Knock Out by Jiffy Kate & SmartyPants Romance

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Knock Out
Author: Jiffy Kate & SmartyPants Romance
Series: Fighting for Love #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

It’s really not that uncommon for a fighter and trainer to end up in a relationship, and I really like how this dynamic was built upon in Knock Out. Don’t get me wrong, it could be an incredibly difficult and serious breach of etiquette, but both Ozzi and Willow navigate this dynamic with finesse and kindness. Plus, I love how they build their relationship up from their points of vulnerability and getting to know one another to the final moments when they realise how much they truly care for one another.

Knock Out finishes out the Fighting for Love series, but I’m kind of disappointed that it’s the last. There’s one more Viking brother to fall in love! It’s supposed to set Viggo up for another series, but I haven’t seen any evidence of it. And I’m seriously disappointed. Viggo has more hang ups than his other four brothers, and I really, really want his story. Plus, everything that involves a family that is this heavily enmeshed in MMA is going to draw me in… I mean, not only is it a wonderfully familiar world, I also have fallen stupidly in love with these brothers and the life that they end up building in Green Valley.

I really liked Ozzi, but honestly, his commitment to running away was truly ridiculous. No human is stagnant, and yet I’ve met people like this. Those who think that a certain way of living is there to define them until their last breath. I’m really not sure why people stick to such preconceived notions of who and what they are, but I completely understand that it happens. And this rigidity and (quite frankly) stupidity made Ozzi that more realistic and interesting. It just takes him a little longer than I would like to realise that people change as they grow, and that’s actually okay.

I might have liked Ozzi trying to figure out who he is and what he wants from life, Willow is trying to learn how to trust. Her battle and willingness to change was definitely the more intense and interesting of the two internal stories of growth. Then, she decides to fight for her sister, her skills and just her life in general. I love that this entire story really centres around the fact that Willow is learning how to thrive, not survive her life. And that she is doing it whilst learning how to become a single mother and taking on a pretty intense responsibility that a lot of people would balk at.

As much as I loved this story, I desperately wanted more MMA. That may have been partly because when I read this, I hadn’t actually trained for three weeks, and that always makes me a little twitchy. Some of the facts in this aren’t quite true to the MMA world that I know (but I’m also based in Australia). But the grit, the determination, the emotional release that comes with training… all of these things are wonderfully familiar and left me smiling after I turned that final page.

<- Eye CandyMore SmartyPants Romance ->

Image source: Amazon

Bitches and Brawlers by Melanie Karsak

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Bitches and Brawlers
Author: Melanie Karsak
Series: Red Cape Society #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Retellings, Steampunk, Werewolves
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Clemeny’s love triangle with Edwin and Lionheart gains a little traction in Bitches and Brawlers, plus, I love that it brings in a few more of the characters from Wolves and Daggers. Both the love triangle and other characters help to tie up some loose threads and drive Clemeny’s adventures and personal journey forwards. I love that Clemeny is able to visit with her old partner and her Grandmere takes a lot of the spotlight in this story. Then, there’s the fact that, although I really want Clemeny to end up with Lionheart, she’s leaning towards Edwin – something that just makes me want to dive into Howls and Hallows all that much quicker.

Alodie is a not-very-nice villain, one that it was incredibly easy to detest – I love the ending that she meets. Very much create by her own decisions and evil. Yet, as with everything in Bitches and Brawlers, her death throws everyone and everything into turmoil. Plus, I just really, really disliked her. I mean, she’s a power hungry bitch who won’t stop at anything to get what she wants. It’s always nice to have a villain who is totally detestable, and impossible to like. As much as I also love those that are slightly relatable, I also love when it is just all too easy to hate a character and wish nothing but the worst for them. Just like Alodie.

I can’t wait to start to understand more of Clemeny’s history – there have been so many teasers and hints throughout this series, and Karsak manages to tease out just a little bit more in Bitches and Brawlers. Little Red finds herself one step closer to who she truly is, and all those moments of (what I think are) supressed power feel like they’re soon going to come to fruition. A great little lead into Howls and Hallows. Or at least, it is to my mind, since I haven’t actually read Howls and Hallows yet…

Not only did I really enjoy cavorting through London with Clemeny and fighting crime, the secondary characters in this series, and Bitches and Brawlers in particular are fantastic. This is a steampunk world which is wonderfully multifaceted and gives you insights into so many different lives and individuals. Then, there’s the tie ins to the Steampunk Fairytales series that make me want to dive across to those books as well. So much to read, so little time!

<- Peppermint and PentaclesHowls and Hallows ->

Image source: Amazon

Going Down on One Knee by Christina Hovland

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Going Down on One Knee
Author: Christina Hovland
Series: Mile High Matched #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Celebrity romance, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Brek and Velma have an interesting meeting, one filled with assumptions and innuendos. I love that for Velma, she is still hooked into her past assumptions of what she wants in life. Dealing with the curveballs that are thrown at her, and wondering what her five year plan should look like now. For Brek, he’s absolutely smitten at first sight, and actually shows a whole lot of patience with Velma’s issues. From the very beginning Brek and Velma are the very typical opposites attract couple. But I love that their “opposites” manage to balance each other out and make them both stronger as individuals, as well as a couple.

I read this when I was having a particularly bad night, and honestly, this was the perfect antidote for that – it was sweet, light and a really pleasant read. Whilst there was a lot of conflict throughout, it was all enough to keep me engaged and not want to put this story down. I love that this ended in the happily ever after I so needed, and it gave me all of the warm fuzzies that I truly needed. I wanted a departure from the annoyances and difficulties of real life for a little while, and Going Down on One Knee did that perfectly.

Most of the romances I read involve a man making a silly assumption that tends to derail the relationship for a little while. I love that, in the case of Going Down on One Knee, the one making the silly assumption is the woman. Velma’s assumptions about what makes a good life, what makes a good partner lead her down a silly road that almost derails her life. And I love that its her mistakes and silliness that gets in the way of the happily ever after. But, I also love how quickly she realises this and manages to turn it all around.

The whole cast of Going Down on One Knee was absolutely beautiful and I love how all of Brek’s friends rally around the couple. Also the different ways in which Dean and Claire respond to Velma’s crush when it all comes out. Then, there’s the fact that Velma and Brek are falling for one another in amongst weddings, bridal chaos and all sorts of nonsense. My personal favourite being Sophia and Troy’s side story – they might not get the ending that they planned on, but the definitely get the one that they need.

<- More Christina HovlandRock Hard Cowboy ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble

A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon
Author: Sarah Hawley
Series: Glimmer Falls #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Cozy fantasy, Demons, Romance, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

To begin with, Mariel and Ozrath are honestly a bit of a calamity as a couple. But, I love how they develop their relationship and grow to love one another. Also, this is one of those greatest Meet Cutes I’ve read in a while – accidentally summoning a demon instead of a bag of flour? And that demon being one with a soul who is completely thrown by all of the nonsense around him? Yeah, they manage to enact calamity after calamity until they finally find their routine together. And I absolutely adored the entire journey, one that made me laugh multiple times throughout.

At it’s core, A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon is all about being true to yourself, and figuring out how to respect yourself. Ultimately, Mariel’s ties with nature show a power that is unrivalled by anyone else in her family. And when she decides to actually embrace that, she shows a whole lot of power and beauty that I just wasn’t expecting. I love that, in falling in love with Oz, she finds a way to maintain her own sense of self and power. And honestly, the way that she ultimately stands up for herself just takes a whole lot of strength, confidence and penache.

Oz has already started his journey into mortality before the beginning of this story. But I love how A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon lets him explore his new found mortality. And what that actually means – the conflicting feelings and drives the he has. The conscience. And the idea that the soul is such an integral part of Mariel and who she is. Why loving her is more important to him than anything else. I love how he slowly but surely learns to deal with all of the conflicting emotions that are thrown at him, and, finally, decides to embrace his new reality.

I love that, in the end, Oz and Mariel are able to win the day, using smarts, technicalities and all sorts of cleverness. I knew that they would ultimately win, but I didn’t expect the way that they managed to do so. It just made the finish of this cozy fantasy / paranormal romance all that much cuter. I loved taking a trip through this world, and I can’t wait to dive into A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch and find out what the next strong willed woman in this series is going to do as she falls in love.

<- More Sarah HawleyA Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch ->

Image source: Hachette

Midlife Bed and Broomstick by Jennifer L. Hart

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Midlife Bed and Broomstick
Author: Jennifer L. Hart
Series: Cougars and Cauldrons #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that Hart’s writing is about women who are going through midlife mayhem, drastic changes in their lives, and often even menopause. They are women who have often already had children (or not if that is their desire). And then, to top off all of the drama of change and escaping an abusive asshole husband, Sam is introduced to the world of magic. I love how much this continues to wreak mayhem and nonsense into her life. Plus, it makes for an unforgettable journey that I just didn’t want to put down. It was brilliant, fun and a whole lot of female empowerment after a lifetime of oppression.

Although I loved this story, it most definitely featured yet another dopey “alpha” male who makes decisions without talking to the woman he supposedly loves. Decides he knows what’s “best” without any form of consideration or communication with the woman he loves. It’s a trope for a reason, and one I often love. But it’s also one that makes me roll my eyes. And honestly, Damien is the epitome of this. He feels guilty that the past led Sam into an abuser’s path, but he also continues to follow the same stupid pathways in the pursuit of doing the “right thing”. It’s definitely a fun thing to read about, but, it’s also something completely ridiculous that had me huffing my frustration throughout.

Even though Damien is very obviously going to be a strong love interest for Sam from the very beginning, I love that Matthias is slowly but surely set up as a potential point in the love triangle too. Plus, the way that his arc with Sam ends out this story is brilliant. Not only does it make me keen to read the next book in the Cauldrons and Cougars series, but I also don’t know which male I prefer. I do have a bit of an idea of how this triangle works out as I read Midlife Passions and Predators out of order. However, the journey to get there is still something that I can’t wait to go on and watch unfold!

Sam as a mother is so realistic. It’s a reminder that no matter how big and strong and old your children get, you’re still a mother. The hovering, the caring, and the bossing around never truly stops when you have children to raise. Sam’s dynamic with her son may have shifted drastically, but she’s still a mother. And, throughout all of the trials and nonsense that she puts up with throughout this story, she still places her son’s health and happiness above all else.

The combination of an MS diagnosis, an abusive soon-to-be ex-husband and, ultimately going on a journey to find out where you belong is an impressive and amazing combination. It was one that made it virtually impossible to put down. Plus, it’s a reminder that no matter your age, there is always a chance for a new beginning and happiness in love. It just takes a whole lot of courage and lucky circumstances. It made an already fun storyline all that much more potent and is probably why I’m really enjoying Hart’s writing at this point in my life.

<- More Jennifer L. HartMidlife Hexes and Familiar Exes ->

Image source: Jennifer L. Hart

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