Tag Archives: Laura Greenwood

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

Tower of Thorns by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Tower of Thorns
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Grimm Academy #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Fairy tales, Retellings, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Tower of Thorns had some pretty major Mother Gothel vibes to it, and because of this, I most definitely figured out who the culprit / bad guy in the story was. But, even though I 100% knew what was coming, I still loved going on the journey. Probably because it was still fun, still had a lot of emotion, and I loved how the story unfolded.

Rapunzel’s strength of self and forethought into how her prophecy might come true were beautiful things. I love that, although she wanted to trust her mother, she still decided to put things in place for just in case. I mean, the idea that she has this great strength of will and willingness to not let “fate” determine her future was beautiful. Particularly when there are so many retellings that have historically painted Rapunzel as a victim.

As much as I enjoyed Tower of Thorns, I really wanted to know more about Gavin’s prophecy. I mean, both of them have prophecies involving love. They both fall in love knowing that it will probably trigger their prophecies. You can understand how Rapunzel’s unfolded and what happened (plus, Greenwood brilliantly uses the more violent original of the fairy tale). But there is no hint about Gavin’s prophecy beyond the fact that he has one. And it is about being in love.

I really loved how Greenwood utilised the original Rapunzel fairy tale (which was slightly more violent and gruesome than Tangled). Which just means that I’m absolutely dying to jump into the rest of the series. I wonder if she will use the Grimm-style versions of the fairy tales, rather than the sweeter Disney ones… now onto Spindles and Spells, a Sleeping Beauty retelling.

<- More Laura GreenwoodSpindles and Spells ->

Image source: bol.

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

The Winter Ball by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Winter Ball
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Grimm Academy #18
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Fantasy, Retellings, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this take on The Twelve Dancing Princesses. As the first book I’ve read in the Grimm Academy series, I love how it set the tone for me and how this world is going to work. Rather than being a story of being punished for going against their fathers wishes, this is all about surviving a curse. It’s also a cute little romance that had me smiling and feeling calm as I turned that final page.

This story is all about Audrey starting at Grimm Academy, falling in love with a boy, fighting to beat her curse, and working on her relationship with her dad. The combination of all of these things meant that it was almost impossible to put down The Winter Ball and left me smiling throughout the entire read through. I was mostly just really intrigued how Audrey’s curse was going to manifest, and just how she was going to overcome the process of dancing herself (and her sisters) to death.

I’m not going to lie, I thought throughout The Winter Ball that Audrey’s dad would end up having some redeeming reason or communication to explain why he doesn’t immediately make her heir. He doesn’t. Honestly, the man is kind of annoying and truly sucky. A fair bit of the interpersonal build up is for Audrey to meet her father face to face and discuss the curse. Not one moment of that ends up happening, and his disjoint from his daughters becomes clear – kind of like the father in the original fairy tale.

Eugene is an interesting love interest for Audrey. He is loyal and supportive, willing to help her with her curse from the very beginning. They also build their relationship in that really organic university / college / academy way – by having a class together and getting to know one another. Ultimately, this story is just the very first blossoms of a romance, and I look forward to them being a more established couple and cameo in later stories within the series.

<- Princess of PeasDance of Daggers ->

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

The Reindeer’s Spell by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Reindeer’s Spell
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: The Paranormal Council #12
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I really like that even though this is a fated mates story with one fighting the bond, it’s not malicious. Rather, they both deeply care about one another. And the whole reason for Eustace fighting the bonding is a sense of care for Reagan. It makes it a whole lot less angsty, and kind of adorable if I’m being honest. The patience and kindness that they show for one another as they work through their thoughts and feelings is relationship goals. And I love that there is no real hurt feelings, just a little bit of tension and impatience.

Eustace and Reagan are a really nice couple to read about. They are all about patience and caring for one another. I love the idea that fated mates means they are the perfect match for one another, and that they are able to understand this. Plus, Reagan’s ability to take a step back from her own feelings and think about her partners was really sweet. The entire romance is filled with patience and care, and a whole lot of love. With the enjoyable level of sexual tension and lust thrown in.

To add to the joys of a cute little paranormal romance, this one also has a fun Christmas theme. Reagan is asked to organise a Christmas fundraiser, and gets to spend her time working closely with the man that she loves. I love that it’s the romance of Christmas and the joy of the season which finally tests Eustace’s resolve. Plus, it features a reindeer shifter, so it just works that they finally take the plunge into being mates at this festive time of year.

This is an all round festive, cute and fun read. It’s fairly innocent with a low amount of drama and angst. The perfect read for a difficult day of parenting and just all around adulting. I love that both Reagan and Eustace just accept each other as they are, give each other grace and patience to work through their issues. And ultimately just support each other when things are a little off-kilter and difficult feeling.

<- The Hummingbird’s MateCharming Her Mate ->

Image source: Goodreads

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