Tag Archives: Urban Fantasy

Miss Congeniality ReRead by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Miss Congeniality ReRead
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #0.5
In: When He Was Bad (Shelly Laurenston & Cynthia Eden)
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: 2012

Thoughts

Irene Conridge is insane, aggressive and I am madly in love with her. She is brutal in a way that I wish I could be, but, you know, I don’t actually want to be quite that isolated. I loved her novella the first time I read it, and if anything, I loved it even more the second time round. Particularly as I can recognise when she shows up more in the rest of Laurenston’s shapeshifting world and series. It’s fun to see how she is pulled into the Pride world with the knowledge of how she is going to shape the future of it all.

I love how Van Holtz chooses to just kind of… follow Irene around like a lost puppy for seven years before he finally decides to make his move. Although, admittedly, he was kind of pushed a little into making a move into their relationship. He’s such a gorgeous and sweet man, and I love how, once he decides to be fixated on one woman, he just calmly pursues her and irritates the absolute dickens out of her with his puppy dog nonsense.

Irene has this insane ability to completely bring the world to its knees. Not just through her scientific talents and ability to literally destroy the world. But, she also has this innate ability to destroy people’s self confidence and feelings of worth. I found this far more fun and hilarious than I probably should have. And honestly, I kind of love that this is a talent, don’t get me wrong, I also appreciate that Irene has the self control and just enough of a conscience to not destroy and everyone and everything, but I kind of love that she is able to.

Now that I’ve read all of the published books in Laurenston’s Shifter World, I have so much more appreciation for how this leads into the greater stories. I particularly loved how the epilogue lead into Go Fetch! and the beginnings of Toni’s life from Wolf with Benefits are highlighted. But honestly, it was Irene’s engagements with Miki and her children in the epilogue that I loved the most.

<- Here Kitty, Kitty!Like a Wolf with a Bone ReRead ->

Image source: Fiction DB

In a Badger Way ReRead by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: In a Badger Way ReRead
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Honey Badger Chronicles #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: 2019

Thoughts

Shen and Stevie are an absolutely adorable couple that had me smiling and laughing throughout their entire story. And, honestly, even with this being my second (maybe third) read through of this book, I still loved it just as much as the first time. It was adorable, funny and filled with violence. Definitely the kind of story that I will continue to reread again and again and again. Plus, Stevie is absolutely insane, and Shen just… rolls with the crazy that she brings into his life. A fantastic couple that I want to keep diving into in the future.

For me, In a Badger Way is all about Stevie learning to love every aspect of herself. I mean, the girl oozes self confidence, but when you get to her story, you realise that she’s actually wracked with insecurities. Mostly because she’s fearful of all the many, many different ways in which she can annihilate the world. And terrify others, and just how horrible that must feel. I love that her insecurities are based on her compassion for others. But, I love even more that she finally figures out how to accept herself for all of her insanity. And chaos, and just love her whole terrifying being.

Alongside the insanity of the honey badgers, I have seriously enjoyed diving back into Laurenston’s shapeshifter romances. They are just hilarious and a whole lot of fun. I particularly have the image of them just grabbing the soccer ball in games and… rolling around with them. I’ve seen pandas do this on the many videos I’ve watched, so the idea of shapeshifter pandas doing such a thing? Adorable and all around hilarious. Plus, then there’s the systematic destruction of everyone’s comfort zone when Shen chooses to just… chew on bamboo. I also love that where everyone else finds Shen’s chewing off-putting, the consistency of the noise is actually calming for Shen.

Through all of the insanity that is the MacKilligan Sisters, I love that Shen just… rolls with all of the crazy. I mean, he does kind of loose his cool when Stevie just repeatedly tells him that she’s decided that he’s her boyfriend. And, ultimately that they love each other. I mean, she’s not wrong, but Shen’s confusion at her decision making process just makes everything about this story that much more hilarious and enjoyable. Ultimately, I just love the MacKilligan sisters and will continue rereading their stories again and again. Just because it entertains me like no tomorrow.

<- Hot and Badgered ReReadBadger to the Bone ReRead ->

Image source: Booktopia

Hot and Badgered ReRead by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hot and Badgered ReRead
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Honey Badger Chronicles #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: 2018

Thoughts

Even though this is my second read through, Hot and Badgered is just as brilliant, fun, hilarious and impossible to put down as the first time. There’s a reason why Hot and Badgered got my completely hooked on Laurenston and her brilliant approach to paranormal romances. I may have enjoyed this ridiculously on my first read, but now that I’ve also read the Pride series, I have so much more appreciation for the different cameos throughout and how Laurenston has been able to build such a fun and engaging world to dive into. It was fun before, but now it is even better!!!

The MacKilligan sister might all be certifiably insane, but I love the love and care that Charlie shows her somewhat out of control siblings. Charlie might be the matriarch of their little band, but she’s also longing for love and a place to call home. I love that she’s learnt a thousand ways to protect her siblings, and yet, at the core of her behaviours, it’s all about creating home, family and a safe space. The constant stress baking, the dogs and the willingness to set down roots with someone she truly cares about are all drives that I recognise. It’s always enjoyable to connect to a character in the most random of ways – and Charlie’s willingness to put her family first whilst stress baking is ridiculously recognisable.

On rereading this and remembering how much I love this story, there is something that I’m somewhat concerned about – the series and books that I’m obsessing over at the moment tend to be romances. With a whole lot of violence. And killing. And blood. I’m not sure how concerned I should be about this latest obsession. Some of the murder and violence is caused by Charlie, but, enjoyably, she mostly spends this story finishing the violence. The fact that it’s done in a really matter of fact, no dramas fashion just added to my enjoyment and entertainment. But seriously, so much violence.

There are some series that you just reread almost yearly… they are a pleasant diversion from real life and layered enough that you find something new with each read through. There’s a reason that Hot and Badgered is quickly making it onto that list… it is fun and light in some ways. But there is enough drama and angst that I just didn’t want to put it down. Plus, then there’s the many different threads throughout which link to other stories in the Laurenston universe. Now I can’t wait to dive into Max’s story again in In a Badger Way.

<- Bite Me ReReadIn a Badger Way ReRead ->

Image source: Fresh Fiction

101 Ways to Die by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: 101 Ways to Die
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #21)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Whilst I really enjoyed 101 Ways to Die, I did find the ending just a little bit abrupt. Without the extra addition of the final four chapters / stories at the end of this story. They helped to ease some of the abrupt feeling that I had and make it easier to close the page on this romance. Plus, it gave me more insight into McMarin’s family. And I absolutely loved them – they are chaotic, fun and intense. Everything that I enjoy in a good literary family – full of love and complete insanity.

Josefina McMarin is a great cop, and I love how seamlessly she fits into the insanity that is the Quinns and their precinct. The fact that she’s transferred out from a sexist, racist idiot just made this story even better. Plus, I love revisiting anything with Bailey and Quinn – they are hilarious enough as a couple, but as bosses? They are so much funnier. And McMarin just manages to ride out the storm of insanity with joy, and just enough pushback to make it hilarious. The fact that she makes her team work better as she learns how to be a great detective just made me all that much happier to be enjoying her story.

Where Josefina is an absolute powerhouse of a woman, Alec is so incredibly passive. He is cursed to witness death again and again, and yet, he manages to deal with it. Plus, he is so calm with all of the nonsense thrown at him. He doesn’t pushback against everything like Josefina does, but rather, figures out how to go with the flow and make peace with his circumstances. I particularly loved that, even though his curse isn’t “cured” within this story, he actually finds a way to live with it and, if anything, take advantage of it to make the world a better place for others.

Whilst I predicted some of what this story was going to involve, the journey to get to those moments was still amazing. And, there were a whole lot of twists and turns that I did not expect. But I really enjoyed them. I think if the final four chapters / stories were incorporated into the actual story, I probably would’ve loved this even more. Having said that, I will most definitely reread it anyway.

<- Doggone MessWhiskers on Kittens ->

Image source: Amazon

Stolen ReRead by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Stolen ReRead
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Otherworld #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2002

Thoughts

It’s been a long while since I’ve read the Otherworld series, and I quite honestly forgot how dark this whole series is. Not only does Elena get kidnapped to be tested upon, but she also gets tortured. And then, because it’s Elena, it ends up in some very seriously twisted violence. There’s a reason why I love this series so much, but yeah, I’ve been on a major contemporary romance kick for a while now, and it’s definitely a whole lot darker than a lot of the books that I’ve been reading lately.

Where Bitten was all about the world of werewolves and Elena finding her way back to the world that she has tried to leave behind, Stolen opens up the whole world of the paranormal. This isn’t a series that is just about the werewolves anymore, but it is about a whole slew of paranormal couples. All of whom are dark and twisty in their own rights and have their own battles to fight. Plus, and I know this as it’s a reread, Savannah’s importance and story really starts in Stolen. I love that this was a second story about Elena and gives her the centre stage. But it is also a great start to Piper’s story which really kicks off in Dime Store Magic.

In Bitten, Elena chooses to return to the paranormal world and finally embrace some of her more violent and rougher edges. I love that in Stolen, she’s fully embracing this aspect of herself and her relationship with Clay. They are definitely not the traditional couple, and it’s not a relationship that would ever help me to thrive. But reading about how two imperfect beings manage to make all of their history and nonsense fit is a whole lot of fun. I also love that Elena’s acceptance of herself also means acceptance of her love for Clay. It’s a great reminder that she is steadily growing into her strength, place and powers.

Stolen is all about “othering” the paranormal community. It uses the idea of being “other” as a justification to kidnap, torture and kill some of the poor victims throughout this story. I love that this is all about witches versus warlocks. The power structures within the paranormal community and how each type of paranormal has a different level of “badassery”. A great story filled with the darkness and violence that I really love this series for. And now I can’t wait to dive back into Dime Store Magic again and see what I pick up on this read through.

<- Bitten ReReadDime Store Magic ReRead ->

Image source: Hachette

Magic Burns ReRead by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Magic Burns ReRead
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #2
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: 2008

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I read through Magic Burns, or really, any of the Kate Daniels series, I absolutely love it. There’s a reason why it’s my favourite series and I love to reread it again and again and again. Ilona Andrews is able to brilliantly craft a world that is impossible to get away from. It doesn’t matter how many times I read this series, I absolutely love it. And although I enjoyed Magic Bites, it’s in Magic Burns that I feel like the Kate Daniels series really starts to find its pace.

The many different mythologies that inform the world of Kate Daniels draw me in beautifully. In Magic Burns, it’s the Celtic gods that take the fore front of the story. I love the tales of the Morrighan, from the little bits that I know. And I love that it is her hound and her mythos that takes centre stage. The variety of well-researched mythologies in this series is brilliant. It’s reminded me how much I love the Celtic folklore and I want to dive into my own research again. The focus on war, through the Morrighan, and how Kate deals with it is brilliant. She doesn’t glorify war and wants to stay away from the fight, but is willing to engage to protect those she cares about.

Magic Burns also introduces Kate’s relationship with Julie. This is such a cornerstone for the series in that Kate takes on a parental role. It’s the first step in Kate growing up and taking on the world for those that she loves. And honestly, Julie is the first emotional connection that Kate willingly makes. I loved reading about the beginnings of this connection with the knowledge of what actually happens in the future. How this beautiful relationship manages to open the flood gates to so much more.

Kate’s secrets come a whole lot closer to coming out during Magic Burns. It’s been a while since I’ve read this series, so I can’t remember when the actual facts start to leak out. Though, I love that Curran has obviously started to guess bits and pieces of her enigmas. And, rather than making him feel that she is a threat, he actually chooses to start his courtship of her. I find this to be truly hilarious and, again, I can’t wait to reread this series with the knowledge of how things will eventually unfold.

<- Magic Bites ReReadMagic Strikes ReRead ->

Image source: Shakespeare and Company

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

Karma Girl by Jennifer Estep

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Karma Girl
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Bigtime #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Superheroes, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2007

Thoughts

I only have a few superhero books on my shelves, and reading this, it reminded me why I really need more. I might not be hugely into comic books and graphic novels, but I do love the idea of superheroes and all of the nonsense that is tied into having a secret identity, archenemy, so on and so forth. The fact that Estep takes all of these cliches and turns it into a series and a hilarious little romance, just made me love this all that much more. And want more of the superhero stories. I love that this is literally a series which is based on a town just rife with the cliches of superhero stories, and it fully embraces the absolute nonsense.

Carmen is a wonderfully powerful and independent woman. I love that her journey to this whole nonsense starts with unmasking superheroes and villains. Primarily because on her wedding day, she is cheated on and ends up outing her ex-fiancé as a superhero. There’s nothing like a woman scorned to drive revenge and a willingness to expose people for their lies. Whilst her decisions may be somewhat misaligned with reality, I love how she starts on her journey and the strength of conviction that she has. Yet, when her actions impact others, she takes full responsibility and chooses to work to improve on the mistakes of the past. Throughout all of her journey, karma is definitely the key theme to her thoughts and actions. Even in her misplaced moments, it’s all about karma and owning up to the consequences of one’s actions.

As an underlying theme, karma is a great one. Every action has a consequence and Carmen embodies this beautifully. The fact that this leads to her development of powers and the way in which “karma” expresses itself through her is brilliant. I also loved how intertwined all of their lives are – in and out of their superhero get up. It meant that I spent the whole time guessing who was the superhero, who was the supervillain, and even how they got their powers. Adding into the drama and the romance, it made this almost impossible to put down. I think I actually read it cover to cover, it was just that good!

Amongst all of the superhero action and drama, Karma Girl was a great romance. Not only does Carmen find her second chance at love, but it’s also all twisted up and tainted with the guilt and actions of the past. Feelings of self-worth come into it all and it takes a little while for the couple to find their happily ever after. Just enough angst to match all of the superhero drama and definitely make this one of my favourite books to read recently!

<- More Jennifer EstepHot Mama ->

Image source: Jennifer Estep