The Awakening by Nora Roberts

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Awakening: The Dragon Heart Legacy Book 1

Title: The Awakening
Author: Nora Roberts
Series: The Dragon Heart Legacy #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Fae, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed The Awakening, it did also feel like a bit of a long read. I have been reading some books on the shorter end, and there was a whole lot of world building that made this story feel just a little bit slower. Having said that, I absolutely loved this, and it was a great way to dive into my first Nora Roberts fantasy novel. Such a good experience that I plan on reading more of her works in the future. The Awakening was the very definition of a slow-burn and, although I loved it, I’m impatient and it took me a little to actually get into it at times.

One of my favourite parts of this world building was the two worlds living side by side. I seriously enjoyed how Breen is from two worlds, and she spends the entirety of this book discovering both parts of herself, plus, figuring out what it actually means to inhabit both parts of her ancestry. I loved how, rather than picking one or the other, she spends the majority of the time figuring out how to live both lives side by side. I kind of hope that some of this continues throughout the series – she’s not even contemplating giving up the people she loves for one man and one world. And, unlike some stories of this calibre, she very obviously has a full and fulfilling life before she gets dragged into her new one.

Marcus, although he is a secondary character, was one of my favourites. He is everything that a BFF should be – unquestionably supportive, but also happy to kick Breen’s butt when she needs it. I love how he is just constantly supportive and happy to go with the flow where Breen is concerned. On top of that, he absolutely dives in head first to support her. The final scene of this book perfectly demonstrates just how amazing and supportive he is, and I honestly want to read The Becoming for more Marcus than anything…

As with all good stories, there is a decent amount of angst in The Awakening. It particularly hurt my heart to read about the relationship Breen has with her mother. Yet, even though many of her actions can’t be considered to be “good”, she isn’t villainised either. She might be completely in the wrong here, but she also had her reasons, and Roberts is able to highlight this. Whilst she’s not a likeable character, she is one that can be seen with compassion and pity. I absolutely adored the nuances of all of the characters throughout this novel, but it was Breen’s mother and Breen’s relationship with her that I felt most strongly showed this.

<- More Nora RobertsThe Becoming ->

Image source: Amazon

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles Book 1) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Red Pyramid
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: The Kane Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Egyptian mythology, Mythology, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2010

Thoughts

I have tried to read The Red Pyramid before, but just found it a little slower to get going than Riordan’s other series. And maybe a little more different than anticipated. And, although I did get to about that same point (a third of the way through) in which I started to feel a little non-plussed, I’m really glad that I pushed through. Not long after that point where I was really beginning to wonder when it would get good, it got good. Carter and Sadie start to ramp up a little bit into their story, and honestly, without all of the world building that came before, it just wouldn’t have been so good? It’s just a bit of a departure from what I have come to expect from Riordan.

 Although it took me a little while to get into, one of the things that I love about The Red Pyramid is that it is a very different flavour to the rest of the Riordan universe. Particularly the Percy Jackson stories. It might still be set in the same universe (I’ve read the crossovers), but, rather than being about a bunch of demigods, it’s about those who choose to harness the magic of Ancient Egypt. Alright, there’s still the whole demigod aspect, but it is very different from the other books that Riordan has lovingly crafted. And I absolutely adored that fact, after a while. I also thoroughly enjoyed how Carter and Sadie are the alternate narrators of the stories. Again, I’ve always enjoyed the first person point of view of Riordan’s work, but the alternating between the voices is a whole lot of fun.

Carter and Sadie as a pair of narrators is great. I love that, being somewhat estranged siblings, they actually get to know one another as the story unfolds. But, there’s also the fairly typical (and believable) sibling rivalry throughout the narration. Both Sadie and Carter have their own challenges to learning how to deal with the world that they’ve been thrust into, and they both have challenges to overcome with their upbringings. The occasional frustration and resentment at one another was great, and made me think a little bit about my own relationship with my sister – constantly competitive, frustrated and niggling. But, also filled with love and protectiveness.

One of the things that I’ve always loved about Riordan’s books is that the main characters are always minorities of some sort. The type of characters that don’t necessarily often show up in the books that I read as a teen and preteen. In the case of The Red Pyramid, one of the aspects that I really loved was how Riordan acknowledged the challenges of racism in America and being black. Plus, how the differences in Sadie and Carter’s skin tone have created totally different responses and challenges for both of them. It’s one of the many reasons why I can’t wait to introduce my own children to Riordan’s works when they get older.

<- More Rick RiordanThe Throne of Fire ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Beard Science ReRead by Penny Reid

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Review: Beard Science by Penny Reid ⋆ Daisy Knox's Tales of Love, Life and Murder

Title: Beard Science ReRead
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Winston Brothers #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I don’t know what it is, but even in the rearead of the Winston Brothers, Cletus and Jenn are still my favourite couple. Probably because they are actually the most insanely manipulative and sneaky. I mean, all of the Winston Brothers have their talents, but these two are intelligent and absolute experts at sliding under the radar. They also have a hilarious love story – starting with blackmail and scheming, but ending in a happily ever after. There’s just something about them that I adore, and even if this was my (I think), third read through, I still absolutely adored them as a couple and completely inhaled the book, almost cover to cover.

Although I love Cletus, I love that Jenn has this incredible backbone that is kind of unexpected. I love that she pulls Cletus in from his slightly evil shenanigans, but not for himself. She does it to make him a happier person, there are so many moments throughout this where Jenn shows her strong moral compass. But, I love that she doesn’t actually put the pressure on Cletus to follow her moral compass. Rather, she encourages him to listen to his conscience and follow that, her influence be damned. She encourages Cletus to be a better person, but not for herself – for his own sense of wellbeing and self.

The big part of this journey, beyond Cletus being a better person, and, not you know, destroying the whole world on a whim, is all about Jenn leaving her abusive family. When you say the word abuse, most people will think of yelling and hitting and really overt abusive acts. But the insidiousness of how her parents treat Jenn made me physically ill at points. It’s easy to see how an “offhand comment” here and there can build and build and build until the reality is so damn horrible. Yet, I love that, even when she manages to escape the toxicity of her family, she is open and willing to be forgiving. The genuineness of her heart and the kindness that she shows is beautiful, and is probably why I love her so much.

As funny and light-hearted as this read feels on the surface, the histories of both Cletus and Jenn definitely stir something deeper. Yes, you could definitely read this as a light hearted, sweet contemporary romance with a bit of angst thrown in. But, for me, it’s a testament to how love can help people rebuild and overcome some of the horribleness of your past. Plus, it just goes to show how talented Reid is – she takes abusive, horrible childhoods (and adulthoods), and talks about them. But then, she is also able to make you smile and laugh throughout as you join in the love and insanity of the Winston Family.

<- Grin and Beard It ReReadBeard in Mind ReRead ->

Image source: Daisy Knox

Grin and Beard It ReRead by Penny Reid

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Grin and Beard It: A Small Town Romantic Comedy (Winston Brothers Book 2)

Title: Grin and Beard It ReRead
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Winston Brothers #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I’ve been on a pretty major ReRead kick lately – probably because I have a whole lot of stuff going on, and a reread is like a warm hug. Which meant that when I was looking at what series / books I need to get my warm hugs from, the idea of reading Jethro and Sienna’s story again definitely ticked all of my boxes. I mean, they are just so damn cute, a whole lot of fun. And, ultimately, I love that Sienna doesn’t have to give anything up to be with the man of her dreams (not something that I often read, even in many of the romances that I enjoy). I particularly love that Jethro is the character who really just wants to put down roots and build a life and future. It gives Sienna space to be career driven, and the support that is needed to make their unique circumstances work.

Jethro is all about accepting Sienna as she is – I love that there romance is based upon the idea that Sienna just wants to be. Rather than being all about her fame and the spotlight, her relationship with Jethro is founded on how they are around each other. It’s a reminder that, at the end of the day, when all of the pomp and circumstances of our titles and place in the world has been stripped, love is all about accepting one another as they are. Sienna’s comfort in just being with Jethro and his lack of expectations are absolutely adorable. I really enjoyed reading about a couple that have a bit of a gender swap in their expectations, and that, ultimately, they have a relationship built upon sincerity and being genuine, rather than the public personas they both project.

It felt physically painful at points throughout this story when Sienna’s sister is so very obviously not prioritising Sienna’s needs. I love the moment in which Sienna is able to gently remind her sister of why they are pursuing this career path. Her reminder that, although she is a role model for minorities, she has to be prioritised as a person first. It might take her sister a little while to jump on board, but this ability of Sienna’s to stand up for herself and remind those she loves most that she is a person above all else is admirable. Probably something that I, myself, should work on a little bit more in my own life.

Then, to add to the conflict throughout this story is Tom. He is a whole lot that I find detestable about the patriarchy and privilege of fool men. Particularly his willingness to comment on Sienna’s body. Repeatedly, and with gusto. Scarily, it doesn’t even feel like it’s that targeted and planned, just a lens of being that is so inherently self-centred and entitled that you can’t breathe. But, I love how Sienna is able to low key embarrass him and start to call him on his nonsense. The contrast with Jethro sitting on his front porch, offering the paparazzi a lemonade is just adorable, and one of my favourite parts of this whole romance. Now I can’t wait to dive into Beard Science, the next thoroughly enjoyable part of my reread of the Winston Brothers.

<- Truth or Beard ReReadBeard Science ReRead ->

Image source: Amazon

The Problem with Second Chances by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Problem with Second Chances (Lake Starlight #1) by Piper Rayne | Goodreads

Title: The Problem with Second Chances
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Lake Starlight #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Calista and Rylan’s story is really cute, but kind of heartbreaking in moments. It’s honestly just a story about second chances, missing your moment and trying to find your way back to your person. The Right Person and the Wrong Time, indeed. Although I really loved this, and I will definitely reread it again in the future, it hit a little harder than some of the other Piper Rayne romances that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Something about the many misfires that Calista and Ryan experience were kind of tough to read about, and the fact that they had to feel so much pain before they could find one another again just really plucked at the heart strings.

Reading The Problem with Second Chances made me realise that I really need to go back and read the rest of the Baileys series, and start the Greenes series. This might be the beginning of the Lake Starlight series, but it is the end of both of the Baileys and the Greenes siblings. On the one hand, I love how interconnected all of the Piper Rayne books and series are, but on the other, it just keeps adding books to my TBR pile. Calista and Rylan tie in so many of these stories, and just made me so curious as to how they show up in other people’s stories and tales.

The core of Calista and Rylan’s story is really just about figuring out how to let go of expectations and move towards a future together. It’s forgiving each other for past mistakes, and letting the past go. I particularly liked how their past together is slowly unraveled, and the challenges that they faced informed their future. Neither Calista nor Rylan strike me as bitter, just sad and hurt that the tricky circumstances in which they found themselves. For me, it was Calista’s injury and how that completely unraveled their plans, both together and separate, that really plucked at my heart strings. Maybe sitting a little too close to home for my sanity.

Calista and Rylan might be tied together by their history (of which there is a lot), but I love that they end up falling in love because of who they have become. It’s a great little story that sometimes we have to pull apart to find out way back together. And a great story about growing up, growing apart, and then growing old together. Again, a story I will definitely reread in the future, but with the understanding that this one can just hit a little closer to the heart than some of the other Piper Rayne stories I’ve got on my shelves.

<- More Piper RayneThe Issue with Bad Boy Roommates ->

Image source: Goodreads

My Beautiful Neighbour by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
My Beautiful Neighbor (The Greene Family, #1) by Piper Rayne | Goodreads

Title: My Beautiful Neighbour
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Greene Family #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

It’s fun reading about Cade and Presley as they fall in love, they’re a little bit fun and cute. With enough drama and angst thrown in there to keep things entertaining. I mean, they are the quintessential Friends with Benefits who catch feelings couple, which is exactly why I don’t believe in being Friends with Benefits. I particularly love how quickly Presley is on the uptake of her feelings and change of opinion. But, Cade, being a typical bull-headed male, was so much slower in the uptake. Which made for some interesting conflict and a little bit of humorous family banter.

I dove into this because of The Issue with Second Chances and Rylan’s story. As with many books created by Piper Rayne, there is a layer of connection, and in this case, Rylan is the last of the Greene Family to fall in love. It was fun to go right back to the beginning and find out about the unique dynamics of this family. Cade worked really well as the introduction to the Greene Family. I mean, it doesn’t go into too much depth about the structure beyond the fact that they are a blended family, but some of Cade’s hangups reveal the challenges that some of his siblings are going to face in the future.

I really liked the way that Presley not only has to negotiate falling in love, but also discovering her sister and trying to figure out this relationship too. Honestly, I was expecting a little bit more resistance to Presley’s relationship with Clara (from Clara herself), and I absolutely adored the fact that there wasn’t. I was also completely expecting Jed to try and actively sabotage his brother and Presley. Again, I like that this didn’t quite work out the way that I expected. Both these startlingly new and challenging relationships for Presley offered challenges, but not to the point that there was too much emotion and angst.

Honestly, one of my favourite things that I love about Piper Rayne’s writing and stories is how it is all about love, family and acceptance. And My Beautiful Neighbor absolutely fits within that theme. I absolutely adored how accepting and open Clara and the rest of the Greenes are towards Presley. I love the support and encouragement that the family offers and just how generous they are in their love.

<- My Twist of FortuneMy Almost Ex ->

Image source: Goodreads

Birth of a Baby Daddy by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Birth of a Baby Daddy : Rayne, Piper: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Birth of a Baby Daddy
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Baileys #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Although there was a bit of a teaser at the end of Advice from a Jilted Bride and you kind of had to guess which twin this was about… I already kind of knew. I mean, it could have gone both ways, but something about the reactions and the start of their story made me guess Rome. And, I absolutely loved that, not only was I correct, but also that his story started off with such a wonderful bang. Diving straight in from the scene at the end of Advice from a Jilted Bride, you are just swept up in the chaos of a Baby Daddy getting to know the mother of his child and his daughter.

I loved that this romance was one in which the couple get to know one another through co-parenting. In fact, there isn’t a huge romantic drive at the beginning of the story, it’s more about their daughter and trying to figure out how to co-parent. And, it isn’t until they start to really get to know one another that they start to fall. It’s a great way to go from one-night stand, to co-parents, to lovers, and in doing so, acknowledging and dealing with all of their nonsense and hangups. 

One of the facets of this story that I loved the most was how quickly Harley enjoys jumping on board with welcoming the Bailey family into her daughter’s life. Whilst she shows up with no expectations, and just wants information, she quickly welcomes her daughter’s family without actually putting up many barriers. I’m so used to romances and stories in which the mother is reluctant to open the door to the extended family, and I love that she’s not like this. Completely, totally and utterly putting her daughter’s needs and well-being above all else.

I love that Birth of a Baby Daddy introduces the very first of Grandma Dori’s first great-grandchildren. The whole Bailey clan might want to get to know Calista, but it is Grandma Dori’s intense (and somewhat manic) need to get to bond with Calista that really drives it. Plus, there is this sense of family and love that I can’t get past with this series. It might be about Rome and Harley, but, for me, it’s also about how the entire Bailey clan are able to pull together and support one another.

<- Advice from a Jilted BrideOperation Bailey Wedding ->

Image source: Amazon

Advice from a Jilted Bride by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Advice From A Jilted Bride : Rayne, Piper: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Advice from a Jilted Bride
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Baileys #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I had already guessed that Brooklyn was going to be the next sibling in the Baileys series, I mean, her story arc was already perfectly set up in Lessons from a One-Night Stand. What I wasn’t sure of was how this was all going to unfold. I mean, it was pretty obvious that Brooklyn was going to be left at the alter by a horrible man. Because leaving someone at the altar already puts you into this category, but I didn’t know how she was going to find her forever partner, or how the ex-groom would continue to be vilified. It happened, it happened brilliantly, and I seriously loved this whole story.

The Meet Cute for Brooklyn and Wyatt was brilliant – I mean, she’s in a wedding dress, throwing a book out the door, and then making Wyatt bleed in the very opening portions. Then, they start to get to know one another. I really loved how this wasn’t the most picturesque and romantic of meetings, and honestly, Brooklyn kind of acted like a psycho (understandably). But, it was certainly a memorable meeting. One that will have me giggling anytime I reflect on this story and good jilted bride tales.

Like Austin in Lessons from a One-Night Stand, Wyatt had to stop and seriously reconsider what his life goals were. I also love that he is the big city business man who, ultimately, decides to give it up to follow a happier ever after. I’ve read plenty of stories in which the woman has to give up her dreams and rejig her future to match her partner, but this is one of the few that I’ve read in which the man has to shift his priorities in a way that involves moving to a small town and following love. Which, I absolutely adored. After all, sometimes it should be the man who needs to compromise in a larger manner.

I read Advice from a Jilted Bride in one sitting due to insomnia. And it was honestly a great way to distract myself and keep myself calm. This was a beautiful, cute, and sweet story. It made me smile, laugh and believe in happily ever afters. Which, sometimes is all I really want from a good book. Plus, Jeff is an idiot. I just had to put that out there, because, seriously idiotic.

<- Lessons from a One-Night StandBirth of a Baby Daddy ->

Image source: Amazon

Lessons from a One-Night Stand by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Lessons from a One-Night Stand : Rayne, Piper: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Lessons from a One-Night Stand
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Baileys #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I really loved the story of Austin and Holly. Honestly, I picked this book up when I needed a little bit of a pick me up, and it hit absolutely perfectly. One of the reasons why I enjoy Piper Rayne so much – their writing is always somewhat cheerful and sweet. And it always works as a great pick me up in the darker moments. Don’t get me wrong, Austin and Holly have got their share of challenges and angst (it’d be boring otherwise), but it is that perfect balance of angst that makes you want to keep reading, without destroying your heart in the making. Which some books do, and they also have their time and place.

One of the things that seriously kept me diving into this series was the fact that Holly moved to Lake Starlight to find her father and get some answers about her past. But, there are a whole heap of hints that there is more to it than appears on the surface, and that this is going to be a major point of conflict. It made me continuously inhale Lessons from a One-Night Stand – I couldn’t wait to see what barriers Holly’s parenthood would throw up. And, because it was Piper Rayne, it really didn’t throw up the barriers / work out the way that I had anticipated.

Then, there’s the counterpoint to Holly. Where she eventually falls for the quaint town and has moved there for answers, all Austin wants out of his life is to leave the town that he grew up in. I love how both Austin and Holly have to readjust their expectations for their future. At a point of conflict and turning in my own life, it was a good reminder that the things we need and love aren’t necessarily what we expected. In particular, for Austin, he has to actually sit back and wonder if past dreams are worth chasing, or if it’s okay to create new ones to reach for.

Lessons from a One-Night Stand is a great introduction to the Baileys siblings and the different challenges that they will face. Both having lost his parents at a young age, and being the centre of a small town. It was fun to read how stifled, and yet supported Austin feels by the people around him. As someone who is part of a small community and town, I can completely attest to how this can feel. On the one hand, small communities can really come together to support one another. On the other, sometimes that nosy entitlement can get a bit overwhelming.

Austin might be the first of the siblings to fall into his happily ever after, but I also absolutely adored learning more about the siblings and their lives. It also helps that I read Lessons from a One-Night Stand after starting the Lake Starlight series – so I had a bit of insight into how the next generation was going to unfold anyway. It was fun to read about the generation before, and now I can’t wait to keep inhaling the rest of the Baileys siblings stories.

<- More Piper RayneAdvice from a Jilted Bride ->

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The Duke and I ReRead by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Duke And I: Number 1 in series

Title: The Duke and I ReRead
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2000

Thoughts

I read the entirety of the Bridgertons series a long while ago, before the TV show even came out. And, honestly, after I felt like the second season of the series was an absolute flop, I was intrigued to see how a reread of The Duke and I was going to sit. It’s always a risk to return to a loved show, but, luckily for me, I absolutely loved this! It made me feel grateful and kind of validated that I had had the pleasure of reading this the first time, but that I also got to enjoy this so much on a reread. There is just something about Daphne and the rest of the Bridgertons that Quinn does a brilliant job of creating. Something that still pulls me in and makes me just devour the pages of the book.

Daphne and her willingness to buck against tradition a little, but still trying to fit the mould was still something I really adored. I mean, not many people in reality (no matter what time period you’re focusing on) are going to completely go against the grain. That just paints a target on your back, but Daphne did a perfect job of still going with the expectations and flow of society, but also finding a way to stay true to herself. I particularly loved how willing she was to punch Bedgebrooke in the face when he overstepped his bounds. One of the things I really didn’t enjoy about the TV series was that Anthony is really pushy about placing her with such a fool. But, in the book, he is 100% on her side – knowing that Bedgebrooke is an absolute fool and not wanting to commit her to that for the rest of her life.

Quinn works really well at writing strong sibling relationships – I have read a few of her books, and this is always something that shines out to me. I love how loyal and steadfast the siblings are to one another. But, also the fact that they are total pains in the butt to each other on a daily, if not minutely basis. Again, I particularly loved Anthony throughout the book – he turned down multiple unwanted suitors for Daphne, he actually wanted to go along with their scheme when he realised how it would benefit his sister. And just in general, was a good guy. But, he is also the reason that his sister throws a mean right hook and drives her to no end of frustration with his pigheadedness. Because brothers.

Then there is Quinn’s ability to create Violet. She is a beautiful powerhouse of a woman and one that I absolutely adored. The first time I read The Duke and I, there were no children in sight within my life. Now, as a mother, man do I want to be a mum like Violet. She controls her household with love and affection. But, is also able to steer her children toward a better future with an iron will and a big heart. I particularly love the scenes in which she grabs her tall, strapping sons by the ears and maneuvers them how she sees fit. Or kicks them out of the house when they overstep – a mother that I really want to turn into. Especially when I have a son who is absolutely going to tower over me in the coming years.

<- More Julia QuinnThe Viscount Who Loved Me ReRead ->

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