All posts by skyebjenner

Harpy’s Mission by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Harpy’s Mission
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Supernatural Retrieval Agency #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Harper the harpy was a fun character, and I love that she’s starting out at the Supernatural Retrieval Agency, I could learn alongside her. There’s also a lot of hints about the fact that Harper is entering a corrupt system. And that maybe she’s been hired for not so above board reasons. From thr very first moment, Harper the harpy and her new job completely drew me in. And now I can’t wait to read Harpy’s Escape.

Greenwood’s writing is always an easy read, and I enjoy the short adventures that I get to go on. Harpy’s Mission is no different. It’s an amazing adventure from beginning to end, with a lot of drama and action thrown in. There’s also the hints of a slowburn relationship with Elias from early on in the story. Now not only do I want to know all of the insand outs of the crime world run by the Big Bad, but also how Harper’s relationship with Elias unfolds.

Not going to lie, I’m really wanting Harper’s boss to get his comeuppance. He’s definitely a horrible human being, and I want to know if he’s actually evil, or just an ass. I’m hoping that he’s just an egotistical red herring, because I just want to see him demoted, but I suppose I have to read the rest of the story to find out.

Harpy’s Mission is the beginning of yet another enjoyable Greenwood story. One that I, as usual, look forward to reading again in the future. Particularly as her works are an easy departure from reality.

<- More Laura GreenwoodHarpy’s Escape ->

Image source: Amazon

The Dryad’s Pawprint by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Dryad’s Pawprint
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: The Paranormal Council #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

As always when I find a random new series that I like, I actually read this series slightly out of order. I read The Bear’s Claws first, and then really wanted to go back in the series to find out more about Vic’s brother Kem. Lucky for me, the very first book in this series is actually about Kem, and so I didn’t have long to wait to learn his story. Plus, it’s a good introduction into the Paranormal Council. So far the shifters and the dryads have been introduced, and I can’t wait to read more and find more of the other paranormals throughout this series. And how the power plays are going to work.

Lia and Kem are a sweet couple, they kind of have the insta-love vibes, but it’s just managed to mature over the year of their separation. It gives plenty of sweet steam to the book, without feeling too contrived and forceful. For me, the perfect balance to reach in these shorter novels. Stories that give you a happily ever after and a whole lot of enjoyment. Plus, I love that, although there are barriers to their relationship, they are fairly simple ones. Which meant that this was a much more pleasant story.

I thought that Lia’s sister was going to be a much bigger problem than she ended up being. Although it is obvious that Lia adores her sister, there is a lot of jealousy in many of the actions. And, you know, the whole part where Kem is supposed to marry the wrong sister. Luckily, this had the kind of sister relationship that I always love – one that’s actually supportive and kind. They might bicker, but they ultimately adore each other and support one another.

I get the feeling that the activities and alliances formed in The Dryad’s Pawprint are leading into a bigger time of change within this world. I’m incredibly excited to see how this occurs, removing the stuffy old guard and replacing it with the new.

<- More Laura GreenwoodThe Vixen’s Bark ->

Image source: Amazon

Wake the Dead by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Wake the Dead
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Necromancer Council #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Necromancers, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I wasn’t quite expecting this story to be as intense as it was – mostly because most of Greenwood’s novels so far haven’t been that emotionally wrought. And although it was a change of pace, I did really enjoy it. It was particularly emotionally wrought in the moments when you realise just what Cissy is recovering from – I mean, she has a pretty traumatic recent past.

I love that this story is the beginning of Cissy and her team reconfiguring the necromancer council. Not only is this a story that’s based right on the precipice of change – but also a story which is about people trying to regain their identity. In this case, it’s a group of necromancers trying to rejig others’ opinions of them and the driver for change. I can’t wait to see, not only the things they come up against, but also how they manage to reconfigure their own identities.

The amount of information about necromancers and how their magic works was brilliant. I had a total information overload, and I kind of loved it. It’s fun when you not only get really attached to a character and their battles, but also get a whole lot of information and world-building. It was nice to find another facet of the mind of Greenwood, and the powers that inform the world that I enjoyed reading about.

I’m absolutely dying to dive into Curse the Dead. I can’t wait to see how Cissy continues to make waves in her world and overcome the trauma of the past. Plus, I can’t wait to find out more about the horrible things that go bump in the night, and how they are willing to fight them.

<- More Laura GreenwoodCurse the Dead ->

Image source: Dymocks

First Time’s a Charm by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: First Time’s a Charm
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Grimalkin: Kittens #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This was a fun and cute coming of age and university story. Or at least, the beginning of one. Then, there’s the whole multiple men, one woman angle which is kind of fun. Mona is definitely trying to come to terms with the changes in her life, particularly the loss of the extent of her powers. It definitely made me reflect on my times at university and the amount of change that I went through.

I love that Mona’s curse is constantly conjuring kittens. I mean, of all the ways to be cursed, it’s definitely a cute approach. And, the byproduct isn’t all bad, although sure to be costly. I enjoy that even though she’s cursed and has an embarrassing side effect to her magic, somehow in producing kittens, Mona is able to find her feet and regain her confidence.

There are three potential romances throughout this story. And, although I’m pretty sure that Mona is going to end up with all three of them. There’s the TA, Ryan and Caspian. Personally, I’m liking Ryan best because I love the whole friends to lovers trope. And then there’s the fact that Caspian is most likely her mother’s ex best friend’s child. Which is going to be interesting. And that’s not even with the complications that his stepsister brings to the board. I actually can’t wait to see how this aspect unfolds – and I’m not someone who is often into reverse harem books.

For all of the joy of Mona and her harem of men, I actually want more Daphne than anything. She’s kind of hilarious and a truly loyal friend. I always love characters that emphasise the power of female friendships. And I’m absolutely enjoying her ability to be supportive to Mona. I’m not sure If I’m looking forward to Mona kicking butt in the future or Daphne supporting her more…

<- Curses Start SomewhereSecond Time’s a Curse ->

Image source: Amazon

Curses Start Somewhere by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Curses Start Somewhere
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Grimalkin: Kittens #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

One of the things I’m loving about Greenwood is that her stories are a really quick and fun read. There is enough substance to be enjoyable, but not so much to big me down. Having said that, the negative feelings in this were scarily familiar. The whole idea that your best friend in the world suddenly turns on you through misplaced jealousy. And how that will kind of scar you for life.

The familiar feelings of losing a friendship might not have been fun, but I’m now intrigued to start the rest of the series. Because, of course you know that this weirdly placed jealousy curse is going to land in the next generation. And now I can’t wait to see how. And how I’m sure the grimoire created will have some kind of place within.

Even though it was kind of clear from the title and the very beginning what would happen, that eventual separation of friendship was still painful. As someone who has experienced it herself, I swear it’s worse than a break up. And I love that even in an easy read, Greenwood is still able to teat into your emotions.

What a fun way to start a series (in that whole not fun, emotional way). I can’t wait to find out more!

<- More Laura GreenwoodFirst Time’s a Charm ->

Image source: Goodreads

Unfortunate Decrees and Iced Coffees by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Unfortunate Decrees and Iced Coffees
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Cauldron Coffee Shop #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This was such an adorable and fun second chance romance. And, I really like that although the couple split when they were younger, there were ultimately no hard feelings. It made this story so much sweeter and cuter. Plus, it meant, that although I was totally barracking for the couple, I could focus a little more on the archaeological mystery.

This was a nice little introduction to another spin-off series in the world of Greenwood. I like that it mentions Mona (from First Time’s a Charm). Plus, it introduced the Cauldron Coffee Shop. A fantastic way to introduce readers to the world and some lovely and loveable characters.

I love that there is the mystery of the giant stone and all of the mayhem that follows. But that it doesn’t actually get solved. I mean, I love a good conclusion as does everyone else, but I also love when things are a little open ended and unsolved. This did so beautifully and made me want to know more about the different magical artifacts that people come across in Greenwood’s writing.

There is a lot of crossover in this story, and multitudes of world building. It’s why I have so many of Greenwood’s stories on my TBR at the moment – they are all wonderfully interconnected and built wonderfully.

<- More Laura GreenwoodPumpkin Spice and All Things Nice ->

Image source: Goodreads

Bat Out of Hell by Bernadette Franklin

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Bat Out of Hell
Author: Bernadette Franklin
Series: Holiday Fun #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Shirley’s obsession with her Prada is both funny, and not something I completely understood. I mean, it’s a damn dress. But, it did make for some entertaining scenes with Juliette, and I will forever have the image of rats nesting in her little black dress in my head. Which just made me laugh, continuously and somewhat excessively. Although, that tends to be my response to most of the works by Franklin – random laughter and much amusement.

I love that, although Shirley has multiple people trying to help her, she is determined to do things on her own. Sometimes it’s a little bit painful, and you just shake your head. But overall, it’s a great streak of independence. I also love that she’s so surrounded by people who adore her, that she has so many wanting to help. Even those who she doesn’t quite expect to want to help are willing to do so. I found it to be a great reminder that people like to help when they love you, and sometimes you should accept that love.

From his first introduction, I was kind of expecting Christopher to be super awkward. He really wasn’t anywhere near as awkward as I wanted him to be. However, he did have some kind of random and niche hobbies, and I love that both him and Lee were able to share their love of art and classics. Plus, this love lent itself to Lee playing a harp in a park in period clothing, so that’s a gorgeous image that I never want to remove from my mind’s eye.

Juliette Carter and her shenanigans are always fun and completely absurd. I mean, she is absolutely off her rocker, so it’s genuinely entertaining to read about her. However, unlike all of the other women in the series thus far, Lee is completely able to stand up to Juliette’s shenanigans. She manages to call her on her nonsense and weirdness, but in a completely loving way. I kind of want more of the two of them working together.

<- ShammedGinger Snapped ->

Image source: Amazon

Lesson Plans by Lainey Davis

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Lesson Plans
Author: Lainey Davis
Series: Stag Brothers #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Doug and Amy are way too cute of a couple. I mean, they are both actually really sweet and fun. Although, Amy is a little bit rougher around the edges than Doug. But, I do love prickly women with a heart of gold.

This might be a teacher, student romance. But it does have a slight twist. It played into the trope, without being so forbidden and, well, icky. I also love how they’re both finding their feet throughout the short course Doug teaches.

Doug learning about his privilege and being willing to understand and change because of this was amazing. I seriously wish more people were willing to recognise their privilege and see how it influences everything we say and do. The growth of him during this novella was amazing.

Amy is a fairly angry and feisty lead. But, I completely understand why. And I loved that she is also able to enjoy life and the moment when she needs to. They’re a fantastic couple and I can’t wait to spend more time with them as secondary characters.

<- More Lainey DavisSweet Distraction ->

Image source: Goodreads

Enduring Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Enduring Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches: Happily Ever Afters #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I honestly wish that I’d read Summer Magic before reading this, but sadly, it’s on Kindle Unlimited, and I don’t currently have access to it. Which is seriously disappointing, so I’ll just have to wait and hope. Summer and Coop are a great couple, and I really want to learn more about how they got together, and all of the challenges that are alluded to within Enduring Magic.

I really enjoyed Summer and Coop as a couple, but I mostly loved how this short story talks about the monumental shift that you go through when you become parents. I mean, I’ve recently been through that myself. And, although I had a little longer to get settled into my relationship, there are still days that feel… unreal and unsettled. I’ve gone from being a single person to being someone’s mum. Cromer really did this unsettled feeling of displacement and love complete and total justice.

Although I loved all of the relationship dynamic and adjustment within this, I was completely and stupidly in love with Summer’s familiar – he is a total and utter thug. He was freaking hilarious, and I just want more and more of him! Absolutely adorable. Plus, Summer’s father, Alistair, is incredibly dodgy and manipulative. But I kind of liked his version of dodgy…

<- More T.M. CromerBoundless Magic ->

Image source: Goodreads

Huntress by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Huntress
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I love that this is a novel about a turkey shapeshifter and the woman who hunted him, literally. They are not the most likely of couples, but definitely one that I loved reading about and made a kind of sense once you thought about it. Also, I just loved that the shapeshifter was a turkey who likes to smack interlopers about with his wings. The level of aggression was kind of hilarious, and the fact that Kelvin’s hunter is a potty-mouthed sassy pants was just brilliant.

I’m not going to lie, Kelvin’s family completely, totally and utterly sucks. I mean, they use him and refuse to respect his choices. But then it does completely justify his abdication. An abdication that causes a lot of shock waves and drives home the point that everyone has their breaking point. There were a few unanswered questions about just how his family was able to justify his lack of medical care and security training. I mean, there’s being ignorant, but seriously? That was more than a little bit concerning…

Mostly what concerned me about Kelvin’s family was how willing his mother was to throw away their relationship because she wanted to be right. I mean, it’s one thing to be incorrect about who will be a good match. But to repeatedly bring that person into your life and ignore your own child’s judgement? It actually made me flinch multiple times whilst reading this. But it did make a great plot line and point of conflict.

The Royal States series is honestly a series that frequently has me laughing. Everyone throughout it is kind of insane and there are so many shenanigans throughout. I love how heavily involved and insane Montana is in this world. Plus, their influence manages to smooth over all of the mistakes of others. I love that Copperfield has placed a couple as the powerhouse of the world who genuinely just want what is best for others. It’s also fantastic that the majority of the couples in this involve an empath creating an unbreakable connection that just cements their bonds and relationship.

As with all of the other stories in the Royal States series, there is a few comments on socio-political issues in the world. In this case, it’s creepy, lecherous older men forcing younger girls to marry them. It was incredibly cringe-worthy and I love how the horrible man got the crap slapped out of him by an angry turkey…

<- A Guiding LightBonds ->

Image source: Amazon