Tag Archives: Magic

Midlife Bed and Broomstick by Jennifer L. Hart

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Midlife Bed and Broomstick
Author: Jennifer L. Hart
Series: Cougars and Cauldrons #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that Hart’s writing is about women who are going through midlife mayhem, drastic changes in their lives, and often even menopause. They are women who have often already had children (or not if that is their desire). And then, to top off all of the drama of change and escaping an abusive asshole husband, Sam is introduced to the world of magic. I love how much this continues to wreak mayhem and nonsense into her life. Plus, it makes for an unforgettable journey that I just didn’t want to put down. It was brilliant, fun and a whole lot of female empowerment after a lifetime of oppression.

Although I loved this story, it most definitely featured yet another dopey “alpha” male who makes decisions without talking to the woman he supposedly loves. Decides he knows what’s “best” without any form of consideration or communication with the woman he loves. It’s a trope for a reason, and one I often love. But it’s also one that makes me roll my eyes. And honestly, Damien is the epitome of this. He feels guilty that the past led Sam into an abuser’s path, but he also continues to follow the same stupid pathways in the pursuit of doing the “right thing”. It’s definitely a fun thing to read about, but, it’s also something completely ridiculous that had me huffing my frustration throughout.

Even though Damien is very obviously going to be a strong love interest for Sam from the very beginning, I love that Matthias is slowly but surely set up as a potential point in the love triangle too. Plus, the way that his arc with Sam ends out this story is brilliant. Not only does it make me keen to read the next book in the Cauldrons and Cougars series, but I also don’t know which male I prefer. I do have a bit of an idea of how this triangle works out as I read Midlife Passions and Predators out of order. However, the journey to get there is still something that I can’t wait to go on and watch unfold!

Sam as a mother is so realistic. It’s a reminder that no matter how big and strong and old your children get, you’re still a mother. The hovering, the caring, and the bossing around never truly stops when you have children to raise. Sam’s dynamic with her son may have shifted drastically, but she’s still a mother. And, throughout all of the trials and nonsense that she puts up with throughout this story, she still places her son’s health and happiness above all else.

The combination of an MS diagnosis, an abusive soon-to-be ex-husband and, ultimately going on a journey to find out where you belong is an impressive and amazing combination. It was one that made it virtually impossible to put down. Plus, it’s a reminder that no matter your age, there is always a chance for a new beginning and happiness in love. It just takes a whole lot of courage and lucky circumstances. It made an already fun storyline all that much more potent and is probably why I’m really enjoying Hart’s writing at this point in my life.

<- More Jennifer L. HartMidlife Hexes and Familiar Exes ->

Image source: Jennifer L. Hart

Whiskey & Witches by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Whiskey & Witches
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: The Unlucky Charms #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

To begin with in this story, it’s kind of hard to like Carrick and the decisions that he makes. It was easy to guess the complication in his love life in Pints & Potions, but the way he chooses to treat Roisin and double down on his mistakes – it was really difficult to find a way to like him. To begin with. Once he realises the depths of his stupidity, he very quickly owns up to his mistakes and misconceptions. And, honestly, there is something completely forgivable when a character (or person in real life) actually apologises for their stupidity.

I’m always a big fan of stories which feature a woman giving up everything for her child – especially since becoming a mum myself, I completely relate to that level of love and sacrifice. It did make Carrick’s decisions a little more difficult to deal with, because where Roisin sacrifices literally everything for her child, Carrick is living his life of turmoil. It also meant that Roisin’s strength is obvious and admirable. She literally chooses her son’s life over her own and anyone else’s. Ready to take on the burden of her decisions to protect the person who is the most precious to her.

I love that the first few books of this series are all about fulfilling a prophecy. It gives a wonderful hint as to how some of the next parts of the story will unfold. And yet, I was not expecting the darkness that came with this line of the prophecy. The challenges that Aeden and Sabrina face because of it, and how this will challenge them in years to come. But, I also love how their little romance is set up (I’m seriously hoping anyway). It ties in more and more of the universe that Cromer has masterfully created, and I can’t wait to see how the final lines of this prophecy unfold in Beer & Broomsticks.

I’ve most definitely read some of these books out of order – I would have liked to get a little further into the Thorne Witches series before diving into The Unlucky Charms. But it just inspires me to continue to dive into all of the fun that Cromer has to offer. Plus, as much as I like to think about finishing the Thorne Witches series before diving too much further into this series, I also don’t want to put it down! Plus, the Irishness of it all is just glorious. So now I can’t wait to dive forwards and onwards into the next part of this prophecy and the love that that will reveal…

<- Pints & PotionsBeer & Broomsticks ->

Image source: Goodreads

Courage of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Courage of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This is the first romance in the Witches of Keating Hollow series which doesn’t feature a child in some way, shape or form. And I really enjoyed that. As much as I’ve enjoyed the blended families and all of the love that goes with it – after a while I wanted a slightly different flavour of romance. Hanna and Rhys manage to fit the bill perfectly for this. It’s a bit of a second chance, definite friends-to-lovers romance with some very interesting complications thrown in.

It’s fairly obvious from early in the story that Rhys’ reason for holding Hanna at bay is going to have some kind of medical component to it. I love that the complications and road blocks that are thrown up for this couple are entirely medical in nature. And it also brings up the question of how do you live when there is a potential death sentence hanging over your head? How do you ask someone to commit to that level of uncertainty? I know what I’d do, but I also know that it wouldn’t actually be an easy decision.

Courage of the Witch is definitely the most fitting title for this book. Courage is the perfect word to describe Hanna and how resilient she is. When people ask me the number one thing I want for my own children, my own answer is resilience. And the courage that Hanna is able to show in this story is exactly why. Granted, there is a happy ending which doesn’t always happen in real life. But the battle to find joy and happiness in uncertainty is a seriously difficult thing to do. Hanna also completely humbles Rhys in his inability to actually have this form of courage and resilience to begin with. Luckily they are able to grow together.

Not only is this a great story of courage and romance, it is also one about how we deal with grief. It never truly goes away, and I love how frequently and subtly that is acknowledged. The grief of losing a loved one, particularly someone to a medical condition that could possibly be genetic is difficult. And some days just living in spite of that pain can be hard, but both Hanna and Rhys manage to find a way, not without a few of their own scars, but it still filled me with a sense of calm and optimism.

<- Dreams of the WitchLove of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase

Dreams of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Dreams of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

From the closing of Spirit of the Witch, I knew who Faith’s eventual partner was going to be. But I didn’t expect the journey that she took to get there. Like all of the books in the Keating Hollows series so far, there were some unexpected wrenches thrown into their romance. Ones that came from an external source and led to a whole lot of unforeseen complications. Hunter and Faith, as with all of the other happily ever afters in this series do eventually find their way to one another. But I really enjoyed the way that they eventually find their way to their own version of happily ever after. Part of why I enjoy this series so much is that there is always a happily ever after, but enough emotional angst to make me really want to finish the story. Chase hit all of the points of this perfectly.

Hunter’s history took a number of unexpected turns throughout this story. I was expecting there to be problems with his best friend’s widow, Vivian from her actions early on. But there were a number of other complications that completely took over. He spends a lot of this story in a situation which could potentially paint him as the bad guy. And yet, he is completely sympathetic. Rather than be annoyed at the blunders that he makes and the ways he manages to cause problems in his own relationship, it all came from a really caring place. Often in romances, I get frustrated at one or the other character for their pigheadedness and unwillingness to communicate. But that really wasn’t the case with Dreams of the Witch.

Faith and the Townsend sisters’ mother leaving has been a big driver in all of their stories. But I really wasn’t expecting their mother to come back after twenty-one years. The extra complications this throws up in Hunter and Faiths’ relationship hurt my heart a little. Plus, it was interesting how someone who abandoned her children is able to justify her actions. Or at least, try to. The fact that her history is entangled with Hunter’s makes it all that much more intense. But, I love how that story arc ended with Faith finally being able to put the past behind her and start moving forwards to her own happily ever after.

Faith and Hunter’s journey was really sweet and fun, and I can’t wait to dive into Courage of the Witch. I love how the end of it gives hints for the next story – Hanna and Rhys. Not only did it close out the romances of the four Townsend sisters beautifully, but it also starts off the next romances. I can’t wait to see what is bugging Rhys and just how Hanna chooses to get past his nonsense. I read this story in one sitting, and will probably do the same for the next of the Keating Hollows Witches romances.

<- Spirit of the WitchCourage of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase

Spirit of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Spirit of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Yvette and Jacob’s meeting in Heart of the Witch and their immediate interpersonal complications definitely made me keen to dive into Spirit of the Witch. And then I got to read their story. And honestly, it just got better! They go from a one-night stand to contentious business partners to lovers in such an organic manner. It made for such a pretty easy and sweet transition between their different states. There is enough drama and bumps in the road to make it almost impossible to put this down, but not enough that I felt too angsty reading it – the perfect balance for the mood that I’ve been in lately.

This is the second book in a while I’ve read with a romance in which the woman has been divorced, because her first husband realises that he’s gay. I really liked how Chase dealt with this (Whynot in Checking You Out also did a great job of this messy dynamic). Isaac kind of came across as a bit of a selfish prick to begin with, which fits as he behaves absolutely ridiculously for the first portion of the book – acting jealous and controlling in a seriously cringey way. But, I love that, eventually, he and Yvette are able to start making movements to reestablishing a friendship. The maturity of the situation, and after a while, both of their actions was really great and I felt so content reading how they are able to start to move forwards with their lives.

Unlike Yvette’s ex, Jacob’s ex is completely insane. That’s fairly obvious from her first interactions and appearances in this story. But, somehow, it gets worse the more you read. It’s a pretty intense way for Jacob to truly move on from the past and reconnect with his ex-best friend. But I kind of loved the wonderfully intense shenanigans. It was the ultimate hurdle, and as soon as I started to realise just what a complication she was going to be, I did the old walk-and-read… into a wall (it happens more than I should really admit).

Not only is this a great romance about moving on from past betrayals for both Yvette and Jacob, it’s also got the secondary storyline of building a thriving bookstore. As a bibliophile and someone who has generally considered owning my own bookstore… because books, I really loved this setting and secondary storyline. Plus, both Yvette and Jacob have to negotiate something that many modern-day business owners have to negotiate – the ability to adapt to an everchanging market. The use of magic and café goods within this just made me drool… over the books, the food and the coffee.

<- Heart of the WitchDreams of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase

Heart of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Heart of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Second chance romances are always really fun and sweet. As you fall in love with the couple, you also get their history and all of the angst that informs the present relationship. In the case of Drew and Noel, it’s not just about their second chance, it’s also about getting over the death of Charlotte and all of the guilt and nonsense that goes along with it. It might be a wonderful second chance story, but I also love that the spotlight is frequently stolen by Noel’s daughter, Daisy. A fun cast that left me smiling and feeling all sorts of joy at the reading of this novel.

The complication of Charlotte’s death in this story makes for an incredibly unique romance, at least, I found it a little less predictable than what I’m used to. The interconnectedness of a small town romance also leads to some of these complications. Not only do they have the past between them, but also, there’s Noel’s ex to contend with. The trust issues, the current complications and their general unwillingness to actually communicate with each other in parts. But, I loved how, ultimately, they are able to move past the mistrust, the guilt and the pain of the past.

Xavier, Noel’s ex, is an absolute fool. I mean, it doesn’t matter what his intentions are and his drivers (which do ultimately come out). But his inability to respect and trust Noel literally destroy his life and happiness. It works well for this story, because I love Noel and Drew together. But, honestly, his pigheadedness and lack of communication are painful. Although it does make for a really interesting point of conflict throughout the story. Plus, there’s a bit of a tug of a potential love triangle with his resurgence in their lives. Just enough to make this a little more interesting.

Heart of the Witch is all about the power of time and how that can help to heal. You might always have scars from the past, but healing is possible with time. I love how Noel and Drew are able to find their way back to one another, as friends, and then as lovers. And how they ultimately choose to believe in the best in one another. Even as they make mistakes and forget to communicate. A message and ability that I maybe need to sometimes focus on myself.

<- Soul of the WitchSpirit of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Bookshops & Bonedust
Author: Travis Baldree
Series: Legends & Lattes #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Cozy fantasy, High fantasy, Magic
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I’ve had Bookshops and Bonedust on my TBR for a little while, and I’ve honestly been putting it off because sometimes books just don’t live up to all the hype. This totally does though. I absolutely loved every minute of reading this book and just didn’t want to put it down. Bookshops and Bonedust was a fantastic story that completely, totally and utterly deserves all of the positive attention that it gets. It was fun and enjoyable. And left me with such a happy and content feeling. Plus, there was a gorgeous slip of humour throughout that left me smiling and giggling throughout.

All of the action in this story almost takes place as a vacation. I love that Viv is taking an unplanned (and unwanted) break from her life, and in doing so finds joy in other pursuits. It’s a reminder that our aimed for career can’t be everything, plus, it gives Viv a chance to find new friendships. Her friendship with the bookshop owner and baker are so naturally formed that they’re ridiculously close before you even realise it. Plus, there is the quaintness of small town life to contend with and enjoy.

Having a paranormal fantasy story that features a bookshop was the absolute bomb. I love anything that features a bookshop and, well, books because I’m a Book Dragon. But, I also loved that you got to go along with Viv as she falls in love with reading and the written word. The fact that every recommendation helps her to discover another aspect of herself. Which is something that I tend to find in my own reading journey. Each book helps you to reveal a facet of your life that you might be thinking about at the time. And to figure out what your own personal morals and goals are.

I didn’t realise that Bookshops and Bonedust was actually written after Legends and Lattes, but I do like that I read it first. The epilogue gives more hints about what is going to happen in the first book in the story. Plus, there is the fact that Bookshops and Bonedust very obviously is what plants the seeds for a quieter life filled with love and joy in Viv’s mind. One that is going to pay dividends in the next book.

<- More Travis BaldreeLegends & Lattes ->

Image source: Amazon

Magic Bites ReRead by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Magic Bites ReRead
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2007

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I read Magic Bites and the whole Kate Daniels series, I love it just as much with each and every read through. I did decide to dive right in and start another read through because there’s a few more books at the end that I haven’t quite gotten to yet. It’s always nice to return to a well-loved story. Plus, it makes me ridiculously happy to return to something that has always bought me comfort. One of the things I love about rereading the Kate Daniels series is that, no matter what point I am at in life, I seem to find new nuances that leave me smiling and thinking long after I turned the final page.

Magic Bites takes place at the precipice of major change for Kate. As someone who has read the whole series, I love what it is all going to lead into. There are so many hints throughout Magic Bites of all of the changes Kate is about to face. But, to be fair, it takes a lot to notice them because there is so much action throughout that it takes a bit to even notice these hints. The death of her guardian drops Kate into a world that she’s been avoiding, and starts to bring her powerful nature and skills to light. Plus, she spends a whole lot of time running around with her sword lopping parts off of the evil-doers.

Curran is a hilarious and fairly typical alpha. I love that he is all about his people and eliminating the threat to those he cares for and loves. At times this is a bit of a problem in that he is high-handed and refuses to give any kind of leeway to the “others”. His drive to protect is both admirable and kind of annoying. But, I love that Kate is quickly able to establish herself as an intriguing threat. One that he doesn’t necessarily want anywhere near his People, but also wants to know more about. Because a cat’s curiosity and all that. The fact that he turns into a giant lion-man-beast who can rip the limbs of just about anything… it makes me love him all that much more.

Even though I already knew just who the upir (bad guy) was, it was still a fun journey to get there. And to pick up some of the breadcrumbs that Ilona Andrews masterfully laid down. The world building within this story is phenomenal and makes the whole story impossible to put down. Picking up the breadcrumbs as to who was the bad guy was really fun. As was finding out new nuances of the world that Kate lives in, the kind of dangers she faces and how this world nestles so perfectly alongside ours.

<- More Ilona AndrewsMagic Burns ReRead ->

Image source: Bol

Alanna: The First Adventure ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Alanna: The First Adventure ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Song of the Lioness Quartet #1, Tortall #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1983

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I step into the world of Tortall, I am stupidly happy and it feels like visiting an old friend. Honestly, this was the author and series that played a huge part in diving into the reading obsession I now have as an adult. And, with each new reading, different facets come to light for me. Different points in my life reflect within the story that I’m reading and I find new parts to love about it. I really can’t wait to share this series with my children, particularly my daughter.

I love that throughout this story, Alanna begins with rejecting the fact that she’s female. Indeed, every moment and development that highlights it makes her frustrated and upset. Yet, by the end of it, having proven herself alongside Jonathan, she finally realises that her gender doesn’t define her. Rather, it’s just something that she is, like being small and a red head. It’s a great reminder to all girls out there that we can be female and feminine, but also a warrior and enjoy arts that aren’t traditionally (stodgily) called “feminine”. As someone who practices Martial Arts, I can absolutely appreciate this duology.

The friendships Alanna makes at this point shape the rest of her life. And I love that at the beginning she feels like she has to be like everyone else to fit into her friendship circle. The moment when Raoul points out that they like her because she’s different has so much meaning for me. Even as an adult, it’s nice to be reminded that we are all loved for our differences as well as our similarities. And in Alanna’s case, she can be entirely who she wants to be (with the whole still hiding that she’s a girl thing), without giving up her friends. Even when the few who find out her hidden identity choose to still love her as she is. Honestly, Jon, Raoul, Gary and George are exactly the kind of friends I hope all people find at some point in their lives. They’re sweet, supportive and accepting of all of Alanna’s little nuances.

Whilst Alanna: The First Adventure doesn’t have a strict beginning, middle and end like some stories that I read, it is still impossible to put down. It jumps from moment to moment in Alanna’s first few years as a page and shows the different challenges she overcomes. There is also so much character driven growth throughout that by the end I was cheering and smiling to know that she ultimately won the day in accepting herself for everything that she is, small, short-tempered, red-headed and female.

<- More Tamora PierceIn the Hand of the Goddess ReRead ->

Image source: HarperReach

Soul of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Soul of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I read Gift of the Witch a long time before I had the chance to read Soul of the Witch. Which just meant that I had an inkling of a few of the road blocks Abby and Clay were likely to experience. Plus, I knew I was going to enjoy going back to the beginning and finding out how their love story truly started. It’s always nice to read a story that you know you’re going to enjoy. Plus, it’s nice to actually get to know Keating Hollow a little bit – there isn’t a huge amount of background and world building in Gift of the Witch.

I love that Abby and Clay get a second chance and a chance to heal in Soul of the Witch. There is a whole lot of history for the two of them, but not quite as much angst and anger about the past as I had expected. I mean, if I was in either of their shoes, I’d be rehashing the past more than either of them do. But I kind of liked this simplicity – they get a second chance with a whole lot less anger and regret than I anticipated. Honestly, the majority of the angst is all Abby’s – Clay is just trying to figure out his life and get his priorities straight.

Even though it takes a while, I love that Abby starts to work on forgiving herself for Charlotte’s death and finding a way to actually thrive, not just survive. It’s amazing that Chase so easily and non-judgementally incorporates therapy and the process into this story. And that Abby is finally able to admit that, even though we all make mistakes at the age of eighteen, the consequences aren’t always just ours to carry. Particularly in Abby’s case – where the consequences of her actions came about from a whole number of horribleness that led to the Perfect Storm.

Clay’s biggest battle is external rather than internal, it is the battle for custody and trying to be the best father he can possibly be. Honestly, at one point, I was more intrigued by the idea of Clay and Olive finding their happily ever after. Not really overly worried about Abby and Clay finding the romance that they want. I mean, the happiness of a little girl is so important and her mother is just so damn selfish. I love that everything ends up with a happily ever after and a big smile on everyone’s faces (mine included).

In Keating Hollow, the town isn’t just a small town with lots of romance, it’s also one built around magic. I really enjoyed how magic is just a part of everyday life and incorporated into everyday things. Rather than a huge deal or something that left people feeling unequal. It’s a joyful world in which everyone learns about magic alongside all the other things we learn as we grow older.

<- More Deanna ChaseHeart of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase