Tag Archives: Urban Fantasy

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

Doggone Mess by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Doggone Mess
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #20
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

Thoughts

As with all of the other Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) books that I’ve read, I got into this right away. It was funny, it was quirky and it was light-hearted enough that I got to smile quite a bit. Yet, as I’m really starting to discover with Blain’s work, there was that serious undertone and message throughout which still left me thinking once I’d finished enjoying all of the fun. I also really like that this is very obviously building towards something – there is a conclusion to this series in the works, and Doggone Mess feels like some of the threads are now all coming together to build towards this.

The way in which Joyce is attacked and turned into a shifter is pretty sad and brutal, possibly one of the more brutal turnings / attacks of this series so far. Yet, I love how, instead of curling up into a ball and hiding from reality. Or feeling like a victim, she uses this brutality as the fuel to get out there and make the world a better place for everyone else. She is an absolute powerhouse of a woman, and I really loved reading about a character that takes the worst of circumstances and turning it towards, well, violence. But it was violence in a good way – against those predators that would continue to perpetuate the cycle of abuse for other women and innocents.

I’m always a pretty big fan of books in which the male part of the duo is the quieter of the two. Wayne most definitely fits this bill – and I adored him all that much more for how he continuously keeps trying to support and help Joyce. At first with moving her into a new home, and then when he realises the depth and breadth of her issues, he starts to move heaven and hell (kind of literally) to make her feel better / supported. Even their mating isn’t what I expected it to be – all because of the supportive nature of this fairly cute relationship.

There are a number of surprise cameos throughout this story – I particularly liked getting to see Emma the Swan again. Her willingness to stab people with her beak and just be a total menace to everyone made me smile. I love the idea of a swan shifter, and that they are not the kind, cartoonish swans, but the real assholes that true swans are. Plus, with all of the activity and action in this story, there are a number of loose threads that begin to get tied up, Emma just being one of them.

I seriously loved everything about this book. It was the typica fun, enjoyable R.J. Blain book that I’ve come to expect from her writing. And I seriously enjoyed that to tie everything up, the epilogue tells the tale of Joyce’s run at Fort Knox with her daughter. Aside from being a fun heist, it’s also a reminder that this world is one filled with change, and the biggest changes feel like they are just on the horizon.

<- Plaidypus101 Ways to Die ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble

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

Sacred Evil by Heather Graham

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Sacred Evil
Author: Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2011

Thoughts

I really struggled to put this story down. I mean, it’s a tale of madness, mayhem and murder. All supported by the many theories of Jack the Ripper and his potential move to New York after his big final act. And, in true Jack the Ripper form, this is so filled with nope factor that I rushed to the end of the story. I mean, if you’re going to have a romantic suspense with connections to Jack the Ripper, it needs to be a seriously uncomfortable story.

I’ve read a few different Jack the Ripper theories, and I always want to dive more into that hellhole of theories. I mean, I completely understand why there is so much fascination around the psychopath, and I loved reading a Krewe of Hunters book which featured this. I love that looking into the history of this notorious serial killer informed the hunt for the present one. It’s obvious that Graham did her research to write this story. Which just makes it read all that much better, and so, so much harder to put down.

There wasn’t a huge amount of build up to Whitney and Jude’s love story, but I really enjoyed that they also weren’t instalove. There was a little build up to their relationship, enough that I was excited for them to get together. But not so much or little that I got frustrated with the whole situation. In fact, I love that it takes most of their case for them to build up to sexual intimacy, even as they both notice that they have feelings for one another.

I love the mixture of paranormal and intellectual crime solving. There is an element of truth throughout the story. But the presence and acceptance of ghosts leads the team to unlocking the secrets of the past. I guessed what was likely to be the culprit and final burial place of the past. But, I didn’t actually guess who the villains in the present were. Which was really fun. I normally manage to at least have an inkling of the guilty party, and this time I didn’t. Which is why I can’t wait to dive into more of the Krewe of Hunters novels!

<- Heart of EvilThe Evil Inside ->

Image source: The Big Thrill

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 ->

Image source: Pinterest

Half-Off Ragnarok by Seanan McGuire

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Half-Off Ragnarok
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

After the first two books in the InCryptid series, it’s interesting to move onto the next Price sibling. Verity has the beginnings of her happily ever after. And now it’s Alex’s turn to start finding his. I love the way he finds Shelby and the way that they start to partner up. I love it even more that she’s Australian. And that Alex is obsessed with reptile cryptids. Plus, there’s the fantastic continuation of Sarah’s story and how she copes after the fall out in Midnight Blue-Light Special. Honestly, everything about this is absolutely loveable and unforgettable. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next in this series (I just have to figure out how as they are not published in Australia).

Gorgons have been mentioned in the first two InCryptid books, but it was fun to get to know this society a little bit more. I love that there are so many secrets within this story – secret enclaves, secret locations and secret sons. Plus, Half-off Ragnarok is all about the different cryptids who are able to petrify their victims. I love that this goes far beyond the gorgons and their different subspecies. Plus, there’s the whole idea that the different petrification cryptids are able to live harmoniously together, and not necessarily petrify each other. Everything slotted in nicely to build this story and conspiracy. I absolutely could not put this down. Partly because of the storyline, but also because I really want to find out more about the different petrification-able beings.

Sarah’s fate after Midnight Blue-Light Special was a bit of a mystery, so it was lovely to find out how she is starting to recover and cope. She’s a bit terrifying if I’m being honest, but her plight and struggles made me want to reach through the pages of the book and give her a big hug. Then, there’s the way that this story lets you get to know the Baker grandparents. There’s the cuckoo and the revenant who have adopted all of their children. I absolutely adored getting to know this incredibly unique branch of the Price family. I mean, all of the branches are unique, but I did love the dynamic of a cuckoo and a revenant being in love and raising children.

Shelby’s presence in this book might have been one of my favourite things. At the beginning, she seems to be just what you would expect from a visiting Aussie zookeeper. But then, she fits right into Alex’s world. I love how the Price/Baker clan eventually welcome her into the fold. Even though their meetings and relationship don’t start off the best or most healthy. It was fun and entertaining. All of the sass and potential violence throughout this had me turning the pages with gusto and intrigue.

<- White as a Raven’s WingThe Ghosts of Bourbon Street ->

Image source: Seanan McGuire

Heart of Evil by Heather Graham

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Heart of Evil
Author: Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2011

Thoughts

Ashley and Jake had a really enjoyable second chance romance. One that was filled with forgiveness and moving forwards. But also the mystery of murder and mayhem. Although Jake and Ashley’s relationship as the backbone of this story, it was all the rest of it that had me intrigued and continuously going back for more. I didn’t mind Phantom Evil, but I really got into the groove with Heart of Evil.

I’m Australian, so I’ve never really understood the whole drive behind Civil War Reenactments. Or really, the re-enactments of any war. And after reading a book that heavily featured this, I’m still not really interested in them. However, I did love the idea of Civil War, reenactments and the ancestors of those who fought together as the backdrop of the story. Then, there’s the fact that the paranormal spectres and ghosts further the drama and nonsense of the evil. Yet, at its core, this story is still about the true evils which people can fall to.

I always love a good, believable villain. And the villain in Heart of Evil was most definitely believable. Basically he was an entitled knob and acted in a way that made me want to scream get your head out of your butt multiple times. But, again, that’s what made this story entirely believable and kind of painful to read in some ways. I mean, we all know a man that is supremely entitled and doesn’t quite understand that just because he wants, doesn’t mean he actually gets. Even though I had an inkling of who the villain was going to be, I didn’t actually guess it. It’s always nice to be surprised in a romantic suspense.

Even if I didn’t entirely dive into Phantom Evil, I couldn’t put down Heart of Evil. There was something about it that was entirely unforgettable, and I was constantly driven forwards by wondering just what was going to happen next. Where I was a bit meh about the next book in the Krewe of Hunters series to begin with, I’m now hanging to dive into Sacred Evil and continue on this amazing journey!

<- Phantom EvilSacred Evil ->

Image source: Indigo