Night Broken by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Night Broken
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercedes Thompson #8, Mercy-verse #24
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

This might be a reread, and my first time writing a review, but honestly, no matter how many times I read this, I will think it is amazing and wonderful. Even though I knew what was going to happen, I still couldn’t find it in myself to put this book down at any point while reading this. This is a high-energy, high-intensity story. I love that although Mercy has found her happily ever after with Adam, there are still constant challenges. The more she finds out about her heritage and assumes her role as part of an alpha couple, the more trouble that she runs into. Which is exactly what I love so much about this author, series, and book.

Christie damn well pisses you off from the very beginning of this story. Honestly, there are many moments throughout this that made me want to reach through the pages and smack the pettiness out of this antagonist. Actually, I disliked Christie more than I disliked the actual, dangerous villain. Probably because manipulative, annoying cow is horrible. And the way she tries to play the pack against Mercy to regain her “position”. Yet, I also love how Mercy is able to handle this with poise – I honestly wish that when I’ve come up against Christie-like characters in my own life, I could handle it with as much calm and control as Mercy does. There’s also the fact that Mercy does get her own petty revenge at the very end, which is nowhere near the level of discomfort she went through, but enough to make me smile and smirk.

I love how this story brings in a whole new form of supernatural being to contend with. Because vampires, werewolves, Native American shapeshifters and the ever-elusive fae aren’t enough. Then there’s the villain in this story. And it was truly terrifying in moments (even in a reread). Although, ultimately the villain was vanquished (or beaten), there are lingering aspects of this new form of supernatural in Mercy’s life. And I can’t wait to see how this evolves throughout the series. Night Broken is the last of the books in the Mercyverse that I haven’t read yet, so it’ll be interesting how this will evolve in the future…

Mercy and Adam are still one of my favourite literary couples. They are both feisty and powerful. Yet, even though they are wonderfully independent, they are also incredibly supportive of one another. They are able to see each other’s flaws and love each other in spite of them. The kind of relationship that I love reading about – after all, it’s not realistic to think that you can love someone long term and not ever get annoyed at them. I also love how although Mercy might be constantly fighting to have members of the Pack accept her, because they are important to Adam, they are important to her. And it’s this that makes for some great conflict, both within the social structure of the group, and the epic final battle at the end.

<- Hopcross JillyHollow ->

Image source: Amazon

Overnight Sensation by Sarina Bowen

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Overnight Sensation
Author: Sarina Bowen
Series: Brooklyn Bruisers #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I love that even the name Castro implies a bit of a womaniser / ladies’ man. But, as his story unfolds, and you begin to understand just why he is not really interested in a relationship, it becomes a little less light and funny. Yet, there are still many heart lifting moments throughout this romance, that even with the sad backstory, you’ll still have a smile on your lips throughout the majority of this story.

One of my pet peeves throughout the romance tropes and frustrations is when a character makes decisions for another person. In this case, when Castro just decides for Heidi that she shouldn’t put up with his drama, past, and nonsense. I love that Castro’s friends actually call him on this and remind him that it’s actually not a unilateral decision. There are always two people in a relationship, so they both should have a damn say in how that relationship takes sense.

At the beginning of Brooklynaire, I found Heidi a wee bit too chipper. Probably because that was Bec’s original impression, and it’s written in her point of view. Yet, from the moment she enters the storyline in Overnight Sensation, I was kind of in love. The chipper, bubbly front isn’t everything that she is, although, she is still one of the most optimistic characters I’ve read in a long time.

I love that while Castro is working through his emotions and past, Heidi is going through her own dramas and challenges. And, regardless of what her father and the universe throw at her, she manages to come out on top. She is constantly having some serious obstacles to overcome, and yet she finds a way to not just deal with it, bit to thrive. In fact, I was so damn proud of how much Heidi thrives throughout this tale that I was kind of disappointed attending. I wanted an epic showdown and a reclaiming of independence with her father, instead it was very anticlimactic. But still good enough to read again and again.

<- BountifulSuperfan ->

Image source: Goodreads

Sweep of the Heart by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Sweep of the Heart
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Innkeeper Chronicles #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Love, love, love the Alien Bachelor. I mean, you get introduced to a whole range of different peoples, there is ridiculous drama and it’s just all around fun. I might not be a fan of shows like The Bachelor in real life, but if they were like this with death and aliens… maybe I’d actually have half an interest in actually engaging with such nonsense. Alongside all of this drama, there is also some wonderful more clues to Dina and Caldenia’s pasts and how they ended up where they are.

For starters, I loved finding out more about just how Caldenia managed to end up having so many bounty hunters on her tail. And why she ended up being such a well-known murderess. And, without giving anything away. It was actually kind of sad. I mean, totally not the motivations that I had expected and it made me like this character even more. Which was surprising, because I freaking love Caldenia anyway – she is all sass, pomp and careful manipulations.

Then, you also get to fit another piece of the puzzle into just what happened to Dina’s parents. There are still SO many unanswered questions. And probably actually created a few more unanswered ones if I’m being honest. But, I finally feel like there is progress as to just what is going on in the background of the innkeeper world. The big mysteries continue, making me need to dive in again and again to this series… I’ll just have to continue doing rereads until the next one is published.

Although you do spend the whole time wondering just who from the Alien Bachelor is going to win, you also spend about half of that time wondering just who it is that’s trying to kill the bachelor. My first impressions are often fairly spot on in these instances and I thought I would be able to guess exactly what was going on… I was wrong on literally every single account. I loved that my first impressions were basically universally incorrect, and it makes me want to read this again all that much more. Now that I know the true motivations for characters, I want to see if I can pick up on all of these nuances!

Yet another book that I absolutely loved and can’t wait to read again. I also love that it gave a little bit of closure to the George and Sophie story and gave us a little bit more time with Gaston. I loved these characters in the other Innkeeper books and The Edge series.

<- Sweep with MeMore Ilona Andrews ->

Image source: Amazon

Sweep with Me by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Sweep with Me
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Innkeeper Chronicles #4.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel, Novella
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I really love the whole idea of an innkeeper specific holiday. I mean, most religions have something similar. And then there’s the fact that it falls just after Christmas (which in One Fell Sweep meant quite a bit to Dina). Then there’s the fact that it’s based on the first innkeepers and that the three main individuals who were present at their first lunch managed to be present at Dina’s celebration.

The idea of a warrior, pilgrim and philosopher being in the inn at the same time, some of whom wanted to eat each other was fun. I also loved that this novella also introduced me to a whole slew of new alien peoples. Particularly the Koo-ko (who we get the pleasure of spending time with again in Sweep of the Heart).

I also love that, where at the end of One Fell Sweep, Sean and Dina finally start to take the steps into their new relationship. Then, as this novella unfolds, they start to actually ease into the daily activities and nuances of a relationship. That, and the fact that they are acting as innkeepers together. Sean’s approach was definitely more my speed and happiness.

The illustrations in this just help to expand on the images that parade through my mind. Although, admittedly, when I showed my partner some of the illustrations, he was incredibly confused. Just how I like it.

<- Sweep of the BladeSweep of the Heart ->

Image source: Amazon

Dragon Actually by G.A. Aiken

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Dragon Actually
Author: G.A. Aiken
Series: Dragon Kin #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2004

Thoughts

It took me a little while to actually realise that G.A. Aiken and Shelly Laurenston are one and the same. But, when I did, I dived right into the one Aiken book that I have on my shelves. And boy, I was not disappointed. This was of a totally different flavour to the shapeshifter romances that I’ve read so far, but it was just as good. A little darker, a little less sassy. Just as much fun.

Fearghus and Annwyl are absolutely wonderful characters. You feel connected to both of them from the very beginning. And, honestly, I just loved their names. There was something about the names that gave you hints as to who the characters are, without being painfully obvious. Then you add in their titles which they’ve earnt, and it all just… rolls off the tongue.

I love that as Annwyl is falling in love with Fearghus, she’s falling in love with both aspects of his being. She falls in love with the brain and the wit of her dragon companion, but lust with his human seeming. In fact, it’s that intellectual connection that ends up being the strongest of the relationship and makes you fall in love with this partnership again and again as you turn the pages. Annwyl is also the perfect companion, a fiery, feisty woman in her own right. One who isn’t afraid to go up against a dragon. The blood, gore and fury throughout this story is freaking brilliant. I love how violent the whole tale is, even if it’s primarily a romance. There is just so much fighting. Not only in Annwyl’s fight to claim the crown, but also just in the little squabbles and difficulties along the way. Annwyl’s ability to terrify men and face up to death made me fall seriously in love with her. And then there’s the whole idea of the claiming, it was definitely a painful sounding process, but I love how it worked. And I look forward to seeing how Fearghus’ other siblings go about this process…

<- Chains and FlamesAbout a Dragon ->

Image source: Melrose Public Library

Chains and Flames by G.A. Aiken

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Chains and Flames
Author: G.A. Aiken
Series: Dragon Kin #0.4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2004

Thoughts

Although, chronologically, this novella takes place before Dragon Actually, it is most definitely best read after reading the first novel in this series. It gives a lot more context to the Claiming and also the obsession with chains throughout. Honestly, it just makes the whole storyline that much funnier when you realise how the children of this couple turn out.

I enjoyed Rihannon in Dragon Actually, she was definitely a nutty and off-kilter dragon queen. And her consort, whilst kind of an aggressive idiot, was also a fun character. Reading about their “courtship” just had me falling even more in love with them both. And just this whole series in general.

This whole series so far has been filled with kick ass, strong, fantastic women. And Rihannon is no different. It’s a nice reminder that even those of us who are somewhat volatile and passionate, can find someone who actually admires that strength. I tend to be volatile, this makes me feel a whole lot better about finding someone to put up with my little moments of… let us call them passion.

Although I loved this whole novella, the bit that stuck out the most to me and had me laughing quite a bit towards the end was when it came to what Fearghus and his siblings did to their brothers tail. You hear the story in Dragon Actually, it is SO MUCH funnier in Chains and Flames.

<- Dragon on TopDragon Actually ->

Image source: World Cat

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Bromance Book Club
Author: Lyssa Kay Adams
Series: Bromance Book Club #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I actually read the first book in this series after reading the fifth book, because Christmas. So I did already know that the premise was that there is a Bromance Book Club that helps men to connect with the women in their lives. And, also, just lets men connect in whatever way they need to. It also meant that I already knew I was going to enjoy this because I enjoyed A Very Merry Bromance so much. Having said that, I actually think that I enjoyed this even more. For starters, it was wonderfully refreshing that this is a romance that actually starts in the middle of a marriage. That point when there is no more communication and the two leads are just struggling to figure out how to get back to who they were. Not just as a couple, but to find who they are as individuals as well. Of course, the complications and stressors of children made it all that much more volatile and difficult. I loved reading about not that moment of falling in love, but how you fall back in love with your significant other after life impacts you.

Although you can see how drastically Thea and Gavin could’ve gotten off track, I definitely I felt like Gavin was the one with his head further up his arse. His unwillingness to give up on his marriage is ultimately a good thing, and this stubbornness gives him an edge when others might have given up. But this same stubbornness is kind of what lands him in trouble in the first place – an inability to see past his own hurt and nonsense and actually listen to his wife gets his butt kicked to the curb. I do love though how is friends in the BBC (Bromance Book Club) consistently kick his butt and make him see reality. And that his hurts aren’t all about him, sometimes your hurts bleed over to others and you need to just stop and deal with your shit. In fact, that seems to be the underlying theme of not only this book, but the book they read within the book – backstory is everything and if we understand just what the backstory is, we can understand the hurts of today.

There are a few moments throughout this novel that had me grinning like a damn Cheshire cat – but two stand out in particular. Firstly, the moment when Gavin just yells “Backstory!” at Thea and storms out. Not only is it a great reminder that it took both of them to break up their marriage, but he also has been able to learn what the damn bromance has been pushing at him. Then, there’s the moment where Thea finally manages to regain some of her strength and independence – she not only shuts down the other, horrible women who are attached to the players. But, she also owns her relationship with her husband. “He stutters in bed, and it’s fucking amazing”. Quite possibly one of my favourite mic drop moments that I’ve read in a very long time.

There are so many brilliant moments throughout this novel. Ones that I look forward to revisiting again and again. Not just in Gavin and Thea’s romance. But also in Courting his Countess, the novel that Gavin is actually reading. I love that it looks like Adams has actually written this in entirety, because honestly, that’s a book that I actually want to read as well…

<- More Lyssa Kay AdamsUndercover Bromance ->

Image source: Goodreads

Wicked Ways by Cynthia Eden

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Wicked Ways
Author: Cynthia Eden
In: When He Was Bad (Shelly Laurenston & Cynthia Eden)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Year: 2008

Thoughts

It’s always interesting to see how a story will drop you right into the action. In the case of Wicked Ways, this novella starts off with a date gone wonderfully, horrifyingly wrong. Like, seriously bad. But then, because it’s paranormal romance, it gets better and better. Leaving you with a smile on your face and a bit of a spring in your step. I absolutely loved reading this and it’s definitely moved some of my Cynthia Eden books to the top of my TBR priority… until the next amazing story that I read.

I love that as Miranda starts to fall for a shifter man, she is able to accept all of him. There is no gentleness in his Otherness, and she is able to take that on board and just… enjoy his company. I’m all for love stories that involve completely accepting your other half for all of their flaws. Miranda just takes that a step further as she accepts him for all of his… claws.

This novella is a great romantic suspense, with shapeshifters and vampires thrown in. At it’s heart, it’s really a story of two people falling in love as they hunt down a serial killer and sociopath (or is it a psychopath, I get my paths mixed up). The fact that the killer is a vampire and the man hunting him is a cat shapeshifter adds to the drama, blood and adrenaline. But, it’s still a pretty simple and fun romantic suspense novella.

Wicked Ways is yummy and fun. It was a wonderful novella that I thoroughly enjoyed for the steaminess and action. I definitely loved the drama and look forward to more of this in the future of my Cynthia Eden reading.

<- Miss CongenialityWhen He Was Bad ->

Image source: Goodreads

Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Wed or Dead
Author: Cynthia Eden
In: Howl For It (Shelly Laurenston & Cynthia Eden)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I’ve read a Cynthia Eden story before, a little while ago. But just the one, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect with this novella. Likewise, after reading the blurb for this tale, I thought I had an inkling of what I was going to enter into. None of these things prepared me for the story I got. And it was completely epic for that fact. I seriously loved this and had a great time reading through this novella.

There is a whole lot of betrayal and treachery throughout this story. The turns and the deceits happened so quickly that I got to a point I was expecting it with each turn of the page. I most definitely had a beating heart throughout this tale. And it most definitely made my poor heart hurt for both Gage and Kayla – they so obviously care for one another, but are also constantly thrown into the path of some seriously horrible drama.

Gage and Kayla work wonderfully as a couple, although Gage does spend most of this story underestimating her, and then getting his butt kicked. I love that Kayla is able to go toe to toe with Gage in every moment that he underestimates her. It made me smile and laugh. I love a strong woman who is able to stand up for herself and take people to task for underestimating them.

To add to the drama and heartbreak throughout this story, there is Kayla’s brother and the past trauma that they both experienced. You spend the whole time hoping that Kayla and Gage find their happily ever after, but also hoping that Kayla is able to find that with her own brother. And the two seem to be mutually exclusive conditions…

<- Like a Wolf with a BoneHowl For It ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: We Bought a Zoo
Author: Benjamin Mee
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: BBC, Book to Film, Memoirs, Nature
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2008

Thoughts

I bought this because I genuinely loved the movie, and I was intrigued when I found out that the true story movie was actually based on a book. It was good to see that, although starkly different from the movie, this was just as enjoyable. I actually found that once I dug into it, I really couldn’t put it down. Seriously fun and most definitely an enjoyable, thought-provoking journey that Benjamin Mee takes you on.

If you’ve seen the movie, there are some pretty stark differences to the movie (and I’d now be interested in seeing the BBC mini-series). For starters, buying the zoo and getting it up and running wasn’t just some hair-brained scheme from Benjamin, in fact it was the whole family. He is just featured so heavily because he was the journalist with a gift for writing. I love that it’s Benjamin, his sister and two of his three brothers who act in support of their mother in running this as a team. They all had their own roles and responsibilities, working as a seriously wonderful team.

I was also surprised that the children didn’t feature in this so strongly, rather they are kind of peripheral. You can tell from Benjamin’s writing that they feature heavily in his own thoughts and life. Particularly when he talks about the difficulties of having his wife pass, but they don’t feature in this memoir. I kind of respected and liked that. After all, it made it feel like his family life was actually quite private and separate from his publicity. And sharing this in a book removes that privacy.

Although this whole book is overall a chronological tale, each chapter does have it’s own theme. There’s some overlap between the timelines, but I really loved how it was separated. Each chapter gave you closure and acted as it’s own story in and of itself. It gave a story that I would have loved anyway a whole new level of cohesiveness. And I’ll definitely be reading this again, I just enjoyed it that much.

I loved this novel and look forward to reading it again. Not only was it a fascinating journey, but it was also well written. I also thoroughly enjoyed the insight it gave into the machinations of running a zoo. Whilst I knew that there was a lot to it, there were so many more intricacies that I was really surprised by.

<- Black SaturdayThe Beekeeper of Sinjar ->

Image source: Publishers Weekly