King of Campus by Jennifer Sucevic

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: King of Campus
Author: Jennifer Sucevic
Series: Barnett Bulldogs #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

As much as I enjoyed this story, and will read more Jennifer Sucevic books, I did find the start to be a little difficult. There was something about it that made me push through. But it was a little bit difficult to get through that first bit. Particularly because although there is push back against Roan’s shitty attitude, there isn’t quite enough. I wanted her to smack him down (verbally) a little bit more before the friendship started.

Even though to begin with Roan was an absolutely horrible male lead, he actually ended up being a good guy. One that I did actually like. It just took a little while to get there. And once you did, it kind of made the story a lot easier to enjoy. I almost DNF’d it because of how rude and annoying Roan was in the beginning.

 I love that both of the characters in this have some pretty hefty emotional damage in their pasts. It was enough to cause friction and challenges to overcome, but not so much that there’s a moment of doubt to their happily ever after.

Once I got over the first bit of discomfort and frustration at the doucheyness levels of Roan, I actually really enjoyed thus. It ended up being a really nice and fun light read. One that makes me feel like reading more of Sucevic’s works and just departing from reality for a little bit.

<- More Jennifer SucevicFriend Zoned ->

Image source: Amazon

Filthy Grizzly by Liza Street

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Filthy Grizzly
Author: Liza Street
Series: Junkyard Shifters #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This was one of those books that was in a box set on my ereader. Which means I jumped into the series halfway through. And honestly, now I’m just completely intrigued by this whole world and world building. I mean, it’s a fairly typical paranormal romance, but with a shifter prison. Sort of, that was my understanding. And then, because I really loved all the characters in this… I wonder WHY they are in the junkyard prison.

For all that this had some fun and unique elements, it fit beautifully into the brother’s best friend trope. Which, because it was an awesome romance ended up backfiring on the silly couple. Although, I really didn’t enjoy how Octavia’s brother completely dumps on his supposed best friend. Its one thing to be protective, but he was kind of an arse to both if them. Luckily, Octavia is one of those fun and strong female leads. One who manages to absolutely hand their butt’s to them.

Dallas is that very typical overbearing ‘alpha’ type. And whilst I liked that in so many ways, he was still a bit of a fool. I speak from experience… a man who is too busy protecting you to communicate deserves a smack up the side of the head. I’m glad Octavia pretty much did that to him.

I loved this story for so many reasons. One of which is the many layers of evil and deception throughout. Coming in partway through the series, the multitude of threats has been established. And now I can’t wait to go back to the beginning as they begin to filter through to those community.

<- Filthy PrinceFilthy Thief ->

Image source: Goodreads

Filthy Beast by Liza Street

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Filthy Beast
Author: Liza Street
Series: Junkyard Shifters #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I found it a bit difficult reading about Lena’s fight and fleeing of her pack. I mean, entitled men alone are creepy. But Shaw and his obsession with her family… man, I was glad from the very beginning that it was the catalyst for her escaping. It’s also an interesting way to start off the series – a woman being stuck in a purgatory as her punishment for declining Shaw’s advances. Honestly, there is nothing scarier to me than a man who feels entitled to a woman’s body.

At the beginning of this story, I found Carter to be crazy angry. I mean, like, off the charts angry. But, then as his story unfolds, you kind of get it. It’s still not a great character flaw, but it becomes understandable fairly quickly, which makes him a sympathetic lead. It was kind of sad though that when he finally starts to heal and forgive the past, even more tragedy hits.

This story was a little bit too lust driven for me to fall crazily in love with the story and the characters. But I did love that Lena does tell Carter off. Repeatedly. And with gusto. Alright, she succumbs to the lust frequently, but she also manages to hold her own and have a sense of self that is admirable. Particularly when she is stuck in a situation not of her own making. One that her inner strength helps her to survive.

Although Shaw was a fantastic and kind of terrifying villain, I kind of wanted more of an explanation to his obsession. I mean, he’s repeatedly told to be obsessed with Lena and her bloodline, but there is no explanation of why. Plus, he obviously had a plan by coming into the junkyard and preying upon Lena. But, surely he also had a plan to get out… again, I feel like there needed to be a whole lot more explanation. Maybe this will come to light later within the series…

Filthy Beast is a great introduction to the Junkyard Shifters and just how the Junkyard works. I love that it’s a holding pen for criminals, but there are already some serious questions as to how ‘criminal’ many of these characters are. And I can’t wait to meet more of them as they fall in love!

<- Filthy VandalFilthy Wolf ->

Image source: Amazon

The Dragon Conspiracy by Lisa Shearin

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Dragon Conspiracy
Author: Lisa Shearin
Series: SPI Files #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I honestly forgot how much I loved Mac, Ian and the SPI team – it’s been quite a while since I have had the joy of diving into this series. And now I’m regretting the massive break I took from reading this series. I mean, they are just such a fun group and I loved getting to know them better. Plus, there’s the fact that they are constantly in a battle to save the world. Although I love Mac and Ian, I still think that Yasha may be my favourite – there is something wonderful about his special brand of insanity.

I honestly spent a lot of this story trying to figure out just how all of the machinations fit together. There were so many surprises and double crosses throughout. Honestly, every time I thought I had a grasp on just what was going on, something happened to make me do a full 180. It was constantly surprising, and I loved trying to get my head around what was going on. Which is kind of amazing, because now, when I have the privilege of rereading this, I will have so many more things to uncover!

The idea of seven diamonds and their potential for mass destruction was fun from the very beginning. And then, there’s Victor Kain, the dragon, and his thirst for revenge. The combination of weapons of mass destruction and a psychotic dragon on the rampage meant that this was a really difficult book to put down. Particularly since the more you read, the more horrifying Kain actually was.

I loved that there was a number of potential couples set up after all of the mayhem and insanity of this story. A few I could completely see coming, but then there were some that were quite surprising. I also love that although there are hints of a potential relationship between Mac and Ian, she is moving forward with Rake. He’s kind of difficult and a little dreamy, so I really enjoyed the idea of getting to know him more. Particularly as this ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, in which Ian and Mac are both moving forwards in their romances, but no idea just how.

Now I can’t wait to read more SPI Files series. I mean, Mac and Ian have a great partnership, and they are obviously situated well to battle evil. Plus The Dragon Conspiracy is setting up a major evil plot in the background. And I can’t wait to see how insidious it is…

<- The Grendel AffairThe Brimstone Deception ->

Image source: Amazon

Candle Me With Care by Mandy M. Roth

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Candle Me With Care
Author: Mandy M. Roth
Series: Bewitchingly Ever After #3.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2023

Thoughts

The idea of Beatrice and her accidental family curse was kind of hilarious, and seriously intrigued me. I mean, the curse in and of itself was a fun and interesting one. But, add in the fact that their grandmother was the one who accidentally cursed them? Kind of brilliant. And hilarious. And super, super awkward.

I love this this is a novella, second chance romance. Unlike some of the other books in this series, the couple already know each other and are pretty quick to work back towards one another. There is a little bit more angst than some of the second chance romances that I’ve read recently, but I kind of liked it.

Not going to lie, I picked up this novella partly because I love any story with a pun in the title. Plus, the fact that Beatrice is not only a candle maker, but one who makes candles for the paranormal and a supernatural town was even better. I loved making candles as a kid, so I kind of loved that someone could make an entire career out of it.

There was so much history in this story, and I can’t wait to read more of this series. I mean, this has already introduced Mandy M. Roth to my shelves. And now I have a whole new series to read…

<- Do You Really Want to Haunt MeMore Mandy M. Roth ->

Image source: Mandy M. Roth

Intermediate Thermodynamics by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Intermediate Thermodynamics
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Chemistry Lessons #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

Esther and Jeremy are a great opposites attract relationship. Plus, she’s also a strong, independent woman who works in STEM. With Jeremy working in the arts – a bit of a gender swap to what we more traditionally read about in romances. And I absolutely adored it. Like everything I read by Susannah Nix, I couldn’t put this down. It was such a wonderful adventure and I love that they both need to confront their issues.

Esther is kind of a prickly and harsh lead – I loved her, but even I found her harshness to be a little tough at times. Mostly because I tend to be the crazy person who loves with everything, whereas she struggles to show any kind of love. But, even with her prickly exterior, she’s also loyal and loving. Incredibly sweet, and capable of intense emotion.

Jeremy to contrast Esther works really well in that he is incredibly emotional. However, he does come across as a bit of a tool – mostly because he spends a lot of time mansplaining and being superior in his tastes. However, it very quickly becomes obvious that these behaviours come from his insecurities, not being an absolute fool. I did love that once he stops with the pretentious act, he was actually really lovely and definitely great boyfriend material.

I’m always a big fan of great female relationships in a book – even though Esther and Jinny have a massive fight. It’s not one that is about boys or any of that cliché. Rather, it is about their relationship with each other – and I honestly didn’t know which relationship I was more invested in. Probably Esther and Jinny because I love that there are women who will stick with each other through thick and thin.

Not only is this a great love story (both with Jeremy and Jinny), but it’s also a wonderful look at some of the sexism and inequality which women face in work. Particularly within the STEM fields. I also like that it’s not just the men that Esther has to contend with, but also her female boss falls into the trap of gender-based expectations. I love that Esther is able to weather all of the nonsense and come out better at the end. But, it was still a painful reminder of the crap women have to put up with on a daily basis.

<- Remedial Rocket ScienceAdvanced Physical Chemistry ->

Image source: Amazon

Azagoth: A Demonica Novella by Larissa Ione

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Azagoth: A Demonica Novella
Author: Larissa Ione
Series: Demonica #11
In: 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Two (Lexi Blake, Larissa Ione, Lisa Renee Jones & Cherise Sinclair)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Demons, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I love that this is a novella in which Azagoth, or the Grim Reaper makes a random, spontaneous decision, and it ends up great. I mean, he kind of doesn’t really think through the consequences of his choices, but it does work well. And, it made me remember just why I have enjoyed the writing of Ione and the Demonica series in the few novellas I’ve had the privilege to read thus far. Now I need to read one of the full-length novels…

I feel seriously sorry for Liliana in this story – she is seriously given the short end of the stick, and has to suffer for others’ pride. I may not have loved her situation to begin with, but I love that she finds a really good and beautiful happily ever after. Plus, her happy ever after kind of spits in the face of her tormentors, which made it all that much more enjoyable.

I really enjoy the fact that just because characters are angels, they are not actually ‘good’ and vice versa. It’s a great reminder that just because someone ticks all of the boxes, they are not necessarily ‘good’. And, just because someone doesn’t quite fit people’s expectations of the norm, it doesn’t mean that they are ‘bad’.

<- Dungeon GamesNeed You Now ->

Image source: Amazon

Harpy’s Mission by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Harpy’s Mission
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Supernatural Retrieval Agency #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Harper the harpy was a fun character, and I love that she’s starting out at the Supernatural Retrieval Agency, I could learn alongside her. There’s also a lot of hints about the fact that Harper is entering a corrupt system. And that maybe she’s been hired for not so above board reasons. From thr very first moment, Harper the harpy and her new job completely drew me in. And now I can’t wait to read Harpy’s Escape.

Greenwood’s writing is always an easy read, and I enjoy the short adventures that I get to go on. Harpy’s Mission is no different. It’s an amazing adventure from beginning to end, with a lot of drama and action thrown in. There’s also the hints of a slowburn relationship with Elias from early on in the story. Now not only do I want to know all of the insand outs of the crime world run by the Big Bad, but also how Harper’s relationship with Elias unfolds.

Not going to lie, I’m really wanting Harper’s boss to get his comeuppance. He’s definitely a horrible human being, and I want to know if he’s actually evil, or just an ass. I’m hoping that he’s just an egotistical red herring, because I just want to see him demoted, but I suppose I have to read the rest of the story to find out.

Harpy’s Mission is the beginning of yet another enjoyable Greenwood story. One that I, as usual, look forward to reading again in the future. Particularly as her works are an easy departure from reality.

<- More Laura GreenwoodHarpy’s Escape ->

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The Dryad’s Pawprint by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Dryad’s Pawprint
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: The Paranormal Council #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

As always when I find a random new series that I like, I actually read this series slightly out of order. I read The Bear’s Claws first, and then really wanted to go back in the series to find out more about Vic’s brother Kem. Lucky for me, the very first book in this series is actually about Kem, and so I didn’t have long to wait to learn his story. Plus, it’s a good introduction into the Paranormal Council. So far the shifters and the dryads have been introduced, and I can’t wait to read more and find more of the other paranormals throughout this series. And how the power plays are going to work.

Lia and Kem are a sweet couple, they kind of have the insta-love vibes, but it’s just managed to mature over the year of their separation. It gives plenty of sweet steam to the book, without feeling too contrived and forceful. For me, the perfect balance to reach in these shorter novels. Stories that give you a happily ever after and a whole lot of enjoyment. Plus, I love that, although there are barriers to their relationship, they are fairly simple ones. Which meant that this was a much more pleasant story.

I thought that Lia’s sister was going to be a much bigger problem than she ended up being. Although it is obvious that Lia adores her sister, there is a lot of jealousy in many of the actions. And, you know, the whole part where Kem is supposed to marry the wrong sister. Luckily, this had the kind of sister relationship that I always love – one that’s actually supportive and kind. They might bicker, but they ultimately adore each other and support one another.

I get the feeling that the activities and alliances formed in The Dryad’s Pawprint are leading into a bigger time of change within this world. I’m incredibly excited to see how this occurs, removing the stuffy old guard and replacing it with the new.

<- More Laura GreenwoodThe Vixen’s Bark ->

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Wake the Dead by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Wake the Dead
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Necromancer Council #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Necromancers, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I wasn’t quite expecting this story to be as intense as it was – mostly because most of Greenwood’s novels so far haven’t been that emotionally wrought. And although it was a change of pace, I did really enjoy it. It was particularly emotionally wrought in the moments when you realise just what Cissy is recovering from – I mean, she has a pretty traumatic recent past.

I love that this story is the beginning of Cissy and her team reconfiguring the necromancer council. Not only is this a story that’s based right on the precipice of change – but also a story which is about people trying to regain their identity. In this case, it’s a group of necromancers trying to rejig others’ opinions of them and the driver for change. I can’t wait to see, not only the things they come up against, but also how they manage to reconfigure their own identities.

The amount of information about necromancers and how their magic works was brilliant. I had a total information overload, and I kind of loved it. It’s fun when you not only get really attached to a character and their battles, but also get a whole lot of information and world-building. It was nice to find another facet of the mind of Greenwood, and the powers that inform the world that I enjoyed reading about.

I’m absolutely dying to dive into Curse the Dead. I can’t wait to see how Cissy continues to make waves in her world and overcome the trauma of the past. Plus, I can’t wait to find out more about the horrible things that go bump in the night, and how they are willing to fight them.

<- More Laura GreenwoodCurse the Dead ->

Image source: Dymocks