Soul of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Soul of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #1
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: 2018

Thoughts

I read Gift of the Witch a long time before I had the chance to read Soul of the Witch. Which just meant that I had an inkling of a few of the road blocks Abby and Clay were likely to experience. Plus, I knew I was going to enjoy going back to the beginning and finding out how their love story truly started. It’s always nice to read a story that you know you’re going to enjoy. Plus, it’s nice to actually get to know Keating Hollow a little bit – there isn’t a huge amount of background and world building in Gift of the Witch.

I love that Abby and Clay get a second chance and a chance to heal in Soul of the Witch. There is a whole lot of history for the two of them, but not quite as much angst and anger about the past as I had expected. I mean, if I was in either of their shoes, I’d be rehashing the past more than either of them do. But I kind of liked this simplicity – they get a second chance with a whole lot less anger and regret than I anticipated. Honestly, the majority of the angst is all Abby’s – Clay is just trying to figure out his life and get his priorities straight.

Even though it takes a while, I love that Abby starts to work on forgiving herself for Charlotte’s death and finding a way to actually thrive, not just survive. It’s amazing that Chase so easily and non-judgementally incorporates therapy and the process into this story. And that Abby is finally able to admit that, even though we all make mistakes at the age of eighteen, the consequences aren’t always just ours to carry. Particularly in Abby’s case – where the consequences of her actions came about from a whole number of horribleness that led to the Perfect Storm.

Clay’s biggest battle is external rather than internal, it is the battle for custody and trying to be the best father he can possibly be. Honestly, at one point, I was more intrigued by the idea of Clay and Olive finding their happily ever after. Not really overly worried about Abby and Clay finding the romance that they want. I mean, the happiness of a little girl is so important and her mother is just so damn selfish. I love that everything ends up with a happily ever after and a big smile on everyone’s faces (mine included).

In Keating Hollow, the town isn’t just a small town with lots of romance, it’s also one built around magic. I really enjoyed how magic is just a part of everyday life and incorporated into everyday things. Rather than a huge deal or something that left people feeling unequal. It’s a joyful world in which everyone learns about magic alongside all the other things we learn as we grow older.

<- More Deanna ChaseHeart of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase

Open Fire by M.E. Carter

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Open Fire
Author: M.E. Carter
Series: Florida Glaze Hocky #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

From the title of this story, and the fact that it’s a Christmas story, I knew that the song “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” was going to get mentioned (and stuck in my head). And I wasn’t wrong. I ended up walking around the house singing this song for ages after starting this story. And then, I got it stuck in my head all over again when I started writing this review. Honestly, I’m just going to have to sing this song every time I see the cover for Open Fire, and I’m honestly okay with that – this was a fantastic novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I can’t imagine trying to fly around Christmas, particularly on Christmas eve. That must be one of the most awkward and intense times at the airport. Which meant that having a romance based on flying at this time of year, and the inevitable flight delays was something that fascinated me. I mean, I always try to travel off the peak times, and I’ve never had to entertain myself in an airport for more than four hours, so it was fun to read about how Becker and Sloan were able to do so. Plus, having a romance set in a single location (primarily) in a matter of hours was a fun and brilliant way to make this story come to life.

This was the very definition of a slow-burn romance. Becker and Sloan spend a lot of time getting to know one another and just, genuinely enjoying each other’s company. The majority of this book is honestly just about them spending time together and getting to know one another. The fact that they don’t actually kiss until right towards the end just made it all that much sweeter and more spine tingling. Honestly, it made me swoon just a little bit reading about this. The build up was phenomenal and I can’t wait to read another M.E. Carter story.

Not only is this a fun and engaging romance, it also highlights the importance of family and Christmas time. I love that both Sloan and Becker are trying to rush home to spend the time with their families, although they have vastly different traditions. But, really, it was the moment that Becker chooses to dress up as Santa for Sloan’s family and jump into their relationship with both eyes open that made me absolutely fall for this Christmas romance.

<- Trial by FirePlaying with Fire ->

Image source: Amazon

The Collector by Shannon K. Butcher

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Collector
Author: Shannon K. Butcher
Series: Sentinel Wars #3.5
In: On the Hunt (Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen & Deidre Knight)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

Thoughts

As I normally do with novellas, I found that this was the first story I read in the Sentinel Wars series. And now I’m excited to read more! I love the idea of Fated Mates at the best of times, but I also like that there is a whole supernatural bent on just how much that “fate” means to both of them. The fact that this is an antique collector and a supernatural warrior… just made it all that much more fun and impossible to put down.

Neal and Vivian are a little bit instalove (which isn’t surprising as this is a whole fated mates, meant to be together thing). But, even if they are immediately drawn to one another, they still manage to take most of this story getting to know one another. The mental and emotional attributes are what ultimately draw them together, even after the physical ones drew them towards each other in the first place.

There is a lot of action in this story without much angst. It all occurs in a ridiculously short amount of time too. Neal and Virginia are in a race to try and find a gadget which will save his friend’s life. But, alongside that, they are racing the demon-like creatures which are also hunting Virginia. The high stakes and the quick pace meant that this novella was over far too quickly for my liking.

<- Ever NightCrystal Skull ->

Image source: Penguin Random House

The What If Guy by Lauren Blakely

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The What If Guy
Author: Lauren Blakely
Series: The Guys Who Got Away #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

From the title of this, I knew that there was going to be a bit of a “What If” vibe to this romance, and from the beginning, I was wondering how Logan would end up being the What If guy. What I did not expect was that it would also be a bit of a workplace romance and one that I would seriously enjoy. I mean, I knew that I’d enjoy this book, because I really like Blakely’s romances, but I didn’t realise this would so quickly turn into a workplace romance. Or that Logan and Bryn would have a whole lot of baggage to unpack before they manage to come together for their happily ever afters.

One of the things that both Bryn and Logan must overcome in their journey to each other is the fact that they are both learning how to move on from their divorces. And that they were both cheated on in their marriages. Whilst Logan has to negotiate this as a single father, Bryn is doing this as a strong and independent career woman. Different roles in their lives, but with some of that same baggage. Plus, there is just something ridiculously yummy and fun single dads who dote on their daughters. Actually, any time a father is an amazing father, it’s going to make me (and most other women) feel all the warm and gooey feelings about them.

The in-balance for Bryn of her wanting to date her boss, and how this often reflects poorly on the woman (regardless of the circumstances). Yet, rather than pushing the issue, Logan does a great job of backing down and then spending the time to try and figure out how he can actually have all the things. Without negatively impacting Bryn and how her employees view her. I thought that this balance and negotiation, which took up a fair portion of the book and conflict, was really well handled. I mean, women are often perceived in a more negative light regardless of the circumstances, so it’s a greater risk for us. But, in admitting this and trying to work with Bryn, Logan does a great job of supporting her.

Ultimately, as much as I loved this story and the romantic journey it took me on, I loved Bryn the most. There is so much crackling wit and sassy dialogue, which I for one, would never have because I am not that quick. But, it was also the fact that Bryn is her own Boss Bitch. And, by the end of her character journey in this story, she decides how she wants to be her own Boss Bitch. Doing something that is terrifying and brave, all on her own. Something which I admire and would love to have the guts to do myself one day.

<- Dear Sexy Ex-BoyfriendThanks for Last Night ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble

The Secret Ingredient by Kilby Blades

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Secret Ingredient
Author: Kilby Blades
Series: Hot in the Kitchen #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Food
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

The Secret Ingredient wasn’t necessarily my favourite every contemporary romance, but it was very cute and enjoyable. Plus, I tend to really enjoy any kind of novel that combines romance with food. There’s just something about the food focus whilst people fall in love that tends to really draw me in. Maybe because the description of the different meals being cooked never fails to make me stop and imagine just what I want to eat. Then there’s the whole romance factor and the falling in love over the food.

In the case of The Secret Ingredient, the food that Max and Cella fall in love over is Italian. I love that this book is driven primarily by their teaming up to write an Italian cookbook together, and in doing so highlight Max’s passion to be a chef. Plus, there’s his aunts restaurant to rejuvenate and just a whole lot of good hearted, small town joy. I also love that Max is actually more than happy to take a step back and play second fiddle to Cella’s career and drive. No couple can be filled with two people’s ambitions, but they can have ambitions which dovetail nicely together. Which is exactly what Max realises as he works alongside Cella.

I loved all of the cast of this small town and how supportive they are of one another. The fact that they refuse to let a celebrity be preyed upon, and constantly support each other is admirable. As is Max’s drive to financially support the town, even when that means he can rarely be in the place he loves so much. The love and support was one of the things that I loved the most about this story. Along with the quaint seaside setting which bought to mind eating pasta on the beachfront as the waves crash against the shore.

The epilogue of this story kind of made me want to cry. I loved the whole story, but at the end, thinking of family and the moment when I discovered I was pregnant with my second child… the nostalgia made me tear up. I loved the vision of a father and his daughter in the kitchen together, and it honestly made all of my emotions come right to the surface. What a beautiful way to end a romance.

<- More Kilby BladesSpooning Leads to Forking ->

Image source: Goodreads

Second Chance in the Mediterranean by Liz Alden

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Second Chance in the Mediterranean
Author: Liz Alden
Series: Love and Wanderlust #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Travel
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I’ve been looking forward to reading The Second Chance in the Mediterranean after reading the short prequel The Night in Lover’s Bay, and then getting to know some of the characters that Marcella spent time with in the interim. Which meant that I ended up reading this story from cover to cover. It was really hard to put down, and such a light and enjoyable read. One that had me smiling and the heart beating at all of the right moments. There wasn’t too much angst (rather, the past was filled with angst, the future with hope). And I love that Marcella and Seb were able to find their happily ever after.

Even though the past for Marcella and Seb is filled with plenty of drama and misunderstandings, they reunite pretty quickly and happily. I love that, even though it takes a while for the drama to truly see the light of day, they have all kinds of chemistry and “adult fun” in the lead up. In fact, one of my favourite scenes is actually when Marcella has a massive panic attack due to being “caught” and all of her complex feelings of the past rise up. I also love that it’s highlighted what a horrible man their last captain was. And just how they’re going to be able to move forward with their lives aboard the superyachts they both enjoy spending so much time on.

I spent the majority of this romance thinking about food and what kind of food I would want to eat and cook on a boat. Which makes sense, since Marcella is a chef, and a lot of this story revolves around her job. And time in the kitchen. I also love how she is constantly pushed to be better and better by Natasha (the owner of their yacht). Natasha and her family also start the hints of what is going to happen in The Rival in South Africa. Which I’ve already read, because I’m a shocker for reading romance series out of order.

I love that all of this story is formed by reality – Liz Alden has travelled and sailed around the world herself. And, travelled extensively. This is obvious from her writing and the realness of this story. I also completely related to working in the service industry. I didn’t quite have the intense experience of the crew in this story – the people I’ve served and dealt with aren’t quite this rich and entitled, but I still felt those twinges of sympathy I always do when I read about insane clients. I loved this entire romance, and part of that was loving the realness of this entire story.

<- The Slow Burn in PolynesiaThe Player in New Zealand ->

Image source: Goodreads

Rose with My Fake Fiance by Liz Alden

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Rose with My Fake Fiance
Author: Liz Alden
Series: Aged Like Fine Wine #1
Rating Out of 5:  (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Midlife romance, Travel
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

There is something so joyful and simple about Alden’s writing, but, unlike the Love and Wanderlust series, this isn’t about people who are travelling. Rather, Rose with My Fake Fiance is the beginning of a great new series about four women who have decided to upend their lives and move overseas. I am actually so jealous of their independence and willingness to take the plunge into something entirely new. The fact that they are also women who are that little bit older (in their forties) and still believe in finding love, just made me love it all that much more. I loved the trio of women, and I can’t wait for each and every one of their stories.

Tessa spends most of this story being really reluctant to let Luc in, and I can completely understand why. At first it felt like her burning in her last relationship wasn’t that intense, but the more you get to know the ex, the more I can jump completely onboard her reluctance to commit. Although, I do love that her ex of a jerk ultimately gets his just desserts – all because of his own behaviours and decisions. There is nothing like having the jerky ex-boyfriend get what’s coming to him, as the couple I fell in love with got to ride off happily into the sunset.

Luc is a great counterpoint to Tessa. She is confident and willing to take risks, but, she’s also a little hesitant to take the plunge when it comes to relationships. Luc, on the other hand, is all in from the very beginning. He has absolutely no hesitation on trying to see where his and Tessa’s spark takes him. Plus, he’s all just too damn smokey and cute. I love that his primary restriction and burden is one that he’s managed to place upon himself. He believes that he is responsible for taking care of his grandmother, and doesn’t quite realise that she can take care of himself. When the burden is lifted, there is a whole world opened to both of them that was beautiful to dive into.

I love that Rose with My Fake Fiance finishes on the beginning of the happily ever after, not part of the way through it. They are still enjoying the first blushes of their relationship. And Luc and Tessa have a whole lot more of the ever after part to enjoy and live. It felt like a beautifully optimistic and cheerful ending to a really sweet story about change and falling in love all over again.

<- More Liz AldenRiesling with My Roommate ->

Image source: Kobo

Wrapped in Red by Sam Mariano

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Wrapped in Red
Author: Sam Mariano
In: Meet Me Under the Mistletoe (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Circus, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I’m not really sure how I felt about this short story. I mean, it was a little bit cute with a happily ever after. But, Lee was a little bit too controlling for my tastes. I love a good Alpha male, but this tripped over into a whole other region for me. A story that I mostly enjoyed, but one that I probably wouldn’t bother reading again if I’m being honest.

Along with Lee being a bit too controlling, I found Georgia and her unrequited love to be a little bit sad. There’s plenty of romances I read with unrequited love, but these people tend to have a will of steel about them. Or at least a reason for understanding the space between them and the focus of their affections. I didn’t really get that feeling with Georgia and Lee. He just treats her like nonsense, and she sticks it out? Not my favourite romance is definitely what I’m saying here.

As much as I didn’t love this short story, I also didn’t hate it. It was fairly easy and enjoyable to read. And honestly, it was the most Christmassy story in the whole of the Meet Me Under the Mistletoe anthology so far. An enjoyable diversion, just not one I would look at repeating.

<- This ChristmasO Holy Night ->

Image source: Amazon

This Christmas by Theodora Taylor

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: This Christmas
Author: Theodora Taylor
In: Meet Me Under the Mistletoe (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I really want more of Josh and Neisha, this is their beginning and honestly, I want more of them. However, the link in the Meet Me Under the Mistletoe anthology wasn’t working, so I’m just going to have to try out some more Theodora Taylor books in the meantime. It’s not exactly disappointing to have another intriguing author on my TBR list. I also love that unlike the preceding short stories in the anthology, This Christmas only has a brief appearance at the Morelli Christmas Gala. One that is just the culmination of the tale, not the integral part. And it doesn’t actually involve a Morelli.

Even though Neisha is honestly borderline stalkerish with her obsession and Christmas cards. I like that she is able to recognise that her behaviour is not exactly healthy. And ultimately tries to pull away and move on positively afterwards. It may not quite work. Particularly as her yearly Christmas cards are what wins Josh’s heart. But it’s always nice when an obsessive character recognises how unhealthy their behaviour actually is. Plus, there’s a whole heap of history between them that Josh doesn’t even recognise. Honestly, just writing this makes me want more of their story!

Even if I struggled to find the next story for Josh and Neisha, I love that there are other couples in this world that I can dive into. There is so much I wanted to unpack in this short story that I’ll probably read again. I can’t imagine what reading a novel by Taylor will be like.

<- Baby, It’s Cold OutsideWrapped in Red ->

Image source: Amazon

The Seeker’s Shadow by Isadora Brown

Book Review
Overview

Title: The Seeker’s Shadow
Author: Isadora Brown
Rating Out of 5: 2.5 (Readable, but not worth reading again)
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I absolutely loved the idea of this story, and it started out really, really promising. Even though I found that the writing was somewhat unpolished, I was really enjoying where the story went. However, I started to get bogged down and confused in all of the different plot lines and contradictions. Honestly, there was just too much going on and too many large battles to face. I felt that it would have been nicer if the three big stories (Rumpelstiltskin, Ella and Jack) were maybe separated out a little bit more. About halfway through the story I realised that there was too much going on and I didn’t actually care what was going to happen next.

Image source: Amazon