The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Year We Fell Down
Author: Sarina Bowen
Series: The Ivy Years #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

The Year We Fell Down is a very cute new adult romance with a bit of a twist – the female lead is differently abled. And I freaking loved it just for that alone. But, then, you get into the story line and the character development and it just keeps on getting better. I mean, I would (and will) read this again and again. On the one hand it’s a wonderfully sweet and easy contemporary sports romance. On the other, it features people who are not necessarily considered to be mainstream and are struggling with challenges that I can’t even begin to fathom.

Corey is an absolutely phenomenal lead. I mean, yes, she has her wallowing moments. And who wouldn’t if they lost their ability to walk in the last year of high school? But, overall she is incredibly tough and positive. In fact, one of my favourite parts throughout the romance wasn’t even romance related – it was when she decided to start getting out of her own comfort zone and find new friends. And, when they start to treat her with kid gloves, she willingly decides to try and destroy them.

Hartley is a good partner for Corey, although, admittedly, he’s a bit of a bonehead. Whilst you get to understand just why he is a bit of an idiot by the end of the story, some of his decisions are still a little hard to accept. Particularly when, even knowing his trauma, you can see that his actions are hurting others. That, and the fact that he’s just a typical bonehead. I mean, seriously boy? But, it does all work out in the end, and his decisions aren’t so questionable that you don’t kind of love him anyway.

This is a great story. Not only is it a great romance and tale of two friends becoming more. But it’s also a really good story about growing up. Both Corey and Hartley are able to grow up with each others’ assistance and build an epic friendship to boot. The fact that this is the basis for their whole romantic relationship just makes it all that much better. Definitely a romance that I look forward to reading again.

<- More Sarina BowenThe Year We Hid Away ->

Image source: Amazon

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: The Worst Best Man
Author: Mia Sosa
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I bought this book because it was suggested somewhere in my many sources of book getting. And the cover was awesome. But then when I read the blurb, I was both excited to dive into this, and a little bit tenuous. I mean, it’s a story about a woman falling for her ex-fiancée’s little brother. I’m always a bit uncertain about stories in which somebody dates or has an interest in siblings. But, as it turns out, that cringe factor was dealt with beautifully and this was actually a fantastic novel. One I’ll probably enjoy reading again.

For all of the potential challenges, this was a funny and cute romcom with minimal angst. A great, fun, and easy diversion that I honestly couldn’t put down. There’s not much drama, but just enough that you can’t actually stop thinking about what you’re reading. This could also be because the characters are also pretty brilliant.

I love that part of Max’s character growth is realising that he doesn’t actually need to be competition with his brother all of the time. I mean. It takes him ages and a big driver is actually the competition thing. But the moment he takes a step back and just tries to Stanton his own two feet, he really starts to become impressive. Plus, it helps to remove quite a few obstacles from his relationship with Lina.

Lina’s growth on the other hand is accepting that her passions and emotions aren’t always a weakness. Yes, I understand that she continues to need to bottle them up because of sexism and racism,  but that its entirely okay to let others in once in a while. It helps her to even create more meaningful professional relationships as she is able to incorporate all aspects of herself into her life, without completely shutting down a part of herself.

Not only are Lina and Max great leads and fun characters with a lot of development. They also have the best castor secondary characters. Natalia in particular is freaking brilliant, I love her unapologetic aggression and joy for life. Something I actually wish I could embrace a little more fully sometimes.

<- The Wedding CrasherMore Mia Sosa ->

Image source: Amazon

The Takeback Tango by Rebecca Roanhorse

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: The Takeback Tango
Author: Rebecca Roanhorse
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Race, Young adult
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I seriously love the idea of a pirate taking back what is historically hers. It’s a reminder of the horrors of colonisation and how there is a lot to atone for. The fact that the lead voice in this has lost family not once, but twice to the empire and is constantly fighting to survive… a wonderful, albeit sad, story line.

There is a great meet cute and potential for romance in this story. Although it is subtle and not overt, there is so much potential at the end of this tale. I almost wish that it was a prequel to a greater series. I love the idea of the two characters getting to know one another and also just… stealing back things from the empire.

Two displaced youths fighting to regain their identities and what was taken for them is a good story in and of itself. The humour and banter just adds to the enjoyment of the whole story. As does the open-ended ending – so much potential for the future.

<- A Royal AffairDream and Dare ->

Image source: Goodreads

Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend by Penny Reid

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend
Author: Penny Reid
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: 2022

Thoughts

I knew that this was going to be awesome because we’ll, it’s Penny Reid and she’s amazing. And it’s a grump sunshine romance. And the name implies that it’s about best friends. All of which made me excited. But it was also nothing like what I expected. For starters, Byron and Winnie aren’t actually best friends. And this deals with a whole heap of things that I truly wasn’t anticipating. All of which just made it THAT much better.

Winnie is incredibly sweet, but I love how it’s actually her hangups that cause quite a few issues. And how she gets called on it. She’s also kind of oblivious to the true characters of some of the people around her. Which is kind of sweet but also incredibly naive. Byron might be a little naive in his own ways, but he is actually a whole lot more self-aware and willing to improve than Winnie is.

Byron is a great character; I love that he struggles pretty severely with social interactions but is aware of this fact. His coping mechanism might not necessarily be the greatest, but at least he tries to work on his short comings. Maybe the thing I loved most about Byron though is the fact that he is completely sincere and honest in all of his interactions.

Amelia works as a fantastic best friend to both Winnie and Byron. She is able to love them both for exactly who they are (which I think is what we all want) and try to help them find their HEA. She is also happy to call them both out when they’re being a little bit too martyred. Mostly though, I just love how she is able to encourage both Byron and Winnie to step out of their comfort zones.

Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend is not just a fantastic romance, it also talks about two really important social issues. The first is the ways in which male entitlement can be incredibly toxic. All of Jeff’s behaviours throughout this are incredibly cringey and honestly made it impossible to like him even a little bit. Secondly, and what I enjoyed most, was discussions about how to be a woman in STEM. It’s difficult and a big reason why I actually stepped back from a career in this field. I love that through her writing, Reid points out that there is no one way to be smart, and that you can be involved in STEM, but also love fashion and makeup. A lesson we all need to learn.

<- More Penny ReidMore SmartyPants Romance ->

Image source: Amazon

Sugar and Spite by Rin Chupeco

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Sugar and Spite
Author: Rin Chupeco
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

There is something about the idea of magic being tied up in cooking that I’ve always enjoyed. I mean, cooking is, for me, an act of love and giving, and magic is much the same thing (if you’re looking at white magic that is). Which meant that I was already predisposed to enjoy this story from the very beginning. The fact that it explored another culture was just another moment of joy for me. And nailed that final feeling of joy into my happy, little coffin.

I love that the Lolas in this spend a lot of time subtly trying to teach the difference in vengeance and standing up for oneself. I mean, vengeance for vengeance sake isn’t right. But also, letting yourself be completely run over by others isn’t right either. It’s definitely a fine line, and one I’m sure is easy to blur. But it definitely is one that works.

This story deals wonderfully with the past and the present. Family traditions and modern spins. It’s a great story that is about women, power and striking out on your own. One that I looked forward to diving into again in the future.

<- The Grand Ishq AdventureMoments to Return ->

Image source: Goodreads

Robber Bride by Marjorie M. Liu

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Robber Bride
Author: Marjorie M. Liu
In: Huntress (Christine Warren, Marjorie M. Liu, Caitlin Kittredge & Jenna Maclaine)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology, eBook, Novella
Year: 2009

Thoughts

This novella wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but also seriously good. However, there was definitely more of an ick factor than I was anticipating… the lead was definitely more of a grey hero than anything. She had good motivations, but she also didn’t necessarily have innocence on her side. Plus, at the beginning I thought that Irdu would be the romantic interest – they had the set up for it. But, nothing, and I repeat nothing turned out as I anticipated.

Although I don’t necessarily agree with all of the choices made throughout this story, I do love that the lead will do pretty much anything to chase down someone she cares about. I mean, there are constant moments throughout this where she is questioning her decisions, but she is still driven by her loyalty. Honestly, if I end up in a post-apocalyptic world, I would want someone like The Fixer on my side.

I really loved the Crow shapeshifter in this novella. There was a bit of a driving off into the sunset feeling with him, but nothing overt. He is also obviously loyal, although I’m still vague on the motivations if I’m being honest. He was a great alternative romantic entanglement that worked a lot better for my happiness.

This was a fantastic novella. One that I seriously enjoyed, but also couldn’t quite understand all of. I feel like I could reread this multiple times, and not quite get all of the nuances throughout…

<- Devil’s BargainDown in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go ->

Image source: Amazon

The Particular Talents of Lenny Bright by Zoe Sharp

Book Review, ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: The Particular Talents of Lenny Bright
Author: Zoe Sharp
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Crime
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I really loved the setup throughout this short story for the twist at the end. Which, if I don’t want to put spoilers in this review, I won’t talk too much about. But, the setup didn’t actually tell you what was going to happen, but, in hindsight, it definitely pointed you towards what that final moment was going to reveal.

This is a fun and light short story, particularly when you compare it to many of the other stories in the Murder and Mayhem in Muskego collection. I mean, there isn’t really any murder. Or blood. Or general stabbing-ness that has been prevalent throughout the rest of the short stories thus far.

This is a good reminder to never judge a book (or old lady) by its cover. I mean, we get told that all the time. And we all know that you shouldn’t just judge on outward appearances. But this short story is a great reminder as to why.

<- The Muskego Long CountLast Call ->

Image source: Amazon

Roaches by Isobelle Carmody

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

Title: Roaches
Author: Isobelle Carmody
In: Green Monkey Dreams (Isobelle Carmody)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Year: 1996

Thoughts

This is a very short and quick story, one that has some seriously uncomfortable dystopian future vibes. There are so many damn ways in which we can imagine the world as we know it ending (although COVID did give us more of a taste of that), and this definitely leans into that genre. It’s really just a world in where the children (and the future I suppose) are trying to understand just what happened and escape.

Even though this is kind of sad, and doesn’t have a happy ending, it was still somehow hopeful. It was actually pretty dark and sad. But, because I’m the kind of person who always wants the silver linings, I’m going to imagine a fantastic happily ever after…

Even without the structured happily ever after, there is a great message of hope. And the power of humanity in that hope. It’s about the written word, and the importance of books. How trust is integral and that we always should strive for something better.

<- The Glory DaysThe Beast ->

Image source: Allen & Unwin

Last Call by Bryan VanMeter

Book Review, ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Last Call
Author: Bryan VanMeter
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This short story is all a great, big build up to a murder. And it’s brilliant. You know that everything is going to end in death, although you kind of hope that you’re wrong. It’s a great way to build tension without making it too painful.

I spent this whole story kind of hoping that the bar tender would somehow be pardoned. Even though he knowingly got himself into this situation, I was still incredibly hopeful. There was something so relatable and likeable about the gambling degenerate. And his obvious love for his regulars and job definitely helped with this feeling.

The ending to this wasn’t necessarily quite what I’d hoped, although I’m not really sure what I hoped for. It was a good, fun read, and definitely a great departure from real life for a short while (which is generally why I read).

<- The Particular Talents of Lenny BrightUniversal Donor ->

Image source: Amazon

Kiss Kiss by Tanith Lee

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Kiss Kiss
Author: Tanith Lee
In: Silver Birch, Blood Moon (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling) & Redder Than Blood (Tanith Lee)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Feminism, Retellings
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 1999

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this Frog Prince retelling. It was kind of dark, a little bit twisted and definitely had a whole other approach than any other story of this sort that I’ve had the pleasure of reading before. Plus, I like dark, feminist twists to classic fairytales.

Even though this had some great feminist notes, but there wasn’t a good, happy ending. In fact, it was an incredibly tragic and annoying ending if I’m being honest. But also absolutely perfect.

This short story is a reminder that power corrupts. Even if you THINK a story is headed to a happy ending, the allure of power can be seriously consuming. A little heartbreaking in the end, but wonderful in its entirety.

<- Silver Birch, Blood MoonCarabosse ->

Image source: Wikipedia