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Book Review: Thrill of the Chase

Title: Thrill of the Chase (Base City Romance: Book 2)

Author: Ellie Roth

Rating: 3/5 stars

Thanks to BookSirens and Ellie Roth for a free advance review e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

After the collapse of French Industries, a new power is rising in Base City, the criminal gang The Coyotes. Will, an unemployed baddie also known as Infrared doesn’t like where things are going so joins the good guys and starts getting close to the hero known as Greaser.  Meanwhile in their real identities Will and Angel (aka Greaser) also meet and start to build a bond.

What I liked: I like the relationship and characters (these are so fully developed). I also like where the series is heading but…

What I didn’t like: The pace was too slow and as much as I enjoyed getting to know Will and Angel barely anything happened plot wise. It took a while to read as nothing hooked me to the next chapter, except once and even that was mild.

Final Thoughts: A sweet filler in a superhero series that is relationship heavy and plot light. Still worth reading though.

Who would enjoy reading this: Those who have read the first book of the series.

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Novella Review: Caught by Krampus

Title: Caught by Krampus (Caught at Christmas: Book 2) 

Author: Taylor Wolfe

Rating: 2/5 stars

Thanks to BookSirens and Taylor Wolfe for a free advance review e-copy of this novella, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Note as this is a 30 page novella the review will be short and partially cut and pasted from Book 1’s (Caught by Jack Frost) review.

Krampus is not happy with Brendan’s 5 year self denial and needs to teach him a lesson

What I liked: The scenario, some of the depictions.

What didn’t work for me: I picked this ARC at the same time as Book 1 so I was obligated to read and review it. As with Book 1 the sex far outweighed the plot, though we do get a couple of extra characters. I still didn’t feel a connection between any of the characters so was not at all invested in what was happening on the page.

Final thoughts: A short novella filled with sex and little story.

Who would like this: People who don’t need to feel a connection between MC’s. Fans of erotica. 

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Novella Review - Caught by Jack Frost

Title: Caught by Jack Frost (Caught at Christmas: Book 1) 

Author: Taylor Wolfe

Rating: 2/5 stars

Thanks to BookSirens and Taylor Wolfe for a free advance review e-copy of this novella, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Note as this is a 30 page novella the review will be short.

Bill is at his cabin in the woods when he stumbles naked upon a well endowed snowman with a curious note attached to it.

What I liked: The scenario, some of the depictions.

What didn’t work for me: I didn’t fully read the description when I decided to try this ARC, I thought it was going to be a full book, so unfortunately I was expecting more of a story. What I got was about 90% sex and very little plot. I didn’t get any connection between either of the characters so was not at all invested in what was happening on the page.

Final thoughts: A short novella filled with sex and little story.

Who would like this: People who don’t need to feel a connection between MC’s. Fans of erotica. 

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Book Review: Time on Our Side

Title: Time on Our Side (Base City Romance: Book 1)

Author: Ellie Roth

Rating: 4/5 stars

Thanks to BookSirens and Ellie Roth for a free advance review e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

On Base City, an Island where DP-11 super powered suites are illegal, there are two types of people who have managed to get access to them. The villains who work for Marcus French, the businessman behind all power on Base City, and the heroes, those who have sworn to bring French down. Now Jay and Harris, two men from either team, are drawn together to protect the identity of a young hero who has popped up on the scene. 

What I liked: I’m a sucker for a fake dating trope, adding in an actual villain versus superhero genre to the mix and I’m a happy puppy!  This was an adorable couple with so much baggage it hurt (there is a fine line to how much angst I can handle, but this didn’t push it too much). I became so involved with the characters I had to slow down my reading as I was dreading the inevitable moment when it was going to go wrong (I’m a wimp, I know!).  The superhero element was well explained along with the history of the city and characters.

What didn’t work for me: There was a slight mismatch between the age of the characters and the style of the narrative. It felt like a young adults book but the characters were in their mid to late 20’s. Ellie Roth is an excellent storyteller so I still enjoyed the read, it was just a quirk that meant it didn’t reach my personal 5 star rating.

Final thoughts: A sweet superhero love story set in a comic book style world.

Who would enjoy this:  Fans of mild (low steam) modern romances who also enjoy superheroes.

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Book Review: Fool Me Twice

Title: Fool Me Twice (Redwater Demons: Book 2)

Author: Ellie Roth

Rating: 5/5 stars

Thanks to BookSirens and Ellie Roth for a free advance review e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Following on from the events of Thicker Than Water, the demon hunter, Roma Gutierrez, has been tasked with bringing her friend and Sanctum defector, JJ, back into the fold. Unfortunately this is not an easy assignment as she has already betrayed his trust once.  Coming up with a plan that will allow her to work closely with JJ’s new ally, the demon Esmeralda Laguerre seems the perfect way back into JJ’s orbit, that is until the magic spell she utilised starts to go wrong and the town of Redwater is put at risk.

I am so glad that I was able to read the ARC of this book. I really enjoyed Book 1 so I was excited to see Book 2 was released so shortly after. In this story we get to delve deeper into the magic system and the world that Ellie has created.  The main cast of characters from Book 1 are still around and we get to meet some new ones too. Roma and Ez are a great match. The whole world and its inhabitants are well developed and the plot is enjoyable, with a few “oh no” moments for me emotionally. After reading the final chapter I am especially looking forward to reading Book 3!

Final Thoughts: A great sequel to a fun Demon/Human LGBT+ romance series.  

Who would enjoy this: Fans of urban fantasy with a romance element.

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Book Review: Pansies

Title: Pansies - annotated edition

Author: Alexis Hall

Rating: 5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this free advance review copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.

Alfie Bell wakes up the morning after an amazing hook up to discover the man of his dreams was the boy he and his friends picked on throughout their school days.  Now the beautiful angry Fen wants nothing to do with him.  Alfie desperately wants to make amends and prove he’s changed, but will Fen let him?

So I’ve read almost all of Alexis Hall’s work now, including the original version of Pansies both the e-book and audiobook (which I highly recommend).  I didn’t notice off hand any changes here, apart from where Alexis pointed them out in the annotations.  The annotations, which are brilliant by the way. It gave me so much more appreciation for this story, hence why I’ve upped the rating from 4 stars to 5 from my original Goodreads review.

I absolutely adore Alfie and Fen, they are both likeable characters with so much baggage that needs unwrapping, I truly appreciate how Alexis dealt with this, no knights in shining armour here! The secondary characters were well rounded and the connections to characters from Alexis’ other books were noted and appreciated. The other character in this story is South Shields, not a town I’ve ever visited but one I feel I know thanks to Pansies.

Final thoughts: A moving story of overcoming past hurts and finding love.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of contemporary romance, slight enemy to lovers and forgiveness trope.

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Book Review: Sorcery and Small Magics

Title: Sorcery and Small Magics (The Wildersongs Trilogy, #1)

Author: Maiga Doocy

Narrator: Ciaran Saward

Rating: 5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for allowing me a copy of this audio book in return for an honest review.

Set in a world of magic where magicians are trained to protect the country from monsters that live in the Unquiet Wood. After a forbidden spell mix up leaves Leovander Loveage under the compulsion of fellow student and rival Sebastian Grimm, the two young men are forced to work together or risk more than expulsion.  Their hunt for a cure to the curse leads them to the Unquiet Wood, where the monsters are only one of their problems.

Ciaran Saward performed masterfully, making each character come alive and had me laughing out loud at Leo’s internal monologue. 

I utterly adored this book, the magic rules were brilliantly thought out, the world building was excellent and the characters were wonderful.  I am so glad this is part of a trilogy as I’m really looking forward to more interactions between Leo and Sebastian!

Final Thoughts: The first book of what looks to be a magnificent slow burn romantasy.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of light fantasy, with a build up to romance. Those who appreciate enemy to lovers, mismatched pairings and forced proximity tropes.

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Book Review: How to Piss Off Men

Title: How to Piss Off Men: 109 Things to Say to Shatter the Male Ego

Author: Kyle Prue 

Narrator: Kyle Prue

Rating: 4/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for allowing me a copy of this audio book in return for an honest review.

Based on his successful TikTok page, Kyle lists 109 of his favourite ways to upset men. Additional bonus content for the audiobook includes a Q&A session with his mother.

What I liked: I’ve never heard of Kyle before but I had already seen quotes from the book popping up on social media, so I was intrigued to read it. I had been a little sceptical about the dangers of pissing off men using some of the lines but there was a responsible warning about that at the beginning of the book, and a reminder of that warning for some of the more assertive suggestions. I really enjoyed the Q&A with his mum at the end, they seem to have a really supportive and open relationship.

What didn’t work for me: I know I can’t have both worlds with an audio book of a coffee table book but I really would have liked to see the pictures. Additionally I found it hard to remember the items on the list as it went so fast. I guess I’ll have to find a copy of the physical book.

Final thoughts: A fun list of insults intended to make the recipient think.

Who would enjoy this: Mostly women, but men really should read it too.

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Book Review: Spooky Level Up

Title: Spooky Level Up

Author: J.F. Miev

Rating: 2.75/5 stars

Thanks to BookSirens and J.F. Miev for a free advance review e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Charlie has just had a bad breakup and is out to play the field. So when he gets rescued from a carnival haunted house on Halloween by Ben, who he later hooks up with at a party, he just wants a bit of fun. Even though they had a great night Charlie never plans to see Ben again, until he meets up with his brother for lunch and his brother’s best friend Benjamin that is.

What I liked: The main plot of this novella is pretty sweet, and the spice was nice and toasty. 

What didn’t work for me: Some of the dialogue felt off, and (without giving anything away) there was a ludicrous closing plot point that was just a mess and had me rolling my eyes!

Final Thoughts: Read it for the mid-range spice and not for the story.

Who would enjoy this book: Someone who wants a quick read with a bit of spice.

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Book Review: Oops! I Broke the Wizard's Android!

Title: Oops! I Broke the Wizard's Android!

Author: Royce Roeswood

Narrator: Royce Roeswood

Rating: 4/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me a copy of this audio book in return for an honest review.

Ninienne Lightcaster has been sent to a back of beyond moon for her final year of her wizard training. The wizard she is assigned to for her apprenticeship is old, forgetful, and not even interested in her speciality. But he is curious about her new technical devices and jumps at her suggestion to purchase an android, a purchase that may lead to her failing her magical studies if she’s not careful.

This is the third audiobook in a row where the author has been the narrator, Royce Roeswood did a brilliant job of bringing his book and characters to life. I had no problem keeping up with who was who.

Note on use of AI, at the end of the novel the author explains how he utilised AI during the writing process along with a tarot deck for the same purpose. I don’t have an issue with this, the story was weaved and polished by the author, how authors get their ideas and what devices they use to create the tale is up to them.

What I liked: The melding of fantasy and sci-fi was cleverly done. I tried to explain it to my brother and he suggested it was like Star Wars, but it’s not like that. It felt more like a magical fantasy which happened to have advanced technology in the background. It was also a fun story, with a lot going on, and a little bit sinister at times too.

What didn’t work for me: I’m not sure if there is an aim for a sequel but some things felt a bit unfinished at the end, I wasn’t sure if her friend not being available to take calls was a plot line to be expanded on or just to leave Ninienne feeling jealous. I would certainly be open to reading more from this world if that’s in the plan.

Final thoughts: A lively story mixing two of my favourite genres.

Who would enjoy this: Age from young adults up, fans of light fantasy and light Sci-Fi.

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Book Review: The Blame Game

Title: The Blame Game

Author: Ben Dunn

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Thanks to BookSirens and Ben Dunn for a free advance review e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Arthur Harrison has just been voted in as a Conservative MP in a long standing Labour seat, he wasn’t expecting to win and he didn’t want to.  Now he finds himself attempting to toe the party line, whilst realising he doesn’t actually agree with Tory policies or want to fit in with the old boys club that is Westminster.

What I liked: This was a fun read. Arthur is likeable and his inner monologue made me snort with laughter on a number of occasions. The supporting characters were realistic and the plot moved around enough to keep it interesting. Chapters were short, which I always find a bonus as I’m more likely to read it quickly!

What didn’t work for me: A minor critique, I didn’t get the sense of time, towards the end of the book we find it has taken place over a year, it really only felt like a couple of months.  

Final thoughts:  A cleverly written and incredibly witty political satire.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of contemporary fiction and satire. Possibly not for Tory voters, unless they are able to laugh at themselves.

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Book Review: Splendid Little Schemes

Title: Splendid Little Schemes

Author: Robin Strong

Narrator: Robin Strong

Rating: 4/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me a copy of this audio book in return for an honest review.

Mormon mum Victoria Sterling needs one more recruit to level up in Puremetics, the MLM business she is succeeding in.  A chance meeting at the supermarket introduces her to Anna Price, a single mother who has just moved into the area. When Anna turns up at the wrong address she finds herself being talked into becoming a mole to bring down Puremetics by a group of elderly social justice warriors.

Robin Strong narrated her novel, and did an excellent job at giving each of the characters their own voices.  I did find the narration a little slow and noticed a couple of fumbles but when I sped it up to 1.5x this wasn’t a problem.

What I liked: This was a fun book, the plot twisted around and kept me interested. The primary and secondary characters were all realistic and I found myself at times fuming at certain behaviours, a sure sign I’m invested in a story.  

What didn’t work for me: I have no major complaints, some things I saw coming but there were no notable flaws in the story. It’s just another case of not meeting my personal spark factor that would net this as a 5 star review.

Final thoughts: A cleverly spun tale set in the world of Mummy bloggers and MLM schemes.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of contemporary fiction. 

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Book Review: A kid from Marlboro Road

Title: A Kid from Marlboro Road

Author: Edward Burns

Narrator: Edward Burns

Rating: 4/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for allowing me a copy of this audio book in return for an honest review.

This coming of age story follows twelve year old Kneenie through the ups and downs of his Irish American childhood in the late 1970’s. Peppered with the family tales passed down from his parents, Kneenie starts to realise his family may not be as solid as he once thought.

Edward Burns narrated his own novel, as he’s an actor he obviously knows how to bring the characters to life. I did occasionally forget we were supposed to be listening to a twelve year old tell the story in present tense and not an adult reminiscing, but for the most part it worked well.

What I liked: So confession time, I originally requested this book as I thought it was an autobiography by the Irish comedian Ed Byrne (I didn’t read the description beyond Irish and childhood), but as mistakes go, this was a good one. I immediately loved the first person, present tense narrative. Kneenie, is a sweet, perceptive boy trying to hide all signs of  softness from his friends. His oft times naive observations cleverly allow the reader to see deeper into the family dynamics without losing the innocence of our narrator.  All the characters were brilliantly developed and the stories that tied the plot together were all entertaining, some funny, others heart-rending.

What didn’t work for me: Occasionally I lost my sense of time, in fact I didn’t realise the beginning scene was a flash forward to later in the summer until the chapter where it happens. This may have been due to me missing an obvious clue, but it happened a bit throughout the book. I did find the ending abrupt but I see on Goodreads that this is the first of a trilogy so I’m assuming the book concluding how it did will work for the overall story. 

Final thoughts: A beautifully told coming of age story filled with heart, humour and a slight sense of trepidation.

Who would enjoy this: It reminded me a bit of a cross between “The Wonder Years”, and “Angela’s Ashes” for some reason, so fans of nostalgic childhood stories. I would say it’s for adults even though the narrator is a kid.

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Book Review: I'll Have What He's Having

Title: I’ll Have What He’s Having

Author: Adib Khorram

Narrators: Shezi Sardar and Brent Billings

Rating: 4/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for allowing me a copy of this audio book in return for an honest review.

From what starts out as a case of mistaken identity shortly turns into friends with benefits for thirty somethings Farzan Alavi and David Curtis. But do these men, who are just about to relaunch their lives in the service industry, really have the time to catch feelings for each other too?

Both Shezi and Brent did an excellent job bringing the characters to life. I did feel some of  Brent’s renditions of Farzan’s extended family and friends were quite far off from how Shezi depicted them and I’m not sure if he’d heard Shezi’s recording first or not, or if the voice actors get to develop the characters together, but I think that should be something future productions should look into especially when it comes to accent work.

What I liked: Oh I loved these two men and their families and friends so much! Everyone was so involved in everyone's business, it was such a great big cast of characters but I only lost track of who people were to each other a couple of times and quickly caught on again. You really could feel the love pouring down on both men from those around them and even when the inevitable tragic moment hits (that always has to hit in these types of romances) I felt the support from their families cushioned the blow I always dread. Why yes I do take these things too personally! 

What didn’t work for me:  Okay it’s one of those times where I have to apologise and say it’s not that anything was wrong it just didn’t hit enough bonus points to boost it into an obsessive level I need for it to be 5 stars.

Final thoughts: A romance about starting something new, and food and wine.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of contemporary romances, mid range spice (some sex scenes - so some people seem to think there was too much, they should go see some of the reviews of the books where I’ve made this complaint, read those books, then reread this one and re-review).

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Book Review: Look Up, Handsome

Title: Look Up, Handsome

Author: Jack Strange

Rating: 3.75/5

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this free advance review copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.

With Christmas soon approaching Quinn has finally recognised the inevitable, that he is being evicted by his step-father from his beloved book shop. The only queer bookshop in Hay-on-Wye. After accidentally going viral on Instagram and getting the local community behind him, along with visiting romance author Noah, a plan is formed to save the shop. 

What I Liked: This was a super cute, warm hot chocolate with a candy cane stick in it, Christmas romance of a book! Both the main characters were lovely though I was more drawn towards Quinn than Noah, he could grovel a bit more to be honest.  The secondary characters were fun and well placed and the townspeople were entertaining background extras. The overall plot kept me guessing, I actually rolled my eyes a couple of times thinking it was going to go a more typical route and then was happily surprised!

What didn’t work for me: A couple of things. The main one was the maths wasn’t mathing for Hermione’s backstory, hopefully without giving any spoilers she needs to be younger to have been “young and innocent” for when ‘the event’ takes place given Noah’s age now and ‘the event’ itself needs to have happened a lot closer to the millennium. The other thing was I think we should have had more discussion with what happened between Quinn and Noah and some assurances that it wasn't going to be a repeat as Noah has a history of such behaviour…

Final thoughts: A lovely winter romance (I live in New Zealand so was wrapped up warm during a few miserable rainy days while I read it) that also embraces community spirit and letting go of old fears and preconceptions.

Who would enjoy this: People who like cosy sweet romances with not too much unnecessary drama, low spice and happy ever afters.

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Book Review: Upscaled

Title: Upscaled

Author: Joseph John Lee

Rating: 3/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this free advance review copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.

After playing a trick on a merchant, eleven year old Ailís finds herself in possession of an illegal dragon egg, and shortly after that a newly hatched dragon, still very much illegal. With the local authorities, whose entire role is to wipe out dragon kind, breathing down her neck, Ailís, her mum and little brother must flee their village and seek out help from her uncle.

What I liked: It was quirky and cute, there were definite parts where I laughed out loud. I liked the overall idea and the characters.  This should be marketed as a children’s book not a teens though.

What didn’t work for me:  It felt like at times it was trying too hard to be a copy of Terry Pratchett, at some points it pushed the obscure too hard (often more silly than quirky) then at others it just fell into a more relaxed narrative, which almost seemed the exact opposite, it’s a shame it couldn’t find a happy medium.  I also think some of the references to Monty Python should just go, if the main character is eleven the people reading it are not going to get the inquisition bit (I grew up in the 80’s, I got it but it’s been done to death).

Final thoughts: A fun kids adventure book about a young girl and her dragon. Who would enjoy this: Kids who like comedy fantasy books.

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Book Review: Long Live Evil

Title: Long Live Evil (Time of Iron #1)

Author: Sarah Rees Brennan

Narrator: Moira Quirk

Rating: 5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for allowing me a copy of this audio book in return for an honest review.

Rae is 20 years old and dying of cancer, when a strange woman shows up in her hospital room and offers her the chance to go to the fictional land of her favourite fantasy series where she will have the chance to cure herself she doesn’t see a downside.  Upon waking she discovers she is in the body of Lady Rahela, The Lady Dipped in Blood, the heroines evil stepsister, on the eve of her execution, well that’s going to make things interesting…

Moira Quirk is an utter dream of a narrator, I had previously fallen in love with her portrayal of Gideon the Ninth so I was delighted when I realised she was reading this gem of a book.  The characters were all easily distinguishable from each other and she added heart and humour to the narrative.

Long Live Evil is such a fabulous story, I have had a book hangover all day over the conclusion, and can’t believe I’m going to have to wait for however long it takes to write the next one in the series before I get to dive back in.  I will be re-listening as often as possible, that's for sure.  The characters are complex, flawed, broken and believable, the fantasy world makes sense, the narrative was brilliant, the plot twisted perfectly, I was laughing out loud at times, gasping in shock at others, and even shedding a tear or two on occasion. 

Final thoughts: I am so in love with this book!  A fantastic take on the fantasy portal genre, told with both depth and humour.

Who would enjoy this: Fantasy fans, especially those who enjoy stories that poke fun at the damsel in distress trope.