Client from Hell by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Client from Hell
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Magically Hellish Comedy #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Honestly, I’m going to love any story which starts with somebody setting fire to the devil’s home. The convoluted, revenge based reasoning was more than a little questionable, but it was definitely a great start to a story. And a funny one on top of that. Plus, this is a series which  makes Satan kind of adorable and seriously lovely, so the fact that someone is willfully burning down his house to teach him to better mind his manners? Again, a hilarious and wonderful beginning to a story.

As much as I enjoyed reading this novel, cancer is a bit of a touchy subject for me at the moment, so some of that was a little bit difficult. But, I did love that Sandra is able to survive an untreatable cancer through experimental treatments. It’s kind of nice to hope that that sort of thing happens in real life. It also made me feel a little less triggered with a topic that would normally be incredibly triggering for me at the moment.

I love that the partner that Sandra ultimately ends up with is the devil’s brother-in-law. And that, when she decides to take him as her partner, she just kind of… takes charge of the situation. Actually, most of this story is just Sandra taking the insanity around her, and taking charge of it all. She is also able to accept her partner’s kleptomaniac and trouble making ways, just telling him how to limit it to levels that she can handle. She also, frequently, and with great gusto tells Satan to shove off and let her be.

There is a whole lot of drama throughout this story and a little bit of romance, plus Client from Hell follows on beautifully from Catnapped. It also highlights that there is a whole lot more drama and devil machinations of manipulating animals and the lycanthrope virus to be had. I can’t wait for the next story in this spin-off series. Plus, this features a crazy arsonist who is just running free….

<- More R.J. BlainTBC ->

Image source: Barnes and Noble

Plaidypus by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Plaidypus
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #19
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This novel is actually the reason I first picked up R.J. Blain’s novels – I mean, the idea of a platypus shapeshifter pulled me in from the very first moment. It just took me a whole lot of novels to actually get up to the point when I was able to read to this point. And it did not disappoint. Plus, of all the animals that I’ve read about shifters of – I’m most fascinated by the idea of a platypus. Although, if I was Nadine, I’d also be supremely annoyed at the idea of not having venomous spurs like my male counterparts.

Nadine is the first Canadian in this series, and the first to go somewhere other than America (or hell). I really loved that she fits all of the stereotypes that I had expected, and I also liked how much respect everyone had for our nonsensical Australian wildlife. I particularly loved the zombie moose who just… decided to adopt Nadine and stick with her. I’m hoping that she makes another appearance later on in the series, or in the Magical Hellish Comedy series. I mean, the devil definitely has a thing for hooved menaces running free.

As with all of the books by R.J. Blain, the couple in this are cute and, ultimately, fairly easy to get involved with. Their obstacles to getting together are more about timing and confidence in themselves than anything else. Plus, they have a whole heap of match-making enthusiasts behind them, encouraging the nonsense. And, honestly, as much as I would love to think that falling in love is anything special, it really is just, ultimately looking at someone, and deciding that you’re going to keep them. Or at least, that’s how it was for me.

As much as I loved Nadine and her nonsense, it was really her dad that stole the show for me. I mean, a pony who just likes to eat our danger noodles? Absolutely freaking hilarious. I honestly could not stop giggling over that for a good couple of minutes. Plus, he goes back to do it again. I wish I had that kind of aggression and confidence towards our danger noodles…

<- CatnappedDoggone Mess ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble

A Stitch in Time by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Stitch in Time
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: A Stitch in Time #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Time travel
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

As always with a Kelley Armstrong book, I freaking loved this. The fact that it’s a new genre that I wasn’t expecting, and delved into a whole new realm of writing just made me all that much happier. I also think this may be my first ever time travel romance. Or at least, the first one novel-length one that I can think of. Everything about Bronwyn and William’s relationship and story had me smiling and feeling all the happy feelings.

Bronwyn’s past and commitment to a mental hospital were kind of sad, but I love how they shaped her into the woman that she becomes. Like all second chance romances, there is that feeling of tragedy that there are so many missed chances. But also, a kind of sense of fate in the fact that the characters needed to grow into themselves apart to truly be happy and healthy together. I really enjoyed how those past tragedies shaped both characters into a person that has so much hope and understanding for the future.

Whilst Bronwyn’s time at a mental health institute might have been tragic, I thought it was fantastic that she had a first love before William. Her first husband is a reminder that even when tragedy strikes, we can remember those that we loved with fondness and positivity. It was also nice that, even though William lived a full life too, it didn’t follow the same pattern of Bronwyn’s.

It took a little while to warm up to William. Not so much because there was anything irritating about his character, but he was incredibly withdrawn. It made the journey to getting to know how kind and sweet he is all that much more interesting. Plus, it kind of fit with my idea of the English at the time. William is definitely the kind of mysterious man of the moors that I can get behind romantically.

I mostly focused on the romance and the enjoyment of this story, but alongside this is the mystery of the murders of the moors. I spent a lot of my time wondering just who was the evil villain throughout, and I completely guessed wrong. Which I loved. And honestly, the true villain was so much more creepy and goosebump inducing. It was definitely a fantastic story that I look forward to reading again, this time finding all the hidden clues to who the big evil actually is.

<- More Kelley ArmstrongBallgowns & Butterflies ->

Image source: Amazon

Bitten ReRead by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Bitten (ReRead)
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Otherworld #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2001

Thoughts

It’s been a long time since my first read through of Bitten, and I was wondering how it would hold up years later. I mean, I still thoroughly enjoy reading Kelley Armstrong’s books, but there’s always something tentative and kind of risky about going back to read something you’ve loved in the past. What happens if it doesn’t meet your expectations? Luckily for me, this wasn’t the case, and whilst I took a bit longer than usual to read it – because I had personal crap going on. It was still just as beautiful and easy to love as the first read through.

I really liked the dysfunctionality of Clay and Elena. Which seems completely weird, but they are obviously meant for each other and going to end up together, yet, they are also a little toxic towards one another. I love that throughout this story, they actually spend a lot of time learning how to not be toxic toward one another and to be healthy in a relationship. Or at least, as healthy as they seem capable of. I also love that Clay takes the time to actually try and change and give Elena the space that she needs to make the right decision. Plus, there’s the fact that, even at the end, they aren’t quite riding off for a happily ever after into the sunset – rather it’s a lets see how we go now.

I can totally understand why Elena chuffs at the restrictions placed on her by Jeremy. I’ve never been one for blind obedience and I love that Elena is just the same – unable to blindly obey and constantly questioning authority. I also love how she does it in a way that ultimately still supports Jeremy in everything, she just doesn’t do so blindly. I also love Jeremy as an Alpha of the Werewolf Pack – he isn’t the typical aggressive alpha and is actually incredibly meticulous and intelligent. He is a little bit ignorant of just how to deal with Elena at times, which I find kind of hilarious.

I’m not going to lie, this is actually a bit of a creepy paranormal romance – I mean, the villains throughout this are primarily serial killers who have been turned into werewolves. That’s not going to be a comfortable story line / bunch of characters in any way, shape, or form. A lot of the storyline is also about Elena accepting the darkest parts of herself. She starts off in total denial about her more rage-like and aggressive tendencies, but then slowly comes to accept that that’s just a part of who she is. Not the cookie-cutter perfect reality, but a somewhat sarcastic and short-tempered power-house of a woman. One that, even on this second read through, I still adore.

<- More Kelley ArmstrongStolen ReRead ->

Image source: Hachette Books

The Fling in Panama by Liz Alden

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Fling in Panama
Author: Liz Alden
Series: Love and Wanderlust #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Travel
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I thought that Lila and Eivind were a wonderfully cute and adorable couple. They were incredibly sweet and cute together. Plus, they manage to fall in love in the most beautiful of settings. And I learnt a little bit about the Panama Canal (which I knew absolutely nothing about prior to reading this book). They both have a few issues of maturity in the beginning of this story, but, after falling for one another, leant to grow into slightly more functional adults.

I love that, ultimately, this romance was about giving up parts of what they want for a better future together. It’s a great reminder that in all relationships, compromise is important. And sometimes we need to re-examine the things that we thought we wanted for what we actually want. Yet, ultimately, neither Lila or Eivind actually have to give up their dreams, just reconfigure them a little to fit another person in.

At the beginning of The Fling in Panama, Lila is portrayed as an incredibly naïve and innocent young woman. However, I really didn’t find her to be that naïve at all. I mean, she’s aware that she’s not quite worldly and experienced in a lot of ways. But, she uses this knowledge to then try and expand her horizons. I love characters who are wiling to learn and explore the world – those who are aware of their limitations and use this to become a more rounded person. It made it really easy to love Lila, without actually getting frustrated with some of her sheltered upbringing.

The realistic nature of the emotional release after a long time spent aboard a sailing yacht was brilliant. I love that the entire crew, whilst enjoying their experience of a lifetime, found that it was an intensely emotional experience. And, rather than romanticising such an adventure, Alden is able to show how emotionally intense such a once in a lifetime moment can be. I honestly can’t fathom being stuck on a boat as I sailed across the world with four other people for 45 days. But, that’s probably why I’m not exactly the kind to have wanderlust and actually do something like that. I loved reading about such an adventure though!

<- The Night in Lover’s BayThe Slow Burn in Polynesia ->

Image source: Empire Bookstore

About a Dragon by G.A. Aiken

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: About a Dragon
Author: G.A. Aiken
Series: Dragon Kin #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2006

Thoughts

Like most of the couples written by G.A. Aiken (Shelly Laurenston), Talaith and Breic are an absolutely hilarious couple. I mean, I love that literally all they do from the very first moment is argue and bicker. Even when they finally admit their feelings for one another, they still bicker and argue. Their dynamic is so different to the first Dragon Kin couple, and I love how their personalities shine through.

Although it was obvious from the beginning that Talaith had secrets and was being threatened, I was really surprised when the existence of her daughter came to light. Just like her mother, she’s a handful, and I can’t wait to see how her bright light burns later in the series (I assume that she’ll get her own story at some point). Where Talaith and Breic’s relationship was entertaining, their relationship with her daughter was even more humorous. I can’t imagine suddenly meeting my daughter at sixteen, filled with moxie and attitude. Definitely an entertaining character who I am already in love with.

As with Dragon Actually, the epilogue of About a Dragon introduces the next couple in the series. I’m honestly in love with each of the siblings, so I couldn’t wait to see which one would be featured. I honestly can’t wait for Gwenvael’s story – he’s an absolute fool and kind of dense. Which, of course, is why I am a little bit obsessed with him. Plus, there are plans afoot from the gods which everyone is going to play a part in – again, something I can’t wait to dive further into.

Honestly, this book had me giggling and smiling throughout. I mean, it’s a romance filled with mayhem, murder and lots of sassy, arguing fun. It’s hilarious and was a great diversion from real life. Plus, there’s a great plot line of evil and selfish gods and goddesses. Yet another wonderful story in a fantastic series, leaving me happy and content when I turn the final page.

<- Dragon ActuallyWhat a Dragon Should Know ->

Image source: G.A. Aiken

The Witch Seed by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for green monkey dreams isobelle carmody book cover

Title: The Witch Seed
Author: Isobelle Carmody
In: Green Monkey Dreams (Isobelle Carmody)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Year: 1996

Thoughts

This small cluster of stories in Green Monkey Dreams seem to have a strong theme of revisiting the past. In memory and mind, remembering what it is that bought people to this point in their lives. And just how the past, however tragic, shapes all of us. It’s got a tragic and dark feel to it, that just made me ache for the narrator.

There is something terrifying about evil when you are a kid, and I love that this story shows just how easy it is to turn an evil being into a witch in the mind’s eye. Plus, there is a reminder that children sometimes see the darkness hidden behind closed doors. The darkness that adults don’t want to see often times.

Although I found this short story quite uncomfortable and dark, it was also one of surviving. About the challenges and difficulties of surviving and escaping abuse. And how those scars will haunt you forever.

<- CorfuSeek No More ->

Image source: Allen & Unwin

Steel Skin by Lori M. Lee

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Steel Skin
Author: Lori M. Lee
In: A Thousand Beginnings and Endings (Ellen Oh & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Retellings, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This was a wonderful story that started off feeling like it was entirely contemporary, but turned into a bit of a SciFi. At the beginning of this short story, the idea of a cyborg infiltrating the girl’s home seemed kind of far fetched. And, honestly, a way for her to deal with the grief of losing her mother. However, as the story unfolded, it seemed closer and closer to the truth. And in uncovering this truth, so many existential questions and thoughts were raised. I’ll probably reread this short story multiple times, coming up with a new meaning behind the fantastic words.

Every new paragraph in this story offered up a new surprise, and, mostly I found them quite enjoyable. Alright, not every one was a positive surprise, but they most definitely were all enjoyable. I kind of loved how each moment unfolded a new twist. And, honestly, even if I reread this, I probably wouldn’t be able to predict what would happen next. The ending of this was, thus, completely unexpected, but fantastic. I just didn’t expect that kind of solidarity and loyalty if I’m being honest. It was such a pleasant surprise.

At the core of this story, there are a lot of questions about how we process emotions and what actually makes a human. I spent this entire story wondering what is normal and what isn’t in the emotional spectrum. And, as with this story, how could you program something to feel in the way that humans do? I mean, were pretty insane and illogical, so it’s definitely a legitimate question. One that will genuinely keep me up at night if I let it.

<- Olivia’s TableStill Star-Crossed ->

Image source: Amazon

Sister Twelve: Confessions of a Party Monster by Christopher Barzak

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Sister Twelve: Confessions of a Party Monster
Author: Christopher Barzak
In: Glitter and Mayhem (Amber Benson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Retellings
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2013

Thoughts

I don’t know what I was expecting to start this collection, but a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princes wasn’t quite what I had in mind. And I loved it! Plus, there was a bit of a glam dance theme going on that I dug. And the father as the villain? A fantastic spin on the already eerily beautiful fairy tale.

The narrator of this is the quintessential stereotype of a youngest sibling – impulsive and just a little bit selfish. All she wants throughout this is her freedom and independence, which i can understand. However, there was also something painfully naive and selfish.

I’m not 100% about the choices made at the end of this story. I mean, she runs away to a world of dancing and independence. There’s also drugs and ambiguity, and living in a not quite there realm. It’s maybe better than being forced into a marriage with a gross old man, but I’m not entirely sure by how much…

<- Glitter and MayhemApex Jump ->

Image source: Amazon

Side Work by Sara Farizan

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Side Work
Author: Sara Farizan
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food, LGBTQI
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

One of my favourite things to experience in short stories is the suspense of knowledge. I love spending an entire story trying to figure out what happened to have the characters end up where they are. In the case of Side Work, I spent the entirety of the story wondering what it was that the narrator actually did to warrant her exile and silence from her family.

There were so many tangled threads throughout this short story. Honestly, a surprising number considering the length of the actual story. I love that the drama from the past is all twisted up with self-confidence, discovering who you are and sexuality. You know, the dramas and themes that we all have to come to terms with in our teens and figure out as we grow. This was just a bit of a harsher learning curve than some.

Although there is much pain and silent suffering throughout this story, I love that it all, ultimately ends with the beginnings of a happily ever after. I mean, the protagonist is still young, so there’s probably going to be more suffering in the future. But, there is so much hope and optimism for becoming someone you want to be. Plus, she is able to find forgiveness for her past, and find a way to reconcile with her father. A happy ending if I ever did read one.

<- A Bountiful FilmPanaderia ~ Pasteleria ->

Image source: Goodreads