Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

Don’t Stop Bewitching by Mandy M. Roth

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Don’t Stop Bewitching
Author: Mandy M. Roth
Series: Bewitchingly Ever After #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Cozy mystery, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Curt was such a fun character in Once Hunted, Twice Shy, he was a great best friend to Hugh and a lovely side character. Plus, since I’ve read both of the Everlasting and Bewitchingly series out of order, I also wanted to know how Missi’s family were all cursed. Thus, Don’t Stop Bewitching was a fantastic adventure to go on that filled in some of the gaps. And then, you know, there’s the fact that we get to revisit Sig and get hints at his own happily ever after. All wonderful little adventures in this very cute cozy mystery story.

Missi is a fantastic counterpoint to Curt’s up-tight, buttoned ways. She’s gorgeous and I love that she’s quite happily her own soul. In a world where conformity is sometimes safer, she’s not succumbing to anyone’s expectations or rules. It’s always nice to read about female characters like this – those that march to the beat of their own drum. And, ultimately find their own happily ever after (in whatever form that may take) being just who they are and who they want to be.

The majority of this story isn’t actually based on the romance of the two lead characters. Rather, it follows the calamities that lead them to each other. These had me giggling out loud throughout. They are just misfortunate and filled with the trademark humour that I’m loving in these cozy mystery series. It also tells the story of just how the curse is formed, and leads into the next few books in this series. The perfect set up form multiple points of view.

This novel is filled with the typical joyful chaos that I love to read in Roth’s writing. I loved all of the characters and everything about this story. And I can’t wait to read the next one in my TBR!

<- More Mandy M. RothEverybody Wants to Rune the World ->

Image source: Mandy Roth

Curses and Cupcakes by Michelle M. Pillow

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Overview

Title: Curses and Cupcakes
Author: Michelle M. Pillow
Series: Happily Everlasting #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Cozy mystery, Paranormal romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

Marcy’s curse is honest to go the actual worse! I mean, she literally changes her entire person to suit the man who she feels a modicum of attraction for. In Curses and Cupcakes, Marcy may be doing this because of a curse, but it’s heartbreaking that there are so many women who frequently do this. I mean, can you imagine having to constantly change everything about yourself, against your will, to please the man you find yourself attracted to?

Nick is a really sweet partner for Marcy, and I like that he takes his time to actually make a proper move on Marcy, even if he is consistently showing his interest. It’s always nice to read about a romance and a relationship in which one part of the couple is able to take their time to pursue their interest, rather than drowning the other person in it.

Not only does this cozy mystery follow the mystery of just why and how Marcy was cursed, but it is also filled with arson. I knew that the reason behind this would be connected and unpleasant. But, damn, the creep factor of the curser was not fun at all. I mean, it was kind of predictable (which is always good in a cozy mystery). But, it was still so damn uncomfortable and icky.

I absolutely loved the ease of this story (curses and arson withstanding), and the sweetness of this romance. Plus, all of the yummy cupcakes always make me feel good. There is just something so pleasant about Everlasting and all of its wacky residents. I’m looking forward to reading more of the adventures that take place here!

<- Total Eclipse of the HuntAn Everlasting Christmas ->

Image source: Jana DeLeon

Fooled Around and Spelled in Love by Michelle M. Pillow

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Fooled Around and Spelled in Love
Author: Michelle M. Pillow
Series: Happily Everlasting #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Cozy mystery, Paranormal romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

Fooled Around and Spelled in Love is Anna and Jackson’s story. I actually read these a little out of order, reading Cupcakes and Curses first. Which meant that it was nice to read about how Macy’s boss, Anna fell in love as well. It was a cute little romance. But also a great cozy mystery, one in which told of the mystery of George’s death and also divulged Anna’s past relationships. George’s past was riddled with indiscretions, and his mother seems a little off-kilter. But I love that you find out parts of it as Anna race to find who killed her fried. It’s a beautiful cozy mystery, and one that I seriously enjoyed.

I love that this is a story that mostly follows a murder mystery, but in the solving and understanding, Anna and Jackson are able to get to know one another. And although there is the instant attraction that they both feel, they are able to slowly get to know one another. And eventually fall in love. The fact that Anna is suspicious of Polly, her eccentric aunt, just heightens the mysteries found in this story. There is a comfort in their falling, one that I kind of prefer to the crazy, whirlwind romances that I also read.

The cursed camera in this was a great object. It was given by Wilbur (a character in another Happily Everlasting story), and tied in a number of mysteries throughout this series. It’s both helpful in highlighting that there was a crime. And not so helpful in that it liked to mislead Anna. I mean, it’s cursed, so it’s not going to be a great idea to trust. I love how Pillow was able to use this object to further the story and give a couple of Red Herrings to the readers.

Everlasting is such a quaint town and I love how there is a multitude of crossovers throughout the stories and authors in this series. It’s definitely a town which has a lot of magic and mayhem. But, somehow, it’s still the kind of town that I would love to live in. I mean, a town fille with cooky characters who just exist as they are? Of course I’m intrigued by that.

<- Once Hunted, Twice ShyWitchful Thinking ->

Image source: Bol

Hell’s Fury by Jackie Kessler

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of hot romance book cover

Title: Hell’s Fury
Author: Jackie Kessler
Series: Hell on Earth #4.6
In: The Mammoth Book of Hot Romance (Sonia Florens)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011

Thoughts

Lucifer and Megara as a couple is such a brilliant idea. And I love that they are both based in different religious beliefs. But, take that position quite readily as someone who is “bad”. Yet, throughout this whole story, they are actually the better behaved of everyone. Plus, I just really love any story which features Lucifer lately. The idea of Megara and her two harpy sisters – brilliant.

As a short story, I absolutely adored this and was kind of content to let it lie as was. However, since it’s a short story that is part of a greater series, I really want to read more about Megara and Lucifer, even if it is as secondary characters. They just seem to be on the precipice of a fantastic relationship, one that will take a whole lot of work to make it work. And I want to know how / if that ends up happening!

There was so much lust and sensuality throughout this story, but not an intense storyline. I kind of loved it – it was just all heat and intensity. But, I also want more of the story behind the story. It was fun and seriously enjoyable. And more emotion and intensity is definitely on my bucket list for the next Kessler story I want to read.

<- Blind DateShelter from the Storm ->

Image source: London Borough of Bexley

The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires by Molly Harper

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Overview

Title: The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires
Author: Molly Harper
Series: Half-Moon Hollow #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

Iris and Cal are a really fun couple (as with many Harper couples) and I love how they are kind of slow burn. They start off creating a friendship and really getting to know one another, and this slowly progresses to a really beautiful little romance. They also have so many awkward and seriously humorous moments throughout to balance some of the darker chaos that they are up against.

I love that Iris’ business is all about running errands for vampires. But it’s so modern and filled with modern conveniences, a little less lurch about it. Plus, it is a really good way to introduce readers to the politics and dynamics of the urban fantasy world which Harper has created. Plus, what a brilliant business woman – she recognises an area that is lacking, and with gumption and decisiveness, starts her own business that she thrives within. I love that at the conclusion of this story, Iris is still being an amazing boss bitch and looking at even expanding on her original idea.

Cal is a little overhanded with his protective streak, but I like that he does try to be better. I mean, some people are just a little bit intense and overbearing at times. But, he acknowledges this. And even if he doesn’t always succeed, he does try to do a whole lot better for Iris and their future together. I mean, he does exist in a world of vampires and all sorts of horribles that go bump in the night. So it even makes sense, so the way Cal and Iris are able to balance out this intensity is kind of beautiful.

There are so many creepy characters throughout this. Ophelia definitely gets the evil note going, even though she’s actually one of the good guys. And, I kind of want to have more of her special brand of eerie. Then, there’s Jack the Creep and Mr. Dodd. I love how Iris is able to get revenge on both of them for their actions. Albeit in VERY different ways. They are wonderfully intense characters that get some form of justice at the end. Which is so very much needed.

There are way too few positive female relationships in literature. I love that Harper writes a really positive and supportive sister relationship in The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires. Iris might be a bit of a mother figure to her teenage daughter, but she is also her friend and confidante. I love the way these two tag team throughout this story and build each other up in every moment. It is just too beautiful and maybe my favourite relationship in this entire book.

<- More Molly HarperDriving Mr. Dead ->

Image source: Kobo

Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons by Laura Greenwood

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Overview

Title: Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #4.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that this story is about a couple who meet on a blind date. And the thing that draws them together? Unique and slightly off-kilter questions that actually let them get to know one another. It, like most of the Greenwood stories I read, is short, sweet and cute. I absolutely adored reading this, and I liked that it was a story featuring a blind date in which the blind date wasn’t a terrifying flop. I mean, I’ve never really dated, but the stereotype in the media definitely makes me a little hesitant to even consider the idea of a blind date.

Unlike some of the other stories in the Obscure Academy series, most of this story is written from the point of view of one half of the couple. I like that most of this is in Thalia’s view point, it makes Evander’s eventual reveal and surprise an actual surprise. Plus, I just loved Thalia as a character in general, so I had absolutely no concerns or disappointments in reading a lot about her point of view.

I hadn’t thought of the ramifications of being a gorgon in a paranormal world. I mean, the whole turning others to stone with just a look could be incredibly restrictive on your social and sexual life. I really like how Greenwood was able to treat this and found it a really unique approach. The way in which Obscure Academy combines multiple paranormal creatures and brings them into a university setting. The idea of enchanted glasses to stop the whole turning to stone thing was really adorable, and it bought about the whole idea of what its actually like to be someone who wears glasses all the time, and the level of comfort that that can bring.

Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons is a great and positive romance. One that investigates what its like to be different and how that can actually be a little bit dangerous. Sure, in this instance, we’re talking a bout gorgons. But it is a challenge and something that needs to be recognised – sometimes people keep the different part of themselves a secret so that they won’t be a victim of hatred.

<- Flipping Tails for Seasick MermaidsPotion Making for Disastrous Witches ->

Image source: Kobo

Grendel & Beowulf by C. Gockel

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Overview

Title: Grendel & Beowulf
Author: C. Gockel
Series: Urban Magick & Folklore #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Paranormal romance, Retellings, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I had no idea what to expect from a C. Gockel novel. I mean, I’ve got a few in my TBR, but I’ve never actually read one. My verdict? Enjoyable and surprising. I love how Gockel was able to use aspects of the original tale of Beowulf (which I’m only vaguely familiar with, I think I read it once…), but create a new and much more pleasant version. I mean, Grendel is still a monster to a degree, albeit one with fangs. And Beowulf is still a monster hunter, just one with a skewed perception of reality. The only downside to this being my first story by Gockel? It’s the third in the Urban Magick & Folklore series. Not the first. But I’ll quickly rectify that.

I’ve read a lot of retellings over time, as you can probably see from my shelves. And I always love to see how different authors take the same tales and twist and turn them to suit their literary reality. I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of a Beowulf retelling though. He’s been alluded to in a few books, but never an outright retelling. And I found that I absolutely loved this. Admittedly, it didn’t work out at all how one would expect from the fact that it’s about Grendel and Beowulf. But, I always love to be pleasantly surprised.

Having a quick perusal of the blurbs for the first two books in this series, I’m incredibly keen to see how Grendel gets to the point she is in this book. She’s a bit of a godmother / grandmother type obviously, and I want to find out more about how she takes that role. Grendel and Beowulf is very obviously all about the two in the title, but I actually want more of those other relationships of Grendel’s throughout. There’s a whole world there to explore that I can’t wait to sink my teeth into. Plus, even though this is obviously a story in which Grendel and Beowulf are going to end up together, I want more backstory on what makes this wonderfully caring and maternal grandmother type.

Most age gaps I read tend to have the man as older (insert soap box moment of media and gender expectations here). I love that this was a non-creepy reversal of that. Plus, Grendel spends the majority of this story thinking of Beowulf as a bit of a child, and feeling a bit odd about her attraction anyway. Then, there’s the whole getting to know you bit that they both do. A really good enemies to lovers trope with Beowulf actually taking on a bit of a villainous role before he starts to understand that he might have been brainwashed… although, Grendel and Beowulf doesn’t really end with the relationship in a nice and neat bow… making me all that much more keen to dive into the rest of this series!

<- Blood So RedMother of Monsters ->

Image source: C Gockel Writes

Booked for Kidnapping by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Booked for Kidnapping
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Vigilante Magical Librarians #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Well, this story took a turn that I wasn’t expecting. I thought that the kidnapping in this would be of a politician or someone else embroiled in this massive conspiracy. However, in the end, it was Janette who was kidnapped. And a lot more of the story was about that and figuring out just why and how than anything else. I mean, more of the conspiracy is unravelled, and the pieces to start maybe getting power back is revealed, but it was still mostly about Janette’s mysterious kidnapping and subsequent escape.

I love how the activities in this story and the teasing apart of more of the motivations of this story set everything up perfectly for the next story. I think this is a part of a trilogy, and I can’t wait to see how everything rounds out and ends. I can’t wait to find out how the vigilante librarians are going to thwart the evil plans of the powers that be. I mean, it makes me feel physically ill reading some of this storyline (because it is so rooted in reality), so I would love to read how the good guys actually win!

Brad and Janette are all kinds of sweet and cute. I love how their relationship has grown throughout this series. And that they are perfectly and happily matched to one another. Although there isn’t much steam on the pages, I really enjoy how they build up to it in their relationship. And how, eventually they are able to become comfortable with one another and find their way to intimacy… it may not be steamy on the page, but it is in my mind!

I honestly can’t get over the power of unchecked politicians and just how terrifying that truly is. I mean, this is so obviously based in the reality of what is happening in America. And, what makes me really scared is that it seems as though the politicians in Australia are headed in the same direction. It is a terrifying reality, and a reminder that power corrupts absolutely. And unchecked power is just… terrifying.

<- Booked for MurderMore R.J. Blain ->

Image source: Rebecca Frank Design

Ever Night by Gena Showalter

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Ever Night
Author: Gena Showalter
In: On the Hunt (Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen & Deidre Knight)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance, Time travel
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

Thoughts

At the beginning of this novella, I was a bit… disturbed by the idea that Rose was going to fall for the weird abductor guy. I mean, it was a bit Stockholm Syndrome-y and made me start this story with a feeling of total ick. But then, as I got to know the two characters, I decided that I actually loved this. There was something kind of fun and cute about this story, and, even though the beginning was uncomfortable, I settled into this and was really disappointed that it had to end.

I thought that the idea of being forced to transport oneself into an alternate world every year on your birthday was brilliant and incredibly imaginative. I ended up really loving the world building in this and seriously enjoyed this novella. I love that its two worlds built around somewhat familiar ones. Yet, fear and misunderstandings have led to murder and mayhem throughout the two groups of peoples. An thoroughly enjoyable world that left me smiling and wanting more and more after I turned that final page.

Honestly, although I knew just who Rose would end up with the end, I didn’t quite expect how they were going to end up. Neither did I expect their conflict resolution at the end. It was a really great way to tie up a romantic and lustful novella. This is the first story I’ve read by Showalter, even if I have multiples of her stories on my shelves. And, I’m glad to say that I’ve got more of her stories to continue on with. Now to dive into them and the rest of my TBR.

<- On the HuntThe Collector ->

Image source: Penguin Random House

The Dragon Lantern by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Dragon Lantern
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that as this series unfolds, the slow-burn romance between Charlotte and Felicity slowly becomes more and more serious. They are testing the waters and finding their way. And honestly, it is all just too cute and sweet. Plus, then there’s the fact that they are both animal obsessed and working for the same sanctuary. With every story, I fall more and more in love with this couple and the world that they inhabit.

World building is always an bit of a sticking point with me for a great series. And I loved that Tape expanded on the world of Griffin Sanctuary with Charlotte’s visit to another sanctuary. The differences were brilliant, and, honestly, I love the idea of a network of paranormal sanctuaries and the different animals that they specialize in. Plus, it showed entirely different interpersonal dynamics between those who choose to work at such places.

As someone who studied environmental biology, I particularly appreciated the work and studies that go into finding out the reasons for different appendages and practices in animals. I love that, in The Dragon Lantern, it is the ‘lanterns’ on dragons which are focused upon, and their use. I love that there are a number of different theories given and provided. I spent a lot of this story focusing on the why and the how, and trying to figure out potential answers along with Charlotte and her colleagues.

Throughout this series thus far, there has been the overwhelming threat of the end of the internships and continuation of employment. Even though it is a given from fairly early on that Charlotte has a more long-term placement (due to being an apprentice vet), it was still a concern as to who would be able to come back. I love that not everyone that features in Charlotte’s life is due to return (because that would be unrealistic), but some are. It’s a nice testament to the continuation of and reality of this series. One I can’t wait to continue reading.

<- The Kitsune GiggleThe Sphinx Pride ->

Image source: Goodreads