The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Bromance Book Club
Author: Lyssa Kay Adams
Series: Bromance Book Club #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I actually read the first book in this series after reading the fifth book, because Christmas. So I did already know that the premise was that there is a Bromance Book Club that helps men to connect with the women in their lives. And, also, just lets men connect in whatever way they need to. It also meant that I already knew I was going to enjoy this because I enjoyed A Very Merry Bromance so much. Having said that, I actually think that I enjoyed this even more. For starters, it was wonderfully refreshing that this is a romance that actually starts in the middle of a marriage. That point when there is no more communication and the two leads are just struggling to figure out how to get back to who they were. Not just as a couple, but to find who they are as individuals as well. Of course, the complications and stressors of children made it all that much more volatile and difficult. I loved reading about not that moment of falling in love, but how you fall back in love with your significant other after life impacts you.

Although you can see how drastically Thea and Gavin could’ve gotten off track, I definitely I felt like Gavin was the one with his head further up his arse. His unwillingness to give up on his marriage is ultimately a good thing, and this stubbornness gives him an edge when others might have given up. But this same stubbornness is kind of what lands him in trouble in the first place – an inability to see past his own hurt and nonsense and actually listen to his wife gets his butt kicked to the curb. I do love though how is friends in the BBC (Bromance Book Club) consistently kick his butt and make him see reality. And that his hurts aren’t all about him, sometimes your hurts bleed over to others and you need to just stop and deal with your shit. In fact, that seems to be the underlying theme of not only this book, but the book they read within the book – backstory is everything and if we understand just what the backstory is, we can understand the hurts of today.

There are a few moments throughout this novel that had me grinning like a damn Cheshire cat – but two stand out in particular. Firstly, the moment when Gavin just yells “Backstory!” at Thea and storms out. Not only is it a great reminder that it took both of them to break up their marriage, but he also has been able to learn what the damn bromance has been pushing at him. Then, there’s the moment where Thea finally manages to regain some of her strength and independence – she not only shuts down the other, horrible women who are attached to the players. But, she also owns her relationship with her husband. “He stutters in bed, and it’s fucking amazing”. Quite possibly one of my favourite mic drop moments that I’ve read in a very long time.

There are so many brilliant moments throughout this novel. Ones that I look forward to revisiting again and again. Not just in Gavin and Thea’s romance. But also in Courting his Countess, the novel that Gavin is actually reading. I love that it looks like Adams has actually written this in entirety, because honestly, that’s a book that I actually want to read as well…

<- More Lyssa Kay AdamsUndercover Bromance ->

Image source: Goodreads

Wicked Ways by Cynthia Eden

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Wicked Ways
Author: Cynthia Eden
In: When He Was Bad (Shelly Laurenston & Cynthia Eden)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Year: 2008

Thoughts

It’s always interesting to see how a story will drop you right into the action. In the case of Wicked Ways, this novella starts off with a date gone wonderfully, horrifyingly wrong. Like, seriously bad. But then, because it’s paranormal romance, it gets better and better. Leaving you with a smile on your face and a bit of a spring in your step. I absolutely loved reading this and it’s definitely moved some of my Cynthia Eden books to the top of my TBR priority… until the next amazing story that I read.

I love that as Miranda starts to fall for a shifter man, she is able to accept all of him. There is no gentleness in his Otherness, and she is able to take that on board and just… enjoy his company. I’m all for love stories that involve completely accepting your other half for all of their flaws. Miranda just takes that a step further as she accepts him for all of his… claws.

This novella is a great romantic suspense, with shapeshifters and vampires thrown in. At it’s heart, it’s really a story of two people falling in love as they hunt down a serial killer and sociopath (or is it a psychopath, I get my paths mixed up). The fact that the killer is a vampire and the man hunting him is a cat shapeshifter adds to the drama, blood and adrenaline. But, it’s still a pretty simple and fun romantic suspense novella.

Wicked Ways is yummy and fun. It was a wonderful novella that I thoroughly enjoyed for the steaminess and action. I definitely loved the drama and look forward to more of this in the future of my Cynthia Eden reading.

<- Miss CongenialityWhen He Was Bad ->

Image source: Goodreads

Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Wed or Dead
Author: Cynthia Eden
In: Howl For It (Shelly Laurenston & Cynthia Eden)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I’ve read a Cynthia Eden story before, a little while ago. But just the one, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect with this novella. Likewise, after reading the blurb for this tale, I thought I had an inkling of what I was going to enter into. None of these things prepared me for the story I got. And it was completely epic for that fact. I seriously loved this and had a great time reading through this novella.

There is a whole lot of betrayal and treachery throughout this story. The turns and the deceits happened so quickly that I got to a point I was expecting it with each turn of the page. I most definitely had a beating heart throughout this tale. And it most definitely made my poor heart hurt for both Gage and Kayla – they so obviously care for one another, but are also constantly thrown into the path of some seriously horrible drama.

Gage and Kayla work wonderfully as a couple, although Gage does spend most of this story underestimating her, and then getting his butt kicked. I love that Kayla is able to go toe to toe with Gage in every moment that he underestimates her. It made me smile and laugh. I love a strong woman who is able to stand up for herself and take people to task for underestimating them.

To add to the drama and heartbreak throughout this story, there is Kayla’s brother and the past trauma that they both experienced. You spend the whole time hoping that Kayla and Gage find their happily ever after, but also hoping that Kayla is able to find that with her own brother. And the two seem to be mutually exclusive conditions…

<- Like a Wolf with a BoneHowl For It ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: We Bought a Zoo
Author: Benjamin Mee
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: BBC, Book to Film, Memoirs, Nature
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2008

Thoughts

I bought this because I genuinely loved the movie, and I was intrigued when I found out that the true story movie was actually based on a book. It was good to see that, although starkly different from the movie, this was just as enjoyable. I actually found that once I dug into it, I really couldn’t put it down. Seriously fun and most definitely an enjoyable, thought-provoking journey that Benjamin Mee takes you on.

If you’ve seen the movie, there are some pretty stark differences to the movie (and I’d now be interested in seeing the BBC mini-series). For starters, buying the zoo and getting it up and running wasn’t just some hair-brained scheme from Benjamin, in fact it was the whole family. He is just featured so heavily because he was the journalist with a gift for writing. I love that it’s Benjamin, his sister and two of his three brothers who act in support of their mother in running this as a team. They all had their own roles and responsibilities, working as a seriously wonderful team.

I was also surprised that the children didn’t feature in this so strongly, rather they are kind of peripheral. You can tell from Benjamin’s writing that they feature heavily in his own thoughts and life. Particularly when he talks about the difficulties of having his wife pass, but they don’t feature in this memoir. I kind of respected and liked that. After all, it made it feel like his family life was actually quite private and separate from his publicity. And sharing this in a book removes that privacy.

Although this whole book is overall a chronological tale, each chapter does have it’s own theme. There’s some overlap between the timelines, but I really loved how it was separated. Each chapter gave you closure and acted as it’s own story in and of itself. It gave a story that I would have loved anyway a whole new level of cohesiveness. And I’ll definitely be reading this again, I just enjoyed it that much.

I loved this novel and look forward to reading it again. Not only was it a fascinating journey, but it was also well written. I also thoroughly enjoyed the insight it gave into the machinations of running a zoo. Whilst I knew that there was a lot to it, there were so many more intricacies that I was really surprised by.

<- Black SaturdayThe Beekeeper of Sinjar ->

Image source: Publishers Weekly

The Unmatchmakers by Jackie Lau

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: The Unmatchmakers
Author: Jackie Lau
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

There are so many laugh out loud moments in this witty contemporary romance. As in literal laugh out loud moments. I’m kind of glad that I read this novel late at night when no one else was home… I would have looked a little bit unhinged while reading this to casual observers. (Alright, that happens more often than not, but I digress). Lau is able to carve out not only a fun romance, but one that is distinctly humorous and incredibly witty. I love how Neil and Leora have parents who go against pretty much every stereotype that you read about in books. The many, many funny moments also drive them to decide to finally stand up for themselves and carve out a relationship with their respective mothers that actually works and feels accepting and healthy.

There are obviously a lot of stereotypes about Asian mothers running rampant in our media. The fact that this novel uses those and then willingly goes against them was very brilliantly done. The loud yelling and chaos made me fall in love with both of the mothers, even as they are driving their children completely insane. I also thoroughly enjoyed how the three mothers are all a pretty cohesive unit. One that bands together in their unmatchmaking ways. But also, when they have a rupture in their plans, finds a way back to each other. It’s that friendship that I would love to have in my old age – women I have raised children with and experienced the world with, still by my side. Still causing shenanigans and chaos.

Neil and Leora are such a wonderfully cute couple. I love that their whole story is a slow-burn romance. Although there’s that instant moment of connection and sexual tension, the time it takes for them to actually consummate their relationship? It’s definitely a serious build up. One that Lau is able to reward you for fully. I got to a point pretty quickly where I was turning each page really quickly and ripping through this book – just because I wanted to see the slow burn pay off! Of course, it’s totally rewarded, but it took a whole lot longer to get to that moment. And it’s not quite as graphic as some of the romances that I’ve read recently, another thing that I actually found paid off beautifully.

This was such a beautiful contemporary romance. It had wonderful summer feels, with the fantastic setting. But it was also about two people finding their own happiness and path in life. Then owning that with parents who are sometimes a little bit overzealous with ensuring their offspring’s happiness. I’m most definitely a Jackie Lau fan now and can’t wait to dig into more of her books!

<- Not Your ValentineMore Jackie Lau ->

Image source: Goodreads

Madly, Deeply by Alan Rickman

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Madly, Deeply: The Alan Rickman Diaries
Author: Alan Rickman
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Actors, Biographies, Celebrity, Diary, Memoirs
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I was really looking forward to reading this, so was a little bit disappointed when I found that it wasn’t as easy and enjoyable as I had anticipated. Definitely one of those books that I’ll go back to because it was difficult going and I felt like I missed a whole lot of details as I turned the pages.

One of the things that I only realised about halfway through reading this was the fact that you really need to read the footnotes. Or understand the social and political layout of Rickman’s world at the time. I finally managed to understand a whole lot more of what was going on once I started to actually click on the footnotes and connect the different people that Rickman was actually talking to.

For all that this was a difficult biography / diary to read, it was an enjoyable one too. Particularly late at night. Because I had to concentrate quite hard on the words, I found that I actually was able to fall asleep pretty comfortably at the close of each section. The perfect tale to read as a wind down at the end of a long day.

The thing that I got the most out of reading this though? That Rickman was a kind, giving man with a brilliant English wit. One that I know the world sorely misses.

<- Mrs. Sherlock HolmesThe Five ->

Image source: Kobo

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing
Author: Matthew Perry
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Actors, Addiction, Biographies, Celebrity, Memoirs
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I’m not going to lie, I’d been warned before reading this that it was fairly self-indulgent and narcissistic. And I’m really glad that I was warned. As much as I enjoyed reading this, I did not enjoy the author. I mean, good lord man, you’d think that this was written by a petulant teenager, not a grown-ass man who has had a phenomenal career.

One of the reasons that I picked this up was because I was really interested in the pathway and experiences of Hollywood. I’ve read a few memoirs and biographies of different actors lately. And they all have vastly different experiences, but all have that one thing in common – they have a really, really lucky break. Again, I enjoyed other memoirs a whole lot more because they weren’t so damn whiney and negative.

I’ve also read a lot of memoirs written by those who have to deal with addiction as an aspect of their daily lives. Again, it is ridiculous how self-indulgent Perry is. I mean, yes, it’s a horrible disease. But, as an adult and someone who is serious about recovery, you really need to concentrate on what you can change and do. He just focuses on the fact that he’s been dealt a shitty hand (haven’t we all?). As a family member with someone who is self-indulgent and has issues with addiction, I can attest that having that kind of attitude really doesn’t help.

Look, this was an interesting read, and one that I don’t regret. But, it is also not one that I would suggest for anyone who looks upon Matthew Perry with rose-coloured glasses. Or wants to know heaps about his Friends days. Neither of these things happen. Worth reading, but not one that I would read again with any kind of excitement.

<- Dreams from My FatherTruganini ->

Image source: Amazon

Courting His Countess by C.J. Archer

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Courting His Countess
Author: C.J. Archer
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

It’s been a little while since I picked up any historical romances. Which made this a wonderful novella to use to dive straight back into this genre. Plus, although I’ve read other C.J. Archer novels, this is also my first foray into the more traditional feeling historical romances that she likes. Both things that I thoroughly enjoyed. And made me want to jump right back into another historical / regency romance. And more C.J. Archer stories. A quick, easy and light read. One that I will most definitely enjoy reading again.

I love that this is a historical romance that talks about many of the social graces and nuances that that entails. Yet, it touches on some of the battles that women still face today. In this, it is that there is a bit of controversy surrounding the marriage of the lead couple. Yet, instead of dealing with it, the husband just up and leaves. Leaving her with the fall out. Thomas may do this to try and mitigate the consequences of his actions, but, he in fact actually makes everything a whole lot worse. It’s this lack of understanding to the social morays and utter bullshit that women often face that I found really interesting. After all, it’s still bullshit and nonsense that happens today.

I love that this story starts with Thomas trying to undo the dumbassery of his past actions. And, although you can already guess that those decisions weren’t optimum, it takes a while for all of the foolish decisions to come to light. I love how you spend the whole time hoping for their happily ever after, and also thinking that Thomas is an absolute fool. All in all, this was fun and enjoyable, and I’m so glad that it was such a good happy ending.

<- More C.J. ArcherThe Mercenary’s Price ->

Image source: Goodreads

Branded by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Branded
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Paranormal romance, Werewolves
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

I loved, loved, loved, loved, loved this novella. Which comes as exactly no surprise considering I love everything I have read by Kelley Armstrong. There is just something that is impossible to put down about all of her stories, and the strength of the women in her works is also completely admirable. Which, obviously, this was no exception.

I like that although this is kind of loosely based in the Otherworld series, it’s not really part of that world. It’s kind of what would happen after generations and generations of people making incredibly bad decisions. And the apocalypse / dystopian future. I love that it is showing just what can happen when prejudice and fear run rampant and destroy lives.

There is a whole lot of plotting and darkness throughout this story, and yet it is a wonderful and adorable teen romance. Even some of the plotting that in hindsight was obviously going on, wasn’t quite as obvious as in hindsight. Some of it actually took me by surprise. Always something I enjoy.

I loved this novella, and it is definitely one I’ll reread again when the urge takes me.

<- More Kelley ArmstrongWomen of the Otherworld series ->

Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard
Author: Tom Felton
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Biographies, Celebrity, Memoirs
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I, like I’m sure many others, just bought this because I’m a huge fan of Harry Potter. And, as we are all bombarded with the cast’s growth over the years, I’m actually pretty impressed with how they’ve all grown up in the spotlight. Plus, Tom Felton is one of those rare actors who managed to make a truly detestable character really sympathetic. And quotable, but that’s a whole other story. All in all, it meant that when I realised that this was a novel that existed, I was over the moon and very quickly added it to my bookshelf.

This novel starts with a truly beautiful forward by Emma Watson. It highlights the bond that they’ve built as they’ve grown and the truly meaningful friendship that they share. Straight up, you realise that there is an honesty and sweetness to their bond, and whilst Emma doesn’t feature heavily in Tom’s memoir, when he talks about her, you can see that that respect goes both ways. The kind of friendship that people dream of.

Felton is irrevocably honest, grateful and after reading this, I kind of want to be his friend. He doesn’t flinch from his mistakes and the challenges he’s faced in his past. There is no shying away from some of his dumber mistakes, and a kind of silent pride in his finer moments. Felton is able to look at the past through a lens of humour and acceptance that is seriously hard to come by as an adult.

Rather than being written in chronological order, Beyond the Wand jumps around the timeline, with each chapter having an underlying theme. Or a central story that then feeds into other, smaller tales. I love that I had no idea of what to expect with each chapter. I mean, the witty titles give you a bit of a hint, but then I mostly just got distracted by how witty the titles are. And then I’d get distracted by the wit in Felton’s retellings.

Although I couldn’t stop thinking about this, I also took quite a while to read this. Mostly because I really didn’t want this experience to be over. It’s an amazing journey that gave me a whole lot more insight into the filming of Harry Potter and what it was like growing up on screen. But, it was also about family and friends and the people you need to get through the most difficult moments of your life.

<- Island of the LostZlata’s Diary ->

Image source: Amazon