Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hostage to Pleasure ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #5
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: 2008

Thoughts

It might be my second read through, but I still absolutely adore the fact that Dorian gets his happily ever after. He’s such a broken boy throughout the first few books in this series. So it’s really nice that he gets a happily ever after moment. Not only within his romantic life, but also within his shapeshifting reality. Dorian’s painful past is kind of healed by the occurrences within Hostage to Pleasure. And it doesn’t matter how many times I read this, I’m head over heels and happy each and every time I reread this.

I really love the idea of a snipper and a scientist working together. They are both incredibly logical and analytical beings who are laser focused in their chosen fields. I really loved that although, on the surface, the two seem very different, they are, in fact, very similar in their approach to their goals. I honestly only picked up on how similar Ashaya and Dorian are on this read through. Before, I just enjoyed the adventure, but some of the relationship nuances became all that much clearer. Likewise, the nuances to Ashaya’s relationships with Kennan and her sister are a little more intriguing on my third read through. It’s all a little messed up and convoluted. I can’t wait to pick up more aspects of these relationships on my next read through (which will happen because I constantly read these books).

Hostage to Pleasure furthers the evil and the rebellion within the PsyNet. But, it also helps to heal Dorian from the tragedies of Slave to Sensation. I love all of the little threads of insanity that are being revealed. The reflection of Ashaya and her twin of the insanity that is poisoning the PsyNet is beautifully and fantastically symbolic. The fact that this book also closes out some of the predictions that Faith made in Visions of Heat. It also starts to highlight the strength of the growing relationship between DarkRiver and SnowDancer. Again, I felt like Hostage to Pleasure was all about the different relationships and how they are growing and changing, set alongside the evils of the PsyNet and the destruction that Silence has reaped upon it’s people.

This novel included not only a great copy at its helm, but also a lot of cameos of different characters throughout. I particularly loved that this is the first book that Mercy is seen and you get to know her that little bit more. There are a number of characters that I wanted to get to know more or get a little more insight into their happily ever afters. Hostage to Pleasure is the first of these to really start to delve into that trend which gets repeated throughout the series. Frequently showing the happily ever afters as they occur, rather than just riding off into the sunset. Something I seriously love about this romance series.

<- Stroke of Enticement ReReadDorian ReRead ->

Image source: Pinterest

Crossroads by Moira Rogers

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Crossroads
Author: Moira Rogers
Series: Southern Arcana #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2009

Thoughts

I finally ended up caving in the past month and getting Kindle Unlimited. Mostly so I could finish off the series like Southern Arcana – ones that I have started, and then don’t have access to on Kobo. I’m incredibly grateful that I caved too. I honestly couldn’t put this book down at all. It was brilliant and unforgettable. Plus, unlike some of the happier stories I’ve been reading, it was dark and filled with horrible twists and turns. It meant that I want to dive into Deadlock even more because there are so many parts of the tale unfinished. But, it also hurt my heart a little the way in which Derek and Nick are put through their paces in their new relationship.

Even though this novel might have been about Nick and Derek’s love story, I also spent the entirety of this wanting Michelle to get her happily ever after. After all, she’s being punished for the powers she was born with. And not allowed to have a romantic entanglement because people want to control her. Nick might try everything she can think of for her twin’s happily ever after. But, you can tell from the beginning and the foreshadowing that things are not all going to end in a positive manner. Yet, even with the knowledge that there is going to be a tragedy, I was still surprised and horrified. Rogers may have even managed to bring a tear or two to my eye.

I absolutely adored gaining the insight into the Council and their far reaching arm in this story. It was a bit chilling considering all of the parallels I can draw to our own powers that be. But I also love how they kind of feel like they’re being set up for a fall in this series. I really want to read more of this series to see how their mistakes of being overly controlling are going to come back and bite them in the butt. Plus, now that Nick and Michelle manage to escape some of the nonsense that they grew up surrounded by, there is a whole lot more change on the way. Change that is going to produce some more amazing and fun stories down the road.

Southern Arcana is a world built with a number of different paranormal beings running free. I love that they are of a variety of different groups and types, and each subgroup has their own subculture. The fact that these guys all team up and try to stop injustices in their own way was absolutely gorgeous. I also love that the destructive side of empathy is touched upon, with lots of hints for the stories that are to come. Derek’s plight of getting used to being a shifter is part of this journey, letting each and every character in this to grow and become who they want to be.

<- CruxZola’s Pride ->

Image source: Amazon

Jingle All the Witch Way by Jennifer L. Hart

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Jingle All the Witch Way
Author: Jennifer L. Hart
Series: Silver Sisters #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Every year around the time I would normally put up the Christmas tree (early November), I load my ereader up with all of the Christmas books on my list. This was the first of those books that I read for the Christmas of 2024, and believe me, did I need a happy and positive Christmas story. This was exactly the tale I wanted. And now I want more of the Silver Sisters. I mean, this is not only a fun and beautiful Christmas story, but it is also a fun tale in which three sisters in their forties, witches to boot, adjust to their new lives and realities. It’s kind of adorable and full of fun.

It was fun to find something to completely relate to in each of the three sister. Siobhan and her pregnancy made me laugh. I was that pregnant woman who wanted to do many things, and ended up frustrated more often than not because I was being smart for my unborn children… honestly, one of the most frustrating periods of my life. Now, as a parent, I relate a lot of Maeve – trying to find balance in your life amongst your sense of self, your children and your husband. And finally, I’m a total control freak and the quintessential first born – just like Alys. It was fun to be rooting for all three sisters equally, but just in different ways.

Christmas, for me, has never been about the Christian holiday and celebration. Rather, it is all about being surrounded by those you love. The Yule celebration in this is all about that. Welcoming the new and saying goodbye to the old. Being surrounded by those who love you and those you love. It’s a time of change and renewal, and all of this is celebrated within the pages of this book. Plus, there is a feeling of saying goodbye to the past and moving into a new, and wholly unexpected future.

<- Witch Way Is UpWitch Way Today ->

Image source: Jennifer L. Hart

Witch Way After Forty by Jennifer L. Hart

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Witch Way After Forty
Author: Jennifer L. Hart
Series: Silver Sisters #1
Rating Out of 5:5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

As always at Christmas, I found a new series to fill my shelves by reading the series’ Christmas story. In this case it was Jingle All the Witch Way. So it was incredibly exciting to go back and read the first Silver Sisters story. I mean, I’m absolutely in love with this trio, and it was a whole lot of fun to go back and read the first of the series. The one where Alys, Maeve and Sibby find their powers. I love that they start off their journey into becoming powerful witches and completely changing their lives when they are in their forties. It’s a bit like a midlife crisis, but one that isn’t exactly a choice. And, honestly, a great reminder that we go through big changes in our lives, constantly. It doesn’t matter how old we are.

Alys’ growth and period of change is the focus of Witch Way After Forty. I love that, even though she’s the quintessential oldest sister, and ridiculously controlling, she still finds the love of her life. I love that, even if Brock is younger than Alys, he is someone with a whole lot more maturity. He’s also someone who wants to help her and take care of her. He’s a great balance to everything that Alys is. And, even if he wants to take care of her, he doesn’t want to clip her wings. Brock finds a way to support her and be a partner, exactly the kind of man that dreams are made of.

Although I completely understand the role that Alys plays within her family, and the ways in which she puts up a multitude of walls. Particularly with her siblings. I may not like how she dismisses Sibby and is consistently harsh with her judgements. But I also love how accurately Hart writes the sibling relationship. It’s loving and intense, but also filled with frustrations with one another. I love that this huge time of change for all of the siblings also helps to restore and repair their relationships. Plus, regardless of how frustrating they find one another, they also completely and 100% have each others’ backs. Siblings can be cruel to one another, but they will also absolutely destroy anyone who threatens each other.

Kylie is actual, and astounding trash. I honestly love how Alys and he are introduced in this story. With Alys just destroying him physically and mentally within the first few pages. I love that Alys is able to deliver the comeuppance to him that he most definitely deserves. I mean, he is filled with malicious intent and is an emotionally abusive douche nugget. Thus, it’s great when Alys is able to just… eviscerate him. In each and every engagement they have.

I love that, alongside Alys’ divorce and her falling for Brock, there is a whole lot of other mystery. Trying to figure out what is wrong with Maeve, sorting out just who Sebastian is. And, then, as the culmination of the drama that has surrounded the sisters from the first page, the wraith and the missing child. Witch Way After Forty is a fantastic way to start a series. And now I can’t wait to dive on into Witch Way Did She Go to learn more about Maeve’s story about finding balance. Where Alys had to learn to give up control, Maeve needs to learn to find balance. And I’m completely onboard with that journey.

<- Witch Way or the HighwayWitch Way Did She Go ->

Image source: Amazon

Midlife Passions and Predators by Jennifer L. Hart

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Midlife Passion and Predators
Author: Jennifer L. Hart
Series: Cougars and Cauldrons #3.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I didn’t realise that Midlife Passions and Predators wasn’t a prequel to the Cougars and Cauldrons series, but rather a story that fits the centre of the timeline. One that helps to move characters forwards in time, without having too much drama. Sam and her two lovers (did I mention that this story is kind of super hot and steamy?) find their happily ever after. A moment of joy amongst the sadness of change.

I’ve only recently started my motherhood journey, but for every step of independence that my children take, I’m both proud and kind of heartbroken. I want them to spread their wings, but I can’t even imagine how sad it will feel when they do. When they leave the nest. I love that Hart focuses on this during Midlife Passions and Predators. It’s such a beautiful moment of pride and understanding for Sam, but she’s also sad to be further from her son and grandchild.

I already had Midlife Bed and Broomstick on my TBR for a few weeks now (ever since I read Jingle All the Witch Way), but having read this middle of the series novella, I just can’t wait to dive into it now. I mean, a supernatural community that is for those over fifty. One that has very obviously got a whole lot of lust and joyful relationships in it. Yeah, I’m pretty keen to see what shenanigans they will get up to.

I love that Hart writes books which are about women who are just that little bit older. It’s a reminder, that, even when you’re a mother and your children are grown and move away, life isn’t over. Rather, a whole new one begins. I might be at the beginning of my own journey, but I do love reading about women who are older starting a whole new chapter of their lives, with the yummy, yummy men they find at their sides.

<- Midlife Shift and ShenanigansMidlife Magic and Malarkey ->

Image source: Jennifer L. Hart

The Pastry Warlock by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Pastry Warlock
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Broomstick Bakery #2.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Ash and Ellie are such a cute friends to lovers couple, and I love that their story is more of a short novella – they don’t have as much angst as Ash’s sisters. And, because they already know each other, they are able to build their relationship from a fantastic foundation. I’m always a fan of friends to lovers stories (what better foundation than being friends first?) and I love that Ash and Ellie transitioned seamlessly. It might be scary to take that extra plunge with a great friend, yet, it’s fun to see how this couple were finally able to do so comfortably.

There is always this sense of cuteness and sweetness to Greenwood’s writing that I enjoy – in a world that is somewhat insane and intense, it’s nice to read something that’s kind of simple. I love that Ash and Ellie’s story starts at a time when they are just about to take that plunge into being something more than friends. But, it’s not filled with angst, just a moment in time when they decide to take the plunge together. The Pastry Warlock is just a fun, short and incredibly sweet story that I managed to (joyously) read in one sitting.

It’s been hinted at in The Cupcake Witch and The Macaron Witch that the sisters’ little brother is keen to be a part of the bakery. I love that The Pastry Warlock confirms this. Although nothing is set in stone for Ash’s future with Broomstick Bakery at the end of this story, there are hints for a good future together. I love that Ash is finally taking the steps to start his future the way he wants to. Making his own fate happen, with his best friend at his side.

I love how Ash and Ellie fit together so seamlessly, Ash and Ellie might have different career goals in their lives, but both support each other wholeheartedly. Plus, Ellie fits in really well with the rest of Ash’s family, a gorgeous, instant family that had me smiling and happy when I finished the final word of this book. Beautiful and fun in a way that will make this a hard moment to forget.

<- The Macaron WitchThe Gingerbread Witch ->

Image source: Amazon

Heart of Evil by Heather Graham

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Heart of Evil
Author: Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2011

Thoughts

Ashley and Jake had a really enjoyable second chance romance. One that was filled with forgiveness and moving forwards. But also the mystery of murder and mayhem. Although Jake and Ashley’s relationship as the backbone of this story, it was all the rest of it that had me intrigued and continuously going back for more. I didn’t mind Phantom Evil, but I really got into the groove with Heart of Evil.

I’m Australian, so I’ve never really understood the whole drive behind Civil War Reenactments. Or really, the re-enactments of any war. And after reading a book that heavily featured this, I’m still not really interested in them. However, I did love the idea of Civil War, reenactments and the ancestors of those who fought together as the backdrop of the story. Then, there’s the fact that the paranormal spectres and ghosts further the drama and nonsense of the evil. Yet, at its core, this story is still about the true evils which people can fall to.

I always love a good, believable villain. And the villain in Heart of Evil was most definitely believable. Basically he was an entitled knob and acted in a way that made me want to scream get your head out of your butt multiple times. But, again, that’s what made this story entirely believable and kind of painful to read in some ways. I mean, we all know a man that is supremely entitled and doesn’t quite understand that just because he wants, doesn’t mean he actually gets. Even though I had an inkling of who the villain was going to be, I didn’t actually guess it. It’s always nice to be surprised in a romantic suspense.

Even if I didn’t entirely dive into Phantom Evil, I couldn’t put down Heart of Evil. There was something about it that was entirely unforgettable, and I was constantly driven forwards by wondering just what was going to happen next. Where I was a bit meh about the next book in the Krewe of Hunters series to begin with, I’m now hanging to dive into Sacred Evil and continue on this amazing journey!

<- Phantom EvilSacred Evil ->

Image source: Indigo

A Karma Girl Christmas by Jennifer Estep

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: A Karma Girl Christmas
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Bigtime #3.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Superheroes, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

Thoughts

This is my first foray into the world of Bigtime. I’ve read a few Jennifer Estep books before and enjoyed them. But now that I’m on my Christmas run, I thought that this one would be a good read. And I was incredibly correct. A Karma Girl Christmas is all about Karma Girl and her protecting a Christmas present. From super villains. It was gorgeous, cute and seriously funny. All while being all about the feeling of Christmas and the joy of giving.

As my first foray into Bigtime, the world building in this was phenomenal. Considering it’s actually a novella that takes place after the third book, that’s a fairly impressive feat. Now I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the Bigtime series and all of the joys that seem to come along with being in a world filled with superheroes and supervillains.

Honestly, the superheroes and villains stick to this story was absolutely hilarious. I mean, they literally all follow a script that they have to stick to. And then, the motivations of the villains in this story is also kind of hilarious. Not exactly the most evil of doers, but yet, they try and do something that is truly heinous – taking from children at Christmas time.

What I loved most about this story was that all of the superheroes pull together at the end. Carmen might be finding her own way as a member of the Fearless Five. But it’s all of the superheroes of Bigtime that choose to draw together to save the day. Kind of what Christmas is really all about, right?

<- JinxNightingale ->

Image source: Jennifer Estep

Autumn Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Autumn Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

After reading Summer Magic, I couldn’t wait to dive into Autumn’s story! I mean, there is so much history between Autumn and Keaton, and he is actually the more atrocious of the brothers in Summer Magic. He treats Autumn horrifyingly, and makes her literally flee her town to escape his wrath. Of course I wanted them to find their happily ever after and let the horrors of the past go. Don’t get me wrong, there were moments in which it was hard to even like Keaton, but this ended up being an adorable story. One that I seriously enjoyed diving into, even in those sad moments when I worried that their story wasn’t going to have a happily ever after.

With all of the hints that were given in Summer Magic, I’m really glad that this story started with a flashback to ten years ago. When both Autumn and Keaton made some questionable decisions with their youthful brains. It provided a relationship with far more at stake than I first realised right from the get go. And, it also made Keaton a little less hateable. He might still have made many boneheaded decisions (funnily enough, much like Coop), but it also became a little more understandable when the flashbacks occurred. Plus, there’s the creation of his daughter, Chloe, and their beautiful relationship together.

Not only is this a paranormal romance which allows Autumn and Keaton to move forwards together, it is also one in which the fight to ensure the Thorne Witches’ mothers survival. Autumn and Keaton are able to uncover the first artifact required to potentially save Aurora. Same with Summer Magic, this romance introduces an overarching story that I want to keep diving into. It also perfectly dovetails into Winter Magic, the next in the series. Plus, the Witch Hunters and Lin are also introduced, just raising the stakes yet again for this family of powerful witches. The romance might have been what drew me in, but the action and adventure is what keeps me coming back.

Chloe is a great addition to Autumn’s budding family. I love that she is the “daughter of her heart”. This idea touches so beautifully on the idea of soul mates as I see it – a collection of souls who find each other in each life. Not just a romantic couple, but children, friends and family. Chloe and Autumn are able to have a wonderful mother-daughter relationship which kind of helps to make up for the losses that they’ve both suffered in that area. An adorable relationship that I hope to see more of on the periphery as I dive further and further into the Thorne Witches series.

<- Summer MagicWinter Magic ->

Image source: Amazon

Summer Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Summer Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I may have read the happily ever after for this story, Enduring Magic, a long time before I actually got my hands on Summer Magic. Mostly because Enduring Magic was in a boxset, and Summer Magic was stalled out on Kindle Unlimited (which I now have because I’m fed up with missing out). However, even though I knew parts of the happiness in this story, I absolutely adored this journey. I mean, I almost always know that the couple is going to get their happily ever after, so reading Enduring Magic before Summer Magic didn’t really give anything away. It’s always the journey that is enjoyable and worth spending the time with anyway.

Coop was kind of an ass to Summer growing up, and, honestly, throughout most of this book. He just makes decision after decision in fear and selfishness. But, what I really liked about him, is that for every bonehead move and decision he makes, he does actually learn. He was just a little bit slow on the uptake at times. It made someone who does some kind of unforgiveable things, completely likeable. Normally men who make this many decisions that hurt the women that they love would be a total write off for me. But, somehow, Cromer is able to make Coop loveable and forgivable, in every silly instance.

As much as I loved getting to know the Thorne Witches and their future love interests, I actually think that it was the matriarchs of the Thorne family that I wanted to know all that much more. I mean, there are three siblings with some very heavy and intense histories between them. The fact that the two brothers have both loved (and fathered children with) the same woman. That is a lot of drama. Plus, where Preston is originally portrayed as the “good guy” his actions show that there is a whole lot of grey within these relationships. Now I just want to know more of their backstory, and if the Thorne sisters will be able to actually save the life of their mother. So much drama and history introduced within this story, which makes me desperate to read the rest of this series!

Saul and his many moments, particularly at the end of this story are absolutely hilarious. In fact, all of Summer’s many rescues and animals are kind of laugh out loud funny. Cromer is able to highlight the different attitudes and personalities of each of the animals, alongside each of the “Season Sisters”. I love how she is able to create such dramatically different characters that are unforgettable and make you love them with every turn of a page. Honestly, there isn’t much about this romance that I didn’t love. And it also feeds perfectly into the next few books into the series. With some very intriguing character arcs to come I’m sure.

<- More T.M. CromerAutumn Magic ->

Image source: Amazon