Gift of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Gift of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Keating Hollow Happily Ever Afters #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Abby is a really good lead, one that I loved getting to know. I also loved that she’s an earth witch with a young family, trying to negotiate her new role in life and the changes in her reality. Plus I just generally love that she’s got a lot of love with her small family, and the loyalty of some beautiful sisters.

Clay is a great partner to Abby and a fantastic family man. Plus, I love the idea of the brewery and how Abby’s brews are what save the day. His daughter (and Abby’s step-daughter) is also growing and finding her own feet within their fun new family dynamic. I really enjoyed the feeling of contentment that both Clay and Abby have within their lives and relationship.

Abby’s past friendship loss is heartbreaking, but I love how her ghostly friend is warning her of the dramas that are about to enter her life. As someone who hasn’t had the privilege of reading the Keating Hollow stories, it was nice that Chase still provided some history and background to Charlotte. But not so much that we got bogged down in the details.

This was a nice happily ever after story. But it also had a completely psychotic mother in the form of Abby’s mother. The cause of the curse is completely insane and I was actually gobsmacked at her audacity at the end.

<- More Deanna ChaseWisdom of the Witch ->

Image source: Goodreads

A Moment Like You by Claudia Burgoa

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Moment Like You
Author: Claudia Burgoa
Series: The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Henry and Sophia are one of those beautiful and fun couples that I just couldn’t get out of my head. The fact that this whole story and relationship starts with Sophia thinking of Henry as Satan just made it all that much more entertaining. Even though their beginning might have been a bit unorthodox, ultimately they were total relationship goals and completely gorgeous. And, although this is the second story in the Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers series, it was a great introduction to Burgoa and the rest of the Baker Creek brothers.

I honestly thought at the beginning of this that there would be more hurdles to Henry and Sophia getting together. But, it just didn’t happen. And then, when they got together, there was still half of the book! I both love and hate when this happens – it’s great that they got together quickly, but then there were a lot of drama to get through. Which is exactly what I like to read about – the drama that happens after a couple gets together and really helps them to prove their mettle.

Although Martina is one such hurdle that Sohpia and Henry need to overcome, I love that Sophia is able to handle her with grace and dignity. Rather than pitting the women of this story against one another and having them try and take each other down, Sohpia is ablet o find a way for everyone to get out of an awkward situation with a happily ever after. And, in doing so, Sophia is able to build someone up to gain her own independence.

I love that this series sets all of the Aldridge boys up to have some huge battles in their future. It makes me desperately want to go back and read Loved You Once, but also leap forward in the series and dive in to Defying Our Forever. Each of the boys have a phenomenal battle on their hands, and I want to know how they’ll unravel. Plus, Sophia’s letter provides a great indicator to just how messy the situation is about to get, whilst also hinting that maybe their father wasn’t quite the evil being that they all believed him to be. He might not have been kind and good, but maybe not quite as thoroughly evil as anticipated.

<- Loved You OnceDefying Our Forever ->

Image source: Goodreads

Inquisitor by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Inquisitor
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Witch & Wolf #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy, Werewolves, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

Allison’s journey throughout this story is actually a little bit sad, surprisingly so for the tone of most of the Blain books that I’ve read so far. And, even with all of the obstacles that Allison overcomes, she doesn’t quite get the happily ever after that I was anticipating. I mean, Blain’s writing is normally finished by a romantic happily ever after ending, so it was kind of surprising that Allison didn’t end the story with a man at her side. But, I kind of liked that fact.

I love that Allison is an insanely old werewolf and the Caretaker of the Seasons. Not only is that a great level of characterisation, but also Allison’s past provides a fantastic insight into the Witch and Wolf world and all of the politics within it. I also really enjoyed how the wolf aspect of Allison’s personality as so much more aggressive in her care for the seasons than her human alter-ego.

Unlike the some of the other series within Blain’s world, this story had a whole lot of sad and senseless death throughout it. I honestly had my heart hurt a whole lot more by this story than any of her other tales. Which made me seriously love it – I love that the story didn’t follow the pathway that I was expecting, and that it was a whole lot darker than anticipated. The tragedy and hurt just made all of the nice moments throughout even better.

I absolutely adored this story – it was much darker than I expected, but I think that that’s what made me enjoy it. It’s definitely drawn me into the Witch and Wolf world. Now I can’t wait to read more about these amazing characters and all of the horrible politics that are at play within the this world.

<- More R.J. BlainWinter Wolf ->

Image source: Goodreads

Catnapped by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Catnapped
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #18
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

As a fur baby mum, I love stories which feature women who will do anything for their pets. And in the case of Catnapped, Diana will do literally anything for her stolen cat. And I love that her journey to rescue her cat ends up with not only a happily ever after match, but also a whole lot of mayhem and destruction. Which is kind of expected in a Blain book by this point in my experience of her works.

Darian is a great, and very passive companion for Diana. Which is not a bad thing, I love that Diana just races forward, taking over the world and taking name. And Darian just supports her and has her back. Plus, it meant that Diana’s interactions with Lucifer are all that much more entertaining and chaotic. The chaos is really why I read Blain, and the fact that the men are often just along for whatever chaotic ride the women decide to run away on…

I spent the whole time reading Catnapped trying really hard to guess what kind of supernatural being Diana was going to become. I mean, she was getting transformed by Lucifer, it was going to be an interesting being. And I also love that he has a somewhat insane preoccupation with unicorns… as such, I probably should’ve had a bit more of an inkling as to what Diana was going to become, but it still blindsided me. And now I want more nightmares in my life.

There is a bit of a common theme of Christianity in this series. But I’ve noticed that the last few books have gotten even more heavily into the lore. For someone who doesn’t necessarily love stories which feature Christianity, I am loving Blain’s take on it. There’s also more information on the Triads and how they create their families (which I love) and shrouds (which I am kind of obsessed with). It gives a whole lot of information that I’ll probably enjoy on a reread.

I absolutely loved visiting with a number of past and well-loved characters in Catnapped. One of my favourite things about romance series is often that you get to revisit characters, while moving onto a whole other set. The epilogue for this story in particular was fun and gave me so many happily ever after vibes.

<- Murder MittensPlaidypus ->

Image source: Goodreads

Up in Smoke by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Up in Smoke
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: The Fox Witch #2
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

Jade and Sandro are an entertaining couple, and it was interesting leaving them at the conclusion of Outfoxed. Now, they begin to dive deeper into the mystery of the Tulsa twisters and all of the death and destruction that has caused. I mean, I love a good mystery, and it was fun trying to figure out motives alongside Jade and Sandro. Plus, just the usual shenanigans and humour that I look forward to when reading a Blain story.

I was expecting a whole lot more New Orleans and the New Orleans Queens. And honestly, I was kind of disappointed that I wasn’t getting more! Jade and Sandro spent a sadly short time with the queens, and even Sandro’s family. But, I’m hoping that the conclusion of this trilogy will lead to more shenanigans across the border in New Orleans. Plus, I love that they’re a bloodthirst, matriarchal lot who were incredibly happy to hunt down those who wished harm on others.

Jade’s willingness to work with what she has and manipulate the situation is one of the reasons that I absolutely adore her. And why I loved this series from the very first page. Plus, she takes such total pride in her fox tail and ears. I love the fact that her personality and cunning reflect her fox-nature. That, and she is such a competent witch makes her impossible not to love.

I would’ve found Jade’s total food obsession annoying and a bit over the top. If I wasn’t just as food obsessed at times – I mean, I completely understand being solely motivated by food at times. A lot of times. I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about food. And what I’m going to eat next, and who is going to supply said food… probably another reason why I love Jade – she’s just as food obsessed as I am… but has cooler superpowers.

<- OutfoxedMore R.J. Blain ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Mapmaker’s Apprentice by C.J. Archer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Mapmaker’s Apprentice
Author: C.J. Archer
Series: Glass and Steele #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical fiction, Magic, Steampunk
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I’m loving reading about the two couples in this as the story unfolds. Both Matt and India, and Duke and Willie are fantastic couples. They might both be in the budding stages of their respective relationships, but they both work so well together. Plus, it makes me want to dive into the next book just to see which couple gets together first!

I love that throughout this, India is discovering more about her magic and self. She spends the actions of The Mapmaker’s Apprentice growing into herself and gaining confidence. Plus, she’s finding out more about how magic works in the world and why it’s so forbidden in certain circles. Which, as the reader, I loved putting together the pieces alongside India.

Matt’s eligibility and marriageability is being seriously tested by his aunt throughout. I think that this is partly because she sees his attachment to India, but also because she’s an aunt and that’s what bored aunts do. The constant attempts to set him up and have him happily married are incredibly fun and somewhat awkward. I love that whilst the attempts petered off at the end of this novel, there’s so many hints of future attempts and just Matt’s feelings in general.

Although, for me, the focus in this story is on the relationships and growth of the characters, there was also the plot afoot. I was expecting the missing persons case they worked to have a much happier ending. So, although I loved this novel, I did find that I turned the last page with a bit of a melancholy mood. Which, somehow just makes me all that much more keen to dive into The Apothecary’s Poison.

<- The Watchmaker’s DaughterThe Apothecary’s Poison ->

Image source: Amazon

When an Alpha Purrs by Eve Langlais

Book Review
Overview

Title: When an Alpha Purrs
Author: Eva Langlais
Rating Out of 5: 2.5 (Readable, but not worth reading again)
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel

Thoughts

I absolutely love a good romance with an alpha lead. I mean, strong men and women falling for each other is completely the kind of story that I love. However, I’m seriously over the whole ‘alpha’ male being an ignorant jerk trope. There’s a redeeming level of this jerkiness, but sadly for me, When an Alpha Purrs just didn’t have an alpha lead that I liked at all…

I really, really wanted to like this story. I mean, the beginning and the set up was great. Kira started off as a sassy and tough female lead with a serious backbone. But, it very quickly derailed, and she turned into mush at the hands of a sexy man. Again, if you like that kind of trope, this is a brilliant story. But that’s just two tropes that I’m really over reading about.

The premise for this story line was funny and had some really good moments. However, there was just not enough humour and character growth for me to balance the assholery out. Plus, there was no steps and development between the running away and the kissing…

Image source: Goodreads

Tents & Tights by Molly O’Hare

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Tents & Tights
Author: Molly O’Hare
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I really enjoyed this story, but it definitely wasn’t without its flaws. I’ll still read more of O’Hare’s writing though – her characters were fun. The shenanigans were entertaining. And the whole story was difficult to put down and incredibly engaging to read. A tale that I will happily read again in the future, flaws aside.

One of the things that irritated me the most in this story was that Eve was constantly fixated on her size and curves. Even though she was supposed to be a character who was proud of them and didn’t care what others thought. It was a bit of a tough contrast to read. A character who was proud of her body and literally owned and ran a shop that catered to those who are plus sized. But also one that can’t stop fixating on how girls “like her” don’t get happily ever afters because of how they look…

Austin and Eve were a really cute couple. I mean, they were best friends who have had a crush on each other for years. And also a perfect opposites attract story. It’s a great reminder that couples don’t have to have everything or even much in common. But, they need to have a connection. Austin and Eve managed to have that – I also like that they are both ultimately willing to try new things for each other. Even if they really, really don’t like the experience!

My favourite part of this story was definitely the hike to the overlook. I mean, the relationship part of that was great. But I just loved the idea of a hike and the romance of the setting. It was way too beautiful, and I look forward to finding more beauty in O’Hare stories in the future – I’m just hoping they don’t fixate so strongly on physicality of the heroine.

<- Nothing But a DareMore Molly O’Hare ->

Image source: Goodreads

Sorcery by Cathy Clamp

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

Title: Sorcery
Author: Cathy Clamp
In: The Mammoth Book of Hot Romance (Sonia Florens)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011

Thoughts

This wasn’t my favourite short story – I mean, it played with some pretty big taboos from the very beginning. But then, somehow I also kind of loved it. There was just something about it that I found really fun and enjoyable, even while I was kind of cringing – for so many reasons. I may not read this again, but I don’t regret reading it in the first place.

I did love that this is a short story about taking what you want and not toeing the line for others. Particularly as a woman, this can be an incredibly hard power to harness. And it was achieved beautifully in this – plus, there was the fact that this was all about sex and using that for power. Power over oneself and others.

I honestly don’t know why I enjoyed this short story as much as I did – when in theory it’s everything I don’t tend to like in a story. It’s enough that I want more Cathy Clamp on my bookshelves – just because if I enjoyed something that I would normally nope right out of, then they’re an author worth having on my shelves.

<- Desperate ChoicesBlind Date ->

Image source: London Borough of Bexley

The Sea Hag by Melissa Lee Shaw

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Sea Hag
Author: Melissa Lee Shaw
In: Silver Birch, Blood Moon (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Mermaids, Retellings
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 1999

Thoughts

I absolutely, completely, totally and utterly freaking loved this Little Mermaid retelling. Particularly since it mostly borrows elements from the Disney version, not the original… it just made this all that much more potent and loveable. I love that the Sea Hag is the mother of the mermaids, and at the end of the day, everything she has done is in an attempt to help her beautiful children. The love of a mother is intense and irreplaceable, and I love that this is featured in this tale.

Although I really liked reading about this redemption arc and recovery, I really want to read about the battle that first put the Sea Hag in her horrible position. Or the one that I’m sure is about to take place now that she’s freed from the father’s evil clutches. I mean, she’s going to seriously kick butt for being taken from her children…

As much as I loved this short story, this was a great reminder of how femininity and womanhood tend to be vilified. How if you are old and no longer attractive, you are a hag and something to be feared. And how easy it can be to turn woman against each other with bad intentions and evilly whispered words.

<- PreciousThe Frog Chauffeur ->

Image source: Wikipedia