Tag Archives: Easy Reading

Trading Names for Polite Sprites by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Trading Names For Polite Sprites : Greenwood, Laura: Amazon.ca: Books

Title: Trading Names for Polite Sprites
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #5.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Hints of Essie’s big secret have trickled into the rest of the series. Which made it extra exciting to finally read her and Byron’s romance. I always love teaser couples like this. Romances where the groundwork has been started before you even open the first page. And the fact that this all revolves around Essie, and her secret. It works brilliantly.

One of the things that keeps me coming back to Greenwood’s writing is how low angst it is. Although the stakes are high for Essie and her twin, this works out as a pretty good low stakes switching places story. I also love how it challenges both sisters, but ultimately, the outcome is supremely positive and gives the reader a great happily ever after.

One of the parts of this university romance I really enjoyed was how Essie and Byron reconnected through their group project. Greenwood has obviously experienced the frustrating horrors of doing a group project, and this plays into the story in the most entertaining of ways. I also love how they choose to build back to a friendship before diving into a romance again.

Trading Names for Polite Sprites is a fun, light and easy read. I couldn’t put it down and read it cover to cover. Everything about this had me smiling and reminiscing about my own days of being a young adult and all the discoveries that come with it.

<- Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious WitchesMinor Inconveniences for Annoyed Pixies ->

Image source: Amazon

Swipe Right for Kuk by Lauren Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Swipe Right For Kuk (Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency #2) | Parnassus Books

Title: Swipe Right for Kuk
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency #3.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This was a very quick and easy read (one of the many reasons I enjoy Greenwood when I need a quick and enjoyable read). Swipe Right for Kuk was light, pleasant and a whole lot of fun. It was cute and adorable, and I really enjoyed every moment of it. Plus, the shortness gives you a great sense of satisfaction and a happily ever after in a very short amount of time…. Something that I sometimes need between some of the heavier reads on my shelves.

Anise, the witch, and protagonist of this story is all about finding her happily ever after, but too introverted to want to go out and about. I love that, as she goes on this journey, she is able to come out of her shell a little bit. It’s also a reminder of how online dating can be really beneficial for some people, particularly those who aren’t really able to just… go and meet new people. But, because Anise is still brave and wants to find someone, she is able to take the plunge and get to know Kuk without all of the pressure of in-person interactions (something that I also struggle with at times).

Kuk is, admittedly, a god that I know nothing about, and want to know more about. I absolutely adored the Ancient Egyptian Gods when I was growing up, but I really only learnt about the major ones. I don’t really remember Kuk and his twin, which is what makes me want to do more research and find out more about him. After all, this is a mythology that I enjoy, and I love to have the random obscure knowledge that he brings. I really enjoy the research that Greenwood has very obviously put into creating her characters, and how well this is based upon such a well known mythology.

I really loved how Swipe Right For Kuk is mostly about those first blushes of falling in love and getting to know one another. There is so much innocence, joy and hope in this stage of a relationship. Plus, I seriously enjoyed how it ended on a point in which there is so much future potential for both Anise and Kuk… it’s a great image to end on… the two of them starting a long and happy life together.

<- Fake Dating RaSnowed in with Skadi ->

Image source: Parnassus Books

Catering to Aphrodite by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Catering To Aphrodite (Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency Book 2)

Title: Catering to Aphrodite
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Catering to Aphrodite is a quick, easy and fun read. A great diversion for an hour or two with just enough oomph to make it hard to put down. Something I really needed when I picked this up.

There is something really great about the idea of the Goddess of love finding, well love. All of the heavy expectations of holding such a position / mantle also gave a great sense of challenge and uniqueness to the story. After all, how can the Goddess of love not be in love? I really loved how Greenwood approached the idea.

The expectations of others hit heavily on everyone. So having Greenwood explore this through a Goddess (who is still vulnerable to public opinion) was great. I also seriously enjoyed how well Aphrodite was able to manage those expectations of others. Never an easy feat, but one she manages to accomplish with integrity and grace.

Damien is incredibly sweet. I really enjoyed how he falls for Aphrodite because of the woman she is, not her beauty or Goddess aspect. Then, there’s the fact that he has absolutely no expectations on her. Something that, as a stubborn independent woman I can attest is hard to find. Plus, he chooses the cutest and most perfect first date that shows he sees the woman, not the public image.

<- Falling for AineFake Dating Ra ->

Image source: Amazon

Pyramids by Terry Pratchett

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Pyramids
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld #7, Ancient Civilisations #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1989

Thoughts

As a child I was absolutely obsessed with ancient Egypt, the architecture, the culture, the religion. So I love that Pratchett decided to also harness some of this fascination and bring it into the Discworld novels. It made me smile, it made me laugh and I loved picking up on all of the little details that were interwoven throughout to give the story the wonderful texture that it has. Then, there’s the fact that this is also a story that’s all about bucking tradition, changing your stripes, and finding your own version of happily ever after. All things which I absolutely adore in a good book.

Teppic going from being a Pharaoh-in-waiting, to an assassin-in-training was a very interesting departure from the expected. It also kind of worked out in a really funny way. I loved the different terminology used, particularly the idea of “inhuming” rather than killing. As always, I spent the entirety of this novel smiling and shaking my head at the language utilised. Pratchett was just such a master at turning a phrase, and Pyramids was able to display this wonderfully. I don’t think I will ever get the idea of “inhuming a pyramid” out of my head, and all that that entails.

There were so many twists and turns to this story that I honestly didn’t know where I was going or even what was happening throughout this. I meant that in the best way, and I definitely had the laughter startled out of me at multiple points. But, honestly, this was the most random and twisting story that I’ve read in a while. I also loved that the story was bookended with the same few pages – it just added to both the mystery and the twisting of the storyline.

I really enjoyed Dios as the villain – he was kind of evil, but in a really ignorant way. It was the evil of an unwillingness to change, rather than the evil of maliciousness. It didn’t make his input and chaos any more palatable or easy to read about, but it did make for a great villain that I completely could get behind. I also like that it was a really subtle evil, one that you don’t necessarily pick up on to begin with, but the insidiousness unfolds as the entertainment of the rest of the story does.

<- Wyrd SistersGuards! Guards! ->

Image source: Carturesti

Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Wyrd Sisters
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld #6, Witches #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1988

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter which one, every time I pick up a Discworld novel I know that I’m in for a wild ride of humour and entertainment. And honestly, as of late, I’ve needed the funny in my life. Which meant that the fact that Wyrd Sisters ticked all of my boxes led me to feeling super relaxed and like I could let go a big sigh. Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magret are an absolutely hilarious trio. And whilst I think I’ve met Granny Weatherwax before, the three of them together was even more fun. Plus, I really like that they each represent one of the three aspects of the Goddess (Crone, Mother and Maiden).

Alongside the trio of Witches, there is, as always an entertaining cast that drew me straight in. In this case, I particularly loved the Fool. I love that when we get to visit him, you see two sides to his personality. There’s the jester side which waxes nonsensically lyrically about the world around him and tries to maintain his loyalty. And then there is the internal struggle which he is battling. The fact that the Fool actually has an incredibly sharp and bright mind, one driven by a strong sense of morality and right and wrong. The fact that he ends up being a big driver of the “good” in this story just made me like him all that much more. Even as he romances Magret and deals with the duality of his own nature. A great reminder that the way someone presents to the world may not be who they actually are inside.

I honestly did not want to put this book down. One of the reasons why it is taking me so long to get through the Discworld novels is that I find this issue every single time. I have to adult, and so when I get this severely hooked and obsessed with a book can be somewhat of an issue. The ability of the Witches to take on a king and do so with wit and humour was hilarious. The way that they choose to bend and break the rules for the “greater good”, and also because they are just pissed meant that I wanted to see what nonsense was going to happen next. It was almost impossible to look away, and I honestly may have walked into a doorway or two in my quest to see what would happen next.

It’s been a while since I’ve actually read a Pratchett novel, and this is a reminder why I want to just fill my shelves with these stories. They are a great read in a general kind of way. But what I love the most is that they are a great, satirical take on the world. And no matter how old these stories get, they are still relevant today. In the case of Wyrd Sisters, it’s a reminder of the challenges of power and how absolute power corrupts absolutely. Particularly when that power is placed in the hands of an absolute idiot.

<- SourceryPyramids ->

Image source: Penguin

Falling for Aine by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Falling for Aine
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Aine was not the goddess that I thought would start this series. Or the goddess who would start up her own paranormal dating agency. Primarily because I knew next to nothing about her and feel like I need to do some major research into this goddess. I’m pretty rusty on the Celtic mythos, and I definitely want more of it in my life (like literally every other mythos I find out about). The fact that she then pulls in other gods and goddesses that I’m more familiar with – absolutely loved this entire story and didn’t want to put it down! Which I didn’t, and lost a decent chunk of sleep.

Min is cute, sweet, and slightly seductive. And yet, the need for consent is constantly emphasised throughout. I love that he is the god of passion, but he spends most of his time just being too cute for words. Plus, he takes the time to let Aine get used to the idea of them as a couple. Both Min and Aine work through their issues with commitment and love together. Bringing up their pasts happens so organically, and I love that they are able to process this together to find their new happily ever afters.

Falling for Aine is all about not only starting a new business, but also starting a new relationship. I was young and dumb when I started my own relationship, so I can’t imagine what it’s like to start not only a new relationship with the hangups that age brings. But also starting a new business, relying on others’ interest to make something of it. Aine manages to handle all of this with the most amazing graze and calm – something that I know I definitely would not be able to do in the same situation.

Falling for Aine is a quick, easy and light read. I absolutely adored it and now I can’t wait to see what other gods are going to feature in this series! now I’m looking forward to a whole lot more happily ever afters and love stories. The kind that leave you smiling and feeling calm and content when you turn that final page.

<- More Laura GreenwoodCatering to Aphrodite ->

Image source: Kobo

Feather of Balance by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Feather of Balance
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Forgotten Gods #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Egyptian mythology, Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

The first full-length novel in the Forgotten Gods series, as with most of the Greenwood stories I’ve read was light, fun and a lovely, easy read. I find it particularly fascinating that it was originally written to be the eleventh book in the series. But then slotted in better as the first book. And as a first time reader of this and the series, I found that it bought me into the world perfectly. Now I can’t wait to keep diving into these Egyptian mythology retellings and finding out how Greenwood has structured this world in her own unique ways.

Ma’at and Maahes are a really cute couple, and I love how they get to know one another and just fall into the comfort of their companionship. It’s an easy and comfortable relationship that builds as the story unfolds. Their romance is almost secondary to the primary storyline, and I like that it supports the story, but doesn’t take it all over. Plus, there is nothing better than a couple getting to know one another and falling, rather than the instant lust that some stories feature.

Ma’at is set up beautifully as the opposite of the God of Chaos (Seth) and the one who needs to instigate change / stand against him. This whole story is about her trying to curtail his shenanigans and figuring out how she fits into the modern world. I really enjoyed how Maahes works in a supporting role to her War Council and trying to stop his evil. Plus, it’s a great point that the Goddess of Balance is the one to offset the God of Chaos, even is she isn’t the loudest and most obvious challenger.

I loved how Feather of Balance sets the whole story for a greater battle on the horizon. But, it also hints at future characters who are going to fall in love. I am seriously looking forward to the future couples and relationships that are going to be highlighted in these stories. Now onto the next wonderfully adorable journey.

<- Bringer of the River WatersProtectors of Poison ->

Image source: Amazon

Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #5.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Even though most of the stories that follow Laura Greenwood’s Obscure Academy follow a similar kind of pattern in that they are just cute and easy romances. I love that each couple get their own unique start and flavour. For Juniper and Emmett this is the couple that meet and are instantly crushing on each other, but take their time in finally taking the plunge and getting together. Rather, they build up a friendship before creating a relationship, and I absolutely adored that approach.

I don’t actually know much about Halloween, whilst its gaining traction and interest in Australia, it’s still not something I celebrate. Yet, I love that Greenwood uses this story to dive a little into the different traditions that surround All Hallow’s Eve. Not just the current carving of Jack ‘O Lanterns, but also some of the fruits and vegetables that were traditionally used in place of the pumpkin. I absolutely adored the idea of carving a turnip in place of a pumpkin, and the idea had me smiling and laughing while I read Juniper and Emmett’s love story.

Juniper’s history and issues around Halloween are not exactly fun, but I love how they open up the discussion of genetics and how this influences people in the Obscure world. For a series that is wonderfully sweet and innocent in its journey to love, Greenwood has done a wonderful job of layering in details which make it feel that much more realistic. I had such a blast reading about not only this couple falling for one another, but also their discussions about genetics and just how this can influence the magic of the current generation of paranormals.

Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches was a great hour spent away from reality. It was a story that I’ll definitely go back to in the future, and I am glad that I had the joy of reading this. A nice, easy and fun read with just enough oomph to it that it was incredibly difficult to put down.

<- Potion Making for Disastrous WitchesTrading Names for Polite Sprites ->

Image source: SmashWords

Potion Making for Disastrous Witches by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Potion Making for Disastrous Witches
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I already knew a little bit about Michaela and Owen’s story from Thalia’s tale in Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons. So I really enjoyed reading about the same moments from this couples point of view. Plus, there were so many moments of joy in their potion making together. Honestly, they were just as cute as I was expecting, but Michaela’s inability to filter her words and thoughts just made me all that much happier and more in love with her. Plus, it made me hope all that much more for her happily ever after.

One of the reasons I so enjoyed Michaela as a character was the fact that she took her shortcomings and just dealt with them. A witch who can’t make potions is something that could be potentially seriously shameful, but she doesn’t show embarrassment and shame over it. Rather, she takes it in stride and is able to work forwards in her life. I was kind of expecting Owen to unlock the secret behind her monumental stuff ups with potion making, and I like that, ultimately, they didn’t actually solve her problems. Just continued to work with it.

Although I’ve read a few Greenwood stories, particularly the Obscure Academy tales, something about Potion Making for Disastrous Witches reminds me about falling for my partner. Wildly different circumstances, but the spending all your time together and coupling, but not being sure of where you stand. The joys of first kisses and first dates. Honestly, the feeling of this just took me back and left me smiling so happily. I’m still madly in love with my partner, so it was nice to feel all of these feelings and reflections while reading this.

There is something so damn joyful of visiting Obscure Academy. They are short little stints into a world where everything is possible. Something about them has this feeling of hope and gives such a positive and happy vibe. I absolutely adored reading this, and I look forward to reading more and more and more in the future!

<- Blind Dates for Lonely GorgonsPumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble

The Pastry Warlock by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Pastry Warlock
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Broomstick Bakery #2.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Ash and Ellie are such a cute friends to lovers couple, and I love that their story is more of a short novella – they don’t have as much angst as Ash’s sisters. And, because they already know each other, they are able to build their relationship from a fantastic foundation. I’m always a fan of friends to lovers stories (what better foundation than being friends first?) and I love that Ash and Ellie transitioned seamlessly. It might be scary to take that extra plunge with a great friend, yet, it’s fun to see how this couple were finally able to do so comfortably.

There is always this sense of cuteness and sweetness to Greenwood’s writing that I enjoy – in a world that is somewhat insane and intense, it’s nice to read something that’s kind of simple. I love that Ash and Ellie’s story starts at a time when they are just about to take that plunge into being something more than friends. But, it’s not filled with angst, just a moment in time when they decide to take the plunge together. The Pastry Warlock is just a fun, short and incredibly sweet story that I managed to (joyously) read in one sitting.

It’s been hinted at in The Cupcake Witch and The Macaron Witch that the sisters’ little brother is keen to be a part of the bakery. I love that The Pastry Warlock confirms this. Although nothing is set in stone for Ash’s future with Broomstick Bakery at the end of this story, there are hints for a good future together. I love that Ash is finally taking the steps to start his future the way he wants to. Making his own fate happen, with his best friend at his side.

I love how Ash and Ellie fit together so seamlessly, Ash and Ellie might have different career goals in their lives, but both support each other wholeheartedly. Plus, Ellie fits in really well with the rest of Ash’s family, a gorgeous, instant family that had me smiling and happy when I finished the final word of this book. Beautiful and fun in a way that will make this a hard moment to forget.

<- The Macaron WitchThe Gingerbread Witch ->

Image source: Amazon