Sin Slayer by Jenna Maclaine

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Sin Slayer
Author: Jenna Maclaine
Series: Cin Craven #3.5
In: Huntress (Christine Warren, Marjorie M. Liu, Caitlin Kittredge & Jenna Maclaine)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2009

Thoughts

I liked this different take on the Jack the Ripper story. I mean, it wasn’t necessarily introducing a whole new lore into the world, but it was still a fun and unique take on a very well known serial killer. It also helped to further place Cin and her cohort into the “reality” of the world. I also just love that they made such a truly horrible and terrifying man into a demon… I mean, it’s a great way to justify the horribleness of his deeds.

This novella does round out the Cin Craven series. But since I haven’t read any of the standalones and am not quite sure what happens in them, it also works wonderfully as a standalone. Which is wonderful, because with all of the different books on my TBR, it may take me a little while to truly get into this series…

Cin is wonderfully independent and powerful. Something about her outfit and strength has seriously stuck in my head. I’m always a huge fan of any story which features a strong and independent woman. But one that is in Victorian England, dressed in leather and lace? Yeah, that is right up my alley…

I love that although this is the last novella in the series – it also finishes on a note of hope and potential for the future. I love stories that make you think of the wonderful characters all happily riding off into the sunset together, to have more adventures. More life. After all, life continues after the happily ever after.

<- Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men GoHuntress ->

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The Tip-Off by Rebecca Jenshak

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Tip-Off
Author: Rebecca Jenshak
Series: Smart Jocks #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I knew that Zeke and Gabby were going to end up together from their first meeting in The Assist. They had immediate chemistry, and Jenshak made no secret of how they are likely to end up as a couple. Yet, even knowing that they were going to end up together, I enjoyed the journey. Also, the discoveries of the people’s personalities and strength along the way. A nice, easy adventure that left me smiling.

I honestly thought that there would be more about Gabby’s scarring. I mean, it’s obviously mentioned, but in reality, her character journey was more about what it means to experience college. The misconceptions, enjoyments and milestones that are associated. I love that Gabby’s idea of what she wants to experience is kind of off-kilter, and involves her doing some pretty random things. All of which Zeke just goes along with. None of which were things that I experienced at my university… but it’s interesting how the American collegiate system can be seen through others’ eyes (I’m Australian, I have no idea how it works in America).

As is typical, it takes Zeke takes a little bit to actually realise he has feelings for Gabby. The lust and the attraction is there from the very beginning – for both of them. But actually realising that you have emotions for someone and acting on them, it takes just a little while. In fact, it does take a bit for both of them to recognise that what they have is real. Introducing that nice conflict that made me want to rush to the end. When they realise that preconceived notions aren’t always correct. And if it’s the right person, then they’ll fit into your plans.

So far, this is the only one of this series to end with any ideas of matrimony. It makes sense, Zeke and Gabby are definitely the most mature couple of the series. And their journey is about the idea that permanency and falling in love can happen to anyone at anytime. Regardless of whether or not you think that it’s the “right time”.

<- The FadeawayThe Fake ->

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The Catch by Rebecca Jenshak

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Catch
Author: Rebecca Jenshak
Series: Smart Jocks #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I knew Vanessa and Mario had a simple origin story compared to the others. But it was still incredibly sweet. And I seriously enjoyed reading it. As I’ve been slowly making my way through the series, I’ve wanted to get to know the original couple just that little bit more. And, finally I signed up for this free novella. And I was NOT disappointed.

I love that throughout this story, Mario works hard at earning Vanessa’s trust. Not by doing anything over the top and insane, but by charging through all of her time objections and just spending time with her. He doesn’t push Vanessa, just let’s her come around to him in her own time.

The Meet Cute of Mario and Vanessa was also brilliant. I love how it’s just a simple misunderstanding that is quite memorable. It also perfectly sets up the tone for the rest of the story… both Vanessa and Mario have memorable first impressions and work hard at finding space in their lives for one another.

Not only is this a fun novella, it provides hints to Blair’s challenges. It’s a great introduction to the series with a lot of tantalising hints about the basketball boys. Definitely a great romance series all about smart jocks.

<- More Rebecca JenshakThe Assist ->

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Hexes and Vexes by Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Hexes and Vexes
Author: Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape
Series: Amethyst’s Wand Shop Mysteries #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I knew that I was going to enjoy this novel, since I enjoyed Glass and Sass so damn much. Hexes and Vexes didn’t disappoint. Amy finally gets her chance to consult with the PPD, and I can see her relationship with Ambrose being one that I can really get behind. He seems to be mildly entertained by Amy’s insanity. I love when there is a character who is certifiably insane and entertaining, who is partnered with someone a little bit more straightlaced and incredibly bemused by their behaviour.

Greenwood and Tape are able to create a really cool world in this urban fantasy. Some of the ideas of the CWC and wand creating were introduced in Glass and Sass. But, there is far more world building and construction in Hexes and Vexes. I really enjoyed how you find out more about witches and wand making alongside Ambrose as both Amy and Ambrose hunt to find the killer. And with each reveal, it feels like there is a whole lot more complex thoughts and world building going on behind the scenes. Just how I like my urban fantasies.

Although what strikes me most, and I love most about this are the world building and the sassiness of Amy. I also loved trying to figure out the why and the how of the murder. I mean, this is supposed to be a mystery series, and it does fit the build there. It was definitely difficult to figure out the why and the how of the murder if I’m being honest. But, that may be due to the fact that it really didn’t take centre stage of the story – it was used as a plot device, but I found the characterization and world building were more the central aspect of the story.

Hexes and Vexes is a fun and simple urban fantasy. There is the aspect of danger and mayhem in the murder, but it doesn’t take a major centre point. I love that although there are some challenges to the relationship building between Amy and Ambrose, it isn’t overly contentious. Not the most fast-paced of urban fantasies and stories that I’ve read, but sometimes it’s nice to slow down and just enjoy.

<- Glass and SassWitches and Stitches ->

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Glass and Sass by Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Glass and Sass
Author: Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape
Series: Amethyst’s Wand Shop Mysteries #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

As a prequel novella / introduction to an urban fantasy series, this is great. It was also a fantastic way for me to get to know two new authors. Who I’ve now flooded my TBR with… Glass and Sass introduces a new world and some new characters. Ones that I can’t wait to get to know better!

I like the idea of a centre for wand control. Alright, I don’t necessarily love the bureaucracy, who does? But I did love how it creates this wonderful urban fantasy world. Where witches and the paranormal exist. But, they must practice their craft under strict regulations. It might not be a romanticised version of a fantasy world, but the bureaucracy makes a much more relatable one.

One thing I don’t love about this novella is the title. It’s obvious that Glass and Sass is supposed to rhyme. But, since I’m Australian, my accent means that it doesn’t. And it bothers me quite a bit. But, honestly, I loved this novella. I’m just a bit of a weirdo when it comes to titles that would otherwise be kind of brilliant. Now I can’t wait to get into this series for real and enjoy getting to know Amethyst a whole lot better.

<- More Laura GreenwoodHexes and Vexes ->

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The Bear’s Claws by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Bear’s Claws
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: The Paranormal Council #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

This is one of those novels that actually takes place partway through a series. But, it was in a collection of bear shifter novels, so I read it anyway. And I was not disappointed. I’ve recently started another Laura Greenwood series (Amethyst’s Wand Shop Mysteries series), so it was nice to know that there are definitely two of her series that I enjoy. And now, I can’t wait to find out a little bit more about the Paranormal Council series.

I love that both Nita and Vic are kind of adrift and cast off from society. I mean, it’s sad for both of them, but it also makes them a great match for one another. Both Vic and Nita have experienced some horrifying loses. And they are both kind of outcast, partly because of it. In Nita’s case, it isn’t really a choice, but it does make her a whole lot more understanding of Vic’s decision to isolate himself. I’m fairly intrigued by how understanding his brother, Kem, is though. And I was really excited to find out that the first novel in this series is actually one that is based on Kem. So now I have to dive into that to find out more about the rest of this world.

Alright, so I’m not normally overly into the instalove trope – I think that although there is instalust, and even love at first sight, most sane people take a little time to come to terms with that whole love thing. Or, maybe, that’s just my own reaction. Yet, somehow Vic and Nita aren’t too painful with that whole trope. I mean, they are instantly attracted and fall into bed with one another. But, they are also a little reluctant to admit the intensity of their feelings straight off the bat. The fact that they start off convinced that they may be accidentally mated, and then come to accept it was a nice balance.

It was also nice reading about finding family. Not only is there the sense of found family in the connections that Nita manages to make. But there is also the fact that she is literally finding her family. The fact that she’s a bear shifter who is settling into a new life makes me like her all that much more. Honestly, this is a very simple and light read. One that I really enjoyed, and look forward to diving into this world again in the future.

<- The Witch’s StripesThe Familiar’s Wings ->

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The Run Around by Bernadette Franklin

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Run Around
Author: Bernadette Franklin
Series: Holiday Fun #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I didn’t realise that this was technically the last book in the Holiday Fun series when I picked it up. I got about 2 chapters in before I realised that this was the case, and by that point I was already completely hooked and didn’t want to put this down. I mean, it starts off with a wedding with a runaway bride. Although, I’m going to use the term thoroughbride henceforth because I think that that’s a brilliant name! Which, considering this kind of stands on its own anyway, just means I have four other contemporary romances to jump into… ain’t life tough?

Everyone has their breaking point, within any relationship in their life. And, speaking from experience, that breaking point with family often comes much, much later than anyone else. But, I love that where this story starts with organising a wedding with a thoroughbride, it very quickly careens into the unknown. Hope reaches her breaking point with her brother, and rather than just getting annoyed with everyone, she just yells ‘f**k it’ and leaves behind literally everything. I can’t even imagine the bravery and strength it takes to completely start afresh, and I love that Hope does this with as much sass and attitude as possible.

There might be a great love interest and a beautiful period where the two love interests get to know one another before falling for one another. But, my favourite aspect of their relationship is their two dogs and cat. I’m a sucker for animals, and the fact that their relationship kind of starts to gain traction because of Hope’s obsession with Rick’s dog is beautiful. And totally understandable, I would be friends with someone just because of their adorable dog. Hope definitely says and does a lot of the things that I would want to do when striking up a new friendship, but I’m never quite confident enough to do so…

I love that Hope is an accountant who somehow gets wrangled into being a wedding planner. I found both aspects of her to be fascinating. I love the idea of being a forensic accountant, particularly when some of that involves male prostitutes, but I digress. Then there’s her ability to organise the wedding from hell, times two. Because both weddings she organises are completely insane. I honestly spent most of this story laughing and grinning. It is cute and funny. And definitely a story that I look forward to reading again… now I just have to go back to the beginning of the series…

<- Ginger SnappedMore Bernadette Franklin ->

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Storm Called by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Storm Called
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: 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: 2019

Thoughts

To start with, I’ve entered a whole new world reading Storm Called. It’s one of those creations that you get thrown into a whole new world in just a few pages. One that is filled with magic and politics, and, honestly, it’s one that I can’t wait to read even more of. I mean, it’s a world filled with sassy women and sexy men. Not to mention all of the magic and insanity that follows. The fact that castes exist in this world, and the injustices that exist just make it all that much more intriguing.

Pat’s existence in one of the lowest ‘castes’, whilst part of this fantasy world was also a reminder of the division in our own existence. The elite are elite, and the lowest are assumed to be dumb and useless. It’s something that Pat constantly uses to his advantage, and it makes for a wonderful story. But, man is it a reminder of the division in our own world of race and economy. I loved that Jessica, as the future ruler of her fiefdom is able to recognise the stupidity and injustices in this. And that she wants to do better. I’m hoping that at some point in the Royal States series we get to revisit this couple and see if they’ve held up to their dreams.

I might not be a Texan (or even an American), but I do understand the connection to animals. And I know a few horse people, so I can understand the obsession of this entire nation. The fact that Pat has a beautiful filly that he bonds with, and then his black pony made me really happy. In fact, any story that features animals and their underdog battles is going to make me happy. The romance might technically be between Pat and Jessica, but it’s the bond that forms between Pat and his animals that had my heart really melting.

I absolutely adored this novel – it was fun and easy reading. But, with the caste system and prejudices in place throughout, I also stopped and had a good think about the world around us. This was one of those novels that sunk me into a world that I can’t get enough of. I can’t wait to read more of this series and find out more about this fantastic, unforgettable world that Copperfield has beautifully crafted.

<- More Susan CopperfieldTaken ->

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Halcyon by Demelza Carlton

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Halcyon
Author: Demelza Carlton
Series: Colony: Aqua #1
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: 2016

Thoughts

This was my first ever Demelza Carlton book, even though they’ve been suggested on my shelves for quite a while. And now I’ve put even more of these books on my shelves… because Halcyon was an absolutely amazing story! One that I seriously enjoyed because it was an intriguing journey. A good couple. And fantastic world building. It’s been a while since I’ve read a sci-fi romance, and man did I enjoy this!

Allie is such a sweet and chilled lead character. Or at least, she seems to be until her backstory is revealed. I definitely guessed at what it was a little while before the first overt hint was actually revealed. I love that she chooses a calm, peaceful life when there are obviously a whole heap of other options available. And that she is so calmly in control of herself.

Galen on the other hand was a little too instalove for me. I mean, he decides on Allie pretty much immediately, knowing absolutely nothing about her. Then, when he actually discovers that she’s the one he’s been hunting… he just gives up on his revenge? Something that has driven him his whole life? Without much of a fight? I think this needed a whole lot more angst and difficulty to overcome that little problem in their relationship…

All in all, although I thought Galen needed a little more development throughout this, I did thoroughly enjoy the story. It was a great SciFi romance and one that I would like to read again in the future. I can’t wait to see what else Carlton writes now that I’ve stocked up on some of her books…

<- More Demelza CarltonPoseidon ->

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A Chip on Her Shoulder by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Chip on Her Shoulder
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #15
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

It took me a little bit longer to get through this book than the others in this series. Mostly just because I had a bit of hectic essays going on. But also because I found it a little bit more difficult to connect with Darlene. I mean, she was an absolutely fantastic character, and I still had my laugh out loud moments. But she also wasn’t someone I found much connection with in the grand scheme of things.

I do love that this novel went back in time a little bit. Not only did it give background to the Devil’s marriage, but it also provided some more information on both Kanika and Bailey. Two characters that I really did love. I love that, although there are hints of the world intertwining throughout this series, this is the novel that really highlights it. It’s very cool how everything slots in together so beautifully. And I can’t wait to see how this expands in the future.

Alongside revealing more information about some key characters in this series, this novel also gives more of a background into the whole end of days, battle type theme. I like how although it uses a lot of Christian theories, it’s also incorporating other beliefs and some of its own. The lore that keeps building is brilliant and made me particular happy. I love how all of the threads that have slowly been explained are coming to fruition now.

The level of violence and aggression that Darlene aspires to is kind of brilliant. Probably my favourite part of this whole book is just how feisty she is. There is no apology for being herself and no hints of shame, but there is a whole lot of willingness to mess with the people who have wringed her family. I may not have been able to connect with the leads in this story so much, but I was able to laugh at their banter and antics.

<- Grave HumorThe Flame Game ->

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