Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

Breaking Badger by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Breaking Badger
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Honey Badger Chronicles #4
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: 2021

Thoughts

I absolutely love honey badgers. I have since I went to South Africa and was introduced to the reality that these awesome buggers exist on planet earth. Finding this series which features shapeshifting honey badgers hits all of my happy points. And this next instalment in the series just didn’t disappoint! Particularly since, after being introduced to Mads and all of the basketball team in Badger to the Bone, I’ve been wanting to know more about all five of the insane women. And now you get to.

Mads and the rest of the team are the ultimate girl power team. A group of independent women who have each others’ backs. But also let each other be the independent and brilliant women that they each are. Alright, some of this is because they’re all certifiably insane, and like to steal things… and just do all sorts of dodgy behaviours. But it’s also just all about support. And love. Even if Mads spends the entire time calling them her “teammates” and not her friends…

There was also the fact that Mads’ love interest is one of the Black Malones. Which would have been interesting enough on its own (now I need to read Bear Meets Girl to get to know other branches of the Malone family, but I digress). But, other than the three brothers who are definitely freaky and seriously stubborn, you also get to know their half-sister. Yet another completely nuts MacKilligan sister. Nat is going to be great when she finally gets her own story. I love that all of the interconnectedness and relationships in this world continue to build upon one another. Totally unforgettable.

Mads and Finn are a really cute couple. I found that this story was a whole lot more about the rest of the team and introducing a whole new set of players that are going to be important in future books. But, I still enjoyed the ease with which they built their relationship. Sometimes it’s nice to have the relationship development nice and easy, with the dramas of other relationships being the primary obstacles. I can’t believe I now have to wait another few months for Born to Be Badger to be released…

<- Badger to the BoneBorn to Be Badger ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Stolen by Her Bear by Felicity Heaton

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Stolen by Her Bear
Author: Felicity Heaton
Series: Black Ridge Bears #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This was a fun and intriguing introduction to a new series and a new author. At least for me. It was a great read, and a nice diversion that I enjoyed immensely. It was fairly simplistic, and nothing that would make me stretch my brain cells. But sometimes, that’s all I want in a good romance – something easy and enjoyable to read.

I love that Saint has some serious impulse control issues, ones that have, apparently, frequently landed him in hot water. The fact that this whole romance starts because of one of his silly, dopey, impulsive decisions just makes it all that much better. As does the fact that although he regrets it immediately, pride stops him from actually apologising for his behaviour. I know way too many people in my life who are just as ridiculously, and hilariously prideful. It might be dumb, but definitely something I recognised and that made me laugh.

Holly in contrast, is a little less prideful, although equally as stubborn as it turns out. I love that she is kind of submissive, but in that just go with the flow kind of way. In the end, she is able to stand up for what she wants and who she loves. But, it definitely takes a little bit of a push. One that almost comes along too late. Seriously enjoyable and fun as a contrast to the impulsive and prideful Saint.

Although this is the first book in a series, it is also a follow on series from another of Heaton’s writings. I definitely need to read more about the Cougars in this story. It gives a bit more context to the dramas that unfold and the obstacles that both Holly and Saint face in solidifying their relationship. It’ll be a nice way to see Saint in a totally different light – one that shows just why the cougars are so damn against his relationship with Holly.

A very sweet and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more of this series when I just need a few hours of fun and light fluff.

<- More Felicity HeatonRescued by Her Bear ->

Image source: Amazon

Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Guilty Pleasures
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
Series: Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1993

Thoughts

As keen as I’ve been to actually get into this series (I love some of the older urban fantasy / vampire books), it took me 1) forever to actually pick this up and 2) a little while to actually get into this storyline. I love that Anita’s background (both socially and genetically) is quite a mystery from the very beginning, and it makes you ask a whole lot of questions from the very first page. But, it did take quite a bit to get into the actual action. I appreciated all of the work that Hamilton went to to actually set up the whole background story and this world. But it was also somewhat slow going to get there. Having said that, as soon as I FINALLY started to get into the action, this became a very hard book to put down.

As much as I might lament how long it took to get into the action of this story, I did seriously love how this is the beginning to a series. From the very first page you can feel all the things that Hamilton is trying to set up in her storyline. That there is going to be reveal after reveal throughout the series. There are just so many secrets, not just in some of Anita’s partial immunity, but also what kind of connection she now has to some of the master vampires in the city, the politics that she’s facing going forwards, and whether we’re going to see the rat king again. I also loved that although it’s obvious that Anita has some extra-ness to a normal human, she’s also so completely human. In fact, throughout most the story she tends to lament how human she is and what danger she is placing herself in. The battle is won by intelligence and trickery, not brute force, the only way to win against a bigger and scarier opponent.

I have a lot of urban fantasy / vampire books on my shelves that I truly love reading. However, most of them are most definitely a lot less adult in feeling than this one. There is talk about sex clubs, orgies and fetishes. All things that are not as blatantly addressed in many of my other books. Which, of course is part of what I loved about this. I mean, a lot of people sexualise vampirism today, so why not include that in a story which actually features these beasties? I love how it is such an uncomfortable relationship in this book – the woman who hunts the vampires and the people who fetishise them. There’s a wish to not totally ignore each other and be a total dick, but also serious discomfort which left me feeling a bit uncomfortable on reading some of these scenes too.

Although this was a slow start and it took me a while to fall in love, once I did, I dived right in. I can’t wait to read The Laughing Corpse and hopefully have a few of my lingering questions about Anita answered. Although, I’m sure that there will then be a whole slew of new questions to ask…

<- More Laurell K. HamiltonThe Laughing Corpse ->

Image source: Amazon

Last Guard by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Last Guard
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

The role of Anchors in the Psy-Net are briefly touched upon in Bonds of Justice, but then that was kind of it. It may be MUCH later in the series, it was nice to find out a whole lot more about this designation. Every time I pick up a new book by Singh set in this world, a whole new layer of discovery is opened to me. And I am loving every minute of it. The nuances of the Anchor designation was kind of unexpected, and most definitely fun. I found the description of their experiences on the mental plane to be oddly beautiful, probably one of the easiest moments in the series thus far for me to picture in my mind’s eye.

Aside from the expansion on the Anchors, I also loved how the Mercant clan is being expanded upon. Particularly because Canto is absolutely awesome. He is one of the few Psy to have a physical disability (actually one of the few in the whole series), but he is also whip-smart and driven. The background of how he was bought into the family fold and what he went through as a child was even better. Especially when you realise that the person who wreaks revenge on those who wronged him is not who you expected. So many more characters and layers to get to know there.

The Raos contrastingly were not a family that I necessarily loved getting to know – or loved to hate getting to know them. I mean, they have been a peripheral power player throughout the series. But getting to know the psychopaths? It was kind of scary, but also amazing. I kind of wondered if the Architect came from this stock earlier in this Psy-Changeling Trinity, but now that it’s clear she doesn’t… I’ll have to continue guessing and trying to figure out just who they are. I feel sure we’ve already heard mention of them or met them… Maybe it’s Tatiana? Though surely Kaleb would have an inkling of that… but I digress. Back to the awesomeness of Last Guard.

I love that for all of the drama and battles that Payal has to face, ultimately her loyalty and care is actually rewarded at the end of this story. She overcomes a heck of a lot throughout this story. But the fact that at the final hour of fear, her kindness and wonderful behaviour are what helps her to survive. That, and the fact that Canto and Payal are now this incredibly scary power couple, everything had a nice karmic ending. At  least for some of the characters, for others, well, it’s clear that the story is just beginning.

It was intriguing to see how the PsyNet is continuing to unravel and the many ways that their livelihoods are being threatened. This is definitely a very psy-heavy book and series at the moment, but man do I love it. And now I can’t wait to pull out Storm Echo and disappear down this happy little rabbit hole all over again.

<- Alpha NightStorm Echo ->

Image source: Amazon

Alpha Night by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Alpha Night
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

For all of the different types of romance throughout the Psy-Changeling books, this is the first love / mated at first sight story. And I absolutely loved it. Ethan and Selenka are a wonderful couple. They’re just so damn cute and fantastic together. And I love how it’s a story of understanding that they’re meant for each other, but they also need to learn how to get to know one another.

Yet, like all of the books in this big, wonderful, epic series, this novel isn’t just about the romance. The death of a packmate and the threat of Blaise all make this a heart thumping, can’t put down kind of read. You kind of guess whereon of the threats to the wolf pack comes from. But you also need that confirmation, Singh can throw in some curveballs.

Another wonderful curve all thrown into Alpha Night is the unravelling of Ethan’s powers. You understand that he (most probably) won’t die, but that threat seriously messes with you. The moment you find out more about his power all of those hints that Singh has thrown in start to make total sense. I look forward to my reread and all of the hints and moments being even more obvious and findable.

The brutalities of changeling law, Arrow training and the particular brutalities of Ethan’s past all combine beautifully in this novel. I love how both changeling and arrow law dovetail nicely together. Which, obviously makes Ethan (like Sienna) the perfect mate for a wolf alpha. The fact that Memory and Alexei also have their own significant moments in this further connects this world happily.

The overarching villain of this series is most definitely the Architect. I love all of the hints and clues that are peppered throughout this novel. I spent a lot of time trying to put together some of these clues and figure out just who she (I’m of the belief that it’s a she) is…. must keep reading to see how this all unfolds!!!

<- Wolf RainLast Guard ->

Image source: Amazon

Crux by Moira Rogers

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Crux
Author: Moira Rogers
Series: Southern Arcana #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2009

Thoughts

I read Zola’s Pride many years ago, and I kept meaning to actually get into Crux. But, mostly I didn’t actually have a copy of it to read and it kind of fell to the wayside. And then I finally picked it up. And it is wonderful and amazing. The biggest downfall of how much I enjoyed this is the fact that I now have to wait until Crossroads comes off of Kindle Unlimited and lets me buy it in Kobo…

This was a wonderful and brilliant introduction to a paranormal romance world. And just a really nice romance in general. I mean, although Mackenzie and Jackson are obviously attracted to one another immediately, they spend most of this story trying to solve the crimes and fight the bad guy. And it turns out he’s a pretty scary bad guy. I’m not actually sure how they’re going to top this villain in the next Southern Arcana novel.

I seriously enjoyed Jackson – he’s one of my more recent favourite male leaders. He is wonderfully yummy and has that nice protective streak that I find so attractive. But, he is also happy to let Mackenzie be her own woman and stand on her own two feet. He is content to protect from the shadows and act as a support in some circumstances, instead of just taking control (even when he wants to), and taking over. I loved this balance, and it’s one I wish we saw more of in the protective males that are written in a lot of the romances that I enjoy.

Mackenzie’s journey is actually pretty intense throughout this. Not only does she have a whole discovery of a paranormal world to go through. And a man to fall in love with. But she also has to find out a lot about her tragic past, whilst dealing with a psychotic and neurotic man intent on turning her into breeding stock. Just one of these moments would be pretty intense, but all of them? Well, I’d be running for the hills… or sitting in the corner, rocking back and forth, chewing my hair…

I have a feeling that although Mackenzie and Jackson were able to triumph over the Big Evil (with plenty of help), there’s going to be some pretty potent repercussions to their actions. I’m fully imagining that the next books will reveal some crazy, secret cabal or underground society of paranormals just waiting to wreak havoc upon the next lucky couple in this series…

<- More Moira RogersCrossroads ->

Image source: Amazon

Miss Congeniality by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Miss Congeniality
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #0.75
In: When He Was Bad (Shelly Laurenston & Cynthia Eden)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Year: 2008

Thoughts

Irene was a great character to be introduced to in In A Badger Way, she is clinical and terrifyingly brilliant. But you can tell that she actually cares about others, she’s just completely unable to show to, well, anyone. The fact that she has her own novella about falling in love decades before… it was even better than I imagined. Wonderful, funny and kind of sweet. A perfect novella.

As expected, Irene is all sass and attitude. Some of it is just pure personality, but some of it is the fact that she’s pretty protective of her feelings. And, you know, there are apparently multiple government agencies spying on her and watching her every move… all of this just meant that even as Irene falls in love with Niall, she is still sassy and feisty and everything I love in the character.

The wedding that finishes out this story is kind of perfect. I mean, it’s always nice to skip forward a little bit so that you can see how the couple ends up. But the fact that Irene genuinely forgets that its even her wedding day and cares not at all about it, was brilliant. It also pulled in the Jean-Louis Parkers into the story. And how that clan of terrifying geniuses had their beginnings too…

All in all, this was a wonderful novella. And I can’t wait to see what happens next in this story. Definitely a strong argument for continuing to fill my ereader with books by Shelly Laurenston.

<- Like a Wolf with a BoneChristmas Pride ->

Image source: Goodreads

Like a Wolf with a Bone by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Like a Wolf with a Bone
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #0.5
In: Howl For It (Shelly Laurenston & Cynthia Eden)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I’m really not used to reaching any kind of story with incredibly Southern names in it. Names like Darla Mae, Egbert…. It took me a little bit to get used to reading such names. But, once I moved past that, I definitely enjoyed this story. Particularly when I realised that it’s a tale about Dee Ann’s parents. Who I’ve only really met in the Honey Badger Chronicles, but I know I will have a greater appreciation for as I delve into the Pride series.

I thought that this was quite a humorous novella. Kind of like the Laurenston stories that I’ve already read so far. It had me smiling and laughing, and just all round enjoying this storyline. I mean, it’s a story of two individuals falling for each other. But in the meantime, there is a whole lot of family drama, killers on the loose and siblings who are determined to put their nose into everything. The perfect combination for a fun and fast paced tale.

I loved how Darla was able to just… handle everyone. She might be the meeker of the sisters, but she is only like that because she doesn’t feel the need to fight. The moment her sisters step too far over the line, she happily shoves them back into line and handles their nonsense. A perfect match for a man who is a known killer. Then, she also finds a way to mess with Egbert’s brothers, family and race fast cars.

A great novella that has me ready to dive into a whole new Laurenston series. I’ll definitely be devouring this series just as quickly as the rest of the books on my shelves.

<- Howl For ItMiss Congeniality ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Badger to the Bone by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Badger to the Bone
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Honey Badger Chronicles #3
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: 2020

Thoughts

Like ever other book in this series, or, indeed, by this author, Badger to the Bone is freaking hilarious. It’s witty, cute, fun and humorous. Although, I did have a bit of a moment of regret – this is the last romance of the three MacKilligan sisters. But, it did also introduce Max’s basketball team and those four women also need their own stories, so I have another rabbit hole to dive into. Very, very happily.

As much as Max is totally a psycho, I’ve been dying to read about her since the prologue in Hot and Badgered. I loved getting more of an insight into just why she acts the way that she does. Particularly in her relationship with Stevie – finally, the way that Max is constantly aggravating her begins to make sense. Plus, Max is the only full honey badger of the three siblings, and this difference was incredibly fun to read about.

I love that although you know that Max is chaos personified, she is actually kind of a do-gooder. She hides it really, really well. And she refuses to let others in on her goodness. That, and the fact that although Max thinks that Charlie is unaware of many of her extracurricular activities, the older sibling is still completely in tune about the insanity that is her younger sister. Yet another amazing sibling moment that had me grinning from ear to ear.

ZeZe is a great counterpoint to the insanity that is Max. Where Max is just pure chaos and happy in her own skin, she is also a serious handful. ZeZe, being entirely cat is quite happy to just stand back and watch the insanity unfold. With humour. And feeling entertained. Much like a real cat would I imagine. His smugness and contentment (once he accepts what he actually is) made me an incredibly happy woman.

ZeZe’s journey in this, whilst totally overshadowed by my love for Max was fun. I love the idea that he doesn’t actually know that he’s a shapeshifter and anything about fitting into the world that he should have been born into. Likewise, the relationship with his grandfather is a little bit tender, but ultimately beautiful. A reminder that sometimes people do the wrong things for love. And a great way to get more and more glimpses into Laurenston’s world of shapeshifters. Now I just need to keep diving into these amazing stories.

<- In a Badger WayBreaking Badger ->

Image source: Kobo

In a Badger Way by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: In a Badger Way
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Honey Badger Chronicles #2
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: 2019

Thoughts

I must admit, I’m kind of completely obsessed with the Honey Badger Chronicles, because… well, honey badgers. But also, Laurenston writes amazing romances that are filled with wonderful friendships, strong women and a whole lot of humour. They make me smile with every single page turned and leave me incredibly happy that I’ve had the pleasure of discovering such amazing books. The fact that this continues to follow the MacKilligan sisters, who are most certifiably insane and completely lovely, well, that made me dive right in. Actually, it took me a little while to actually get to this – because I can’t seem to put these books down once I start reading them.

I love that this story is about Stevie, who is most definitely the most neurotic of the MacKilligan sisters. I particularly enjoyed that she just… decides that Shen is her boyfriend. He is such a chilled being and kind of just meanders along. The dichotomy between Stevie’s intensity and inability to relax, and Shen’s calm nature worked really well in this relationship. It was fun getting to know another species of shapeshifter in this series – Shen’s enjoyment in upsetting the other bears with his bamboo chomping in particular. There’s also the way that, although Shen is so damn calm all the time, he is also not exactly the kind of being that you want to mess with… kind of making him the perfect laid back balance to Stevie’s high-strung reality and tendency to find herself in dangerous situations.

Stevie’s other form is definitely terrifying and intense – as demonstrated in Hot and Badgered. It was thoroughly enjoyable getting to know more about just what Stevie is capable of in this form. And just how much damage she can truly do. Although, the moment when she realises that she is actually a badass with DNA that eats other DNA… I thought this was freaking fantastic. And may have laughed for a good minute after reading this. Stevie’s ability to finally accept a part of herself that she’s both feared and reviled was a really nice moment. Definitely gently helped along by Shen’s quiet presence, but also just finally growing enough to realise that just because you’re scary, it doesn’t mean you’re bad.

This might have been a romance about Stevie and Shen, but, yet again, it’s the MacKilligan sisters and their honey badger kin that really steal the show. I genuinely loved the parts where everyone attends a honey badger funeral… there’s a truck vs. badger collision, Charlie wanting to kill her father (again), and a whole bunch of snakes thrown into the mix. It’s not quite what I expected, but fits in completely with the idea of honey badgers being certifiable, down to the last one. I honestly don’t want to stop reading about any and all of the crazy honey badgers that are running rampant through this series. But, it’s not just the honey badgers that steal the show, it’s all of the sibling pairs. Laurenston has a wonderful way of writing about sibling relationships which just feels genuine – there’s loving and affectionate antics, but also those that are about just pushing each others’ buttons, because that’s always fun. I’m honestly hoping that Shen’s, Berg’s and Kyle’s siblings all get their own stories as this series continues on….

This was such an amazing paranormal romance. Not just for the wonderful, steamy sex. The beautifully matched couple. But also the high jinx and shenanigans. Every time I read one of the wonderful stories written by Laurenston, I’m transported to a wonderful world that has me smiling and laughing. Also having all the feelings, because that’s what you should always have in a good romance.

<- Hot and BadgeredBadger to the Bone ->

Image source: Amazon