Mated to the Bear by Celia Kyle

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Mated to the Bear
Author: Celia Kyle
Series: Bears of Grayslake #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

Mia and Ty are a really wonderful couple and one of those that I really enjoyed from the very beginning. I love that there is such combustible heat between them, but Mia is still able to stand on her own two feet. I mean, I get being all consumed by passion and emotion, but I love that even in the midst of this, Mia is able to figure out what she wants and needs in her own life. Plus, she’s also going toe to toe with a guy that everyone else is scared of – I love my women being strong willed and more than a little kick arse.

At the very beginning of this story, I thought that there was a bit of a Meet Cute between Mia and her future mate. And that it was all just a misunderstanding that he was knocking down the door. This opinion really quickly changed to one of horror – and I’m glad that the first male that Mia meets isn’t actually her mate, but her nemesis. I mean, Griss is one nasty SOB. And then Ty and his brother appear, and you get the whole sense of found family and everything feels a little more content.

At the beginning of this story, and having glanced at the blurb, I was expecting this to be a fairly calm and easy read. I was so very wrong. There was a whole lot more violence and aggression throughout this than what I was expecting. And, this story does come with a trigger warning at the beginning. I just wasn’t anticipating this level of trigger warning based content if I’m being completely honest. Not that it was a bad thing, it definitely upped the stakes and pulled me further and further into the world of the Grayslake Bears.

<- More Celia KyleClaimed by the Bear ->

Image source: Kobo

Under the Stars by Kris Jayne

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Under the Stars
Author: Kris Jayne
Series: Lone Star Crossed Saga #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2023

Thoughts

The concept of this – the Maid of Honor and Best man at a Christmas wedding was way too cute. Particularly when it was a bit of an enemies to lovers story alongside that. It was such a joy to read about the conflict between the two characters from both points of view. It just highlighted how all of the conflict came from perceptions and prejudice. Rather than either of them having an actual reason for their antagonism toward one another.

Most of the romances that I’ve read lately might have an antagonist, but generally its more of a situational antagonist, or a point of internal conflict. I love that in the case of this Christmas romance, the biggest hurdle is actually the mother. She is truly horrible, and I can’t wait to see how all of the hints at her depravation unfold throughout the rest of this series. This novella definitely introduced the mother as a villain, but then there was no revenge or comeuppance – because I think she’ll be a series long villain!

As with many of the Christmas romances that I’ve read lately – I loved the setting of this story. I mean, being stuck in the honeymoon suite at a winter wonderland? As someone who has never had a white Christmas, it is definitely something that seems dreamy and like a departure from reality. Exactly the setting you want when two people get to slowly fall in love. Add in that they’re getting ready for a wedding… delicious.

<- More Kris JayneCross My Heart ->

Image source: Goodreads

Ruff Day for the Rockstar by Christina Hovland

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Ruff Day for the Rockstar
Author: Christina Hovland
Series: Mile High Rocked #3.5
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I like that this is a short story that features a rockstar and an actress in a happy marriage – the drama within this is more external than internal, something that is refreshing every now and then. I did get the idea that this is almost a little bit of an epilogue, so that kind of helped with the joy and contentment of the characters. And I love that they figure that adopting a dog is a really lovely next step. It’s incredibly cute and sweet.

I love that there is that moment of serendipity in this story – Knox always wanted a dog named Waffles, so Irina finds one. It’s an incredibly cute and sweet moment of fate. And I absolutely loved that they find a way to complete their little family at an adoption drive – without quite planning to.

Irina and Knox are both really fun characters. I look forward to reading more about their love story and discovering how they got to this happy place. It might not have been a very Christmassy short story, but it was definitely a sweet one.

<- Snaps with SantaToo Nice to be Naughty ->

Image source: Goodreads

Witches and Stitches by Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Witches and Stitches
Author: Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape
Series: Amethyst’s Wand Shop Mysteries #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

The idea of the whole Frankenbody thing in this is kind of gross – I mean, someone chopping up bits of women and sewing them together? It scares me that this is actually a thing, albeit stupidly rare. But, it worked out well as a bit of a whodunnit mystery – and trying to put together all of the pieces to figure out who the culprit was. In fact, although they catch him. And get a confession as to why he did the horrible stuff… I kind of wish that I had more background as to the evil why.

Throughout this story, Amethyst is getting closer and closer to admitting her feelings for Ambrose… yay! I mean, she finally admits them to herself, which is the first step. I can’t wait to see how that unfolds later on in the series. Or even, you know, in the next book. I love the awkward dance when one person finally realises that they’ve caught the feelings and is trying to compartmentalise them! It’s going to be exciting to see how this actually unfolds.

Not only does Amy realise that she’s caught the feelings for Ambrose, but I also love how she is building strong female friendships. They’re also healthy and noncompetitive – something we don’t see nearly enough of in literature in my not so humble opinion. I really want to get to know more about the women that Amy has become friends with. Plus, it’s just refreshing to not have conflict occurring because of female relationships. Yay for positivity!

I love that with every story in this series, you get to find out more about the paranormal world that Greenwood and Tape have created. There are new little titbits with every story, and it just makes me want to know more and more about the world with every page turned. Plus, although there are some serious goings on happening in the background, overall, this is a really light-hearted story. One that is pleasant and leaves me smiling after I turn the final page. I don’t always want to have an existential crisis when I read.

<- Hexes and VexesRites and Knights ->

Image source: Goodreads

Tiger Crown by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Tiger Crown
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Sabre Woods Academy #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Kayra was mentioned briefly in Shifting Forms for Clumsy Felines, and, honestly, I was completely intrigued by her story. All I knew was that the lead male in Shifting Forms for Clumsy Felines was her ex-sort-of-fiancé, and that she is the centre of a major scandal in the shifter world. That was honestly enough for me to be drawn in and fascinated. So, when I realised that I actually had her story on my shelves, I was ready to dive right in. And what a fantastic beginning to her story!

I don’t always love when there is a story line which features two women being pitted against each other – it does tend to get over done, but I did like this version. I mean, they’re pitted against each other because of Kayra’s mother. It’s the mother’s actions and horribleness that lead to these two young women to be constantly at odds, and it’s also Kayra who is constantly just trying not to show interest in the nonsense and the drama. It’s still a little bit of a cliché personal challenge, but not painfully so. In fact, I actually look forward to seeing how this conflict continues throughout the rest of this trilogy.

Even as a mum, wife and woman in my thirties, I still think fondly of my high school and university days – they are a period of great change and growth, so I think that everyone honestly does. And, although I wouldn’t ever want to go back to that awkward angst, it is a point of time that is kind of unforgettable. And, since I’m that little bit older now, I do struggle to read stories set in high school. But the new adult stories set at university / college? They are the perfect sweet spot. I love that Kayra is starting a whole new life and looking forward to spreading her wings in this. You can tell immediately that she has found her forever friends and people. The fact that there is extra ‘political’ conflict that enhances her coming of age story, makes it an even more engaging and unforgettable read.

As the beginning of Kayra’s story and journey to a serious powerhouse, this was phenomenal. I am both excited and terrified to read more of the story, particularly to find out more about how her mother is planning on destroying her. I mean, what a horrible (yet brilliant) villain in having the mother of the main character out to destroy her… I’m just not sure how.

<- More Laura GreenwoodTiger Throne ->

Image source: Dymocks

Enchanting Songs for Silent Sirens by Laura Greenwood

Book Review
Overview

Title: Enchanting Songs for Silent Sirens
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I really love the whole premise of having a paranormal university. I mean, I’ve read a lot of paranormal fantasies that feature an academy of some sort (such as Hogwarts), but I don’t think that I’ve had the privilege of reading any that are about university. I mean, it’s a pretty big point of change in a person’s life, so I kind of love that there is a whole romance series that is based on new adults finding their own identities, and love along the way.

Melody as a siren is incredibly fun, and I love how her name is so damn suited to her talents. There is also the fact that she’s musical, but unable to sing and enjoy her music. It’s definitely a unique challenge that she faces. One that made my heart break for her a little bit – I mean, she’s growing up and moving about in the world. But she has to leave a part of herself behind because she puts others at risk. Melody is also just incredibly sweet and kind, something that made me incredibly keen for her to find her happily ever after.

Josh is another really sweet character, and I love how these two incredibly cute beings end up together. He’s a great match for Melody in so many ways. But, one of the parts that I loved the most about this romance was the nuances that Melody has to figure out when dating a deaf person. So many of the things that I just take for granted in my daily interactions had to be considered. It was really interesting, and seriously made me reflect on all of the things that I do without even considering how the differently abled would be impacted…

Adding into the whole enjoyment of this really cute romance is the idea that Melody is feeling particularly glum because she wants to sing Christmas carols. Again, an aspect of being born deaf that I’ve never considered – not ever having heard Christmas carols. I love Josh’s idea for Melody to be able to do what she loves, at no risk to anybody else. It is just too damn sweet and cute. A bit like this whole story, now I want to meet more of the couple at Obscure Academy.

<- Drinking Blood for Squeamish VampiresSecret Santa for Grumpy Elves ->

Image source: Booktopia

Drinking Blood for Squeamish Vampires by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Drinking Blood for Squeamish Vampires
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Bernie and Shane are a good insight into the world of vampires that Greenwood has created. I mean, there’s obviously a whole heap of series that feed into this one, but for me, this is my first introduction to Greenwood’s version of vampires. The fact that they are both turned, not born makes it all the more interesting. And then, there’s the fact that Bernie can’t actually drink blood. I mean, I loved the characters anyway, but I’m loving that in the Obscure Academy series there’s always one character that doesn’t conform to the expected. In this case, it’s Bernie and her blood aversion.

As someone who absolutely loves cooking, I’ve never actually taken a cooking class, and, after reading about Bernie’s awesome experiences, I kind of really, really want to. I mean, the fact that she gets with the super hot student teacher does help. But, I also love the idea of cooking with someone else and learning some new tricks – a bit like Home Ec when I was in high school I suppose. It was fun to think about the different paranormals that want to learn to cook and just why they want to. Particularly since this cooking class is vegetarian!

As much as I enjoyed the romance of Shane and Bernie, I really inhaled this book so quickly because I wanted to know the cause of her blood squeamishness. I mean, you get introduced to the idea in Shifting Forms for Clumsy Felines when Bernie and Krissi become friends. Then you get to actually find out just what is going on. And how Bernie is going to live the rest of her very long supernatural life with this issue. I can’t imagine not being able to enjoy some of the foods that you have to eat!

This was yet another quick and rewarding venture in the Obscure Academy world. I mean, it’s two made vampires falling in love over food. I’m pretty much sold as soon as there is food to be totally honest. Add in the fact that both characters are learning to come into their own and figuring out their new lives. It’s definitely a fun little journey.

<- Bonfire Night for Flammable DragonsEnchanting Songs for Silent Sirens ->

Image source: Amazon

Bonfire Night for Flammable Dragons by Laura Greenwood

Book Review
Overview

Title: Bonfire Night for Flammable Dragons
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This is a great and fun short novella. It was a nice little meeting and falling for one another story that takes place in the University years. But, with the added fun of the paranormal and dragons. The fact that one of those dragons is flammable and kind of self-conscious about it just made it heaps better. And a little bit funny in moments.

Jazz and Idris are a little more off-kilter in their coupling than Jeremy and Krissi in Shifting Forms for Clumsy Felines. Instead you have a cheerleader and a quite, nerdy introvert. I love that they both fit together completely seamlessly though. They are obviously just… content to be in each others’ company. Content and happy to be together and just enjoy each others’ differences.

I’ve never celebrated bonfire night, and honestly have absolutely no idea what it actually is. But I am completely obsessed with just bonfires in general. There is something so soothing and calming about watching the flames dance as the night quiets down. This story has all of those wonderful vibes. And somehow the hope of a new relationship is reflected in the calm hope that a bonfire night provides.

As with everything I’ve read thus far from Greenwood, I really enjoyed this story. It was a nice and easy read that gave me a pleasant hour to drift away into a whole new world of beginnings and hope. There is a nice simplicity in this story, that, partnered with dragons and a budding new relationship left me really happy and content.

<- Shifting Forms for Clumsy FelinesDrinking Blood for Squeamish Vampires ->

Image source: Booktopia

Shifting Forms for Clumsy Felines by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Shifting Forms for Clumsy Felines
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This was yet another great book by Greenwood that was just an easy and pleasant read. One that was a really great diversion. A really sweet story. But with almost no angst – which I kind of needed when I read this. I’m actually loving this style of writing at the moment, where there is enough action to keep you engaged, but not enough that you are even remotely worried about how the happily ever after will pan out. There is a whole lot less stress than some of the other romances that I sometimes read.

I like that this is a couple that start off as really good friends, and there are the questions of how and when to transition into a couple. I know that when I met my SO, he was a great friend, and it was a pretty big leap to take that plunge. Bigger than any other, because his friendship met a whole lot to me. And, like Jeremy and Krissi, I was pretty damn young. I love how Greenwood is able to write about a couple taking that plunge and being scared to do so! I think that for everyone who meets someone extra special that young… it’s a bit of a concern.

The cliché of two ‘jocks’ ending up together works really well in this novel – they both understand each other’s dedication to their chosen sports. I also love that, even though both Jeremy and Krissi start out not understanding much about each other’s sports, they both make the attempts to get to know more. It’s such a beautiful concept – that you try to get to know more about each other’s passions, not to join in, but to just appreciate each other all that much more. Plus, there is something fun about fitting into the expected cliches, but in a really cute and sweet way.

When we think of sporty types, there is always an assumption that the sporty individual is actually really coordinated. It was fantastic to have a storyline in which the sporty person is not graceful. That (in this case) in their shifted form, they are the clumsiest and most terrifyingly uncoordinated individual to be found. It kind of made me feel better to read about someone who is just that damn uncoordinated, and yet thrives in a physical way as well, it’s a great reminder that none of us can fit into just one box.

<- More Laura GreenwoodBonfire Night for Flammable Dragons ->

Image source: Dymocks

Snowbound by Catherine Cowles

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Snowbound
Author: Catherine Cowles
Series: Tattered & Torn #0.5
In: Wrap Me Up (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This was a much shorter story than I was anticipating from the opening. There was a lot of drama and information – so I thought that it would be a much longer story. But it worked really well being so short. There was a lot of drama and action, so you can’t help but turn the pages as quick as possible as you rush to the end. Plus, since there’s a whole heap of backstory that is shown in a very short amount of time, you pretty much jump straight into the drama and romance. Which is sometimes nice.

Although this is set at Christmas, it’s not really much of a Christmas story. Honestly, if I hadn’t read it in a Christmas collection (Wrap Me Up), I wouldn’t have even realised that it was based at that time of year. Mostly the whole Christmas thing lends itself to the atmosphere and the snow, not really anything else. Whilst I would have loved a whole heap more Christmas celebrations, it still worked wonderfully.

It scares me how often I read stories about women who, to start the drama are on the run from a stalker. It’s honestly not a surprising trope as it happens more often than I want to think about. I also found that the stalker in this was particularly unpleasant and upsetting. I don’t know what it was about Cowles’ writing of the bad guy that was so creepy, but I was definitely grateful for the ending and intrigued to see if Cowles can get the goosebumps raised with her other works…

<- Christmas Shopping for a BillionaireA Very Dare Christmas ->

Image source: Amazon