Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Etiquette & Espionage
Author: Gail Carriger
Series: Finishing School #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical fiction, Paranormal fantasy, Steampunk
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

I absolutely adored the idea of a steampunk finishing school of espionage and assassination. The fact that it was also a floating school that had a werewolf and vampire in attendance… unforgettable. Sophrina is also a fantastic and lovely leading lady who I wish I’d met when I was younger. She’s intelligent, caring and completely relatable. Everything about this story from beginning to end was brilliant and I can’t wait to read more of Carriger’s world!

Sophrina was one of the favourite female leads I’ve read in a while. She’s not described as beautiful or ugly. Indeed, she’s just average looking, I love that she’s not ugly or beautiful but actually normal looking. And, more than anything, it is her inner beauty that people fall in love with. I love that she is willing to try things that others aren’t willing to. And has a problem solving mind that loves to explore the world around her.

Soap and the sooties are a great cast of characters, I love how Carriger uses those who are overlooked to help inform Sophrina of the world around her. Including Sophrina’s inventor friend – someone who likes to shuffle around the school and find plenty of rules to break. I’m absolutely in love with them, and I really love how they readily except Sophrina into their lives.

The world building within this novel is completely amazing. That, and the fact that Carriger has positive female friendships throughout. I mean, Monique and Preasha are not great, and work really well as antagonists, but the majority of Sophrina’s relationships are incredibly positive. And, even Monique and Preasha aren’t bad because of females being pitted against one another, they’re just not great people. There’s also the fact that Sophrina is able to encourage others to form positive relationships and be themselves.

Throughout the entirety of this story, Sophrina attempts to outwit and outsmart Monique’s selfish evil. And, although you know she’s going to at least win partially in the end, it’s brilliant how she actually goes about it. Plus, it’s kind of hilarious. Now I can’t wait to see what other shenanigans Sophrina and her friends get up to.

<- More Gail CarrigerCurtsies & Conspiracies ->

Image source: Amazon

Booked for Murder by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Booked for Murder
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Vigilante Magical Librarians #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Let’s face it, any book that is called Booked for Murder and is the first in a series titled Vigilante Magical Librarians is going to draw me in. I’m a total book dragon, kind of half convinced that a library might be a good place for me to exist (but then I’d never actually help anyone, because books) and then there’s the whole, vigilante spin. There is literally nothing about this that isn’t going to draw me in and have me hooked from pretty much the very beginning. That, and then you have the whole spin that Janette is an ex-bodyguard who is kind of hiding out from her previous, and very sexy, employer. The perfect storm of absolute joy and an impossible to put down book.

Even after finishing this story, I couldn’t get the idea of an exsanguinator out of my head. Particularly the many different medical applications that Janette used her talent for. I mean, yeah, the obvious shooting blood out of orifices and killing people works. But I love how it’s also used to stop traumatic bleed outs, for blood transfusions, to remove impurities from the blood… there were so many aspects to the human body that were delved into within this. Although most of this story was focused on the murders and the more violent aspects of exsanguination, it was all of the medical and life saving parts that I really honed in on. I love the idea of a skill that is both offensive and protective.

Alongside the magic and the mayhem, there is the hint of romance in the air. A bit like in The Fox Witch, Janette finds herself in a betrothal to protect her from others… it’s disturbing how this is common and no even remotely surprising. But, I do have the idea that, although her ex-boss might not have instigated this engagement, he’s fully supportive of it. In fact, as the story unfolded, it was pretty obvious that the Hamptons thought of Janette as more family than employee, they just didn’t know how to show their emotions. I’m looking forward to finding out more about how these social and emotional entanglements unfold in Booked for Kidnapping.

The other thing I’m really looking forward to in Booked for Kidnapping is finding out just who is behind all of the murder and mayhem throughout this story. It’s obvious that it’s a pretty big conspiracy that is being machinated behind the scenes. But, as to which shadowy conspiracy it is, remains a mystery. Plus, it’s fun to figure out the how and the why. There’s also a whole lot of social commentary that Blain has managed to sneak into this story. But, mostly I will focus on the shadow conspiracies and whodunnit I think.

One of the most cheerful and enjoyable parts of social commentary throughout Booked for Murder though is the importance of libraries and librarians. And, how underfunded the public sector is. I mean, I might live in Australia and not the USA, but its definitely a universal issue. Amongst the murder and mayhem, there is the constant drive for the characters to find the funding for their library. And the many ways in which they are able to use research and public resources to better a multitude of peoples’ lives. Libraries are important. Even if they are based in a paranormal world with lots of murder…

<- More R.J. BlainBooked for Kidnapping ->

Image source: Amazon

Hypnos by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hypnos
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Seeking the Zodiacs #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I’m definitely having a whole lot of obsession over R.J. Blain at the moment. There’s just something about her writing that is hitting my happy spot at this point in my life. Then I read this book, and I’m also completely (not kind of, completely) obsessed with the idea of magic being caused by nuclear warfare. I mean, it’s something that still freaks us all out – but this is such an optimistic spin on it. Better than just a nuclear wasteland after the stupidity of those in power. To be honest, I also just loved this world building.

Olivia is such a strong voice and female lead. I love that within the GBI / law enforcement world, she’s one of the hardest hitters. But instead of doing this by emulating ‘masculinity’ she does it with her own version of sass. That, and she’s also close to her family and more than willing to hide when overwhelmed and overtired.

I really loved the idea of not only setting this series on a post-apocalyptic, magic world. But also combining western and Chinese zodiacs. I’m assuming (hoping) that that means that there are 12 books planned out. It was really interesting how Blain combines multiple aspects of both systems to create Hypnos and the mayhem that follows. Its a unique idea, and I’m excited to find out how the other combinations work in Blain’s wonderful mind.

He only thing about this book that I’m really disappointed with is that it’s sequel is not yet out. I absolutely devoured this book and was smiling a LOT while reading it. This is a gritty and slightly horrifying world with at least one villain beautifully set up. And now I have to wait to read more… lucky I have a whole lot of Blain’s work still sitting in my TBR to catch up on in the meantime.

<- More R.J. BlainAchlys ->

Image source: Goodreads

Pack Justice by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Pack Justice
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Nature of the Beast #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

As with everything by R.J. Blain, I was completely obsessed with this story. I mean, there is just something great about Blain’s world building that makes me really, really happy. I love that in this story, the lead is not only a paranormal creature, part cheetah, part man, but also ends up being part werewolf too. The constant discussions between the three voices and identities in his brain are quite humorous and made me smile. I absolutely adored how its kind of reflective of the internal monologues and arguments that go on in my own mind – constant parts of myself arguing with one another.

Sean is a fun and great lead. I love the moments when he just, randomly decides to escape and take matters into his own hands. There’s very obviously no real thought process behind many of his actions. And I find it seriously hilarious the many moments when he just… runs away. I mean, some of the background as to why his characterization is like that is a little sad – some of it is funny. But a whole slew of self confidence issues inform Sean’s behaviors, ones that are created by Idette and her abusive decisions.

Andrea and Sean are a fantastic couple – I love that Sean is able to find a loving and supportive women to heal from his abusive past. But I really enjoyed how they danced around each other for absolutely years before finally just acknowledging their feelings. Plus, when they are finally able to show their love for one another, I love how cute they are straight off the bat. There’s also the fun antagonism of each other throughout. As someone who constantly enjoys poking fun at her loved ones, this dynamic made total sense to me. Particularly when they are also a competitive couple.

As with everything that I’ve read recently by R.J. Blain (which is a lot), I found this absolutely impossible to put down. I also just love the fact that most of the police force are Fenerec. I probably should’ve started a bit more with the Witch & Wolf books before getting into this because I do feel like I’ve missed a bit of the world building, but I was still completely hooked. Now I just have a whole new Blain world to get to know and disappear into…

<- More R.J. BlainDual Nature ->

Image source: Amazon

Murder Mittens by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Murder Mittens
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #17
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I absolutely loved the fact that Harri is a lynx shifter and all of the crazy shenanigans that being a shifter entails throughout the A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) series. Plus, Harri’s family is big and entirely certifiable. Which, just made me love them all that much more. Plus, I love that Harri is the only girl of like forty plus siblings, and that her parents just keep adding more… that’s a whole level of insanity that I can’t even fathom. But I kind of love.

Harri spends the entirety of this story making Sebastian roar – which, as someone who is slightly antagonistic at times, I can totally understand. I love that, even though she thinks she’s just being antagonistic and entertaining herself, she doesn’t quite realise that he’s courting her. The whole dynamic is more than a little humorous, and I love how the two of them work their way towards a relationship over the years without even realising it.

Murder Mittens might be my favourite ever assassin code name, it is kind of brilliant and hilarious. Plus, there is also the blood and insanity of her assassinations. I probably shouldn’t enjoy someone ripping out people’s throats as much as I do, but, there it is. I found Harri’s assassinations to be genuinely amusing, and the partnership of her approach and chosen victims was brilliant.

Harri’s family, as previously mentioned is absolutely hilarious. The whole family and dynamic is filled with cheerful chaos and mayhem. The amount of love that jumps of the page is adorable, and I love how they are so protective of each other. Yet, they are also entirely capable of letting her live her own life. Particularly when they find out about the job she moonlights in.

Alongside all of the murder, mayhem and romance joy that I normally find in this series, there is also the love and acceptance of Harri throughout. She is severely scarred and self-conscious. Yet, her family and Sebastian love her regardless. Though, I do love that Sebastian admits the difficulties that her scarring must lead to. And acknowledges how difficult it must be to be different in the world.

<- The Flame GameCatnapped ->

Image source: Amazon

Wilder With You by Serena Bell

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Wilder With You
Author: Serena Bell
Series: Wilder Adventures #3
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: 2022

Thoughts

I’m absolutely loving Serena Bell and the Wilder brothers. But I did find Jessa and Clark’s to be a little bit sad. I mean, it’s one thing to have hang ups from.past relationships, everyone does. But Clark’s hangup being that his wife died? And then finding out how it happened? It was REALLY extra sad as far as I was concerned.

Jessa’s ex is an absolute douche nugget, and I love how everyone else is just immediately against him. Plus, he’s a great catalyst for the fake dating trope that ends in a little bit of heartbreak. And the one tent. And just all of the happy, fun feelings that this story imparted on me.

Like all good romances, there comes that final hurdle at the end of this that needs to be overcome. I love that for Jessa and Clark, they both are at fault for the breakdown. And they both realise their mistakes before it is too late. Plus, they enjoy gathering around their family and the Wilder siblings definitely help Clark realise his own foolishness.

Alongside this gorgeous romance is the setting of Wilder Adventures. I love that Clark and Jessa originally connect camping in the wilderness. And the many ways in which the Wilder brothers have had to make the wilderness a whole lot more accessible. This is definitely one of those books I’ll be rereading for a sweet comfort read.

<- Walk on the Wilder SideA Little Wilder ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Night in Lover’s Bay by Liz Alden

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Night in Lover’s Bay
Author: Liz Alden
Series: Love and Wanderlust #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Travel
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This was a novella length prequel to the Love and Wanderlust series, and although Marcella and Seb’s relationship comes later in the series, I can’t wait to read The Second Chance in the Mediterranean. I mean, they don’t have the greatest start, and there is so much angst there already. How is this not going to be an amazing story?

Marcella and Seb are actually a really cute couple. I love that although they’ve worked together for a while, it’s not until this night that they actually get to know each other. Plus, it’s blatantly obvious that their boss is against them and not the nicest of guys. I’m not entirely sure what his drama is, but it’s obvious that he is acting in a way that is kind of cruel… I’m interested to see if he shows up again in The Second Chance in the Mediterranean.

I love how this novella has the feeling of a beginning that is rife with a whole lot of misunderstandings. It was actually kind of cringe-worthy how many misconceptions there were throughout a fairly short story. It was a bit frustrating that I need to wait to read the next instalments in this series…

Against the joy of this starter romance is the fact that both the backdrop and food was enough to make my mouth water. It was such a fantastic world in which to travel, and, as someone who doesn’t actually get to travel, it was nice to imagine travelling around on a cruise ship, cooking amazing food…

<- More Liz AldenThe Fling in Panama ->

Image source: Amazon

You Can’t Furry Love by Renee George

Book Review
Overview

Title: You Can’t Furry Love
Author: Renee George
Rating Out of 5: 2 (Managed to read it… just)
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This was a really enjoyable skim read. One that I enjoyed, but didn’t necessarily find memorable. I mean, Etta was a really fun character. But I think I’ve just read a few too many paranormal romances with a similar feel to them. Plus, as much as I didn’t mind the storyline, I really didn’t like the cover. So that honestly turned me off every time I went to pick up this book. A paranormal romance I’d suggest other people pick up, but not one I’m likely to think about again in the future.

Image source: Goodreads

Vanishing Virgin by Harvey Jacobs

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Vanishing Virgin
Author: Harvey Jacobs
In: Silver Birch, Blood Moon (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Fairy tales, Magic, Retellings
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 1999

Thoughts

This short story had a very English, kind of carnie vibe to it. I love that it was a unique view of fae and Houdini and the joys of magic. Plus, it was a time that I find kind of intriguing, one that reminded me of The Greatest Showman.

I love how at the beginning of this story, it focused on Dr Ohm, who you thought was the main character. And then, it jumped to Molly. And, ultimately, it was about her happily ever after, not his. The flicking between who the protagonist was was kind of subtle, and although it’s obvious that it happened, it’s not obvious when it happened.

Houdini, magic and the fae, this is a really good mix of themes and plot lines. I absolutely adored this tale and enjoyable adventure. I love that Molly got a loving and happy ending, and even Dr Ohm had an ending that was enjoyable.

<- Glass CoffinClad in Gossamer ->

Image source: Wikipedia

The Villain Institute by Megan Linski & Alicia Rades

Book Review
Overview

Title: The Villain Institute
Author: Megan Linski & Alicia Rades
Rating Out of 5: 1 (Couldn’t get past the first page)
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I really, really wanted to like this novel!  I mean, the premise was great, and the cover was really pretty! But I just… didn’t. And I’m honestly not 100% sure why. I think partly its because at the moment I’m being extra fussy – I have SO many books on my shelves that I’m culling things out if they don’t drag me in within the first three chapters. And this just didn’t do it for me, plus, it felt a little uncomfortable with some of the ways in which indigenous people were talked about…

Image source: Booktopia