A Merry Aussie Christmas by Stefanie London

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Merry Aussie Christmas
Author: Stefanie London
Series: Holidays in the Bluff #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves:Christmas, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I love that this is a Christmas story which features a couple playing Mr. and Mrs. Claus. I mean, Evie and Jasper are a great second chance romance, and a returning to home tale. I mean, it’s a beautiful romance in and of itself, but the fact that it’s all set against a backdrop of Christmas. I just adored this. Plus, it was an Australian Christmas that I recognised way too much. I mean, organising Christmas and trying to figure out what the temperature and weather is going to be… yeah, I completely recognise that. And, there’s all of the slang and sights which a small town, Australian Christmas entails. A beautiful story and one that helped me get into the Christmas spirit in a year when I’m finding that a little bit difficult.

Both Jasper and Evie are running from something in their pasts. And I really enjoyed that, although it puts complications in their relationship, they eventually find their way back to one another. It’s their love and acceptance of each other just as they are which help them both grow into better and greater people. For Jasper, he is running from his past and the judgement of small towns. Evie, on the other hand, is running from her health. Both are making decisions based on their fear of rejection and making decisions for others. We don’t get to choose who loves us, but we do get to choose to let others love us.

A Merry Aussie Christmas is a great romance which features both the positives and negatives of small towns. As someone who lives in a small town, I can tell you that London has it pretty spot on. There is so much support in such a space, but also, a lot of judgement. Plus, I love that everyone is just so up in each others’ business. Believe me, the gossip mill can be strong in small towns. And I love that this was neither portrayed as good or bad. It was just part of the community and negotiating the relationships in a tight knit community.

A Merry Aussie Christmas was merry, fun and joyful. It was a story that made me feel that inkling of a Christmas spirit in a time when I really needed it. It’s a simple and fun read, with just enough complexities to really keep you hooked. I will definitely read another London book in my future. There is just enough angst to be interesting, but not enough to make my heart hurt.

<- More Stefanie LondonDestined for Forever ->

Image source: Kobo

Grumpy Fake Boyfriend by Jackie Lau

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Grumpy Fake Boyfriend
Author: Jackie Lau
Series: Kwan Sisters #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I always enjoy Lau’s writing. It’s funny and upbeat, and just incredibly cute. Plus, her romances are generally a quick and easy read that is light hearted and a good departure from reality. In this case, Naomi and Will are a great opposites attract story. I love that Naomi is incredibly bubbly and sweet. She’s the eternal optimist without being naïve and annoying. It’s that strength of character that leads to a great story – someone who is strong and believes in herself. Plus, ultimately the way in which this story unfolds is somewhat her fault – she manages to manipulate and manoeuvre the situation she finds herself in to her liking.

Will is a great contrast to Naomi – where she is extroverted, bubbly and outgoing, he is seriously introverted. I definitely related to him way too much. I mean, he enjoys his time going out for the weekend with Naomi and her friends. But, he also has his moments when he just needs to disappear and hide from the world for a bit. I am also like this – I struggle to engage with others to a certain point. And I also had a family that, growing up, didn’t quite “get” my need for solitude. Even with the best intentions, like Will, I know how much it can smart to have people constantly push you to be more social when it’s just not something you are comfortable with.

Although Naomi and Will may be total opposites, they spend this entire story building one another up. Naomi supports and accepts Will’s need to be withdrawn at times. She even encourages his solitude when it’s necessary without having any expectations of him. Will on the other hand is able to build up Naomi’s self-esteem and encourage her to just be herself. Regardless of what he or anyone else wants. They spend the entire story getting to know one another and building each other up – exactly what should happen in a healthy relationship.

Grumpy Fake Boyfriend was a seriously cute and adorable romance. It’s filled with Lau’s humour and wit. I honestly adore her writing, and I can’t wait to read more of the books I have on my bookshelves by her. This was definitely an impossible to put away story and it gave me so much joy and optimism from the very first page.

<- More Jackie LauMr. Hotshot CEO ->

Image source: Kobo

Lock, Stock and Jingle Bells by Donna Kauffman

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Lock, Stock and Jingle Bells
Author: Donna Kauffman
Series: Hamilton Christmas #2
In: Kissing Santa Claus (Donna Kauffman, Jill Shalvis & HelenKay Dimon)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2009

Thoughts

It’s fairly obvious from the beginning of the story that Holly is kind of a grinch. Not in an overly aggressive way, but in a “I don’t actually like Christmas” way. I mean, if you had the name and the upbringing, the backstory that she does, it makes total sense. Living in a Christmas Wonderland full time just sounds absolutely exhausting. And to have your parents prioritise that over your own health and wellbeing, yeah, I completely get where she’s coming from. Which just means that having a story in which she is given her “inheritance” of a Christmas shop was an even more intriguing plot line.

I love that Sean Gallagher of the Gallagher clan was just as awkward and uncomfortable as every other teen. Even if he had an amazing and loving family behind him. And was all of those popular stereotypes that actually turn out to be kind of realistic. Yet, as with reality, our perceptions of people aren’t always true and I love that both Sean and Holly, in their teenage years made a whole lot of assumptions. But, as adults, Sean is finally brave enough to go for what and who he wants.

Holly spends the majority of this story trying to figure out what her future holds, whilst still holding onto and honouring her mother’s dream. It’s a fine line to walk. Particularly as Holly gets her inheritance when her mother is actually still alive. A lot of emotional turmoil and past secrets are revealed and dealt with throughout this Christmas novella. I’ll probably enjoy reading this again in the future.

<- Kissing Santa ClausBah, Handsome! ->

Image source: Amazon

Eye Candy by Jiffy Kate

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Eye Candy
Author: Jiffy Kate & SmartyPants Romance
Series: Fighting for Love #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Vali and Maggie are just too damn cute together. Maggie is kind of naïve and innocent, but with this amazing strength that I kind of wish I had. Then, there’s Vali. He’s a little bit more damaged and rough around the edges. But, he is able to be loving and kind and sweet. Rather than being a reformed playboy, he’s someone who really wants to make a life with someone and find his own happily ever after. Plus, I just loved how Maggie and Vali are so seamlessly able to fit into each others’ lives without too much thought or hard work. They are just too dang cute and I’m really disappointed that this story is over.

Whilst this is a romance, I love that Maggie is finding her wings in this story. Her parents, whilst kind of stifling her, aren’t actually the true restriction. Rather, it is her fear to dive into life without the barrier of her parents. Vali, rather than being the one to push her, acts as a bit of a catalyst for Maggie to truly find her wings. That, and her gorgeous pen pal who encourages her to take the plunge and live life on her own terms. I mean, we all need that reminder every now and again. Everyone lets themselves be stifled by something in their lives, but it is so fun going on this journey with Maggie as she decides to learn how to fly.

In his own way, Vali is also learning how to fly. He is recovering from a major betrayal and just… licking his wounds in private. I love that, even though he’s not confident in his ability to commit, he doesn’t entirely ignore the possibility either. Rather, he chooses to find his own way forwards in life. And, when the world throws Maggie in his path, he chooses happiness, not his own preconceived notions and plans for recovery. Plus, he gets this beautiful moment of closure when Chloe and her horribleness tries to walk back into his life. Something that I seriously and ridiculously enjoyed. There’s nothing like that moment of closure that never really happens in real life, but I do love to read about in a good book.

One of the things that I’ve really enjoyed about the Fighting for Love series is that it’s based around a group of brothers who all do MMA. There are a few discrepancies in how they fight in the cage, but I love how Jiffy Kate are able to capture the feeling of the crowd and the intensity of the sport. Plus, there’s the seriousness with which true MMA fighters take it – and the fact that they are all big teddy bears. A great little story that left me feeling happy, smiley, and content.

<- Beef CakeKnock Out ->

Image source: Jiffy Kate

Alphas and Airships by Melanie Karsak

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Alphas and Airships
Author: Melanie Karsak
Series: Red Cape Society #2
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

You know that a book is absolutely brilliant when you want to keep going back to pick it up. Only to realise that you’ve actually already finished it. And then you get that wonderfully irritating book hangover feeling. The one that makes you reluctant to pick up another book because it probably won’t quite measure up. And then it takes forever to find one that can quite draw you in again. Alphas and Airships was one such book.

Clemeny is a great and very relatable character and I love how driven she is for justice. Alphas and Airships sets up the idea of a bit of a love triangle for her. And also talks about some of the repercussions and change which Wolves and Daggers bought to her life. I wasn’t sure if I spent more of this book wanting to know about the new relationships which Clemeny was forming. Or whether she was going to get the Viking Werewolf that she was hunting… going forwards, it’ll be very much the love triangle that will drive my reading, but that’s mostly because there will be new hunting challenges to overcome I’m sure.

As far as partners go, I really enjoyed Agent Harper and how her relationship with Clemeny grows. I hope that she shows up again. It was fun watching their connection grow as they tried to stop the bad guys. Harper was also a great balance of innocence and light to Clemeny’s more serious and jaded nature. They’re also both driven by a high moral fibre that makes them entirely compatible.

During Alphas and Airships, it becomes obvious that there are a lot of secrets in Clemeny’s past. Many of which I’m sure she doesn’t actually know herself. Particularly those of her bloodline. I can’t wait to find out more about her history and how this is going to impact her life. I’m assuming heavily, because it feels like it’s being set up to be a huge deal.

<- Wolves and DaggersPeppermint and Pentacles ->

Image source: Amazon

Jingle All the Witch Way by Jennifer L. Hart

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Jingle All the Witch Way
Author: Jennifer L. Hart
Series: Silver Sisters #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Every year around the time I would normally put up the Christmas tree (early November), I load my ereader up with all of the Christmas books on my list. This was the first of those books that I read for the Christmas of 2024, and believe me, did I need a happy and positive Christmas story. This was exactly the tale I wanted. And now I want more of the Silver Sisters. I mean, this is not only a fun and beautiful Christmas story, but it is also a fun tale in which three sisters in their forties, witches to boot, adjust to their new lives and realities. It’s kind of adorable and full of fun.

It was fun to find something to completely relate to in each of the three sister. Siobhan and her pregnancy made me laugh. I was that pregnant woman who wanted to do many things, and ended up frustrated more often than not because I was being smart for my unborn children… honestly, one of the most frustrating periods of my life. Now, as a parent, I relate a lot of Maeve – trying to find balance in your life amongst your sense of self, your children and your husband. And finally, I’m a total control freak and the quintessential first born – just like Alys. It was fun to be rooting for all three sisters equally, but just in different ways.

Christmas, for me, has never been about the Christian holiday and celebration. Rather, it is all about being surrounded by those you love. The Yule celebration in this is all about that. Welcoming the new and saying goodbye to the old. Being surrounded by those who love you and those you love. It’s a time of change and renewal, and all of this is celebrated within the pages of this book. Plus, there is a feeling of saying goodbye to the past and moving into a new, and wholly unexpected future.

<- Witch Way Is UpWitch Way Today ->

Image source: Jennifer L. Hart

Witch Way After Forty by Jennifer L. Hart

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Witch Way After Forty
Author: Jennifer L. Hart
Series: Silver Sisters #1
Rating Out of 5:5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

As always at Christmas, I found a new series to fill my shelves by reading the series’ Christmas story. In this case it was Jingle All the Witch Way. So it was incredibly exciting to go back and read the first Silver Sisters story. I mean, I’m absolutely in love with this trio, and it was a whole lot of fun to go back and read the first of the series. The one where Alys, Maeve and Sibby find their powers. I love that they start off their journey into becoming powerful witches and completely changing their lives when they are in their forties. It’s a bit like a midlife crisis, but one that isn’t exactly a choice. And, honestly, a great reminder that we go through big changes in our lives, constantly. It doesn’t matter how old we are.

Alys’ growth and period of change is the focus of Witch Way After Forty. I love that, even though she’s the quintessential oldest sister, and ridiculously controlling, she still finds the love of her life. I love that, even if Brock is younger than Alys, he is someone with a whole lot more maturity. He’s also someone who wants to help her and take care of her. He’s a great balance to everything that Alys is. And, even if he wants to take care of her, he doesn’t want to clip her wings. Brock finds a way to support her and be a partner, exactly the kind of man that dreams are made of.

Although I completely understand the role that Alys plays within her family, and the ways in which she puts up a multitude of walls. Particularly with her siblings. I may not like how she dismisses Sibby and is consistently harsh with her judgements. But I also love how accurately Hart writes the sibling relationship. It’s loving and intense, but also filled with frustrations with one another. I love that this huge time of change for all of the siblings also helps to restore and repair their relationships. Plus, regardless of how frustrating they find one another, they also completely and 100% have each others’ backs. Siblings can be cruel to one another, but they will also absolutely destroy anyone who threatens each other.

Kylie is actual, and astounding trash. I honestly love how Alys and he are introduced in this story. With Alys just destroying him physically and mentally within the first few pages. I love that Alys is able to deliver the comeuppance to him that he most definitely deserves. I mean, he is filled with malicious intent and is an emotionally abusive douche nugget. Thus, it’s great when Alys is able to just… eviscerate him. In each and every engagement they have.

I love that, alongside Alys’ divorce and her falling for Brock, there is a whole lot of other mystery. Trying to figure out what is wrong with Maeve, sorting out just who Sebastian is. And, then, as the culmination of the drama that has surrounded the sisters from the first page, the wraith and the missing child. Witch Way After Forty is a fantastic way to start a series. And now I can’t wait to dive on into Witch Way Did She Go to learn more about Maeve’s story about finding balance. Where Alys had to learn to give up control, Maeve needs to learn to find balance. And I’m completely onboard with that journey.

<- Witch Way or the HighwayWitch Way Did She Go ->

Image source: Amazon

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