Tag Archives: Urban Fantasy

Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh ReRead

October 13, 2024Book ReviewNalini Singh, Paranormal Romance, Psy-Changeling, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Visions of Heat
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #2
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, Novel
Year: 2007

It doesn’t matter how many times I read this series, I still don’t necessarily like Vaughn and Faith as much as Lucas and Sascha. Don’t get me wrong, I love their story and all, but I just don’t get as excited about it. Maybe because I find the idea of having foresight to be one of the more terrifying powers. Most of the time when I read a paranormal anything story, I do spend a little time imagining having each power – but I really don’t like the idea of having foresight.

One of the things that I’ve always loved about Singh’s writing is that the world building is amazing. In Visions of Heat, I love all of the intricacies of the psy people and their many talents that is revealed. In particular, the moral dilemma of being an F-Psy and how to use that power. I mean, begin able to influence the future for good or bad is a whole lot of responsibility, but when do you share that knowledge, when do you hide from it? Although there are some somewhat obvious answers in this, there are a whole lot that fall into the grey area – and I love that this morality is not given any black and white answers.

I absolutely adore Faith’s father and how he is able to manipulate everything. Being that this is a reread, I now realise that these manipulations don’t just occur at the end of the story, but are pieces in play for an incredibly long time. But, I do love that he is able to do so. And how his manipulations indicate his love for his daughter, without ever having to outright state that this is where his actions come from. The love of parent to child and how that can supersede almost anything is a bit of a cornerstone in this series, and I love that Anthony and Faith are the first that you get hints of this love.

There were so many nuances I picked upon in this story that I didn’t notice in my first read through of this series. The interconnectedness of the different characters and the chess pieces that lead to the fall of Silence are all there from the very beginning. And I absolutely adored finding those missed pieces this time around. Then, you have the battle that Faith is fighting – she’s able to not only stop an evil murderer, but also answer a whole heap of her own moral dilemmas.

Whilst Faith and Vaughn may not be my favourite couple, I love that this story is more so about Faith finding who she is and how to operate in an emotional world with the threat of insanity hanging over her head. To me, it’s about Faith, and Vaughn is just along for the ride. Which is as it should be with a strong female at the helm.

<- Slave to Sensation ReRead

Echo of Silence ReRead ->

Image source: Mighty Ape

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh ReRead

October 12, 2024Book ReviewNalini Singh, Paranormal Romance, Psy-Changeling, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Slave to Sensation
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #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

Every time I do a reread of Slave to Sensation (or the entire Psy-Changeling series), I find something more to love. More subtle hints and easter eggs to love, more moments to absolutely adore. Which, of course, just makes me fall more and more in love with every reread. Which is why it’s a series that I’ve reread a number of times at this point – there’s something new and more loveable with every reiteration, and the story manages to enthral me from the very beginning each and every time.

Lucas and his past are really tragic, and every time I read about it, I find new scars and horrors that he has survived and healed from. What I love most about him having such a tragic past though is that it’s his love for Sascha that tempers him and brings some of his humanity back. A good relationship is about balancing and supporting one another, and Sascha is able to do this wonderfully for Lucas, pulling him back from a ledge that even he didn’t realise he was balancing on.

I am absolutely obsessed with Sascha’s role as an empath and her ability to grow into herself and her powers. I know that throughout this series, Sascha discovers more and more about being an Empath, but these first steps are phenomenal to read about. Plus, she has the strength of self to realise that she was treated abominably, and to rise above the way that they have treated her. With grace and dignity, probably why Sascha continues to be one of my favourite females in the Psy-Changeling series.

Although this story is all about Sascha and Lucas, Tammy is most definitely still a favourite. I love how welcoming she is, but also tough and unwilling to compromise on the safety of her people. Between her and Sascha, they both highlight the power of love and emotion, and how this can help those to overcome anything. I mean, there’s still a lot of hard work and intelligence going into these decisions. But at the very core of this story is how love and emotion are integral to who we are and functioning as decent beings.

<- Whisper of Sin ReRead

Visions of Heat ReRead ->

Image source: Hachette

Whisper of Sin by Nalini Singh ReRead

October 11, 2024Book ReviewBurning Up, Nalini Singh, Paranormal Romance, Psy-Changeling, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Whisper of Sin
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #0.6
In: Burning Up (Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra & Meljean Brook)
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, Novella
Year: 2010

I love reading about Emmett and Ria – they are a great couple, and it’s also really interesting to see how DarkRiver begins to gain power in their city. Neither person features all that prominently in the main series, but, their adventures definitely inform how things unfold a little. Plus, they are just too fantastic and adorable for words. I absolutely adored them.

Ria is kind of a sheltered individual and naïve in a number of ways. Yet, she also has a backbone of steel. She’s ballsy and sure enough of herself and what she wants to fight for it. There’s also the fact that she sees the love that her parents and brother have, and knows that she wants it. Sometimes those that our families think will be our “perfect match” aren’t that at all. Tom and his underhandedness is a perfect example of just how wrong our parents can sometimes be.

Although Ria and Emmett are a great couple, and I really loved reading their story, it’s got to be Ria’s grandmother who is my favourite character. I mean, I love all of the women in this novella – there is something great about Singh’s writing in that she always creates such strong female characters. But, Ria’s grandmother is a whole other level of fun and entertaining. The kind of grandmother that I want to be when I grow up.

This novella was incredibly fun as a standalone novella. But, mostly I love how it gives context to the ways in which DarkRiver acts to protect those who live in their city. And how they first begin to gain power and influence, all before they start to use them to shift the world around them.

<- Beat of Temptation ReRead

Slave to Sensation ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Beat of Temptation by Nalini Singh ReRead

October 10, 2024Book ReviewNalini Singh, Paranormal Romance, Psy-Changeling, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, Wild Invitationskyebjenner

Title: Beat of Temptation
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #0.5
In: Wild Invitation (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: 2013

No matter how many times I read it, I still absolutely adore Tammy and Nate’s origin story. They are just too damn cute and adorable. And their whole relationship is such an important foundation for a lot of stories and couples throughout the rest of the Psy-Changeling series. It’s also a great reminder that even the most solid couples have rocky moments throughout, and Tammy and Nate are no different.

Nate’s reluctance and controlling nature, whilst coming from an admirable place are incredibly frustrating to read about. I mean, I love that he’s originally supressed his urges because the age difference was yucky. But then, he just stubbornly decides that he knows more because Tammy is young and somewhat naïve. Luckily, before you get really irritated, he realises that he’s doing more damage than good. And makes amends…

As with most books / romances that I read, it’s the woman I like to resonate the most with. I absolutely adored Tammy from the first moment I read about her, and that feeling hasn’t changed with all of my rereads. I love that, even if she’s fumbling a little in her relationship, she is actually incredibly confident in her self and own abilities. She’s also, ultimately, confident enough in herself to actually go after what she wants in life.

<- More Nalini Singh

Whisper of Sin ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Ladies’ Fight by Caitlin Kittredge & Jaye Wells

September 30, 2024Book ReviewCaitlin Kittredge, Demons, Hellhound Chronicles, Jaye Wells, Paranormal Fantasy, Sabina Kane, Urban Allies, Urban Fantasy, Vampire, Vampiresskyebjenner

Title: Ladies’ Fight
Author: Caitlin Kittredge & Jaye Wells
Series: Hellhound Chronicles #1.5 & Sabina Kane #5.6
In: Urban Allies (Joseph Nassise)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2016

I absolutely loved this story, and now I have two new series to add into my shelves! Which, I for one, cannot wait to dive into. I mean, I’ve read a short story in both the Sabina Kane and Hellhound Chronicles series, but now I have even more motivation to dive into their stories. I mean, tough women, paranormal nonsense and kicking butt? That is all what I love about a good urban fantasy.

Both Ava and Sabina are amazing, kick ass women who just… dominate all things. I love that for both of them, their male partners are heavy hitters, but not ones that are likely to try and overtake their women. Rather, they are happy to be partners and backup in those situations that require it. And just let Sabina and Ava figure out how to win the day. I also loved that Sabina is obviously at the end of her story and development within this tale, but Ava is just starting to travel through hers.

This story hit all of my buttons for a good urban fantasy tale. Written by women with strong female leads who aren’t afraid to kick butt. Magic, and mayhem. Plus, this one had necromancer magic and hellhounds. With a whole heap of mysteries woven throughout which makes me incredibly intrigued to pick up the rest of the books in both of these series.

<- Black Dog

Grim Tidings ->

Image source: HarperCollins Publishers

Trickster King by Susan Copperfield

September 19, 2024Book ReviewMagic, Paranormal Romance, Royal States, Susan Copperfield, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Trickster King
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #9
Rating Out of 5: d!), 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect), 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

There really wasn’t much of a point of conflict in this Royal States novel, and there is no great romance (because Jessica and Pat have already had theirs in Storm Called). Mostly, this is kind of an epilogue feel / bridge to the next part of the Royal States stories in that it’s mostly just Pat running amok in the world. And all of those chaotic and fun moments throughout. I absolutely adored it, and it was a lot of fun. But I did keep wondering when the Big Evil or some such would come out. Or even when Pat would come up against some actual opposition to his holiday adventures.

I really enjoyed not only getting to know what makes Patrick tick a whole lot more. But it was also fantastic to learn more about Eddie and some of the difficulties he faces. Plus, it’s a great insight into just what makes Patrick’s protegee tick and why he is on the path he is. It’s also nice to know just why Patrick is known as the Trickster King, and just how manipulative he truly is. All of this story was great character building and a bit of a history lesson to some of the conflicts building in the Royal States world.

In the world that we live in, constantly working and being active is seen as a positive thing. I love that in this, Patrick is aware that breaks are important. And that, even though he is constantly driving forwards to make change, he is aware that sometimes, even he needs to stop and take a breath. By having breaks and downtime, we are able to actually function better and be more efficient when we are driving towards our goals. I’m at a point in my life when I feel like I am juggling a hundred plates, and it was a nice reminder that I too, can put them down sometimes and just… breath.

Although this chronologically occurs earlier in the series, it is definitely worth reading Trickster King as book number 10. There are hints to what happens throughout this story, but you really appreciate it after you read the other stories. Plus, this gives a bit more background to Deidre’s mistake (which you find out about earlier), and just makes me hang out to read the next book. Or the next. Or the next. Really, whichever one features Deidre’s romance is going to be an epically amazing one. I hope.

<- Runaway

More R.J. Blain ->

Image source: Smashwords

Runaway by Susan Copperfield

September 18, 2024Book ReviewMagic, Paranormal Romance, Royal States, Susan Copperfield, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Runaway
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #8
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

I absolutely love that this follows Tom, Ethan’s brother after he is plunged into his role as the heir to California. And all of the craziness that followed Ethan’s abdication and Rachel’s parents’ demise. It’s also fantastic that he has been empathically bonded to Cassandra for a long time, with everyone knowing and just waiting. At first, I thought that their story was honestly going to be a little simpler than Ethan and Rachel. But, it turns out, that it had just as many twists and turns. Actually, I felt a little more unsettled at Cassandra’s story, but also loved her so damn much in the end.

Cassandra is an incredibly sweet and gorgeous lead. And I love that this sweetness is actually what ultimately saves her. Particularly as it is what makes her impossible to manipulate to more devious purposes. I mean, often, being sweet and kind are considered weak traits. But, ultimately Cassandra was able to use her good-nature to protect those that she loves. I personally love that she realised Tom was desperately in need of hugs, and chose to just… hug everyone to stop him from looking special to her somewhat evil parents. Plus, Copperfield is able to highlight that being a giver is actually a really good thing, but something that’s easy to take advantage of.

Even though I couldn’t stand any of the actions of Cassandra’s parents, I really wasn’t expecting the twist of their true motivations towards the end. It gave every single interaction a far more sinister motive and made me feel incredibly uncomfortable. I actually really look forward to rereading this in the future and picking up on some of those many hints. And seeing everything through a different lens. I mean, it’s one thing to have evil parents who are using you for political gain, but the reality is so much worse! Although, I did absolutely adore how Cassandra, her future MIL and Queen Jessica all chose to mess with this plan in the most entertaining ways possible.

I often consider running away to escape the responsibilities of life and being an adult. So I can completely understand why this entire story revolves around the idea of Cassandra and Tom getting in a car and fleeing. We all have a breaking point, and this was a really pleasant way to deal with that point in their sanity. That they can sort out their relationship and future roles in the kingdom in the journey just made it all that much better. I too want to run away and come back with more money and sanity, but, alas, that’s just not likely to happen at any point in my life.

<- Cold Flame

Trickster King ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble

Cold Flame by Susan Copperfield

September 17, 2024Book ReviewMagic, Paranormal Romance, Royal States, Susan Copperfield, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Cold Flame
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Rachel and Ethan are a fantastic couple, one that is completely supportive and work incredibly well together. I love that I knew this story was going to be coming up, because of the hints about them in Bonds. But, their story was way better and sweeter than I was anticipating. I mean, they have a whole lot of obstacles against them, and Rachel’s mental health is incredibly tragic – but, they manage to enjoy one another’s company and just… learn to grow together and support one another.

There are hints to just how horrible the New York Royal family is throughout the Royal States series, but I honestly didn’t quite realise the level to which they are… horrifying. The insidious tendrils of their abuse are woven throughout this entire story, and I love how Rachel works incredibly hard to overcome this. I also absolutely adore the support animals that she has and how they actually work to help her deal with her trauma. The fact that they are animals which I wouldn’t associate with being support animals… even better.

As much as I loved this story, I wanted a whole lot more time with Rachel’s research and the library. I love the idea of a treasure trove of information and all of the points that can be made about inequality with good information. There was so much potential there, and my nerdy brain kind of fixated on this. It also highlighted the amount of intelligence Rachel actually possesses and how attractive a quality this is for both Ethan and herself when they find themselves attracted to one another. Following on with Rachel’s intelligence, I love how she is able to use her hybrid Talent to extinguish a wildfire. And how poignant her points about letting Flameweavers be involved in fire control is.

There are a multitude of societal commentaries throughout this series, but, as usual, it is the powers and the emotional toll of the characters that I adore. I particularly love how her PTSD and trauma is handled with humour, but also highlights just how difficult her journey has been. And that’s not even beginning to discuss just how ridiculously horrible the treatment of refugees is throughout this state of California (but honestly, just globally as a general).

A number of secondary characters throughout this story make me want to dive further into this world. Luckily for me, Terry’s story is told in Iron Unicorn. As is Ethan’s second brother’s in Runaway. But, what I really want out of this series next is Ian’s story. His empathy as a fellow survivor of the New York family is beautiful, and now I want to find his happily ever after and the battles he’ll be forced to face.

<- Bonds

Runaway ->

Image source: Amazon

Iron Unicorn by Susan Copperfield

September 16, 2024Book ReviewAgents of the Royal States, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Susan Copperfield, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Iron Unicorn
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Agents of the Royal States #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

I very quickly fell for Terry in Cold Flame. He was such a good RPS Agent and so damn supportive of Rachel when she was trying to find her feet. Plus, the man is insanely talented and intriguing. Which meant that when I realised there was a story that was just about him, it made it extra special and unique. I also then happened to just dive into it and not want to come up for fresh air for a very long time. It was just too dang good.

Considering how the Agents of the Royal States series intertwines with the Royal States series, I did read this slightly out of order. But, as mentioned, I did have the pleasure of reading Cold Flame before this, so it wasn’t too bad. Plus, I already felt connected to all of the characters in this story because I had met them before. Honestly, reading this only gave me a hint into what happens in Trickster King – and some of the hints that are carried in both stories about Deidre and her future decisions.

Olivia’s lack of beauty is mentioned multiple times throughout the Royal States series, and I love that she is able to be a well loved human in spite of her looks. Something that gives me a sliver of hope for humanity if I’m being honest. Yet, even though her surgery ultimately improves her looks to a more conventional beauty, it is about her physical health. And I love that her story explores all of the mental health challenges and changes for someone who has gone through such intense physical transformations. And how people can be supported through mental health crises.

One of the moments that stuck with me the most throughout this story was the idea of a metalworker creating a roller coaster to escape. And the fact that he had no compunction with putting on a dress and makeup to sneak past the guards. I love that Terry is an intelligent and capable man, but one who is more than willing to take the help of women, or even, let them take charge throughout. Like all of Blain’s other characters, Terry and Olivia (and all of their friends) are cute, quirky and fun. There is mayhem and chaos throughout this whole story and I enjoyed this story thoroughly.

<- The Vampire of Montana

TBC ->

Image source: Goodreads

Client from Hell by R.J. Blain

September 14, 2024Book ReviewHumour, Magically Hellish Comedy, Paranormal Romance, R.J. Blain, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Client from Hell
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Magically Hellish Comedy #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Honestly, I’m going to love any story which starts with somebody setting fire to the devil’s home. The convoluted, revenge based reasoning was more than a little questionable, but it was definitely a great start to a story. And a funny one on top of that. Plus, this is a series which makes Satan kind of adorable and seriously lovely, so the fact that someone is willfully burning down his house to teach him to better mind his manners? Again, a hilarious and wonderful beginning to a story.

As much as I enjoyed reading this novel, cancer is a bit of a touchy subject for me at the moment, so some of that was a little bit difficult. But, I did love that Sandra is able to survive an untreatable cancer through experimental treatments. It’s kind of nice to hope that that sort of thing happens in real life. It also made me feel a little less triggered with a topic that would normally be incredibly triggering for me at the moment.

I love that the partner that Sandra ultimately ends up with is the devil’s brother-in-law. And that, when she decides to take him as her partner, she just kind of… takes charge of the situation. Actually, most of this story is just Sandra taking the insanity around her, and taking charge of it all. She is also able to accept her partner’s kleptomaniac and trouble making ways, just telling him how to limit it to levels that she can handle. She also, frequently, and with great gusto tells Satan to shove off and let her be.

There is a whole lot of drama throughout this story and a little bit of romance, plus Client from Hell follows on beautifully from Catnapped. It also highlights that there is a whole lot more drama and devil machinations of manipulating animals and the lycanthrope virus to be had. I can’t wait for the next story in this spin-off series. Plus, this features a crazy arsonist who is just running free….

<- More R.J. Blain