Peppermint and Pentacles by Melanie Karsak

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Peppermint and Pentacles
Author: Melanie Karsak
Series: Red Cape Society #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Fairy tales, Retellings, Steampunk, Werewolves
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I read the first chapter of this story, and then kind of put it aside – reading on Kindle Unlimited is a little bit more clunky for me. However, once I got the chance, I read this story from cover to cover. However, even in the interim, I really wanted to dive back into this story. I mean, a Christmas, steampunk red riding hood was always going to pull me in. It also builds beautifully on the stirrings of feelings in Clemeny in Alphas and Airships. I loved seeing how her feelings evolve and she begins to get used to the new status quo within the Red Cape Society.

One of my all-time favourite things about Peppermint and Pentacles is the fact that the Christmas spin on the adventures of Clemeny is Krampus. I have been absolutely fascinated by the idea and practices of Krampus since my Austrian penpal introduced me to how her village celebrates this. And this was my first ever story that features this. I honestly couldn’t get enough of the darker twist on a Christmas story. Just the kind of tale that I tend to like.

Clemeny and Edwin (Agent Hunter) spend the entirety of this story moving closer to one another. There are still frequent mentions of Sir Richard throughout, and I feel like this is going to be a bit of a future love triangle. I wonder if they are going to work out in the next books in this series. I also loved getting to spend more time with Grand-mere. It was nice to have the characters that surround Clemeny fleshed out a bit. Characters that support her brilliantly, but also make me want to dive right into these books again and again.

There is so much about this series that I’m absolutely loving. And having a Christmas-story featuring Krampus into the mix just makes it all that much better. I can’t wait to read more and more and more of Karsak’s writing. Plus, with every book, there is more world building of the darker, more mystical side of these steampunk retellings.

<- Alphas and AirshipsBitches and Brawlers ->

Image source: Amazon

Rock Hard Cowboy by Christina Hovland

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Rock Hard Cowboy
Author: Christina Hovland
Series: Mile High Matched #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Celebrity romance, Christmas, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Tuck and Kenzie are the ultimate, dream power couple. But, aside from that fact, they are also just too damn cute. They have a great meeting that makes them think there might be more beyond the pomp of Hollywood. Then the media twists things around. Then the media twists things around again. Then they do the whole fake dating trope that ultimately leads to their happily ever after. Honestly, the whole thing was just a cute read, and when you add in that Rock Hard Cowboy takes place at Christmas… it was an absolutely adorable and just outright fun story.

I’ve read a lot of humorous starts to a romance, and whilst this start wasn’t exactly a Meet Cute. I love that they start this fake relationship story with Kenzie tripping and landing face first into Tuck’s lap. And being photographed. I can’t imagine living my life under a microscope, but I do love how much that wreaks havoc on their lives. The way that a simple mishap explodes into so much more left me smiling and laughing as I just inhaled page after page of this gorgeous little Christmas romance.

I’ve read plenty of romances which feature a couple who are part of the celebrity “A-List” world. But I haven’t read all that many about someone on the cusp of retiring from such a life. Although Tuck has it all perfectly planned out, I love that he chooses to replan and rethink his future just because Kenzie crash lands into his lap, I mean life. His ability to be flexible and truly think about what he wants out of life is really admirable, and I love that he doesn’t get bogged down in his own plans. Rather, he is willing to change what he wants to get the ultimate happily ever after. Plus, he does such a gorgeous grand gesture at the end of the story. One that I thought was just a bit too cute.

Kenzie being invited home to join Tucker’s family for Christmas and how well she fits in was just adorable. Particularly when she just… jumps in and rides along with all of the insanity that is his mother. I have a highly involved mother and I know how difficult my partner found that when he first joined the family. So the ease with which Kenzie is able to forge a relationship and deal with the overeager love is seriously enviable. Honestly, Tucker’s parents absolutely stole the show for me. And, as much as I loved his mother, it was his father that I absolutely adored. And kind of want more of if I’m being honest.

<- Going Down on One KneeBlow Me Away ->

Image source: Amazon

The Reindeer’s Spell by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Reindeer’s Spell
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: The Paranormal Council #12
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I really like that even though this is a fated mates story with one fighting the bond, it’s not malicious. Rather, they both deeply care about one another. And the whole reason for Eustace fighting the bonding is a sense of care for Reagan. It makes it a whole lot less angsty, and kind of adorable if I’m being honest. The patience and kindness that they show for one another as they work through their thoughts and feelings is relationship goals. And I love that there is no real hurt feelings, just a little bit of tension and impatience.

Eustace and Reagan are a really nice couple to read about. They are all about patience and caring for one another. I love the idea that fated mates means they are the perfect match for one another, and that they are able to understand this. Plus, Reagan’s ability to take a step back from her own feelings and think about her partners was really sweet. The entire romance is filled with patience and care, and a whole lot of love. With the enjoyable level of sexual tension and lust thrown in.

To add to the joys of a cute little paranormal romance, this one also has a fun Christmas theme. Reagan is asked to organise a Christmas fundraiser, and gets to spend her time working closely with the man that she loves. I love that it’s the romance of Christmas and the joy of the season which finally tests Eustace’s resolve. Plus, it features a reindeer shifter, so it just works that they finally take the plunge into being mates at this festive time of year.

This is an all round festive, cute and fun read. It’s fairly innocent with a low amount of drama and angst. The perfect read for a difficult day of parenting and just all around adulting. I love that both Reagan and Eustace just accept each other as they are, give each other grace and patience to work through their issues. And ultimately just support each other when things are a little off-kilter and difficult feeling.

<- The Hummingbird’s MateCharming Her Mate ->

Image source: Goodreads

Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #5.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Even though most of the stories that follow Laura Greenwood’s Obscure Academy follow a similar kind of pattern in that they are just cute and easy romances. I love that each couple get their own unique start and flavour. For Juniper and Emmett this is the couple that meet and are instantly crushing on each other, but take their time in finally taking the plunge and getting together. Rather, they build up a friendship before creating a relationship, and I absolutely adored that approach.

I don’t actually know much about Halloween, whilst its gaining traction and interest in Australia, it’s still not something I celebrate. Yet, I love that Greenwood uses this story to dive a little into the different traditions that surround All Hallow’s Eve. Not just the current carving of Jack ‘O Lanterns, but also some of the fruits and vegetables that were traditionally used in place of the pumpkin. I absolutely adored the idea of carving a turnip in place of a pumpkin, and the idea had me smiling and laughing while I read Juniper and Emmett’s love story.

Juniper’s history and issues around Halloween are not exactly fun, but I love how they open up the discussion of genetics and how this influences people in the Obscure world. For a series that is wonderfully sweet and innocent in its journey to love, Greenwood has done a wonderful job of layering in details which make it feel that much more realistic. I had such a blast reading about not only this couple falling for one another, but also their discussions about genetics and just how this can influence the magic of the current generation of paranormals.

Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches was a great hour spent away from reality. It was a story that I’ll definitely go back to in the future, and I am glad that I had the joy of reading this. A nice, easy and fun read with just enough oomph to it that it was incredibly difficult to put down.

<- Potion Making for Disastrous WitchesTrading Names for Polite Sprites ->

Image source: SmashWords

Potion Making for Disastrous Witches by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Potion Making for Disastrous Witches
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I already knew a little bit about Michaela and Owen’s story from Thalia’s tale in Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons. So I really enjoyed reading about the same moments from this couples point of view. Plus, there were so many moments of joy in their potion making together. Honestly, they were just as cute as I was expecting, but Michaela’s inability to filter her words and thoughts just made me all that much happier and more in love with her. Plus, it made me hope all that much more for her happily ever after.

One of the reasons I so enjoyed Michaela as a character was the fact that she took her shortcomings and just dealt with them. A witch who can’t make potions is something that could be potentially seriously shameful, but she doesn’t show embarrassment and shame over it. Rather, she takes it in stride and is able to work forwards in her life. I was kind of expecting Owen to unlock the secret behind her monumental stuff ups with potion making, and I like that, ultimately, they didn’t actually solve her problems. Just continued to work with it.

Although I’ve read a few Greenwood stories, particularly the Obscure Academy tales, something about Potion Making for Disastrous Witches reminds me about falling for my partner. Wildly different circumstances, but the spending all your time together and coupling, but not being sure of where you stand. The joys of first kisses and first dates. Honestly, the feeling of this just took me back and left me smiling so happily. I’m still madly in love with my partner, so it was nice to feel all of these feelings and reflections while reading this.

There is something so damn joyful of visiting Obscure Academy. They are short little stints into a world where everything is possible. Something about them has this feeling of hope and gives such a positive and happy vibe. I absolutely adored reading this, and I look forward to reading more and more and more in the future!

<- Blind Dates for Lonely GorgonsPumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble

Sacred Evil by Heather Graham

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Sacred Evil
Author: Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2011

Thoughts

I really struggled to put this story down. I mean, it’s a tale of madness, mayhem and murder. All supported by the many theories of Jack the Ripper and his potential move to New York after his big final act. And, in true Jack the Ripper form, this is so filled with nope factor that I rushed to the end of the story. I mean, if you’re going to have a romantic suspense with connections to Jack the Ripper, it needs to be a seriously uncomfortable story.

I’ve read a few different Jack the Ripper theories, and I always want to dive more into that hellhole of theories. I mean, I completely understand why there is so much fascination around the psychopath, and I loved reading a Krewe of Hunters book which featured this. I love that looking into the history of this notorious serial killer informed the hunt for the present one. It’s obvious that Graham did her research to write this story. Which just makes it read all that much better, and so, so much harder to put down.

There wasn’t a huge amount of build up to Whitney and Jude’s love story, but I really enjoyed that they also weren’t instalove. There was a little build up to their relationship, enough that I was excited for them to get together. But not so much or little that I got frustrated with the whole situation. In fact, I love that it takes most of their case for them to build up to sexual intimacy, even as they both notice that they have feelings for one another.

I love the mixture of paranormal and intellectual crime solving. There is an element of truth throughout the story. But the presence and acceptance of ghosts leads the team to unlocking the secrets of the past. I guessed what was likely to be the culprit and final burial place of the past. But, I didn’t actually guess who the villains in the present were. Which was really fun. I normally manage to at least have an inkling of the guilty party, and this time I didn’t. Which is why I can’t wait to dive into more of the Krewe of Hunters novels!

<- Heart of EvilThe Evil Inside ->

Image source: The Big Thrill

Away Game by Cathryn Fox

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Away Game (Rebels)
Author: Cathryn Fox
Series: Scotia Storms #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Romance tropes are tropes for a reason, and I always love trying to pick which ones each story is going to fit. Away Game is a snowbound romance, with the star hockey player falling for the coaches’ daughter. Honestly, everything unfolds exactly as you would expect, but it does so in such a fun way and I couldn’t really put it down. I mean, I might pretty much be able to predict how a romantic trope is going to unfold, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy the journey to get there. Plus, Sawyer and Chase are just too damn cute and sweet.

I really like that in this romance, the man is the one who is the introvert and trying hard not to be recognised. Then, he finds himself a woman who loves to be on stage and has no issue with being the centre of attention. I love how opposite they are, but that in having totally different interests, they are able to perfectly complement each other. Having said that, Chase’s need to hide who he is and his family ties do almost lead to him destroying his relationship before it even starts. Not to mention, Sawyer has her own hang ups that provide wondrously delicious complications to the entire relationship.

Even though I really enjoyed this story, I did find that Sawyer was a little bit too quick to jump to conclusions. I mean, it’s understandable in the whole wanting to not date a hockey player saga, but the rest of it? It got a little bit repetitive and made her seem somehow less. Plus, she’s obviously got a great group of people around her (away from her dad’s hockey team), yet, she constantly thinks that she’s being overlooked. I kind of understand that insecurity, but it did feel a little like, “look at this amazing woman, but no one else notices her”. I’m really not a fan of that kind of trope.

This was definitely one of those romances that I read without witnesses. It’s got some pretty good and steamy on-page romance that had me smiling (a lot). But also, it wasn’t one that I necessarily wanted to be reading in public, or with someone looking over my shoulder. But, new author, new hockey team. There is so much that I’m excited for in my TBR now and this goes very happily into that list.

<- More Cathryn FoxWarm Up (Rebels) ->

Image source: Amazon

Rostikov Legacy by Charlotte E. English

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Rostikov Legacy
Author: Charlotte E. English
Series: The Malykant Mysteries #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Historical fantasy, Mystery, Supernatural
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

The Rostikov Legacy is a wonderful introduction to a great new world and filled with wonderful world building. Plus, it’s an easy read that I really enjoyed. The idea of a historical, regency type world filled with magic pulled me in from the very beginning. Plus, this is one of the few books I’ve read that features a male as the primary character. A nice change of pace that I definitely needed to add to my shelves.

Konrad is an intriguing protagonist. There are obviously layers upon layers to unpack as this series unfolds. Plus, he lives very comfortably alongside of all of his secrets. The lack of feeling hurts my heart, but it’s an angle that I haven’t read in quite some time. Plus, I love that he beginning to look at a different life, one in which he isn’t restricted by the lack of feeling and the position of being the Malykant.

The position of Malykant is kind of intense – being the detective, judge and executioner is a whole lot of responsibility to place upon a person. I understand why it is that when Konrad took up the mantle, he was also asked to give up his emotions. I can’t imagine the weight of the world on my shoulders like this. Whilst the culprit in this was fairly clear, it did open up a whole lot of moral thoughts and questions. Which I absolutely loved. Anything that makes me think and ponder is a good story in my books.

I can’t wait to read more of The Malykant Mysteries, there is so much world building in this shorter novel. And the potential for so much more mischief and mayhem to unfold. I want to know more about the mythological structure of this world and how Konrad’s friendship with the apothecary will unfold.

<- More Charlotte E. EnglishThe Ivanov Diamond ->

Image source: Pinterest

Protecting Piper by Cynthia Eden

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Protecting Piper
Author: Cynthia Eden
Series: Wilde Ways #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I read One Hot Holiday before circling back and diving into Protecting Piper. And, honestly, I just loved both of the stories. It was fun to start this series (for me) with a Christmas romantic suspense, and then actually start this series with the first couple to fall in love – Piper and Eric. This was an incredibly fun journey and I honestly couldn’t put this book down. It was one of those unforgettable stories that was… high intensity and made my heart beat incredibly fast.

I always enjoy the trope of that forbidden love from afar finally finding fruition and leading to a happily ever after. Both Piper and Eric have always been attached to one another, and, in a weird way, there for one another. But, misunderstandings and assumptions (as always) led to a separation that neither wanted. It’s not quite a second chance romance, but it has that feel when they finally take the dive towards their happily ever after. Even amongst all of the mayhem and chaos that drives them together.

Even though Piper has moments where she feels as though she might be betraying Ben, I love that she eventually realises just how much she loves both Wilde boys. Just in entirely different ways. Piper ends up being a part of their trio in the most beautiful way – and it is so wonderful to think of the amount of affection and care that is present within these relationships. Eden is able to write realistic loves (of all kinds) that made me smile and my heart beat.

The intensity and horror of Piper’s stalker escalate insanely quickly, which is probably the biggest part of why I just couldn’t put this book down. I mean, the creepiness and possessiveness of multiple men in Piper’s life was horrible. The fact that made it all that much worse though? It was all completely believable. I even managed to guess who the villain was early on, but quickly revised my thoughts because I didn’t think he quite fit the bill… which is what tends to happen in real life too.

<- More Cynthia EdenGuarding Gwen ->

Image source: Kobo

Naughty-ish by L.B. Dunbar

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Naughty-ish
Author: L.B. Dunbar
Series: Holiday Hotties #2
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: 2023

Thoughts

One of the things that I enjoy most about L.B. Dunbar books is that they always feature couples who are that little bit older. For Nick and Holliday, they are next door neighbours who find their joy and happiness with each other at Christmas. Both have a whole lot of issues to get over, but I love how they come together as lovers fairly quickly. Plus, for both of them, their primary love language is gifts and acts of service. The courtship between them is slow and occurs through their willingness to give to each other. It’s really cute and sweet. But also build towards being able to communicate and just be together.

Nick’s willingness to join in with Holliday’s life and jump into being part of a family unit is really sweet. Rather than trying to take control, or not understanding the importance of Christmas, he tries to make Holliday’s life easier. I love that Dunbar doesn’t shy away from how difficult it can be for a Mum at Christmas time. Reading this at Christmas time with my first intense Christmas as a Mum of two (my second born was only 2 months for our first Christmas as a family of four, so this one was intense) made me feel so validated and seen. It highlighted the difficulties (and the joys) of what the Festive Season entails for mothers and the pressure we feel to make everything perfect.

Naughty-ish is the first romance that I’ve read in a while with an irritating ex who doesn’t actually get any kind of, well, anything. He doesn’t help Holliday out, he is selfish, and at the end of the story, all of his crappy decisions and their impact on his children are just… nothing. It’s kind of irritating, but then, it’s also so much more realistic than a lot of the romances that I read. I mean, most of the time the selfish fool doesn’t ever realise that they are a selfish fool. And Holliday does, after all, have to co-parent with Mitch for the rest of their lives.

As a mum of two little ones, I am absolutely dreading the idea of Elf on a Shelf when they get old enough. And Naughty-ish did nothing to change my mind. I’m seriously hoping I can come up with a good idea as to why we don’t do this tradition – it just adds to the stress and difficulties of Christmas time and the festive season. This was such an adorable Christmas romance, and I love that it featured a single mum who has to deal with all of the nonsense of magic this time “magical”.

<- Scrooge-ishGrouch-ish ->

Image source: The Reading Cafe