All posts by skyebjenner

The Mane Event by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Mane Event
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #1
In: The Mane Event (Shelly Laurenston)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection, eBook
Year: 2007

Thoughts

This might be the first novel in The Pride series, but it’s really two novellas in one. And they are not a disappointment. A great introduction (for me) into the world of the lions, and the joys of cat-shifter romances. Plus, there is just something fun about lions playing with their mates before finally getting them to commit.

Honestly, I absolutely adored the stubbornness and cunning of both of the male lions in this collection. Both choose women that are not exactly settled with the idea of forever-after. Yet, they use their smarts and little manipulations to wait them out. Kind of like I imagine an impala feels being hunted by a lion in the wild… with a much better reward at the end.

Both of the women are exactly the kind of female leads I enjoy reading about in a romance – a little off-kilter and, quite frankly, nuts. But tough as nails, and loyal to boot. Whilst they are vastly different in every other way (also something I like, because otherwise, boring), they were such a pleasure to read about!

Although these are two separate novellas, there is plenty of overlap between the two stories. It almost reads like a part one and two of a greater tale. It made for a nice cohesive whole, and I look forward to diving into this as a reread in the future.

<- Shaw’s TailThe Beast in Him ->

Image source: Amazon

Shaw’s Tail by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Shaw’s Tail
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #1.2
In: The Mane Event (Shelly Laurenston)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2007

Thoughts

I’m not going to lie, this is one of the most laugh out loud stories I’ve read in a little while. As in, I frequently found myself laughing out loud while reading this. Luckily it was at home, with no one around to get confused by the giggling maniac in the corner… and it’s all because Brendan Shaw (lion extraordinaire) is freaking hilarious in a fever delirium!

I loved that this was one of those kind-of love-at-first-sight type romances. I mean, Shaw decides that Ronnie is his before he even sees her. Just smells her (weird if you don’t think of him as part cat admittedly) and decides, yup, that’s the woman for me. Everything that follows is just him digging in and being stubborn. I loved that there was no hesitation, and he was just like “yup, that’s my person.”

Then, there’s also the nice backdrop of the drama of Mitch’s life. For starters, just the mystery of what crap Mitch is actually mixed-up in. but also a little bit more about the Shaw brothers’ relationship. It’s a good counterpoint to make you want to read this even fatster. If you know, the fever delirium shenanigans, lust and sass between the main couple isn’t enough for you.

A multi-layered and fun novella that I thoroughly enjoyed. One I’ll definitely be reading again and again.

<- Christmas PrideThe Mane Event ->

Image source: Amazon

Christmas Pride by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Christmas Pride
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #1.1
In: The Mane Event (Shelly Laurenston)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection, eBook, Novella
Year: 2007

Thoughts

Christmas Pride is a very sweet and delicious novella. It was incredibly easy to just… inhale this whole story in one sitting. Difficult to even look away for the two seconds it took to have a glass of water. Which is honestly exactly what I want in a novella – they’re short enough to read in one sitting, and they have to be amazing so that I want to read them in one sitting.

I loved that this romance focused on a couple that grew up together and reconnected. It’s the usual feelings of inadequacy and class separation. But it works. Therefore, rather than feeling like an insta-love story, it’s one that feels like it’s been decades coming. Plus, there’s also the great acknowledgement that although they had feelings for each other as teenagers, they actually needed the time apart to grow into the people they became. I mean, it’s all well and great to be able to spend your whole adult life with a person, but it’s pretty hard to actually grow and change in that circumstance (I speak from experience).

Mace is wonderfully stubborn in his pursuit of Dez. I particularly loved all of the “cat games” that he played with her in his pursuit. Personally, I prefer someone coming head on in this kind of situation. But I love that his sneaky cat tactics are exactly what Dez needs to realise that what they have is real. I also love how Dez is able to constantly stick up for herself… when she really feels the need. It’s a great relationship with a lot of give and take.

Then, behind the lovely romance that definitely takes centre stage is the mystery of just who killed Petrov. And then the dynamics and politics of the hyena / lion antagonism. Something that I want more of as the series unfolds… I’m also wanting more hyena-based stories in the greater Smith’s Shifter World…

<- Miss CongenialityShaw’s Tail ->

Image source: Amazon

Forever Wicked by Shayla Black

Book Review,
Overview

Title: Forever Wicked
Author: Shayla Black
In: 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle One (Shayla Black, Heather Graham, Liliana Hart & Tina Folsom)
Rating Out of 5: 0.5 (Couldn’t get past the first sentence)
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I really didn’t love this novella. I struggled. Probably because it was an erotic romance that featured the DomSub cohort. Something I just can’t really get into.

<- 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle OneCrimson Twilight ->

Image source: Booktopia

Breaking Badger by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Breaking Badger
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Honey Badger Chronicles #4
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: 2021

Thoughts

I absolutely love honey badgers. I have since I went to South Africa and was introduced to the reality that these awesome buggers exist on planet earth. Finding this series which features shapeshifting honey badgers hits all of my happy points. And this next instalment in the series just didn’t disappoint! Particularly since, after being introduced to Mads and all of the basketball team in Badger to the Bone, I’ve been wanting to know more about all five of the insane women. And now you get to.

Mads and the rest of the team are the ultimate girl power team. A group of independent women who have each others’ backs. But also let each other be the independent and brilliant women that they each are. Alright, some of this is because they’re all certifiably insane, and like to steal things… and just do all sorts of dodgy behaviours. But it’s also just all about support. And love. Even if Mads spends the entire time calling them her “teammates” and not her friends…

There was also the fact that Mads’ love interest is one of the Black Malones. Which would have been interesting enough on its own (now I need to read Bear Meets Girl to get to know other branches of the Malone family, but I digress). But, other than the three brothers who are definitely freaky and seriously stubborn, you also get to know their half-sister. Yet another completely nuts MacKilligan sister. Nat is going to be great when she finally gets her own story. I love that all of the interconnectedness and relationships in this world continue to build upon one another. Totally unforgettable.

Mads and Finn are a really cute couple. I found that this story was a whole lot more about the rest of the team and introducing a whole new set of players that are going to be important in future books. But, I still enjoyed the ease with which they built their relationship. Sometimes it’s nice to have the relationship development nice and easy, with the dramas of other relationships being the primary obstacles. I can’t believe I now have to wait another few months for Born to Be Badger to be released…

<- Badger to the BoneBorn to Be Badger ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire by Julia Kent

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

This is a nice, funny and light Christmas story. One with plenty of steam and yum. I mean, how could it not be with Declan and Shannon taking centre stage? A couple that is definitely unorthodox and has some dramas… but one that always ends with a happily ever after and a smile on my face.

I love how, although Shannon lost her job, she manages to continuously get sucked into some seriously questionable secret shopper moments. I mean, there haven’t been many in this series that she’s actually enjoyed. Or had much pleasure in achieving, so having her say yes, yet again… you know its going to be hilarious. And filled with nonsense that, quite honestly, no one should really deal with. The fact that Declan ends up going along with it just makes it all that much better.

Sexy Santa and how quickly it goes viral online and attracts, well, the desperate, was kind of hilarious. The fact that he’s paired with the busty elf (poor Shannon) had me outright laughing. I mean, how is that not a hilarious situation? Also a reminder of how damn… creepy some people can be in their pursuit of others.

As someone who has a toddler, I’m honestly dreading the days when I have to go line up so that she can have a picture with Santa. Partly because creepy. But also because of the sheer insanity of Christmas. This story just supports that feeling… seriously dreading that in the future.

<- Shopping for a Billionaire 4Shopping for a Billionaire’s Fiancée ->

Image source: Goodreads

Shopping for a Billionaire 4 by Julia Kent

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 4
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I love that throughout this series, Shannon just seems to make one dopey mistake after another. None are really her fault, but they are still not necessarily great decisions… and mostly just have some not-so-great and very entertaining consequences. I get a little bit of a second-hand embarrassment from this, but mostly I just get pure and unadulterated joy and entertainment.

Although it’s the first five books in this series that are really that first major story arc, this fourth instalment kind of acted as a finale. The next book is more of a Christmas epilogue if I’m being honest. I love that Kent is able to not only resolve all of the issues throughout this, but also find a way to want you to keep diving into Shannon and Declan’s relationship.

There are a lot more epiphanies and truth-sharing than awkward moments throughout this story. At least in comparison to the first three. I like that some of those secrets are actually about Shannon’s mum and Declan’s dad. They give a little more context to the struggles that Declan and Shannon face. And also just remind us all that parents have a past that happened before they did – one that can still impact the future.

It’s nice to have the majority of the questions you’re left with at the end of Shopping for a Billionaire 3 tied up in a nice, neat bow at the end of this. Particularly, finding out just why Declan does such a full 180 on Shannon in a completely unexpected way. This story definitely gave me the feels and comfort to not just dive straight into the next book in this series (although I still want to).

<- Shopping for a Billionaire 3Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire ->

Image source: Amazon

Shopping for a Billionaire 3 by Julia Kent

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 3
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I love that this moment in the courtship of Shannon and Declan starts with a date that almost ends in death. It’s a hell of a way to experience a first date and to find out about Shannon’s allergies. There are also a lot of bits of Declan’s past unravelling as they’re racing to salvage literally the worst date ever.

Declan and Shannon are working really well throughout this story (death-adjacent dates not withstanding). I mean, they manage to find a way to be close to one another and embrace their new love. That, and the fact that they are both falling in love with one another. It’s kind of sweet and cute. I definitely enjoyed the ride, and spent the whole time trying to figure out just what was about to go haywire – since there is one more Shopping for a Billionaire story before the titles and blurbs begin to change tone.

Steve is honestly still a knob throughout this. I mean, wow, what an annoying and horrible ex. Seriously, he manages to constantly be horrible and undermining towards Shannon, whilst still hinting that he wants to get back with her. Chaotic and horrible behaviour to begin with. Then, there’s the whole idea that he starts to act connivingly with Jessica and his horrible mother. I mean, how can you say you want to be with someone, but constantly work at undermining them? Bleugh, truly horrible.

Of course, with things that were working so damn well, it was inevitable that things were going to come crashing down. The fact that instead of having a huge, spectacular crash. But, instead one that is so damn ambiguous. I mean, it’s a misunderstanding and a lack of response to a text message. I can’t wait to find out just how bad the fall out is going to actually be from all of this.

<- Shopping for a Billionaire 2Shopping for a Billionaire 4 ->

Image source: Kobo

Shopping for a Billionaire 2 by Julia Kent

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 2
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

Following on from the first part of this story, this is really all about Shannon getting ready for her big date with Declan. And trying not to let that nagging voice in her head (which sounds much like her ex) from derailing the enjoyment she’s going to experience. It’s fun to get to experience the nerves along with her and how she deals with the anxiety that she’s experiencing.

Shannon’s family is legitimately insane. I really didn’t like her mother in Shopping for a Billionaire 1, but as the story unfolds and you get to know her better, she’s kind of growing on me. Maybe because she is just so damn comedic and, although kind of harmful in her actions, is also kind of well-meaning. She might not be the best or most supportive of mums, but she’s definitely one that I enjoyed reading about and getting to know better.

One thing I didn’t love about this (and is driving me to read the next instalment and quickly) is Steve. I mean, he’s a horrifying ex that is constantly, and actively trying to undermine Shannon. And now she’s agreed to go for dinner with him at some point? I mean, that just has disaster written all over it! Disaster that I’m incredibly excited for, but disaster nonetheless.

I love that there is heaps of anxiety and angst on the lead up to this story, but it actually doesn’t give you the peace of mind that you’re craving. Because this damn story finishes right as the couple are going on their first date. I mean, seriously?!?!?! Kent is just way too damn brilliant at leaving you wanting more with these stories…

<- Shopping for a Billionaire 1Shopping for a Billionaire 3 ->

Image source: Amazon

Shopping for a Billionaire 1 by Julia Kent

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 1
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

This is a very cute and quick novel. Also a very interesting way to start a series. Rather than having one long novel that features a couple in this contemporary romance, there are a series of four novellas that slowly show you how they get together. Almost like parts to a full-length novel. And I kind of dig it. It’s totally different, very unique and oh so much fun.

This is only the very beginning of the romance between Shannon and Declan – mostly it focuses on their Meet Cute moment and the insanity that follows this couple in their instant attraction. I mean there’s also their first, unofficial date and the complications of an ex thrown in. But, mostly I can’t move on from the damn hand in the toilet beginning to this relationship. Absolutely hilarious and kind of brilliant.

On finishing this story, two things really struck me. First, I really want to know just what is going to happen with Steve. I mean, he might just seem like a bit of an egotistical dumb-ass of an ex, but he’s going to be a pretty big problem I think – the kind of idiot that doesn’t like to lose and takes everyone down with him. Then, and this was the bit that I mostly focused on after finishing this, I thought about how absolutely delicious Declan and Shannon’s make out session is. I mean, seriously, deliriously yummy. And steamy… what a high note to end this story on.

Not only is this a wonderful and fun story, but it’s probably got the funniest and best Meet Cute that I have ever read. I mean, Shannon literally has her hand down a toilet, how can you not be hooked by that single moment? Now I can’t wait to read more about this unfolding relationship and the insanity that follows.

<- More Julia KentShopping for a Billionaire 2 ->

Image source: Amazon