Tag Archives: Brenda St John Brown

Mutts About You by Brenda St John Brown

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Mutts About You
Author: Brenda St John Brown
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I liked this story – it’s about an actress who goes back to her hometown, trying to find that spark again. But, unlike a lot of stories where ex-lovers just fall back in with one another, she actually realises how selfish her actions are. And, as a result, the story has a much nicer and kind of unique open-ended finish. One that made me seriously love this tail.

All of the potential in this story is kind of brilliant. I mean, it starts off with the potential for a relationship, and basically ends in the same space. But one with a bit more understanding and maturity than it started. If there is no romantic relationship in the future, there is definitely a beautiful friendship flourishing.

Cute dogs being up for adoption in England was already going to be a story that drew me in. But, with the talent of St John Brown, I definitely loved reading this story. And now I kind of wish that this short story just wasn’t so short.

<- Rescued BeatsIn Rover My Head ->

Image source: Goodreads

Chasing Holiday Tail by miscellaneous

Book Review, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Chasing Holiday Tail
Author: Amy Award, Serena Bell, Kilby Blades, Kameron Claire, Dylann Crush, Hope Ellis, Christina Hovland, Melonie Johnson, Tawdra Kandle, Stina Lindenblatt, MK Meredith, Tracey Pedersen, Arell Rivers, Brenda St John Brown & Sylvie Stewart
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Short story collections
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology, eBook
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This might not have been my absolute favourite anthology, but it was still one that I enjoyed. I think most of my lack of serious love came from the fact that I loved the idea of a Christmas, animal anthology. But it wasn’t all that Christmassy. One of those moments, that expectations destroyed some of the enjoyment, because I just didn’t get the Christmas feel from these stories. But, they were still enjoyable.

The main theme that threads through every single one of these short stories is the idea of adoption and charity drives. Which makes sense since this is a charity anthology. All of the fifteen stories take place at Christmas, but they are heavily focused around the animal charities that are talked about. And, often, the animal adoption drives that are being organised. They are actually a lot of fun and reminded me to look at adopting when I next add a fur baby to the family.

I enjoyed all of the stories in this collection, although I did find some just a little bit forgettable. My favourite aspect of this anthology though was all of the very many dogs. I mean, they completely steal the show and are just too damn cute throughout. It still might not be an anthology that I will read again in the future, but it was one that was well worth the money I spent.

<- In Rover My HeadBear Naked with the Bearded Baller ->

Image source: Goodreads

Bride and Tested by Brenda St John Brown

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Bride and Tested
Author: Brenda St John Brown
Series: Bennett Brothers Bridal #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This is a very funny and light rom com. Which I kind of knew it would be since I’ve already read The Blind Date Diaries and I found it had much the same kind of light tone to it. There really aren’t any surprises in this, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it’s nice to have an entirely cute and predictable read. And this one was still good enough that I read it cover to cover.

I love that this is the story of a wedding planner, whose own wedding completely fell apart. I mean, Evie is able to get her feet back under her fairly quickly and is pretty damn tough. But it’s still a little bit of a tough moment to overcome. Plus, Evie is such a go-getter. Someone who is so damn driven and determined. A lot of that I admire in a lead female. Although sometimes her drive and vision for the future actually undermined her own happiness.

Lincoln is also a driven individual (I love when they’re both driven). Yet, he also has to face up to his own short comings and mistakes. And find a way to fix them. Alright, some of those “mistakes” actually weren’t on him at all. But they are still things he needs to overcome. And some of his own damn personality traits. Some of them are actually Evie’s. And his brothers, and really, there is just a whole clusterfuck of history there.

Against the romance of Lincoln and Evie are the brides that Evie must organise. I love that Brooke is cast as this incredibly difficult bride. And, in some ways she totally is. But what comes off as a truly horrible person turns out to be kind of a lovely, albeit a little off kilter woman. She’s definitely not as difficult as everyone anticipates and is kind of entertaining in the challenges that she provides. A great way for both Lincoln and Evie to reconnect and find their way back to each other.

<- More Brenda St John BrownBride and True ->

Image source: BookBub

The Blind Date Diaries by Brenda St John Brown

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: The Blind Date Diaries
Author: Brenda St John Brown
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I downloaded this book on the suggestion of one of my favourite authors, so I had absolutely no idea what to expect. But it was most definitely a pleasant surprise. I mean, i actually seriously enjoyed this story. It was easy, light and fun. Very cute and just all round enjoyable.

I like how Jake and Angelina are at constant loggerheads from the beginning, all because of one simple misunderstanding. And a whole bunch of insecurities. It’s a great reminder of how first impressions always stick with us and are hard to change, no matter how incorrect they are. That, and sometimes jumping to assumptions is a huge mistake that could potentially cost you your future happiness.

It was kind of fun to live vicariously through Angelina on her blind dates. I’ve never actually been on a date, and have no dating horror stories, so I’m always love reading about the joys and pitfalls of this. Plus, the whole set up just gave this novel such a beautiful romcom vibe. That, and the fact that you are constantly questioning whether Jake’s mother knew of his feelings or not…

The Blind Date Diaries is a fantastic novel that transported me to a fun and easy world where love triumphs overall. It was funny and sassy, with enough heartfelt moments in it that your heart gets entangled. I absolutely adored the adorableness of this story and can’t wait to read more tales of romance and love from Brenda St John Brown.

<- More Brenda St John BrownMaid in England ->

Image source: Goodreads