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.
Wow. This is an amazing novella. Just like the other novella I read in the Stormwalker series. I’m remembering why I’m so addicted to the idea of this series. Luckily, this time, I actually have Stormwalker sitting on my bookshelves… so I will probably start reading that almost immediately. There is just something incredibly intense and fun about this writing and world building that takes me to my super happy place.
Naomi and Jamison are a really great couple. I wasn’t as attached at the outset, due to the whole, he abandoned her for two years thing. But then he explained that away. And I fell completely, head over heels, in love. It helped that Jamison is a Native American, and I love the addition of this cultural group into my shelves.
To expand on the Native American theme, Coyote is also a major player in this story. He has got to be my favourite trickster deity. At least, thus far. There is something conniving, fun and wonderful about him. Plus, tricksters are supposed to be agents of change and balance… he’s the closest fit in all the mythos I’ve read. And he fits the bill perfectly in here. He kind of helps out Jamison and Naomi… but then he also kind of just abandons them….
Title: Foundling Author: D.M. Cornish Series: Monster Blood Tattoo #1 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Australian authors, Dark fantasy, Steampunk Dates read: 1st – 9th January 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Scholastic Year: 2006 5th sentence, 74th page: Could I see the gastrines, sir?
Meet Rossamnd a foundling, a boy with a girl’s name who is about to begin a dangerous life in the service of the Emperor of the Half-Continent. What starts as a simple journey becomes a dangerous and complicated set of battles and decisions. Humans, monsters, unearthly creatures . . . who among these can Rossamnd trust? D. M. Cornish has created an entirely original world, grounded in his own deft, classically influenced illustrations. Foundling is a magic-laced, Dickensian adventure that will transport the reader.
My mum gave me this book when I was still in high school, early teens. And I just couldn’t get into it. I liked the storyline, but, back then, I really wasn’t used to reading books which had another language. I just found it way too overwhelming and put it aside. Now I’m really wondering why. This book was amazing, engaging and impossible to put down. It was fun and interesting. Something that completely drew me in and totally enthralled me.
I love that this kind of employs Murphy’s Law – everything that Rossamund experiences is just one problem after another. Starting with getting on the wrong boat. Which you totally knew, and you completely expected things to start going haywire. Just, maybe not as haywire as what actually happened. It was glorious, entertaining and makes me excited to grab the next book. This story was just an absolutely insane adventure. It not only helped that Rossamund was constantly confused and questioning everything – which helped to explain the world that was being built around you as you were catapulted with him from one misadventure to another.
I loved the world building in this story. You kind of expect fantastic world building when there’s literally an entire dictionary at the back of the novel. But there was something even more phenomenal about this. Something that I found difficult to put down. I loved the creation of Rossamund and his friends. The monsters and people that he encounters. And the roles of the world – I didn’t expect a Lamplighter to be such a dangerous task!
It’ll be interesting to see how Lamplighter will unfold. Already, Rossamund’s adventures are revealing little cracks in the agreements of the world. The discussion of whether monsters are bad or good. The realities of living outside of the orphanage. Seriously, this book is amazing. And I love that it is also written by a fellow Aussie!
Ashputtle is the newest version of Cinderella. With a much darker, far more disturbing twist…
This is an incredibly insane version of Cinderella. Like, seriously insane. One that I absolutely adored. And couldn’t get enough of. And just seriously enjoyed… but it was dark, and made me think of Cinderella (or in this case Ashputtle) as more of a monster than a victim. Which is probably why I loved it so much. Nothing like a sick, disturbing story to make my crazy brain happy.
I found some of the points made about fat people really interesting. The idea that they’re presumed to be stupid or just plain ignored. It was painfully true. But also helped to create a cloak behind which Ashputtle could hide her atrocities. It’s a little bit scary how spot on these moments were and made me stop and think about how I deal with other people.
My biggest question about this short story is – what was done to the children? I know the culprit. I know that they went missing. And I even know why they were the selected victims. But what I don’t know is what was done with them? And my imagination is not leading me to nice, happy places with that…
Title: Master of Chaos Author: Michael Moorcock In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Dark fantasy, Magic Dates read: 8th January 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Robinson Year: 1964 5th sentence, 74th page: “I’ll try this, lady.”
He is the conqueror of lands. The sword of the Queen. But even this castle and its mistress might be too much for the newly appointed Master of Chaos.
When I think of dark fantasy, I think of some incredibly twisty, crazy stories. Ones that have a sense of darkness that you can’t shake. Yet, this story didn’t quite have that feeling of darkness. It was a little bit more light and entertaining. With just a hint of darkness behind the storyline. I love that it’s a story which features trickery as the central battle. One that wins the day in the end.
This story features a castle which protects itself from invaders and conquerors. Just by showing someone their greatest fears. It’s intense, engaging and very, very interesting. I’m not sure what I would be shown if this happened to me. Probably a lot of snakes running around everywhere. (Slithering. Whatever, you get my drift.)
At the beginning of this short story, I found it quite confusing. But, as the story unfolded, I started to gain a little more understanding. And it suddenly became kind of amazing. Definitely a story which I’m going to enjoy reading again, as I discover more and more of this storyline.
Title: Tarnished Knight Author: Bec McMaster Series: London Steampunk #1.5 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Australian authors, Steampunk romance, Vampires Dates read: 1st – 8th January 2020 Pace: Fast Format: eBook, Novella Publisher: Smashwords Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: Honoria laughed as Blade slung his arm around her.
In the steam-fuelled world of Victorian London, vampires, werewolves and slasher gangs stalk the night and a man made partly of metal is about to discover just how far he’ll go to protect the woman he loves…
After a vicious vampire attack left him struggling to leash the dark urges of the craving virus, John “Rip” Doolan thinks he’s finally starting to master the darkness within. The only thing that threatens to shatter his hard-won control is Esme, his closest friend and the only woman he’s ever wanted. If the stubborn beauty ever realized precisely what was going through his mind, their friendship would be ruined.
For six months, Esme has waited for Rip to recover and take her as his thrall, not daring to hope for more. Too afraid to put her heart on the line, she is devastated when Rip reveals that he never had any intentions of making her his.
But when a savage gang of Slashers start causing havoc in Whitechapel, Rip and Esme have no choice. They must face up to the depth of the passion that burns between them and forge a new relationship…or risk losing each other forever.
Wow was this novella intense and awesome. And amazing. And fun. There is just something about the world of London Steampunk that draws me in completely. Is kind of unforgettable. And makes me travel to my happy, literary nerd place. It’s just impossible to put down.
I’m really glad that Esme and Rip got their own story in this series. Their relationship and journey was left a little too open-ended at the conclusion of Kiss of Steel. So finding their happily ever after? That was just gorgeous. And, of course, since it’s a thrilling little novella, it couldn’t be easy and simple. Couldn’t just go with what you wanted to happen… I feel like I should be more annoyed by that. But I just absolutely loved the journey.
I love that although this is a steampunk romance and about Esme and Rip, the main storyline was actually a battle against another evil character. Or at least, that’s how it felt to me. I loved trying to find out how and when the bad guy was going to get his comeuppance. And the fact that it coincided with Esme and Rip trying to figure out how to coexist with Rip’s new abilities… well, it was just thrilling.
Family practitioner Cary Rupert wants Nora Chilton so badly he can barely keep a hold of his stethoscope. Now he’s out to prove that when it comes to loving her forever, he’s the man for the job.
This was an incredibly cute and easy novella. A good read at the end of a long day and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. It started out a little tedious… but then it gained traction. And was actually quite cute. Not the kind of story that will get your pulse racing, but one that makes you smile that happy, secret little smile.
At the beginning, I found Cary a little bit annoying. He was a little too stalkerish for my liking. I really don’t understand this whole idea of “romance” that focuses on men who won’t take no and somehow that’s romantic. I mean, seriously… if I tell you no. It’s a no. There is nothing coy and playful about that for me. Yet, once the story unfolded, it kind of became a little less stalkerish. Mostly because Nora actually appreciates it and there is true love. Ya da. Ya da. It’s still somewhat problematic though when you think about it…
I did like Nora though. She was super sweet and innocent. A little too much, but it was a nice balance to the super painful, pushy persona of Cary. Mostly, I found a lot of this storyline problematic. But yet, there was something about it that still worked beautifully. Something I just enjoyed. Even if I was constantly questioning why…
Title: The Duke That I Marry Author: Cathy Maxwell Series: Spinster Heiresses #3 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Historical romance, Regency romance Dates read: 30th January 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Avon Year: 2018 5th sentence, 74th page: “Did you write down a wager?”
Once upon a time there were threee young ladies who, despite their fortunes, had been on the Marriage Mart a bit too long. They were known as the “Spinster Heiresses”…
Is it wrong for a woman to want more?
Not if she is a Spinster Heiress. They do not settle. Any young miss would be very lucky to find herself promised to a man like the Duke of Camberly. However, Miss Willa Reverly has watched her friends marry for love. Camberly may be the prize of the season, but she will not be “sold” to any man. She wants his devotion or she wants nothing at all.
When is a Marriage of Convenience inconvenient?
Newly named to the ducal title, Matthew Addison is determined to discover the secrets behind Mayfield, the bankrupt estate he has inherited. He doesn’t have time to coddle a headstrong heiress who is determined to ditch him over something as silly as “love”. Little does he know that his questions will place her in jeopardy. Now he will do what he must to save them both.
Could it be that in running from danger they might be racing headlong into a truly unexpected fate: falling in love?
This is a fantastic ending to a beautiful little trilogy. Not only does Willa, the third “Spinster Heiress” find her own happiness, but the final scene involves all three women with their own happily ever afters. I loved that it ended with the girls being together as friends, rather than that feeling I was beginning to get that made you think that once they were married, they travelled off into the sunset and didn’t see each other again. I’m so glad that their bonds are reaffirmed in this.
The beginnings of Willa and Matt’s relationship (and the hurdles they must face) are touched upon in A Match Made in Bed. In fact, on finishing the second book in the series, I was kind of desperate to pick up the final story, because there was a fantastic lead in to it. It meant that unlike the first two book sin the Spinster Heiresses series, it as possible to be thrown into the action immediately. Starting with Willa jilting Matt and making it quite obvious that she wasn’t the kind of woman who could just be walked all over.
There is a lot more hidden drama in this story than the first two books. Mainly because blackmail and bankruptcy lead to a pretty intense storyline. One which had me pulling the pages of the book closer and closer to my face as I was more and more absorbed by the storyline. Although, it was still the romance of the story and the couple who really swept me off my feet. After all, I’m a sucker for a good romance.
What I loved most about this story is that the moment both characters realised that they were in love wasn’t an insane lightbulb moment. There is sexual passion there from the very beginning and a bit of a lustful infatuation on both their parts. But it is that realisation that love doesn’t have to be full of drama and angst. It is about finding that perfect partner in another human being and being able to just work together… that was the part of this story which completely enthralled me.
Title: A Match Made in Bed Author: Cathy Maxwell Series: Spinster Heiresses #2 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Historical romance, Regency romance Dates read: 21st – 22nd January 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Avon Year: 2018 5th sentence, 74th page: Cassandra didn’t undestand why someone hadn’t appied a brush and paint to the problem.
Once upon a time there were threee young ladies who, despite their fortunes, had been on the Marriage Mart a bit too long. They were known as the “Spinster Heiresses”…
Is it wrong for a woman to want more?
Miss Cassandra Holwell is too tall, too bookish, and too smart – but she does have money and a father who wants a grand title for her. Cassandra hasn’t felt a desire to marry until she meets the sinfully handsome Duke of Camberly, who captures her imagination… until Soren York, Earl of Dewsberry and her family’s sworn enemy, steps in the way.
The Holwells ruined Soren’s family, and he’s lived on the knige’s edge trying to resurrect their fortunes… until he considers marrying the Holwell Heiress. Not only would her dowry give him the funds he needs, but he has secretly had an eye on the independent-minded bluestocking since they both first realized the differences between men and women.
She likes to read; he has no patience for books. She know little of sex; he is a man of the world and willing to school her. Her family destroyed his; his offer of marriage may be her only salvation
Now Cassandra and Soren must learn to love each other for who they are, not what they are – and the lessons are becoming an exercise in absolute pleasure.
I absolutely adored this book. There was just something about it that was easy, fun and totally impossible to put down. Which I’m starting to find as a bit of a trend in the regency romances I’m obsessing over at the moment. Again, I read this in a ridiculously short amount of time, found it impossible to put down and really wanted to pick up The Duke That I Marry immediately on finishing this. I didn’t, because I have papers to write and an adult life to live… but I might have to do so pretty soon.
After the intensity of Leonie and Roman’s relationship in If Ever I Should Love You, I was completely expecting Cass and Soren to have a major falling out once they’d agreed to marriage. And I completely dreaded it. They had a little more of a battle to actually get to their happy, nuptial state, and I really, really didn’t want to see that suddenly destroyed and having to be fixed in the first moments of their “happily ever after”. It didn’t happen. Which made me ridiculously happy.
I could kind of tell that the father of Cass was kind of horrible. And a dick. But even I was surprised at the depths of the horribleness of her family. After reading two books in this trilogy in which the parents of the bride are completely deplorable… I’m really, really hoping that the third, and final book has parents that are at least abideable. Not holding my breath… but horrible parents somehow tears my heart strings more than anything else. There is just something so drastically sad about such a thing.
As much as I loved this book. There were two themes that I really and truly adored.
The first was the discussion about compromise and finding a way to make everything work. Both Soren and Cass are stubborn and opinionated. But they find a way to work each others’ needs and desires into their actions. Passion and romance is always featured, but compromise in a relationship? That’s something that I think we all need to focus on a little bit more…
And secondly, and finally, this story is really about getting over the past and moving on. About finding a way to move forward and act like an actual human being, rather than holding onto the horrors of the past. There’s even a great example in there which shows you just how much you can be twisted by holding onto the past with such vicious bitterness.
Title: If Ever I Should Love You Author: Cathy Maxwell Series: Spinster Heiresses #1 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Historical romance, Regency romance Dates read: 7th January 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Avon Year: 2017 5th sentence, 74th page: She just didn’t want the handsome Lord Dewsberry to be crestfallen on her account.
Once upon a time there were threee young ladies who, despite their fortunes, had been on the Marriage Mart a bit too long. They were known as the “Spinster Heiresses”…
He’s inherited a title, but not a penny to speak of, so the Earl of Rochdale knows he must find a wife – preferably one tolerably pretty and good-tempered, but definitely wealthy, and who will exchange her fortune for his family name.
His choice: Leonie Charnock, one of the season’s “Spinster Heiresses”. Years before, the earl had saved the dark-eyed beauty’s reputation, and she is still breahttakingly lovely, leading Rochdale to hope that their marriage will be more than in name only.
However, Leonie doesn’t want to be anyone’s wife. Nearly destroyed by the secrets in her past, Leonie agrees to their union with one condition: there will be a wedding but no bedding. But it’s a condition the new Countess Rochdale isn’t sure even she can keep…
Late last year, I read a novella by Cathy Maxwell and I loved it. So, the other day when I decided I wanted to buy a random guilty pleasure and saw one of her books on the shelves… I succumbed. And then, I read it very, very quickly in a period of about 24 hours. To the point that I didn’t even spend the last hour with my partner before he went away for a week because I really wanted to finish this amazing novel!
I love the Leonie is incredibly flawed. Unlike most heroines, particularly within Regency romances, she has a pretty big and serious flaw. There is no sweetness of voice of reason to her actions. Instead, she’s a lot more relatable. Actually, since her flaw (alcoholism) is one that my family has… it was a little too easy to relate to this aspect of her character. The fact that Roman then is incapable of dealing with her flaws like a semi-normal person. I love that both of these characters make you want to reach through the pages and smack them around. Normally I kind of feel like that about the men, but the fact that I wanted to do it to the woman as well… it somehow made her that much more real!
I’ve definitely decided in the last month that Regency romances are my new obsession. There is just something about them that captures the imagination and takes you away. An extra level of innocence which make the story so much sweeter and impossible to put down. There is just something that makes it more intense and fun. They’re a little reminiscent of Jane Austen, but the modern day writers add in a lot more sex, and this is something that I thoroughly enjoy in my romances… that turning of innocence.
One of the parts of Leonie that I love is that instead of focusing on becoming a better woman for Roman, she finds a way to just become a better person. A way to love herself again. The use of roses and gardening is a great way to do this. And it acted as a little bit of a reminder that it’s important to love yourself before finding a way to be what your partner needs. Feeling worthy of love is one of the most important things. Which is an amazing message – although this is a romance, Leonie doesn’t rely on a man to make her complete, she finds a way to do it herself.
Title: This Evening’s Performance Author: Genevieve Valentine In: The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk (Sean Wallace) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Dieselpunk, Romance Dates read: 6th January 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Robinson Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: Two minutes of pre-recorded audio from the play.
He’s loved her from afar for decades. Now, they’re the last three actors left in a world of automaton shows. How will they find their happily ever after at the end of an era?
There was something so tragic and bittersweet about this story. Yet, by the end of it… kind of hopeful too. I don’t normally consider short stories and, in particular, Dieselpunk stories to be romantic. But there is something about this one that felt incredibly… well… romantic. There is no kissing, no sexuality and just the hint of something throughout. But it was quite possibly one of the sweetest books I’ve read in a long time.
There is a constant fear in society of our roles being replaced by robots. And what happens to those that are replaced? In this short story, it’s actors that are replaced. Something which I, personally can’t imagine, but does work brilliantly well into the themes of Dieselpunk. It set against a marriage breaking up, and the promising hints of a new love (which is actually super old) beginning. This whole end of an era feel helps to lead to that bittersweet, intense feeling.
This story is somehow sad and hopeful. It left me feeling melancholy, yet quite happy as I turned the final page. Feelings that I don’t always feel at the conclusion to a story and definitely don’t feel for the exact same tale.
Earth and Skye 