Fantasy and SciFi

Review of Fiendish Delights by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
Yeah, I’m a treasure hunter. No, I’m not rich. Or busy. Or successful.

Not yet.

I’m doing my very best at making a living in my newfound career. I’ve got magic, a pair of brownie sidekicks and enough ambition to fill every chilly corner of Edinburgh castle.

What I don’t have is any actual treasure to hunt.

However, when a young girl asks me for help, I end up embroiled in a deeply dangerous search for an ancient magical artefact. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who wants to find it. Between fire-breathing dragons, vicious vampires and lethally powerful fiends, I’ve got my work cut out for me if I’m going to locate the treasure first.

At least this time I’ve got help. Hugo Pemberville might be as provocative as ever but he has also attached himself to my side. Sure, I’ve got a few teeny tiny problems of my own to deal with – but I’ve got everything under control.

Sort of.

Fiendish Delights is the second book in the urban fantasy series Thrill of the Hunt.
Expect dangerous magic, slow burn romance, hair-raising adventure and authentic humour.

Review:
Even attached (somewhat) to Hugo Pemberville, Daisy doesn’t want charity and yet she’s still drawn to help the underdog. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always mean that everything is as it might appear at first glance on service level. This book is full of lots of twists and turns and while Daisy still has to fight herself and her nature, she is working on learning to have a team; and what that might mean for her.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Tattered Huntress by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
Sure, I might be a low elf. But that doesn’t mean I won’t get up to high jinks.

I’m not particularly special. I’m certainly not perfect. I’m just another delivery driver with a smattering of elvish magic who’s trying to make an honest living on the mean streets of Edinburgh.

Go me.

However, my world changes when I cross paths with Hugo Pemberville, the celebrated high elf who’s well known for his accomplished work as a treasure hunter. He might be famous but he’s also an arrogant idiot who deliberately destroys my life.

I’m not the sort of person who’ll let anyone ruin me without a fight. But when I take my revenge on Hugo, I end up thrust into a treasure hunting adventure that I could never have dreamed of.

I’m determined to succeed against all the odds. Unfortunately, treasure hunting is more difficult and dangerous than I’d expected. I’ll need all my wits about me if I’m going to survive.

But, hey, who doesn’t love an under-dog?


Tattered Huntress is the first book in the urban fantasy series Thrill of the Hunt. Expect magic, adventure, slow burn romance and humour with heart.

Review:
From the very beginning something seems peculiar about Daisy. Sure, she’s a low elf, but she’s also got a serious problem that seems like it has a simple solution- a solution she never bothers to try. Daisy lives her life with a mystery and never really tries to figure out “who she is” or what she’s capable of because she just assumes she’s bad news. She does have quite an attitude, and it is interesting to see her push Hugo and learn that maybe she can trust others and let them in.

Review of How To Fae It With A Fae by Amy Boyles

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Synopsis:
A broody fae king bent on revenge meets his match in this hilarious modern romance.

Book lover Addison Thornrose can match you with your next perfect read. Unfortunately, she can’t match herself with a good man. Her latest just dumped her. Worse, she’s learned that unless she marries, and quickly, her family will lose their witch magic—forever.

Feylin, king of the fae, has no interest in romance. In fact, the only thing he’s interested in is getting revenge on the Thornrose family for ruining his life. So when he learns that they’re holding a Bridgerton style ball to marry off their oldest daughter, Addison, he sees an opportunity for vengeance.

But what Feylin doesn’t expect is to start falling for Addison. And worse, he really doesn’t expect it when ancient fae magic binds them together.

His solution is to strike a bargain—be in a fake relationship. Just until they can break the spell between them, and just until he can get his revenge.

For Addison, this is a dream come true! She doesn’t want to be pawned off to a line of suitors, and she certainly doesn’t want to be engaged. But between the spine-tingling fake dates and the tension-infused banter, lines begin to blur. And Addison begins to wonder when her heart will stop faking it and her feelings become real.

This grumpy/sunshine witch romcom features a ballroom dance complete with frilly gowns, a magical bookshop, a tight-knit family, sisterhood, and of course, the promise of true love. It’s the first in a series of stand-alone romances.

Review:
I absolutely loved this book, which is odd, because usually I’m not a huge fan of “forced” pairings. I thought this book did really well with the enemies to lovers troupe, and getting Addison and Feylin to learn more about each other. I did think the ending seemed a bit rushed, and a bit too obvious in the big horrible event being just so easily swept away and everything returned to normal and forgiven. Addison, come on, girl! I also believe that the true culprit was very obvious from the start, but I absolutely love who came to the rescue in a complete deus ex machina moment (no spoilers here!!) All in all, this book is a quick, fun, light read and I have been looking forward to continuing with the next one in the series once it came out. Now that I’ve written this review… time to read book 2!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

*This book was read in August, though reviewed now.

Review of A Throne of Blood and Ice by T. A. Lawrence

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Synopsis:
Silly servant girl, only princesses get happy endings.

While the first three books in The Severed Realms are interconnected standalone novels, this book is not a standalone. It should be enjoyed only after reading A Word so Fitly Spoken and A Bond of Broken Glass. A Throne of Blood and Ice is the first in a two-part finale to the series.

Blaise wasn’t supposed to be the villain.

She was supposed to charm the prince, the male she’s loved for years. That was all the potion was supposed to do—give her another face, and only for a few hours. All so she could prove the prince loved her. Except Blaise got more than she bargained for, and instead of a beauty potion, now she’s infected with a magical parasite who takes control of her body every full moon. A parasite who would rather take control permanently.

When Blaise is kidnapped from her prison cell, she wakes in a dungeon only to find herself the object of the Queen of Mystral’s magical experiments.

The queen wants the parasite.

The parasite wants Blaise.

And Blaise wants… Nox, the brainy, sarcastic fae tasked with extracting the parasite from Blaise’s body.

Nox is different from any fae she’s met. For one, he can actually lie. Then there was that time she sliced her finger and he couldn’t stop staring at the drop of blood. The queen definitely has something over him, but Blaise can’t figure out what. She just has a feeling she won’t be making it out of these dungeons alive.

Witty, heartbreaking, and devastatingly dark, A Throne of Blood and Ice transports the reader to the kingdom of Mystral, where betrayal rots the queen’s cold heart and vampires lurk in the shadows. A Throne of Blood and Ice is a loose fairytale retelling of The Snow Queen and is the fourth installment in the fantasy romance series The Severed Realms. It is the first in a two-part finale.

Review:
Not so spoiler: I hadn’t liked Blaise in the previous book she was in. Honestly, this book made me feel for her a bit- there is quite some tragedy in her past. This book had a lot of trauma built within it, as well as a lot of uncertainty about what things should look like from someone who didn’t have the best upbringing. “And is that what love is? Losing your sense of self in that of another?” (page 481) Honestly, while Blaise is clearly the main character of this story, I still didn’t find myself completely enamoured or forgiving of her. She is constantly given the opportunity to make choices and consistently chooses to make ones that negatively impact the majority of people while only vaguely benefitting her (or at least she thinks they do/will at the time).

While I do love this series, given Blaise’s nature I am not sure if or when I will finish the last book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

*This book was read in August, though reviewed now.

Review of Owl Shook Up by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When Aunt Gwennie’s famous snickerdoodles go missing before the annual cookie competition, Astra and her sisters prepare for a bitter battle over the sweet treats. But the trouble turns deadly when Aunt Gwennie’s rival, Agatha Blackwell, is found dead with a snickerdoodle stuffed in her mouth.

With Archie’s help, Astra dives into the cutthroat competition of Forkbridge’s baking scene. Secrets are simmering about Agatha’s controversial new recipe, stolen ingredients, and suspected poisonings. As she sifts through motives and investigates shifty behavior behind the scenes, Astra discovers that she may be in over her head.

Can Astra clear Aunt Gwennie’s name and crack the case before the cookie crumbles? Or will the sisters watch Aunt Gwennie’s cookie legacy come crashing down like an underbaked soufflé?

Find out in this delectable tale filled with baked goods, betrayal, and bewitching hijinks galore.

No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing – only a captivating story suitable for adults.

Review:
As always, a decent story, quick read cozy mystery by Leanne Leeds. There were a few parts that I personally felt were a bit jumpy. Clearly a big point of this novel was to show that Astra wasn’t prioritizing the correct things, needs to learn to organize herself better, but it seemed daft that she never really investigated anything regarding the sudden death. She sort of visited the scene and checked her own house, but the whodunit being found out (and her presence when it did) was entirely coincidental. There were many angles and loose ends left out about Carla, Iva, and Clarkson. I really did love the introduction of another magic-tech gadget from her magical military days. I do hope that such things will continue to make appearances. All in all, a good quick read, and I’d recommend to anyone who likes modern fantasy cozy mystiers.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Last Wish by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
It’s not easy pretending to be dead – especially when it feels as if you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Between an unfulfilled prophecy, the demon-occupied Lowlands, the continuing power of murderous Aifric Moncrieffe – not to mention her constant yearnings for Byron – Integrity Adair has a lot to worry about.

Still, how hard can it really be to save Scotland, maintain her morals, get the guy and keep her sense of humour?

Review:
Finishing out the book series I originally read in 2017…

This book was awesome. Integrity grew and learned so much about her powers, about trust, about her true family and why people cared about her. I loved the mention of Hercule Poirot, and always the hot pink. I absolutely adored that we finally got to see Byron and Integrity have some spice. I also adore how love is described as accepting each other as you truly are and knowing that people aren’t an idealistic fantasy- there will be things you hope they change or are working on. In the end, this book had a great ending with a few extra twists that I still didn’t see coming (a la May). I would recommend this series to people who like modern fantasy featuring sidhe.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️

Review of Veiled Threat by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
Integrity Taylor has regained possession of her ancestral lands – and inherited a whole host of new problems. The spectre of what really happened to her parents is casting a shadow over everything while Fomori demons are being sighted up and down the Highlands. It doesn’t help that Aifric Moncrieffe still seems determined to see her dead and emerald eyed Byron remains stubbornly blind to his father’s true nature.

Integrity is determined to stay in control of her own destiny, however, even if it means confronting the darkness across the Veil yet again. And at least she’s still got a sense of humour…

Review:
Once again, I am rereading this book series so if this seems familiar… well, I’m sure I’m highlighting different parts than last time.

This book was deep. There were a lot of problems that had to be waded through and it was awesome to see how Integrity’s friends always had her back and supported her- like the found family they are. While Integrity might have been raised clanless (or not even raised before she met Taylor) it was awesome to see just what happens when someone is raised with kindness and the belief that everyone deserves respect. It’s admirable that while there is a heavy romantic something between Byron and Integrity that isn’t the plot; it’s a subplot. Their affection towards each other doesn’t diminish or change the overall plot of what’s going on/being worked for. I wish Byron could have been brought into the fold without the drastic measures of the ending, but I am so glad for everyone else’s fealty and involvement.

There was one line that really ripped me away from the story and that was, “The heady scent of his masculinity made it difficult for me to think though.” (Chapter 7) Just… no. Describe the woods, describe his aftershave, but otherwise, what are you describing? Sweat? No one finds that attractive.

The banter between everyone was still perfect, and I loved the quip Bob made about feeling like he was talking to Skeletor. I absolutely adore how in with current trends, tv shows, pop culture Bob is. There is an absolutely perfect blend of magic and modernity, especially with only having certain characters experience such.

Now that this book is done, I will eagerly start book 4!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️

Review of Honour Bound by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
Integrity Taylor should have been a Clan princess. Instead she’s lived a life on the very periphery of society. Now that she’s learnt more about her heritage, however, and the magic that she’s capable of wielding, she’s not going to hide in the shadows any longer. The once-in-a-generation Sidhe Games are going to provide the perfect opportunity for her to win back her birthright – and the fact that she’ll be going head to head, toe to toe and mouth to mouth with golden haired Byron Moncrieffe might just be the icing on the cake.

Review:
Same disclaimer as previously stated- read this book series a number of years ago and am rereading now. It’s so interesting the differences in what grips you with age.

One thing I absolutely love about this series it the play with words that the other had, in calling this Honour Bound, in having the heroine call herself Integrity. One thing I absolutely love about this book is that it shows just how much honour Bryon has, despite being the steward’s son. It was a rather quick read, and I love that we begin to see beyond people’s façade to what they may actually want in life. I absolutely love all the quips between Integrity and Bob. As soon as I finished this I immediately started book 3.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Gifted Thief by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
Orphan. Runaway. Thief.

Since the moment I was ripped from my mother’s womb, I’ve been an outcast amongst my own kind. The Sidhe might possess magical Gifts, unbelievable wealth and unfathomable power but I don’t want a thing to do with them. I ran away from their lands in the Highlands of Scotland when I was eleven years old and I’ve never looked back. I don’t need a Clan. I’ve got my own family of highly skilled thieves who mean more to me than any Sidhe ever could.

Unfortunately for me, the playboy heir to the Moncrieffe Clan has something I desperately need. To get it back, I’m going to have to plunge myself back into that world, no matter what the consequences may be. I suppose it’s just as well I have sense of humour. I think I’m going to need it.

Review:
If this seems familiar to you, that is more than it did to me. Kindle told me I’d previously taken this book out, and yet, I didn’t remember it enough for anything to spark when I started it again- so therefore, here’s a second review for it. I have read my previous review and it’s interesting how your perspective changes and what grips you more is different with your own age increase.

I absolutely love Integrity. She had a rough start but once she found her people she persevered. Seeing how her “family” works together seems very reminiscent of most good close friend groups of people who deeply care for and love one another. I absolutely loved that no matter what happened Integrity stuck strong with her morals and wasn’t willing to take the bait and fall to another’s level.

The world was well built; the magic system was strong, unique, and interesting. The story flowed well, and there was never a point where I found myself wanting to skip ahead. I enjoyed that the Sidhe were completely connected to the average folk and how their connections worked in the human lands. The ending did leave on a bit of a cliffhanger where it seems like while one point may have been resolved, I was left with far more questions about what may happen next. Already looking forward to continuing on, and of course I recommend Harper to anyone who loves the modern fantasy genre, with a hint of spice.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️

Review of Not Another Vampire Book by Cassandra Gannon

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Synopsis:
What’s worse than editing the stupidest romance novel ever written? Getting stuck inside of it. Karalynn Donnelly has somehow been transported into Eternal Passion at Sunset, a vampire love story filled with enough clichés, anachronisms, and run-on sentences to drive any hardworking book editor insane.

To make matters worse, Kara accidentally prevents the story’s hero and heroine from meeting. Now Slade, the idiot Vampire King, thinks Kara’s his destined mate. If she’s going to find her way home, Kara needs to get this story back on track. But, teaming up with Damien, the novel’s handsome, super-powered bad guy might not be the best place to start…

M/F
Happily Ever After
Fated Mates, Isekai trope, time travel romance
120,000 + words
Standalone book, but Vampire Charming is a sequel starring Slade

Review:
Originally, the ending bit above hadn’t been included when I decided to pick this book up. From the actual synopsis, it sounds like a lovely book, unfortunately in many regards this book is exactly what it claims, or at least seems to claim, to be a parody of. While Kara doesn’t want to do the instant attraction/love at first sight thing, she is drawn to Damien. While I did quite love Damien/Kara, there was just so much involved that was supposed to be REALLY happening that exactly mimicked what allegedly Kara would not stand for in literature (so why would she stand for it in her real life?) That being said, at the end we do realize why the romance novel that Kara’s stepmother’s friend wrote isn’t very good, though I will say I saw the ending of WHO wrote the book from the beginning.

I am torn between numbers on what to consider this book, because based on the description without the added bit, I’d have said 3 stars, but if you KNEW that it was going to be Fated Mates, that would kick it up to four for me. That being said, I do still want to read Slade’s book- but this time I’ll know from the start what I’m getting myself into. If you like being frustrated by characters consistently doing things that don’t make sense get called out on their dumb choices, and a hint of romance, this book is for you.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️