Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paige Toon

Only Love Can Hurt Like This
by Paige Toon

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance,Women’s Fiction

Women’s fiction…Bah, humbug! Lets get rid of this category please.

So, the book. I found Paige Toon some years back by way of the wonderful Johnny be good, and its follow up. I loved it, and its still my favourite novel of hers. Might just be reread time 😉
Since then I’ve read many, some I loved, others not so much. This one falls in between. The plot and that reveal – excellent. The fragile family relationships equally so, as was Wren’s fiance – such an honourable man. I liked Anders too though his brother Jonas was far more interesting! I loved the day to day stuff, Bailey and her irrepressible humour, the Air-stream renovation, the little issues that make up real life. I loved that it covered a decent time period, months not the weeks or even days of some romances. How quickly do those broken hearts mend sometimes ?

What didn’t really work so well though was the actual relationship between Anders and Wren, I just didn’t feel that magic spark, that sizzle of passion. It was potentially there but kind of damped down IMO. I wanted Fireworks, Blazing Heat, sizzling sensuality but felt it was all pretty tealight candle, not Sensual Eastern Promise fragrance but Winter Cotton Pjs…… I just felt they were more good friends than lovers.

Its a good read – does Paige ever write a bad book – just not going to become one of my favourites.

Stars: Three, a good read but not one of my favourites from Paige.

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

Of Blood & Light #1 by C. Monk

Of Blood & Light
Of Blood & Light #1
by C. Monk

Genre: Sci-fi and fantasy, romance, new adult

Well, you know how it is, new to you author but the premise sounds interesting so – do you or don’t you? I did, and I’m so glad, this was a fabulous read, bringing a different slant on the supernatural side, weaving in a bit of Arthurian legend, combined with a strangely Victorian Britain theme….
There are secrets here, secrets upon secrets and poor River is lost. Who Are these people? Where Is she? They seem to feel she is someone else, a wayward wife no less.
I loved so much about this story, the fabulous new world I entered, the strange characters within it, some who were decidedly not what they seemed. And of course the magics 🙂
I really felt for River, loved her determination, her love for family, and her attitude of DLTBGYD. Then Hadrian, who appears cold and aloof, but time proves otherwise. So many fabulous characters here, and some real nasties too. I do love finding those in a story.
Its an intense read, full of drama, action, ballgowns and corsets 😉 and a hero who is a true gentleman, not the usual pushy Alpha grunting type! There’s a really useful section at the back explaining about Thule and its inhabitants, I found that excellent as I was a little confused to begin.
I’m off to look for what else the author has written, and I really, really hope we’re getting more of this.

Stars: Five, a cracking, unusual take on the fantasy romance genre.
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ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers