Finding Pride by Jill Sanders

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Finding Pride
Author: Jill Sanders
Series: The Pride #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This novel was a little bit predictable, but still very sweet. I mean, it’s a small-town romance – out of towner comes to escape an unpleasant past, finds a dreamy local and falls madly in love. It’s a tale filled with beautiful, happy, small-town vibes. But, sometimes that’s exactly what I’m in the mood for – a completely predictable romance that is a lot of fun and a pleasant departure from the real world.

Although Megan and Todd are the leads in this novel, I do love Lacey and can’t wait for her story. She’s an absolute firecracker and I love how she is able to just control those around her with the force of her personality. She was a bit of a show stealer, and it’ll be interesting when she is the one who falls head over heels. But, I digress, that’s a story that I look forward to delving into in the future. For now, Finding Pride was a fantastic beginning to a new-to-me series by an author I think I’m going to thoroughly enjoy.

Megan’s domestic violence background is not as well written as some of the other characters that I’ve had in my shelves, but it was still well done. I do love how she eventually stands up for herself. And the way in which she is constantly growing into her own independence and regaining that sense of self. The fact that this happens following the loss of her brother is kind of sad and tragic though. I spent the whole book lamenting the fact that Matthew wasn’t there to see Megan’s growth and the way she finds her new home in Pride. Which is probably the way Sanders wanted it to be.

There is tragedy in Todd’s background as well – the loss of a wife. I felt like this could have been used a little more for character development, it was barely touched upon. Even though it was mentioned that he never truly loved her, it just felt like a completely unnecessary and underutilised detail that didn’t need to be there. The death of his father though was a much better point of character development in this tale. Again, it wasn’t as well structured as some of the other stories I’ve read. But it was still well done. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and I’m looking forward to reading the next tale in the Pride series.

<- More Jill SandersDiscovering Pride ->

Image source: Goodreads

Rising Star by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Rising Star
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Starstruck #3
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: 2018

Thoughts

Another wonderful contemporary romance set on film sets by Susannah Nix. I love that it talks about the background people as part of an on-set acting crew. Although I watch a lot of TV (as many of us do), I’d never really thought about the background actors, those who say nothing and are just there to fill the set. I loved the insight into this that I had never thought about. And what it would actually be like to work on a TV show set. I love that Alice’s experiences with this are positive, and although some of the toxicity of fame is still highlighted in this novel, Alice’s experiences are overall quite positive. It was a nice little moment of brightness in a storyline that could have otherwise been a really tragic story, partly because of Alice’s backstory and her experiences in academia.

The fact that Rising Star features a woman who is trying to make her way in academia was wonderfully familiar, and not so wonderful in some ways. Alice’s battles within academia are seriously heartbreaking, and I spent a whole lot of this book wanting to reach out and give her an incredibly big hug. It may not be quite my own experience in academia, but it definitely had the effect of bringing up a whole lot of issues that are unresolved from my time in this field. You know that Nix is a good writer when the similarities (and dissimilarities) occur to make you feel some fairly potent emotions from your own experiences. Alright, so Alice’s experiences aren’t necessarily academia-based, their sexual harassment-based. But, considering the difficulties she faces and the potential backlash, it was pretty hard to read in moments. I also love that in this story she chooses not to come forwards – because of the horrors that we inflict upon victims of this total and utter crap. Alice’s points and reluctance are so realistic and what I know a lot of people experiences when in this, and similar positions.

Alice’s counterpart, Griffin, is definitely swoony (at least how I’m picturing him in my head). But he’s also a little bit, incredibly, self-centred. He spends most of this book focused on his own emotions, experiences and desires. And although he obviously cares for Alice from fairly early on, it’s only when the consequences get pretty intense that he actually decides to stop and think about someone else. Relationships aren’t exactly healthy when one person is focused on their own needs and desires, to the detriment of the other’s feelings. Luckily, and because this is just an all-round awesome romance, he grows and is able to seriously stop and consider where exactly he’s gone wrong. I loved imagining at the conclusion of this book the growth that Griffin is able to continue to go through with Alice’s help.

Although this is an amazing slow-burn romance, for me Taco frequently stole the show. Which, admittedly, pretty much always happens for me when a dog is involved. I love how it is through a dog that two people are able to so strongly bond – probably because I just love dogs in general. There are a number of misunderstandings and mistakes along the way, but ultimately, this is a wonderful and adorable novel that I look forward to reading again and again. Not just for the romance, but also for the many Taco moments throughout.

<- Fallen StarLucky Star ->

Image source: Goodreads

A Perfect Fit by Adrienne Bell

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Perfect Fit
Author: Adrienne Bell
In: Worst Holiday Ever (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This short story is actually a little bit heartbreaking, not because of the story per se, but because it focuses on society’s reactions to those who are bigger. Don’t get me wrong, it was also an incredibly cute story. It’s just that the crap that the protagonist has to deal with because she has a bigger frame is horrible. And the fact that she has to handle more of this nonsense than her male counterparts… incredibly annoying. Like I said, a bit of a heartbreaking commentary on our society.

I love that both of the characters in this story are plus sized. And that throughout their short interaction, he encourages her to be a little more comfortable and confident. Particularly when confronting her family who is too busy fat-shaming her to be anything but horrifying. It’s a reminder that sometimes the expected “family time” around the festive season shouldn’t necessarily be adhered to. At least, that’s the way I found it.

The idea that words don’t have an impact is highlighted as seriously wrong in this short story. Bell highlights how much can be internalised from bullying, nonsense and constantly being spoken down to. Although the Meet Cute on the plane in this story potentially will lead to a better, more positive outlook, it’s still a very open-ended story. As much as I would love to believe that this helps in the long term, I’m not entirely sure that it does.

Overall, I loved this short story. It was a great approach to have a holiday story which is not so much about the holiday, but the travel to and from it. And, although my cynical side doesn’t quite get the happily ever after from this, I loved the potential for this. I can’t wait to see what a full-length story from Adrienne Bell reads like if the short story is this good.

<- Decked OutCrazy Old Money ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Girls of Paper and Fire
Author: Natasha Ngan
Series: Girls of Paper and Fire #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, LGBTQI, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This novel was extremely fucking brilliant. It took me a few chapters to truly want to know what was going to happen next, but then it felt like Girls of Paper and Fire was in my head constantly. Ngan did a fantastic job of world building from the first moment, and her attention to the character’s growth made this a completely irreplaceable book in my opinion. I get why people rave about this so much.

Lei’s journey is seriously heartbreaking. I love how she finds her strength. She is ripped from her home, placed into a horrifying world, and finds her first love. One that’s very existence could get her killed. I strongly suspect that her family has, in fact, been killed though. Which is just something I think will come up later in the series. But is heartbreaking, nonetheless. Part of the reason it took me quite a while to read this was because of how much my heart hurt with every challenge Lei faced.

Lei fits the fairly typical YA heroine mould in that she’s from a poor background, thrust into an unfortunate circumstance and finds a way to triumph when no one expects her to. Her very normalcy is highlighted, but then she’s also special. However, where she is different stands out the most for me. The use of a Chinese sounding (to me) cultural backdrop for starters was a nice departure. Actually, the entire world building was seriously unique and fun. But then there’s the love interest – Wren. Straight up, the fact that this is a F/F couple deviates. But also, the way they are able to create this relationship and how Lei is able to find her own strength in it.

I can’t wait to see how this phenomenal series evolves and where it goes. Likewise, if this is how Ngan wants to start her writing career, then I can’t wait to see what more I will get to sink my teeth into over the coming years. This was a completely unforgettable book that I will definitely read again in the future. And I can’t wait to get the rest of this series for my shelves!

<- More Natasha NganGirls of Storm and Shadow ->

Image source: Kobo

Decked Out by Eva Moore

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Decked Out
Author: Eva Moore
Series: Exposed Dreams #2.5
In: Worst Holiday Ever (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

There’s a positive and negative to this short story. The positive is that this was seriously enjoyable and I kind of fell in love with it a little / a lot. The negative, now there’s another author and series that I’ve got on my ever-growing TBR. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I don’t think I’ll ever catch up on all of the reading that I want to do. Decked Out was a great story featuring a family holiday gone seriously wrong. Kind of hilariously wrong if I’m being honest. It was a little cringy to read, but in the best way possible.

Natalie and Enzo are a wonderfully cute couple. I love that this tale features a woman who is pregnant with twins, and although I know that there is more to their story available in Stripped Down. But, even having not read that, it is possible to put together some of their history and feel the passion of their relationship. Now I can’t wait to see how that developed in Stripped Down. Adding into that Natalie’s ex and the calamities of the two families… this was a seriously wonderful story.

I do love how it is both the best and the worst Christmas. One in which both parties have to find out how to communicate a little better and be a part of a healthy, functioning relationship. Definitely an enjoyable story, that had me giggling quite a bit throughout. Particularly when the pickled grandmother gets involved…

<- Stripped DownA Perfect Fit ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

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