Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

Human Error by Eileen Wilks

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Tied With a Bow

Title: Human Error
Author: Eileen Wilks
Series: World of the Lupi #8.5
In: Tied with a Bow (Lora Leigh, Virginia Kantra, Eileen Wilks & Kimberly Frost)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Animagus, Christmas, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 26th December 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: That is not the same thing as can’t.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Benedict is finally meeting the family of his life mate. All he wants is to make a good impression over Yule. But things most definitely don’t go as planned.

Thoughts

I’ve read this a touch early in my read through of the World of the Lupi series. But, considering I read this around Christmas, I am most definitely glad that I did start it kind of early. There was something about the idea of a Yule celebration, family and all sorts of typical mayhem breaking free that made me absolutely inhale this story. It was great, fun and had just the right amount of lust and sweetness to leave me feeling happy and content.

Reading this early means that it has been revealed a little earlier than I would like that Benedict finds himself a Life Mate. But, I love them both anyway, so I look forward to how this actually happens in either Blood Challenge or Death Magic. I know how nerve wracking it can be to bring someone home, hope that he’ll be accepted and wanted. The fact that the stakes are higher for these two, and Benedict is trying so damn hard to fit in… well, it made me love all of this all that much more.

The blend of Wicca, Christmas and Native American mythology was surprising. In the best way possible. I love when there is a blend of mythologies in a story that I didn’t quite expect but find that I seriously enjoy. This definitely did that for me. It also made me feel like picking up Blood Challenge as soon as feasible… although I swore I would try not to have a huge pile of unread books next to me at the turn of the year…

<- First LightAn Inconvenient Mate ->

Image source: Amazon

First Light by Kimberly Frost

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Tied With a Bow

Title: First Light
Author: Kimberly Frost
Series: Etherlin #0.5
In: Tied with a Bow (Lora Leigh, Virginia Kantra, Eileen Wilks & Kimberly Frost)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 24th December 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: “Kate, you’re trembling.”

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Kate has been dreaming about an angel since college. And now that he’s finally landed in her lap (almost literally), she’s just not quite sure what to do with him…

Thoughts

As a beginning of a new series that I’ve never heard of before, this novella completely rocks. It’s introduced me to a whole new world that is definitely getting added to my wish list. One that I was surprised by and intrigued by. After all, it’s the first series I’ve come across that features muses and vampires and angels in the same story. I found that completely perplexing, and wonderfully unexpected.

Kate is a wonderful lead in this story. Although, I can’t imagine pining after a dream man for as long as she does before their Meet Cute. Maybe I’m just not enough of the pining type… I’m not sure. However, even though she is completely swept away by him, Kate manages to maintain her independence and kick a fair amount of butt whilst doing it. She’s that wonderfully stubborn modern woman who is willing to give up everything and be vulnerable, but on her terms.

I imagine that it would be hard to write a likeable character who is from another time. What, with the whole sexism issue and everything. Yet, somehow Frost manages it. Don’t get me wrong, there are moments when you grit your teeth at his overbearing attitude, but, ultimately you get this sense of honour and love out of him that is a little redemptive. That, and the fact that he makes it clear that he is willing to try and improve.

I absolutely adored this novella. It’s most certainly one that I would like to read again. And a series that I can’t wait to sink my literary teeth into.

<- Upon a Midnight ClearHuman Error ->

Image source: Amazon

The Gift by Lynsay Sands

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Bite Before Christmas Large Print :HarperCollins Australia

Title: The Gift
Author: Lynsay Sands
Series: Argeneau #15.5
In: The Bite Before Christmas (Lynsay Sands & Jeaniene Frost)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 20th – 22nd December 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: He’d worked with Mabel to try to find Elvi a mate, had planned and arranged local fairs with Elvi.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

In Lynsay Sands’ “The Gift,” Katricia Argeneau knows grey-eyed cop Teddy Brunswick is her life mate. She just needs to convince him they belong together, and being snowbound in a secluded cabin will make this a Christmas neither will forget.

Thoughts

There is something wonderfully and beautifully simplistic about Sands’ writing. It is cute and innocent, with just enough adult-powered lust to keep your fingers tingling and a happy little smile on your face. This novella was no different. And, although it took place at Christmas, it mostly just had a calm and easy, if not completely pleasurable feeling to the whole story. Ultimately, not such a Christmassy story, but a fun one all the same.

I really love the idea of life mates in the Argeneau series. I mean, the worst thing I can imagine about being immortal is the fact that you are stuck alone forever, or you have to basically serial date multiple times. Instead, there are these life mates who not only are the perfect match for you, but also the only ones you can’t read like a book. I mean, alongside being immortal, how much would it suck being able to read everyone’s mind?

The Gift is a wonderful novella set in a white Christmas. Whilst it didn’t have a seriously Christmassy theme to it, it was still a really wonderful and fun story to be reading during the silly season. One that I thoroughly enjoyed and would love to read again.

<- The Bite Before ChristmasHome for the Holidays ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Upon a Midnight Clear by Virginia Kantra

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Tied With a Bow

Title: Upon a Midnight Clear
Author: Virginia Kantra
In: Tied with a Bow (Lora Leigh, Virginia Kantra, Eileen Wilks & Kimberly Frost)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Christmas, Historical romance, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 18th – 21st December 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Her face, her chest, her whole body burned with humiliation and frustrated desire.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Aimee was 13 when her mother preyed to an angel to save her life. Now, an adult, that same angel may have returned to her life, as a man. One who very much wants to save her yet again.

Thoughts

Whilst I liked this novella, it most certainly wasn’t my favourite one. It took a little while to truly get into the storyline, and even the style of writing. I do enjoy Kantra’s works, and will buy more of this series, but I’m also not head over heels in love with her work like some of the other romance authors I have filling my shelves.

I like that the angel that saves the young girl is ultimately the angel that she chooses to spend the rest of her life with. There was something incredibly sweet about that whole fate feeling, and the idea that Amy had to grow up before she could fully be committed to her angel lover. There is also her cousin, who, although she’s kind of ignorant and a little selfish, most definitely loves Amy. It gives the whole story a festive feeling full of love and affection. Or at least, that’s how I read it.

This was a really lovely and wonderful Christmas story. It’s hopeful and full of love. With just the right amount of drama and mayhem thrown in to stop you from getting bored. One I’ll read again, but not as quickly as some other stories I’ve read.

<- Tied with a BowFirst Light ->

Image source: Amazon

Her Secret Agent by Paige Tyler

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Her Secret Agent (X-Ops, #0.5) by Paige Tyler

Title: Her Secret Agent
Author: Paige Tyler
Series: X-Ops #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Shapeshifters
Dates read: 16th – 17th December 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Paige Tyler
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: If he’d been able to set his feet and get his weight into the blow, the impact would have put Igor down for a long time.

Synopsis

John Loughlin, the Director of the Department of Covert Ops, is in New York City on a recruiting mission. He’s been tracking and evaluating one shifter in particular for some time. Cree Forest is a clever fox shifter—and very foxy. Cree is a translator for the UN and John is keen to recruit her brilliant mind and persuasive skills to join the DCO.

But Cree isn’t what she seems. Just as John has been watching her, Cree has been spying on him. She is working with a rogue shifter and John is getting too close—professionally and personally! On opposite sides professionally, can they trust each other with their hearts?

Thoughts

This was a great introductory novella to a series that I’m pretty much positive I’m going to love. It’s got a great premise, one that I recognise from other authors, and one that I tend to love. After all, shapeshifters who work in law enforcement of some kind always seem to work very well in my happy little brain. The fact that this story features a fox shapeshifter… well, that’s just far more enjoyable.

Her Secret Agent perfectly sets up the politics, battles and tales that are going to take over the series. I’m already completely drawn into this world, and I can’t wait to sink even further into it. Which means that I have a whole new series that I need to add to my shelves.

Not only do I love all of the backstory that is featured throughout this story. But it’s also wonderfully lustful. And just a little bit sweet. Exactly the kind of novella that I tend to fall stupid in love with and makes me go a bit nuts with buying books… now just to exercise some selfcare…

<- More Paige TylerHer Perfect Mate ->

Image source: Goodreads

Dead and Dateless by Kimberly Raye

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Dead And Dateless by Kimberly Raye - Penguin Books Australia

Title: Dead and Dateless
Author: Kimberly Raye
Series: Dead End Dating #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 10th – 29th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: “It wasn’t your fault.”

Synopsis

She’d like her blood bottled, please!

The sassiest vampire in all of Manhattan, Lil Marchette, is the owner of Dead End Dating – a matchmaking service for hip, intelligent singles like herself. After only three months, business is booming, and she can finally pay her bills (and, more important, feed a hungry cosmetics addiction). But when one of her clients turns up dead (as in never coming back), Lil is named as the prime suspect.

Murder?

Sure, she’s a vampire, but she can’t even work up her nerve when it comes to blood-sucking. Hacking somebody to pieces is so out of the question.

To make matters worse, Lil must also contend with a pack of werewolves who ask – no, demand – that she find each one a tall, dark, and handsome mate before the next full moon. Plus, the to-die-for-if-I-wasn’t-already-dead Ty Bonner, a lusciously sexy lover but totally unsuitable eternity mate, is never far from her midnight fantasies. But Lil has no time for such thoughts. She must prove her innocence and focus on pairing off the dead and the furry – and maybe stake a claim to her own tasty true love.

Thoughts

Alright, Lil is kind of a bit of a pain throughout this story. Which I’m pretty sure I found in the first tale as well. She’s just a little too… well, girly for lack of a better word. Not someone that I can really sympathise with very well. Having said that, even though she has a tendency to be a little irritating, I also loved her character. It’s kind of making fun at some of the socialites and those with a tendency to focus on their looks. At least, that’s how I take her character. Because, at the end of the day, even though she’s kind of vapid and a little irritating, she’s also seriously sweet and has a great heart. You just can’t help but love her, even when you’re beginning to feel a little irritated by her characterisation in moments…

I love Ty as a counterpoint to Lil. A bit like my own partner and I, where Lil is light and air and all positive, rainbow vibes, Ty is dark, twisty and communicationally stunted. Yet, I think that this turns them into the perfect partnership. After all, the saying opposites attract is around for a reason… I’m seriously, seriously hoping that they work out as a couple in the next few books… not entirely sure what my feelings will be if Raye pulls that rug out from under me…

To top off the humour and the slightly satirical feel of this story, I absolutely loved the werewolf mating ritual in this story. And, also how that all works out as a secondary plot to you know… Lil being wanted for murder. Particularly her hunt for an alpha red head. And her unique solution to the issue. It had me grinning and giggling throughout the whole story. And I love that Raye was able to take a well-known paranormal species and give them yet another new twist (like she did with the creation of vampires).

I was quite surprised at who the villain was in this story. I feel like I really should have guessed… but, whilst I wasn’t completely floored and shocked… I definitely didn’t predict it either. Which, ultimately is something that I tend to love in a good book anyway. After all, being able to guess things all the time can get a little… well, boring. And this novel is anything but boring. I can’t wait to sink my fangs… I mean teeth… into Your Coffin or Mine?

<- Dead End DatingYour Coffin or Mine? ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Archangel’s Kiss by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Archangel's Kiss (Guild Hunter, #2) by Nalini Singh

Title: Archangel’s Kiss
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Vampires
Dates read: 25th September – 4th October 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Taking the hint, she said good-bye to Jessamy and walked down the steps, her nape prickling in primitive awareness.

Synopsis

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find herself changed – an angel with wings the colors of midnight and dawn – but her fragile body needs time to heal before she can take flight. Her over, the stunningly dangerous archangel Raphael, is used to being in control – especially when it comes to the woman he considers his own. But Elena has never done well with authority…

They’ve barely begun to understand each other when Raphael receives an invitation to a ball from teh archangel Lijuan. To refuse would be a sign of fatal weakness, so Raphael must ready Elena for the flight to Beijin – and to the nightmare that awaits them there. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan holds a power that lies with the dead. And she has oragnized the msot perfect and most vicious of welcomes of Elena…

Thoughts

So there’s definitely a reason why Nalini Singh is one of my favourite authors. Every time I open one of her books I’m completely hooked. The only reason I have been taking massive breaks between her books is that I need to you know… do adult things. And this novel is honestly no exception. I loved finding out how Elena and Raphael renegotiated their relationship after the events in Angels’ Blood.

Whilst not my typical romance, I did love how Raphael and Elena are able to constantly negotiate with each other. And, as is typical with a partnership of two strong individuals (I speak from experience) there’s lots and lots of renegotiating and bumping up against each other. It’s not easy, but it works. Singh honestly writes some of the healthiest relationships I see in paranormal romance…

I actually finished reading this a few days ago, but I cannot stop thinking about it. There was so much action, intrigue and politics in this story. I’m not normally a fan of anything with too much political negotiations, particularly within my own life. But I absolutely loved all the machinations in this story. And I can’t wait to see where it takes us in Archangel’s Consort. My fingers keep twitching towards it and starting another new book… but I currently have over 30 books on my currently reading list!

I found Lijuan to be a seriously scary, but still sympathetic character. Michaela may just be a bitch. But Lijuan is a whole other ball game… one that drew me in from the very beginning and made me completely drawn in to the story from the very beginning. She wasn’t quite a villain… but she definitely wasn’t a good guy. The perfect antagonist amongst a slew of antagonists in this series.

Elena is most definitely one of my favourite strong women protagonists. She is tough and independent. But also willing to bend to the circumstances. Finding out more about her past in this story just pulled me in all that much more and bumped her even further up my imaginary list.

<- Angels’ BloodArchangel’s Consort ->

Image source: Goodreads

Claimed by Shadow by Karen Chance

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Claimed by Shadow (Cassandra Palmer, #2) by Karen Chance

Title: Claimed by Shadow
Author: Karen Chance
Series: Cassandra Palmer #2, Cassandra Palmer World #4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 28th – 31st July 2020
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Roc
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: I wasn’t sure why – obviously she could see without the eye, or come to some approximation of it – but she seemed very depressed about missing her turn.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

A recent legacy made Cassandra Palmer heir to the title of Pythia, the world’s chief clairvoyant. It’s a position that usually comes with years of training, but Cassie’s circumstances are a little… unusual. And now she’s stuck with a whopping amount of power that every vamp, Fey, and mage in town wants to either monopolize or eradicate – and that she herself doesn’t dare use.

What’s more, she’s just discovered that a certain arrogant master vampire has put a geis on her – a magical claim that warns off any would-be suitors, and might also explain the rather… intense attraction between them. But Cassie’s had it with being jerked around, and anyone who tries it from now on is going to find out that she makes a very bad enemy…

Thoughts

This is a great second book to this series. I always find second books are the true hint to as to whether or not the series is worth continuing on. The first book is all about setting up the world 9and sometimes, they were originally supposed to be a standalone). But the second book is a hint as to the pace and style with which the rest of the series is going to set forth. Which made this a fantastic indication that I need to continue reading this series. Because. Wow. What a second book.

At the conclusion to Touch the Dark, Cassie had this great, kind of insane power thrust upon her. And I love that all throughout this book, she is seriously fighting that power. Instead of wanting to be powerful and a major player in the political activities which are surrounding her, she just wants to live a nice, quiet and normal life. To a degree, I get that. I’ve had an extremely eventful life… and all I want is for things to be incredibly boring. These are the kind of characters that I like – those who are powerful in a begrudging, slightly annoyed manner. It also gives many moments of humour throughout the action where she’s just a little bit testy…

Now that the series is starting to truly develop, I can see a few potential love interests for Cassie… and I’m completely intrigued to see who and what will be the ultimate guy that she ends up with. She’s finally lost that pesky virginity (and this is the first time that I’ve enjoyed the virginity sub-plot). But the actual guy who is going to be her happily ever after… I can’t wait to see who that will be!!! Personally, I’m hoping that it’s Tomas. But I think that’s just because I have a very, very attractive man pictured in my mind’s eye…

This novel isn’t just a great story in which Cassie is trying to wrestle with ideas of her new power. It is also a great story in which time travel and dimensional travel occur. From going back to the past, to travelling to Faery there are so many brilliant settings. Then, there’s also the fact that the end of this story indicates that not only is a massive supernatural war about to start. But, there’s a fairly good chance that Dracula is now running free and wild…

<- Touch the DarkEmbrace the Night ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Unwilling by Shiloh Walker

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Hot in Handcuffs - Bookshelf • Best Selling Books by #1 New York ...

Title: The Unwilling
Author: Shiloh Walker
Series: The FBI Psychics Series #3.25
In: Hot in Handcuffs (Sylvia Day, Shayla Black & Shiloh Walker)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Mystery, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense
Dates read: 29th July 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Sometimes this is like shooting in the dark.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Mica Greer and her former lover, ex-FBI agent Colby Mathis, once shared an intimate past and a powerful psychic gift. Now, they’ve been reunited by a bizarre series of murders—and an electrifying passion that could put them both in jeopardy.

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this crime novella. Not only was it a great romantic suspense, but it had a fantastic layer of paranormal moments throughout. I’m completely intrigued to see what the rest of this series will be like – psychics who are in the FBI and run around solving crimes? Plus sex? Yes please. This is exactly the kind of series that I love.

One of the things that I loved about this novella was that it was all about love loved and lost. I didn’t like that fifteen years had been and gone for these two characters since they had last “connected”. But at least they finally made their way back to one another. That was a nice little, pleasant surprise. Even if the history still hurt my heart a little bit.

One of my favourite things to do when reading a mystery of any kind is to try and guess who the culprit is. Sometimes I love being able to guess the culprit, sometimes I hate it. In the case of this novella, I was able to guess who the culprit was about halfway through. Yet, that still left me with that unforgettable, spine tingling, uncomfortable moment that I think all good mysteries and suspense stories should have.

<- On FireHot in Handcuffs ->

Image source: Sylvia Day

A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands

Book Review, , ,
Overview
A Quick Bite (Argeneau #1) by Lynsay Sands

Title: A Quick Bite
Author: Lynsay Sands
Series: Argeneau #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 10th – 14th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: Lissianna knew she should be grateful for the gift, but she’d really rather had had him for dinner.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

That hot guy tied to Lissianna Argeneau’s bed? He’s not dessert – he’s the main course!

Lissianna has been spending her centuries pining for Mr. Right, not just a quick snack, and this sexy guy she finds in her bed looks like he might be a candidate. but there’s another, more pressing issue: her tendency to faint at the sight of blood… an especially annoying quirk for a vampire. Of course it doesn’t hurt thtat this man has a delicious-looking neck. What kind of cold-blooded vampire woman could resist a bite of that?

Dr. Gregory Hewitt recovers from the shock of waking up in a stranger’s bedroom pretty quickly – once he sees a gorgeous woman about to treat him to a wild night of passion. But is it possible for the good doctor to find true love with a vampire vixen, or will he be just a good meal? That’s a question Dr. Greg might be willing to sink his teeth into… if he can just get Lissianna to bite.

Thoughts

This was everything that I enjoy in a good paranormal romance and a Lynsay Sands book – it was quick, fun and easy. Light-hearted and a little titillating. And just generally a great way to spend a nice portion of time immersed in another world. It wasn’t one of those books that will necessarily linger with me long after I’ve turned the final page. But it’s one that I will probably pick up again down the line with a sense of enjoyment.

I really enjoyed Sands’ take on vampires and vampire lore in this story. For starters, it uses nanos and advanced technology to talk about the advent of vampirism. Secondly, there is the fact that the lead vampire in this story – Lissiana, has a blood phobia. It actually left me laughing out loud. Who would have thought that such a thing would be in a vampire romance novel? I can’t imagine ever fainting at the sight of blood… the fact that it’s a vampire… well, I was actually laughing out loud throughout.

There is a scene in this book in which Greg describes his past relationship and why he ended it. And the focus of this is the fact that what he wants more than anything is a partner. Just like Lissi. There is a total focus on being partners, not enslaved to one another. That no one has greater power over the other. But rather, they just help each other out. I think that its such a beautiful sentiment and one that I would love to see more of in a lot of the romances that I read. It’s just… this is, to me, what a relationship is all about – partnership.

I never thought I would use the phrase “pleasantly titillating” in a book review. But I’m going to use it here. There was just something that was a little fun about those moments in which Greg and Lissi are caught in the more compromising positions. It adds a good level of humour and amusement to the story. It also gives a bit of a cringe-factor to some of the moments… definitely something that I found pleasant and fun in this story. I’m not quite sure how Sands managed to walk that line… but I really, really enjoyed it.

<- More Lynsay SandsLove Bites ->

Image source: Goodreads