Midlife Passions and Predators by Jennifer L. Hart

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Midlife Passion and Predators
Author: Jennifer L. Hart
Series: Cougars and Cauldrons #3.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I didn’t realise that Midlife Passions and Predators wasn’t a prequel to the Cougars and Cauldrons series, but rather a story that fits the centre of the timeline. One that helps to move characters forwards in time, without having too much drama. Sam and her two lovers (did I mention that this story is kind of super hot and steamy?) find their happily ever after. A moment of joy amongst the sadness of change.

I’ve only recently started my motherhood journey, but for every step of independence that my children take, I’m both proud and kind of heartbroken. I want them to spread their wings, but I can’t even imagine how sad it will feel when they do. When they leave the nest. I love that Hart focuses on this during Midlife Passions and Predators. It’s such a beautiful moment of pride and understanding for Sam, but she’s also sad to be further from her son and grandchild.

I already had Midlife Bed and Broomstick on my TBR for a few weeks now (ever since I read Jingle All the Witch Way), but having read this middle of the series novella, I just can’t wait to dive into it now. I mean, a supernatural community that is for those over fifty. One that has very obviously got a whole lot of lust and joyful relationships in it. Yeah, I’m pretty keen to see what shenanigans they will get up to.

I love that Hart writes books which are about women who are just that little bit older. It’s a reminder, that, even when you’re a mother and your children are grown and move away, life isn’t over. Rather, a whole new one begins. I might be at the beginning of my own journey, but I do love reading about women who are older starting a whole new chapter of their lives, with the yummy, yummy men they find at their sides.

<- Midlife Shift and ShenanigansMidlife Magic and Malarkey ->

Image source: Jennifer L. Hart

Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Gimme Some Sugar
Author: Molly Harper
Series: Southern Eclectic #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Duffy and Lucy are such a cute friends to lovers, second chance romance. I love that they both had crushes on each other as children, but never acted upon them. But, as their lives built them and allowed them to grow, both decide that they still have feeling for one another. Plus, their decisions of the past led them both into not great marriages. And, even though they are traumatic and somewhat scarring, both Duffy and Lucy are able to find a way forwards and to move on from the horrors of the past. Plus, it adds such a great extra dimension of drama – personal traumas and ex-spouse drama. Brilliant.

For Lucy, the biggest complication from her ex comes from her in-laws. And I love that although she handles them with spine and a lot of confidence, she also does so with understanding and grace. Throughout this whole story, I was expecting Lucy to just completely blow up at her Mother-In-Law in particular. But, instead, she manages to handle her in a completely dignified manner. I can guarantee that I wouldn’t be able to be that calm and sane with somebody crossing that many boundaries with me and my kid. Plus, she is able to rebuild her life in a way that I can’t even begin to fathom.

Duffy’s entire family is amazing and adorable. They all come together to support one another, although they each have their own difficult and somewhat irritating quirks. I am absolutely in love with them, and, even though I’m sure it would be annoying at times, I kind of wish I had those close connections with my own family. To contrast, Duffy’s ex is kind of a complete and total psycho. Duffy might know that he’s being manipulated, but I still kind of found him incredibly frustrating and weak-willed where she’s concerned. I’m sure that these types of people actually exist. But I just can’t imagine it.

As much as I enjoyed the romance and the reconnecting of Duffy and Lucy, I think it was when they both stand up for themselves at the end which was truly beautiful. They might be able to stand by one another and up for each other. But, it’s when their relationship gives them both the confidence to actually stand up for themselves that is truly beautiful. It’s a great way to show their character growth, and highlight how healthy a relationship can be for somebody’s mental wellbeing.

<- Ain’t She a Peach?More Molly Harper ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist by Codi Hall

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist
Author: Codi Hall
Series: Mistletoe Romance #1
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: 2020

Thoughts

Nick and Noel are a wonderfully fun friends to lovers trope. I love that they find their way together because of a kiss which occurs to stick it to their exes. And this quickly leads to them both realising that they have feelings for one another. Although they might be kind of quick on the uptake internally, it’s the journey they both have to go on to actually realise their feelings out loud. Even though they both have a lot of growing to do, and they both have to figure out their own nonsense. It’s Noel’s growth and discovery that I truly love. I spent the whole time hoping for her happily ever after and Hall did not disappoint!

Amber is a total piece of work, and I can completely understand why Noel reaches her point of just being done with her nonsense. A crappy childhood and jealousy don’t excuse horrible behaviour. And honestly, if there is one flaw in the characters of this story – it’s that I honestly don’t understand how Nick continuously falls for her nonsense. I mean, dear god man, she’s actively manipulating you, you call her on it. And then you still believe her nonsense? It’s frustrating to read about, but also helps to drive the story and make me glad that I bought this book!

After reading Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist, I can’t wait to dive into Holly and Merry’s romances. They spent the majority of the story entertaining me and making me smile and laugh. Particularly as they harassed and tortured their poor brother (because what else are siblings for?). Plus, this whole romance and the next two siblings’ romances will all take place with a backdrop of a Christmas tree farm. There is nothing like a Christmas tree farm to really bring home that feeling of Christmas. And a Christmas playlist.

Honestly, this was one of those romances that I couldn’t put down. I read it from cover to cover, and barely putting it aside to be a responsible adult. I love a good romance, and the fact that Noel and Nick were able to grow as people alongside their romance. This was just too damn cute and wonderful for words. I loved the characters, I loved the music and I loved the Christmas theme. This was definitely one of my favourite Christmas reads of the year thus far.

<- More Codi HallThere’s Something About Merry ->

Image source: Harlequin Junkie

The Pastry Warlock by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Pastry Warlock
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Broomstick Bakery #2.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Ash and Ellie are such a cute friends to lovers couple, and I love that their story is more of a short novella – they don’t have as much angst as Ash’s sisters. And, because they already know each other, they are able to build their relationship from a fantastic foundation. I’m always a fan of friends to lovers stories (what better foundation than being friends first?) and I love that Ash and Ellie transitioned seamlessly. It might be scary to take that extra plunge with a great friend, yet, it’s fun to see how this couple were finally able to do so comfortably.

There is always this sense of cuteness and sweetness to Greenwood’s writing that I enjoy – in a world that is somewhat insane and intense, it’s nice to read something that’s kind of simple. I love that Ash and Ellie’s story starts at a time when they are just about to take that plunge into being something more than friends. But, it’s not filled with angst, just a moment in time when they decide to take the plunge together. The Pastry Warlock is just a fun, short and incredibly sweet story that I managed to (joyously) read in one sitting.

It’s been hinted at in The Cupcake Witch and The Macaron Witch that the sisters’ little brother is keen to be a part of the bakery. I love that The Pastry Warlock confirms this. Although nothing is set in stone for Ash’s future with Broomstick Bakery at the end of this story, there are hints for a good future together. I love that Ash is finally taking the steps to start his future the way he wants to. Making his own fate happen, with his best friend at his side.

I love how Ash and Ellie fit together so seamlessly, Ash and Ellie might have different career goals in their lives, but both support each other wholeheartedly. Plus, Ellie fits in really well with the rest of Ash’s family, a gorgeous, instant family that had me smiling and happy when I finished the final word of this book. Beautiful and fun in a way that will make this a hard moment to forget.

<- The Macaron WitchThe Gingerbread Witch ->

Image source: Amazon

Heart of Evil by Heather Graham

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Heart of Evil
Author: Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2011

Thoughts

Ashley and Jake had a really enjoyable second chance romance. One that was filled with forgiveness and moving forwards. But also the mystery of murder and mayhem. Although Jake and Ashley’s relationship as the backbone of this story, it was all the rest of it that had me intrigued and continuously going back for more. I didn’t mind Phantom Evil, but I really got into the groove with Heart of Evil.

I’m Australian, so I’ve never really understood the whole drive behind Civil War Reenactments. Or really, the re-enactments of any war. And after reading a book that heavily featured this, I’m still not really interested in them. However, I did love the idea of Civil War, reenactments and the ancestors of those who fought together as the backdrop of the story. Then, there’s the fact that the paranormal spectres and ghosts further the drama and nonsense of the evil. Yet, at its core, this story is still about the true evils which people can fall to.

I always love a good, believable villain. And the villain in Heart of Evil was most definitely believable. Basically he was an entitled knob and acted in a way that made me want to scream get your head out of your butt multiple times. But, again, that’s what made this story entirely believable and kind of painful to read in some ways. I mean, we all know a man that is supremely entitled and doesn’t quite understand that just because he wants, doesn’t mean he actually gets. Even though I had an inkling of who the villain was going to be, I didn’t actually guess it. It’s always nice to be surprised in a romantic suspense.

Even if I didn’t entirely dive into Phantom Evil, I couldn’t put down Heart of Evil. There was something about it that was entirely unforgettable, and I was constantly driven forwards by wondering just what was going to happen next. Where I was a bit meh about the next book in the Krewe of Hunters series to begin with, I’m now hanging to dive into Sacred Evil and continue on this amazing journey!

<- Phantom EvilSacred Evil ->

Image source: Indigo

Wolves by C. Gockel

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Wolves
Author: C. Gockel
Series: I Bring the Fire #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Norse mythology, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I really enjoyed this modern version of Norse mythology, all written from the point of view of Loki. He’s such a grey character throughout the mythologies and retellings that I’ve read. I love that Gockel stuck to this. He’s not evil, and all of his decisions are informed by something. But, he’s also not necessarily what I would call good either. Rather, he’s a bit of a chaotic neutral.

I love how the original Norse mythology is what informs Loki’s past. Rather than trying to change any of the original tales, Gockel has taken the known mythology and used that to inform Loki’s history. There is a totally different lens placed upon these experiences, rather than Loki being a troublemaker, rather, he’s often goaded into poor choices and wins out the day. It’s actually a little heartbreaking how poorly he is treated, and how much love he is capable of.

Amy was a likeable character, but not a loveable one. She was a little bit naïve, and yet worldly at the same time. In an almost unbelievable manner. I found it a bit difficult to connect to her. Whilst I was gunning for Loki to win the day, I didn’t have overly strong emotions about Amy. It was actually her grandmother that I liked more. However, I feel that she’s got a lot of potential growth, so I’ll be intrigued to see who she becomes as the series unfolds.

Wolves was a great start to the I Bring the Fire series and one that makes me want to read more. It was a fun and diverting read, without being too heavy and intense. I really enjoyed my time in this world, and I can’t wait to dive in again!

<- AtomicMonsters ->

Image source: Book Bub

A Karma Girl Christmas by Jennifer Estep

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: A Karma Girl Christmas
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Bigtime #3.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Superheroes, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

Thoughts

This is my first foray into the world of Bigtime. I’ve read a few Jennifer Estep books before and enjoyed them. But now that I’m on my Christmas run, I thought that this one would be a good read. And I was incredibly correct. A Karma Girl Christmas is all about Karma Girl and her protecting a Christmas present. From super villains. It was gorgeous, cute and seriously funny. All while being all about the feeling of Christmas and the joy of giving.

As my first foray into Bigtime, the world building in this was phenomenal. Considering it’s actually a novella that takes place after the third book, that’s a fairly impressive feat. Now I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the Bigtime series and all of the joys that seem to come along with being in a world filled with superheroes and supervillains.

Honestly, the superheroes and villains stick to this story was absolutely hilarious. I mean, they literally all follow a script that they have to stick to. And then, the motivations of the villains in this story is also kind of hilarious. Not exactly the most evil of doers, but yet, they try and do something that is truly heinous – taking from children at Christmas time.

What I loved most about this story was that all of the superheroes pull together at the end. Carmen might be finding her own way as a member of the Fearless Five. But it’s all of the superheroes of Bigtime that choose to draw together to save the day. Kind of what Christmas is really all about, right?

<- JinxNightingale ->

Image source: Jennifer Estep

Hell and High Water by Charlotte E. English

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hell and High Water
Author: Charlotte E. English
Series: Fae Fatales #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I absolutely loved that this story was one about three femme fatales, I mean, fae fatales. Meeting up after almost one hundred years apart. With all sorts of tragedies and secrets in their past. Not only was this a story about solving the murders and protecting the fae of New York. But it was also about unravelling the why and the how of the breakup of the fae fatales in the past. It meant that, with these two storylines unfolding, it was incredibly difficult to put this book down and be, you know, a responsible adult.

Even though I guessed who the evil mastermind of this series was, it was still a brilliant reveal. And, even if I had already guessed what was coming, I couldn’t predict just how that reveal and motivation would go. It was very fun to read about, and all of the hints that English dropped throughout made it a ridiculously fun adventure. Plus, even if I didn’t actually agree with the villain’s motives, I did actually understand how that level of anger could manifest.

I loved that, even though this was a story featuring three femme fatales, it was only written from the point of view of two. Fionn and Tai are great voices which give different perspectives on the occurrences of the book. And, although I would have loved to know a little bit more of what Dax thought. She’s kind of insane, so I liked having the lens of the two more sane characters within the trio. Plus, it gave a bit more context to how different characters have dealt with the same level of nonsense.

Honestly, I mostly just want to read more about Dax in future adventures (I’m hoping that there are going to be more adventures). She seems to be the most balanced of the trio, even if she’s definitely a bit of a nutter. Plus, the friendship between the two, that has lasted a lot of nonsense, is incredibly beautiful. Particularly how Fionn and Tai are always there to support one another. Even when they weren’t actually talking.

Hell and High Water is a bit of a who-dunnit mystery. A bit of paranormal fantasy. And a whole lot of fun. It was an unforgettably enjoyable adventure, and there’s a reason that I really love the fact that I have a number of English books filling my shelves and my TBR.

<- More Charlotte E. EnglishTBC ->

Image source: Second Sale

One Hot Holiday by Cynthia Eden

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: One Hot Holiday
Author: Cynthia Eden
Series: Wilde Ways #5.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This is the first book in the Wilde Ways series that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. And possibly one of my first full-length Cynthia Eden books. And I absolutely adored it. A romantic suspense Christmas story that has an incredibly insane and creepy stalker. A woman running from her past. And the man who wanted to keep her safe. I honestly couldn’t put this book down – it was fast paced and intense. A story that I won’t be forgetting any time soon. Now I can’t wait to read more of Eden’s stories. I hope that they are all as intense and impossible to put down as this one!

I love that this story starts with elves on bicycles almost running Haley over. It was a fun little Meet Cute. Even if Haley is immediately scared, I like how it started the foundation for Haley and Spencer’s relationship. Plus, a town who celebrates Christmas by having a bunch of elves ride on bikes while playing music? It sounds incredibly off-kilter and a little bit different. Kind of got me in the Christmas mood from fairly early on, even if this was a Christmas romance with a whole heap of drama.

One Hot Holiday is a story that is not just filled with romance and drama, but has a whole lot of action peppered throughout. I’m not sure if it was my wish for Haley and Spencer to get together, or the hope that the bad guy was going to get caught that kept me reading. Honestly, this was maybe not the best book to read right before bed time – I ended up having to start a second, calmer book after reading this, just so I could sleep. Eden managed to balance the horrors of being hunted with the joys of falling in love perfectly.

This was an impossible book to put down, and one that I will look forward to reading again in the future. I can’t wait to read more about the men and women who work for Wilde and find out what other nonsense comes up in their lives. I mean, murder, mayhem and all sorts of chaos as a backdrop to falling in love? Definitely the kind of book that I enjoy reading and will read more of in the future!

<- Fighting For HerGhost of a Chance ->

Image source: Amazon

Grouch-ish by L.B. Dunbar

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Grouch-ish
Author: L.B. Dunbar
Series: Holiday Hotties #3
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: 2024

Thoughts

I absolutely adored that this is a Christmas romance which is based on the twelve days of Christmas. I didn’t know that the twelve days of Christmas are actually the twelve days after Christmas – the 26th December until the 6th January. Plus, each of Brock’s twelve tasks have a lingering echo of the Christmas carol. It was so much fun picking up all of those little echoes, as I fell more and more in love with Brock and Pear. This was a ridiculously fun and light read, and honestly, the only reason it took me so long to read is that it was on Kindle Unlimited, and I have to read that on my glitchy phone.

Grouch-ish is a great romance with a bit of an opposites attract couple. Pear is eternally optimistic, even when she’s been dealt a pretty crappy hand of cards. I mean, some of the tragedies in her past would make anyone collapse. The fact that he’s a grumpy, silver fox, fireman with children just makes it all that much more yummy. I mean, he eventually lets some of his issues slide and some of his grumpiness diminishes. It’s particularly nice that Pear’s joy of life and patience is what brings Brock around to being a calmer, better version of himself.

I love how Brock and Pear are both incredibly lonely, and build their relationship on getting to know one another. There is the instant attraction, but their romance is kind of slow-burn, they slowly increase the intensity of their attachment until it all implodes. I always enjoy a good story in which the couple take the time to get to know one another, and don’t rush into an insane relationship just based on lust and attraction. Their loneliness might be the instigator of some of their relationship, but it’s not just companionship that keeps them together. Rather, a mutual sense of admiration and joy in each other’s company.

Although this story technically takes place just after Christmas, it is still a beautiful Christmas story. It’s a reminder that sometimes, Christmas can be hard for some families around loss. But it can also be incredibly joyful and one of the most promising times of year. A time for fresh starts, forgiveness and joy in the little things. At least, that’s how I feel about Christmas, and I found that Grouch-ish reflected this perfectly.

<- Naughty-ishMore L.B. Dunbar ->

Image source: Lisa Loves Literature