All I Want by J.H. Croix

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: All I Want
Author: J.H. Croix
Series: Haven’s Bay #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

There is always something fun and cute about Christmas romances which feature a couple stranded together. They’re pretty much always cute, and seriously fun. The fact that they’re two people with a history, and not just an insta-love story makes it all that much cuter. I loved reading this, and it reminds me why I decided to add as many J.H. Croix books to my shelves as possible when I first got to read their work.

I did find the fact that Audrey admits that she was just “settling” for her fiancé a little bit harsh. I mean, it works out well and gives her the chance to move onto who she really wants. But, I still found the fact that she would settle for someone to be a bit more of a character flaw than I wanted. Although, it was also nice that she didn’t have to spend much of this story marinating in her hurt about her ex’s actions. I mean, seriously, how gross!

For all of Audrey’s flaws, Dallas is a great match for him. Even if he is a bit of a fool. I mean, I always hate it (in reality and on the pages) when people stubbornly stick to their preconceived notions. In the case of Dallas, its his idea that people will be disappointed if he’s with Audrey and that she’s entirely off limits. I mean, come on, I need to stop finding characters I love who just make decisions for the women in their life without talking to them. Or thinking things through.

There was a whole lot of history between the characters wrapped up in this story. I love how Croix is able to give their history, whilst still keeping you in the now and the moment. It made this less of an insta-love story, but a second chance romance. One set at Christmas, enclosed in a small space together. Fantastic and enjoyable. Definitely one I will read again.

<- More J.H. CroixAll I Need ->

Image source: Amazon

Neanderthal Seeks Illusionist by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Neanderthal Seeks Illusionist
Author: L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid
Series: Hearts #0.5, Knitting in the City #0.5
In: Wrap Me Up (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I am a huge, huge, huge fan of the Knitting in the City series. And, thus far, I’ve loved the Rugby series by Cosway and Reid. So, I was really pleasantly surprised that there was a crossover short story between the KITC series and the Hearts series. I may not have quite started Six of Hearts yet, but now I’m chomping at the bit to do so. I mean, if this short story is enough to go by (and I’m betting it is). I’m going to love it just as much as I’ve loved everything else by these two authors.

As someone who is already madly in love with Janie and all of her intricacies, I love that this was her before she met Quinn. You can already feel the cracks that are opening up in her happiness with her current life. And, I’m sure that it’s some great hints into who Jay was before his happily ever after. Again, it hints at some of the cracks in Jay’s life and the things that he’s wishing for. A great way to introduce two characters and their potential growth to new readers.

As someone who is built a little bit like Janie, I can completely understand how she spends most of this story just wanting to figure out how the illusionist does his tricks. In fact, I look forward to reading Six of Hearts to figure it out for myself. So now I have yet another book on my to read pile…

<- SongbirdMaking Her Melt ->

Image source: Amazon

The Captive King by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Captive King
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #3
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: 2018

Thoughts

I’m absolutely adoring the Royal States series. I mean, they’re funny and engaging romances. But they each touch upon some pretty big and serious issues. Thus far we’ve had socio-economic assumptions, racism and now The Captive King highlights sexual assault and sexism within higher education. I mean, these issues might be on steroids in this series, but they’re still pretty damn potent today and it’s a great way to feel slightly uncomfortable in a wonderfully packaged story.

Summer’s introduction to this world is great – an archaeologist who is on her last fuck and has some pretty prickly man issues. I also love that you immediately pick up on when she converses with MacKenzie and there is all of the links to the storyline of Null and Void. One of my favourite things about Copperfield’s writing is that she writes women who are generally completely done with society, or about to completely snap. Summer fits this beautifully, and as the storyline continues, she gets more and more fed up with the nonsense that she has continued to put up with for years. I can completely understand this.

Although I pick up the Royal States / Copperfield novels for the romance and the sass, I got seriously swept away by the archaeology in this. And the mystery of the curse. I love that the ruins and temples and cultures described are either actually existent ones from our past, or very, very similar. I honestly couldn’t wait to discover what new site Summer would discover. And what conclusions she would leap to. I might have said goodbye to the academic life, but man, that passion and love of discovery… it was nice to read about again.

To counterpoint Summer, Landon works really well. I honestly did not guess at what his talent was going to be, and I love that it fits perfectly with Summer’s passions. I also love that when he falls for her, part of his life’s plan is to just sit and watch Summer dig in the dirt. We all need someone in our lives who wants to slot into the life we live, not change it. Landon is also completely stuck in a rut and a non-desirable situation, and I love that its Summer (the woman) who drags him out of it and effectively saves the day.

The Captive King is wonderful and amazing. It’s exactly the kind of book that I love to read. Fun, and cute on the surface with lots of sass. But, the second you pause to think at all, you realise that Copperfield is discussing a number of unpleasant realities that most women face in some way, shape or form. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the Royal States series, A Guiding Light.

<- Null and VoidA Guiding Light ->

Image source: Amazon

Null and Void by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Null and Void
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #2
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: 2017

Thoughts

From the very start of this novel, there is a lot of commentary on prejudice and racism. Being a Null, Mackenzie is automatically placed as less than – just for the way that she was born. It highlighted how laws throughout the world have historically (and currently) disadvantaged minorities – Australia very much included. Although it was masked with the joy of this awesome work, it was pretty intense. Particularly when Mackenzie highlights all of the laws that she fights against.

I thought Patrick and Jessica were amazing when I read Storm Called, but then I got to meet Mackenzie. She makes the prejudice against Patrick look like child’s play. But, I love that in spite of that nonsense, Mackenzie doesn’t let that, or anything else, stop her. She fights and claws her way higher up in the food chain, then she has a child. I know that as a mother I’d do anything for my children. I love that Mackenzie takes this and just becomes a terrifying powerhouse willing to destroy the world to keep her child safe and loved.

Dylan was always going to be a far more intense elite than Mackenzie realised – that’s the fun of reading a story like this. But, I definitely guessed as to his hidden identity and his talents before they were revealed. Instead of ruining a secret, it actually made me rush all that quicker to the moment when Mackenzie realises the truth. Which, because this is Copperfield, was a pretty hilarious moment.

As much as I loved this story, I did find the idea of signing a marriage contract for your ten year old daughter to be kind of icky. I mean, it makes sense within the context of this story and magic. But, still, a ten-year-old. To be married at fifteen, definitely a little bit difficult to read. However, I do look forward to seeing how that pans out in the future novels within this story. I’m sure it won’t be anywhere near as straight-forward as implied.

This novel is honestly unforgettable, I’m honestly struggling to find the words to describe how this story made me feel. It’s one of those that had so many layers, that I know, no matter how many times I reread this (of which there will be many), I’ll find a new facet that I previously missed. The characters are fun, the story line is beautiful. And the themes and struggles throughout are universal. A beautiful story that I absolutely adored and look forward to reading again in the future.

<- TakenThe Captive King ->

Image source: Amazon

Taken by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Taken
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #1.5
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, Novella
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Patrick and Jessica were a very entertaining romance from the very beginning. But, as with all romances, I really like reading about them after they’ve found each other and had to deal with the day to day reality of their new lives. Particularly, I love reading about couples once they have children and how they negotiate that. I love how Patrick and Jessica manage to juggle the responsibilities in their lives. And how their children turn out just as precocious as their parents.

Children and parenting may not have been the focus of this novella, but damn did I relate a whole lot to the challenges that Jessica and Patrick face. I mean, parenting is ridiculously hard. And its always fun to read about how others deal with it, even if they are just characters in a fantasy world. I also loved how Patrick has a stubborn and opinionated Daddy’s Girl. And a clingy and equally stubborn Mummy’s Boy. I loved both the children and look forward to seeing how they grow throughout the Royal States series.

The main conflict and story line of this novella is really about Patrick being kidnapped. It highlights all of the political turmoil and change that he and Jessica have bought about into the world. It also shows just how much people underestimate Patrick. I love how he manages to escape, but then decides to just… calmly fish on the way home. And find himself a new pet to love. Alright, I may not be a huge fan of a snake as a pet. But, it did make for a very entertaining and funny story. Plus, if I wasn’t so damn stupidly petrified of snakes, I would totally decide that any animal that rests on my foot is going to be my new pet…

As with everything written by Copperfield (Blain, Franklin, etc.) this is a story full of light and witty banter. I honestly spent a whole lot of time laughing and waking up my family. It was a funny story that I thoroughly enjoyed and I can’t wait to dive a little deeper into this world again with Null and Void.

<- Storm CalledNull and Void ->

Image source: Amazon

The Vampire of Montana by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Vampire of Montana
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Agents of the Royal States #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: 2023

Thoughts

I originally meant to read this after I had caught up with the Royal States novels, having only recently discovered Copperfield (aka Blain). However, I read the blurb and I just went down a wonderfully fun rabbit hole of discovery. And, although there were some characters and couples that I’m yet to meet, I really don’t regret my decision. Especially since I decided to read this right after Null and Void where I originally met the King of Montana. It gave me enough love that I seriously fell for the characters and family in this right away.

Daphne is a really fun voice and lead character. She is sassy and kind of insane, but a whole lot of fun. I mean, her hobby is killing terrorists, okay, you don’t normally think of the ‘good guy’ as someone who enjoys killing – but I love that her victims are those you can totally get behind being exterminated. It reminds me a bit of the whole idea of Dexter – someone who is maybe not ‘good’ but is not really ‘bad’ either. It’s even better when you find out more about the future of Daphne post-terrorist-killing.

Edward is a really great counterpoint to Daphne. He’s quite happy not being the one whose adept at all of the secret agent activities. And he’s pretty calm and good with going along with whatever insanity she concocts is seriously admirable. I love stories in which the strong woman doesn’t have to change a thing to match with the guy of her dreams. Rather, it is Edward that uproots his life, that needs to slot into Daphne’s busy reality. Not the other way around, it’s not something I see much of in stories, and it definitely made me love him a whole lot more.

The introduction of a lot of Europe to my experience of the Royal States was really fun, although, reading this novel did give away a little bit of the future actions in the novels. I figure I just need to catch up on the original series before Iron Unicorn comes out. This was yet another Copperfield book that I just couldn’t put down – it’s fun, engaging and has a whole heap of serious, hidden messages in the background.

<- More Susan CopperfieldIron Unicorn ->

Image source: Goodreads

Tess’ Tasty Treats by Kameron Claire

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Tess’ Tasty Treats
Author: Kameron Claire
Series: Veteran K9 Team #8.5
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

This was a really sweet little short story, and a nice bit of a prequel to another book. I mean, I’m not entirely sure which of the Veteran K9 Teams books this is a prequel to. Which, just means that I will have to read the whole series. I like that this is the beginning of Tess and Logan’s relationship, but there is so much more that is going to happen. After all, this is just the Meet Cute and the first moments of attraction…

This might be a short story that is based around Christmas time, but, like most of the other short stories in the Chasing Holiday Tail collection, it was more about the charity event. Which, I suppose, most people want to give back at that time of year. I would have liked a little more Christmas to the story, but it was still seriously enjoyable.

Although I enjoyed this story, I did find it a little instalove with how quickly Logan focuses in on Tess. And then, just decides that she’s the one. I mean, it’s a nice little story, but I would’ve liked the two characters getting to know each other a little more before deciding that they were meant to be. All in all though, this was a fun introduction to Claire’s writing and definitely encourages me to want to read more of her work!

<- Lady and the ScampSanta Claws is Coming ->

Image source: Goodreads

Poseidon by Demelza Carlton

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Poseidon
Author: Demelza Carlton
Series: Colony: Aqua #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Science fiction, Science fiction romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Sven was a fun character in Halcyon, particularly as it was incredibly obvious that he had a pretty major crush on Allie that was totally unrequited. Which meant that it was quite nice to read about his love story. Like Halcyon, this was a pretty simple and pleasant novel. One that I enjoyed but maybe wouldn’t read again.

It was fun to have a crime to solve alongside the romance. Especially since it was the lead detective on the case who ended up falling for one of the potential suspects. It gave a little more insight into the world of the Colony and the mix of humans and Titans. Sven might not have truly been a suspect, but the potential did leave a little more conflict to the beginning of the relationship. Plus, you know, it was fun to try and figure out who was running around trying to kill Titans.

Poseidon gives a little more information to understand the dynamics of Titans and humans. Particularly that of the merfolk. I love that a paranormal which I’ve not seen as overly scary in most books is almost the big boogie man of this world. One that half the population just doesn’t know about. It was kind of cool to think about how deadly such a population could be.

I’m kind of disappointed that this is the end of this series, but not overly so. I absolutely adored the world building and ideas behind this series. But I didn’t necessarily fall completely in love with the characters. Definitely a fun and light read, but not one that I will dive back into in the future.

<- HalcyonMore Demelza Carlton ->

Image source: Kobo

The Flame Game by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Flame Game
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

So far of the Bailey and Quinn stories, I actually liked this one the least. That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy it, but it most certainly wasn’t my absolute favourite. I think I just wanted a lot more… something out of this than what I got. Whilst Bailey and Quinn’s happily ever after is pretty much set at this point, I think that I wanted a whole lot more of the getting there process. This felt a little like a novel that was tying up all of the loose ends, and maybe I just wanted a bit of a longer story to do so.

Having said all of that, this was still a really good and fun novel. I mean, Bailey gets to ride off into the sunset, pregnant and planning to adopt the whole damn world. Quinn is mostly just getting dragged along for the ride… happily and lovingly. I would’ve liked a little more doubt from Bailey as to the reality of Quinn’s love for her. She went from having some pretty ginormous issues, to being chaotically and happily violent in the blink of an eye. I wanted more issues damn it!

The overarching story line that threads throughout the three Bailey and Quinn books is the rabies outbreak and the conspiracy behind it. I liked how Blain was able to wrap up this story line and also pull in a few moments from other books within the series. Add to that the fact that Bailey spends this whole book pregnant, I really enjoyed the craziness of this whole story. Particularly the added complications and challenges of being a pregnant cindercorn. Pregnancy is crazy enough as it is, but to be a magical beast and pregnant? Probably not ideal.

As much as I love Perky and Perkette, I really want more of them! They are a funny pair, and I want to see how they handle being parents to quads. Two is enough crazy for me, but four at once? Born to a cop and a mad scientist? Yeah, that’s a story that I would love to read in the future! Even if they are just secondary characters yet again.

All in all this is a fun and sassy novel, like all of the other Blain books in my shelves. It left me laughing and giggling the whole time I was reading it. Although that’s the end of Bailey and Quinn’s story, I can’t wait to jump into the rest of the A Magical Romantic Comedy series. There is just something fun about the pure insanity that is the writing of Blain.

<- A Chip on Her ShoulderMurder Mittens ->

Image source: Amazon

Outfoxed by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Outfoxed
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: The Fox Witch #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: 2020

Thoughts

Whilst I seriously loved this story, there were a lot of uncomfortable moments throughout. Mostly in the fact that this is a society structured in which women can be sold as ‘courtesans’. I mean, even the people who are inherent within this system acknowledge that its seriously wrong. So, although I loved Jade and her shenanigans, I also found the whole society in which she exists to be seriously not cool. Which, I feel is actually the point of this set up. I mean, what bigger obstacle to overcome than the very society in which you exist?

There is something about tornadoes that I find absolutely terrifying. It’s not something I’ve ever experienced, cyclones are the worst you get in Australia – but the whole premise that tornadoes are systematically destroying Jade’s home was a little goosebump raising. The constant devastation that Jade faces almost everyday is horrible. And then, there’s the moment when it’s realised that these tornadoes aren’t quite natural… it makes me want to dive into Up in Smoke to see where this chaos and horror is coming from. It’s definitely a little bit scary.

Throughout these adventures, Jade careens from chaotic challenge to chaotic challenge – particularly those that involve bounty hunters. I love her willingness to fight for freedom. To the point that she lives a life a whole lot more difficult just to maintain her freedom. Yet, she’s also intelligent in her actions in that she refuses to give up, even if it means making a difficult choice to guarantee her survival. Add to this the fact that Jade is someone who practices martial arts… yeah, there’s a number of reasons why I completely fell in love with her.

Outfoxed was one of those books that I stayed up way too late reading. Jade hooked me from the beginning, and although its obvious who she’s going to end up with, it was a fun journey to get to through the first part of their courtship. Unlike the other Blain books that I’ve read so far, this one doesn’t end with the happily ever after. Rather, there are more books to explore Jade’s relationship and hunt for revenge! I for one can’t wait!

<- More R.J. BlainUp in Smoke ->

Image source: Kobo