These Rebel Waves by Sara Raasch

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: These Rebel Waves
Author: Sara Raasch
Series: Stream Raiders #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal fantasy, Pirates, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Let me preface this review by saying that there is a surprise reveal in this that I DID NOT see coming. Not so much a twist that will shock and awe… but certainly a surprise unveiling of truth that I wasn’t expecting. It was one that suddenly made total sense and has me itching to read These Divided Shores… I just have to buy it first.

Jumping between points if view doesn’t always work so seamlessly. But Raasch is able to do it in a way that is not only enjoyable, but highlights the different voices of the three leads. In fact, she managed to have such great characterisation and relatable characters that I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next. For all three of them. Not a feeling that I often have with multiple points of view.

This book had a very pirate-like feel to it. Almost Pirates of the Caribbean in some moments in fact. Add in the not so subtle splashes of botanical magic, and of course this was the kind of story that was up my alley. A dash of romance, plenty of action and violence… of course I fell for this.

The part that destroys me most about this story? The goddam ending!!! It is such a phenomenal cliff-hanger. One that I didn’t anticipate AT ALL. And it is one that I can’t stop thinking about… I really don’t relish the idea of waiting to buy the next book in this series…

<- More Sara RaaschThese Divided Shores ->

Image source: Goodreads

Total Package by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Total Package
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Bowling Friends #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Year: 2005

Thoughts

I’m always a fan of friends to lovers stories. They’re cute and fun. And I honestly think that the best basis for a good relationship is a strong friendship. The fact that in this case, the friendship is based around Ashley’s brother does make it somewhat awkward. But also so very delicious…

I haven’t found a story by Erin McCarthy that I don’t enjoy. This novella was no exception. There’s fun and sass throughout, with plenty of heart. There’s also just the right amount of steam that makes you wonder when your significant other is getting home…

Another easy and fun read that had me smiling and feeling at peace. I’m looking forward to reading the next one on my shelves.

<- Hard DriveLady of the Lake ->

Image source: Goodreads

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Series: No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Africa, Cozy mystery, Crime
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 1998

Thoughts

I was surprised by this story. Mostly in the fact that there really didn’t appear to be any one specific storyline. I thought that there would be one underlying crime that would carry throughout this whole story. Instead, it was a series of short investigations that let you get to know Botswana and Mma Ramotswe.

Although this was very different to what I expected, I absolutely loved reading this. It kind of felt like the African sun (I’ve spent time in South Africa)… that feeling of being relaxed and content. That the world is good just for being itself and worth embracing every moment. It was so relaxed and just downright fun. Although, it also meant that I didn’t race to finish this either…

Although there wasn’t a huge underlying crime that went through as a common thread, there was one crime that had moments showing up throughout. It gave a sense of mystery without being overpowering like many of the crime stories that I’ve read. I love that there was an eventual conclusion, but it wasn’t the conclusion to the story.

This is one of those cruisy books that I look forward to reading again. I will also look forward to adding more of this series to my shelves. It was impossible to put down and look away from. And definitely has pulled me into the glorious nostalgia of the African sun.

<- More Alexander McCall SmithTears of the Giraffe ->

Image source: Kobo

Cowboy and the Captive by Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Cowboy and the Captive
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Cowboys and Captives
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Erotica
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2004

Thoughts

Alright, I didn’t love the beginning of this story. I mean kidnapping a woman with not the best intentions in mind? Yeah… not such a huge fan. Particularly the anger coming off of the lead male. It was pretty uncomfortable and problematic. But, Melina was quickly able to balance that out. Which is honestly a style I’m getting used to with Leigh’s writing.

Once I got over the nope factor of the beginning of this story, I started to really enjoy this. The passion just leaped off the pages. But, so did Melina’s strength of self and character. I mean, I totally get why she falls for the guy, but I mostly just fell for her…

The lead romance is obviously the main draw of this story. But the dog in this managed to steal the show. Which, in my opinion is what frequently happens. I’m completely obsessed with dogs… he is just too ridiculously sweet and a great comedic relief when things are getting a bit intense in the relationship department.

This was both an easy read and a bit uncomfortable in places. I think mostly because I found not only the premise that begins the relationship a bit wow. But also Melina’s family and treatment of her… that was just damn heartbreaking.

<- More Lora LeighCowboy and the Thief ->

Image source: Goodreads

Coyote’s Mate by Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Coyote’s Mate
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Breeds #13
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2009

Thoughts

Wow. This was pretty intense. And hard to read. Particularly when the mating bond is ignored. From both sides. At different times. I mean, my goodness, it is difficult enough to read this in places. Let alone when you think that everything is going to completely crash around their ears.

I’ve only briefly had one connection with the coyotes throughout this series. And I loved being immersed in their world again. It was horrible and difficult. And it most definitely broke my heart. But it was also incredibly well written. So good that even though the relationship is fractured and the coyotes are the most heart wrenching of the Breeds, you still feel happy, intrigued and completely roped I the storyline.

The amount of strength that it takes for the two characters in this to get over their crap was pretty phenomenal. It was hard to read (as I’ve mentioned) in places, but you always felt that backbone of steel that made it all okay.

After reading this, I’ve had to take a short step back from the Breeds. As much as I’m loving this series. There was something about Coyote’s Mate that really got to me. Something that made me need to read a far simpler, happier book. But it won’t take long before I dive right back into these books…

<- Christmas HeatA Christmas Kiss ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Mercury’s War by Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Mercury’s War
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Breeds #12
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2008

Thoughts

It was a lot of fun to have a Breed who was a lot more animalistic than the others. I mean, the idea is amazing. But the fact that Mercury is just that little bit closer… absolutely fantastic. And the feisty woman he chooses as his own? Well worth it.

I absolutely adored both Ria and Mercury from the very beginning of this story. They’re a great match and I love how they’re both accepting of the fact that they may never experience the mating heat. It’s a story that highlights the importance of choice in all of this. And the fact is, they CHOOSE each other. Something that I sometimes find uncomfortable in the other Breeds books that I’ve read.

The reappearance of Mercury’s “mate” is a pretty horrible and intense moment. And, it feels a lot like she’s going to be a greater problem further into the series. There is just something about her that makes me hope she’s going to be a jilted lover. But I expect she’s going to be something FAR more horrible and difficult later in this series. Im hoping I’m wrong though.

I love the intensity of this storyline and how fast paced it is. I also love that there are questions of paranoia and drugging throughout that is just another hint at the battles to come for the Breeds. A very aptly titled book in that it is most definitely a war. One that I just couldn’t put down!

<- A Jaguar’s KissChristmas Heat ->

Image source: eBay

Dawn’s Awakening by Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Dawn’s Awakening
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Breeds #11
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2008

Thoughts

I knew this was going to be a bit of a less… romantic romance from the get go. I mean, Dawn and Sebastian are introduced many, many books ago. And, on top of that, Dawn’s past is seriously tragic. But, it was actually less painful than I had expected. Which was good.

I love that it’s the threat of losing someone you love that makes Dawn decide to finally reach out and battle her demons. She’s definitely already on the way beforehand. And you can see that she’s trying. But it’s the horror of losing what she loves that really kicks her into gear. The fight that you glimpse of this amazing female lead in other stories jumps out immediately. And it’s impossible not to love her.

The whole reality if the Breeds is steadily getting more and more intense. Although I mostly just REALLY wanted to see Dawn get her happily ever after, I also loved being pulled further into the intrigue of the world if the Breeds. Every book makes your heart leap and hope for something better. Kind of like when you see the injustices that are just generally happening around the world.

This is intense and kind of tragic. But also beautiful and hopeful. Kind of like the Dawn rising on a whole new day. Yup, I went there… had to be done. I’ll let myself out now…

<- In a Wolf’s EmbraceA Jaguar’s Kiss ->

Image source: Kobo

The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy
Author: Mackenzi Lee
Series: Montague Siblings #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical fiction, LGBTQI, Romance, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I definitely didn’t enjoy this novel as much as The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue. I think there was something about Monty’s chaotic existence and personality that drew me in. I just didn’t quite feel as attached to Felicity. This was still an amazing novel. But just not quite as grabbing as Monty’s story.

One of the aspects of Felicity that I found most difficult to connect to, but, also the most realistic, was how judgemental she was about other women. Its a conversation that is often had – there is no right or wrong way to be a woman. There is no right or wrong in being strong and independent and a feminist. Sometimes we are our harshest critics and its definitely something that needs to be changed. As is pointed out very beautifully in this story.

There is an element of asexuality in this story that I found beautiful. Instead of being a romance and ending with the off kilter couple running off together, there is that sense of me about romance and sexuality. I’m not sure if there was an aim for an asexual character, but it was definitely how I read it.

Lee is able to bring up a lot of very relevant social issues and realities in a seamless manner. It’s a rollicking adventure that had me smiling. One that I would happily read again. But maybe not for a little while…

<- The Gentleman’s Guide to Getting LuckyThe Nobleman’s Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks ->

Image source: Goodreads

The White Gryphon by Mercedes Lackey & Larry Dixon

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Overview

Title: The White Gryphon
Author: Mercedes Lackey & Larry Dixon
Series: Valdemar #2, The Mage Wars #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Mages, Magic, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 1995

Thoughts

It’s been an age since I read The Black Gryphon. Or really, any Valdemar book. And although this definitely isn’t as fantastic to me as the other Valdemar books, I’m glad I decided to dive back into this world. I love the world building and the action. The fact that there is always a focus on misfits and plenty of emotional tangles to unsnare.

Skan is still a hit of an overwhelming cocky character. A little less painful than in the first book, but still not my favourite of characters. His development did make me like him a whole lot more though. Having a pair of gryphlets alongside definitely helped me warm to him too.

I vaguely (hey, its been a while) remember thoroughly enjoying Amberdrake and Winterheart. There is something fantastically simple about this couple that, whilst it doesn’t inspire fireworks, gives a feeling of comfort and truth. I love the acceptance that shines between them and how it carries throughout this entire story. The fact that they’re the targets of a madman who will make you cringe… well, that makes it all better.

Probably one for the reasons I don’t get as into this as the other Valdemar books is the lore and world building. I get seriously lost I all of the terminologies for the different clans and groups. Not to mention I feel like I’m constantly missing things from the history of the wars… which just inspires me to want to read this all over again.

<- The Black GryphonThe Silver Gryphon ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Care and Feeding of Sprites by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Care and Feeding of Sprites
Author: Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black
Series: The Spiderwick Chronicles Companion
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fae, Fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 2006

Thoughts

I really enjoyed this. It was fun and easy. Cute and quaint. Something that was just a fun diversion for a few moments. The pictures in and of themselves were glorious. And that’s not even taking into account the good writing.

My biggest complaint about this is that there isn’t more specific information on each of the sprites. I love the world that Black and DiTerlizzi have created. And I would have loved to read more about the particulars of the different species that appear in the pages.

This was incredibly short. But also good fun. Mostly I wish this was longer. But I still loved all of the imagery throughout.

<- A Grand Tour of the Enchanted World, Navigate by ThimbletackArthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You ->

Image source: Booktopia