Reading Update as of mid-June 2025

List, ,

It’s been hectic, but in the best way. Which has meant a little bit less reading, but still all of the enjoyment and fun. A lot of rereads in amongst things though, mostly because you know… a hectic life and my brain feeling like it’s going to explode.

Graphic Novel

Non-fiction

Series

Standalones – Novels

Checking You Out by Ann Whynot & SmartyPants Romance

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Checking You Out
Author: Ann Whynot & SmartyPants Romance
Series: Green Valley Library #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Meeting Norman and getting hints of Lois in Dewey Belong Together meant that I was incredibly excited when I started reading Checking You Out. I love how their whole story is interconnected with Max and Jonathan, but they also have their own start. They meet online, create a relationship, and then Lois gets a Dear Jane letter to completely break her heart. As with most second chance romances, on the surface, the initial break up / misunderstanding seems incredibly harsh, and I still question Norman a little. But, ultimately, they are a gorgeous couple and I really enjoyed reading this story!

Not only do Lois and Norman reconnect through kismet and their mutual connections, but I love how Max, Jonathan, Lois and Norman manage to make a pretty unstoppable foursome. They are wonderfully suited to each other as a group. And the fact that this all takes place around Christmas just makes it all that much better. I love that they manage to celebrate together, and make the festive season particularly special for Agoraphobic Rose, and Lois (who is missing her daughter a whole lot). The romance between the two leads might be the main driver of this story, but the building of the community between the four of them is all that much more special to my mind.

With all of the space between Norman and Lois’ first and second chance, there is obviously going to be a whole lot of other history. I love how realistic Whynot is about Lois’ feelings towards her ex husband. Rather than it just being about him realising that he’s gay and being true to himself, she has a whole mess of other feelings. Feelings of abandonment, rejection and betrayal all due to the ways in which he goes about it. I love that towards the end, when she finally confronts him for some of his less than stellar behaviour, she highlights that it’s actually not about him coming out – it’s about the way in which he chose to go about it. Her ex made a choice, and there are consequences to it.

I love when romance authors deal with chronic conditions which have an impact on someone’s everyday experiences and lives. In the case of Checking You Out, Whynot is able to emphasise the ways in which chronic pain can have a daily impact. The risks (and often experiences) of substance abuse to deal with the pain. And then the multitude of ways in which to live with such a condition. The fact that a chronic condition can change your daily experiences and impact every decision you make. The realism is wonderful and I seriously enjoyed taking this walk in someone else’s shoes.

<- Dewey Belong TogetherMore SmartyPants Romance ->

Image source: Amazon

Sisters of Sorrow Volume 1. by Kurt Sutter, Courtney Alameda & Heonjin Kim

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Sisters of Sorrow Volume 1
Author: Kurt Sutter, Courtney Alameda & Heonjin Kim
Series: Sisters of Sorrow #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Feminism, Graphic novels
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Graphic novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

Sisters of Sorrow Volume 1 is a seriously dark and twisty graphic novel. I mean, it starts with a domestic violence homicide and then just… spirals from there. And honestly, this is exactly how I seem to like my graphic novels. Dark, twisty and filled with a surprising amount of violence. It also left me thinking. A lot. After I turned the final page. And I think that that too is the mark of a good graphic novel for my shelves.

At its core, Sisters of Sorrow Volume 1 is all about women who are filled with feminist rage. Honestly, there’s a reason why I liked it so much – these are women who are 1000% done with the system and the lack of protection that it offers. It is about a group of women who have been so brutalised that they have zero fucks left to give. And, honestly, I was right there beside them. The feminist rage that screamed and yelled in the pages, I felt that down to my very soul.

Even though I loved how this feminist rage was displayed, it did make me kind of sad to read this. Because I feel like it is such an accurate reflection of the world as we know it at the moment. I wish that this felt like a fantasy. But honestly, the older I get, the more society seems to be moving into a direction that protects the aggressors. And, as much as I enjoyed this, it made me sad to read this story. People senselessly losing their lives because of a system and social injustices that are rife in the world.

To match the incredible darkness of this story, the images and artwork in this graphic novel is gloriously dark. There is a little gore, and everything is done in dark tones. I can’t wait to read more in this story to see how this gorgeous artwork continues to tell this dark tale.

<- More Courtney AlamedaSisters of Sorrow Volume 2 ->

Image source: Head Hunters Holo Suite

Blaze of Memory ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Branded by Fire
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2009

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I read the Psy-Changeling series, Mercy and Riley’s story is always one of my favourites. To the point that when I wanted to get my sister into this series, I actually gave her Branded by Fire instead of Slave to Sensation, because this is a fun way to dive into this amazing world. Something about Mercy and Riley is just adorable and too damn beautiful for words. They are sweet, adorable and with just enough fire to be incredibly interesting.

In Branded by Fire, things are starting to seriously heat up with the triumvirate, with individuals from all three groups playing silly games. I love that Mercy and Riley are so obviously on the side of “good”, but they are also caught deeply in it all. It also gives a great secondary storyline to their romance – one that continues the common thread throughout the rest of the series. I love that one of the themes throughout this series, and one that is very much highlighted by the actions of the Human Alliance in this series is that Absolute Power corrupts Absolutely. It’s a reminder to be humble and kind.

As a strong and independent woman, I completely understand why and how it is so difficult for Mercy to “submit” to Riley. Ultimately, their relationship is about partnership and being equal. But in all relationships, there is a bit of giving to one another, or submitting in some small ways. It’s something that often causes conflict and makes things difficult in my own life, so reading about another strong-willed, independent woman struggling with fitting herself in with another person was kind of cathartic to read about.

Every time that I read Branded by Fire, I love that Riley is a prime example of just why our preconceived notions of who and what will make us happy can often be wrong. Sometimes what we think is going to be our “perfect mate” is just the easy option, and not the one that will make us happy. A certain level of being challenged is important in everyone’s lives, but sometimes that can make us uncomfortable as well. Sometimes it’s the people closest to us that pick up on what we need the most, and how those that make us a little uncomfortable can be the ones that also make us the best version of ourselves.

Branded by Fire is a story that’s all about healing from the past by moving into the future. Having the willingness to compromise and adjust in an attempt to find your happily ever after. Particularly for Riley who is stubborn as dirt, but willing to take the dive when it really matters. Still one of my favourite Psy-Changeling books, and one that I look forward to rereading each and every time.

<- Branded by Fire ReReadBonds of Justice ReRead ->

Image source: Open Book Society

Branded by Fire ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Blaze of Memory
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2009

Thoughts

Whilst I enjoy Katya and Dev as a couple, and their story, they are definitely a couple that I struggle just a little bit more with compared to the others in the Psy-Changeling series. I’m not sure why, maybe because I’m particularly invested in the shifters in this world. And neither Katya nor Dev are shifters. Or this is the only story of the Forgotten, so I don’t have as many characters overlapping to be excited about. Or it could just be that I don’t identify so strongly with either of them. Whatever it is, whilst I enjoy Blaze of Memory, it’s not one of Singh’s books that I can’t put down. Which is maybe not such a bad thing… I actually manage to continue acting like a responsible adult when I read this book.

Although I’m not so excited about the Forgotten, it was still interesting to receive some insight into them and how they function. The different battles they’ve faced over the hundred odd years of silence. I particularly enjoyed the letters to Matthew placed throughout the book – it was nice to read about the thoughts and motivations of a mother as their lives fracture. Plus, it gives two different timelines and points of view. The past and the present of the Forgotten and how important feelings are to people and living their best lives.

One part of the Forgotten’s journey that I love, and that is emphasised in Blaze of Memory is the importance of genetic diversity in evolution. I have a background in biology, so I, admittedly fixated on the fact that the “purity” of the Psy causes some evolutionary dead ends. In contrast, the Forgotten are able to evolve alongside the world that they live in. And ultimately are a healthier population (not just mentally, but also physically and psychically adapting to the world around them). I probably didn’t really notice this on my first few read throughs. But I really liked fixating on that within this read through of the story.

Katya has appeared in past stories and is closely tied to Ashaya, but I like how her identity isn’t obvious from the very beginning. Whilst the books have been leading to a great story arc for the entire Psy-Changeling world, the arrival of Katya and the depths that Ming will go to to destroy his “enemies” is unleashed. It’s the next step of change and things are really starting to heat up in this war. Plus, Katya’s arrival ties another group of people more closely to DarkRiver, giving them all that much more power in the world around them.

The non-stop theme throughout this series is definitely that love can conquer all. And whilst I don’t blindly believe that, I love the hope that it gives. With each reading, I find a new positive and point of joy within. Love is a powerful force, and it’s great to be reminded of that in darker days. Something about Singh’s writing always reminds me of that.

<- Dorian ReReadBlaze of Memory ReRead ->

Image source: The Nile

The Darkest Fire by Gena Showalter

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Darkest Fire
Author: Gena Showlater
Series: Lords of the Underworld #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2008

Thoughts

For a darkly themed paranormal romance, this was a bit of a cute novella. I mean, the Goddess of Oppression and the Guardian of Hell manage to find their way to one another after crushing on each other for millennia. And then they manage to try and fight all of the evil to stop it from being unleashed on the world. Honestly, everything about this was fun and cute. Even though it was also a little dark with that lovely adult spin that I love so much in the novellas that fill my shelves.

There is so much chaos and mayhem throughout this story. I might have enjoyed the romance aspect of this story, but I mostly just loved the demons, manipulations and violence throughout. Plus, this prequel novella perfectly sets up the rest of the Lords of the Underworld series. Yet another series to add to my shelves that will have me smiling and itching to pick up my ereader again and again and again.

Although I knew that this story was going to end in a happily ever after, because this is why I read paranormal romances or romances of any sort, it definitely wasn’t the ending that I was expecting. In fact, it was probably one of the darker “happily ever after” endings that I’ve read in a long time. But, as a beginning of a new series, I can’t wait to see how their story unfolds. I mean, there is a whole lot of endings to this, but there’s also that sense of a new beginning. And I’m sure that the echoes of this couple are going to be around long into this series.

<- More Gena ShowalterThe Darkest Night ->

Image source: Book Lovin’ Mamas

Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Tastes Like Shakkar
Author: Nisha Sharma
Series: If Shakespeare Was an Auntie #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Immigrant, South-East Asian
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Tastes Like Shakkar is funny, clever and full of heart. I really enjoyed reading Dating Dr. Dil. But, if anything, I enjoyed Tastes Like Shakkar even more. Maybe because Dating Dr. Dil was introducing me to a whole world and viewpoint that I have had literally no experience with, but I felt more enmeshed in this reality upon this read through. It might also just have been because I absolutely adored Bobbi and her many spitfire ways. Her level of drive and commitment, not just to her work, but also to holding a grudge, was fantastic. And I really loved how she went toe to toe with the many challenges thrown into her path. Without backing down or showing any kind of fear.

I’m always a big fan of a prequel that shows a couple’s first interactions, and then dives forward into the present day. In this case, it jumps from Bobbi and Bunty’s first meeting during Kareena and Prem’s courtship, and then dives headfirst into their frequent interactions in their wedding preparations. I loved this jump around as it perfectly sets up the initial animosity between the couple. But, rather than painting either of them as the fool, or the person who is at fault for their difficulties getting along, it is obvious just how they have both ended up in this position. Then, there’s the fact that this also helps to round out more of Prem and Kareena’s story.

As with Dating Dr. Dil, I’m not familiar with the original Shakespeare that this story was based upon. But, it made me actually halfway interested to read some more of Shakespeare’s works. Not necessarily because I’m excited by The Bard’s words, but because Sharma does such an amazing job of retelling the tale in a way that colours me intrigued. Plus, she’s not chosen Macbeth, King Lear or Romeo and Juliet – the three that I feel like are constantly retold and rehashed. The fact that this story also helps to tell of Sharma’s only reality as part of an immigrant family makes it even better and more enjoyable.

Although I loved reading about Bobbi and Bunty falling in love, as with Kareena and Prem’s story, it’s really the aunts that steal the show. I mean, they are hilarious, powerful and just all around joyful. Everyone needs Aunties like this in their lives to help them out of a tough spot. And although I haven’t had women of this calibre involved in my own life, I love the thought of them being involved in my daughter’s life. Plus, they might be considered Kareena’s Aunties, but they are also 100% there for Bobbi. This kind of love reminds me that there are so many good things in the world. Good people and a whole lot of love. Plus, they’re just outright hilarious to read about.

Amongst all of the other multiple joyous parts of this book, I really liked getting to know how a South-East Asian wedding take place. I spent the entire time trying to guess just who the Shaddi Saboteur was, and this, along with the new experiences left me feeling intrigued and happy. I absolutely adored this RomCom inspired insight into an entirely new world. And now I can’t wait to round out my reading of this trilogy with Marriage and Masti.

<- Dating Dr. DilMarriage & Masti ->

Image source: Goodreads

Deadlock by Moira Rogers

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Deadlock
Author: Moira Rogers
Series: Southern Arcana #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2010

Thoughts

Throughout the first two Southern Arcana books, I really enjoyed getting to know Alec as his own person. But, it really surprised me that the third book in the series was going to be about him and finding his happily ever after. I was expecting Kat and Andrew to be the centre of the next book after the actions in Crux. But, I can’t say that I’m disappointed in the slightest. I really liked getting to know Alec, finding out more about his past love life. And then getting to go along the journey with him and Carmen to find their happily ever after.

To start with throughout the series, Alec seemed a little bit emotionally withdrawn and tough. The alpha male who is separated from his peers and friends to a degree. And yet, upon learning more about how he lost his wife and the nonsense of werewolf politics, it becomes clear that he has one of the biggest hearts of the cast. He just isn’t sure how willing he is to let it all get shattered and broken again. Plus this really drives home just how corrupt and frustrating werewolf politics are – they’re the root of all evil in much of this series, I swear.

Although it’s taken a number of atrocities, I love that through Carmen and Alec finding each other, the whole team in New Orleans are starting to push back against the Conclave. It is very much the whole idea that these characters have just been pushed too far. And now, rather than bending or breaking, they are shoving right back at their oppressors. The actions and finale of Deadlock most definitely are setting up the rest of this series to take place in a time of change.

Deadlock is, ultimately, all about breaking with tradition and forging a new path. Not for the sake of it, but for the sake of others. Everything that Alec chooses to do throughout this story is about protecting others. Even when he starts to fall for Carmen, his primary focus is on protecting her and how to go about doing this. It’s only as he truly allows himself to trust though, that he is able to find true peace and happiness – in not always being the sole protector, but truly a part of the team.

<- Zola’s PrideCipher ->

Image source: Amazon

Trace of Copper by Anne Renwick

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Trace of Copper
Author: Anne Renwick
Series: Elemental Steampunk Tales #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Historical fiction, Romance, Steampunk
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

I absolutely loved this story – I mean, it’s a tale about steampunk doctors, with paranormal problems. It’s a short and fun read, but with a whole lot of drama that I was honestly not even expecting. To be fair, I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this, so it was a really pleasant journey to go on. Plus, it meant that this was a story that was next to impossible to put down.

Amongst all of the paranormal and steampunk fun, there was a bit of a romance amongst this story. I love that Piyali chooses to pursue the career that she wants, even if it could potentially ruin her relationship with the man that she loves. The fact that she is forced to return to him after some fairly large misunderstandings and they eventually find their way back to one another was really fun. They both want their second chance, but it is only when they are able to be open and honest that they actually manage to take advantage of this chance.

I spent a lot of this book having a good giggle about the different local women vying for Evan’s attentions. And then there is the fact that there is just a… blue frog running around biting people. I actually wanted to know more about the frog and the politics of the little village than the romance. I mean, Piyali and Evan as a couple were great, but mostly I really loved the frog. I’m not really sure what that says about me to be honest.

A Trace of Copper was a quick, easy and fun read. I pretty much read it cover to cover, I just didn’t want to put it down. So maybe it’s good that it was a short read – I didn’t abandon my responsibilities for too long to enjoy this story. I’m definitely looking forward to reading In Pursuit of Dragons and the rest of the books in this fantastically crafted steampunk world.

<- More Anne RenwickIn Pursuit of Dragons ->

Image source: Books of my Heart

Truth or Beard ReRead by Penny Reid

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Truth or Beard ReRead
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Winston Brothers #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I’m always a fan of rereading a well-loved series – and this was my first reread of the Winston Brothers series. Or at least the start of my first reread. And I honestly loved revisiting Duane and Jessica and all of the nonsense that leads up to their happily ever after. Plus, Duane is the first of the Winston Brothers to finally find his happily ever after. What a great way to revisit a well loved series and a great start to a fun and dynamic contemporary romance. Now I can’t wait to get into more of the Winston Brothers series.

As someone who can be somewhat impulsive, I don’t truly understand Duane’s drive to plan absolutely everything in his life. I found it really frustrating to read about someone potentially sabotaging a future relationship, future happiness because he couldn’t plan out the entirety of the future. The whole idea that the future must be so heavily prepared for that Duane almost misses out on all of the present…. Something I definitely am not inclined towards and really struggled to understand myself.

Like Duane, I really don’t quite understand Jessica’s drives either. I’m somewhat of a homebody and somebody who tends to live in the moment. Jessica is also inordinately fixated towards the future. But where Duane wants a plan, she just wants to leave and keep moving. Again, I don’t have that feeling of wanderlust and that need to constantly run. I love having my roots firmly in the ground, and I can’t imagine being willing to say goodbye to pretty much every aspect of my life just for a new experience. And yet, because of the way that Reid is able to construct her characters – I felt like I gained some insight into these two very different personality types and personal drivers.

The presence of the Iron Wraiths, and Razor in particular still absolutely freaks me out. For good reason to be honest. This level of evil having a foot hold in any part of society is terrifying. And, sadly, it’s not a far fetched idea. I love that I get to now read this series knowing that they will ultimately be safe from the horrors of the Iron Wraiths, but I also know that there’s going to be a whole lot of horribleness and drama occurring before that happens… which I now get to seriously, happily and with great joy look forward to.

<- Beauty and the Mustache ReReadGrin and Beard It ReRead ->

Image source: Barnes and Noble