A nicely written fantasy romance with a touch of the paranormal with gryphens and unruly magic. Constance Lopez writes a lovely romance, a touch of beA nicely written fantasy romance with a touch of the paranormal with gryphens and unruly magic. Constance Lopez writes a lovely romance, a touch of beauty and the beast, friends to (brief enemies) to lovers.
Emana has little control over her life, married off for some treaty to a controlling despot, only to be widowed, kidnapped by her oldest friend, and summarily married because he needs her magic. Not the best way to start a life together.
An excellent story with plenty of emotion, no spice, and an underlying mystery to be solved.
Daenn is suitably dark and brooding, Emana the one with the strength to wade though the mire and contradictions to find the light at the end of the tunnel. A nice twist on the magic, and peeling back all the layers of emotions keeps you reading....more
It's quite nice to read a book set in a location not far from where you live. Though I'm not sure I'd want vampires that close by!
May Day is set in OxIt's quite nice to read a book set in a location not far from where you live. Though I'm not sure I'd want vampires that close by!
May Day is set in Oxford, England and every May Day, the local university students come up with crazy pranks. But this May Day there is a murder, and it's not what you would call 'normal'.
Enter Jack, a rather prejudiced seeker who believes she knows who the culprit is, or rather she knows who she wants the culprit to be and she's determined to prove she's right. Then another murder occurs and she realises she's mistaken. Now the hunt is on for real killers.
As a vampire detective, Jack has to work with her nemesis to solve the mystery and find the murderer, if only he wasn't so distracting!
Well paced, great characters, and if Jack could get out of her own way, no doubt she would be an excellent detective! If you love vampires and love/hate relationships, then this is the novel for you....more
A spin off from Cassidy's succesful Dead Serious series, and I think you need to read at least the fourth book of that series before this one, as the A spin off from Cassidy's succesful Dead Serious series, and I think you need to read at least the fourth book of that series before this one, as the author does assume you know who Ellis and the ghosts are to begin with.
Ellis is an adorable, multi-tasking ray of sunshine, who has adopted alll the ghosts in the hotel as part of his family. Morgan is a grumpy workaholic trying to prove himself, and they are a perfect match. It is lovely to see Morgan relax into he is supposed to be.
I did think this book felt a bit rushed. There could have been a lot more made of the hotel inspector and the shenanigans of the ghosts, and the troubles it could have caused Ellis and Morgan, throwing them together to resolve it, and I think that was a missed opportunity.
Cassidy's characters are always well developed and lovable. I'm still waiting for the the next Belong to Me book!...more
A brilliant offshoot to the Imogen Gray series. Here we meet Sandy, a young woman who has been repressed by her religious mother and abused by her selA brilliant offshoot to the Imogen Gray series. Here we meet Sandy, a young woman who has been repressed by her religious mother and abused by her selfish husband to the point that she collapses, has a miscarriage, and in a moment of fury, eats the banana containing a vengeance demon. Don't worry, the prelude explains how the demon got in the banana!
I smiled and chuckled my way through this book, even though a vengeful demon is eating all the bad people, this is so well written that you see the funny side and can't help chuckling.
No longer repressed, Sandy becomes the bad ass woman she's always supposed to be, and with her friends by her side starts to live her life again, even if her eyes are newly opened to the supernatural world around her.
The demon is wonderfully feminist, out to get justice for all abused women, and the sexy detective, Sinclair, just leaps off the page. So many opportunites for mayhem and mishap.
From the first meeting, a bloody salvation coated in soft words, Constanta has been in turn enthralled and deceived by her husband. It has taken centuFrom the first meeting, a bloody salvation coated in soft words, Constanta has been in turn enthralled and deceived by her husband. It has taken centuries for her to find a way to escape and it the end the actions she takes is to save others.
This book is written more like a diary or journal, no chapters as such but an explanation of what Constanta did and why, rather than a fictional tale, and you will be drawn in by the prose, the feisty Constanta herself, and the history as they travel through the centuries.
I loved the way her husband was never named but he was always 'you' and the you was always coated in an unspoken fear. A steel fist hidden within soft spoken words and feigned sweetness.
A quick, easy read, the pages melt away as the characters leap of the page and drag you in to their lush and extravagant blood-coated world....more
A very different twist on a cosy mystery, with a desperate witch taking over the body of an amateur sleuth in a story book, trying to escape from someA very different twist on a cosy mystery, with a desperate witch taking over the body of an amateur sleuth in a story book, trying to escape from some mysterious monster. The witch becomes Emily Crookshanks, and her attempt to solve the murder in Little Pucklewick seems to protect her from whatever is chasing her.
And so we spend a couple of days in the 1920's English countryside trying to figure out who had the motive to kill a growing number of people. The mix of the witch and Emily gives us a rather abrasive woman who tramples over everyone in the village, and we don't really get to know either one of them. I must admit I didn't warm to Emily, nor her sidekick, Ceddars. I know it's the 1920's, and women had their place and so had to be that bit more beligerent, but the repeated colloquialism's did get annoying. The after-effects of the Great War are well done, village life expertly captured, along with the local busy bodies.
There are plenty of clues, possibilities and suspects to keep you scratching your head until the final denouement, Poirot-style. If you love the 1920 era, English village life and cosy mysteries, then you'll enjoy this book....more
An intriguing murder mystery with a hint of the supernatural.
Marnie is psychic, a clairvoyant, who uses her skills to help counsel others with practicAn intriguing murder mystery with a hint of the supernatural.
Marnie is psychic, a clairvoyant, who uses her skills to help counsel others with practical, sensible advice, instead of selling cheap theatrics that do more harm than good. She buts heads with the local collective who threaten her for disrupting thier livelihood.
But Marnie doesn't care, until she discovers a dead body in her shed, and her life suddenly implodes as she becomes, witness, suspect and possible enxt victim in short successsion.
Assissted by her friend, who defected to the collective, the hostile detective assigend her case, and her dog, Marnie tries to discover who is really behind the murders, and what they have to do with her.
Mitchell introduces are to some great characters, each with their own ghosts to defeat. A slow burn kindling of a possible romance, more distain to interested tolerance, but they are working on it amongst all the murders cluttering their town, and a wicked twist at the end to keep you hooked.
An easy read. Looking forward to picking up the second book in the series....more
I was fortunate enough to get an eARC of case number 4, and it didn't disappoint. In fact in might be my favourite so far with the more sensitive sideI was fortunate enough to get an eARC of case number 4, and it didn't disappoint. In fact in might be my favourite so far with the more sensitive side of Danny and Tristan's relationship coming to light.
Danny and Tristan are an adorable couple and in this case we get to see how wonderfully suited they are. From Tristan supporting Danny through reuniting with his family to Danny's nervous attempts, all hilariously interrupted by ghosts, murder and mayhem, to ask Tristan to marry him. Dusty's attempts to celebrate are hilarious and of course, perfectly ill-timed. Just brilliant!
Combine that with a haunted house full of out of control ghosts, and a murder mystery weekend, you should get ready for a bucket load of trouble interspersed with swoony romantic moments.
Thoroughly recommend this series. All the characters are so well rounded, beautifully described and fit perfectly in their place. If you love steamy MM paranormal romance, then this is the series for you!...more
The Mid Witch is a gentle tale of a woman grappling with mid life changes as well as coming to terms with being a witch. Bowman-Smith creates a likeabThe Mid Witch is a gentle tale of a woman grappling with mid life changes as well as coming to terms with being a witch. Bowman-Smith creates a likeable heroine that we can all relate to. Her gradual realisation of what she wants in life, instead of what her over-bearing bully of a husband wants, is all supported by the growing understanding that she descends from a line of witches.
The story is well written, the characters well-rounded. Lily's familiars are adorable, especailly Ink, and North Star Cottage is just as much a character of the novel. Beautifully described, and I want to live there!
The plot was a little predictable, and there were a few loose ends for me. Without trying to give spoilers; Grant's behaviour was never fully explained. If she was to beware certain people, I don't understand why she tamely submitted to the coven, whom I think were the same people, nor how the coven didn't punish the right person once the truth sayer had spoken. And the ending was disappointing with no clear cut resolution.
That being said, it was easy to read, and Lily is a worthy heroine. It's nice to have an older heroine, with typical midlife issues to face....more
Another excellent tale in the Crawshank Guide to the Recently Departed series. Tristan is suffering with a cold of epic proportions, brilliantly descrAnother excellent tale in the Crawshank Guide to the Recently Departed series. Tristan is suffering with a cold of epic proportions, brilliantly described by Williams, and he keeps getting interrupted by a parade of visitors when all he want is some alone time with his boyfriend.
In this episode, Death himself makes an appearance and ruffles a few feathers along with calmly announcing the end of the world if Tristan doesn't get his act together. Make sure you have a box of tissues ready, because this investigation is going to tug at the heart strings.
Beautifully written as always with a touch of humour here and there to alleviate the emotional rollercoaster. Danny and Tristan are perfect and their motley crew of friends and ghosts continues to grow. Dusty and Chan are lovely characters with hearts of gold and a pithy view of life, contributing to many amusing moments.
A very enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading the next case....more
A beautifuly written new series starter from Julie Embleton about a gifted witch, Ava, who wields her family's heirloom, a powerful amulet that everyoA beautifuly written new series starter from Julie Embleton about a gifted witch, Ava, who wields her family's heirloom, a powerful amulet that everyone wants. Every eclipse, all magical creatures are out to get it for themselves. This eclipse though, Ava meets her match in the charismatic vampire, Enzo.
Embleton knows how to draw out a slow burn romance and develop likeable characters in the process. Ava is an independent, feisty witch. Enzo is a powerful, enigmatic vampire. Neither species typically trusts the other, but the vampire needs the witch's help and won't take no for an answer. Once Ava realises what is happening in their small town, she is determined to help him. Trust though is slow to grow and Ava and Enzo's snarky repartee is wonderful to read.
Woven thoughout the tale is Embleton's love of tarot cards, and how Ava reads them helps drive the story to its exciting climax and that ending! Just when you think all is going so well Embleton hits us with that unpredicatable and tantalising ending. We now have to wait for book two to find out more!...more
I enjoyed A Wolf so Grim and Mangy so much, I hotfooted off to get the second book, A Song of Mange and Poison, which just released.
Another wonderfulI enjoyed A Wolf so Grim and Mangy so much, I hotfooted off to get the second book, A Song of Mange and Poison, which just released.
Another wonderful tale, with many astute observations on how life continues after the fairytale ending. I love Noe's pithy view on life!
Edi is living her happy ever after with her mangy wolf, but sheer bliss doesn't last for long, as the relatives from down south come to visit. Things go from bad to worse in an extraordinarily short time, and the happily mixed pack of wolves, bears, snakes, an eagle and one human is struggling to remain intact.
The pups, cubs and snakelets are so sweet and always causing trouble. You can see why Edi loves them all.
Once again, briliantly written. Love the cover design. We delve a little deeper into some of our favourite characters, meet some new terrors and, of course, laugh our way through this wonderful book. Great entertainment, read it in one sitting and chuckled away to myself. Do yourself a favour and go start this series. Now we have to wait for book 3!...more
If you love flawless writing, engaging characters, and a gritty paranormal murder mystery, then Night Orchid is the book for you.
Jo and Julian are endIf you love flawless writing, engaging characters, and a gritty paranormal murder mystery, then Night Orchid is the book for you.
Jo and Julian are endearing characters with a lot of depth, trying to survive those angst ridden teen years and manage the turmoil surrounding them as a school friend goes missing. The missing girl's spirit finds Jo, and she realises Alexa has been murdered. But how to tell anyone without them accusing her of being crazy and locking her up again.
The journey back to friendship and maybe more between Jo and Julian is so well written, especially the anger and the sense of missed opportunities from their failed friendship. Jo's home life is truly horrific, and Hernandez writes sympathetically about the mental issues caused by child abuse.
A gripping murder mystery, with gritty topics, that will keep you turning the pages as you cheer Jo and Julian on as they try to find Alexa's killer before someone else dies....more
A different take on the shifter world, with the focus being on Sirens and Crocodile shifters which makes a nice change. Thess is a siren, sheltered anA different take on the shifter world, with the focus being on Sirens and Crocodile shifters which makes a nice change. Thess is a siren, sheltered and a bit naive, she's been protected in her village and prepared for her destiny of winning the Tournament and retaining the leadership of her clan.
Kage is crocodile shifter, trying to win back his family's honour and lands. He believes he is doing the right thing to protect his family, and yet he is prepared to threaten another's loved one.
We are only seeing a glimpse of this new world, but what we do see is a wonderful contrast between the swamps and the open water.
Thess and Kage are both interesting characters, each with their own inner struggles, and although it's slated as enemies to lovers, there was never much angst between the two as they surrender to the need swirling around them, confusing them even more.
A little bit too much telling for me, but great characters, and a good start to a new series....more
An enjoyable paranormal romance with a middle-aged witch for a change, rebounding from catching her husband cheating on her.
Not an original premise buAn enjoyable paranormal romance with a middle-aged witch for a change, rebounding from catching her husband cheating on her.
Not an original premise but very well told, with well rounded characters, plenty of action and snark.
Leana is down to earth, direct and no push over. Valen is dark, broody and mysterious. We know where that is going!
Most of the action takes place in the paranormal Twilight Hotel, where a spate of unexplained murders are threatening the residents and their home. Enter Leana as the sleuth charged with finding the culprit. I loved her starlight magic and it’s quirks, made it really interesting as she couldn’t always rely on it.
The ending seemed a little rushed as Leana resolves a mystery (no spoilers!) within a couple of hours when no one else could even come close in years. That aside, it’s a quick enteraining read....more
3.5 rounded up to 4. An interesting premise. Charlotte and Colin are trapped in a curse. Every day, Colin, her fiance, destroys her family town, and e3.5 rounded up to 4. An interesting premise. Charlotte and Colin are trapped in a curse. Every day, Colin, her fiance, destroys her family town, and every night Charlotte kills him and resets the day to happen all over again.
Until, one day, when Charlotte fails to kill Colin, Colin suggests they work together to break the curse instead of repeating the awful day forever.
An enjoyable story with interesting characters. It is Charlotte and Colin's original relationship, their feelings for each other that enables them to consider working together. I liked the history, the unravelling of how the curse came to be.
This is actually quite a short book, only four hours audio, so I wonder if some of my hesitance to rate the book is due to its length, and that some elements felt rushed or convenient and could have been more fleshed out.
I listened to the audio book. I would recommend you speed up the narration, else it seems too slow. Saburn does a good job with the narration, though the story does seem stilted on occasion.
I received a free audio copy and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Nathaniel Colt is an empath, but few know or believe what he can do. The problem is, using his pyschic skills causes him headaches, nausea and worse, Nathaniel Colt is an empath, but few know or believe what he can do. The problem is, using his pyschic skills causes him headaches, nausea and worse, so he tries to isolate himself from other people to protect himself.
When a friend from his law enforcement days asks his for his help, he finds it difficult to refuse. Being out of practice controlling his shields and filtering emotions, he is confronted by an old friend from the past, who has very strong emotions. She hates him.
Nate comes across as a good guy, struggling with something from his past, though we don't know what he did. Whatever it was does calls his ethics into question as we plunge into a police investigation of a serial killer. His dog Jackson, is adorable and very protective and I would say a good judge of character.
An enjoyable quick read, with well developed characters who pull you into the investigation and don't let you leave. Although the case is solved in this book, there are many open questions about Nate hinself that need answering. Looking forward to the next book where I hope we find a few more answers....more
A great new urban fantasy series from Lissa Bolts. Nora is cursed. Everytime someone makes a wish in her vicinity, she loses one of her 100 lives, andA great new urban fantasy series from Lissa Bolts. Nora is cursed. Everytime someone makes a wish in her vicinity, she loses one of her 100 lives, and her curse twists the wish against the wisher. Running out of lives, she is desperate to break the curse and the horror that follows her.
Lacking the knowledge about the magical world and her place in it, Nora doesn't actually learn much more throughout her journey. It's as frustrating to the reader as it is to Nora as people make decisions around her instead of informing her what is going on.
I loved Nora and her snarky go getter attitude. Rafe is mysteriously helpful, very delicious, but who should she believe? Her father figure, Jack? or Rafe, who has helped her stay alive more times than she can count? There is much going on that we don't know, and Nora is in the centre of it, a powerful Jinn everyone intends to use for their own ends.
An enjoyable read, but it does end on a killer cliff hanger, so it's a good job the second book is out!...more
If you love feisty heroines with a badass attitude and a sexual hyperdrive then Gemini Queen might be the book for you. A why choose reverse harem parIf you love feisty heroines with a badass attitude and a sexual hyperdrive then Gemini Queen might be the book for you. A why choose reverse harem paranormal romance, where Zara is trying to avoid taking up the mantle of her powers, as she is just as likely to kill everyone.
This is an extremely steamy, polyamorous tale with four very yummy warlocks who Zara slowly claims one by one, even though she does not intend to mate with any of them. They are just too irresistable!
Against the backdrop of a declining magical gene pool, Zara is the queen who might just save them all, and the warlocks are just as determined they are the ones who will help her.
I loved all the characters, it was just the school environment that didn't really work for me. They all come across as older, especially as they are so sexually active and adventurous. If you lost the uniforms, and made it more like a university with maturer students then the context would work better. But that's just me. The book is easy to read, and very well written. I loved Navares descriptive prose, especially of Vasili, who is the most complex of the characters.
Overall, an off the charts steamy read with some really lovely characters. I can see why readers wanted a next installment....more