Urban Fantasy

Review of Against Owl Odds by Leanne Leeds

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
When the star card glows in the direction of a vampire, Astra wonders how she’s supposed to stop him from dying—since he’s already dead.

Astra Arden is a witch with a knack for rescuing folks from precarious predicaments. But when the star card flips over for an obnoxiously rude and dedicatedly evil vampire at a local fundraiser, Astra thinks the goddess may be off her divine rocker.

The mandate is complicated further when another vampire is discovered dead outside Sanguine, the local vampire club where the fundraiser was held—which just happens to be owned by Astra’s best friend’s brother, vampire Rex Sullivan.

Astra must unravel the secrets of Central Florida’s vampire population in order to get to the bottom of the murder. Secrets the vampires definitely don’t want brought into the light.

Will Astra be able to solve the case and catch the killer, or will the mystery remain as elusive as a rare blood type?

Review:
Damian is probably the most annoying of any of the star case potential victims. That being said, everyone does a great job supporting each other, especially Astra with Emma and Eddie. I especially loved Astra’s pep talk to him about how sometimes people aren’t what you think you need but you still try to be there for them/with them; something very reminiscent to things she’d had to work out for her own relationship with Jason. The comical bits were still there and awesome as ever. One of my absolute favourite parts in this book was Archie’s little sugar high from eating jelly beans and skittles. All in all, it continued the story and cases of Astra and Emma and I quite like the new angle that seems to be happening in Emma’s life. The twists and turns in this did seem to be easy to figure out if one thought outside the box, but still fantastic nonetheless.

Full disclosure, at this time I’ve already finished the next book in the series, so suffice to say, I’m quite enjoying the series.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Wild Scottish Knight: A fun opposites attract magical romance by Tricia O’Malley

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
Opposites attract in this modern-day fairytale when American, Sophie MacKnight, inherits a Scottish castle along with a hot grumpy Scotsman who is tasked with training her to be a magickal knight before the Kelpies wreak havoc on the people of Loren Brae.The knight was supposed to be a man.

Not me, Sophie MacKnight, a marketing associate from California.

This must be a practical joke that the Scots play on visiting Americans. Because otherwise I’ve inherited a haunted castle in Scotland, along with one irritatingly sexy Scotsman, who would be delighted if I turned tail and ran.

Frankly, I thought I would fly here, sell the heap of bricks, and head back home to a life that I…well, I was comfortable with at the very least. Instead, the people of Loren Brae are in trouble, and it appears that as the new owner of the castle, I’m next in line to reinstate the magickal Order of Caledonia. Which means, first, I have to learn to believe in magick. And secondly, I have to train to become a knight.

And my trainer? None other than Lachlan Campbell, the grumpiest man I’ve ever had the annoyance of meeting. It’s a toss-up who is pricklier, Lachlan, or his kilted Chihuahua, Sir Buster. Not only does Lachlan think that I can’t hack it, but he also resents my claim on his castle.

If only he didn’t look so devastatingly hot in his kilt.

Now, I’m stuck proving myself to him, all while trying to figure out how to help my new friends in Loren Brae.

Sparks fly as our swords meet, and we battle our rising attraction for each other.

Who will win in this (Highland) game of love?

Review:
From the very beginning line this book had me absolutely hooked. “What was it about death that brought out the worst in people?” (Page 1, Chapter 1) This is a cute enemies to lovers style book. I felt that the chemistry was organic and real, and all of the characters were well fleshed out. This was a quick and easy read.

I loved all of the invaluable lessons of life that Sophie mentions from her uncle, and the double meaning of her name. I also love the internal desire such as living out your best romance novel dreams. While Sophie learned many lessons throughout the novel, as did Lachlan, the biggest and most important being what you can find within–such an important lesson for us all. The responsibilities of a knight were pretty large but ambiguous which worked wonderfully in the story. I do think that for all the talk of magic and myths there could have been more on that front than a few interactions with kelpies, and I would have also liked to have seen Lachlan become something “official” to the island and to Sophie.

If you like Scotsmen, curvy girls, a hint of fantasy flavour and some spice, this is definitely the book and series for you! While I don’t intend to continue the next one immediately, I know I’ll return back at some point.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Hex Appeal by Kate Johnson

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
It’s just a bunch of hocus pocus…

Essie Winterscale lives in a huge and ever-changing house in the village of Good Winter, in deepest, darkest Essex. She lives with various witches of various ages, one of whom is still a bit salty about being hanged in the 1700s, one who keeps accidentally casting fertility spells, and one who knits things that create the future.

All Essie ever wanted was to have a normal life but in the end she found herself drawn back to Beldam House because she just can’t stop her witchiness (although the ability to instantly chill wine is pretty awesome, even she has to admit).

Into this coven of chaos stumbles gorgeous, clueless Josh, their new landlord – and he’s just discovered his tenants haven’t paid rent since the 1700s! As Josh is drawn further into the lives of the inhabitants of Beldam House, Essie is determined to keep him at broomstick’s length. That is, until a family secret, lying hidden for centuries, puts Josh firmly under her spell…

Review:
I had wanted this book every time I’d seen it in paperback for ages and honestly, I’m glad I got it on kindle instead because it wasn’t my cup of tea. This was marketed as an opposites attract humourous book but it truly wasn’t. There was a lot of background in Essie/the witches/Beldam House but there isn’t a lot that seems to really spark in Josh. I never really got to the point where I really liked him and/or cared particularly about their romance. An new attractive stranger that Essie seems instantly drawn to- just wasn’t really very developed in my opinion, especially for the hype! I didn’t find it humourous, and it certainly wasn’t opposites attract really either. Marketing this as similar to “Gilmore Girls, Hocus Pocus, and Charmed” really doesn’t do it justice- perhaps the Beldam house girls are a bit like Charmed, but there wasn’t really a romance that drew you in.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of Fortune’s Ashes by Helen Harper

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
A new power. A new threat. And some very new dangers.

Everything is falling apart. I’ve been cursed with the ability to catch glimpses of the future. It’s a power which Lukas despises but it’s one that I can’t seem to get rid of. I’m also in trouble at work. Somebody else is claiming that they are the one true phoenix and that my entire existence is built on lies.

At least I have a cold case to investigate which will take my mind off my woes. Investigating the mysterious disappearance of an entrepreneurial gremlin is bound to keep me busy and focused – and surely nothing else is going to go wrong and nobody is going to get hurt.

Right?

Review:
Leaving a review of this book hurts my heart. While the book remained true to characters and style, it is so bittersweet saying goodbye. There were many different layers of things going on that Emma needed to investigate and while the mystery had me until near the end, I also really loved seeing how supes truly feel about Emma and the supe squad. I plan to go back and reread the epilogue at least once more before letting go of this series, and I loved the illusion of where you were and what was happening before the reveal. Much love to this series and absolutely adore all this writer has put out. If you love mystery, a hint of romance and some awesomely powerful but not overpowered characters, definitely start this series with Brimstone Bound.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Chasing Down Her Highness by Fiona West

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
Princes aren’t used to being ghosted.

Edward has been patient. Five years. He waited for his best friend (and betrothed) to return home and fulfill the marriage contract they signed. But he can’t wait anymore. Embroiled in a war he fears he can’t win, he must ascend the throne ASAP with Abbie ruling beside him. If he can just reason with her face to face, he knows they can work it out… that is, assuming she’s more reasonable than she used to be.

All Abbie wants is a cup of coffee, her marriage contract voided, and a horse that doesn’t talk. Is that so much for a princess to ask? But when Edward tracks her down, her dreams of a simple, common life go poof. Now she must choose a life of freedom or one of duty. If only Edward wasn’t so dang alluring, the choice might be easier …

Can an insecure prince and a headstrong princess find enough common ground to fall in love?

Chasing Down Her Highness is a sweet, modern fantasy take on Cinderella with heart and wit. This five-book series is complete; dive into the mixed-up world of the Rocky Royal Romances today! Content warning: death of a parent. This book was previously published under the title The Ex-Princess.

Review:
This book was a very interesting genre that I cannot quite place. It was modern fantasy but also almost steampunk with magic. I do not know why but I had thought this was just a modern romance, while I do love fantasy (obviously) it didn’t flow well into the world. A large part of what led me to continue reading was trying to understand what exactly was going on, but there were so many minute things mentioned that were never truly explained. I absolutely love Abbie’s horse (of course!) I did quite enjoy Edward and Abbie and felt it was a very sweet romance. That being said, I wasn’t so enthralled that I intend to continue on reading the second book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Daughter of Winter by Corina Douglas

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
Marked by an ancient prophecy wielded by the gods.

Shackled to a dark, enigmatic stranger.

And prey to a powerful adversary seeking vengeance.

Her life will never be the same again . . . .


Intrigue and danger enter Brydie MacKay’s life when Gage walks into her carefully controlled world. He brings news that her grandmother has died, and as her last living relative, Brydie has inherited her estate and must travel to Scotland to accept her legacy and all it entails. Brydie doesn’t want the inheritance, not after the way she was treated, and when a series of actions unfold that illustrate her ‘legacy’ is not just a physical entity but a turbulent birthright proclaiming she is the descendant of the Celtic winter goddess, Cailleach Bheur, she tries to run.

But Gage won’t take no for an answer. He has his own role to fulfil and will do whatever it takes to ensure Brydie returns to Scotland with him—even if that means taking her against her will.

Daughter of Winter is the first book in a dark fantasy romance series based on the myths and legends of the Celtic winter goddess, Cailleach Bheur. Featuring dark magic, druids, fae, selkies, mythical creatures, and a morally grey hero with an enemies-to-lovers romance, it is perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the Fever series.

Review:
Overall I thought this was an alright book but not gripping in the appropriate ways. Most of the drama and ambiguity was because of lack of communication between Gage and Brydie. There were also many “flash back” moments of Brydie’s that were a bit of an info dump instead of being shown. There was one particular point that stuck out describing Brydie’s clothing when nothing else was mentioned to that level of detail previously, and a few points where the grammar seemed odd, “I cried until I had breath no more.” (Douglas 110, Chapter 4)

While Douglas’ descriptions of druidic times/nature/magic were quite well done, Brydie herself wasn’t that likeable. It was hard to route for someone who constantly let themselves be taken advantage of and only ever tried to assert themselves in the worst possible times when it could be life or death. That being said, while Gage is intentionally standoffish and reserved, he does seem to be quite smart, saying, at one point, “It’s human nature to be fickle, to desire that which we shouldn’t and undertake deeds of deceit and corruption to get what we want. All of us are guilty of it, and not one of us is purely good.” (Douglas 166, Chapter 21) Nevertheless, we learn that Gage has a person he cares about that he’s hiding, and I’m sure that will be important further on in the series.

While it’s been hinted at that Gage and Brydie will have some sort of connection, potentially physical/romantic due to their parts in the prophesy, the way they’ve acted towards each other makes it a bit off putting and frustrating when they think of each other amourously– would you really think of someone you hate like that?

Overall it was an alright read, and I may continue on, though know that this book ends with more questions left than answers.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of The King’s Queen by K. M. Shea

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
When the elven king of death released me even though my existence is a threat to his kingdom, I took the opportunity to run. There is just one problem… I also fell in love with him.

Nothing like a little doomed love to add a dash of intrigue to life, right? Unfortunately, that’s not even the worst of it.

I’m a worrier on my best days, but with a psycho tracking my every move because he’s obsessed with killing me, I’ve graduated to the level of paranoid lunatic.

Even if I could forget about the tracker—not happening since he’s figured out the fastest way to get to me is to attack my adopted family—my regular life is also anxiety-inducing as the city of Magiford is brewing with trouble.

Someone is setting off increasingly powerful magical spells downtown, upsetting all the humans. The supernatural community is desperate to find the perpetrator, and the top leaders are convinced the psychotic tracker chasing me is in on it. Their solution? Use me to capture the tracker for questioning.

What none of us counted on was Noctus—the elven king of death—interfering. Turns out I might not be the only one to regret our parting. But is there any way he could help me, and still keep his kingdom a safe secret?

At least one thing is for sure: I’m in way over my head with this, and my gut is warning me that I’m about to test if cats really do have nine lives.

King’s Queen is the last book in the Gate of Myth and Power urban fantasy trilogy, and is part of the Magiford Supernatural City world. It is an adventure-filled and hilarious take on the Hades and Persephone myth, with a twist of mystery. It’s packed with humor, battles, and a sweet, slow burn romance between an outcast magic user and the deadly king of the elves.

Review:
Finally, the book we’d been waiting for! I absolutely loved this book and this series. It is one of my favourite series by K. M. Shea, but I also feel like I say that with EVERYTHING I read that Shea puts out! I love how tortured Chloe and Noctus were in trying to do the right thing for others, and realizing that they had to find a way to meld everything. I was so happy to see more of French Fry, and to finally meet Truck!

I love how even as they grow, Noctus and Chloe meld together but don’t actually change into completely knew/different people- just like how people are IRL when they meet and fall in love. I definitely see the Persephone/Hades connection with how torturous being apart is, and how it can be difficult to do your job when you feel like you may be missing a part of yourself. I also love how Noctus only ever really opened up to Ker (aka Cerberus, his dog)- a very true moment; we all feel more comfortable and comforted by pets at some points. I adore how Chloe, despite being timid and still losing fur at times, fights against what she feels is her nature to become better and be there for others. Seeing the growth of all the characters was brilliant, very much so in the case of Pat, Joy, and Charon.

I absolutely loved seeing Leila, Rigel, Linus and the Paragon. Aphrodite is, as always, the star. I was a little sad that we didn’t get to see Killian! While I am still (impatiently) waiting for the next Fairy Tale Enchantress story, I love the Magiford overarching series so much that I cannot wait to see whose life we get to learn more of next; Shiloh, Ms. Booker? Who knows!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer

/ authoramysbrown / 1 Comment

Synopsis:
What happens when happily ever after…isn’t?

Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school library with her head in a book—one book in particular. Between the Lines may be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and loving. He really speaks to Delilah.

And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He’s a restless teen who feels trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is predetermined. He’s sure there’s more for him out there in the real world, and Delilah might just be his key to freedom.

A romantic and charming story, this companion novel to Off the Page will make every reader believe in the fantastical power of fairy tales.

Review:
This book is amazing. There are so many questions that so many of us go through all the time; what is real and what is imaginary? It is so easy to end up enthralled in this book, and the characters have great depth and personality. I absolutely love how there is a book within a book; I hadn’t expected such beautiful illustrations and highly recommend you buy a paper version so you can truly experience this novel. This is a beautiful story that is unique and so expertly told that it may always slightly linger in the back of the reader’s mind. There are many questions brought up but not quite answered about what people may wish or think of you and how that can affect you, positively or negatively, as well as thinking of your wants but also how getting what you want would effect others in your life. At the end, I certainly hadn’t expected what happened, but was also left with so many questions and the burning need to know more that I immediately went online and bought the sequel. I cannot wait to read more of what happens Off the Page.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The King’s Shadow: Magiford Supernatural City by K. M. Shea

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
I just spent the last month pretending to be the pet cat of an elf king. Today, I discovered we’re enemies.

In a supernatural society filled with vampires, werewolves, and wizards, I’ve always been an outcast with my ability to turn into a housecat. No one knew what I was.

Turns out, I’m a shadow—a race of supernaturals that were wiped out by the elves centuries ago.

Who explains this to me? Noctus, the elf king I’ve been staying with while pretending to be his pet “cat,” not knowing I’m the archenemy of his people. Talk about the most awkward ancestry results ever.

Now I’m stuck staying with Noctus because he can’t let me go thanks to all of his secrets I unwillingly learned as a cat. At least he hasn’t killed me. Yet.

If that isn’t bad enough, I’m being tracked by a creep obsessed with killing me because I’m a shadow, and he doesn’t mind doling out collateral damage during the hunt.

So I’ve got a mysterious elf king holding me captive in his hidden home, a slew of new powers to learn with my revealed ancestry, and a psychopath on my tail. Wow, things are looking up.

It’s time to find out if cats really do always land on their paws.

King’s Shadow is the second book in the Gate of Myth and Power urban fantasy trilogy, and is part of the Magiford Supernatural City world. It is an adventure-filled and hilarious take on the Hades and Persephone myth, with a twist of mystery. It’s packed with humor, battles, and a sweet, slow burn romance between an outcast magic user and the deadly king of the elves.

Review:
This book was amazing. We see Chloe work through her insecurities, thinking of how she was only liked because she was a cat. I absolutely loved the Beauty and the Beast feeling of this series, and I loved that Noctus wanted Chloe to feel secure in herself and her own abilities, and not just because she was with him. I definitely see the Hades and Persephone connection, and it makes me so sad that I must wait until March to see how this ends! Oh, K. M. Shea, how you pull my heartstrings so effortlessly, time and time again!!!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The King’s Captive: Magiford Supernatural City by K. M. Shea

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
I can turn into a housecat.

It’s a fun magic, except in a world filled with vampires and werewolves, it doesn’t exactly make me a powerhouse. Instead, the supernatural community has classified me as an outcast, which means one thing: picking on me is open season all day, every day.

The local fae are the worst of all, and it’s during one of their regular “capture the cat-girl” sessions that I shift into my cat form and meet HIM for the first time.

Noctus is so powerful his magic radiates off him like a sun, and my fae captors can barely look in his general direction. And then my life gets even more terrifying when Noctus decides to take me with him. As a pet.

Why did he pick today to “adopt don’t shop” a cat?

It gets worse when I realize he’s an elf, a ruling race of supernaturals that was supposedly killed off centuries ago.

But he’s not just any elf, no. He’s an elven king, with heaps of secrets to protect. Secrets that I am quickly learning since he includes his new pet in everything from breaking into buildings to inspect classified paperwork to tracking down sketchy supernaturals.

All this means if he gets even a hint that I’m not a real cat, I’m going to find out firsthand how elves treat their prisoners.

So, escaping Noctus is priority #1. How hard can it be? (Answer: very.)

King’s Captive is the first book in the Gate of Myth and Power urban fantasy trilogy, and is part of the Magiford Supernatural City world. It features elves, fae, werewolves, and vampires, and contains an adventure-filled and hilarious take on the Hades and Persephone myth. It’s packed with humor, battles, and a sweet, slow burn romance between an outcast magic user and the deadly king of the elves.

Review:
I wasn’t expecting I would love this book as much as I’ve loved all of K. M. Shea’s Magiford books, but this one drew me in like all of her other works, and I was hooked. I absolutely love how Chloe’s desires, fears, and misgivings stay constant throughout the novel. I love the budding tension between a pet cat and those around her. I was worried with Chloe being a free agent that it wouldn’t feel like we were in the same Magiford as the other series, but despite all of her own misgivings and anxiety, she is more than strong enough to keep the reader always wondering what happens next. I absolutely loved seeing the various sides of all of the characters, especially when they did unexpected things. I quite enjoyed seeing into Chloe’s mindset, and the obvious comical bits, and I especially love both when she has to try to communicate things while staying a cat and her “pet” French Fry! As per usual lately, I’m already most of the way through book two, so obviously I highly recommend this series, and K. M. Shea novels/series in general!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯