Tag Archives: Easy Reading

Wake the Dead by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Wake the Dead
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Necromancer Council #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Necromancers, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I wasn’t quite expecting this story to be as intense as it was – mostly because most of Greenwood’s novels so far haven’t been that emotionally wrought. And although it was a change of pace, I did really enjoy it. It was particularly emotionally wrought in the moments when you realise just what Cissy is recovering from – I mean, she has a pretty traumatic recent past.

I love that this story is the beginning of Cissy and her team reconfiguring the necromancer council. Not only is this a story that’s based right on the precipice of change – but also a story which is about people trying to regain their identity. In this case, it’s a group of necromancers trying to rejig others’ opinions of them and the driver for change. I can’t wait to see, not only the things they come up against, but also how they manage to reconfigure their own identities.

The amount of information about necromancers and how their magic works was brilliant. I had a total information overload, and I kind of loved it. It’s fun when you not only get really attached to a character and their battles, but also get a whole lot of information and world-building. It was nice to find another facet of the mind of Greenwood, and the powers that inform the world that I enjoyed reading about.

I’m absolutely dying to dive into Curse the Dead. I can’t wait to see how Cissy continues to make waves in her world and overcome the trauma of the past. Plus, I can’t wait to find out more about the horrible things that go bump in the night, and how they are willing to fight them.

<- More Laura GreenwoodCurse the Dead ->

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First Time’s a Charm by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: First Time’s a Charm
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Grimalkin: Kittens #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This was a fun and cute coming of age and university story. Or at least, the beginning of one. Then, there’s the whole multiple men, one woman angle which is kind of fun. Mona is definitely trying to come to terms with the changes in her life, particularly the loss of the extent of her powers. It definitely made me reflect on my times at university and the amount of change that I went through.

I love that Mona’s curse is constantly conjuring kittens. I mean, of all the ways to be cursed, it’s definitely a cute approach. And, the byproduct isn’t all bad, although sure to be costly. I enjoy that even though she’s cursed and has an embarrassing side effect to her magic, somehow in producing kittens, Mona is able to find her feet and regain her confidence.

There are three potential romances throughout this story. And, although I’m pretty sure that Mona is going to end up with all three of them. There’s the TA, Ryan and Caspian. Personally, I’m liking Ryan best because I love the whole friends to lovers trope. And then there’s the fact that Caspian is most likely her mother’s ex best friend’s child. Which is going to be interesting. And that’s not even with the complications that his stepsister brings to the board. I actually can’t wait to see how this aspect unfolds – and I’m not someone who is often into reverse harem books.

For all of the joy of Mona and her harem of men, I actually want more Daphne than anything. She’s kind of hilarious and a truly loyal friend. I always love characters that emphasise the power of female friendships. And I’m absolutely enjoying her ability to be supportive to Mona. I’m not sure If I’m looking forward to Mona kicking butt in the future or Daphne supporting her more…

<- Curses Start SomewhereSecond Time’s a Curse ->

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Curses Start Somewhere by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Curses Start Somewhere
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Grimalkin: Kittens #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

One of the things I’m loving about Greenwood is that her stories are a really quick and fun read. There is enough substance to be enjoyable, but not so much to big me down. Having said that, the negative feelings in this were scarily familiar. The whole idea that your best friend in the world suddenly turns on you through misplaced jealousy. And how that will kind of scar you for life.

The familiar feelings of losing a friendship might not have been fun, but I’m now intrigued to start the rest of the series. Because, of course you know that this weirdly placed jealousy curse is going to land in the next generation. And now I can’t wait to see how. And how I’m sure the grimoire created will have some kind of place within.

Even though it was kind of clear from the title and the very beginning what would happen, that eventual separation of friendship was still painful. As someone who has experienced it herself, I swear it’s worse than a break up. And I love that even in an easy read, Greenwood is still able to teat into your emotions.

What a fun way to start a series (in that whole not fun, emotional way). I can’t wait to find out more!

<- More Laura GreenwoodFirst Time’s a Charm ->

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Unfortunate Decrees and Iced Coffees by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Unfortunate Decrees and Iced Coffees
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Cauldron Coffee Shop #0.5
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: 2021

Thoughts

This was such an adorable and fun second chance romance. And, I really like that although the couple split when they were younger, there were ultimately no hard feelings. It made this story so much sweeter and cuter. Plus, it meant, that although I was totally barracking for the couple, I could focus a little more on the archaeological mystery.

This was a nice little introduction to another spin-off series in the world of Greenwood. I like that it mentions Mona (from First Time’s a Charm). Plus, it introduced the Cauldron Coffee Shop. A fantastic way to introduce readers to the world and some lovely and loveable characters.

I love that there is the mystery of the giant stone and all of the mayhem that follows. But that it doesn’t actually get solved. I mean, I love a good conclusion as does everyone else, but I also love when things are a little open ended and unsolved. This did so beautifully and made me want to know more about the different magical artifacts that people come across in Greenwood’s writing.

There is a lot of crossover in this story, and multitudes of world building. It’s why I have so many of Greenwood’s stories on my TBR at the moment – they are all wonderfully interconnected and built wonderfully.

<- More Laura GreenwoodPumpkin Spice and All Things Nice ->

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A Touch of Wild by Gemma Cates

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Touch of Wild
Author: Gemma Cates
Series: Van Helsing Sisters Adventures #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Monsters, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

For some reason, I was expecting this to be a much longer story. This was incredibly short, sharp and shiny. Which was kind of surprising. Honestly, I really wanted this story to be far more fleshed out. There was so much room for character development, it happened a little bit too quickly to really get into it!

I did love that Mariah Van Helsing is forced to face her prejudices and assumptions. I mean, to be a monster hunter, you kind of have to assume that the those she hunts are monsters… I love that she then finds herself smitten with a werewolf. Plus, he’s kind of sweet and gives her just the right amount of space.

Honestly, like this review, this tale was a little bit too short and sweet for my liking. I seriously enjoyed the story though and look forward to reading more tales of the Van Helsing Sisters!

<- More Gemma CatesA Touch of Crazy ->

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The Unicorn Herd by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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 FestivalThe Phoenix Nest ->

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The Griffin Mission by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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 TapeThe Fairy Festival ->

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Tiger Crown by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Tiger Crown
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Sabre Woods Academy #1
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: 2021

Thoughts

Kayra was mentioned briefly in Shifting Forms for Clumsy Felines, and, honestly, I was completely intrigued by her story. All I knew was that the lead male in Shifting Forms for Clumsy Felines was her ex-sort-of-fiancé, and that she is the centre of a major scandal in the shifter world. That was honestly enough for me to be drawn in and fascinated. So, when I realised that I actually had her story on my shelves, I was ready to dive right in. And what a fantastic beginning to her story!

I don’t always love when there is a story line which features two women being pitted against each other – it does tend to get over done, but I did like this version. I mean, they’re pitted against each other because of Kayra’s mother. It’s the mother’s actions and horribleness that lead to these two young women to be constantly at odds, and it’s also Kayra who is constantly just trying not to show interest in the nonsense and the drama. It’s still a little bit of a cliché personal challenge, but not painfully so. In fact, I actually look forward to seeing how this conflict continues throughout the rest of this trilogy.

Even as a mum, wife and woman in my thirties, I still think fondly of my high school and university days – they are a period of great change and growth, so I think that everyone honestly does. And, although I wouldn’t ever want to go back to that awkward angst, it is a point of time that is kind of unforgettable. And, since I’m that little bit older now, I do struggle to read stories set in high school. But the new adult stories set at university / college? They are the perfect sweet spot. I love that Kayra is starting a whole new life and looking forward to spreading her wings in this. You can tell immediately that she has found her forever friends and people. The fact that there is extra ‘political’ conflict that enhances her coming of age story, makes it an even more engaging and unforgettable read.

As the beginning of Kayra’s story and journey to a serious powerhouse, this was phenomenal. I am both excited and terrified to read more of the story, particularly to find out more about how her mother is planning on destroying her. I mean, what a horrible (yet brilliant) villain in having the mother of the main character out to destroy her… I’m just not sure how.

<- More Laura GreenwoodTiger Throne ->

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Drinking Blood for Squeamish Vampires by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Drinking Blood for Squeamish Vampires
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Bernie and Shane are a good insight into the world of vampires that Greenwood has created. I mean, there’s obviously a whole heap of series that feed into this one, but for me, this is my first introduction to Greenwood’s version of vampires. The fact that they are both turned, not born makes it all the more interesting. And then, there’s the fact that Bernie can’t actually drink blood. I mean, I loved the characters anyway, but I’m loving that in the Obscure Academy series there’s always one character that doesn’t conform to the expected. In this case, it’s Bernie and her blood aversion.

As someone who absolutely loves cooking, I’ve never actually taken a cooking class, and, after reading about Bernie’s awesome experiences, I kind of really, really want to. I mean, the fact that she gets with the super hot student teacher does help. But, I also love the idea of cooking with someone else and learning some new tricks – a bit like Home Ec when I was in high school I suppose. It was fun to think about the different paranormals that want to learn to cook and just why they want to. Particularly since this cooking class is vegetarian!

As much as I enjoyed the romance of Shane and Bernie, I really inhaled this book so quickly because I wanted to know the cause of her blood squeamishness. I mean, you get introduced to the idea in Shifting Forms for Clumsy Felines when Bernie and Krissi become friends. Then you get to actually find out just what is going on. And how Bernie is going to live the rest of her very long supernatural life with this issue. I can’t imagine not being able to enjoy some of the foods that you have to eat!

This was yet another quick and rewarding venture in the Obscure Academy world. I mean, it’s two made vampires falling in love over food. I’m pretty much sold as soon as there is food to be totally honest. Add in the fact that both characters are learning to come into their own and figuring out their new lives. It’s definitely a fun little journey.

<- Bonfire Night for Flammable DragonsEnchanting Songs for Silent Sirens ->

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Shifting Forms for Clumsy Felines by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Shifting Forms for Clumsy Felines
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This was yet another great book by Greenwood that was just an easy and pleasant read. One that was a really great diversion. A really sweet story. But with almost no angst – which I kind of needed when I read this. I’m actually loving this style of writing at the moment, where there is enough action to keep you engaged, but not enough that you are even remotely worried about how the happily ever after will pan out. There is a whole lot less stress than some of the other romances that I sometimes read.

I like that this is a couple that start off as really good friends, and there are the questions of how and when to transition into a couple. I know that when I met my SO, he was a great friend, and it was a pretty big leap to take that plunge. Bigger than any other, because his friendship met a whole lot to me. And, like Jeremy and Krissi, I was pretty damn young. I love how Greenwood is able to write about a couple taking that plunge and being scared to do so! I think that for everyone who meets someone extra special that young… it’s a bit of a concern.

The cliché of two ‘jocks’ ending up together works really well in this novel – they both understand each other’s dedication to their chosen sports. I also love that, even though both Jeremy and Krissi start out not understanding much about each other’s sports, they both make the attempts to get to know more. It’s such a beautiful concept – that you try to get to know more about each other’s passions, not to join in, but to just appreciate each other all that much more. Plus, there is something fun about fitting into the expected cliches, but in a really cute and sweet way.

When we think of sporty types, there is always an assumption that the sporty individual is actually really coordinated. It was fantastic to have a storyline in which the sporty person is not graceful. That (in this case) in their shifted form, they are the clumsiest and most terrifyingly uncoordinated individual to be found. It kind of made me feel better to read about someone who is just that damn uncoordinated, and yet thrives in a physical way as well, it’s a great reminder that none of us can fit into just one box.

<- More Laura GreenwoodBonfire Night for Flammable Dragons ->

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