All posts by skyebjenner

The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Mysterious Affair at Styles
Author: Agatha Christie
Series: Hercule Poirot #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Cozy mystery, Crime, Mystery
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1920

Thoughts

I read Murder on the Orient Express a long while ago, and then just didn’t get around to reading more of the Hercule Poirot series. Now I’m wondering why it took me so long to pick up this book. It was a fun and easy read. With a whole lot going on. Honestly, you could skim read and just float on the story line, or you could delve deeper (like I did) and spend the whole time trying to figure out just who the culprit was.

This is one of those books / series that I know will be a pleasure to reread. Christie manages to leave clue upon clue, but you only realise this in hindsight. Then there are plenty of red herrings that lead you to dead ends and down rabbit holes. I love that this is kind of confusing and meandering, yet, somehow it’s also fairly linear and simple. If you’re not like me and just happy to find out the culprit at the end, the story would be such a simple read.

To make this story even more compelling, and increase the difficulty of guessing the villain, every single suspect in this story has something to hide. It was a lot of fun trying to figure out which secrets were about the murder, and which ones were just people being horrible. It was nice that some of these secrets also weren’t so sinister. And that they actually lead to a nice happy ending.

I truly enjoyed this novel. It was a closed room mystery with a lot of intrigue and twists. I loved trying to figure out everyone’s secrets and now I can’t wait to dive into the next Poirot novel… it’s easy to see why these books are considered such classics.

<- More Agatha ChristieThe Murder on the Links ->

Image source: Kobo

Switch Stance by M.E. Carter & Andrea Johnston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Switch Stance
Author: M.E. Carter & Andrea Johnston
Series: Charitable Endeavors #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I always enjoy stories that feature a writer. I mean, a writer writing about a writer? Somehow that works out really well. Sometimes… in the case of Misery, it wasn’t such a good thing. But I digress. Carter and Johnston are a wonderful literary pair. And their ability to craft a story in which you are constantly rooting for the main couple… brilliant. A great way to spend a few hours, drifting away on a fun and romantic story.

Spencer is a great male lead. He’s that sexy jock type that you want when you’re reading a sports romance. But he’s also humble and kind of cute. There isn’t a lot of the ego like in some of the sports romances that I read. But enough to know that he’s good at his job. I also love that he’s actually driven more by his charity and need to leave a lasting impression than his legacy as a jock. He’s also incredibly emotionally mature and spends a lot of his time supporting both his slightly neurotic sister and Aggie. Definitely one of my favourite (emotionally) male leads I’ve read in a while.

As someone who is always sure that she’s completely messing things up and doesn’t fit in, it was fun to read about Aggie’s insecurities. I mean, I’ve now moved to a point that I’m comfortable with the fact that I’m kind of nutso. But it was nice learning about her journey to get to that same place of comfort in herself. Alright, she didn’t completely get to that point, but she is definitely heading in that direction by the end of the story. Plus, she manages to finally work through her writer’s block as she acknowledges her own short comings. Something else I loved about this character.

Although Aggie went through the most personal growth throughout this story, it was still an incredibly fun and beautiful journey. I love that Spencer is able to recognise that that growth is Aggie’s responsibility. He’s there to support her, but not fix her. And that, with his patience, she is able to actually start to try and trust and learn. I can’t wait to read about her best friend, Toby, in Ear Candy. Another story that I’m sure will be filled with plenty of character growth and enjoyment!

<- More M.E. CarterEar Candy ->

Image source: Amazon

Bride and Tested by Brenda St John Brown

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Bride and Tested
Author: Brenda St John Brown
Series: Bennett Brothers Bridal #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This is a very funny and light rom com. Which I kind of knew it would be since I’ve already read The Blind Date Diaries and I found it had much the same kind of light tone to it. There really aren’t any surprises in this, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it’s nice to have an entirely cute and predictable read. And this one was still good enough that I read it cover to cover.

I love that this is the story of a wedding planner, whose own wedding completely fell apart. I mean, Evie is able to get her feet back under her fairly quickly and is pretty damn tough. But it’s still a little bit of a tough moment to overcome. Plus, Evie is such a go-getter. Someone who is so damn driven and determined. A lot of that I admire in a lead female. Although sometimes her drive and vision for the future actually undermined her own happiness.

Lincoln is also a driven individual (I love when they’re both driven). Yet, he also has to face up to his own short comings and mistakes. And find a way to fix them. Alright, some of those “mistakes” actually weren’t on him at all. But they are still things he needs to overcome. And some of his own damn personality traits. Some of them are actually Evie’s. And his brothers, and really, there is just a whole clusterfuck of history there.

Against the romance of Lincoln and Evie are the brides that Evie must organise. I love that Brooke is cast as this incredibly difficult bride. And, in some ways she totally is. But what comes off as a truly horrible person turns out to be kind of a lovely, albeit a little off kilter woman. She’s definitely not as difficult as everyone anticipates and is kind of entertaining in the challenges that she provides. A great way for both Lincoln and Evie to reconnect and find their way back to each other.

<- More Brenda St John BrownBride and True ->

Image source: BookBub

The Prison Doctor by Dr. Amanda Brown

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Prison Doctor
Author: Dr. Amanda Brown
Series: The Prison Doctor #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Medical, Memoirs, True crime
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I haven’t actually read this trilogy of memoirs in order – I read Women Inside (the second book) first. So it was really good to see just how Brown ended up in her chosen career as a prison doctor. I mean, it’s a pretty big leap to go from a GP to a prison doctor. And I’d imagine a pretty steep learning curve, both mentally and emotionally. It was definitely interesting reading just how Brown was able to make this leap and how she processed all of the extreme changes that such a change bought about in her life.

I found, aside from how interesting all of Brown’s anecdotes were, that this was a great reminder to stop, take a deep breath and just appreciate what you have. I mean, how could stories of people who have to spend a good portion of their lives incarcerated not make you stop and think? Or maybe that’s just me… there is so much compassion and sympathy throughout this story, it’s definitely a humbling read.

This is an amazing journey and a humbling tale. I want to help people, but this is a whole other level of assistance and giving that I can’t really fathom. I mean, helping people is one thing, being in a situation that can feel potentially dangerous to do so? A whole other level. And, there is a whole lot of surprising stories throughout that make you feel even more strongly for those who are battling to carve out their own lives.

I honestly expected a whole heap of danger and violence from this memoir. I mean, it’s about a woman who goes and works in prisons. But there is almost none of that. Yes, the violence is touched upon. And the challenges faced. But mostly this is a story about the triumph of humanity. The ways in which we are able to fight against all odds and come out on top. At least, that’s how it read to me.

<- More Dr. Amanda BrownThe Prison Doctor: Women Inside ->

Image source: Amazon

The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Year We Fell Down
Author: Sarina Bowen
Series: The Ivy Years #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

The Year We Fell Down is a very cute new adult romance with a bit of a twist – the female lead is differently abled. And I freaking loved it just for that alone. But, then, you get into the story line and the character development and it just keeps on getting better. I mean, I would (and will) read this again and again. On the one hand it’s a wonderfully sweet and easy contemporary sports romance. On the other, it features people who are not necessarily considered to be mainstream and are struggling with challenges that I can’t even begin to fathom.

Corey is an absolutely phenomenal lead. I mean, yes, she has her wallowing moments. And who wouldn’t if they lost their ability to walk in the last year of high school? But, overall she is incredibly tough and positive. In fact, one of my favourite parts throughout the romance wasn’t even romance related – it was when she decided to start getting out of her own comfort zone and find new friends. And, when they start to treat her with kid gloves, she willingly decides to try and destroy them.

Hartley is a good partner for Corey, although, admittedly, he’s a bit of a bonehead. Whilst you get to understand just why he is a bit of an idiot by the end of the story, some of his decisions are still a little hard to accept. Particularly when, even knowing his trauma, you can see that his actions are hurting others. That, and the fact that he’s just a typical bonehead. I mean, seriously boy? But, it does all work out in the end, and his decisions aren’t so questionable that you don’t kind of love him anyway.

This is a great story. Not only is it a great romance and tale of two friends becoming more. But it’s also a really good story about growing up. Both Corey and Hartley are able to grow up with each others’ assistance and build an epic friendship to boot. The fact that this is the basis for their whole romantic relationship just makes it all that much better. Definitely a romance that I look forward to reading again.

<- More Sarina BowenThe Year We Hid Away ->

Image source: Amazon

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: The Worst Best Man
Author: Mia Sosa
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I bought this book because it was suggested somewhere in my many sources of book getting. And the cover was awesome. But then when I read the blurb, I was both excited to dive into this, and a little bit tenuous. I mean, it’s a story about a woman falling for her ex-fiancée’s little brother. I’m always a bit uncertain about stories in which somebody dates or has an interest in siblings. But, as it turns out, that cringe factor was dealt with beautifully and this was actually a fantastic novel. One I’ll probably enjoy reading again.

For all of the potential challenges, this was a funny and cute romcom with minimal angst. A great, fun, and easy diversion that I honestly couldn’t put down. There’s not much drama, but just enough that you can’t actually stop thinking about what you’re reading. This could also be because the characters are also pretty brilliant.

I love that part of Max’s character growth is realising that he doesn’t actually need to be competition with his brother all of the time. I mean. It takes him ages and a big driver is actually the competition thing. But the moment he takes a step back and just tries to Stanton his own two feet, he really starts to become impressive. Plus, it helps to remove quite a few obstacles from his relationship with Lina.

Lina’s growth on the other hand is accepting that her passions and emotions aren’t always a weakness. Yes, I understand that she continues to need to bottle them up because of sexism and racism,  but that its entirely okay to let others in once in a while. It helps her to even create more meaningful professional relationships as she is able to incorporate all aspects of herself into her life, without completely shutting down a part of herself.

Not only are Lina and Max great leads and fun characters with a lot of development. They also have the best castor secondary characters. Natalia in particular is freaking brilliant, I love her unapologetic aggression and joy for life. Something I actually wish I could embrace a little more fully sometimes.

<- The Wedding CrasherMore Mia Sosa ->

Image source: Amazon

The Takeback Tango by Rebecca Roanhorse

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: The Takeback Tango
Author: Rebecca Roanhorse
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Race, Young adult
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I seriously love the idea of a pirate taking back what is historically hers. It’s a reminder of the horrors of colonisation and how there is a lot to atone for. The fact that the lead voice in this has lost family not once, but twice to the empire and is constantly fighting to survive… a wonderful, albeit sad, story line.

There is a great meet cute and potential for romance in this story. Although it is subtle and not overt, there is so much potential at the end of this tale. I almost wish that it was a prequel to a greater series. I love the idea of the two characters getting to know one another and also just… stealing back things from the empire.

Two displaced youths fighting to regain their identities and what was taken for them is a good story in and of itself. The humour and banter just adds to the enjoyment of the whole story. As does the open-ended ending – so much potential for the future.

<- A Royal AffairDream and Dare ->

Image source: Goodreads

Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend by Penny Reid

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend
Author: Penny Reid
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I knew that this was going to be awesome because we’ll, it’s Penny Reid and she’s amazing. And it’s a grump sunshine romance. And the name implies that it’s about best friends. All of which made me excited. But it was also nothing like what I expected. For starters, Byron and Winnie aren’t actually best friends. And this deals with a whole heap of things that I truly wasn’t anticipating. All of which just made it THAT much better.

Winnie is incredibly sweet, but I love how it’s actually her hangups that cause quite a few issues. And how she gets called on it. She’s also kind of oblivious to the true characters of some of the people around her. Which is kind of sweet but also incredibly naive. Byron might be a little naive in his own ways, but he is actually a whole lot more self-aware and willing to improve than Winnie is.

Byron is a great character; I love that he struggles pretty severely with social interactions but is aware of this fact. His coping mechanism might not necessarily be the greatest, but at least he tries to work on his short comings. Maybe the thing I loved most about Byron though is the fact that he is completely sincere and honest in all of his interactions.

Amelia works as a fantastic best friend to both Winnie and Byron. She is able to love them both for exactly who they are (which I think is what we all want) and try to help them find their HEA. She is also happy to call them both out when they’re being a little bit too martyred. Mostly though, I just love how she is able to encourage both Byron and Winnie to step out of their comfort zones.

Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend is not just a fantastic romance, it also talks about two really important social issues. The first is the ways in which male entitlement can be incredibly toxic. All of Jeff’s behaviours throughout this are incredibly cringey and honestly made it impossible to like him even a little bit. Secondly, and what I enjoyed most, was discussions about how to be a woman in STEM. It’s difficult and a big reason why I actually stepped back from a career in this field. I love that through her writing, Reid points out that there is no one way to be smart, and that you can be involved in STEM, but also love fashion and makeup. A lesson we all need to learn.

<- More Penny ReidMore SmartyPants Romance ->

Image source: Amazon

Sugar and Spite by Rin Chupeco

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Sugar and Spite
Author: Rin Chupeco
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

There is something about the idea of magic being tied up in cooking that I’ve always enjoyed. I mean, cooking is, for me, an act of love and giving, and magic is much the same thing (if you’re looking at white magic that is). Which meant that I was already predisposed to enjoy this story from the very beginning. The fact that it explored another culture was just another moment of joy for me. And nailed that final feeling of joy into my happy, little coffin.

I love that the Lolas in this spend a lot of time subtly trying to teach the difference in vengeance and standing up for oneself. I mean, vengeance for vengeance sake isn’t right. But also, letting yourself be completely run over by others isn’t right either. It’s definitely a fine line, and one I’m sure is easy to blur. But it definitely is one that works.

This story deals wonderfully with the past and the present. Family traditions and modern spins. It’s a great story that is about women, power and striking out on your own. One that I looked forward to diving into again in the future.

<- The Grand Ishq AdventureMoments to Return ->

Image source: Goodreads

Robber Bride by Marjorie M. Liu

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Robber Bride
Author: Marjorie M. Liu
In: Huntress (Christine Warren, Marjorie M. Liu, Caitlin Kittredge & Jenna Maclaine)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology, eBook, Novella
Year: 2009

Thoughts

This novella wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but also seriously good. However, there was definitely more of an ick factor than I was anticipating… the lead was definitely more of a grey hero than anything. She had good motivations, but she also didn’t necessarily have innocence on her side. Plus, at the beginning I thought that Irdu would be the romantic interest – they had the set up for it. But, nothing, and I repeat nothing turned out as I anticipated.

Although I don’t necessarily agree with all of the choices made throughout this story, I do love that the lead will do pretty much anything to chase down someone she cares about. I mean, there are constant moments throughout this where she is questioning her decisions, but she is still driven by her loyalty. Honestly, if I end up in a post-apocalyptic world, I would want someone like The Fixer on my side.

I really loved the Crow shapeshifter in this novella. There was a bit of a driving off into the sunset feeling with him, but nothing overt. He is also obviously loyal, although I’m still vague on the motivations if I’m being honest. He was a great alternative romantic entanglement that worked a lot better for my happiness.

This was a fantastic novella. One that I seriously enjoyed, but also couldn’t quite understand all of. I feel like I could reread this multiple times, and not quite get all of the nuances throughout…

<- Devil’s BargainDown in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go ->

Image source: Amazon