Category Archives: Book Review

Wolves by C. Gockel

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Wolves
Author: C. Gockel
Series: I Bring the Fire #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Norse mythology, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I really enjoyed this modern version of Norse mythology, all written from the point of view of Loki. He’s such a grey character throughout the mythologies and retellings that I’ve read. I love that Gockel stuck to this. He’s not evil, and all of his decisions are informed by something. But, he’s also not necessarily what I would call good either. Rather, he’s a bit of a chaotic neutral.

I love how the original Norse mythology is what informs Loki’s past. Rather than trying to change any of the original tales, Gockel has taken the known mythology and used that to inform Loki’s history. There is a totally different lens placed upon these experiences, rather than Loki being a troublemaker, rather, he’s often goaded into poor choices and wins out the day. It’s actually a little heartbreaking how poorly he is treated, and how much love he is capable of.

Amy was a likeable character, but not a loveable one. She was a little bit naïve, and yet worldly at the same time. In an almost unbelievable manner. I found it a bit difficult to connect to her. Whilst I was gunning for Loki to win the day, I didn’t have overly strong emotions about Amy. It was actually her grandmother that I liked more. However, I feel that she’s got a lot of potential growth, so I’ll be intrigued to see who she becomes as the series unfolds.

Wolves was a great start to the I Bring the Fire series and one that makes me want to read more. It was a fun and diverting read, without being too heavy and intense. I really enjoyed my time in this world, and I can’t wait to dive in again!

<- AtomicMonsters ->

Image source: Book Bub

A Karma Girl Christmas by Jennifer Estep

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: A Karma Girl Christmas
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Bigtime #3.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Superheroes, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

Thoughts

This is my first foray into the world of Bigtime. I’ve read a few Jennifer Estep books before and enjoyed them. But now that I’m on my Christmas run, I thought that this one would be a good read. And I was incredibly correct. A Karma Girl Christmas is all about Karma Girl and her protecting a Christmas present. From super villains. It was gorgeous, cute and seriously funny. All while being all about the feeling of Christmas and the joy of giving.

As my first foray into Bigtime, the world building in this was phenomenal. Considering it’s actually a novella that takes place after the third book, that’s a fairly impressive feat. Now I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the Bigtime series and all of the joys that seem to come along with being in a world filled with superheroes and supervillains.

Honestly, the superheroes and villains stick to this story was absolutely hilarious. I mean, they literally all follow a script that they have to stick to. And then, the motivations of the villains in this story is also kind of hilarious. Not exactly the most evil of doers, but yet, they try and do something that is truly heinous – taking from children at Christmas time.

What I loved most about this story was that all of the superheroes pull together at the end. Carmen might be finding her own way as a member of the Fearless Five. But it’s all of the superheroes of Bigtime that choose to draw together to save the day. Kind of what Christmas is really all about, right?

<- JinxNightingale ->

Image source: Jennifer Estep

Hell and High Water by Charlotte E. English

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hell and High Water
Author: Charlotte E. English
Series: Fae Fatales #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I absolutely loved that this story was one about three femme fatales, I mean, fae fatales. Meeting up after almost one hundred years apart. With all sorts of tragedies and secrets in their past. Not only was this a story about solving the murders and protecting the fae of New York. But it was also about unravelling the why and the how of the breakup of the fae fatales in the past. It meant that, with these two storylines unfolding, it was incredibly difficult to put this book down and be, you know, a responsible adult.

Even though I guessed who the evil mastermind of this series was, it was still a brilliant reveal. And, even if I had already guessed what was coming, I couldn’t predict just how that reveal and motivation would go. It was very fun to read about, and all of the hints that English dropped throughout made it a ridiculously fun adventure. Plus, even if I didn’t actually agree with the villain’s motives, I did actually understand how that level of anger could manifest.

I loved that, even though this was a story featuring three femme fatales, it was only written from the point of view of two. Fionn and Tai are great voices which give different perspectives on the occurrences of the book. And, although I would have loved to know a little bit more of what Dax thought. She’s kind of insane, so I liked having the lens of the two more sane characters within the trio. Plus, it gave a bit more context to how different characters have dealt with the same level of nonsense.

Honestly, I mostly just want to read more about Dax in future adventures (I’m hoping that there are going to be more adventures). She seems to be the most balanced of the trio, even if she’s definitely a bit of a nutter. Plus, the friendship between the two, that has lasted a lot of nonsense, is incredibly beautiful. Particularly how Fionn and Tai are always there to support one another. Even when they weren’t actually talking.

Hell and High Water is a bit of a who-dunnit mystery. A bit of paranormal fantasy. And a whole lot of fun. It was an unforgettably enjoyable adventure, and there’s a reason that I really love the fact that I have a number of English books filling my shelves and my TBR.

<- More Charlotte E. EnglishTBC ->

Image source: Second Sale

One Hot Holiday by Cynthia Eden

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: One Hot Holiday
Author: Cynthia Eden
Series: Wilde Ways #5.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This is the first book in the Wilde Ways series that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. And possibly one of my first full-length Cynthia Eden books. And I absolutely adored it. A romantic suspense Christmas story that has an incredibly insane and creepy stalker. A woman running from her past. And the man who wanted to keep her safe. I honestly couldn’t put this book down – it was fast paced and intense. A story that I won’t be forgetting any time soon. Now I can’t wait to read more of Eden’s stories. I hope that they are all as intense and impossible to put down as this one!

I love that this story starts with elves on bicycles almost running Haley over. It was a fun little Meet Cute. Even if Haley is immediately scared, I like how it started the foundation for Haley and Spencer’s relationship. Plus, a town who celebrates Christmas by having a bunch of elves ride on bikes while playing music? It sounds incredibly off-kilter and a little bit different. Kind of got me in the Christmas mood from fairly early on, even if this was a Christmas romance with a whole heap of drama.

One Hot Holiday is a story that is not just filled with romance and drama, but has a whole lot of action peppered throughout. I’m not sure if it was my wish for Haley and Spencer to get together, or the hope that the bad guy was going to get caught that kept me reading. Honestly, this was maybe not the best book to read right before bed time – I ended up having to start a second, calmer book after reading this, just so I could sleep. Eden managed to balance the horrors of being hunted with the joys of falling in love perfectly.

This was an impossible book to put down, and one that I will look forward to reading again in the future. I can’t wait to read more about the men and women who work for Wilde and find out what other nonsense comes up in their lives. I mean, murder, mayhem and all sorts of chaos as a backdrop to falling in love? Definitely the kind of book that I enjoy reading and will read more of in the future!

<- Fighting For HerGhost of a Chance ->

Image source: Amazon

Grouch-ish by L.B. Dunbar

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Grouch-ish
Author: L.B. Dunbar
Series: Holiday Hotties #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

I absolutely adored that this is a Christmas romance which is based on the twelve days of Christmas. I didn’t know that the twelve days of Christmas are actually the twelve days after Christmas – the 26th December until the 6th January. Plus, each of Brock’s twelve tasks have a lingering echo of the Christmas carol. It was so much fun picking up all of those little echoes, as I fell more and more in love with Brock and Pear. This was a ridiculously fun and light read, and honestly, the only reason it took me so long to read is that it was on Kindle Unlimited, and I have to read that on my glitchy phone.

Grouch-ish is a great romance with a bit of an opposites attract couple. Pear is eternally optimistic, even when she’s been dealt a pretty crappy hand of cards. I mean, some of the tragedies in her past would make anyone collapse. The fact that he’s a grumpy, silver fox, fireman with children just makes it all that much more yummy. I mean, he eventually lets some of his issues slide and some of his grumpiness diminishes. It’s particularly nice that Pear’s joy of life and patience is what brings Brock around to being a calmer, better version of himself.

I love how Brock and Pear are both incredibly lonely, and build their relationship on getting to know one another. There is the instant attraction, but their romance is kind of slow-burn, they slowly increase the intensity of their attachment until it all implodes. I always enjoy a good story in which the couple take the time to get to know one another, and don’t rush into an insane relationship just based on lust and attraction. Their loneliness might be the instigator of some of their relationship, but it’s not just companionship that keeps them together. Rather, a mutual sense of admiration and joy in each other’s company.

Although this story technically takes place just after Christmas, it is still a beautiful Christmas story. It’s a reminder that sometimes, Christmas can be hard for some families around loss. But it can also be incredibly joyful and one of the most promising times of year. A time for fresh starts, forgiveness and joy in the little things. At least, that’s how I feel about Christmas, and I found that Grouch-ish reflected this perfectly.

<- Naughty-ishMore L.B. Dunbar ->

Image source: Lisa Loves Literature

Autumn Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Autumn Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

After reading Summer Magic, I couldn’t wait to dive into Autumn’s story! I mean, there is so much history between Autumn and Keaton, and he is actually the more atrocious of the brothers in Summer Magic. He treats Autumn horrifyingly, and makes her literally flee her town to escape his wrath. Of course I wanted them to find their happily ever after and let the horrors of the past go. Don’t get me wrong, there were moments in which it was hard to even like Keaton, but this ended up being an adorable story. One that I seriously enjoyed diving into, even in those sad moments when I worried that their story wasn’t going to have a happily ever after.

With all of the hints that were given in Summer Magic, I’m really glad that this story started with a flashback to ten years ago. When both Autumn and Keaton made some questionable decisions with their youthful brains. It provided a relationship with far more at stake than I first realised right from the get go. And, it also made Keaton a little less hateable. He might still have made many boneheaded decisions (funnily enough, much like Coop), but it also became a little more understandable when the flashbacks occurred. Plus, there’s the creation of his daughter, Chloe, and their beautiful relationship together.

Not only is this a paranormal romance which allows Autumn and Keaton to move forwards together, it is also one in which the fight to ensure the Thorne Witches’ mothers survival. Autumn and Keaton are able to uncover the first artifact required to potentially save Aurora. Same with Summer Magic, this romance introduces an overarching story that I want to keep diving into. It also perfectly dovetails into Winter Magic, the next in the series. Plus, the Witch Hunters and Lin are also introduced, just raising the stakes yet again for this family of powerful witches. The romance might have been what drew me in, but the action and adventure is what keeps me coming back.

Chloe is a great addition to Autumn’s budding family. I love that she is the “daughter of her heart”. This idea touches so beautifully on the idea of soul mates as I see it – a collection of souls who find each other in each life. Not just a romantic couple, but children, friends and family. Chloe and Autumn are able to have a wonderful mother-daughter relationship which kind of helps to make up for the losses that they’ve both suffered in that area. An adorable relationship that I hope to see more of on the periphery as I dive further and further into the Thorne Witches series.

<- Summer MagicWinter Magic ->

Image source: Amazon

Summer Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Summer Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I may have read the happily ever after for this story, Enduring Magic, a long time before I actually got my hands on Summer Magic. Mostly because Enduring Magic was in a boxset, and Summer Magic was stalled out on Kindle Unlimited (which I now have because I’m fed up with missing out). However, even though I knew parts of the happiness in this story, I absolutely adored this journey. I mean, I almost always know that the couple is going to get their happily ever after, so reading Enduring Magic before Summer Magic didn’t really give anything away. It’s always the journey that is enjoyable and worth spending the time with anyway.

Coop was kind of an ass to Summer growing up, and, honestly, throughout most of this book. He just makes decision after decision in fear and selfishness. But, what I really liked about him, is that for every bonehead move and decision he makes, he does actually learn. He was just a little bit slow on the uptake at times. It made someone who does some kind of unforgiveable things, completely likeable. Normally men who make this many decisions that hurt the women that they love would be a total write off for me. But, somehow, Cromer is able to make Coop loveable and forgivable, in every silly instance.

As much as I loved getting to know the Thorne Witches and their future love interests, I actually think that it was the matriarchs of the Thorne family that I wanted to know all that much more. I mean, there are three siblings with some very heavy and intense histories between them. The fact that the two brothers have both loved (and fathered children with) the same woman. That is a lot of drama. Plus, where Preston is originally portrayed as the “good guy” his actions show that there is a whole lot of grey within these relationships. Now I just want to know more of their backstory, and if the Thorne sisters will be able to actually save the life of their mother. So much drama and history introduced within this story, which makes me desperate to read the rest of this series!

Saul and his many moments, particularly at the end of this story are absolutely hilarious. In fact, all of Summer’s many rescues and animals are kind of laugh out loud funny. Cromer is able to highlight the different attitudes and personalities of each of the animals, alongside each of the “Season Sisters”. I love how she is able to create such dramatically different characters that are unforgettable and make you love them with every turn of a page. Honestly, there isn’t much about this romance that I didn’t love. And it also feeds perfectly into the next few books into the series. With some very intriguing character arcs to come I’m sure.

<- More T.M. CromerAutumn Magic ->

Image source: Amazon

How to Get a Girlfriend (When You’re a Terrifying Monster) by Marie Cardno

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: How to Get a Girlfriend (When You’re a Terrifying Monster)
Author: Marie Cardno
Series: Monster Girlfriend #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Humour, LGBTQI, Science fiction
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Weirdly enough, I spent the entirety of this story trying to figure out if I liked this story or not. It wasn’t quite what I expected, and thus, I didn’t necessarily feel like I was confident in my feelings. And, even when writing this and reflecting on How to Get a Girlfriend (When You’re a Terrifying Monster), I have odd feelings. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I will read more by Cardno. But, honestly, it was nothing like what I had anticipated.

How to Get a Girlfriend (When You’re a Terrifying Monster) was a very cute and sweet sapphic romance at it’s core. Even if it’s a romance between a witch and a monster. Who is not really humanoid in shape at all. Not normally the kind of romance that I get into. But the satire throughout this kind of made it, less, cringey I suppose. Honestly, the whole idea of wanting to “fuck her research” was kind of hilarious. And I love how blunt that approach is.

The description of different worlds in this novella was great. We have one world which is loosely based on earth, just with an urban fantasy / paranormal fantasy bent. And then there’s the Endless. That’s just a world filled with pure insanity and a moving world. It’s incredibly easy to picture these different worlds with different rule sets. The fact that Sina and Trillian find themselves transversing both realities to head towards their happily ever after… priceless.

How to Get a Girlfriend (When You’re a Terrifying Monster) is a bizarre, unique and fun little novella. It was nothing like what I was anticipating, but I actually kind of loved that. I may not have found this impossible to put down, but I did find it impossible to forget.

<- More Marie CardnoHow to Get a ate with the Evil Queen ->

Image source: Goodreads

Once Upon a Holiday by Claudia Burgoa

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Once Upon a Holiday
Author: Claudia Burgoa
Series: The Spearman Family #3, Chaotic Love #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Once Upon a Holiday is a great romance set during Christmas time. It’s a reminder that, even though many of us love being around our family at this time of year, sometimes it can get a wee bit stifling. Plus, Christmas is the time of change and growth. Something that June embraces whole heartedly, and Sterling eventually embraces. It was a perfect Christmas story with just enough drama and angst to make me not want to put it down. As with the other Burgoa books I’ve read recently, I was entirely enraptured by this story and can’t wait to read about how the Spearman brothers all fell in love.

I love that June, when she hasn’t had life turn out quite the way she wants, decides to grab fate with her own two hands. She knows what she wants for her own life, and rather than waiting and wishing on a star, she just takes control. Rather than conforming to what is expected of a woman in her late twenties / early thirties, she does what she actually wants. But, she also manages to work on her future in a completely logical and well-thought out manner. I absolutely adore how she is able to take charge of her own life and stick to her decisions, without listening to her somewhat overbearing brothers.

Finding out about Sterling’s history, it’s easy to understand how and why he’s withdrawn from society and the world around him. Yet, rather than run away like I had assumed he would, he actually stepped up to the plate really quickly. I love that he was so willing to protect and support June from fairly early on in the story. And, even if he isn’t quite aware that he’s doing it, he is immediately trying to protect her from the costs of being with him. I mean, it must be hard being with a celebrity, but the insane fans? I can’t even imagine, and I love that Sterling quickly makes sure that she has her own security detail to keep her safe and protected.

From the very first page, this has all the feels of beginning and renewal, perfect themes for a Christmas story. I mean, it was obvious from the title that Once Upon a Holiday was going to be a pleasurable tale of love and family. The fact that it’s got a surprise pregnancy, a secluded couple, and a snowy backdrop. Honestly, I seriously enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read more about both the Spearman and the Ahrens brothers.

<- Then He HappenedAlmost Perfect ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble

Loved You Once by Claudia Burgoa

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Loved You Once
Author: Claudia Burgoa
Series: The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I’m not always the best at reading books in order, particularly as I’ve been picking up random romances from boxsets and with a Christmas theme lately. Which meant that I ended up reading Loved You Once, the first in the Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers series third. And you know what? I actually kind of liked my reading order. Pierce and Leyla, Henry and Sofia are such powerful and dynamic couples, and I loved reading about them. Particularly as their stories unfold alongside Hayes and Blair’s. It’s just that Hayes and Blair seem to reach the happily ever after portion of their tale so much quicker.

I love how forgiving both Blair and Hayes are. Their second chance romance is built on a pair who have felt betrayed by each other in the past. I did feel like Blair was incredibly beautiful and forgiving with her decision to move forwards with Hayes. Whilst I also understood how Hayes lashed out, it was Blair’s forgiveness that I found stunning. I don’t know if I’d have the strength of character to forgive someone who hurt me that badly that quickly. And I love that Blair was able to be this kind and giving in her heart.

Carter and his death are a horrible backdrop for the six brothers featured in this series. It’s part of what tears them all apart, and for Hayes, the one who got to grow up with him, it was absolutely tragic. I love that Blair was a true friend right until the end, and when her part in all of their shared history is revealed, she’s not the villain everyone believes her to be. Plus, it’s also a great way for Blair to be welcomed back into the fold and insanity of the Baker’s Creek Brothers all over again. Now I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series entails… with each of the brothers moving on from the scars of the past.

Hayes is wonderfully smart in recognising his flaws and how he’s shut himself off from the world. I love that he is the first of the brothers to realise that his scars have led him to remove himself from the world. And in doing so, he may end up exactly like his father – alone, scarred and dying all by himself. It was a great reminder for me that you can’t take money and possessions with you, but you will always be loved and remembered by your family.

<- More Claudia BurgoaA Moment Like You ->

Image source: Claudia Burgoa