Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Truth or Beard (Winston Brothers) (Volume 1): Reid, Penny: 9781942874126: Amazon.com: Books

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.

Synopsis

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?

Thoughts

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!

<- Beauty and the MustacheGrin and Beard It ->

Image source: Amazon

Full-Scale Demolition by Suzanne McLeod

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for home improvement undead edition book cover

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.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

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.

Thoughts

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.

<- Rick the BraveIt’s All in the Rendering ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Red Dreams by Jonathan Maberry

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for dead man's hand book cover

Title: Red Dreams
Author: Jonathan Maberry
In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Weird western, Wild west
Dates read: 19th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Titan Books
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Then he fired.

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Synopsis

He is just spending a cold, dark night alone. But then a parade of the dead stream past and the Red Dreams begin…

Thoughts

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…

<- Strong MedicineBamboozled ->

Image source: Amazon

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han – review | Children's books | The Guardian

Title: The Summer I Turned Pretty
Author: Jenny Han
Series: Summer #1
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Young adult
Dates read: 19th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: But there they were, dunking one another for all it was worth.

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Synopsis

Every year Isbael spends a perfect summer at her family friends’ house.

There’s the swimming pool at night, the private stretch of beach – and the two boys.

Conrad – unavailable, aloof –
who she’s been in love with forever.
Jeremiah – friendly, relaxed –
the only one who’s ever really paid her any attention.

But this year something is different. They seem to have noticed her for the first time. It’s going to be an amazing summer… and one she’ll never forget.

Thoughts

This is a fairly typical teenager story. It’s a little angsty, it’s about coming of age and discovering oneself. And it’s fairly self-centred all in all. Which to me, is what a lot of teenagers / teenage stories are like. I mean, the name of the book in itself gives that fact away. It’s also an incredibly sweet story and a reminder of my own summers when I was growing up and figuring out just who I was. Making it a seriously enjoyable and easy read (which is exactly what I wanted at the time).

Don’t get me wrong, “Belly” tends to annoy me a little bit in patches throughout this story. She is kind of whiney. And although I sort of get it, I mean, she’s constantly left out by the other three… I also sometimes wanted to reach through the pages of the book, and just clip her over the head. Tell her to get over herself and find someone who did want to spend time with her. She does eventually do this, and the whiney annoyance did eventually disappear. But there were moments of “oh girl”.

I completely picked who the end love interest would be in this story. Although, some of the bumps along the way were a little unanticipated. And even though it was completely predictable, I did actually like who she ended up with. They somehow work together (I think) and I’ll be interested to see how things unfold in the next story. Particularly when you already know which character will be missing, and how it’s going to be a little bit sad…

I do love that throughout this story Belly goes through a pretty good transformation. Alright, she starts this with suddenly being “pretty” (barf). But it’s that internal one that I actually really enjoyed. She manages to figure out just who she is (which helps her win the boy). And she also learns to be less selfish, more able to think about others. Which, ultimately is what I really look forward to in a teenage characters’ growth.

<- More Jenny HanIt’s Not Summer Without You ->

Image source: The Guardian

Feels Like Family by Sherryl Woods

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Feels Like Family
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: The Sweet Magnolias #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 17th – 18th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: What the sundae wasn’t accomplishing, Erick was.

Synopsis

On the road to success, good friends are never far apart in the world of the Sweet Magnolias. Now a Netflix original series!

Helen Decatur spent a lifetime setting goals – getting through college and law school, opening her own practice, becoming financially secure, and establishing herself as one of the most highly respected divorce attorneys in the state of South Carolina. Achieving those goals was a breeze compared to the one she’s faced with now.

The most driven – and cynical – of the Sweet Magnolias, Helen is forty-two, single and suddenly ready for the family she’s put on the back burner for all these years. Unfortunately, having a child at her age comes with lots of complications, not the least of which is the absence of a serious relationship in her life.

Handling so many divorces has left her sceptical about love, but Helen’s not the type of woman to wait around for fate to step in. Taking charge of her own destiny puts her at odds with her two best friends and sets sparks flying with a man who claims he doesn’t want a family, and nothing turns out like she planned.

Thoughts

So whilst I loved this novel, I do need to point out that I really didn’t like Helen’s decision making and choices throughout this story. It was seriously flawed and just all round not okay. Yet, somehow, even though I was seriously not impressed… I didn’t hate her. Which is surprising. Because the decisions that she made in this were of the sort that I would normally feel pure rage…

All of that aside, this was still kind of a cute little love story. It was filled with the typical lightness (with a dash of serious) that I’m getting used to in Woods’ romances. And it was just… well, pleasant. Plus, I did really adore Eric. I may not have liked some of the decisions in this story… but I still loved the overall reaction and outcome. It was just a cute, easy to read love story that I read while curled up, trying to get over a damn bug.

I really enjoyed the fact that this romance wasn’t just about the lead couple, Helen and Eric. But there was another romance bought into the story. A bit like Virgin River, there are so many layers of beautiful moments throughout this whole story that builds up the whole community, not just the primary characters. In the case of this story, it is Karen’s journey and her romance with Elliot that just helped further the whole world for me. Plus, Karen’s story was a really nice counterpoint to Helen’s. both in personality and occurrences…

Aside from my one point of contention (Helen’s damn dumb ass decisions), this is a really sweet story. It’s about love, family and the importance of friendship. And I loved the fact that although Dana Sue and Maddie get annoyed at Helen, there is still no doubt that they are friends… even when that friendship involves a bit of a butt kicking.

<- A Slice of HeavenWelcome to Serenity ->

Image source: Kobo

Press Any Key by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Bad Boys Online by Erin McCarthy

Title: Press Any Key
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Bad Boys Online #2
In: Bad Boys Online (Erin McCarthy)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 18th October 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: I really don’t think so.

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Synopsis

Press Any Key

To Jared Kinkaid, the only way to keep his mind – and his hands – off his luscious co-worker Candy Appleton is to insult or ignore her at every turn. But his efforts at lust control have his boss convinced that the partners need a little help via online couples counselling. When they’re mistakenly signed up for sensual couples counselling instead, Jared and Candy’s shock turns to pleasure as they each deliver some hands-on therapy of their own…

Thoughts

I really loved how quickly pretty much everything spiralled out of control in this novella. There is nothing like total and utter mayhem to drive a story. And when that mayhem involves computers and the story is a romance… Yeah, I found this funny and brilliant.

I liked how well Candy and Jack fit together in this story. They are both perceived as being the epitome of attractive for their gender, and they’re both frequently judged for it. But, as the story unfolds, you realise that they really need to be seen and accepted as they are… after all, isn’t that what we all want?

I’ve never been much for exhibitionism. But somehow, McCarthy manages to make sex in the office less terrifyingly risky, and a little… romantic. I’m not really sure how, and normally this is the kind of scene that I just wouldn’t enjoy. But in the case of Jack and Candy, I think I’ll have to make an exception.

<- Hard DriveUser Friendly ->

Image source: Goodreads

Beecher Island by Wayne D. Overholser

Book Review,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of westerns book cover

Title: Beecher Island
Author: Wayne D. Overholser
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 17th October 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1970
5th sentence, 74th page: Damn that Forsyth!

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Synopsis

Sam is in the middle of a gunfight on Beecher Island. Will they win? Will he ever get home to the farm?

Thoughts

This was a really wonderful description of battle. It wasn’t glorious and it wasn’t filled with people with an overzealous ideal. Rather, it was all about a young lad who just wants to go home to his farm and… well, live. Partnered with the actual descriptiveness of this all. I thought that it worked quite well.

Having said that, this really wasn’t as blood thirsty and graphically intense as some of the stories I’ve been reading lately. A nice little break if I’m being honest. It created a nice story in which battle isn’t about the glory and the blood – but rather, it’s about just wanting to go home and find your own zen.

For me, ultimately, this wasn’t so much a story about war, but about the stupidity of it. This may be my own ideals coming through. But still…

<- Blood on the SunDesert Command ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Across the Nightingale Floor: Book 1 Tales of the Otori by Lian Hearn - Books - Hachette Australia

Title: Across the Nightingale Floor
Author: Lian Hearn
Series: Tales of the Otori #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Asia, Fantasy, Historical fiction, Japan
Dates read: 18th October 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Hachette Australia
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: He was gone from the garden, and I was beginning to wonder if I’d seen another mirage, when I heard voices from the upstairs room.

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Synopsis

In his fortress at Inuyama, the murderous warlord Iida Sadamu surveys his famous nightingale floor. Constructed with exquisite skill, it sings at the tread of each human foot. No assassin can cross it unheard.

Brought up in a remote village among the Hidden, a reclusive and spiritual people, Takeo has learned only the ways of peace. Why, then, does he possess the deadly skills that make him so valuable to the sinister Tribe? These supernatural powers will lead him to his violent destiny wihtin teh walls of Inuyama – and to an impossible longing for a girl who can never be his. His journey is one of revenge and treachery, beauty and magic, and the passion of first love.

Thoughts

This was a seriously beautiful and powerful novel. I’ve had it sitting on my shelf for a while, and just hadn’t gotten around to it… and wow. Was I missing out (this seems to be a pretty common theme with me though…). I loved the world building, the characters, the story… everything that Hearn constructed in this was just… intense. And wonderful. Definitely looking forward to reading Grass for His Pillow soon.

The setting and historical feel of this story was awesome. I remember going to Japan as a young child, and I’ve studied the language for years. Which just made this feel even more amazing as I journeyed throughout the pages. Not only was it a historical fiction based in an entirely new and unique location (compared to the other historical fictions on my shelves). But it was one that already draws me in and fascinates me. Which may be a pretty significant contributor to my love of this story…

As much as I loved this story. It wasn’t a happy one. Throughout the whole thing I felt like my heart was breaking a little. it didn’t really matter what point of the story I was at, there was a little bit of heart break. This was that bittersweet kind of story that is beautiful, but it’s beautiful because of all the greys, and there is no rainbow. Which, of course, just served to make it all that much more unforgettable.

This is definitely one of the best books that I’ve picked up in a while. I have been steering clear of books with a lot of backstory lately (I have no idea why) and I think that this has cured me of that. There is so much political intrigue, drama and tangled webs. Which just leaves you thinking “what will happen next” after you turn that final page.

<- Heaven’s Net is WideGrass for His Pillow ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha): Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha): Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Children of Blood and Bone
Author: Tomi Adeyemi
Series: Legacy of Orisha #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Africa, Fantasy, Magic, Young adult
Dates read: 31st August – 17th October 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: MacMillan
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: “Thank you,” I whisper into her fur.

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Synopsis

THEY KILLED MY MOTHER.
THEY TOOK OUR MAGIC.
THEY TRIED TO BURY US.
NOW WE RISE.

Thoughts

This is one of those books that I keep looking at, and seriously wanting to pick up. But then, because I’m somewhat of a child… I get distracted, see something shiny and find something else. Plus, it’s a pretty big book, so I did found it somewhat of an intimidating idea to read. And now I’m regretting not reading this as soon as it came out and found a home on my shelves. Because this is freaking awesome. As in turn the final page and then just stare into space with a really bad book hangover kind of awesome…

This story is all about oppression and power. The inequality and narratives that are often told to justify marginalising and preying upon another group. Whilst this is loosely set in Africa, there were many moments throughout this that were cringe-worthy as I thought about what has been done to Australia’s First Nations Peoples. It is a story that is sadly told across the world, and I loved how this novel dealt with such an issue. How a very, very difficult conversation is had in the pages of this story that will, hopefully, help a whole new generation understand a little bit more about the past.

Zel and Amari are the most fantastic female leads I’ve come across in a while. Zel is all hard edges and aggression. She is so obviously trying to fit into a world and identity that is too small for her. But, there is also a lot of sadness and despair there. Which I can’t wait to see how she continues to grow. Because boy does she mature throughout this novel. And Amari is nothing like what I would have expected as a counterpoint. She begins as someone who seems to be all soft edges and gentleness. And then, as the story continues, you find that backbone of steel and strength. And that gentleness and understanding that Zel lacks. I really hope that these two become best of friends, because I can’t really imagine it turning out any other way…

This is an amazing novel. It introduced me to aspects of African culture, which of course I know next to nothing about. It reminded me of my White Privilege. And it manage to intertwine all of this with an amazing young adult fantasy story of magic and mayhem. Power and triumphing over evil. I really can’t wait to see where Adeyemi takes Zel and Amari next…

<- More Tomi AdeyemiChildren of Virtue and Vengeance ->

Image source: Amazon

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Book Review, , ,
Overview
I am Malala, The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai | 9781780226583 | Booktopia

Title: I Am Malala
Author: Malala Yousafzai
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Biographies, Feminism, Memoirs, Strong women
Dates read: 11th – 16th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: But all this time the mufti was watching.

Synopsis

I come from a country that was created at midnight When I almost died it was just after midday. When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan. One girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education. On Tuesday October 9 2012 when she was fifteen. She almost paid the ultimate price. She was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school and few expected her to survive. Instead. Malala’s miraculous recovery has taken her on an extraordinary journey from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations in New York. At sixteen she became a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest nominee ever for the Nobel…

Thoughts

There are just some people in the world who seem to make me feel bad for the many, many things that I don’t do. It’s not necessarily a bad thing… just a, well… thing. That feeling of guilt that accompanies the reminder that there are some seriously bad arse, tough, amazing women out in the world. And Malala Yousafzai is most certainly one of them. That’s not to say that reading I Am Malala made me feel guilty or horrible, but it served as a reminder of the awesomeness of this young woman.

The journey that Malala takes is just phenomenal. And I can’t really describe that feeling of this is really awesome that you will get whilst reading this. Not just because of what Malala has accomplished, but also the family that she’s from and her love of her people and country. Every single word in this novel speaks of humility and love. And it makes this just… phenomenal. And one of those books that is impossible to forget.

I love that this book, even though it is about Malala’s journey, is really mostly about her family. Almost every sentence is about them. And, in particular, her father. It shows you that people who create great change don’t actually do this on their own… they have a family and people around them that help them accomplish everything and anything that they put their mind to. And for Malala, that driving factor is her father. And, considering the culture in which they both come from… that is somehow all that much more phenomenal.

This is one of those books that I think everyone needs to read. It is phenomenal and powerful. Unforgettable and a seriously intense and glorious journey. This is just one of those novels and lives that I will remember anytime I’m feeling negative, pessimistic or like a downright bore.

<- Falling LeavesAble ->

Image source: Booktopia