The Rival in South Africa by Liz Alden

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Rival in South Africa
Author: Liz Alden
Series: Love and Wanderlust #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Travel
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I was a bit surprised by how much I liked the idea of a story based on some serious rivalry, and the whole only one tent trope. I like that Alex and Nikki are constantly finding themselves pitted against each other. And that their mothers are the deciding factor in forcing the two of them together. Plus, this is partly based in South Africa, a country that I’ve visited and loved. One that I would seriously love to go back to… there’s just something amazing about it.

Although I loved and understood Nikki’s frustration at Alex’s constant infiltration of her life, it was pretty obvious that it was because he liked her. The awkward infatuation just made it all that much more intriguing to finally have the two characters get together. Plus, it meant that, as the reader, it was easy enough to get behind the characters becoming a couple. Sometimes it’s a bit harder if the jerky behaviour is just… being a jerk. At least in my experience.

As someone who has always wanted to do a lot of travel, but never had the chance, I kind of love the whole idea of the Love and Wanderlust series. Which just means that I’ve been meaning to read this for quite a while. I might have dived in right at the end of the series, but that is no hard ship. Plus, it was fun to read about a country that I’ve actually been to. Now I get to read about five other locations that I haven’t actually been to. The fact that this awesome travel is then combined with romance and finding your perfect partner is fantastic. Plus, at the end of the story (like the one other Liz Alden that I’ve written), the travel bugged partner doesn’t have to choose between love and travel. Rather, Nikki is able to pursue her joys and chosen career, and her and Alex are able to make it work.

The steam and love in this is enjoyable, but what I love the most is the idea of an alternative career. Something that is not 9 to 5, and from what I understand, is incredibly difficult to make your mark in. But, the gumption and pride with which Nikki is able to pursue her career is beautiful. It might not be the most realistic, but I don’t read romances for the realism. I read them for the joy of falling in love, and finding your own happily ever after to match your goals in life.

Alden manages to write a beautiful book that doesn’t just involve love and steaminess in a beautiful location. But, it also has two characters acknowledging each others’ flaws and finding a way to work together. There is no requirement for change, just a bit of communication to make each other happy. Which is probably why I love this book so damn much – no drastic change, just a whole lot of happy with a dash of steam.

<- The Player in New ZealandMore Liz Alden ->

Image source: Amazon

Rescued Beats by Arell Rivers

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Rescued Beats
Author: Arell Rivers
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This was a short story that was just kind of cute. I mean, it’s about a Scotsman (which I’m always a fan of) and the woman he falls for. Honestly, this was one of those incredibly easy reads that was really enjoyable at the time. However, from the moment I turned that final page, I pretty much forgot about what I read. Enjoyable and cute, but entirely forgettable.

A lot of the stories in the Chasing Holiday Tail anthology really didn’t have a Christmas theme to them, which was kind of disappointing. At least Rescued Beats has a Santa in it and a little bit more Christmas activity. I love that the male lead poses as Santa for his love interest, I mean, it’s one great way to show that you are really interested in someone.

Whilst I did enjoy this short story, I did find that there were a few character development moments that needed a little bit more. In particular, Livie’s parents and their controlling ways. It’s kind of shown that Livie is getting over this level of control, but that’s about the extent of it, which is somewhat frustrating. So much potential that just wasn’t quite reached.

<- Doggy StyleMutts About You ->

Image source: Goodreads

You Only Live Once by Maxine Morrey

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: You Only Live Once
Author: Maxine Morrey
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I wanted to love this story. And I really, really tried. But I just… couldn’t get into it and feel connected. I mean, I loved the idea of an adult second-chance romance. And that it somehow helps a woman who is a bit of a shut in to stretch her wings again. But, alas, none of that happened.

Ultimately, I didn’t read more than a third of this book. Again, I wanted to like it, but mostly, I just felt… absolutely nothing. No passion for any of the characters or the story line. So I decided not to continue. But this might be a good fit for someone else who can feel connected to the characters…

Image source: Goodreads

My Present This Year by Sierra Simone

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: My Present This Year
Author: Sierra Simone
In: Wrap Me Up (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Reading the beginning / introduction to this story, I was expecting something that was going to be really taboo and trip my ick switch. After all, its step-siblings falling for one another. However, it really wasn’t taboo as I expected. Mostly because it was two people who became step-siblings when they were already adults. I mean, some of the conversation as they built their relationship felt a little uncomfortable. But still, not really a taboo story at all.

As someone who is not into the BDSM scene / lifestyle (I’m not sure of the correct word here), I did find this short story to be a little bit too DomSub. However, again, whilst it flirted with my limits, it really didn’t cross them. It felt like Simone took the safer route to make this more palatable to more people if I’m being honest. Something that I really appreciated.

This might have been a short story set at Christmas, in a Christmas collection. But, honestly, I didn’t find it Christmassy at all. That didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story though. And it is definitely one that I would suggest to other people, although maybe not reread myself.

<- Making Her MeltChristmas Shopping for a Billionaire ->

Image source: Amazon

A Vampire’s Christmas Carol by Cynthia Eden

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: A Vampire’s Christmas Carol
Author: Cynthia Eden
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

I finally read Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol within the last few years. It was definitely one of those classics that I absolutely loved. So, I was honestly a little leery about reading this and how Eden’s reimagination of this beloved classic would go. And, honestly, it was brilliant. I loved it and look forward to adding this to my reread pile!

As anyone who knows the original story knows, the Scrooge is visited by three angels to show him the Christmases of his past, present and future. I love that all three of these angels are actually characters from the life of the vampire. And, that each of these Christmases visited are actually based around the love of his life. It gives a more romantic / love story slant to the classic. Which, admittedly had pretty much no love story, just hints of a past one. But I digress…

Ultimately towards the end of this story, you find out that there is a whole lot of hope for the vampire. And that the tragic love story that he has built up in his mind might not be quite as true as he believes. I love that there are sacrifices and tragedies throughout, but it is the ultimate sacrifice made in love that will melt your heart. And also that keeps this story within that same vein of redemption as the original Christmas Carol.

I absolutely adored this novella. It was a fun and slightly dark Christmas story. One that was a wonderful reimagining of one of my favourite Christmas classics. Definitely a testament to the enjoyment I get out of reading Eden’s work.

<- Until DeathWaiting for Christmas ->

Image source: Goodreads

Mutts About You by Brenda St John Brown

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Mutts About You
Author: Brenda St John Brown
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I liked this story – it’s about an actress who goes back to her hometown, trying to find that spark again. But, unlike a lot of stories where ex-lovers just fall back in with one another, she actually realises how selfish her actions are. And, as a result, the story has a much nicer and kind of unique open-ended finish. One that made me seriously love this tail.

All of the potential in this story is kind of brilliant. I mean, it starts off with the potential for a relationship, and basically ends in the same space. But one with a bit more understanding and maturity than it started. If there is no romantic relationship in the future, there is definitely a beautiful friendship flourishing.

Cute dogs being up for adoption in England was already going to be a story that drew me in. But, with the talent of St John Brown, I definitely loved reading this story. And now I kind of wish that this short story just wasn’t so short.

<- Rescued BeatsIn Rover My Head ->

Image source: Goodreads

Skating on the Stars by Debra Anastasia

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Skating on the Stars
Author: Debra Anastasia
In: Wrap Me Up (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This is one of those proposal stories which just featured everything going seriously wrong. I mean, some of it was a little cliché and silly. But, mostly I just loved the raccoon and the chaos that it inspired. It was a fun short story, and I will always think of the racoon when I reflect on this short story.

This might have been in a Christmas collection, but it is most definitely not a Christmas story. It takes place at valentines. Which, since I was reading this in anticipation for Christmas, was a little bit disappointing. But, it was still pretty cute and sweet.

I love that the couple featured in this story consider themselves married already, they just haven’t been through the ceremony. I would love for this kind of attitude to be a little more normalised in the romances that I read. It’s really sweet that they’re already committed and not questioning themselves and their commitment at all. Incredibly cute and sweet.

<- One Cruel WeddingWrap Me Up ->

Image source: Amazon

Lady and the Scamp by Kilby Blades

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Lady and the Scamp
Author: Kilby Blades
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This short story was just a little bit cute. Just because of the name, I had images of the Disney movie in my head this whole time. And it definitely did have those vibes. But also, it was entirely Kilby Blades.

I did think that this tale would be written from the point of view of the dog. I did like that it was from Callie’s owner. I mean, the story still focused on the dogs’ romance (woth heavy implications that there is a human romance), but it was a very different way to write a cute romance.

I think that my favourite part of this short story was the absolute calamity that was the charity event. I mean, a classy dinner with canine companions… yeah, you could totally call it. But it was still absolutely hilarious to read about.

<- Hot Under the CollarTess’ Tasty Treats ->

Image source: Goodreads

Single and Ready to Jingle by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Single and Ready to Jingle
Author: Piper Rayne
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

There is always something about grumpy/sunshine romances that I love. That goes extra for when those romances are grinch/sunshine romances. I mean, who wouldn’t love a romance that is based on someone who hates Christmas falling for someone who loves Christmas? The fact that it starts with a blind date that goes epically wrong in a very short amount of time just made it so much better and more entertaining. I mean, who rocks up to a blind date in an elf costume?!?!

Single and Ready to Jingle is an incredibly sweet and easy to read romance. It’s one of those happy reads that makes it nice to have a bit of a break from reality and a cuppa. It also had the unexpected benefit of the best friend’s sister / brother’s best friend trope. I didn’t quite expect it, because it was approached in a slightly different way. But, it was still a light hearted and sweet read. One that I will probably dive into again next Christmas.

One of the reasons I’m particularly a fan of the grinch/sunshine trope is because I married a man who is a bit of a grinch. I absolutely adored that for the entirety of this story, it was about trying to get the grinch-man to fall back in love with Christmas. It’s definitely a battle that I’ve fought over the years and it made me incredibly happy to know that it is probably some other peoples’ experience as well. Plus, it was a really nice way for Piper Rayne to highlight all of the things that they love about Christmas.

It was kind of surprising how late into the story the conflict hit. I was expecting, with the personality differences, the tragic first date and all of the other challenges this couple faces for the conflict to occur much, much earlier. As a result, I spent a lot of the time reading this book in a feeling of unrelenting suspense. Which worked really well, I would have enjoyed this writing regardless, but keeping me in suspense for the point of conflict ended up making me read this a whole lot quicker. In fact, I barely put this down from the moment I cracked it. Because suspense.

I absolutely adored Single and Ready to Jingle, not only is it one of the catchiest titles in my collection, but it was also a really sweet story. This was one of those tales that just works well at Christmas. But, it also had the conflict and the character development that I always crave in a really good read.

<- Claus and EffectMore Piper Rayne ->

Image source: Amazon

In Rover My Head by Sylvie Stewart

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: In Rover My Head
Author: Sylvie Stewart
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I love the voices of both Mindy and Hugo – they were great characters and flicking between their points of view was a nice way to dive into this short story. Both Mindy and Hugo are completely relatable, and I love how they both have some serious misconceptions about one another on their first meeting. But, when you get to know each of their points of view, you can actually understand their reactions.

I love that both of the lead characters are single parents. Although you don’t get to know all of their children, it is still fun to read about their experiences of being a parent. The fact that this story also involves a missing child just highlights their parental roles and identities. I mean, having one of my children go missing is literally my worst nightmare, and something that I can’t even fathom.

This was a fun short story with a great couple and a very sweet storyline, missing child and all. I had a lot of fun reading it and enjoyed being taken away by such a simple tail.

<- Mutts About YouChasing Holiday Tail ->

Image source: Goodreads