Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

Inquisitor by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Inquisitor
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Witch & Wolf #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy, Werewolves, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

Allison’s journey throughout this story is actually a little bit sad, surprisingly so for the tone of most of the Blain books that I’ve read so far. And, even with all of the obstacles that Allison overcomes, she doesn’t quite get the happily ever after that I was anticipating. I mean, Blain’s writing is normally finished by a romantic happily ever after ending, so it was kind of surprising that Allison didn’t end the story with a man at her side. But, I kind of liked that fact.

I love that Allison is an insanely old werewolf and the Caretaker of the Seasons. Not only is that a great level of characterisation, but also Allison’s past provides a fantastic insight into the Witch and Wolf world and all of the politics within it. I also really enjoyed how the wolf aspect of Allison’s personality as so much more aggressive in her care for the seasons than her human alter-ego.

Unlike the some of the other series within Blain’s world, this story had a whole lot of sad and senseless death throughout it. I honestly had my heart hurt a whole lot more by this story than any of her other tales. Which made me seriously love it – I love that the story didn’t follow the pathway that I was expecting, and that it was a whole lot darker than anticipated. The tragedy and hurt just made all of the nice moments throughout even better.

I absolutely adored this story – it was much darker than I expected, but I think that that’s what made me enjoy it. It’s definitely drawn me into the Witch and Wolf world. Now I can’t wait to read more about these amazing characters and all of the horrible politics that are at play within the this world.

<- More R.J. BlainWinter Wolf ->

Image source: Goodreads

Catnapped by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Catnapped
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #18
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

As a fur baby mum, I love stories which feature women who will do anything for their pets. And in the case of Catnapped, Diana will do literally anything for her stolen cat. And I love that her journey to rescue her cat ends up with not only a happily ever after match, but also a whole lot of mayhem and destruction. Which is kind of expected in a Blain book by this point in my experience of her works.

Darian is a great, and very passive companion for Diana. Which is not a bad thing, I love that Diana just races forward, taking over the world and taking name. And Darian just supports her and has her back. Plus, it meant that Diana’s interactions with Lucifer are all that much more entertaining and chaotic. The chaos is really why I read Blain, and the fact that the men are often just along for whatever chaotic ride the women decide to run away on…

I spent the whole time reading Catnapped trying really hard to guess what kind of supernatural being Diana was going to become. I mean, she was getting transformed by Lucifer, it was going to be an interesting being. And I also love that he has a somewhat insane preoccupation with unicorns… as such, I probably should’ve had a bit more of an inkling as to what Diana was going to become, but it still blindsided me. And now I want more nightmares in my life.

There is a bit of a common theme of Christianity in this series. But I’ve noticed that the last few books have gotten even more heavily into the lore. For someone who doesn’t necessarily love stories which feature Christianity, I am loving Blain’s take on it. There’s also more information on the Triads and how they create their families (which I love) and shrouds (which I am kind of obsessed with). It gives a whole lot of information that I’ll probably enjoy on a reread.

I absolutely loved visiting with a number of past and well-loved characters in Catnapped. One of my favourite things about romance series is often that you get to revisit characters, while moving onto a whole other set. The epilogue for this story in particular was fun and gave me so many happily ever after vibes.

<- Murder MittensPlaidypus ->

Image source: Goodreads

Up in Smoke by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Up in Smoke
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: The Fox Witch #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Jade and Sandro are an entertaining couple, and it was interesting leaving them at the conclusion of Outfoxed. Now, they begin to dive deeper into the mystery of the Tulsa twisters and all of the death and destruction that has caused. I mean, I love a good mystery, and it was fun trying to figure out motives alongside Jade and Sandro. Plus, just the usual shenanigans and humour that I look forward to when reading a Blain story.

I was expecting a whole lot more New Orleans and the New Orleans Queens. And honestly, I was kind of disappointed that I wasn’t getting more! Jade and Sandro spent a sadly short time with the queens, and even Sandro’s family. But, I’m hoping that the conclusion of this trilogy will lead to more shenanigans across the border in New Orleans. Plus, I love that they’re a bloodthirst, matriarchal lot who were incredibly happy to hunt down those who wished harm on others.

Jade’s willingness to work with what she has and manipulate the situation is one of the reasons that I absolutely adore her. And why I loved this series from the very first page. Plus, she takes such total pride in her fox tail and ears. I love the fact that her personality and cunning reflect her fox-nature. That, and she is such a competent witch makes her impossible not to love.

I would’ve found Jade’s total food obsession annoying and a bit over the top. If I wasn’t just as food obsessed at times – I mean, I completely understand being solely motivated by food at times. A lot of times. I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about food. And what I’m going to eat next, and who is going to supply said food… probably another reason why I love Jade – she’s just as food obsessed as I am… but has cooler superpowers.

<- OutfoxedMore R.J. Blain ->

Image source: Goodreads

Sorcery by Cathy Clamp

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of hot romance book cover

Title: Sorcery
Author: Cathy Clamp
In: The Mammoth Book of Hot Romance (Sonia Florens)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011

Thoughts

This wasn’t my favourite short story – I mean, it played with some pretty big taboos from the very beginning. But then, somehow I also kind of loved it. There was just something about it that I found really fun and enjoyable, even while I was kind of cringing – for so many reasons. I may not read this again, but I don’t regret reading it in the first place.

I did love that this is a short story about taking what you want and not toeing the line for others. Particularly as a woman, this can be an incredibly hard power to harness. And it was achieved beautifully in this – plus, there was the fact that this was all about sex and using that for power. Power over oneself and others.

I honestly don’t know why I enjoyed this short story as much as I did – when in theory it’s everything I don’t tend to like in a story. It’s enough that I want more Cathy Clamp on my bookshelves – just because if I enjoyed something that I would normally nope right out of, then they’re an author worth having on my shelves.

<- Desperate ChoicesBlind Date ->

Image source: London Borough of Bexley

Blood and Roses by Angela Knight ReRead

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Blood and Roses
Author: Angela Knight
In: Burning Up (Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra & Meljean Brook)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2010

Thoughts

I love that both the leads in this story are trapped and having to act against their will. And that, ultimately, they decide to trust each other and help one another out. It may not be the nicest Meet Cute, but it was definitely a good way to create an unbreakable bond between the two – particularly as they would normally hate each other on sight due to past traumas.

The relationship within this story is initially a little, lot bit more lust driven than love driven. I might not appreciate that in a full-length novel, but in a novella, it works brilliantly. It made the storyline and the relationship move along incredibly quickly, and I also enjoy a fairly lust driven, explicit story every now and then.

As a big sister, I understand doing anything to protect your baby sister. And I love that Amaris was this way inclined. I mean, the anything in this story encompasses a lot more than I could ever imagine. But, it was a great aspect of her character. I love that she’s also completely aware that everything she does is part of a trap – she’s not blindly and wilfully being lead into a dead end. She’s just scrambling to get out of a horrifying situation in anyway she can.

The idea of Blood Roses and vampires might have a bit of a courtesan vibe, but I really liked it. I would love more stories based in this world of Blood Roses and vampires. Court politics and war.

<- Whisper of Sin ReReadShifting Sea ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

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

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

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

Azagoth: A Demonica Novella by Larissa Ione

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Azagoth: A Demonica Novella
Author: Larissa Ione
Series: Demonica #11
In: 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Two (Lexi Blake, Larissa Ione, Lisa Renee Jones & Cherise Sinclair)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Demons, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I love that this is a novella in which Azagoth, or the Grim Reaper makes a random, spontaneous decision, and it ends up great. I mean, he kind of doesn’t really think through the consequences of his choices, but it does work well. And, it made me remember just why I have enjoyed the writing of Ione and the Demonica series in the few novellas I’ve had the privilege to read thus far. Now I need to read one of the full-length novels…

I feel seriously sorry for Liliana in this story – she is seriously given the short end of the stick, and has to suffer for others’ pride. I may not have loved her situation to begin with, but I love that she finds a really good and beautiful happily ever after. Plus, her happy ever after kind of spits in the face of her tormentors, which made it all that much more enjoyable.

I really enjoy the fact that just because characters are angels, they are not actually ‘good’ and vice versa. It’s a great reminder that just because someone ticks all of the boxes, they are not necessarily ‘good’. And, just because someone doesn’t quite fit people’s expectations of the norm, it doesn’t mean that they are ‘bad’.

<- Dungeon GamesNeed You Now ->

Image source: Amazon