Title: Hollywood Lanes Author: Megan Abbott In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan) Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one) My Bookshelves:Crime, Thriller Dates read: 31st March 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Short story Publisher: Down and Out Books Year: 2012 5th sentence, 74th page: She was talking about Sherry.
Hollywood Lanes is a bowling alley filled with a lot of drama and intrigue. But that doesn’t mean that it’s a positive place to be.
I knew from the collection that I found this short story in that there would be a death at some point in this story. What I didn’t predict was the form of death and the victim. Or how the story would get there. It was seriously enjoyable and a fun little ride.
One of the aspects of this story that I thoroughly enjoyed was the flickering point of views. It made this story a little more difficult to follow in some ways and added to the confusion of the tale. All of which works well for a crime and thriller story.
I’m completely intrigued by this short story. It is one that I will probably read again, find some new aspects that I missed in the last read through. It’s a fun adventure, and one that I found I enjoyed far more than expected, particularly since it’s a genre that I don’t normally read much in.
Title: Snow, Glass, Apples Author: Neil Gaiman In: By Blood We Live (John Joseph Adams) & Smoke and Mirrors (Neil Gaiman) Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Fairy tales, Horror, Retellings, Vampires Dates read: 31st March 2021 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Night Shade Books Year: 2008 5th sentence, 74th page: He rode with a small retinue: large enough to defend him, small enough that another monarch – myself, for instance – would not view him as a potential threat.
This is the true story of Snow White… one that will leave you feeling seriously uncomfortable.
I’ve read quite a few theories that state that Snow White is a vampire. Which seriously makes a deep, dark, twisted kind of sense. Apparently Gaiman feels the same. And this completely supported the theory in the creepiest most disgusting of ways possible. I’m glad that before I started reading this, there was actually a bit of a warning… it definitely helped prepare me for the ick factor that this awesome short story had.
Not only does this short story deal with vampires, and snow white. There is also necrophilia and all sorts of hints of bad things that I don’t necessarily want to think about. Again, seriously glad that there was a disclaimer at the beginning. But it didn’t stop me from being unable to put the story down and stop thinking about it.
This retelling is dark, twisted and truly glorious. I have not been able to stop thinking about it since I finished it. Which is probably one of the many reasons why I loved it so much. That, and, you know, I just tend to love everything I’ve read by Neil Gaiman.
Title: Dive Bar Author: Carolyn Bird In: Proud (Juno Dawson) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:LGBTQI, Poetry Dates read: 31st March 2021 Pace: Slow Format: Poem Publisher: Little Tiger Year: 2019 5th sentence, 74th page: an innuendo in stomach acid
A wonderful, dark and sultry poem.
There is something about poetry that really makes me feel. I’m not sure why, but there is always an extra layer of emotion when I read poetry. And this poem was no exception.
This story felt like shadows, secrets and lust. It felt like dark alleys and quiet corridors. Secret spaces to find yourself, and someone else.
There is something about this poem that felt seriously and wonderfully… comfortable.
Title: Sawdust Author: Edward Carey In: Xo Orpheus (Kate Bernheimer) Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Mythology Dates read: 31st March 2021 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Penguin Books Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: In those long-ago days there were other people in their lives presumably, they moved about, they entered other people’s houses.
They’re just remembered as the two old people in the village. But their story will make you stop and think.
I really enjoyed the sweetness of this short story. Particularly when considering that it is also kind of creepy at the same time. The balance of sweet and wonderful with the slightly more horrific and dark feeling of this story worked wonderfully.
The idea of two elderly people who don’t want to live without one another is seriously cute. It’s also something that I can completely understand – I can’t imagine not having my partner by my side at all moments. Which made the ending of this story even more sweet and gorgeous.
All in all, I seriously and ridiculously enjoyed this short story. It was just a lot of fun and felt incredibly loving.
Title: Wish You Were Here Author: Amy Garvey In: Bad Boys of Summer (Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy & Amy Garvey) Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 31st March 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novella Publisher: Brava Year: 2006 5th sentence, 74th page: “I know,” Mackenzie said, smiling at the waiter when he set down her plate of walnut chicken salad.
Photographer Mackenzie Pruitt knows exactly what she wants her future to look like, and this summer that means renovating a dilapidated shed into a studio. But when hunky carpenter Leo Dawson shows up, she’d much rather have his capable hands on her than on a hammer. He’s not the kind of guy she always thought she’d fall for, but when he touches her, she can’t imagine wanting anyone else…
From the beginning, I loved the mystery of Leo’s past and the aura that surrounds the man. I spent the entire time throughout this story trying to figure out the secrets that needed to be revealed. I was completely, totally and utterly enamoured with this whole idea. And when the great reveal happened? Well, I smiled and thought that it was seriously cute.
There is something about MacKenzie and Leo that just works throughout this story. And it’s a great reminder that sometimes what you need in life isn’t remotely what you expect. I love that both MacKenzie and Leo make assumptions throughout the story, only to find out that they’re seriously wrong. And sometimes all you need to do is communicate with one another.
All in all, there is just something ridiculously sexy about a man who works with his hands. And the fact that throughout this whole tale Leo finds ways to fix up and build more and more for MacKenzie? I just about melted.
From #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Ilona Andrews comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society…
In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.
But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.
To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House – and her heart.
This book is just as amazing, wonderful and phenomenal as all of the other Andrews books. There is just something wonderful about the writing that makes it almost impossible to put down the book from the very beginning. Something that draws me in and leaves me grinning like a fool. Each and every time.
You got a bit of an introduction to Catalina in Diamond Fire, but it isn’t until Sapphire Flames that you really get a feel for her. I mean, what would it be like to constantly have to hide who you are so that you don’t bespell anyone? Catalina’s power seems more like a curse to me and one that made me incredibly sad. Although, I am seriously looking forward to finding out more about how it will evolve as the series continues… I mean, there are so many hidden depths in these books…
Throughout this story, my heart broke for Catalina multiple times. Not just because of her power, but because she’s trying to go against her nature constantly. That her love for Alessandro is not unrequited like she thinks but is definitely going to hurt them both in the future. Then, there are the family dynamics which also make everything difficult. I mean, seriously, how much pain can one girl go through?
Alessandro is a very intriguing lead character. A total enigma, and, like Catalina, I can’t wait to see how his powers work. Plus, he’s obviously not an assassin, and he has a mission. But I’m just not quite sure about the ins and outs of this. It makes me itch to pick up Emerald Blaze. I just need to finish a few of the books that I’m currently reading though.
Then, to top off all of the mystery in this story – there is a weird connection to Linus. I have a few guesses, but I can’t wait for yet another mystery to unfold as Catalina battles the new threat to the societies and families in Hidden Legacy.
Title: Cargo Author: E. Michael Lewis In: Hauntings (Ellen Datlow) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Horror Dates read: 31st March 2021 Pace: Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Tachyon Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: There was none.
Their job is to ship cargo. They don’t get to know what or why. But this lot of cargo has a much darker secret.
This story seriously and deeply hurt my poor heart. There is nothing more tragic in war than the loss of innocent children’s lives. And I seem to be coming up against this theme quite a bit at the moment. So reading a seriously creepy horror story about this theme… yeah, my heart bled a little. Particularly since I read this so soon after finishing Zlata’s Diary.
War is one of the more horrifying aspects of human nature in my opinion. Reading about it was harsh and kind of sucked. But it most definitely drove home the fact that it’s the innocents that really suffer. And that children, the world over just want to play.
In this story, the fact that children just want to play is kind of creepy. I mean, it’s a great notion. But the actual moments in this story? Yup. Seriously terrifying.
Title: Tools of Engagement Author: Tessa Bailey Series: Hot & Hammered #3 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 30th – 31st March 2021 Pace:Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Avon Year: 2020 5th sentence, 74th page: A day earlier: ‘Laura claims you let her watch Judge Judy.’
When two enemies team up to flip a house, the sparks between them will either burn the place down or ignite a passion they can’t resist…
Hair, makeup, clothing, décor – everything in Bethany Castle’s world is organized, planned, and styled to perfection. The homes she designs for her family’s real estate business are the most coveted in town. The only thing II not II perfect? Her track record with men. So she’s on a dating hiatus, and now she finally has time to focus on her dream: flip a house, from framework to furnishings, all by herself. Except her older brother runs the company and won’t take her seriously.
When a TV producer gets wing of the Castle sibling rivalry, they’re invited on Flip Off, a competition to see who can do the best renovation. Bethany wants bragging rights, but she needs a crew and the only member of her brothers’ construction team willing to jump ship is Wes Daniels, the new guy in town. However, Wes’s Texas drawl and handsome face got under Bethany’s skin on day one, and the last thing she needs is some cocky young cowboy in her way.
As the race to renovate heats up, Wes and Bethany are forced into close quarters, trading barbs and biting banter as they remodel the ugliest house on the block. It’s a labor of love, hate, and everything in between, and soon sparks are flying. Bethany’s perfectly structured life is one kiss away from going up in smoke, and she knows falling for a guy like Wes would be a II flipping II disaster…
This novel and conclusion to the Hot & Hammered series most certainly bought a tear to my eyes. It was brilliant, cute and sweet. Most definitely the kind of story that I will remember for a long time and read again. There were just so many wonderful moments to this story that were brilliant. It bought tears to my eyes, with hand flapping and everything.
I have a bit of a habit towards perfectionism. Mostly, I’m aware of it, but yeah, sometimes it kind of sucks. The fact that Bethany has this tendency made me love her that much quicker. And it turned this romance into a story that wasn’t just about falling in love, but also about finding yourself and learning to accept the chaos in your life. It’s something that I’m constantly working towards, something that I think many people need to work towards in their own lives.
One of my favourite things about the romances that I read is when you connect strongly with the characters. With Bethany’s proclivity towards perfectionism and not wanting people to see her vulnerability, I connected with Bethany way more than was comfortable. The panic attacks, the difficulties with being close to someone, the inability to show my vulnerabilities… yeah, I felt that. And it made Wes all that much more drool-worthy and admirable, after all, I know how difficult it can be to put up with my little quirks.
Wes is a fantastic leading man. He is steadfast and honourable. That, and the fact that he’s a bull riding cowboy who quit his roaming life to raise his niece? Perfect book boyfriend material there. Which works well, because Laura, the adorable niece? She steals the show multiple times throughout this book.
This is a fantastic conclusion to a wonderful trilogy. Not only is it a great standalone romance, but you get a little bit more of the happily ever after for Georgie and Rosie as well… it just tied everything up beautifully and left me smiling like an absolute goofball. While tears of happiness and joy threatened to overflow.
County prosecutor Trish Jones has had it with smooth-talking, under-performing suits. and though she’s never had a thing for big, brawny guys, one look at Caleb Cancouver’s bulges makes her think she might have been missing out. One Harley ride later they’re back at her place, and she realizes that she has been missing out… on quite a lot…
This is such a wonderfully cute Meet Cute story. Everything in this has a feeling of fate, plus, you add in the fact that it is totally a set up. Just a typical, happy and fun McCarthy novella that will leave a grin on your face and a spring in your step.
I love that Trish is independent, strong and driven. It’s difficult as a woman like this to find a man that is willing to stand by your side. And the fact that she is featured so strongly in this novella. Plus, some of her little quirks had me laughing out loud. Plus, there were multiple moments which reminded me of my own sister.
Caleb is just the most beautiful / biggest lug of a man. Combine that with the fact that he’s a sweetheart… it was just a perfect matching with Trish’s prickly outside. All in all, I can’t even with the heat and lust in this story! It’s gorgeous, fun and just all round cute and enjoyable.
Title: The Demon’s Secret Author: Nathalie Gray In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 (Trisha Telep) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Demons, Paranormal romance Dates read: 30th March 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Short story Publisher: Robinson Year: 2010 5th sentence, 74th page: Without bothering to warm up the car, he just drove it to his temporary home at the foot of the Jacques-Cartier bridge.
Cain is in service to a demon, but there is some hope on the horizon… if he’s only brave enough to take his chance on love.
From the very beginning of this story, I thought that it was that Cain. And even though I did guess this, I was still quite pleasantly surprised. After all, it’s one thing to suspect, and another to have your suspicions confirmed in the best way. Adding to that the fact that it was in such a wonderfully surprising manner, with a fantabulous twist.
This is a pretty action packed short story from the very beginning – it involves two demon bounty hunters who are collecting secrets racing against the clock. The fact that there is an extra layer of enjoyment and lust just settles you completely into the tale. And yet, even with this bit of extra lust, it doesn’t quite feel like a… lustful and sexual story. Rather, it’s all kind of sweet.
I’d probably reread this short story. It was a genuinely fun and easy read. One that swept you away, without making you forget about the realities of the world. The perfect balance for ease of access and enjoyment. And, all in all, an incredibly sweet ending.
Earth and Skye 