Murphy’s Law by Morgan Leigh

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for perfect for the beach book cover

Title: Murphy’s Law
Author: Morgan Leigh
In: Perfect for the Beach (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Erin McCarthy, MaryJanice Davidson, Kayla Perrin & Morgan Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 15th January 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Kensington
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Kat did indeed have Camelot as a best friend.

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Synopsis

Kat Murphy is in love with her lawyer boss, Sam Parrish. Fearing his heart may never heal, she quits her job and heads for the beach. And when Sam follows, the sensual heat they generate is out of this world.

Thoughts

I was kind of expecting a tragedy or many things to go hilariously wrong in this story. After all, the name of it is Murphy’s Law. Yet, that’s not what I found. This was, undoubtedly kind of humorous and very cute. But mostly it was a story in which pretty much everything went right. After all, a woman quits her job and runs away to escape the man that she’s in love with. And in doing so, managed to find her happily ever after.

I’m absolutely fascinated to see what happens in the other two stories in this small series. I’m assuming that there’s another two stories since they discuss another two couples. I’ll actually be incredibly disappointed if this isn’t the case. The fact that all three couples are constituted by lawyers and their assistants is a little cliché, but it is kind of sweet. And wonderfully, enjoyably lustful in this novella.

I love that this novella is set against the backdrop of a beach retreat. It’s an incredibly fun and dreamy setting. I would love my own romantic interlude (with my partner) at a private little beach on a beautiful, sunny day. There is just something about such a setting which makes it a little more light-hearted and fun.

 <- Hot and Bothered ReviewPerfect for the Beach Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Viscount Who Loved Me: The Second Epilogue by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover julia quinn the duke and i the second epilogue

Title: The Viscount Who Loved Me: The Second Epilogue
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #2.5
In: The Bridgertons (Julia Quinn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 16th January 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: She had sent his ball into the lake.

Synopsis

Fifteen years have passed, but the Bridgertons are as devious and diabolical as ever when it comes to life on the croquet field. Join Anthony, Kate, Simon, Daphne, Colin, Edwina, and (of course) the mallet of death, as Julia Quinn shows that happily ever after can still be a little bit wicked… and a whole lot of fun.

Thoughts

One of my favourite things about Kate and Anthony in The Viscount Who Loved Me was the fact that Kate and Anthony are constantly engaged in some kind of witty banter. This second epilogue highlights that aspect of their relationship. Through the game of Pall Mall. And the Mallet of Death. I love that they continue to play this game years after that first iconic game and continue their insane banter and competitiveness with each other.

Even after fifteen years together, I love the Kate and Anthony are competitive and aggressive. They’re so determined to win that they’ll cheat and scheme. Including fight each other over the right to collect the Mallet of Death.

Even though Kate and Anthony are incredibly competitive and spiteful within this story, they are still so very clearly in love. In fifteen years time, I would love to have this same fun and light spirit in my own marriage. One full of banter and witty arguments…

 <- The Viscount Who Loved MeAn Offer From a Gentleman ->

Image source: Julia Quinn

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover julia quinn the viscount who loved me

Title: The Viscount Who Loved Me
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 14th – 15th January 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: Kate gave her hand a squeeze.

Synopsis

1814 promises to be another eventful season, but no, This Author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London’s most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry. And, in all truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consumate rake, nobody does it better…
– Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, April 1814

But this time the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn’t just decided to marry – he’s also chosen a wife! The only abstacle is his intended’s older sister, Kate Sheffield – the most meddleseom woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate’s the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams…

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands – and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate is determined to protect her sister – but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony’s lips touch hers, she’s suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself…

Thoughts

I’ve been trying not to go nuts and buy the rest of the Bridgerton series since I read The Duke and I. I even managed to last a far while before I succumbed. And then I read The Viscount Who Loved Me the moment that it arrived on my doorstep. There is just something so unbelievably sweet and unforgettable about this series that makes it impossible to put down. Something that means I really have to pace myself when picking up these books, because I tend to ignore everything else in my life.

The Viscount Who Loved Me definitely has a bit of a Pride and Prejudice vibe. And, considering that’s one of my favourite classics, I thought that this was brilliant. There was a much more modern spin and tone to the classic (even though it is set in much the same time). And there were even moments that I thought of a few other Jane Austen books whilst reading it. There was just something undeniably fun, light-hearted and brilliant about this. Something which felt totally new, but also wonderfully familiar. Kind of like a good comfort food late on a winter’s night…

I’m the older sister of a girl who is undeniably, stunningly beautiful. I’m no slouch, but when compared to her… so I kind of understand why Kate is a little withdrawn from the pursuit of men. Yet, she’s also fiercely independent and strong willed. Loyal to her sister and unwilling to just let people take advantage. Again, eerily familiar. Yet, her love interest and counterpart in this story, Anthony, is not in the slightest bit familiar (although, rather reminiscent of Mr. Darcy). He’s kind of a self-centred moron for much of the story. All because he’s decided to “face” his mortality. Men who think they know best are annoying at the best of times, the ones who feel are like this and then refuse to communicate…. Yeah, I got really frustrated for a good portion of this story. Yet, I still absolutely adored him.

 <- The Duke and I: The Second EpilogueThe Viscount Who Loved Me: The Second Epilogue ->

Image source: Julia Quinn

The Duke and I: The Second Epilogue by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover julia quinn the duke and i the second epilogue

Title: The Duke and I: The Second Epilogue
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #1.5
In: The Bridgertons (Julia Quinn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 15th January 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: Her heart thumped, then flipped, and any facility she might have possessed for synonym retrieval flew right out of her.

Synopsis

Fifteen years have passed, but the Bridgertons are still just as happy and devoted to one another. Join Daphne and Simon as they discover yet another surprise is heading their way.

Thoughts

I read The Duke and I because I needed a Q author for a reading challenge. And I very quickly became absolutely obsessed and just demolished the whole story. So it was really, really nice to revisit Simon and Daphne in this second epilogue. They’re just such a wonderful, cute couple and I loved every short moment of revisiting their happily ever after moment.

I like that whilst the epilogue in the actual novel is a little more immediate, this story takes place twenty years after the events of the main novel. Mostly romances provide a story, and then you get to imagine most of the happily ever after. This short story just ensured that you got confirmation that all the hopeful, happily ever after thoughts you may or may not have were actually spot on.

Children is something that has begun to be discussed a fair bit in my household (I’m approaching thirty), so it was fun to read a story in which that conversation is still being had twenty years after the first children, and moments of happiness have been achieved. It was a little intense… but, considering Daphne is only forty (although old for the time period), it may even be a discussion that takes place in my own household…

 <- The Duke and IThe Viscount Who Loved Me ->

Image source: Julia Quinn

Hot and Bothered by Kayla Perrin

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for perfect for the beach book cover

Title: Hot and Bothered
Author: Kayla Perrin
In: Perfect for the Beach (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Erin McCarthy, MaryJanice Davidson, Kayla Perrin & Morgan Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 14th January 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Kensington
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: I made your favourite.

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Synopsis

Marrying Trey Arnold after a whirlwind romance was the dumbest thing Jenna Maxwell ever did. Divorce is the simple solution, but once she sees Trey’s sexy smile again, things get complicated…and very, very hot.

Thoughts

Most romances you meet is about that moment that lovers meet and / or figure out that they’re meant for each other. Which makes sense, because that’s kind of the point of a romance. This story takes a bit of a departure from that. It’s about that moment afterwards, when things have completely fallen apart. And how things can be put back on track. When it’s not about that instant attraction, but making your crap and bullshit work with one another’s.

It is so incredibly easy to misinterpret other’s thoughts and actions. Especially when you’re talking about the one person that you love the most. After all, they’re the ones who have the greatest ability to hurt you. And, for most people, it’s much easier to pull away in such a circumstance. Easier, safer… at the time. I love that there is no one fully in the wrong in the split up of this marriage in this novella. Rather, it is about realising that you both have made mistakes, and you have to find a way beyond that.

There is a little sex and lust in this. There’s seduction and champagne and strawberries. But it’s really not about that. It’s about communication. And, take it from me… communicating with your loved one can be one of the single most difficult things to do.

 <- My Thief ReviewMurphy’s Law Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

To Become a Sorcerer by Darrell Schweitzer

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

Title: To Become a Sorcerer
Author: Darrell Schweitzer
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Magic
Dates read: 13th January 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1991
5th sentence, 74th page: There was little to do that night.

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Synopsis

His Dad was a sorcerer, so how did he become one? And what will it take to make his son walk in his footsteps?

Thoughts

There are four acts to this story. Or chapters. But, to me, they kind of read like the more traditional acts used in the telling of a story.

The first act is all about losing family. About having that love and losing it. About the confusion that this brings along for a young child.

The second act talks more about sorcery. About being set on the path towards sorcery and the journey that that takes you on.

The third act, is really about going into the belly of the beast. Specifically, it’s about actually succumbing to the need for power and going on a journey into sorcery.

Finally, the fourth and final act is the epic battle in which all secrets and plans are revealed.

I enjoyed this unique set up and journey. And I would love to see how this was formed into a full-length novel.

<- Seven Drops of BloodNo. 252 Rue M. le Prince ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

My Thief by MaryJanice Davidson

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for perfect for the beach book cover

Title: My Thief
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
In: Perfect for the Beach (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Erin McCarthy, MaryJanice Davidson, Kayla Perrin & Morgan Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 13th January 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Kensington
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Well, if you don’t want an ambulance.. And everything’s under control…

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Synopsis

John Crusher is hauled into his hotel room only to come fact-to-face with a stunning redhead who orders him to strip. But when the room service is this superb, what’s a guy to do but show his appreciation.

Thoughts

Every MaryJanice Davidson story I’ve read is completely off-kilter different from what I’d expected and just downright funny. This novella was no different. My Thief had me out and out laughing, smiling and just grinning as the heroine, who is so different to what you’d expect, hooked up with a hunky accountant. Talk about turning stereotypes on their head.

I’ve been very much into romances lately. They involve a little less concentration than many of the fantasies that I love, and I’ve kind of needed that break in the pattern. As a general, they’re a little bit lighter than many of the other genres which fill my shelves. Yet, there is something even more light-hearted about this novella. Something that made me feel like I was on a happy universe where everything actually does work out in the end… especially when you consider the competition between Robin and her Uncle Rich.

I love imagining the happily ever after, sunset moment that both of these characters are going to have. Particularly the idea of Robin meeting John’s Hallmark family. It’s a future filled with humour and entertainment. One that would never have a dull moment. And, honestly, who wouldn’t want that?

 <- Blue Crush ReviewHot and Bothered Review ->

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Hot for the Holidays by Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Anya Bast and Allyson James

Book Review, , , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for hot for the holidays book cover

Title: Hot for the Holidays
Author: Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Anya Bast & Allyson James
In: Hot for the Holidays (Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Anya Bast and Allyson James)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 5th – 12th January 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Jove
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: He ignored it, swung his sword.

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Synopsis

Featuring four all-new novellas of sensual surprises and seasonal spirits, this collection includes a new tale of the Breeds from Lora Leigh and a return to the world of the Mageverse from Angela Knight.

Vampire’s Ball by Angela Knight
Kat Danilo’s childhood turned tragic when her sister become the victim of a serial killer. Years later, she gets a chance at justice when she discovers she’d the daughter of Lancelot, vampire knight of the Round Table. But first, she’s got to convince a handsome vampire warrior that she’s worthy to gain the magical powers that are her birthright—powers that might help her find her sister’s killer.

If the murderer doesn’t find her first….

Sweet Enchantment by Anya Bast
This novella provides a first taste of the world in which Anya’s new Dark Magick series is set.

A Little Night Magic by Allyson James
The town of Magellan is famous for its woo-woo activity. Naomi is known as an Unbeliever (one who doesn’t believe in Magellan’s mystical energy). But Naomi must put disbelief aside when her Navajo lover reveals that he is a Changer, a shapeshifter, and has returned to Magellan to protect her from grave anger on Christmas Eve.

A Christmas Kiss by Lora Leigh
Jess has been in isolation for the past year… ever since she betrayed the people she loves the most. Yet, it’s Hawke’s unwillingness to visit her that really hurts her the most. As secrets are revealed and truths discovered, will Jess and Hawke finally find a way to be together?

Thoughts

This is a fantastic novella collection. Especially since it’s got a Christmas theme, but really wasn’t Christmassy at all. Actually, other than the fact that each of these novellas was set around the festive season, there was nothing truly Christmassy about any of these. Which made me much, much happier. I’m just not that into the festive season this year…

I bought this collection because I had one of the series in it (Stormwalker). And then, not long after, started the second one (Breeds). In reading this, I also got to discover two new, great series that are most definitely going on my wish list. It made a great, fun collection. One that took me to new worlds and made me want to just sink my teeth into each and every one of these four series…

Although this is in the paranormal romance section of my bookshelves, it’s really not all the romancey. There are a few stories in this that are intensely lustful, and in every single one there is a couple and sex. But, ultimately it was more about finding a way to be happy with one another, not about the actual overboard romance.

 <- A Christmas Kiss ReviewVampire’s Ball Review ->

Image source: Amazon

Seven Drops of Blood by Robert Weinberg

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

Title: Seven Drops of Blood
Author: Robert Weinberg
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Cops, Crime
Dates read: 12th January 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1992
5th sentence, 74th page: According to ancient Hebrew tradition, Ashmedai reigned as king of demons.

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Synopsis

He’s the resident psychic detective. His latest job? To track down the Holy Grail. What he discovers is nothing like what was expected.

Thoughts

This short story had a very noir detective feel to it. And, since it’s in a collection of Dark Magic short stories, I spent a very high proportion of it wondering where the dark magic actually was. That was kind of frustrating. Even once I found the “magical” aspect, it wasn’t anywhere near as intense as I was expecting and I kind of felt a little perplexed at its place in this anthology. But, it was still a thoroughly enjoyable story.

What I did love about this short story was that it featured the Holy Grail. It’s such an interesting topic, and one that I want more of in my reading. Actually, I think that I just want more of this noir detective feel in my reading in general.

This was a light, easy read. Not as dark and twisted as most of the other stories in this collection, and one that I seriously enjoyed reading. I was actually really disappointed when it was all over…

<- Master of ChaosTo Become a Sorcerer ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Blue Crush by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for perfect for the beach book cover

Title: Blue Crush
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Florida Doctors #1
In: Perfect for the Beach (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Erin McCarthy, MaryJanice Davidson, Kayla Perrin & Morgan Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 12th January 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Kensington
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: What was there to see?

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Synopsis

Dr Sara Davis loses her bikini top to a powerful wave and finds herself in the arms of gorgeous lifeguard Kyle Vanderhoff…where a little mouth-to-mouth just might resuscitate her love life.

Thoughts

One of the hardest things about being a driven, independent and intelligent woman is that it’s something which doesn’t always go over too well with the people you’re surrounded with. The fact that this novella features a woman whose main hang-up is exactly that was seriously enjoyable. And way, way, way too relatable.

I’ve been with my other half for almost nine years, and, like the couple in this story… it started out as somewhat of a fling. That feeling of instant attraction is palpable on these pages. That desire to somehow find more when it starts out as something just physical. I love the discussion about that human need to connect throughout this story. That idea that one afternoon of insane sex can actually lead to something more… I know that it did for me.

To further make this story fun and engaging, the setting was absolutely gorgeous. Set on a beach amongst the joys of the surf and sand. With a monsoon heading in… there is just something kind of glorious about the entire storyline.

<- One Wilde WeekendHouston, We Have a Problem ->

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