Willow Brook Road by Sherryl Woods

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Willow Brook Road
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: Chesapeake Shores #13
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I love how drastically different Carrie is from the rest of the O’Briens. Where they all want high-powered careers, she just wants a family. And Woods reminds us beautifully that this is just as important and meaningful as the rest of the O’Briens’ ambitions.

Whilst I seriously enjoyed this romance, the emotional entanglement of Susie’s journey in this also drew me in. She doesn’t act in the best of ways and is honestly quite a bitch in moments, but there is still that understanding that you get from her actions. It adds an extra layer of difficulty and drama that Carrie’s romance would otherwise be lacking.

Although I did really love the departure from the structure of the rest of this series, I did find it harder to relate to Carrie. She is incredibly and beautifully maternal. She has this fantastic natural instinct and willingness to love. Both things that I, myself don’t feel that I have. It was nice to read about someone who does though.

Yet another beautiful and incredibly cute Chesapeake Shores novel to fill a few hours with. There is just something gorgeous about this small town that pulls you in. Something that will have me returning again and again and again over the years.

<- Dogwood HillLilac Lane ->

Image source: Goodreads

Dogwood Hill by Sherryl Woods

Book Review,
Overview

Title: Dogwood Hill
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: Chesapeake Shores #12
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

At first I was a bit thrown as to how the Adrian and Liz were even involved with the O’Brien Family. I mean, every story has featured at least one member of the family. And then this one had two total newcomers that didn’t appear to have any relation to the O’Brien clan. But, as the story unfolds, you begin to understand how this all relates in. And it’s awesome.

Liz and her love of dogs is way too familiar to me. I love how almost every important scene revolves around Archie. He is such a gallumphing fool. Like all good, big dogs. Definitely a fantastic show stealer. And a perfect vessel to encourage the somewhat reluctant couple to spend time together.

As with all of the Chesapeake Shores books, family is still a centre point of this story. The O’Briens are definitely part of that. But I mostly enjoyed Liz’s family dynamics. It’s incredibly awkward and painful, but also realistic. She doesn’t have the perfect family, but she does find a way to reconnect after some fairly painful discussions.

Liz and Adrian are a fun couple. I love how they work through each other’s trust issues to find a better future. Even if there are some boneheaded mistakes along the way, they still find a path that is cute, sweet and very fun.

<- The Christmas BouquetWillow Brook Road ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Christmas Bouquet by Sherryl Woods

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Christmas Bouquet
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: Chesapeake Shores #11
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

Caitlyn and Carrie are little show stealers from their appearance in The Inn at Eagle Point. I mean, how could they not be? They’re identical twins who just run havoc across everyone’s emotions and practicalities. And, after reading about Jenny in A Seaside Christmas, I was looking forward to reading another tale about this latest generation of O’Briens.

Caitlyn was everything I had wanted her to be. She is driven and direct. Slightly scarred, and definitely terrified of commitment. Many things that I’ve felt myself. It doesn’t matter how much you love someone… if you’re a woman who wants a career, there are certain aspects of settling down to a family life that are truly terrifying. Caitlyn is scared of all of the same things.

Noah was a fantastic balance to Caitlyn in this tale. He is patient and kind, willing to understand her fears. And also willing to slowly work on them without putting untoward pressure on her. In fact, his patience and kindness in moments reminded me of my own partner… mines not quite as patient as Noah, but who would be? The whole point of a book hero is to be the ideal… not the reality.

This story may be set against Christmas, but mostly when I think about it, I recall the love. Christmas is sweet, well and good. But it is the family that, as always, drives this Chesapeake Shores romance.

<- A Seaside ChristmasDogwood Hill ->

Image source: Amazon

A Seaside Christmas by Sherryl Woods

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Seaside Christmas
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: Chesapeake Shores #10
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

After Jenny’s abrupt departure in An O’Brien Family Christmas, I was kind of wondering how things would turn out. I mean, you do understand WHY she’s so upset. But you also feel seriously frustrated at her being… well, brattish. I was wondering how I’d bond with her considering that background. Luckily, this story starts with Jenny KNOWING what a brat she is. And feeling guilty for it.

There’s a lot of things I love about the Chesapeake Shores novels. And, just contemporary romances in general. One of the things though that shines through most in this is that the love story isn’t an insta love. Rather, it is a tale about forgiveness and moving on from past hurts. Regaining trust is incredibly important for any broken relationship, and I love how it takes centre stage in this story.

The fact that this story is also based around Christmas just made me even happier to curl up with it. There’s nothing like spending a warm December’s evening reading a Christmas romance with the dogs curled up on your lap. Tales of Christmas and love always leave me feeling happy and settled. Jenny and Caleb’s tale is no exception.

Christmas by the beach is definitely an Australian tradition. It may be winter in the setting of this book, but it still had a powerful atmosphere to it that felt familiar. That, and the chaotic O’Brien Family just about made this tale. A fantastic way to start off the stories of the next generation of O’Briens.

<- The Summer GardenThe Christmas Bouquet ->

Image source: Goodreads

Tea Dragon Tapestry by Kay O’Neill

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Tea Dragon Tapestry
Author: Kay O’Neill
Series: Tea Dragon #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Graphic novels, LGBTQI, Tea
Pace: Fast
Format: Graphic novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

As with all of my other O’Neill graphic novels, this is sickeningly and overwhelmingly adorable. It is so damn cute that it will make your teeth ache. And I mean that in an entirely positive light. Love these books.

One of the aspects of graphic novels I love the most is that they are even more open to interpretation than prose. It doesn’t matter how many times I read one, I find a new meaning and symbol within the storyline.

Reading this was a wonderful journey into the world of tea dragons. It made me seriously joyful to be reading this with a nice cup of tea at my side…

<- The Tea Dragon FestivalMore Kay O’Neill ->

Image source: Goodreads

Archangel’s Storm by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Archangel’s Storm
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

From the first moment, I completely adored Mahiya. There is something kind of vulnerable about her. But underneath that vulnerability is a core of steel. I also love that although she fits into the world, she’s nothing like the other women hunters in this series that tend to act as the primary protagonist. And since I’ve been feeling a little soft and squishy lately… she made me incredibly happy and content.

There are many hints about Jason’s past in the previous Guild Hunter books. Finding out the actual details were far more excruciating than I had anticipated. But also incredibly rewarding. I love that he has a dark complex past, but is nowhere near as twisted and jaded as one would expect. It also gives him a level of understanding towards Mahiya that otherwise wouldn’t have worked.

The different cultures and worlds that the archangel courts create are part of the reason I love Singh’s writing. Actually, her world building is one of my favourite things about her writing. I enjoyed how she constructed Neha’s court. It is so different to the other two courts I’ve been intimately familiar with, and although I don’t necessarily want to go back there (that bitch is crazy), it was certainly a fun journey.

Yet again, Singh not only creates a wonderful romance filled with action that I just couldn’t put down. She also filled a story with a reality and dramas that I just didn’t expect. The Guild Hunter world and its battles are definitely gaining traction, and I’m looking forward to seeing how much further down this war hole the series will go.

<- Archangel’s BladeArchangel’s Legion ->

Image source: eBooks

Archangel’s Blade by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Archangel’s Blade
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2011

Thoughts

Although I have thoroughly enjoyed Elena and Raphael throughout the first three Guild Hunter books, it was nice to read one with a different lead. Focusing on another couple was definitely a good diversion. Although it still continued the main feelings of conspiracy and plots that have underlined every book thus far in this series. I mean, no matter where you turn… There’s a conspiracy.

Dmitri is all sex. He has been since his first appearance in this series. But, the more I got to find out about this amazing man, the more I fell in love with him. The capacity and loyalty that he has makes the heart skip multiple beats. Plus, he is just so… good dream inducing. Which may be why Singh is one of my favourite authors… she makes very dream worthy characters leap off the page.

Honor is peripherally in other stories within this series. And I knew that reading some of her journey was going to be a little painful. Yet, it wasn’t as horrifying as I expected. I mean, the whole aspect of her horrors and tragedies only come to light as she deals with them. So they’re viewed through a lens that is somewhat less painful to read. But dark enough that you feel pride with every milestone she beats.

It’s been a few months since I dug into a Guild Hunter novel. And as always when I pick up a Nalini Singh novel, I wonder why its taken me so long to pick up another one. Maybe because I find it hard to focus on anything else and be a productive member of society… there is just something so… wow about her work.

<- Angel’s WolfArchangel’s Storm ->

Image source: Amazon

Island by Alexia Arthurs

Book Review, , ,
Overview
How to Love a Jamaican by Alexia Arthurs

Title: Island
Author: Alexia Arthurs
In: How to Love a Jamaican (Alexia Arthurs)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Race
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

There is always something difficult about going home. But that can be made far worse when that original home is in another country with some far stricter rules. That sometimes all you want to be is a tourist in a world that you know intimately in another way.

Added to all of the emotional turmoil of this story is the fact that rhe narrator is having to deal with their sexuality. Whilst she is comfortable in it, she is surrounded by people who aren’t. I found this kind of heartbreaking. I mean, these people are supposed to be friends… but they’re just… dismissive in so many ways.

An emotionally difficult story that makes you think about relationships and coming home. And how it can be difficult to navigate different realities.

<- Bad BehaviorMermaid River ->

Image source: Goodreads

Slack by Alexia Arthurs

Book Review, , ,
Overview
How to Love a Jamaican by Alexia Arthurs

Title: Slack
Author: Alexia Arthurs
In: How to Love a Jamaican (Alexia Arthurs)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Race
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This story was just… tragic from beginning to end. I mean, it starts woth dead children. And honestly, there is nothing that gets better from there.

Now that I’ve read a few Alexia Arthurs stories, I’m getting used to her jumping around style. And for this story, it added to that feeling of tragedy. Not only are you talking about premature death, but there’s also the sadness and tragedies of those days before.

There is such a feeling of blame and fault throughout this tale. Not that I can pinpoint where the blame is supposed to lie. But it sits there. Incredibly uncomfortably.

<- Mash Up LoveBad Behavior ->

Image source: Goodreads

Six Legs Walking by Elizabeth Bernays

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Six Legs Walking: Notes from an Entomological Life
Author: Elizabeth Bernays
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Essays, Insects, Memoirs
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I loved the balance of science and personal throughout this collection. The old me who aspired to be an entomologist was completely enthralled by the science. But the me in my new life loved that balance of the relationships one makes in academia. And just life in general. It was the perfect balance.

I read this book while I was seriously distracted. A newborn will do that to you. Which means I can safely recommend this to people who have zero science background. If I can grasp what’s going on when I have a screaming baby throat into my arms, then the language used is very happily accessible. There’s nothing worse than wanting to read about something different to your own life just to find the language totally overwhelming and bizarre.

Not going to lie. While I was reading this, I dreamt of grasshoppers. Frequently. And bugs. And running through fields trying to catch said bugs. Ah, the memories. Bernays is able to bring to life the realities of working in the field. In all of its confusing and bizarre glory. Hot days under the sun and slight madness brought on by long hours… Bernays was able to take me back to my best Uni days.

I like that this collection isn’t in any kind of order. Rather there is a bit of a sensible rambling through the years of work. Everything is clumped into experiences and locales, not in any order. It makes you feel like you’re sitting down with a cup of tea reminiscing on days gone by…

<- Lone RiderCork Dork ->

Image source: Booktopia