Of the four novellas, I actually only enjoyed reading one. And only read one from beginning to end. Yet, it was worth the read, and I will dive into more of these bundles. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with trying something and then just finding that it doesn’t quite work for you.
One of the things I really liked about this anthology is that each of the stories has a bit of steam and romance. All of them have vastly different flavours and it is definitely a good way to dip your toe into not only different authors and series, but also different kinds of romances. I’m getting to a point in my romance reading that I tend to know what I like, but if I was new to the genre? It would be a fantastic way to give things a bit of a try.
I enjoyed reading this anthology, it’s not necessarily anything to rave about, but it was still enjoyable.
Alright, so I completely guessed that the vampire on this blind (literally blind) date was going to be her long-lost human love. But, even with knowing that little twist from the beginning, this was still a great novella. I mean, it’s not only two people reconnecting and finally being able to reveal all truths to one another. But it is also a pretty fast-paced story which features a pair of paranormal entities trying really hard not to get themselves killed.
I do enjoy a forced-proximity story. Particularly when there’s a past that the two need to overcome. The fact that this forced-proximity also involved a whole lot of background and violence… I really enjoyed that. And the way that they are finally able to admit their love for one another. Even if it does take a really long time… having said that, there was a whole lot less angst in this story than I was anticipating. Which honestly was kind of pleasant.
It’s always nice to have a strong female leading the charge in a book. The fact that she’s not just a strong lead, but the honest to go apex predator throughout this story just made it that much better. And the constant acknowledgements of just how difficult it can be to date as the top of the food chain… all priceless. And then there’s the fact that she just… beats the crap out of pretty much everyone that dares to cross her path. A fantastic lead that I seriously enjoyed.
Not only was this a really fun and engaging adventure, it also had a wonderful epilogue. The feeling of travel and contentment as they ride off into the sunset is beautiful. It made you realise that there are plenty more adventures to live, but also that this part of their story is nicely complete.
This is a nice, cute and easy read. A fairly common (but still awesome trope) about a fake relation becoming something more. I love that they orchestrated this so seamlessly and there wasn’t quite as much angst as expected when they start moving towards something more. There’s a little of it (because otherwise it really wouldn’t be worth the read), but nowhere near as much drama as I expected.
I absolutely love that the lead female in this is honestly a total fan girl. I mean, she’s literally written blogs and fanfiction to him. But, instead of looking at him as the object of her fandom, she actually takes the time to get to know him. I love this switch and the way she is able to see past her enjoyment of his job to who he is as a man. And help him get over the abuses of his past.
Nix manages to beautifully deal with the realities that people (anyone) face when they are overcoming an abusive relationship. It is definitely a difficult journey. One that is still a work in progress at the end of this story. But one that has so much hope and enjoyment for the future. Nix is able to really work to remind you that there are all kinds of abuse, and they happen to EVERYONE. No preconceived notions.
This is yet another sweet and fantastic romance from Nix. It’s fun and easy to read. But also sweet, with just the right level of intensity to it that you can’t help but be obsessed. Plus, there’s also the great reminder that everyone has their hurdles to overcome. And relationships are all about finding a way move toward a better future together.
There were certain aspects of this story (primarily Natalie’s past) from the Christmas short story Decked Out. Yet, this still fleshed out a lot of their characters. And was a very fun and engaging romance. It was one of those easy read romances that was cute and fun. But it also focused on the fact that both Enzo and Natalie had to work on themselves and their own hangups to truly be good for one another.
There is something extra special about single parent romances. I think because it is never just about the parent, and there is a whole other aspect of trusting that just isn’t there when you aren’t a parent. And in this story, I love that Enzo is forming a bond and relationship with daisy. Not because it makes things better with Natalie (if anything it makes her go off her rocker even more), but because of Daisy in and of herself.
Where Enzo is constantly working at improvement throughout this story, it does take Natalie an annoyingly long time to move past her own insecurities. But, when she is finally called on her crap and chooses to grow up a little, it is seriously glorious. And a bit of a reminder that sometimes asking for help isn’t actually such a bad thing after all…
Although all of Enzo’s actions come from a really nice place, they definitely are not as considerate as they should be. It’s fantastic that he finds a way to move on from this. I mean, its all well and good to want to solve the problems of someone you love. But if you don’t actually take the time to learn HOW to, it’s really just you acting in a fairly entitled way. Or at least, that’s how I felt upon reading this. And through some of my own experiences.
Ultimately, Enzo and Natalie learn to process their own damage and create a new reality for themselves. At the centre of all of this is the idea that communication is key. You can’t just assume you know what someone else is feeling – you have to ask them.
This is a great, fun and sweet contemporary romance. I mean, it’s pretty easy and kind of obvious how it will all turn out. But it’s still a fun adventure. The fact that Sophia and Adrian have been seriously and ridiculously attracted to each other since they were kids just helps to add to the fun nature of this story. There’s a history, but not one that is filled with angst. Which gives the past of knowing one another, without anything to make up for.
Sophia’s constant struggles to strike out on her own and be appreciated by her father drive this story spectacularly. That, partnered with her own insecurities help to show just how much getting in one’s own head can mess with you. Plus, quite frankly, her father is a total knob. I mean, willingly leaving your daughter in a dead end position and taking advantage of her? Purposely throwing a spanner in the works of her relationship? All ridiculously entitled and horrible actions. I love that Sophia is able to overcome this nonsense and find her own happily ever after.
I love how this is a story not just about romance and family romance. But also how three siblings (and their parents) work towards surviving their older brother’s death. Certainly, many of the issues that Sophia struggles to overcome are built around the compromises the family made to deal with this death. And, once Sophia finds her own two feet, it’ll be interesting in the future books to see how her remaining two siblings are able to negotiate the same difficulties.
I love that, alongside Sophia trying to forge her own reality and life, Adrian is actually trying to do the same thing. He’s a little bit less flexible and giving to others than Sophia. But, it’s still nice that both characters are trying to find a way to be better and create a life that they can be proud of. When it all comes together at the end of this story, it’s nice to know that they do succeed. Having said that, Adrian’s narrow-mindedness in his pursuit makes him incredibly callous and kind of cruel in moments.
This was a great romance, not just about how to build a future life together, but also how to encompass your own goals in this. Plus, there are some incredibly insane family dynamics throughout this story. Ones that were very fun to negotiate. And made me grateful for my own dysfunctional clan…
Again, I probably should have read a whole lot more of the Wicked Lovely series before diving into this short story. Since it kind of has a bit of an epilogue feel to the whole series. Yet, even with having pretty much no context to the story, I still thoroughly enjoyed this.
Keenan and Donia are a great couple and definitely a little star crossed. Which is obvious from the moment you meet them both in Wicked Lovely. The fact that they’re finally getting their happily ever after was really nice. And a good way to tidy up what I’m sure are some lingering questions.
Aside from the spoilers and the romance, I love how the fae deal with the reality of humans catching them on camera. And that Donia is the one who stops her court from just going and killing everyone… something that, I feel, is kind of important in many ways. It is also such a creative way to deal with the issues of today and how Big Brother is always watching.
This was a short and sweet story, one that involves happily riding off into the sunset together. On a chilly, wintery night. Way too adorable and sweet.
From their beginning in Wicked Lovely, Seth and Aislinn’s relationship is kind of always on tenterhooks. I mean, why wouldn’t it be? She’s tied to two worlds and two very different men. So, even when Wicked Lovely ended on such a positive note, I did wonder how Seth would be able to negotiate these new relationships. And how they would cope. This novel begins to answer all of these questions. There are still quite a few unanswered ones, but that will hopefully be answered later in the series.
I love that although they are constantly challenged, both Seth and Aislinn will do anything for each other. And most of the issues stem from Aislinn’s inability to see how she is being manipulated. Her weird blinders for Keenan’s behaviour are actually really frustrating, she is powerful, but so damn naïve about so many things. Contrastingly, she is constantly suspicious of Niall and Donia, who would actually make better allies than Keenan throughout this. Niall and Donia’s alliance is also something that I can’t wait to see unfold a little more…
Keenan is sort of the bad guy throughout this story, without being specifically evil. I mean, his selfish manipulations are actually kind of evil in and of themselves. But, he’s honestly just being selfish, not actually actively trying to be a horrible being. I did love that he actually realises how damn stupid and horrible he’s been at the end. And finally acknowledge all of the mistakes that he’s made. But, ultimately, that doesn’t happen until the very end of Fragile Eternity. And now I really want to see just how his decisions work out in the end. And what Aislinn chooses when she finally realises just how manipulative Keenan has been.
Lastly, Fragile Eternity introduces the High Court. We’ve spent time with Winter, Summer and Dark so far in this series. But now for the High Court, what I would normally picture when thinking of the fae. It also shows how problematic Banach is becoming or is about to become. It’s a reminder that all of the fae world is about balance, the balance is beginning to shift and I think that there are some really great and epic battles on the horizon.
Title: Accidentally Yours Author: Alexa Rivers Rating Out of 5: 2 (Managed to read it… just) Pace: Slow Format: eBook, Novel
I really, really wanted to like this novel. It’s based in New Zealand after all! But, as much as I gave it a try, I just couldn’t do it. And I gave it more of a try than I normally would. Again, because of New Zealand. which was seriously disappointing.
I think I just found the writing of this a bit clunky. And, honestly, there was absolutely no attraction between the main characters. Onto the next books on my TBR I suppose…
This novella was a fantastic introduction to a new Melissa Marr series, for me at least. I mean, it does take place a little bit into the series, but still. It was the first one I read from Faery Bargains, and I freaking loved it. Now I can’t wait to see more of just how Gen found the amazing group of people she surrounds herself with. And how she manages her powers. And just, generally is so damn badass.
Although the “girl’s weekend” in this story didn’t quite go according to plan, it definitely seemed like a whole lot of fun. Definitely the kind of girl’s weekend that my mind wants to go on. I’m not so sure about the body because I’d honestly probably end up dead. But still, it was definitely an amazing, fun and silly kind of weekend. One that seems to have further cemented some of the relationships in this series.
I love how this novella is a complete story in and of itself. You can be like me and not have read any of the other books in this series (yet). But, you can also tell that it builds upon plot lines in the rest of the series. Then, there’s the brilliant fact that even though all of your questions are answered, and it’s tied up quite neatly. But, there are still so many open-ended moments that make you want to dive into the other stories in this series…
This novella was freaking fantastic and I’m absolutely in love with Gen and her girlfriends. Particularly Allie, I know from this that at some point she’s tried to actually kill Gen. But, there is something about her that is full on and intense. And just so damn fun that you can’t help but love her.
This is a fantastic novella that bridges some of the important story points between The Wicked and The Dead and The Kiss and The Killer. It kind of stands as a story all on its own, but mostly gives a bit of closure to a few questions that are presented at the end of The Wicked and The Dead. Which perfectly opens up the next book in this series, which I can’t wait to sink my literary teeth into.
I love that this is a novella in which Gen is mostly just trying to figure out how to negotiate all of the changes in her life. She has a fiancé, friends who always knew her secret, and some serious increases in her powers. Just one of those things would require a whole lot of adjustment…all three? Yeah, a whole lot of figuring things out. I like that although Gen is obviously still trying to figure some things out, she’s starting to come to terms with her life.
Eli is, honestly, total finance goals. He loves Gen for who she is, and just tries to be supportive. And also stop her from killing herself or getting killed. Throughout all of this, he is constantly working on trying to make Gen understand that he just wants her, not the idea of what she could be. And that he does truly support her in her chosen career.
Beatrice also plays a big part in this story. Her presence in the story leaves a lot of unanswered questions, but it also starts to supply some answers to just how powerful, Gen is going to become. I also just genuinely like Beatrice, she is protective and kind of terrifying. But definitely loves and cares for her own.
Earth and Skye 