Tag Archives: Urban Fantasy

Hoofin’ It by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hoofin’ It
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

Any romance story that involves an ex-cop and an FBI agent is likely to get my attention. The fact that this is one filled with supernatural beings just drew me in even more. And the body count. You can’t forget the body count at the end. All hilarious, all brilliant, all a lot of fun. Particularly when the Meet Cute between Shane and Marian occurs when one of them is an alpaca who is spitting on everyone…

Shane’s family is absolutely hilarious. I mean, a werewolf and a somewhat crazy hedgewitch create a child who is actually quite responsible. The witty banter and sass in this relationship was brilliant. I couldn’t stop laughing and smiling throughout this story. Just at the parents’ antics. Then, there’s the actual relationship between Shane and Marian, also filled with sass, just a bit sweeter.

I love how, as the story unfolds, you actually realise Shane isn’t as squeaky clean as originally understood. I mean, he is constantly flirting with the wrong side of the law. And half of his friends are criminals, ones hecknsta try enjoyed messing with and taunting. In the end, that turns out to be a good thing, but I love that there is a whole lot of grey area in the meantime. Plus, he also battles against racism (in the supernatural, species discrimination way), and recovering from a permanently maiming accident.

Marian is a perfect match for Shane, she’s tough and independent. Also, she’s completely unafraid to be herself. The fact that she’s willing to put her life on the line to stop sex trafficking rings is even better. The way this story ends, you can see that although she’s moving towards a new future, both her and Shane will continue kicking butts and taking names throughout the future. I hope they’ll make cameos in future books in this series!!!

<- Playing with FireHearth, Home, and Havoc ->

Image source: Amazon

Playing with Fire by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Playing with Fire
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

I picked this up because I heard of a story (later in this series) that featured a Platypus shapeshifter. And, of course, I couldn’t help myself. Damn, am I glad that I listened to that impulse. This was a freaking brilliant story, and I’ve found anew obsession. One that had me smiling, laughing and feeling all kinds of warm and gooey inside.

Bailey and Quinn are a great leading pair. Although you can tell that they’re going to end up together, it’s still fun getting there. Particularly since Bailey is so damn convinced that Quinn hates her. Although, her self-esteem issues kind of have her convinced that everyone hates her… it was fun learning how she was disabused of that notion.

Although I enjoyed the romance between Quinn and Bailey, and how they find their happily ever after, the way that Bailey transforms made me even happier. I mean, being able to transform into a fire breathing unicorn? That’s freaking brilliant. My favourite scenes in this book were all around Bailey shapeshifting into a unicorn. And getting cold and wanting to find heat. In fact, we had a bit of a cool change when I was reading one of those scenes, and I could completely sympathise.

I loved how Blain builds a brilliant urban fantasy world in this series. I mean, her lead female is a barista who also works for the CDC. Although, I love that her role as a barista literally involves spiking peoples’ drinks… legally of course. I can’t wait to read more books set in this brilliant world! I feel like there are so many brilliant nuances that will just be built upon as the series unfolds.

<- More R.J. BlainHoofin’ It ->

Image source: Amazon

High Jinx by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: High Jinx
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Cursed Luck #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Kelley Armstrong is one of those brilliant and wonderful authors that I ca never get enough of. She writes wonderful stories with a strong female lead that is generally sassy and all around enjoyable. High Jinx is no exception to this trend. Kennedy is clever and independent but surrounded by the best kind of support and love. She also undergoes some pretty wonderful growth throughout this duology.

The way things were left off in Cursed Luck, Kennedy and Aiden were right on the cusp of something. But curses and fate got in the way. High Jinx picks up that thread and shows you how much these two are meant to be together. Particularly when Aiden reminds Kennedy that the risk is the decision of both of them. It was so much fun to watch this relationship unfold and grow throughout this book.

As with everything, the challenges and battles Kennedy faces in this are even greater than those in Cursed Luck. I love that Vess and Marius make a bit of an appearance in this story, although it is tangential. Mostly, there are other immortal gods running havoc through everyone’s lives. And, Kennedy has so many less avenues to follow in her attempt to, well, stay alive.

High Jinx is a wonderful, fast paced story. It ties up all of the loose ends from Cursed Luck and gives you a happily ever after vibe. It was a fun and enjoyable adventure. One with horrible families, insane gods and just your general nutty mayhem. I loved every moment of it, and I’m really disappointed that this duology is over. Although, Armstrong did manage to finish it all off perfectly.

<- Goddess of Summer LoveMore Kelley Armstrong ->

Image source: Amazon

Daiquiris and Daggers by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Daiquiris and Daggers
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Faery Bargains #2.5
In: Hex on the Beach (Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost & Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This novella was a fantastic introduction to a new Melissa Marr series, for me at least. I mean, it does take place a little bit into the series, but still. It was the first one I read from Faery Bargains, and I freaking loved it. Now I can’t wait to see more of just how Gen found the amazing group of people she surrounds herself with. And how she manages her powers. And just, generally is so damn badass.

Although the “girl’s weekend” in this story didn’t quite go according to plan, it definitely seemed like a whole lot of fun. Definitely the kind of girl’s weekend that my mind wants to go on. I’m not so sure about the body because I’d honestly probably end up dead. But still, it was definitely an amazing, fun and silly kind of weekend. One that seems to have further cemented some of the relationships in this series.

I love how this novella is a complete story in and of itself. You can be like me and not have read any of the other books in this series (yet). But, you can also tell that it builds upon plot lines in the rest of the series. Then, there’s the brilliant fact that even though all of your questions are answered, and it’s tied up quite neatly. But, there are still so many open-ended moments that make you want to dive into the other stories in this series…

This novella was freaking fantastic and I’m absolutely in love with Gen and her girlfriends. Particularly Allie, I know from this that at some point she’s tried to actually kill Gen. But, there is something about her that is full on and intense. And just so damn fun that you can’t help but love her.

<- The Kiss & the KillerChampagne & Commitments ->

Image source: Booktopia

Blood Martinis and Mistletoe by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Blood Martinis & Mistletoe
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Faery Bargains #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace:Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This is a fantastic novella that bridges some of the important story points between The Wicked and The Dead and The Kiss and The Killer. It kind of stands as a story all on its own, but mostly gives a bit of closure to a few questions that are presented at the end of The Wicked and The Dead. Which perfectly opens up the next book in this series, which I can’t wait to sink my literary teeth into.

I love that this is a novella in which Gen is mostly just trying to figure out how to negotiate all of the changes in her life. She has a fiancé, friends who always knew her secret, and some serious increases in her powers. Just one of those things would require a whole lot of adjustment…all three? Yeah, a whole lot of figuring things out. I like that although Gen is obviously still trying to figure some things out, she’s starting to come to terms with her life.

Eli is, honestly, total finance goals. He loves Gen for who she is, and just tries to be supportive. And also stop her from killing herself or getting killed. Throughout all of this, he is constantly working on trying to make Gen understand that he just wants her, not the idea of what she could be. And that he does truly support her in her chosen career.

Beatrice also plays a big part in this story. Her presence in the story leaves a lot of unanswered questions, but it also starts to supply some answers to just how powerful, Gen is going to become. I also just genuinely like Beatrice, she is protective and kind of terrifying. But definitely loves and cares for her own.

<- The Wicked and the DeadThe Kiss and the Killer ->

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The Wicked and the Dead by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Wicked and the Dead
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Faery Bargains #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

It did take me a little while to get into this novel. More so because there is a lot of background information that needs to be shown before you can really get into all of the battles that Gen is facing. And, sometimes, that can be a bit to wade through. However, once you get all of the bits and pieces of the backstory sorted in your head – it’s a freaking amazing novel. I think about three chapters in, I got to the point (and quickly) that I just didn’t want to put this book down. A seriously amazing story, and I can’t wait to keep going further down the rabbit hole that is this series.

I love that Gen is a half witch, half vampire-ish creature. The mix itself lends to different challenges, but the fact that there are so many things that Gen herself doesn’t know? It’s a fun journey of self-discovery to embark on with her. Plus, she’s literally a half-dead being whose power comes from nature, life and the living (or at least the witch half). And she has blue hair, which for some reason I absolutely love (maybe a bit of a reflection on the days when I had blue hair and the type of care free times that reminds me of). I can’t wait to see how much her powers grow in the future books.

Sometimes I want to read a series that has no love interest, or introduces one quite late to the party. I enjoyed that Eli was obviously the love interest from the very first moment. Plus, he is a really great match, just content to work with Gen and wait for her. He’s a great partner – patient and loyal, and in love with who Gen is, not who she could be. Although, that isn’t to say that he isn’t just as powerful and intimidating as Gen – he’s fae. And he plays all of the fae games and makes the bargains that you would anticipate. Luckily they are often (in a roundabout way) to the benefit of Gen.

Finally, as part of the supporting cast, there are Gen’s friends. They are the actual best tribe I’ve read about in a while. They all know about her fucked up lineage – and just accept her. Gen is a little ignorant of just how truly wonderful and loyal her friends are, but it’s still a fun little journey. And the times that they indicate their discomfort with her chosen career… it’s because they care about her. And, well, basically aren’t keen on Gen dying… which I feel like is going to be a close call multiple times throughout this series.

<- More Melissa MarrBlood Martinis and Mistletoe ->

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 ->

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Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go by Caitlin Kittredge

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Down in the Dark Where the Dead Men Go
Author: Caitlin Kittredge
Series: Black London #1.5
In: Huntress (Christine Warren, Marjorie M. Liu, Caitlin Kittredge & Jenna Maclaine)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2009

Thoughts

Although this is a novella length tale, it’s kind of structured like a short story. I mean, there is one chapter and it’s definitely slightly shorter than the other novellas in the Huntress collection. It was, a lot of fun to read. A good, slightly dark and fun story.

I must admit, Jack is an absolute idiot. I mean, he knows that the woman coming onto him is no good. And yet, he still decides to mess around with her. Which just leads to his entrapment. I mean, honestly mate. It was more than a little ridiculous and see-through of her motivations. Serious fool.

There are two potential romantic interests in this story. And I’m really annoyed that the one who was actually kind and good ended up being consumed. I think it was consumed, I’m not even 100% on that to be honest. Then, the manipulative, horrible woman gets to ride off, happily into the sunset. Not quite the ending that I wanted.

I really enjoyed this, as I’ve enjoyed all of the stories by Kittredge. Fun and dark. Just how I sometimes like my tales of magic and mayhem.

<- The Robber BrideSin Slayer ->

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