One Boy, No Water by Lehua Parker

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: One Boy, No Water
Author: Lehua Parker
Series: Nihui Shark Saga #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Mythology, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I really loved the island-life feel. It had this breezy, relaxed, surfer kind of vibe, that felt kind of familiar to my surfy cousins. There was such a lovely, breezy feeling to this story and I most definitely want to revisit this world. Aside from the vibe in this story, I loved that there was a lot of cultural information and aspects to the story that made me more and more fascinated by the Hawaiian life.

Then there was the fantastic language used throughout. Not just the language and tone of the story, but also the island slang throughout. Each chapter starts with the meaning of one piece of slang. Then, there’s bits and pieces that you have to put together yourself. I love this pidgeon form of English and Hawaiian that is used throughout. It may actually be the aspect of this story that I love the most – learning new slang that I will probably never use.

I loved how although this story is very much around a mythology and fantasy and powers, at it’s heart it is a coming of age story. One where a boy discovers who he is and that, like all of us, he has his own powers. It’s been a while since I’ve so thoroughly enjoyed a coming of age story. So it was nice to read this one. And, as I previously mentioned, definitely a world and journey that I will return to.

Zader is an incredibly fun lead. He is obviously kind of awkward and a fish out of water. Which, I always connect best to these types of characters – I’ve always felt like a bit of a fish out of water myself. I enjoyed how as his story unfolds, a bit more of his background and the secrets of his past. It made it incredibly difficult to put down this fantastic book.

<- More Lehua ParkerOne Shark, No Swim ->

Image source: Booktopia

Shotgun Angels by Jay Demarcus

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Shotgun Angels: My Story of Broken Roads and Unshakeable Hope
Author: Jay Demarcus
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Biographies, Memoirs, Music
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I absolutely love the music by Rascal Flatts. So I was excited to know a little bit more about their history and the journey to becoming a band. This really wasn’t about that. It was more about Demarcus’ faith. Which is fine, but definitely not my cup of tea.

I’m really funny about anything that is a little too Bible heavy. Again, just not my cup of tea. And although this was a sweet journey, it is incredibly obvious that this is a HUGE aspect of Demarcus’ life. It literally permeates everything in this story. And whilst I can see how a lot of people would find this incredibly uplifting, I just felt incredibly uncomfortable.

Because I did enjoy this, but also felt uncomfortable, I’m going to write a short review here. This was good and interesting. Definitely not too pushy with the belief. But also, not what I was expecting, anticipating and looking forward to reading.

<- Mao’s Last DancerThe Happiest Refugee ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Mad About Ewe by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Mad About Ewe
Author: Susannah Nix, SmartyPants Romance
Series: Common Threads #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I really like reading romances that feature an older couple. It definitely seems that the older I get, the older I want my protagonists to be (which makes total sense). Dawn and Mike might be a little bit older than I had kind of anticipated / desired, but they still fit that happy space in which I had older protagonists that made me happy. Plus, Dawn literally opens her own yarn store… something that I most definitely can see myself doing later in life.

There are a number of quite intense themes of moments throughout this novel. Starting with Dawn’s health scare and the crisis that she deals with. She may not have the best of responses to making sure that she gives those around her the benefit of the doubt, but I can also completely understand where she’s coming from. Spun throughout the romance that builds between her and Mike, it gives a far more realistic backdrop to the ways in which we have to negotiate romance in adulthood. Although, that may just be because health scares seem to be a fairly common occurrence within my life.

Mike is a pretty good lead. There is something to be said about people moving on from the past. High school is a weird time that seems to stick with all of us. But for some, it’s a time that they never move on from. I love how all throughout, Mike is kind of ashamed of who he was in high school (as I think we all are to some degree). But, the fact that he was a jock and popular doesn’t make him feel like revisiting his heyday. In fact, his past with Dawn is something that he actively regrets. It made me love him all that much more.

This is my second Susannah Nix book, and I must say, I am most definitely in love. Her characters are wonderfully relatable, and the story line just way too lovely and relatable. That, and the fact that the protagonists in this aren’t quite what fits the normal mould for romantic comedies that I’m used to. I’ll definitely continue to fill my shelves with her works, and keep smiling my goofy smile as I devour them…

<- More Smartypants RomanceGive Love a Chai ->

Image source: Goodreads

Witchy by Ariel Slamet Ries

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Witchy
Author: Ariel Slamet Ries
Series: Witchy #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Graphic novels, LGBTQI, Magic, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Graphic novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Graphic novels are still a fairly new genre for me. Admittedly, I was a bit of a snob about reading graphic novels, I didn’t necessarily consider them “books”. Luckily, I grew out of that when I started to find some authors that I absolutely adore. And, yet again, I’ve found one that completely fits this bill. I loved the story line, the graphics and just the general experience of reading this graphic novel.

I really enjoyed the idea that hair dictates the power of a being. For me, it was a great commentary on how we judge people by their looks. And if they don’t fit into our expectations, based on how they look, then we tend to discount them. In the case of this tale, the lead is constantly trying to hide her power. That, and there’s the horrors of her own experiences with bureaucracy – powerful is good, too powerful is bad.

I can’t wait to try and sink my teeth into the next Witchy collection – I’m sure I could read it online through Ries’ website, but I love the feel of having a book in my hands. Reading by lamplight, late at night. The mood making is just beautiful. Plus, there is something far more magical about having the printed version of the images – I have a tendency to run my fingers across the beauty of the graphics that Ries has created.

I absolutely loved this graphic novel. Witchy was an entirely unexpected world that left me smiling and wanting more. But, as with all the graphic novels that I’ve been enjoying lately – there is an extra message about the state of our world. The idea that we need to stop judging others by our preconceived notions. And the reminder that sometimes power threatens others, and we need to be wary of this too.

<- More Ariel Slamet RiesWitchy Vol. 2 ->

Image source: Mel To The Any

The Name of the Dame by Ted Hertel, Jr.

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

Title: The Name of the Dame
Author: Ted Hertel, Jr.
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Horror
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

When I started reading this I was so very, very uncomfortable. I mean, it’s a damn character who is a stalker and terrifying. And just… oh, hell no. But, spoiler alert, it’s alright, it does end well.

As a female, there is nothing more terrifying than the idea of a man stalking you and the levels that some will go to. It’s honestly one of my biggest fears. And why I have a fairly giant dog to live with. So for me, this short story definitely sits on the “horror shelf”.

Interwoven within this is the mythos that comes about in many fae tales – that a name is power. And, honestly, it’s definitely the case in this story. It’s possible to do all sorts of things with someone’s name… something that is shown quite strongly in this short story.

The Name of the Dame is most definitely a horrifying and creepy story. One that taps into some of my deepest fears.

<- Loose LipsThe Great Plains ->

Image source: Amazon

The Toll by Paul Walther

Book Review, ,
Overview
Hauntings: Datlow, Ellen: 9781616960889: Amazon.com: Books

Title: The Toll
Author: Paul Walther
In: Hauntings (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Horror
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2013

Thoughts

There is always something disgusting about a man twenty-odd years senior to a young woman hitting on her. It’s always uncomfortable and it’s always unwanted. At least, that’s my approach. And this short story just took it that little step further in the freaky, ick factor.

I figured from the very beginning that the female lead was likely to be the victim. In some way, shape or form. I mean, she’s a blonde lifeguard in the prime of life about to leave forever and start life anew. If that’s not the typical/expected victim, then who is? And, I was right. Not going to lie, I had kind of hoped that I would be wrong. But it was still an unsettling and intriguing story.

Like all of the short stories in Hauntings, this left me feeling kind of unsettled. And intrigued. And remembering not to read these stories late at night…

<- The FoolyThe Pennine Tower Restaurant ->

Image source: Amazon

Fallen Star by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Fallen Star
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Starstruck #2
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: 2019

Thoughts

This is the second book in an absolutely adorable series, and it’s just encouraging me to read more and more within this world. I mean, I’m absolutely falling in love with Nix’s writing, but I’m probably also just, in general, becoming more and more enamoured with the world created in the Starstruck series. Mostly because they’re all just so damn cute. And they wonderfully investigate issues of self worth, and the persona we show the world versus our actual self.

I love how a simple mistaken impression and prejudice completely derails a relationship from the very beginning of this story. A stupid comment made in a moment not only screws with the relationship between Scott and Grace. But it also pretty seriously messes with Scott. Not only is this story all about them both overcoming their initial impressions to find a way to work. But, it is also, very much, about Scott learning how to overcome his own nonsense.

Nix does a fantastic job of dealing with mental health and addiction. She does this in a way that is beautifully relatable and accessible. Scott’s battles are so heartbreaking in moments. Particularly later in the story when he acts as his own worst enemy. Recovering from addiction is a constant journey, one that takes an immense amount of willpower. Nix also reminds us that it is an ongoing battle. For some people, mental health never leaves, but is our constant companion. And that is okay.

This was a brilliant cover to cover read when I was having a bad night. Whilst it deals with some pretty serious issues, it’s also just incredibly cute and adorable. Honestly, an incredibly easy read. With just enough drama and emotion, without making me literally grip the edge of my seat. Seriously enjoyable.

<- Star BrightRising Star ->

Image source: Goodreads

Star Bright by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Star Bright
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Starstruck #1
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: 2019

Thoughts

This is one of the few stories lately where I actually read the blurb. So I was wondering how the Meet Cute was going to work between the two leads. The fact that it started with a panic attack and just spiraled deliciously from there… it definitely left me with all of the happy feelings.

Kimberleigh was fun as a lead. She was incredibly neurotic and had so many issues. But she was also adorable and I fell completely in love with her throughout the whole story. I particularly liked joining her in her journey when she started to acknowledge and deal with her shit.

Spencer is also completely adorable. I love how he spends the whole time trying to find ways to support Kimberleigh. He does have a few horrible habits in his past, but he’s willing to change. I like how Kimberleigh’s comments make him stop and think about his actions and decisions. Particularly that hot topic of always asking female actors about their damn underwear!

This is my third Susannah Nix novel. And the third beginning to a new series on my shelves. And, as with the others, I fell completely in love. This was just too cute and a whole lot of fun.

<- More Susannah NixFallen Star ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Neighbor by Lorhainne Eckhart

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Neighbor
Author: Lorhainne Eckhart
Series: The O’Connells #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Whilst I seriously enjoyed this novel, it was nowhere near as suspenseful and romantic as I was expecting. I mean, I was expecting a whole lot of steam and action that you just couldn’t look away from. Instead, it was an unexpectedly sweet love story that had more darkness to it than anticipated. In fact, when I reflect on the story line, for me, this is very much a story about a dark and hidden past being moved on from and a happily ever after being found.

I love the fact that this novel was medium-paced, it was definitely hard to put down (because I wanted to know what was happening to Alison), it wasn’t impossible. And, the outcome of Alison’s going missing was nowhere near as dark as I was expecting. I mean, probably a bit hard to have a happily ever after, romantic ending in a story that ends the way my brain was expecting… but that probably says more about my brain than anything else (and let’s just not go there).

My favourite thing about this story was the O’Connell family. They’re such a great, tight-knit group. And, having only grown up with one sibling myself, what I always dreamt of in a family. I love the idea of the chaos that is inspired in every gathering of the clan. And the way that they rally together to ensure Alison is found and bought home safely? It’s just too damn adorable.

This is probably more of a psychological suspense novel than a physical one. Jenny’s abusive past and her ability to overcome it hold true to form. It’s not as if everything is magically fixed when Ryan decides to come into her life, but rather, it takes time. Plus, all of the crap that her ex hangs over their heads, even from the grave… wow. I had a bit of a sick feeling in my gut throughout reading this for that fact alone. Eckhart does such a brilliant job of giving you just enough information to make you feel seriously uncomfortable. Which makes me REALLY excited to read The Third Call.

<- More Lorhainne EckhartThe Third Call ->

Image source: Goodreads

My Dearest Enemy by Connie Brockway

Book Review,
Overview

Title: My Dearest Enemy
Author: Connie Brockway
Rating Out of 5: 2 (Managed to read it… just)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 1998

Thoughts

I really, really, really wanted to like this. In fact, I wanted to like it so much that I gave it MUCH more of a chance than I normally would. But, alas, I just couldn’t connect to the characters!

To me, this book read a little clunky. As I said, I loved the premise and the story line wasn’t too bad. But I just wasn’t able to connect to the characters, in particular, the women in this story. For me, personally it is that connection to the characters that is really important when I love a tale.

Since I didn’t love this book and found it hard to connect to… well, anyone, I think I’ll leave this review here. Maybe a story to try again another day, I don’t know.

<- More historical romanceMore historical romance ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia