Love in Deed by L.B. Dunbar

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Love in Deed
Author: L.B. Dunbar, SmartyPants Romance
Series: Green Valley Library #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Bev and Jedd, with their future romance and it’s place in the SmartyPants Romance world was touched upon in Love in Due Time. So I’ve kind of been intrigued to see how it would unfold. Having said that, Bev wasn’t exactly the kind of heroine that I was chomping at the bit to read about. But then you finally get to their story. And you know what? Whilst I didn’t still fall completely in love with Bev, her story is heartbreaking and you can begin to understand just why she acts the way she does. Although this story doesn’t necessarily feature my favourite characters, it actually is some of my favourite growth of characters.

Bev’s bitterness, whilst limiting and kind of horrible, is also amazing. I knew that it would be a bit more difficult to read (there’s a bit of a note in the front from the author, and things are hinted at it Love in Due Time). I really wasn’t expecting the depth of abuse and nastiness though. But, again, it was actually Bev’s growth that I loved the most. She finally begins to come to terms with her past decisions and actions and takes back her own life. The nasty and bitter cycles that she’s fallen into pretty much just fall away and she finds her inner strength again. It was also fun contrasting the current Bev to the Bev that Jedd remembers – how that backbone and steel spine have always been there and it just takes a bit of a push for her to find it.

For me, this story was mostly about Bev and her growth, the fact that she falls in love on the wayside is just a nice bonus. And I really loved the fact that Jedd’s presence is the catalyst for her change, not the cause. As much as I’m a big believer in love, I don’t enjoy the idea that it takes love to actually fix us. That’s a personal journey and a personal decision, but love can be a great catalyst. Jedd’s constant pushing is a great catalyst and it made me appreciate all of the character dynamics in this even more. It was most definitely beautiful.

I don’t read many contemporary romances (or, for that matter, many books) that have differently abled leads. I love that this is a romance that feature two differently abled individuals. Ones who have to overcome the change in their circumstances to move forward with their lives. And, at the beginning you have someone who is still dwelling on the past which has led to her restrictions, and one man who has just embraced it and decided to move forward and embrace life. Sure, there’s been a process for both of them, but I love how people’s first impressions of them are not glossed over and ignored. Rather, it is acknowledging that people will jump to conclusions and that’s on them, not the person they are judging.

This is a fantastic romance that has a whole lot of character growth. Dunbar brilliantly works with her characters in this story to give a textured tale that I look forward to reading again and again. On every rereading, I feel that I will appreciate the phenomenal characterisation on a whole other level. Something that wonderful authors are able to do.

<- Carpentry and CocktailsDewey Belong Together ->

Image source: Amazon

No Whisk No Reward by Ellie Kay

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: No Whisk No Reward
Author: Ellie Kay, SmartyPants Romance
Series: Donner Bakery #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I thought that Joel and Sophie were a really lovely couple, although there is definitely the instant attraction moment for them, there is also a nice, slow build of their relationship. It’s the way that they slowly get to know one another that I truly enjoyed and found kind of adorable. I mean, the attraction and yumminess in their relationship is brilliant, but I love how they get to know one another slowly.

Although the relationship is built on Joel and Sophie slowly getting to know one another, there Meet Cute is incredibly, well, cute. Not only is it because Sophie has an accident (and is also the reason that she ends up stuck in Green Valley for a little while), but it’s also Sophie’s reactions to their first meeting. I mean, who wouldn’t worry that the tall, handsome stranger walking towards you on an abandoned road isn’t a serial killer? It would definitely be one of the first thoughts that crossed my mind.

In fact, all of Sophie’s inner dialogue throughout this had me smiling and laughing out loud. It sounded a little bit too close to my own at times, the rambling, the disjointed-ness and the sheer humour of her inner cynic. Plus, interwoven throughout all of this was the many different bits of yummy food. Food that made me constantly want to go and bake while reading this – I didn’t, because I also didn’t want to put my book down.

I used to watch some of those competition cooking shows – not many, but a few. And I never really thought about what happened to those who flamed out. I mean, they’ve done it on national tv, so surely there’s going to be ramifications. But I never really thought all that much about it. No Whisk No Reward actually made me consider what, not only the social and job-related ramifications can be, but also just how that impacts the psychological health and wellbeing of the individual too. It was a really nice moment towards the end when Sophie finds a way to move beyond this.

Although Sophie and Joel’s romance is a Green Valley story, I love that it wasn’t about a couple that was ever going to stay. Rather, it was a moment in time for them that they’ll always remember, but they decide to move on to the next steps in life. A lot of familiar, wonderful faces to while away the time, but also a nice reminder that sometimes small town romances aren’t about stagnating in a small town.

<- More SmartyPants RomanceDough You Love Me? ->

Image source: Amazon

Last Guard by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Last Guard
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

The role of Anchors in the Psy-Net are briefly touched upon in Bonds of Justice, but then that was kind of it. It may be MUCH later in the series, it was nice to find out a whole lot more about this designation. Every time I pick up a new book by Singh set in this world, a whole new layer of discovery is opened to me. And I am loving every minute of it. The nuances of the Anchor designation was kind of unexpected, and most definitely fun. I found the description of their experiences on the mental plane to be oddly beautiful, probably one of the easiest moments in the series thus far for me to picture in my mind’s eye.

Aside from the expansion on the Anchors, I also loved how the Mercant clan is being expanded upon. Particularly because Canto is absolutely awesome. He is one of the few Psy to have a physical disability (actually one of the few in the whole series), but he is also whip-smart and driven. The background of how he was bought into the family fold and what he went through as a child was even better. Especially when you realise that the person who wreaks revenge on those who wronged him is not who you expected. So many more characters and layers to get to know there.

The Raos contrastingly were not a family that I necessarily loved getting to know – or loved to hate getting to know them. I mean, they have been a peripheral power player throughout the series. But getting to know the psychopaths? It was kind of scary, but also amazing. I kind of wondered if the Architect came from this stock earlier in this Psy-Changeling Trinity, but now that it’s clear she doesn’t… I’ll have to continue guessing and trying to figure out just who they are. I feel sure we’ve already heard mention of them or met them… Maybe it’s Tatiana? Though surely Kaleb would have an inkling of that… but I digress. Back to the awesomeness of Last Guard.

I love that for all of the drama and battles that Payal has to face, ultimately her loyalty and care is actually rewarded at the end of this story. She overcomes a heck of a lot throughout this story. But the fact that at the final hour of fear, her kindness and wonderful behaviour are what helps her to survive. That, and the fact that Canto and Payal are now this incredibly scary power couple, everything had a nice karmic ending. At  least for some of the characters, for others, well, it’s clear that the story is just beginning.

It was intriguing to see how the PsyNet is continuing to unravel and the many ways that their livelihoods are being threatened. This is definitely a very psy-heavy book and series at the moment, but man do I love it. And now I can’t wait to pull out Storm Echo and disappear down this happy little rabbit hole all over again.

<- Alpha NightStorm Echo ->

Image source: Amazon

Alpha Night by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Alpha Night
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

For all of the different types of romance throughout the Psy-Changeling books, this is the first love / mated at first sight story. And I absolutely loved it. Ethan and Selenka are a wonderful couple. They’re just so damn cute and fantastic together. And I love how it’s a story of understanding that they’re meant for each other, but they also need to learn how to get to know one another.

Yet, like all of the books in this big, wonderful, epic series, this novel isn’t just about the romance. The death of a packmate and the threat of Blaise all make this a heart thumping, can’t put down kind of read. You kind of guess whereon of the threats to the wolf pack comes from. But you also need that confirmation, Singh can throw in some curveballs.

Another wonderful curve all thrown into Alpha Night is the unravelling of Ethan’s powers. You understand that he (most probably) won’t die, but that threat seriously messes with you. The moment you find out more about his power all of those hints that Singh has thrown in start to make total sense. I look forward to my reread and all of the hints and moments being even more obvious and findable.

The brutalities of changeling law, Arrow training and the particular brutalities of Ethan’s past all combine beautifully in this novel. I love how both changeling and arrow law dovetail nicely together. Which, obviously makes Ethan (like Sienna) the perfect mate for a wolf alpha. The fact that Memory and Alexei also have their own significant moments in this further connects this world happily.

The overarching villain of this series is most definitely the Architect. I love all of the hints and clues that are peppered throughout this novel. I spent a lot of time trying to put together some of these clues and figure out just who she (I’m of the belief that it’s a she) is…. must keep reading to see how this all unfolds!!!

<- Wolf RainLast Guard ->

Image source: Amazon

Crux by Moira Rogers

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Crux
Author: Moira Rogers
Series: Southern Arcana #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2009

Thoughts

I read Zola’s Pride many years ago, and I kept meaning to actually get into Crux. But, mostly I didn’t actually have a copy of it to read and it kind of fell to the wayside. And then I finally picked it up. And it is wonderful and amazing. The biggest downfall of how much I enjoyed this is the fact that I now have to wait until Crossroads comes off of Kindle Unlimited and lets me buy it in Kobo…

This was a wonderful and brilliant introduction to a paranormal romance world. And just a really nice romance in general. I mean, although Mackenzie and Jackson are obviously attracted to one another immediately, they spend most of this story trying to solve the crimes and fight the bad guy. And it turns out he’s a pretty scary bad guy. I’m not actually sure how they’re going to top this villain in the next Southern Arcana novel.

I seriously enjoyed Jackson – he’s one of my more recent favourite male leaders. He is wonderfully yummy and has that nice protective streak that I find so attractive. But, he is also happy to let Mackenzie be her own woman and stand on her own two feet. He is content to protect from the shadows and act as a support in some circumstances, instead of just taking control (even when he wants to), and taking over. I loved this balance, and it’s one I wish we saw more of in the protective males that are written in a lot of the romances that I enjoy.

Mackenzie’s journey is actually pretty intense throughout this. Not only does she have a whole discovery of a paranormal world to go through. And a man to fall in love with. But she also has to find out a lot about her tragic past, whilst dealing with a psychotic and neurotic man intent on turning her into breeding stock. Just one of these moments would be pretty intense, but all of them? Well, I’d be running for the hills… or sitting in the corner, rocking back and forth, chewing my hair…

I have a feeling that although Mackenzie and Jackson were able to triumph over the Big Evil (with plenty of help), there’s going to be some pretty potent repercussions to their actions. I’m fully imagining that the next books will reveal some crazy, secret cabal or underground society of paranormals just waiting to wreak havoc upon the next lucky couple in this series…

<- More Moira RogersCrossroads ->

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The Staff of Serapis by Rick Riordan

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Staff of Serapis
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Kane Chronicles Crossover #2, Camp Half-Blood Chronicles #7
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Egyptian mythology, Greek mythology, Mythology, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I thought that Carter and Percy teaming up in The Son of Sobek was a wonderful moment that I thoroughly enjoyed. But I didn’t account for how amazing the teamwork of Annabeth and Sadie would be. Particularly their dialogue and interactions with one another. I mean, both are fiercely intelligent and independent young women, so their sass, wit and awesomeness left me feeling ridiculously happy.

This was a fantastic novella (aren’t they all by Riordan?) that made me want to dive right back into my collection all over again. I have that many other books to read at the moment that I probably shouldn’t… but man it is tempting after reading yet another wonderful story by this master craftsman.

I love that both The Staff of Serapis and The Son of Sobek are about the two counterparts of the duos meeting and fighting together. But it is ultimately about the great battle that we are about to enjoy in The Crown of Ptolemy. This mixing of Egyptian and Greek mythology alone is wonderful, but the fact that it’s about to end in an epic battle? I’m very, very excited.

<- The Son of SobekThe Crown of Ptolemy ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

The Son of Sobek by Rick Riordan

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Son of Sobek
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Kane Chronicles Crossover #1, Camp Half-Blood Chronicles #6
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Egyptian mythology, Greek mythology, Mythology, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This is a very quick and easy read – maybe 90 pages. Since I haven’t read anything by Rick Riordan in quite a while, it was a wonderful return to his world. One that makes me want to pick up all of his books and do a reread… which I don’t exactly have time for, because there are also thousands of books I’ve never read yet…

I love that this is a story about Percy Jackson, but from Carter’s POV. It’s intriguing to see a Greek demigod through the lens of an Egyptian wizard. Also, the lunacy of just how quickly Percy is able to throw himself into situations is beautifully highlighted. Actually, the lunacy of any of the demigod battles is kind of highlighted. And its pretty damn humorous. Like I said, enough to make me want to jump into this world all over again.

This is literally one little chapter, one battle. But, it’s got hints of more dramas and stories to unfold in the future. Ones that I’m seriously looking forward to reading.

<- The Last OlympianThe Staff of Serapis ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

The Vintner’s Vixen by Rebecca Norinne & Jamaila Brinkley

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Vintner’s Vixen
Author: Rebecca Norinne & Jamaila Brinkley
Series: River Hill #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This fun little contemporary romance might actually have one of my favourite Meet Cutes ever. It’s a little bit horrific, but also a really fun way to dive into this world. I mean, getting off on the wrong foot is one thing – meeting because literally millions of dollars worth of priceless vines have been mistakenly ripped out? A whole other level of awkward and wonderful in their meeting. The fact that neither lead is actually at fault for this moment, but it occurs through the sheer stupidity of others just makes it all that much better.

Normally I feel like male romantic leads are a little bit balanced with some of their behaviours. Noah on the other hand is a full knob. I mean, he manages to just edge on the side of not completely pissing you off, but it’s a damn close thing. You can understand why there are some difficulties between the couple to begin with – and even sympathise with him. Then, in the second half of this book, there’s not really any sensical reason for his behaviour, and it did make it a little bit harder to relate to him. Luckily, he starts to try and fix his behaviour just as you’re about to throw in the towel on this relationship. I actually was at a point where I was almost excited at the idea of Angela NOT ending up with him.

Angela on the other hand is incredibly lovely and bubbly. Some of the comments that she’s received from others in Hollywood actually reminded me quite a bit of reading Busy Philips’ biography. The “curvy best friend trope” that still needs to lose weight. Honestly, I could spend this whole review just writing about how well Norinne & Brinkley approach the different body types conversation. Angela is able to show a complete love and acceptance for her own body. And I love that past her seemingly ditzy outer shell, she is able to carve out exactly the life she wants with a spine of pure steel.

Although Noah might have really bothered me, and I did have moments when I didn’t actually want Angela and Noah to end up together, because I seriously loved Angela, this was a really nice romance. It flirted that line of frustration without quite going over the line. Having said that, I did want a  little bit more grovelling from Noah. Angela is most definitely a whole lot more understanding and kind than I would be! Now I just can’t wait to read more romances in this small town.

<- More Rebecca NorinneThe Distiller’s Darling ->

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Jock Rule by Sara Ney

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Jock Rule
Author: Sara Ney
Series: Jock Hard #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Jock Row was a wonderfully sweet and easy read. A nice, quick one to while away a few hours. Which, of course meant I was hoping for the exact same thing when I decided to read Jock Rule. And I wasn’t disappointed. This was a fun, light and incredibly sweet read. A few little hurdles along the way, but almost none – just the kind of romance that I need to read every now and then.

I thought Kip was the most wonderfully, dreamily abrasive man I have read about in a long time. Alright, a lot of it is a shield and something he’s using to try and keep people at arm’s length. But, I love that a lot of it is also just his personality. I also just love how his nickname is Sasquatch and he is considerably large and intimidating. Definitely a character that I want more of. Abrasively honest, but also grudgingly caring, particularly when he starts to realise that he has feelings for Teddy.

Teddy is a nice counterpoint to Kip’s gruffness. She is incredibly sweet, and struggles a little to stand up for herself at moments throughout this story. Having said that, for all that I enjoyed her sweetness, my favourite moment was definitely when she finally stood up for herself with Mariah. For much of this storyline, she is aware that her “best friend” is just not treating her properly. But, when she finally calls her on it and just realises that she honestly doesn’t care enough to engage in the nonsense? Beautiful. Also a little reminiscent of my own growing a few years ago…

Kip’s sister Ronnie has got to be one of my favourite wing women. She is hilarious and witty, sassy to a fault and takes great pleasure in aggravating other people. The way these two relate is such a beautiful, healthy sibling relationship. And realistic, they’re not exactly subtle with each other, and not afraid to aggravate one another in their honesty. I particularly love how she fits into the epilogue. It had me giggling out loud as these wonderful characters rode off into their happily ever after.

This was such a great, but admittedly quick story. Not only is it about Teddy growing up and finding her own feet in a new adult world, but it’s also a very quick falling in love. Although, I did enjoy the fact that this is based on banter and a friendship rather than just being insta-lust and insta-love. I definitely can’t wait to read more of this series when I need a nice, sweet and happy diversion.

<- Jock RowJock Road ->

Image source: Amazon

Miss Congeniality by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Miss Congeniality
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #0.75
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

Irene was a great character to be introduced to in In A Badger Way, she is clinical and terrifyingly brilliant. But you can tell that she actually cares about others, she’s just completely unable to show to, well, anyone. The fact that she has her own novella about falling in love decades before… it was even better than I imagined. Wonderful, funny and kind of sweet. A perfect novella.

As expected, Irene is all sass and attitude. Some of it is just pure personality, but some of it is the fact that she’s pretty protective of her feelings. And, you know, there are apparently multiple government agencies spying on her and watching her every move… all of this just meant that even as Irene falls in love with Niall, she is still sassy and feisty and everything I love in the character.

The wedding that finishes out this story is kind of perfect. I mean, it’s always nice to skip forward a little bit so that you can see how the couple ends up. But the fact that Irene genuinely forgets that its even her wedding day and cares not at all about it, was brilliant. It also pulled in the Jean-Louis Parkers into the story. And how that clan of terrifying geniuses had their beginnings too…

All in all, this was a wonderful novella. And I can’t wait to see what happens next in this story. Definitely a strong argument for continuing to fill my ereader with books by Shelly Laurenston.

<- Like a Wolf with a BoneChristmas Pride ->

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