Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

Boundless Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Boundless Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches: Happily Ever Afters #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2024

Thoughts

Autumn and Keaton had a tough journey to reconnect in their story Autumn Magic, so I love that they got their own little happily ever after epilogue in Boundless Magic. The fact that it features their terrifyingly strong and powerful toddler was a whole lot of fun. But also kind of terrifying. As someone who has a toddler, I really enjoyed this. Particularly because I think that all toddlers are terrifying, and I can’t imagine what having one with insane amounts of magic would be like.

I maybe shouldn’t have read this before reading the rest of the Thorne Witches series, because there were a few bits I didn’t really follow and / or understand. However, I also just really loved this idea. The way that the kids are able to transverse between realities, and the way in which reality is shaped slightly differently by one or two choices was priceless. And even though those in the alternate reality were kind of assholes, I love that they all still end up with the same people. That they all orbit one another, regardless of their reality.

As a mother, I absolutely basked in the idea that Autumn is more than willing to kick everyone’s butt on her quest to protect her children. It fits in nicely with Alistair’s drive to do anything to fit his family. The family loyalty of all the Thornes in fact has me smiling, and I really enjoyed how that translated to Autumn being read to fight pretty much anyone to protect her kids. It’s a sentiment that I completely can get behind. And it’s one that Alistair himself reflects in all realities – he’s willing to do anything to protect the family and ensure everyone’s happiness.

I found this second epilogue to be a fantastic read that made me so damn happy. I love how all of the characters fit together, in either reality. It just makes me want to keep diving into this series again and again. Cromer has just done such a wonderful job of building this world and making me life at the nonsense and havoc that they can wreak upon the world.

<- Enduring MagicMore T.M. Cromer ->

Image source: Amazon

Long Lost Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Long Lost Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

The first five books of the Thorne Witches series have seriously been gearing up for this novel. Alastair and Aurora are finally reunited and the first big story arc is completed. Don’t get me wrong, Long Lost Magic then starts the next story arc for this family of witches. But the overarching tale of the first six books is seriously intense, and, as such, I didn’t really stop reading them until I got to this point in the series. And then I paused and took a little breather, before diving into the next one. For as fun as it’s been, Cromer is annoyingly good at writing plots which have be reluctant to stop reading, and incredibly emotionally invested.

I really enjoyed that within this romance, it is the internal battles that the couple each have to face before they can come back together. Neither Alastair or Aurora were able to escape their battles unharmed, and both of them find it incredibly difficult to reintegrate into society and their love for one another. A lot of this story is both of them dealing with the anger and disappointment of expectations from the past and abuses. And although they ultimately find their way back together, it was enjoyable to read about them both doing the work on themselves before they tried to reconnect as a couple. It gives me hope in the darker points of my own relationship, and a reminder that I will do almost anything to fight for the love that I have too.

Although one enemy is finally vanquished within Long Lost Magic, it does reveal that there are greater threats working behind the scenes. All of Aurora’s children are happily settled, but none of them are free from the taint of selfishness and evil that is threatening their family. It’s almost as though the first battle of the war has been won, but only now do the Thorne Witches realise that they are in a war to begin with. Other than Alastair, but there’s a reason he’s the somewhat insane, and very entertaining patriarch of the family. I love that it leads into a realm in which none of the witches know who they can trust, but they are willing to take that plunge to protect those that they love.

Now that the first section of the family is settled, I can’t wait until Alastair sets his matchmaking sights on more of the family. The cousins and extended family were revealed throughout this. Plus, the need for revenge is ignited. There were so many threads presented within Long Lost Magic, that, although it was about Aurora and Alastair, I also felt like it was the beginning of something greater. I can’t wait to keep diving into this series to see how all of the threads that Cromer waved temptingly in our faces are going to be woven into the fabric of this fantastic story.

<- Rekindled MagicForever Magic ->

Image source: Amazon

Rekindled Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Rekindled Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Holly is the Thorne sister that I got to know the least throughout the entire Thorne Witches series so far. It’s a second chance romance, but I didn’t realise how much tragic history Holly and Quentin have until I read this. And then, at times, it was just truly difficult to read. I mean, it ends up happily, but where Spring Magic had some violently intense moments, Rekindled Magic was just filled with heart wrenching, emotional turmoil that had me putting this down and picking it back up multiple times.

One of the things I really wasn’t expecting from this story was the idea of time travel. The complexities of this and the different, diverging paths throughout added to the emotional intensity of this story. As well as making me have to really sit back and think about what I was reading. After all, time travel is such a tricky concept, and if it’s done wrong it’s just frustrating. Cromer managed to give the idea of time travel and its consequences a great structure though. One that I really enjoyed, and bent my brain just a little bit.

I love that regardless of the timeline, Holly is incredibly feisty and powerful. However, the bitterness caused by misunderstandings and abuse are removed. Whilst it was easy to have some sympathy for Holly’s lack of trust and choices, it also got to be a little bit painful. The depth of emotional trauma and abuse at the hands of her ex actually created a fairly angry woman who was just a little difficult to connect with on the same level. I love that in any reality, Quentin loves her with all of his heart and soul. And that he manages to balance out her rougher edges.

Although I loved a lot of this story, I do hate how quickly Holly turns to bitterness, in multiple timelines. I can understand having a great love which is impossible to get over, but letting that turn you away from everyone else who loves you. Letting yourself become a shell of a human because of the choices that others have made? It did make me like Holly a little bit less. Now I get to dive into the story of Aurora and Alastair though. And find out what the consequences of reviving Aurora are going to be…

<- Spring MagicLong Lost Magic ->

Image source: Amazon

Spring Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Spring Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

At the beginning of this story (and in parts of the first three Thorne Witches stories), Knox kind of seems like a typical moron. He rejects the woman who loves him out of a misguided sense of justice. And it’s just patronising. But then, as you discover the actual reasoning behind his actions, he becomes someone who is possibly my favourite male love interest in this series thus far. He is noble and kind, and I love how, for once, his rejection is actually something that comes from a good place, not a place of pride.

I knew that this was going to be a tough read before I even got into it. There are too many hints of the tragedies surrounding Spring and her journey to help revive her mother (and find love). Which was good to know, I at least had a warning before I read what could’ve been a potentially triggering book. I mean, her journey is genuinely horrifying. And it absolutely broke my brain and heart in moments. But, there is also this great sense of hope and joy throughout that made it worth it.

Everything about this story is emotionally intense. I knew it was going to be, so I made sure I carved out enough time to read this in one sitting. I’m glad that I did, it was an impossible story to put down. Partly because of how amazing the story actually was, but also because I’m the kind of person who will rush to the end of a tale to find the happily ever after. Which Cromer delivered beautifully to make up for all of the preceding nonsense.

Spring Magic wraps up the story arc for the first four Thorne sisters, and ends the arc with Lin Zhu. It gives a little more context to why the Throne Girls are so heavily targeted, and just rounds out things quite nicely. It then opens up the second part of this first series story arc. But I love how Spring’s journey is the one that also ends Lin Zhu’s reign of terror on the Thornes, and by extension, the Carlyles.

With every Thorne Witches book I read, I can’t wait to dive into the next one. Each story, as with this, round out a storyline. But they also hint at the next couple and the battles that are to be faced in the future. One more step until Aurora is revived, and if this has been the cost so far, I’m intrigued to find out what the cost to the other couples in the future will be.

<- Winter MagicRekindled Magic ->

Image source: Amazon

Winter Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Winter Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

As with most of the books in the Thorne Witches series, there is the hint of the next romance at some point in the previous book. And in the case of Winter and Zane, I loved this hint of something more between them. The fact that they also have a history (just one no one knows about) made me laugh out loud. And, honestly, as much as I loved both Autumn and Summer’s stories, I liked Winter and Zane’s romance even more. There was just something redemptive and fun about the whole thing.

I think that one of the reasons I enjoyed this story so much is that Zane had one of the most intense redemption arcs I’ve read in a while. He was pigheaded and cruel to the point that I almost wanted to stop reading at multiple points throughout this story. I mean, his drive for revenge was completely out of proportion and incredibly ridiculous. And yet, in every moment that I seriously questioned my willingness to continue with his stupidity, there was something that pulled me right back in again. Ultimately, this frustration led to a wonderful redemption arc that completely redeemed his nonsense and left me smiling when I turned that final page.

Winter Magic is the next step in the Thorne sisters quest to heal their mother. It was fun to learn more about Winter’s power and just how formidable she truly is. This novel also expanded on the vendetta Lin Zhu has against the Thorne family and why he is so driven to destroy them in particular. Plus, his sinister plans for just how to use their genetic line to give him what he thinks he wants is kind of gross. It combines to make you even more keen to read the next book in this series, but also a little hesitant. After all, the epilogue in this hints at Spring’s story, and that is going to be a dark and hard one to read… but now I’m also even more intrigued.

Although I really loved this whole romance and was swept away in every moment, much of the interpersonal drama was filled by childish misunderstandings. The inability to talk about just what was wrong and discuss things like adults, the desire for revenge… it all combined to make me want to smack my palm to my face at multiple points. And, although, luckily Zane does see how stupid his actions are, I completely understand how hard it is for Winter to forgive his past behaviours. And to let them find a new way into the future together, without all of the silly behaviour informing their actions.

<- Autumn MagicSpring Magic ->

Image source: T.M. Cromer

Courage of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Courage of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This is the first romance in the Witches of Keating Hollow series which doesn’t feature a child in some way, shape or form. And I really enjoyed that. As much as I’ve enjoyed the blended families and all of the love that goes with it – after a while I wanted a slightly different flavour of romance. Hanna and Rhys manage to fit the bill perfectly for this. It’s a bit of a second chance, definite friends-to-lovers romance with some very interesting complications thrown in.

It’s fairly obvious from early in the story that Rhys’ reason for holding Hanna at bay is going to have some kind of medical component to it. I love that the complications and road blocks that are thrown up for this couple are entirely medical in nature. And it also brings up the question of how do you live when there is a potential death sentence hanging over your head? How do you ask someone to commit to that level of uncertainty? I know what I’d do, but I also know that it wouldn’t actually be an easy decision.

Courage of the Witch is definitely the most fitting title for this book. Courage is the perfect word to describe Hanna and how resilient she is. When people ask me the number one thing I want for my own children, my own answer is resilience. And the courage that Hanna is able to show in this story is exactly why. Granted, there is a happy ending which doesn’t always happen in real life. But the battle to find joy and happiness in uncertainty is a seriously difficult thing to do. Hanna also completely humbles Rhys in his inability to actually have this form of courage and resilience to begin with. Luckily they are able to grow together.

Not only is this a great story of courage and romance, it is also one about how we deal with grief. It never truly goes away, and I love how frequently and subtly that is acknowledged. The grief of losing a loved one, particularly someone to a medical condition that could possibly be genetic is difficult. And some days just living in spite of that pain can be hard, but both Hanna and Rhys manage to find a way, not without a few of their own scars, but it still filled me with a sense of calm and optimism.

<- Dreams of the WitchLove of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase

Dreams of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Dreams of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

From the closing of Spirit of the Witch, I knew who Faith’s eventual partner was going to be. But I didn’t expect the journey that she took to get there. Like all of the books in the Keating Hollows series so far, there were some unexpected wrenches thrown into their romance. Ones that came from an external source and led to a whole lot of unforeseen complications. Hunter and Faith, as with all of the other happily ever afters in this series do eventually find their way to one another. But I really enjoyed the way that they eventually find their way to their own version of happily ever after. Part of why I enjoy this series so much is that there is always a happily ever after, but enough emotional angst to make me really want to finish the story. Chase hit all of the points of this perfectly.

Hunter’s history took a number of unexpected turns throughout this story. I was expecting there to be problems with his best friend’s widow, Vivian from her actions early on. But there were a number of other complications that completely took over. He spends a lot of this story in a situation which could potentially paint him as the bad guy. And yet, he is completely sympathetic. Rather than be annoyed at the blunders that he makes and the ways he manages to cause problems in his own relationship, it all came from a really caring place. Often in romances, I get frustrated at one or the other character for their pigheadedness and unwillingness to communicate. But that really wasn’t the case with Dreams of the Witch.

Faith and the Townsend sisters’ mother leaving has been a big driver in all of their stories. But I really wasn’t expecting their mother to come back after twenty-one years. The extra complications this throws up in Hunter and Faiths’ relationship hurt my heart a little. Plus, it was interesting how someone who abandoned her children is able to justify her actions. Or at least, try to. The fact that her history is entangled with Hunter’s makes it all that much more intense. But, I love how that story arc ended with Faith finally being able to put the past behind her and start moving forwards to her own happily ever after.

Faith and Hunter’s journey was really sweet and fun, and I can’t wait to dive into Courage of the Witch. I love how the end of it gives hints for the next story – Hanna and Rhys. Not only did it close out the romances of the four Townsend sisters beautifully, but it also starts off the next romances. I can’t wait to see what is bugging Rhys and just how Hanna chooses to get past his nonsense. I read this story in one sitting, and will probably do the same for the next of the Keating Hollows Witches romances.

<- Spirit of the WitchCourage of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase

Spirit of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Spirit of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Yvette and Jacob’s meeting in Heart of the Witch and their immediate interpersonal complications definitely made me keen to dive into Spirit of the Witch. And then I got to read their story. And honestly, it just got better! They go from a one-night stand to contentious business partners to lovers in such an organic manner. It made for such a pretty easy and sweet transition between their different states. There is enough drama and bumps in the road to make it almost impossible to put this down, but not enough that I felt too angsty reading it – the perfect balance for the mood that I’ve been in lately.

This is the second book in a while I’ve read with a romance in which the woman has been divorced, because her first husband realises that he’s gay. I really liked how Chase dealt with this (Whynot in Checking You Out also did a great job of this messy dynamic). Isaac kind of came across as a bit of a selfish prick to begin with, which fits as he behaves absolutely ridiculously for the first portion of the book – acting jealous and controlling in a seriously cringey way. But, I love that, eventually, he and Yvette are able to start making movements to reestablishing a friendship. The maturity of the situation, and after a while, both of their actions was really great and I felt so content reading how they are able to start to move forwards with their lives.

Unlike Yvette’s ex, Jacob’s ex is completely insane. That’s fairly obvious from her first interactions and appearances in this story. But, somehow, it gets worse the more you read. It’s a pretty intense way for Jacob to truly move on from the past and reconnect with his ex-best friend. But I kind of loved the wonderfully intense shenanigans. It was the ultimate hurdle, and as soon as I started to realise just what a complication she was going to be, I did the old walk-and-read… into a wall (it happens more than I should really admit).

Not only is this a great romance about moving on from past betrayals for both Yvette and Jacob, it’s also got the secondary storyline of building a thriving bookstore. As a bibliophile and someone who has generally considered owning my own bookstore… because books, I really loved this setting and secondary storyline. Plus, both Yvette and Jacob have to negotiate something that many modern-day business owners have to negotiate – the ability to adapt to an everchanging market. The use of magic and café goods within this just made me drool… over the books, the food and the coffee.

<- Heart of the WitchDreams of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase

Heart of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Heart of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Second chance romances are always really fun and sweet. As you fall in love with the couple, you also get their history and all of the angst that informs the present relationship. In the case of Drew and Noel, it’s not just about their second chance, it’s also about getting over the death of Charlotte and all of the guilt and nonsense that goes along with it. It might be a wonderful second chance story, but I also love that the spotlight is frequently stolen by Noel’s daughter, Daisy. A fun cast that left me smiling and feeling all sorts of joy at the reading of this novel.

The complication of Charlotte’s death in this story makes for an incredibly unique romance, at least, I found it a little less predictable than what I’m used to. The interconnectedness of a small town romance also leads to some of these complications. Not only do they have the past between them, but also, there’s Noel’s ex to contend with. The trust issues, the current complications and their general unwillingness to actually communicate with each other in parts. But, I loved how, ultimately, they are able to move past the mistrust, the guilt and the pain of the past.

Xavier, Noel’s ex, is an absolute fool. I mean, it doesn’t matter what his intentions are and his drivers (which do ultimately come out). But his inability to respect and trust Noel literally destroy his life and happiness. It works well for this story, because I love Noel and Drew together. But, honestly, his pigheadedness and lack of communication are painful. Although it does make for a really interesting point of conflict throughout the story. Plus, there’s a bit of a tug of a potential love triangle with his resurgence in their lives. Just enough to make this a little more interesting.

Heart of the Witch is all about the power of time and how that can help to heal. You might always have scars from the past, but healing is possible with time. I love how Noel and Drew are able to find their way back to one another, as friends, and then as lovers. And how they ultimately choose to believe in the best in one another. Even as they make mistakes and forget to communicate. A message and ability that I maybe need to sometimes focus on myself.

<- Soul of the WitchSpirit of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase

Doggone Mess by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Doggone Mess
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #20
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

As with all of the other Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) books that I’ve read, I got into this right away. It was funny, it was quirky and it was light-hearted enough that I got to smile quite a bit. Yet, as I’m really starting to discover with Blain’s work, there was that serious undertone and message throughout which still left me thinking once I’d finished enjoying all of the fun. I also really like that this is very obviously building towards something – there is a conclusion to this series in the works, and Doggone Mess feels like some of the threads are now all coming together to build towards this.

The way in which Joyce is attacked and turned into a shifter is pretty sad and brutal, possibly one of the more brutal turnings / attacks of this series so far. Yet, I love how, instead of curling up into a ball and hiding from reality. Or feeling like a victim, she uses this brutality as the fuel to get out there and make the world a better place for everyone else. She is an absolute powerhouse of a woman, and I really loved reading about a character that takes the worst of circumstances and turning it towards, well, violence. But it was violence in a good way – against those predators that would continue to perpetuate the cycle of abuse for other women and innocents.

I’m always a pretty big fan of books in which the male part of the duo is the quieter of the two. Wayne most definitely fits this bill – and I adored him all that much more for how he continuously keeps trying to support and help Joyce. At first with moving her into a new home, and then when he realises the depth and breadth of her issues, he starts to move heaven and hell (kind of literally) to make her feel better / supported. Even their mating isn’t what I expected it to be – all because of the supportive nature of this fairly cute relationship.

There are a number of surprise cameos throughout this story – I particularly liked getting to see Emma the Swan again. Her willingness to stab people with her beak and just be a total menace to everyone made me smile. I love the idea of a swan shifter, and that they are not the kind, cartoonish swans, but the real assholes that true swans are. Plus, with all of the activity and action in this story, there are a number of loose threads that begin to get tied up, Emma just being one of them.

I seriously loved everything about this book. It was the typica fun, enjoyable R.J. Blain book that I’ve come to expect from her writing. And I seriously enjoyed that to tie everything up, the epilogue tells the tale of Joyce’s run at Fort Knox with her daughter. Aside from being a fun heist, it’s also a reminder that this world is one filled with change, and the biggest changes feel like they are just on the horizon.

<- Plaidypus101 Ways to Die ->

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