Category Archives: Book Review

The Far Field by Madhuri Vijay

Book Review, ,
Overview
The Far Field by Madhuri Vijay | 9781611854831 | Booktopia

Title: The Far Field
Author: Madhuri Vijay
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Historical fiction
Dates read: 16th May – 10th June 2021
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Grove Press UK
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: And so, just like that, my days were barren again.

Synopsis

In the wake of her mother’s death, Shalini, a privileged and restless young woman from Bangalore, sets out for a remote village in Kashmir. Certain that the loss of her mother is somehow connected to the decade-old disappearance of Bashir Ahmed, a charming Kashmiri salesman who frequented her childhood home, she is determined to confront him. But upon her arrival, Shalini is brought face to face with Kashmir’s politics, as well as the tangled history of the local family that takes her in. When life in the village turns volatile and old hatreds threaten to erupt into violence, Shalini finds herself forced to make a series of choices that could hold dangerous repercussions for the very people she has come to love.

Thoughts

This is one of those books that I know I’ll be returning to. Multiple times. With gusto. I loved the writing and the way that Vijay pulls you in from the very beginning. But I also know pretty much nothing about the history, politics and culture that take centre stage in this culture. So the whole experience of The Far Field was an education.

It’s not often that from the first sentence you are irreversibly drawn in and intrigued by the politics and such. There was just something about the opening line that made me sit up and pay attention. And I don’t physically fix my posture out of intrigue with books. Ever really.

I always love a good story with a flawed and growing protagonist. The voice of Shalini ticked all of my boxes. She’s on a fairly intense journey and you most definitely feel for her even as you kind of get frustrated with some of her choices. I particularly enjoyed how relatable she was, even though I’m from a starkly different background – it was still possible to feel connected.

All in all, as much as I loved the story and the message and everything about the book. It was the tone and style of writing that made me fall in love. I couldn’t take my eyes off Vijay’s words. She has such a talent and I would be intrigued to read more.

<- More Madhuri VijayMore historical fiction ->

Image source: Booktopia

Ninja at First Sight by Penny Reid

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Overview
Ninja At First Sight (Knitting in the City, #4.75) by Penny Reid

Title: Ninja at First Sight
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Knitting in the City #4.75
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 7th – 8th June 2021
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: SmartyPants Romance
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: He’s every girl’s wet dream.

Synopsis

He wants to be all her firsts

What do a cynical former Marine and a sheltered former Olympic contender have in common?
Nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
He has a girlfriend and she’s never been kissed.
He’s sullenly sarcastic and she’s earnestly empathetic.
He can’t stop thinking about her.
She knows she should keep her distance
Nevertheless, when opposites attract, the results may be unexpected, but they’re also undeniably magnetic.

Thoughts

This was one of those wonderful, happy and easygoing novellas. I was honestly expecting just a little bit more drama in this story. But im eternally grateful that there wasn’t. It created this wonderful, beautiful and fun story that I fell in love with. Just as you experienced the journey of Fiona falling in love with Greg.

I did expect a little of this novella to be from Greg’s point of view since that seems to be common in Penny Reid’s works. But it actually turned out better that it was all written from Fiona’s. I honestly didn’t see the ending coming. And, I always love a good surprise at the end of a story. Although, only when I have the next story ready to go right next to me…

Even though Fiona has had an extremely sheltered life and not much experience, she’s still a strong kick ass woman. I especially loved how she goes out of her way to make friendships and experiences outside of Greg. That first fall into love is a heady thing and it can be difficult to remember who you are… Fiona managed this without having a minor breakdown (personally, I had like, 10).

I’ve had a but of a hiatus from the Knitting in the City books. And now I have no idea WHY!!! They’re just amazing. This requires staying up reading Happily Ever Ninja now until I fall asleep…

<- Beauty and the MustacheHappily Ever Ninja ->

Image source: Goodreads

Sea Swept by Nora Roberts

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Sea Swept (Chesapeake Bay Saga, #1) by Nora Roberts

Title: Sea Swept
Author: Nora Roberts
Series: Chesapeake Bay Saga #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Family
Dates read: 24th May – 5th June 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 1998
5th sentence, 74th page: With a laugh, she crouched down, held out a hand.

Synopsis

Cameron Quinn is coming home to say good-bye to the only father he ever loved. And he’ll have to put his fast-paced life on hold to care for the last boy Ray Quinn hoped to save…

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this story. It was one of those gorgeous, heart felt tales that made you just… smile. And I also love that although the couple gets together at the end… there is still that feeling of unfinished business that promises a next, wonderful novel in the series. It provides a great common thread beyond brotherhood and makes me itch to go out and buy the next book.

The fact that this story starts with a death and some tragedy is pretty harsh. But, it works beautifully as a story starter. Plus, how else do you get four brothers back together to start a series? The fact that one of these brothers is new to the clan… Well, it didn’t make me want to get to know Seth any less. He’s just as adorable and wonderful as Cam, Philip and Ethan.

I love that Anna is a social worker. It’s a role kind of similar to my own, with even more heartbreaking scenarios. And, honestly, it’s something I could see myself moving into I the future. The fact that Roberts doesn’t make it into a dreamy and hopeful job all the time. But is honest about the realities of that kind of work? It made Anna a far more appealing character and my first foray into the writing of Nora Roberts seriously enjoyable.

This might be a contemporary romance, but I loved the family aspect to the whole story. It reminds you that family can be who you choose, and who stands by you. And, honestly, I found the story of the four brothers to be an even bigger love story than that of Cam and Anna.

<- More Nora RobertsRising Tides ->

Image source: Goodreads

A Man in a Kilt by Sandy Blair

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Man In A Kilt (Castle Blackstone, #1) by Sandy Blair

Title: A Man in a Kilt
Author: Sandy Blair
Series: Castle Blackstone #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Scottish romance, Time travel
Dates read: 20th – 22nd May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Zebra Historical Romance
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: He knew that Angus and Douglas would insist on following him.

Synopsis

A Lonely Laird
Duncan MacDougall, the laird of Blackstone, was cursed centuries ago to wander as a ghost wihtin the echoing walls of his island castle – and only one woman can free him. Can it be the new mistress of Blackstone, just arrived from over the sea? Duncan has heard that pretty Miss Elizabeth Pudding is no more than a cook – and she haisl from a barbarous land called the Bronx. But she must learn the ways of a lady all the same – and she must stay at Blackstone for six long months to inherit. ‘Tis time enough to teach her – and time enough to woo her…

An Enchanting Lady
Beth has seen the handsome spectre from the day she crossed the threshold of Blackstone. Duncan MacDougall is a tall, translucent figure with black hair and piercing blue eyes. Yet a mist separates him from the land of the living… a mist as strong as cold steel. It is said that only love can dissolve it – and bring the man of her dreams to warm, breathing life…

Thoughts

The blurb of this book made me have certain.. expectations. And what I ended up getting was wholly unexpected. And seriously fun and enjoyable. Every twist and turn in this was a surprise and left me feeling very happy.

I thought there would be a bit more intensity in the time travelling aspect of this story. I mean, it’s been sitting on my shelves for this exact reason. It probably belongs I’m the historical romance shelf though. I mean, the ghost and time travel are both paranormal. But all of the setting and storyline… purely Scottish, historical fiction.

Almost all of the romances I read feature a strong woman who is also beautiful. I love that Beth is considered plain throughout and there are no hints of her being a particularly good looking woman. That, and the fact that one of the vipers in this story is the ridiculously good looking woman. There’s also the fact that although she is a virgin, there’s pretty much no fuss made about it. Rather, it’s a plot line to indicate her trust issues.

Duncan is dense. The combination of Beth and Rachael constantly bringing him to task honestly had me laughing loudly and for a long time. I mean… we women do have a tendency to run our men ragged at times, and I love the loving fear that they instill I their men. That, and the great combination of past and present in this incredibly cute romance.

<- More Sandy BlairA Rogue in a Kilt ->

Image source: Goodreads

Death by Diamonds by Annette Blair

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Death by Diamonds (A Vintage Magic Mystery, #3) by Annette Blair

Title: Death by Diamonds
Author: Annette Blair
Series: A Vintage Magic Mystery #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Cozy mystery, Mystery
Dates read: 18th – 20th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Mystery
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: “You get me in the stupidest trouble.”

Synopsis

The latest entry sparkles in national bestselling author Annette Blair’s enchanting series starring Madeira Cutler and her charming Vintage Magic boutique. This time Maddie needs to find out why a famous actress faced her final curtain call…

Madeira loves her vintage clothing store, but the visions she gets from the garments can be hard to handle, especially when she knows the garment’s owner. At first she’s thrilled to receive a package containing the beautifully bejewelled dress she designed for actress and old friend Dominique DeLong while in fashion school. But the dress comes with a disturbing note from Dominique, who it seems took her last bow under very mysterious circumstances. Now Maddie needs to use her second sight to shine a spotlight on the actress’s entire entourage – including a bitter ex, a rival ingenue, and a very catty “best friend” – and make sure that this was the killer’s final act.

Thoughts

I love a good cozy mystery. They have all the intensity and joy of a good thriller or crime novel. Just none of the horror, can’t sleep at night feelings that my other crime novels inspire. Which, thinking about it is a little weird… Death by Diamonds still has a murder, and it should be scary. But mostly it’s just enjoyable.

Admittedly I’m not one for fashion. But I do appreciate all of the intricacies that are around for people who are. And, honestly, after reading this, I kind of wish that I was into vintage fashion. There are so many beautiful nuances throughout this book.

Dom is maybe my favourite murder victim ever. Whoch is supremely weird, I know. But from the very beginning, she is manipulating and twisting things in a way that is kind of humorous. I love the gumption of the woman and the pizzaz that she shows, even from beyond the grave. It gives you a hint of the woman that you never get to meet within the storyline. And I loved it.

I have most definitely got a favourite leading man in this series… Weiner. Nick is not bad, per se, just “eh”. Which meant that I was incredibly happy to have Weiner take a little more centre stage in Mad’s attentions. Hopefully in the next book this relationship will start to develop more!

<- Larceny and LaceSkirting the Grave ->

Image source: Goodreads

Bloodcircle by P.N. Elrod

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Bloodcircle (Vampire Files, #3) by P.N. Elrod

Title: Bloodcircle
Author: P.N. Elrod
Series: Vampire Files #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Gangsters, Paranormal fantasy, Vampire noir
Dates read: 18th – 19th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 1990
5th sentence, 74th page: His pockets were turned out and a few stray coins littered the floor.

Synopsis

Detective-cum-vampire Jack Fleming’s quest for the mysterious woman who made him a vampire takes him to the palatial estate of a wealthy widow, where a two-hundred-year-old gigolo tries to throw him off the trail. Reissue.

Thoughts

I forgot about how much I enjoy P.N. Elrod’s writing. It did take me a little while to get into Bloodcircle, partly because I spent a lot of time trying to place who people were and the politics of the whole story line. But once I got everything straight in my mind’s eye… I couldn’t stop thinking about it. And I most definitely couldn’t stop turning the pages.

I love this vampire noir feeling throughout this story. Not that I’ve read many noir stories or tales which are set in this time. But with the vampire twist… this is just amazing. I’m transported into a world that I rarely get to spend much time in. One that I’m kind of eager to rejoin again.

I love that this story is a quest for Jack Fleming’s lost love. A quest for answers that he really needs. I feel a lot of Bobbi in this, because I have a lot of hope for them as a couple in the future. But it also shows how much care Jack has for those he loves.

This is a fantastic mystery that will hook you quickly. It may have taken me about 3 chapters to get hooked, but once I did… it was almost impossible to look away. Just what I want in a good mystery / noir genre novel.

<- Vampires Prefer BlondesArt in the Blood ->

Image source: Goodreads

Beyond the Dark by Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Emma Holly & Diane Whiteside

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for beyond the dark angela knight book cover

Title: Beyond the Dark
Author: Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Emma Holly & Diane Whiteside
In: Beyond the Dark (Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Emma Holly & Diane Whiteside)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 4th – 18th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Jove
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: No, I’ll just… I’ll just…

Synopsis

Go beyond your wildest fantasies.
Go beyond your most forbidden dreams.
Go further than any woman has ever dared to go…

Four bestselling authors of paranormal romance and erotic thrills take readers into a seductive midnight world of demons, mages, vampires, and knights, of queens with devilish secrets, and of devils with secret desires. Going this far is so dangerous, so exciting, so captivating, you may never want to come back down to earth.

Thoughts

I really, really enjoyed this collection. It was full of romance, fun and lust. A little more intensely erotic than some of my romances. But also not overbearingly so. The perfect balance for the type of stories that I enjoy.

I did buy this because at the moment I’m devouring the Breeds series by Lora Leigh. However, it did get bumped up my wishlist because I know and thoroughly enjoy the other three authors. I also like that the story by Emma Holly is also part of a series that I’m already half reading. Then the other two novellas were beautifully pleasant standalones.

This collection was darkly sensual and seriously wonderful. I loved jumping into these four worlds and being swept away. A collection that I will definitely read again.

<- In a Wolf’s EmbraceDragon Dance ->

Image source: Amazon

The Sin-Eater’s Promise by Michele Hauf

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

Title: The Sin-Eater’s Promise
Author: Michele Hauf
Series: Of Angels and Demons #1.5
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance
Dates read: 18th May 2021
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: The sin-eater was female.

Synopsis

She’s a sin-eater and he ferries the dead to their final destination. But sometimes the job gets in the way of romance… And romance gets in the way of the job.

Thoughts

I liked this story. I’ve vaguely heard of sin-eaters before, but never really known much more than the title. It was incredibly amazing and fun to read a story that featured such a creature. The fact that it also had demons and all other sorts of horrors in it… well, that just made it all that much better.

The romance aspect of this story really didn’t take centre stage. At least, not for me. For me, this whole tale was about the role of a sin-eater and the debate of morals. It is a great story that shows you that sometimes what you think is right, isn’t necessarily correct.

I love the discussion of morals and what is actually right and wrong throughout this story. The idea that consequences exist for every decision. Regardless of what the motives behind such a choice are…

<- Mr SandmanFragile Magic ->

Image source: Amazon

A Night Like This by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , ,
Overview
A Night Like This :HarperCollins Australia

Title: A Night Like This
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Smythe-Smith Quartet #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 11th – 18th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: She saw only him, watching her as if she were the only woman in the world.

Synopsis

ANNE WYNTER MIGHT NOT BE WHO SHE SAYS SHE IS…

But she’s managing quite well as a governess to three highborn young ladies. Her job can be a challenge – in a single week she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playing an evil queen in a play that might be a tragedy (or might be a comedy – no one is sure), and tending to the wounds of the oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodging unwanted advances, he’s the first man who has truly tempted her, and it’s getting harder and harder to remind herself that a governess has no business flirting with a nobleman.

DANIEL SMYTHE-SMITH MIGHT BE IN MORTAL DANGER…

But that’s not going to stop the young earl from falling in love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family’s annual musicale, he vows to pursue her, even if that means spending his days with a ten-year-old who thinks she’s a unicorn. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to see him dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril, he will stop at nothing to ensure their happy ending…

Thoughts

As with all the Julia Quinn books in my shelf. I loved this. Quinn just has such an amazing talent for sweeping you away to a happy, content world that you know everything will turn out well in.

This story reminded me a little of the Benedict Bridgerton story in that it is a man falling for a woman below his station. And he happens to glance at her at a society event, and become instantly infatuated. The similarities do stop here though, for which I I glad.

I love how aware Anne is of how wrong things can go and how she is constantly trying to make Daniel see sense… it works brilliantly well. And it feels a little more realistic. I mean, this is a Regency romance, so it’s not exactly going to be realistic regardless… but it does make it feel a little less far fetched I suppose.

Daniel and Anne are a fun couple, and the villain they have to face in this is a lot more evil and intimidating than any Julia Quinn book so far. This, combined with the constant awkwardness of Harriet and her younger sisters had me smiling throughout. There was a great sense of lightness to match that feeling of horror that the villain lent

A fantastic novel that let me float on a happily ever after for a while. One that I will definitely read again.

<- Just Like HeavenThe Sum of All Kisses ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Charmed by Charlie by Amanda Uhl

Book Review, ,
Overview
Charmed by Charlie by Amanda Uhl

Title: Charmed by Charlie
Author: Amanda Uhl
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 16th – 18th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: ARC, eBook, Novel
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
Year: 2021
5th sentence, 74th page: “What… why?”

Synopsis

PAINT, PROMOTIONS & PERFECTION

Creative genius Charlie Solanger has it all: good looks, money, intelligence, charm. And when he swoops in to save Reynolds Paint Company with a brilliant marketing campaign, he has all the ladies in the office vying for his attention. Everyone except math whiz Valerie Wilson.

Val’s not happy Charlie stole her promotion. Worse, his brand of flirtatious charm is reminiscent of her cheating ex-fiancé. So, how come she can’t get him out of her head? The more she challenges him, the more interested—and interesting—he becomes. What secrets is Charlie hiding, and who or what is behind the sudden mysterious drain on their company’s funds? The only way to find out is to join forces. Then it will be a battle of wills…and a triumph of hearts.

Thoughts

I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I seriously enjoyed this office romance. It was such an easy and light read with just enough twists to not leave you feeling a little bored. The fact that not just the lead couple, but all the secondary characters got their happily ever after most definitely left me feeling content at the end of this.

I must admit, I’ve read very few “office romance” stories. And even fewer that involve corporate espionage and the mystery of missing money. I really liked how this twisted throughout the romance to raise the stakes. Plus, the whole office setting was a brilliant backdrop to the while tale.

Val was a fun lead in this story. She was scared to trust (and who hasn’t been there?), brilliantly mathematically inclined and just generally a great narrator voice. It meant that I absolutely adored the first person point of view that was presented and, although you don’t necessarily always agree with her decisions, you can understand her motives.

All in all, I seriously enjoyed this and would most definitely read another Amanda Uhl book. It was such a lovely world in whoch to spend a few hours and left me feeling happy and content. And seriously glad I don’t work in an office…

<- More Amanda UhlMore contemporary romance ->

Image source: Goodreads