Book Review: The Witch Is Back by Sophie H. Morgan

Mills and Boon published a supernatural Nocturne series between 2013-2017. They seem to be dipping their publishing tie in the world of supernatural romance once again with The Witch is Back by Sophie H Morgan. 

This is a second chance at love romance. Emma Blueswater is a such who wants to leave her witchness firmly in the past. She was never a particularly a good witch. Spells were never her thing. She much prefers running a bar called Toil and Trouble in Chicago with her two best friends, Leah who is human but wants to be a witch and Tia who is also a witch. Her dog and three legged cat are an adorable aside to the plot line. Bastian  Truenote, her best friend since childhood, deserted her when they are making plans for their arranged marriage seven years ago. Despite the complicated marriage contract being signed when they were children he suddenly disappeared without trace. She is humiliated and the mystical/ magical society, especially her mother, blame her as she is not a very good witch. She escapes to the human world where she has lived happily with her friends. He turns up years later in Emma’s bar begging her for a second chance and for the marriage to go ahead as otherwise his mother will die. Bastian is unwilling to share the reasons why he fled in the first place. They go through with the marriage but will they be able to recapture the happiness and love of their youth. 

Although this is a mystical romance many of the split lines are firmly based in reality. Emma is an introvert, Bastian an extrovert. Emma was bullied by her mother when she was a child to the extent that she hates speaking in public. Their characters develop and grow, showing how toxic family life, betrayal and loyal friends can shape a relationship.loyal friends.

This is my first witch/ spells/ paranormal romance and I wasn’t disappointed. Although the basic romantic storyline isn’t by any means unique the way that that the characters, witches and spells were interwoven and shape the dynamic and direction of the storyline made it a very enjoyable read. I never read any of the original Nocturne series, but going by the front cover alone, this new iteration of witchy romance is not as dark and intense but instead toned down, more fun, verging on rom-com with a twist of witch.    

I love Mills & Boon UK and I think you will too! Click my personal referral link to get a discount on your first purchase http://rwrd.io/f4yjeqp?c 

I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley #gifted

Book Review: Rasputin and his Russian Queen The True Story of Grigory and Alexandra by Mickey Mayhew

Rasputin and His Russian  Queen is written by Mickey Mayhew is a non fiction novel, telling the story of Grigory Rasputin and Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovona Empress of Russia,  the last of the Romanovs and the downfall of the Tsarist regime in Russia. I have always been fascinated by the Romanovs, why the Tsarist regime collapsed so violently and what happened to Anastasia. 

On the plus side the book is well written and Rasputin isn’t portrayed as this one dimensional evil person but as someone who is very complex with a multifaceted personality who is capable good and is very spiritual.  He also presents the relationship between the Tsarina and Rasputin quite concisely. This relationship is the main theme  of the book looking at the inner workings of their relationship, how Rasputin benefitted from it and controlled the Tsarina and how ultimately he caused the downfall of Romanov Russia. 

Sadly I don’t think this book adds much to the debate and the history narrative of the downfall into the collapse of Russia into Communism. Mayhew merely rehashed existing stories. There is a lack of citations and fact seemed to merge with opinion to create a piece of work which combines fact, fiction and opinion.  

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley UK  in exchange a honest review.

Book Review: Pug Actually by Matt Dunn

Pug, Actually is a light hearted romance written by Matt Dunn. The main character and narrator of the story is Doug the Pug, a 15/20lb dog who is determined to play matchmaker for his mistress (Julie). Julie rescued Doug and now he feels he should rescue her from Luke. Doug despises Julie’s current boyfriend,  Luke who is married and also her boss. Doug decides Tom would be great for Julie, even though he is a V.E.T. and the storyline is written from Doug’s perspective as he tries to set them up. 

This is an amusing light hearted Rom-com written from a doggy perspective. I especially enjoyed Doug musing about why there shouldn’t be lost cat posters because cats can’t read! This is one of my favourite books I have read so far this year. Loved it. 

I received this book via Netgalley and Harper Collins in exchange for a honest review.  #netgalley #gifted

 

#AD Book Review: Coming Home For Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne

Elizabeth Hamilton has been suffering from postpartum depression after the birth of her second child, Bridger and the loss of her parents. She was struggling to connect with her husband, Luke but was then involved in a car accident where she became amnesiac.  Fast forward 7 years and her husband finds her and brings her home so he can prove to the local DA that he did not murder her. As they plan for Christmas they are drawn closer together as a couple and family  so will Christmas be their new beginning? 

Not your average Christmas romance novel. The storyline combines humour, sadness, child angst and so much more without the novel becoming cluttered or unbelievable. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review