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: 🌶️🌶️

Review of The Burning Witch 3 by Delemhach

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Synopsis:
A young witch takes on burning new passions, simmering ancient grudges, and timeless magical mayhem in the last book of this delightful romantasy trilogy.

Lady Katarina Ashowan is used to getting into trouble, but her latest muddle takes the cake. A moment’s weakness in her attraction to Eric Reyes, crown prince of Daxaria, has landed her in an unexpected marriage with the man . . . just as her father, Lord Finlay Ashowan, arrives in Troivack to check on his headstrong daughter. As if figuring out how to acclimate her father to her scandalous elopement isn’t bad enough, there are rumors of dangerous magical plots afoot at court—with Kat seemingly at the center of them all.

For one thing, the devil is still prowling around, with dubious intentions as to Kat’s powers. For another, an underground network of wrongdoers has been spreading a mysterious and addictive drug throughout both Troivack and Daxaria. And perhaps most concerning, a villainess is hiding in plain sight somewhere close to Kat and her best friend, Queen Alina, hoping to use them to strike at the devil. Now it’s up to Kat—with the help of her kitten familiar, Pina, as well as her friends and family—to untangle the twisted web of courtly and magical intrigue before her hurried honeymoon is cut short by deadly disaster . . .

A pitch-perfect blend of humor, romance, fantasy, and mystery, The Burning Witch 3 is the brilliant and heart-pounding conclusion to the enchanting House Witch spin-off series.

The third volume of a new spin-off of the hit romantic-fantasy series that has more than a million views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!

Review:
Waiting for this book to come out was hard! I absolutely loved every moment with Kat. Although she did learn some tact and decorum, I could very much resonate with this fiery heroine. While Kat may have always felt as if she was out of place and didn’t quite fit in, everyone seems to believe that things are brighter when she is around. Getting to see Fin again and have the family (minus Tam) reunite was splendid. Seeing Annika both in her element as well as showing Kat she truly supports her was uplifting, especially when Kat realizes just how much she missed and wanted to have her mom there. Having Kat sass to her loved ones when it wouldn’t start political warfare was just as amusing as when she’d been snarking to the courtier’s faces.

While I may not be able to resonate with this personally, I particularly loved the line, “Gods, there is nothing quite as humbling nor maddening as having a daughter, is there?” (said by Faucher, Chapter 12)

I absolutely loved how everyone was in awe of Fin when he arrived, but not just because he is the house witch, but because he is Kat’s father, and she is a force to be reckoned with. The mention of Ashowans always being where they’re needed was absolutely spot on–they always seem to find themselves fighting for justice on the good side.

Pina’s powers of cuteness are just absolutely splendid. I love seeing her and Kraken together, especially at the end.

A less humourous line, but one that truly resonates would be, “Death is hardest on those that remain living.” (Chapter 36)

This book had many layers, and dealt with some rather heavy topics. Loss is hard, but I admired the way Delemhach approached that typically taboo subject to show ways in which one can support, and how those that immediately felt the loss may react and feel as well.

I love that while all the characters within Delemhach’s The House Witch/spinoff series are completely capable on their own, they feel that it is better when their partner is there. That is such an accurate depiction of having a good match, and I wish that everyone finds that in their partner.

As always, a perfect ending to a series. I cannot wait to read about Tam, as I feel another spin off must be on the horizon. This world is one I feel has been perfectly built and developed. Every country mentioned has its own feel, politics, etc, and it’s one of a thousand details that puts me in awe of Delemhach. With such a well developed universe and magic system, I cannot wait to see just how many amazing books we manage to see set here.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Order of Blood and Ruin by K. M. Shea

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Synopsis:
They used to be enemies. Now they’re partners.

I never imagined Considine Maledictus—one of the most powerful vampires alive—would go from ruling the streets at night to joining the supernatural task force just to become my partner, but here we are.

Considine claims he “fancies” me. He also used to hide his identity and pose as my charming next-door neighbor, so forgive me if I don’t believe him.

As bad as that is, my work life is worse.

My slayer identity—kept a secret since a lone slayer is an easy target—has been leaked by a suspect from a previous case. This brings a new level of danger to my job, especially since the suspect is obviously holding a grudge against me.

But I’m more worried about my city. Bad things are going down, and whatever is stirring in the shadows is more than I can handle alone. Can I trust Considine to watch my back when he used to be the biggest threat to my life?

And why is it that despite everything that has happened, a part of me wonders if it’s possible for a slayer and vampire to be together…

The Order of Blood and Ruin is the final book in the Magic on Main Street urban fantasy trilogy, and is part of the Magiford Supernatural City world. This series is packed with humor, magical fights, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a slayer who battles social anxiety and a vampire who is sick of his immortality.

Review:
Seeing Jade learn what it’s like to have a partner, team, and friends who care about her was so gratifying after how much time she spent feeling self deprecating. Jade clearly didn’t realize how much her mindset of always striving to improve and working together as a team really impacted the rest of her work colleagues, but as Considine says, “There is a difference between seeking improvement and demanding perfection.” (Chapter 17) This books leaves one with the glorious idea that a perfect partner is patient with your faults and always has your back. Another important Jade point is that she has no problem standing up to vampires (perhaps because she knows she could kill them) and that she believes that communication is always key.

It was touching to see how much time Considine spent trying to make sure he would do everything in his power to remember Jade. Considine had to work to get Jade to open up to him when she knew exactly who he was. She knew he could be a good work partner, but how could a slayer and vampire be anything more? Considine continued in his devil may care attitude, and while he doesn’t like rules, did attempt to learn and follow them for Jade’s sake. I quite enjoyed his take on why he attacked/beat supernaturals. “I beg your pardon, I didn’t senselessly beat supernaturals just because I disliked their appearance,” Considine said. “It was also because they annoyed me.” (Chapter 3)

The absolute end tie in of Blood and Ruin was perfection, though I will say that I knew from book 1 who the missing female was, as well as what and where she was going to be.

I am so going to miss the Magiford series, and it is with a heavy heart that I finish this last review of K. M. Shea for a while. I wish the author nothing but the best, and hope that someday in the future she continues to write and bring us along for another adventure (Justice for Angelique!- my first taste of K. M. Shea’s books was in The Fairy Tale Enchantress series).

*This book was read in June and reviewed in July.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Games of Enemies and Allies by K. M. Shea

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Synopsis:
At night they’re enemies. During the day they’re friends. Only one of them is aware of this…

My stress levels skyrocketed after I discovered the deadly vampire who has taken over downtown is Considine Maledictus, one of the most powerful vampires alive.

Now I’m even more reluctant to tangle with him, but he’s started showing up in the middle of my investigations, even if they’re outside his territory. I never know if he’s there to fight or to lend me some unexpected help.

I don’t have time to ponder his weird behavior, because a group of local wizards are up to some shady practices. They’ve never been fond of the non-magical, but suddenly they’re popping up all over the city, “helping” humans.

At least I can count on my vampire friend and next-door neighbor, Connor, for some laughs. Except…he’s been acting strange and is even more touchy-feely than usual these days.

Regardless, I’m going to stay focused on protecting my city. I’m just not sure if I should be more concerned about the wizards, or the chaotic vampire who swaps from friend to foe on a nightly basis.

The Games of Enemies and Allies is the second book in the Magic on Main Street urban fantasy trilogy, and is part of the Magiford Supernatural City world. This series is packed with humor, magical fights, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a slayer who battles social anxiety and a vampire who is sick of his immortality.

Review:
It was quite amusing to see Jade attempt to make family recipes so many times and have them not turn out the way she’d planned. It was even more amusing when her mother reveals WHY several of the recipes have turned out wrong. Most know someone who is socially awkward, and while that may not be the reader, one finds themselves cheering for Jade to find a connection beyond just what books have told you to do to make friends. Social anxiety is very real and while not everyone has it to the extent of Jade, everyone has most likely thought, at least once, oh, I wonder if so and so doesn’t actually like me. It was refreshing to see Jade open up to Connor and learn that she doesn’t have to always worry about what she says and does. It was also so frustrating that Jade had realized that the night vampire was Considine but hadn’t put the two together yet!!

While Jade does try to do the textbook thing for making friends, it is interesting to see how her team at work seems to get so frustrated with her throwing herself into danger for her teammates. In Jade’s mind, that’s what you do when you work together- you have each other’s back. When Jade finally gets a partner that can match and keep up with her, it is simply chef’s kiss.

As a side note, I absolutely loved when they were called into a bar to deal with a vampire. If you read the book and know what part I’m talking about, feel free to reach out! I’m always willing to talk books!

*This book was read in June, but is being reviewed in July.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Lies of Vampires and Slayers by K. M. Shea

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Synopsis:
By night, they fight in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse. By day, they are friendly next-door neighbors. Neither of them know that their alter egos are archenemies.

I’ve spent my life training in the family business of slaying vampires, but I’m tired of all the death. I want to prove we slayers can help society, not just break it.

I start my new life by joining the Magiford supernatural task force, which exists to protect humans and supernaturals from harmful magic.

There’s just one problem.

All of my teammates who work the night shift with me are scared of me since slayers are the assassins of the supernatural world. Worse yet, even though I’m doing my best at pretending to be a human during the day—a necessity as a lone slayer can quickly become a dead slayer—I’ve utterly failed to win over any of the humans in my apartment complex since I have the charisma of an overdue investigation report.

That changes when a handsome vampire moves in next door. Connor may not be willing to try any of my failed attempts at baking, but he’s charming and not afraid of me. Plus, he’s the first friend I’ve made who has the time to hang out with me after work.

Things are looking up, or they would be, except a mysterious and extremely powerful vampire has declared downtown his nightly hunting ground. I’m the only one on my team who can match him in a fight, something he finds endlessly entertaining. That isn’t a good sign for my general life expectancy.

My greatest goal might be to win over my squad, but if this vampire doesn’t back off I might not live long enough to achieve it.

The Lies of Vampires and Slayers is the first book in the Magic on Main Street urban fantasy trilogy, and is part of the Magiford Supernatural City world. This series is packed with humor, magical fights, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a slayer who battles social anxiety and a vampire who is sick of his immortality.

Review:
I read this book around a month ago and avoided putting up any reviews for quite some time. The author of this series is going on a hiatus and while I am 100% behind doing what you need to for your health, etc, it is still sad to know that there are no forthcoming books for a while. That being said, I tried to really savour these books as I knew there wouldn’t be anything new in the Magiford world (or any Shea world) for a bit.

This, like the rest of K. M. Shea’s books, was hard to put down. For me, personally, while I do like Jade, she was the hardest to really resonate with as we are very dissimilar. I quite loved the shifting perspective of Jade and Connor, as he remembers that humans are different than vampires and require different care. It was also good to see Drake and Hazel again. I quite liked how Connor didn’t realize how well the Drake family had come to know him- his distaste for everything and everyone, and thoughts on how annoying, overbearing, and stupid most vampire families are. I loved the quip from Jade’s thoughts, “Thank you, Irish heritage that made me pale enough to pass for a ghost.” I also quite enjoyed how Jade was extremely good at her job and it was hard to push her to do anything but be professional when she was in that setting. Another quote I loved was about how the Night Court fae are weirdos for thinking coffee is as good as tea! In the end, the beginning of a lesson was learned that life is beautiful and worth living by letting yourself feel things with people. There are hints of romance in this book, but the majority of it is about finding one’s self in a new situation and trying to fit in; something everyone can relate to. The slow burn potential romance is very much a side plot. While there is quite a bit of a cliffhanger where you want to know more, the second book was already out when I read the first, so it wasn’t that bad.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Hate Mail by Donna Marchetti

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Synopsis:
Naomi and Luca have been pen-pals since fifth-grade. Well, more like bitter rivals caught in an epic battle of insults and verbal jousting…

But what starts as a hilarious chain of hate filled letters, slowly develops into a friendship spanning coasts and years. That is until one day, years later, when the letters suddenly stop.

It’s been two years since Naomi last heard from Luca. Two years since the letter that changed everything.

But when a new envelope turns up out of the blue at her desk at the local news station, Naomi is determined not to let Luca have the final word.

Review:
This book was great. It was easy to fall into, a quick read, and one that was hard to put down. I loved the interspersed backstory bits about Luca, though it was a bit one sided as it was predominately from the perspective of Naomi. The main big “mix up” I saw a mile away and while I didn’t like the huge reaction it caused, I was completely smitten with how everything tied up in the end. There were some great quirky side characters, some awesome adventures, and a great little peek of spice. I also quite loved how one small connection kept over your life since you were young can make all the difference to what you turn out interested in/doing/being/who you are. If you like enemies to lovers, wordplay, and good banter, this is the summer beach read for you.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️

Review of Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson

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Synopsis:
In Oathbringer, the third volume of the New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive, humanity faces a new Desolation with the return of the Voidbringers, a foe with numbers as great as their thirst for vengeance.

Dalinar Kholin’s Alethi armies won a fleeting victory at a terrible cost: The enemy Parshendi summoned the violent Everstorm, which now sweeps the world with destruction, and in its passing awakens the once peaceful and subservient parshmen to the horror of their millennia-long enslavement by humans. While on a desperate flight to warn his family of the threat, Kaladin Stormblessed must come to grips with the fact that the newly kindled anger of the parshmen may be wholly justified.

Nestled in the mountains high above the storms, in the tower city of Urithiru, Shallan Davar investigates the wonders of the ancient stronghold of the Knights Radiant and unearths dark secrets lurking in its depths. And Dalinar realizes that his holy mission to unite his homeland of Alethkar was too narrow in scope. Unless all the nations of Roshar can put aside Dalinar’s blood-soaked past and stand together―and unless Dalinar himself can confront that past―even the restoration of the Knights Radiant will not prevent the end of civilization.

Review:
I am once again stuck trying to figure out the words to review a 1000 page book without turning it into a multiple page affair; but that being said, this book was brilliant! I absolutely love the world that Sanderson has built for this series, the way the magic works, the mythology, everything. There were some shocking revelations about voidbringers that I certainly hadn’t seriously considered. I absolutely love the double entendre of the title; it is talking about the sword but also, the oaths people keep swearing.

There were some very sweet moments between Kaladin and Syl, moreso than we see between any of the other Radiants and their spren. While Syl has become very personified, it also seems that the Stormfather has changed and evolved from his human connection as well. Beyond the power of the spren and how the sprens change people and vice versa, each main character has some sort of big problem/trauma they are working through, and I think that level of detail and depth is part of what makes this series so wonderful. Shallan clearly is working through having too many sides of herself, and the trouble it causes when you can’t be you but only one part of you. Kaladin has always had some sort of seasonal depression, but that seems to seep into regular depression at times as the book goes on; always feeling like he should have done more and he’s never enough. While Dalinar’s issues could be explained away by the external factors at play, he doesn’t believe that’s the case, and it’s very clear that he has what we would now call PTSD. Adolin is full of imposter syndrome: he doesn’t know if he’s enough, or if all he is comes solely from being his father’s son. Renarin feels much the same way in that he isn’t used to being considered a possibility/real person because he had always been ill. Jasnah’s main issue, it seems, is that because she’s been so outspoken her whole life, she’s often overlooked. Navani is such a gem–a true partner to Dalinar and you can see the scholar in her, as well as someone who is deeply passionate, willing to teach, and help others reconcile with their past and make a better future. She is one of my favourite and I feel somewhat overlooked characters.

I tried to come up with a quote or a few that I thought really resonated with me and/or represented this book well, but when I compiled all the highlights I made on my kindle through reading it totaled 6 pages of typed notes in Microsoft Word, so what I’m saying is, this book is great and I highly recommend it, and I know I’ll soon find myself continuing on in this world (though I may wait until closer to when book 5 will come out…)

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Damsel by Elana K. Arnold

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Synopsis:
The rite has existed for as long as anyone can remember: When the king dies, his son the prince must venture out into the gray lands, slay a fierce dragon, and rescue a damsel to be his bride. This is the way things have always been.

When Ama wakes in the arms of Prince Emory, she knows none of this. She has no memory of what came before she was captured by the dragon or what horrors she faced in its lair. She knows only this handsome young man, the story he tells of her rescue, and her destiny of sitting on a throne beside him. It’s all like a dream, like something from a fairy tale.

As Ama follows Emory to the kingdom of Harding, however, she discovers that not all is as it seems. There is more to the legends of the dragons and the damsels than anyone knows, and the greatest threats may not be behind her, but around her, now, and closing in.

Review:
This book was very easy to fall into, and you’re very invested before you start to truly learn about Emory. From early on we learn that Emory will do whatever he wants and there will never be any recompense because he is considered infallible. While many may empathize with men being considered smarter, wiser, should be listened to and obeyed while women just do what they are told, it was outright frustrating seeing the things that were considered fine because it was what Emory (the now king) wanted.

I loved seeing Ama find herself, and that she never gave up on her curiosity and knowledge of herself and her origins. I found the ending absolute perfection after all the mistreatments seen throughout the book, and the implication that the monarchy would now change. While this book has won an award for excellence in young adult literature, one has to wonder if the contents of the novel are something that really resonate with young adults, and if so, why more isn’t being done to address such issues in the real world.

While I did like this book far more than Red Hood, I still do not think I would necessarily give this to a young adult. Certainly some are mature enough to read and understand it, but it might bring up more adult content than most may be comfortable with in younger teens and less mature older teens considering the very sexual references in this book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

*This book was read in May, but reviewed in June.

Review of Kingdom of the Feared by Kerri Maniscalco

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Synopsis:
Two curses.
One prophecy.
A reckoning all have feared.
 
And a love more powerful than fate. All hail the king and queen of Hell.
 
Emilia is reeling from a shocking discovery about her sister, Vittoria. But before she faces the demons of her past, Emilia yearns to claim her king, the seductive Prince of Wrath, in the flesh. She doesn’t just desire his body; she wants his heart and soul—but that’s something the enigmatic demon can’t promise her.
 
When a high-ranking member of House Greed is assassinated, damning evidence somehow points to Vittoria as the murderer. Now, Emilia will do anything to get to the bottom of these accusations against the sister she thought she knew.
 
Together, Emilia and Wrath play a sin-fueled game of deception to solve the murder and stop the unrest that’s brewing between witches, demons, shape-shifters, and the most treacherous foes of all: the Feared. Emilia was warned that when it came to the Wicked, nothing was as it seemed. But have the true villains been much closer all along?
 
#1 New York Times bestselling author Kerri Maniscalco delivers sizzling romance, sexy secrets, and unexpected twists in this unforgettable conclusion to the Kingdom of the Wicked series!

Suggested for ages 16 and up. 

**THE FOLLOWING REVIEW HAS SERIOUS SPOILERS.**

Review:
If I had known how this book series would end I never would have read it. While I understand that many people have different ideals, morals, etc, I do not believe that giving away everything that makes you special and unique for a love interest is ever the answer we should be encouraging in young people. Perhaps that’s something that many in their early to late teens think, that if they change everything about themselves, or dim themselves, it will be enough and fix whatever may be wrong with others. Even in fairy tales, the originals, when giving up one’s self for others it doesn’t usually end well- ex: The Little Mermaid. While I also believe in the power of love, I do not condone the idea that being with one person is the only way you can be whole. That is not true for twins- Vittoria and Emilia are fine apart and living separate lives- their power is their own; so why is it different for Emilia and Samael?

This story had true promise- I was hooked from the first book, however, with the multitude of obvious plot points that were both foreshadowed and a bit cliché, as well as full of sex often initiated whilst in the middle of war and situations where you’d think people would be more focused on other matters, I found that this series as a whole fell completely flat. This had a completely underwhelming and expected ending for a book series that had great promise at the start.

Star rating: ✯✯

* This was read in May, but did not write the review until June.

Review of Kingdom of the Cursed by Kerri Maniscalco

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Synopsis:
One sister.
Two sinful princes.
Infinite deception with a side of revenge . . . Welcome to Hell.

After selling her soul to become Queen of the Wicked, Emilia travels to the Seven Circles with the enigmatic Prince of Wrath, where she’s introduced to a seductive world of vice.

She vows to do whatever it takes to avenge her beloved sister, Vittoria . . . even if that means accepting the hand of the Prince of Pride, the king of demons.

The first rule in the court of the Wicked? Trust no one. With back-stabbing princes, luxurious palaces, mysterious party invitations, and conflicting clues about who really killed her twin, Emilia finds herself more alone than ever before. Can she even trust Wrath, her one-time ally in the mortal world .  . or is he keeping dangerous secrets about his true nature? 

Emilia will be tested in every way as she seeks a series of magical objects that will unlock the clues of her past and the answers she craves . . . 

Review:
This book was all about finding things out that had seemed almost already too obvious in the first book in the series. This book still left enough mystery that I continued to read the third book, but it was the beginning of a decline. What had started as a young adult book became decidedly adult with an overabundance of sexual experiences, which were often at points that would not make sense.

Star rating: ✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️


* This was read in May, but did not write the review until June.