All posts by skyebjenner

Dyeing Wishes by Molly MacRae

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Dyeing Wishes
Author: Molly MacRae
Series: Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Cozy mystery, Craft, Crime, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

Dyeing Wishes is another wonderful cozy mystery featuring yarn. And ghosts. And all sorts of nonsense. But mostly, I just love that it’s a fun and gorgeous murder mystery which has a wool and yarn shop at its centre. And Kath trying to figure out her way in her new life. With the people she’s come to love, if not quite understand just yet. As with all of this calibre of mystery, I did kind of end up guessing just who the culprit was, but not quite all the way. There were still plenty of surprises and twists and turns to make me smile. And not want to put this down. Definitely not an easy read at the end of the day… I wanted to solve the mystery far too much!

Ultimately, I actually want Kath to end up with Deputy Clod (Cole) further along in the series. But, I’m enjoying them finding out more about one another as adversaries. And that Kath is spending a lot of time with his brother. And also just the fact that they’re constantly butting heads. I love adversarial couples finding their way to one another. It’s that whole opposites attract thing. I might be completely wrong, but I do love the dynamic that is being set up between Kath and Cole from the very beginning. It’s also kind of fun how they’re constantly trying to one up each other.

Kath’s TGIF posse is absolutely precious. I honestly want a group of women like this in my life – one’s from all age groups and walks of life. That are willing to support one another, but not blindly. Plus, they are able to be around one another in a realistic way. It’s not all sunshine and roses, there are plenty of niggles. But, they still present a united front against outsiders (often Deputy Cole, because hilarious). Plus, they are great at supporting Kath through the death of her grandmother and finding her feet in their little town. It all combines to create a great cast of somewhat zany sidekicks. Ones that had me laughing and smiling throughout this entire story.

From the beginning of Last Wool and Testament, Kath spends a bit of her brain power trying to find and decipher the clues left in Ivy’s note. Particularly the whereabouts of Ivy’s journals and just how her powers work. I love that the powers talked about within this are more subtle and work alongside our own world and experiences. And I love that, at the conclusion of this novel, Kath is more open to experiencing all of the wonders that her grandmother’s legacy has given her. Now, it’s time to go to the next journey with Kath and Geneva and the rest of the TGIF posse.

<- Last Wool and TestamentSpinning in Her Grave ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Field Rules by Carla Luna

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Field Rules
Author: Carla Luna
Series: Romancing the Ruins #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that this is a contemporary romance which takes place on an archaeology dig. And that it has a lot of the politics of academia and the nuances of working within the system as its backbone. The setting alone would make me want to dive into this story more. Plus, it was a completely unique setting that I wanted to keep knowing more about. I loved finding out more about what it is like to live and work on an archaeology dig. That, and what actually goes into being a budding archaeologist.

This second chance romance is built on a relationship that was destroyed by misunderstandings and immaturity. It’s a fairly common set of mistakes, and I really enjoyed how the couple were able to figure out how to work their way back to one another. Plus, I just enjoy how the two leads were able to talk through their past and difficulties. It’s also interesting how one mistake as a barely adult so drastically shapes both of their lives. And all of the decisions that they make in the interim. One choice and one moment in the past can be enough to shape an entire future, and that was certainly true beyond the relationship foibles within this story.

I love that, second chances aside, it is a shared passion and drive to find out the mysteries of the past that bring them back together. Both Olivia and Rick are passionate archaeologists, yet, they show two different sides of a fascinating field. Olivia’s drive to pursue academia in her research and understandings is phenomenal. Rick on the other hand is more practical in his archaeological pursuits, and I love that both are completely valid in their pursuits. I honestly don’t know if I enjoyed the archaeology deep dive or the romance more throughout Field Rules.

This is a wonderfully feel good and adorable story. It had little conflict, and a lot of the pressure comes from external forces. There is even some poetic justice for the villains throughout this story that just want to stop Rick and Olivia from acting like consenting adults. I honestly loved everything about this story. It was a feel good and light story that I didn’t want to stop reading, even after I turned that final page.

<- More Carla LunaLost and Found in Mexico ->

Image source: Goodreads

Game Changer by Piper Lawson

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Game Changer
Author: Piper Lawson
Series: King of the Court #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I didn’t know that Game Changer was going to be a cliffhanger, I thought it was going to be yet another HEA sports romance. So I did, originally find this a little bit irritating. And yet, as time went on, it’s just made me more and more keen to read Shot Taker. I want to know how Nova and Clay’s relationship is going to progress. Plus, there’s Nova’s new Brother-in-Law and the way that he has been involved in the breakdown of their relationship. The ending of Game Changer left me with a whole lot of questions, ones that make me keen to read the next story in the series!

Nova is so much fun and I love that throughout this whole story, she’s trying to get on her own feet. I mean, she’s obviously had troubles in the past, but it’s annoying the way that her sister treats her. And the dismissive nature of their relationship is particularly hard. I mean, Nova literally spends the whole time bending over backwards to try and help her sister. And she just… dismisses her. And cracks it at her every time something goes a little wrong. I may have a sister who lives elsewhere, but damn, I wouldn’t blame her for things the way Nova’s does.

Clay building the relationship with Nova was actually really cute. The care which he takes of her and the way he connects with her is kind of beautiful. Even if he then throws up walls and barriers almost immediately. He is the typical man with too many barriers and an inability to trust. But, I do love how his time with Nova helps to soften some of those edges. And that, although he isn’t completely intelligent at the end, he is beginning to understand that those barriers, walls and priorities might be just a little bit skewed.

There are so many loose ends at the end of this story that I want to get to the bottom of. I loved all of the character growth throughout and the way that the ending of Game Changer perfectly leads into Shot Taker. For all that I was irritated that this was a cliffhanger, I also really and seriously enjoyed this. I can’t wait to read more stories by Piper Lawson and find out what happens next!!!

<- More Piper LawsonShot Taker ->

Image source: Kobo

Black Dog by Caitlin Kittredge

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Black Dog
Author: Caitlin Kittredge
Series: Hellhound Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

This was a fantastic and unforgettable dark urban fantasy with a strong and kick ass female lead. I’ve read two short stories attached to Black Dog and the Hellhound Chronicles, but this is the first time I’ve read the actual novel that tells the start of Ava’s story. In fact, it’s the first full-length novel that I’ve read by Caitlin Kittredge, even though I’ve had a number on my shelves for a while and always love her short stories. Honestly, I couldn’t put this novel down and I am so glad that I finally got to reading it!

I love that although Ava is obviously a major instrument of change, she spends this whole story just trying to survive and get out of the mayhem she has found herself in. I mean, honestly, that’s what most people are trying to do – just survive the mayhem and nonsense they find themselves in. the fact that Ava also starts to find herself and discover just who she is makes it all that much better. I loved all of the chaotic moments throughout this story and her own internal struggles as well. Probably why I connected so completely so quickly to her character.

Although Leo is obviously going to be Ava’s big love interest, and the two have an instant connection, I love that she doesn’t go gaga over him immediately. They are weirdly drawn to one another and definitely succumb to that attraction. But, it isn’t that whole love at first sight, meant to be together vibe. Rather, they are attached a little, and thrown together by circumstance again and again. Sometimes it’s those that we are just thrown with repeatedly that can end up giving us our happily ever after vibes. Plus, even if their fates are intertwined, they still end up finishing out this series of battles with a tentative truce, rather than an unforgettable love story (and I read romances for that, not urban fantasies).

Honestly, this whole novel is just one chaotic moment after the other. Every time I though I’d be able to pause in reading it to you know… join the real world, some other piece of intense chaos occurred. I mean, it was annoying because I just didn’t want to put Black Dog down, and wanted to dive straight into Grim Tidings (I didn’t, but still). Yet, that’s exactly what I want in a good fantasy novel – a story that is just one chaotic moment after another, barrelling towards a great finish and battle at the end. There are hints of what is going to happen next in their lives in Ladies’ Fight, but now I need to know more!

<- More Caitlin KittredgeLadies’ Fight ->

Image source: Barnes and Noble

Hell’s Fury by Jackie Kessler

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of hot romance book cover

Title: Hell’s Fury
Author: Jackie Kessler
Series: Hell on Earth #4.6
In: The Mammoth Book of Hot Romance (Sonia Florens)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011

Thoughts

Lucifer and Megara as a couple is such a brilliant idea. And I love that they are both based in different religious beliefs. But, take that position quite readily as someone who is “bad”. Yet, throughout this whole story, they are actually the better behaved of everyone. Plus, I just really love any story which features Lucifer lately. The idea of Megara and her two harpy sisters – brilliant.

As a short story, I absolutely adored this and was kind of content to let it lie as was. However, since it’s a short story that is part of a greater series, I really want to read more about Megara and Lucifer, even if it is as secondary characters. They just seem to be on the precipice of a fantastic relationship, one that will take a whole lot of work to make it work. And I want to know how / if that ends up happening!

There was so much lust and sensuality throughout this story, but not an intense storyline. I kind of loved it – it was just all heat and intensity. But, I also want more of the story behind the story. It was fun and seriously enjoyable. And more emotion and intensity is definitely on my bucket list for the next Kessler story I want to read.

<- Blind DateShelter from the Storm ->

Image source: London Borough of Bexley

Fluffy by Julia Kent

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Fluffy
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Do-Over #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I love that this story starts with a total misunderstanding. About what a fluffer is. Honestly, I probably would’ve made a similar mistake and misunderstanding to Mallory. And I actually know what a fluffer in porn is. And from there, honestly, it just got funnier and funnier. I mean, the misunderstanding leads to Mallory’s re-Meet Cute with Will. And it involves lots of yelling, insanity and the filming of a porn-o. Kent is incredibly gifted at creating humorous meetings with unforgettable beginnings. And this one is no different.

This isn’t quite a second chance romance, but one that does have that kind of flavour. Mallory and Will went to school together, and have a bit of a history. I love that they both had a thing for each other, but a total lacking of maturity to act upon it. Plus, they’re from vastly different social circles, and that is still a point of contention, even as they find their way to one another. I love that they do find a way to get over the social expectations and find a way to move forwards.

The school reunion scene in this was great. I actually missed my ten year reunion due to COVID, but I can imagine that it would be all too easy to fall back into those patterns. Regardless of how much time passes. But, I love that, although both Will and Mallory fall into those patterns at moments, they do find a way to move beyond that. Primarily Will, who apologises for his place of privilege in the social hierarchy and owns his mistakes (yay for a man who is capable of apologising).

Not only was this a wonderfully fun contemporary romance, one that I couldn’t put down. I just wanted to see what was going to happen next for Mallory and Will. Plus, then there’s Mallory’s two friends, Perky and Feisty. The epilogue for Fluffy leads perfectly into the next in this series, Perky. And now I can’t wait to dive right in!

<- Little Miss PerfectPerky ->

Image source: That Artsy Reader Girl

Finding Magic by Stacia Kane

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Finding Magic
Author: Stacia Kane
Series: Downside Ghosts #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I’ve read a Downside Ghosts story in the past, but this is actually the beginning of the series. And it’s also been a long while since I’ve read the original short stories. Finding Magic is a great introduction to this world. It gives a lot of information about this urban fantasy reality that I absolutely ate up. It makes me want to dive into this series and find out what happens to Chess further down the road. She’s at a point of conflict in her life during this, and I wonder how that’s going to resolve leading into the novels within the series.

It was interesting that this is a world in which religion and ghosts play a key part. The history of the intersection between religion and ghosts was integral to this story, and I seriously enjoyed how it became a misaligned feeling throughout. It also highlighted the conflict in Chess. She seems to be seeing the reality behind the religious / cultlike power. It sets the powers that be up to be fallible and corrupt, but also makes you question everything throughout. Chess is so down on herself, painfully insecure and I’m unsure as to whether I enjoyed that more or less.

Alongside all of the phenomenal world building, I really enjoyed the mystery of this story. It was a good murder mystery, and I spent most of the book trying to figure out just who the guilty party was. I was intrigued and it meant that it was incredibly difficult to put this aside for more responsible adulting.

<- More Stacia KaneUnholy Ghosts ->

Image source: Pinterest

The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires by Molly Harper

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires
Author: Molly Harper
Series: Half-Moon Hollow #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

Iris and Cal are a really fun couple (as with many Harper couples) and I love how they are kind of slow burn. They start off creating a friendship and really getting to know one another, and this slowly progresses to a really beautiful little romance. They also have so many awkward and seriously humorous moments throughout to balance some of the darker chaos that they are up against.

I love that Iris’ business is all about running errands for vampires. But it’s so modern and filled with modern conveniences, a little less lurch about it. Plus, it is a really good way to introduce readers to the politics and dynamics of the urban fantasy world which Harper has created. Plus, what a brilliant business woman – she recognises an area that is lacking, and with gumption and decisiveness, starts her own business that she thrives within. I love that at the conclusion of this story, Iris is still being an amazing boss bitch and looking at even expanding on her original idea.

Cal is a little overhanded with his protective streak, but I like that he does try to be better. I mean, some people are just a little bit intense and overbearing at times. But, he acknowledges this. And even if he doesn’t always succeed, he does try to do a whole lot better for Iris and their future together. I mean, he does exist in a world of vampires and all sorts of horribles that go bump in the night. So it even makes sense, so the way Cal and Iris are able to balance out this intensity is kind of beautiful.

There are so many creepy characters throughout this. Ophelia definitely gets the evil note going, even though she’s actually one of the good guys. And, I kind of want to have more of her special brand of eerie. Then, there’s Jack the Creep and Mr. Dodd. I love how Iris is able to get revenge on both of them for their actions. Albeit in VERY different ways. They are wonderfully intense characters that get some form of justice at the end. Which is so very much needed.

There are way too few positive female relationships in literature. I love that Harper writes a really positive and supportive sister relationship in The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires. Iris might be a bit of a mother figure to her teenage daughter, but she is also her friend and confidante. I love the way these two tag team throughout this story and build each other up in every moment. It is just too beautiful and maybe my favourite relationship in this entire book.

<- More Molly HarperDriving Mr. Dead ->

Image source: Kobo

Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #4.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that this story is about a couple who meet on a blind date. And the thing that draws them together? Unique and slightly off-kilter questions that actually let them get to know one another. It, like most of the Greenwood stories I read, is short, sweet and cute. I absolutely adored reading this, and I liked that it was a story featuring a blind date in which the blind date wasn’t a terrifying flop. I mean, I’ve never really dated, but the stereotype in the media definitely makes me a little hesitant to even consider the idea of a blind date.

Unlike some of the other stories in the Obscure Academy series, most of this story is written from the point of view of one half of the couple. I like that most of this is in Thalia’s view point, it makes Evander’s eventual reveal and surprise an actual surprise. Plus, I just loved Thalia as a character in general, so I had absolutely no concerns or disappointments in reading a lot about her point of view.

I hadn’t thought of the ramifications of being a gorgon in a paranormal world. I mean, the whole turning others to stone with just a look could be incredibly restrictive on your social and sexual life. I really like how Greenwood was able to treat this and found it a really unique approach. The way in which Obscure Academy combines multiple paranormal creatures and brings them into a university setting. The idea of enchanted glasses to stop the whole turning to stone thing was really adorable, and it bought about the whole idea of what its actually like to be someone who wears glasses all the time, and the level of comfort that that can bring.

Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons is a great and positive romance. One that investigates what its like to be different and how that can actually be a little bit dangerous. Sure, in this instance, we’re talking a bout gorgons. But it is a challenge and something that needs to be recognised – sometimes people keep the different part of themselves a secret so that they won’t be a victim of hatred.

<- Flipping Tails for Seasick MermaidsPotion Making for Disastrous Witches ->

Image source: Kobo

Grendel & Beowulf by C. Gockel

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Grendel & Beowulf
Author: C. Gockel
Series: Urban Magick & Folklore #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Paranormal romance, Retellings, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I had no idea what to expect from a C. Gockel novel. I mean, I’ve got a few in my TBR, but I’ve never actually read one. My verdict? Enjoyable and surprising. I love how Gockel was able to use aspects of the original tale of Beowulf (which I’m only vaguely familiar with, I think I read it once…), but create a new and much more pleasant version. I mean, Grendel is still a monster to a degree, albeit one with fangs. And Beowulf is still a monster hunter, just one with a skewed perception of reality. The only downside to this being my first story by Gockel? It’s the third in the Urban Magick & Folklore series. Not the first. But I’ll quickly rectify that.

I’ve read a lot of retellings over time, as you can probably see from my shelves. And I always love to see how different authors take the same tales and twist and turn them to suit their literary reality. I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of a Beowulf retelling though. He’s been alluded to in a few books, but never an outright retelling. And I found that I absolutely loved this. Admittedly, it didn’t work out at all how one would expect from the fact that it’s about Grendel and Beowulf. But, I always love to be pleasantly surprised.

Having a quick perusal of the blurbs for the first two books in this series, I’m incredibly keen to see how Grendel gets to the point she is in this book. She’s a bit of a godmother / grandmother type obviously, and I want to find out more about how she takes that role. Grendel and Beowulf is very obviously all about the two in the title, but I actually want more of those other relationships of Grendel’s throughout. There’s a whole world there to explore that I can’t wait to sink my teeth into. Plus, even though this is obviously a story in which Grendel and Beowulf are going to end up together, I want more backstory on what makes this wonderfully caring and maternal grandmother type.

Most age gaps I read tend to have the man as older (insert soap box moment of media and gender expectations here). I love that this was a non-creepy reversal of that. Plus, Grendel spends the majority of this story thinking of Beowulf as a bit of a child, and feeling a bit odd about her attraction anyway. Then, there’s the whole getting to know you bit that they both do. A really good enemies to lovers trope with Beowulf actually taking on a bit of a villainous role before he starts to understand that he might have been brainwashed… although, Grendel and Beowulf doesn’t really end with the relationship in a nice and neat bow… making me all that much more keen to dive into the rest of this series!

<- Blood So RedMother of Monsters ->

Image source: C Gockel Writes