All posts by skyebjenner

Friendzoned by Rachel Blaufeld

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Friendzoned
Author: Rachel Blaufeld, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Busy Bean #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This is an incredibly cute second chance romance. An easy read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I also love that it’s about more than a second chance romance, but about a second chance at life and the joys of finding ones own feet. I love that Murphy is finding her own feet and confidence throughout this tale. It’s a reminder that even when we get a second chance at love, sometimes its our second chance at living the life we want that is also important.

I liked Ben as a lead, but not as much as I loved Murphy as a lead. Mostly because Murphy is trying to find her own feet, fix the mistakes of the past and figure out what it is that she wants, without the pressures of her family. Again, a tough battle to overcome. And on the other hand, there is Ben who is not really great with his insecurities. And is really not working on overcoming them.

I might be just a little bit obsessed with maple syrup. And the yum yum treats that have been made from maple syrup. I kept getting distracted from the romance and the relationships to dream about the delicious food throughout this. I mean, honestly, who wouldn’t?

The way that Murphy is finally able to stand up to her family (and her insecurities) is freaking brilliant. I love how she is able to finally put her foot down and show what she wants in life. Again, it shows that Murphy works hard to get over her issues, and Ben just doesn’t. It’s also a reminder that for some people, family might not actually be worth much. And it’s okay to tell them that their toxic behaviours are really not okay.

I did really like all of the hints at the relationship between Brenna and Scott. I’m kind of hoping that one day they will get their own story – one that will be just as much fun as Murphy and Ben’s!

<- CakewalkStudfinder ->

Image source: Amazon

Cakewalk by Claire Hastings

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Cakewalk
Author: Claire Hastings, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Busy Bean #3
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I wanted to love this book a whole lot more than I did. So far, I have really enjoyed everything in the Heart Eyes Press world created by Sarina Bowen. But this one… I just couldn’t enjoy it.

I think that I might just not have been quite in the right headspace to enjoy this, but it was also the main characters. They were both a little bit negative and although I completely understand it, it was frustrating to read. But, mostly I found GiGi really annoying. I mean, it’s great that she escaped an abusive marriage. But taking a job as a baker when you can’t bake? And then setting a house on fire because… YOU CAN’T BAKE… it was just… to frustrating.

All in all, this wasn’t my favourite book and not one that I enjoyed overly much. Maybe I’ll reread it again in the future and my attitude will change.

<- CowboyFriendzoned ->

Image source: Amazon

Stolen by Her Bear by Felicity Heaton

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Stolen by Her Bear
Author: Felicity Heaton
Series: Black Ridge Bears #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This was a fun and intriguing introduction to a new series and a new author. At least for me. It was a great read, and a nice diversion that I enjoyed immensely. It was fairly simplistic, and nothing that would make me stretch my brain cells. But sometimes, that’s all I want in a good romance – something easy and enjoyable to read.

I love that Saint has some serious impulse control issues, ones that have, apparently, frequently landed him in hot water. The fact that this whole romance starts because of one of his silly, dopey, impulsive decisions just makes it all that much better. As does the fact that although he regrets it immediately, pride stops him from actually apologising for his behaviour. I know way too many people in my life who are just as ridiculously, and hilariously prideful. It might be dumb, but definitely something I recognised and that made me laugh.

Holly in contrast, is a little less prideful, although equally as stubborn as it turns out. I love that she is kind of submissive, but in that just go with the flow kind of way. In the end, she is able to stand up for what she wants and who she loves. But, it definitely takes a little bit of a push. One that almost comes along too late. Seriously enjoyable and fun as a contrast to the impulsive and prideful Saint.

Although this is the first book in a series, it is also a follow on series from another of Heaton’s writings. I definitely need to read more about the Cougars in this story. It gives a bit more context to the dramas that unfold and the obstacles that both Holly and Saint face in solidifying their relationship. It’ll be a nice way to see Saint in a totally different light – one that shows just why the cougars are so damn against his relationship with Holly.

A very sweet and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more of this series when I just need a few hours of fun and light fluff.

<- More Felicity HeatonRescued by Her Bear ->

Image source: Amazon

Before and After You by Hope Ellis

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Before and After You
Author: Hope Ellis, SmartyPants Romance
Series: Leffersbee #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I thought that this would be a book that I would just completely rip through. I mean, I absolutely loved Been There Done That. And I loved the idea of Walker and Leigh from Been There Done That. But, it did take me a little while to actually sink into this. I think because whilst it is obvious that Walker and Leigh need to end up together, and that they will, they were really beating around the bush to get there. Plus, there wasn’t a whole lot of action and conflict to be dropped into straight away. Once I got past the first quarter though, and the romance part really started… I couldn’t put this down.

I think one of the reasons that I found this a little bit more difficult to get into was the fact that Leigh and Walker both continuously get in their own damn ways. Sometimes that’s a fun trope, but when I’m just so excited for a couple to get together, I find it kind of seriously painful. And I was really excited about Leigh and Walker getting together. It probably doesn’t help that Ellis left a bit of a Red Herring in the end of Been There Done That. One that was seriously misleading and made me think that I was getting dropped further into a relationship than I actually was… yeah, I tried to say all of that without giving away any major spoilers… I’m not sure that I did so well there.

Leigh’s hangups, although a little bit painful at times, were also completely understandable. I mean, she has a father who was a serial cheater, and then married a man who ended up doing the same. To top it all off, her family has effectively chosen him over her repeatedly and decided that she’s actually in the wrong for walking away from a sham of a marriage. I mean, just one of those aspects in her life as part of her history would have made her reticence to be with Walker understandable, but all three? It was pretty hard to read about. And then there’s her battles at the hospital. I love Leigh’s strength and ability to stand up for what she believes in when it comes to her professional life. It just takes most of this book for her to figure out how to carry that same strength and courage into her personal life.

Then there’s Walker’s battles with his health and his family. I mean, the battle between Leigh and Walker (and honestly, there are so many shots fired that it’s a serious battle), is intense enough. But add in Leigh’s family and past, and her fight to keep the hospital a safe place… there’s a lot going on already. And then you realise that there is something seriously hinky going on with Walker’s health. It takes most of the story to unravel just what that is. Even in the happy moments, you have that health diagnosis hanging over their relationship, the sword that is about to drop. Finally, there’s Walker and Zora’s sister – the one with a whole lot of hidden agenda and baggage. I was kind of hoping she would get her own spin off tale to be honest, but it’s been a while since this book was published, so I’m not too hopeful.

It might have taken me a little while to truly sink my teeth into Before and After You, but once I committed, man did I love this. There is just something special about any of the SmartyPants Romance stories and the Leffersbees hold a fairly special place in my heart…

<- Been There Done ThatMore SmartyPants Romance ->

Image source: Goodreads

Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend by Lauren Blakely

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend
Author: Lauren Blakely
Series: The Guys Who Got Away #2
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: 2020

Thoughts

This is a book that come in a bundle of ebooks on my ereader. So, I’ve looked at reading it a few times – but then I was kind of put off by the synopsis at the front. And, like everyone in this story – I mistook the name and the tone for something entirely different. Because this isn’t actually about an ex-boyfriend. It’s about two friends, who love each other. And the tone of the letter is far less cringy and more sweet than anything I’ve read in quite a long time. To the point that I read this cover to cover and just couldn’t put it down!

There is something incredibly graphic (and gratifying) about starting a novel with a hot brit in a swimsuit. Something entirely drool-worthy and really enjoyable. I seriously loved this idea. And the image that it left in my mind was… delicious. Not normally my type of yum, but Blakely’s wonderful writing definitely made it incredibly tantalising. There’s also all kinds of humour and cuteness in the interaction that just makes it all that much better.

I love that Oliver and Summer are true and dear friends to each other. Before anything starts in the storyline – their entire relationship is built on years of trust and care for one another. They make such an adorable and sweet couple just for the friendship goals alone. Then, there’s the fact that throughout their history together, they have frequently posed as each others’ significant others. Again, an absolutely adorable and wonderful interaction with one another.

I always love the fake fiancée trope. There is something great about it which makes me smile and laugh. Add in the whole best friends sister / best friends to lovers tropes… and honestly, this was just a romance perfectly tailored to me. It was adorable and light hearted. Incredibly cute and just all around wonderful. Definitely the kind of romance that I wanted to dive right into with some of my own mental load at the moment.

<- Birthday SuitThe What If Guy ->

Image source: Amazon

Goddess of Summer Love by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Goddess of Summer Love
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Cursed Luck #1.5
In: Hex on the Beach (Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost & Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

It was really fun to dive right back into the Cursed Luck world. Its been a little while since I read the first book and had the pleasure of meeting the whole cast. Which meant that this was a lovely little break in time to re-meet everyone. Particularly since it is all written from Vanessa’s point of view – something entirely unique from the insights you gain from Kennedy’s point of view.

I love that although this is a story about a matchmaker trying to, well, matchmake – it is also fun to try and solve the background mysteries of this story. Not just what happened to Lisa Lake in the recent past. But also what on earth is happening throughout the tours now and how this is related to the past. I definitely didn’t expect either outcome of the mysteries, although, admittedly, I didn’t spend too much time trying to solve what had happened either…

At it’s core, this novella is a tale of four different couples. Each at totally different stages of their relationships and connection to one another. It was fun to read about the different dynamics and needs of each matchup. Plus, it was fun to realise that all of Vanessa’s behaviours were really just projecting her own wants and desires onto others. Luckily, she does realise this before it’s too late…

<- Cursed LuckHigh Jinx ->

Image source: Booktopia

Reading Update – Mid July 2023

Book Review

Another little reading update. A lot of short stories compared to usual – they’ve been a nice departure, and I’ve also been reading a lot of rereads lately… This is also not everything I had in my files. But I’ve got a bit going on at the moment in my family, so it may be a while until I get the chance to post on here again.

Standalones – Novels

Standalones – Short stories

This Much Is True by Miriam Margolyes

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: This Much is True
Author: Miriam Margolyes
Rating Out of 5: 2.5 (Readable, but not worth reading again)
My Bookshelves: Actors, Biographies, Celebrity, Memoirs
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I really struggled to get into this biography – I really, really wanted to like it. But I just, couldn’t. Which was incredibly disappointing. Maybe I’ll try again in the future.

Although I struggled to get into this, I still skim read the whole book and found it well written and humorous. Margolyes is self-deprecating and realistic about her flaws. She’s also quite witty in what she writes.

Honestly, I think that the reason I couldn’t really get into this was because there is a huge gap in lived experience. Yet, it’s still within the same culture, so it’s similar. There wasn’t enough of a gap for this to be a whole new experience, but too much for it to feel familiar. Plus, I seriously can’t relate to wanting to be the centre of attention all the time…

<- Long Walk to FreedomJane Austen: Obstinate Heart ->

Image source: Goodreads

Rain by Sangu Mandanna

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Rain
Author: Sangu Mandanna
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This is a beautiful and touching short story about the grief of losing a loved one. And the long process that people go through to start moving on from that. Father and daughter are constantly struggling to find a way to say goodbye, and to find their way back to one another. And a beautiful change of pace in Hungry Hearts Row is just what they need to get themselves back on track.

Food is a pretty potent love language in my family – it comes from marrying a Maltese man and being a little food obsessed myself. It made the idea of father and daughter reconnecting over their mother / wife’s favourite food all that much more meaningful. I mean, what better way to remember someone? I myself tend to bake cakes and bread when I’m missing my grandfather – it was something that we shared and I still heavily associate with him.

Food is not only a great love language, but it is also great for healing and stirring up memories. It’s nice that in this, the first attempts to get the well-remembered curry right go epically wrong. And it is in slowly getting it right that father and daughter are able to reconnect and begin to talk to one another again. It’s only when they finally start to find laughter again that they also find the secret ingredient to the recipe.

For me, this story was all about food and love and healing. And the power of food in that healing. But, there was also the great symbolism of rain throughout that made me smile. I mean, every key moment throughout this journey is symbolised by rain, and it’s a great metaphor for the overwhelming emotions that are being experienced. Many nuances and moments throughout this that I seriously enjoyed. Definitely an author I will be reading again in the future.

<- Hungry HeartsKings and Queens ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Pennine Tower Restaurant by Simon Kurt Unsworth

Book Review, ,
Overview
Hauntings: Datlow, Ellen: 9781616960889: Amazon.com: Books

Title: The Pennine Tower Restaurant
Author: Simon Kurt Unsworth
In: Hauntings (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Horror
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2013

Thoughts

This wasn’t quite the horror story that I was expecting. It was set out very factually. And it kind of worked in a fairly freaky way – I mean, I was expecting lots of emotion and personality to drive the story and make it a little bit scary. Instead, this was set out in an entirely factual way. As though it was a reporter just recording the history of a building and letting you draw your own conclusions. Lots of hints towards the creepy unknown, but nothing outright stated.

I found that by outlining a timeline and just hinting at the horrors that await, this story was actually far more creepy and intimidating than if you were told outright about the evilness that haunts the tower restaurant. At the beginning of the timeline, it actually doesn’t feel all that horrifying and creepy. But, as more and more evidence stacks up… you tend to get a whole lot of goosebumps.

Unsworth is able to hint at the unknown brilliantly and make you feel kind of uncomfortable as you read this story. Something that I loved – this was spine tingling and uncomfortable, without being overwhelmingly scary. A fun, haunting short story to read.

<- The TollDistress Call ->

Image source: Amazon