nikkisbooknook's reviews
4946 reviews

 We're back in the world of unstable magical talents and our MC's attempting to get back to their respective time periods.

Devynn and Seth have landed in the post war years, 1947 to be exact. Seth’s feeling the pull of his family but how can he explain why he has been gone for so many years but hasn't aged at all. The Wilcox clan have committed a power move and have taken the prima-in-waiting, Ruby.

Seth and Devynn decide to try and rescue her on their own but can they also unravel the curse which plagues the Wilcoxes.  Can they save the primus' wife before she dies after giving birth to a son?

Poor Devynn's crappy hold on her magic continues.  Even as she occasionally surges in power, she can never quite aim all that power in the right direction.  When Devynn ends up kidnapped too, Seth wonders if he'll ever find her again. Or manage to get back to their own timelines.  This sweet will-they-won't-they romance continues to sweep me up into time travelling mystery.

Now to see what adventure awaits them next time! 

 

Volcaryth isn't the only hot stuff- Rath is brimming with passion for his human mate. This dry, barren outer world belies the city hidden under the crust.  A city that it's new Human inhabitants are still learning to call home.  But there is a section of Drakarn society who want rid of these new dwellers and they'll use any opportunity to get rid of them.

Orla is a talented scientist, and all around geek, but that inquisitive streak got her into hot water and only Rath claiming her has kept her alive - so far!  But will the human finally come to realise just what his claim means to Rath.

Rath may be a powerful warrior but when it comes to his mate he gets all protective and growly. He treats her with care but that passion is banking up and sooner or later it's going to blow! Orla is so savvy usually but she's adrift when it comes to Drakarn politics and religion.  She's just walked right into a minefield but she insists she can get herself out of it.  Thankfully she does eventually listen to reason and she definitely cannot deny the chemistry with Rath.

There are some beautifully touching scenes but the smexy times aren't lacking!  I'll just "alien peen" with some interesting adornments! 

An adorable but satisfying conclusion to the series.

Emily and Wendell are in full on love this time around and Wendell is a man who uses Acts of Service as a love language.  He takes on all those little jobs and tasks that just make Emily's life easier. Would it have been even better with a bit more adventure? Yes. But it was well paced and the romance pace was in keeping with the story.

The portal system, collecting all the legends & stories was a great way to weave in some suspense and tie all of their adventures together.  There are some old friends popping up here and there and the humour is gentle, not over the top and raucous. 

My favourite line is when Wendell just states "Mine". (swooooon)

 When you're a wordy person you always think to yourself !"I could write a book" or "That'd be a great idea for a book". But not many of us are brave enough to put pen to paper and actually write it down.

This book, although slim, is actually packed full for information, things to ponder and ideas to mull over.  The tone of the book feels very informal and reads almost like a conversation between the author and the reader.  The wee quips every so often really tempers the information overload.

As a bit of a Classicist and Ancient History buff I already knew quite a lot about Aristotle and Co but I had read very few of his actual works.  The way the chapters were broken down into nuggets to improve your writing - such as characters, plot, writing style, what scenes are probable, which relationships bolster your characters, etc - all helps to get your brain to think about YOUR style of writing and book and less about what others do. 

 A cosy mystery reminiscent of the Queen of Crime herself.

There is a great cast of characters, eccentrics, shady Antiques folk and of course, Freya and Aunt Carole.  What was supposed to be a mix of holiday and sleuthing has turned into a full fledged investigation.  Freya has managed to hold onto her naivety which can sometimes lead her astray - she needs to take a big dose of cynicism! Her Aunt Carole is as wacky as ever and brought a lot of comic relief to the story.

The storyline is confined mostly to the boat on the Nile, so it's almost like a "locked room" mystery afloat.  I really enjoyed my trip down the Nile and learning more about history and antiques in general.  A fab modern take on the vintage mystery! 

Enemies to lovers Romantasy with a FMC who is just learning to use and tame her magic!

Astra and Marlak have decided to snub their noses at what they should do and are determined to hold onto each other.  They just have to sort out a revolution along the way.  Finding a floating, non-stationary castle will be a doddle! Right?

This is much more than just a Romantasy.  Yes the love story is the theme tying everything together but the world politics, fledgling revolution, the corruption of magic - these are all strong themes. Marlak and Astra are also not the only romance going on - some of the secondary characters are enjoying their own romances, some with more success than others. 

Whilst told from multiple POV's I never felt lost about who I was "with".  I always had a clear idea of the view I was immersed in and they're overriding motivations.  With so much going on you might think you'd get bogged down with all the politicking but I have to say I rather enjoyed it and it helped me to forget about the dumpster fire of the real world for a few hours.

Now I have to sit and twiddle my thumbs for book 3 to arrive!

 

Whilst this isn't strictly part of the RHS series, it does feature characters from that series as secondary characters/acquaintances of our MC's.

This perfect little gem of a book is perfect for V day.  Whether you're happily coupled up or still searching for your person, Bear and Valentine will make your heart happy.

Valentine has had a bit of vagabond existence, she has so many jobs and side-hustles, still trying to find where she belongs.  I love that she was confident enough to approach builders and ask them to keep the noise down at particular times.  I'm even more heart happy that these burly men actually responded to her request kindly and appropriately!

Bear is the kinda man who is good with his hands.  He's kind, respectful but when he's with someone he's in 100%. He's the boss - he doesn't need to be on site but his crew keep ribbing him over his not so subtle crush on a nearby tenant.  He and Valentine may have a mutual admiration society going on but that doesn't stop her giving the crew what for when they disturb her work.  Oh the mortification when she realises she's the one in the wrong.

Bear comes to the rescue of our gal and they finally chip away at the walls they've erected around themselves.  Bear shows himself to be the kindest, most caring guy you could hope for but he still talks a dirty game! I adore characters who have baggage and issues but realise they are there and try to work to shed them and Valentine was one of those characters.

I cannot wait to read more of these little in-between novellas!