Tag Archives: Arizona Tape

Love for the Holidays by Arizona Tape

January 23, 2025Book ReviewArizona Tape, Christmas, Contemporary romance, LGBTQI, Rainbow Centralskyebjenner

Title: Love for the Holidays
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: Rainbow Central #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, LGBTQI
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

This was such a great, beautiful and seriously cute sapphic romance. It was that gorgeous roommates to friends to lovers storyline. And I love how Ivy and Frances spend the entirety of this story getting to truly know one another and support each other. Honestly, for me, the romance took a step back from the relationship building. I absolutely adored this couple and how they manage to chase away the hurts of the past around Christmas time. As with everything I’ve read by Arizona Tape, this story was fun, light and made me fall more and more deeply in love with every passage.

Although Ivy starts this story consistently stating that she’s straight, this story isn’t really about her “coming out”. Honestly, it’s such a non-issue that you almost miss the moment. Rather, this story is very much about two women falling in love with each other through support and mutual desires. Honestly, the entirety of this romance is so refreshingly drama free. The only angst for both Ivy and Frances is that they aren’t sure how to show their roommate that they want more. And they don’t quite know how to make a move.

Where Ivy is all bright light and intensity, Frances is a little more subdued. I actually really enjoyed reading about her falling for Ivy. It’s such a gentle falling based on mutual support and kindness. These two girls are honestly total relationship goals. They are supportive and kind. And their entire friendship turned relationship ends up being based on mutual respect and non-judgement for each other. Plus, I thought that Ivy’s best friend, Jenna, would kick up a bit of a fuss at their relationship. But, like everyone in this story, she is all support and love. Honestly, I wish all social circles were capable of this kind of support and kindness.

Both Ivy and Frances have difficulties with family that is seriously triggered by the holidays and Christmas. They might be on different ends of the spectrum of family closeness in this, but I love how Love for the Holidays drives home that this time of year, whilst enjoyable, can also be difficult. Even in the moments that we are enjoying time with our family, it can still be tough to figure out how to negotiate the whole myriad of feelings. Ivy and Frances both did this beautifully, and it came as a welcome breath of fresh air and joy for a holiday season that I’m going to find difficult myself.

<- More Arizona Tape

Please Be My Love ->

Image source: I Heart Sapphfic

The Dragon Lantern by Arizona Tape

October 20, 2024Book ReviewArizona Tape, Easy Reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, The Griffin Sanctuaryskyebjenner

Title: The Dragon Lantern
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

I love that as this series unfolds, the slow-burn romance between Charlotte and Felicity slowly becomes more and more serious. They are testing the waters and finding their way. And honestly, it is all just too cute and sweet. Plus, then there’s the fact that they are both animal obsessed and working for the same sanctuary. With every story, I fall more and more in love with this couple and the world that they inhabit.

World building is always an bit of a sticking point with me for a great series. And I loved that Tape expanded on the world of Griffin Sanctuary with Charlotte’s visit to another sanctuary. The differences were brilliant, and, honestly, I love the idea of a network of paranormal sanctuaries and the different animals that they specialize in. Plus, it showed entirely different interpersonal dynamics between those who choose to work at such places.

As someone who studied environmental biology, I particularly appreciated the work and studies that go into finding out the reasons for different appendages and practices in animals. I love that, in The Dragon Lantern, it is the ‘lanterns’ on dragons which are focused upon, and their use. I love that there are a number of different theories given and provided. I spent a lot of this story focusing on the why and the how, and trying to figure out potential answers along with Charlotte and her colleagues.

Throughout this series thus far, there has been the overwhelming threat of the end of the internships and continuation of employment. Even though it is a given from fairly early on that Charlotte has a more long-term placement (due to being an apprentice vet), it was still a concern as to who would be able to come back. I love that not everyone that features in Charlotte’s life is due to return (because that would be unrealistic), but some are. It’s a nice testament to the continuation of and reality of this series. One I can’t wait to continue reading.

<- The Kitsune Giggle

The Sphinx Pride ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Kitsune Giggle by Arizona Tape

June 13, 2024Book ReviewArizona Tape, Easy Reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal Fantasy, The Griffin Sanctuary, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: The Kitsune Giggle
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

There is something so cute about the idea of kitsune – I seem to be finding them a little bit in the stories that I’ve been reading lately. And, I honestly just love them. Which, of course, meant that I was incredibly keen to dive into a book that was about kitsune and their habits. Or at least, kitsune in the world of Tape. The fact that the kitsune in this is really lonely and needs to find a companion was even better. Plus, then there’s Charlotte, Felicity and all of their friends as they negotiate life working in a sanctuary.

As with all of the books in the Griffin Sanctuary series, I love the amount of detail that Tape uses to create the paranormal creatures which Charlotte takes care of. Taking a kitsune, which is recognisable in folklore, and creating a totally relatable canine that you just want to hug is very cleverly done. I love that this little fox pulls at your heart strings from the very beginning. And, along with Charlotte, you constantly want her to find her happily ever after and companion that she truly needs.

I’m a big lover of pets and loving anything furry that will let me. However, I’ve never been okay with the exotic pet trade. And this story is a bit of a reminder why – the kitsune featured in this was a pet, and therefore unable to thrive in the wild. So, when her two fellow kitsune were released, she was left alone and started to self harm. I mean, this is a really sweet and good read – so it meant that there was a happily ever after for the kitsune. But, it was still a reminder of the damage that the exotic pet trade can have on an individual animal – some animals just aren’t meant to be caged.

As with everything set in this world, I absolutely adored The Kitsune Giggle. Not only did I love getting to know the kitsune’s and the process for finding a companion animal. But I also loved how Charlotte and Felicity took a further step in their relationship. How Charlotte is trying to make inroads to forming a relationship with her fellow apprentices – and the obstacles to that. And just, generally the entirety of this story. A very pleasant read after a difficult day.

<- The Phoenix Nest

The Dragon Lantern ->

Image source: Kobo

The Phoenix Nest by Arizona Tape

June 12, 2024Book ReviewArizona Tape, Easy Reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal Fantasy, The Griffin Sanctuary, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: The Phoenix Nest
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Charlotte has been an amazing character from her very first appearance in The Unicorn Herd. It was fun to see how she begins to get on in her apprenticeship and learn more about the many paranormal animals that she gets to take care of. Plus, there’s also her relationship that she gets to try and figure out and negotiate – something I’m seriously enjoying alongside all of the fun animals.

I might not be someone who is completely in love with chickens – but I did love the phoenixes! They are incredibly derpy and silly. I mean, who wouldn’t love a pair of large, flammable dopes running around? I spent a lot of this story just laughing, at the two phoenixes. To the point that my family and dogs edged away from me – I mean, they were completely hilarious.

I love that the story of the phoenixes and their breeding program is constantly questioning where the line is with sanctuaries and breeding. I mean, it’s a hard one – yes, breeding programs can save a species. But, by breeding in captivity and not being able to release the individuals, are we really doing something positive? There are no straight answers to this question, but it was a good way to provide an example of all of the grey areas.

I did feel really bad for the male phoenix in this. Although there were so many wonderful and thoughtful moments throughout this, there was a bit of a sad ending. But, it did end with babies and some joy, so it wasn’t all bad. Now I can’t wait to find out more about the kitsunes in The Kitsune Giggle.

<- The Unicorn Herd

The Kitsune Giggle ->

Image source: Kobo

The Unicorn Herd by Arizona Tape

April 4, 2024Book ReviewArizona Tape, Easy Reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal Fantasy, The Griffin Sanctuary, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: The Unicorn Herd
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

I honestly just read this because I’m going through the alphabet when I’m picking books at the moment (I have no idea why). So, of the “U” books, this one looked like the most fun (and I’ve enjoyed my forays into Tape’s writing before). And wow, am I glad that I picked this story. It was a great read, and the premise of being a keeper at a paranormal zoo – I seriously need more! I honestly couldn’t put this down, not just for the joy of meeting the different characters, but I loved the day to day reality of being an apprentice zookeeper.

As I was reading this, I was really worried that this was going to be a series that follows a different couple each book – I hadn’t really read much about the series overall. And, I’m glad to say that that’s not the case. Rather, at the conclusion of this, Charlotte is poised to continue her awesome work and continuing to make the relationships that I really enjoyed throughout. Plus, there are more animals to discover and fall in love with.

Although I primarily fixated on the animals in this story, because I’m animal obsessed, I also loved the development of the characters. I love that when Charlotte’s love interest reveals that she is interested, she reminds Charlotte to not just make assumptions. We’re all guilty of it, and I loved that gentle way that Charlotte is reminded to stop and think about what she is assuming. And how both the women are able to build themselves up together, even if they have a bit of a rougher start to their relationship.

The Unicorn Herd was a beautiful story and one that left me feeling content and happy after I finished the final page. It was a fairly quick and easy read, but that’s sometimes all that you need. And I’m glad that I had the privilege of diving into this world. Being swept away in the fantastic world building of Tape and just finding yet another enjoyable series to leave on my TBR.

<- The Fairy Festival

The Phoenix Nest ->

Image source: Amazon

The Griffin Mission by Arizona Tape

April 3, 2024Book ReviewArizona Tape, Easy Reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal Fantasy, The Griffin Sanctuary, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: The Griffin Mission
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

This was a very short and easy read, one that told the tale of how the Griffin Sanctuary came about. The founders, Ella and Starlise were introduced to my knowledge in The Unicorn Herd (because I read this first), so it was fun to see how they fell for each other and created the sanctuary. Plus, there is some massive fangirling about the couple and their dedication to animals in The Unicorn Herd, so I kind of liked reading about the very beginning of all of this.

The Griffin Mission also gave more context to the world building of the Griffin Sanctuary. I thought it was a world that was nestled just beneath our own and existed side by side – because most of the fantasy genred books I read tend to do this. Instead, it’s actually based in a parallel world. One that works much like ours, but with some differences. I actually quite enjoyed the way in which this worked. Plus, the idea of portals between worlds and the fact that there are those who just stumble onto them sometimes.

Alongside the cute little romance and world building, I mostly just loved the idea of griffins. I love how Tape has taken a paranormal creature that pops up into a lot of stories and just kind of expanded on them. Like all animals, she’s given them different species and subspecies. Each with their own unique challenges and needs. Something that was ridiculously cute and adorable, plus, it made the whole idea of a paranormal sanctuary even more appealing. And now I can’t wait to read more of this series again.

<- More Arizona Tape

The Fairy Festival ->

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Witches and Stitches by Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape

March 21, 2024Book ReviewAmethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries, Arizona Tape, Laura Greenwood, Paranormal Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Witchesskyebjenner

Title: Witches and Stitches
Author: Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape
Series: Amethyst’s Wand Shop Mysteries #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

The idea of the whole Frankenbody thing in this is kind of gross – I mean, someone chopping up bits of women and sewing them together? It scares me that this is actually a thing, albeit stupidly rare. But, it worked out well as a bit of a whodunnit mystery – and trying to put together all of the pieces to figure out who the culprit was. In fact, although they catch him. And get a confession as to why he did the horrible stuff… I kind of wish that I had more background as to the evil why.

Throughout this story, Amethyst is getting closer and closer to admitting her feelings for Ambrose… yay! I mean, she finally admits them to herself, which is the first step. I can’t wait to see how that unfolds later on in the series. Or even, you know, in the next book. I love the awkward dance when one person finally realises that they’ve caught the feelings and is trying to compartmentalise them! It’s going to be exciting to see how this actually unfolds.

Not only does Amy realise that she’s caught the feelings for Ambrose, but I also love how she is building strong female friendships. They’re also healthy and noncompetitive – something we don’t see nearly enough of in literature in my not so humble opinion. I really want to get to know more about the women that Amy has become friends with. Plus, it’s just refreshing to not have conflict occurring because of female relationships. Yay for positivity!

I love that with every story in this series, you get to find out more about the paranormal world that Greenwood and Tape have created. There are new little titbits with every story, and it just makes me want to know more and more about the world with every page turned. Plus, although there are some serious goings on happening in the background, overall, this is a really light-hearted story. One that is pleasant and leaves me smiling after I turn the final page. I don’t always want to have an existential crisis when I read.

<- Hexes and Vexes

Rites and Knights ->

Image source: Goodreads

Hexes and Vexes by Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape

January 21, 2024Book ReviewAmethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries, Arizona Tape, Laura Greenwood, Paranormal Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Witchesskyebjenner

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

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 Sass

Witches and Stitches ->

Image source: Mighty Ape

Glass and Sass by Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape

January 20, 2024Book ReviewAmethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries, Arizona Tape, Laura Greenwood, Paranormal Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Witchesskyebjenner

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

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 Greenwood

Hexes and Vexes ->