Category Archives: Book Review

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

Dead Man by Domino Finn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Dead Man
Author: Domino Finn
Series: Black Magic Outlaw #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Urban fantasy, Zombies
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I really loved this novel. I mean, it wasn’t one that I couldn’t put down, but it was still one that I was hanging to get back into. The perfect mix for a book sometimes. Don’t get me wrong, page-turners that are impossible to put down are great. But, sometimes it makes me more hesitant to read another book by that author – because then I’ll get too bogged down in it. Finn manages that perfect amount of action – enough that I really wanted to keep on reading and find out what was going to happen next. But not so much that I couldn’t possibly move past this story. Plus, the amount of action and drama throughout this just makes me intrigued as to what other chaotic nonsense Cisco is going to get into.

The idea of waking up dead, ten years after the fact, and unravelling the pieces to what actually happened was a pretty intense journey. I mean, I couldn’t quite get my head around it for the entirety of the story. And I enjoyed the adventure that Cisco and his chaotic past took me on. I can’t wait to find out more of what happened in that ten year interim, and also, how he was shaped as a zombie-man. Then, there’s the discovery of Finn’s special brand of magic throughout this. It’s not often that I can read an urban fantasy which has world building that comes as a surprise. I love that the mix of practiced beliefs and magic all combine into a very unique form of magic. One that, again, I can’t wait to find out more about.

I particularly loved the use of Bokors and Hoodoo throughout Finn’s world building. Cisco has an unforgettable narrative voice that I couldn’t forget. And having Hoodoo and Bokors explained with his special brand of sass and quirkiness was seriously enjoyable. I mean, this was ridiculously fun and added to the rest of the story. Dead Man was filled with so much angst and drama, and the use of different practices to create it just added to the enjoyment. This was also one of the darker urban fantasies on my shelves, which, at this point in my life was a great fit. And I loved how much fun I had reading it.

I can’t wait to read the next book in the Black Magic Outlaw series, Shadow Play. I mean, this was an intense and fun adventure all on its own. And now, after all of the discovery and chaos in Dead Man, Cisco has a chance at a second life. He might have lost all of his family and friends, and burnt a whole lot of bridges, but I feel that he’s about to find a whole new place in his life. I’m so excited to go on this next journey with him!

<- More Domino FinnShadow Play ->

Image source: Goodreads

Breaking His Code by Patricia D. Eddy

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Breaking His Code
Author: Patricia D. Eddy
Series: Away from Keyboard #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

This was one of those novels that is currently sitting in the box sets that I have. So I had absolutely no idea what to expect from it. And I really didn’t know whether I was going to like it or not (it’s always hit and miss finding books in this way). Well, this is one of those stories that I absolutely loved. And I’m so grateful that I’ve now got a whole new author and series to add to my shelves. Plus, it’s a romantic suspense, and I don’t really have many of them on my shelves.

There is just enough suspense in this romance to keep in interesting and quite intense, but not so much that I felt uncomfortable while reading it. I mean, ultimately, I was reading this story for the romance aspect, not the suspense and fear aspect. The suspense just lent itself to me not being able to put this book down, because as well as wishing Cam and West were going to find their happily ever after, I was also really hoping that they would find out just who was doing the wrong thing behind the scenes. It wasn’t quite who I suspected initially, and for that I am glad.

West and Cam are such a gorgeous couple. I really love how they connect online, and eventually work together to get over their issues. Plus, they are both veterans, so lots of common ground. I love that West is incredibly patient with Cam and just slowly lets her see that what they have is real and worth trusting in. Yet, he’s not blindly allowing her to run the show and runaway, it’s a beautiful balancing act that I think a lot of people have to trial to form a solid relationship with those of us with issues.

Throughout a lot of this story, I was curious as to why Cam was originally disowned and what the root of her trust issues was going to be. It honestly wasn’t what I expected. And, the amount of shame that she carries felt incredibly intense for something that was a whole lot less awful than anticipated. It was really heartbreaking how making a mistake in her teenage years led to a lifetime of being alone. And now I’m excited to get into In Her Sights with two characters I’ve already met and felt intrigued by.

<- More Patricia D. EddyIn Her Sights ->

Image source: Fnac

Defying Our Forever by Claudia Burgoa

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Defying Our Forever
Author: Claudia Burgoa
Series: The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

After reading A Moment Like You, I couldn’t wait to get into Leyla and Pierce’s story. There is so much set up and hints of what they are to each other, and it made it impossible not to dive straight into this when I got my grubby little e-hands on it. However, I didn’t expect quite so much history to their story. I thought we’d dive right into the rest of the Baker’s Creek timeline, but instead, about a third of this book covered their history and their mistakes. At first I found it a bit frustrating and wanted to charge forwards. But, as mistake after misunderstanding piled on top of one another, I realised that their story was just that much better for having their history so thoroughly included as well.

From the start of this series, you know that all of the boys have a fairly horrific father (although, I’m convinced that there will be a bit of a redemptive arc for him throughout). Yet, finding out more about the matriarchal side of Pierce’s family is somehow even worse. His family truly and deeply sucks and their manipulations of him from the very beginning are just cringeworthy. It just shows that no matter how strong and intelligent a person is, they are able to be manipulated by those in their lives. Particularly the “family” that has been around since the beginning – abuse and conformity become the new norm. Yet, I love that, in removing him from his family’s influence, the evil deceased father is able to remove their influence and finally let Pierce (who is very arguably a victim of abuse) to see the depths of their depravity and move away from that nonsense.

Leyla has one of the most tragic pasts I’ve read in a romance in a long time. Honestly, it almost bought tears to my eyes it was just that dang sad. And then, on top of her tragic backstory, she manages to fall for a man who is just too stubborn to realise that he’s broken and damaged too. I mean, just one of those things alone would be a tragedy, but both of them together? There are moments when I had to put the book down just because of the amount of emotional angst. Yet, I still found myself hoping for the couple to figure out their drama. Even in the multitude of moments when Pierce demonstrated his own trauma and inability to negotiate. Luckily, this tragic background for Leyla gave a huge amount of character growth (it did for Pierce too, but I liked Leyla’s more). I love that this is actually based a little on the backstory of a real person, and Burgoa just wanted to give her the happily ever after that she deserved…

Defying Our Forever was a love story filled with abuse and tragic histories, with breaking the mold and finding a happily ever after through forced proximity (yay for the evil Baker’s Creek father) and a willingness to change. I love that Leyla and Pierce are eventually able to find their way back to one another, even in the most difficult of circumstances. And that, eventually they are able to actually find an ending that is healthy and suited. There was a lot of emotional turmoil, but man did it make the reward at the end worth it. Now the plot continues to thicken, and I can’t wait to dive into more of Burgoa’s books.

<- A Moment Like YouCall You Mine ->

Image source: Kobo

Booked for Kidnapping by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Booked for Kidnapping
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Vigilante Magical Librarians #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Well, this story took a turn that I wasn’t expecting. I thought that the kidnapping in this would be of a politician or someone else embroiled in this massive conspiracy. However, in the end, it was Janette who was kidnapped. And a lot more of the story was about that and figuring out just why and how than anything else. I mean, more of the conspiracy is unravelled, and the pieces to start maybe getting power back is revealed, but it was still mostly about Janette’s mysterious kidnapping and subsequent escape.

I love how the activities in this story and the teasing apart of more of the motivations of this story set everything up perfectly for the next story. I think this is a part of a trilogy, and I can’t wait to see how everything rounds out and ends. I can’t wait to find out how the vigilante librarians are going to thwart the evil plans of the powers that be. I mean, it makes me feel physically ill reading some of this storyline (because it is so rooted in reality), so I would love to read how the good guys actually win!

Brad and Janette are all kinds of sweet and cute. I love how their relationship has grown throughout this series. And that they are perfectly and happily matched to one another. Although there isn’t much steam on the pages, I really enjoy how they build up to it in their relationship. And how, eventually they are able to become comfortable with one another and find their way to intimacy… it may not be steamy on the page, but it is in my mind!

I honestly can’t get over the power of unchecked politicians and just how terrifying that truly is. I mean, this is so obviously based in the reality of what is happening in America. And, what makes me really scared is that it seems as though the politicians in Australia are headed in the same direction. It is a terrifying reality, and a reminder that power corrupts absolutely. And unchecked power is just… terrifying.

<- Booked for MurderMore R.J. Blain ->

Image source: Rebecca Frank Design

Chasing Alys by Morgana Bevan

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Chasing Alys
Author: Morgana Bevan
Series: True Platinum #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Rockstar romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I really wasn’t sure what to expect from this story, and honestly, I loved this far more than I had anticipated. I actually completely adored this rockstar romance. It was so difficult to put down and now I want more of Ryan’s bandmates’ romances. And Emily’s. I mean, the main couple is absolutely adorable, but so are the secondary characters. All in all, this was a fantastic story that hit me in many of the emotional points. And one that I would like to read again in the future (after I’ve finished the rest of the True Platinum series).

I love that it’s Alys who is the person reluctant to fall in love. Too often it’s normalised that the men are the reluctant ones for a relationship. So it was incredibly nice to have that switched to a woman who is reluctant and the man who is all in from the beginning. Plus, it’s such great character growth for Alys to finally decide to take the plunge and actually try to invest within herself and her happily ever after.

I think one of the most poignant things about reading this novel was the time in which I read it. Alys carries a lot of guilt for not doing enough for her father, and finds it difficult to associate with him sometimes because of this. But, ultimately, he understands that she has other commitments and loves her for the time she is able to give – it’s all about quality, not quantity! Plus, Alys’ father is 100% in her corner, whilst still pushing her to be better and challenge herself. A great father-daughter relationship that I really appreciated!

I loved this romance. It was a rockstar romance with just enough angst to make it interesting, but, ultimately it was just super cute. Plus, there’s the fact that Ryan is really sweet. I always fixate on the woman’s growth and being, but I also loved how Ryan was able to grow throughout this. Admittedly, some of his behaviour could’ve had some serious stalker vibes, but he managed to skirt that line. Somehow, instead of being creepy, he ended up being cute. Overall, I thought this was a seriously adorable romance, one that left me with all of the happy, bright feelings.

<- More Morgana BevanCharming Daphne ->

Image source: Books2read

Cyclone by Carina Alyce

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Cyclone
Author: Carina Alyce
Series: MetroGen After Hours #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2024

Thoughts

What a brilliant way to start a new story and introduce me to a new author. I absolutely loved this story, it was intense and kind of brilliant. I loved that it was a romance featuring two people who work in high adrenaline fields. Particularly that the woman is about to begin her career as a First Responder / Fire Fighter. Then, there’s the fact that the majority of the action takes place in a cyclone.

Cyclone is a very cute second chances romance with the added drama of a cyclone and the couple finally getting together (after saving someone’s life of course). This novella contains many reminders of the past. I love that both points of view of actions and misunderstandings in both of their pasts are told differently. It’s always fun to have two different points of view of activities as a reminder of just how differently we can all view the same moments in our lives.

I honestly absolutely adored this high pace story, and the fact that this is centred around a female firefighter. I also love that it has an open ending, which I’m assuming (hoping) will be concluded a lot better in one of the MetroGen After Hours novels. I mean, she literally runs away like her pants are on fire (for good reason). And I really want to know how this happens next.

Honestly, the end of this was actually felt as somewhat of a physical blow. I mean, I spent this whole story rooting for the characters in this, and wanting them to succeed. Particularly after they save a woman’s life in the middle of a cyclone. And yet, I actually love how it ended! It’s got me drawn in.

<- More Carina AlyceVolatile ->

Image source: Goodreads

Your Garnet Eyes by Katherine Vaz

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Your Garnet Eyes
Author: Katherine Vaz
In: The Faery Reel (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2004

Thoughts

This short story definitely jumps around a little bit. With big chunks of the story diving forwards in time, but I kind of liked it. It covered a whole lot of time in very few pages. I really liked this style, it made me not want to put this down and just dive through the pages. Although, in my experience, Vaz’s writing is a little like this.

Something about how this written has a very fae feeling. Which is something hard to describe, but has a very ethereal tone to it. This fit beautifully within the The Faery Reel collection, and it definitely meant that the time jumps felt even more mysterious and intriguing. I really loved the way that this was written and would love to read this short story again.

Your Garnet Eyes is all about the bargains of faeries, and how they must give and receive in equal parts. I love that almost all traditional stories feature faerie bargains of some form, and Vaz really drives this home in Your Garnet Eyes.

<- ElvenbroodTengu Mountain ->

Image source: Amazon

The Wild Heart by Anne Bishop

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Wild Heart
Author: Anne Bishop
In: Silver Birch, Blood Moon (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Feminism, Retellings
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 1999

Thoughts

The Wild Heart was a lovely and different take on sleeping beauty. I really liked how it was structured and enjoyed the adventure that we got to go along. There was something about this short story that was a little bit darker and more twisted. Making it feel a little bit truer with a number of horrible betrayals throughout. I love the dark and twisty versions of fairy tales. But this one also had an extra benefit of female power and independence.

The ending to this story was one of bittersweet emotions. It was kind of sad, but yet had a sense of hope even as I turned that final page. The thorns may have been pulled down and the princess released. But, she then had a whole life to live away from the horrors that encompass her past. I love that even her slumber is caused by a betrayal, not some more innocent fairy just cursing her.

I loved that the Sleeping Beauty was the Gentle Heart and Wild Heart. They are two sides of the same coin, and this story is all about finding oneself and embracing that. But, it’s also about defending yourself and keeping the Wild Heart alive and well, even whilst the Gentle Heart is loving and kind to others.

<- Ivory BonesYou Wandered Off Like a Foolish Child to Break Your Heart and Mine ->

Image source: Wikipedia