Tag: Paranormal (Page 3 of 52)

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 / 4 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.*

BOOK REVIEW: Ward Locked (Ravencrest Academy #3) by Theresa Kay

January 29, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Ward Locked (Ravencrest Academy #3)
by Theresa Kay
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
New classes. New director. And lots of new rules.

After spending my three-week Winter Break under magical house arrest, I’m looking forward to returning to school. But when I get there, everything has changed.

OSA has tightened its hold on every academy and Ravencrest’s new director takes the restrictions a step further, leaving me without my two closest friends. Worse, the boy who left me behind is back on campus with an even bigger surprise in tow…one that involves a ring.

And all that is the least of my worries.

Shifters and witches are disappearing and someone is working in the shadows, twisting magic to their whims in unnatural ways. With my own magic still out of control, my biggest issue will be figuring out who to trust. Making the wrong choice could be the last thing I ever do.

Ward Locked is the third book in the Ravencrest Academy series, an exciting YA supernatural academy series with a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Paranormal Academy, Legacy Academy, and Darkblood Academy.

Review:

Ward Locked was filled with mysteries, friendship, love, political intrigue, and fabulous twists and turns. With fae, witches, wolves and vampires, oh my, this book was so much fun! This story made me fall that much harder for the Ravencrest Academy series!

If someone had told me six months ago that I’d be sitting in the backseat of a fancy car with a driver as I returned to my super exclusive private school, I’d have laughed.

Coming back to school, there were so many changes. Those we loved from the previous books weren’t there. Students, teachers, staff….they were just gone. It caused so much unrest, and heartache for Selene. Yet it wasn’t a simple black and white answer for why some of those were gone. OSA didn’t even remember them. And if that wasn’t enough, Tristan was back at school with a fiancé. Who was even in some of Selene’s classes. There were so many obstacles in Selene’s life and world, and I loved watching her try her best to persevere!

Every bit of common sense I have is screaming that this is asking for trouble, that I’m going to end up hurt, that—
And then he kisses me, and all thoughts leave my head.

I was so happy with how many answers we got within these pages! Multiple about Selene! And watching her come into her own power was beyond phenomenal! But so much was going on around her. Not only with the disappearance of people, but what you’ll learn about the Hunt. There were also moments that made me see red, like the self-defense with Callahan. And a character whose name I don’t want to mention for spoilers, but every moment with them made me want to punch them in the throat. So while there was still some good surrounding her, there was so much that needed to be fixed.

My gaze clashes with his, and there are all sorts of things I can read in his golden-brown eyes. Lust. Love. Pain. Hope.
I can’t encourage any of those emotions, but it’s that last one I really can’t afford to give in to. To do so would only hurt myself.
“We can’t do this,” I pant out. “You’re engaged.”
“You know that’s not real.”
“It’s real enough,” I snap.

Like Tristan. Sigh. I still love him with all of my heart. Yet when he apologized to Selene for being engaged, nope I wasn’t hearing it! I was just as upset as she was. I wanted him to stand up to his mom and end it. Yet as the picture was painted for us, things were even more dire than I could have fathomed. I had no clue how it was going to be fixed! Yet I kept the hope alive. And that’s all I’m saying about that ♥.

“Wait fifteen minutes and then head for Marie’s office. I will create a distraction.”
“A distraction? What is that supposed to mean?”
His expression goes cold. “Marie is looking for fae. I shall give her one.”

This story had so many twists and turns in the latter half. As someone who loves being able to guess what will happen next, there was so much that left me grappling. I had absolutely no clue how certain things were going to unfold. So hold on, because it was a very bumpy ride and I loved every minute of it!

BOOK REVIEW: Spell Linked (Ravencrest Academy #2) by Theresa Kay

January 28, 2024 / Jen / 2 Comments

Spell Linked (Ravencrest Academy #2)
by Theresa Kay
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
School sucks, even for the supernaturally gifted.

The fallout from last quarter is worse than I could have ever imagined and hostilities between shifters and witches are intensifying by the day. OSA has practically taken over campus in their search for Bitten witches—and any traitors who didn’t report them. Including... me.

But that's not the only secret I have to hide.

My powers are growing, while my control over them is not. Unfortunately, there's no one I can turn to for help. My roommate's already suffered the consequences of being drawn into my problems, and after a magical mishap ends with another friend being blasted across the room, I refuse to endanger anyone else. Still, I'm a little tempted to give some magical payback to the arrogant witch-boy who kisses me one minute and gives me the cold shoulder the next.

All of this aside, I still have to find a way to pass all my classes. With the end of semester tournament closing in, there’s no time for mistakes. In this volatile equation, one little slip-up could be deadly.

Spell Linked is the second book in the Ravencrest Academy series, an exciting new YA paranormal academy series with a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Supernatural Academy, Bloodline Academy, and Oberon Academy.

Review:

Spell Linked was a fabulous continuation of the Ravencrest Academy series! And if it’s been a while since you read that first one, no worries, the beginning gave us a great summary of the previous book. It was quick, caught me up to speed, and fit in so effortlessly. If you love academy and young adult books, then you need this series in your life!

When he says things like that it makes me want things I shouldn’t.
Like him.

I loved Selene’s voice so much! She was so easy to like and click with. So I wanted to clap out loud and cheer for her when she finally found something at school she was good at. Sigils! It was such a huge win and I was so happy for her! Even if it did leave me with more questions. She was still growing and had so much to figure out….not only with her school work, but her powers, and who was trustworthy too. So yes she did have some mistakes along the way. But I loved that she learned from them. And tried her best to do better the next time!

“….No matter what they say or do tonight, they can’t affect you. This isn’t your life unless you choose it.”

Tristan is still the king of hot and cold. Yet after what happened at the end of book one, I understood why. He didn’t know what to think. His whole world got turned upside down and he was stuck in a horrific position. I’d be jaded and wary if I was him too! Yet Tristan was still protective of Selene. He was the sigh-worthy person we fell in love with in that first book. And the dress?! Sigh. As we continued to learn more about him, my heart continued to break but I found myself falling harder. And I was counting the minutes until Tristan and Selene were together!

Blood doesn’t make a family, people do.

Friendship was still such a strong theme. I adored Selene and Adrian’s friendship. Their platonic relationship was done beautifully. And Basil, oh his matchmaker ways had me laughing out loud! He just wanted what was best for Selene and he is my favorite type of grandpa character! I also loved her friendship with Isobel. And of course the romance between Tristan and Selene, will they or won’t they. That got answered in this book!

His eyes are closed, his hands at his sides, every bit of him under careful control. Control I want him to lose.

Spell Linked was laced with a mysterious element that had me guessing from that first page to the last. And just know that while we got answers in this book, there are still so many to come in books 3 & 4! I can’t recommend this series enough!