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 ->

Image source: Mighty Ape

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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Grave Humor by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Grave Humor
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #14
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 was only halfway through this novel that I pieced together Anwen’s role in the greater magical world. I guessed that she wasn’t quite what one would expect (herself included) but didn’t get very far beyond that. Which meant, that when the pieces started to fall into place, I was somewhat surprised. And incredibly happy at Blain’s beautiful crafting of a story.

Like Anwen, Eoghan wasn’t quite what I expected. When you first meet him, he seems a lot rougher and more arrogant. Also, a little on the evil side. Then, you realise it was all an act and he’s far more docile than anticipated. I particularly love that he is one of the three aspects of death and plays a fairly crucial role in the world as we know it.

Grave Humour is a fun and very, very slow burn romance. It is possibly one of the slower burn romances that I’ve read. To the point that there was actually no physical intimacy throughout the whole story. Normally I enjoy that moment of the first kiss, but this change of pace and expectations was kind of brilliant. It gave a sweetness to a story that involved a lot of conversations about death.

I really enjoy that, as the series is unfolding, more and more lore and history is revealed. Of particular interest within that idea is the whole End of Days saga. Death is just another aspect of this construction. Its a nice reminder that in every ending there is a new beginning. Plus, there’s also a ridiculously wonderful amount of grave / dark humour throughout.

<- Double TroubleA Chip on Her Shoulder ->

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Double Trouble by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Double Trouble
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #13
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

When I read the blurb from this book, I had a bit of an idea of what I thought I should expect from this novel. And it turned out that the reality was nothing like what I anticipated. Which was fantastic, because I like being surprised, and this was way better than what was in my imagination. Which is probably why I keep just inhaling R.J. Blain’s Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body count) series. They’re funny, brilliant and often nothing like what I expect.

Layla’s history was one of those mysteries that is slowly unravelled throughout the novel. I loved finding out bits and pieces of her history. The fact that this also led to some wonderful revenge when all of the truth came out was fantastic. It added another layer to this world that Blain has wonderfully built. And gave me a new insight into the different species that dance around the pages of this series. I kind of loved that, alongside Layla’s history, there is a whole lot of information about unicorns. They’re most definitely not the innocent paragons of virtue that I expected. They’re much more sex fiendish and happy to cause chaos – which I’d honestly rather.

Both of Xena and Dean (the unicorns within this story) are freaking hilarious. You have Xena on the one hand who is determined to take over the world. All of her antics made me smile and giggle, plus, she’s just trouble walking. Honestly, just a story on her would’ve made me happy. But, then you add in Dean. He is just wonderfully determined and set on his future wife. I’m not entirely sure just how he settled on Layla so quickly, it wasn’t quite an instalove idea, but something akin to it. But, I love how he is just… content to keep working at his chosen wife whether anyone else likes it or not.

There was so much that I loved about this story, but I think that one of my favourite aspects is just Layla’s willingness to stab anyone. With anything she can get her hands on. I’m not entirely sure how a handbag can be turned into a shiv, but I loved reading about her trying to do so. She is so damn aggressive and violent, yet innocent and sweet. I may have closed my eyes with laughter every time Layla tried to shiv someone if I’m being honest…

<- Burn, Baby, BurnGrave Humor ->

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Burn, Baby, Burn by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Burn, Baby, Burn
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #12
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: 2019

Thoughts

I find very little interconnectedness between the Magical Romantic Comedy characters. Which meant that I was incredibly excited to revisit the original couple within this series – Bailey and Quinn. Particularly since a lot of their story was a little bit open ended. And yes, this story also has a few unanswered questions at the end. But there’s another Bailey and Quinn story to come!

Although I love Bailey and Quinn as a couple, I also loved that they actually spent most of this storyline apart. It gave them both a chance to continue growing independently of one another. It also allowed for both the ‘Perkys’ to shine as the best friends of the leads. In particular, I loved Perky’s wife and her mad scientist ways. The fact that she spends this entire story out to corrupt Bailey just had me giggling out loud. A great literary best friend, but one that would terrify me in real life…

Finally, finally, Bailey’s heritage is actually revealed in this novel. It was definitely left as a big question mark at the end of the first novel. So, I was over the moon to actually discover the answer to that lingering query. It definitely made me love her even more. And wonder how her powers are going to develop. After all, you get the feeling that she’s just scratched the surface.

Both Bailey and Quinn seem to spend the majority if their time in this rescuing strays. Bailey rescuing animals from dumpsters. Quinn children from tragic circumstances. I also love that Bailey is incredibly gun ho about fighting to have the children. And the animals. And just in general, happy to fight everyone she possibly can.

<- Cheetahs Never WinDouble Trouble ->

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