Bitten ReRead by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Bitten (ReRead)
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Otherworld #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2001

Thoughts

It’s been a long time since my first read through of Bitten, and I was wondering how it would hold up years later. I mean, I still thoroughly enjoy reading Kelley Armstrong’s books, but there’s always something tentative and kind of risky about going back to read something you’ve loved in the past. What happens if it doesn’t meet your expectations? Luckily for me, this wasn’t the case, and whilst I took a bit longer than usual to read it – because I had personal crap going on. It was still just as beautiful and easy to love as the first read through.

I really liked the dysfunctionality of Clay and Elena. Which seems completely weird, but they are obviously meant for each other and going to end up together, yet, they are also a little toxic towards one another. I love that throughout this story, they actually spend a lot of time learning how to not be toxic toward one another and to be healthy in a relationship. Or at least, as healthy as they seem capable of. I also love that Clay takes the time to actually try and change and give Elena the space that she needs to make the right decision. Plus, there’s the fact that, even at the end, they aren’t quite riding off for a happily ever after into the sunset – rather it’s a lets see how we go now.

I can totally understand why Elena chuffs at the restrictions placed on her by Jeremy. I’ve never been one for blind obedience and I love that Elena is just the same – unable to blindly obey and constantly questioning authority. I also love how she does it in a way that ultimately still supports Jeremy in everything, she just doesn’t do so blindly. I also love Jeremy as an Alpha of the Werewolf Pack – he isn’t the typical aggressive alpha and is actually incredibly meticulous and intelligent. He is a little bit ignorant of just how to deal with Elena at times, which I find kind of hilarious.

I’m not going to lie, this is actually a bit of a creepy paranormal romance – I mean, the villains throughout this are primarily serial killers who have been turned into werewolves. That’s not going to be a comfortable story line / bunch of characters in any way, shape, or form. A lot of the storyline is also about Elena accepting the darkest parts of herself. She starts off in total denial about her more rage-like and aggressive tendencies, but then slowly comes to accept that that’s just a part of who she is. Not the cookie-cutter perfect reality, but a somewhat sarcastic and short-tempered power-house of a woman. One that, even on this second read through, I still adore.

<- More Kelley ArmstrongStolen ReRead ->

Image source: Hachette Books

The Fling in Panama by Liz Alden

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Fling in Panama
Author: Liz Alden
Series: Love and Wanderlust #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Travel
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I thought that Lila and Eivind were a wonderfully cute and adorable couple. They were incredibly sweet and cute together. Plus, they manage to fall in love in the most beautiful of settings. And I learnt a little bit about the Panama Canal (which I knew absolutely nothing about prior to reading this book). They both have a few issues of maturity in the beginning of this story, but, after falling for one another, leant to grow into slightly more functional adults.

I love that, ultimately, this romance was about giving up parts of what they want for a better future together. It’s a great reminder that in all relationships, compromise is important. And sometimes we need to re-examine the things that we thought we wanted for what we actually want. Yet, ultimately, neither Lila or Eivind actually have to give up their dreams, just reconfigure them a little to fit another person in.

At the beginning of The Fling in Panama, Lila is portrayed as an incredibly naïve and innocent young woman. However, I really didn’t find her to be that naïve at all. I mean, she’s aware that she’s not quite worldly and experienced in a lot of ways. But, she uses this knowledge to then try and expand her horizons. I love characters who are wiling to learn and explore the world – those who are aware of their limitations and use this to become a more rounded person. It made it really easy to love Lila, without actually getting frustrated with some of her sheltered upbringing.

The realistic nature of the emotional release after a long time spent aboard a sailing yacht was brilliant. I love that the entire crew, whilst enjoying their experience of a lifetime, found that it was an intensely emotional experience. And, rather than romanticising such an adventure, Alden is able to show how emotionally intense such a once in a lifetime moment can be. I honestly can’t fathom being stuck on a boat as I sailed across the world with four other people for 45 days. But, that’s probably why I’m not exactly the kind to have wanderlust and actually do something like that. I loved reading about such an adventure though!

<- The Night in Lover’s BayThe Slow Burn in Polynesia ->

Image source: Empire Bookstore

About a Dragon by G.A. Aiken

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: About a Dragon
Author: G.A. Aiken
Series: Dragon Kin #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2006

Thoughts

Like most of the couples written by G.A. Aiken (Shelly Laurenston), Talaith and Breic are an absolutely hilarious couple. I mean, I love that literally all they do from the very first moment is argue and bicker. Even when they finally admit their feelings for one another, they still bicker and argue. Their dynamic is so different to the first Dragon Kin couple, and I love how their personalities shine through.

Although it was obvious from the beginning that Talaith had secrets and was being threatened, I was really surprised when the existence of her daughter came to light. Just like her mother, she’s a handful, and I can’t wait to see how her bright light burns later in the series (I assume that she’ll get her own story at some point). Where Talaith and Breic’s relationship was entertaining, their relationship with her daughter was even more humorous. I can’t imagine suddenly meeting my daughter at sixteen, filled with moxie and attitude. Definitely an entertaining character who I am already in love with.

As with Dragon Actually, the epilogue of About a Dragon introduces the next couple in the series. I’m honestly in love with each of the siblings, so I couldn’t wait to see which one would be featured. I honestly can’t wait for Gwenvael’s story – he’s an absolute fool and kind of dense. Which, of course, is why I am a little bit obsessed with him. Plus, there are plans afoot from the gods which everyone is going to play a part in – again, something I can’t wait to dive further into.

Honestly, this book had me giggling and smiling throughout. I mean, it’s a romance filled with mayhem, murder and lots of sassy, arguing fun. It’s hilarious and was a great diversion from real life. Plus, there’s a great plot line of evil and selfish gods and goddesses. Yet another wonderful story in a fantastic series, leaving me happy and content when I turn the final page.

<- Dragon ActuallyWhat a Dragon Should Know ->

Image source: G.A. Aiken

The Witch Seed by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for green monkey dreams isobelle carmody book cover

Title: The Witch Seed
Author: Isobelle Carmody
In: Green Monkey Dreams (Isobelle Carmody)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Year: 1996

Thoughts

This small cluster of stories in Green Monkey Dreams seem to have a strong theme of revisiting the past. In memory and mind, remembering what it is that bought people to this point in their lives. And just how the past, however tragic, shapes all of us. It’s got a tragic and dark feel to it, that just made me ache for the narrator.

There is something terrifying about evil when you are a kid, and I love that this story shows just how easy it is to turn an evil being into a witch in the mind’s eye. Plus, there is a reminder that children sometimes see the darkness hidden behind closed doors. The darkness that adults don’t want to see often times.

Although I found this short story quite uncomfortable and dark, it was also one of surviving. About the challenges and difficulties of surviving and escaping abuse. And how those scars will haunt you forever.

<- CorfuSeek No More ->

Image source: Allen & Unwin

Steel Skin by Lori M. Lee

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Steel Skin
Author: Lori M. Lee
In: A Thousand Beginnings and Endings (Ellen Oh & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Retellings, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This was a wonderful story that started off feeling like it was entirely contemporary, but turned into a bit of a SciFi. At the beginning of this short story, the idea of a cyborg infiltrating the girl’s home seemed kind of far fetched. And, honestly, a way for her to deal with the grief of losing her mother. However, as the story unfolded, it seemed closer and closer to the truth. And in uncovering this truth, so many existential questions and thoughts were raised. I’ll probably reread this short story multiple times, coming up with a new meaning behind the fantastic words.

Every new paragraph in this story offered up a new surprise, and, mostly I found them quite enjoyable. Alright, not every one was a positive surprise, but they most definitely were all enjoyable. I kind of loved how each moment unfolded a new twist. And, honestly, even if I reread this, I probably wouldn’t be able to predict what would happen next. The ending of this was, thus, completely unexpected, but fantastic. I just didn’t expect that kind of solidarity and loyalty if I’m being honest. It was such a pleasant surprise.

At the core of this story, there are a lot of questions about how we process emotions and what actually makes a human. I spent this entire story wondering what is normal and what isn’t in the emotional spectrum. And, as with this story, how could you program something to feel in the way that humans do? I mean, were pretty insane and illogical, so it’s definitely a legitimate question. One that will genuinely keep me up at night if I let it.

<- Olivia’s TableStill Star-Crossed ->

Image source: Amazon

Sister Twelve: Confessions of a Party Monster by Christopher Barzak

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Sister Twelve: Confessions of a Party Monster
Author: Christopher Barzak
In: Glitter and Mayhem (Amber Benson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Retellings
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2013

Thoughts

I don’t know what I was expecting to start this collection, but a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princes wasn’t quite what I had in mind. And I loved it! Plus, there was a bit of a glam dance theme going on that I dug. And the father as the villain? A fantastic spin on the already eerily beautiful fairy tale.

The narrator of this is the quintessential stereotype of a youngest sibling – impulsive and just a little bit selfish. All she wants throughout this is her freedom and independence, which i can understand. However, there was also something painfully naive and selfish.

I’m not 100% about the choices made at the end of this story. I mean, she runs away to a world of dancing and independence. There’s also drugs and ambiguity, and living in a not quite there realm. It’s maybe better than being forced into a marriage with a gross old man, but I’m not entirely sure by how much…

<- Glitter and MayhemApex Jump ->

Image source: Amazon

Side Work by Sara Farizan

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Side Work
Author: Sara Farizan
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food, LGBTQI
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

One of my favourite things to experience in short stories is the suspense of knowledge. I love spending an entire story trying to figure out what happened to have the characters end up where they are. In the case of Side Work, I spent the entirety of the story wondering what it was that the narrator actually did to warrant her exile and silence from her family.

There were so many tangled threads throughout this short story. Honestly, a surprising number considering the length of the actual story. I love that the drama from the past is all twisted up with self-confidence, discovering who you are and sexuality. You know, the dramas and themes that we all have to come to terms with in our teens and figure out as we grow. This was just a bit of a harsher learning curve than some.

Although there is much pain and silent suffering throughout this story, I love that it all, ultimately ends with the beginnings of a happily ever after. I mean, the protagonist is still young, so there’s probably going to be more suffering in the future. But, there is so much hope and optimism for becoming someone you want to be. Plus, she is able to find forgiveness for her past, and find a way to reconcile with her father. A happy ending if I ever did read one.

<- A Bountiful FilmPanaderia ~ Pasteleria ->

Image source: Goodreads

Seek No More by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for green monkey dreams isobelle carmody book cover

Title: Seek No More
Author: Isobelle Carmody
In: Green Monkey Dreams (Isobelle Carmody)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Year: 1996

Thoughts

It’s kind of unclear as to whether or not Noah lives in a fantasy world of reality or his mind. Which makes this a bit of an uncomfortable read for me. At least, that’s how I found the entire reality of this story – I wasn’t’ sure if we were in the real world with someone who is a bit unsettled with reality. Or in an urban fantasy world with someone who is just misunderstood. I suppose that’s what makes this story one that will be interesting to reread.

Although I’m not sure of where the line between reality and not is blurred, this did, ultimately have a happy ending. It was a bit of a dark story, but I don’t necessarily hate that fact when there is a nice ending. One that felt really hopeful and sweet.

I really enjoyed the craftiness Noah shows in escaping his bully, Buddha. And also how that just shows how those who don’t quite fit in are ostracized. Ultimately, this was a story about found family and maybe, just maybe, finding a place to belong.

<- The Witch SeedThe Phoenix ->

Image source: Allen & Unwin

Secrets at the Door by Inka York

Book Review
Overview

Title: Secrets at the Door
Author: Inka York
Rating Out of 5: 2 (Managed to read it… just)
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 0

Thoughts

I really wanted to like this, and I honestly, didn’t dislike it. Mostly because the writing was actually quite good. I just didn’t feel drawn in from the beginning of the story. And, because I have over 5,000 books on my ereader alone, I’m trying to be a whole lot more selective about what I’m reading. Honestly, this was kind of forgettable and, even though I read half of the story before DNF’ing, I can’t actually tell you what happened.

Image source: Amazon

Panaderia ~ Pasteleria by Anna-Marie McLemore

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Panaderia ~ Pasteleria
Author: Anna-Marie McLemore
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Food, LGBTQI
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This was a fantastic way to finish out the Hungry Hearts collection. Mostly because Lila is a secondary character who pops up in many of the stories throughout this anthology. Gifting needed pastries and helping people to take a step forwards in their lives. So it was really nice that she got her own story.

I love how calm and accepting of Gael is and how they begin to form a relationship built on the present, not the past. I loved reading about Lila’s acceptance of Gael’s identity and reality, and that she honestly doesn’t even blink at that fact. I always love reading stories about building friendships and being true to oneself. Plus, Lila is so quiet, that it’s nice that she’s finding her own friendships.

Lila’s ability to communicate through her food and cooking is kind of adorable. And that, even if she’s not able to actually articulate her feelings, she is able to show her love through food. Ultimately, it’s this communication through food that really lets her and Gael connect. This was such a cute short story of acceptance and caring. One that was just filled with hope for a close relationship and a bright future.

<- Side WorkHungry Hearts ->

Image source: Goodreads