Tag Archives: Paranormal Fantasy

Pumpkin Spice and All Things Nice by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

Image source: Goodreads

Shift Happens by T.M. Baumgartner

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Shift Happens
Author: T.M. Baumgartner
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

This is a great new urban fantasy author to add to my shelves! One that not only swept me away on a great story, but also just, generally created a wonderful world in which to exist. I mean, the world was textured and enjoyable – there was a whole lot of conflict and mayhem and magic. Some of the conflict was magical in nature, but some of it was just the normal social nonsense that we all have to navigate.

I love that the lead of this story is an unattached, menopausal woman in her 50s. There aren’t many stories I read that have a female of this age and hormonal difficulties leading. And whilst I’m nowhere near in my 50s or ready for menopause, the hormone fluctuations were entertainingly familiar and had me giggling throughout. Especially how the hot flashes can hit at the most random and irritating times.

For two of the women in this story, the rage of being a woman is beautifully manifested in their shifted shapes. The rage of having to deal with ego-driven nonsense that is just… well, frustrating and rage-inducing. Both Angela and the dragon are transformed under less than stellar circumstances, and they both are reduced to trying to deal with the consequences of others’ stupidity. Probably more so Angela – I would’ve snapped FAR earlier than she did, but there’s a reason why I’m not a hero in a novel…

Throughout all of the mayhem and craziness that unfolds in Angela’s life, she has some amazing friends who manage to rally around her. It’s always lovely to read a story which features really strong friendships, and ones where the women just aren’t pitted against each other. It’s always heartwarming to read about characters that value each other as they are. And are willing to stand by their friends, even if it might cost them something.

Shift Happens is an absolutely unforgettable story. One that I enjoyed far more than I had anticipated from the blurb and cover to be honest. It was tragic in places and made my eyes water. But, then, had me giggling and smiling at other moments. I love that I was taken on a ride of insanity, but also experience a wide range of emotions whilst going on this journey. Now I can’t wait to see what else Baumgartner is capable of writing.

<- More T.M. BaumgartnerMore paranormal fantasy ->

Image source: OverDrive

The Queen’s Wing by Jessica Thorne

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Queen’s Wing
Author: Jessica Thorne
Series: The Queen’s Wing #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This was yet another one of those books that I just added to my eBook because it showed up somewhere as a suggestion. So, of course, I had absolutely no idea what to expect, but I was a little intrigued by the blurb. And the cover was really damn pretty. I mean, it had major steampunk / fantasy vibes. And then there was a love triangle (which sometimes works, sometimes doesn’t) and a forced marriage. It turns out that this novel was completely, totally and utterly awesome! And now I’m more than a little bit obsessed with it… and annoyed that Thorne’s novels are no longer on kobo…

Although I actually enjoyed the love triangle and all of the angst in this story, I found the conclusion of it to feel a little… unfinished. I mean, rather than Bel actively choosing someone, fate stepped in and made a decision. And, even if there are mentions of the difference in her regard for both men, I felt like it would’ve been good for her to at least start choosing one before fate stepped in. It did make the angst associated with finally having a pick a whole lot more potent though, and redirected it into a different direction.

I love how Bel is a warrior from a family / planet of warriors. And that, even if she is placed in an arranged marriage, she makes a choice to fight for her husband and his people. Even if she is given an out, that morality and strength of character is beautiful. Plus, it was fun to read a story that features a woman who is the warrior and saviour. Instead of a man swooping in, it’s a woman. But, of course, she’s got to deal with all the useless nonsense of mansplaining and stupidity that all of us women must deal with.

Everything about this book was seriously enjoyable and left me feeling really happy and content. It was a fantasy novel with steampunk vibes. One that makes me hope that The Stone’s Heart will eventually be back on kobo. I don’t want to have to wait to read the next wonderful Thorne book on my wishlist!

<- More Jessica ThorneThe Stone’s Heart ->

Image source: Booktopia

Outback Spirit by Nicole R. Taylor

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Outback Spirit
Author: Nicole R. Taylor
Series: Australian Supernatural: Origins
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I loved this book ridiculously. I downloaded it because I loved the idea of an Australian author writing Australian paranormal fantasy stories set in the Australian outback. I mean, it was a little slow to get going in the first chapter, and then I was swept away. I loved the combination of different mythos in this world. Then, there’s the setting – Outback Spirit is literally set in the outback. And for anyone who has actually travelled through the tiny towns in the middle of nowhere, this was very much the vibe. While I was reading this, every time I closed my eyes, I’d imagine the red dust and breathing in the warm, fresh air.

I absolutely adore the fact that Outback Spirit is a paranormal romance set in the Australian outback – opals, weirdos, red dust and all. There is a really particular taste and vibe to outback Australia. Plus, the idea of being in the middle of nowhere and finding your community is kind of sweet. I read a lot of small town romances, but this is the first that is actually about small town Australia. Plus, I actually love the red dust opal country. It’s something that needs to be experienced to be believed, but Taylor does a fantastic job of brining it to life on the pages.

From the very beginning of this story, it’s obvious that Eloise’s background is kind of tragic. The more you get to know about it, the more it kind of breaks your heart. And yet, she is still incredibly hopeful. I love that even with literally everyone in her life turning on her and feeling completely alone, Eloise still tries to trust and fine her own place in the world. That strength of character and gumption is probably the other thing (other than the awesome Australian-ness of this) that drew me into this story so thoroughly.

Outback Spirit introduces a fantastic paranormal world that I seriously loved diving into, and I can’t wait to find out what happens to the Exiles of Solace next. Particularly how they’re all going to continue protecting their secrets and developing their powers. It means that not only do I have a wonderful new series to dive into, but also a great new Australian author! Lucky for me there are a number of different paranormal series by Taylor set in the Australian outback…

<- More Nicole R. TaylorSunburnt Country ->

Image source: Amazon

The Kitsune Giggle by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Kitsune Giggle
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

There is something so cute about the idea of kitsune – I seem to be finding them a little bit in the stories that I’ve been reading lately. And, I honestly just love them. Which, of course, meant that I was incredibly keen to dive into a book that was about kitsune and their habits. Or at least, kitsune in the world of Tape. The fact that the kitsune in this is really lonely and needs to find a companion was even better. Plus, then there’s Charlotte, Felicity and all of their friends as they negotiate life working in a sanctuary.

As with all of the books in the Griffin Sanctuary series, I love the amount of detail that Tape uses to create the paranormal creatures which Charlotte takes care of. Taking a kitsune, which is recognisable in folklore, and creating a totally relatable canine that you just want to hug is very cleverly done. I love that this little fox pulls at your heart strings from the very beginning. And, along with Charlotte, you constantly want her to find her happily ever after and companion that she truly needs.

I’m a big lover of pets and loving anything furry that will let me. However, I’ve never been okay with the exotic pet trade. And this story is a bit of a reminder why – the kitsune featured in this was a pet, and therefore unable to thrive in the wild. So, when her two fellow kitsune were released, she was left alone and started to self harm. I mean, this is a really sweet and good read – so it meant that there was a happily ever after for the kitsune. But, it was still a reminder of the damage that the exotic pet trade can have on an individual animal – some animals just aren’t meant to be caged.

As with everything set in this world, I absolutely adored The Kitsune Giggle. Not only did I love getting to know the kitsune’s and the process for finding a companion animal. But I also loved how Charlotte and Felicity took a further step in their relationship. How Charlotte is trying to make inroads to forming a relationship with her fellow apprentices – and the obstacles to that. And just, generally the entirety of this story. A very pleasant read after a difficult day.

<- The Phoenix NestThe Dragon Lantern ->

Image source: Kobo

The Phoenix Nest by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Phoenix Nest
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Charlotte has been an amazing character from her very first appearance in The Unicorn Herd. It was fun to see how she begins to get on in her apprenticeship and learn more about the many paranormal animals that she gets to take care of. Plus, there’s also her relationship that she gets to try and figure out and negotiate – something I’m seriously enjoying alongside all of the fun animals.

I might not be someone who is completely in love with chickens – but I did love the phoenixes! They are incredibly derpy and silly. I mean, who wouldn’t love a pair of large, flammable dopes running around? I spent a lot of this story just laughing, at the two phoenixes. To the point that my family and dogs edged away from me – I mean, they were completely hilarious.

I love that the story of the phoenixes and their breeding program is constantly questioning where the line is with sanctuaries and breeding. I mean, it’s a hard one – yes, breeding programs can save a species. But, by breeding in captivity and not being able to release the individuals, are we really doing something positive? There are no straight answers to this question, but it was a good way to provide an example of all of the grey areas.

I did feel really bad for the male phoenix in this. Although there were so many wonderful and thoughtful moments throughout this, there was a bit of a sad ending. But, it did end with babies and some joy, so it wasn’t all bad. Now I can’t wait to find out more about the kitsunes in The Kitsune Giggle.

<- The Unicorn HerdThe Kitsune Giggle ->

Image source: Kobo

Filthy Grizzly by Liza Street

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Filthy Grizzly
Author: Liza Street
Series: Junkyard Shifters #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This was one of those books that was in a box set on my ereader. Which means I jumped into the series halfway through. And honestly, now I’m just completely intrigued by this whole world and world building. I mean, it’s a fairly typical paranormal romance, but with a shifter prison. Sort of, that was my understanding. And then, because I really loved all the characters in this… I wonder WHY they are in the junkyard prison.

For all that this had some fun and unique elements, it fit beautifully into the brother’s best friend trope. Which, because it was an awesome romance ended up backfiring on the silly couple. Although, I really didn’t enjoy how Octavia’s brother completely dumps on his supposed best friend. Its one thing to be protective, but he was kind of an arse to both if them. Luckily, Octavia is one of those fun and strong female leads. One who manages to absolutely hand their butt’s to them.

Dallas is that very typical overbearing ‘alpha’ type. And whilst I liked that in so many ways, he was still a bit of a fool. I speak from experience… a man who is too busy protecting you to communicate deserves a smack up the side of the head. I’m glad Octavia pretty much did that to him.

I loved this story for so many reasons. One of which is the many layers of evil and deception throughout. Coming in partway through the series, the multitude of threats has been established. And now I can’t wait to go back to the beginning as they begin to filter through to those community.

<- Filthy PrinceFilthy Thief ->

Image source: Goodreads

Filthy Beast by Liza Street

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Filthy Beast
Author: Liza Street
Series: Junkyard Shifters #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I found it a bit difficult reading about Lena’s fight and fleeing of her pack. I mean, entitled men alone are creepy. But Shaw and his obsession with her family… man, I was glad from the very beginning that it was the catalyst for her escaping. It’s also an interesting way to start off the series – a woman being stuck in a purgatory as her punishment for declining Shaw’s advances. Honestly, there is nothing scarier to me than a man who feels entitled to a woman’s body.

At the beginning of this story, I found Carter to be crazy angry. I mean, like, off the charts angry. But, then as his story unfolds, you kind of get it. It’s still not a great character flaw, but it becomes understandable fairly quickly, which makes him a sympathetic lead. It was kind of sad though that when he finally starts to heal and forgive the past, even more tragedy hits.

This story was a little bit too lust driven for me to fall crazily in love with the story and the characters. But I did love that Lena does tell Carter off. Repeatedly. And with gusto. Alright, she succumbs to the lust frequently, but she also manages to hold her own and have a sense of self that is admirable. Particularly when she is stuck in a situation not of her own making. One that her inner strength helps her to survive.

Although Shaw was a fantastic and kind of terrifying villain, I kind of wanted more of an explanation to his obsession. I mean, he’s repeatedly told to be obsessed with Lena and her bloodline, but there is no explanation of why. Plus, he obviously had a plan by coming into the junkyard and preying upon Lena. But, surely he also had a plan to get out… again, I feel like there needed to be a whole lot more explanation. Maybe this will come to light later within the series…

Filthy Beast is a great introduction to the Junkyard Shifters and just how the Junkyard works. I love that it’s a holding pen for criminals, but there are already some serious questions as to how ‘criminal’ many of these characters are. And I can’t wait to meet more of them as they fall in love!

<- Filthy VandalFilthy Wolf ->

Image source: Amazon

The Dragon Conspiracy by Lisa Shearin

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Dragon Conspiracy
Author: Lisa Shearin
Series: SPI Files #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I honestly forgot how much I loved Mac, Ian and the SPI team – it’s been quite a while since I have had the joy of diving into this series. And now I’m regretting the massive break I took from reading this series. I mean, they are just such a fun group and I loved getting to know them better. Plus, there’s the fact that they are constantly in a battle to save the world. Although I love Mac and Ian, I still think that Yasha may be my favourite – there is something wonderful about his special brand of insanity.

I honestly spent a lot of this story trying to figure out just how all of the machinations fit together. There were so many surprises and double crosses throughout. Honestly, every time I thought I had a grasp on just what was going on, something happened to make me do a full 180. It was constantly surprising, and I loved trying to get my head around what was going on. Which is kind of amazing, because now, when I have the privilege of rereading this, I will have so many more things to uncover!

The idea of seven diamonds and their potential for mass destruction was fun from the very beginning. And then, there’s Victor Kain, the dragon, and his thirst for revenge. The combination of weapons of mass destruction and a psychotic dragon on the rampage meant that this was a really difficult book to put down. Particularly since the more you read, the more horrifying Kain actually was.

I loved that there was a number of potential couples set up after all of the mayhem and insanity of this story. A few I could completely see coming, but then there were some that were quite surprising. I also love that although there are hints of a potential relationship between Mac and Ian, she is moving forward with Rake. He’s kind of difficult and a little dreamy, so I really enjoyed the idea of getting to know him more. Particularly as this ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, in which Ian and Mac are both moving forwards in their romances, but no idea just how.

Now I can’t wait to read more SPI Files series. I mean, Mac and Ian have a great partnership, and they are obviously situated well to battle evil. Plus The Dragon Conspiracy is setting up a major evil plot in the background. And I can’t wait to see how insidious it is…

<- The Grendel AffairThe Brimstone Deception ->

Image source: Amazon

Candle Me With Care by Mandy M. Roth

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Candle Me With Care
Author: Mandy M. Roth
Series: Bewitchingly Ever After #3.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2023

Thoughts

The idea of Beatrice and her accidental family curse was kind of hilarious, and seriously intrigued me. I mean, the curse in and of itself was a fun and interesting one. But, add in the fact that their grandmother was the one who accidentally cursed them? Kind of brilliant. And hilarious. And super, super awkward.

I love this this is a novella, second chance romance. Unlike some of the other books in this series, the couple already know each other and are pretty quick to work back towards one another. There is a little bit more angst than some of the second chance romances that I’ve read recently, but I kind of liked it.

Not going to lie, I picked up this novella partly because I love any story with a pun in the title. Plus, the fact that Beatrice is not only a candle maker, but one who makes candles for the paranormal and a supernatural town was even better. I loved making candles as a kid, so I kind of loved that someone could make an entire career out of it.

There was so much history in this story, and I can’t wait to read more of this series. I mean, this has already introduced Mandy M. Roth to my shelves. And now I have a whole new series to read…

<- Do You Really Want to Haunt MeMore Mandy M. Roth ->

Image source: Mandy M. Roth