All posts by skyebjenner

Trust Me by Stacia Kane

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of vampire romance 2 book cover

Title: Trust Me
Author: Stacia Kane
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 13th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Another brick shattered a windowpane and clattered on the wood floor.

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Synopsis

She’s supposed to be spying on a man she believes could be Jack the Ripper. But fate has other ideas, and she quickly finds herself falling in love. Has she fallen in love with a monster? Or will she get her happily ever after after all?

Thoughts

While I’ve been reading The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2, I’ve also been reading The Mammoth Book of Jack the Ripper Stories. And I never expected any kind of overlap between the two. At all. After all, they’re two entirely different genres with no overlap whatsoever in authors. Which meant that it was incredibly surprising, although a little fun to read a story which is a vampire paranormal romance, featuring Jack the Ripper and the times in Whitechapel surrounding these killings.

Sometimes I think that paranormal fantasy stories (be they romance or just run of the mill fantasy) take a few too many things from our history and twist them into really weird storylines. And if you had have told me that there was a vampire romance featuring Jack the Ripper, I would have put this in the “I don’t think so” basket. Luckily, I didn’t know that this was such a story, and for that I am exceedingly glad. This was just such a great spin on an old mystery, and almost felt entirely plausible.

Although this romance short was set in the 1800s, I wouldn’t classify it as a historical fiction. The lead female was a little too strong willed and independent. Which, I have read similar stories, but that very independence and strength of will is what continuously gets them into trouble. It got her into absolutely no spot of strife throughout the story… which isn’t to say that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy it. but this read a little bit like a modern story, just moving the location in which it was set…

 <- Vampsploitation ReviewThe Scotsman and the Vamp Review ->
Image source: Bookdepository

Pirate Dave and the Captain’s Ghost by Toni L. P. Kelner

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for an apple for the creature book cover

Title: Pirate Dave and the Captain’s Ghost
Author: Toni L. P. Kelner
In: An Apple for the Creature (Charlaine Harris & Toni L. P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Urban fantasy, Vampires, Werewolves
Dates read: 13th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Ace Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “It’s his own hellish actions – “

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Synopsis

She’s on a werewolf retreat having a wow of a time. Until a ghost decides that he takes exception to her love life. And suddenly her retreat makes her want to go into retreat…

Thoughts

This story was nothing like what I expected from the title. I was expecting a pirate ghost story and had absolutely no idea how a schooling would tie into this. After all, it is the concluding story for a collection of urban fantasies which feature teachers and school. I was not expecting a story about a werewolf and vampire in a relationship. Who own a pirate-themed water park and who were getting haunted…

I seem to be finding more and more books / series with a vampire-werewolf mating. I don’t find many that really investigate the reactions to this interracial relationship. It’s something that people in real life have to go through, dealing with the prejudices against their other half. I like that this was the original driver for the conflict in the story. Everything was going fine until one person (ghost) with a prejudice against vampires manages to make everyone so awkward and uncomfortable that she is then left alone. Completely.

The interconnectedness of this story and the twist at the end were really fun. I finished this story with a huge grin on my face and the desire to see if this is part of a greater series. I also loved that it ended up with a ghost becoming friends with a werewolf and helping them create a haunted ship.

 <- The Bad Hour ReviewAn Apple for the Creature Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Oblivion by Calvin Klein by Christopher Fowler

Book Review, ,
Overview
naked-city

Title: Oblivion by Calvin Klein
Author: Christopher Fowler
In: Naked City (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Urban fantasy
Dates read: 13th July 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Helen really wanted a cigarette.

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Synopsis

Helen just wants to find the oblivion of consumerism that her marriage has led her to crave. But, when she finds out that she might not be able to get her fix, she decides to something a little bit drastic…

Thoughts

I always like to say that I’m not that materialistic. But then you walk into my house and see the walls of books, and it becomes obvious that in some ways, I am incredibly materialistic. Which meant that this story was not only a really fun read, but also a somewhat uncomfortable one. It spoke to trends in society and what we perceive as needs and how they could be our eventual downfall. As I said, very uncomfortable.

This story quickly went from kind of amusing, to kind of uncomfortable, to completely horrifying in very quick order. At the beginning, it is obvious that Helen has a bit of an issue and needs to deal with her own personal life. Quickly it becomes apparent that it’s more than a little issue and the woman is getting desperate. And then she does the desperate thing. Which makes you wonder how far we would go for our materialistic / capitalist fix…

Although this story made me kind of question many of my own motives and decisions, it was still fun. And the ending provided a glimmer of hope to the story as Helen trots off towards a new future, with a new hope and understanding of just what true happiness and need are all about.

 <- The Duke of Riverside ReviewFairy Gifts Review ->
Image source: Patricia Briggs

The Majicka by Mary Janice Davidson

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for no rest for the witches book cover

Title: The Majicka
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
In: No Rest for the Witches (Mary Janice Davidson, Lori Handeland, Cheyenne McCray & Christine Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 13th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: She thought of an even better, more relevant question.

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Synopsis

Life’s a bit crowded for Ireland and her roommates–a fairy, a werewolf, a vampire, and now a zombie…especially when a mysterious man walks through the door. Will there be any room left for love?

Thoughts

I’m a little bit disappointed that the premise of this story was only fleshed out in a novella. I would happily read a full length novel, or even a series which features Ireland and all of her awkward rescues. Although, maybe that’s just being greedy. After all, this worked brilliantly, and I loved it immensely. Expanding on it could just ruin the enjoyment that it made me feel.

No matter how many books I read, across how many genres, I am always drawn to stories about misfits. Probably because I’ve always felt like one myself. Maybe just because I tend to find they make the most interesting people. Whatever it is, I’m always happily drawn in; hook, line and sinker. Which, considering this is a story about a girl who constantly takes people in that don’t quite fit into whichever world they come from… I couldn’t put it down. And almost screamed with frustration when it was over. I want to read more about the Angry Fairy and the Zombie Nymph (amongst a few).

The Majicka had a bit of a whodunnit feel to it. Firstly, in trying to help out the zombie. And then, when they’ve finally figured out just who she is, how to save her. The extra entertainment of a Tutor trying to train the next, somewhat resisting Majicka, a car that thinks for itself and a vampire with airs just made it so much more entertaining. Luckily, I have a few MaryJanice Davidson books on their way to fill my bookshelves. Otherwise, I would be sorely disappointed to have finished this novella. Great start to the No Rest for the Witches collection though!

 <- No Rest for the Witches ReviewVoodoo Moon Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Hot Spell by Lora Leigh, Emma Holly, Shiloh Walker & Meljean Brook

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Hot Spell

Title: Hot Spell
Author: Lora Leigh, Emma Holly, Shiloh Walker & Meljean Brook
In: Hot Spell (Lora Leigh, Emma Holly, Shiloh Walker & Meljean Brook)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 3rd – 12th July 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: He took his hand away.

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Synopsis

Venture into a world beyond the ordinary, where the dark passions and voracious appetites of vampires, werewolves, demons, and a few undaunted mortals combine to unleash a potent… HOT SPELL

Here are lovers like you’ve never dared to imagine: eyes that glitter with keeness born of ancient knowledge. Hands that move with a tenderness belying superhuman strength. Inviting smiles that reveal exquisitely letahl fangs. Rippling, leonine muscles. There’s danger in the air – and heat.

Steam rises up off the pages of these four scorching novellas, sensuously crafted by four acclaimed authors who beckon you to slip into the shadows and experience the otherworldly pleasures of the night…

Thoughts

Once upon a time I used to think that paranormal romance, romance and erotica stories were boring, smuttish and just not worth reading. I have changed my mind. In a big way. And it is collections like Hot Spell that really remind me of just why I did such a big turn around. These novellas and tales still include all of my favourite aspects of fantasy stories, but there is an extra layer of passion, lust and, dare I say it, cuteness to the stories that have me reaching for these stories again and again and again.

Originally I bought this book for the Meljean Brook story of Falling for Anthony. What I didn’t realise was that I would love the other three stories in this collection just as much. To the point that I now want all of these in my collection and don’t know which series to pick up next. They’re all perfect danglers for new authors and collections that I had not quite pictured wanting before.

For someone who, up until two years ago didn’t really read any romances, this collection (and others like it) have certainly drastically expanded the shelves. Alright, it’s not quite as big as my urban and paranormal fantasy collections because sometimes the sappy, happiness gets a bit much. But, if you’re looking for the perfect way to get into the more erotic side of the paranormal, I would definitely suggest adding this one to your shelves!

 <- The Blood Kiss ReviewThe Countess’s Pleasure Review ->
Image source: Meljean Brook

Vampsploitation by Jaye Wells

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of vampire romance 2 book cover

Title: Vampsploitation
Author: Jaye Wells
Series: Sabina Kane #0.5
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Anger because I was sick and tired of being underestimated.

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Synopsis

Sabina just wants to work on her own, but a trick of birth and politics means she’s stuck with an opinionated macho man. Could he be her ticket out and something more? Or is he just a dunce?

Thoughts

I bought the first book in this series ages ago. With no idea what it was going to be about and what it would be like. It just had a cool name and was on sale. Which meant that reading this short story certainly made me think that I made the right decision. Now I just have to exercise some self-control and not open it again straight away.

For such a short story, there are two themes explored incredibly well within this tale. For starters there’s the one about prejudice and “othering”. Then there’s also the issue of trust. Not only are they great methods to keep me involved in the story, they also set up the beginning of the series perfectly. Which makes sense, since this is the prequel…

I’ve always had some trust issues. I think that many people do, so it’s always a little too easy to relate to these in a story. Add to that the fact that Sabina is an assassin, and you can see how these trust issues are going to lead to a very messed up and complex heroine. After all, this is just the beginning of her problems. I’m sure there are about to be much more.

 <- Crimson Kisses ReviewTrust Me Review ->
Image source: Bookdepository

The Bad Hour by Thomas E. Sniegoski

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for an apple for the creature book cover

Title: The Bad Hour
Author: Thomas E. Sniegoski
Series: Remy Chandler #5.5
In: An Apple for the Creature (Charlaine Harris & Toni L. P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Ace Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Remy sat behind the desk in his Beacon Street office putting together an expense report for a client whose job he had finished the previous week.

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Synopsis

Remy always seems to get the more difficult cases, those that involve the supernatural. But when him and his loyal companion must attend doggy obedience school, he discovers that sometimes it’s not all bad.

Thoughts

I have two beautiful, annoying, slightly crazy and incredibly loyal dogs. Which means that any story that features “man’s best friend” is going to make me happy. Especially when the main character is able to communicate with his loyal hound. If only I could have the same slightly ridiculous, incredibly fun conversations with my two furry companions…

Although I really loved the storyline of this tale, what I loved most was the interactions between Remy and his hound. I frequently talk to my dogs, but, sadly, they never respond. However, if they did, I can imagine that they would talk much like they do in this story. Slightly stupid, slightly witty and incredibly amusing. His horror and disappointment at being a “bad dog” made me think of the look on my Staffy’s face whenever he’s in trouble. Equal parts devotion and devastation.

In a collection of urban fantasy stories about school and teaching, a puppy school has got to be my favourite kind. I love being surrounded by dogs and reading about a scene in which this is happening left me in my happy place. Even if the badness was caused by the tales of one such hound…

<- VSIPirate Dave and the Captain’s Ghost ->
Image source: Goodreads

Dear Boss by Nic Martin

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of jack the ripper stories book cover

Title: Dear Boss
Author: Nic Martin
In: The Mammoth Book of Jack the Ripper Stories (Maxim Jakubowski)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Historical fiction
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: And I had not expected her to be in this way… arrayed.

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Synopsis

Tom needs a good story to keep his job. But, when he starts to cross a line to create one, he might find that the cost is far too high.

Thoughts

I seriously, way too much loved the ending to this tale. There was a gruesome, horrifying sense of poetic justice to the tale and the idea that the true evil walked off into the night all alone. Which, whilst it is something I don’t often appreciate, it was something that worked brilliantly well for this storyline.

From a little back research, I’ve quickly come to understand that there are many who believe that the “Dear Boss” letters are a hoax. One made up by the newspapers of the time to capitalise on the insanity of the time. And the horror. This is the first story I’ve read which uses this as a story plot. One that is quite dark and twisty and more than a little scary. And one that I think worked beautifully well.

Not only does this short story provide what feels like a plausible background to the “Dear Boss” letters, but it also gives a hint as to why there is a bit of mystery surrounding the Ripper’s last victim. The one who some people aren’t 100% is the woman she was identified as. In this case, she may have been a poor schmucks wife instead.

 <- A Small Band of Dedicated Men ReviewHis Last Victim Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Duke of Riverside by Ellen Kushner

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
naked-city

Title: The Duke of Riverside
Author: Ellen Kushner
In: Naked City (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, LGBTQI, Medieval fantasy, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Why would you want to go there with me?

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Synopsis

There’s a young man whose decided to come down to Riverside and find his death. What he doesn’t realise is that no one is going to end the life of an unarmed man. But what he finds instead is much, much better.

Thoughts

The wit and dry humour in this story had me chuckling a fair bit. There was something about a strange, lanky scholar who was desperate to be killed roaming the streets and just having absolutely no luck. It got even better when you found out that he was a duke and abhorrent to the rest of his family. The beauty, humour and irony in the story had me cackling more than I should probably admit if I still wanted people to consider me sane (which I don’t, so it’s fine).

Growing up, I never seemed to read many stories which featured LGBTQI characters. But as my reading tastes have grown, I’ve noticed that it’s a theme that shows up more and more frequently. Or it may just be that it’s a theme that is written about more frequently as our society changes. Regardless, it’s something that I always love in my stories. And the unexpected coupling of two men in this story took me completely by surprise. Partly because in the beginning I thought it would be a tale about Alec just being killed in some random, heinous way. And partly because it’s a medieval fantasy-esque story, and I tend to find that that’s not a relationship that is outwardly hinted at.

The final scene of this short story is one of those that is incredibly difficult to get out of your head. The entire time I’ve been writing this review, I have that great, final image struck into my brain. But, you really must read this story yourself to have that fine enjoyment.

 <- On the Slide ReviewOblivion by Calvin Klein Review ->
Image source: Patricia Briggs

La Reine d’Enfer by Kathe Koja

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for queen victoria's book of spells ellen datlow book cover

Title: La Reine d’Enfer
Author: Kathe Koja
In: Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Gaslamp, LGBTQI
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: I grabbed up whatever I could put my hand to, a silver spoon from the table, a bottle of gin; then threw it all down again, my head a-swim like being drunk.

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Synopsis

He’s been trapped in a life that isn’t one of his own making. Davey is hunting him, but all he wants to do is act on stage. Will he finally get what he wants?

Thoughts

When I sat down to write this review, I couldn’t quite remember what this short story was even about. There was a vague memory of enjoying the story and thinking it was very good, but I just couldn’t remember what happened in it. So I had to have a quick look at the pages again. And then it all came flooding back to me. And I’m really not sure why I didn’t remember this much clearer from the very beginning. There was a bit of an Oliver Twist feel to this story, with a great sense of darkness and brutality.

I like that there was a subtle feeling of magic to this story. It felt more about the magic of theatre than the casting of a spell. More about magics that we make others believe in (some might say manipulate) than that of the Fair Folk. It created a nice, dreary, mystical affect to the storyline that made you not want to put it down. Although, it’s this same shrouded mystery-effect which also made it quite difficult to remember exactly what it was that I had just read..

 <- The Memory Book ReviewFor the Briar Rose Review ->
Image source: Amazon