Last Wool and Testament by Molly MacRae

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Last Wool and Testament
Author: Molly MacRae
Series: Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Cozy mystery, Craft, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This was an absolutely brilliant cozy mystery. And as a Yarn Fondler myself, I seriously appreciated all of the yarn throughout the tale. Cozy mysteries are a genre that I’ve only recently begun to really get into, but it’s definitely one that I love. And the fact that I have found one that features yarn-related crafts made me seriously happy. And kind of inspired to pick up my own projects and fondle my own yarn… there’s also nothing like a bunch of women united by their love of yarn to bust some butt and solve a mystery. The idea of these women being grandmothers and part of the TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Fibre) group of women just made it all that much better.

Kath is thrown into a fair amount of turmoil before she even arrives at her destination – a cop pulls her over and then starts to make negative comments about her recently deceased grandmother. I mean, this is literally the opening scene and it’s kind of intense. But it works so well. Straight away I wanted to find out what was going to happen next. And figure out why there is such a divide in people’s opinions of Kath’s grandmother. Then, as the story unfolds, you realise that there is murder most foul afoot. And you really want to know about that too. Blackmail, murder and knitting… the perfect mix for my happy little brain.

I love that to add a bit of variety to this mystery is the fact that Kath is haunted by an INCREDIBLY irritating ghost. I mean, theoretically, she tries to help out with the murder solving bit. But mostly she is just whiney and irritating. I really liked her. And look forward to spending more time with her neurotic insanity in Dyeing Wishes. She’s a fantastic bit of comedic relief in some of the darker aspects of this story and a source of continuous entertainment. She’s also redeemable at the end when she actually helps to save the day – after being such a whiney pain throughout the rest of this.

I’m normally great with guessing who the villain of a story is because there are always clues. And although in hindsight there are all sorts of little hints throughout this, I genuinely had no freaking idea who the villain in this story was. Until they were revealed. And I still felt like it could have been someone else… so now I’m trying to figure out if that someone else is evil in a whole other range of ways, or just a bonehead… nothing like that confusion to make you want to dive into the next mystery in the series.

<- More Molly MacRaeDyeing Wishes ->

Image source: Amazon

Stealing Christmas by Kari Lemor

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Stealing Christmas
Author: Kari Lemor
Series: Love on the Line #1.5
In: Worst Holiday Ever (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Dave and Tina are a very nice couple. You get behind them from the very beginning and want to see their version of happily ever after completed. Especially as the difficulties in starting their relationship are hinted at. I love that although I haven’t read anything else in this series, it was incredibly easy to figure out the important parts of their relationship. But not enough that you’re not biting at the bit to read the rest of the Love on the Line books. The fact that this short story mentions another couple from the series and is all about spending the holidays with family made them an even cuter couple.

Although most of Dave’s family is completely amazing, Lonnie and Calvin are legitimately the worst family ever. Like, I was completely awestruck by the fact that they not only stole the presents that Tina and Dave were going to give to the rest of the family… they also managed to get half the family arrested and stole identities. It was incredibly impressive and horrible, all at the same time. Makes any chaos within my family seem a little bit more tame.

I loved the proposal twist at the end of this short story. I like when there is a bit of an extra twist to go with all of the stealing and criminal twists throughout this very cute Christmas story. It’s definitely got me intrigued to read more of the Kari Lemor books on my shelf now.

<- Crazy Old MoneyTouched by Fate ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Night Watch by Donna Kauffman

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Night Watch
Author: Donna Kauffman
Series: Chisholm Brothers #3
In: Bad Boys in Kilts (Donna Kauffman)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Scottish romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Year: 2006

Thoughts

Tristan is just all round yummy. I mean, a literal shepherd who is built, paints and lives on his own? There is something so wonderfully delicious about him that I sunk straight into this story without any hesitation. Like, disgustingly yummy. Also, the Meet Cute between the two involves him in nothing but a towel, standing in the rain, trying to rescue her. And then the towel is swept away… wonderfully delicious an incredibly strong imagery from the very get-go. I enjoyed all three of the Chisholm brothers and their women up until this point, but I definitely enjoyed this couple the most so far.

I like that this is about two introverts finding their happily ever after. Most of the stories I read involve at least one extrovert bringing their introverted lover further out into the world. The change of pace in having two introverts who continued in their introverted ways was a wonderful deviation. One that I can relate to incredibly strongly – my partner and I are incredibly introverted and more than happy just spending our time in one another’s company. It was fantastic that for this happily ever, both are able to continue in their creative, artistic introversion, without having to suddenly become social beings who went out all of the time. A reminder that its really cool being an introvert too.

I enjoyed pretty much everything about this novella. But it was the rescue scene that I loved the most. A calamity of misunderstandings, potential drowning and just all round hilarity ensued throughout this moment. I couldn’t help the grin that was splayed across my face the whole time I read this. I also understood the confusion and frustration both sides felt as they truly and fantastically failed to communicate their intentions and impressions to one another. Lots of loud giggles when I read the opening to this novella.

Finally, I love that the epilogue, whilst tidying up Tristan’s story, also tidied up the other two brothers’ stories as well. And, hints pretty heavily at what is about to happen for the fourth and final brother. It was a great way to round out the three Chisholm Brothers novellas, whilst introducing the theme and challenges that are about to be faced in the final story. One that I now need to get my hands on…

<- On TapBad Boys in Kilts ->

Image source: Kensington Publishing

Hot and Badgered by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hot and Badgered
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Honey Badger Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I have to admit that I have a somewhat unhealthy obsession with honey badgers, like I’m kind of ridiculously obsessed with the silly things. So when I found out that there’s literally a paranormal romance / shapeshifter series which features honey badgers… I don’t know if I’ve ever been quite this happy in my life. And that was before I had the pleasure of actually reading this book. When I found out that the shapeshifters featured in this book were also sisters, and ones who are none to be incredibly chaotic… so many of my happy buttons were pushed.

Throughout this I honestly couldn’t stop laughing out loud at the shenanigans of the MacKilligan sisters. I mean, the first time you meet them, one is jumping out of a bedroom window, and the other runs a man over… multiple times. Then, to complete this chaotic trio, you have a panic attack prone genius who thinks a stay at a mental health institution is a nice holiday. And that’s just the character introductions in the first few chapters. The more supporting cast that you get to meet, the more insanity unfolds. I honestly can’t believe that this is an author who hasn’t been on my shelves yet. One that I can’t wait to read more of in the future.

I can’t wait for more of the MacKilligan sisters’ insanity as this series unfolds. The series most definitely starts out with the sanest of the three – Charlie spends most of her time running around trying to stop the other two from just killing everyone. I’ve got one younger sister that I keep an eye out for, and she doesn’t have homicidal tendencies – I can’t imagine watching two who are definitely insane. Charlie is a ridiculously fun lead, one who doesn’t hesitate to be herself and finds a way to carve out her own happily ever after.

Although this story is a romance between Berg and Charlie, for me it was about the relationship between the sisters. There is something great about a well written family bond, and Laurenston has the exasperation and love pegged perfectly in this story. Berg and Charlie are also a fantastic couple that you are rooting for from the very beginning, but there’s just something about the three sisters. There’s also the fact that being bought into Berg’s life brings along a whole cast of characters who I want to get to know even better. Berg’s two triplet siblings being some of them. I’m hoping that the more I dive into the world of Laurenston, the more I will get to meet different members of this world. All of whom have a whole lot of humour and sass in their creation.

<- More Shelly LaurenstonIn a Badger Way ->

Image source: Kobo

On Tap by Donna Kauffman

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: On Tap
Author: Donna Kauffman
Series: Chisholm Brothers #2
In: Bad Boys in Kilts (Donna Kauffman)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Scottish romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Year: 2006

Thoughts

Daisy was completely gorgeous in Bottoms Up – she was just the kind of woman that I like to read about, supportive of someone when she realises where the antagonization comes from. And just genuinely kind of pure and sweet. Which means that I just loved that she got her own tale and romance. It also provided a little more of her backstory, and a little more context into her random move to a tiny, Scottish town. All of which I lapped up incredibly happily. I’m a sucker for a good romance, I particularly love those that are based in Scotland and have a couple that compliment each other like the two in this story.

This novella was a little bit too insta-love for me. I lapped it up and enjoyed it, I also enjoyed that instant attraction moment. But the fact that they were head over heels and tumbling into a relationship when they were both completely addicted to their work? It was a little bit too quick, I think that it honestly just needed one more chapter of building the romantic suspense to make me feel happily content. I may be being a bit pedantic and fussy there though… who knows. Without the build-up and suspense I found it difficult to truly enjoy the lust and the relationship – it felt a little bit like the lead couple just leapt into bed together and suddenly all of their past was totally okay, but this is a novella, so I’m not really sure what I expected.

I did love that both characters were happily obsessed workaholics, and although they are moving forward to a new beginning, that tendency doesn’t exactly disappear. Instead, they figure out how to combine their workaholic natures with their new relationship for a fresh start. They didn’t suddenly drop their work and become relationship-obsessed individuals, rather they continued to be who they are. With a bit of balance. I find this more relatable – I’m a total control freak, that didn’t change just because I’m in a in a happy, healthy, loving relationship. I’m still a nut and a control freak. Which I loved about the couple in this novella.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, and I found that Daisy’s backstory was great. Running the Rat Race and then wanting to find a little better balance in life by moving to a small town is incredibly understandable. The fact that she is still driven and a hard worker made me love her more, she just has figured out a way to have a little bit of a life again. Falling for a man who is just as driven was just all round fun.

<- Bottoms UpNight Watch ->

Image source: Kensington Publishing

Exposed by Donna Kauffman

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Exposed
Author: Donna Kauffman
Series: Men of Rogue’s Hollow #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2004

Thoughts

I have to start this review by admitting that I absolutely loved the pun that was in this title. Which I didn’t get until halfway through. Because it is called Exposed and features two photographers – exposed and cameras. It made me very, very happy. It also highlighted how exposed both of the leads felt in this interaction, but that goes down a whole other rabbit hold.

This kind of had Let it Snow vibes with the whole being stranded on a train in the snow. I kind of love these stories which give you a tiny little bottle in which interactions are forced. When it happens with snow, it feels kind of magical. Although, since I’ve only seen snow maybe twice in my life, it’s a bit hard to actually know if it is as romantic and magical as it reads…

Not only was this a fun novella and one that stands beautifully by itself, it also touches upon two other stories in this series. Firstly, there are a few mentions to the previous novella – Baby, It’s Cold Outside. And then, there’s hints towards what Tag’s story in Catch Me If You Can will be like. Both of which I loved. It’s always nice to have a vein of connection throughout stories which stand beautifully by themselves, but also work well together.

I loved the compromise at the end of this story. I am a strong believer in the idea that relationships are all about compromise. Whether they be romantic or platonic. So the fact that Austin and Delilah manage to find that compromise in their own version of happily ever after left me feeling very content. There’s nothing more that I hate than a story which features a couple in which one has had to give up everything to be with the other.

Finally, it was Austin’s final leap of faith and confidence in each other that made me really enjoy this novella. Those grand gestures that are always in media are just so damn cute and this one definitely gave me all of the happy feelings.

<- Baby, It’s Cold OutsideCatch Me If You Can ->

Image source: Kobo

Bottoms Up by Donna Kauffman

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Bottoms Up
Author: Donna Kauffman
Series: Chisholm Brothers #1
In: Bad Boys in Kilts (Donna Kauffman)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Scottish romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Year: 2006

Thoughts

I honestly love any romance that features a best friends to lovers trope. They’re always adorable and fun. Plus, it’s such a great foundation for any relationship. Kat and Brodie are a great pair – they’re best mates who already spend all of their time together. They have the same life goals. And are just generally both kind of adorable. The darts scene in this book particularly made me happy, because it reminded me a little of the darts tournaments I was around when I was younger. And my own damn competitive streak…

I do love though that Brodie is so deliciously ignorant of his hold over Kat throughout. It isn’t the moment when Kat dolls herself up that makes him realise what he has though – it’s someone else basically smacking him over the head with the knowledge of her. He’s a little bit dense, but I love that moment when he finally clicks that his perfect match has been right in front of him all along. And that, although he’s entertaining the thought of flirting with another woman, he really doesn’t consider it seriously.

When I started reading this, I was expecting a novella in which two women were kind of pitted against one another. The scene where Daisy and Kat have a little heart to heart about how they are intimidated by each other is great. Not only are both impressed by the other and discussing how they feel envious of each other’s positive qualities. They also are highlighting how there are a multitude of ways to be a strong, beautiful woman. No right or wrong.

Everything about this novella was fun. It was delicious, cute and a nice, light read. I did enjoy though, beyond the relationship dynamics, how Kat is completely unwilling to be loved for anything less than what she is. Although she might be able to attract Brodie’s attention by dolling herself up and changing her whole style, she refuses to succumb to that. Another wonderful point in the favour of highlighting how amazing all types of women are.

<- Bad Boys in KiltsOn Tap ->

Image source: Kensington Publishing

Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Second Grave on the Left
Author: Darynda Jones
Series: Charley Davidson #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Grim reapers, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2011

Thoughts

This book, like the first in this series is filled with laugh out loud goodness. Charley is ridiculously sassy and glorious – she might find herself in situation after situation, but she always handles it with plenty of humour and wit. I absolutely love how she careens from one moment of trouble to another, with no real clue how she’s gotten there. That, and every chapter starts with a sassy pun on her t-shirt that helps to set the tone of the chapter. Starting a chapter with a bit of a giggle, and continuing in that vein throughout the whole book? It was a wild and incredibly funny ride. One that I look forward to picking up in the next Charley Davidson novel.

The first book in this series introduces Charley, Cookie and the many people in her life, this novel then starts to investigate and highlight not only Charley’s relationship to Reyes, but their powers. And the ways that they are intertwined, and just generally all of the somewhat horrifying implications of what their presence on earth means to the world. I love that there is a bit of an apocalyptic threat and theme to this story – one that I’m sure will get worse and more developed as the tale unfolds. Reyes and Charley are a great couple and I love how they are the literal definition of opposites attract (son of hell, daughter of heaven).

Not only is this a fantastic book that unfolds more of the lore in the world of Charley Davidson, but it also has not one, not two, but three mysteries throughout. Charley doesn’t just have to figure out how to find Reyes, save his life and stop this moment of Armageddon. She also has to help Cookie find Mimi (and discover just what it is that has her hiding in the first place). And finally, the mystery of the ghost in the trunk and just how he ended up there. All of which would be great drivers to the story in and of themselves, but when all three are combined? It made for an incredibly difficult book to put down. I just had to turn one more page…

Alongside the development of the relationship between Charley and Reyes, there is a bit more of a reveal as to the state of Charley’s relationship with her family. And it was a seriously heartbreaking reveal. My heart broke for what Charley has had to deal with. But, there is a hint of reconciliation with her sister, one that I clung to in the hopes that this would mean she finally gets to have a healthier relationship with the people who are supposed to love her no matter what.

<- For I Have SinnedThird Grave Dead Ahead ->

Image source: Booktopia

A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Princess for Christmas
Author: Jenny Holiday
Series: Christmas in Eldovia #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I have to start this review with the point that I swear to god I’ve seen this movie on Netflix. But, as I don’t have Netflix anymore, I’m not entirely certain. But, I swear it feels like I’ve seen this before. The fact that it is Jenny Holiday’s version of a Hallmark Christmas movie might be why it seems so familiar though… but I digress. This was a fun and entertaining Christmas read that had me smiling and just generally enjoying the feeling of the season. A great way to get myself mentally prepared for the insanity that hits around December 25th.

Although this was a wonderfully cute and funny story, it did take me a little while to get into it. Leo and Marie are a nice couple, but I didn’t immediately fall in love with either of them, so it was hard to start barracking for the couple. Eventually though, I started to actually want to know that they were going to find their happily ever after. Particularly since this was a romance that was built primarily on friendship, rather than the insta-love tale that sometimes fills my shelves. I love how Leo and Marie slowly get to know each other and just enjoy each other’s’ company for the first half of the book. In my opinion, there is nothing better than a romance that is built upon a friendship first.

If you read the author’s commentary on why she wrote this book, she points out that this was supposed to be her version of a Hallmark Christmas movie. There are so many sassy little references to this throughout the book that leave you smiling and laughing. I love how Holiday is able to poke fun at the genre even as she is writing within it. Yet, there is also something wonderful about the idea of the picturesque country and town of Eldovia where hot chocolate competitions are considered completely normal and there is snow everywhere. Definitely a book I will reread next year in the lead up to Christmas.

Leo and Marie are a somewhat cute couple, one that I did enjoy getting to know. But, I must admit, that there are moments when Gabby steals the show a little. She’s such a happy chatterbox and sweetheart. I hope that she at least makes a bit of an appearance in the next two books in this fun Christmas trilogy.

<- More Jenny HolidayDuke, Actually ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Sideways by Lisa Hughey

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Sideways
Author: Lisa Hughey, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Speakeasy Taproom #4
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: 2021

Thoughts

I found the society girl meets cute chef a really fun angle to this story. Particularly since cute chef immediately judges the society girl for wanting to alter the menu. Which she does because she has dietary concerns, not because she’s a princess and pain in the butt. It was definitely a really fun and wonderful approach to a very unique pairing. In fact, Tracey and Colton are some of my favourite Heart Eyes Press couples so far. Although, admittedly that may change when I read the next book in this world…

There is just something about a good food romance that makes me particularly happy. Probably because I love food and I love cooking, so it hits me right in all of my sweet spots. The fact that Colton manages to find his mojo for cooking again as this story unfolds. In a tiny, picturesque cottage… at some points I didn’t even need the romance. Just the cooking. I’m admittedly a little bit food obsessed at times. I love that this story also highlights all of the ways in which sometimes the hospitality culture can be kind of toxic. I used to work in hospitality – it wasn’t abnormal for someone to do a ten hour shift on a broken foot (not even kidding). Colton’s issues with alcohol and the ways in which such a high pressure environment really hit a cord with me. Again, having worked in front of house and kitchens myself – I know a whole lot of chefs and kitchen staff who had some very questionable addictions. Colton’s strength in recognising his problems and staying away from them was wonderful.

Although Tracey starts out as incredibly naïve at the beginning of this story, I love how she is able to grow throughout. She manages to consistently learn from her mistakes. And, although most of these mistakes come from a place of privilege, she’s able to admit to these flaws and find a way to be better. In fact, by understanding more of her privilege, she’s actually able to completely overhaul other aspects of her life to better suit those who aren’t quite so privileged. The personal growth of both Colton and Tracey is wonderful in this, but I particularly enjoyed and respected how much Tracey is able to grow throughout.

Tracey’s friends in the BBC (Billionaire’s Breakfast Club) are wonderful, and all the time that I was reading this, I couldn’t help but think that I wanted more of them. Which, made me incredibly happy when I realised that Hughey actually wrote this as a series… just some more wonderful books to add to my ever expanding TBR…

<- HomecomingWildflower ->

Image source: Amazon