Tag Archives: Shapeshifters

Here Kitty, Kitty! by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Here Kitty Kitty
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Magnus Pack #3
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: 2007

Thoughts

I knew that Nik was going to be Angelica’s love interest from their little Meet Cute in Go Fetch!, I did not expect how good their romance was going to be. I thought that I enjoyed reading about Miki falling and dealing with all of her issues. That had nothing on Angie’s drama. Not only did I seriously love this story, but I also found Angie’s tendency towards violence for the sake of violence so much more entertaining and humorous. It concerns me how much I loved Angie’s tendency to just beat the crap out of others, but also, so very enjoyable.

Angie’s rage issues are a well-known fact from the beginning of the Magnus Pack series. What is not so obvious is the reasons behind her rage. I absolutely adored the reasons why she feels such rage (even if it is a little bit heartbreaking). Yet, even though she is actively working on not being completely unhinged in her rage… she still manages to absolutely kick butt whenever she needs to. I love that she’s the one who helps to ultimately control the hyenas and their evil ways… not just through her own violent tendencies, but also her willingness to create a previously unprecedented truce.

Having read enough of the shapeshifter world which Laurenston has beautifully constructed, I really admire how she differentiates between the different breeds / species of shapeshifter. In the case of tigers, the majority of them are still the type to eschew monogamy. However, I love Nik’s journey to coming to terms with his monogamous ways. And the fact that he takes after his father – who has harassed, tortured and loved the same woman his entire life. Whilst there is a bit of a battle at the beginning, he ultimately embraces this new sense of reality and just, doubles down on his commitment. The whole internal journey that Nik is forced to face was something that left me giggling and smiling throughout.

Here Kitty Kitty was filled with so much yummy, yummy adult scenes. Alongside all of the violence and banter. I absolutely adored this. Plus, I love how it rounds out the Magnus Pack trilogy in a way that felt like the end of one story, but the beginning of another. In this case, Sara’s rise to power is complete, the truce that they manage to have the cats, wolves and so many others push upon the hyenas is also completed. But the start of the next war is just on the horizon. Which is why it’s worth jumping into the Pride series next.

<- Go Fetch!Miss Congeniality ReRead ->

Image source: Shelly Laurenston

Go Fetch! by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Go Fetch!
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Magnus Pack #2
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: 2007

Thoughts

I’ve been wanting to read Miki’s story since her cameo in Like a Wolf with a Bone. She’s very obviously a handful and kind of unhinged. And that’s why I read Laurenston’s books – they feature women who are intense, unhinged and absolutely hilarious. Plus, as you read Go Fetch! you realise that Miki is absolutely chaos personified. Not only with constantly running her mouth, but her willingness to commit violence and set others on fire. And then, I love that Conall is just happy to calmly follow her around without judgement or insanity. He just… deals with all of it with a great big smile on his face.

As someone who can’t switch off their own brain, I really loved reading about a character who is also unable to do so. Miki never lets her plotting, scheming thoughts pause, and I relate to this 100%. However, Miki’s determination of what and who will make her happy is a bit difficult at times. She might be wrong, but I also love that she does eventually realise this and just go with the flow. Plus, even amongst all of her misinformed romantic ideals, she is completely able to handle herself in every other way – often in a completely hilarious fashion. One that involves a whole lot of mayhem.

As a contrast to Miki, Conall is incredibly quiet and incredibly calm. There are one or two moments when he does react, and the rareness of these and the overwhelmingly ridiculous circumstances in which he finds himself frustrated are absolutely hilarious. In particular, I couldn’t stop laughing when Miki tries to test him the first time, with drugs. And then finds out that maybe she’s finally bitten off more than she can chew. Plus, it gives them a great turning point in their relationship. Conall might finally realise what he’s up against, but then, so does Miki.

Reading this after I’ve read all of the published Pride and Honey Badger Chronicles books, helped me to see all of the ridiculous connections that take place throughout this world. I loved going back to the beginning to see just how much this world has expanded and grown. Plus, it just makes me laugh throughout the entire read through. Miki and Angelina may be placed in danger because of Sara ascension to Alpha. But it also opens up the world to them. I can’t wait to continue rereading and reading this series for the first time. The insanity is brilliant, and I get to spend the whole violence-riddled story smiling and laughing.

<- Pack ChallengeHere Kitty Kitty ->

Image source: Shelly Laurenston

Pack Challenge by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Pack Challenge
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Magnus Pack #1
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: 2006

Thoughts

Ever since I picked up Hot and Badgered, I’ve wanted to go back to where it all started. But, sadly for me, some of these first stories aren’t actually on Kobo (because Kindle Unlimited and such nonsense). I’m so glad that I finally got around to reading this. It wasn’t quite the story I was expecting, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I love being surprised, and the way that Sara’s story unfolded, and introduced her little trio was fantastic. Now I can’t wait for Miki and Angela’s stories to grace my brain waves.

I kind of found Sara’s plight with her aggressiveness to be kind of hilarious. I’m not sure what it was, but the fact that she didn’t turn as a child leading to being an aggressive angry bitch sat really well with me. And the nonsense that she ends up formulating / the way she decides to take her new aggressive tendency by the horns… it just worked really well for me. Plus, I love how she uses this aggression to control her friends when they continuously try and get them all in trouble. Not to mention the sexual aggression and frustration which just jumps off the page as you watch her relationship with Zach unfold.

Although Sara and her two girlfriends aren’t quite as aggressively psychotic as Laurenston’s later characters, I still absolutely loved them. I mean, one of the reasons I absolutely demolish Laurenston books is that they are filled with aggressive, mouthy, take-no-prisoners types of women. Those who know what they want and who they are, and don’t necessarily apologise for it. Don’t get me wrong, there are moments of emotional scarring that they have to get past, but every single woman in these universe is strong willed and independent. Sara is a fantastic way to start off this world and show you what Laurenston’s women are made of.

I read Pack Challenge right after my Hot and Badgered ReRead, and I loved how you could tell how much Laurenston has grown over the years. Whilst I loved both of the stories, it was fun to see the sophistication and creativity that she is able to bring to her later works. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed Pack Challenge, I definitely appreciated the growth that has gone into this world throughout the past few decades. Now onto the next phenomenal story created from this unique and fun mind.

<- More Shelly LaurenstonGo Fetch! ->

Image source: Shelly Laurenston

Midlife Bed and Broomstick by Jennifer L. Hart

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Midlife Bed and Broomstick
Author: Jennifer L. Hart
Series: Cougars and Cauldrons #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that Hart’s writing is about women who are going through midlife mayhem, drastic changes in their lives, and often even menopause. They are women who have often already had children (or not if that is their desire). And then, to top off all of the drama of change and escaping an abusive asshole husband, Sam is introduced to the world of magic. I love how much this continues to wreak mayhem and nonsense into her life. Plus, it makes for an unforgettable journey that I just didn’t want to put down. It was brilliant, fun and a whole lot of female empowerment after a lifetime of oppression.

Although I loved this story, it most definitely featured yet another dopey “alpha” male who makes decisions without talking to the woman he supposedly loves. Decides he knows what’s “best” without any form of consideration or communication with the woman he loves. It’s a trope for a reason, and one I often love. But it’s also one that makes me roll my eyes. And honestly, Damien is the epitome of this. He feels guilty that the past led Sam into an abuser’s path, but he also continues to follow the same stupid pathways in the pursuit of doing the “right thing”. It’s definitely a fun thing to read about, but, it’s also something completely ridiculous that had me huffing my frustration throughout.

Even though Damien is very obviously going to be a strong love interest for Sam from the very beginning, I love that Matthias is slowly but surely set up as a potential point in the love triangle too. Plus, the way that his arc with Sam ends out this story is brilliant. Not only does it make me keen to read the next book in the Cauldrons and Cougars series, but I also don’t know which male I prefer. I do have a bit of an idea of how this triangle works out as I read Midlife Passions and Predators out of order. However, the journey to get there is still something that I can’t wait to go on and watch unfold!

Sam as a mother is so realistic. It’s a reminder that no matter how big and strong and old your children get, you’re still a mother. The hovering, the caring, and the bossing around never truly stops when you have children to raise. Sam’s dynamic with her son may have shifted drastically, but she’s still a mother. And, throughout all of the trials and nonsense that she puts up with throughout this story, she still places her son’s health and happiness above all else.

The combination of an MS diagnosis, an abusive soon-to-be ex-husband and, ultimately going on a journey to find out where you belong is an impressive and amazing combination. It was one that made it virtually impossible to put down. Plus, it’s a reminder that no matter your age, there is always a chance for a new beginning and happiness in love. It just takes a whole lot of courage and lucky circumstances. It made an already fun storyline all that much more potent and is probably why I’m really enjoying Hart’s writing at this point in my life.

<- More Jennifer L. HartMidlife Hexes and Familiar Exes ->

Image source: Jennifer L. Hart

Moon Tamed by Audrey Greene

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Moon Tamed
Author: Audrey Greene
Series: Moon Tamed World #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Science fiction romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I really enjoyed Moon Tamed, but it definitely hit a little too close to home at times. The idea of Earth being destroyed and the many deaths that followed… yeah, it’s not even that far fetched anymore and stories that have that at all certainly make me uncomfortable. Although, I did love that humans have colonised space and do so in a much nicer manner than earth. It gave me hope that not everyone is a horrible human being, and maybe there is hope for humanity in the future… and that’s the message I’ll take from Greene’s destruction of earth in this story.

There was something about Coraline that really called to me – probably the fact that she struggled with being bored and had an absolute unwillingness to settle for something that wasn’t going to make her completely happy. I love that she takes the time to find her forever place and doesn’t just dive into the first thing that could potentially be a fit. Plus, she is an animal obsessed loon who is completely happy with her lot in life. Intelligent, strong willed to boot. There was a lot to like about Coraline as a narrator and lead in Moon Tamed, and she is definitely a big part of what made me seriously reluctant to put this book down at any point in my reading.

At first I was waiting for there to be a whole lot of friction between Coraline and Caden – he specifically asks her to find reasons for his father to displaced as leader. But, I love that as the story unfolds, it’s all about actually taking care of his father and finding balance in their lives. The love between father and son is absolutely adorable, if a little overbearing towards one another at times. And it made me like Caden all that much more – he adores his father and just wants what’s best for him. The Bunny story also shows just how naïve he can be at times, and how willing he is to not actually be such a fool all the time.

To balance out some of the more serious parts of this story, Greene enjoyable employs humour. Mostly in the form of Lucky the Doom Bird of the Apocalypse and his many proposals. I couldn’t stop laughing at his antics and all of the nonsense that animals can bring into our lives. It meant that a story which was almost a science fiction took on a bit of a lighter feeling. Still with the serious messages and themes. But, there was enough lightness to pull it slightly from science fiction and lightened some of the more intense moments throughout. Definitely an enjoyable story, and I can’t wait to dive into A Light in the Dark.

<- More Audrey GreeneA Light in the Dark ->

Image source: Audrey Greene Books

Magic Bites ReRead by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Magic Bites ReRead
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2007

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I read Magic Bites and the whole Kate Daniels series, I love it just as much with each and every read through. I did decide to dive right in and start another read through because there’s a few more books at the end that I haven’t quite gotten to yet. It’s always nice to return to a well-loved story. Plus, it makes me ridiculously happy to return to something that has always bought me comfort. One of the things I love about rereading the Kate Daniels series is that, no matter what point I am at in life, I seem to find new nuances that leave me smiling and thinking long after I turned the final page.

Magic Bites takes place at the precipice of major change for Kate. As someone who has read the whole series, I love what it is all going to lead into. There are so many hints throughout Magic Bites of all of the changes Kate is about to face. But, to be fair, it takes a lot to notice them because there is so much action throughout that it takes a bit to even notice these hints. The death of her guardian drops Kate into a world that she’s been avoiding, and starts to bring her powerful nature and skills to light. Plus, she spends a whole lot of time running around with her sword lopping parts off of the evil-doers.

Curran is a hilarious and fairly typical alpha. I love that he is all about his people and eliminating the threat to those he cares for and loves. At times this is a bit of a problem in that he is high-handed and refuses to give any kind of leeway to the “others”. His drive to protect is both admirable and kind of annoying. But, I love that Kate is quickly able to establish herself as an intriguing threat. One that he doesn’t necessarily want anywhere near his People, but also wants to know more about. Because a cat’s curiosity and all that. The fact that he turns into a giant lion-man-beast who can rip the limbs of just about anything… it makes me love him all that much more.

Even though I already knew just who the upir (bad guy) was, it was still a fun journey to get there. And to pick up some of the breadcrumbs that Ilona Andrews masterfully laid down. The world building within this story is phenomenal and makes the whole story impossible to put down. Picking up the breadcrumbs as to who was the bad guy was really fun. As was finding out new nuances of the world that Kate lives in, the kind of dangers she faces and how this world nestles so perfectly alongside ours.

<- More Ilona AndrewsMagic Burns ReRead ->

Image source: Bol

Dorian by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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

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

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

<- Hostage to Pleasure ReReadBranded by Fire ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

The Reindeer’s Spell by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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

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

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

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

<- The Hummingbird’s MateCharming Her Mate ->

Image source: Goodreads

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 ->

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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