Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

Dorian by Nalini Singh ReRead

March 12, 2025Book ReviewNalini Singh, Paranormal Romance, Psy-Changeling, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, Wild Embraceskyebjenner

Title: Dorian ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #5.1
In: Wild Embrace (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2016

This novella is filled with snapshots into the life and times of Dorian. I love that each chapter is a different point in his life and his journey to Aisha and his ability to shift. I love that the first few chapters are about Dorian learning to accept his latency. And, rather than choosing to let this be a weakness, he turns it into a superpower. His will and strength of self are seriously enviable, from a very young age too. And I hope that I am able to raise children with the same strength of self and resilience that Dorian has!

Where Hostage to Pleasure ends with Dorian’s first transformation, this novella takes place before and after this. Starting with the previously mentioned early years, and then surpassing his first shifts to when he lets the rest of his family know. The joy and the genuine love for one another come striking off of the pages with every word. I love that sense of belonging that each of the DarkRiver cats find, and how they have accepted Dorian as he is, but also rejoice in the positive changes in his life.

The fat that all of the sentinels give Dorian no quarter even though he’s only just learning how to be a cat made me smile. They accept him and make sure that he knows he is still expected to be as tough and independent as he’s always been. They treat him as the powerhouse that he is, and this recognition of his power made me smile. It’s nice to know that people don’t just assume that others are weaker because they have a handicap. It also lit up a fire in Dorian. Definitely a story that I needed to fill in all of the joyful gaps in Dorian’s story and journey to becoming the strong sentinel I fall in love with every time I read Hostage to Pleasure.

<- Hostage to Pleasure ReRead

Branded by Fire ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Everybody Wants to Rune the World by Mandy M. Roth

March 11, 2025Book ReviewBewitchingly Ever After, Cozy mystery, Mandy M. Roth, Paranormal Fantasy, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Everybody Wants to Rune the World
Author: Mandy M. Roth
Series: Bewitchingly Ever After #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Cozy mystery, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Everybody Wants to Rune the World is a great little cozy mystery and paranormal romance. Sigmund and Virginia are an entertaining couple that keep avoiding the obvious. But, they are also a simple read and a great diversion when you’re needing something happy and easy to read. I tend to love Roth’s writing for just this reason – there is enough action that I want to see what high jinx are going to happen next. But not so much that I get angsty and can’t put the book down.

I love that this story actually starts 16 months earlier, when Sigmund actually realises that Virginia is his fated mate. But is then filled with so much self doubt that he refuses to act on it. It gives constant entertainment to the town of Bewitching, and makes the two act like, well, absolute fools. Particularly Sigmund, he’s a big, scary kraken shifter who is scared to talk to the woman that he loves. Which of course just confuses the heck out of Virginia, and makes the townsfolk laugh at the shenanigans. Constantly and with much mirth.

Once Petey finally gets involved with Sigmund’s inability to actually make a move, I love that Virginia is able to just dive right in with both feet. Rather than continuing to hesitate (as she has done for the previous 16 months), she chooses to embrace the marriage that Petey officiated and start to chase the poor, ignorant shifter. Sometimes men just need a bit of a shove, and her confidence in doing this made me laugh out loud. The fact that it quickly gets rid of the potential love triangle emotional entanglement just made it all that much better.

I must admit, I did guess who the villain of the story was and the one who was starting to hunt Virginia. I mean, he’s effectively set up as the anti-Sig way too well. And, it makes so much more sense and fun to have any potential barriers to their future relationship nipped in the bud. I also love that, in dealing with the villain and threat to Virginia, Sigmund is able to finally embrace his kraken side and regain confidence in himself and his newfound abilities.

All in all, Everybody Wants to Rune the World is an incredibly cute and fun read that I will probably open up again. It was a great journey and fun diversion, and I’m hoping that Roth revisits the world of Bewitching again and again. There is just something fun and super chaotic about the whole town that is irreplaceable and unforgettably joyful.

<- Don’t Stop Bewitching

Do You Really Want to Haunt Me? ->

Image source: Mandy Roth

The Reindeer’s Spell by Laura Greenwood

March 4, 2025Book ReviewChristmas, Laura Greenwood, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, The Paranormal Councilskyebjenner

Title: The Reindeer’s Spell
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: The Paranormal Council #12
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

I really like that even though this is a fated mates story with one fighting the bond, it’s not malicious. Rather, they both deeply care about one another. And the whole reason for Eustace fighting the bonding is a sense of care for Reagan. It makes it a whole lot less angsty, and kind of adorable if I’m being honest. The patience and kindness that they show for one another as they work through their thoughts and feelings is relationship goals. And I love that there is no real hurt feelings, just a little bit of tension and impatience.

Eustace and Reagan are a really nice couple to read about. They are all about patience and caring for one another. I love the idea that fated mates means they are the perfect match for one another, and that they are able to understand this. Plus, Reagan’s ability to take a step back from her own feelings and think about her partners was really sweet. The entire romance is filled with patience and care, and a whole lot of love. With the enjoyable level of sexual tension and lust thrown in.

To add to the joys of a cute little paranormal romance, this one also has a fun Christmas theme. Reagan is asked to organise a Christmas fundraiser, and gets to spend her time working closely with the man that she loves. I love that it’s the romance of Christmas and the joy of the season which finally tests Eustace’s resolve. Plus, it features a reindeer shifter, so it just works that they finally take the plunge into being mates at this festive time of year.

This is an all round festive, cute and fun read. It’s fairly innocent with a low amount of drama and angst. The perfect read for a difficult day of parenting and just all around adulting. I love that both Reagan and Eustace just accept each other as they are, give each other grace and patience to work through their issues. And ultimately just support each other when things are a little off-kilter and difficult feeling.

<- The Hummingbird’s Mate

Charming Her Mate ->

Image source: Goodreads

Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches by Laura Greenwood

March 3, 2025Book ReviewEasy Reading, Laura Greenwood, Obscure Academy, Paranormal Fantasy, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #5.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Even though most of the stories that follow Laura Greenwood’s Obscure Academy follow a similar kind of pattern in that they are just cute and easy romances. I love that each couple get their own unique start and flavour. For Juniper and Emmett this is the couple that meet and are instantly crushing on each other, but take their time in finally taking the plunge and getting together. Rather, they build up a friendship before creating a relationship, and I absolutely adored that approach.

I don’t actually know much about Halloween, whilst its gaining traction and interest in Australia, it’s still not something I celebrate. Yet, I love that Greenwood uses this story to dive a little into the different traditions that surround All Hallow’s Eve. Not just the current carving of Jack ‘O Lanterns, but also some of the fruits and vegetables that were traditionally used in place of the pumpkin. I absolutely adored the idea of carving a turnip in place of a pumpkin, and the idea had me smiling and laughing while I read Juniper and Emmett’s love story.

Juniper’s history and issues around Halloween are not exactly fun, but I love how they open up the discussion of genetics and how this influences people in the Obscure world. For a series that is wonderfully sweet and innocent in its journey to love, Greenwood has done a wonderful job of layering in details which make it feel that much more realistic. I had such a blast reading about not only this couple falling for one another, but also their discussions about genetics and just how this can influence the magic of the current generation of paranormals.

Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches was a great hour spent away from reality. It was a story that I’ll definitely go back to in the future, and I am glad that I had the joy of reading this. A nice, easy and fun read with just enough oomph to it that it was incredibly difficult to put down.

<- Potion Making for Disastrous Witches

Trading Names for Polite Sprites ->

Image source: SmashWords

Potion Making for Disastrous Witches by Laura Greenwood

March 2, 2025Book ReviewEasy Reading, Laura Greenwood, Obscure Academy, Paranormal Fantasy, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Potion Making for Disastrous Witches
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

I already knew a little bit about Michaela and Owen’s story from Thalia’s tale in Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons. So I really enjoyed reading about the same moments from this couples point of view. Plus, there were so many moments of joy in their potion making together. Honestly, they were just as cute as I was expecting, but Michaela’s inability to filter her words and thoughts just made me all that much happier and more in love with her. Plus, it made me hope all that much more for her happily ever after.

One of the reasons I so enjoyed Michaela as a character was the fact that she took her shortcomings and just dealt with them. A witch who can’t make potions is something that could be potentially seriously shameful, but she doesn’t show embarrassment and shame over it. Rather, she takes it in stride and is able to work forwards in her life. I was kind of expecting Owen to unlock the secret behind her monumental stuff ups with potion making, and I like that, ultimately, they didn’t actually solve her problems. Just continued to work with it.

Although I’ve read a few Greenwood stories, particularly the Obscure Academy tales, something about Potion Making for Disastrous Witches reminds me about falling for my partner. Wildly different circumstances, but the spending all your time together and coupling, but not being sure of where you stand. The joys of first kisses and first dates. Honestly, the feeling of this just took me back and left me smiling so happily. I’m still madly in love with my partner, so it was nice to feel all of these feelings and reflections while reading this.

There is something so damn joyful of visiting Obscure Academy. They are short little stints into a world where everything is possible. Something about them has this feeling of hope and gives such a positive and happy vibe. I absolutely adored reading this, and I look forward to reading more and more and more in the future!

<- Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons

Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble

Sacred Evil by Heather Graham

March 1, 2025Book ReviewHeather Graham, Krewe of Hunters, Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Sacred Evil
Author: Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2011

I really struggled to put this story down. I mean, it’s a tale of madness, mayhem and murder. All supported by the many theories of Jack the Ripper and his potential move to New York after his big final act. And, in true Jack the Ripper form, this is so filled with nope factor that I rushed to the end of the story. I mean, if you’re going to have a romantic suspense with connections to Jack the Ripper, it needs to be a seriously uncomfortable story.

I’ve read a few different Jack the Ripper theories, and I always want to dive more into that hellhole of theories. I mean, I completely understand why there is so much fascination around the psychopath, and I loved reading a Krewe of Hunters book which featured this. I love that looking into the history of this notorious serial killer informed the hunt for the present one. It’s obvious that Graham did her research to write this story. Which just makes it read all that much better, and so, so much harder to put down.

There wasn’t a huge amount of build up to Whitney and Jude’s love story, but I really enjoyed that they also weren’t instalove. There was a little build up to their relationship, enough that I was excited for them to get together. But not so much or little that I got frustrated with the whole situation. In fact, I love that it takes most of their case for them to build up to sexual intimacy, even as they both notice that they have feelings for one another.

I love the mixture of paranormal and intellectual crime solving. There is an element of truth throughout the story. But the presence and acceptance of ghosts leads the team to unlocking the secrets of the past. I guessed what was likely to be the culprit and final burial place of the past. But, I didn’t actually guess who the villains in the present were. Which was really fun. I normally manage to at least have an inkling of the guilty party, and this time I didn’t. Which is why I can’t wait to dive into more of the Krewe of Hunters novels!

<- Heart of Evil

The Evil Inside ->

Image source: The Big Thrill

Raising a Demon by Amy Cissell

February 22, 2025Book ReviewAmy Cissell, Demons, Eden Valley, Midlife romance, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Raising a Demon
Author: Amy Cissell
Series: Eden Valley #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Midlife romance, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

As someone with a strong willed and independent daughter, I really enjoyed reading this. I mean, Evie and Liliana are absolute goals for parenting – they have a healthy, happy and cheerful relationship. Sometimes it’s more of a friendship, but when necessary, Evie is able to enforce her rules and reduce the chaos that Liliana is able to reign on the world. There’s also a whole lot of love, and even when the Evie and Liliana don’t necessarily get along, they are able to work through it and come back all that much more stronger. Plus, even if this is a paranormal romance, it’s also a love story about mother and daughter, and the lengths that a mother will go to to protect and care for her child.

Luc turning up, and back into Evie’s life is kind of intense. I love that his daughter accidentally summoned him, and that he is just as thrown and confused by the change in their lives as Evie and Liliana. Even though I would probably hold more of a grudge than Evie, I love that she just… goes along with his presence and works with it. Yet, she is also a little reluctant to let him into their lives – she might not be holding a grudge or any bitterness, but she also makes sure that if he decides to be a part of their lives, it’s going to be healthy and happy for all of them.

It wasn’t until my late twenties that I managed to find myself a Girl Squad. And Bev and Viv are absolute goals for this. I may have my girls behind me, but I love the insanity and the Ride or Die vibe that the girls give off. The trio of woman are unapologetically supportive of one another, but they also don’t hesitate to share harsh truths. I can’t wait for Bev and Viv to find their own happily ever afters. And to see how many more butt kickings they can dole out. The fact that this lead trio is all in their forties and not on the cusp of adulthood just made me love them all that much more.

Liliana’s grandfather is truly horrible and annoying. I love that, at the end of the day, both Evie and Liliana tell him exactly what he can do with his attitude. He’s definitely not a figure that has had anyone stand up to him in the past, and the fact that the two mortal women are able to do so? Priceless. Then, there’s the fact that their going toe to toe with him sets up a whole lot more story and drama to come. And, I for one, can’t wait to read more of the dramas that are going to unfold in the lives of these strong women.

<- Match Made in Hell

Devil and the Deep Blue Lake ->

Image source: Goodreads

Soul of the Witch by Deanna Chase

February 21, 2025Book ReviewDeanna Chase, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Witch, Witches, Witches of Keating Hollowskyebjenner

Title: Soul of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

I read Gift of the Witch a long time before I had the chance to read Soul of the Witch. Which just meant that I had an inkling of a few of the road blocks Abby and Clay were likely to experience. Plus, I knew I was going to enjoy going back to the beginning and finding out how their love story truly started. It’s always nice to read a story that you know you’re going to enjoy. Plus, it’s nice to actually get to know Keating Hollow a little bit – there isn’t a huge amount of background and world building in Gift of the Witch.

I love that Abby and Clay get a second chance and a chance to heal in Soul of the Witch. There is a whole lot of history for the two of them, but not quite as much angst and anger about the past as I had expected. I mean, if I was in either of their shoes, I’d be rehashing the past more than either of them do. But I kind of liked this simplicity – they get a second chance with a whole lot less anger and regret than I anticipated. Honestly, the majority of the angst is all Abby’s – Clay is just trying to figure out his life and get his priorities straight.

Even though it takes a while, I love that Abby starts to work on forgiving herself for Charlotte’s death and finding a way to actually thrive, not just survive. It’s amazing that Chase so easily and non-judgementally incorporates therapy and the process into this story. And that Abby is finally able to admit that, even though we all make mistakes at the age of eighteen, the consequences aren’t always just ours to carry. Particularly in Abby’s case – where the consequences of her actions came about from a whole number of horribleness that led to the Perfect Storm.

Clay’s biggest battle is external rather than internal, it is the battle for custody and trying to be the best father he can possibly be. Honestly, at one point, I was more intrigued by the idea of Clay and Olive finding their happily ever after. Not really overly worried about Abby and Clay finding the romance that they want. I mean, the happiness of a little girl is so important and her mother is just so damn selfish. I love that everything ends up with a happily ever after and a big smile on everyone’s faces (mine included).

In Keating Hollow, the town isn’t just a small town with lots of romance, it’s also one built around magic. I really enjoyed how magic is just a part of everyday life and incorporated into everyday things. Rather than a huge deal or something that left people feeling unequal. It’s a joyful world in which everyone learns about magic alongside all the other things we learn as we grow older.

<- More Deanna Chase

Heart of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase

The Collector by Shannon K. Butcher

February 19, 2025Book ReviewDemons, On the Hunt, Paranormal Romance, Sentinel Wars, Shannon K. Butcherskyebjenner

Title: The Collector
Author: Shannon K. Butcher
Series: Sentinel Wars #3.5
In: On the Hunt (Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen & Deidre Knight)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

As I normally do with novellas, I found that this was the first story I read in the Sentinel Wars series. And now I’m excited to read more! I love the idea of Fated Mates at the best of times, but I also like that there is a whole supernatural bent on just how much that “fate” means to both of them. The fact that this is an antique collector and a supernatural warrior… just made it all that much more fun and impossible to put down.

Neal and Vivian are a little bit instalove (which isn’t surprising as this is a whole fated mates, meant to be together thing). But, even if they are immediately drawn to one another, they still manage to take most of this story getting to know one another. The mental and emotional attributes are what ultimately draw them together, even after the physical ones drew them towards each other in the first place.

There is a lot of action in this story without much angst. It all occurs in a ridiculously short amount of time too. Neal and Virginia are in a race to try and find a gadget which will save his friend’s life. But, alongside that, they are racing the demon-like creatures which are also hunting Virginia. The high stakes and the quick pace meant that this novella was over far too quickly for my liking.

<- Ever Night

Crystal Skull ->

Image source: Penguin Random House

Crystal Skull by Jessica Andersen

January 31, 2025Book ReviewJessica Andersen, Mythology, On the Hunt, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Crystal Skull
Author: Jessica Andersen
In: On the Hunt (Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen & Deidre Knight)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

The Crystal Skull had a bit of an Indiana Jones kind of vibe to it. But with a paranormal spin. It made it very easy to dive into it, and the novella length meant that I really didn’t have to stress too much about the fact that I didn’t want to put this down. The action, the archaeological dig and the finding of things that go bump in the night were wonderfully enjoyable in and of themselves. Then, add in the romantic angle, the forgiveness and the hints of a greater world out there, and you have yourself a story that is incredibly difficult to put down.

JT and Natalie are obviously going to end up together from the very beginning. And overall, they manage to build a fairly good relationship. Although, it was kind of quick. I mean, they started off as a fling, split up, and then all of the paranormal drama of this story brings them back together. And they quickly realise how much they love each other and start their happily ever after. There’s a whole lot of action in between, but I do like that, ultimately they support each other in their somewhat ill-advised compulsive moments (alright, Natalie’s somewhat ill-advised compulsions).

I remember the whole scare of the world ending (using the Mayan Calendars), and I like that this is obviously part of a series that was created in the build up to this. However, even though the premise was enjoyable, I don’t think that it’s one that I’ll continue on with. It was a well-written and good story. But, the idea feels a little bit dated now that we are almost ten years past this point. Maybe I’ll just have to dive into something else written by Jessica Andersen (that I can find in eBook form).

<- The Collector

Red Angel ->