Title: Clawed
Author: Ophelia Bell
Rating Out of 5: 1.5 (Couldn’t get past the first chapter)
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015
I’m honestly really over starting any kind of story that pits women against each other. Especially when it’s the entire start of the story – referring to each other as bitch. And honestly, as much as I tried, I just couldn’t get past that feeling of distaste. I’ve tried this twice, and just don’t like the whole feeling of this story. But onwards.
Title: Apex Jump
Author: David J. Schwartz
In: Glitter and Mayhem (Amber Benson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: LGBTQI, Science fiction, Space
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2013
Roller Derby, whilst something I’ve never seen (or tried), is something that I am completely intrigued by. Which means that the idea of Roller Derby in space just makes me all that much more intrigued. Honestly, Roller Derby in space is a fantastic idea that I absolutely loved, and the way that Schwartz executed this, completely brilliant!
This would have been an amazing story regardless of who the narrator was, but the fact that they are a trans woman and keep alluding to a painful past? Somehow that just made it all that much better. Plus, the narrator was brilliantly able to explain the dynamics of her team and how much they all love each other, even if they’re not perfect. I also love how there are multiple (in the double digits) gender groupings for the aliens. It just serves as a great reminder of how narrow-minded our culture is about gender.
This short story felt like a snippet in time and just a beautiful moment in somebody else’s life. And I really like that I got to visit this. It had such a positive and joyful feeling to it. One that involved Roller Derby and a fun trip to space. I absolutely loved this story and found it a joyful journey into an unimaginably creative world.
| <- Sister Twelve | With Her Hundred Miles to Hell -> |
It’s been an insane few months, so I’ve been burying my head in my books a little bit. But, it’s been hard to write reviews and keep up to date with website stuff. But, I’m slowly getting there.
Series
Short story collections
Standalones – Novels
Standalones – Short stories
Title: Tempting Talk
Author: Sara Whitney
Series: Cinnamon Roll Alphas #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020
Jake and Mabel are a great couple who work really well together – they both feel a connection from the beginning. And, although they are instantly attracted to one another, they work on building a friendship before diving into bed with one another. I’m always a big fan of a relationship that starts as a friendship and evolves into something more – the instalove, whilst cute isn’t always for me.
There was enough drama in this story to make me not want to put it down, but not enough that my emotions got heavily toyed with. I loved the simplicity of this story, and the enjoyment I got every time I turned the page. It’s also nice to read a story that is a pleasant read sometimes – life can get hectic, and I love that reading Whitney’s stories give me a nice diversion from the insanity of daily life.
Jake’s demisexualtiy was an interesting part of his person – I don’t actually think that I’ve read a book that features a demisexual. And I even had to look up what that term meant. I love when a story gives me a bit of an education about someone else’s lived experience, and the term demisexuality definitely did that for me. Yet, the fact that Jake was demisexual helped to add to the story, instead of interrupting the flow.
In continuing with the trend of different aspects to a character that I wasn’t expecting – I’ve never read a story which features a radio host. I mean, I grew up listening to morning radio in the car, and I never really gave any thought to what it was like to work in the field. The fact that Whitney worked as a morning radio host for a short time made learning the ins and outs of this career all that much more interesting and realistic. I absolutely loved this, again, new learning experiences always make me happy.
Mabel’s friendships with Dave and ultimately Thea were absolutely fantastic. I love good, strong, healthy friendships in stories – and it was Mabel’s that really helped to not only bolster her, but also the rest of the story. Particularly her friendship with Dave – they are the ultimate best friends and were really quite adorable.
| <- Tempting Taste | Tempting Lies -> |
Title: The Dragon Lantern
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022
I love that as this series unfolds, the slow-burn romance between Charlotte and Felicity slowly becomes more and more serious. They are testing the waters and finding their way. And honestly, it is all just too cute and sweet. Plus, then there’s the fact that they are both animal obsessed and working for the same sanctuary. With every story, I fall more and more in love with this couple and the world that they inhabit.
World building is always an bit of a sticking point with me for a great series. And I loved that Tape expanded on the world of Griffin Sanctuary with Charlotte’s visit to another sanctuary. The differences were brilliant, and, honestly, I love the idea of a network of paranormal sanctuaries and the different animals that they specialize in. Plus, it showed entirely different interpersonal dynamics between those who choose to work at such places.
As someone who studied environmental biology, I particularly appreciated the work and studies that go into finding out the reasons for different appendages and practices in animals. I love that, in The Dragon Lantern, it is the ‘lanterns’ on dragons which are focused upon, and their use. I love that there are a number of different theories given and provided. I spent a lot of this story focusing on the why and the how, and trying to figure out potential answers along with Charlotte and her colleagues.
Throughout this series thus far, there has been the overwhelming threat of the end of the internships and continuation of employment. Even though it is a given from fairly early on that Charlotte has a more long-term placement (due to being an apprentice vet), it was still a concern as to who would be able to come back. I love that not everyone that features in Charlotte’s life is due to return (because that would be unrealistic), but some are. It’s a nice testament to the continuation of and reality of this series. One I can’t wait to continue reading.
| <- The Kitsune Giggle | The Sphinx Pride -> |
Title: My Book Boyfriend
Author: Kathy Strobos
Series: New York Spark #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023
My Book Boyfriend was a really quick, easy and sweet read. It was kind of predictable, but had just enough of a surprise throughout that I couldn’t put it down. Plus, I like it when the story is simple and pleasant sometimes – it makes me happy and content. And it’s always nice to read about a happily ever after when the kids are driving you nuts and you have to be a responsible adult.
I was expecting a little more conflict between Lily and Rupert – after all, they are on opposing sides, and it would make complete sense for them to act against each other. Instead, even if they are on opposing sides of a political and social battle, they make it work with each other. And they don’t actually actively go against one another. I don’t know how it worked, but whilst they were fighting a battle, they were able to not fight at all. It was damn clever and adorable.
Lily’s group of friends are absolutely adorable and exactly what I love to read about in a group of girlfriends. I want to read more about each of them as they find their happily ever afters, which I’m hoping (and assuming) is down the track in this series. Plus, it’s great to read about a group of people rallying behind their community to support one another. I loved that this was all about a community garden and how important such a space was to people of all ages and genders.
Rupert’s grandfather was a bit of a piece of work, and I thought he was going to end up being far more evil than he was. I like that, ultimately, he may have been misguided, but was actually 100% supportive. Plus, it also meant that Rupert’s cousin wasn’t quite pitted against him as I had anticipated. Again, something that came as a pleasant surprise. I thought that Rupert’s role in corporate and his family would be far greater obstacles to his happiness. And I’m kind of glad that they weren’t, ultimately he got the girl and the love of his family as he wanted.
This might have been a thoroughly enjoyable romance that I look forward to reading again. And a great book to pull me into the world of Strobos, but it was also a great reminder of the importance of community and community spaces. It was a great reminder that community, in whatever shape or form it takes is incredibly important, and integral to all of our sanity and social / mental health. Even if it’s not quite what one would expect. And a great reminder to dive back into your own local community spaces.
| <- More Kathy Strobos | Love is an Art -> |
Title: Love is Ale You Need
Author: Gia Stevens
Series: Brews & Flings #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024
This was a really cute, sweet and fun novel. It was pretty of those rash romances to read, but with enough going on that it wasn’t quite a simple story. I honestly was loathe to put it down at any point, because I just needed to know what was going to happen next!
I honestly thought that there’d be a lot more internal difficulties between Rylee and Trey. I thought they’d both have a whole lot more drama and angst to committing to each other. Yet, I kind of love that the conflicts and difficulties are far more external.
I knew Rylee’s ex was going to be a bit horrible – I mean, it’s why she has hangups from the beginning. But he was far more of an issue than I had anticipated. And an absolute piece of work. As was Chad with his attitude problems. I liked that they were an external point of contention that threatened the happiness of the couple, without overwhelming the potential happiness of the story.
The list and sex scenes in this are wonderful, and I loved the palpable tension throughout this whole story. Yet, even with that to make my toes curl, it’s the emotional connection and relationship that had me grinning like a fool throughout. I absolutely adored this story and look forward to reading my next tale by Gia Stevens.
| <- More Gia Stevens | Make My Heart Malt -> |
Title: Stroke of Enticement
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #4.5
In: Wild Invitation (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013
It doesn’t matter how many times I read this novella, Zach and Annie are still so incredibly sweet and cute. I mean, they just zing from the first moment, and I love that Zach understands the need for patience in courting his sweet mate. Plus, there’s the absolutely beautiful nature hike dates that they go on… picture perfect in every way.
Zach’s qualifications as a PhD work brilliantly to subvert Annie’s family expectations of who and what an academic should be. I also love that he is quiet about it, and doesn’t use his intelligence to show off or put others down (something I’ve seen too much of in the recent past).
I seriously enjoyed how Zach slowly builds the relationship. However, like many people, he makes a few too many assumptions, and probably could stand to be a little more honest in the future. Still, it doesn’t take away from how yummy and cute this whole story is. And I will reread this again and again and again.
Title: Mine to Possess
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2007
I had honestly forgotten just how good Clay and Tally’s story actually is. I mean, it’s a really sweet second chance, childhood sweethearts story at its core. But, it also introduces the Forgotten, the battles that the Psy are playing more and more. And just, in general, is a stupidly enjoyable story. It’s got so much drama and passion, but also a level of sweetness and history that isn’t around in many of the other couples throughout the Psy-Changeling world.
There is so much trauma and angst throughout this story – I mean, Clay and Tally’s past gets more and more tragic as it unfolds. And, although both made stupid decisions, it’s really easy to see how they arrived at those decisions. It’s also incredibly enjoyable to journey with them as they both start to overcome the decisions of the past. I’m such a huge fan of the character growth that Singh imbues into her stories – and Clay and Tally are a particularly good example of this.
I’m well aware that I’ve been an incredibly lucky human in that I have a small family unit who is incredibly loving and supportive. But, I also have Found Family who help me complete my life and support me through everything. I love that for Clay and Tally, they are surrounded by Found Family. And that, even if they are a little bit quieter than some of the others, they are just completely accepted and loved for just who they are.
This is one of my favourite Psy-Changeling books to read, yet, its also a couple that I tend to forget about in hindsight. I think because there is something about Clay and Tally that is so much less dramatic and more comfortable than all of the other couples. Which, in this reread, makes them even more intense and powerful as a happily ever after.
Title: Caressed by Ice
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2007
Caressed by Ice is a gorgeous story which follows Brenna as she tries to overcome the damage done to her in Slave to Sensation. I love that Judd and Brenna are able to help each other move past the horrors of the past, and find a way to be happy in the end. I love that it’s actually the horrors of the past that help to form them, and find a way to one another. In fact, if Brenna and Judd hadn’t been through such horrific abuse, they wouldn’t have ended up together…
I actually love Judd’s power – I mean, telekinesis has seemed like a seriously awesome power since I watched Matilda. The fact that he has this power at a cellular level? Amazing. It is so tragic that he’s been brainwashed to believe that he is only able to ever be a tool of evil. I always find that in a romance, I connect more strongly to one of the pair – and in this case, it’s Judd with his power and sad past. Plus, he’s protective without being an unreasonable, overbearing male.
There are so many foreshadowing hints about who the Ghost actually is. I love that, even though this is my third reread of this series, I’m able to pick up on so many of these quiet little hints. Plus, it just makes me like the Ghost all that much more, and look forward to rereading his book when I finally get to it… and all of the other books that I seriously love throughout this entire series.
Caressed by Ice is a great reminder that nothing and no one is entirely evil, or entirely good. But, rather, there’s a little bit of both everywhere and in everyone. However, there are some who make decisions that go too far into evil to be forgiven, and Brenna and Judd discover what it means to realise that someone close to you is truly horrifying – and how heartbreaking that is. It honestly is seriously heartbreaking to read about the pain that they go through when they realise the betrayal comes from an unexpected source.
I love that although Brenna’s brothers are incredibly smothering and a little near-sighted with their love and loyalty, they are also kind of awesome. And, again, it’s a good reminder that they get their own very fun and enjoyable stories in the future. It’s also brilliant that Judd is able to show her brothers just how stifling their love is, and how to protect and adore without destroying all of Brenna’s confidence.
Earth and Skye 