Title: Coyote, Spider, Bat Author: Steven Saus In: Westward Weird (Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes) Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Gods, Mythology, Vampires, Weird western Dates read: 20th October 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Short story Publisher: Daw Books Year: 2012 5th sentence, 74th page: That’s what got these men all ready to jump into the arms of your girls.
Coyote returns home to find her husband killed. Spider leaves home to save his lover. Then they confront Bat.
I really enjoyed the mix of mythologies in this short story. There is a nice balance between Native American and European mythology, whilst also showing the process of settling and colonisation in early America. It’s a really intriguing and well balanced story and one that I would read many more times.
I seriously love the fact that the Gods in this story are stronger than the vampires. But, there is still that horrible sense of colonisation and the beginning of the end. Or at least, a point of change after the grand battle in this short story. It’s a great way to deal with multiple themes. And I think that if I reread this, possibly with a little more knowledge of American history (of which I have none), I’d probably pick up on other great ideas and themes.
Not only is this a great short story. It’s also a great revenge story. One that I look forward to reading again and again in the future.
This was actually a really sad short story. I was a little surprised at how much it plucked at the heart strings to be honest. Although, I really shouldn’t have been. Armstrong generally seems to have a slightly darker side to her stories than what I expect…
Although this is a bit sad and most definitely tragic, it is also a story that features love. That forever kind of love where you just can’t imagine taking another breath without the other person. It may have tragic consequences in this case, but I still found it beautiful and impossible to look away from. The perfect ghost story.
After finishing this short story, I kind of just… sat. And stared. And thought. It was a wonderful ghost story. Most definitely haunting, and not one I’m likely to forget anytime soon.
Title: In a Heartbeat Author: Alice Pung In: Begin, End, Begin (Danielle Binks) Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Australian authors, Contemporary, Young adult Dates read: 20th October 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Short story Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Year: 2017 5th sentence, 74th page: ‘I’m going to vom,’ I croaked to Nancy, and she dashed me to the bathroom, and for the first time in this pregnancy, I had a big, long vomit and cry.
She has two heartbeats, and a life that is about to change drastically. But it’s alright, because she has a plan.
I really liked this short story. It took all of about thirty seconds to realise that the narrator was talking to their unborn baby, which was good otherwise this would have made zero sense. Not only is it a great way to show the future mother’s love for her child, but it’s also a good way to sshow the change in thought processes that the future mother is going through.
This short story is all about that moment where you say goodbye to childhood and hello to reality / adulthood. It’s admittedly kind of intense since it does deal with teenage pregnancy. But I thought it was also ridiculously, wonderfully realistic. Particularly when you mix in the fact that this story is also about Asian immigrants and the cultural practices they carry with them. Or at least, that’s why I got out of this.
I had such a great time reading this story, and I could actually hear the narrator’s voice in my head. Her voice was laced with attitude, sarcasm, love and a little fear. It left me smiling and happy when I finished it and wondering if I should find myself some more Alice Pung stories to fill my shelves…
Title: User Friendly Author: Erin McCarthy Series: Bad Boys Online #3 In: Bad Boys Online (Erin McCarthy) Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 20th October 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Novella Publisher: Brava Year: 2003 5th sentence, 74th page: She couldn’t imagine him not being in her life.
User Friendly Computer guru Evan Barrett can solve any tech problem, but the sight of Halley Connors’ lovely head pasted onto some woman’s nude body – courtesy of a hacker determined to derail her catering website – just has him in a cold sweat. Imagining his secret crush in the buff is the kind of fantasy that drives him wild every time Halley’s near. Now, as they work overtime to save the business, Evan realizes that not every fire needs putting out so quickly… and some require very little stoking to catch…
One of my favourite tropes in contemporary romances (or indeed any romances) is the friends to lovers trope. After all, I think that knowing someone on that level and then wanting them on a more intimate level is absolutely beautiful. Particularly when it’s a friendship that is a no-holds barred kind of friendship. Brilliant, honest and completely see-through. So of course, since this was one of those stories… I fell head over heels.
I may have had to wipe off a little drool while reading this novella. There is just something completely drool-worthy about Evan that none of the other men in this collection quite had… he is just so damn yummy. Apparently I really like the toned computer geeks in my literary romances / erotic moments…
Although all of the romance, passion and lust in this story was brilliant. I actually think that my favourite moment in this story was when Halley fires Horace. I love that he is somehow surprised at being surprised. Even after he admits his own stupidity. It was such a light and humorous moment. One that had me having a good giggle.
This was the perfect novella to finish up this collection with. And reading it while curled up under a blanket with a hot chocolate… yup. That was a serious happy place moment.
Working over the holidays on a messy bank takeover is made worse for two federal specialists by an ill-advised kiss that will never happen again … right?
This was a wonderfully fun novella about missed chances, assumptions, and, ultimately, second chances. I fell into it from the very beginning and just seriously enjoyed every single moment of it. It was incredibly difficult to put down and away. Which is exactly what I want in a novella – I normally have enough time to read them in one sitting, unlike novels sometimes.
Elise and her issues were something that I really enjoyed. Which, having written that sentence just sounds downright weird. But, ultimately, the problems and hurdles that she are ones that I find a little bit familiar (although not the same). I also love how she tries to be strong and independent (and is) and maintains her sense of self all throughout this novella.
Noah was just an adorable male lead. I love how he was actually, and genuinely trying to do the “right thing” which is ultimately what causes the troubles again and again. These are the kind of hurdles that I like – trying to be a good person (genuinely trying, not being a dick and pretending to try…), and ultimately finding out that maybe sometimes you should just lay it all out there.
Title: Beard Science Author: Penny Reid Series: Winston Brothers #3 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 22nd October 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Penny Reid Year: 2016 5th sentence, 74th page: Her hand trembled slightly where it held the spoon.
Beards, brothers and bananas! Oh my!
Make a deal with the devil and you might get what you want, but will it be what you need?
Jennifer Sylvester wants one thing, and that one thing is NOT to be Tennessee’s reigning Banana Cake Queen. Ever the perpetual good girl and obedient daughter, Jennifer is buckling under the weight of her social media celebrity, her mother’s ambitions, and her father’s puritanical mandates. Jennifer is officially desperate.
And desperate times call for Cletus Winston.
Cletus Winston is a puzzle wrapped in a mystery covered in conundrum sauce, and now he’s in a pickle. Despite being convinced of his own omniscience, extortion by the exalted Banana Cake Queen of Green Valley has taken him completely by surprise. So… what’s a maniacal mastermind to do?
Likely, the last thing you expect.
I think that Cletus may be my absolute favourite Winston Brother thus far. He is a little bit sick and twisted, he is definitely devious, but mostly I just love that he refuses to take crap from… well, anybody. But, mostly I just love how damn devious and sneaky the man is. And how he eventually gets his comeuppance…. That is also completely hilarious and brilliant.
Of all the characters that would seem to match Cletus, I love that it’s Jenn. Her supposed innocence and lack of a backbone not only lulls him into a great false sense of security, but it also acts as a reminder not to make assumptions about others. That, and just had me laughing. Frequently. After all, the man who thinks he’s infallible and bullet proof and knows who is going to be a perfect match for him is so completely wrong. It left me laughing quite a bit throughout this story and entirely unable to put down the damn book.
Jenn’s journey of self-discovery was a really nice storyline. Although there is a great character arc for Cletus throughout this, I actually love Jenn’s moment in the sun the most. It’s all about finding out what she wants, and realising that pleasing those you love isn’t necessarily always the way to go. The fact that her father may actually be the devil doesn’t overly help matters… but still, it makes for a fantastic story and has you hoping for the happily ever after that you’re going to get.
My favourite thing about this couple is the fact that Jenn seems to be the only one in the whole damn town who can see how truly evil / devious / sneaky Cletus is. To the point that she fears him. I think that this is a great way to start of the relationship. She knows exactly who she is getting involved with… but decides to take the plunge anyway. And what is love if not seeing somebody, flaws and all and still deciding that you want to keep them?
Title: Grin & Beard It Author: Penny Reid Series: Winston Brothers #2 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 21st – 22nd October 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Penny Reid Year: 2016 5th sentence, 74th page: Thus, I couldn’t help but usually greet her as follows: “Susie… Moist?”
Beards, brothers, and bears! Oh my!
Sienna Diaz is everyone’s favorite “fat” funny lady. The movie studio executives can’t explain it, but her films are out-grossing all the fit and trim headliners and Hollywood’s most beautiful elite. The simple truth is, everyone loves plus-sized Sienna.
But she has a problem, she can’t read maps and her sense of direction is almost as bad as her comedic timing is stellar. Therefore, when Sienna’s latest starring role takes her to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park she finds herself continuously lost while trying to navigate the backroads of Green Valley, Tennessee. Much to her consternation, Sienna’s most frequent savior is a ridiculously handsome, charming, and cheeky Park Ranger by the name of Jethro Winston.
Sienna is accustomed to high levels of man-handsome, so it’s not Jethro’s chiseled features or his perfect physique that make Sienna stutter. It’s his southern charm. And gentlemanly manners. And habit of looking at her too long and too often.
Sienna has successfully navigated the labyrinth of Hollywood heart-throbs. But can she traverse the tenuous trails of Tennessee without losing her head? Or worse, her heart?
Sienna is just all things that are awesome in a woman. Like, honestly, she is freaking amazing! And funny, and quirky, and… well, I have a huge girl crush on this character (can you tell?). Not only did I thoroughly enjoy her character… but I also loved the voice / narration that she provided. It was kind of like sinking into my own brain when I was feeling chirpy and optimistic…
The Meet Cute between Sienna and Jethro is wonderful. I love that she’s pretty much cracking an absolute tanty and stomping on her map. All because she’s lost. It’s the kind of insane and completely off-kilter thing that I would probably do. The hulking out moment and the humour in the situation… I was smiling and giggling from the very beginning of this story.
I was intrigued to see what Jethro was going to be like… he is only kind of peripherally around throughout the rest of the Winston Brothers books (all two) thus far. So finding out what his emotions are surrounding his involvement with bikers, how he has grown… I was drawn in. And he is just so damn cute! Like put him in my pocket, and take him home cute… partner that with his past… and wow, I had SOOOOO many feelings while reading this! In all of the best ways possible.
Sienna’s issues with people’s perceptions of her body reminded me of all of the crap that we sometimes get as women. And the fact that even her own sister jumps on the stupid bandwagon… I honestly just wanted to reach through the pages and give the woman a huge hug. Although, the moment in which she publicly stands up for herself and takes charge of her own future again… oh. Be still my beating heart.
Loved, loved, loved this novel. And, since I was sick when I was reading it… it was the perfect antidote to feeling like crap and being seriously bored…
Title: Truth or Beard Author: Penny Reid Series: Winston Brothers #1 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 23rd August – 19th October 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Penny Reid Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: My mouth fell open – not a whole lot, just enough to be gaping – and my eyes narrowed as a small sound of disbelief tumbled from my lips.
Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my!
Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why perpetually level-headed Jessica James has been in naïve and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her…
But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain; therefore she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks.
When Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, how much of her level-head heart is she willing to risk?
I did take a bit of a pause halfway through reading this novel. Mostly because Duane was in some fairly serious trouble. And I didn’t like it. Sure, I knew that it would end up begin resolved… but I still really, really, really didn’t like him being in trouble. So yeah… apparently I got WAY too attached and then couldn’t face reading the story for a little while… I don’t need a life at all. 😊
Like the other Penny Reid books that I’ve read thus far. This is a great, funny and kind of cute / sweet romance. Duane and Jess work together really well, and I love that you get to find out more and more about the Winston Brothers and their many shenanigans. Add to that the fact that Duane is a red-head with a twin and a beard… well, like I said… I did get a little bit too attached to this one.
Jess had this great sense of spunk and attitude throughout. Even when things unravelled for her a little and she questions her relationship with Duane… she still manages to do it in a fire cracker way and with a fair amount of spunk and sass. These are the things that I tend to love in a lead woman. Particularly when she’s crying and smacking him at the same time to show her frustration. Because, honestly, who hasn’t been there?
To be honest though, you know that Jess is going to be a completely loveable and adorable lead when the first scene of the story opens with her dressed in a Sexy Gandalf costume… I mean, that’s kind of the dream Halloween costume in my books. Now I just have to figure out how to make one and find a party to wear it to…
Although the biker history is mentioned a little in Beauty and the Mustache, this really starts to bring in that idea. And the many, many issues that I’m sure this is going to cause the Winston Brothers as they fall in love and lust throughout this series. There is just enough history here for me to understand what is going on… but also all these tantalising hints that just make me want to find out more!
Title: Full-Scale Demolition Author: Suzanne McLeod In: Home Improvement (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner) Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy Dates read: 19th October 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books Year: 2011 5th sentence, 74th page: After much manoeuvring I balanced the bundled drop cloth on the backs of my thighs, tucking an end into my waistband, and started crawling down headfirst.
She can’t cast, but she can catch Pixies… really well. So when a routine Pixie collecting job goes seriously hay-wire, it might just be up to her unique abilities to stop this full-scale demolition.
I jot down notes when I’m reading, so that it’s easier to write reviews when I’m done. And the first point I wrote for this story… :
Ooooooh. I liked this story.
It’s a pretty good summing up of my feelings really. This was fun and entertaining and I was really, really hoping that it was part of a series (it’s not, but I’m going to imagine it in my mind’s eye anyway…)
This short story combined pixies, sidhe, lamia and kelpies. All paranormal creatures that I have loved in previous stories, so, of course, I was drawn in completely. Plus, any story that starts with pixies is generally going to be fun… they’re such an interesting and insane paranormal pest.
I loved that in the end, this story was saved by pixie dust. Pixie dust saves the day and is what ultimately is the source of power in this fun and incredibly cute short story.
He is just spending a cold, dark night alone. But then a parade of the dead stream past and the Red Dreams begin…
The beginning of this story was a little bit convoluted and confusing. But, after a while, it started to get… less convoluted and confusing. And much, much better. And once the proverbial penny dropped in my teeny tiny brain… wow. I really, seriously loved this story! And, really, when you’re dealing with death and the dead… I kind of liked that it was so damn convoluted.
I love that this story was not only a parade of the murdered, but a reminder of the cost of war. A reminder that there is always a cost. Not just in soldiers, but also in those who are innocent, including the dogs and cats and horses… it was pretty gruesome really. But, seriously enjoyable.
I’ve love every single one of Maberry’s short stories that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. And this one was no exception. But, now I’m beginning to think that I should really start on some of the novels that I have sitting in my shelves…
Earth and Skye 