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

Rekindled Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Rekindled Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #5
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

Holly is the Thorne sister that I got to know the least throughout the entire Thorne Witches series so far. It’s a second chance romance, but I didn’t realise how much tragic history Holly and Quentin have until I read this. And then, at times, it was just truly difficult to read. I mean, it ends up happily, but where Spring Magic had some violently intense moments, Rekindled Magic was just filled with heart wrenching, emotional turmoil that had me putting this down and picking it back up multiple times.

One of the things I really wasn’t expecting from this story was the idea of time travel. The complexities of this and the different, diverging paths throughout added to the emotional intensity of this story. As well as making me have to really sit back and think about what I was reading. After all, time travel is such a tricky concept, and if it’s done wrong it’s just frustrating. Cromer managed to give the idea of time travel and its consequences a great structure though. One that I really enjoyed, and bent my brain just a little bit.

I love that regardless of the timeline, Holly is incredibly feisty and powerful. However, the bitterness caused by misunderstandings and abuse are removed. Whilst it was easy to have some sympathy for Holly’s lack of trust and choices, it also got to be a little bit painful. The depth of emotional trauma and abuse at the hands of her ex actually created a fairly angry woman who was just a little difficult to connect with on the same level. I love that in any reality, Quentin loves her with all of his heart and soul. And that he manages to balance out her rougher edges.

Although I loved a lot of this story, I do hate how quickly Holly turns to bitterness, in multiple timelines. I can understand having a great love which is impossible to get over, but letting that turn you away from everyone else who loves you. Letting yourself become a shell of a human because of the choices that others have made? It did make me like Holly a little bit less. Now I get to dive into the story of Aurora and Alastair though. And find out what the consequences of reviving Aurora are going to be…

<- Spring MagicLong Lost Magic ->

Image source: Amazon

Spring Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Spring Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #4
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: 2018

Thoughts

At the beginning of this story (and in parts of the first three Thorne Witches stories), Knox kind of seems like a typical moron. He rejects the woman who loves him out of a misguided sense of justice. And it’s just patronising. But then, as you discover the actual reasoning behind his actions, he becomes someone who is possibly my favourite male love interest in this series thus far. He is noble and kind, and I love how, for once, his rejection is actually something that comes from a good place, not a place of pride.

I knew that this was going to be a tough read before I even got into it. There are too many hints of the tragedies surrounding Spring and her journey to help revive her mother (and find love). Which was good to know, I at least had a warning before I read what could’ve been a potentially triggering book. I mean, her journey is genuinely horrifying. And it absolutely broke my brain and heart in moments. But, there is also this great sense of hope and joy throughout that made it worth it.

Everything about this story is emotionally intense. I knew it was going to be, so I made sure I carved out enough time to read this in one sitting. I’m glad that I did, it was an impossible story to put down. Partly because of how amazing the story actually was, but also because I’m the kind of person who will rush to the end of a tale to find the happily ever after. Which Cromer delivered beautifully to make up for all of the preceding nonsense.

Spring Magic wraps up the story arc for the first four Thorne sisters, and ends the arc with Lin Zhu. It gives a little more context to why the Throne Girls are so heavily targeted, and just rounds out things quite nicely. It then opens up the second part of this first series story arc. But I love how Spring’s journey is the one that also ends Lin Zhu’s reign of terror on the Thornes, and by extension, the Carlyles.

With every Thorne Witches book I read, I can’t wait to dive into the next one. Each story, as with this, round out a storyline. But they also hint at the next couple and the battles that are to be faced in the future. One more step until Aurora is revived, and if this has been the cost so far, I’m intrigued to find out what the cost to the other couples in the future will be.

<- Winter MagicRekindled Magic ->

Image source: Amazon

Winter Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Winter Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #3
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: 2018

Thoughts

As with most of the books in the Thorne Witches series, there is the hint of the next romance at some point in the previous book. And in the case of Winter and Zane, I loved this hint of something more between them. The fact that they also have a history (just one no one knows about) made me laugh out loud. And, honestly, as much as I loved both Autumn and Summer’s stories, I liked Winter and Zane’s romance even more. There was just something redemptive and fun about the whole thing.

I think that one of the reasons I enjoyed this story so much is that Zane had one of the most intense redemption arcs I’ve read in a while. He was pigheaded and cruel to the point that I almost wanted to stop reading at multiple points throughout this story. I mean, his drive for revenge was completely out of proportion and incredibly ridiculous. And yet, in every moment that I seriously questioned my willingness to continue with his stupidity, there was something that pulled me right back in again. Ultimately, this frustration led to a wonderful redemption arc that completely redeemed his nonsense and left me smiling when I turned that final page.

Winter Magic is the next step in the Thorne sisters quest to heal their mother. It was fun to learn more about Winter’s power and just how formidable she truly is. This novel also expanded on the vendetta Lin Zhu has against the Thorne family and why he is so driven to destroy them in particular. Plus, his sinister plans for just how to use their genetic line to give him what he thinks he wants is kind of gross. It combines to make you even more keen to read the next book in this series, but also a little hesitant. After all, the epilogue in this hints at Spring’s story, and that is going to be a dark and hard one to read… but now I’m also even more intrigued.

Although I really loved this whole romance and was swept away in every moment, much of the interpersonal drama was filled by childish misunderstandings. The inability to talk about just what was wrong and discuss things like adults, the desire for revenge… it all combined to make me want to smack my palm to my face at multiple points. And, although, luckily Zane does see how stupid his actions are, I completely understand how hard it is for Winter to forgive his past behaviours. And to let them find a new way into the future together, without all of the silly behaviour informing their actions.

<- Autumn MagicSpring Magic ->

Image source: T.M. Cromer

Courage of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Courage of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This is the first romance in the Witches of Keating Hollow series which doesn’t feature a child in some way, shape or form. And I really enjoyed that. As much as I’ve enjoyed the blended families and all of the love that goes with it – after a while I wanted a slightly different flavour of romance. Hanna and Rhys manage to fit the bill perfectly for this. It’s a bit of a second chance, definite friends-to-lovers romance with some very interesting complications thrown in.

It’s fairly obvious from early in the story that Rhys’ reason for holding Hanna at bay is going to have some kind of medical component to it. I love that the complications and road blocks that are thrown up for this couple are entirely medical in nature. And it also brings up the question of how do you live when there is a potential death sentence hanging over your head? How do you ask someone to commit to that level of uncertainty? I know what I’d do, but I also know that it wouldn’t actually be an easy decision.

Courage of the Witch is definitely the most fitting title for this book. Courage is the perfect word to describe Hanna and how resilient she is. When people ask me the number one thing I want for my own children, my own answer is resilience. And the courage that Hanna is able to show in this story is exactly why. Granted, there is a happy ending which doesn’t always happen in real life. But the battle to find joy and happiness in uncertainty is a seriously difficult thing to do. Hanna also completely humbles Rhys in his inability to actually have this form of courage and resilience to begin with. Luckily they are able to grow together.

Not only is this a great story of courage and romance, it is also one about how we deal with grief. It never truly goes away, and I love how frequently and subtly that is acknowledged. The grief of losing a loved one, particularly someone to a medical condition that could possibly be genetic is difficult. And some days just living in spite of that pain can be hard, but both Hanna and Rhys manage to find a way, not without a few of their own scars, but it still filled me with a sense of calm and optimism.

<- Dreams of the WitchLove of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase

Dreams of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Dreams of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

From the closing of Spirit of the Witch, I knew who Faith’s eventual partner was going to be. But I didn’t expect the journey that she took to get there. Like all of the books in the Keating Hollows series so far, there were some unexpected wrenches thrown into their romance. Ones that came from an external source and led to a whole lot of unforeseen complications. Hunter and Faith, as with all of the other happily ever afters in this series do eventually find their way to one another. But I really enjoyed the way that they eventually find their way to their own version of happily ever after. Part of why I enjoy this series so much is that there is always a happily ever after, but enough emotional angst to make me really want to finish the story. Chase hit all of the points of this perfectly.

Hunter’s history took a number of unexpected turns throughout this story. I was expecting there to be problems with his best friend’s widow, Vivian from her actions early on. But there were a number of other complications that completely took over. He spends a lot of this story in a situation which could potentially paint him as the bad guy. And yet, he is completely sympathetic. Rather than be annoyed at the blunders that he makes and the ways he manages to cause problems in his own relationship, it all came from a really caring place. Often in romances, I get frustrated at one or the other character for their pigheadedness and unwillingness to communicate. But that really wasn’t the case with Dreams of the Witch.

Faith and the Townsend sisters’ mother leaving has been a big driver in all of their stories. But I really wasn’t expecting their mother to come back after twenty-one years. The extra complications this throws up in Hunter and Faiths’ relationship hurt my heart a little. Plus, it was interesting how someone who abandoned her children is able to justify her actions. Or at least, try to. The fact that her history is entangled with Hunter’s makes it all that much more intense. But, I love how that story arc ended with Faith finally being able to put the past behind her and start moving forwards to her own happily ever after.

Faith and Hunter’s journey was really sweet and fun, and I can’t wait to dive into Courage of the Witch. I love how the end of it gives hints for the next story – Hanna and Rhys. Not only did it close out the romances of the four Townsend sisters beautifully, but it also starts off the next romances. I can’t wait to see what is bugging Rhys and just how Hanna chooses to get past his nonsense. I read this story in one sitting, and will probably do the same for the next of the Keating Hollows Witches romances.

<- Spirit of the WitchCourage of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase