I absolutely loved the world building in this novella – it was a fantastic reality of blood magic and chaos. There was a whole underbelly of magic and mayhem that I can’t wait to dive deeper into. And that’s not accounting for the great character building of Lem and Mags. Blood magic isn’t a new concept in the stories that I read, but the way that it is portrayed is entirely new. I love that it is all built on a seedy underbelly of blood and life. All of which is transactional.
Lem is a fascinating narrator, one that I want to get to know more of. I love that, when there are constant bad decisions to be made, he chooses to do the “right thing”. All driven, of course, by his love of Mags. Love that the simplicity of Mags and the way he sees the world is what makes a man who could potentially be evil be a good man. And one that I want to get to know more of.
This is a fantastic prequel to The Ustari Cycle, I can’t wait to see how the occurrences in this story lead to a world of hurt for Lem and Mags. Forced servitude, blood trading and all sorts of horrible nonsense are going to be incredibly fun and interesting to read about!
Not only was this a fantastically fun and cute contemporary romance, but I also loved the insight it gave into the immigrant experience of South East Asians in the Northern Hemisphere. Which meant that I got to enjoy not only a great romance full of humour and wit, but also, I got to learn a whole lot more about the ways in which other people live and experience the world – a win win in my books. Sharma not only constructed a wonderful romance, but she also highlighted some of the unique challenges experienced by those who have a different cultural background / come from an immigrant family within western worlds. And how these things can clash with the way that the world is perceived and people grow up. A topic that I, honestly, find endlessly fascinating.
I love that this story discussed love marriages as opposed to arranged marriages, why both points of view are such an integral part of different cultures. Plus, there’s the whole idea of how arranged marriages actually occur in our modern society – it’s not as forceful as I once may have believed. But, rather, a negotiation in which the couple is able to meet and get to know each other before taking that plunge. I mean, we all live longer today, so it’s nice to know that this is a relationship that is still built on two people getting to know one another, just with vastly different expectations than what I expect from a marriage. Which, again, I loved getting this point of view in my life. I couldn’t put it down and found it quite unforgettable.
Honestly, I was kind of expecting Dr. Dil to be more of a pain in the bum, and unlikeable male lead. Particularly after reading some of the reviews for Dating Dr. Dil. I mean, he’s kind of pushy and keeps on pursuing something that has the huge potential to hurt Kareena. Even when he acknowledges the potential for fall out, he continues to pursue the relationship because of his own benefits. This shouldn’t have made for a likeable character. And yet, somehow, he was incredibly wonderful. There was just something about him, that, even in spite of his nonsense, makes you like him. Not judge him quite so likely for his nonsense with Kareena and somewhat poor decision making. Plus, the problematic behaviour at the beginning leads to some great character development throughout the story.
Kareena is my absolute favourite. I mean, she’s loyal to her family and loves them, even when they are somewhat toxic. But, she’s also strong, independent and able to stand on her own two feet. I love that even though she is trying to conform to society’s and her family’s expectations, she’s also doing it in her own way, under her own steam. Plus, eventually, she manages to make a little bit more separation from the toxicity of her family, even if it isn’t a total separation (which I don’t ever believe is the answer either). I love that in the end, there are acknowledgements of the faults in the dynamic, and a way to start moving forward.
Curt was such a fun character in Once Hunted, Twice Shy, he was a great best friend to Hugh and a lovely side character. Plus, since I’ve read both of the Everlastingand Bewitchingly series out of order, I also wanted to know how Missi’s family were all cursed. Thus, Don’t Stop Bewitching was a fantastic adventure to go on that filled in some of the gaps. And then, you know, there’s the fact that we get to revisit Sig and get hints at his own happily ever after. All wonderful little adventures in this very cute cozy mystery story.
Missi is a fantastic counterpoint to Curt’s up-tight, buttoned ways. She’s gorgeous and I love that she’s quite happily her own soul. In a world where conformity is sometimes safer, she’s not succumbing to anyone’s expectations or rules. It’s always nice to read about female characters like this – those that march to the beat of their own drum. And, ultimately find their own happily ever after (in whatever form that may take) being just who they are and who they want to be.
The majority of this story isn’t actually based on the romance of the two lead characters. Rather, it follows the calamities that lead them to each other. These had me giggling out loud throughout. They are just misfortunate and filled with the trademark humour that I’m loving in these cozy mystery series. It also tells the story of just how the curse is formed, and leads into the next few books in this series. The perfect set up form multiple points of view.
This novel is filled with the typical joyful chaos that I love to read in Roth’s writing. I loved all of the characters and everything about this story. And I can’t wait to read the next one in my TBR!
False Start is the beginning to Lee and Shayna’s story and one that I think is going to give the first book in this series a whole heap of wonderful texture. After reading this, I just can’t wait to dive into You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows and see what happens when they reconnect years later. Particularly since all of the bumbles in this come from youth and misunderstandings. It creates a story that is so angsty and makes you want both Lee and Shayna to be happy and complete in their lives. I absolutely adored this and I’m hanging to get my teeth into yet another fun and awesome Piper Raynesports romance.
If I’m being totally honest, Lee is a total and utter fool. He just can’t seem to get his head around the fact that he comes from a place of privilege and that him and his friends might be able to hurt someone else’s feelings. Then, there’s the fact that if he was just honest, he would probably have been able to fix things with Shayna and not waster so much time. I’m also programmed to trust and like Shayna more anyway as the geeky girl who always felt a little overlooked. So I most definitely get that feeling of betrayal that she experiences at the end of this story.
I did love the organic nature of Shayna and Lee getting to know one another. They spend time together learning, and then get to know one another through this. it’s also nice that it’s away from all of the pomp and circumstance that Lee is used to. Thus, a much more genuine and sweet budding romance. And now on to see what happens after all of the drama of False Start.
As with On the Defense, I love how Countdown to a Kiss follows three couples in one night. And, in doing so, introduces a whole new series that I can’t wait to dive into! There is something about getting that teaser of each couples’ beginning dynamics that makes me want to dive into the series. The fact that this also establishes the connections between the six people just draws me in all that more wonderfully.
Not only does this beautifully set up the first three couples for the Hockey Hotties series, it is also a great little New Years Eve story. One that was all about the countdown and midnight kisses and ringing in the New Year. Plus, there’s just the usual sense of mayhem to the whole story line and tale. It gives a great part of beginnings and the beauty of potential.
This is almost a bit of a series of short snapshots in time for six different people. It’s all about the hockey world and being on the precipice of change. And I absolutely loved this!
This was a bit of an enemies to lovers trope of a romance, but with a whole lot less hate and vitriol than I would expect from such a story. It was a lot of fun and definitely a story that I absolutely adored, but I actually could have done with a little bit more angst, and less… childish aggravation towards each other. Plus, Eli and Violet never quite work on their past issues, they just… lust their way out of them. It was a great novel, and I can’t wait to read more. And I love that the background to Eli and Violet’s antagonism of each other is explored in their own motivations. I would just love to have read a little bit more about them talking through their differences.
Eli is a little bit cocky right off the bat, I don’t mind the cockiness to a degree, but I honestly wish that he figured out a way to communicate much better than he did. It just seems to be a bit of a universal issues with some of the men in reality and literature, they are not quite able or willing to communicate their thoughts and feelings. Half of the issues that Violet and Eli face in this story stem from the fact that he doesn’t actually tell her where he stands and just assumes that he can manage it on his own, or Violet will figure it out. A little painful to read about, but also thoroughly enjoyable. It means that the couple getting together is not quite so simple, and their challenges aren’t due to any wrongdoing on their behalf, but really just a lack of talking things through.
To compound Eli’s inability to communicate properly, Violet was just a little too trigger happy in believing the worst of Eli. Her assumptions about his motives and willingness to judge to a negative conclusion became a little frustrating throughout this. it might be understandable with her and Eli’s history, but it as frustrating at moments. Probably because it’s a flaw I share, so reading about someone who is just as likely to shoot herself in the foot with assumptions had me shaking my head in sympathy. It was also, again, a great point of conflict between the couple to exacerbate the other moments throughout which puts pressure onto their relationship.
Whilst I loved Eli and Violet and their journey to finding a happily ever after, I also loved to shake my head at their boss. He was honestly a total fool throughout the entire thing. And their coworker who was constantly sabotaging people? Frustrating and, truthfully, he made their boss look even more like an absolute fool. Then, there’s the cast of the rest of the Loveless Brothers. They are all a little quirky and fun in their own right, and I can’t wait to read more of their stories!
Marcy’s curse is honest to go the actual worse! I mean, she literally changes her entire person to suit the man who she feels a modicum of attraction for. In Curses and Cupcakes, Marcy may be doing this because of a curse, but it’s heartbreaking that there are so many women who frequently do this. I mean, can you imagine having to constantly change everything about yourself, against your will, to please the man you find yourself attracted to?
Nick is a really sweet partner for Marcy, and I like that he takes his time to actually make a proper move on Marcy, even if he is consistently showing his interest. It’s always nice to read about a romance and a relationship in which one part of the couple is able to take their time to pursue their interest, rather than drowning the other person in it.
Not only does this cozy mystery follow the mystery of just why and how Marcy was cursed, but it is also filled with arson. I knew that the reason behind this would be connected and unpleasant. But, damn, the creep factor of the curser was not fun at all. I mean, it was kind of predictable (which is always good in a cozy mystery). But, it was still so damn uncomfortable and icky.
I absolutely loved the ease of this story (curses and arson withstanding), and the sweetness of this romance. Plus, all of the yummy cupcakes always make me feel good. There is just something so pleasant about Everlasting and all of its wacky residents. I’m looking forward to reading more of the adventures that take place here!
Fooled Around and Spelled in Loveis Anna and Jackson’s story. I actually read these a little out of order, reading Cupcakes and Curses first. Which meant that it was nice to read about how Macy’s boss, Anna fell in love as well. It was a cute little romance. But also a great cozy mystery, one in which told of the mystery of George’s death and also divulged Anna’s past relationships. George’s past was riddled with indiscretions, and his mother seems a little off-kilter. But I love that you find out parts of it as Anna race to find who killed her fried. It’s a beautiful cozy mystery, and one that I seriously enjoyed.
I love that this is a story that mostly follows a murder mystery, but in the solving and understanding, Anna and Jackson are able to get to know one another. And although there is the instant attraction that they both feel, they are able to slowly get to know one another. And eventually fall in love. The fact that Anna is suspicious of Polly, her eccentric aunt, just heightens the mysteries found in this story. There is a comfort in their falling, one that I kind of prefer to the crazy, whirlwind romances that I also read.
The cursed camera in this was a great object. It was given by Wilbur (a character in another Happily Everlasting story), and tied in a number of mysteries throughout this series. It’s both helpful in highlighting that there was a crime. And not so helpful in that it liked to mislead Anna. I mean, it’s cursed, so it’s not going to be a great idea to trust. I love how Pillow was able to use this object to further the story and give a couple of Red Herrings to the readers.
Everlasting is such a quaint town and I love how there is a multitude of crossovers throughout the stories and authors in this series. It’s definitely a town which has a lot of magic and mayhem. But, somehow, it’s still the kind of town that I would love to live in. I mean, a town fille with cooky characters who just exist as they are? Of course I’m intrigued by that.
I spent the majority of this story not entirely sure if I actually like it. Yet, there was something about it that made me not want to put it down. I normally like my lead males to be a little bit more cinnamon role-like than arrogant. And I just found that Bash’s inability to move beyond his douche-level antics a bit difficult. I mean, he really didn’t change and was definitely one of my least favourite male leads in a long time. And yet, I did enjoy this for some unknown reason (can you tell I’m conflicted about my enjoyment) and I will most definitely be reading more of McNamee’s writing.
I think one of the things that I found hardest to read about in this was just how focused Bash was on himself. There was literally no give or ability to think of anyone but himself throughout the whole story. And, even when he does eventually apologise and give some of himself to Greer, it was still done on his terms. There was a little bit of growth. But for all of the nonsense that she put up with, I don’t think quite enough. Yet, obviously, it was enough that I’m kind of hanging to read more of McNamee’sbrand of romance. The heat in it was definitely a part of that enjoyment if I’m being honest.
On the one hand, I really enjoyed Greer’s strength and independence. But again, I felt like she should’ve given Bash just a little more pushback. I mean, strong and independent woman. Act like it. Give some back. And dear god, do not act like a sex starved fool throughout your entire relationship. It was nice that she constantly acknowledged the weakness within this, but seriously – strong woman, have a brain! It was just so incredibly frustrating to read this at times. And yet, other moments were so very, very rewarding.
Obviously, I had some pretty significant issues with this story. But, there was something about the writing and characters that made me want more. Somehow, even though knowing that I found the relationship dynamic problematic, I still loved this story. And now I can’t wait to read more set in this world!
I honestly did not know that I needed this in my life! I mean, Verity and Elena having a crossover? And hunting a poacher? Yeah, I was definitely programmed to love this! two of my favourite authors and series getting together and making this short story baby? I was so deliriously happy!
Verity is not only on the hunt for poachers, but I also love that she is investigating how their actions impact the entire ecosystem. It takes something I love about the InCryptid series – that the cryptids belong in the world like every other animal. And that they have an impact on the ecosystems and the functioning of our world.
Then there’s Elena, she’s just on a school trip with her children. Trying to integrate with society a little and teach her children to be a little less… Clay-like. I actually want more of her insane twins (which I think I have books on my TBR for this). But, I love that even though she crosses paths with Verity, she is still true to herself and somewhat removed. Kind of a hilarious way for the two women to cross paths if I’m being honest.
If I have one complaint about this short story, it’s that Verity and Elena spend next to no time together. They’re kind of just within the same vicinity, not actually making friends. I think if the two women got together, things could go even more entertainingly haywire!
Earth and Skye 