Blood and Roses by Angela Knight ReRead

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Blood and Roses
Author: Angela Knight
In: Burning Up (Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra & Meljean Brook)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2010

Thoughts

I love that both the leads in this story are trapped and having to act against their will. And that, ultimately, they decide to trust each other and help one another out. It may not be the nicest Meet Cute, but it was definitely a good way to create an unbreakable bond between the two – particularly as they would normally hate each other on sight due to past traumas.

The relationship within this story is initially a little, lot bit more lust driven than love driven. I might not appreciate that in a full-length novel, but in a novella, it works brilliantly. It made the storyline and the relationship move along incredibly quickly, and I also enjoy a fairly lust driven, explicit story every now and then.

As a big sister, I understand doing anything to protect your baby sister. And I love that Amaris was this way inclined. I mean, the anything in this story encompasses a lot more than I could ever imagine. But, it was a great aspect of her character. I love that she’s also completely aware that everything she does is part of a trap – she’s not blindly and wilfully being lead into a dead end. She’s just scrambling to get out of a horrifying situation in anyway she can.

The idea of Blood Roses and vampires might have a bit of a courtesan vibe, but I really liked it. I would love more stories based in this world of Blood Roses and vampires. Court politics and war.

<- Whisper of Sin ReReadShifting Sea ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Big Ben by Nana Malone

Book Review
Overview

Title: Big Ben
Author: Nana Malone
Rating Out of 5: 1 (Couldn’t get past the first page)
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I am honestly fed up with stories that feature an asshole male for the lead. I mean, there’s rough around the edges and a little bit forceful and alpha. But then there’s just pure asshole. And this was one of those stories – which meant I just couldn’t get into it. I quite frankly couldn’t get past the whole treating the woman like crap and just… not caring about anything else thing. I’ll definitely give more Malone books a trial in the future, but that’s because I liked the style of writing. I definitely didn’t like the characters.

Image source: Kobo

About That… by Sylvie Stewart

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: About That…
Author: Sylvie Stewart
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Book, Novella
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Cal and Sofia are an incredibly cute couple, and I love that all of the difficulties in their relationship stem from a number of misunderstandings. Mostly misunderstandings and assumptions on Sofia’s behalf – she jumps to a few conclusions. But, I also would’ve jumped to the same conclusions, so it’s entirely justifiable and made for an even more interesting novella.

Sofia is a really fun and light character. Her passion for working with kids is adorable, and she has a passion for life that I seriously wish I could have. She is also incredibly excited by her life and those she chooses to share it with. I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to teach children, and her happiness in doing so was absolutely adorable.

I love that although there is an instant connection between Cal and Sofia, they spend quite a bit of time getting to know one another. I mean, there are still so many sparks I almost had to fan myself while I was reading this, but it was also a relationship based on mutual respect and liking of one another – it was fun reading about them falling for one another.

About That… was such a cute and beautiful little novella. I really enjoyed diving into Stewart’s writing yet again. There is some wonderful humour and wit in her words, partnered with heartfelt connections and happily ever afters. Just the type of romance I like to read.

<- More Sylvie StewartFull On Clinger ->

Image source: Kobo

Reading Update as of Mid-June 2024

List,

As always with two littles, it’s been somewhat hectic. Which, for me, generally means that I require retreating into my books a lot more frequently. This is the results of that little nerd-fest.

Poems

Series

Standalones – Novels

Standalones – Novellas

Standalones Short stories

Tempting Fate by Sara Whitney

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Tempting Fate
Author: Sara Whitney
Series: Cinnamon Roll Alphas #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I always love a good second chance romance story. Particularly those that feature a couple who were separated by youth and circumstance. But, the fact that although they were separated, they were able to become amazing adults. Of the type that they maybe wouldn’t have been able to if they hadn’t gone their separate ways in the first place. Plus, this is a Cinnamon Roll Alpha story. And they’re just generally cute anyway – big manly, grunt men who are actually totally adorable and smitten when in love.

At the very beginning of this story, Faith’s parents are cast as the villains of the piece – they separated Faith and Leo through some not-so-nice actions. And as a result, Faith has been estranged from them ever since. I like that, instead of continuing to cast them as the villains, Faith is able to find a way to move on with her family. That their actions, although seriously wrong, were actually based in good intentions. And that, even if they are a bit broken and silly, her parents are able to own up to their mistakes and try to make amends. It’s a bit of a departure from other stories of this vein, were the catalyst for the break up is often incredibly villainized and unloveable.

Although I really liked Leo as the male lead, I mean, cinnamon roll alpha, come on. I did find him a bit of a hard headed fool at times. He doesn’t really treat Faith all that well at the very beginning. And, although its understandable why he’s such a dick, it does make it that little bit harder to connect. And I feel like, as a result, it takes Faith that little bit longer to actually trust him and move forward in her relationship with him. Having said that, many of his actions are kind of understandable, so you can’t hate him. And, he is a fun lead to read about. Particularly with his career background and personal goals – making the world a better, more sustainable place.

Normally I don’t love mean girls, or any kind of story that perpetuates how nasty women can be (and are often taught to be) to one another. However, I absolutely adored how Leo’s sisters go to bat for him. They’re not overly nice about it, but, the moment he tells them to back off and that Faith is back in his life – they do. It’s the perfect blend of sticking up for someone you love, but also respecting their decisions. And, ultimately they return to being good friends with Faith and making her welcome into their family yet again.

I knew that there would be a final barrier to Faith and Leo’s relationship in this story. And, I kind of figured it would have something to do with privilege and money. But, it was actually quite a bit nastier than I had anticipated. And very heartbreaking. I love how it actually kind of blindsided me. Although, since this is a happy romance, it all still worked out beautifully in the end.

<- Tempting LiesMore Sara Whitney ->

Image source: Amazon

North by Vanessa Vale

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: North
Author: Vanessa Vale
Series: Billionaire Ranch #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I’ve been meaning to get to North for quite a while – it’s in my Dating the Boss box set, and Vanessa Vale is suggested by quite a few of the authors’ emails that I receive. But, as with everything, I kept putting it off and getting distracted. Well, I’m glad that I eventually got around to this, because I seriously enjoyed this story! It might not have quite been the novel I was expecting, but it was probably a little bit better. A somewhat adult contemporary romance, but one that has made me excited to dive into the rest of the Vanessa Vale books on my ereader.

North was a little bit of a dark story in that it features a woman who has been preyed upon by her own father. There is also that darker spin on the story that there is gunshots and plots and schemes. It’s almost a romantic suspense, but not quite. Not an overly light story, but I kind of liked those edges of darkness that makes the romance and the happily ever after at the end all that much better. It did mean that it took me a little bit longer than some romances to truly get into, but it was well worth it!

It’s been a while since I’ve read a romance that features sex so heavily – and it’s kind of graphic. Sometimes I felt like the sex scenes were extended out a little bit too long. They were well written and enjoyable. But honestly, there were a few chapters that I wanted the sex to be over, because I wanted to know more about the action and the characters! I figure that although it meant I had impatient moments, this was actually a good thing – after all, it was all based around the fact that I was so damn invested that I didn’t want to pause for anything I deemed as unimportant. Which is ironic, since I really read this for the romance factor.

North was a fantastic beginning to a new series and introduction (for me) to Vanessa Vale. I can’t wait to see how North’s brothers negotiate all of the truth bombs that were released in this book. And what the women I’m sure they are going to find are going to be like. And how they deal with the hard-headedness that I’m already appreciating in this great characters. This was such a fun book to read, and I look forward to reading more in this series!

<- More Vanessa ValeSouth ->

Image source: Kobo

The Queen’s Wing by Jessica Thorne

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Queen’s Wing
Author: Jessica Thorne
Series: The Queen’s Wing #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This was yet another one of those books that I just added to my eBook because it showed up somewhere as a suggestion. So, of course, I had absolutely no idea what to expect, but I was a little intrigued by the blurb. And the cover was really damn pretty. I mean, it had major steampunk / fantasy vibes. And then there was a love triangle (which sometimes works, sometimes doesn’t) and a forced marriage. It turns out that this novel was completely, totally and utterly awesome! And now I’m more than a little bit obsessed with it… and annoyed that Thorne’s novels are no longer on kobo…

Although I actually enjoyed the love triangle and all of the angst in this story, I found the conclusion of it to feel a little… unfinished. I mean, rather than Bel actively choosing someone, fate stepped in and made a decision. And, even if there are mentions of the difference in her regard for both men, I felt like it would’ve been good for her to at least start choosing one before fate stepped in. It did make the angst associated with finally having a pick a whole lot more potent though, and redirected it into a different direction.

I love how Bel is a warrior from a family / planet of warriors. And that, even if she is placed in an arranged marriage, she makes a choice to fight for her husband and his people. Even if she is given an out, that morality and strength of character is beautiful. Plus, it was fun to read a story that features a woman who is the warrior and saviour. Instead of a man swooping in, it’s a woman. But, of course, she’s got to deal with all the useless nonsense of mansplaining and stupidity that all of us women must deal with.

Everything about this book was seriously enjoyable and left me feeling really happy and content. It was a fantasy novel with steampunk vibes. One that makes me hope that The Stone’s Heart will eventually be back on kobo. I don’t want to have to wait to read the next wonderful Thorne book on my wishlist!

<- More Jessica ThorneThe Stone’s Heart ->

Image source: Booktopia

Outback Spirit by Nicole R. Taylor

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Outback Spirit
Author: Nicole R. Taylor
Series: Australian Supernatural: Origins
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I loved this book ridiculously. I downloaded it because I loved the idea of an Australian author writing Australian paranormal fantasy stories set in the Australian outback. I mean, it was a little slow to get going in the first chapter, and then I was swept away. I loved the combination of different mythos in this world. Then, there’s the setting – Outback Spirit is literally set in the outback. And for anyone who has actually travelled through the tiny towns in the middle of nowhere, this was very much the vibe. While I was reading this, every time I closed my eyes, I’d imagine the red dust and breathing in the warm, fresh air.

I absolutely adore the fact that Outback Spirit is a paranormal romance set in the Australian outback – opals, weirdos, red dust and all. There is a really particular taste and vibe to outback Australia. Plus, the idea of being in the middle of nowhere and finding your community is kind of sweet. I read a lot of small town romances, but this is the first that is actually about small town Australia. Plus, I actually love the red dust opal country. It’s something that needs to be experienced to be believed, but Taylor does a fantastic job of brining it to life on the pages.

From the very beginning of this story, it’s obvious that Eloise’s background is kind of tragic. The more you get to know about it, the more it kind of breaks your heart. And yet, she is still incredibly hopeful. I love that even with literally everyone in her life turning on her and feeling completely alone, Eloise still tries to trust and fine her own place in the world. That strength of character and gumption is probably the other thing (other than the awesome Australian-ness of this) that drew me into this story so thoroughly.

Outback Spirit introduces a fantastic paranormal world that I seriously loved diving into, and I can’t wait to find out what happens to the Exiles of Solace next. Particularly how they’re all going to continue protecting their secrets and developing their powers. It means that not only do I have a wonderful new series to dive into, but also a great new Australian author! Lucky for me there are a number of different paranormal series by Taylor set in the Australian outback…

<- More Nicole R. TaylorSunburnt Country ->

Image source: Amazon

The Kitsune Giggle by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Kitsune Giggle
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

There is something so cute about the idea of kitsune – I seem to be finding them a little bit in the stories that I’ve been reading lately. And, I honestly just love them. Which, of course, meant that I was incredibly keen to dive into a book that was about kitsune and their habits. Or at least, kitsune in the world of Tape. The fact that the kitsune in this is really lonely and needs to find a companion was even better. Plus, then there’s Charlotte, Felicity and all of their friends as they negotiate life working in a sanctuary.

As with all of the books in the Griffin Sanctuary series, I love the amount of detail that Tape uses to create the paranormal creatures which Charlotte takes care of. Taking a kitsune, which is recognisable in folklore, and creating a totally relatable canine that you just want to hug is very cleverly done. I love that this little fox pulls at your heart strings from the very beginning. And, along with Charlotte, you constantly want her to find her happily ever after and companion that she truly needs.

I’m a big lover of pets and loving anything furry that will let me. However, I’ve never been okay with the exotic pet trade. And this story is a bit of a reminder why – the kitsune featured in this was a pet, and therefore unable to thrive in the wild. So, when her two fellow kitsune were released, she was left alone and started to self harm. I mean, this is a really sweet and good read – so it meant that there was a happily ever after for the kitsune. But, it was still a reminder of the damage that the exotic pet trade can have on an individual animal – some animals just aren’t meant to be caged.

As with everything set in this world, I absolutely adored The Kitsune Giggle. Not only did I love getting to know the kitsune’s and the process for finding a companion animal. But I also loved how Charlotte and Felicity took a further step in their relationship. How Charlotte is trying to make inroads to forming a relationship with her fellow apprentices – and the obstacles to that. And just, generally the entirety of this story. A very pleasant read after a difficult day.

<- The Phoenix NestThe Dragon Lantern ->

Image source: Kobo

The Phoenix Nest by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Phoenix Nest
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Charlotte has been an amazing character from her very first appearance in The Unicorn Herd. It was fun to see how she begins to get on in her apprenticeship and learn more about the many paranormal animals that she gets to take care of. Plus, there’s also her relationship that she gets to try and figure out and negotiate – something I’m seriously enjoying alongside all of the fun animals.

I might not be someone who is completely in love with chickens – but I did love the phoenixes! They are incredibly derpy and silly. I mean, who wouldn’t love a pair of large, flammable dopes running around? I spent a lot of this story just laughing, at the two phoenixes. To the point that my family and dogs edged away from me – I mean, they were completely hilarious.

I love that the story of the phoenixes and their breeding program is constantly questioning where the line is with sanctuaries and breeding. I mean, it’s a hard one – yes, breeding programs can save a species. But, by breeding in captivity and not being able to release the individuals, are we really doing something positive? There are no straight answers to this question, but it was a good way to provide an example of all of the grey areas.

I did feel really bad for the male phoenix in this. Although there were so many wonderful and thoughtful moments throughout this, there was a bit of a sad ending. But, it did end with babies and some joy, so it wasn’t all bad. Now I can’t wait to find out more about the kitsunes in The Kitsune Giggle.

<- The Unicorn HerdThe Kitsune Giggle ->

Image source: Kobo