Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

Blaze of Memory ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Branded by Fire
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #7
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: 2009

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I read the Psy-Changeling series, Mercy and Riley’s story is always one of my favourites. To the point that when I wanted to get my sister into this series, I actually gave her Branded by Fire instead of Slave to Sensation, because this is a fun way to dive into this amazing world. Something about Mercy and Riley is just adorable and too damn beautiful for words. They are sweet, adorable and with just enough fire to be incredibly interesting.

In Branded by Fire, things are starting to seriously heat up with the triumvirate, with individuals from all three groups playing silly games. I love that Mercy and Riley are so obviously on the side of “good”, but they are also caught deeply in it all. It also gives a great secondary storyline to their romance – one that continues the common thread throughout the rest of the series. I love that one of the themes throughout this series, and one that is very much highlighted by the actions of the Human Alliance in this series is that Absolute Power corrupts Absolutely. It’s a reminder to be humble and kind.

As a strong and independent woman, I completely understand why and how it is so difficult for Mercy to “submit” to Riley. Ultimately, their relationship is about partnership and being equal. But in all relationships, there is a bit of giving to one another, or submitting in some small ways. It’s something that often causes conflict and makes things difficult in my own life, so reading about another strong-willed, independent woman struggling with fitting herself in with another person was kind of cathartic to read about.

Every time that I read Branded by Fire, I love that Riley is a prime example of just why our preconceived notions of who and what will make us happy can often be wrong. Sometimes what we think is going to be our “perfect mate” is just the easy option, and not the one that will make us happy. A certain level of being challenged is important in everyone’s lives, but sometimes that can make us uncomfortable as well. Sometimes it’s the people closest to us that pick up on what we need the most, and how those that make us a little uncomfortable can be the ones that also make us the best version of ourselves.

Branded by Fire is a story that’s all about healing from the past by moving into the future. Having the willingness to compromise and adjust in an attempt to find your happily ever after. Particularly for Riley who is stubborn as dirt, but willing to take the dive when it really matters. Still one of my favourite Psy-Changeling books, and one that I look forward to rereading each and every time.

<- Branded by Fire ReReadBonds of Justice ReRead ->

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Branded by Fire ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Blaze of Memory
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2009

Thoughts

Whilst I enjoy Katya and Dev as a couple, and their story, they are definitely a couple that I struggle just a little bit more with compared to the others in the Psy-Changeling series. I’m not sure why, maybe because I’m particularly invested in the shifters in this world. And neither Katya nor Dev are shifters. Or this is the only story of the Forgotten, so I don’t have as many characters overlapping to be excited about. Or it could just be that I don’t identify so strongly with either of them. Whatever it is, whilst I enjoy Blaze of Memory, it’s not one of Singh’s books that I can’t put down. Which is maybe not such a bad thing… I actually manage to continue acting like a responsible adult when I read this book.

Although I’m not so excited about the Forgotten, it was still interesting to receive some insight into them and how they function. The different battles they’ve faced over the hundred odd years of silence. I particularly enjoyed the letters to Matthew placed throughout the book – it was nice to read about the thoughts and motivations of a mother as their lives fracture. Plus, it gives two different timelines and points of view. The past and the present of the Forgotten and how important feelings are to people and living their best lives.

One part of the Forgotten’s journey that I love, and that is emphasised in Blaze of Memory is the importance of genetic diversity in evolution. I have a background in biology, so I, admittedly fixated on the fact that the “purity” of the Psy causes some evolutionary dead ends. In contrast, the Forgotten are able to evolve alongside the world that they live in. And ultimately are a healthier population (not just mentally, but also physically and psychically adapting to the world around them). I probably didn’t really notice this on my first few read throughs. But I really liked fixating on that within this read through of the story.

Katya has appeared in past stories and is closely tied to Ashaya, but I like how her identity isn’t obvious from the very beginning. Whilst the books have been leading to a great story arc for the entire Psy-Changeling world, the arrival of Katya and the depths that Ming will go to to destroy his “enemies” is unleashed. It’s the next step of change and things are really starting to heat up in this war. Plus, Katya’s arrival ties another group of people more closely to DarkRiver, giving them all that much more power in the world around them.

The non-stop theme throughout this series is definitely that love can conquer all. And whilst I don’t blindly believe that, I love the hope that it gives. With each reading, I find a new positive and point of joy within. Love is a powerful force, and it’s great to be reminded of that in darker days. Something about Singh’s writing always reminds me of that.

<- Dorian ReReadBlaze of Memory ReRead ->

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The Darkest Fire by Gena Showalter

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Darkest Fire
Author: Gena Showlater
Series: Lords of the Underworld #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2008

Thoughts

For a darkly themed paranormal romance, this was a bit of a cute novella. I mean, the Goddess of Oppression and the Guardian of Hell manage to find their way to one another after crushing on each other for millennia. And then they manage to try and fight all of the evil to stop it from being unleashed on the world. Honestly, everything about this was fun and cute. Even though it was also a little dark with that lovely adult spin that I love so much in the novellas that fill my shelves.

There is so much chaos and mayhem throughout this story. I might have enjoyed the romance aspect of this story, but I mostly just loved the demons, manipulations and violence throughout. Plus, this prequel novella perfectly sets up the rest of the Lords of the Underworld series. Yet another series to add to my shelves that will have me smiling and itching to pick up my ereader again and again and again.

Although I knew that this story was going to end in a happily ever after, because this is why I read paranormal romances or romances of any sort, it definitely wasn’t the ending that I was expecting. In fact, it was probably one of the darker “happily ever after” endings that I’ve read in a long time. But, as a beginning of a new series, I can’t wait to see how their story unfolds. I mean, there is a whole lot of endings to this, but there’s also that sense of a new beginning. And I’m sure that the echoes of this couple are going to be around long into this series.

<- More Gena ShowalterThe Darkest Night ->

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Deadlock by Moira Rogers

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Deadlock
Author: Moira Rogers
Series: Southern Arcana #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2010

Thoughts

Throughout the first two Southern Arcana books, I really enjoyed getting to know Alec as his own person. But, it really surprised me that the third book in the series was going to be about him and finding his happily ever after. I was expecting Kat and Andrew to be the centre of the next book after the actions in Crux. But, I can’t say that I’m disappointed in the slightest. I really liked getting to know Alec, finding out more about his past love life. And then getting to go along the journey with him and Carmen to find their happily ever after.

To start with throughout the series, Alec seemed a little bit emotionally withdrawn and tough. The alpha male who is separated from his peers and friends to a degree. And yet, upon learning more about how he lost his wife and the nonsense of werewolf politics, it becomes clear that he has one of the biggest hearts of the cast. He just isn’t sure how willing he is to let it all get shattered and broken again. Plus this really drives home just how corrupt and frustrating werewolf politics are – they’re the root of all evil in much of this series, I swear.

Although it’s taken a number of atrocities, I love that through Carmen and Alec finding each other, the whole team in New Orleans are starting to push back against the Conclave. It is very much the whole idea that these characters have just been pushed too far. And now, rather than bending or breaking, they are shoving right back at their oppressors. The actions and finale of Deadlock most definitely are setting up the rest of this series to take place in a time of change.

Deadlock is, ultimately, all about breaking with tradition and forging a new path. Not for the sake of it, but for the sake of others. Everything that Alec chooses to do throughout this story is about protecting others. Even when he starts to fall for Carmen, his primary focus is on protecting her and how to go about doing this. It’s only as he truly allows himself to trust though, that he is able to find true peace and happiness – in not always being the sole protector, but truly a part of the team.

<- Zola’s PrideCipher ->

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Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes by Michelle M. Pillow

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes
Author: Michelle M. Pillow
Series: (Un)lucky Valley #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Cozy mystery, Magic, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes is a great start to the Goode Witches curse and the story of (Un)Lucky Valley. What I took to be a simple cozy mystery and continuation of the antics of Aunt Polly and the Happily Everlasting series is really the beginning of a whole heap of new complications. It is still entirely written in the same vein. However, there is less of the happily ever after romance within the story, and so much more dark secrets that aren’t quite resolved. I feel like this whole series is going to uncover secret after secret, and I for one can’t wait.

It was kind of hard to guess who the villain in this story was going to be. I mean, there’s literally a whole town that hates this family and wants them gone. I didn’t quite guess who it was going to be. There is a whole lot of previously unknown history in the creation of the villain though, and I absolutely adored this fact. I mean, how could you not? Not only does it create a more textured world, but in getting to know the villain throughout the story, you realise that sometimes good people can be seriously misled and do some truly rotten things. Plus, it’s fun that Lily just decides to forgive and take everyone under her wing, even when they are being horridly cruel to her.

Pillow doesn’t hesitate to highlight the different ways in which growing up with a parent who is mentally ill and abusive can leave children with. Each of the siblings handle the untethering and feelings of abandonment differently, and I love that it is a constant working progress for Lily in particular, mostly because she’s the centre point of this story. And yet, when there is the ability to become bitter, she is still supportive and hopeful for a family and place to call their own for herself and her siblings. Plus, she’s incredibly intelligent and stubborn enough to figure out how to get around all of the restrictions and such that are placed upon her.

Then there is Nolan. He starts out as a potential villain but ends up being a great love interest. And ultimately a total sweetie. I also love that his entire job is to try and write up city citations against paranormals in an entirely mundane way. The different citations that are mentioned throughout this story most definitely had me smiling and laughing throughout. Honestly, a lot of this had me smiling and laughing. Aunt Polly in particular is still a favourite with her skewed version of reality and the different ways in which she wants to support the Goode siblings. Even if, at one point, it ends up with Dante being off his face drunk and rolling on the ground…

<- More Michelle M. PillowAny Witch Way But Goode ->

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Like a Wolf with a Bone ReRead by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Like a Wolf with a Bone ReRead
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #0.75
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: eBook, Novella
Year: 2008

Thoughts

Like a Wolf with a Bone is the story of Dee-Ann’s parents. Although Eggie is mentioned as a bit of a boogey man throughout the series, it is really Dee-Ann who keeps popping up and scaring everyone. So I kind of loved going back to this as part of my reread. It gives context to some of the things that come after, but also works really well as a standalone novella. I also love that there is a brief appearance of Sara Morrighan’s parents and the hints of what’s to come in their story too.

Although Darla Mae isn’t as aggressive as almost any of the women in this entire series, she is still an incredibly tough and strong willed woman. I love that she is a feminist and a pacifist who chooses not to engage and fight with others. Yet, when push comes to shove, she’s willing to dig her feet in for what (and who) she wants. It’s a reminder that strong women don’t have to fit a certain mold and can show their spine of steel in a multitude of ways. Plus, I’m always a fan of anyone who enjoys walking to the beat of their own drum.

As with all stories, I definitely want to talk about Darla Mae (the female) more than anyone else. I love that not only does Darla Mae fight her sisters for her right to choose the man she loves. But, ultimately, she also starts her own pie business (again, with her intense sisters) and starts the most intense and insane race known to Shifters. Having been part of my reread, I love how this ties in with Sissy Mae’s story and shows just how the car racing in Smithtown actually starts. Its hilarious. Its terrifying. And I plan on reading all about it again and again.

For some reason (that I should maybe talk to my therapist about), Eggie’s declaration of love to Darla Mae was incredibly beautiful and romantic. I love that within it is the fact that most people annoy him, but Darla Mae doesn’t. And therefore he loves her. It’s a funny approach, and one that I found ridiculously sweet. Declarations of love are always fun, but this just made it so much better.

<- Miss Congeniality ReReadChristmas Pride ReRead ->

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Miss Congeniality ReRead by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Miss Congeniality ReRead
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #0.5
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: eBook, Novella
Year: 2012

Thoughts

Irene Conridge is insane, aggressive and I am madly in love with her. She is brutal in a way that I wish I could be, but, you know, I don’t actually want to be quite that isolated. I loved her novella the first time I read it, and if anything, I loved it even more the second time round. Particularly as I can recognise when she shows up more in the rest of Laurenston’s shapeshifting world and series. It’s fun to see how she is pulled into the Pride world with the knowledge of how she is going to shape the future of it all.

I love how Van Holtz chooses to just kind of… follow Irene around like a lost puppy for seven years before he finally decides to make his move. Although, admittedly, he was kind of pushed a little into making a move into their relationship. He’s such a gorgeous and sweet man, and I love how, once he decides to be fixated on one woman, he just calmly pursues her and irritates the absolute dickens out of her with his puppy dog nonsense.

Irene has this insane ability to completely bring the world to its knees. Not just through her scientific talents and ability to literally destroy the world. But, she also has this innate ability to destroy people’s self confidence and feelings of worth. I found this far more fun and hilarious than I probably should have. And honestly, I kind of love that this is a talent, don’t get me wrong, I also appreciate that Irene has the self control and just enough of a conscience to not destroy and everyone and everything, but I kind of love that she is able to.

Now that I’ve read all of the published books in Laurenston’s Shifter World, I have so much more appreciation for how this leads into the greater stories. I particularly loved how the epilogue lead into Go Fetch! and the beginnings of Toni’s life from Wolf with Benefits are highlighted. But honestly, it was Irene’s engagements with Miki and her children in the epilogue that I loved the most.

<- Here Kitty, Kitty!Like a Wolf with a Bone ReRead ->

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In a Badger Way ReRead by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: In a Badger Way ReRead
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

Shen and Stevie are an absolutely adorable couple that had me smiling and laughing throughout their entire story. And, honestly, even with this being my second (maybe third) read through of this book, I still loved it just as much as the first time. It was adorable, funny and filled with violence. Definitely the kind of story that I will continue to reread again and again and again. Plus, Stevie is absolutely insane, and Shen just… rolls with the crazy that she brings into his life. A fantastic couple that I want to keep diving into in the future.

For me, In a Badger Way is all about Stevie learning to love every aspect of herself. I mean, the girl oozes self confidence, but when you get to her story, you realise that she’s actually wracked with insecurities. Mostly because she’s fearful of all the many, many different ways in which she can annihilate the world. And terrify others, and just how horrible that must feel. I love that her insecurities are based on her compassion for others. But, I love even more that she finally figures out how to accept herself for all of her insanity. And chaos, and just love her whole terrifying being.

Alongside the insanity of the honey badgers, I have seriously enjoyed diving back into Laurenston’s shapeshifter romances. They are just hilarious and a whole lot of fun. I particularly have the image of them just grabbing the soccer ball in games and… rolling around with them. I’ve seen pandas do this on the many videos I’ve watched, so the idea of shapeshifter pandas doing such a thing? Adorable and all around hilarious. Plus, then there’s the systematic destruction of everyone’s comfort zone when Shen chooses to just… chew on bamboo. I also love that where everyone else finds Shen’s chewing off-putting, the consistency of the noise is actually calming for Shen.

Through all of the insanity that is the MacKilligan Sisters, I love that Shen just… rolls with all of the crazy. I mean, he does kind of loose his cool when Stevie just repeatedly tells him that she’s decided that he’s her boyfriend. And, ultimately that they love each other. I mean, she’s not wrong, but Shen’s confusion at her decision making process just makes everything about this story that much more hilarious and enjoyable. Ultimately, I just love the MacKilligan sisters and will continue rereading their stories again and again. Just because it entertains me like no tomorrow.

<- Hot and Badgered ReReadBadger to the Bone ReRead ->

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Hot and Badgered ReRead by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hot and Badgered ReRead
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Honey Badger Chronicles #1
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: 2018

Thoughts

Even though this is my second read through, Hot and Badgered is just as brilliant, fun, hilarious and impossible to put down as the first time. There’s a reason why Hot and Badgered got my completely hooked on Laurenston and her brilliant approach to paranormal romances. I may have enjoyed this ridiculously on my first read, but now that I’ve also read the Pride series, I have so much more appreciation for the different cameos throughout and how Laurenston has been able to build such a fun and engaging world to dive into. It was fun before, but now it is even better!!!

The MacKilligan sister might all be certifiably insane, but I love the love and care that Charlie shows her somewhat out of control siblings. Charlie might be the matriarch of their little band, but she’s also longing for love and a place to call home. I love that she’s learnt a thousand ways to protect her siblings, and yet, at the core of her behaviours, it’s all about creating home, family and a safe space. The constant stress baking, the dogs and the willingness to set down roots with someone she truly cares about are all drives that I recognise. It’s always enjoyable to connect to a character in the most random of ways – and Charlie’s willingness to put her family first whilst stress baking is ridiculously recognisable.

On rereading this and remembering how much I love this story, there is something that I’m somewhat concerned about – the series and books that I’m obsessing over at the moment tend to be romances. With a whole lot of violence. And killing. And blood. I’m not sure how concerned I should be about this latest obsession. Some of the murder and violence is caused by Charlie, but, enjoyably, she mostly spends this story finishing the violence. The fact that it’s done in a really matter of fact, no dramas fashion just added to my enjoyment and entertainment. But seriously, so much violence.

There are some series that you just reread almost yearly… they are a pleasant diversion from real life and layered enough that you find something new with each read through. There’s a reason that Hot and Badgered is quickly making it onto that list… it is fun and light in some ways. But there is enough drama and angst that I just didn’t want to put it down. Plus, then there’s the many different threads throughout which link to other stories in the Laurenston universe. Now I can’t wait to dive into Max’s story again in In a Badger Way.

<- Bite Me ReReadIn a Badger Way ReRead ->

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101 Ways to Die by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: 101 Ways to Die
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #21)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Whilst I really enjoyed 101 Ways to Die, I did find the ending just a little bit abrupt. Without the extra addition of the final four chapters / stories at the end of this story. They helped to ease some of the abrupt feeling that I had and make it easier to close the page on this romance. Plus, it gave me more insight into McMarin’s family. And I absolutely loved them – they are chaotic, fun and intense. Everything that I enjoy in a good literary family – full of love and complete insanity.

Josefina McMarin is a great cop, and I love how seamlessly she fits into the insanity that is the Quinns and their precinct. The fact that she’s transferred out from a sexist, racist idiot just made this story even better. Plus, I love revisiting anything with Bailey and Quinn – they are hilarious enough as a couple, but as bosses? They are so much funnier. And McMarin just manages to ride out the storm of insanity with joy, and just enough pushback to make it hilarious. The fact that she makes her team work better as she learns how to be a great detective just made me all that much happier to be enjoying her story.

Where Josefina is an absolute powerhouse of a woman, Alec is so incredibly passive. He is cursed to witness death again and again, and yet, he manages to deal with it. Plus, he is so calm with all of the nonsense thrown at him. He doesn’t pushback against everything like Josefina does, but rather, figures out how to go with the flow and make peace with his circumstances. I particularly loved that, even though his curse isn’t “cured” within this story, he actually finds a way to live with it and, if anything, take advantage of it to make the world a better place for others.

Whilst I predicted some of what this story was going to involve, the journey to get to those moments was still amazing. And, there were a whole lot of twists and turns that I did not expect. But I really enjoyed them. I think if the final four chapters / stories were incorporated into the actual story, I probably would’ve loved this even more. Having said that, I will most definitely reread it anyway.

<- Doggone MessWhiskers on Kittens ->

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