Title: Cargo Author: E. Michael Lewis In: Hauntings (Ellen Datlow) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Horror Dates read: 31st March 2021 Pace: Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Tachyon Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: There was none.
Their job is to ship cargo. They don’t get to know what or why. But this lot of cargo has a much darker secret.
This story seriously and deeply hurt my poor heart. There is nothing more tragic in war than the loss of innocent children’s lives. And I seem to be coming up against this theme quite a bit at the moment. So reading a seriously creepy horror story about this theme… yeah, my heart bled a little. Particularly since I read this so soon after finishing Zlata’s Diary.
War is one of the more horrifying aspects of human nature in my opinion. Reading about it was harsh and kind of sucked. But it most definitely drove home the fact that it’s the innocents that really suffer. And that children, the world over just want to play.
In this story, the fact that children just want to play is kind of creepy. I mean, it’s a great notion. But the actual moments in this story? Yup. Seriously terrifying.
Title: Tools of Engagement Author: Tessa Bailey Series: Hot & Hammered #3 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 30th – 31st March 2021 Pace:Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Avon Year: 2020 5th sentence, 74th page: A day earlier: ‘Laura claims you let her watch Judge Judy.’
When two enemies team up to flip a house, the sparks between them will either burn the place down or ignite a passion they can’t resist…
Hair, makeup, clothing, décor – everything in Bethany Castle’s world is organized, planned, and styled to perfection. The homes she designs for her family’s real estate business are the most coveted in town. The only thing II not II perfect? Her track record with men. So she’s on a dating hiatus, and now she finally has time to focus on her dream: flip a house, from framework to furnishings, all by herself. Except her older brother runs the company and won’t take her seriously.
When a TV producer gets wing of the Castle sibling rivalry, they’re invited on Flip Off, a competition to see who can do the best renovation. Bethany wants bragging rights, but she needs a crew and the only member of her brothers’ construction team willing to jump ship is Wes Daniels, the new guy in town. However, Wes’s Texas drawl and handsome face got under Bethany’s skin on day one, and the last thing she needs is some cocky young cowboy in her way.
As the race to renovate heats up, Wes and Bethany are forced into close quarters, trading barbs and biting banter as they remodel the ugliest house on the block. It’s a labor of love, hate, and everything in between, and soon sparks are flying. Bethany’s perfectly structured life is one kiss away from going up in smoke, and she knows falling for a guy like Wes would be a II flipping II disaster…
This novel and conclusion to the Hot & Hammered series most certainly bought a tear to my eyes. It was brilliant, cute and sweet. Most definitely the kind of story that I will remember for a long time and read again. There were just so many wonderful moments to this story that were brilliant. It bought tears to my eyes, with hand flapping and everything.
I have a bit of a habit towards perfectionism. Mostly, I’m aware of it, but yeah, sometimes it kind of sucks. The fact that Bethany has this tendency made me love her that much quicker. And it turned this romance into a story that wasn’t just about falling in love, but also about finding yourself and learning to accept the chaos in your life. It’s something that I’m constantly working towards, something that I think many people need to work towards in their own lives.
One of my favourite things about the romances that I read is when you connect strongly with the characters. With Bethany’s proclivity towards perfectionism and not wanting people to see her vulnerability, I connected with Bethany way more than was comfortable. The panic attacks, the difficulties with being close to someone, the inability to show my vulnerabilities… yeah, I felt that. And it made Wes all that much more drool-worthy and admirable, after all, I know how difficult it can be to put up with my little quirks.
Wes is a fantastic leading man. He is steadfast and honourable. That, and the fact that he’s a bull riding cowboy who quit his roaming life to raise his niece? Perfect book boyfriend material there. Which works well, because Laura, the adorable niece? She steals the show multiple times throughout this book.
This is a fantastic conclusion to a wonderful trilogy. Not only is it a great standalone romance, but you get a little bit more of the happily ever after for Georgie and Rosie as well… it just tied everything up beautifully and left me smiling like an absolute goofball. While tears of happiness and joy threatened to overflow.
County prosecutor Trish Jones has had it with smooth-talking, under-performing suits. and though she’s never had a thing for big, brawny guys, one look at Caleb Cancouver’s bulges makes her think she might have been missing out. One Harley ride later they’re back at her place, and she realizes that she has been missing out… on quite a lot…
This is such a wonderfully cute Meet Cute story. Everything in this has a feeling of fate, plus, you add in the fact that it is totally a set up. Just a typical, happy and fun McCarthy novella that will leave a grin on your face and a spring in your step.
I love that Trish is independent, strong and driven. It’s difficult as a woman like this to find a man that is willing to stand by your side. And the fact that she is featured so strongly in this novella. Plus, some of her little quirks had me laughing out loud. Plus, there were multiple moments which reminded me of my own sister.
Caleb is just the most beautiful / biggest lug of a man. Combine that with the fact that he’s a sweetheart… it was just a perfect matching with Trish’s prickly outside. All in all, I can’t even with the heat and lust in this story! It’s gorgeous, fun and just all round cute and enjoyable.
Title: The Demon’s Secret Author: Nathalie Gray In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 (Trisha Telep) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Demons, Paranormal romance Dates read: 30th March 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Short story Publisher: Robinson Year: 2010 5th sentence, 74th page: Without bothering to warm up the car, he just drove it to his temporary home at the foot of the Jacques-Cartier bridge.
Cain is in service to a demon, but there is some hope on the horizon… if he’s only brave enough to take his chance on love.
From the very beginning of this story, I thought that it was that Cain. And even though I did guess this, I was still quite pleasantly surprised. After all, it’s one thing to suspect, and another to have your suspicions confirmed in the best way. Adding to that the fact that it was in such a wonderfully surprising manner, with a fantabulous twist.
This is a pretty action packed short story from the very beginning – it involves two demon bounty hunters who are collecting secrets racing against the clock. The fact that there is an extra layer of enjoyment and lust just settles you completely into the tale. And yet, even with this bit of extra lust, it doesn’t quite feel like a… lustful and sexual story. Rather, it’s all kind of sweet.
I’d probably reread this short story. It was a genuinely fun and easy read. One that swept you away, without making you forget about the realities of the world. The perfect balance for ease of access and enjoyment. And, all in all, an incredibly sweet ending.
There’s a vampire at the school assembly. And something about him makes Retta want to break the chains of her life and live… more. Maybe she should just join the vampires on her own Gap Year.
This was a wonderfully different premise for a vampire story – vampires that consume feelings instead of blood. I’ve kind of thought something similar in the past, but actually reading a story about it… well, I seriously enjoyed this.
I thought that Gap Year was a brilliant Coming of Age story. One that highlights the need to grow into your own skin and find your own future and reality – it’s also a great beginning of a Gap Year. I didn’t take one myself, but I know a lot of people who did, and I thought that this was the best beginning for one ever.
The aspect of this story that I loved the most, unique vampires, etc. aside – was the fact that Retta is able to leave behind a toxic situation. There can be that moment with childhood friends when you kind of have to break free because it’s just not quite healthy for you anymore. And Retta most certainly does this. But in the most calm and respectful manner possible.
Title: The French Gift Author: Kirsty Manning Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Family, Historical fiction, Strong women Dates read: 23rd – 30th March 2021 Pace: Medium Format: ARC, Novel Publisher: Allen & Unwin Year: 2021 5th sentence, 74th page: Line your stomach before you meet those two!
A forgotten manuscript that threatens to unravel the past…
Fresnes Prison, 1940: Former maid at a luxury villa on the Riviera, Margot Bisset, finds herself in a prison cell with writer and French Resistance fighter, Josephine Murant. Together, they are trasnferred to a work camp in Germany for four years, where the secrets they share will bind them for generations to come.
Contemporary Paris: Evie Black lives in paris with her teenage son Hugo above her botanical bookshop, La Maison Rustique. Life would be so sweet if only Evie were not mourning the great love of her life.
When a letter arrives regarding the legacy of her husband’s great-aunt, Josephine Murant, Evie clutches at an opportunity to spend one last magical summer with her son. They travel together to Josephine’s house, now theirs, on the Cote d’Azur. Here, Evie unravels the official story of this famous novelist, and the truth of a murder a lifetime ago.
The redemptive beauty of nature and the promise of new love offer light at the end of the tunnel in this stirring novel delving into Europe’s past.
I received this ARC from Allen & Unwin in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Normally I struggle a little bit to get through any historical fiction books. I have plenty and till enjoy them all… but I do tend to find that they are a little bit more difficult to get through for me than some of the other genres that fill my shelves. Maybe because I’m constantly questioning what’s fact and what’s fiction. And then getting distracted by the idea of doing more research…
Again, I loved the flickering between timelines and points of view normally tend to confuse and overwhelm me. But it wasn’t the case in this story. I loved flickering between Josephine Murant and Evie. Their lives running in a parallel line with completely different battles being fought. You actually discover Josephine’s history as Evie does, which further draws you into the amazing storyline. The fact that it’s a story with two strong women as the leads… that just makes it all that much better!
I really and seriously did not see the twist at the end of this story – it was completely unexpected and seriously intense. I love when a twist comes out of nowhere and just completely smacks into you. It’s what makes me want to read another book by the same author. It is just so difficult to find surprising twists and turns!
This story is overall a tale of strong women, hope and survival. It is about finding one’s own strength, but still leaning on those you love and who love you. Whether it is a best friend, a potential new love or the child you feel pulling away from you… each and every relationship in this story is powerful. And underneath it all, there is just that amazing sense of hope that you can’t help but grin about.
I will most certainly be reading this ARC again. And again. And probably again. Not only was it an amazing journey, but I loved the strength of the women and the journey that Manningmanages to take you on. Most certainly a book that will sit proudly upon my shelves.
Senator Jason Devlin is a man with a secret. A big one that could ruin his political career and his family. He guards his secret closely, allowing no outsiders to penetrate his intimate circle. Kelsey Harper is a reporter itching for an interview with the elusive senator. When a case of mistaken identity lands her in his bed, she gets much more than an interview.
This is a kind of intense novella. But one that I still find highly enjoyable. Intriguing and engaging. If not a little bit too lustful and with certain… sexual interests. But, overall, this is a seriously enjoyable story!
There seems to be a bit of a trope in a lot of the werewolf paranormal romance stories that I read… anal and werewolves. I’m really, seriously not sure what it is about this trope that is so damn popular. Or recurrent them. I mean, whatever makes you happy works… but still, it just seems to be something that keeps coming up again and again in my stories. And I still just don’t quite get it…
Although I didn’t necessarily love all of the sexuality in this story, I did get pulled in from the very get-go. Incredibly happily. And it has most definitely left me intrigued to read more of this series… after all, there is something about this that has such a great potential for the rest of the series. I most certainly jumped at adding the other three books to my wishlist anyway…
This is most definitely a novella that I will look at reading again. One that I look forward to sinking my literary teeth into again and again. There are many layers which I haven’t yet managed to peel back.
Title: The Sisters Author: Sabina Murray In: Xo Orpheus (Kate Bernheimer) Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Mythology, Roman mythology Dates read: 30th March 2021 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Penguin Books Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: Small stipend.
A college professor is in the heyday of his life. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t remember… everything. And when he decides to finally solve a mystery of his past, he might find just a little more than he bargained for.
I love that this is a short story which features Bacchus and the Bacchus cults. Which, honestly, might be one of the more terrifying aspects of Roman / Greek mythology. I mean, it seems all well and good to talk about the God of Wine and Revelry… until you realise that he had cults which liked to have orgies and tear their victim’s limb from bloody limb…
Emily Dickinson is a writer that seems to come up again and again in people’s minds and memories. I don’t really know that much about her. But after reading this, I feel like I just need to know more. There is something about her that lends itself to a lot of questions and speculation. Which, in this story led to a Bacchus cult and all sorts of horrible things… I’m not entirely sure where this obsession comes from. But I know that I want to find out!
I really loved all of the twists and turns in this short story. Particularly the gender reversal of the predator and prey. It draws you in wonderfully and leaves you with goosebumps running up and down your spine.
Title: Zlata’s Diary Author: Zlata Filipovic Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Biographies, Memoirs, War Dates read: 25th – 26th March 2021 Pace: Slow Format: Novel Publisher: Puffin Books Year: 1993 5th sentence, 74th page: We don’t think about the shelling or the war.
I’m trying to concentrate so that I can do my homework (reading) but I simply can’t. Something is going on in town. You can hear gunffire from the hills!
This entry in Zlata’s diary in April 1992 shows how the war draws relentlessly closer to her hom ein Sarajevo. When she starts her diary, Zlata tells of her normal, happy life with her family and friends. But soon they are fighting to survive. Zlata’s very personal accoutn is a vivid portrait of an innocent child caughht up in a terrible war.
I put this book on my wish list because it was a book read by the Freedom Writers. I knew absolutely nothing about Sarajevo or Bosnia or the war that was occurring literally on the day that I was born. And although I still don’t know much at all about the politics of the situation and all the ins and outs. Reading about a child’s thoughts during war… terrifying.
After having read The Diary of Anne Frank, it is terrifying to read yet another tragic story. Although, admittedly, there was a much happier ending to this tale. The innocence of Zlata just shines out of the pages, and the terror and confusion that she felt… it is an incredibly uncomfortable read this novel. One that I would suggest for everyone. But still incredibly informative.
I had to read this novel in small bites – it is incredibly heart wrenching and horrifying. It is also kind of hopeful. A great reminder of the power of the human spirit. The part that I loved the most about this was the power of the human spirit. And the ways in which all of Zlata’s family and neighbourhood banded together to support one another. It’s not the kind of thing that can always be hoped for, and it is a reminder that people can survive anything.
Zlata’s diary is a powerful and wonderful read. It is definitely not a feel good story or one that I necessarily felt the need or desire to read before bedtime, but it was definitely one that I will go back to in the future. And I would most definitely recommend it to others.
Title: Dr. Strange Beard Author: Penny Reid Series: Winston Brothers #5 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 15th – 25th March 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: SmartyPants Romance Year: 2018 5th sentence, 74th page: I see your point.
Beards, brothers, and bears, oh my! Hunches, horse races, and heartbreak
Ten years after Simone Parton broke his heart, all Roscoe Winston wants is a doughnut. He’d also like to forget her entirely, but that’s never going to happen. Roscoe remembers everything – every look, every word, every single unrequited second – and the least thing he needs is another memory of Simone.
Unfortunately, after one chance encounter, Simone keeps popping up everywhere he happens to be…
Ten years after Roscoe Winston dropped out of her life, all Simone Payton wants is to exploit him. She’d also like some answers from her former best friend about why he ghosted her, but is she never gets those answers, that’s a-okay. Simone let go of the past a long time ago. Seriously, she has. She totally, totally has. She is definitely not still thinking about Roscoe. Nope. She’s more than happy to forget he exists.
But first, she needs just one teeny-tiny favor…
As usual, I love the works of Reid. She is funny, engaging, generally awesome and just all round, a lot of fun. The fact that, yet again, Reid finds characters that are not mainstream and a little in the minority… well, it just draws you further and further into the storyline. In this case, we have a POC lead female, and a male with a seriously awesome memory… one that I’m not exactly jealous of, because I can understand how painful that would probably be for him.
Roscoe is such an absolute sweetheart. He has been throughout all of the Winston Brothers books but getting to read about him as a sweetheart from the very beginning… oh. My heart just melted. Of all of the absolutely delectable brothers, he is most definitely the sweetest. Which is lovely considering that he is also the one that is in love with his childhood best friend… and the way he goes about it? Oh, honestly, once I actually got into this book and had the time to pick it up, I just devoured the whole damn story.
Although this is a contemporary romance series, Darrell Winston is a scary, horrible villain. He is just… so damn evil. And probably because he is also believable… he is also one of those villains that seriously give me the heebie jeebies. So, having a story that much more heavily featured him in the present (for the first four books he’s in jail) was… awesome. And horrible. It just made this story all that much more difficult to put down. Plus, it also is a great story point and methodology to pull Simone into the tale and the world of the Winston’s again.
Simone and Roscoe are a great couple. One that you fall in love with from the very first moment. I mean, all of the Reidcouples are ones that you are pulling for from the beginning. But something about these two… it’s just wonderful. I love the stories about those who grew together as friends and become lovers. There is something just… adorable and impossible to forget about such a story line. There is a horrible cliché about falling in love with your best friend. One that is so completely true – and Roscoe and Simone definitely work with this cliché perfectly.
Not only does this story hit all of my happy points for diversity and romance. But it also helps to kind of round out the story with Darrell, who hovers throughout all of the tales. And it sets things up for the next two books – Billy’s story. I’m not exactly jumping to read Beard With Mebecause I know that it’s probably going to break my heart. But then, the other part of me… just can’t wait.
Earth and Skye 