Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

The Unleashing by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Unleashing
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Call of Crows #1
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: 2015

Thoughts

As of late, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying anything by Shelly Laurenston. When I realised that she had a series that is based on Norse mythology, I may have squealed a little. Alright, a lot, on the inside. Because squealing in public earns you weird looks…

As a woman, I love that the crows are driven by their rage. I mean, I get it. Sometimes I’m fairly certain that to be a woman is to be filled with rage some days. And the idea that they are all women who have been killed, given a second life and assigned the task of vengeance? Way too damn good.

If I look at my reading habits lately, I MAY be enjoying romance stories with murder and mayhem a little bit too much lately. But you know, Laurenston fits into the perfectly, and it makes me happy, o we won’t think too closely on that. I love that Laurenston’s women are typically the leaders of this murder and Mayhem, and their poor men just kind of follow along half the time.

The hints to Jace’s story are intriguing, and, having read the next blurb, I love that I get her tale next! I mean, she seems a little unknowable, and just… intriguing. And her love interest (or the one I’ve guessed to be her love interest)? That seems like a total opposites attract. Plus, the hints at other romances throughout The Unleashing just make me deliriously excited for what is going to happen next.

Aside from future mayhem and romance, I can’t wait to find out more about the epic battles that have begun in this novel. I’m do very excited to continue with yet another Laurenston series. One that I’m sure will leave me smiling and giggling throughout.

<- More Shelly LaurenstonThe Undoing ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

The Lady and the Rabbit by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , , ,
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 romance, Shapeshifters
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

Book Review, , , , ,
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 romance, Shapeshifters
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

Book Review, , , ,
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

Book Review, , , , ,
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

Book Review, , , ,
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

Book Review, , , ,
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

Book Review, , , ,
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

Trickster King by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Trickster King
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #9
Rating Out of 5: d!), 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect), 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

There really wasn’t much of a point of conflict in this Royal States novel, and there is no great romance (because Jessica and Pat have already had theirs in Storm Called). Mostly, this is kind of an epilogue feel / bridge to the next part of the Royal States stories in that it’s mostly just Pat running amok in the world. And all of those chaotic and fun moments throughout. I absolutely adored it, and it was a lot of fun. But I did keep wondering when the Big Evil or some such would come out. Or even when Pat would come up against some actual opposition to his holiday adventures.

I really enjoyed not only getting to know what makes Patrick tick a whole lot more. But it was also fantastic to learn more about Eddie and some of the difficulties he faces. Plus, it’s a great insight into just what makes Patrick’s protegee tick and why he is on the path he is. It’s also nice to know just why Patrick is known as the Trickster King, and just how manipulative he truly is. All of this story was great character building and a bit of a history lesson to some of the conflicts building in the Royal States world.

In the world that we live in, constantly working and being active is seen as a positive thing. I love that in this, Patrick is aware that breaks are important. And that, even though he is constantly driving forwards to make change, he is aware that sometimes, even he needs to stop and take a breath. By having breaks and downtime, we are able to actually function better and be more efficient when we are driving towards our goals. I’m at a point in my life when I feel like I am juggling a hundred plates, and it was a nice reminder that I too, can put them down sometimes and just… breath.

Although this chronologically occurs earlier in the series, it is definitely worth reading Trickster King as book number 10. There are hints to what happens throughout this story, but you really appreciate it after you read the other stories. Plus, this gives a bit more background to Deidre’s mistake (which you find out about earlier), and just makes me hang out to read the next book. Or the next. Or the next. Really, whichever one features Deidre’s romance is going to be an epically amazing one. I hope.

<- RunawayMore R.J. Blain ->

Image source: Smashwords

Runaway by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Runaway
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #8
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I absolutely love that this follows Tom, Ethan’s brother after he is plunged into his role as the heir to California. And all of the craziness that followed Ethan’s abdication and Rachel’s parents’ demise. It’s also fantastic that he has been empathically bonded to Cassandra for a long time, with everyone knowing and just waiting. At first, I thought that their story was honestly going to be a little simpler than Ethan and Rachel. But, it turns out, that it had just as many twists and turns. Actually, I felt a little more unsettled at Cassandra’s story, but also loved her so damn much in the end.

Cassandra is an incredibly sweet and gorgeous lead. And I love that this sweetness is actually what ultimately saves her. Particularly as it is what makes her impossible to manipulate to more devious purposes. I mean, often, being sweet and kind are considered weak traits. But, ultimately Cassandra was able to use her good-nature to protect those that she loves. I personally love that she realised Tom was desperately in need of hugs, and chose to just… hug everyone to stop him from looking special to her somewhat evil parents. Plus, Copperfield is able to highlight that being a giver is actually a really good thing, but something that’s easy to take advantage of.

Even though I couldn’t stand any of the actions of Cassandra’s parents, I really wasn’t expecting the twist of their true motivations towards the end. It gave every single interaction a far more sinister motive and made me feel incredibly uncomfortable. I actually really look forward to rereading this in the future and picking up on some of those many hints. And seeing everything through a different lens. I mean, it’s one thing to have evil parents who are using you for political gain, but the reality is so much worse! Although, I did absolutely adore how Cassandra, her future MIL and Queen Jessica all chose to mess with this plan in the most entertaining ways possible.

I often consider running away to escape the responsibilities of life and being an adult. So I can completely understand why this entire story revolves around the idea of Cassandra and Tom getting in a car and fleeing. We all have a breaking point, and this was a really pleasant way to deal with that point in their sanity. That they can sort out their relationship and future roles in the kingdom in the journey just made it all that much better. I too want to run away and come back with more money and sanity, but, alas, that’s just not likely to happen at any point in my life.

<- Cold FlameTrickster King ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble