Title: On the Run Author: Kay Staples In: Proud (Juno Dawson) Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, LGBTQI Dates read: 30th June 2021 Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Little Tiger Year: 2019 5th sentence, 74th page: The next message I’d got from him was at eleven thirty at night, after I’d settled down to sleep because I had college in the morning.
Two teenagers on the run. They thought it’d be a little more glamorous… but reality isn’t always what we expect. It can be better!
This was a seriously cute and sweet story. At the beginning, I was a little uncertain.. I mean two teenagers on the run? You’ve gotta be concerned. But, as the story unfolded… it was just beautiful!
I love how the information and uncertainty of being Nicky unfold as the story unfolds. Its such a cute and sweet tale that makes you… smile. You just keep hoping for the best with these characters and wanting the happily ever after they so obviously need.
What I found surprising about this is that they were not on the run due to their identities. It was a total twist that I wasn’t expecting. And I seriously, deeply enjoyed it!
Siblings Claudia and Gerry are fangborn, and when one of Claudia’s patients rings her with an odd experience… they realise that things are starting to enter the mythological realms of prophecy and ruin.
I know I’ve read a fangborn short story before. And I know that I enjoyed it enough to add the series to my wish list. And I remember that I loved the idea of Gerry and Claudia… werewolf and vampire siblings. This story was just as enjoyable and surprising.
I wasn’t quite surprised to find a story like this in the Murder and Mayhem in Muskego book. I wasn’t really expecting a paranormal story in here. I’m not really sure what I was expecting expecting be fair as this is only my second story of the collection… but still. I like that there is a paranormal tale in here. Its incredibly fun and left a huge smile on my face.
I really liked the mayhem throughout this story. It didn’t quite touch on murder as much as I expected. But I really enjoyed all of the mayhem. And the blood. And the fact that there was impaling of the bad guys… I’m not bloodthirsty at all!
Title: The Veiled Prophet Author: David B. In: Xo Orpheus (Kate Bernheimer) Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Graphic novels, Mythology Dates read: 30th June 2021 Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Penguin Books Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: It was said that Simorgh the bird strode at the head of this veiled man’s perennially victorious army.
A nice, short comic retelling of the Prophet of the Veil. This was dark, complex and fun.
This would have been a creepy and disturbing story in prose. The fact that it was illustrated just helped to drive that home. It was just… unsettling. Particularly by the end of the story.
This story made me think about all of the things and “falsities” that we trap ourselves with. It makes me seriously question the different things in life that tie and trap us.
This was dark and fun. A story that I would read again. It was surprising, and I found it a great little journey down the well hole… pun intended.
Title: Nothing Will Hurt You Author: David Morrell In: Hauntings (Ellen Datlow) Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Family, Horror Dates read: 30th June 2021 Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Tachyon Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Parents are supposed to be able to protect their children. But what happens when they fail?
To start with I had some pretty amazing Edward Scissorhand vibes. I’m not entirely sure why, maybe there’s a reference I picked up subconsciously from my long ago watching of the movie. And honestly, I thought that reference was dark enough…
It got darker. It got more disturbing and I felt quite uncomfortable by the time I’d finished this short story. Which, I suppose makes sense for the fact that it’s in the Hauntings collection. It also left you with a but of a “haunting” feeling when you turned that final page…
I love the idea that a father will do anything to protect his daughter. I also loved how this story took that protective instinct WAY too far. Combined with the haunting by the daughter, a quest for revenge and just the general creepiness of this story… well, I’m still tingling.
Title: Flying Author: Delia Sherman In: Teeth: Vampire Tales (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling) Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Circus, Vampires Dates read: 30th June 2021 Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Harper Year: 2011 5th sentence, 74th page: I’m making an egg for your father.
Lena’s parents gave up everything to help support her through cancer. But now all she wants to do is fly… what will the cost be?
I really loved this mix of circus performers and vampires. It was fun and exciting. And you constantly hoped for the best where Lena was concerned. Her battle for health and happiness was beautiful, and for me, this story became less about vampires and more about finding your happily ever after.
It was kind of sad that Lena’s happily ever after really, really didn’t involve her parents. After all, they are beautifully kind and supportive. Although, I suppose that we all find a happily ever after that really doesn’t involve our parents…
I always love stories by Delia Sherman. This one was no exception and I absolutely adored this tale. I love the imagery of the circus and a trapeze artist. The cats and the bats. Everything worked so beautifully and seamlessly together. Leaving me with a huge, happy grin on my face.
Title: The Sons of Ra Author: Helen Scott Taylor In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 (Trisha Telep) Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this) My Bookshelves:Mythology, Paranormal romance Dates read: 30th June 2021 Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Robinson Year: 2010 5th sentence, 74th page: The highlights in his hair shone guinea gold in contrast to the black trousers and black leather jacket he’d donned for their night foray.
A trip for information takes Trish back to the man that broke her heart twenty years ago. But finding out that he hasn’t age is just the tip of this very confusing iceberg.
I thought that the concept of this story was unique and cute. It didn’t necessarily completely hook me. But I did find it enjoyable. Which, for me, is enough. It was fun and easy and just… cute.
I love the integration of Egyptian mythology into this story. It was a little surprising and very enjoyable. It was also not something I see very much. I tend to find most of the stories I read featuring mythology feature Greek, roman or norse.
Trish’s desire to choose her own destiny and not fall for the man she loves mindlessly made me incredibly happy. I mean, she has a right to be pissed (I think she didn’t quite make him work hard enough for forgiveness to be honest. But, she still kept her head high. So alls well that ends well.
Title: Be Mine Tonight Author: Kathryn Smith Series: Brotherhood of Blood #1 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Vampires Dates read: 27th – 28th June 2021 Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Avon Year: 2006 5th sentence, 74th page: Oddly enough, that realization wasn’t annoying so much as it was warming.
I am called Chapel…
For nearly six centuries I have roamed the night, a mortal man no longer. Would that I could undo the past – when I entered the sanctuary of the Knights Templar to wrest from them the Holy Grail, only to discover the chalice I raised to my lips was not the sacred relic but a hellish cup of damnation. Now I shun the day and all things human, driven by an ungodly thirst. And yet…
Never have I known a maiden the like of Prudence Ryland, whose beauty and spirit awaken a heart I feared long cold and dead. But her young life is slipping away, and she also seeks the deliverance of the Grail – unaware that the cost of her search could be her soul. I must help Prudence, for in six hundred years, no other woman has stirred my passions so. But dare I tender to my beloved that which she most desires – the sensuous “gift” of forever that is both rapture and a curse: my immortal kiss?
This was one of those books that I was like “eh, eh, eh, WOW.” It took quite a while for me to warm up to the storyline. But, once I got there… wow was I happy. It happened about a third / half the way in. Then, I really, really wanted to know what was going on. I also cried at one point.
I bought this book because I read a novella in this series which intrigued me. But, honestly? I had no idea what to expect or even what time period this would be in. I was pleasantly surprised that this read like a regency romance. Just with a much more intense paranormal spin.
Chapel is kind of a fool and a little bit too whiney for my taste in lead men. Plus, the constant need for retribution was just… seriously dude? You’re 600 years old!!! Grow the hell up! Luckily, Pru agreed and kicked his butt multiple times with her frustration at his stupidity. It made him more likeable since Pru found a reason to like him in spite of his stupidity…
All in all, this was a fun start to a series. Yes, there was this beautiful part towards the end that had me crying. But, mostly it was a good, easy read. I particularly liked how the story ended… leaving plenty of opening and intrigue for the next tale in the series.
Title: Witch Wife Author: Kiki Petrosino Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Poetry, Race Dates read: 27th June 2021 Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast Format: Collection, Poem Publisher: Sarabande Books Year: 2017 5th sentence, 74th page: Stuffed thy brain with blooms of blight:
In Witch Wife’s incantations, Kiki Petrosino summons history’s ghosts – the ancestors that reside in her blood and craft – and sings them vibrantly to life.
This collection of poems was wonderfully dark and poignant. I loved the emotions that it inspired within me throughout. I also felt like a whole heap of it went over my head, but I often feel that way with poetry until I’ve read it half a thousand times…
This poetry was wonderfully dark and engagingly written. I struggled to put it aside. And, even as I’m writing this review days after finishing it… I still get those strong emotions rushing through me.
One of my favourite things about poetry is that you can find something new with every new reading. Some of these poems I read multiple times and understood something new each and every time.
Title: Say Everything Author: Langley Gray Series: The Socialites #4 Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 26th May – 20th June 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Langley Gray Year: 2021 5th sentence, 74th page: He’s funny, laid back, intelligent, and a great listener.
WILL A MISTAKEN IDENTITY LEAD TO LOVE?
Iris Mortimer, heir to a shipping empire, is a new ex-pat in Hong Kong. She agrees to a blind date only because, well, she’s bored and maybe a tiny bit lonely. When Bryan Harris arrives, she’s pleasantly surprised – he’s not the stuffy white-collar type she anticipated.
Both new to the city, the two embark on an exploration of all the best tourist spots. She’s recovering from a past relationship, he’s focused on his research, so no pressure – right?
What neither realizes is that there has been a serious mistake in identity, both were meant to meet other people with the same name. When their true selves are accidentally revealed, Bryan realizes he can’t be with Iris. But by now, she’s fallen for him.
Will their mutual love of 80’s rom coms help keep them together?
Find out as Iris Says Everything to get him back.
This is one of those series and authors that I only just, very recently found. And I’m completely hooked. Say Everything is a great finish to this quartet. And whilst Iris and Bryan aren’t my favourite couple of the series… they’re still completely adorable.
I love the whole fate / serendipity feeling of the Meet Cute in this novel. I mean, the likelihood of two people meeting up and accidentally mistaking them for one another… its honestly kind of ridiculous. Which made it THAT much more adorable and fun. Then off on a fun whirlwind… one that I really wasn’t expecting if I’m being honest.
I’m always a fan of a story that features a scientist in the lead… I spent years working in the field, so I feel a kind of kinship. The connection that this never fails to make for me just left me smiling harder and harder as the story unfolded. Particularly as Bryan shares his strong opinions on marine issues… my Facebook is filled with likeminded people, and it definitely helped me to connect even more.
I’m not going to lie, whilst this wasn’t my all time favourite of The Socialites novels (that honour falls to The Flyaway Bride), I did love the ending. That final ditch effort to make things work bought a tear or ten to my eye. And I had the pleasure of finishing this book with a gigantic smile on my face.
Title: NightDrake Author: Lara Adrian In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 (Trisha Telep) Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this) My Bookshelves:Paranormal romance Dates read: 20th June 2021 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Robinson Year: 2010 5th sentence, 74th page: I had to admit, if only to myself, I was eager to be rid of it.
Nisha is a mercenary cargo shifter, one who is known for being cold hearted. But her latest cargo could just about change everything.
This story was… alright. I enjoyed it in the end because I liked the twist and felt like it was kind of cute, but I also wasn’t incredibly head over heels for it. I mean, it was just an easy and fun short story that I enjoyed. But probably wouldn’t read again.
At first, I really didn’t enjoy this story at all – the lead character struck me as incredibly racist (against paranormal beings), and it was almost hard to feel connected to her with such prejudice. As the story unfolded, this began to make a little more sense and made me feel less uncomfortable and annoyed. But, still, starting off a story where you can’t feel connected to the lead? That is why I found this story just enjoyable, not lovely.
All in all, I did like the relationship in this story and I did, overall enjoy it. It may not have been my favourite tale of all time, but it was one that I wouldn’t throw away either. Lara Adrian may not have made it to my wishlist, but she also hasn’t made my hate list.
Earth and Skye 