All posts by skyebjenner

Rock Hard by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Rock Hard (Rock Kiss, #2) by Nalini Singh

Title: Rock Hard
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Rock Kiss #2, Hard Play #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sport
Dates read: 16th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Nalini Singh
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: “You see why a second date would’ve been a bad idea, don’t you, Ms. Baird?”

Synopsis

In New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s newest contemporary romance, passion ignites between a gorgeous, sinfully sexy man who built himself up from nothing and a shy woman who has a terrible secret in her past…

Wealthy businesman Gabriel Bishop rules the boardroom with the same determination and ruthlessness that made him a rock star on the rugby field. He knows what he wants, and he’ll go after it no-holds-barred.

And what he wants is Charlotte Barid.

Charlotte knows she’s a mouse. Emotionally scarred and painfully shy, she just wants to do her job and remain as invisible as possible. But the new CEO – a brilliant, broad-shouldered T-Rex of a man who growls and storms through the office, leaving carnage in his wake – clearly has other plans. Plans that may be equal parts business and bedroom.

If Charlotte intends to survive this battle of wits and hearts, the mouse will have to learn to wrangle the T-Rex. Game on.

Thoughts

Charlotte’s history is alluded to in Rock Addiction, and like Rock Courtship, that little allusion in the first novel made me really, really want to find out more. And I was seriously happy that Charlotte and Gabriel get their own full-length novel. Because, wow, Charlotte’s story is seriously intense and somehow all the more beautiful for the horrors that she faces.

One of my favourite things about this novel is the dynamic between Charlotte and Gabriel. Sure, the other couples thus far have a great dynamic… but I much preferred the argumentative side of this couple. It had me laughing and grinning all throughout. And I seriously enjoyed that not matter what happened, they constantly bickered and found a place in which they could both be themselves and stand up for themselves.

I found this book even more impossible to put down than most of my other Nalini Singh books. Mostly because I just HAD to find out what happened to Charlotte. What her horrifying past was. And even though there were breadcrumbs all throughout and bits and pieces, it isn’t until about three quarters of the way through that you finally find out exactly what happened. This, intertwined with the familiar scenes with Molly, but from Charlotte’s point of view… worked fantastically, unforgettably well. There is just this amazing sense of completion and wow that you get when they finally get their happily ever after… because Charlotte has been through the damn ringer.

Although it is mostly Charlotte’s past and hang-ups that get in the way of their relationship, Gabriel is in no way perfect. And I love that his own hang-ups and imperfection is represented by his workaholic tendencies. The more you get to know each of these characters, the more steadily and heavily you will fall in love with them. Although, I’m looking forward to returning to Molly and the band in Rock Redemption.

<- Rock CourtshipRock Redemption ->

Image source: Goodreads

Rock Courtship by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Rock Courtship (Rock Kiss, #1.5) by Nalini Singh

Title: Rock Courtship
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Rock Kiss #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Music
Dates read: 15th – 16th June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Nalini Singh
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: I’ll be your wingman.

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s new contemporary romance novella is pure hard rock and scorching heat…

What happens when the Gentleman of Rock decides to play dirty?

A drummer for the hottest rock band on the planet, David has a single, powerful weakness: Thea, the band’s publicist and the woman who steals his breath away with her every move.

Only problem is, Thea doesn’t date clients–or musicians. Emotionally scarred by a cheating ex, she’s not about to risk her heart with a man who has groupies buzzing around him like flies. Even if his sexy smile ties her up in knots.

What she doesn’t know is that David is a one-woman man…and he’s madly in love with her. David’s determined to prove he’s worth the risk, and willing to court her, step by exquisite step. Thea’s about to discover just how long and hard this handsome drummer can play.

Thoughts

David and Thea’s relationship begins to blossom and be heavily hinted at throughout Rock Addiction. But it isn’t until this novella that you get to find out the truth. Mostly, I was seriously curious about the “bad thing” that happened at some point in the timeline and their need to be together, alone for a while. Now I know. And it was a brilliant little side point in the story line.

This novella, like the first novel in this series was seriously just so damn sweet! My heart completely skipped a beat while reading this. It made me all gushy and melting-in-a-puddle. Which is exactly why I love Singh’s writing. Although, her contemporary romances are a little less conspiracy-driven (at least thus far) and the sweetness just exudes from the pages of my Kobo in this novella.

In Rock Addiction, Molly suggests to David that he use a memo to get Thea’s attention. I laughed at the idea, but honestly, wasn’t really sure how it would work out… but now… now, I also want to be seduced by a memo. They were professional, cute, and seriously hot and steamy. Exactly what I would love in a seduction… even though I can’t imagine my other half being able to write that professionally…

Alongside a great romance, this novella shows you wonderful aspects of both David and Thea’s pasts. They don’t have the issues that the other couples in this series have, but they do have a number of little hang ups that they need to get over. And that they find a great way to overcome. It’s sweet, it’s beautiful and it will definitely make you believe in true love.

<- Rock AddictionRock Hard ->

Image source: Goodreads

Rock Addiction by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Rock Addiction - Nalini Singh :: NYT bestselling author

Title: Rock Addiction
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Rock Kiss #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Music
Dates read: 13th – 14th June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Nalini Singh
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Knuckling it away, she got up and found the phone as well as the chocolate-fudge icecream and took both back to the couch.

Synopsis

A bad boy wrapped in a sexy, muscled, grown-up package might be worth a little risk…

Molly Webster has always followed the rules. After an ugly scandal tore apart her childhood and made her the focus of the media’s harsh spotlight, she vowed to live an ordinary life. No fame. No impropriety. No pain. Then she meets Zachary Fox, a tattooed bad boy rocker with a voice like whiskey and sin, and a touch that could become an addiction.

A one-night stand with the hottest rock star on the planet, that’s all it was meant to be…

Fox promises scorching heat and dangerous pleasure, coaxing Molly to extend their one-night stand into a one-month fling. After that, he’ll be gone forever, his life never again intersecting with her own. Sex and sin and sensual indulgence, all with an expiration date. No ties, no regrets. Too late, Molly realizes it isn’t only her body that’s become addicted to Fox, but her heart…

Thoughts

There are certain authors that every time I pick up one of their books, I genuinely wonder how I forgot how damn good their writing is. And Singh is definitely one of these authors! I walk away from her books for a little while, but then I pick up the next one in my pile… and WA BAM! I just can’t forget about the story. And it makes me want to scour my shelves for all the other Singh books so that I can have that enjoyment again and again and again.

This is the first contemporary romance of Singh’s that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. It is very different from her other two series; Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter. Yet, there is still that same sweetness and simplicity to the storyline that I absolutely adore. The fact that it was contemporary mostly just made it feel all that much more realistic and likely. Alright, it’s still a romance and that doesn’t mean that this is actually going to happen. But it’s still a little easier and nicer to imagine…

I love that this story combines the horrors of the past with issues in the present. That even though at the beginning it’s Molly’s issues that you think could cause issues, Fox’s also play a pretty major part in their relationship. It’s a great reminder that even if you are knee-deep, drowning in your own issues… a happily ever after is, in fact possible. And something that it is worth aspiring to. And I also love how they accept each other for those issues, and find ways to work with each other and around them. To me, that’s what true love is all about.

I’m now hanging out for the rest of these stories. I just can’t wait for the other band members to start falling head over heels in love! Actually, the moment I write the last letter of this review… I’m going to grab my Kobo and get started on Rock Courtship. Because I just have to know what happens to David and Thea…

<- More Nalini SinghRock Courtship ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Wizard Home Security by Victor Gischler

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for home improvement undead edition book cover

Title: Wizard Home Security
Author: Victor Gischler
In: Home Improvement (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Humour, Magic
Dates read: 4th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Come now, sir.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Security is important. Particularly when you’re a wizard with a number of very expensive ingredients in your house. But, when you don’t quite use the system properly and get trapped in your own security… that’s not exactly the desired outcome of home security.

Thoughts

I was laughing out loud throughout this entire short story. In fact, even a day later, when I’m writing this review, I’m still giggling. And smiling. It was just a great, humorous and fun short story. One that was funny and light. And kind of impossible to put down. Partly because of the subject matter. And partly because it was just funny.

There is something about having issues with a security system that really hits close to home. After all, everyone worries about the safety of their home. Their security. But not everyone has to deal with the issues associated with magic. And the ways in which this house is protected with a wizard home security system… that worked very well. It not only reflected issues and concerns that we all face. But it also included some great, extra aspects that are only possible in the world of fantasy.

Of everything that happened in this short story. I think that my absolute favourite was the zombie bear. Something about that imagery and battle had me seriously giggling. It was just such a random security measure and one that had a very great visual. Especially seeing as it was a second-hand zombie…

<- If I Had a HammerGray ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

That Holiday Feeling by Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods & Robyn Carr

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for that holiday feeling book cover

Title: That Holiday Feeling
Author: Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods & Robyn Carr
In: That Holiday Feeling (Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods & Robyn Carr)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 1st – 13th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: “What are you doing tomorrow?” Philip asked unexpectedly.

Synopsis

Celebrate Christmas with three store is from your favorite authors

Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber
In this classic story, Debbie brings those Manning men and Manning sisters home for a mistletoe marriage when a single dad finally says “I do.” this story was also published in the anthology Christmas Kisses

The Perfect Holiday by Sherryl Woods
Will bachelor Trace Franklin become a groom-to-be by Christmastime? He sure will … if Savannah Holiday’s aunt Mae as anything to do with it.

Under the Christmas Tree by Robyn Carr
When the folks of Virgin River discover a box of adorable puppies under the town’s Christmas tree they call on local vet Nathaniel Jensen for help. But it’s his budding romance with Annie McCarty that really has tongues — and tails — wagging!

Thoughts

This is a great collection. I probably should have read it closer to Christmas. But, in the midst of all of the insanity, it was nice to read something so uplifting. A collection that is all about family, love and spending a holiday together. Actually, I very rarely even concentrated on the Christmas aspect of these three novellas – I just liked the family and love themes that ran throughout and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

I bought this collection because the last novella is part of the Virgin River series. So I knew that I was going to love the final story in this collection. I figured I’d probably just enjoy the first two. I was wrong. I loved all three novellas ridiculously. They made me very happy and content. And left me with that after-glow you get when you read a seriously phenomenal story. They also just left me generally happy since they were romances that featured family. Both the creation of a new one and the honouring of an old one.

If I were to imagine my ideal holiday season or Christmas… this would be it. It would be about love and family. Being grateful for the people in your life and just filling the world with love. It’s not something that I necessarily feel every year and all the time, but this is a great little reminder of the power of love and how things can be comfortably sweet and happy even in the darkest moments.

<- Under the Christmas TreeSilver Bells ->

Image source: Goodreads

At the Sign of the Last Chance by Owen Wister

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of westerns book cover

Title: At the Sign of the Last Chance
Author: Owen Wister
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 13th June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: “He oughtn’t,” said Henry.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

He’s a western cowboy who has stopped into the Last Chance. What follows is a lot of reminicsing and discussing of those that they all know.

Thoughts

This is a nice little western short story. All written in the first person POV. Something that I quite enjoy when I’m reading – after all, it helps you to situate yourself within the characters’ mindset so much quicker than any other POV.

This story is basically a huge gossip fest. It didn’t have that feeling of beginning, middle and end that I’m somewhat used to. But rather, it was a series of stories and anecdotes about the people that are known. Kind of more realistic because of this – after all, that’s how conversations go in real life. And to a degree, how stories are told.

I really enjoyed the language of this short story. It wasn’t necessarily incredibly engaging as a tale to read – but it was really approachable. It was nice to read a short story that I didn’t have to think too hard about and reread sentences to understand what was going on. It was just… simple. Pleasantly simple.

<- Wine on the DesertEarly Americana ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Old Slow Man and His Gold Gun From Space by Ben H. Winters

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for dead man's hand book cover

Title: The Old Slow Man and His Gold Gun From Space
Author: Ben H. Winters
In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Aliens, Urban fantasy, Westerns
Dates read: 13th June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Titan Books
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: The old man snorted.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Two men are hunting for gold. But a surprise visit from an alien changes everything. Him and his Gold Gun from Space.

Thoughts

When I think about westerns, this is the kind of story that I imagine. Alright, there’s an alien and whatnot. But the backstabbing, guns and gold rush… that’s honestly what I picture when I think about a western. Not convoluted sentences and hard-to-understand story lines. But a story in which there are the rough and tumble cowboys in a lawless world.

I have this weird image of a gold rush in my head. A completely lawless world filled with men in cowboy hats. And a lack of rules. And tiny, dirty little towns that are completely out of the way. It might be a somewhat ridiculous and unrealistic image. But it is one that I really enjoy and like. This story fed into that image of a realm in which everyone is out for themselves. Which is probably why I enjoyed it so much.

One of my favourite parts of this story is that from fairly on, they are told not to pull the trigger. So, of course. You want someone to pull the trigger. Desperately want someone to pull the trigger. Which of course, someone does. Ad then that leads to all kinds of happy thoughts and had me laughing a little. It wasn’t a good result, but I’m twisted, so I loved that this was how the story ends… with the trigger being pulled.

<- The Red-Headed DeadHellfire on the High Frontier ->

Image source: Amazon

Each City by Ellen van Neerven

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for kindred 12 queer book cover

Title: Each City
Author: Ellen van Neerven
In: Kindred (Michael Earp)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Indigenous Australians, LGBTQI, Music
Dates read: 13th June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Walker Books
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: You’ll be like me.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

In a time and place not so different to our own, an Indigenous activist find that maybe her life and that of her lover are about to be irrevocably changed.

Thoughts

It turns out that I accidentally picked this up to read at a kind of perfect time – a time when the world is seriously starting to think (hopefully) about Black Lives Matter. So, reading a short story in which the focus in the lives and importance of equality and an acknowledgement of our privilege sat perfectly with me. Granted, this is in a world that is somewhat ahead of our time, and there are certain aspect which are both terrifying and intriguing. But definitely the perfect time for short stories like this to take centre stage.

This was a very powerful short story. It actually made me want to cry towards the end. I’m not entirely sure why, because it wasn’t as tragic as some of the other stories that I’ve read that have actually made me cry. It was powerful and intense. A reminder that it would be so easy to further marginalise those who are already living on the margins. And the traumas that this can inflict. Not just being part of a minority, but also the ways in which people can be governed due to this fact.

To further that feeling of wow and power that this short story lends, I found that the first person POV worked perfectly. It sunk you into the understanding and experiences of the narrative. You didn’t have to wonder about the feelings of marginalisation and fear that were being experienced – you experienced them alongside the narrative voice. Leaving you with this amazing, powerful and just… wow feeling once you turn that final page.

<- Laura Nyro at the WeddingAn Arab Werewolf in Liverpool ->

Image source: Bookdepository

Under the Christmas Tree by Robyn Carr

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for that holiday feeling book cover

Title: Under the Christmas Tree
Author: Robyn Carr
Series: Virgin River #7.5
In: That Holiday Feeling (Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods & Robyn Carr) & ‘Tis the Season (Robyn Carr)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 13th June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novella
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “Then come with me.”

Synopsis

When the folks of Virgin River discover a box of adorable puppies under the town’s Christmas tree they call on local vet Nathaniel Jensen for help. But it’s his budding romance with Annie McCarty that really has tongues — and tails — wagging!

Thoughts

I needed to read something cute and sweet when I picked up this novella. I had been reading an amazing book (A Lonely Girl is a Dangerous Thing). But it was also kind of dark and made you feel very, very uncomfortable to read. Thus, I needed something positive and light and cute and sweet to read. So, of course I decided that I needed to revisit Virgin River and the water down there that makes everyone fall in love… it was a great way to break that feeling of discomfort.

I think one of the things that makes this novella particularly cute is that it starts with puppies. And not just any puppies, but Border Collie puppies which I have a particular soft spot for. And it is set at Christmas time. So the combination is not only fun and cute, but exactly the kind of thing that I absolutely adore. Alright, the puppies are sickly and need to be taken care of. But still… puppies.

Not only are Annie and Nate a great couple, but there are so many characters from the larger Virgin River series who make an appearance. In particular Jack, Preacher, David and Chris. Their characters and personalities are what made me fall in love with this series, so although this is a Christmas story that stands alone wonderfully on its own, it is also filled with characters and places that I have steadily fallen in love with.

<- Paradise ValleyForbidden Falls ->

Image source: Goodreads

Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Discount Armageddon (InCryptid, #1) by Seanan McGuire

Title: Discount Armageddon
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 2nd – 11th June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw Fantasy
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I yawned, not bothering to cover my mouth.

Synopsis

Cryptid, noun: Any creature whose existence has not yet been proven by science. See also “monster.”

Cryptozoologist, noun: Any person who thinks hunting for cryptids is a good idea. See also “idiot.”

Ghoulies. Ghosties. Long-legged beasties. Things that go bump in the night… and that’s just the beginning. The Price family has spent generations studying the monsters of the world, working to protect them from humanity – and to protect humanity from them. Enter Verity Price. Despite being trained from birth as a cryptozoologist, she’d rather dance a tango than tangle with a demon, and is spending a year in Manhattan while she pursues her career in professional ballroom dance.

Sounds pretty simple, right? It would be, if it weren’t for the talking mice, the telepathic mathematicians, the asbestos supermodels, and the trained monster-hunter sent by the Price family’s old enemies, the Covenant of St. George. To complicate matters further, local cryptids are disappearing, strange lizard-men are appearing in the sewers, and someone’s spreading rumors about a dragon sleeping underneath the city…

A lifetime of training isn’t enough to prepare Verity for what’s ahead – especially not for Dominic De Luca, the Covenant’s newest operative. When a Price girl meets a Covenant boy, high stakes, high heels, and a lot of collateral damage are almost guaranteed.

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this story. It was fun, engaging and an absolute riot. I laughed frequently while reading it. And, although it did take me a bit over a week to read… I basically read the whole story cover to cover in one night… I stayed up until 3am and ALMOST finished it… but the words started getting blurry so I figured that I had to stop…

After finishing this novel, I seriously can’t wait for the rest of the InCryptid stories. The Price family seems like a hoot and a half from their brief moments in this story, and I’m sure they will continue to be entertaining and kind of hilarious as the series develops. Luckily, there are a number of short stories that I’m hoping to be able to read in the meantime…

As much as I enjoy the whole “opposites attract” mentality, it doesn’t always work in a story. Let alone the enemies-to-lovers trope. But Dominic and Verity do manage to pull that whole thing off perfectly throughout this novel. For sure, you do kind of guess that they will end up in these roles from the very beginning, but the journey that isn’t quite complete at the end of this novel is what makes it so much fun. And kind of hilarious if I’m being honest. I’m REALLY hoping that at a later point in the series he has to meet the rest of the Price clan… that’ll be incredibly entertaining.

The whole scientific enquiry tone of the Price family and monster hunting makes this feel much more plausible. Alright, it’s fantasy. But making an urban fantasy series which talks about evolution, physiology, species… I love that the “monsters” are constantly discussed like this. It was such a fun, unique and engaging way to talk about the paranormal creatures and things that go bump in the night…

My last favourite aspect of this story is the fact that the ass-kicking, somewhat terrifying monster hunter is also a ballroom dancer. It’s not a mix of professions that I would have thought of… but it somehow manages to work so seamlessly. Especially when she starts explaining how dancing is a fantastic way to train for monster hunting…

<- TailedMidnight Blue-Light Special ->

Image source: Goodreads