This was a good short story, but one I couldn’t quite get into. I think part of it was the whole premise – a woman goes to a funeral director to plan her twin’s funeral. And then falls for the man. There’s animals and an adoption drive to make it a little bit cuter, but honestly, this was one of those stories that I could take or leave.
I started reading this novel quite a while ago, and then I put it down. Actually, I went through a few attempts with this. Firstly I didn’t necessarily want to read it because I was worried that there was too much emphasis placed upon virginity (again). But then, I read the first part which contains Mia’s manifesto. And I was completely hooked – I mean, yes to pretty much everything she says and rants about there! But then the male lead was introduced and I felt pretty Luke Warm. So I stopped reading. But, eventually I realised that I still had to know what happened next! So I picked this up again, and I’m really, really glad that I did. Once I got over the hump of that first meeting, I actually really loved this story. And I ended up being really happy and comfortable with this novel and the many ethical moments throughout.
I think one of the things I really loved about this is that there are a lot of uncomfortable moments throughout the quite fun and sweet romance. I kept feeling a bit odd about some of the things in this story – a woman selling her virginity because it’s a socially pressured construct, prostitution, secret identities, addiction, there were so many discussions and moments that actually made me stop reading and pause. It’s hard for stories to do this in a manner that made me uncomfortable (enough that, as previously mentioned I did stop and start this a bit), but also made me want to keep reading. Aubrey does such a great job of highlighting some of the issues and impressions that society puts upon us. And reminds us that there are a multitude of ways to look at such things.
I must admit that I did guess the ‘twist’ at the end of this story. It wasn’t exactly a surprise, but I did like how this helped to further evolve the characters. It was nice that both leads were able to go through some serious growth and change. They both make mistakes, and stupid decisions, but they find a way back to one another. Plus, it just made the journey all that much more exciting – you already knew there was a secret that was going to make things unravel, so it was exciting to experience this!
For a book that had a bit of a rocky start for me, I actually really loved this. It was beautiful and fun. And, unlike many other romances that I read, there are more stories featuring this couple. Once they decide to take the plunge to happily ever after, they will still have challenges to overcome! Which, lets face it, is a way more realistic romance than just riding off into the sunset together. I can’t wait to read more stories by Aubrey.
This is a very cute and easy second chance / small town romance. I like that it is about a couple that never quite got their closure, but also don’t have all of the hang ups that some of these styles of romances have. It’s also pretty short, so probably not quite enough time and space to actually have a lot of the angst that is sometimes in a good romance.
I love that both of the characters in this are reconnecting after life beats them down. And that, even when they’ve had a few hard challenges thrown their way, they are still optimistic about the future. It’s nice to finish this short story with a whole lot of hope for the future, riding off into the sunset.
There is always something fun about the writing of Hope Ellis, and Christmas romances. And this was such a fun story that I will gladly read again.
This short story was fun, but it didn’t really have enough going on to get me seriously hooked. It was one of those cure, but kind of forgettable stories. One in which I didn’t have a huge emotional connection to any of the characters.
Probably my favourite aspect of this story was the idea of a pet adoption drive. All based around a cat cafe. It was a nice charity theme, and one that I hope happens somewhere in real life.
I was a bit surprised by how much I liked the idea of a story based on some serious rivalry, and the whole only one tent trope. I like that Alex and Nikki are constantly finding themselves pitted against each other. And that their mothers are the deciding factor in forcing the two of them together. Plus, this is partly based in South Africa, a country that I’ve visited and loved. One that I would seriously love to go back to… there’s just something amazing about it.
Although I loved and understood Nikki’s frustration at Alex’s constant infiltration of her life, it was pretty obvious that it was because he liked her. The awkward infatuation just made it all that much more intriguing to finally have the two characters get together. Plus, it meant that, as the reader, it was easy enough to get behind the characters becoming a couple. Sometimes it’s a bit harder if the jerky behaviour is just… being a jerk. At least in my experience.
As someone who has always wanted to do a lot of travel, but never had the chance, I kind of love the whole idea of the Love and Wanderlust series. Which just means that I’ve been meaning to read this for quite a while. I might have dived in right at the end of the series, but that is no hard ship. Plus, it was fun to read about a country that I’ve actually been to. Now I get to read about five other locations that I haven’t actually been to. The fact that this awesome travel is then combined with romance and finding your perfect partner is fantastic. Plus, at the end of the story (like the one other Liz Alden that I’ve written), the travel bugged partner doesn’t have to choose between love and travel. Rather, Nikki is able to pursue her joys and chosen career, and her and Alex are able to make it work.
The steam and love in this is enjoyable, but what I love the most is the idea of an alternative career. Something that is not 9 to 5, and from what I understand, is incredibly difficult to make your mark in. But, the gumption and pride with which Nikki is able to pursue her career is beautiful. It might not be the most realistic, but I don’t read romances for the realism. I read them for the joy of falling in love, and finding your own happily ever after to match your goals in life.
Alden manages to write a beautiful book that doesn’t just involve love and steaminess in a beautiful location. But, it also has two characters acknowledging each others’ flaws and finding a way to work together. There is no requirement for change, just a bit of communication to make each other happy. Which is probably why I love this book so damn much – no drastic change, just a whole lot of happy with a dash of steam.
This was a short story that was just kind of cute. I mean, it’s about a Scotsman (which I’m always a fan of) and the woman he falls for. Honestly, this was one of those incredibly easy reads that was really enjoyable at the time. However, from the moment I turned that final page, I pretty much forgot about what I read. Enjoyable and cute, but entirely forgettable.
A lot of the stories in the Chasing Holiday Tail anthology really didn’t have a Christmas theme to them, which was kind of disappointing. At least Rescued Beats has a Santa in it and a little bit more Christmas activity. I love that the male lead poses as Santa for his love interest, I mean, it’s one great way to show that you are really interested in someone.
Whilst I did enjoy this short story, I did find that there were a few character development moments that needed a little bit more. In particular, Livie’s parents and their controlling ways. It’s kind of shown that Livie is getting over this level of control, but that’s about the extent of it, which is somewhat frustrating. So much potential that just wasn’t quite reached.
Title: You Only Live Once Author: Maxine Morrey Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance Pace: Slow Format: eBook, Novel Year: 2022
I wanted to love this story. And I really, really tried. But I just… couldn’t get into it and feel connected. I mean, I loved the idea of an adult second-chance romance. And that it somehow helps a woman who is a bit of a shut in to stretch her wings again. But, alas, none of that happened.
Ultimately, I didn’t read more than a third of this book. Again, I wanted to like it, but mostly, I just felt… absolutely nothing. No passion for any of the characters or the story line. So I decided not to continue. But this might be a good fit for someone else who can feel connected to the characters…
Reading the beginning / introduction to this story, I was expecting something that was going to be really taboo and trip my ick switch. After all, its step-siblings falling for one another. However, it really wasn’t taboo as I expected. Mostly because it was two people who became step-siblings when they were already adults. I mean, some of the conversation as they built their relationship felt a little uncomfortable. But still, not really a taboo story at all.
As someone who is not into the BDSM scene / lifestyle (I’m not sure of the correct word here), I did find this short story to be a little bit too DomSub. However, again, whilst it flirted with my limits, it really didn’t cross them. It felt like Simone took the safer route to make this more palatable to more people if I’m being honest. Something that I really appreciated.
This might have been a short story set at Christmas, in a Christmas collection. But, honestly, I didn’t find it Christmassy at all. That didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story though. And it is definitely one that I would suggest to other people, although maybe not reread myself.
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.
This is one of those proposal stories which just featured everything going seriously wrong. I mean, some of it was a little cliché and silly. But, mostly I just loved the raccoon and the chaos that it inspired. It was a fun short story, and I will always think of the racoon when I reflect on this short story.
This might have been in a Christmas collection, but it is most definitely not a Christmas story. It takes place at valentines. Which, since I was reading this in anticipation for Christmas, was a little bit disappointing. But, it was still pretty cute and sweet.
I love that the couple featured in this story consider themselves married already, they just haven’t been through the ceremony. I would love for this kind of attitude to be a little more normalised in the romances that I read. It’s really sweet that they’re already committed and not questioning themselves and their commitment at all. Incredibly cute and sweet.
Earth and Skye 