Game Changer by Piper Lawson

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Game Changer
Author: Piper Lawson
Series: King of the Court #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I didn’t know that Game Changer was going to be a cliffhanger, I thought it was going to be yet another HEA sports romance. So I did, originally find this a little bit irritating. And yet, as time went on, it’s just made me more and more keen to read Shot Taker. I want to know how Nova and Clay’s relationship is going to progress. Plus, there’s Nova’s new Brother-in-Law and the way that he has been involved in the breakdown of their relationship. The ending of Game Changer left me with a whole lot of questions, ones that make me keen to read the next story in the series!

Nova is so much fun and I love that throughout this whole story, she’s trying to get on her own feet. I mean, she’s obviously had troubles in the past, but it’s annoying the way that her sister treats her. And the dismissive nature of their relationship is particularly hard. I mean, Nova literally spends the whole time bending over backwards to try and help her sister. And she just… dismisses her. And cracks it at her every time something goes a little wrong. I may have a sister who lives elsewhere, but damn, I wouldn’t blame her for things the way Nova’s does.

Clay building the relationship with Nova was actually really cute. The care which he takes of her and the way he connects with her is kind of beautiful. Even if he then throws up walls and barriers almost immediately. He is the typical man with too many barriers and an inability to trust. But, I do love how his time with Nova helps to soften some of those edges. And that, although he isn’t completely intelligent at the end, he is beginning to understand that those barriers, walls and priorities might be just a little bit skewed.

There are so many loose ends at the end of this story that I want to get to the bottom of. I loved all of the character growth throughout and the way that the ending of Game Changer perfectly leads into Shot Taker. For all that I was irritated that this was a cliffhanger, I also really and seriously enjoyed this. I can’t wait to read more stories by Piper Lawson and find out what happens next!!!

<- More Piper LawsonShot Taker ->

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Black Dog by Caitlin Kittredge

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Black Dog
Author: Caitlin Kittredge
Series: Hellhound Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

This was a fantastic and unforgettable dark urban fantasy with a strong and kick ass female lead. I’ve read two short stories attached to Black Dog and the Hellhound Chronicles, but this is the first time I’ve read the actual novel that tells the start of Ava’s story. In fact, it’s the first full-length novel that I’ve read by Caitlin Kittredge, even though I’ve had a number on my shelves for a while and always love her short stories. Honestly, I couldn’t put this novel down and I am so glad that I finally got to reading it!

I love that although Ava is obviously a major instrument of change, she spends this whole story just trying to survive and get out of the mayhem she has found herself in. I mean, honestly, that’s what most people are trying to do – just survive the mayhem and nonsense they find themselves in. the fact that Ava also starts to find herself and discover just who she is makes it all that much better. I loved all of the chaotic moments throughout this story and her own internal struggles as well. Probably why I connected so completely so quickly to her character.

Although Leo is obviously going to be Ava’s big love interest, and the two have an instant connection, I love that she doesn’t go gaga over him immediately. They are weirdly drawn to one another and definitely succumb to that attraction. But, it isn’t that whole love at first sight, meant to be together vibe. Rather, they are attached a little, and thrown together by circumstance again and again. Sometimes it’s those that we are just thrown with repeatedly that can end up giving us our happily ever after vibes. Plus, even if their fates are intertwined, they still end up finishing out this series of battles with a tentative truce, rather than an unforgettable love story (and I read romances for that, not urban fantasies).

Honestly, this whole novel is just one chaotic moment after the other. Every time I though I’d be able to pause in reading it to you know… join the real world, some other piece of intense chaos occurred. I mean, it was annoying because I just didn’t want to put Black Dog down, and wanted to dive straight into Grim Tidings (I didn’t, but still). Yet, that’s exactly what I want in a good fantasy novel – a story that is just one chaotic moment after another, barrelling towards a great finish and battle at the end. There are hints of what is going to happen next in their lives in Ladies’ Fight, but now I need to know more!

<- More Caitlin KittredgeLadies’ Fight ->

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Hell’s Fury by Jackie Kessler

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of hot romance book cover

Title: Hell’s Fury
Author: Jackie Kessler
Series: Hell on Earth #4.6
In: The Mammoth Book of Hot Romance (Sonia Florens)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011

Thoughts

Lucifer and Megara as a couple is such a brilliant idea. And I love that they are both based in different religious beliefs. But, take that position quite readily as someone who is “bad”. Yet, throughout this whole story, they are actually the better behaved of everyone. Plus, I just really love any story which features Lucifer lately. The idea of Megara and her two harpy sisters – brilliant.

As a short story, I absolutely adored this and was kind of content to let it lie as was. However, since it’s a short story that is part of a greater series, I really want to read more about Megara and Lucifer, even if it is as secondary characters. They just seem to be on the precipice of a fantastic relationship, one that will take a whole lot of work to make it work. And I want to know how / if that ends up happening!

There was so much lust and sensuality throughout this story, but not an intense storyline. I kind of loved it – it was just all heat and intensity. But, I also want more of the story behind the story. It was fun and seriously enjoyable. And more emotion and intensity is definitely on my bucket list for the next Kessler story I want to read.

<- Blind DateShelter from the Storm ->

Image source: London Borough of Bexley

Fluffy by Julia Kent

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Fluffy
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Do-Over #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I love that this story starts with a total misunderstanding. About what a fluffer is. Honestly, I probably would’ve made a similar mistake and misunderstanding to Mallory. And I actually know what a fluffer in porn is. And from there, honestly, it just got funnier and funnier. I mean, the misunderstanding leads to Mallory’s re-Meet Cute with Will. And it involves lots of yelling, insanity and the filming of a porn-o. Kent is incredibly gifted at creating humorous meetings with unforgettable beginnings. And this one is no different.

This isn’t quite a second chance romance, but one that does have that kind of flavour. Mallory and Will went to school together, and have a bit of a history. I love that they both had a thing for each other, but a total lacking of maturity to act upon it. Plus, they’re from vastly different social circles, and that is still a point of contention, even as they find their way to one another. I love that they do find a way to get over the social expectations and find a way to move forwards.

The school reunion scene in this was great. I actually missed my ten year reunion due to COVID, but I can imagine that it would be all too easy to fall back into those patterns. Regardless of how much time passes. But, I love that, although both Will and Mallory fall into those patterns at moments, they do find a way to move beyond that. Primarily Will, who apologises for his place of privilege in the social hierarchy and owns his mistakes (yay for a man who is capable of apologising).

Not only was this a wonderfully fun contemporary romance, one that I couldn’t put down. I just wanted to see what was going to happen next for Mallory and Will. Plus, then there’s Mallory’s two friends, Perky and Feisty. The epilogue for Fluffy leads perfectly into the next in this series, Perky. And now I can’t wait to dive right in!

<- Little Miss PerfectPerky ->

Image source: That Artsy Reader Girl

Finding Magic by Stacia Kane

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Finding Magic
Author: Stacia Kane
Series: Downside Ghosts #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I’ve read a Downside Ghosts story in the past, but this is actually the beginning of the series. And it’s also been a long while since I’ve read the original short stories. Finding Magic is a great introduction to this world. It gives a lot of information about this urban fantasy reality that I absolutely ate up. It makes me want to dive into this series and find out what happens to Chess further down the road. She’s at a point of conflict in her life during this, and I wonder how that’s going to resolve leading into the novels within the series.

It was interesting that this is a world in which religion and ghosts play a key part. The history of the intersection between religion and ghosts was integral to this story, and I seriously enjoyed how it became a misaligned feeling throughout. It also highlighted the conflict in Chess. She seems to be seeing the reality behind the religious / cultlike power. It sets the powers that be up to be fallible and corrupt, but also makes you question everything throughout. Chess is so down on herself, painfully insecure and I’m unsure as to whether I enjoyed that more or less.

Alongside all of the phenomenal world building, I really enjoyed the mystery of this story. It was a good murder mystery, and I spent most of the book trying to figure out just who the guilty party was. I was intrigued and it meant that it was incredibly difficult to put this aside for more responsible adulting.

<- More Stacia KaneUnholy Ghosts ->

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The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires by Molly Harper

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Overview

Title: The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires
Author: Molly Harper
Series: Half-Moon Hollow #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

Iris and Cal are a really fun couple (as with many Harper couples) and I love how they are kind of slow burn. They start off creating a friendship and really getting to know one another, and this slowly progresses to a really beautiful little romance. They also have so many awkward and seriously humorous moments throughout to balance some of the darker chaos that they are up against.

I love that Iris’ business is all about running errands for vampires. But it’s so modern and filled with modern conveniences, a little less lurch about it. Plus, it is a really good way to introduce readers to the politics and dynamics of the urban fantasy world which Harper has created. Plus, what a brilliant business woman – she recognises an area that is lacking, and with gumption and decisiveness, starts her own business that she thrives within. I love that at the conclusion of this story, Iris is still being an amazing boss bitch and looking at even expanding on her original idea.

Cal is a little overhanded with his protective streak, but I like that he does try to be better. I mean, some people are just a little bit intense and overbearing at times. But, he acknowledges this. And even if he doesn’t always succeed, he does try to do a whole lot better for Iris and their future together. I mean, he does exist in a world of vampires and all sorts of horribles that go bump in the night. So it even makes sense, so the way Cal and Iris are able to balance out this intensity is kind of beautiful.

There are so many creepy characters throughout this. Ophelia definitely gets the evil note going, even though she’s actually one of the good guys. And, I kind of want to have more of her special brand of eerie. Then, there’s Jack the Creep and Mr. Dodd. I love how Iris is able to get revenge on both of them for their actions. Albeit in VERY different ways. They are wonderfully intense characters that get some form of justice at the end. Which is so very much needed.

There are way too few positive female relationships in literature. I love that Harper writes a really positive and supportive sister relationship in The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires. Iris might be a bit of a mother figure to her teenage daughter, but she is also her friend and confidante. I love the way these two tag team throughout this story and build each other up in every moment. It is just too beautiful and maybe my favourite relationship in this entire book.

<- More Molly HarperDriving Mr. Dead ->

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Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons by Laura Greenwood

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Overview

Title: Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #4.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that this story is about a couple who meet on a blind date. And the thing that draws them together? Unique and slightly off-kilter questions that actually let them get to know one another. It, like most of the Greenwood stories I read, is short, sweet and cute. I absolutely adored reading this, and I liked that it was a story featuring a blind date in which the blind date wasn’t a terrifying flop. I mean, I’ve never really dated, but the stereotype in the media definitely makes me a little hesitant to even consider the idea of a blind date.

Unlike some of the other stories in the Obscure Academy series, most of this story is written from the point of view of one half of the couple. I like that most of this is in Thalia’s view point, it makes Evander’s eventual reveal and surprise an actual surprise. Plus, I just loved Thalia as a character in general, so I had absolutely no concerns or disappointments in reading a lot about her point of view.

I hadn’t thought of the ramifications of being a gorgon in a paranormal world. I mean, the whole turning others to stone with just a look could be incredibly restrictive on your social and sexual life. I really like how Greenwood was able to treat this and found it a really unique approach. The way in which Obscure Academy combines multiple paranormal creatures and brings them into a university setting. The idea of enchanted glasses to stop the whole turning to stone thing was really adorable, and it bought about the whole idea of what its actually like to be someone who wears glasses all the time, and the level of comfort that that can bring.

Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons is a great and positive romance. One that investigates what its like to be different and how that can actually be a little bit dangerous. Sure, in this instance, we’re talking a bout gorgons. But it is a challenge and something that needs to be recognised – sometimes people keep the different part of themselves a secret so that they won’t be a victim of hatred.

<- Flipping Tails for Seasick MermaidsPotion Making for Disastrous Witches ->

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Grendel & Beowulf by C. Gockel

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Grendel & Beowulf
Author: C. Gockel
Series: Urban Magick & Folklore #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Paranormal romance, Retellings, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I had no idea what to expect from a C. Gockel novel. I mean, I’ve got a few in my TBR, but I’ve never actually read one. My verdict? Enjoyable and surprising. I love how Gockel was able to use aspects of the original tale of Beowulf (which I’m only vaguely familiar with, I think I read it once…), but create a new and much more pleasant version. I mean, Grendel is still a monster to a degree, albeit one with fangs. And Beowulf is still a monster hunter, just one with a skewed perception of reality. The only downside to this being my first story by Gockel? It’s the third in the Urban Magick & Folklore series. Not the first. But I’ll quickly rectify that.

I’ve read a lot of retellings over time, as you can probably see from my shelves. And I always love to see how different authors take the same tales and twist and turn them to suit their literary reality. I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of a Beowulf retelling though. He’s been alluded to in a few books, but never an outright retelling. And I found that I absolutely loved this. Admittedly, it didn’t work out at all how one would expect from the fact that it’s about Grendel and Beowulf. But, I always love to be pleasantly surprised.

Having a quick perusal of the blurbs for the first two books in this series, I’m incredibly keen to see how Grendel gets to the point she is in this book. She’s a bit of a godmother / grandmother type obviously, and I want to find out more about how she takes that role. Grendel and Beowulf is very obviously all about the two in the title, but I actually want more of those other relationships of Grendel’s throughout. There’s a whole world there to explore that I can’t wait to sink my teeth into. Plus, even though this is obviously a story in which Grendel and Beowulf are going to end up together, I want more backstory on what makes this wonderfully caring and maternal grandmother type.

Most age gaps I read tend to have the man as older (insert soap box moment of media and gender expectations here). I love that this was a non-creepy reversal of that. Plus, Grendel spends the majority of this story thinking of Beowulf as a bit of a child, and feeling a bit odd about her attraction anyway. Then, there’s the whole getting to know you bit that they both do. A really good enemies to lovers trope with Beowulf actually taking on a bit of a villainous role before he starts to understand that he might have been brainwashed… although, Grendel and Beowulf doesn’t really end with the relationship in a nice and neat bow… making me all that much more keen to dive into the rest of this series!

<- Blood So RedMother of Monsters ->

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Dead Man by Domino Finn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Dead Man
Author: Domino Finn
Series: Black Magic Outlaw #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Urban fantasy, Zombies
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I really loved this novel. I mean, it wasn’t one that I couldn’t put down, but it was still one that I was hanging to get back into. The perfect mix for a book sometimes. Don’t get me wrong, page-turners that are impossible to put down are great. But, sometimes it makes me more hesitant to read another book by that author – because then I’ll get too bogged down in it. Finn manages that perfect amount of action – enough that I really wanted to keep on reading and find out what was going to happen next. But not so much that I couldn’t possibly move past this story. Plus, the amount of action and drama throughout this just makes me intrigued as to what other chaotic nonsense Cisco is going to get into.

The idea of waking up dead, ten years after the fact, and unravelling the pieces to what actually happened was a pretty intense journey. I mean, I couldn’t quite get my head around it for the entirety of the story. And I enjoyed the adventure that Cisco and his chaotic past took me on. I can’t wait to find out more of what happened in that ten year interim, and also, how he was shaped as a zombie-man. Then, there’s the discovery of Finn’s special brand of magic throughout this. It’s not often that I can read an urban fantasy which has world building that comes as a surprise. I love that the mix of practiced beliefs and magic all combine into a very unique form of magic. One that, again, I can’t wait to find out more about.

I particularly loved the use of Bokors and Hoodoo throughout Finn’s world building. Cisco has an unforgettable narrative voice that I couldn’t forget. And having Hoodoo and Bokors explained with his special brand of sass and quirkiness was seriously enjoyable. I mean, this was ridiculously fun and added to the rest of the story. Dead Man was filled with so much angst and drama, and the use of different practices to create it just added to the enjoyment. This was also one of the darker urban fantasies on my shelves, which, at this point in my life was a great fit. And I loved how much fun I had reading it.

I can’t wait to read the next book in the Black Magic Outlaw series, Shadow Play. I mean, this was an intense and fun adventure all on its own. And now, after all of the discovery and chaos in Dead Man, Cisco has a chance at a second life. He might have lost all of his family and friends, and burnt a whole lot of bridges, but I feel that he’s about to find a whole new place in his life. I’m so excited to go on this next journey with him!

<- More Domino FinnShadow Play ->

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Breaking His Code by Patricia D. Eddy

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Breaking His Code
Author: Patricia D. Eddy
Series: Away from Keyboard #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

This was one of those novels that is currently sitting in the box sets that I have. So I had absolutely no idea what to expect from it. And I really didn’t know whether I was going to like it or not (it’s always hit and miss finding books in this way). Well, this is one of those stories that I absolutely loved. And I’m so grateful that I’ve now got a whole new author and series to add to my shelves. Plus, it’s a romantic suspense, and I don’t really have many of them on my shelves.

There is just enough suspense in this romance to keep in interesting and quite intense, but not so much that I felt uncomfortable while reading it. I mean, ultimately, I was reading this story for the romance aspect, not the suspense and fear aspect. The suspense just lent itself to me not being able to put this book down, because as well as wishing Cam and West were going to find their happily ever after, I was also really hoping that they would find out just who was doing the wrong thing behind the scenes. It wasn’t quite who I suspected initially, and for that I am glad.

West and Cam are such a gorgeous couple. I really love how they connect online, and eventually work together to get over their issues. Plus, they are both veterans, so lots of common ground. I love that West is incredibly patient with Cam and just slowly lets her see that what they have is real and worth trusting in. Yet, he’s not blindly allowing her to run the show and runaway, it’s a beautiful balancing act that I think a lot of people have to trial to form a solid relationship with those of us with issues.

Throughout a lot of this story, I was curious as to why Cam was originally disowned and what the root of her trust issues was going to be. It honestly wasn’t what I expected. And, the amount of shame that she carries felt incredibly intense for something that was a whole lot less awful than anticipated. It was really heartbreaking how making a mistake in her teenage years led to a lifetime of being alone. And now I’m excited to get into In Her Sights with two characters I’ve already met and felt intrigued by.

<- More Patricia D. EddyIn Her Sights ->

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