***100 Days of Summer Reading 2023***
Prompt: Book with a character named James or a diminutive.
12 sided dice roll: 4
Because survival is insufficient.
I'm a sucker for “found family" stories, one of the many reasons that I love urban fantasy. Orphans finding friendship and love once they can get out of their own way. Learning to believe that someone cares about them. Mika Moon is a witch and witches are always orphans. She was raised by a senior witch but at arms length, relegated to nursemaids and tutors. Once she was old enough to be on her own, she became nomadic, moving regularly to keep ahead of the perception of her differentness.
Although her mentor, Primrose, advises against it, Mika longs for a real connection. The Rules say that witches can't group together and shouldn't reveal their talents to those around them. Mika finds these restrictions alienating. She is ripe for the offer that comes to her from Nowhere House to be a tutor and guide to three young witches. The adults around them are great at loving, but haven't any magical skill. Almost everyone is glad to have Mika as part of the household, except for Jamie, the librarian. He is gruff, grumpy, and occasionally hostile.
That's my favourite romance trope—enemies to lovers. Although enemies seems a bit extreme for their starting place. Mandanna paces things well. She doesn't allow the relationship to develop too quickly or too easily. I was completely surprised by two twists close to the end of the book. They were elegantly done and helped to wrap things up neatly.
A very cozy paranormal romance that I would not hesitate to recommend to readers of the genre (or anyone else searching for a cozy book).
No comments:
Post a Comment