Category Archives: Book Review

Falling for Aine by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Falling for Aine
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Aine was not the goddess that I thought would start this series. Or the goddess who would start up her own paranormal dating agency. Primarily because I knew next to nothing about her and feel like I need to do some major research into this goddess. I’m pretty rusty on the Celtic mythos, and I definitely want more of it in my life (like literally every other mythos I find out about). The fact that she then pulls in other gods and goddesses that I’m more familiar with – absolutely loved this entire story and didn’t want to put it down! Which I didn’t, and lost a decent chunk of sleep.

Min is cute, sweet, and slightly seductive. And yet, the need for consent is constantly emphasised throughout. I love that he is the god of passion, but he spends most of his time just being too cute for words. Plus, he takes the time to let Aine get used to the idea of them as a couple. Both Min and Aine work through their issues with commitment and love together. Bringing up their pasts happens so organically, and I love that they are able to process this together to find their new happily ever afters.

Falling for Aine is all about not only starting a new business, but also starting a new relationship. I was young and dumb when I started my own relationship, so I can’t imagine what it’s like to start not only a new relationship with the hangups that age brings. But also starting a new business, relying on others’ interest to make something of it. Aine manages to handle all of this with the most amazing graze and calm – something that I know I definitely would not be able to do in the same situation.

Falling for Aine is a quick, easy and light read. I absolutely adored it and now I can’t wait to see what other gods are going to feature in this series! now I’m looking forward to a whole lot more happily ever afters and love stories. The kind that leave you smiling and feeling calm and content when you turn that final page.

<- More Laura GreenwoodCatering to Aphrodite ->

Image source: Kobo

The Winter Ball by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Winter Ball
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Grimm Academy #18
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Fantasy, Retellings, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this take on The Twelve Dancing Princesses. As the first book I’ve read in the Grimm Academy series, I love how it set the tone for me and how this world is going to work. Rather than being a story of being punished for going against their fathers wishes, this is all about surviving a curse. It’s also a cute little romance that had me smiling and feeling calm as I turned that final page.

This story is all about Audrey starting at Grimm Academy, falling in love with a boy, fighting to beat her curse, and working on her relationship with her dad. The combination of all of these things meant that it was almost impossible to put down The Winter Ball and left me smiling throughout the entire read through. I was mostly just really intrigued how Audrey’s curse was going to manifest, and just how she was going to overcome the process of dancing herself (and her sisters) to death.

I’m not going to lie, I thought throughout The Winter Ball that Audrey’s dad would end up having some redeeming reason or communication to explain why he doesn’t immediately make her heir. He doesn’t. Honestly, the man is kind of annoying and truly sucky. A fair bit of the interpersonal build up is for Audrey to meet her father face to face and discuss the curse. Not one moment of that ends up happening, and his disjoint from his daughters becomes clear – kind of like the father in the original fairy tale.

Eugene is an interesting love interest for Audrey. He is loyal and supportive, willing to help her with her curse from the very beginning. They also build their relationship in that really organic university / college / academy way – by having a class together and getting to know one another. Ultimately, this story is just the very first blossoms of a romance, and I look forward to them being a more established couple and cameo in later stories within the series.

<- Princess of PeasDance of Daggers ->

Image source: Kobo

Feather of Balance by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Feather of Balance
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Forgotten Gods #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Egyptian mythology, Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

The first full-length novel in the Forgotten Gods series, as with most of the Greenwood stories I’ve read was light, fun and a lovely, easy read. I find it particularly fascinating that it was originally written to be the eleventh book in the series. But then slotted in better as the first book. And as a first time reader of this and the series, I found that it bought me into the world perfectly. Now I can’t wait to keep diving into these Egyptian mythology retellings and finding out how Greenwood has structured this world in her own unique ways.

Ma’at and Maahes are a really cute couple, and I love how they get to know one another and just fall into the comfort of their companionship. It’s an easy and comfortable relationship that builds as the story unfolds. Their romance is almost secondary to the primary storyline, and I like that it supports the story, but doesn’t take it all over. Plus, there is nothing better than a couple getting to know one another and falling, rather than the instant lust that some stories feature.

Ma’at is set up beautifully as the opposite of the God of Chaos (Seth) and the one who needs to instigate change / stand against him. This whole story is about her trying to curtail his shenanigans and figuring out how she fits into the modern world. I really enjoyed how Maahes works in a supporting role to her War Council and trying to stop his evil. Plus, it’s a great point that the Goddess of Balance is the one to offset the God of Chaos, even is she isn’t the loudest and most obvious challenger.

I loved how Feather of Balance sets the whole story for a greater battle on the horizon. But, it also hints at future characters who are going to fall in love. I am seriously looking forward to the future couples and relationships that are going to be highlighted in these stories. Now onto the next wonderfully adorable journey.

<- Bringer of the River WatersProtectors of Poison ->

Image source: Amazon

Moon Tamed by Audrey Greene

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Moon Tamed
Author: Audrey Greene
Series: Moon Tamed World #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Science fiction romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I really enjoyed Moon Tamed, but it definitely hit a little too close to home at times. The idea of Earth being destroyed and the many deaths that followed… yeah, it’s not even that far fetched anymore and stories that have that at all certainly make me uncomfortable. Although, I did love that humans have colonised space and do so in a much nicer manner than earth. It gave me hope that not everyone is a horrible human being, and maybe there is hope for humanity in the future… and that’s the message I’ll take from Greene’s destruction of earth in this story.

There was something about Coraline that really called to me – probably the fact that she struggled with being bored and had an absolute unwillingness to settle for something that wasn’t going to make her completely happy. I love that she takes the time to find her forever place and doesn’t just dive into the first thing that could potentially be a fit. Plus, she is an animal obsessed loon who is completely happy with her lot in life. Intelligent, strong willed to boot. There was a lot to like about Coraline as a narrator and lead in Moon Tamed, and she is definitely a big part of what made me seriously reluctant to put this book down at any point in my reading.

At first I was waiting for there to be a whole lot of friction between Coraline and Caden – he specifically asks her to find reasons for his father to displaced as leader. But, I love that as the story unfolds, it’s all about actually taking care of his father and finding balance in their lives. The love between father and son is absolutely adorable, if a little overbearing towards one another at times. And it made me like Caden all that much more – he adores his father and just wants what’s best for him. The Bunny story also shows just how naïve he can be at times, and how willing he is to not actually be such a fool all the time.

To balance out some of the more serious parts of this story, Greene enjoyable employs humour. Mostly in the form of Lucky the Doom Bird of the Apocalypse and his many proposals. I couldn’t stop laughing at his antics and all of the nonsense that animals can bring into our lives. It meant that a story which was almost a science fiction took on a bit of a lighter feeling. Still with the serious messages and themes. But, there was enough lightness to pull it slightly from science fiction and lightened some of the more intense moments throughout. Definitely an enjoyable story, and I can’t wait to dive into A Light in the Dark.

<- More Audrey GreeneA Light in the Dark ->

Image source: Audrey Greene Books

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries
Author: Heather Fawcett
Series: Emily Wilde #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Historical fiction, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Sometimes I can be quite hesitant to read books which are getting a whole lot of hype, and this was one of those times. I really wanted to read this and enjoy it, but I was, admittedly, hesitant. It turns out that I didn’t need to be. This is just as amazing as the hype makes it out to be. And it is one of the most unique fae stories I’ve read in quite a while. Not only is the format of writing is through a journal, but it is also based in what I’m assuming is Sweden or something of that calibre, not the UK or US, which is often where I read about fae-based storylines.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is an epic journey in which she sets out to find out more about the fae of Ljoslander. I love how she is a bit of a socially awkward being who manages to actually annoy an entire village through her misunderstandings. Yet, she also manages to save them and become a part of their community. All of this is told through her journal entries – her lack of social finesse, her inability to understand it, and her completely, total and utter fascination of the fae, to the detriment of all else. It also highlights the time lost whilst cavorting with the fae and the stupidity of some of her decision making – stupidity that she is in fact aware of even while she is pursuing her chosen pathway.

It is fairly obvious (to me at least) from early on that Bambleby is also romantically interested in Emily, even if he doesn’t necessarily pursue her in the more traditional sense. The way that this little romance unfolds is kind of adorable, and I love that Emily is completely oblivious to the fact, even as she writes all of the hints throughout her journal. Plus, there is something about Bambleby that is just out and out hilarious. He is almost his own kind of bumbling fool in the world of humans, but to a more charismatic and forgiving degree. The way that they end the story with their future lives and romance together had me smiling and kind of sighing.

I love that, even though Emily thwarts fae plans and shows that she has a whole lot of moxie and power, she is still entirely human. There is no hidden heritage to explain away her skills, no secrets in her past. Rather, she is entirely human, just a mortal with a whole lot of knowledge, intelligence and drive. The fact that her knowledge is what ultimately wins the day (and also gets her into untold trouble), despite her physical and magical limitations made me so happy. And again, is something that most definitely sets this fae story apart from many of the others gracing my shelves. Now, I can’t wait to see where this intelligence and disregard for anything but the pursuit of knowledge will land Emily and Bambleby next!

<- More Heather FawcettEmily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands ->

Image source: Goodreads

Karma Girl by Jennifer Estep

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Karma Girl
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Bigtime #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Superheroes, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2007

Thoughts

I only have a few superhero books on my shelves, and reading this, it reminded me why I really need more. I might not be hugely into comic books and graphic novels, but I do love the idea of superheroes and all of the nonsense that is tied into having a secret identity, archenemy, so on and so forth. The fact that Estep takes all of these cliches and turns it into a series and a hilarious little romance, just made me love this all that much more. And want more of the superhero stories. I love that this is literally a series which is based on a town just rife with the cliches of superhero stories, and it fully embraces the absolute nonsense.

Carmen is a wonderfully powerful and independent woman. I love that her journey to this whole nonsense starts with unmasking superheroes and villains. Primarily because on her wedding day, she is cheated on and ends up outing her ex-fiancé as a superhero. There’s nothing like a woman scorned to drive revenge and a willingness to expose people for their lies. Whilst her decisions may be somewhat misaligned with reality, I love how she starts on her journey and the strength of conviction that she has. Yet, when her actions impact others, she takes full responsibility and chooses to work to improve on the mistakes of the past. Throughout all of her journey, karma is definitely the key theme to her thoughts and actions. Even in her misplaced moments, it’s all about karma and owning up to the consequences of one’s actions.

As an underlying theme, karma is a great one. Every action has a consequence and Carmen embodies this beautifully. The fact that this leads to her development of powers and the way in which “karma” expresses itself through her is brilliant. I also loved how intertwined all of their lives are – in and out of their superhero get up. It meant that I spent the whole time guessing who was the superhero, who was the supervillain, and even how they got their powers. Adding into the drama and the romance, it made this almost impossible to put down. I think I actually read it cover to cover, it was just that good!

Amongst all of the superhero action and drama, Karma Girl was a great romance. Not only does Carmen find her second chance at love, but it’s also all twisted up and tainted with the guilt and actions of the past. Feelings of self-worth come into it all and it takes a little while for the couple to find their happily ever after. Just enough angst to match all of the superhero drama and definitely make this one of my favourite books to read recently!

<- More Jennifer EstepHot Mama ->

Image source: Jennifer Estep

Summertide by Charlotte E. English

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Summertide
Author: Charlotte E. English
Series: The Wonder Tales #4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Cozy fantasy, Fae, Fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

It took me a little while to get the hang of what was going on in this story. Partly because it is actually fourth in the series, but also because there is quite a cast of characters. Once I started to distinguish between the characters, I actually really enjoyed this story. It had that fae / fairy tale feel to it, but with a more positive bend to it than what I’ve been necessarily been reading lately. Something about the Summertide felt like disappearing into a sunlit wood and coming out with a happily ever after. It just had that calm and fun vibe that is sometimes missing from the books I read.

Summertide was separated into five parts to give each part of the action its own attention. I don’t always like when stories are split into “parts”, but in the case of this novel, it worked really well for the flow. Plus, by separating each of the mini-adventures out, it made it so much easier for my overwhelmed brain to actually follow who was on what adventure. It meant that once one journey was finished, I couldn’t wait to dive into the next one.

English is wonderful at writing characters that I want to get to know even more. Plus, this story involved a walking tree, displaced summer monarchs and an enchanted forest. Everything about this short novel was fun and light hearted. Honestly, reading this, I just felt content and happy when I turned that final page. And, as a read before bedtime – it led to pleasant and nature filled dreams.

<- Sands and StarlightRavensby Old ->

Image source: Booklife

Whiskey & Witches by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Whiskey & Witches
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: The Unlucky Charms #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

To begin with in this story, it’s kind of hard to like Carrick and the decisions that he makes. It was easy to guess the complication in his love life in Pints & Potions, but the way he chooses to treat Roisin and double down on his mistakes – it was really difficult to find a way to like him. To begin with. Once he realises the depths of his stupidity, he very quickly owns up to his mistakes and misconceptions. And, honestly, there is something completely forgivable when a character (or person in real life) actually apologises for their stupidity.

I’m always a big fan of stories which feature a woman giving up everything for her child – especially since becoming a mum myself, I completely relate to that level of love and sacrifice. It did make Carrick’s decisions a little more difficult to deal with, because where Roisin sacrifices literally everything for her child, Carrick is living his life of turmoil. It also meant that Roisin’s strength is obvious and admirable. She literally chooses her son’s life over her own and anyone else’s. Ready to take on the burden of her decisions to protect the person who is the most precious to her.

I love that the first few books of this series are all about fulfilling a prophecy. It gives a wonderful hint as to how some of the next parts of the story will unfold. And yet, I was not expecting the darkness that came with this line of the prophecy. The challenges that Aeden and Sabrina face because of it, and how this will challenge them in years to come. But, I also love how their little romance is set up (I’m seriously hoping anyway). It ties in more and more of the universe that Cromer has masterfully created, and I can’t wait to see how the final lines of this prophecy unfold in Beer & Broomsticks.

I’ve most definitely read some of these books out of order – I would have liked to get a little further into the Thorne Witches series before diving into The Unlucky Charms. But it just inspires me to continue to dive into all of the fun that Cromer has to offer. Plus, as much as I like to think about finishing the Thorne Witches series before diving too much further into this series, I also don’t want to put it down! Plus, the Irishness of it all is just glorious. So now I can’t wait to dive forwards and onwards into the next part of this prophecy and the love that that will reveal…

<- Pints & PotionsBeer & Broomsticks ->

Image source: Goodreads

Boundless Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Boundless Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches: Happily Ever Afters #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2024

Thoughts

Autumn and Keaton had a tough journey to reconnect in their story Autumn Magic, so I love that they got their own little happily ever after epilogue in Boundless Magic. The fact that it features their terrifyingly strong and powerful toddler was a whole lot of fun. But also kind of terrifying. As someone who has a toddler, I really enjoyed this. Particularly because I think that all toddlers are terrifying, and I can’t imagine what having one with insane amounts of magic would be like.

I maybe shouldn’t have read this before reading the rest of the Thorne Witches series, because there were a few bits I didn’t really follow and / or understand. However, I also just really loved this idea. The way that the kids are able to transverse between realities, and the way in which reality is shaped slightly differently by one or two choices was priceless. And even though those in the alternate reality were kind of assholes, I love that they all still end up with the same people. That they all orbit one another, regardless of their reality.

As a mother, I absolutely basked in the idea that Autumn is more than willing to kick everyone’s butt on her quest to protect her children. It fits in nicely with Alistair’s drive to do anything to fit his family. The family loyalty of all the Thornes in fact has me smiling, and I really enjoyed how that translated to Autumn being read to fight pretty much anyone to protect her kids. It’s a sentiment that I completely can get behind. And it’s one that Alistair himself reflects in all realities – he’s willing to do anything to protect the family and ensure everyone’s happiness.

I found this second epilogue to be a fantastic read that made me so damn happy. I love how all of the characters fit together, in either reality. It just makes me want to keep diving into this series again and again. Cromer has just done such a wonderful job of building this world and making me life at the nonsense and havoc that they can wreak upon the world.

<- Enduring MagicMore T.M. Cromer ->

Image source: Amazon

Long Lost Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Long Lost Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

The first five books of the Thorne Witches series have seriously been gearing up for this novel. Alastair and Aurora are finally reunited and the first big story arc is completed. Don’t get me wrong, Long Lost Magic then starts the next story arc for this family of witches. But the overarching tale of the first six books is seriously intense, and, as such, I didn’t really stop reading them until I got to this point in the series. And then I paused and took a little breather, before diving into the next one. For as fun as it’s been, Cromer is annoyingly good at writing plots which have be reluctant to stop reading, and incredibly emotionally invested.

I really enjoyed that within this romance, it is the internal battles that the couple each have to face before they can come back together. Neither Alastair or Aurora were able to escape their battles unharmed, and both of them find it incredibly difficult to reintegrate into society and their love for one another. A lot of this story is both of them dealing with the anger and disappointment of expectations from the past and abuses. And although they ultimately find their way back together, it was enjoyable to read about them both doing the work on themselves before they tried to reconnect as a couple. It gives me hope in the darker points of my own relationship, and a reminder that I will do almost anything to fight for the love that I have too.

Although one enemy is finally vanquished within Long Lost Magic, it does reveal that there are greater threats working behind the scenes. All of Aurora’s children are happily settled, but none of them are free from the taint of selfishness and evil that is threatening their family. It’s almost as though the first battle of the war has been won, but only now do the Thorne Witches realise that they are in a war to begin with. Other than Alastair, but there’s a reason he’s the somewhat insane, and very entertaining patriarch of the family. I love that it leads into a realm in which none of the witches know who they can trust, but they are willing to take that plunge to protect those that they love.

Now that the first section of the family is settled, I can’t wait until Alastair sets his matchmaking sights on more of the family. The cousins and extended family were revealed throughout this. Plus, the need for revenge is ignited. There were so many threads presented within Long Lost Magic, that, although it was about Aurora and Alastair, I also felt like it was the beginning of something greater. I can’t wait to keep diving into this series to see how all of the threads that Cromer waved temptingly in our faces are going to be woven into the fabric of this fantastic story.

<- Rekindled MagicForever Magic ->

Image source: Amazon