Category Archives: Book Review

Crossroads by Moira Rogers

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Crossroads
Author: Moira Rogers
Series: Southern Arcana #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2009

Thoughts

I finally ended up caving in the past month and getting Kindle Unlimited. Mostly so I could finish off the series like Southern Arcana – ones that I have started, and then don’t have access to on Kobo. I’m incredibly grateful that I caved too. I honestly couldn’t put this book down at all. It was brilliant and unforgettable. Plus, unlike some of the happier stories I’ve been reading, it was dark and filled with horrible twists and turns. It meant that I want to dive into Deadlock even more because there are so many parts of the tale unfinished. But, it also hurt my heart a little the way in which Derek and Nick are put through their paces in their new relationship.

Even though this novel might have been about Nick and Derek’s love story, I also spent the entirety of this wanting Michelle to get her happily ever after. After all, she’s being punished for the powers she was born with. And not allowed to have a romantic entanglement because people want to control her. Nick might try everything she can think of for her twin’s happily ever after. But, you can tell from the beginning and the foreshadowing that things are not all going to end in a positive manner. Yet, even with the knowledge that there is going to be a tragedy, I was still surprised and horrified. Rogers may have even managed to bring a tear or two to my eye.

I absolutely adored gaining the insight into the Council and their far reaching arm in this story. It was a bit chilling considering all of the parallels I can draw to our own powers that be. But I also love how they kind of feel like they’re being set up for a fall in this series. I really want to read more of this series to see how their mistakes of being overly controlling are going to come back and bite them in the butt. Plus, now that Nick and Michelle manage to escape some of the nonsense that they grew up surrounded by, there is a whole lot more change on the way. Change that is going to produce some more amazing and fun stories down the road.

Southern Arcana is a world built with a number of different paranormal beings running free. I love that they are of a variety of different groups and types, and each subgroup has their own subculture. The fact that these guys all team up and try to stop injustices in their own way was absolutely gorgeous. I also love that the destructive side of empathy is touched upon, with lots of hints for the stories that are to come. Derek’s plight of getting used to being a shifter is part of this journey, letting each and every character in this to grow and become who they want to be.

<- CruxZola’s Pride ->

Image source: Amazon

My Lucky #13 by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: My Lucky #13
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Hockey Hotties #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I knew from the very first moment reading about Aiden and Saige in Countdown to a Kiss that I was going to love their story. I mean, they are just way too cute. And sweet. And just all of the things that I love in a good couple. The fact that they build their relationship on friendship and respect just made me love them all that much more. The fact that they are able to build this relationship with each other when they are dealing with an overriding lust for one another… it was honestly an impossible book to put down.

I’ve heard about superstitions in pro athletes, but I love how Piper Rayne was able to take this idea and give you a superstition that wasn’t quite what I expected. Having a drink thrown in the face of lucky #13 was hilarious. And it was downright joyful just to see how everyone reacted to a superstition which isn’t exactly glorious. Plus, it gives you a beautiful Meet Cute. And it also leads to Saige really recognising how much of an inconsiderate fool Joran is at times. Particularly when he just… is okay with Aiden and Saige travelling around the country together with no second thoughts.

This was one of those romances where I thought the biggest challenge would be the couple actually getting together. And I was ridiculously excited when they did… only to realise just how much of this book was left. They’re a great couple, and seeing that plenty of the book was left just made me realise that there was more than one road bump in the way. That final twist was incredibly sad and hurt my  heart a whole lot. But, I love how they still found their way to each other and created their own happily ever after, moving past the nonsense of the past.

Not only was My Lucky #13 a wonderful read, but it beautifully set up the drama that is to come for Maksim and Ford. This showed the brotherhood of the hockey teams, the high stakes of being a professional athlete. And also the trouble two of Aiden’s best friends are about to find themselves in. Drama that is going to be absolutely delicious to read (and probably impossible to put down too).

<- Countdown to a KissThe Trouble with #9 ->

Image source: Kobo

The Mistletoe Trap by Eve Pendle

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Mistletoe Trap
Author: Eve Pendle
Series: Faking Stitch #1
In: Twelve Lords for Christmas (Miscellaenous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Not only is this a second chance romance, but also a regency romance set at Christmas time. It is really cute and filled with the typical misunderstandings of a second chance romance. Amelia and Robert are also immensely likeable and unforgettable. The perfect couple to lead this story. One that left me smiling and feeling nostalgic for Christmases that I haven’t even experienced!

The Mistletoe Trap is a holiday novella with lots and lots of kisses under the mistletoe (which is of little surprise considering the title). Plus, it is a key part of the actual storyline. Kisses denied and given under the mistletoe being the driver for their story. I also love that, although this is a regency romance novella, it’s one that doesn’t take a simpering woman as a lead. Rather, Amelia is able to take charge of her own life after being snubbed by Robert. She might not have had the original romance that she wanted, but she managed to find happiness in her own life anyway.

This is a great historical romance that takes place at Christmas. It is all about new beginnings and saying goodbye to the mistakes of the past. Although Amelia and Robert might end up trapped into their new happily ever after. It’s ultimately what they both want, and they are well equipped to set off into a beautiful happily ever after with one another. A simple and joyous read that left me smiling and relaxed.

<- A Cup of CheerA Most Inconvenient Earl ->

Image source: Larissa Lyons

Midnight Dance by Alexa Padgett

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Midnight Dance
Author: Alexa Padgett
Series: Seattle Sound #10
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Rockstar romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

As often happens with my introduction to a new author and a new series, I didn’t read the first book first, but rather the tenth in the Seattle Sound series. And even if it gives hints of a few of the other couples in this story, I regret nothing. I absolutely loved this story and can’t wait to dive further into the Seattle Sound series. And whichever books are going to follow on. I mean, this was wonderful and kind of impossible to put down.

Colt and Tawny are a little bit instalove for me, I mean, I’m not normally into the instalove kind of vibe. But, somehow, they make it work really nice. They get to know one another in some of the harshest and most challenging conditions. And, whilst they are racing to save each others’ lives and unravel a whole heap of mysteries, they also find their way to one another. Plus, there’s a lovely amount of lust and slightly intense bedroom activity that made their romance all that much more fun to read.

I love that this is a romantic suspense that leads to Tawny solving the biggest mystery of her life, just who killed her father. Plus, she’s an ethical hacker working for the FBI, so there’s all sorts of action and drama that unfolds. The entire story, I’m not entirely sure who I trust in her life, and it was a whole lot of fun unravelling the many, many mysteries. Plus, there’s all of the interconnections to Colt’s life and his past romance. I can’t figure out if I love reading more about the ethical hacker on the run from a psycho, or the microbiology professor being dragged into the mess too.

I adored absolutely everything about this story, I did read it thinking that it was a Christmas tale (it was downloaded from kobo under the A Moonlit Serenade title, not Midnight Dance). But, I’m definitely not disappointed about the mix up. I just hope that the rest of the books in this series are just as good! Although, maybe not with so many hijinks and shenanigans, overcoming the odds was great. But I do occasionally need to sleep at night and be a responsible adult.

<- Moonshine EyesMore Alexa Padgett ->

Image source: Kobo

Good Guy by Kate Meader

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Good Guy
Author: Kate Meader
Series: Rookie Rebels #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: 2019

Thoughts

I really like that this is a bit of a second chance romance story, and also the best friends’ girl story. I mean, Levi has been in love with Jordan from the very beginning, even though she ended up marrying his best friend. Somehow, he made something that may be frowned upon less cringey, and kind of sweet. Plus, he is just so damn stoic throughout this. Don’t get me wrong, all of the angst throughout this was a little bit difficult to read. But also completely beautiful and made me want to keep turning the pages, even when I should’ve been sleeping.

Jordan’s expose and attempt to gain equality in an inequal world is kind of fantastic. Plus, I love the journey of how she gets there and how she realises that she needs to actually write this piece. It’s terrifyingly familiar many of the microaggressions which Jordan experiences. And the battles she faces to try and change the status quo. I absolutely adored the show of strength and spine of steel that she displays in her battle to try and find a way for the world to be just a little bit more just. Particularly within the realm of a male-dominated sphere. The fact that her expose touches upon dramas that have happened in the Chicago Rebels series just made me want to read them all that much more.

There is something about a good hockey romance that I’m really into lately. I don’t even get the chance to watch the sport, but I am completely intrigued by it. I’ve literally only ever seen one game in my entire life, so I definitely want more of this in my life. But, Australia. But I digress, I love the idea of hockey players and the romances that follow. Plus, there’s the whole problematic nature of having a relationship with someone who is a professional / celebrity athlete. Like many of the stories that fill my shelves, it’s the external stressors that challenge Jordan and Levi, the nature of his celebrity and how they can fit together into the world.

Expanding on the problematic nature of celebrity athletes, I love the fact that Levi chooses to join the army instead of dealing with the celebrity. He recognises the damage that fame can do upon somebody’s growing psyche at a young age. And the fact that he realised that he needed to grow up is completely admirable. It made me absolutely adore him, even in those moments when I just shook my head at his nonsense. I mean, this is such an adorable romance, but one with a little bit of extra meat to the characters. Things like Levi joining the army to make sure he doesn’t become yet another spoilt athlete made it impossible not to love.

<- More Kate MeaderInstacrush ->

Image source: Goodreads

Half-Off Ragnarok by Seanan McGuire

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Half-Off Ragnarok
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

After the first two books in the InCryptid series, it’s interesting to move onto the next Price sibling. Verity has the beginnings of her happily ever after. And now it’s Alex’s turn to start finding his. I love the way he finds Shelby and the way that they start to partner up. I love it even more that she’s Australian. And that Alex is obsessed with reptile cryptids. Plus, there’s the fantastic continuation of Sarah’s story and how she copes after the fall out in Midnight Blue-Light Special. Honestly, everything about this is absolutely loveable and unforgettable. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next in this series (I just have to figure out how as they are not published in Australia).

Gorgons have been mentioned in the first two InCryptid books, but it was fun to get to know this society a little bit more. I love that there are so many secrets within this story – secret enclaves, secret locations and secret sons. Plus, Half-off Ragnarok is all about the different cryptids who are able to petrify their victims. I love that this goes far beyond the gorgons and their different subspecies. Plus, there’s the whole idea that the different petrification cryptids are able to live harmoniously together, and not necessarily petrify each other. Everything slotted in nicely to build this story and conspiracy. I absolutely could not put this down. Partly because of the storyline, but also because I really want to find out more about the different petrification-able beings.

Sarah’s fate after Midnight Blue-Light Special was a bit of a mystery, so it was lovely to find out how she is starting to recover and cope. She’s a bit terrifying if I’m being honest, but her plight and struggles made me want to reach through the pages of the book and give her a big hug. Then, there’s the way that this story lets you get to know the Baker grandparents. There’s the cuckoo and the revenant who have adopted all of their children. I absolutely adored getting to know this incredibly unique branch of the Price family. I mean, all of the branches are unique, but I did love the dynamic of a cuckoo and a revenant being in love and raising children.

Shelby’s presence in this book might have been one of my favourite things. At the beginning, she seems to be just what you would expect from a visiting Aussie zookeeper. But then, she fits right into Alex’s world. I love how the Price/Baker clan eventually welcome her into the fold. Even though their meetings and relationship don’t start off the best or most healthy. It was fun and entertaining. All of the sass and potential violence throughout this had me turning the pages with gusto and intrigue.

<- White as a Raven’s WingThe Ghosts of Bourbon Street ->

Image source: Seanan McGuire

A Cup of Cheer by Deb Marlowe

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: A Cup of Cheer
Author: Deb Marlowe
Series: A Series of Unconventional Courtships #4
In: Twelve Lords for Christmas (Miscellaenous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Julia and Chester work beautifully as a couple at Christmas time, plus they have that whole instant family feels with Charlie at their side. The fact that this is also a regency romance, filled with the different traditions of the time. Priceless. I absolutely adored this story and I can’t wait to read more Deb Marlowe stories, particularly the tales of Chester’s friends. Romances are always enjoyable, but they’re particularly fun when Christmas and all things joyful are involved.

A Cup of Cheer is the first historical and regency romance that I’ve read in quite a while. I actually forgot how much I enjoyed reading regency romances, there’s just something that little bit more innocent about them than some of the more intense contemporary romances that I read. And that very innocence is kind of a delicious little slow burn. Plus, there’s all of Chester’s friends to meet now. Again, something that I enjoy about this genre – a bunch of man children falling in love and finding their happily ever afters, often with them kicking and screaming.

I love that Marlowe uses this story to really focus on the importance of gift giving. Not the pomp and drama that surrounds it, but rather, the meaning and thought behind the exchanging of gifts. I love that this story is all about celebrating Christmas with loved ones and giving each other gifts that have a lot of thought and meaning behind them. There are also all of the little traditions that remind Julia and Chester of the importance of spending time together and giving each other the benefit of the doubt.

A Cup of Cheer is an instant attraction, friends to lovers story. They both work together to move on from the tragedies of their past. And to figure out a way to find their own happily ever afters. It might take Chester a little bit longer to find that feeling of contentment, but, he does eventually get there. This is such a low angst, but fun story that I will probably reread in the future. It had all the joys of Christmas, the innocence of a regency romance, and just the fun of a good story.

<- Twelve Lords for ChristmasThe Mistletoe Trap ->

Image source: Larissa Lyons

Lost and Found in Mexico by Carla Luna

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Lost and Found in Mexico
Author: Carla Luna
Series: Romancing the Ruins #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary romance, Travel
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2024

Thoughts

I love that both Sofia and Olivia (Field Rules) are second chance romance girls. Both the sisters have polar opposite personalities and desires, but at the core, they both just want to be loved and to find love. Honestly, as much as I loved Olivia’s story in Field Rules, I think I actually liked Sofia’s more. Olivia and Rick are so damn alike and it’s impossible not to imagine how they will fit together. Sofia and Javier are total opposites and I like how they are able to find their own happily ever after with such different goals and personalities.

We might not have Vegas in Australia, but I do love the idea of a drunk wedding leading to a happily ever after. Alright, Sofia and Javier have a lot more to base their relationship on. But the point remains the same – a couple who got married drunk. Stuffed up the divorce and just end up reconnecting in the most picturesque of ways. Alright, maybe not everyone would think that a dig site would be picturesque, but the way that this one is described? It gives a girl who doesn’t have the travel bug some serious wanderlust.

I’ve never given much thought to what it actually means to be an insta-influencer. Particularly not one who is a travel influencer. I follow the occasional one, but that’s about as far as my brain cells go down that track. I loved that in this story, Sofai as a travel influencer who is kind of an adrenaline junkie. She manages to not only find her place at an archaeological dig site (and I swear all academia field sites are rough as guts), but she also goes diving whilst there. I might be kind of scared to go diving myself, but, having family who does… I could really appreciate the technicalities of writing this. And the joy that Sofia finds in her experiences.

This is such a fun, short and happy novella. Sofia and Javier have a whole lot of history, and although there are enough hurt feelings to make it interesting, they very quickly dive into their relationship. There isn’t that painful refusal to admit feelings and angst. Rather, just a story all about the joy of finding yourself in your person. And having support even when your passions don’t always align.

<- Field RulesTroy Story ->

Image source: Mondastore

A Merry Aussie Christmas by Stefanie London

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Merry Aussie Christmas
Author: Stefanie London
Series: Holidays in the Bluff #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves:Christmas, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I love that this is a Christmas story which features a couple playing Mr. and Mrs. Claus. I mean, Evie and Jasper are a great second chance romance, and a returning to home tale. I mean, it’s a beautiful romance in and of itself, but the fact that it’s all set against a backdrop of Christmas. I just adored this. Plus, it was an Australian Christmas that I recognised way too much. I mean, organising Christmas and trying to figure out what the temperature and weather is going to be… yeah, I completely recognise that. And, there’s all of the slang and sights which a small town, Australian Christmas entails. A beautiful story and one that helped me get into the Christmas spirit in a year when I’m finding that a little bit difficult.

Both Jasper and Evie are running from something in their pasts. And I really enjoyed that, although it puts complications in their relationship, they eventually find their way back to one another. It’s their love and acceptance of each other just as they are which help them both grow into better and greater people. For Jasper, he is running from his past and the judgement of small towns. Evie, on the other hand, is running from her health. Both are making decisions based on their fear of rejection and making decisions for others. We don’t get to choose who loves us, but we do get to choose to let others love us.

A Merry Aussie Christmas is a great romance which features both the positives and negatives of small towns. As someone who lives in a small town, I can tell you that London has it pretty spot on. There is so much support in such a space, but also, a lot of judgement. Plus, I love that everyone is just so up in each others’ business. Believe me, the gossip mill can be strong in small towns. And I love that this was neither portrayed as good or bad. It was just part of the community and negotiating the relationships in a tight knit community.

A Merry Aussie Christmas was merry, fun and joyful. It was a story that made me feel that inkling of a Christmas spirit in a time when I really needed it. It’s a simple and fun read, with just enough complexities to really keep you hooked. I will definitely read another London book in my future. There is just enough angst to be interesting, but not enough to make my heart hurt.

<- More Stefanie LondonDestined for Forever ->

Image source: Kobo

Grumpy Fake Boyfriend by Jackie Lau

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Grumpy Fake Boyfriend
Author: Jackie Lau
Series: Kwan Sisters #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I always enjoy Lau’s writing. It’s funny and upbeat, and just incredibly cute. Plus, her romances are generally a quick and easy read that is light hearted and a good departure from reality. In this case, Naomi and Will are a great opposites attract story. I love that Naomi is incredibly bubbly and sweet. She’s the eternal optimist without being naïve and annoying. It’s that strength of character that leads to a great story – someone who is strong and believes in herself. Plus, ultimately the way in which this story unfolds is somewhat her fault – she manages to manipulate and manoeuvre the situation she finds herself in to her liking.

Will is a great contrast to Naomi – where she is extroverted, bubbly and outgoing, he is seriously introverted. I definitely related to him way too much. I mean, he enjoys his time going out for the weekend with Naomi and her friends. But, he also has his moments when he just needs to disappear and hide from the world for a bit. I am also like this – I struggle to engage with others to a certain point. And I also had a family that, growing up, didn’t quite “get” my need for solitude. Even with the best intentions, like Will, I know how much it can smart to have people constantly push you to be more social when it’s just not something you are comfortable with.

Although Naomi and Will may be total opposites, they spend this entire story building one another up. Naomi supports and accepts Will’s need to be withdrawn at times. She even encourages his solitude when it’s necessary without having any expectations of him. Will on the other hand is able to build up Naomi’s self-esteem and encourage her to just be herself. Regardless of what he or anyone else wants. They spend the entire story getting to know one another and building each other up – exactly what should happen in a healthy relationship.

Grumpy Fake Boyfriend was a seriously cute and adorable romance. It’s filled with Lau’s humour and wit. I honestly adore her writing, and I can’t wait to read more of the books I have on my bookshelves by her. This was definitely an impossible to put away story and it gave me so much joy and optimism from the very first page.

<- More Jackie LauMr. Hotshot CEO ->

Image source: Kobo