Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

Partners in Persuasion ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Partners in Persuasion ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #11.5
In: Wild Embrace (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I love that this is one of the few Psy Changeling stories which features a very dominant female and a very submissive male. I mean, most of the stories don’t really feature submissive as the love interest, because that’s not the vibe of this series. But still, I really enjoyed this departure from the dominance of the other couples and characters.

I also seriously enjoyable the fact that Partners in Persuasion features a leopard and wolf. Again, there’s another story with this, but not as many as if probably like. Particularly as Desi is such a beautiful confident feline, and I love how she absolutely sweeps Felix off his feet.

Although Desi is wonderfully confident, its her fumbling attempts to connect with Felix that I particularly loved. I was constantly laughing and smiling at her not always successful attempts. And then there’s Felix, who is just confused by the attention. It just lends more credence to the fumbling beginning of their relationship. And creates a really cute and sweet novella. One which always leaves a great, big smile on my face.

Finally, as joyous as this whole story is, I absolutely adore the fight scene in thw bar. There is something glorious about a man who is proud of his woman’s strength that leaves me smiling and happy. Felix is so willing to have Desi’s back (figuratively and literally) that a girl can’t help but smile at his awesomeness.

<- Tangle of Need ReReadHeart of Obsidian ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Tangle of Need ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Tangle of Need: Book 11 : Singh, Nalini: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Tangle of Need ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #11
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This is the second or third time I’ve read through the Psy Changeling series. And I still find that Riaz and Aria’s story is one of my favourites. It’s all about choice and choosing the one you want to spend the rest of your life with. Rather than just being about succumbing to fate and the person you end up mating with.

Another aspect of Tangle of Need that I love is the fact that both characters are finding a way to get over their heartbreak. They manage to find a way to heal together, sometimes in being with one another. At others, giving each other time and space. Ultimately resulting in their own happily ever after. One that is built in the comfort of a good friend and great sex.

I always enjoy stories that feature a secondary character you’ve already started to fall for. In the case of Tangle of Need, its Riaz’s story arc started earlier in the series. I enjoyed how it built up before this story even started. Meaning that there was no hesitation to connect and hope for his happily ever after. Aria, whilst newer to the series, is also impossible to not love.

Where I just wanted Riaz to find his forever love and happily ever after, Aria’s story was one about being a strong-willed independent woman. I love how Singh highlights the challenges of being a strong-willed woman in a man’s world. And how this can be really challenging to dins someone who will stand by you when you’re strong. Not tear you down and push you behind them. I seriously enjoyed how Riaz was able to do this for her.

<- Texture of Intimacy ReReadPartners in Persuasion ReRead ->

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Texture of Intimacy ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Texture of Intimacy ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #10.5
In: Wild Invitation (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

No matter how many times I reread the Psy-Changeling series, there is something about Lara and Walker’s story that I absolutely adore. The fact that it isn’t a standalone actually kind of works. They have a less angsty relationship than some of the other couples in this series. But, I think the joy and simplicity of their tale is a good way to break up some of the heavier aspects of the Psy-Changeling storyline.

Although Walker and Lara’s relationship starts in Play of Passion, it is in Texture of Intimacy that all of the little pieces come together. Not just their slow falling in love, but also the way that they are able to make their lives fit together. Plus, this story incorporates Walker’s children, Marlee and Toby, in the beginnings of the relationship. Showing how both children choose to accept Lara into their family with excitement and love. 

I think one of the things that I really enjoy about Lara and Walker’s story is Lara’s giving nature and ability to love. As someone who works in the “caring fields”, I kind of understand this drive to do anything and everything for the people under my care. I also know what it’s like to have that capacity to care, until you end up burning yourself out. The fact that Walker manages to balance this out, by placing Lara above everyone else and caring for her, it just worked perfectly. And makes me hope that one day I’ll find someone who is able to pull me back from giving too much too.

This novella took place over a decent period of time, but was also kind of sweet and light. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and look forward to diving into more of the Psy-Changeling world. Even if it is just to get a glimpse of Walker and Lara again as they support and love one another, and the children they both love.

<- Kiss of Snow ReReadTangle of Need ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Kiss of Snow ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Kiss of Snow: Book 10

Title: Kiss of Snow ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #10
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2011

Thoughts

Siena and Hawke’s story is always one of my favourites – they have such a slow burn build from their first appearance in Slave to Sensation, and I just love them both as characters. It’s an age gap romance, but one that feels really natural. The weight that Siena carries on her shoulders gives her the strength and maturity to be able to stand on her own two feet in the face of Hawke’s powerful personality. I love how they both come together, but are also able to retain their own sense of self and independence.

The ability and strength that Siena has is just incredible. I loved doing this reread, and I was able to pick up more of the nuances of her power this time through. I had forgotten some of the intensity of this before picking up Kiss of Snow again. I also love how Siena’s ability and Walker’s adaptations highlight the evolution of the Psy abilites. And how the rise of Silence was able to stifle some of this evolution. I’m a reformed science nerd, and I loved how Siena’s power was a vessel through which to validate the idea of evolution of Psy-powers and the evolutionary dead end which Silence has created.

Hawke and his stubbornness is incredibly frustrating at times, but it also meant that the battle to find his happily ever after was all the more enjoyable. He’s a bit intense, but, when he finally makes the choice to give in to the inevitable, he’s all in. It creates such a wonderful and explosive moment. The passion and steam absolutely leap off the pages, and I completely got swept up in the joyous moment of love.

Kiss of Snow is really the opening battle of the war that is going to round out the rest of the Psy-Changeling series. The first battle might have been fought in this, but it is really only the opening sallies and moves for a much greater battle. I love that the explosivity of the beginning of war is so beautifully partnered with such an explosive and passionate love story.

<- Declaration of Courtship ReReadTexture of Intimacy ReRead ->

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Declaration of Courtship ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Declaration of Courtship ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #9.5
In: Wild Invitation (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

I freaking love Cooper and Grace’s love story. A lot of the stories I read feature quite dominant men and women, and it isn’t common for me to read about a more docile type. Particularly a more docile type of woman. But, their side story is one of my favourites in the Psy Changeling world. The fact that Cooper has to balance his needs with Grace’s in a way that not everyone does is kind of adorable. And, I love how strong Grace is, even if she is a quieter presence in the hierarchy of the pack.

One of my favourite aspects about this romance is how Grace and Cooper have to negotiate their power imbalance. Although Cooper might be the one to initiate, he also gives Garce the time and space to say no. All relationships have some kind of power imbalance in places, but I love how these two are able to work with that and find a way that they are both safe and secure in their love. Particularly as this is quite a large power imbalance, in the system of the Psy Changeling world.

Grace’s siblings and their protective stupidity is kind of cute. I love how this gives more insight into the more submissive members of the Changeling world, and how valued they are. But, it also highlights that familial love and stupidity often go hand in hand. No matter what kind of species or reality we’re talking about. This novella provides a great insight into how power shifts, love and loyalty all play together to create a really sweet and caring happily ever after.

<- Play of Passion ReReadKiss of Snow ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Play of Passion ReRead by Nalini Singh

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Overview
Play of Passion: Book 9 : Singh, Nalini: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Play of Passion ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #9
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2010

Thoughts

Drew and Indigo are a great couple within the Psy-Changeling world, and I particularly love their story as it means a return to SnowDancer after reading Bonds of Justice. They are also a nice change of pace to some of the other stories, and one of those couples, that, even in my reread, stick out to me just a little bit more. A little bit brighter. Their story is seriously enjoyable and one that I love reading again and again.

In Drew, I love that he comes across as light, young and almost innocent in his trickster ways. Yet, he is insanely powerful, confident and intelligent. It shows that power and skill don’t come with a certain personality type. And, sometimes, those who carry the largest weights on their shoulders also exude the greatest joy. I also love that he really and truly doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him. Once his mind is made up, he’s set, and he will problem solve for a better solution with a single minded tenacity.

Although I love Drew and love him and Indigo getting together, I also completely understand her reluctance, and the struggles she goes through to accept their relationship. The Reverse Age Gap and the fact that she is the one in a position of higher power are both things that I know women today still struggle with. But, I also love that, as Indigo works through this and processes it, she is also able to fully commit and be the best partner possible to Drew. I also adore how Drew, once he understands things a little, gives her a bit of space to work through her own nonsense.

The underlying story arc from the rest of the Psy-Changeling series is pretty intense at this point in the series. The Council is seriously starting to fracture (which I love), and it’s perfectly setting up the future books and new future which is about to be structured. I love that I could honestly read this (or any of the Psy-Changeling books) as standalone romances, but they are so much more complex and engaging because of the underlying story arc that drives towards such a powerful ending of this first season.

<- Bonds of Justice ReReadDeclaration of Courtship ReRead ->

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Bonds of Justice ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Bonds of Justice: Book 8 : Singh, Nalini: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Bonds of Justice ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #8
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2010

Thoughts

Bonds of Justice still isn’t quite my favourite Psy-Changeling story – maybe because there are not Changelings in it, maybe it’s just the characters. Regardless, this might not be my favourite book in one of my favourite series, but I still kind of love it. I mean, Max and Sophia are a really lovely couple, and I love that they both work in the justice system. This is a great paranormal romance which, at its core is all about justice and fairness. One which, whilst not having a special space in my heart, is still one I really loved rereading.

One of the aspects of Sophia that I really enjoy is that she doesn’t really try and pretend to be purely Silent. I mean, in public and in interactions that could get her “rehabilitated”, she toes the line. But, there is no need for Max to try and get below the surface to her emotions. Rather, Sophia looks at the world of hurt she might be facing and just… embraces it. I love that she chooses to embrace her humanity again and again. It means that the emotional connection between Sophia and Max is almost instantaneous, and it’s the physicality that takes time to build.

Max was a really good secondary character in Talin’s story, Mine to Possess, but surprisingly, I didn’t find him as much of a draw card as I was expecting. Admittedly, this being a reread, I already knew that I felt that way about this book, so I went into it with lower expectations. That’s not to say that this book still isn’t better than most of the stories that grace my shelves, but it is still not the Psy-Changeling story that I find impossible to put down.

My favourite part of this whole book is honestly the secondary plot line. Whilst I enjoy Max and Sophia, it is their quest for justice and the truth that I absolutely adore. Particularly since I really enjoyed the myriad of ways in which Nikkita is capable to derailing their investigations. Plus, I just really enjoyed getting to know Sascha’s mother a little bit better and seriously wondering at her convoluted motivations for literally everything she does…

<- Blaze of Memory ReReadPlay of Passion ReRead ->

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To Kill a Badger by Shelly Laurenston

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Overview
To Kill a Badger by Shelly Laurenston

Title: To Kill a Badger
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Honey Badger Chronicles #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

I’ve been hanging for this story, and the wait was well worth it! Everything about this had me absolutely inhaling the damn thing. It was ridiculously amazing. I knew it would be, because Laurenston is a seriously wonderful author. But, still, I did not want to put this book down at any point.

Since the very first hint of Nelle and Keane, I’ve been waiting to see how they would end up together, and how their dynamic would work. And honestly, I wasn’t  disappointed. When they were first hinted at, they didn’t, quite seem to fit. But then, throughout To Kill a Badger, it really started to make sense. They were ridiculous, fun and really cute as a couple. I also loved how they just accepted each other as they are, without expecting change or compromise. 

I also really enjoyed getting to know Nelle more. She’s the fourth of the basketball team to fall in love, and although I doubt the fifth one will get her own story (as Streep is already coupled up), she rounded the team,s romances out nicely. I mean, I am absolutely here for it if Streep gets her own story. But still. Nelle’s was pretty great and it was great to know how all of the Malone brothers fit in with the Honey Badger insanity.

As much as I love the honey badgers who feature in this series, there was something great about getting to know the “old crones” who were introduced at the end of Breaking Badger. They are kind of what I imagine the MacKilligans and basketball team will turn into when they reach menopause and decide to not give a damn about the rest of the world. Not that they do much already. There were so many moments where I giggled out loud, and many of them featured this older generation.

<- Born to Be Badger ReReadMore Shelly Laurenston ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

The Undoing by Shelly Laurenston

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Overview
Shelly Laurenston | The Undoing

Title: The Undoing
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Call of Crows #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Norse mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

Jace and her background is kind of heart breaking, but, it just makes you want her to have a happily ever after all that much more. I also love how she just… overcomes and deals with her past. Then, she manages to have compassion and a great sense of self in amongst this. Yes, there is the Crow Rage, but that’s the whole reason I love these books – they’re women who are enraged. And honestly, who isn’t enraged in this day and age?

Jace has very quickly become one of my favoured characters in Laurenston’s work – mostly because she is an introvert. The desire to just be by yourself and exist in your own world is one that I understand intimately. Although, I love how she just refuses to engage in the things and conversations that she doesn’t enjoy. Alright, she’s a little more blunt and aggressive than I would ever be comfortable being. But, that’s the joy of fiction – you can live vicariously through the experiences of others.

Ski works beautifully with Jace (and gives me a lot of hope for us awkward weirdos). He takes the time to stop and figure out just what makes Jace tick. And then chooses to lean into it. He doesn’t judge, and doesn’t try to change her. Rather, he decides on her and chooses to meet her where she is. It was absolutely adorable how he slowly courts her, until she realises that she’s in a relationship and has been decided on. It’s wonderfully sweet and incredibly cute the way they find their way to one another, and figure their nonsense out together.

Although this is a great paranormal romance, I love how there is so much violence throughout this. Jace is great, intellectual and actually really sweet. But, I also love that she has berserker rage that turns her into a completely unhinged menace to everyone. Everything about her and her powers made me smile. The way that Jace’s special brand of violence fits in with the rest of the Crows… absolutely beautiful.

<- The UnleashingThe Unyielding ->

Image source: Shelly Laurenston

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 ->

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