Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

Hoofin’ It by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hoofin’ It
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

Any romance story that involves an ex-cop and an FBI agent is likely to get my attention. The fact that this is one filled with supernatural beings just drew me in even more. And the body count. You can’t forget the body count at the end. All hilarious, all brilliant, all a lot of fun. Particularly when the Meet Cute between Shane and Marian occurs when one of them is an alpaca who is spitting on everyone…

Shane’s family is absolutely hilarious. I mean, a werewolf and a somewhat crazy hedgewitch create a child who is actually quite responsible. The witty banter and sass in this relationship was brilliant. I couldn’t stop laughing and smiling throughout this story. Just at the parents’ antics. Then, there’s the actual relationship between Shane and Marian, also filled with sass, just a bit sweeter.

I love how, as the story unfolds, you actually realise Shane isn’t as squeaky clean as originally understood. I mean, he is constantly flirting with the wrong side of the law. And half of his friends are criminals, ones hecknsta try enjoyed messing with and taunting. In the end, that turns out to be a good thing, but I love that there is a whole lot of grey area in the meantime. Plus, he also battles against racism (in the supernatural, species discrimination way), and recovering from a permanently maiming accident.

Marian is a perfect match for Shane, she’s tough and independent. Also, she’s completely unafraid to be herself. The fact that she’s willing to put her life on the line to stop sex trafficking rings is even better. The way this story ends, you can see that although she’s moving towards a new future, both her and Shane will continue kicking butts and taking names throughout the future. I hope they’ll make cameos in future books in this series!!!

<- Playing with FireHearth, Home, and Havoc ->

Image source: Amazon

Playing with Fire by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Playing with Fire
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

I picked this up because I heard of a story (later in this series) that featured a Platypus shapeshifter. And, of course, I couldn’t help myself. Damn, am I glad that I listened to that impulse. This was a freaking brilliant story, and I’ve found anew obsession. One that had me smiling, laughing and feeling all kinds of warm and gooey inside.

Bailey and Quinn are a great leading pair. Although you can tell that they’re going to end up together, it’s still fun getting there. Particularly since Bailey is so damn convinced that Quinn hates her. Although, her self-esteem issues kind of have her convinced that everyone hates her… it was fun learning how she was disabused of that notion.

Although I enjoyed the romance between Quinn and Bailey, and how they find their happily ever after, the way that Bailey transforms made me even happier. I mean, being able to transform into a fire breathing unicorn? That’s freaking brilliant. My favourite scenes in this book were all around Bailey shapeshifting into a unicorn. And getting cold and wanting to find heat. In fact, we had a bit of a cool change when I was reading one of those scenes, and I could completely sympathise.

I loved how Blain builds a brilliant urban fantasy world in this series. I mean, her lead female is a barista who also works for the CDC. Although, I love that her role as a barista literally involves spiking peoples’ drinks… legally of course. I can’t wait to read more books set in this brilliant world! I feel like there are so many brilliant nuances that will just be built upon as the series unfolds.

<- More R.J. BlainHoofin’ It ->

Image source: Amazon

Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Resonance Surge
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This might not necessarily be my favourite Psy-Changeling novel, but it was still, like all of the others, very good. And cute. And just fun in general. I think one of the things that would’ve made me love this and bump it up my “enjoyment list” would’ve been more Arwen and Pasha. I mean, they’re touched upon in so many other Psy-Changeling Trinity books, and then their mating is only kind of mentioned in this novel. Instead, there is far more focus on Yasha (Pasha’s twin). He’s fun, but not as fun as Pasha and Arwen.

As much as I’m obsessed with Pasha and Arwen, I did still enjoy the mating of Yasha and Theo. Plus, Theo’s presence makes you understand a little bit more about Pax (who is kind of cast as a villain throughout the series). I love that although Theo is considered “weak” because of her low power gradient, she is actually incredibly tough. And completely able to kill others due to the way she has shaped her powers. Plus, her toughness carries over to protectiveness of Yasha, and even the bear clan.

The Centres, which are mentioned from the very beginning of the series in Slave to Sensation, are definitely a bit of a boogey man. The fact that Theo’s journey actually provides a bit of an insight into just how terrible these places were. Honestly, they remind me of asylums in the past where the mentally ill are sent to basically die in the shadows. It’s a bit of a reminder about the darkness of our own pasts, and it is pretty dark. Made all that much darker by the abuse and horrors that Theo has faced at the hands of her own father.

The Scarabs are also gaining in their insanity throughout this – a nice parallel to the past insanity of the Centres. In fact, the ending, which was adjacently related to Theo and Yasha, was a bit of a surprise. And made me think that the terrors the Psy are about to face because of the Scarab instability is just going to increase… now I have to wait goodness knows how long for the next book in this amazing series to be released!

<- Storm EchoPrimal Mirror ->

Image source: Amazon

Storm Echo by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Storm Echo
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I really enjoyed Ivan and Lei’s relationship. It is wonderful and gives you a whole lot of joy as you dive through this story. Yet, their story is also a great way to further drive the discovery of the Architect’s machinations. And also letting you know their identity. All through a twist of fate, and some pretty unique genetics. I’ve been trying to guess just who the Architect is since Silver Silence (the beginning of the Psy-Changeling Trinity), and this instalment in the series actually gave you that answer. Even if it is also about a great couple that I found truly adorable.

Ivan’s history and the way he spent the first few years of his life are really sad. Jax as a blight upon the Psy is mentioned multiple times throughout the whole series, but this is the first book that truly deals with it. Mothers trying their best when they are addicted to drugs isn’t exactly something that’s uncommon (sadly), so it was interesting to have that touched upon in this story. I also found it interesting that this drug use may have influenced his unique gifts. Plus, the way he is able to find a new life for himself also highlights just how amazing the Mercant clan is. And just how truly good they actually are… even if they are also predatory and brutal at the same time.

The SkyElm clan’s story and history unfolds in another Psy-Changeling story (I can’t remember which one). I didn’t realise that there would be more to that story until I realised that Lei was part of this family. Her drive to find justice for her loved ones and heart break at losing them is truly heart wrenching. Particularly when you realise that Lei is a healer. Yet, I love that it brings her in the orbit of some seriously loved DarkRiver characters. And that there is a happy ending to not only her search for justice, but hers and Ivan’s need for a happily ever after.

I have, so far, loved all of the healer romances in this series. Something about being tough and maternal tends to make me really enjoy these story lines. Plus, there’s the fact that although they may be caring and kind, they’re also completely able to kick other people’s asses when they think it’s beneficial. A bit like Lei decides to drag Ivan into the light and realise that he’s not just a killer… whether he likes it or not. The dynamic between the two, whilst different to the other healer partnerships still has some of those similarities. Mainly in the fact that the damn healer is willing to kill themselves for others, so sometimes needs a reminder to just stop and slow down.

As always, I absolutely loved this Nalini Singh novel. Now that I’m almost to the end of the published Psy-Changeling books, it might be time to start doing yet another reread…

<- Last GuardResonance Surge ->

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1001 Dark Nights: Bundle One by Shayla Black, Heather Graham, Liliana Hart & Tina Folsom

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle One
Author: Shayla Black, Heather Graham, Liliana Hart & Tina Folsom
In: 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle One (Shayla Black, Heather Graham, Liliana Hart & Tina Folsom)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Paranormal romance, Short story collections
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology, eBook
Year: 2015

Thoughts

Of the four novellas, I actually only enjoyed reading one. And only read one from beginning to end. Yet, it was worth the read, and I will dive into more of these bundles. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with trying something and then just finding that it doesn’t quite work for you.

One of the things I really liked about this anthology is that each of the stories has a bit of steam and romance. All of them have vastly different flavours and it is definitely a good way to dip your toe into not only different authors and series, but also different kinds of romances. I’m getting to a point in my romance reading that I tend to know what I like, but if I was new to the genre? It would be a fantastic way to give things a bit of a try.

I enjoyed reading this anthology, it’s not necessarily anything to rave about, but it was still enjoyable.

<- Silent BiteForever Wicked ->

Image source: Booktopia

Out With a Fang by Jessica Sims

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Out with a Fang
Author: Jessica Sims
Series: Midnight Liasons #2.2
In: The Undead in My Bed (Katie MacAlister, Molly Harper & Jessica Sims)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2012

Thoughts

Alright, so I completely guessed that the vampire on this blind (literally blind) date was going to be her long-lost human love. But, even with knowing that little twist from the beginning, this was still a great novella. I mean, it’s not only two people reconnecting and finally being able to reveal all truths to one another. But it is also a pretty fast-paced story which features a pair of paranormal entities trying really hard not to get themselves killed.

I do enjoy a forced-proximity story. Particularly when there’s a past that the two need to overcome. The fact that this forced-proximity also involved a whole lot of background and violence… I really enjoyed that. And the way that they are finally able to admit their love for one another. Even if it does take a really long time… having said that, there was a whole lot less angst in this story than I was anticipating. Which honestly was kind of pleasant.

It’s always nice to have a strong female leading the charge in a book. The fact that she’s not just a strong lead, but the honest to go apex predator throughout this story just made it that much better. And the constant acknowledgements of just how difficult it can be to date as the top of the food chain… all priceless. And then there’s the fact that she just… beats the crap out of pretty much everyone that dares to cross her path. A fantastic lead that I seriously enjoyed.

Not only was this a really fun and engaging adventure, it also had a wonderful epilogue. The feeling of travel and contentment as they ride off into the sunset is beautiful. It made you realise that there are plenty more adventures to live, but also that this part of their story is nicely complete.

<- VixenSpeed Mating ->

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Bite Me by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Bite Me
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #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: 2014

Thoughts

Bite Me is a fantastic ending to an absolutely wonderful series. I love that it let’s you know battles will continue to be fought, but that the Big Bad was finally caught. At least for this arc that Laurenston has painstakingly crafted. It didn’t quite focus in the main couple as much as some of the other books in this series, rather it touched on most of the other couples as well. Which. I kind of liked. It gave a little bit of extra closure to the whole series.

The fact that Bite Me jumps around a little and touches upon the other couples works well. But it also meant that it took me a little while to truly invest in the stories. Plus, I kept waiting for Max (Livvy’s cousin) to show up, which she didn’t. And I was kind of disappointed about that. However, once I finally got into it, I couldn’t put it down! Maybe I’d just burnt myself out on reading Pride books back to back…

Livvy is a great departure from the rest of her family. I love that they’re consistently stealing things, fighting, breaking the law…and Livvy is just doing her own thing and living her life. Yet, when push comestibles shove not only is she able to call on her completely insane family, she is also able to wrangle them. I fact, she kind of acts like an alpha to the rest of her insane clan.

As a great counterpoint to Livvy’s volatile nature, I love that Vic is a kind of socially awkward, chilled counterpoint to this. He seems to spend most of the time, just pottering along and enjoying life. I mean, you’d probably need that kind of level of chill to handle the insanity of not just Livvy’s family, but also the Jean-Parker Louis clan. Particularly well loved (in my head) characters like Kyle.

This was a great read, and I’ll definitely enjoy diving into it again. Because honey badgers.

<- Wolf with BenefitsMore Shelly Laurenston ->

Image source: Shelly Laurenston

Wolf with Benefits by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Wolf with Benefits
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #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: 2013

Thoughts

I love that this Pride novel features the head of the Jean-Louis Parker siblings. I mean, I’ve read about them through many of the Honey Badger Chronicles books, and they all seem certifiable. And entertaining. Which means that I loved reading about Toni. Not only because she was completely amazing in and of herself. But she also spends the entirety of this story managing her insane family. Which leads to a whole lot more humour and shenanigans.

Ricky Lee is a great counterpoint to the pure insanity that is thrown at Toni every day. Of the three Reed boys, I’m glad that this story featured him. He’s happily entertained by whatever goes on around him. Incredibly calm and chilled. And just… goes with the flow. Plus, once he’s decided on Toni, he just… waits and enjoys her company.

I can’t imagine having just one prodigy in my family – but having the whole family be such a high-needs individual? It is unfathomable. At least, to my brain. Yet, Toni is able to handle multiple highly problematic personalities. And in a way that leaves everyone, if not happy, content. I’m good at managing chaos, but Toni takes it to a whole other level. And I love that when she finally decides to step into her own life, all of these skills are completely transferable. Plus, there’s the whole side story of the incredibly evil sister, and how Toni is able to handle her psychopathological behaviours. Again, absolutely priceless.

Not only are Toni and Ricky Lee great, as is the rest of the Jean-Parker Louis clan. But this book also introduces the first honey badger shifter! If you didn’t read the series out of order like I did. I love how Livvy is introduced into this world. And the reluctance to be involved and none to these shifters is further explained. Livvy is an absolute firecracker of a best friend. And I can’t wait to read her romance. After all, she might be a honey badger, but she still seems way more sane than the MacKilligan sisters…

There are so many great characters who make cameos throughout this book. Both from earlier in the Pride series and from the Honey Badger Chronicles. A brilliant story, and yet another that I look forward to rereading in the future!

<- Bear Meets GirlBite Me ->

Image source: Shelly Laurenston

Bear Meets Girl by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Bear Meets Girl
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #7
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

From the moment you meet Cella in the series, you can kind of tell that she’s certifiably insane. But, reading her story and getting to know her better? You realise that she is quite possibly even more nutty than you realised. Or at least that’s what I found. Of course I found that her total insanity and disregard for convention made me love her all that much more. And, getting to know more of the Malones… I also want to read more about this less than legal family.

I love that Cella is a single mum. Alright, when she starts talking to Lou, she makes it sound like her kid is much younger. And she definitely isn’t what you’d consider a conventional mother. But it was nice that she is still a loving one. And that her bond with her daughter is able to stand up to some incredibly irritating family dynamics. That Lou is so willingly welcomed by her daughter just worked all that much better.

Lou works as a fantastic contrast to Cella. He is calm and fairly chilled. Although a little judgemental. Mostly I just love how he spends the majority of his time just trying to figure out what the hell is going on with the insanity that surrounds Cella. Which, admittedly would be a very difficult thing to do. Then there’s the fact that he is partner to Dez who is her own special brand of crazy…

I love that, aside from the family drama, this is a story about a cop and an assassin who work together to find the Big Bad Man. They both have some drastically different approaches to it, but they work well together. And, even if the guy who is actually driving a lot of this isn’t caught, at least another cog in the machine is. And now onto the next battle…

<- Big Bad BeastWolf with Benefits ->

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Undead Sublet by Molly Harper

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Undead Sublet
Author: Molly Harper
Series: Half-Moon Hollow #2.5
In: The Undead in My Bed (Katie MacAlister, Molly Harper & Jessica Sims)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2012

Thoughts

My first novella in this series – although not my first by this author. I love the premise that this is a world in which vampires are common knowledge and out in the open. Although, they aren’t exactly sorted in the whole figuring out their rights. I’m definitely keen to read more of this series – I love a good, clever romance. And I particularly love those that make you think about the way we treat other in real life.

I love the moment when the lead female realises that she’s got an unwilling housemate. All because of a horrible, manipulative woman. One that does eventually get her own comeuppance, but still. The shock of just finding a random man in the house you think you have to yourself? Slightly horrifying, but very entertaining to read about. I particularly love that the relationship that follows in built upon some pretty dodgy and horrible pranks. I mean, the escalation of trying to outdo one another in the annoying factor was kind of hilarious.

Even though you know that this couple is going to end up together, the journey to get there is still really fun. They learn each other through being horrible to one another (which sounds ridiculous, but we really get to know each other when we’re not on our best behaviour). It’s a great way for a relationship to build. And a fantastic way for the lead female to create other relationships and build roots that aren’t romantic in this gorgeous small town.

I love that this is a story about a chef who has a mental breakdown, takes time off and then realises that she has a whole new dream. It’s a great, fun idea that she then decides to become a chef for vampires too. I love the idea of a dinner that caters to both vampires and humans, and all of the other things that go bump in the night…

<- Shades of GrayOut with a Fang ->

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