The Flame Game ReRead by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Flame Game (A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) Book 16)

Title: The Flame Game ReRead
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (With a Body Count) #16
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

The Flame Game is the final tale in Bailey and Quinn’s story. And honestly, it’s such a great way to give them closure for their three novel story arcs. I love how it is still filled with their typical chaos and mayhem. But with a little more calmness to their relationship and love for one another.

Even though Bailey is more confident and secure, she is still just as chaotic as her first two stories. And she never ending journey to reclaim a sense of self and self-esteem after abuse is continuing. I love that, even though she’s found love, she still has the same challenges and difficulties. Nothing was magically solved overnight. She just has someone in her corner now.

I love how Audrey is the reason Quinn and Bailey get together. And it’s her choices and active decision to be a presence in his life that have such a long-term consequence on, well, everything. The Flame Game bought so much closure to this weird relationship and dynamic. Making so many of the past, seemingly random choices make a warped kind of sense.

It took me this read through to realise how good the title of this novel is. The Flame Game isn’t just because Cindercorns, but rather, the well though out revenge that the Quinns decide to enact on those that have wronged them. Even when they vanquish their foe, they damn well make sure that nothing about him is capable of returning and haunting them.

<- A Chip on Her Shoulder ReReadMurder Mittens ReRead ->

Image source: Amazon

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Spanish Love Deception | Book by Elena Armas | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster AU

Title: The Spanish Love Deception
Author: Elena Armas
Series: The Spanish Love Deception #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Travel
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

The Fake Dating Trope is always one that I am guaranteed to enjoy. I can’t imagine it really happening in real life. But I still enjoy the journey of reading it. I particularly loved how Lina’s desperation for a fake date makes her turn to an “enemy” of sorts, and just how well these two tropes worked together.

From the very beginning of the storyline, it was fairly obvious that Aaron has some big feelings for Lina. But, that didn’t take away from the pure enjoyment of reading about their tale. I loved how their story unfolded and Aaron was able to gently lead Lina to understand some of his past actions, and all of the misunderstandings that lay between them. Plus, I do love just a little predictability in my romances.

Most romances, I don’t pay a lot of attention to the setting. Its normally not something that fascinates or intrigues me. That was not the case with The Spanish Love Deception. The backdrop of Spain was just amazing. New York as a starting location was fun, Spain and all of its countryside beauty was distractingly beautiful. Maybe because I want to actually visit Spain… the family and chaos of Spain and Lina’s life over there was absolutely adorable and unforgettable. Something that really just added a gorgeous extra layer to an already seriously enjoyable romance.

This was my first book by Elena Armas even though she frequently pops up as a suggested author. I may have found it a little slow to get started, but I definitely loved this. And now I can’t wait to read more stories by Armas.

<- More Elena ArmasThe American Roommate Experiment ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster Australia

With Her Hundred Miles to Hell by Kat Howard

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: With Her Hundred Miles to Hell
Author: Kat Howard
In: Glitter and Mayhem (Amber Benson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2013

Thoughts

This was a very convoluted, dream-scape type short story. For me, it was all about the darkness of dreams and the journey to death and hell. It was really fun to read and kind of brilliant, but, as I mentioned, kind of dark and, almost felt a bit like a fever dream to read.

Reading this felt very disjointed and dreamy, and was probably not the best short story to read right before bed. But, I kind of enjoyed being in a dream scape, before actually entering my own dream world.

With Her Hundred Miles to Hell was all about the little deaths that we must sacrifice to bring our dreams to life. And I seriously enjoyed the premise. I kind of wanted this to be longer and expanded. It was a truly intriguing and dark story. One that I would most definitely read again (and probably find new things to be fascinated by).

<- Apex JumpStar Dancer ->

Image source: Amazon

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Book Review, ,
Overview
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: Treat yourself to the million copy bestseller

Title: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Gaming
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This was one of those stories that I really wanted to love, but in the end, I just couldn’t. The premise was great, and it was a good story. But definitely not one that I loved. And probably not one where I’m likely to feel the drive to read much more by this author. It just wasn’t my kind of story.

For starters, I felt absolutely zero connection to the characters. The potential was there in the beginning, the desire was there. But, I just didn’t fully lean into it. It was one of those stories, that I could walk away mid-tale and not care less what was going to happen in the end – I’m sure they hit differently for others. But, for me, I just couldn’t get there.

I also absolutely loved the premise of the story, I love how it was structured. But the actual execution felt somehow lacking. To me, this very much felt like a story that has gotten great media, but maybe can’t quite live up to the hype. Or maybe it was just me, that is always a distinct chance.

I may enjoy stories which jump timelines, but I also found that this one jumped around just a little too much. Kind of like a kid on a sugar rush. It felt like the story became overcomplicated and confusing, taking away from the overall enjoyment. Again, not a bad story, but not one I would recommend to a friend either.

Image source: Amazon

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Third Gilmore Girl

Title: The Third Gilmore Girl
Author: Kelly Bishop
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Biographies, Celebrity, Memoirs
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

As someone who watched The Gilmore Girls in her late teens, early twenties, I was absolutely intrigued and fascinated to read Kelly Bishop’s memoir. Plus, she was also in Dirty Dancing, another one of my favourite movies from that portion of my life. This didn’t disappoint. It was a great insight into a phenomenal actress, one whose work has formed a really important part of my TV watching in my formative years.

The Third Gilmore Girl is well worth the read, and I’m really glad that I had the pleasure of diving into Bishop’s journey from show girl to Gilmore Girl. This was well written, engaging and impossible to put down. Such an amazing journey with so much joy in each and every moment. I adored learning more about the actress and travelling through time and theatres with her.

One of the things about this memoir that I really love is how open and honest Bishop is about her different challenges and circumstances. She unflinchingly shares the more hidden parts of her life with humour and humility. Her ability to acknowledge her mistakes, her challenges and all of the emotional turmoil of a life well lived made this story so difficult to put down. And completely unforgettable.

The Third Gilmore Girl is honestly one of the best memoirs I’ve read in a while. It had a little less drama and angst than some of the other more heartbreaking ones on my shelves. But, still plenty of drama and action to keep you intrigued. I truly enjoyed how open and honest Bishop is, without creating a heart racing intensity that I sometimes find in the books that I read.

<- AbleMao’s Last Dancer ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult by Maria Bamford

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Sure, I'll Join Your Cult | Book by Maria Bamford | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster AU

Title: Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult
Author: Maria Bamford
Rating Out of 5: 2.5 (Readable, but not worth reading again)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Memoirs, Mental health
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

To start with, I really enjoyed this memoir. It was clever and witty. Had me smiling and laughing as I read it. But then, it started to get a little bit repetitive. And a little more repetitive. Until, finally, it may have been different anecdotes, but mostly the same punchlines.

Although I started to get bogged down in this, I did still finish it. And mostly enjoy it. Bamford was open and honest, which i always love. And didn’t hesitate to laugh at herself and the predicaments she would find herself in.

As much as I didn’t mind this, between the repetitive punchlines and the tone of the memoir, its not one I’d read again. Overall, not a bad read. But probably a little too needy for my personal tastes and engagement.

Image source: Simon & Schuster Australia

A Song for Summer ReRead by Eva Ibbotson

Book Review, , ,
Overview
A Song for Summer : Ibbotson, Eva: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: A Song for Summer
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Historical fiction, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1997

Thoughts

For some reason, I didn’t love this reread as much as I’ve enjoyed the past reads of this book. Possibly because I just wasn’t in the right mood for it. I also find that this is one of the slower and longer Ibbotson books on my shelves, so I find it harder to get into the flow of things than some of my favourites. Yet, in spite of that, I still enjoyed this read through and remember why I frequently reread these romances.

One of the aspects of this story that I love is that it is about a woman who is strong and independent. But also, one whom conforms to gender roles. She chooses to embrace her femininity and a nurturing role, whilst still maintaining her sense of self and identity. And she does this as something that she desires and wants – not because she is asked to, and / or forced to.

Throughout this story, I kind of love the family that is created. Yes, the romance at the centre is sweet as they innocently fall in love. But, it is the love of the whole group and how they try their best to find safety in an uncertain world. The innocence, joy and love found in the relationships of this story create a perfect contrast to the back drop of war and horror that drives the action of the tale.

Although I didn’t absolutely adore this novel, I think that I will pick it up again in a short while. It will probably sit better at a time when I’m feeling a little more settled and calm in my life. It is a very specific kind of read, one that, whilst I enjoy, I need to be in the perfect, nostalgic mood for.

<- The Secret CountessMore Eva Ibbotson books ->

Image source: Amazon

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Poet X

Title: The Poet X
Author: Elizabeth Acevedo
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Poetry, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel, Poem
Year: 2018

Thoughts

The Poet X is a seriously fantastic coming of age story. The tale itself is heartfelt and emotional. But writing it all in poetry form? Somehow that made it all that much more powerful and intense. The emotions leap of the page with every line, capturing your heart and pulling you in.

This is the second Acevedo book I’ve read, and there is something powerful and intense about her words. I love how strongly each and every choice resonates and echoes within the heart. From the first line, I felt connected, and this feeling just grew and grew throughout the story.

The Poet X for me is all about the journey to find oneself in a world that is just not always kind. It is about growing up and finding out who you are when there are so many things stacked up against you. Rising, in spite of those who want to keep you down.

I’ve only ever seen slam poetry performed through videos. But somehow Acevedo’s words really bought to life the passion and intensity of the performative aspects of this. The strength of emotional connection increased the power of each and every poem. Delivering them like bullets to the heart.

<- Family LoreWith the Fire on High ->

Image source: Amazon

Naturally Tan by Tan France

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Naturally Tan : France, Tan: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Naturally Tan
Author: Tan France
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Celebrity, LGBTQI, Memoirs
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Tan is most definitely really cute and sweet in Queer Eye. And I love how understated and just so damn British he is at times. Which of course, made me intrigued by what his book would be like. What’s on screen doesn’t always translate to the written word, and I wanted to see how it would work. It turns out, that I still thought he was kind of sweet in written form too.

Not only did I want to read Naturally Tan because I liked the way Tan shows himself on stage, I was also intrigued by his journey from fashion designer / owner to TV personality. It was most definitely an enjoyable one that I absolutely adored. And, was surprised by at multiple moments throughout.

One of the aspects of this memoir that I enjoyed the most was how Tan is able to unflinchingly talks about racism. And the many challenges that he faced growing up as a South East Asian gay man. Not only within his own culture, but also in his home country, he faced a multitude of assumptions, stereotypes and challenges. All of which he speaks about with honesty and a sense of self that is incredibly powerful.

A few of the reviews I’ve read about Naturally Tan mentioned how opinionated and judgemental some of the words are. I kind of liked that fact. I mean, Tan’s entire job is to judge people’s fashion and help them make more complementary choices. So of course his memoir is going to be the same. I really loved how cute and adorable this opinionated side of the writing was. It wasn’t shaming anyone, just stating strong opinions about something he is so clearly passionate about. And what’s wrong with that?

<- Wishful DrinkingThe Freedom Writers Diary ->

Image source: Amazon

My Next Breath by Jeremy Renner

Book Review, ,
Overview
My Next Breath | Book by Jeremy Renner | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster AU

Title: My Next Breath
Author: Jeremy Renner
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Celebrity, Memoirs
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2025

Thoughts

I picked this memoir up because I really like Hawke Eye (because archers need to stick together), and I was absolutely expecting a novel about Renner’s life. This is not the case. It was impossible to put down and fascinating, but it wasn’t about Renner’s life at all. It was all about his accident (which, because I live under a rock, I knew nothing about). In moments it’s a little (okay, a lot) graphic, and it is really, really intense. But, honestly, I’m glad that this all focuses on just those moments in Renner’s life. It was intense, intriguing and a little bit difficult to put aside. Luckily, this is also one of the shorter memoirs on my shelves, so it didn’t matter that I got ridiculously hooked.

There was something a little bit inspiring about this story. I mean, the story and survival in and of itself was going to be inspiring. But, the way that Renner is able to unflinchingly talk about his lack of odds and ability to survive was somewhat awe inspiring. I love how he talks about just focusing on the next breath, and nothing else. I hope that I never have to use this to survive such a horrific accident, but it’s not a bad reminder for when you’re having a bad or stressful day.

My Next Breath might get quite graphic in some areas, but I also love how it is so completely honest and genuine. Renner is not only facing up to and acknowledging his mortality within this, but he’s also being open about the process of recovery after a chaotic accident. After all, we talk about people surviving such things, but people don’t always talk about the mental health battles and rehab following something like this. And, not just for Renner, but also his friends and family in having to deal with this.

Renner faced a one in a million chance of survival and survived, this in and of itself is impressive. But, what I like the most about My Next Breath is how humble and kind he is about his experience. He acknowledges how lucky he is to survive. He acknowledges how challenging witnessing this was on his family. And, more than anything, he shows a constant appreciation for the life he has lived and continues to live. Not something that everyone is likely to do.

<- Anna: A Teenager on the RunA Woman in the Polar Night ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster