Tag Archives: Easy Reading

Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #4.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that this story is about a couple who meet on a blind date. And the thing that draws them together? Unique and slightly off-kilter questions that actually let them get to know one another. It, like most of the Greenwood stories I read, is short, sweet and cute. I absolutely adored reading this, and I liked that it was a story featuring a blind date in which the blind date wasn’t a terrifying flop. I mean, I’ve never really dated, but the stereotype in the media definitely makes me a little hesitant to even consider the idea of a blind date.

Unlike some of the other stories in the Obscure Academy series, most of this story is written from the point of view of one half of the couple. I like that most of this is in Thalia’s view point, it makes Evander’s eventual reveal and surprise an actual surprise. Plus, I just loved Thalia as a character in general, so I had absolutely no concerns or disappointments in reading a lot about her point of view.

I hadn’t thought of the ramifications of being a gorgon in a paranormal world. I mean, the whole turning others to stone with just a look could be incredibly restrictive on your social and sexual life. I really like how Greenwood was able to treat this and found it a really unique approach. The way in which Obscure Academy combines multiple paranormal creatures and brings them into a university setting. The idea of enchanted glasses to stop the whole turning to stone thing was really adorable, and it bought about the whole idea of what its actually like to be someone who wears glasses all the time, and the level of comfort that that can bring.

Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons is a great and positive romance. One that investigates what its like to be different and how that can actually be a little bit dangerous. Sure, in this instance, we’re talking a bout gorgons. But it is a challenge and something that needs to be recognised – sometimes people keep the different part of themselves a secret so that they won’t be a victim of hatred.

<- Flipping Tails for Seasick MermaidsPotion Making for Disastrous Witches ->

Image source: Kobo

The Dragon Lantern by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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 GiggleThe Sphinx Pride ->

Image source: Goodreads

Flipping Tails for Seasick Mermaids by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Flipping Tails for Seasick Mermaids
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #4
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: 2023

Thoughts

I never thought of the idea of having a mermaid which had been turned. Rather, I always thought of them as a paranormal creature which was born. I absolutely loved how Fiona was actually turned. Which, of course, made it a somewhat traumatic experience. Which, of course, informed the story brilliantly well and lead to a whole lot of mystery and conflict that I honestly wasn’t actually expecting.

Wade is kind of cute, and I love that he spends his whole time just wanting to help Fiona get over her fear, rather than mocking her for it. And lets face it, a mermaid afraid of the water? That is total mocking territory. Plus, he’s incredibly subtle about it. Rather than outright stating his intentions, he is constantly trying to give Fiona the confidence she needs to move past her fear and be her own self.

I seriously enjoy how the Obscure Academy series is built around a group of paranormal university flatmates (and then branches out), who each have some unique and unexpected challenges. Each of them have difficulties which you entirely do not expect for their species. I love how they’re kind of misfits among their own kind, and each find their own happily ever afters with someone who accepts them as they are.

Flipping Tails for Seasick Mermaids was a fun and pleasant read. I loved he imagery throughout and the support that Wade shows Fiona as she finally deals with the consequences of her turning. I absolutely adored this story, and can’t wait for more Obscure Academy books in my near future.

<- Secret Santa for Grumpy ElvesBlind Dates for Lonely Gorgons ->

Image source: Goodreads

Queen of the Two Lands by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Queen of the Two Lands
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Forgotten Gods #0.3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Egyptian mythology, Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Growing up, like many of us fellow nerds, I had a total obsession with Egyptian mythology. I can’t quite remember some of the myths, but I do recall the enjoyment of the learning of them. Which, of course meant that I couldn’t wait to dive into this story. Particularly since it was about Isis and Ra.

This was a beautiful romance, but with a fantastic mythology influence. I loved that Greenwood was able to take all of the aspects of the original myth, and just add to them. Sometimes these retellings deviate a lot from the original, but, Greenwood instead focused on the interpersonal relationships in this world and stuck to the versions of the myths that she knew.

I love that this is an origin story, not one that is actually the start of the new series. And, honestly, if this is the origins / background story, I can’t wait to get into Feather of Balance, the first “novel” of the series. I’m hoping for romance, justice, and a whole heap more Egyptian mythology to keep me occupied and content.

<- Collector of Sand and TearsBringer of the River Waters ->

Image source: Jo Linsdell

Hazelnut Latte and Something to Say by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hazelnut Latte and Something to Say
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Cauldron Coffee Shop #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Hazelnut Latte and Something to Say follows closely behind Pumpkin Spice and Something Nice. Azil and his curse were revealed, and now Willow and Azil are trying to unravel a little more of his curse and give him a little more freedom. They succeed in part, but it does take them a little while to actually figure things out. Then, alongside this, there is the romance that is slowly and very sweetly unfurling. These might be shorter stories, but they are enjoyable from the very first page until the very last.

I can’t imagine having to adjust to the modern world with no warning. I mean, I live in this world and I think that it’s entirely insane. Which meant that I loved that Willow spent the majority of this story trying to find ways to make Azil feel comfortable in the world he’s found himself in. She is a very sweet individual who spent the time to try and figure out what makes Azil tick and how to help him be comfortable in this world. The fact that she is also dating him at the same time just made it a little cuter.

Towards the end of this story, Mona manages to work her magic and help Willow and Azil with a degree of separation from his teapot. I can’t wait to see what some of the ramifications to this spell are going to be. And how that’s going to impact those coming after Azil and trying to recurse him. Plus, it’s fun to read a little about Mona after the conclusion of her series (which I haven’t actually finished yet). It’s yet another piece of this world that has drawn me in happily and with a whole lot of fascination.

Any story with a plucky animal sidekick is going to draw me in. I love that, in this case, it’s Spooky the cat. I always find cats to be an intriguing and fun animal sidekick (even if I do prefer dogs), and Spooky is the quintessential cat. I mean, he’s great, he’s opinionated and highly independent. Now I can’t wait to see how he’s going to work into Willow’s life and just… help. Like all good familiars.

<- Pumpkin Spice and All Things NicePeppermint Tea and Nothing is Free ->

Image source: Bookbub

The Macaron Witch by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Macaron Witch
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Broomstick Bakery #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Hazel and Antonio were a fantastic couple from their very conception, and I love that their relationship is built on cooking. Passions in common are thoroughly enjoyable, and the fact that both the leads in this story are passionate about food, a perfect romance. Plus, they are able to grow and expand on their talents whilst getting to know one another – a win win.

This is yet another simple and enjoyable story from Greenwood – one that I really loved reading. I’ve never even tried to master macarons, but reading about how to make them was fascinating. Plus, it bought to life the power of magic and emotions in food. Alright, I can’t cast a spell and magically imbue magic into my baking, but I can put all of my emotions into it.

As with The Cupcake Witch, The Macaron Witch touches upon the grey area of imbuing feelings into our food. I love that it’s a discussion that the sisters constantly engage in – making sure that they stick to their moral code whilst still expanding on their talents and the bakery. Plus, they are able to see how infusing feelings into baking might be able to expand to others forms of cooking.

I love that although the Broomstick Bakery is doing incredibly well and the girls have each found their niche, they are also starting to branch out and discover new avenues of food making. Each of them are constantly expanding their skill set and finding new avenues of passion, alongside falling in love and finding their happily ever afters.

<- The Cupcake WitchThe Pastry Warlock ->

Image source: Kobo

The Cupcake Witch by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Cupcake Witch
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Broomstick Bakery #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that this is a story based on Wedding Bliss Cupcakes gone wrong. I mean, the idea of infusing baked goods with magic is already something that I absolutely adore. And infusing wedding cupcakes with that feeling of hope and optimism that I always feel at a wedding? Even better. What I didn’t expect though, was how beautifully that could go wrong. And then, how wonderfully right that makes everything. A gorgeous little story that left me feeling content and happy, a bit like a Wedding Bliss Cupcake.

Oakley is a really sweet, and kind of innocent lead. I love that she’s a total romantic and, even if she has had a bad run of things, still believes in true love. Yet, even with the fact that she is a total romantic, she is also somewhat of a realistic. That perfect balance of someone who is completely ready to fall in love, but also, not willing to just throw themselves into something that is unhealthy or wouldn’t work for them.

Justin is a really sweet counterpoint to Oakley. He is  kind and considerate, and quick to try and get to know the woman he is interested in. I love that they both take the time to get to know one another and build a relationship, before jumping in. I mean, they both have all of the big feelings pretty much straight away (this is a romance after all), but they also know that those feelings need to be supported by a strong foundation.

Honestly, as much as I thought Oakley and Justin were adorable, it was the idea of a magic-infused bakery that I loved the most. I mean, how is this not something that I wouldn’t want more of? I mean, a group of sisters running a bakery (yum) infused with magic (fun) and falling in love (too cute). Now I can’t wait to read more about the Broomstick Bakery and the rest of the romances that will come through these doors.

<- More Laura GreenwoodThe Macaron Witch ->

Image source: Kobo

Sacred Places by Mandy M. Roth

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Sacred Places
Author: Mandy M. Roth
Series: Druid #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Magic, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2006

Thoughts

I love that although Coyle and Deri had an instant attraction, they build their relationship over three years before actually making their move. Alright, some of it is fear, but some of it is just the whole, getting to know one another thing. I read a few too many stories that the insta-lust turns into insta-love. Instead this was a story that was insta-lust to friendship to love… definitely a progression that I found far more enjoyable and relatable.

There was a decent amount of build up in this story for a quick turn around to a happily ever after. Although, some of that may be because this was quite a short story, at least in comparison to what I was quite frankly expecting. I was almost disappointed that there wasn’t more conflict and discovery before Deri and Coyle ended up together. But, not tragically disappointed because I really, really enjoyed this short diversion.

I was fairly surprised that the villain in this story wasn’t harder to dispatch than he was. I thought that he’d suddenly pull out a surprise ninja move that would surprise Coyle and his brother. One that would extend their battle and raise the stakes. Instead, it was embarrassingly quick and brutal. It also didn’t give any big reveals about his part in Deri’s hiding and outcast status. Which I was kind of expecting…

I love that this was a quick and easy read, more of a novella length than a full length novel. Sometimes it’s nice to fit a quick read in-between the longer ones, especially one that is this enjoyable and happy. I can’t wait to read more light romances in the Druid series!

<- More Mandy M. RothGoddess of the Grove ->

Image source: Amazon

Secret Santa for Grumpy Elves by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Secret Santa for Grumpy Elves
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #3.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I love that this is a Christmas story about an elf. One that doesn’t actually enjoy Christmas. Oh, and her name is Holly. I mean, yeah, if I had to deal with that much nonsense and the comments of others, I’d probably also feel a little bit reserved about that time of year. It also made for a great premise – the elf that is uncomfortable around Christmas falling for the elf that completely embraces it.

This is a fantastic novella that I’ll probably want to reread around Christmas time. It had all of the joyful festivities as the backdrop. Plus, it was really nice reading about Chris and Holly as they start the first steps of their relationship. There is so much promise at Christmas time, and so much promise at the beginning of a relationship, so pairing the two was incredibly cute, and a nice way to spend an evening.

My university never had Christmas traditions – probably because in the southern hemisphere, Christmas falls smack bang in the middle of summer holidays, and not just a short break like in the northern. I loved reading about all of the different stalls and set ups that the university had to celebrate this time of year. Although, to be honest, I’ve always loved reading and learning about any Christmas traditions, regardless of the location and paranormal nature of it.

There were so many side characters in this that I recognised, but I want to read more about. Although, some I only vaguely tried to connect in where I knew them from. I love the connectivity of this world and how everyone is somehow connected to everyone else – kind of like in real life if I’m being honest. The added mystery of just what kind of paranormal each person is just makes me all that much more excited to dive into this series!

<- Enchanting Songs for Silent SirensFlipping Tails for Seasick Mermaids ->

Image source: eBay

Pumpkin Spice and All Things Nice by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Pumpkin Spice and All Things Nice
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Cauldron Coffee Shop #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I’m really enjoying stories written by Greenwood, they are simple and enjoyable, with enough action that they’re really not simple at all. And in the case of Pumpkin Spice and All Things Nice, the couple at the centre of the story is absolutely adorable. I love that Willow is a coffee shop owner who is also paranormal. And you know, all of the paranormal bents that there are on coffees and how they are drank / used as pick me ups. Then, there’s Azil. Who is definitely the coolest genie I’ve ever read about! I mean, something about him is just completely enjoyable and adorable. And, I love the mystery that he presents to start off this fantastic series.

This story definitely had a bit of a cozy mystery vibe to it, but without as much of the crime – but, I can’t wait to find out just how the people who like to recurse Azil are going to continue to show up. We’ve already had one culprit, and I can’t wait to meet more of them. Plus, there’s also just the general day to day running of a coffee shop and existing in a paranormal world – I could honestly read a series just based on this. The mystery and curse are just a great extra story line to spice up my experience.

I loved Sabine in Unfortunate Decrees and Iced Coffees, so it was nice to have a bit more time with her. And there were also a couple of scenes that were retold from Willow’s point of view. Although I might have really enjoyed her, I actually loved having her as a secondary character who helps to build on Willow’s story and acts as the catalyst for Willow and Azil’s adventures together. Plus, Sabine acts as a nice connection to the Grimalkin: Kittens series. One of the other reasons I’m loving Greenwood ­– how interconnected and clever her worlds are.

To top off all of the great characters, fantastic setting and intriguing plot line, there is the cat. I’m not entirely sure why the cat is as important as it is. But, I love any kind of animal sidekick / familiar. Especially one that just doesn’t really care about how their contrary presence impacts on others. I mean, this is exactly the thing that everyone loves about cats… now to dive in and find out more about what this trio can accomplish.

<- Unfortunate Decrees and Iced CoffeesHazelnut Latte and Something to Say ->

Image source: Goodreads