Echo of Silence by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Echo of Silence
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #2.5
In: Wild Embrace (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2016

Thoughts

Stefan and Tazia’s story is really cute, and a great way to give context to Judd’s battles in Caressed by Ice. Plus it hints at some of the loyalty that the Arrows have for one another. Loyalty that is surprising in a race that is supposedly unfeeling. Basically, everything about this novella is not only a fun adventure and diversion, but also a good way to inform some of the story line later in the series.

Reading this as part of a reread, I love that sea changelings and BlackWater are actually first mentioned in this novella. I absolutely adored meeting a few more of the characters in the Psy-Changeling Trinity, so it was kind of cool to see when they were first mentioned. It also just indicates how much thought Singh has put into building this world.

Even though this was a reread – I still found Tazia’s family history to be really sad and heartbreaking. Rather than there being a big separation due to assholism, it was all about cultural understandings, and practices. There is still a whole lot of love there, and mostly the rift is caused by pride. However, I love that it was actually really easy to resolve – a lot less angst than I had expected, and just beautiful in general.

My only complaint about this is that I wish there was more Tazia and Stefan in the series overall. From memory (although I will confirm with this glorious reread I’m doing) – they’re only really mentioned one or two other times as an aside. They are just adorable, and I want more of them!

<- Visions of Heat ReReadCaressed by Ice ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Visions of Heat
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2007

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I read this series, I still don’t necessarily like Vaughn and Faith as much as Lucas and Sascha. Don’t get me wrong, I love their story and all, but I just don’t get as excited about it. Maybe because I find the idea of having foresight to be one of the more terrifying powers. Most of the time when I read a paranormal anything story, I do spend a little time imagining having each power – but I really don’t like the idea of having foresight.

One of the things that I’ve always loved about Singh’s writing is that the world building is amazing. In Visions of Heat, I love all of the intricacies of the psy people and their many talents that is revealed. In particular, the moral dilemma of being an F-Psy and how to use that power. I mean, begin able to influence the future for good or bad is a whole lot of responsibility, but when do you share that knowledge, when do you hide from it? Although there are some somewhat obvious answers in this, there are a whole lot that fall into the grey area – and I love that this morality is not given any black and white answers.

I absolutely adore Faith’s father and how he is able to manipulate everything. Being that this is a reread, I now realise that these manipulations don’t just occur at the end of the story, but are pieces in play for an incredibly long time. But, I do love that he is able to do so. And how his manipulations indicate his love for his daughter, without ever having to outright state that this is where his actions come from. The love of parent to child and how that can supersede almost anything is a bit of a cornerstone in this series, and I love that Anthony and Faith are the first that you get hints of this love.

There were so many nuances I picked upon in this story that I didn’t notice in my first read through of this series. The interconnectedness of the different characters and the chess pieces that lead to the fall of Silence are all there from the very beginning. And I absolutely adored finding those missed pieces this time around. Then, you have the battle that Faith is fighting – she’s able to not only stop an evil murderer, but also answer a whole heap of her own moral dilemmas.

Whilst Faith and Vaughn may not be my favourite couple, I love that this story is more so about Faith finding who she is and how to operate in an emotional world with the threat of insanity hanging over her head. To me, it’s about Faith, and Vaughn is just along for the ride. Which is as it should be with a strong female at the helm.

<- Slave to Sensation ReReadEcho of Silence ReRead ->

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Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Slave to Sensation
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2006

Thoughts

Every time I do a reread of Slave to Sensation (or the entire Psy-Changeling series), I find something more to love. More subtle hints and easter eggs to love, more moments to absolutely adore. Which, of course, just makes me fall more and more in love with every reread. Which is why it’s a series that I’ve reread a number of times at this point – there’s something new and more loveable with every reiteration, and the story manages to enthral me from the very beginning each and every time.

Lucas and his past are really tragic, and every time I read about it, I find new scars and horrors that he has survived and healed from. What I love most about him having such a tragic past though is that it’s his love for Sascha that tempers him and brings some of his humanity back. A good relationship is about balancing and supporting one another, and Sascha is able to do this wonderfully for Lucas, pulling him back from a ledge that even he didn’t realise he was balancing on.

I am absolutely obsessed with Sascha’s role as an empath and her ability to grow into herself and her powers. I know that throughout this series, Sascha discovers more and more about being an Empath, but these first steps are phenomenal to read about. Plus, she has the strength of self to realise that she was treated abominably, and to rise above the way that they have treated her. With grace and dignity, probably why Sascha continues to be one of my favourite females in the Psy-Changeling series.

Although this story is all about Sascha and Lucas, Tammy is most definitely still a favourite. I love how welcoming she is, but also tough and unwilling to compromise on the safety of her people. Between her and Sascha, they both highlight the power of love and emotion, and how this can help those to overcome anything. I mean, there’s still a lot of hard work and intelligence going into these decisions. But at the very core of this story is how love and emotion are integral to who we are and functioning as decent beings.

<- Whisper of Sin ReReadVisions of Heat ReRead ->

Image source: Hachette

Whisper of Sin by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Whisper of Sin
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #0.6
In: Burning Up (Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra & Meljean Brook)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2010

Thoughts

I love reading about Emmett and Ria – they are a great couple, and it’s also really interesting to see how DarkRiver begins to gain power in their city. Neither person features all that prominently in the main series, but, their adventures definitely inform how things unfold a little. Plus, they are just too fantastic and adorable for words. I absolutely adored them.

Ria is kind of a sheltered individual and naïve in a number of ways. Yet, she also has a backbone of steel. She’s ballsy and sure enough of herself and what she wants to fight for it. There’s also the fact that she sees the love that her parents and brother have, and knows that she wants it. Sometimes those that our families think will be our “perfect match” aren’t that at all. Tom and his underhandedness is a perfect example of just how wrong our parents can sometimes be.

Although Ria and Emmett are a great couple, and I really loved reading their story, it’s got to be Ria’s grandmother who is my favourite character. I mean, I love all of the women in this novella – there is something great about Singh’s writing in that she always creates such strong female characters. But, Ria’s grandmother is a whole other level of fun and entertaining. The kind of grandmother that I want to be when I grow up.

This novella was incredibly fun as a standalone novella. But, mostly I love how it gives context to the ways in which DarkRiver acts to protect those who live in their city. And how they first begin to gain power and influence, all before they start to use them to shift the world around them.

<- Beat of Temptation ReReadSlave to Sensation ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Beat of Temptation by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Beat of Temptation
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #0.5
In: Wild Invitation (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

No matter how many times I read it, I still absolutely adore Tammy and Nate’s origin story. They are just too damn cute and adorable. And their whole relationship is such an important foundation for a lot of stories and couples throughout the rest of the Psy-Changeling series. It’s also a great reminder that even the most solid couples have rocky moments throughout, and Tammy and Nate are no different.

Nate’s reluctance and controlling nature, whilst coming from an admirable place are incredibly frustrating to read about. I mean, I love that he’s originally supressed his urges because the age difference was yucky. But then, he just stubbornly decides that he knows more because Tammy is young and somewhat naïve. Luckily, before you get really irritated, he realises that he’s doing more damage than good. And makes amends…

As with most books / romances that I read, it’s the woman I like to resonate the most with. I absolutely adored Tammy from the first moment I read about her, and that feeling hasn’t changed with all of my rereads. I love that, even if she’s fumbling a little in her relationship, she is actually incredibly confident in her self and own abilities. She’s also, ultimately, confident enough in herself to actually go after what she wants in life.

<- More Nalini SinghWhisper of Sin ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Archangel’s Shadows by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Archangel’s Shadows
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I’ve been waiting for Ashwini and Janvier’s story since their meeting in Angels’ Pawn. And in every instance that they have shown up in the greater series. Luckily, I was not disappointed by their tale. I loved every minute of it and didn’t want to put the damn thing down (not the greatest when you need to sleep). Plus, after the chaos of Archangel’s Legion, I wanted to see how New York and the wonderous people who make up this series were faring. The answer is, it’s still chaotic (which is how it should be in a good series).

Ash’s talent is mentioned in multiple stories throughout the Guild Hunter series, but it isn’t revealed until Archangel’s Shadows that Ash’s talent has a potentially lethal side effect. The tragedy of Tanu and Arvi just highlight how short her life could become, and that she’s been holding Janvier at bay for a reason. I did love though that the twins are able to find peace at last, and in doing so are able to give their baby sister the happily ever after that she needs so much. Plus, it’s nice to have a happily ever after moment for a couple that I’ve loved from their first moment.

Lijuan’s tentacles drive a whole lot deeper into this world than I originally realised – and it definitely gives me goosebumps with how insidious she is. The fact that Ash and Janvier are constantly battling to find out just what she left behind is intense. Not only is she evil, but her minions are also evil. The abuse and horror that the female victims throughout this story suffer are really heartbreaking. I also love how it highlights that even if someone enters willingly into a relationship, they can be manipulated into being in a very horrifying situation.

Archangel’s Shadows brings to light more of the differences and uniqueness of Raphael’s Seven. I have loved slowly getting to know them throughout this series. I’m now particularly intrigued by Naasir and just what he is. Then there is Venom, Aodhan, Illium… I can’t wait for each of the remaining Seven to find their happily ever afters, and in doing so, thwart a little more of Lijuan’s evil and the results of the Cascade.

<- Archangel’s LegionArchangel’s Enigma ->

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Archangel’s Legion by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Archangel’s Legion
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

As with every other Singh book I’ve read, this was just as unforgettable and impossible to put down. I probably need to time when I read these stories a little better – I didn’t get much sleep until this was finished. Because I didn’t want to put it down and actually go to sleep. This is definitely the very beginning of a massive war and series of horribleness that is about to hit the Guild Hunter world. But, I love that, even in the face of certain war, Elena and Raphael are able to stay true to each other and themselves.

Lijuan is a perfect anti-Raphael. Honestly, she’s just as gross and terrifying as every other appearance in the books – but somehow also way, way worse than she was at the beginning. Charisemon is also gross and terrifying – both are wonderful villains in this story, ones that don’t really have much to redeem them. And, as with all of the archangels and their expanding powers – developing in unforeseen ways. They’re just unwelcome and horrible ways. Plus, there’s hints of Michaela being more and more evil as time unfolds.

I love that at the core of this battle, it’s Raphael with the power of love and life, against Lijuan who consumed by death and the greed of power. It’s a great base theme that doesn’t grow old, and it makes it really, really easy to root for Raphael and Elena. I mean, I love villains who have a chance of redemption (and then often don’t take it). But sometimes it’s nice just to have a villain that is outright evil.

Alongside Raphael’s literal battles and the beginning of the war, I love that Elena is also continuing to fight to keep her sense of self and identity. Not only is she faced with a power-struggle that she is so not equipped for, but she’s also constantly having to reign in Raphael’s ego. The fact that she must also contend with his treatment of her friends and protecting them too – I love how it’s all a constant battle that she is waging a really good war against. But, instead of being a major point of conflict in their relationship, it is a point of negotiation and debate.

I kind of guessed how this would end because of hints that I’ve seen in the Facebook groups I’m a part of. Which was a little bit disappointing. However, it was still an awesome moment discovering what the Legion actually is and seeing all of the potential for what will unfold in the future. More characters to love and adore!

<- Archangel’s StormArchangel’s Shadows ->

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Show Me, Baby: A Masters of the Shadowlands Novella by Cherise Sinclair

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Show Me, Baby: A Masters of the Shadowlands Novella
Author: Cherise Sinclair
Series: Masters of the Shadowlands #9
In: 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Two (Lexi Blake, Larissa Ione, Lisa Renee Jones & Cherise Sinclair)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: BDSM, Contemporary romance, Erotica
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I’m not normally a huge fan of BDSM stories, although, I’m trying to read more and more of them to get myself out of my comfort zone. And honestly, this was the perfect introduction into the genre. It wasn’t too intense, but still had elements of BDSM. Plus, the character connections and development were brilliant. Honestly, I loved the sexuality of the story, but I loved the characters and them finding their happily ever after even more.

Rainie’s life is incredibly tragic and the more you get to know about her, the sadder it becomes. However, throughout all of her tragedy, she grows to become a wonderful human being. One who is strong and independent, but inherently capable of a lot of love and kindness. The fact that she’s also incredibly adept at organisation and her job just drove home the wonderful nature of Rainie and how much I wanted her to have a happily ever after.

Doms might not quite be the thing that get my motor running, but Jack is… actually sexy for a Dom and definitely had me intrigued from the very beginning. He is kind and caring, and completely sweet. Although, still with that full on Dom personality that is… overwhelming, even when it’s just words on a page leaping into my brain.

I enjoyed this novella way more than I expected, and now I can’t wait to read more of Sinclair’s writing. And honestly, just exploring more of this genre of writing.

<-Need You Now1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Three ->

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Repeat by Kylie Scott

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Repeat
Author: Kylie Scott
Series: Larsen Brothers #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

For the majority of this novel, I liked it, but honestly really didn’t want to. I mean, I don’t mind the idea of amnesia as a trope to give the couple a second chance, but to the extent when you are NEVER able to remember any aspect of your past… I just found that uncomfortable and a little too tragic. Yet, in spite of that, I absolutely loved Repeat, and can’t wait to read more writing by Kylie Scott as a result.

One of the big drivers for me within this story was the fact that you get to unravel Clem’s past and the break down not long before her attack alongside her. There were hints of foreshadowing in the style of writing, but nothing was truly given away. This tactic was probably also one of the biggest reasons why I actually found this book almost impossible to put down. And had one too many late nights reading…

The aspect of Clem’s amnesia that I found most uncomfortable was actually Ed. Where you understand how Clem falls back in love and her motives, Ed’s are a little more uncomfortable. I mean, he has to not only come to terms with the drastic changes that Clem has been through, but also find a way to heal from their pretty explosive breakup. There’s part of me that needs more of Ed’s point of view to make me more comfortable with this aspect of the plot line.

I love that amongst the second chance romance and storyline, there is the romantic suspense flavour. It doesn’t quite have enough action and mayhem to tip it into that genre for me, but in moments it was close. I must admit, I did ultimately predict just who the villain was going to be. However, their involvement in Clem’s tragedies and the entire storyline was far more insidious than even I had anticipated. Which is probably what ultimately left this book lingering in my mind’s eye.

<- More Kylie ScottPause ->

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Something Like Hate by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Something Like Hate
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Chicago Grizzlies #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

After reading On the Defense, I couldn’t wait to dive into Something Like Hate, Bryce and Miles’ story. I mean, they are fantastic and filled with conflict from the beginning. And they’re definitely a couple that I want to work out from the very beginning. But, they do take a little bit of time to find their feet and find their way to one another. And then, when they do and you realise that there is a whole lot more story to come… it’s definitely a bit of a battle to put the book down.

This was a fairly typical sports romance, which is what I kind of loved about it if I’m being honest. There is something easy and enjoyable about reading a sports romance, particularly when the male leads are hockey players. There is something so appealing about the sport, and I love that they encompass all of the “alpha” male traits that I enjoy without the toxicity of real life. Plus, the predictability of a good sports romance is one of the reasons it is a pleasant diversion from real life. However, Piper Rayne still managed to throw in enough curveballs to stop it from being boring, and make it hard to put down.

The biggest spicing up of this story is the conflict of interest that Bryce experiences with work. It makes it hard to figure out just how Miles and Bryce are going to make things work and have a future together. Plus, it makes the double cross at the end even more frustrating and sad. I mean, it was obvious that there was going to be something thrown up, but just what it would be was a surprise. Luckily, as with all good romances, this is resolved fairly nicely, but it still leads to some uncomfortable and worrying moments.

I absolutely adored this story, and now I can’t wait to read the next two books in this series – Miles’ two friends both deserve their own happy endings, and I really want to read their stories. Plus, there’s a whole interrelated universe with a number of romances to dive into. A whole new world of happiness and happily ever afters to dive into.

<- On the DefenseSomething Like Lust ->

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