Tag Archives: Romance

A Co-Worker’s Crush by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: A Co-Worker’s Crush
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Rooftop Crew #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I’m not sure why I decided to pick up the final book in The Rooftop Crew series last. But I’m really glad that I did. It was a fun and engaging read, and has really made me keen to dive into the rest of the series. Plus, it was the first contemporary romance book that I’ve read by Piper Rayne that isn’t also a sports romance. It just shows that they can also write well in this genre, with slightly more damaged heroes and heroines than I have previously expected.

Frankie and Jax work together wonderfully well. They go from workmates who irritate each other, to friends, to lovers, to forever. And it was so much fun going through this transition with both of them. Plus, they are both working through their own legal and social battles to try and get answers and clarity in their lives. Again, a journey that I enjoyed as a backdrop to their romance. The use of tattoo artists in this world was also a unique and fun angle to take. I haven’t read many (if any) contemporary romances which feature a tattoo parlour and tattoo artists as the leads. I always love finding out about new worlds in the joys of my readings.

Although Frankie and Jax don’t really do the apart and back together part of the relationship that I was expecting, they definitely have some battles to face. In fact, the largest battle that they have to face is that they need to learn to trust again. Or, in the case of Jax, fully learn to trust for the first time ever. I really enjoyed that throughout all of this, Jolie, Frankie’s daughter is a slightly manipulative driver of everything. It is done through the lens of childhood innocence, but it was quite entertaining watching (in my mind’s eye) Jax and Frankie fumbling with how to deal with her desires and choices.

A Co-Worker’s Crush by Piper Rayne was a relatively low angst story that just involved a lot of personal growth. Frankie’s dealings with her ex were horrible, but I love how her mother-in-law quickly steps in and deals with him when she’s over his nonsense. Rather than being a relationship that was strained because of the outside influences, which I kind of expected, this was one that was very much influenced by the internal battles the couple are facing. It is their past they have to move on from, not the present nonsense that they have to overcome. I loved this and can’t wait to go back to the beginning of the series to see how all of the other couples fell in love first.

<- The Do-OverMore Piper Rayne ->

Image source: Piper Rayne

A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon
Author: Sarah Hawley
Series: Glimmer Falls #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Cozy fantasy, Demons, Romance, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

To begin with, Mariel and Ozrath are honestly a bit of a calamity as a couple. But, I love how they develop their relationship and grow to love one another. Also, this is one of those greatest Meet Cutes I’ve read in a while – accidentally summoning a demon instead of a bag of flour? And that demon being one with a soul who is completely thrown by all of the nonsense around him? Yeah, they manage to enact calamity after calamity until they finally find their routine together. And I absolutely adored the entire journey, one that made me laugh multiple times throughout.

At it’s core, A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon is all about being true to yourself, and figuring out how to respect yourself. Ultimately, Mariel’s ties with nature show a power that is unrivalled by anyone else in her family. And when she decides to actually embrace that, she shows a whole lot of power and beauty that I just wasn’t expecting. I love that, in falling in love with Oz, she finds a way to maintain her own sense of self and power. And honestly, the way that she ultimately stands up for herself just takes a whole lot of strength, confidence and penache.

Oz has already started his journey into mortality before the beginning of this story. But I love how A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon lets him explore his new found mortality. And what that actually means – the conflicting feelings and drives the he has. The conscience. And the idea that the soul is such an integral part of Mariel and who she is. Why loving her is more important to him than anything else. I love how he slowly but surely learns to deal with all of the conflicting emotions that are thrown at him, and, finally, decides to embrace his new reality.

I love that, in the end, Oz and Mariel are able to win the day, using smarts, technicalities and all sorts of cleverness. I knew that they would ultimately win, but I didn’t expect the way that they managed to do so. It just made the finish of this cozy fantasy / paranormal romance all that much cuter. I loved taking a trip through this world, and I can’t wait to dive into A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch and find out what the next strong willed woman in this series is going to do as she falls in love.

<- More Sarah HawleyA Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch ->

Image source: Hachette

The Winter Ball by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Winter Ball
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Grimm Academy #18
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Fantasy, Retellings, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this take on The Twelve Dancing Princesses. As the first book I’ve read in the Grimm Academy series, I love how it set the tone for me and how this world is going to work. Rather than being a story of being punished for going against their fathers wishes, this is all about surviving a curse. It’s also a cute little romance that had me smiling and feeling calm as I turned that final page.

This story is all about Audrey starting at Grimm Academy, falling in love with a boy, fighting to beat her curse, and working on her relationship with her dad. The combination of all of these things meant that it was almost impossible to put down The Winter Ball and left me smiling throughout the entire read through. I was mostly just really intrigued how Audrey’s curse was going to manifest, and just how she was going to overcome the process of dancing herself (and her sisters) to death.

I’m not going to lie, I thought throughout The Winter Ball that Audrey’s dad would end up having some redeeming reason or communication to explain why he doesn’t immediately make her heir. He doesn’t. Honestly, the man is kind of annoying and truly sucky. A fair bit of the interpersonal build up is for Audrey to meet her father face to face and discuss the curse. Not one moment of that ends up happening, and his disjoint from his daughters becomes clear – kind of like the father in the original fairy tale.

Eugene is an interesting love interest for Audrey. He is loyal and supportive, willing to help her with her curse from the very beginning. They also build their relationship in that really organic university / college / academy way – by having a class together and getting to know one another. Ultimately, this story is just the very first blossoms of a romance, and I look forward to them being a more established couple and cameo in later stories within the series.

<- Princess of PeasDance of Daggers ->

Image source: Kobo

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries
Author: Heather Fawcett
Series: Emily Wilde #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Historical fiction, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Sometimes I can be quite hesitant to read books which are getting a whole lot of hype, and this was one of those times. I really wanted to read this and enjoy it, but I was, admittedly, hesitant. It turns out that I didn’t need to be. This is just as amazing as the hype makes it out to be. And it is one of the most unique fae stories I’ve read in quite a while. Not only is the format of writing is through a journal, but it is also based in what I’m assuming is Sweden or something of that calibre, not the UK or US, which is often where I read about fae-based storylines.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is an epic journey in which she sets out to find out more about the fae of Ljoslander. I love how she is a bit of a socially awkward being who manages to actually annoy an entire village through her misunderstandings. Yet, she also manages to save them and become a part of their community. All of this is told through her journal entries – her lack of social finesse, her inability to understand it, and her completely, total and utter fascination of the fae, to the detriment of all else. It also highlights the time lost whilst cavorting with the fae and the stupidity of some of her decision making – stupidity that she is in fact aware of even while she is pursuing her chosen pathway.

It is fairly obvious (to me at least) from early on that Bambleby is also romantically interested in Emily, even if he doesn’t necessarily pursue her in the more traditional sense. The way that this little romance unfolds is kind of adorable, and I love that Emily is completely oblivious to the fact, even as she writes all of the hints throughout her journal. Plus, there is something about Bambleby that is just out and out hilarious. He is almost his own kind of bumbling fool in the world of humans, but to a more charismatic and forgiving degree. The way that they end the story with their future lives and romance together had me smiling and kind of sighing.

I love that, even though Emily thwarts fae plans and shows that she has a whole lot of moxie and power, she is still entirely human. There is no hidden heritage to explain away her skills, no secrets in her past. Rather, she is entirely human, just a mortal with a whole lot of knowledge, intelligence and drive. The fact that her knowledge is what ultimately wins the day (and also gets her into untold trouble), despite her physical and magical limitations made me so happy. And again, is something that most definitely sets this fae story apart from many of the others gracing my shelves. Now, I can’t wait to see where this intelligence and disregard for anything but the pursuit of knowledge will land Emily and Bambleby next!

<- More Heather FawcettEmily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
Author: Sangu Mandanna
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Cozy fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This is such a beautiful and sweet cozy fantasy, with just enough emotional angst to make it absolutely impossible to put down. I absolutely loved this story, and I’m glad that reading a Mandanna short story in Hungry Hearts led me to this wonderful story. Mika and her willingness to go against the grain were inspiring and I absolutely adored her. Plus, she is part of a cast of absolutely adorable found family. Everyone at Nowhere House worked their way incredibly quickly into my heart, making this one of my favourite reads so far for the year.

I found the background story of all witches being cursed to become orphans to be really tragic. Imagine being a witch, and knowing that if you gave birth to a child, you were going to die. And knowing that if you are a witch, it was your very birth that caused the death of your parents. It’s a pretty tragic and harsh way to start life. But, I did love how differently this tragedy ended up for Mika and the Nowhere House girls. For Mika, this resulted in an incredibly lonely and potentially bitter life. For the girls, it was a life filled with love and sisterhood that they otherwise wouldn’t have had. It was great how they all rally for the next generation, trying to create a better world filled with the love that Mika didn’t get in her own childhood.

I love a good story with a surprise twist at the end. I knew there was some kind of secret and twist coming… but I love that this took a left when I was expecting a right. It was so much fun and created a whole new set of obstacles for this amazing cast to overcome. Plus, it really made Mika dig deep and figure out what she actually wants from life. But, more importantly, the final twist / obstacle was what helped Mika to finally move on from her past and choose a new and promising future for herself. The fact that this is all rounded out with a little romance and sweetness to balance the intensity of the other emotions.

Reading The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches made me sit and really ask the question – how do you find your happiness. And when you find it? What will you do to keep it? I love that this was, ultimately, the journey that Mika was on. In amongst everything else, she spends the entirety of this story battling to figure out where her happiness lies and how to let go of the past. Something that I think we all need to sit back and do at different points throughout our lives. Then, there’s the argument between who is nice and kind, and that it’s more important to be kind than nice. Something that I need to carry forth with me sometimes when I can’t quite put my finger on why people rub me up the wrong way…

<- The Lost GirlMore Sangu Mandanna ->

Image source: Amazon

Elvenbrood by Tanith Lee

Book Review, , , , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Elvenbrood
Author: Tanith Lee
In: The Faery Reel (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Family, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2004

Thoughts

Elvenbrood is a short story that is all about the fae and the deals that they make. I mean, in none of the literature have I ever read a story that makes me think, “hmmm, making deals with the fae is a good idea”. Lee is able to expand on this and drive home the many, many ways in which this isn’t the best idea around. And just why it might be a better idea to just… steer clear. Yet, with the deals being made and the horrors of this being unleashed, there are still surprising twists and turns that I just didn’t see coming.

There is a lot of darkness to the fae, and I love that this story carries that tone and feeling throughout. Plus, Jack is a brother who will do anything for his sister, even brave the darker moments of the fae. I love that, while this is a somewhat dark short story, it also has a lot of light and hopefulness to it, primarily in Jack’s love for his sister and his ability to fight for both her and his mother. Plus, the villain isn’t quite who you think it is, and the ending makes you grateful for loyalty and love.

Like all of the other Tanith Lee short stories I’ve read, I absolutely adored this one. I loved the darkness and the twists, brilliantly countered by the light and love Jack shows for his family. This story was seriously enjoyable and I will most definitely read more of her works in the future!

<- CatnypYour Garnet Eyes ->

Image source: Amazon

The Weight by Dhonielle Clayton

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: The Weight
Author: Dhonielle Clayton
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Romance, Science fiction, Young adult
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

For a short story that didn’t have a lot of action, I loved this to a ridiculous level. It was just… thought provoking. And kind of sweet. It made me wonder, if I could find out more about my lover’s “heart”, then would I do it? Would I risk our happiness to get some concrete answers? I don’t know that I would… but then the temptation of knowledge shouldn’t be underestimated…

Although there are comments about what Grace and Marcus’ hearts contain, there is no way to know which heart belongs to whom. And, what kind of love is being discussed. You get the feeling at the end that they’ve realised they want happiness together, but it’s still really open ended. Which, is how it should be. Love and relationships are not a happily ever after and finished kind of story – they are open ended in real life.

As someone who has been with their significant other since they were quite young (almost half of my life), I get how difficult it is to grow together. It’s interesting that some of these challenges are highlighted. How love might not ever be lost, but does growth, change and curiosity alter the stakes? How do you know when it’s worth continuing with the known and when you should strike out to a new future? For me, these questions might not have been that difficult, but I also completely understand why both Grace and Marcus find themselves asking them…

<- WishUnmoor ->

Image source: Goodreads

Unmoor by Mark Oshiro

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: Unmoor
Author: Mark Oshiro
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Mental health, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

This was such a bittersweet short story. I liked the premise, and I totally understand the need. But it was also kind of sad. I love the idea of having memories unmoored from a location. Rather than just obliterating the memory of someone, removing it from its attachment so that you can still enjoy a place is kind of beautiful. It turns the hurts of the past to something that can be recalled as needed.

The end of this short story makes this whole tale feel like a bit of a misunderstanding. I mean, Felix might be continuing to go ahead with his decision to become unmoored. But, there is a moment when you wonder if he really should carry through with his plans. And whether or not untethering yourself is really worth all of the pain.

Saying goodbye to someone you love is always difficult. Which left me feeling a little bit heartsick at the end of this story. It was painful and a reminder that its sometimes more difficult for us to say goodbye than we would otherwise like.

<- The WeightThe Coldest Spot in the Universe ->

Image source: Goodreads

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Kingdom of Ash
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #7
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I wanted to like this a whole lot more than I did. I mean, I’ve loved all of this series. But, something about the bulk of this and the convoluted nature of the story meant that I found it kind of a hard slog. It might have been a bit more palatable if the story was split into a few different novels if I’m being honest. Part of it is just the sheer size of this damn novel. I could probably knock someone unconscious with it if I’m being honest. In fact, once I got about halfway through, I found that I was just skim reading this – I wanted to know how it ended, but wasn’t invested enough to read every single word.

I think one of the aspects that I found so difficult about this was that there are SO many loose ends and convoluted story lines that need to be tied up. I mean, Maas has done a great job of world building in this, but it felt a little like there was a little bit too much going on. As much as I’ve loved this series, I didn’t really consider it an epic fantasy. Yet, that is how Kingdom of Ash reads – as though it is an epic with epic final battles. None of which were actually… well, epic.

I knew that everyone would get their happily ever after. Which, personally I do like – although I’ve enjoyed some books that don’t have a happily ever after, I did like that this one had that. I can imagine the loving cast riding off into the sunset with their partners, having children and just being… well, happy. I think that it could’ve been accomplished in a lot less pages though…

All in all, while I did enjoy this and I’m glad that the series got a nice ending. I did find that there was a lot of filler. I think I just found that Maas was trying a little bit too hard. I can imagine how difficult it would’ve been to finish out a number of character arcs, but I still wish that they were tidied up a little more succinctly.

<- Tower of DawnThe Assassin’s Blade ->

Image source: Amazon

The Grand Ishq Adventure by Sandhya Menon

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Grand Ishq Adventure
Author: Sandhya Menon
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Food, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I loved this little romance, it was sweet and cute. And, although I completely guessed that Prem was the one writing in and just why he was writing in, it was still a fun journey. After all, what better way to get advice on how to approach the person you are interested in, than by asking them? The fact that this involved food and gaining courage… well, it just made it all that much better.

Honestly, I kind of want to try this challenge – I mean, I’ve eaten out by myself before, but I’ve never done so without using some kind of “shield”. The idea of going out to a restaurant and eating out alone, without a shield, and just enjoying the world flow by. That kind of appeals, and scares me. Plus, doing so in new locations and with new experiences… that just makes it all that much more appealing.

I love that this is a story set in the between time of adulthood. That moment when you are about to jump into college and your first forays away from the parents. But, you’re not quite read to do so. Throughout this tale, the narrator sees people from her high school – and in a way says goodbye to that part of her life before embarking on the next steps. Her journey is not just about finding bravery in being alone, but also in saying goodbye to the past. A seriously enjoyable short story.

<- Kings and QueensSugar and Spite ->

Image source: Goodreads