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Review of Managing the Vampire’s Mansion by K. M. Shea

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Synopsis:
Starting over as a house manager in a charming small town sounded perfect. Until my new boss turned out to be a vampire.

After burning myself out at my corporate career, I take a job managing a mansion in a picturesque tourist town to reset my life.

The house is historic. The town is charming. The locals are welcoming. And, as I accidentally discover, my unfairly handsome employer, Beckett Kinge, is a vampire in hiding.

Beckett prefers order, privacy, and absolutely no supernatural mishaps.

Unfortunately for both of us, a rogue vampire is attacking the locals. The same people who have been nothing but nice to me. As attacks escalate and secrets unravel, staying uninvolved is no longer an option.

And somehow the only person who steps up to find the vampire is me—the mansion manager with poor people skills who knows absolutely nothing about supernaturals.

At least… I think I’m the only one working this case. But somewhere between tracking a killer and trying not to die, I realize Beckett isn’t just protecting his secret. He’s protecting me. And that might be far more dangerous for my emotional well-being.

Regardless, the rampaging vamp has to be found, or no one in town will be safe. Not even me.

This stand alone cozy urban fantasy story is set in the same world as the Magiford Supernatural City trilogies, but is located in a different (real life!) town in Wisconsin. If you’re searching for a stand alone story with cast of characters that will make you laugh while they try to solve a mystery and muddle with the supernatural, pre-order this book today!

Review:
“Jonas rubbed his hands together and beamed at me with the joy of an extrovert adopting an introvert.” (Page 20)

Getting another K. M. Shea book was such an unexpected treat! I am absolutely thrilled that she has semi-returned from her hiatus. While she may not be up to writing the epics that I originally found and loved her for, this book was just the right amount of cozy Magiford fun that I’d been missing. Abigail is human, but she isn’t a typical human. While never explicitly stated, her neurodivergent quirks make her all the more alluring and enchanting to those around Beckett/in his employ. I absolutely loved Abigail and how she could be so singularly minded about things–and that she was willing to do whatever she thought it took/would mean that she pushed herself to live more. There were so many things that she pushed herself into trying and doing that she had never done before, and it made her so relatable! Beckett was also quite relatable in that sometimes it just seems easier to not get involved with things and stick to yourself, until you realize that maybe people aren’t all quite as bad as you had given them credit for.

While the mystery here was a little lack luster and seemed quite obvious to me from the beginning, having figured it out early did not in any way deter from my giddy enjoyment of being back in the Magiford world, with special joy seeing some familiar faces (love you Aphrodite!)

If you’re into modern fantasy, vampires, someone being their authentic self and in doing so finding their people, and obviously K. M. Shea books, I’d highly recommend this novel.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

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Synopsis:
ANTHONY’S STORY

This time the gossip columnists have it wrong. London’s most elusive bachelor Anthony Bridgerton hasn’t just decided to marry—he’s even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended’s older sister, Kate Sheffield—the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate’s the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams…

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands—and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate’s determined to protect her sister—but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony’s lips touch hers, she’s suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself…

Review:
I hadn’t been certain how I would like this book compared to the second season of the television show Bridgerton but this book far exceeded any expectation or preconceived notions I may have had. This book offered a depth to both Anthony and Kate that wasn’t seen within the television series. While some edits may have been made to make a more compelling visual story, there was a lot of changes of the how and why Anthony and Kate became acquainted.

I love how far reaching and gripping people find Lady Whistledown’s column enough to make their own judgements based on her say so instead of their own personal observations. Kate’s family isn’t the most well to do, and while her sister is a classical beauty Kate seems to forget that her own hobbies and interests can be just as intriguing to a potential suitor as her sister’s looks. I absolutely loved everything about how Kate came to meet the Bridgertons, and her banter with Anthony was always top tier. I also liked that when Kate found contradictory information from what she had originally assumed she was willing to own up to it and apologize.

Anthony himself has such depth and characterization that really doesn’t shine through in the television series. He is known to have a lot of responsibility because of his position as eldest male heir but while the television show series merely grazed that his father’s death effected him, the depth was far more pronounced and understood throughout this novel. Although female, I greatly empathize with the way Anthony viewed his father’s death, and had a very similar spiral myself at one point.

I love how well Anthony and Kate complement each other and help themselves to move past past traumas and face a bright future. I love how they challenge each other and encourage each other. This is by far my favourite of the Bridgerton books so far, and maintains my position of season 2 of Bridgerton being top tier (though maybe I’m biased due to how much they like horses–something taken from Daphne’s novel).

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves regency romance, enemies to lovers, and of course the Bridgerton television series.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Thorn Queen by Sasha Peyton Smith

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Synopsis:
Wed to one brother.

In love with the other.

Bridgerton, The Selection, and The Cruel Prince collide in this Victorian-inspired romantasy; the sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller The Rose Bargain.

Having won the hand of the faerie King Bram, Ivy is now Queen of England.

But with his ascension to the throne, Bram unleashed the fae into the human world. After hundreds of years of being kept from their favorite playthings, the Others are looking to make up for lost time—and they do, with wicked revelry that sweeps through the country.

To survive, Ivy acts the sweet, devoted wife. Behind the smile, she plots to banish her husband, save her sister Lydia, and reunite with the love of her life, Emmett.

Yet Emmet and Lydia are trapped in the Otherworld, where fae games are deadlier than ever—and a queen must play most viciously of all. Or see herself dethroned.

Forbidden romance, deceptive bargains, and lethal court intrigue intertwine in this mesmerizing, fae romantasy sequel that will captivate fans of Once Upon a Broken Heart and Belladonna.

Review:
This book had so many layers of heartbreak! While Ivy was working in the modern world to keep society from crumbling, she had no idea what was going on with Emmett and Lydia. There were times when I really disliked Lydia; yes, she was thrust into a world she didn’t want to be in/hadn’t dreamt of, but her actions directly effected Ivy and she didn’t seem willing to empathize with her. While Lydia may have experienced more time/life than Ivy given the difference between how fast time goes in the two realms, she had already been the older sister and should have been more understanding that Ivy did have to deal with a lot, suddenly, in the modern (regency) world. I did really enjoy how the fae were depicted. Perhaps because audiences are after whimsy and the hope that they could have magic and adventure just by knowing other races with inherent magic, most of said races have been depicted as if they were human but with magic, whereas folklore and fairy tales tell a very different story about the proclivities of the fae. All magic comes with a price, which seems to be missing in most popular fae/magic based novels–but not this one!

This book left you wondering whether or not there was going to be a happily ever after and if the ending you hoped for was even possible. I absolutely loved the ending of this novel, and I thought it was the perfect end to this story. I would highly recommend this book to any who love faerie tales about creatures that care more about their amusement than making nice with humans, like resilient heroines, and believe that people can change, evolve and learn to coexist within other communities/with other races.

As a big fan of the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, I would say this is certainly a high recommendation. In terms of fae/fairy tale esque books, I would put this series along with both the Emily Wilde series by Heather Fawcett as well as Olivia Atwater’s Regency Faerie Tales and Victorian Faerie Tales. I quite enjoyed this book, but there was much more romance in the first book of this series than most of the recommendations listed here.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Cat Dragon by Samantha Birch

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Synopsis:
In the whimsical world of Tangleroot Valley, magic flows like the seasons, and every witch has her cat dragon – except Aloysia Papplewick.

She’s far from bonding with her fiery feline familiar, and with her magical farm in chaos, her prattling pumpkin patch meddling in her life and the annual Harvest Festival to prepare for, Aloysia has enough to handle – even before her best friend’s insufferable brother, Hollis, brings danger and distraction to her door.

When she and Hollis are whisked away on a quest to a mysterious mountain, Aloysia must contend with magic, mayhem – and a spark she never expected.

Review:
“Aloysia (A-lo-wish-a)(noun) A famous warrior. A plant used mainly for brewing teas, though rumoured to have some topical healing effects; smells faintly of sherbet lemons.” (Page 3)

This book is marketed as being something Studio Ghibli, Harry Potter, and cottagecore people will enjoy and for me it hits all the marks. There is a great depth to this story that while not necessarily giving a full background on the character we find ourselves on a journey with, it is possible to deduce that she’s the last of her family line. It’s interesting to see how she navigates having to do everything to keep her family’s lineage and homestead intact while trying to keep up relations and hope that she will reach the witchy milestone that every witch has had by her age–except her.

I love how Hollis constantly trails between being a protective authority figure/older brother to someone who sees Aloysia for all she is and can be. I absolutely loved the banter in this book; all of the characters were well fleshed out. I loved all of the animals/creatures, the Guardians, and the way that magic could be used, if by a skilled practitioner in the way that we are almost over reliant on technology to do for us today. There was never a time that I skipped ahead/was bored of what was happening; I was fully engaged and always wanted to know what was going to happen next! Even during the misunderstandings, I couldn’t wait to see Aloysia hopefully rise above circumstances. There were multiple times at night that I mentioned to my husband before going to bed some random tidbit about what was happening with the Cat Dragon book and how I really hoped they managed to accomplish their task!

I would highly recommend this book to those who love: found family, magical creatures, coming of age/coming into one’s self, fantasy and witches. I was incredibly sad to finish this book, but I am so ecstatic that a new book is coming out November 16th!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of How to Negotiate With a Nightmare by Amy Boyles

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Synopsis:
In this cozy romantasy, the villain finally gets the girl.I have three problems:

One: The hot guy I met in the bushes (don’t ask) has magic so cold and dangerous it should come with a warning label.

Two: My family’s dragging me to a ball hosted by the Nightmare King—you know, the cruel monster who rules the dark half of town where the sun literally never rises.

Three: Turns out Hot Bush Guy and Nightmare King are the same person. And when our magic touches? We make flowers. Which would be romantic if I wasn’t supposed to be terrified of him.

Eryx Nightshade has spent ten years alone in his castle, haunted by a voice in his head that demands blood and revenge. Until I walked into his spell and the voice went from “destroy everyone” to “she’s pretty, don’t mess this up.”

Now he’s thrown a ball to find me. I’m trapped in pink tulle and sparkly sneakers. And every time we touch, our magic does things that shouldn’t be possible.

He thinks I’m his salvation.

I think he might be mine.

But I’m supposed to marry someone to save my family’s dying magic, and he’s got a revenge plot ten years in the making.

Falling for the Nightmare King wasn’t part of anyone’s plan.

Especially the nightmare’s.

Review:
“Sparkles don’t equal sweetness.” (Page 138)

This book did an amazing job of showing people with two very different types of trauma regarding having/being in relationships and what they had to do to overcome their biases. Usually instant attraction/fated mates/magical explosions are not a way to endear me to a relationship, but I think that for these particular two it was justified. As with all Boyles’ Seven Suitors books so far I would say it’s rather plot light/obvious but the story was well done. I actually much preferred seeing Chelsea have to really look insider herself and assess why she thinks so negatively about romantic relationships (not just short entanglements) to most of the work between Eryx and Chelsea. Nightmare was just so perfectly there–I couldn’t imagine the story without him. This story really had elements of so many fairy tales that I am not sure I could state which in particular she wanted to highlight; there’s obvious nods towards red riding hood, Cinderella, and Beauty and the Beast. All in all, a great light cozy fantasy book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Kiss My Ash by Lara McKenzie

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Synopsis:
Trauma handled with care. Humor sharp enough to draw blood.

Charlotte Marelli survived human trafficking and a catastrophic marriage.

Her life inside Umbrafore is small and deliberately constructed: work, wine, walls. The supernatural coffee shop runs smoothly. The vampire friend with benefits is a practical arrangement with no feelings involved.

Her therapist recommends rage journaling. Charlotte thinks it’s ridiculous, but starts anyway.

When the truth about her past unravels—about who sold her out, and how far the betrayal goes—Charlotte has to decide whether the life she’s built is living, or just survival.

Review:
“Old vampires were walking lie detectors with enhanced senses and centuries of practice, which was deeply inconvenient.” (Page 13)

“Some people enter a room and improve it. Others enter a room, and I remember that murder requires paperwork.” (Page 18)


“I wasn’t the woman things happened to anymore. I was the woman who happened back.” (Page 300)


We know Charlotte as an icon and this book jumps right in to show us exactly how iconic she is. I didn’t realize how much I needed this book from a slightly older and more experienced woman who everyone considers completely put together and nearly perfect. Everyone has things in their past that have shaped them to who they are today, but seeing how strong Charlotte is really put into perspective the welcoming environment she has created at Pulse. While I had an inkling from the beginning of what the big mystery was going to turn out to be that in no way deterred my great enjoyment from this novel. I absolutely love how scathing and snarky Charlotte can be, and I love that the reason we haven’t already seen that is because of a little journaling habit. (It might have made me wonder if I should do something similar.) All in all I could not get enough of this book, and I would continue reading more of Charlotte if there is more in the future.

This is by far my favourite book in the Umbrafore universe to date. Highly recommend if you’ve read Maya’s Blog book series.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Be Dreaming by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
For witch Astra Arden, newlywed life is almost perfect.
A little too perfect.
Even her snarky owl familiar, Archie, is getting suspicious.

After the chaos of her wedding, Astra is ready for some peace, but instead of mayhem, Forkbridge is facing a wave of… blissful departures. One by one, residents are vanishing overnight, leaving behind happy notes about chasing their wildest dreams. It’s a mystery with no victims, a crime with no culprit, and a town that’s getting emptier by the day.

When Astra’s own sister is the next to follow a mysterious magical calling, the disappearances hit too close to home. Astra senses an ancient, alluring power at work—one that doesn’t want to hurt anyone; it only wants to grant their every wish… forever.

Now, Astra must solve a case where the only crime is getting everything you’ve ever wanted.

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

Review:
“Real connection isn’t about getting everything you want. It’s about choosing to want the people who choose you back.” (Page 289)

Astra has come a long way from the girl who refused to wear anything but her military uniform and gloves! It’s interesting how Astra is now having to explain and use knowledge and experiences she’s had since coming home to combat with her younger sister feeling how she once felt. Given how clearly Astra wants her sister back more than anything, one has to wonder if the other two who had gone missing would have been chased quite so fervently. As a newlywed it’s great to see Astra trying to plan thinking of others and not just rushing in and expecting to be able to handle everything on her own all the time. It’s been great seeing her grow and adapt and learn and become more than what her job had been in the past, or the star power thrust upon her. I also really loved how a certain cop became a main player in this particular story; it reminded me of how things used to be with Emma and Astra.

As always, a nice cozy mystery and looking forward to the next one, which is available on May 21st.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Little Bean by Lara McKenzie

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Synopsis:
Maya thought marrying a shadow demon warlord was the craziest thing she’d ever do.

Facing escalating attacks from hate groups, Maya discovers that having a hybrid child doesn’t make her vulnerable—it makes her dangerous.

The girl who once apologised for existing is running out of patience with people who want her to be silent.

She’s come too far to shrink.

Review:
“Healing isn’t a straight line. It’s a spirally, messy loop of progress and panic and guilt.” (Page 301)

There was so much wisdom and growth of Maya working through her feelings about family since Little Bean came into the picture. This book also featured what I would consider a more realistic outlook on having a baby than most media does; it is often messy and sleep depriving. I love that despite all that Maya has gone through her voice and style never change and she’s just posting about life as she sees it, even when it seems to be too much (though sometimes those aren’t really posted).

While the ending was decent, I was bummed to think that this series had come to a close. I am elated that another book, book 6 of Maya’s Blogs, is coming out at the end fo this month!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Flat White Flag by Lara McKenzie

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Synopsis:
Maya’s post-resurrection body has developed magical broadcasting capabilities. The signal feeds directly into her fiancé’s nervous system.

She’s also inherited a demonic estate with a flair for psychological warfare and a disturbing passion for other people’s trauma.

Maya’s juggling a shadow-wielding warlord who moisturises with military precision, supernatural politics, and a body evolving faster than her coping mechanisms.

She’s starting to realise something horrifying: she might actually be the powerful one now.

Nobody is more alarmed.

Review:
“You have an alarming number of mugs.”
“I’m a barista.”
“You’re a ceramic hoarder with caffeine dependency issues.” (Page 5)

“It was mine and now it’s yours. That’s how homes work. They adapt, they remember, and they make space for whoever needs them most.” (Page 25)

“Your mother’s email sounds like it was written by someone who thinks mayo is too exotic. Good riddance to that toxic energy.” (Page 55)

This book continued in Maya’s cycle of learning who she is, and that she is perfect being herself. This book was packed full of unexpected plot, including the first real disagreement between Maya and Scorpion. There were times that I was so frustrated about how that panned out; if they just communicated! While as a reader I was frustrated, there was never a time where I felt like the characters were doing anything outside of experiencing a tough time and doing what they thought was best. I absolutely love seeing Maya continue to face new and difficult challenges and find a way to maintain a sunny (caffeinated) outlook and push forward in an unexpected way that shows despite just being a barista, she thinks about the big picture and helping others regularly.

*At this time I have finished the books in the series out so far as of a couple of months ago, so will try to refrain from any commentary that might give future plot points away.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Uncharted Grounds by Lara McKenzie

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Synopsis:
Life hasn’t been normal since a mermaid resurrected Maya Rivers.

Between supernatural side effects, the terrifying mermaid mafia who wants more than she’s prepared to give, and a shadow demon who would raze realms to keep her safe, Maya is trying to figure out who she is—and where she truly belongs.

In a world of chaotic friendship and found family, one thing’s certain: Maya isn’t just surviving anymore.

She’s ready to stand her ground.


Review:
“My bathroom is a battleground, my sleep schedule is a myth, and I no longer wonder why there’s seaweed in the sink.” (Page 13)

“Genevieve is the therapist I never knew I needed. She’s just like, “You’re an idiot and here’s why. Also, I’m stealing your crisps.”” (Page 48)

“I used to think closure came from burning bridges. It turns out that it can also come from walking away quietly and meaning it.” (Page 233)

This book was mostly about how to survive trauma, and still be yourself/not blame yourself for being protected. While Maya has her own place, she is still finding herself and although she has enough to consider after resurrection she certainly ends up with quite the fight in this book as well. I absolutely loved how Maya worked with those she cares about to gain more self esteem and be willing to stand up for herself. This series is also absolutely brilliant at breaking the fourth wall and mocking traditional book/romance novel tropes in hilarious ways (I totally agree with Scorpion!) The ending certainly had me instantly reaching for book 4.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯