Category Archives: Book Review

Show Me, Baby: A Masters of the Shadowlands Novella by Cherise Sinclair

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Show Me, Baby: A Masters of the Shadowlands Novella
Author: Cherise Sinclair
Series: Masters of the Shadowlands #9
In: 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Two (Lexi Blake, Larissa Ione, Lisa Renee Jones & Cherise Sinclair)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: BDSM, Contemporary romance, Erotica
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I’m not normally a huge fan of BDSM stories, although, I’m trying to read more and more of them to get myself out of my comfort zone. And honestly, this was the perfect introduction into the genre. It wasn’t too intense, but still had elements of BDSM. Plus, the character connections and development were brilliant. Honestly, I loved the sexuality of the story, but I loved the characters and them finding their happily ever after even more.

Rainie’s life is incredibly tragic and the more you get to know about her, the sadder it becomes. However, throughout all of her tragedy, she grows to become a wonderful human being. One who is strong and independent, but inherently capable of a lot of love and kindness. The fact that she’s also incredibly adept at organisation and her job just drove home the wonderful nature of Rainie and how much I wanted her to have a happily ever after.

Doms might not quite be the thing that get my motor running, but Jack is… actually sexy for a Dom and definitely had me intrigued from the very beginning. He is kind and caring, and completely sweet. Although, still with that full on Dom personality that is… overwhelming, even when it’s just words on a page leaping into my brain.

I enjoyed this novella way more than I expected, and now I can’t wait to read more of Sinclair’s writing. And honestly, just exploring more of this genre of writing.

<-Need You Now1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Three ->

Image source: Amazon

Repeat by Kylie Scott

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Repeat
Author: Kylie Scott
Series: Larsen Brothers #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

For the majority of this novel, I liked it, but honestly really didn’t want to. I mean, I don’t mind the idea of amnesia as a trope to give the couple a second chance, but to the extent when you are NEVER able to remember any aspect of your past… I just found that uncomfortable and a little too tragic. Yet, in spite of that, I absolutely loved Repeat, and can’t wait to read more writing by Kylie Scott as a result.

One of the big drivers for me within this story was the fact that you get to unravel Clem’s past and the break down not long before her attack alongside her. There were hints of foreshadowing in the style of writing, but nothing was truly given away. This tactic was probably also one of the biggest reasons why I actually found this book almost impossible to put down. And had one too many late nights reading…

The aspect of Clem’s amnesia that I found most uncomfortable was actually Ed. Where you understand how Clem falls back in love and her motives, Ed’s are a little more uncomfortable. I mean, he has to not only come to terms with the drastic changes that Clem has been through, but also find a way to heal from their pretty explosive breakup. There’s part of me that needs more of Ed’s point of view to make me more comfortable with this aspect of the plot line.

I love that amongst the second chance romance and storyline, there is the romantic suspense flavour. It doesn’t quite have enough action and mayhem to tip it into that genre for me, but in moments it was close. I must admit, I did ultimately predict just who the villain was going to be. However, their involvement in Clem’s tragedies and the entire storyline was far more insidious than even I had anticipated. Which is probably what ultimately left this book lingering in my mind’s eye.

<- More Kylie ScottPause ->

Image source: Lovely Books

Something Like Hate by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Something Like Hate
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Chicago Grizzlies #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

After reading On the Defense, I couldn’t wait to dive into Something Like Hate, Bryce and Miles’ story. I mean, they are fantastic and filled with conflict from the beginning. And they’re definitely a couple that I want to work out from the very beginning. But, they do take a little bit of time to find their feet and find their way to one another. And then, when they do and you realise that there is a whole lot more story to come… it’s definitely a bit of a battle to put the book down.

This was a fairly typical sports romance, which is what I kind of loved about it if I’m being honest. There is something easy and enjoyable about reading a sports romance, particularly when the male leads are hockey players. There is something so appealing about the sport, and I love that they encompass all of the “alpha” male traits that I enjoy without the toxicity of real life. Plus, the predictability of a good sports romance is one of the reasons it is a pleasant diversion from real life. However, Piper Rayne still managed to throw in enough curveballs to stop it from being boring, and make it hard to put down.

The biggest spicing up of this story is the conflict of interest that Bryce experiences with work. It makes it hard to figure out just how Miles and Bryce are going to make things work and have a future together. Plus, it makes the double cross at the end even more frustrating and sad. I mean, it was obvious that there was going to be something thrown up, but just what it would be was a surprise. Luckily, as with all good romances, this is resolved fairly nicely, but it still leads to some uncomfortable and worrying moments.

I absolutely adored this story, and now I can’t wait to read the next two books in this series – Miles’ two friends both deserve their own happy endings, and I really want to read their stories. Plus, there’s a whole interrelated universe with a number of romances to dive into. A whole new world of happiness and happily ever afters to dive into.

<- On the DefenseSomething Like Lust ->

Image source: Amazon

On the Defense by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: On the Defense
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Chicago Grizzlies #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I normally enjoy a good prequel novel, but the fact that this one is the prequel to the three different romances in this series? Absolutely brilliant. As a hint to the rest of the story, and a prequel for a whole series, this is brilliant. I mean, it made me incredibly keen to dive straight into the series and find out just how each of the three couples find their happily ever after moments.

Even though there are a number of open endings and hints at the greater story throughout this, I did get particularly fixated on Miles and Bryce. Probably because they are the first story in the series and they are the ones that are right on the cusp of action. I love that it’s a hate to love dynamic with a whole heap of unexplained history. How could I not be intrigued and drawn in immediately?

This novel is filled with open endings and potential. I think that Piper Rayne is brilliant in that they are able to set up three prequels in the one storyline. And make you just want to dive right into the series without a second thought.

<- More Piper RayneSomething Like Hate ->

Image source: Barnes and Noble

The One Month Boyfriend by Roxie Noir

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The One Month Boyfriend
Author: Roxie Noir
Series: Wildwood Society #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Kat and Silas are one of my more enjoyable couples of the past many, many romances that I’ve read. Probably because they are both kind of vindictive and more than a little damaged. In different ways, but they are seriously enjoyable to read about. And, the fact that they own their damage and try to become better when they realise their mistakes… adorable.

Noir did a great job of representing social anxiety and the difficulties of managing such a condition. She also did great justice to the description of PTSD and describing panic attacks. Rather than romanticising or idealising having such debilitating conditions, Noir is able to describe it in a way that both drives home how frustrating it is to live in such a way, but also the challenges that one can face. As someone who suffers from panic attacks and anxiety, I can attest that Noir does a brilliant job at describing these moments, and most poignantly, the aftermath of what these attacks can be like.

Fake relationships are always an interesting trope, and one that can have somewhat awkward beginnings. However, this was probably one of the more vindictive beginnings to a fake relationship. And I loved it. I’m not exactly sweet and innocent, and I definitely have a vindictive streak. So I can entirely understand both Kat and Silas’ motives. Predominantly Kat in the beginning. I did love though, that Kat eventually realises how cruel her actions actually are, and just… begins to move on.

From the very first page, I completely fell in love with Noir’s writing and the world that she has created. I can’t wait to dive further into her writing and be swept away with these slightly off-kilter romances. They are just beautifully written and a great departure from reality.

<- Textual RelationsThe Two Week Roommate ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble

Since You’ve Bean Gone by Lainey Davis

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Since You’ve Bean Gone
Author: Lainey Davis
Series: Farm 2 Forking #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

Since You’ve Bean Gone is a gorgeous little second chance romance. The fact that one of the early pivotal moments occurs with Ethan passed out in a sheep pen just makes it funny as well as very, very cute. I love that not only is this a second chance story, but also one that occurs at a crossroads of change in Ethan’s life.

I’m a big sucker for romances that focus on someone whom has a chronic illness. It normalises living with chronic illness in a way little else does. But, also doesn’t glorify and romanticise it. This was the first romance, or even novel, I’ve read which features somebody living the Crohn’s Disease though. I had a friend in university who lost his twenties to this, much like Lia and it was refreshing to read about living with a chronic illness like this.

As a partnership to the difficulties of living with Crohn’s, Lia’s doctor boyfriend is just… off. I spent the whole story waiting to see if he would be revealed as an incredibly unethical horror show. Or at least, face some kind of comeuppance for his treatment of Lia. However, their relationship ends fairly calmly and, although it was definitely a healthier way for things to go, the vindictive part of me was unimpressed.

Ethan is a wonderful counterpoint to some of Lia’s struggles. He’s quite sweet, and although hurt by the past, quick to forgive and move forward. Mostly because he’s incredibly accepting and understanding of the difficulties of the past. I do love that his biggest challenge and flaw isn’t actually letting Lia back into his life, but accepting the change that she brings. It’s the changes to the farms and admitting his own past mistakes to his brothers that he struggles with. The inherent flaws that made him so damn likeable.

Alongside the romance, I love that this is a farm story about learning to diversify and change. Traditional practices across the board have begun to be less lucrative, so it’s interesting what other options are out there. Plus there’s a sheep named Baabara Streisand running free causing havoc, so why wouldn’t you love this story?

<- More Farm 2 ForkingButter You Up ->

Image source: NetGalley

The Unleashing by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Unleashing
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Call of Crows #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Norse mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

As of late, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying anything by Shelly Laurenston. When I realised that she had a series that is based on Norse mythology, I may have squealed a little. Alright, a lot, on the inside. Because squealing in public earns you weird looks…

As a woman, I love that the crows are driven by their rage. I mean, I get it. Sometimes I’m fairly certain that to be a woman is to be filled with rage some days. And the idea that they are all women who have been killed, given a second life and assigned the task of vengeance? Way too damn good.

If I look at my reading habits lately, I MAY be enjoying romance stories with murder and mayhem a little bit too much lately. But you know, Laurenston fits into the perfectly, and it makes me happy, o we won’t think too closely on that. I love that Laurenston’s women are typically the leaders of this murder and Mayhem, and their poor men just kind of follow along half the time.

The hints to Jace’s story are intriguing, and, having read the next blurb, I love that I get her tale next! I mean, she seems a little unknowable, and just… intriguing. And her love interest (or the one I’ve guessed to be her love interest)? That seems like a total opposites attract. Plus, the hints at other romances throughout The Unleashing just make me deliriously excited for what is going to happen next.

Aside from future mayhem and romance, I can’t wait to find out more about the epic battles that have begun in this novel. I’m do very excited to continue with yet another Laurenston series. One that I’m sure will leave me smiling and giggling throughout.

<- More Shelly LaurenstonThe Undoing ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Ladies’ Fight by Caitlin Kittredge & Jaye Wells

Book Review, , , , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Ladies’ Fight
Author: Caitlin Kittredge & Jaye Wells
Series: Hellhound Chronicles #1.5 & Sabina Kane #5.6
In: Urban Allies (Joseph Nassise)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I absolutely loved this story, and now I have two new series to add into my shelves! Which, I for one, cannot wait to dive into. I mean, I’ve read a short story in both the Sabina Kane and Hellhound Chronicles series, but now I have even more motivation to dive into their stories. I mean, tough women, paranormal nonsense and kicking butt? That is all what I love about a good urban fantasy.

Both Ava and Sabina are amazing, kick ass women who just… dominate all things. I love that for both of them, their male partners are heavy hitters, but not ones that are likely to try and overtake their women. Rather, they are happy to be partners and backup in those situations that require it. And just let Sabina and Ava figure out how to win the day. I also loved that Sabina is obviously at the end of her story and development within this tale, but Ava is just starting to travel through hers.

This story hit all of my buttons for a good urban fantasy tale. Written by women with strong female leads who aren’t afraid to kick butt. Magic, and mayhem. Plus, this one had necromancer magic and hellhounds. With a whole heap of mysteries woven throughout which makes me incredibly intrigued to pick up the rest of the books in both of these series.

<- Black DogGrim Tidings ->

Image source: HarperCollins Publishers

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
Author: India Holton
Series: Dangerous Damsels #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Pirates, Regency romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this novel. I mean, the premise intrigued me (which is why I bought it). But I quite frankly, didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I actually did. I mean, it was such a funny and enjoyable story to start with. But the balance between Proper English behaviour and the insanity of law-breaking pirates? That was just hilarious.

The idea of a fleet of flying houses instead of pirate ships was a major surprise, but one that worked brilliantly. I kind of want a beautiful British home that I can just… cast a spell and make it fly to a whole new destination. Although, the idea of lady scoundrels who are getting on in years piloting such a vessel is somewhat concerning…

Honestly, Ned is everything I want in my life. Or at least, in a roguish pirate. Who is also an assassin. Who is also a crown spy. I mean, he’s kind of adorable, totally competent, but also somewhat naive about the skills etc of Cecelia. At least to begin with. In an entertaining and light-hearted story, he’s also the perfect entertaining and light-hearted romantic lead.

At first, I found some of Cecelia’s passivity with her aunt and the Society a little bit annoying. But as the story progressed it grated a little less. Probably because, even though in some ways she’s a little too passive, in others she is kind of contrary. Just in a far more subtle and ladylike way than I would be used to.

Honestly, as much as I loved Cecelia and Ned, I also found the secondary characters adorable. Miss Darlington was downright precious and just what I would imagine of an elderly lady scoundrel. A proper, tea drinking one that is. And Movrath, the villain, both a little bit scary, but also somewhat comedic. Yes, he almost seems to be terrifying and winning a multitude of times. But then, he’s also just so damn… cringeworthy.

A perfectly splendid book to drink a cup of tea to.

<- More India HoltonThe League of Gentlewomen Witches ->

Image source: Bookety Book Books

Gametime by Jami Davenport

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Gametime
Author: Jami Davenport, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Moo U #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Even though the beginning of this story is kind of cringe-worthy, Pax and Naomi work beautifully as a couple. I mean, the fact that it’s friends to lovers is always a story that I’m going to get behind. However, I didn’t necessarily love the fact that they first get together because Naomi thinks that Pax is his twin. Or how she handles her faux pas. It was definitely an awkward beginning. But, it very quickly became a story that I just didn’t want to put down. Fun, adorable and with so much angst that I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.

Although throughout the story, I’m entirely on Pax’s side, it is easy to see how blindsided he made his twin, Patrick. I mean, Patrick also didn’t exactly handle things very well. But, they are also new adults who aren’t the most mature people in the world. It definitely shows what a fantastic author Davenport is, I might have entirely been on Pax’s side, but I also could completely understand the motivations behind Patrick’s behaviours. I’m such a fan of stories about contentious sibling relationships that still come from a place of love, and Davenport hit this perfectly.

It took a little longer than I would have liked for Naomi to sort out her nonsense and actually be a kind human being. But, I did enjoy the process. And, when she finally did decide to sort herself out, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and unforgettable journey. Plus, as with Pax and Patrick, you could understand where that trauma came from and why she wasn’t necessarily making the best decisions. Her grand gesture also went a long way to smoothing over the hackles raised at some of her earlier decisions.

Gametime was a fairly simple and fun college romance, with just enough angst throughout to make it interesting. It did touch on some serious issues of abuse and traumatic upbringings, but in a way that didn’t bog me down too much after I turned that final page. What an adventure of mistaken identity, friends to lovers romance, with a whole heap of family pressure and expectations thrown in. And lets not forget the hockey – so much hockey action that made me want to actually, maybe watch this sport…

<- HoldoutOvertime ->

Image source: Goodreads