Tag: Paranormal (Page 1 of 51)

BOOK REVIEW: Dasher by Poppy Minnix

December 1, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Dasher by Poppy Minnix
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A fated but forbidden love holiday shifter/monster mashup

KRAMPUS:

A mysterious new business is poaching workers from my pleasure club, and I have an idea of who’s behind it. My rivalry with Santa is legendary from our competing businesses to the way we handle the holidays, making my half-brother's new does top the naughty list for questioning. Especially one fluttery, pink-haired beauty that’s too enticing to my inner demon.

No one is that innocent. I can't wait to get Dasha Dasher into a private room and uncover everything about her.

DASHA:

Gaining the gift of flying isn’t the only perk as Santa’s new Dasher. The rest of the year, I get to work next to the other reindeer shifters at his mystical gentleman’s club instead of living in a chilly North Pole barn.

At least my aunt is training me, though that hasn’t been all glitter and cocoa. She owned every spotlight when she was a flyer. She’s trying hard to mold me into what she was—smooth, sensual, and able to fake lust without making weird faces.

If I can’t get my act together, Santa will revoke my flying powers, fire me from the club, and then I won’t get to see the intriguing horned legend that makes my skin heat when he watches me.

***
Originally published under pen name Georgie Monroe (book and Kindle Vella)

Review:

Dasher was a holiday romance that had all the spice! With reindeer shifters, Krampus, pleasure club’s and more, this book was unlike anything I have ever read. It is the most unique Christmas book ever! Within the pages were characters that were easy to like, a story-line that was fun, and moments filled with all the heat.

What a twist of fate to link a gentle doe to someone like me.

Dasha Dancer was one of Santa’s reindeer. She was a shifter, who in the offseason worked at Santa’s gentlemen’s club. Dasha was new to both of the scenes, so I loved watching her try and push herself. She wanted to be the best she could be, as a flier and a dancer. Surrounding her were the other reindeer she worked with, plus elfs, and demons too. It was such a fascinating world! So the moment Krampus, Santa’s brother, entered the club sparks flew between them!

“So, it’s pleasure you seek from me, Dasha Dasher?”
She leans forward until we’re eye-to-eye. “That’s one reason.”

From the moment Dasha gave Krampus a lap dance, I couldn’t stop grinning. He had a pleasure club that worked differently than Santa’s, but he couldn’t stay away from her. I loved how he was kind, and that he always seemed to have her back. Even if he came across as a monster to others. Although that tongue of his, it was truly like another character in this book :).

“Dasha.” Krampus’s voice makes me feel like I’m in the kitchen pulling warm cookies from the oven. I want to melt against him. How could one moment together make me need him so much?

The chapters were short, and it made this book so easy to binge in almost a day! And I loved how the side characters stood out so easily. I’m hoping that we’ll get some of their stories or novellas down the road! Also, while the rivalry between Santa and Krampus kept me wondering what was going to happen next, I enjoyed watching how family and friendship played into this story too.

“When I fuck you, Dasha, I will claim you. I will take you in every way you wish, but only when you’re ready to call me yours.”

Dasher was a seductive Christmas story that was filled with all the steam. I really enjoyed reading this book, but you need to be comfortable with erotic moments being watched by others. If you’re looking for something to shake up your holiday reads, this is definitely the book!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: The Witch’s Consorts Series by Eva Chase

October 9, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Witch's Consorts (The Witch's Consorts Series)
by Eva Chase
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Every witch knows the rules: Stick to your own kind. Never reveal your powers to outsiders. Take a consort from the witching families or kiss your magic good-bye forever.

For years I've been quiet, obedient Rose Hallowell. I accepted the man my stepmother chose for me. But I never stopped missing my childhood friends: brilliant Kyler, stoic Seth, passionate Jin, daredevil Damon, and Gabriel, whose self-assured warmth brought us all together.

Now I’m back in town, and the boys I grew up with? Damn if they haven't grown up well.

They've got no magic, no place in my life. Even friendship with them is forbidden, let alone more. But they're charming and sweet and infuriatingly hot, and I can't seem to stay away. The more I try to resist, the more secrets I uncover about my family, my betrothal, and everything I thought was true about the witching world.

I've been lied to. I've been betrayed. So to claim my magic and my happiness, I'll break every rule there is—and then some.

Don't mess with this witch. Every rose has thorns.

*The Witch's Consorts is a spicy paranormal romance series with a dollop of gothic atmosphere and a heaping of romantic angst. This complete series set contains all five books in the Witch’s Consorts series—Consort of Secrets, Consort of Thorns, Consort of Pain, Consort of Fire, and Consort of Light—as well as the follow-up novella, Mark of Damon. Enjoy over 1500 pages of paranormal goodness!*

Review:

I definitely recommend The Witch’s Consorts Series if you’re looking for a witchy paranormal romance that has magic running through the pages! This was my first reverse harem series, and I was hooked! From that first book to the last I came to care for these characters so deeply. Rose was a heroine I could root and cheer for, she was smart, caring and made me feel everything she did. So as we were introduced to the men in her life, it was impossible not to fall for every single one of them. Their friendship spanned years, to when they were younger, and they were such a tight-knit group. I got why everything proceeded the way it did, it magically made sense to me.

What we had here, what we’d made together, it was right. It was good. And I couldn’t imagine ever feeling lost or lonely again, not while I had my consorts by my side.

We slowly got introduced to their world and by that third book it was non-stop action and kept you on the edge of your seat. I was always wondering what was going to happen next. And that fourth book even made me cry, the found family was everything! Also I loved how the series wrapped up, it left me feeling so happy! I listened to the first 5 books, and read the final one, and absolutely loved the narrators. They made the characters come alive! It was so effortless to listen and read these books! And as someone who was nervous that I would only be rooting for just one guy, because that’s what I have always done in the past, I had no problems loving every single one of them. And wanting them all to live happily ever after together. I can’t recommend this series enough!

BOOK REVIEW: Not the Witch You Wed #1, Not Your Ex’s Hexes #2, Not Your Crush’s Cauldron #3 (Supernatural Singles Series by April Asher

September 16, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Not the Witch You Wed (Supernatural Singles #1)
by April Asher
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A fake relationship between a magic-less witch and a wolf shifter turns to more in the start of a bewitching new paranormal rom-com series.

Magic-less witch Violet Maxwell wants nothing to do with alpha wolf shifter Lincoln Thorne―the man who broke her fragile, teenage heart. But when the two of them are forced by arcane Supernatural Laws to find mates, Violet and Lincoln agree to fake-date their way to a fake-mating in order to conjure themselves some time.

The joke’s on them. When old feelings make a reappearance―along with Violet’s magic―they both realize there’s nothing fake about their feelings. But there are old secrets and looming threats that could snatch away their happily ever after, again. One thing’s for sure: magic doesn’t make dating and love any easier.

In Not the Witch You Wed, April Asher brings all the hilarity and sweet, sexy moments you love in a romantic-comedy―plus a fun dose of magic―to this spell-binding new series about being sexy, single, and supernatural in New York City.

Review:

Not the Witch You Wed was a paranormal romcom that was so much fun! It was a second chance romance that also had enemies to lovers, fake dating, and fated mates wrapped into the story. I listened to the audiobook and absolutely loved the narrator. She made the book come alive. The characters were easy to love, the story-line was beyond enjoyable, and the steamy moments were done fabulously.

With fabulous dates between Violet and Lincoln that simmered with tension, and friends and sisters that added so much heart, this witch and shifter romance was a blast! If you’re looking for something that’s easy to love, and leans more romcom than paranormal, definitely make sure you have Not the Witch You Wed on your tbr!

Not Your Ex's Hexes (Supernatural Singles #1)
by April Asher
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In April Asher’s next Supernatural Singles novel, Not Your Ex's Hexes, a one-night-stand between a willful witch and a broody half-demon conjures an adventure that wouldn’t be complete without several magical mishaps.

For her entire life, Rose Maxwell trained to become the next Prima on the Supernatural Council. Now that she’s stepped down, it’s time for this witch to focus on herself. And not think about her impulsive one-night stand with Damian Adams, a half-Demon Veterinarian who she can’t get out of her head. Neither of them is looking for a relationship. But when Rose is sentenced to community service at Damian’s animal sanctuary it becomes impossible for them to ignore their sparking attraction. A friends-with-benefits, no feelings, no strings arrangement works perfectly for them both.

After a sequence of dead-end jobs, it’s not until Rose tangos with two snarly demons that she thinks she’s finally found her path. However, this puts Damian back on the periphery of a world he thought he left behind. He doesn’t approve of Rose becoming a Hunter, but if there's one thing he's learned about the stubborn witch, it was telling her not to do something was one sure-fire way to make sure she did.

Working―and sleeping―together awakens feelings Damian never knew he had...and shouldn't have. Because thanks to his ex's hex, if he falls in love, he'll not only lose his heart―but his humanity.

Review:

Not Your Ex’s Hexes started right where Not the Witch You Wed ended! This time we followed the triplet Rose and what happened after her one night stand with Damian turned into more. With the grumpy sunshine trope, friends with benefits, and fated mates, this steamy paranormal romcom was just as wonderful as the first! And watching this story unfold was even more emotional than the first. With community services, curses, and a fabulous grand gesture, this witchy half-Demon romcom was fabulous to listen to!

Not Your Crush's Cauldron (Supernatural Singles #3)
by April Asher
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In April Asher’s next Supernatural Singles novel, Not Your Crush's Cauldron, a buttoned-up witch takes a stroll on the wildish side, sparking an alert that lands her a familiar Guardian Angel.

Olive Maxwell much prefers teaching about the Supernatural world to taking part in it and leaves the magical shenanigans to her two sisters. After assigning her college students a project designed to nudge them outside their comfort zones, Olive realizes she’s never once stepped a toe out of her own . . . and it’s about time that changed. Her first trip into the unknown? Moving in with her longtime crush and friend . . . tattooed, motorcycle-riding, and pleasantly pierced Baxter Donovan.

Bax Donovan, Guardian Angel not-so-extraordinaire, has acquired so many black marks on his record it looks like a Scantron test. He’s been given one last chance to keep his Guardian wings―a high-profile Assignment he knows all too well. Olive is usually as low-risk as it gets. Hell, she wrote the safety manual. But something landed her on the Guardian Angel Affairs radar, and he guesses it has something to do with the heart-pounding stunts she’s determined to check off her Dare I Docket list.

Keeping Olive out of trouble is about to be his toughest Assignment. He’s at real risk of shattering the only Guardian Angel code of conduct rule he’s yet to break: Don’t fall in love with your Assignment. And he isn’t so sure that’s a bad thing.

If love doesn’t play by the rules, why should they?

Review:

Not Your Crush’s Cauldron was a fabulous paranormal romcom that swirled with forced proximity, friends to lovers and a steamy forbidden romance. I love that we finally got Olive and Bax’s story! They had been staples in the previous two books. So this witch and tatted up guardian angel mashup was everything I was hoping it would be! Plus we also got Bax’s POV, and it was sigh worthy! Their story had me laughing out loud so many times, especially the house warming gift part. I’m so happy I binged this series and can’t recommend enough to read them in order ♥.

BOOK REVIEW – Obsidian (Lux #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

June 17, 2024 / Jen / 2 Comments

BOOK REVIEW – Obsidian (Lux #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout Obsidian (Lux #1)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring...until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.

Review:

*I reread this book and updated a few parts of my review from a decade ago ♥*

The Lux Series is what made me become obsessed with the enemies to lovers trope. This book was everything! Whether it was the infuriating, smug, sexiness that was Daemon, or the strong-willed Katy, or the energetic lovable Dee, or the duo that was Ash and Andrew, I LOVED all of the characters in this book. And the story-line? Not only did it have me grinning from ear to ear, but I kept finding myself saying “oh, just one more chapter”, and you know how that usually ends. Hours later and I couldn’t put this book down. JLA created the perfect world that I wanted to get lost in again and again.

For a moment, all I could do was stare at him. He was probably the hottest guy I’d ever seen in real life, and he was a total douche. Go figure.

Katy’s father passed away, and her mom was in desperate need of a fresh start. So they moved from Florida, to a small little town in West Virginia. And in need of getting directions to the local supermarket and a place to buy plants, Katy had one of the most memorable meet cutes. That had no part of cute in it lol. Daemon was sexy, shirtless and beyond exasperating. He seemed to know how to push Katy’s buttons without a second thought. From there I was glued to the pages. I loved following Katy on her journey to discovering that Daemon and his lovable sister, Dee were aliens. And how being friends with aliens can most definitely turn your life upside down and scrambling just to stay alive!

Okay. That was it. “You know, you’re right. How wrong of me to call you a douchebag. Because a douchebag is too nice of a word for you,” I said, smiling sweetly. “You’re a dickhead.”
“A dickhead?” He repeated. “How charming.”
I flipped him off.

Katy is by far one of my favorite heroines. She never backed down from a challenge, didn’t take any of the garbage Daemon was constantly throwing at her, she tried her hardest to be fearless, while also being the best friend ever! She was an admirable girl that anyone would be lucky to call their friend. But my favorite thing about her? Her sassiness! She was one of the few people who took a stand against Daemon, and put him in his place. Her comebacks were hilarious, yet at the same time I couldn’t help but have my heart break each time Daemon was cold to her. What did she ever do wrong? Why couldn’t she be friends with his sister Dee? And why does he radiate so much pain when he lets his guard down for two seconds?

My lips pressed into a hard line. “You’re such an ass. Has…anyone ever told you that?”
He flashed a genuinely amused smile. “Oh, Kitten, every single day of my blessed life.”

Daemon was the ultimate book boyfriend! He made aliens sexy, and I never thought that was possible. Daemon had the weight of the world on his shoulders. He alone felt responsible for past horrific events, taking care of his sister, and sending Katy running away as far as humanly possible. Yet, Daemon’s feelings towards Katy were a conundrum, that at times felt like whiplash. You never knew if you were going to get the cold Daemon, or the one that had you begging for more. Daemon will lull you into his web, and even if you want to hurt him, it’s impossible. His heart shines through in moments that will have you clamoring for more. Plus he was the embodiment of infuriating sexiness. And heaven help me, but I fell so hard for him.

Holding my breath, I reached up and brushed back a strand of hair. My fingers barely grazed his skin, but he sucked in a sharp breath and closed his eyes. I pulled my hand away, not sure why I’d done that.

The characters were addicting and impossible to get out of my head! The chemistry between Katy and Daemon was through the roof hot. I found myself smiling so much at their passionate banter! And the story progressed at a perfect pace that always kept me intrigued and begging for more. Obsidian was an enchanting story that effortlessly captured my heart. And a decade later, this is still one of my top favorite series ever!

Then I shifted my gaze, and my eyes locked with Daemon’s. Even though several tables separated us, my breath caught. There was something…wicked in those emerald-colored eyes. Consuming. I couldn’t look away, and he didn’t either. The distance between us seemed to evaporate.

PS I highly recommend reading Shadows (A Lux Novel) by Jennifer L. Armentrout before reading this book!

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)
Shadows #0.5 Reviews: Jen	Obsidian #1 Reviews: Jen Chelsea	Onyx #2 Reviews: Jen Chelsea
Opal #3 Reviews: Jen Chelsea	Origin #4 Reviews: Jen Chelsea	Obsession (Companion novel) #4.5 Reviews: Jen Chelsea
Opposition #5 Reviews: Jen Chelsea	Oblivion #Companion Novel OBSIDIAN, ONYX & OPAL Told by Daemon Black Reviews: Jen

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BOOK REVIEW: Fate Sealed (Ravencrest Academy #4) by Theresa Kay

January 30, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Fate Sealed (Ravencrest Academy #4)
by Theresa Kay
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Playing games can have deadly consequences.

After exposing a secret lab and illegal experiments, I assumed the culprits would be held accountable. Unfortunately, I underestimated how deep the corruption within OSA runs. Instead of punishing the actual criminals, OSA expels me.

But that doesn’t mean I’m giving up.

As I dig deeper into the Dumont family’s past, I find a surprising connection to the present. The fae have been manipulating events far longer than anyone suspects, and the Wild Hunt is closing in on any witch who dares to use fae magic—including me.

Dragged into the fae realm, I’m forced to compete in their games where every choice could mean my death. Worse, the fae hold no love for witches, not even those with royal blood. They would rather watch us all die than see one of us emerge victorious.

With the odds stacked against me, there’s only one way to save the boy whose fate is entwined with mine and the other witches brought here against their will.

I have to win.

Fate Sealed is the final book in the Ravencrest Academy series, an exciting YA supernatural academy series with a slow burn rivals-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Bloodline Academy, Paranormal Academy, and Demigods Academy.

Review:

Fate Sealed was my favorite book in the Ravencrest Academy Series! And that’s saying a lot, because I loved the enemies to lovers vibe in the first book, Magic Bound. This story brimmed with action, friendship and love! And the latter half had a grittiness to it that had me desperately needing to know what happened next! If you’re looking for a young adult romance, academy series, or a series that makes you want to not stop reading, then definitely give this one a try!

Here, in this moment, there is nothing but the two of us and I let myself get lost in his touch, the rest of the world fading away.

What started out as an enemies to lovers romance, has four books later turned into a beautiful, heartfelt relationship. I loved how much Tristan and Selene came to rely on one other. I loved that they had each other’s backs. And that they were able to overcome unfathomable obstacles by working together! Selene and Tristan were definitely a formable pair, and they were so easy to fall in love with!

It seems the more people I draw into my orbit, the more people get hurt.

There were so many happy moments within these pages! With Selene and her father, you’ll love watching him make the story come alive of how he met her mom. My heart absolutely soared. Having all of our friends’ back that we love so much?! It made this story so much fun! Her grandparents, Adrian, and so many more shined brightly in this story. They were unique and added so much heart!

But whatever impressions I had before don’t matter. The stakes have become crystal clear and there’s no room for error.

This story also had so much political intrigue within the human, witch, shifter and fae worlds! OSA made my blood boil by turning a blind eye to criminals. The Wild Hunt left me terrified of the fae at every turn. The blanks, shifters and witches, there are so many things for you to discover about them in this story. So when you put it all together, it wove a fascinating tale that made this book impossible to put down!

A sense of utter hopelessness takes over as the reality of my situation comes into even sharper focus. I slide down the wall as my legs give out and I end up sitting on the floor, the cold stone sending a chill through my body. My chin drops to my chest and I pull my knees up, curling in on myself as I finally allow the tears to fall.

It felt like at times as though we couldn’t catch our breath. From being chased, to the games, I kept hoping everyone would be okay. If you have read Theresa’s other series, you’ll know that not everyone is safe and makes it to that final page. So when the game started, I was so nervous. They were intense and put Selene and Tristan in horrific situations. So with the stakes even higher, and twists and turns that were phenomenal, this story owned me! And by that final page I even shed a couple of tears ♥.

We’re both sweaty and more than a little dirty, but I don’t care. And neither does he. He takes hold of my face and slams his lips down on mine, a mix of passion and fear and relief turning the kiss into something almost desperate.

This book wrapped up Tristan and Selene’s story so wonderfully! We got all of the answers we’ve been desperately waiting for! Yet there was a thread or two left, which leaves the possibility for a spinoff series. And I am so excited about that! So yes, I can’t recommend this series enough. It’s one that will stay in my heart for a long time to come!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*