Modern Fantasy

Review of Wishful Thinking by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
Muddled magic. Missing faeries. She’s having one spell of a day at work…

Saffron Sawyer has ambition by the bucketload and magic at her fingertips. When she lands a position at the esteemed Office of Faery Godmothers, she thinks all her dreams have come true.

But it’s not all glitter and glass slippers, especially with emerald eyed Jasper, the Devil’s Advocate, who is looming over everything. And when Saffron learns that other faery godmothers have been going missing, she realises that she might just be in over her head.

Wishful Thinking is the first book in the refreshingly original How To Be The Best Damn Faery Godmother in the World (or Die Trying) urban fantasy series. If you love determined heroines, enchanting spins on old tales, and clever twists and turns, then you’ll love Helen Harper’s captivating story.

Review:
“No matter what else was going on, I was still going to be the most awesome faery godmother the world had ever seen.” (Page 58)

I absolutely love Saffron Sawyer. She is what so many people wish they could be–someone with a plan, who tries to always stay positive while doing the right thing and keeping to her own morals. The tension between Jasper and Saffron is unbelievable, and while he can be quite frustrating at times, I cannot help but hope that in the end, they manage to realize how perfect they are for each other. Though Saffron doesn’t come from the uppity high end faery world, I really appreciated how much of her background as a dope faery makes her more knowledgeable and understanding of people’s wants, desires, ulterior motives, and how to look at getting them what they really want. She is in a world where she doesn’t look the part, but she has the right stuff, and it was so wonderful seeing her give her dream her all and truly shining while doing so. I absolutely loved this book, and immediately started on book 2.

If you like plucky heroines that aren’t perfect, who sometimes screw up and yet own it and try to still get the upper hand, along with magical hijinks and a slow burn romance, I’d highly recommend this book/series and Helen Harper’s novels in general.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Be Enchanted by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When an ancient evil stirs in the small town of Forkbridge, Florida, it’ll take more than a good luck charm to save the day. Luckily, witch and psychic Astra Arden is on the case!

Astra is hoping for a quiet, pumpkin spice-filled fall. But her plans for a cozy season are foiled when a cryptic riddle arrives on her doorstep, foretelling darkness to come. With her snarky owl familiar Archie at her side and her magic shop to run, Astra must unravel the riddle’s clues while contending with cryptic warnings from the Greek gods, a meddling mayor, and a mysterious psychic who may know more than she lets on.

Astra will need the help of her sisters and her werewolf boyfriend to solve this mystery. But as the clock ticks down to Halloween, one thing becomes clear: if she can’t uncover the truth in time, Forkbridge may be history. Literally.

Review:
I loved that this mystery got everyone working together, and I also loved the sass everyone was giving the god-dads! As usual, the owl witch mysteries are a quick read, cozy mystery. The girls did seem a bit caught up in themselves, so I am glad they had to connect more with each other/family and realize that you shouldn’t take people for granted. The ending was absolutely gut wrenching and I wish I had known since I’ve been just waiting, waiting, waiting for the next installment!!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

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 Vampire Charming by Cassandra Gannon

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Synopsis:
Jane Squire is a normal, rational human, who doesn’t believe in fairytales. Then, the self-proclaimed “King of the Vampires” arrives in her grocery store. Slade says that Jane is destined to help him on some crazy, epic quest. Not only does the arrogant lunatic get her fired, but she’s somehow transported into the worse fantasy movie imaginable.

With script pages full of stolen dialogue, random musical numbers, and a whole cast of supernatural weirdoes, there’s no denying that Jane and Slade are stuck in a swords-and-sorcery film. Even worse, Jane is starting to think that the handsome vampire who’s wrecked her practical life might just be her Prince Charming.

M/F
Happily Ever After
Fated Mates, Isekai trope, medieval world romance, himbo romance
97,000 + words
Standalone romance, but Slade also appears in Not Another Vampire Book

Review:
I had a bit more understanding of how this book was going to work than Not Another Vampire Book and while I did enjoy the story, there were A LOT of holes. From the story we learn that Jane Squire is a loner but there is never any more back story about her parents or life outside of one role in theatre that didn’t work out for her. While overall there were some good quips and lessons, such as you shouldn’t rely on another person to bring you happiness- you need to find that for yourself, there was a lot of entitlement and switching perspectives. While the nature of this story is a story within a story it seemed at times that Jane completely shifted from her thoughts and feelings on a matter and what had been happening in the “real” world of Infinia would change without any mention of change because of the script–just randomly Jane would think or desire something else. I did love how characters from the past world Slade lived in were in this one, and that being said, highly recommend if you want to read this book reading Not Another Vampire Book beforehand.

While Slade does grow quite a bit in this novel to learn that he shouldn’t just have things given to him and should consider others, Jane seems to be fighting being a typical heroine while becoming more of a stock character. “Slade’s real power is his goddamn optimism.” (page 100) By the end she’s calling him “Dummy” and it’s just totally out of character. Priorities are also clearly an issue in this book as there is no problem with long intimacy scenes in the middle of a fight/escape. While part of me wants to dock the book for all of the above, given that this book seems like it was written by someone other than Amalie, and perhaps the lack of ability of the author within the story is what made the issues so big. I did love the tie in with Prince Charming, and there were many of neat modern drama references. I did like the acting background and Dracula, Ph.D, however a lot of times there were mentions that seemed as if they were put in just so the author could state they liked xyz- like continuously calling Slade shiny towards the beginning/middle of the book. Also not a fan of how a person’s world would JUST STOP without another in it. That being said, if you go in knowing this book is kitsch and comical while trying to be a deep romance novel, you could still have an enjoyable reading experience.

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 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: ✯✯✯✯✯