Tag Archives: Shapeshifters

I Dream of Grizzly by Keira Blackwood & Eva Knight

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: I Dream of Grizzly
Author: Keira Blackwood & Eva Knight
Series: The Protectors: Quick Bites #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I absolutely adored the idea of a Dream Witch. It was a little bit unique and a whole lot of fun. Plus, the ways in which Valerie tests to see if she’s actually in a dream are good fun. I mean, she counts figures and runs through a whole bunch of steps before getting around to just pinching herself. That, and the idea of Dream witches opens up a whole new paranormal world for my enjoyment.

I figured fairly early on in this that the villain in this was going to be a bit creepy. And that he had some kind of ties to Valerie’s daily life. But, the reality was a little bit scarier and more uncomfortable than I’d anticipated. That, and he was a whole lot more involved in her past tragedies than I had anticipated.

Although Valerie isn’t totally in control now her powers, I love that she’s able to conjure her mate. I truly love the ides of fated mates who will do anything for each other. Mates that are able to fight against the confines of reality. Alright, fighting snakes in your dreams with a sexy man hunk might not be my total ideal situation, but I like the idea of someone by your side while fighting the horrible snake things.

Even though I’d guessed that the villain would be someone in Valerie’s life, I didn’t actually guess who the culprit would be. I was 100% expecting it to be the dorky partner. And even if I was a little disappointed it wasn’t him, I now want his story.

<- Midnight WishThe Ocean’s Roar ->

Image source: Amazon

Crave This! by Tasha Black

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Crave This!
Author: Tasha Black
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This was one of those books that I really enjoyed, but I have no urge to dive further into the series. It’s a very sweet one-night-stand / fated mates / secret baby kind of story. And, although I didn’t necessarily agree with some of Sarah’s decisions, ultimately everyone got out of this story with a lovely little happily ever after. I also liked the idea of 300 moons before the shifters were able to greet their animal. But, it was a little bit simplistic as well. I need a little more character growth to my characters. Thus, as much as I enjoyed this, I don’t have much to say, nor will I read anymore Tasha Black.

<- More paranormal romanceMore shapeshifters ->

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37561299-crave-thisImage source: Goodreads

Mated to the Bear by Celia Kyle

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Mated to the Bear
Author: Celia Kyle
Series: Bears of Grayslake #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

Mia and Ty are a really wonderful couple and one of those that I really enjoyed from the very beginning. I love that there is such combustible heat between them, but Mia is still able to stand on her own two feet. I mean, I get being all consumed by passion and emotion, but I love that even in the midst of this, Mia is able to figure out what she wants and needs in her own life. Plus, she’s also going toe to toe with a guy that everyone else is scared of – I love my women being strong willed and more than a little kick arse.

At the very beginning of this story, I thought that there was a bit of a Meet Cute between Mia and her future mate. And that it was all just a misunderstanding that he was knocking down the door. This opinion really quickly changed to one of horror – and I’m glad that the first male that Mia meets isn’t actually her mate, but her nemesis. I mean, Griss is one nasty SOB. And then Ty and his brother appear, and you get the whole sense of found family and everything feels a little more content.

At the beginning of this story, and having glanced at the blurb, I was expecting this to be a fairly calm and easy read. I was so very wrong. There was a whole lot more violence and aggression throughout this than what I was expecting. And, this story does come with a trigger warning at the beginning. I just wasn’t anticipating this level of trigger warning based content if I’m being completely honest. Not that it was a bad thing, it definitely upped the stakes and pulled me further and further into the world of the Grayslake Bears.

<- More Celia KyleClaimed by the Bear ->

Image source: Kobo

The Bear’s Claws by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Bear’s Claws
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: The Paranormal Council #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

This is one of those novels that actually takes place partway through a series. But, it was in a collection of bear shifter novels, so I read it anyway. And I was not disappointed. I’ve recently started another Laura Greenwood series (Amethyst’s Wand Shop Mysteries series), so it was nice to know that there are definitely two of her series that I enjoy. And now, I can’t wait to find out a little bit more about the Paranormal Council series.

I love that both Nita and Vic are kind of adrift and cast off from society. I mean, it’s sad for both of them, but it also makes them a great match for one another. Both Vic and Nita have experienced some horrifying loses. And they are both kind of outcast, partly because of it. In Nita’s case, it isn’t really a choice, but it does make her a whole lot more understanding of Vic’s decision to isolate himself. I’m fairly intrigued by how understanding his brother, Kem, is though. And I was really excited to find out that the first novel in this series is actually one that is based on Kem. So now I have to dive into that to find out more about the rest of this world.

Alright, so I’m not normally overly into the instalove trope – I think that although there is instalust, and even love at first sight, most sane people take a little time to come to terms with that whole love thing. Or, maybe, that’s just my own reaction. Yet, somehow Vic and Nita aren’t too painful with that whole trope. I mean, they are instantly attracted and fall into bed with one another. But, they are also a little reluctant to admit the intensity of their feelings straight off the bat. The fact that they start off convinced that they may be accidentally mated, and then come to accept it was a nice balance.

It was also nice reading about finding family. Not only is there the sense of found family in the connections that Nita manages to make. But there is also the fact that she is literally finding her family. The fact that she’s a bear shifter who is settling into a new life makes me like her all that much more. Honestly, this is a very simple and light read. One that I really enjoyed, and look forward to diving into this world again in the future.

<- The Witch’s StripesThe Familiar’s Wings ->

Image source: Amazon

Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Resonance Surge
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This might not necessarily be my favourite Psy-Changeling novel, but it was still, like all of the others, very good. And cute. And just fun in general. I think one of the things that would’ve made me love this and bump it up my “enjoyment list” would’ve been more Arwen and Pasha. I mean, they’re touched upon in so many other Psy-Changeling Trinity books, and then their mating is only kind of mentioned in this novel. Instead, there is far more focus on Yasha (Pasha’s twin). He’s fun, but not as fun as Pasha and Arwen.

As much as I’m obsessed with Pasha and Arwen, I did still enjoy the mating of Yasha and Theo. Plus, Theo’s presence makes you understand a little bit more about Pax (who is kind of cast as a villain throughout the series). I love that although Theo is considered “weak” because of her low power gradient, she is actually incredibly tough. And completely able to kill others due to the way she has shaped her powers. Plus, her toughness carries over to protectiveness of Yasha, and even the bear clan.

The Centres, which are mentioned from the very beginning of the series in Slave to Sensation, are definitely a bit of a boogey man. The fact that Theo’s journey actually provides a bit of an insight into just how terrible these places were. Honestly, they remind me of asylums in the past where the mentally ill are sent to basically die in the shadows. It’s a bit of a reminder about the darkness of our own pasts, and it is pretty dark. Made all that much darker by the abuse and horrors that Theo has faced at the hands of her own father.

The Scarabs are also gaining in their insanity throughout this – a nice parallel to the past insanity of the Centres. In fact, the ending, which was adjacently related to Theo and Yasha, was a bit of a surprise. And made me think that the terrors the Psy are about to face because of the Scarab instability is just going to increase… now I have to wait goodness knows how long for the next book in this amazing series to be released!

<- Storm EchoPrimal Mirror ->

Image source: Amazon

Storm Echo by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Storm Echo
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I really enjoyed Ivan and Lei’s relationship. It is wonderful and gives you a whole lot of joy as you dive through this story. Yet, their story is also a great way to further drive the discovery of the Architect’s machinations. And also letting you know their identity. All through a twist of fate, and some pretty unique genetics. I’ve been trying to guess just who the Architect is since Silver Silence (the beginning of the Psy-Changeling Trinity), and this instalment in the series actually gave you that answer. Even if it is also about a great couple that I found truly adorable.

Ivan’s history and the way he spent the first few years of his life are really sad. Jax as a blight upon the Psy is mentioned multiple times throughout the whole series, but this is the first book that truly deals with it. Mothers trying their best when they are addicted to drugs isn’t exactly something that’s uncommon (sadly), so it was interesting to have that touched upon in this story. I also found it interesting that this drug use may have influenced his unique gifts. Plus, the way he is able to find a new life for himself also highlights just how amazing the Mercant clan is. And just how truly good they actually are… even if they are also predatory and brutal at the same time.

The SkyElm clan’s story and history unfolds in another Psy-Changeling story (I can’t remember which one). I didn’t realise that there would be more to that story until I realised that Lei was part of this family. Her drive to find justice for her loved ones and heart break at losing them is truly heart wrenching. Particularly when you realise that Lei is a healer. Yet, I love that it brings her in the orbit of some seriously loved DarkRiver characters. And that there is a happy ending to not only her search for justice, but hers and Ivan’s need for a happily ever after.

I have, so far, loved all of the healer romances in this series. Something about being tough and maternal tends to make me really enjoy these story lines. Plus, there’s the fact that although they may be caring and kind, they’re also completely able to kick other people’s asses when they think it’s beneficial. A bit like Lei decides to drag Ivan into the light and realise that he’s not just a killer… whether he likes it or not. The dynamic between the two, whilst different to the other healer partnerships still has some of those similarities. Mainly in the fact that the damn healer is willing to kill themselves for others, so sometimes needs a reminder to just stop and slow down.

As always, I absolutely loved this Nalini Singh novel. Now that I’m almost to the end of the published Psy-Changeling books, it might be time to start doing yet another reread…

<- Last GuardResonance Surge ->

Image source: Amazon

Out With a Fang by Jessica Sims

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Out with a Fang
Author: Jessica Sims
Series: Midnight Liasons #2.2
In: The Undead in My Bed (Katie MacAlister, Molly Harper & Jessica Sims)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2012

Thoughts

Alright, so I completely guessed that the vampire on this blind (literally blind) date was going to be her long-lost human love. But, even with knowing that little twist from the beginning, this was still a great novella. I mean, it’s not only two people reconnecting and finally being able to reveal all truths to one another. But it is also a pretty fast-paced story which features a pair of paranormal entities trying really hard not to get themselves killed.

I do enjoy a forced-proximity story. Particularly when there’s a past that the two need to overcome. The fact that this forced-proximity also involved a whole lot of background and violence… I really enjoyed that. And the way that they are finally able to admit their love for one another. Even if it does take a really long time… having said that, there was a whole lot less angst in this story than I was anticipating. Which honestly was kind of pleasant.

It’s always nice to have a strong female leading the charge in a book. The fact that she’s not just a strong lead, but the honest to go apex predator throughout this story just made it that much better. And the constant acknowledgements of just how difficult it can be to date as the top of the food chain… all priceless. And then there’s the fact that she just… beats the crap out of pretty much everyone that dares to cross her path. A fantastic lead that I seriously enjoyed.

Not only was this a really fun and engaging adventure, it also had a wonderful epilogue. The feeling of travel and contentment as they ride off into the sunset is beautiful. It made you realise that there are plenty more adventures to live, but also that this part of their story is nicely complete.

<- VixenSpeed Mating ->

Image source: Amazon

Bite Me by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Bite Me
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #9
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: 2014

Thoughts

Bite Me is a fantastic ending to an absolutely wonderful series. I love that it let’s you know battles will continue to be fought, but that the Big Bad was finally caught. At least for this arc that Laurenston has painstakingly crafted. It didn’t quite focus in the main couple as much as some of the other books in this series, rather it touched on most of the other couples as well. Which. I kind of liked. It gave a little bit of extra closure to the whole series.

The fact that Bite Me jumps around a little and touches upon the other couples works well. But it also meant that it took me a little while to truly invest in the stories. Plus, I kept waiting for Max (Livvy’s cousin) to show up, which she didn’t. And I was kind of disappointed about that. However, once I finally got into it, I couldn’t put it down! Maybe I’d just burnt myself out on reading Pride books back to back…

Livvy is a great departure from the rest of her family. I love that they’re consistently stealing things, fighting, breaking the law…and Livvy is just doing her own thing and living her life. Yet, when push comestibles shove not only is she able to call on her completely insane family, she is also able to wrangle them. I fact, she kind of acts like an alpha to the rest of her insane clan.

As a great counterpoint to Livvy’s volatile nature, I love that Vic is a kind of socially awkward, chilled counterpoint to this. He seems to spend most of the time, just pottering along and enjoying life. I mean, you’d probably need that kind of level of chill to handle the insanity of not just Livvy’s family, but also the Jean-Parker Louis clan. Particularly well loved (in my head) characters like Kyle.

This was a great read, and I’ll definitely enjoy diving into it again. Because honey badgers.

<- Wolf with BenefitsMore Shelly Laurenston ->

Image source: Shelly Laurenston

Wolf with Benefits by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Wolf with Benefits
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #8
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: 2013

Thoughts

I love that this Pride novel features the head of the Jean-Louis Parker siblings. I mean, I’ve read about them through many of the Honey Badger Chronicles books, and they all seem certifiable. And entertaining. Which means that I loved reading about Toni. Not only because she was completely amazing in and of herself. But she also spends the entirety of this story managing her insane family. Which leads to a whole lot more humour and shenanigans.

Ricky Lee is a great counterpoint to the pure insanity that is thrown at Toni every day. Of the three Reed boys, I’m glad that this story featured him. He’s happily entertained by whatever goes on around him. Incredibly calm and chilled. And just… goes with the flow. Plus, once he’s decided on Toni, he just… waits and enjoys her company.

I can’t imagine having just one prodigy in my family – but having the whole family be such a high-needs individual? It is unfathomable. At least, to my brain. Yet, Toni is able to handle multiple highly problematic personalities. And in a way that leaves everyone, if not happy, content. I’m good at managing chaos, but Toni takes it to a whole other level. And I love that when she finally decides to step into her own life, all of these skills are completely transferable. Plus, there’s the whole side story of the incredibly evil sister, and how Toni is able to handle her psychopathological behaviours. Again, absolutely priceless.

Not only are Toni and Ricky Lee great, as is the rest of the Jean-Parker Louis clan. But this book also introduces the first honey badger shifter! If you didn’t read the series out of order like I did. I love how Livvy is introduced into this world. And the reluctance to be involved and none to these shifters is further explained. Livvy is an absolute firecracker of a best friend. And I can’t wait to read her romance. After all, she might be a honey badger, but she still seems way more sane than the MacKilligan sisters…

There are so many great characters who make cameos throughout this book. Both from earlier in the Pride series and from the Honey Badger Chronicles. A brilliant story, and yet another that I look forward to rereading in the future!

<- Bear Meets GirlBite Me ->

Image source: Shelly Laurenston

Bear Meets Girl by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Bear Meets Girl
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #7
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

From the moment you meet Cella in the series, you can kind of tell that she’s certifiably insane. But, reading her story and getting to know her better? You realise that she is quite possibly even more nutty than you realised. Or at least that’s what I found. Of course I found that her total insanity and disregard for convention made me love her all that much more. And, getting to know more of the Malones… I also want to read more about this less than legal family.

I love that Cella is a single mum. Alright, when she starts talking to Lou, she makes it sound like her kid is much younger. And she definitely isn’t what you’d consider a conventional mother. But it was nice that she is still a loving one. And that her bond with her daughter is able to stand up to some incredibly irritating family dynamics. That Lou is so willingly welcomed by her daughter just worked all that much better.

Lou works as a fantastic contrast to Cella. He is calm and fairly chilled. Although a little judgemental. Mostly I just love how he spends the majority of his time just trying to figure out what the hell is going on with the insanity that surrounds Cella. Which, admittedly would be a very difficult thing to do. Then there’s the fact that he is partner to Dez who is her own special brand of crazy…

I love that, aside from the family drama, this is a story about a cop and an assassin who work together to find the Big Bad Man. They both have some drastically different approaches to it, but they work well together. And, even if the guy who is actually driving a lot of this isn’t caught, at least another cog in the machine is. And now onto the next battle…

<- Big Bad BeastWolf with Benefits ->

Image source: Amazon