Title: Eenie, Meenie, Ipsateenie Author: Pat Cadigan In: Hauntings (Ellen Datlow) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Ghosts, Horror Dates read: 11th February 2021 Pace: Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Tachyon Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: This was the fourth apartment they’d had since coming to the Midwest, but they’d all been the same.
Milo didn’t want to be IT. And now he’s haunted by the fact that he’ll forever be “IT”.
This was a bit of a meandering story. And one that you tend to fill the gaps in on… it just makes you feel all that much more uncomfortable when you don’t quite know if you have the complete picture. Which I’m convinced is what Cadigan was going for.
There is something extra haunting about a childhood killing. A childhood ghost. I think that it’s something about that loss of potential. Plus the fact that IT is capitalized throughout this whole story made me think of the Stephen King story IT which involves a creepy clown literally feasting about children’s potential… all in all not something that is overly comfortable. And most certainly helps to file this short story safely in my horror shelf.
I finished this short story and honestly felt goosebumps. It was most definitely not a comfortable tale to read. And I kind of want to read it again and again. It may not have been comfortable… but it was intriguing. And there were so many subtleties throughout that I’m sure I totally missed. But I’m pretty sure Milo turned into a killer of children…
Title: Luscious Author: Lori Foster In: Bad Boys of Summer (Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy & Amy Garvey) Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 8th – 10th February 2021 Pace: Fast Format: Novella Publisher: Brava Year: 2006 5th sentence, 74th page: A man stood in front of her sister’s door, checking a notepad and the address of the apartment.
Bethany Churchill just quit her lousy job, dumped her lousy boyfriend and moved into a new apartment. She’s not looking for love, but her hot new landlord is determined to change her mind. SWAT officer Lucius Ryder – known to the women in the building as “Luscious”, much to his chagrin – is one sexy lawman, and before long Bethany is tempted to find out if he’s really as delicious as his nickname…
The play on words in this story is kind of fun – Lucius, Luscious. I mean, it’s the kind of silly, slightly nonsensical, but seriously fun thing that I would do myself. Particularly if the man was as dreamy as the lead man in this story. I mean… who wouldn’t want a SWAT cop beating down their door to make delicious, wonderful love to them?
I can’t imagine being a twin. I was always really nervous just introducing people to my incredibly beautiful younger sister, but being an identical twin and having the same hang ups? That’s just… horrifying. I love that Foster was able to deal with this really intense feeling of inadequacy that I think we all feel in a way that was open, honest and completely approachable. I may not be a twin, but there are definitely women in my life that I was worried about introducing my partner to – just in case he liked them better…
Admittedly, the idea of a pet psychic seems a little… odd. But, Marci is also a lovely character, so the oddness decreases. The fact that she’s not even the lead lady in this just makes me hope that there is another story in which Marci finds her happily ever after. Lucius and Bethany are such an amazing couple, and I love that Marci is still included in their relationship. After all, when you have a sister, the guy you bring home doesn’t just have to form a relationship with you… they have to form it with the people you love too.
Title: Things to Know about Being Dead Author: Genevieve Valentine In: Teeth: Vampire Tales (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Vampires Dates read: 7th February 2021 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Harper Year: 2011 5th sentence, 74th page: I tried to speak, but my throat was too dry; I lay quietly as she smoothed her fingers over my shoulders, my neck, the backs of my arms.
It’s not so fun being dead. But there are certain things that you should know…
There is something about Genevieve Valentine’sshort stories that always make me smile. And this was no exception. Starting with a death, and then including anecdotes, lists and all sorts of other fun nonsense. I just smiled all the way throughout this short story. The fact that it is the opening story in a collection of vampire stories… well, that made it all that much better!
In all of the vampire books and stories that I’ve read, there hasn’t been much of a humorous aside in what it means to get used to being dead. A few have touched upon the adjustments that the characters have to make. And they’ve even sometimes touched upon the negatives, but mostly, it’s a “look at all the things I’ve gained” approach. This didn’t really do it. It didn’t place becoming dead as a negative endeavour either, just one with a steep learning curve.
There seem to be a lot of teenage vampire stories in the literature. It’s a bit of a trope that sometimes irritates me. But, the way that Valentine deals with this in her story was… not irritating. It was funny and light. And almost felt like it was pulling fun at the trope that can be a little bit overdone…
Title: Megan’s Mark Author: Lora Leigh Series: Breeds #6 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Erotica, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense Dates read: 28th January – 7th February 2021 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Berkley Sensation Year: 2006 5th sentence, 74th page: That was what she feared.
In the first book of her erotic new series, Lora Leigh invites you to an intriguing world where genetically altered Breeds and the humans who created them commingle – and sometimes cross the boundaries of desire…
Cursed with the extraordinary power to feel other peoples’ emotions, Megan Fields has tucked herself away in a remote corner of New Mexico, working as a small-town sheriff’s deputy. She finds solace in the silence and heat of the desert. But when breeds begin dying on her watch, Megan realizes that the secrets from her past can’t stay buried forever. Someone is out for blood – her blood.
An arrogant Feline Breed, Braden Arness broods with feral intensity. His mission to solve the mysterious murders brings him to Megan, a woman who accosts his senses like no other. Only with him can she let down her guard – and surrender to the insatiable hunger that wracks her body. But as they team up to hunt the elusive killers, Braden and Megan find themselves becoming the prey…
I’m not sure if it was because this book has a different cover, size and shape to the first five books in this series, or if it was actually written first as the blurb implies. But there was something drastically different about Megan’s Mark that wasn’t obvious in the other books. In a good way though, I can guarantee that. I seriously, thoroughly and delightfully enjoyed this story. and I know that I have the next book in the series buried somewhere in my ridiculous TBR pile, now I just have to dig it out…
Of all of the women so far in the Breeds novels, Megan is most definitely the most kick ass of all the women. She even punches her mate at one point because he crosses a line that she drew! I love that she’s got enough fire and gumption to do that. Alright, none of the women in this series have exactly been push overs… but Megan is just so, so much tougher. Tough enough that she’s able to join the patrols and be an Enforcer in her own right.
Megan is the first Empath in this series. It is starting to open the door for people with other talents and powers within the Breeds world. It draws in the intrigue far stronger than I would have expected. Actually, I kind of would have liked a little more about the Empathic abilities in this story. although, the lust and the connection between the characters most definitely made up for the fact that this power wasn’t heavily discussed.
Megan’s Mark is yet another wonderful tale by the intriguing Lora Leigh. It swept me away from the very beginning and left me in a world that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. It was brilliant and fun. And I can’t wait to read yet more of these tales!
During Brianna’s trip to the Ural Mountains of Russia, a life-threatening accident places her at the mercy of a strange, reclusive man. A man whose secrets and unquenchable hunger will change her life forever…
In the huge list of werewolf romances, or even werewolf stories, that I’ve read, this certainly didn’t measure high up the top. It wasn’t awful or bad in any way, I just didn’t rate it incredibly highly. I enjoyed it though. And I would add a few more Sherri L. King books to my shelves. I just won’t be putting them at the top of my wish list.
I think that the thing that put me off the most about this story is the whole feeling each other up while the girl was barely conscious. I mean, that is not a sexy moment. I found it seriously, ridiculously creepy. And disturbed. And just generally not okay. I’m definitely uncomfortable with that entire part of the plot line. And, if it was removed I probably would have loved this story so much more. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of my erotica style stories feature a bit of a DomSub spin, and things that I personally wouldn’t be interested in… but this was just… ick.
Moonlustis a fun and good beginning for a series, and a nice novella. Most definitely not my favourite one, but it’s still fun. And I’m keen to see what else King is able to do with her writing skills and world creation.
Sometimes love is everything you could ever want. Sometimes it’s just a real kick in the teeth.
I really liked the world building in this story. It featured twins that weren’t really twins, a demon, and a long-lost love. There is nothing I love better than a story that has this much power and just plain, downright awesomeness. It drew me in from the beginning and even a few days after reading it and sitting down to (finally) write this review…. I’m still enjoying the storyline.
Relationships are built upon memories. I love that this story is all about those memories. Those key moments that we all have and that each of us remember differently. I love that sin an attempt to reconnect with a lost love, it’s a memory that is shared. The fact that this memory box sends a demon twin into a hell dimension and all sorts of horribleness… well, it just wouldn’t be a good story without such a spanner in the works.
This was an incredibly quick and easy story to read. It swept me away and took me on a fun little adventure. One that I completely wasn’t expecting but enjoyed regardless. I love the idea of demon twins and having to protect demons. Hell dimensions and loves lost or regained. It was just… fun and a great set up in a relatively few number of pages.
Title: The Cad and the Co-Ed Author: L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid Series: Rugby #3 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sport Dates read: 5th – 6th February 2021 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: SmartyPants Romance Year: 2017 5th sentence, 74th page: Avoidance was the best policy.
Keeping a secret this big is going to take lots of balls. Specifically, rugby balls.
THE CAD Bryan Leech is a cad. Or, he was a cad. No one is quite certain. Once the quintessential playboy, Bryan claims he’s done with wild parties and weekend benders. No more one night stands leading to mornings he can’t remember; no more binges and blackouts; no more exploits plastered all over the tabloids and rag sheets. According to Bryan, he’s cleaning up his act. 8 The only problem is, no one believes him.
THE CO-ED Eilish Cassidy never thought she’d be a mother at nineteen or still in college at twenty-four. Cut off from every member of her family except her favorite cousin, she’s finally managed to put her life back together. Stronger and wiser, Eilish enters her last semester of university determined to stand on her own. Now she just needs to find an internship. The only problem is, her best option – by far – places her directly in the path of her son’s father, and he doesn’t remember her at all.
THE PLAN Bryan is determined to prove he’s changed. Eager to settle down with the right woman, he’s got his sights set on the gorgeous redhead who seems terribly familiar. Eilish is determined to hid her secret. She’ll do anything to keep her child safe, even if that means ignoring her own wishes and desires. But what happens when Bryan starts to remember? And what will it take for Bryan to convince the girl he forgot that she’s unforgettable?
As the third book in the Rugby series, this was probably also the most heart breaking. After all, Eilish gets pregnant and kicked out of her family. Bryan is a recovering alcoholic who has completely stuffed up many, many things in his own life. And just, in general, the battles that these two have to face are really sad. And that’s just the first chapter – you know that things aren’t going to be all rosy anytime soon when you start out with a beginning like that.
Yet again, this series took me by surprise. I’ve never read a book that features an alcoholic. Let alone one that features the alcoholic as the male lead in a romance. Whilst this isn’t a dark spin on the issue, it is one that highlights the negatives and difficulties of such a thing. It’s an intense and wonderful journey. I’m someone who has a few people in my life with substance abuse issues, so I was incredibly excited to read about it in such a hopeful manner.
From the beginning of this book, I wasn’t a huge fan of Josey. Everyone has a friend that they’ve known forever and have kind of outgrown. For some of us, it’s more a matter of change and you can reconnect. For some it’s not a painful outgrowing. And then there’s friendships like Josey’s… the ones that really don’t fit anymore. The friendships that are beginning to turn toxic and are more of a chore than an enjoyment. It makes me actually want to put a pause on reading this series… because Josey is featured in the next one and I really didn’t connect to her throughout this whole story.
I’m at the age now that stories which feature parents in any way, shape or form are becoming more and more attractive. I was always told that you like reading about the people who are about the same age as you, and I’m certainly finding that to be the case. Alright, Eilish is a few years younger than I am in this story. But her issues are very adult ones. And her maturity and beauty shines through this whole story.
Title: The Hooker and the Hermit Author: L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid Series: Rugby #1 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sport Dates read: 3rd – 5th February 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: SmartyPants Romance Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: It’s boring as fuck, but at least I’m trying.
New York’s Finest Blogging as The Socialmedialite April 22 LADIES AND GENTS! I have an announcement! You know that guy I featured on my blog a few months ago? The really, really hot Irish rugby player who plays the position of ‘hooker’ in the RLI (Rugby League International)? The one with the anger management issues, the body of a gladiator and the face of a movie star? The one with the questionable fashion choices leading me to ask whether he was the lovechild of a leprechaun and a hobbit? Ronan Fitzpatrick? Yeah, that guy.
Well, I have a confession to make…
THE HERMIT Annie Catrel, social media expert extraordinaire at Davidson & Croft Media and clandestine celebrity blogger, can make anyone shine in the court of public opinion. She is the Socialmedialite, anonymous creator of New Yorks Finest and the internet’s darling. Virtual reality is Annie’s forte, but actually reality? not so much.
THE HOOKER Ronan Fitzpatrick, aka the best hooker the world of rugby has seen in decades, despises the media – social or otherwise. The press has spun a web of lies depicting him as rugby’s wild and reckless bad boy. Suspended from his team, Ronan has come to Manhattan to escape the drama, lay low, fly under the radar. Only, Ronan isn’t easy to overlook, and he can’t escape the notice of the Socialmedialite…
THE PLAN When Ronan is sent to Davidson & Croft Media to reshape his public image, he never expects to cross paths with shy but beautiful Annie, nor does he expect his fierce attraction to her. He couldn’t be happier when her boss suggest pairing them together.
What lengths will Annie take to keep her virtual identity concealed? And what happens when the hooker discovers who the hermit really is?
I did read the Rugby booksa little bit out of order. Mostly because I was so excited to start them, that I received The Player and the Pixie before The Hooker and the Hermit, so sunk into that one instead. But, that meant that the instant this book arrived on my doorstep, I sunk myself right into it. And didn’t really come up for air until I’d turned that final page. Which may explain why I’m a bit behind in all of my adult responsible stuff at the moment…
Annie is the most heart-wrenching, yet beautiful lead female that I’ve read in a long time. She is so completely shut off from the world. I mean, I’ve had a lot of introverts filling up my shelves… but the level of her introversion? Stunning. And horrifying. I also don’t get the social media thing completely (although I do enjoy it a little), so I was completely perplexed about how she has such a strong online identity. Her past, her present, wow. They were seriously intense and made me want to reach through the pages of the book and hug her… tightly.
Since I read The Player and the Pixie first, I knew a little of Ronan’s history with Sean and Brona. But, meeting her in the flesh, so to speak, was so much more… painful. And kind of horrifying to be honest. I mean, I know that people like this exist… and there are hints of them in the many other books that I’ve read… but having to read about this character face to face (so to speak) was even more creepy. It made me constantly feel for Ronan and hope for his happily ever after with Annie. Plus, it made every moment that Annie runs away all that much more painful and tragic.
This is such a wonderful new-age kind of romance. It takes place with technology, twitter and social media front and centre. Something that I don’t see in a lot of romances. I love that it discusses media, and how we are judged for what we look like. And just many, many issues that are front and centre in our own daily lives. It makes it all that much easier to feel connected to and a little more in love with Ronan and Annie.
The Hooker and the Hermit is a fantastic novel and beginning of a series (if you’re not like me and getting WAY too excited). I fell head over heels in love with this story. Head over heels in love with the characters. And head over heels in love with this whole set up / series. Most definitely one of those unforgettable books that I’m going to be reading again and again in years to come.
Title: The Flyaway Bride Author: Langley Gray Series: The Socialites #2 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 3rd February 2021 Pace: Medium Format: ARC, eBook, Novel Publisher: Langley Gray Year: 2021 5th sentence, 74th page: Even from the base of the hike, the view was picturesque.
JoJo Ellison is a passionate free spirit who may have finally met her match in William Black, Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor. The former supermodel turned designer is viewed by most as a strong force and being in William’s shadow has slowly faded her spark. Her wedding day is looming, but so is a sinking feeling.
The morning of her nuptials, she finds herself in her wedding dress, on a plane to Italy, leaving William at the altar. The Flyaway Bride soon realizes that she can’t outrun the paparazzi and is whisked away on the back of a dusty orange moped by a handsome blast from her past.
Jonny Hall is a talented chef who was an up-and-coming name when he was unceremoniously banned from working in his native London due to a mix up with a notoriously nasty chef. Instead of working in a Michelin-starred restaurant, he finds himself banished to the hills of Tuscany teaching tourists how to make pasta.
Over time, Jonny and JoJo reacquaint themselves with one another while the beautiful Tuscan countryside works its healing magic on them both. JoJo’s passions are rekindled, lighting an unexpected fire in Jonny’s own life.
But will it be enough for JoJo to come back from the mess she’s made for herself? Will Jonny find himself in the crossfire? Find out with this sweet contemporary rom-com.
I received this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
I was blown away by how much I loved this ARC. I was expecting a fun journey, and I thought that I would enjoy it. But, from the moment I opened my Kobo, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the storyline. I couldn’t stop reading it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. And I just generally was grinning from ear to ear the whole way through.
JoJo is a great lead. She’s impulsive and free-spirited, and she’s been trapped in a relationship that has just swept her along to a place she doesn’t necessarily want to be in. The fact that she had the guts to leave a man at the altar because he isn’t right for her… well, she was just wonderful and fun. And the whole time she is fighting to gain her independence and be the free-spirit that she is.
I love that JoJo is able to find her independence and sense of self after being in such a controlling relationship. Even though this is a romance, and she does end up with the dreamy guy… much of the story is about being oneself. Finding those things in life that trigger your passions and happiness and grasping it with both hands. It’s a reminder that even when you find your happily ever after person (be it man, woman or other), you still get to be yourself. Be your own version of happily ever after that you may not entirely expect.
I’ve talked a lot about JoJo in this review. I do love her partner in this – Jonny. But, really, as always, this story is about the woman for me. The fact that it also features three amazing best friends who love her for who she is just makes everything that much better. But, you know… Jonny does cook. And the way to my heart is most certainly food. And books…
Title: Matilda Author: Roald Dahl Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Book to Film, Children’s, Easy reading Dates read: 23rd January – 2nd February 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Puffin Books Year: 1988 5th sentence, 74th page: I like it.
‘We saw Miss Trunchbull grab a girl by the pigtails and throw her over the playground fence!’
Growing up, Matildawas always one of my favourite books. I mean, how could it not be? It’s about a girl that is different, a bit of an outcast and seriously smart. I saw a lot of myself in her when I was a kid. I’m not that smart or that much of an outsider, and I certainly can’t move things with my mind. But I still felt that love for the character. And, reading this as an adult… I can remember why I had all of those wonderful, positive feelings.
Matilda is a reminder that we all have power and individuality. That we should never take advantage of others and always be good. I love Miss Honey, and always wished that I had a teacher like that growing up. Plus, Matilda has an amazing best friend in Lavendar. And just generally great people on her side, once she starts school that is. Plus, even though this is written by a man… it involves strong females. With strong female relationships. Something that I think we all need in our lives.
This is one of those stories that is so ingrained into my childhood that I’m not entirely sure if I read the book or watched the movie first. But, I do know for certain that the whole time I was reading this, I was picturing Danny DeVito (I think that’s the actor) and hearing his voice whenever Matilda’s father was talking. It gave me even more nostalgia and a fondness for aspects of childhood that had kind of lain dormant and forgotten.
It’s always nice to know that you can revisit a beloved childhood tale and still enjoy it. I will definitely be picking Matilda up again and again. It was a fun, light and enjoyable journey. And there were moments in it that I didn’t notice as a child. Something that I love… when something from your childhood stands the test of time.
Earth and Skye 