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nikkisbooknook's reviews
4696 reviews
Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
When you're Scottish, you always give Scottish set romances a weary eye. Sometimes you wonder if the author has ever read anything about Scotland, never mind researched it or even visited it. However this has been added to my "acceptable list" lol
I loved the enthusiasm for the history and scenery of Scotland. Sadly not all my countrymen look like Logan or even know how to tune a kilt. But the story more than makes up for any wee blips. The story also called to me as I once was a travel agent so all that work dealing with passengers, providers, etc brought back some memories!
Addie has major case of wanderlust brought on by the death of her mum. Logan loves showing off the less well travelled areas of Scotland but the family company is still struggling.
Addie and Logan may be opposites in personality but they have a lot of commonalities, loneliness, family resentments and both are very determined to live life their way. They also hide a soft centre that they don't often let others see.
There are smexy scenes but they are not graphic or particularly spicy. The banter is great and the dialogue almost sounds right in my head (but Scotland has a lot of accents so that can be forgiven) but very few men, especially younger ones will ever call you lass.
I loved the enthusiasm for the history and scenery of Scotland. Sadly not all my countrymen look like Logan or even know how to tune a kilt. But the story more than makes up for any wee blips. The story also called to me as I once was a travel agent so all that work dealing with passengers, providers, etc brought back some memories!
Addie has major case of wanderlust brought on by the death of her mum. Logan loves showing off the less well travelled areas of Scotland but the family company is still struggling.
Addie and Logan may be opposites in personality but they have a lot of commonalities, loneliness, family resentments and both are very determined to live life their way. They also hide a soft centre that they don't often let others see.
There are smexy scenes but they are not graphic or particularly spicy. The banter is great and the dialogue almost sounds right in my head (but Scotland has a lot of accents so that can be forgiven) but very few men, especially younger ones will ever call you lass.
Fighting for Adalyn by Katie Reus
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Adalyn carries a burden of misplaced survivor guilt. Her intel may have led to her teams death but she was not responsible - she trusted her source implicitly. That didn't stop Rowan, who until then had been her friend and possibly more, from blaming her. Now working for RHS, she's had to work with Rowan a few times now and he has come to terms with his grief and his misplaced hatred of Adalyn. But can she ever risk taking the leap with the handsome former Marine?
However, it looks like their joint past is back to haunt them and someone is using the cover of New Orleans Mardi Gras to strike terror into the heart of Adalyn!
Rowan is a great MMC. He has learned from past behaviour, recognises that he was the problem and is trying to redeem himself towards Adalyn. Adalyn is not such an easy nut to crack though. She has built a shell around her heart - it was the only way to survive with the CIA after all. But Rowan and his happy, optimistic outlook soon chip away at that shell.
There were plenty of twists and layers to the story. I loved meeting Fleur and Auntie Collette - she was a hoot. Adalyn is very much her own hero in this book - Rowan is clearly aware of her skills and wants to support her, not smother her. Brilliant banter between our grumpy CIA agent and her wannabe partner.
Be careful who you like as secondary characters in this story 'cos sadly not all of them survive.
However, it looks like their joint past is back to haunt them and someone is using the cover of New Orleans Mardi Gras to strike terror into the heart of Adalyn!
Rowan is a great MMC. He has learned from past behaviour, recognises that he was the problem and is trying to redeem himself towards Adalyn. Adalyn is not such an easy nut to crack though. She has built a shell around her heart - it was the only way to survive with the CIA after all. But Rowan and his happy, optimistic outlook soon chip away at that shell.
There were plenty of twists and layers to the story. I loved meeting Fleur and Auntie Collette - she was a hoot. Adalyn is very much her own hero in this book - Rowan is clearly aware of her skills and wants to support her, not smother her. Brilliant banter between our grumpy CIA agent and her wannabe partner.
Be careful who you like as secondary characters in this story 'cos sadly not all of them survive.
On Her Watch by Melinda Leigh
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Bree and Co. have an already full plate dealing with a flu epidemic which has raged through the town and sheriff's office. Then a body is found in a remote wooded area but on further inspection further bodies are found. There would appear to be a new serial killer on the loose - one with a predilection for small, fragile looking females but that's not the only similarities between victims!
With overstepping reporters and the local police board representative hovering, Bree has her hands full. Dealing with mourning parents are horrible tasks but Bree and the team handle them with tact.
I love this series as it deals not only with the solving of the murder but with Bree's family life. Living and working with Matt, parenting her late sister's children and the beautifully portrayed relationship with her former cop partner/best friends/housemate! She is flawed, distracted and determined to be the best Sheriff she can be - despite the lackadaisical financial assistance from the police board.
This still feels as fresh and exciting as the first book in the series and even through the romance takes a back seat to the suspense, the relationship between Bree and Matt is evolving with every book.
With overstepping reporters and the local police board representative hovering, Bree has her hands full. Dealing with mourning parents are horrible tasks but Bree and the team handle them with tact.
I love this series as it deals not only with the solving of the murder but with Bree's family life. Living and working with Matt, parenting her late sister's children and the beautifully portrayed relationship with her former cop partner/best friends/housemate! She is flawed, distracted and determined to be the best Sheriff she can be - despite the lackadaisical financial assistance from the police board.
This still feels as fresh and exciting as the first book in the series and even through the romance takes a back seat to the suspense, the relationship between Bree and Matt is evolving with every book.
Through Fire and Shadow by R.M. Schultz
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Treachery abounds in Nevergrace!
If you love an epic quest, dragons, brave knights (male and female) and battles then this is the fantasy book rec for you!
I missed book 1 in this series but it is on the TBR and I intend to go back and fill in the gaps in my knowledge but I managed to follow along with the story without being stumped too often.
Cyran is from Belvenguard and a neighbouring kingdom is on the move to avenge the death of their king. Now Cyran's sister, Jaslin, is involved in the fight for freedom and Cyran would much rather she stay home and be safe! But Jaslin is a very forward thinking woman for her time and she'd rather be in the thick of fighting than weeping and wailing at home.
There are dangers lurking in the woods and Cyran makes promises to his dragon that he hopes he'll live to make good on. I really got lost in this world and just sucked into the story - I felt I was flying along went they went into battle.
I felt their were enough twists to make things interesting with making me reach for a pad of paper to write things down to keep the plot straight. You don't need to learn a whole new language to follow along but there are a few words you'll need to get your brain around. (Helpfully there is a glossary at the end of the book).
I will happily volunteer to battle along with these knights in book 3!
If you love an epic quest, dragons, brave knights (male and female) and battles then this is the fantasy book rec for you!
I missed book 1 in this series but it is on the TBR and I intend to go back and fill in the gaps in my knowledge but I managed to follow along with the story without being stumped too often.
Cyran is from Belvenguard and a neighbouring kingdom is on the move to avenge the death of their king. Now Cyran's sister, Jaslin, is involved in the fight for freedom and Cyran would much rather she stay home and be safe! But Jaslin is a very forward thinking woman for her time and she'd rather be in the thick of fighting than weeping and wailing at home.
There are dangers lurking in the woods and Cyran makes promises to his dragon that he hopes he'll live to make good on. I really got lost in this world and just sucked into the story - I felt I was flying along went they went into battle.
I felt their were enough twists to make things interesting with making me reach for a pad of paper to write things down to keep the plot straight. You don't need to learn a whole new language to follow along but there are a few words you'll need to get your brain around. (Helpfully there is a glossary at the end of the book).
I will happily volunteer to battle along with these knights in book 3!
Sheltered by AK Evans
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Harlow has a blooming business as a hair stylist, she owns her own home and she has a loving family and some great friends. But she can't help feeling that life is passing her by. She's not brave or adventurous and everyday things that others take for granted she has missed out on.
After plucking up the courage to try online dating she suffers through the date from he((. Thankfully Blaze was at a neighbouring table and acted as her white knight. From that meet-cute these two blossom into one of the cutest, sweetest and adventurous couples at HSO!
Blaze is everything that Harlow wants to be: outgoing, adventurous, experienced. He's also kind, determined and patient - all things Harlow needs to let her shine!
I loved the fraught opening - wondering what on earth happens that leads Harlow into that situation. Then the super slow burn and intense chemistry between Harlow and Blaze is just - mwaaah perfection. Blaze never makes Harlow feel less than and at times is stumped by her reaction to otherwise banal comments. But once things are explained we realise that whilst smart and savvy she is also terribly naïve and inexperienced in certain areas.
I love getting to see all the previous couples pop in and out of the following stories - it's like seeing old friends. Roll on the next book!
After plucking up the courage to try online dating she suffers through the date from he((. Thankfully Blaze was at a neighbouring table and acted as her white knight. From that meet-cute these two blossom into one of the cutest, sweetest and adventurous couples at HSO!
Blaze is everything that Harlow wants to be: outgoing, adventurous, experienced. He's also kind, determined and patient - all things Harlow needs to let her shine!
I loved the fraught opening - wondering what on earth happens that leads Harlow into that situation. Then the super slow burn and intense chemistry between Harlow and Blaze is just - mwaaah perfection. Blaze never makes Harlow feel less than and at times is stumped by her reaction to otherwise banal comments. But once things are explained we realise that whilst smart and savvy she is also terribly naïve and inexperienced in certain areas.
I love getting to see all the previous couples pop in and out of the following stories - it's like seeing old friends. Roll on the next book!
Cold Hearted by Leia Stone, Julie Hall
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
What could go wrong when a Fae Princess, a trained assassin, is sent on a quest to steal the heart of an evil magical Fae lord? Well she could stumble across a magical rebellion, realise that her mission is not quite as described and all for a grumpy, sarcastic Commander of the Army of the North!
Dawn's been told that her realm has been cursed and that she needs to protect her people. Once through a magical mirror portal Dawn soon finds herself in the clutches of an army commander, one who tantalises her and makes her almost wish that she wasn't there to commit magical murder!
Zander is a superb mix of sarcastic and witty. He knows how to half-lie, half-reveal his identity. I loved learning about the 4 Ethereum lords and their roots. The rebellion is an intriguing twist too.
Although a fantasy romance the world was easy to understand and there wasn't the need to learn a whole new language either! I did think it rushed a wee bit at the end but nothing that would put me off reading further books in the series!
Sabotage Operation by Caridad Pineiro
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I have read a few of this authors other books, but not anything from this series. However, I easily centred myself in the world and was able to keep all the characters in line.
I loved reading this story - what a fabulously Latinx-centred world. Theresa loves her horses, way more than she loves most people. She could have come across as a spoiled rich girl but she is full of grit, determination and empathy. Matt is the perfect image of tall, dark and handsome. He does have a bit of a chip on his shoulder when it comes to rich girls, but to be quite frank, after reading what he went through I'd have a chip the size of NY on my shoulder too!
The chemistry between Matt and Theresa was palpable and they smoothed each others edges. Everyone else could see the attraction before they did, lol. But the star of the show for me was Butter - I am a sucker for a K9 and she was an angel. She wasn't the perfect working dog but she was a new addition to the team so little foibles are to be expected.
There were some great secondary characters and enough twists to keep me intrigued. I'd happily read more books in this series!
I loved reading this story - what a fabulously Latinx-centred world. Theresa loves her horses, way more than she loves most people. She could have come across as a spoiled rich girl but she is full of grit, determination and empathy. Matt is the perfect image of tall, dark and handsome. He does have a bit of a chip on his shoulder when it comes to rich girls, but to be quite frank, after reading what he went through I'd have a chip the size of NY on my shoulder too!
The chemistry between Matt and Theresa was palpable and they smoothed each others edges. Everyone else could see the attraction before they did, lol. But the star of the show for me was Butter - I am a sucker for a K9 and she was an angel. She wasn't the perfect working dog but she was a new addition to the team so little foibles are to be expected.
There were some great secondary characters and enough twists to keep me intrigued. I'd happily read more books in this series!
Alien in Disguise (Forbidden Bonds #05) by Cara Bristol
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Jessie never thought that a cruise in space would lead to being kidnapped! She and the other passengers were rescued but they've all been mind wiped except her. She wants to shout about her capture from the rooftops but this little thing called evidence would come in handy!
She's been gone for months but to those she left on New Terra she's only been gone a few days thanks to the wonders of wormholes! She may have a high-faluting title but she lives in a normal flat with a lovely grandma-type neighbour neighbour who has looked after her cat. But once again she finds herself the target of abduction - how can one woman have such bad luck!
Enter LOP undercover agent Maxx. He's got a couple of advantages from being half-human but none of that seems to matter when he has to help Jessie. She won't go quietly to a safe house, she won't stay "rescued" and she leaves him irritated, annoyed and downright attracted to the determined human!
Jessie is a great FMC - she is determined, smart but out of her depth. She can defend herself to a certain extent but she does tend to fly off half-cocked and get herself into some sticky situations.
Maxx could have come cleaner a bit sooner but I get that there was only so much an agent could disclose. There were enough twists to keep me occupied. I did uncover the "big bad" before the reveal so I am proud of myself for that, lol.
I'm quite sad to see the end of this series but I'm sure it won't be the last time we see these characters - I hope they get to pop up occasionally as cameos in other books.
She's been gone for months but to those she left on New Terra she's only been gone a few days thanks to the wonders of wormholes! She may have a high-faluting title but she lives in a normal flat with a lovely grandma-type neighbour neighbour who has looked after her cat. But once again she finds herself the target of abduction - how can one woman have such bad luck!
Enter LOP undercover agent Maxx. He's got a couple of advantages from being half-human but none of that seems to matter when he has to help Jessie. She won't go quietly to a safe house, she won't stay "rescued" and she leaves him irritated, annoyed and downright attracted to the determined human!
Jessie is a great FMC - she is determined, smart but out of her depth. She can defend herself to a certain extent but she does tend to fly off half-cocked and get herself into some sticky situations.
Maxx could have come cleaner a bit sooner but I get that there was only so much an agent could disclose. There were enough twists to keep me occupied. I did uncover the "big bad" before the reveal so I am proud of myself for that, lol.
I'm quite sad to see the end of this series but I'm sure it won't be the last time we see these characters - I hope they get to pop up occasionally as cameos in other books.
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Elise Noble
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Luna is a PITA for everyone. Her latest escapade has landed her with community service, helping at a Turtle Sanctuary. Knox and Ryder aren't exactly enthused at the thought of a month babysitting this pop starlet but they go where ordered.
Caro is the mainstay of the turtle sanctuary. She understands that having Luna there may get her PR for her sanctuary but dealing with Luna and her hulking bodyguards may not be worth the effort! Caro and Luna start out as very different women but as the book progresses we realise that they have more similarities than differences.
Whilst this book is about Caro and Knox, there is background layering of the potential romance for Ryder and Luna building in the background. Caro and Knox may be opposites but they click on so many levels. I loved learning all about turtles and their environment. I always tell people that I learn something new in every book I read and this was very true in this one!
Stalkers, poachers and dangerous exes abound.
Caro is the mainstay of the turtle sanctuary. She understands that having Luna there may get her PR for her sanctuary but dealing with Luna and her hulking bodyguards may not be worth the effort! Caro and Luna start out as very different women but as the book progresses we realise that they have more similarities than differences.
Whilst this book is about Caro and Knox, there is background layering of the potential romance for Ryder and Luna building in the background. Caro and Knox may be opposites but they click on so many levels. I loved learning all about turtles and their environment. I always tell people that I learn something new in every book I read and this was very true in this one!
Stalkers, poachers and dangerous exes abound.
Rising Sun by Donna Grant
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Yasmin, is a grifter, a thief, a survivor. She is also surrogate big sister to a group of rag-tag abandoned and abused human children. When she picks the wrong pocket she finds herself facing prison and she knows neither she or the children will survive her captivity. When the Elf in charge offers her a way out she reluctantly goes along with her plan. But returning to Shaldorn could be the end of her...she escaped once, she may have used up all of her luck.
Ravi detests humans about as much as Yasmin hates Elves. But on the journey to Shaldorn he cannot help being impressed by this resilient and determined woman. She drip-feeds him parts of her story and he finally understands just what she went through behind those imposing walls. And he can't seem to help himself wanting her!
The intricate differences between types of Elves, their powers and politics all make for a super interesting backstory. High fantasy, romance and action blend well together. Yasmin is prickly, plucky and a true survivor. Ravi begins as this aloof and arrogant elf but Yasmin chips off some of those edges and by the end he's kind of a big-hearted softie!
The world building is fabulous and descriptive enough to suck you in but not enough to bog you down. Great start to a new offshoot series in the Dragon Kings Universe!
Ravi detests humans about as much as Yasmin hates Elves. But on the journey to Shaldorn he cannot help being impressed by this resilient and determined woman. She drip-feeds him parts of her story and he finally understands just what she went through behind those imposing walls. And he can't seem to help himself wanting her!
The intricate differences between types of Elves, their powers and politics all make for a super interesting backstory. High fantasy, romance and action blend well together. Yasmin is prickly, plucky and a true survivor. Ravi begins as this aloof and arrogant elf but Yasmin chips off some of those edges and by the end he's kind of a big-hearted softie!
The world building is fabulous and descriptive enough to suck you in but not enough to bog you down. Great start to a new offshoot series in the Dragon Kings Universe!
Content Warnings
Minor: Medical trauma, Abandonment, Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Slavery