Book Reviews

For the past few years I have kept a journal, which then turned into a notebook file on my computer, of all the books I’ve read, including the date and time I started them and the date and time I finished them. Now I’ve decided to modernize my original notebook idea, and write a review of each of the stories I read.

Review of Magic Bites

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Synopsis:
Kate Daniels is a down-on-her-luck mercenary who makes her living cleaning up magical problems. But when Kate’s guardian is murdered, her quest for justice draws her into a power struggle between two strong factions within Atlanta’s magic circles. Pressured by both sides to find the killer, Kate realizes she’s way our of her league—but she wouldn’t want it any other way…

Review:
This book really reads like an attempt for a female Harry Dresden, which is what I found myself thinking during most of this reading. A mix of Dresden Files entwined with The Southern Vampire Mysteries. While I did find it intriguing, and definitely had some jaw dropping moments, I couldn’t help but wish I had just picked the Dresden files back up. I do believe part of my disconnect was that there were a lot of magical things, powers, etc, thrown at the reader and just expected to be understood. There was way more telling than showing, and a lot of information dumps. All in all, I am glad to have finished it, but do not intend to continue on in this series.

This book has already been passed along, and I will have to see how it was received if it has already been read. I have followed up by gifting Storm Front to the friend who received this book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson

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Synopsis:
A formidable outlaw family that claims to be the first among nations.

A son destined to lead, thrust suddenly into power.

Three fierce young women of the Rahtan, the queen’s premier guard.

A legendary street thief leading a mission, determined to prove herself.

A dark secret that is a threat to the entire continent.

When outlaw leader meets reformed thief, a cat-and-mouse game of false moves ensues, bringing them intimately together in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.

Review:
* While I reviewed the second book first, I assure you that I read them in the proper order and merely have gotten out of sync with paper book reviews versus kindle.

Kazi and Jase are impossible to dislike. They have very different upbringings, personalities, and expectations for themselves and their futures. I absolutely love seeing strong empowering women, and this book was full of them! There was great intrigue, and an incredible adventure. I quite loved this book, and immediately bought the second book to learn what happened next.

While I would recommend this book and the sequel, it isn’t one that is going to stay in paper form with me, but I am certain I’ll find someone else who will enjoy it.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Taking by Erin McCarthy

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Synopsis:
His gift is dark desire…

Nearly a century ago, Felix Leblanc made a deal with the demon of greed. Now he’s the most celebrated and powerful voodoo priest in New Orleans, able to enchant anything he wishes from wealthy, beautiful women. Until one client, beautiful and dangerous, brings his reign to a disastrous end, condemning Felix to servitude and a loveless eternity of never being wanted for himself.

In modern-day New Orleans, Heiress Regan Henry knows that passion can be an illusion, and she keeps her emotions in check, until she falls under the spell of the beguiling Felix LeBlanc. He knows that the rumors that her mansion is haunted are true, and that he’s the only one who can save her from the spirits residing there. But the only way he can do it is to sacrifice his last chance at redemption- or risk a love that could consign them both to an eternity of evil.

Review:
I absolutely loved this book. Felix was so easy to care about and want to learn more from. I absolutely adored how Regan learned to stand on her own feet and that she was willing to do whatever it took to make her own choices and not be trapped trying to be a puppet. The passion mixed in with the voodoo and past connections was truly perfection.

We have come to the continuation of paper book reviews (all previous to this posted in January were leftover kindle reviews from last year). This is a book I happened to grab from the dollar store while awaiting the call to pick someone up nearby. While I did like it, it likely isn’t one I’ll hold on to.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Lady Avely’s Guide to Guile and Peril by Rosalie Oaks

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Synopsis:
A widow shouldn’t infiltrate a military fort… unless she is wearing a mobcap.

When the Duke of Sargen is snatched away before her eyes, Judith knows she must follow him into Pendennis Castle before he can be stripped of his Gift and his memory. After all, she hasn’t had a chance to tell the man that she loves him yet.

But when she finds him imprisoned, Dacian has already forgotten her. Worse, his captor refuses to believe Judith’s testimony and sets her a task to prove her Truth Discernment: discover who killed a soldier found dead on the Cornwall seashore.

The body washed up near Judith’s new domain: a tidal island with a rundown castle, haunted cellars, and massive butler who is most definitely hiding something. Judith must call on all her resourcefulness—and her most trusted companions—to find the truth before the week is up… before Dacian is lost to her forever.

How does one jailbreak a duke if he can’t even remember his own name? Does a killer lurk in Judith’s own castle? And does Lanyon Isle have any drinking chocolate?

The thrilling conclusion to the Matronly Misadventures, featuring an amnesiac duke, a determined widow, and a daring jailbreak. Enjoy a slow burn, low spice second-chance romance and a twisty murder mystery in a magical version of Regency England.

Review:
“As much as one would like to be without guile, sometimes deceit is necessary.” (page 22)

“Pay attention to omissions and evasions.” (Page 138)

“Patience is a virtue, until it is not.” (Page 355)

Ah, this book was perfection! There was so much time spent wondering and worrying about Dacian but Judith shines in her ability to step in and oversee a house, even if she feels overwhelmed by all the new responsibilities. I quite liked her ability to keep her wits about her and see beyond what was obvious. In the grand mystery scheme, I had only figured out part of what was going on before it was revealed. Despite the high stakes of Dacian’s life/memory mixed with Judith caring for her family and the bats, she still kept her mind on the most important tasks at hand, even/especially when she had to involve her children. Marigold is her usual wonderful self, a true part of the family. The ending was almost perfect, and knowing that all the characters shall make an appearance in Eleanor’s book, it seems time that I start The Lady Diviner series.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Jingle Spells by Emily Grimoire

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Synopsis:
Delilah hates Christmas. She’s a strong independent witch who has finally left her hometown of Oak Haven and is off forging her own path. But an emergency drags her back just in time for the holidays.

Jasper is a human who also hates Christmas. He’s attempting to avoid festivities when he stumbles into the magical world of Oak Haven – a place which definitely isn’t supposed to exist – and sees things which should be impossible.

When chaos erupts in the town, Delilah and Jasper must join forces to restore order. They should be the perfect team. Their only problem? Their growing attraction to each other might be distracting them from their work…

Review:
“The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.” (Page 148)

“Truth isn’t a dress pattern, to be adjusted for a better fit.” (Page 111)

So many times I almost put this book down. Jasper caught my attention at first and I was very curious what he was up to, but Delilah was not always very likable. Delilah didn’t seem to have much personality or depth; she always worked at the inn after her father died, and she clearly still has unresolved trauma around her father’s passing. Many parts of this book were sad or dragged on. I actually highly disliked the ending of the book and felt there were many other ways people could have been better reconnected. It was my least favourite of the holiday reads I read in December.

There was one great quip that I did quite love, “You have ‘haunted Victorian radiator’ energy.” (Page 132)

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of Holiday Hostilities by Katie Bailey

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Synopsis:
It’s the most hateful time of the year…

There’s only one thing Olivia Griswold hates more than Christmas: her brother’s best friend, Aaron Marino.

The NHL’s favorite playboy has hordes of adoring fans, but to her, he’s still the cocky jerk she’s loathed since high school.

But when Aaron hears Olivia’s spending the holidays with her roommates from hell, he offers her a place to escape to.

His place, to be exact.

In return, all she has to do is be his date to his hockey team’s Christmas gala. It seems simple enough, but Olivia soon discovers that sleeping behind enemy lines is a dangerous game—especially when the enemy looks like that.

Olivia knows she’s playing with fire, but she won’t let herself get burned again.

And they do say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer…

Get ready for delicious enemies-to-lovers banter and tension with tons of festive cheer in this charming hockey rom com. Holiday Hostilities is a closed door/fade to black romance that includes mild language, innuendo, and suggestive humor.

Review:
“How, underneath all the banter and sparring, I was always kind of obsessed with the fire in her eyes.” (Page 32)

It would be so easy to see Aaron as Olivia does at the beginning, but it’s clear that Aaron has his own issues. His job comes first, and while his teammates may be his friends, sometimes fans become a bit too overzealous. I love how Aaron and Olivia have so much tension between them built up from younger years, yet still sparking banter back and forth. There were definite times when Aaron seemed like he was either acting as a protective brother or something more, which often caused Olivia to freeze or fight back. Seeing how their trust, once diminished, slowly rebuilt up was awesome. I also loved how they worked together to fight against Aaron’s fan, and how their Christmas managed to be truly magical despite an incriminating picture of the two of them finding its way online.

Enemies to lovers with hockey players and an airline stewardess, mixed with some crazy fan drama– a quick read that you don’t want to set down.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯


Review of The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore

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Synopsis:
As owner of her beloved Gingerbread Bakery, Annie Andrews should have a love life to match her business; sugary and sweet. But instead, she’s locked in a game of words with the irritatingly upbeat bar owner down the street.

Mac Sullivan has everything he wants, except the girl he dreams of. It’s easier to argue with Annie than get her to talk to him but with Jeanie and Logan’s wedding coming up, they’re about to spend a lot more time together.

As the snowflakes fall and with romance in the air, will Annie see that the one she loves to hate might just be her perfect match after all?

The Gingerbread Bakery is a cozy romantic novel with an enemies to lovers dynamic, small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed!

Review:
Annie is awesome. Outspoken, but also very specific. It always seemed odd the way Annie was so against Mac, always seemed to have some sort of grudge and really disliked him despite there being no clear reason why. I loved the flashbacks in this book of why Annie felt that way, but I also couldn’t help but be incredibly frustrated with her most of the time. For someone who is supposed to be so smart, and has watched so many relationships bloom around her from the least suspected places and people, why is it that she would just completely cut contact with Mac and never give him any sort of chance to explain what happened? I loved the journey we saw Mac go on from the past to present day of coming of age, trying to find his own path and where he belongs. Sure, Annie always knew what she wanted, but some people can’t be sure immediately when they’re young. The spice in this was good, and the ending was certainly satisfying. If you’re looking for a good, quick romance read, here you go.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

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Synopsis:
Kira North hates Christmas. Which is unfortunate since she just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that’s too cute for its own good.

Bennett Ellis is on vacation in Dream Harbor trying to take a break from both his life and his constant desire to fix things.

But somehow fate finds Ben trapped by a blanket of snow at Kira’s farm, and, despite her Grinchiest first impressions, with the glow of the fairy lights twinkling in the trees, and the promise of a warming hot chocolate, maybe, just maybe, these two lost souls will have a Christmas they’ll remember forever…

The Christmas Tree Farm is a spicy romantic mystery with a HEA guaranteed, perfect to curl up with this winter!

Review:
“That she had lived her entire life in an absurd sheltered reality, where anything broken was fixed for her.” (Page 172)

“It was nice to be around people. God, why the hell had she been living like Quasimodo in his bell tower for the last four months?” (Page 281)

Kira and Bennett are two very different people. One considers herself useless, and the other is a fixer who always wants to make everything better for those he cares about. I loved getting to see Kira and learn why she is so stand offish and wants things to be just so, and Bennett–I’ve been waiting for him to get his own happily ever after since the first book! I did read this series out of order, but I am so glad that I finally got to this book!! I absolutely loved the difference in Kira seeing animals versus people; I think many of us can relate to that! Decent spice, and they both have such different pasts they are trying to get away from. Towards the end I was so worried–I was guaranteed a happily ever after, damn it!!

The ending of this book had such an unexpected find that I couldn’t help but be pleased that Kira has her man, and will hopefully have the future of her dreams– after all, she lives in Dream Harbor.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Season’s Schemings by Katie Bailey

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Synopsis:
‘Tis the season to get even…

When Maddie Grainger’s longtime boyfriend dumps her on TV for the entire world to see, she thinks she’s hit rock bottom.

Until her parents announce that they’re spending the holidays with her ex’s family… And he’ll be bringing the woman he left her for.

All Maddie wants for Christmas is to stick it to her cheating ex. But how?

Enter Sebastian Slater, the NHL’s most infamous player.

On a drunken night out in Vegas, Maddie asks the superstar athlete to pose as her new boyfriend. She’s kidding, mostly. But Seb shocks her by making a counter offer: he doesn’t want to date Maddie for the holidays… he wants to marry her.

Show up at her ex’s cabin alone, or with a surprise new hockey-playing husband? Maddie opts for the ultimate level up.

Because maybe, just maybe, revenge is a dish best served betrothed.

Sparks fly and Christmas cheer is abundant in this festive marriage of convenience rom com. Season’s Schemings is a closed door/fade to black romance that includes mild language, innuendo, and tons of sizzle without the spice.

Review:
“You deserve to be celebrated, Maddie. Deserve to be praised. Deserve to have all of those people look at you and talk to you with way more respect. And I’m pulling double duty as your husband to help you get everything you deserve.” (Page 159)

I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about a hockey romance but Katie Bailey scored a goal with this one. Poor Maddie; all she wants is to both work on her career, and not have to deal with her ex who broke up with her on national television. I absolutely loved the tension and camaraderie between Maddie and Seb, despite their very unique first meeting. Both seem set on their careers and making this their best year yet, so when they decide to work together who can help but hope that this becomes more than just a short convenience thing?

Seeing the two go through all they did in Aspen to Seb’s huge surprise at the end, this book gave me all the feels. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a book they can’t put down, and characters that make you want to be sure that they get their happily ever after.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Read Between the Lines by Emily Kerr

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Synopsis:
Romance might be closer than she thinks…

Kat Fisher wishes her parents had thought harder before they chose her name. A self-confessed romantic, she dreams of finding a guy who can live up to her book boyfriends.

Former police officer Leo Taylor is trying to decide his next step following his departure from the force. His habit of spreading his belongings around the library where she works has been niggling at Kat for days, and his joke about her name is the final straw.

Kat and Leo might not seem like the perfect match, but romance might be closer than they think. If only they could read between the lines…

Review:
“What many didn’t appreciate was that librarians are social workers, counsellors, and problem-solvers, all tied up in one. Where else could people come and sit in the warm for hours for free, borrow books and access the internet without charge, or even just use the loo without having to buy something?” (Page 7)

“How other people viewed me was up to them, but I should probably try to be kinder to myself in the future.” (Page 203)

I absolutely loved Kat and it would be so hard not to. She’s kind, considerate, helpful, and wants to make things accessible for everyone. Leo is gruff and it’s hard to be sure of his thoughts or feelings at first, though it seems pretty clear that he doesn’t want Kat hurt. Given the description, I never would have expected the premise of this book. I had considered that perhaps they both liked the same books, always wanted the same, or loaned them to each other, etc. Nothing would have prepared me for Kat’s experiences in online dating, and what she was willing to do to get back at/stop a guy who both cat fished her and tried to convince her to send away large sums of money. The rest… I’ll let you read the book to figure out.

I really liked how natural the chemistry was between Leo and Kat, even when she thought they were merely acting. I also liked that while protective, he is also proactive and wants to be sure that Kat can be safe whether or not he’s around. I really enjoyed that Kat was always herself and that no drastic makeover was needed to change who she was to make her suitable/appealing to the right guy. This book is very British with slang, etc, set in Oxford, so be aware of that before starting.

I recommend this to anyone who loves reading/libraries, former cops, undercover operations, and dislikes online dating in general for all of the catfishing/scum that sometimes appears.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯