Tag: Paranormal (Page 1 of 52)

BOOK REVIEWS: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover & Angels’ Blood (Guild Hunter #1) by Nalini Singh

June 11, 2025 / Jen / 1 Comment

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When Tate Collins moves in with her brother, the last thing she expects is to collide with Miles Archer, a brooding pilot with an unrelenting grip on his past. Their attraction is electric, undeniable, and all-consuming—but Miles has rules. No questions. No future. A no-strings arrangement seems simple at first, but a deep, shattering truth lurks just beneath the surface.

Tate soon realizes that Miles is not just guarded but fractured. Torn between desire and self-destruction, his pain bleeds into every part of their dynamic. Miles’s past hides horrors that threaten to rip apart the fragile connection they’ve created, and Tate is forced to make a choice that will change both their lives forever.

With suspense simmering underneath every moment of passion, Ugly Love is a whirlwind of lust, heartbreak, and dark revelations that build to a stunning crescendo. For those drawn to the raw tension and psychological complexities of Verity, this is a riveting story where emotions erupt, secrets fester, and love may not be enough to heal the deep scars etched into the past.

Review:

Ugly Love slowly built me up with hope and love, and then it completely ripped me apart. This was my first Colleen Hoover book, and I get it now. Her stories include all of the messy parts of life. Not only the parts where we struggle, but especially the parts we don’t ever want to think about. So I cried, I raged, and I didn’t think I would ever be able to forgive something that happened. If I read this book 15 years ago, emotionally it would have played out very differently for me. But life changes you. Just like the characters were changed by what happened in their pasts. Forgiveness, grief, and trying to find your new normal were huge elements of this story. And that ending…..it was powerful and left me feeling so happy. Miles and Tate took me on a journey, and I won’t ever forget it. If you’re looking for a story that slowly seeps into your heart and is heavy on the angst and emotions, this is your book. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter #1)
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Nalini Singh introduces readers to a world of beauty and bloodlust, where angels hold sway over vampires.

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux is hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael. But this time, it’s not a wayward vamp she has to track. It’s an archangel gone bad.

The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other—and pull her to the razor’s edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn’t destroy her, succumbing to Raphael’s seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break.

Review:

Angel’s Blood was a fast-paced paranormal romance that swept me away! Elena was a vampire hunter who was brave, fierce, and had me cheering her on. Raphael was an Archangel who was as deadly as he was mysterious. When the two of them intertwined as she hunted down a rogue archangel, I was gripping the edge of my seat. This book was dark, luscious, and I never wanted to put it down. It was an entertaining, steamy, intricately plotted story that was memorable and ended at the perfect stopping spot. I can’t wait to see what happens next! I listened to the audiobook and read a physical copy, and I loved devouring this story in both formats!

BOOK REVIEWS: Don’t Hex and Drive (Stay a Spell #2) & Firebird (The Fire That Binds #1) by Juliette Cross

June 9, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Don't Hex and Drive (Stay a Spell #2)
by Juliette Cross
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Notoriously bad at peopling, Isadora Savoie spends most of her time in the greenhouse or at the local animal shelter, using her Conduit powers of growth and healing. Content to remain in the background of the Savoie sister shenanigans, she’s reluctantly roped into the mystery of missing neighborhood girls.

Now, she’s partnered with a flashy, flirty vampire to find them before it’s too late. Devraj Kumar has seen and done it all. Three hundred years roaming the earth as a Stygorn—a legendary vampire warrior who operates in the shadows—has its perks. But ennui has set in. That is, until he has a run-in—literally—with an intriguing witch while on a new assignment in New Orleans.

Fascinated by her resistance to his charms, Devraj can’t help but push her buttons in an effort to get to know the shy witch. Fortunately for him, she’s been recruited by the Lord of Vampires to assist Devraj on the case. Between a Bollywood marathon, supernatural dating app, secret package, and sexy driving instruction, Isadora is in over her head. And Devraj? After just one taste, he’s playing for keeps.

Review:

Don’t Hex and Drive was a paranormal romcom that was fun to listen to. It was steamy, cheesy, and this enemies to lovers slow burn kept me entertained. With an adorable family and lots of witchy vampire banter, I binged this one in two days. But I never fully connected to either of the characters, so it was a little bit of a miss for me in that regard. I can see many people love it though, but I won’t be continuing on with this series.

Firebird (The Fire That Binds #1)
by Juliette Cross
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A conqueror captivated…
A witch prophesied to save them all…
An unforgiving world where dragons rule Rome.

Julian Dakkia, Roman general and nephew to the emperor, has played his role as conqueror well. Yet, the moment he laid eyes on Malina, he was enthralled by the Dacian dancer. Years later, the fierce beauty stands before him, a captive on a scarred battlefield, her life in danger. He instinctively shifts into his fierce dragon form to save her, an action that may mean his head on the imperial gate.

The rules of their world dictate that he is the conqueror and she is the captured. But he and his dragon know one thing: their bond has nothing to do with the laws of mighty Rome. She belongs to them. And they belong to her.

Fierce and powerful, twenty-one-year old Malina has survived the loss of her family and she is determined to fight until her dying breath. Still, she can’t believe that the centurion who had once bestowed a secret talisman on her is the Roman general of legendary brutality…and now holds her life in his hands. Nor can she deny how her soul has always seemed to answer his. Slowly she learns that Julian is caught in his mad uncle’s machinations for domination, and helps him plot the downfall of the empire itself.

As they navigate a world where flying deathriders conquer and burn, their love will ignite a firestorm that can only end in heartbreak or death. Or both.

Firebird is an adult romantasy novel that contains dark themes, including slavery in Ancient Rome, which may be uncomfortable for some readers.

Review:

Firebird was a romantasy that had elements of a slave/master relationship, found family, magic, dragons, and political intrigue. I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed both of the narrators. They made it so easy to get lost in this book. The story was quick paced, had forbidden love, and I was kept interested. Plus, I loved seeing all of the different sides of them, especially Julian Dakkis. But at the same time, I didn’t feel the emotions the characters did. Yes there were moments of joy, fear, disgust, happiness, and more. But I need that connection to the characters to want to continue a series. Firebird ended with a happily for now, and we closed the book with some peace in mind. Yet, there was still so much unrest and more to come. I’m uncertain whether I’ll pick up that next book. I think that will be heavily weighted on other people’s reviews, since it’ll be told by two different characters we met in this book.

BOOK REVIEW: Unbound by Shadows by Avalon Griffin

June 4, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Unbound by Shadows by Avalon Griffin
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Transported to another world, tempted by a dangerous passion.

Selene has never been one to make a fuss. She doesn’t mind it when the barista gets her order wrong, someone cuts her off in traffic, or she has to drop everything to mediate her family’s latest crisis. But when she goes through a portal to the matriarchal dimension of Aurelia, she discovers that being nice doesn’t always pay. Especially when she meets a demon whose smoldering gaze makes her wonder why she ever craved a life so ordinary.

Samael is a vengeance demon with a drive to punish wrongs. Kidnapped from the Underworld and brought to Aurelia as a boy, his demonic tendencies make him an outcast in a realm he can’t escape. When he becomes Selene’s guardian on a quest for a stone that could send her home, he plots to sacrifice her and steal it for himself. But as they travel together, their attraction grows. Until one day, they each must choose between finding escape and surrendering to temptation.

Unbound by Shadows is a standalone novel, the first in an interconnected fated-mates series that blends paranormal romance and fantasy in a setting rooted in urban mythology. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Ruby Dixon, and Kresley Cole.

Review:

With adventure, love and deceit laced throughout the pages, I never wanted to stop listening to Unbound by Shadows! This forced proximity, paranormal romance was so much fun! It had multiple dimensions, a brooding demon, and a wayward human. So if you’re looking for a new story to get devour, definitely add this one to your tbr!

A demon—a huge, fearsome creature straight from the Underworld—was trembling under her touch. Holding her body against his as if he would die without it.

Watching Selene’s resilience in a brand new world, had me cheering her on! She felt so bogged down and controlled in her old life, so I loved that she was starting anew. She was smart, endearing, and it was entertaining seeing everything unfurl through her eyes while she was in the Realm of Aurelia. But my favorite moments with Selene were when she was with Sam. I loved that she was able to find her voice, and true love too.

He felt a pull—deep and instinctual. A sudden overwhelming need to indulge her. To please and satisfy. To be the male, the only male, that could give her what she desired. It was disturbing… but undeniable.

We got this story from both of their povs, and I loved listening to all of Sam’s thoughts. He was a shadow demon who enjoyed reading erotica, so of course I loved him right away! He was protective, broody, deadly, and also could be oh so sweet. While his haunting past formed him into the demon he was now, he still had growing to do too. Right along with Selene!

“Remember your anger, sweet one! There is nothing more powerful than a female’s fury. Feel it, use it!”

With steamy kisses that go astray, perilous moments, found family, and a wonderful ending, Unbound by Shadows was a paranormal that you can get lost in. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did such a fabulous job making this story come alive! She made the world completely disappear around me! Also, I absolutely adored some of the characters we met, like Eldridge and Brunie. They were my favorites! They brought out sides of Sam that I was clambering to see, and there were so many memorable moments with them! And while this story ends in a happily for now, you can tell there are still more adventures for both Sam and Selene to go on together. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

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

BOOK REVIEW: A Simple Twist of Fate by April Asher

May 13, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

A Simple Twist of Fate by April Asher
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A witch and a shifter get a second chance at love in this new paranormal romantic comedy from USA Today Bestselling author April Asher.

At the bright-eyed age of eighteen, witch Harlow “Harry” Pierce attended her first Fates Festival Finding Ceremony certain the Blue Willow Wisp would lead her to her Fated match, her cougar shifter boyfriend, Jaxon Atwood. But Fate had other plans, guiding her best friend to him instead. With a broken heart, all her belongings, and a vow to never return, Harry did the only thing a heartsick witch could do. Run.

Thirteen years later, she returns to her magical hometown―with her half-human, half-shifter goddaughter in tow―hoping that not only would the town work its magic on the troubled teenager, but that the local Alpha of the Rocky Mountain Pack could help Grace identify―and control―her fiery abilities.

Jaxon Atwood was a shifter of few words and even less patience… until his mother retired as Alpha of the Rocky Mountain Pack and left the running of things to him. It’s a headache he didn’t need, and one that brought the witch who’d ripped his heart from his chest knocking on his door.

Ever since the disappearance of the town’s Fate Witch over a decade ago, Fates Haven’s magic has been slowly going haywire. There hasn’t been a Fated Match made in thirteen years, putting the town in serious jeopardy of losing its title of Highest Fated Mates Percentage in the World. But now, something is stirring in Fates Haven, Colorado, and it smells like the past, tastes like change, and looks like A SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE.

Review:

A Simple Twist of Fate was an adorable, second chance, paranormal romance. With found family that will warm your heart, characters that feel like home, and a storyline that was all the fun, this book was so easy to enjoy!

Harlow Pierce possessed the ability to knock his feet out from under him without even trying, and it was clear that in her time away from Fates Haven— and him— that skill had grown more potent.

I liked and clicked with Harlow Pierce, aka Harry, right away. She had the biggest heart ever, and I loved how her thoughts like 9pm being after her bedtime were so relatable. After thirteen years she found herself returning to her small hometown to help her goddaughter, Grace. And there was no avoiding her ex, Jaxon Atwood. I loved that we also got this story from his point of view! He was a shifter who easily had me in his clutches with just a few words. Sigh.

Fuck Fate. Make your own.

With a fun and flirty vibe and moments that will have you giggling, this small town romance was so effortless to love! There was a hilarious and meddling Aunt, old best friends that had Harry’s back, and tension that was delicious. The steam was perfect, and I loved the mystery about what was going on with everyone’s magic. The ending will have you smiling for our couple, and I love that other characters stories were left open so we can revisit this world. I have all my fingers crossed that we’ll be back in Fates Haven. I loved this world!

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

BOOK REVIEWS: Dark Prince, Wild Thing & Forgotten Heir (Blueblood Vampires #1, #2, #3) by Michelle Hercules

February 13, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Dark Prince (Blueblood Vampires #1)
by Michelle Hercules
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
There are only two ways a human can cross the gates of Bloodstone Institute: as a familiar to one of the Blueblood vampires who attend the elite school or as a snack. I’m neither, but I have to get in at all costs. My brother made a big mistake, and now I have to fix it by stealing from the most powerful and cruel vampire to ever come to Bloodstone, Lucca Della Morte. If that wasn’t almost suicidal, I need to get it done before the spell concealing my human nature wears off. But I forget that I’m only pretending to be a vampire. I’m still human and susceptible to Lucca’s dangerous allure. His darkness calls to my soul. His savagery makes my blood sing. I’m falling for the dark prince, craving him in a visceral way that’s frightening and exciting at the same time. If he discovers my secret, he’ll destroy me. And yet, I can’t help wanting to get closer. I never thought I had a death wish until I met him.

Review:

Dark Prince was an academy, paranormal romance that was so effortless to enjoy. I listened to this series and the voices were phenomenal, plus the smidgen of enemies to lovers was so much fun! Lucca and Vivienne were both drawn to one another, and the tension between them was fabulous! I loved how fearless Vivienne was, and the lengths she went to to help her brother. And I fell for the vampire Lucca right away. With his cocky attitude, I knew there had to be a heart of gold underneath his jerk persona. So with political intrigue, and some wonderful twists, I finished this book and dove right into the next one. Each book is about a different couple. The Blueblood Vampire Series is captivating, sexy, and impossible to put down!

Wild Thing (Blueblood Vampires #2)
by Michelle Hercules
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Savage. Reckless. Wild. These are only some of the words used to describe me. I’m all of those things, and I never wished to be anything else in almost 500 years of existence. Then she came along. Aurora Leal, the daughter of the High Witch and destined for that role. She’s practically royalty in the magical world, but most importantly, she’s forbidden fruit. I was taught never to mess with witches, and I had no intention of breaking that rule until the night she crashed into my life. I couldn’t resist the pull, and like an idiot, I succumbed to her charms. Now I’m screwed. What was supposed to be only a hookup left a permanent mark. I ended up mated to the sassy witch. An eternal commitment wasn’t something I ever wished for, but when your destined mate is promised to someone else, that’s a much bigger problem. I only have two choices. Either I find a way to break the mating bond or Aurora will become a widow before she says I do. That will definitely start a war between vampires and mages. But the more time I spend with her, the less inclined I am to give her up. Damn, I guess I’m killing some mages, then.

Review:

Wild Thing was a forbidden, steamy, paranormal romance that was beautifully intoxicating. The tension and sexual desire between Aurora and Saxon was boiling over. Aurora was the daughter of the High Witch and was fated to be married to another, yet after a seductive night found herself mated to Saxon. Saxon was a vampire, so them being together would flame the war that seemed to be brewing in the background. The angst, the lust, the touches, it was all so fabulously done! I loved how protective and possessive Saxon was. And I loved how smart and cunning Aurora was. This book even made me cry. If you’re a fan of paranormal romance, definitely binge this series like I did! Sacrifice, friendship, and love wove through these pages, and I loved every minute of it!

Forgotten Heir (Blueblood Vampires #3)
by Michelle Hercules
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Have you ever heard of the curse of the middle child? It’s real, and it makes you invisible. Growing up in a house with three headstrong witches, I was usually stuck playing the mediator. When I met Rikkon, I immediately felt a kinship to him. He wasn’t invisible like me, but in a sense, he was forgotten. We bonded over things we couldn’t control. He was struggling with his demons, and I was lost. It was easy to fall in love, but that was when things got complicated. When I thought we could be more than friends, Rikkon’s past came to rip my hopes to shreds. He recovered his memories, and with it, the knowledge that he was never free to be mine. Someone else had staked a claim, a bond so strong, that no mortal human could break. Foolishly, I made a vow to help Rikkon reunite with his true mate, not realizing that by doing so, I might have unleashed the wrath of Ellnesari in our world.

Review:

Forgotten Heir was a fabulous continuation of the Blueblood Vampire Series! Each story dives us deeper into their world, and this one took us on a wild ride! With breathtaking action that kept me on the edge of my seat, hidden powers, angst, and forbidden love, I devoured this story. Rikkon and Miranda were fabulous together, and just when I thought they would get a break, something else was thrown at them. I loved the twists and turns and watching them fight for their happily ever after! I absolutely adore this series!