Neanderthal Seeks Human ReRead by Penny Reid

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Neanderthal Seeks Human ReRead
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Knitting in the City #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

This is one of those books that I remember reading for the first time and realising that I found a new author to be obsessed with. And now, I get to have the joy of rereading this amazing series. I remember reading this for the first time and realising that there was finally someone else with a similarly random and intense monologue to mine. Someone who fixates on obscure facts and to do lists when in moments of intense emotions. Neanderthal Seeks Human is just as fun and unique as the first time I was introduced to this wonderful world. I can’t wait for more!

I read a few of the reviews on Goodreads this time around. And even though some people took exception to Janie’s quirkiness, I absolutely adored it. She is just as gloriously clueless and beautiful as the first read through. And as someone who is often quite clueless about social moments, I love that she is so giving and kind, willing to love everyone who steps into her life. But yet, she’s kind of clueless to what’s going on around her. Plus, I just genuinely love all of the random facts throughout the story. I learnt so many things in this story and I know I’ll learn more next time I read this story!

Quinn is somewhat controlling, something I don’t always enjoy in the lead males in a story. But, I do enjoy that he constantly attempts to pull back on this. Plus, even if this dynamic isn’t exactly what I would enjoy, I like that some of his more pushy tendencies actually help Janie. Quinn and Janie, for all that they are different, manage to support and compliment each other. With each of them pushing their partners out of their comfort zone to become better versions of themselves. I prefer Janie’s approach in that she is sweet and kind of guileless in what she’s aiming for. But, I love that Quinn’s more heavy handed approach does work for the couple too.

It won’t matter how many times I read the Knitting in the City series, or Neanderthal Seeks Human, I must admit that the scene with a stabbing of knitting needles is one of my favourites. It’s violent, it’s hilarious and it shows the gumption and support of these seven women perfectly. They are the true Ride or Die friends and I love that they are there to support each other through all of the shenanigans. Plus, knitting, and good quality wool and just a total craft nirvana reading this.

<- More Penny ReidNeanderthal Marries Human ->

Image source: Penny Reid

A Co-Worker’s Crush by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: A Co-Worker’s Crush
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Rooftop Crew #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I’m not sure why I decided to pick up the final book in The Rooftop Crew series last. But I’m really glad that I did. It was a fun and engaging read, and has really made me keen to dive into the rest of the series. Plus, it was the first contemporary romance book that I’ve read by Piper Rayne that isn’t also a sports romance. It just shows that they can also write well in this genre, with slightly more damaged heroes and heroines than I have previously expected.

Frankie and Jax work together wonderfully well. They go from workmates who irritate each other, to friends, to lovers, to forever. And it was so much fun going through this transition with both of them. Plus, they are both working through their own legal and social battles to try and get answers and clarity in their lives. Again, a journey that I enjoyed as a backdrop to their romance. The use of tattoo artists in this world was also a unique and fun angle to take. I haven’t read many (if any) contemporary romances which feature a tattoo parlour and tattoo artists as the leads. I always love finding out about new worlds in the joys of my readings.

Although Frankie and Jax don’t really do the apart and back together part of the relationship that I was expecting, they definitely have some battles to face. In fact, the largest battle that they have to face is that they need to learn to trust again. Or, in the case of Jax, fully learn to trust for the first time ever. I really enjoyed that throughout all of this, Jolie, Frankie’s daughter is a slightly manipulative driver of everything. It is done through the lens of childhood innocence, but it was quite entertaining watching (in my mind’s eye) Jax and Frankie fumbling with how to deal with her desires and choices.

A Co-Worker’s Crush by Piper Rayne was a relatively low angst story that just involved a lot of personal growth. Frankie’s dealings with her ex were horrible, but I love how her mother-in-law quickly steps in and deals with him when she’s over his nonsense. Rather than being a relationship that was strained because of the outside influences, which I kind of expected, this was one that was very much influenced by the internal battles the couple are facing. It is their past they have to move on from, not the present nonsense that they have to overcome. I loved this and can’t wait to go back to the beginning of the series to see how all of the other couples fell in love first.

<- The Do-OverMore Piper Rayne ->

Image source: Piper Rayne

The Issue with bad Boy Roommates by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Lake Starlight #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Going on a journey with Brinley and Van as they go from flirtation to roommates to lovers was ridiculously fun. I also like how they both have their own character growth and development to go through. This isn’t the first book in the Lake Starlight series, and now I want to read more about not only the Lake Starlight romances, but I also want to dive into the Baileys series. I get the feeling that the Baileys is a precursor to the couples that occur in the Lake Starlight books and I must read them all now.

I spent most of this story waiting for the conflict, the other shoe to drop. However, what I did not expect was the way in which this occurred. I thought that the conflict would be a point of internal concern that would make either Van or Brin basically run away from their connection. Which, it kind of was. But, mostly, it was a point of conflict that was completely enmeshed in their pasts. It was a total twist, that up until right before the reveal, I honesty didn’t see coming. Which, of course, I absolutely loved.

Brin being widowed at a young age was a really interesting and somewhat intense concept. I love how preceding her meeting Van for the first time, Brin has very obviously worked through the different stages of grief. As someone who is going through grief, I love that Piper Rayne deals with the length of time it takes to deal with this and the different aspects of ongoing grief so well. Brin’s strength at finally breaking free of the slightly toxic cycle of overprotection was also completely emotional and empowering. Moving forward from this cycle and the grief is an amazing moment and part of why I loved this story so much.

This was one of those contemporary romances that I just didn’t want to put down. The backgrounds of both the characters was brilliant. And I loved the growth that they both go through to find their happily ever afters. Brinley and Van are a wonderful couple, their ability to support and love one another made me all happy inside. And now I want to read more about the rest of the Bailey clan as they all find their happily ever afters.

<- The Problem with Second ChancesThe Trouble with Runaway Brides ->

Image source: Barnes and Noble

You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Kingsmen Football Stars #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I’ve been waiting to read You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows since the fun little prequel, False Start. I’m not really sure what distracted me from diving straight in. But I’m really glad that I eventually got there. As with all of the Piper Rayne books I’ve had the privilege of reading, I absolutely adored this. You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows was a fun and enjoyable sports romance. One that not only had a wonderful couple in the lead, with a whole lot of past that majorly complicated things. But, it also introduced a new cast of characters that I couldn’t help but love. They were fun and I can’t wait to read about each of the boys falling to the women they decide to love like dominoes.

As much as I enjoyed this romance, Shayna is far more forgiving than I think I could be. But, I know how to hold a grudge, and Shayna is definitely a lot more grown up and sweet than I could ever hope to be. Don’t get me wrong, she does hold onto her feelings for a little while, and her being able to forgive Lee for his childish nonsense is a big point of their conflict. But, the past and past hurts weren’t the only things that acted as a point of conflict for the couple. I like that there are other challenges that they face, all coloured by the past, but also influenced by the present. Rather than being bitter and stuck with what has been before, Shayna manages to be optimistic and kind in all of her dealings.

Although Lee is very obviously apologetic for his past stupidity, he is also a little too enmeshed in his own privilege. He consistently believes that because he thinks or says something will be so, it will turn out the way that he wants. Even when Shayna warns him, repeatedly about the consequences of his choices, he just… barrels on ahead. Honestly, his surprise at the outcome of their final hurdle to be together was almost laughable. If it wasn’t for the fact that his privilege made me want to smack him round the head and scoff “idiot”. Yet, this very steep (and kind of unnecessary if he’d just listened to Shayna) learning curve actually acts as a mechanism for him to learn about his privilege. I like that he ultimately acknowledges that he was acting in a very ignorant manner and figures out a way to move forwards with his head just a little further out of his own butt.

I can’t wait to read You Can’t Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks. His story is set up perfectly, as I’m discovering many of the stories in the Piper Rayne world are. I might not be reading each of the series (and even individual stories) in order, but each and every journey into this world is a whole lot of fun. You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows is a good, easy and fun sports romance that had me smiling and, honestly, believing anything is possible. A great way to depart reality and just enjoy what I have the privilege of burying my literary nose into.

<- False StartYou Can’t Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks ->

Image source: Pinterest

Best Laid Plans by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Best Laid Plans
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Blue Collar Brothers #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, First responders romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Best Laid Plans is a great little teaser hint for the Blue Collar Brothers series. It not only introduces the three Bianco brothers who will feature in this series. But, it also fantastically introduces the three women who are going to be their love interests. Lauren, Vanessa and Maddie all manage to win one “date” for their friends in this auction. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen when each of these unwilling couples collides. And how the sparks will fly beautifully in doing so.

This is a fantastic novella that works as a brilliant prequel to a series I can’t wait to sink my teeth into. Not only does it introduce the six members of the three couples perfectly, it also starts to hint at the different hangups of the three women involved. I love a good amount of character development in my stories, and the different ways the three women are against their incoming dates hints at a whole lot of character development in this series. oh, and did I mention that each of the brothers is a First Responder? There is just something about a man in uniform…

One of the things that I’ve come to love about Piper Rayne is the way that they introduce a series. By writing a short prequel novella like Best Laid Plans, they are able to pull you into a world that is wonderfully unexpected. Plus, it provides teasers for not just one book, but for three different ones. It leads into the series perfectly, and I’m completely excited to dive headfirst into Flirting with Fire.

<- More Piper RayneFlirting with Fire ->

Image source: Piper Rayne

Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Wyrd Sisters
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld #6, Witches #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1988

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter which one, every time I pick up a Discworld novel I know that I’m in for a wild ride of humour and entertainment. And honestly, as of late, I’ve needed the funny in my life. Which meant that the fact that Wyrd Sisters ticked all of my boxes led me to feeling super relaxed and like I could let go a big sigh. Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magret are an absolutely hilarious trio. And whilst I think I’ve met Granny Weatherwax before, the three of them together was even more fun. Plus, I really like that they each represent one of the three aspects of the Goddess (Crone, Mother and Maiden).

Alongside the trio of Witches, there is, as always an entertaining cast that drew me straight in. In this case, I particularly loved the Fool. I love that when we get to visit him, you see two sides to his personality. There’s the jester side which waxes nonsensically lyrically about the world around him and tries to maintain his loyalty. And then there is the internal struggle which he is battling. The fact that the Fool actually has an incredibly sharp and bright mind, one driven by a strong sense of morality and right and wrong. The fact that he ends up being a big driver of the “good” in this story just made me like him all that much more. Even as he romances Magret and deals with the duality of his own nature. A great reminder that the way someone presents to the world may not be who they actually are inside.

I honestly did not want to put this book down. One of the reasons why it is taking me so long to get through the Discworld novels is that I find this issue every single time. I have to adult, and so when I get this severely hooked and obsessed with a book can be somewhat of an issue. The ability of the Witches to take on a king and do so with wit and humour was hilarious. The way that they choose to bend and break the rules for the “greater good”, and also because they are just pissed meant that I wanted to see what nonsense was going to happen next. It was almost impossible to look away, and I honestly may have walked into a doorway or two in my quest to see what would happen next.

It’s been a while since I’ve actually read a Pratchett novel, and this is a reminder why I want to just fill my shelves with these stories. They are a great read in a general kind of way. But what I love the most is that they are a great, satirical take on the world. And no matter how old these stories get, they are still relevant today. In the case of Wyrd Sisters, it’s a reminder of the challenges of power and how absolute power corrupts absolutely. Particularly when that power is placed in the hands of an absolute idiot.

<- SourceryPyramids ->

Image source: Penguin

Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes by Michelle M. Pillow

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes
Author: Michelle M. Pillow
Series: (Un)lucky Valley #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Cozy mystery, Magic, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes is a great start to the Goode Witches curse and the story of (Un)Lucky Valley. What I took to be a simple cozy mystery and continuation of the antics of Aunt Polly and the Happily Everlasting series is really the beginning of a whole heap of new complications. It is still entirely written in the same vein. However, there is less of the happily ever after romance within the story, and so much more dark secrets that aren’t quite resolved. I feel like this whole series is going to uncover secret after secret, and I for one can’t wait.

It was kind of hard to guess who the villain in this story was going to be. I mean, there’s literally a whole town that hates this family and wants them gone. I didn’t quite guess who it was going to be. There is a whole lot of previously unknown history in the creation of the villain though, and I absolutely adored this fact. I mean, how could you not? Not only does it create a more textured world, but in getting to know the villain throughout the story, you realise that sometimes good people can be seriously misled and do some truly rotten things. Plus, it’s fun that Lily just decides to forgive and take everyone under her wing, even when they are being horridly cruel to her.

Pillow doesn’t hesitate to highlight the different ways in which growing up with a parent who is mentally ill and abusive can leave children with. Each of the siblings handle the untethering and feelings of abandonment differently, and I love that it is a constant working progress for Lily in particular, mostly because she’s the centre point of this story. And yet, when there is the ability to become bitter, she is still supportive and hopeful for a family and place to call their own for herself and her siblings. Plus, she’s incredibly intelligent and stubborn enough to figure out how to get around all of the restrictions and such that are placed upon her.

Then there is Nolan. He starts out as a potential villain but ends up being a great love interest. And ultimately a total sweetie. I also love that his entire job is to try and write up city citations against paranormals in an entirely mundane way. The different citations that are mentioned throughout this story most definitely had me smiling and laughing throughout. Honestly, a lot of this had me smiling and laughing. Aunt Polly in particular is still a favourite with her skewed version of reality and the different ways in which she wants to support the Goode siblings. Even if, at one point, it ends up with Dante being off his face drunk and rolling on the ground…

<- More Michelle M. PillowAny Witch Way But Goode ->

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In the Hand of the Goddess ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: In the Hand of the Goddess ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Tortall #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1984

Thoughts

Something about Pierce’s writing is always a fantastic comfort read. It is always a return to a well-loved world, kind of like wrapping myself up in my weighted blanket with a hot chocolate in hand. The perfect way to relax and destress after an intense day. And a series that I tend to reread every year or two. This time, rereading this series as a mother and with the eye towards being able to one day share this with my daughter made it all that much more special. If anything, reading through this lens gave me even more comfort as I got to travel along with Alanna in her second set of adventures.

In the Hand of the Goddess is all about Alanna’s adventures as a squire. It’s about first loves and the fact that she ultimately has to choose to embrace the fact that she is a woman. Where The First Adventure was all about Alanna taking a dive into a foreign world and hiding as a man. In the Hand of the Goddess is all about Alanna living with herself as she is. This is such a brilliant coming of age story – I love that to begin with, Alanna is all about denying her femininity and trying to be something she’s not. Then, as she grows up, she realises that there’s a whole aspect of herself that she has to embrace. It’s only the beginning, but, as someone who was never sure how her femininity fit in with the things she loved, it’s something I absolutely adored reading about.

I remember Alanna’s time in war being much longer and more intense than it actually is. Mostly, her time in war and her first forays as a full-blooded warrior are rather quick. Only a few chapters for a part of the story I remember incredibly well. What I most liked about all of this though, is that in a world that is very much built on class, Alanna doesn’t feel that she is above anyone else. Rather, she spends the entirety of her time with those without a speck of noble blood in their veins. She doesn’t assume that an accident of birth makes her special, and I love how immediately connected that makes you feel to her.

Honestly, it doesn’t matter how many times I reread this story and this series, I love it each and every time. Not only is there comfort in the familiar words, there is also some great messages within Alanna’s coming of age story. There’s a reason I can’t wait to share this series with my daughter. And there’s a reason I keep coming back to this stories again and again and again.

<- Alanna: The First Adventure ReReadThe Woman Who Rides Like a Man ReRead ->

Image source: Goodreads

Along Came a Spider by James Patterson

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Along Came a Spider
Author: James Patterson
Series: Alex Cross #1
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Mystery, Thriller
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1993

Thoughts

I used to absolutely love thrillers, and whilst Along Came a Spider was a brilliant book, I’ve realised that this is most definitely not my genre anymore. I think because I have children now and a lot of emotionally taxing roles in my life. Thrillers used to give me, well, a thrill, but now I really don’t need that in my life.

There is so much evil seeping off of the pages of Along Came a Spider. Everything about this story kind of hurt my heart. Again, I’ve noticed that since becoming a mother, the idea of children being victims of violence makes me break a little bit inside. It’s what’s supposed to happen, this isn’t going to be a happy story. But at this point in my life, I read for joy, not for thrills.

Along Came a Spider has so many twists and turns. Every time I thought that I had a handle on the trajectory of this story, something happened. It meant that, whilst I didn’t necessarily feel comfortable reading this, I also didn’t want to look away from this story. It was a very well named story – a spider web of insanity and intensity that continuously closes in around Alex Cross. It might be a long time before I read Kiss the Girls, but at least I know this is a well crafted thriller that will keep me guessing continuously.

<- More James PattersonKiss the Girls ->

Image source: Penguin

The Two Week Roommate by Roxie Noir

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Two Week Roommate
Author: Roxie Noir
Series: Wildwood Society #2
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

Thoughts

This was not the story I was expecting to be completely honest, I knew that it was a forced proximity romance and had a bit of a second chance romance vibe. But what I got was, quite honestly, even better. For starters, the second chance aspect of reconnecting as adults was due to entirely unexpected factors. Primarily, in Gideon feeling that he had betrayed Andi, and Andi moving far away as a consequence of childish actions. I do love though that they very quickly are able to reconnect as best friends, and then build on this to the romance and lust filled portion of the story.

As the story unfolds, and Gideon’s past comes to light, it became a whole lot of emotionally wow. Gideon’s parents and their use of religion to justify abuse was truly horrifying. I don’t often see individuals as “evil” in a black and white sense, but in this circumstance, I 100% did. It also gives a very unique conflict in their past – a lot of Gideon’s guilt at the past is viewed through the lens of an adult. As a child, it is completely justifiable to see where his actions came from. But it would most certainly be harshly judged as an adult. I also love that his love for Andi and their growing relationship is what finally allows him to put some better boundaries in place with his family.

The more I found out about Gideon throughout this story, the more I loved him. He took a traumatic and guilt-ridden event from his past and decides to change his ways. Rather, he comes full circle and supports his two younger brothers in their own gender and sexual identities. Those which would make many of this religious insanity absolutely baulk. I just found this whole situation to be beautiful. Normally I connect really strongly with the women in a story, but in writing this review and thinking back on the story, my focus is solely on Gideon. Andi is also an amazing female lead and I really loved her. But it’s easy to be kind and accepting when that’s what you’ve grown up with. It’s so much more powerful to shuck a lifetime’s worth of prejudice, and be a better human off your own back.

I was expecting this story to be filled with conflict caused by Gideon’s family. I thought he would be likely to have a massive crisis of identity, and then finally come full circle at the end. I love that this is not the case at all. Gideon and Andi have both already done all of the work as individuals and become better people. Finding each other and ending up together is really about forgiving themselves (internally) for the past and enjoying their future together. It also meant that the character development (which is something I always love Noir for) is seriously focused on their own issues and letting go of the toxicity in their lives. Not about the conflict between the couple.

Not only was this a wonderful story, I also just loved the reMeet Cute. Andi is chained to a tree in a blizzard and seriously questioning her own sanity. Gideon is wondering why he has to go and save the crazy woman and questioning her decision making. It makes for a hilarious start to a story. And all of the light moments throughout help to diffuse the intensity of some of the more emotionally fraught moments. I adore Noir’s work and this is a perfect example of why.

<- The One Month BoyfriendThe Three Night Stand ->

Image source: Amazon