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

The Mogul’s Reluctant Bride by Ana E. Ross

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Mogul’s Reluctant Bride
Author: Ana E. Ross
Series: Billionaire Brides of Granite Falls #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

Where I immediately loved Eric in The Doctor’s Secret Bride, it took me a really long time to bond with Bryce. He starts out this story as kind of a dick. I mean, instead of stopping and dealing with the situation in front of him like an adult, he just has a tantrum and expects everything to go his way. Not exactly the most endearing of male leads. He did grow on me. But not as much as other male leads.

Although I didn’t love the male lead in this story, the storyline definitely drew me in. Not that common when I don’t love one pf the leads. I mean, 3 kids losing their parents, a girl losing her sister that she barely knows? It’s enough to make you tear up just a little. And lessens the dumbassery of Bryce.

I like that although Ross features billionaires as the male love interest in this series (not exactly a leap given the name of the series), the women have a much more difficult history. I love how Ross is able to build in a tragic past for Kara. Her, alongside the children really pulled on my heartstrings and made me hope like crazy for a happy ending.

I may not have enjoyed the second book as much as the first, but there are also some fun glimpses of the next story in this series. So I’ve loaded it up on my ereader and I’m ready to dig my tired baby brain into this whole new romance.

<- The Doctor’s Secret BrideThe Playboy’s Fugitive Bride ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Doctor’s Secret Bride by Ana E. Ross

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Doctor’s Secret Bride
Author: Ana E. Ross
Series: Billionaire Brides of Granite Falls #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

Honestly, I’m a sucker for a good romance. Especially now when most of my reading is done on my kobo in the wee hours of morning while my daughter has her feed. There is something about a romance that is simple and hopeful. Something that is very just needed when you’re falling asleep holding a baby. Which meant stumbling across this series felt a little like a godsend.

There was a fun simplicity to this story that didn’t have me wanting to smack either of the lead characters. Not something I can honestly say all that often. There was still the expected romance drama (I mean, it’s a story, you NEED some of that drama). But you could actually understand both motives and mostly just wanted to reach through the pages to hug BOTH the leads.

Through all of the romance and drama, Precious manages to make all of the stakes seem higher. I love when a child (or dog) manages to steal some of the spotlight. Sometimes that’s a bit of comedic relief, Precious just manages to draw your heart into the relationships so much more. Her presence also seriously ups the stakes.

I may find true love and happily ever after to be somewhat believable. The idea that it can happen with a billionaire… well, its a nice little dream there. All in all, that’s probably the part I fins most unrealistic (hopeless romantic here). But, it’s such a nice fantasy that finishing this story left me with a huge grin on my face.

<- More Ana E. RossThe Mogul’s Reluctant Bride ->

Image source: Goodreads

Your Coffin or Mine? by Kimberly Raye

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Your Coffin or Mine?
Author: Kimberly Raye
Series: Dead End Dating #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2007

Thoughts

Admittedly, it took me a few chapters to truly get into this. It’s not that the action didn’t start immediately. But I definitely don’t rate Lil as one of my favourite female leads. She’s fun and I love how unique she is in the vampire world. But she’s also heavily into things like fashion and such that I find tedious.

Ty’s evolving into the male lead has slowly been gaining traction in the last 2 books. Actually, I’m beginning to find it a little frustrating that Lil doesn’t just buck up and realise that he’s a good match. Plus, i do want more of him in the story. He’s the lead love interest, but most of the relationship is Lil questioning the relationship…

Introducing new paranormal like the Incubus was quite unexpected. There is this constant underlayer of sex throughout these novels (I mean, what do you expect, she literally runs a dating agency?). But that demonic presence definitely upped the ante. And I’m hoping that it continues to highlight the potential throughout the next books.

I did enjoy this book. And I’m looking forward to reading the next one in the series. But, I also am not racing to get the next book on my shelves… its good and definitely a book I would recommend. But also very simplistic and more of an easy read than anything.

<- Dead and DatelessLove Bites ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

These Rebel Waves by Sara Raasch

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: These Rebel Waves
Author: Sara Raasch
Series: Stream Raiders #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal fantasy, Pirates, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Let me preface this review by saying that there is a surprise reveal in this that I DID NOT see coming. Not so much a twist that will shock and awe… but certainly a surprise unveiling of truth that I wasn’t expecting. It was one that suddenly made total sense and has me itching to read These Divided Shores… I just have to buy it first.

Jumping between points if view doesn’t always work so seamlessly. But Raasch is able to do it in a way that is not only enjoyable, but highlights the different voices of the three leads. In fact, she managed to have such great characterisation and relatable characters that I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next. For all three of them. Not a feeling that I often have with multiple points of view.

This book had a very pirate-like feel to it. Almost Pirates of the Caribbean in some moments in fact. Add in the not so subtle splashes of botanical magic, and of course this was the kind of story that was up my alley. A dash of romance, plenty of action and violence… of course I fell for this.

The part that destroys me most about this story? The goddam ending!!! It is such a phenomenal cliff-hanger. One that I didn’t anticipate AT ALL. And it is one that I can’t stop thinking about… I really don’t relish the idea of waiting to buy the next book in this series…

<- More Sara RaaschThese Divided Shores ->

Image source: Goodreads

Total Package by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Total Package
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Bowling Friends #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Year: 2005

Thoughts

I’m always a fan of friends to lovers stories. They’re cute and fun. And I honestly think that the best basis for a good relationship is a strong friendship. The fact that in this case, the friendship is based around Ashley’s brother does make it somewhat awkward. But also so very delicious…

I haven’t found a story by Erin McCarthy that I don’t enjoy. This novella was no exception. There’s fun and sass throughout, with plenty of heart. There’s also just the right amount of steam that makes you wonder when your significant other is getting home…

Another easy and fun read that had me smiling and feeling at peace. I’m looking forward to reading the next one on my shelves.

<- Hard DriveLady of the Lake ->

Image source: Goodreads

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Series: No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Africa, Cozy mystery, Crime
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 1998

Thoughts

I was surprised by this story. Mostly in the fact that there really didn’t appear to be any one specific storyline. I thought that there would be one underlying crime that would carry throughout this whole story. Instead, it was a series of short investigations that let you get to know Botswana and Mma Ramotswe.

Although this was very different to what I expected, I absolutely loved reading this. It kind of felt like the African sun (I’ve spent time in South Africa)… that feeling of being relaxed and content. That the world is good just for being itself and worth embracing every moment. It was so relaxed and just downright fun. Although, it also meant that I didn’t race to finish this either…

Although there wasn’t a huge underlying crime that went through as a common thread, there was one crime that had moments showing up throughout. It gave a sense of mystery without being overpowering like many of the crime stories that I’ve read. I love that there was an eventual conclusion, but it wasn’t the conclusion to the story.

This is one of those cruisy books that I look forward to reading again. I will also look forward to adding more of this series to my shelves. It was impossible to put down and look away from. And definitely has pulled me into the glorious nostalgia of the African sun.

<- More Alexander McCall SmithTears of the Giraffe ->

Image source: Kobo

Cowboy and the Captive by Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Cowboy and the Captive
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Cowboys and Captives
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Erotica
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2004

Thoughts

Alright, I didn’t love the beginning of this story. I mean kidnapping a woman with not the best intentions in mind? Yeah… not such a huge fan. Particularly the anger coming off of the lead male. It was pretty uncomfortable and problematic. But, Melina was quickly able to balance that out. Which is honestly a style I’m getting used to with Leigh’s writing.

Once I got over the nope factor of the beginning of this story, I started to really enjoy this. The passion just leaped off the pages. But, so did Melina’s strength of self and character. I mean, I totally get why she falls for the guy, but I mostly just fell for her…

The lead romance is obviously the main draw of this story. But the dog in this managed to steal the show. Which, in my opinion is what frequently happens. I’m completely obsessed with dogs… he is just too ridiculously sweet and a great comedic relief when things are getting a bit intense in the relationship department.

This was both an easy read and a bit uncomfortable in places. I think mostly because I found not only the premise that begins the relationship a bit wow. But also Melina’s family and treatment of her… that was just damn heartbreaking.

<- More Lora LeighCowboy and the Thief ->

Image source: Goodreads