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.
There’s a vampire at the school assembly. And something about him makes Retta want to break the chains of her life and live… more. Maybe she should just join the vampires on her own Gap Year.
This was a wonderfully different premise for a vampire story – vampires that consume feelings instead of blood. I’ve kind of thought something similar in the past, but actually reading a story about it… well, I seriously enjoyed this.
I thought that Gap Year was a brilliant Coming of Age story. One that highlights the need to grow into your own skin and find your own future and reality – it’s also a great beginning of a Gap Year. I didn’t take one myself, but I know a lot of people who did, and I thought that this was the best beginning for one ever.
The aspect of this story that I loved the most, unique vampires, etc. aside – was the fact that Retta is able to leave behind a toxic situation. There can be that moment with childhood friends when you kind of have to break free because it’s just not quite healthy for you anymore. And Retta most certainly does this. But in the most calm and respectful manner possible.
Title: The French Gift Author: Kirsty Manning Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Family, Historical fiction, Strong women Dates read: 23rd – 30th March 2021 Pace: Medium Format: ARC, Novel Publisher: Allen & Unwin Year: 2021 5th sentence, 74th page: Line your stomach before you meet those two!
A forgotten manuscript that threatens to unravel the past…
Fresnes Prison, 1940: Former maid at a luxury villa on the Riviera, Margot Bisset, finds herself in a prison cell with writer and French Resistance fighter, Josephine Murant. Together, they are trasnferred to a work camp in Germany for four years, where the secrets they share will bind them for generations to come.
Contemporary Paris: Evie Black lives in paris with her teenage son Hugo above her botanical bookshop, La Maison Rustique. Life would be so sweet if only Evie were not mourning the great love of her life.
When a letter arrives regarding the legacy of her husband’s great-aunt, Josephine Murant, Evie clutches at an opportunity to spend one last magical summer with her son. They travel together to Josephine’s house, now theirs, on the Cote d’Azur. Here, Evie unravels the official story of this famous novelist, and the truth of a murder a lifetime ago.
The redemptive beauty of nature and the promise of new love offer light at the end of the tunnel in this stirring novel delving into Europe’s past.
I received this ARC from Allen & Unwin in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Normally I struggle a little bit to get through any historical fiction books. I have plenty and till enjoy them all… but I do tend to find that they are a little bit more difficult to get through for me than some of the other genres that fill my shelves. Maybe because I’m constantly questioning what’s fact and what’s fiction. And then getting distracted by the idea of doing more research…
Again, I loved the flickering between timelines and points of view normally tend to confuse and overwhelm me. But it wasn’t the case in this story. I loved flickering between Josephine Murant and Evie. Their lives running in a parallel line with completely different battles being fought. You actually discover Josephine’s history as Evie does, which further draws you into the amazing storyline. The fact that it’s a story with two strong women as the leads… that just makes it all that much better!
I really and seriously did not see the twist at the end of this story – it was completely unexpected and seriously intense. I love when a twist comes out of nowhere and just completely smacks into you. It’s what makes me want to read another book by the same author. It is just so difficult to find surprising twists and turns!
This story is overall a tale of strong women, hope and survival. It is about finding one’s own strength, but still leaning on those you love and who love you. Whether it is a best friend, a potential new love or the child you feel pulling away from you… each and every relationship in this story is powerful. And underneath it all, there is just that amazing sense of hope that you can’t help but grin about.
I will most certainly be reading this ARC again. And again. And probably again. Not only was it an amazing journey, but I loved the strength of the women and the journey that Manningmanages to take you on. Most certainly a book that will sit proudly upon my shelves.
Earth and Skye 