Title: Unquiet Souls Author: Christine Pope Rating Out of 5: 1 (Couldn’t get past the first page) Format: eBook, Novel Year: 2019
I wanted to like this story, I really did. But I’m just not really into Pope’s style of writing. This is the second time I’ve had to DNF one of her books. Not because it’s not a good story line. Or one that is completely lacking, I just find that the writing style edges a bit more towards telling, not showing. And I get so bogged down in this that I can’t get swept away by the words. Which, of course, means that I can’t really get into the storyline. But, this may be a good book for other people who appreciate her style a little bit more.
This was a good short story, but one I couldn’t quite get into. I think part of it was the whole premise – a woman goes to a funeral director to plan her twin’s funeral. And then falls for the man. There’s animals and an adoption drive to make it a little bit cuter, but honestly, this was one of those stories that I could take or leave.
I started reading this novel quite a while ago, and then I put it down. Actually, I went through a few attempts with this. Firstly I didn’t necessarily want to read it because I was worried that there was too much emphasis placed upon virginity (again). But then, I read the first part which contains Mia’s manifesto. And I was completely hooked – I mean, yes to pretty much everything she says and rants about there! But then the male lead was introduced and I felt pretty Luke Warm. So I stopped reading. But, eventually I realised that I still had to know what happened next! So I picked this up again, and I’m really, really glad that I did. Once I got over the hump of that first meeting, I actually really loved this story. And I ended up being really happy and comfortable with this novel and the many ethical moments throughout.
I think one of the things I really loved about this is that there are a lot of uncomfortable moments throughout the quite fun and sweet romance. I kept feeling a bit odd about some of the things in this story – a woman selling her virginity because it’s a socially pressured construct, prostitution, secret identities, addiction, there were so many discussions and moments that actually made me stop reading and pause. It’s hard for stories to do this in a manner that made me uncomfortable (enough that, as previously mentioned I did stop and start this a bit), but also made me want to keep reading. Aubrey does such a great job of highlighting some of the issues and impressions that society puts upon us. And reminds us that there are a multitude of ways to look at such things.
I must admit that I did guess the ‘twist’ at the end of this story. It wasn’t exactly a surprise, but I did like how this helped to further evolve the characters. It was nice that both leads were able to go through some serious growth and change. They both make mistakes, and stupid decisions, but they find a way back to one another. Plus, it just made the journey all that much more exciting – you already knew there was a secret that was going to make things unravel, so it was exciting to experience this!
For a book that had a bit of a rocky start for me, I actually really loved this. It was beautiful and fun. And, unlike many other romances that I read, there are more stories featuring this couple. Once they decide to take the plunge to happily ever after, they will still have challenges to overcome! Which, lets face it, is a way more realistic romance than just riding off into the sunset together. I can’t wait to read more stories by Aubrey.
This is a very cute and easy second chance / small town romance. I like that it is about a couple that never quite got their closure, but also don’t have all of the hang ups that some of these styles of romances have. It’s also pretty short, so probably not quite enough time and space to actually have a lot of the angst that is sometimes in a good romance.
I love that both of the characters in this are reconnecting after life beats them down. And that, even when they’ve had a few hard challenges thrown their way, they are still optimistic about the future. It’s nice to finish this short story with a whole lot of hope for the future, riding off into the sunset.
There is always something fun about the writing of Hope Ellis, and Christmas romances. And this was such a fun story that I will gladly read again.
I read this novella as part of my Christmas reading. And now I just want to read the rest of the series. Particularly the first novel, A Stitch in Time to see how Bronwyn and William fell in love. And met, and how the time travel portal works. There is so much going on that I just need all of the amazing backstory to this world. And adventures. And just, general Armstrongawesomeness.
One of the many, many things I loved about this story was that it featured Christmas on either side of a time warp. I’m assuming that Armstrong has done a bit of research into the time period, because this was mostly about the differences between the two times. Both timelines still focusing on love, companionship and giving.
I also love both of the traditions have that Christmas spirit that makes me love this time of year so much. It’s so beautiful seeing how taking care of others is a big focus on the town’s traditions. And that in the case of this story, the aristocracy actually give a damn about their people.
Although I wasn’t pregnant for the Christmas that I read this, I did only have a two month old. And the Christmas 2 years prior I had been pregnant. So I loved reading about the frustrations and challenges of being heavily pregnant at this time of year. It’s also highlighting some of the challenges I’m sure Bronwyn is about to face in A Twist of Fate.
This short story was fun, but it didn’t really have enough going on to get me seriously hooked. It was one of those cure, but kind of forgettable stories. One in which I didn’t have a huge emotional connection to any of the characters.
Probably my favourite aspect of this story was the idea of a pet adoption drive. All based around a cat cafe. It was a nice charity theme, and one that I hope happens somewhere in real life.
I was a bit surprised by how much I liked the idea of a story based on some serious rivalry, and the whole only one tent trope. I like that Alex and Nikki are constantly finding themselves pitted against each other. And that their mothers are the deciding factor in forcing the two of them together. Plus, this is partly based in South Africa, a country that I’ve visited and loved. One that I would seriously love to go back to… there’s just something amazing about it.
Although I loved and understood Nikki’s frustration at Alex’s constant infiltration of her life, it was pretty obvious that it was because he liked her. The awkward infatuation just made it all that much more intriguing to finally have the two characters get together. Plus, it meant that, as the reader, it was easy enough to get behind the characters becoming a couple. Sometimes it’s a bit harder if the jerky behaviour is just… being a jerk. At least in my experience.
As someone who has always wanted to do a lot of travel, but never had the chance, I kind of love the whole idea of the Love and Wanderlust series. Which just means that I’ve been meaning to read this for quite a while. I might have dived in right at the end of the series, but that is no hard ship. Plus, it was fun to read about a country that I’ve actually been to. Now I get to read about five other locations that I haven’t actually been to. The fact that this awesome travel is then combined with romance and finding your perfect partner is fantastic. Plus, at the end of the story (like the one other Liz Alden that I’ve written), the travel bugged partner doesn’t have to choose between love and travel. Rather, Nikki is able to pursue her joys and chosen career, and her and Alex are able to make it work.
The steam and love in this is enjoyable, but what I love the most is the idea of an alternative career. Something that is not 9 to 5, and from what I understand, is incredibly difficult to make your mark in. But, the gumption and pride with which Nikki is able to pursue her career is beautiful. It might not be the most realistic, but I don’t read romances for the realism. I read them for the joy of falling in love, and finding your own happily ever after to match your goals in life.
Alden manages to write a beautiful book that doesn’t just involve love and steaminess in a beautiful location. But, it also has two characters acknowledging each others’ flaws and finding a way to work together. There is no requirement for change, just a bit of communication to make each other happy. Which is probably why I love this book so damn much – no drastic change, just a whole lot of happy with a dash of steam.
This was a short story that was just kind of cute. I mean, it’s about a Scotsman (which I’m always a fan of) and the woman he falls for. Honestly, this was one of those incredibly easy reads that was really enjoyable at the time. However, from the moment I turned that final page, I pretty much forgot about what I read. Enjoyable and cute, but entirely forgettable.
A lot of the stories in the Chasing Holiday Tail anthology really didn’t have a Christmas theme to them, which was kind of disappointing. At least Rescued Beats has a Santa in it and a little bit more Christmas activity. I love that the male lead poses as Santa for his love interest, I mean, it’s one great way to show that you are really interested in someone.
Whilst I did enjoy this short story, I did find that there were a few character development moments that needed a little bit more. In particular, Livie’s parents and their controlling ways. It’s kind of shown that Livie is getting over this level of control, but that’s about the extent of it, which is somewhat frustrating. So much potential that just wasn’t quite reached.
Title: You Only Live Once Author: Maxine Morrey Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance Pace: Slow Format: eBook, Novel Year: 2022
I wanted to love this story. And I really, really tried. But I just… couldn’t get into it and feel connected. I mean, I loved the idea of an adult second-chance romance. And that it somehow helps a woman who is a bit of a shut in to stretch her wings again. But, alas, none of that happened.
Ultimately, I didn’t read more than a third of this book. Again, I wanted to like it, but mostly, I just felt… absolutely nothing. No passion for any of the characters or the story line. So I decided not to continue. But this might be a good fit for someone else who can feel connected to the characters…
Reading the beginning / introduction to this story, I was expecting something that was going to be really taboo and trip my ick switch. After all, its step-siblings falling for one another. However, it really wasn’t taboo as I expected. Mostly because it was two people who became step-siblings when they were already adults. I mean, some of the conversation as they built their relationship felt a little uncomfortable. But still, not really a taboo story at all.
As someone who is not into the BDSM scene / lifestyle (I’m not sure of the correct word here), I did find this short story to be a little bit too DomSub. However, again, whilst it flirted with my limits, it really didn’t cross them. It felt like Simone took the safer route to make this more palatable to more people if I’m being honest. Something that I really appreciated.
This might have been a short story set at Christmas, in a Christmas collection. But, honestly, I didn’t find it Christmassy at all. That didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story though. And it is definitely one that I would suggest to other people, although maybe not reread myself.
Earth and Skye 