is just something about Daja and her story that really hits home. Growing up I wanted to have the confidence of Sandry, but had the temper of Tris. But, as an adult, it’s Daja’s steadfast calmness that really gets to me. And, even though this is a young adult book, I really want to channel some of this calm intensity into my own life.

I love that the first two books in the Circle of Magic series are all about the four youngsters finding each other and combining their powers. But, in this third book, The Fire in the Forging, it’s the beginning of the quad straightening out their powers and really starting to figure out who they are. This is my read through for the I don’t know what time, but it never fails to amaze me how wonderful the construction of the character growth is. I particularly love that the four are starting to realise how powerful they are, but also the price of being so powerful.

One of the aspects of this story that always gets to me is the very real dangers of a bushfire. As someone who has grown up in country Australia, and used to do “bushfire drills”, the intensity of this threat is particularly potent in my eyes. It’s also fascinating and a whole lot of fun to read about. I love how well Pierce dealt with the realities of fighting a bushfire and the dangers of it. It was also brilliant how she incorporated fire storms into the storyline.

Daja and her friends strengthening their bonds and beginning to try and be truly comfortable in their own skins and powers is one of my favourite things about The Fire in the Forging. They might not be there yet, but they are growing into themselves. Which just makes me all that much more excited to read The Healing in the Vine… again.

<- The Power in the Storm ReReadThe Healing in the Vine ReRead ->

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The Power in the Storm ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Power in the Storm : Pierce, Tamora: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: The Power in the Storm ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Emelan #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1998

Thoughts

I loved The Power in the Storm, in every read through I’ve managed to completely inhale. Tris’ journey into starting to really understand her powers. Like her journey into becoming a young mage, it’s not exactly gentle or kind. But, in being such a brutal and steep learning curve, it is one of the more powerful of the coming of age stories I’ve read. Plus, the counterpoint to a lot of the horrors which are faced by Tris throughout the book are beautifully counterpointed by her friends and fellow mages. Absolutely adored and seriously enjoyed.

One of my favourite things in this book is that Tris is able to finally recognise the consequences of her temper, and realises that she needs to begin to control it. I remember reading this when I was younger – I had a huge temper, and struggled to control it. Reading about the destruction which Tris’ power wrought, reminded me of the destruction I can also wreak. And, as an adult rereading this, I found the exact same message. Tempered by even more understanding, but a reminder that being powerful and having a strong voice can have intense consequences.

The four mages of the circle are a wondrously intriguing powerhouse. It’s both intense (and kind of terrifying) that the four preteens are able to totally destroy people where others couldn’t, but, again, as an adult, a great reminder that power can come from everywhere. As can anger. And that maybe, just maybe, it’s the innocence of youth that can destroy the world. But, more importantly, they can help to save and rebuild it. At least, that’s what I took away from the four having such a phenomenal amount of talent and power.

Honestly, it doesn’t matter how many times I read and reread this – I absolutely love it. The coming of age theme, somehow, hasn’t gotten dated. This is still a powerful story that I couldn’t put down. One with many layers, layers which I discover each and every time I dive into these pages. Brilliant, wonderful and a serious joy to read again.

<- The Magic in the Weaving ReReadThe Fire in the Forging ReRead ->

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A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Deadly Education: A Novel: 1

Title: A Deadly Education
Author: Naomi Novik
Series: The Scholomance #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark academia, Dark fantasy, Magic
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

A Deadly Education is an absolutely fantastic book, one that was completely impossible to put down. The story building and ideas hooked me from the start, and the further you get into the story, the darker it gets. Which I expected a little bit, but the depth of darkness in this was astounding. I couldn’t wait to see what horrors the school conjured next, and how Galadriel was going to deal with it. Plus, there’s so many lovely little nerdy points in this that made me smile, whilst everyone was running for their lives.

Whilst I’ve seen A Deadly Education multiple times over the past few years, and heard good things about it, I’ve been somewhat reluctant to read it. I was kind of expecting it to not live up to the hype and be another take on Hogwarts if I’m being honest. But, it is nothing like that. This definitely lives up to the hype. And I loved the uniqueness of the school and how it (and the lessons) are structured. I loved how intricately and well thought out not only the school, but the world and laws of magic were built. The entire structure gives a great basis for all of the character growth that El goes through, and the potential for what’s going to happen next.

One of my favourite things about El’s character was that she is so damn prickly and resistant to friendship. Which, the more you find out about her history, the more you can understand the why’s and the how’s of this. But, as the story unfolds, she finally starts to find others to let in. She is able to find her people, even though she’s not exactly the gentlest and kindest of the students. I love reading about strong women who don’t fit the mould, and who aren’t afraid to tell others to get lost when it’s needed. I particularly love her strength of character and morals that she displays throughout – turning down opportunities because she hates the hypocrisy and double handedness.

Whilst I really liked the Orion and El relationship, I did find Orion kind of foolish in moments. He just… didn’t think through the consequences of his actions throughout and was then really shocked when they were pointed out to him. And then, he was incredibly ignorant of his privilege. Which, I know is 100% what a privileged person is generally like, but damn was it frustrating at times. I really enjoyed how Novik consistently called out privilege and how blinding it is for some people throughout this story. A great commentary on something that is a silent battle every day.

<- More Naomi NovikThe Last Graduate ->

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Cream and Punishment by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Cream and Punishment: A Small Town Second Chance Romance (King Family Book 2)

Title: Cream and Punishment
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: King Family #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I loved the teasers of Tanner and Lucy towards the end of My Cone and Only, so I’m not really sure why it took me so long to dive into their story. But, I’m glad that I eventually did, I really enjoyed reading about their romance and all of the different challenges that they have to overcome. I also enjoyed their little cameo in Kilt to Order, so it was fun to go back to the beginning when they first get together. But, as with everything that I have high hopes for, I was a little reluctant to truly get into this. It turns out that I really didn’t need to be. This was fun and brilliant and I couldn’t put it down.

Something I really enjoyed about reading Cream and Punishment was reading about two different people who have incredibly toxic families. I love how quickly Tanner is able to recognise and acknowledge the toxicity of his work / family life, and chooses to strike out on his own. His strength of self and ability to actually stand on his own two feet is adorable, and kind of enviable. I also love how it gives a bit of insight into the complexities of toxic family relationships, and the King family in particular – although, when I looked at it and realised that only three books have been published… I was kind of gutted. I mean, there is so much potential for chaos and complex familial relationships in the future!

Unlike Tanner, Lucy takes a little bit longer to realise just how toxic her familial bonds are. But, I also found them to be far more passive and insidious. Particularly her mother, that level of coercive control felt icky from the beginning, and it was really hard to read about Lucy just… dealing with it. Yet, this very level of discomfort was what made it all that much more powerful when Lucy finally starts to recognise the unhealthy patterns she is a part of. Plus, for me, it made her a stronger and more loveable character – one who is able to overcome some seriously challenging odds to embrace her happily ever after.

Cream and Punishment is a great second chance romance which really felt like it was focusing on attachment styles and the internal struggles we all face when trying to commit to one another. Nix doesn’t make it easy for Tanner and Lucy to find their way to one another, but the battle and growth that they both have to go through to get there make it all that much more beautiful and enjoyable. Now I can’t wait to read Pint of Contention and find out about the next King sibling to fall in love.

<- My Cone and OnlyPint of Contention ->

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Silver Spells by Kate Moseman

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Silver Dreams: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Midlife Elementals Book 3) eBook : Moseman, Kate: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

Title: Silver Spells
Author: Kate Moseman
Series: Midlife Elementals #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Midlife romance, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I absolutely adored Luella and her Ride or Die friends. I mean, I have some great friends, but I can’t imagine having this level of Ride or Die insanity in my life… forever. I also love that they just… band together in the insanity as they realise that their lives are about to change forever. I mean, it is just moment after moment of intensity and a whole lot of heck no, but these three women choose to ride it out together and not let it destroy their friendship. There is something about these midlife paranormal romances that just hit the spot and make me incredibly happy. There may be a love interest in there, but it is the true friendships that Luella has that really made this story so enjoyable for me.

One of my favourite parts of Luella’s friendship with Pepper and Rose is how onboard they are with all of the mystical changes that are going on in her life. That is, until it starts to happen to them. They are 100% behind the Mayhem, until they realise that the mayhem is beginning to touch on their lives, and then they are a little less enthusiastic about it all. Which I can completely understand, I mean, I love to support my friends through their own chaos and mayhem, but I am so much less okay with it happening to me. I also love how their different personalities and talents round out throughout the story and begin to lead into the rest of the series.

Silver Spells is a simple, fun and easy read. But, unlike some of the other joyous reads on my shelves, there is a fair amount of drama going on throughout. It made this story impossible to put down and a whole lot of fun. I can’t wait to dive into Silver Charms – to find out not only how the battles between generations of witches go, but also to find out about the next love match. I mean, the love match in this was cute and sweet, so I can’t wait to see how Rose fairs. Plus, there is the whole idea of elemental powers that I just can’t move past – something that is a recurrent theme in many books, but a well utilised one.

There is something about midlife paranormal romances that I really love. I’m not quite at the “midlife” point in my life, but I’m definitely closer to that then a young adult / my college days. I love that this story, like many of its genre, is a reminder that life goes on for women after their children are grown (or growing). That a failed marriage (for whatever reason) doesn’t make them unloveable, and that life doesn’t stop just because we’re not young and perky anymore. It’s a great reminder, and a wonderfully growing area of literature that emphasises that women have power, and we should stand on the rooftops, yelling it. Loud and proud.

<- More Kate MosemanSilver Charms ->

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