All posts by skyebjenner

The Night Owl by Emma Holly

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for hot blooded angela knight book cover

Title: The Night Owl
Author: Emma Holly
Series: Midnight #2.5
In: Hot Blooded (Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne, Emma Holly & Angela Knight)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 31st January 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Jove
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Emile and I are still debating that.

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Synopsis

Little ever seems to stir in the sleepy woods of a small Vermont tonw, until a new owner takes over the exclusive local inn. He is centuries old and has traveled far and wide to find his queen – and now nothing will stop him from claiming her…

Thoughts

I do believe in love at first sight. Yet, I always find it a bit bleugh when I read about it. There is just something about it that feels kind of ridiculous when I read a story which features someone who falls stupid in love on first sight. Not sure why, since I did the same thing myself. Yet, the love at first sight in this kind of worked. Probably because although he fell in love pretty quickly, she took her time about it and didn’t just melt when she was told that Bastien loved her.

I still haven’t managed to buy any of the books in the Midnight series, but this has definitely inspired me to want to even more. There is something great about this version of vampires that makes me completely intrigued. Like the other stories which I’ve got on my shelves by Emma Holly. She just has such a unique, romantic spin on paranormal creatures that I don’t normally come across.

I can’t imagine being a vampire… I love being in the sun WAY too much. Yet, I love that this story features a woman who tends to be a bit of a night owl herself. Makes it a little less inconvenient when she is turned into a vampire against her will.

Lastly, I love that there is a great sense of karma in this story. After being left by her ex-husband and betrayed by her best friend… karma came full circle and gave me this great happiness when the story sadly ended.

 <- Awaiting Moonrise ReviewSeduction’s Gift Review ->

Image source: Amazon

Born of the Night by Amanda Ashley

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover stroke of midnight

Title: Born of the Night
Author: Amanda Ashley
In: Stroke of Midnight (Sherrilyn Kenyon, Amanda Ashley, L.A. Banks & Lori Handeland)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Werewolves
Dates read: 31st January 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperback
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: “She is no longer your daughter,” Reyes retorted, wincing as the blade nicked his skin.

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Synopsis

When Lady Shanara Montiori is taken hostage, she learns that the rumors about her captor are true. Lord Reyes is afflicted with the dark curse of the werewolf. Still, Shanara can’t fight the attraction they both feel. Will their love break the curse-or feed its powerful hold?

Thoughts

This is a great little standalone novella. It was easy, a great world, but I wasn’t disappointed when I found out that it was a standalone. There was just something easy, happy and pleasant about this being a standalone. There was enough going on that I couldn’t put the story down. But everything was tied up neatly at the conclusion, unlike some of the novellas that really need to be a part of a greater series.

I liked the whole Romeo and Juliet feel to this story. After all, it’s two people from warring factions, thrust together. Alright, Reyes actually kidnaps Shanara and plans to use her as bait for her father… but it’s still got that whole forbidden love feel to it. Especially when they realise that they’re starting to fall for one another, and regret it seriously since they’re you know… enemies.

One of the things I love the most about this novella is that everything comes full circle. Reyes must deal with a curse placed upon his father. And is seeking revenge for his father’s death. Shanara is the child of the man who is responsible for much of this. It’s quite poetic that the woman who originally causes all of the heartache is also the one who provides the happily ever after.

There is just something about this novella that is sweet, easy and a nice way to end a long day. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it was about the story that made me so happy, but I look forward to reading it again in the future to figure out just what it was that I loved so much…

 <- Winter Born ReviewMake It Last Forever Review ->

Image source: Amazon

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the kiss quotient"

Title: The Kiss Quotient
Author: Helen Hoang
Series: The Kiss Quotient #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 28th – 29th January 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Corvus
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: Yet.

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Synopsis

A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there’s not enough data in the world to predict what will make you heart tick.

It’s high time for Stella Lane to settle downa nd find a husband – or so her mother tells her. This is no easy task for a wealthy, successful woman like Stella, who also happens to have Asperger’s. Analyzing data is easy; handling the awkwardness of one-on-one dates is hard. to overcome her lack of dating experience, Stella decides to hire a male escort to teach her how to be a good girlfriend.

Faced with mounting bills, Michael decides to use his good looks and charm to make extra cash on the side. He has a very firm no repeat customer policy, but he’s tempted to bend that rule when Stella approaches him with an unconventional proposal.

The more time they spend together, the harder Michael falls for this disarming woman with a beautiful mind, and Stella discovers that love defies logic.

Thoughts

This book was completely amazing. I’ve only ever read one other story which features a woman with a social learning disability. In the last book, I thought she was mildly autistic, but that was never actually stated. In this, a lead who is autistic? It actually hit a little bit too close to home for my comfort. But that’s something that I need to figure out. Mostly, I just love the fact that this gorgeous romance is about someone who is a little off-kilter and different. Not the typical trope of a lead woman.

This story was sassy, pithy and filled with humour. Although there are some pretty serious issues and experiences dealt with throughout, it’s more so about finding your perfect fit. That one that works so well for you, even when you’re not really sure how you fit into the world. That’s the part that worked best for me – I’m different, I got to read about someone who is different but still finds the man that she loves and who loves her. For exactly who and what she is. It’s just so much lighter and nicer than most of the books I read which feature a person who is not considered “normal” by mass populations.

I finished this book late last night, and then couldn’t sleep because I couldn’t stop thinking about it. But, now, in the early hours of the next morning when I’m trying to sit down and write about what I experienced? I seriously can’t find the words. This book is just freaking amazing. It fits my current obsession with romances but is so much more. It’s relatable. It’s almost impossible to forget and it takes some very intense experiences and creates a narrative that makes you feel happy and light-hearted at the end. What more could you want?

Anybody who likes contemporary novels should read this. It is one of those books that is impossible to forget and get away from. In the best way possible. To top that off, it’s a totally unique storyline. Alright, it’s a little reminiscent of Pretty Woman, but it’s modernised and uses a hurdle that so many people have to overcome. Honestly, everyone just needs to read this. It’s impossible to put down.

 <- More Helen HoangThe Bride Test ->

Image source: Goodreads

Awaiting Moonrise by Maggie Shayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for hot blooded angela knight book cover

Title: Awaiting Moonrise
Author: Maggie Shayne
In: Hot Blooded (Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne, Emma Holly & Angela Knight)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Werewolves
Dates read: 28th January 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Jove
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Beneath those, today’s date was jotted down.

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Synopsis

A science professor enters the steamy bayou to find a new species of animal, convinced that its presence is behind the stories of lycanthropy in the region, but finds herself tempted by a legendary creature straight out of her most sensual nightmare…

Thoughts

Werewolf romances are definitely my guilty pleasure. There is just something about them that completely draws me in. And I don’t know why. Werewolves aren’t really supposed to be such a romantic creature… yet, I absolutely lap up any werewolf romance which comes across my lap. Like this novella. I had to actually walk around, watering my gardens with my nose in the book, I just didn’t want to put it down.

Probably one of the things that ridiculously drew me to this story was the fact that Jenny is a scientist. Alright, I’m not hugely into Cryptozoology as a field… although it could be seriously intriguing. But all of her actions? Yup, they’re the activities of a scientist. And there’s also the moral questions that most scientists must face – where is the line that you must draw in inquiry? How far can you go before you’ve gone way too far? The Manhattan Project always comes to mind when I think of this dilemma…

I read this novella just after I finished Dead Girls are Easy, so it was kind of interesting to read a second voodoo story in such a short amount of time. I like that the lycanthropy was a voodoo curse placed on an ancestor because he did the wrong thing. It was certainly a different take on why people becomes lycanthropes, and one that I found enjoyably refreshing.

 <- Dark Hunger ReviewThe Night Owl Review ->

Image source: Amazon

The Poetry of Emily Dickinson by Emily Dickinson

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the poetry of emily dickinson"

Title: The Poetry of Emily Dickinson
Author: Emily Dickinson
Series: Word Cloud Classics
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Poetry
Dates read: 24th – 28th January 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Word Cloud Classics
Year: 1890
5th sentence, 74th page: Her friend “H.H.” must at least have suspected it, for in a letter dated 5th September, 1884, she wrote: –

Synopsis

“This is my letter to the world . . .” — Emily Dickinson

The Poetry of Emily Dickinson is a collection of pieces by 19th-century American poet Emily Dickinson, who insisted that her life of isolation gave her an introspective and deep connection with the world. As a result, her work parallels her life—misunderstood in its time, but full of depth and imagination, and covering such universal themes as nature, art, friendship, love, society, mortality, and more. During Dickinson’s lifetime, only seven of her poems were published, but after her death, her prolific writings were discovered and shared. With this volume, readers can dive into the now widely respected poetry of Emily Dickinson.

Thoughts

This was a really interesting read. I’ve heard the name Emily Dickinson again and again over time. But I’ve never actually had the chance to sit down and enjoy her work. Now I understand why there’s such a rant and rave about her work. Especially since her poetry is so multilayered that no matter how many times I read this, I’m going to find something new to obsess over and be fascinated by.

I haven’t read much poetry lately. It takes another kind of thought process to sit down and appreciate this kind of work. But, reading this, it reminded me what it is about poetry that I love so much. There are so many different meanings to every word and line. No matter how many times you read it, a new meaning will come to light.

Poetry is also the most emotive form of writing. At least for me. And I was really absorbed by all of the feelings throughout these poems. They might provide insight into the author, but for me, poetry is always about processing your own emotions. I could read all of these poems again in a weeks time and get an entirely different experience from them. That is just how emotive I find this form of writing.

One other thing that I absolutely adored about Dickinson’s works was that they were short. I could pick up this book and read a snippet, a short poem, feel complete and then head into the real world and responsibilities all over again. Although I don’t mind longer works, I do tend to find them a little harder to digest. I definitely didn’t have that problem with this collection!

<- A Tale of Two CitiesCrime and Punishment ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster Australia

No. 252 Rue M. le Prince by Ralph Adams Cram

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

Title: No. 252 Rue M. le Prince
Author: Ralph Adams Cram
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley) & Gothic Short Stories (David Blair)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Horror
Dates read: 28th January 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1895
5th sentence, 74th page: Soon after two o’clock Fargeau, who was in the next room, hour after hour, hearing nothing, very much bored, and disappointed.

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Synopsis

A night spent in a haunted house that was cursed by a fellow practitioner of the arts turns a non-believer into one who believes in a number of things. But at what cost?

Thoughts

A short story set in beautiful Paris. About a haunted (make that cursed) house. Definitely a great setting for such a tale. Although, I think that Paris probably makes a great setting for most stories, it’s a beautiful location. Adding a layer of darkness through this house to it… that’s just downright intriguing.

This short story had enough darkness and horror in it to give me pause. It didn’t leave me looking over my shoulder into the dark shadows to see what was hiding for me like some other stories. But, it did make me stop halfway through, take a deep breath and then plough onwards. It just left me somewhat uncomfortable and more than a little bit freaked out.

Although this was dark, mysterious and kind of intimidating, I had a strange feeling of peace when all was said and done. Which was an incredibly unusual reaction. One that I did find intriguing though. Not sure what it says about my psyche that after reading about a creepy, haunted house that has been cursed, I feel at piece. But we’ll leave that discussion for another day…

<- To Become a SorcererThe Bones of the Earth ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the autobiography of malcolm x"

Title: The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Author: Malcolm X
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Biographies, Politics, Race
Dates read: 3rd – 27th January 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Year: 1965
5th sentence, 74th page: Sophia could get away only a few nights a week.

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Synopsis

One of Time’s ten most important nonfiction books of the twentieth century

In the saring pages of this classic autobiography, originally published in 1964, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and anti-integrationist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Black Muslim movement. His fascinating perspective on the lies and limitations of the American Dream, and the inherent racism in a society that denies its nonwhite citizens the opportunity to dream, gives extraordinary insight into the most urgent issues of our own time. The Autobiography of Malcolm X stands as the definitive statement of a movement and a man whose work was never completed but whose message is timeless. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand America.

Thoughts

This is probably the single most intense book that I’ve ever read. Like I just sat there in shock not just after I finished it, but at multiple points throughout. It is intense, confronting and impossible to put down. It will also make you feel ridiculously uncomfortable. But I would still recommend that everyone read it. Even, if, like me, you’re not an American. And I’ve been talking the ear off of my poor family and friends telling them about how amazing this biography actually is.

I’ve been really interested in stories about race and discrimination, particularly over the past year. I desperately want to broaden my knowledge of this topic, and I’m slowly doing so. Actually, the past two years I’ve just been obsessed with memoirs and biographies, so this kind of falls under the topic. The Autobiography of Malcolm X is the most angry biography I’ve ever read. And I don’t say that in a bad way. It is unapologetically honest, completely forthright and doesn’t politely sugar coat the atrocities that the black man in America has had to face. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes the language and words used made me feel seriously uncomfortable, but I kind of think that that’s the point… where would we be if everyone just wrote something that would make others feel comfortable?

I’m not overly interested in the politics of America, I try to focus a little more on our own home politics here… however, it is good to get a brief understanding. After all, we are still tied to them. This book gave me a far more in depth insight into these politics than I was expecting. I’m glad that I’ve read a few other books before this which touch upon the subject, and even watched some movies. Because this was seriously confronting. And it made me stop and think repeatedly about our own Indigenous peoples who are constantly facing similar issues of racism.

This is a life changing book. It is one that I will constantly think about and has seriously made me sit back and think. I’m completely floored by the experiences that Malcolm outlines in his book. And, since it is written from his own words and not sugar coated, somehow, everything that I was vaguely aware of is far more real and intense. I had to reach for a happy, innocent book when this was finished…

 <- The Jane Austen Writers’ Club ReviewChinese Cinderella Review ->

Image source: Amazon

Tempted by His Kiss by Tracy Anne Warren

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover tempted by his kiss"

Title: Tempted by His Kiss
Author: Tracy Anne Warren
Series: The Byrons of Braebourne #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 26th – 27th January 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Be that as it may, we have imposed on our host’s hospitality far too long and must depart.

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Synopsis

London society knows the Byrons are “mad, bad, and dangerous” and every bit as fascinating as their poetic non-relation. Join the fun as New York Times bestselling author Tracy Anne Warren presents the first tale of this tempestuous family – famous for scandal and legendary at love…

Orphaned beauty Meg Amberley never planned to pose as Lord Cade Byron’s fiancee. Caught in a snowstorm, she takes refuge at his estate. Stranded together, Meg soon finds herself falling under Cade’s spell. When the roads clear, she intends to leave, but fate intervenes.

Haunted by his past, Cade Byron has buried himself in the country. The Meg – with her lush curves – invades his house and his life. With her reputation compromised, he proposes a pretend engagement and a London season where she can find a husband.

But as their charade deepens, Cade can’t let her go… vowing to tempt her with a kiss that just may lead to forever.

Thoughts

As anyone who has recently looked at my shelves can attest, I’m pretty obsessed with regency and historical romances at the moment. They’re something which is easy and fun. Light and a great way to visit an idealised version of another time in which true love reigns. There is always a bit of a hint of suspense and confusion in the story in some way, shape or form. But, mostly, they’re an easy, fun and nice read. A good way to unwind when I’m super, ridiculously stressed.

Tempted by His Kiss was exactly this kind of story. Although, adding in the suspense of the French war, spies and espionage was a little more intense than most of the complications I’ve been reading in historical romances lately. Especially when the lead, Cade, is severely injured after being tortured. A little bit more of a complication than I typically find. But one that I did really enjoy. It was still tied up in a nice little bow at the end of this story though, leaving the rest of the series open for all kinds of tales that I can’t wait to sink my literary teeth into.

From the beginning, I quite liked Meg and Cade as a couple. She’s lightly able to understand why he does certain things and pulls him out of his slump. Cade is able to finally find a light and return to some semblance of his former self because of her care. And, luckily, although there are a few misunderstandings, there are no major breaks in their relationship throughout. Considering the fact that I was reading this when I wasn’t in a happy head space, I was eternally grateful for that fact.

Although the complications in this story were far more intense than most of the other historical romances I’ve been reading, it was still one of the easiest journeys. There wasn’t as much character anguish portrayed, rather, the challenges were external. It tends to be the internal complications that really get to me…

 <- The Bed and the Bachelor ReviewCharmed by Her Smile Review ->

Image source: Amazon

Dead Girls are Easy by Terri Garey

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover dead girls are easy"

Title: Dead Girls are Easy
Author: Terri Garey
Series: Nicki Styx #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 27th January 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: “She was quite a character.”

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

“My name is Nicki Styx and I thought I had the world all figured out. Then I regained consciousness.”

There’s something about almost dying that makes a girl rethink her priorities. Take Nicki Styx – she was strictly goth and vintage, until a brush with the afterlife leaves her with the ability to see dead people.

Before you can say boo, Atlanta’s ghosts are knocking at Nicki’s door. Now her days consist of reluctantly cleaning up messes left by teh dearly departed, leading ghouls to the Light… and one-on-one anatomy lesssons with Dr. Joe Bascombe, the dreamy surgeon who saved her life. All this catering to the deceased is a real drag, especially for a girl who’d rather be playing hanky-panky with her hunky new boyfriend… who’s beginning to think she’s totally nuts.

But things get even more complicated when a friend foolishly sells her soul to the devil, and Nicki’s new gift lands her in some deep voodoo.

As it turns out for Nicki Styx, death was just the beginning.

Thoughts

I’ve been meaning to read this novel for a long time. Ever since I read the novella in Weddings from Hell. But, it always seems to be pushed to the side. Now I have no idea why I did so… this is brilliant, funny and kind of sweet. It’s such a light-hearted take on the ability to see ghosts and a great way in which to create a whole new romance to grace my shelves. It’s just… well… beautiful.

I’m a big believer in karma and the belief that what goes around comes around. The fact that this is a big part of the storyline, that idea that everything happens for a reason… I absolutely lapped that up. Especially when Nicki has the pleasure of coming up against the man who wronged her in the past and kind of turned her against relationships… there was something so poetically beautiful about it. Especially when he realises what a mistake he made.

Growing up I kind of always wanted my token gay friend. What I didn’t realise was that I had actually met him in year eight, and just have absolutely no gay-dar. But the token gay best friend in this story is absolutely brilliant. He hits every single stereotype, is completely loyal and adds an extra layer of light-heartedness when shit really starts to hit the fan. He also perfectly compliments Nicki’s sass and bitchiness in a way that I completely didn’t anticipate. And acts as a bit of a conscious when she starts to withdraw… everything that you should have in a best friend.

I seem to run across certain themes and trends in the books that I’m reading which are completely random. And I’m never really sure why they appear. In this case, lately it seems to be Voodoo. I read two stories which feature this in a matter of days, and have come up against a few more stories which feature this religion (practice?) in the past few months. It’s a great story driver and something that I’m completely fascinated by. Now I just feel like I need to start doing a little research of my own.

Although Nicki’s life is completely turned upside down in this story, there is no woes me attitude. I tend to find that completely irritating. Even if I would probably be a little sooky about dying, coming back and being able to see ghosts. I’m not perfect, but I like it when the heroines in my stories are unwilling to take the challenges life throws at them by the balls and tell them to just get stuffed. Especially when I know that things are just going to get more and more intense as this series unfolds. After all, there are a few mysteries that were introduced in Dead Girls are Easy which haven’t been tied up yet…

 <- Happily Never After ReviewA Match Made in Hell Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Double Blind by A.C. Wise

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

Title: The Double Blind
Author: A.C. Wise
In: The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dieselpunk, LGBTQI
Dates read: 25th January 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: He was asking for it.

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

All Rachel wants to do is get revenge on the men who attacked her sister. But, a chance encounter and the warnings of her lover might change the kind of vigilante she chooses to be.

Thoughts

This was a freaking fantastic short story. Especially since it featured the LGBTQI+ world, something that is intriguing me more and more and I’m loving that I’m slowly finding more stories featured in this world.

Although for me, this was mostly about the club and its inhabitants, how they find acceptance and survive in a world against them, there was also the factor of revenge. And how do we seek revenge? Why? And when you’re seeking revenge are you doing it for someone else, or just to assuage your own guilt? There were so many questions bought up in this short story. Ones that left me seriously contemplating the world and my own responses long after I closed the final page. As I said, it was quite intense.

This is just an amazing short story. One that I can’t stop thinking about and thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely a perfect example of the themes and questions posed by a good Dieselpunk tale. Ones that I will continue to contemplate as the time passes, and I look forward to rereading this in the future.

<- Into the SkyBlack Sunday ->

Image source: Running Press