Tag Archives: Laura Greenwood

The Pastry Warlock by Laura Greenwood

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

Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons by Laura Greenwood

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 Lady and the Rabbit by Laura Greenwood

Overview

Title: The Lady and the Rabbit
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: The Shifter Season #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Regency romanceShapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that Denise got her own story after Victoria. I was really hoping on reading about the twins in The Fox and the Viscount that I would get to read her happily ever after. And, I was not disappointed in the slightest. It was a wonderful and fun story. And fit in perfectly against The Fox and the Viscount.

The idea of a rabbit and a fox together was a really interesting predator / prey mix. And I kind of dug it. I love stories that feature a more passive man with a strong willed woman. Although Denise is very subtle with her strength, it is there in her stubbornness to act exactly the way she wants to when attending balls and conducting herself in public.

I love that The Lady and the Rabbit had many of the exact same scenes as The Fox and the Viscount, but written from Denise’s point of view. Whilst they were a bit repetitive, they were a great way to learn more about Densie and her points of view of the same moments. I also though that Greenwood did a great job of having both sides of a conversation in an engaging way.

Denise’s relationship is entirely built upon intellect and connection. I absolutely adored that they first start to make a connection through books, and then find a way to get to know each other from there. A very cute and sweet story. One that I look forward to reading again in the future.

<- The Fox and the ViscountThe Peacock and the Wallflower ->

Image source: Kobo

The Fox and the Viscount by Laura Greenwood

Overview

Title: The Fox and the Viscount
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: The Shifter Season #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Regency romanceShapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Like most of Greenwood’s stories, I found The Fox and The Viscount to be a beautiful and sweet story. A nice indulgence to depart from reality and the nonsense of responsibilities. Victoria and Edmund are a really sweet childhood friends to lovers story at their core. The fact that this is a regency romance with shifters mixed in made it all that much more of a beautiful indulgence. One that makes me incredibly excited to read about the rest of the couples finding their happily ever after in The Shifter Season series.

I’ve not actually read many stories which are a paranormal regency romance. I have a few regency / Victorian era steampunk stories, and one or two with a paranormal spin. However, I don’t have any that are actually paranormal romances with a regency setting. And I absolutely loved the mismatch of genres. It was great having the restrictions of class and social expectations, alongside the differences of being a shifter in a non-shifter world. Honestly, I can’t get enough of this idea and hope that Greenwood continues to write such stories!

Densie and Victoria are really wonderful as twins – I absolutely adored the fact that, even though they are close, they still have their moments of contention. A sibling relationship just isn’t realistic if they get along all of the time! It was nice to read about moments when they niggled at sniped at each other. But, in the next moment had each others’ backs and kept each other safe. I can’t wait to read Denise’s story – her partner is hinted at within The Fox and the Viscount, but now I want to find out how that all comes about. Plus, more sister relationships!

The Fox and the Viscount was a great adventure and romance with two fox shifters finding their happily ever afters. I also love that Victoria is able to dodge an engagement with a seriously ick male lion. One who tries everything he can to blackmail her into a loveless marriage. Everything about this story made it absolutely adorable and incredibly difficult to put down. Now I can’t wait to sink my teeth into The Lady and the Rabbit!

<- More Laura GreenwoodThe Lady and the Rabbit ->

Image source: Kobo

Flipping Tails for Seasick Mermaids by Laura Greenwood

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

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

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

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

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

Secret Santa for Grumpy Elves by Laura Greenwood

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