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

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