Tag Archives: Contemporary romance

In Rover My Head by Sylvie Stewart

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: In Rover My Head
Author: Sylvie Stewart
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I love the voices of both Mindy and Hugo – they were great characters and flicking between their points of view was a nice way to dive into this short story. Both Mindy and Hugo are completely relatable, and I love how they both have some serious misconceptions about one another on their first meeting. But, when you get to know each of their points of view, you can actually understand their reactions.

I love that both of the lead characters are single parents. Although you don’t get to know all of their children, it is still fun to read about their experiences of being a parent. The fact that this story also involves a missing child just highlights their parental roles and identities. I mean, having one of my children go missing is literally my worst nightmare, and something that I can’t even fathom.

This was a fun short story with a great couple and a very sweet storyline, missing child and all. I had a lot of fun reading it and enjoyed being taken away by such a simple tail.

<- Mutts About YouChasing Holiday Tail ->

Image source: Goodreads

Making Her Melt by Skye Warren

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Making Her Melt
Author: Skye Warren
In: Wrap Me Up (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

It admittedly took me a little while to get into this short story. I liked some of the idea, but I always feel a little cringy about any story with someone crushing on their best friend’s partner. I mean, honestly, if my best friend crushed on my SO and then acted on it? Yeah… I don’t even have words for the feelings there. Yet, somehow these kind of starts generally turn into pretty decent stories. As did this one.

Making Her Melt isn’t a romance for the ages, nor is it one that I’m chomping at the bit to read again. But, it was a nice balanced story. One that I did end up really enjoying. Particularly since I almost DNF’d it after one of the scenes. In particular, the threesome moment. I mean, it was kind of seriously uncomfortable and gave you the major discomforts reading it. Then, the bit that made me not necessarily fall head over heels for this story – they never dealt with the fall out from this. I mean, seriously.

One of my favourite (and one of the most redeeming things) about this story was the way in which Lia realised that she needed to figure herself out first. Instead of diving head first into the relationship that she obviously wanted to pursue, she took a step back and tried to figure out what was best for her first. I love when there are stories which feature a female lead who just tries to short her own shit out independent of the relationship. This definitely ticked all of those boxes.

<- Neanderthal Seeks IllusionistMy Present This Year ->

Image source: Amazon

The Howliday Contract by MK Meredith

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Howliday Contract
Author: MK Meredith
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

There’s always been that whole idea that you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure, and I love that Niko and Sybil kind of show just why that shouldn’t happen in this short story. I mean, ultimately it does work out. Because it’s a cute contemporary romance, but it’s still nice to have that whole don’t miss business with pleasure challenges highlighted.

This wasn’t exactly my favourite romance, but it was still very cute. I enjoyed the story though. I just didn’t find the characters to be the kind that I tend to connect to. Sybil was fairly independent and driven, which I normally love in a lead female, but I think I’ve just been reading characters of a totally different calibre, and this just didn’t quite compete.

All in all, I seriously enjoyed reading this short story. But, I must admit, that it’s really Marley the husky who is my favourite character. There is just something about a fun and energetic dog that always steals the show.

<- Decidedly with PawsDoggy Style ->

Image source: Goodreads

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Love and Other Words
Author: Christina Lauren
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: 2018

Thoughts

This novel, whilst being a romance and seriously sweet, also completely broke my heart and made me cry. There are so many moments of tragedy throughout that make your breath catch and your heart fragment just a little. But, luckily there is a happy ending, so it was totally and utterly worth reading. Plus, you know that the authors are good when they are able to totally shatter your heart and make you fall that in love with characters and hopeful for a happy ending.

I love that you realise fairly early on that both Elliot and Macey have made mistakes in their past that tore them apart. But, as you read more and more of the story, you realise that the fuck ups were just compounded by total accidents of fate. And honestly, it was that which was really tragic. I mean, everyone makes mistakes, but the past shows that sometimes fate just stops you from being able to heal from them. And honestly, that was the bit that was the most heartbreaking for me.

I love that this story is written with two different timelines, both from Macey’s point of view. It lets you find out more and more about the tragic past of the couple, as you hope for a beautiful future. Honestly, mostly I found myself spending most of this story just hoping for a really good happily ever after. Plus, having the two timelines means that you get to find out more about Elliot and Macey as they grow up together and turn from childhood friends to romantic soul mates. It was just too damn cute and sweet.

There was something about Sean and Macey’s weird relationship with him that made me seriously want to hate him. I mean, after all, he’s one of the obstacles in the way of the couple’s happily ever after. However, there was something about him that meant that I actually couldn’t hate him. I didn’t necessarily like or love him, but there was no hate. It was just this whole awkward bundle that worked as an excellent symptom for Macey’s heartbreak.

This is my second ever Christina Lauren novel, and I have seriously fallen in love with this writing team. The romances are beautiful and heartfelt, but there is so much more angst and challenges to overcome than some other romances. But, honestly, they have moved to the top of my TBR pile. And I can’t wait to read more of their novels!

<- Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not DatingMy Favourite Half-Night Stand ->

Image source: Amazon

Doggy Style by Tracey Pedersen

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Doggy Style
Author: Tracey Pedersen
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

The Meet Cute in this short story was kind of funny – I mean, it’s two people who’ve ended up with borrowed dogs meeting at a dog park. And then said dogs decide to go at it… doggy style. I mean, serious awkwardness would ensue. And I don’t necessarily think much of people who don’t desex their dogs and then take them to dog parks. But, as a story, this was quite a funny way to begin.

As someone who has taken people to dog parks as a way to socialise, I totally get that both Viv and Cooper are kind of using their close ones’ dogs to do so. The way that they connect quickly is kind of fun and cute in a short story too. Although, unlike some of my favourite short stories, I was quite content when this finished. It was a fun tale, but not one that I ended up super connected to. It was pleasant, but not memorable.

I think that my favourite part of this story and journey was the fact that this is written by an Australian author. And, the fact that it was based in Melbourne. I might be across the border in SA, but it was still so familiar to me. I love that familiarity in reading, and I’m glad that I got to go on this little adventure.

<- The Howliday ContractRescued Beats ->

Image source: Goodreads

Wrap Me Up by Miscellaneous

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

Title: Wrap Me Up
Author: L.H. Cosway, Penny Reid, Skye Warren, Sierra Simone, Julia Kent, Catherine Cowles, Carly Phillips, K.A. Linde & Debra Anastasia
In: Wrap Me Up (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 was a really sweet and fun collection. Not as Christmas-themed as I was anticipating, but a nice trend towards the holiday season. About half of the authors are authors I’ve read before. The other half were new to me. Both of which made me incredibly happy – it’s fun discovering the old and new. Plus, some of these short stories introduced me to series that I haven’t yet dived into… something that, again, I always enjoy.

I do wish that a lot of these stories were more themed around Christmas. They were enjoyable, but I really read this at the festive season… because Christmas. So it was a little disappointing when it didn’t adhere to that. However, it was a fun collection, just one I would read at any point of the year.

This might not have felt very Christmassy, and I didn’t necessarily love every single story in the collection, but it was one that I will definitely read again in the future. Mostly because there are some pretty awesome authors scattered throughout.

<- Skating on the StarsSongbird ->

Image source: Amazon

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

Code of Matrimony by April White

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Code of Matrimony
Author: April White, SmartyPants Romance
Series: Cipher Security #2.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

It’s been a long time since I read Code of Honor, and I kept meaning to pick up this novella. I mean, it’s a wedding between Anna and Darius (giving them the ultimate happily ever after). But it’s also about her twin finding her own partner and fairy tale ending. It might have taken me a little while to get to this, but now that I’ve dived back into the SmartyPants Romance world, and Cipher Security, I’m trying to remember why I left in the first place.

So far in my readings of April White and the Cipher Security series, I’ve liked that the point of view is from between the two main leads. Yet, since this novella deals with two couples, it has three different points of view. It was fun to read the same storyline and flicker between the different perspectives. It was also nice to see that each of the characters have ulterior motives for throwing a party. Yet, all three (Darius, Anna and Colette) are motives which are inspired by their love for one another.

Although I loved finding out that Colette gets her own happily ever after moment, my favourite aspect of this was the wedding of Anna and Darius. Namely, the gift that they are given from all of their loved ones. It literally bought a tear to my eye, the idea of everyone sharing something from their lives and themselves. And then sharing these stories. It has got to be the single coolest gift and idea that I’ve read in a long while.

<- Code of HonorCode of Ethics ->

Image source: Amazon

Kilt to Order by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Kilt to Order
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Kilt Trip #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: 2023

Thoughts

I loved, loved, loved this book! Which is no surprise because I have thus far loved all of the Susannah Nix books that I’ve read. This was a great, fun friends to lovers romance. The fact that the catalyst is Casey trying to lose her virginity and the pair of them making a somewhat unconventional pact made it all that much more enjoyable.

There was something kind of simple about this story while also being a little bit complicated. It’s a pretty easy read. But it still has such great character development that I wouldn’t call it a bland storyline. I mean, there’s a reason I’ve been loving Nix, and the very sweetness and predictableness of this storyline is EXACTLY why.

Normally I find stories that feature a virgin and discussions about virginity to be a little bit painful. But, again, Nix touches upon this wonderfully. Casey’s obsession with the concept is kind for frustrating. But in the way that it’s sucky that there is such a focus on the concept within society as a general rule. It was also nice that although their relationship started put with Casey being the vulnerable one, she manages to find her own confidence. And then she ends up being the one who is protective towards Gareth.

Quite often I find the male in a contemporary romance to be a bit of a bone head. Because, well, men can sometimes be incredibly dumb. But, where I would normally find Gareth’s ‘good guy’ hangups to be frustrating, I actually found myself liking him even more. Yeah, there’s still some wilful ignorance, but it’s kind of endearing.

I loved that this was a start to a new series. And I can’t wait to see who else of the amazing Highland Games cast will fall next. Now I just have to wait until Nix actually writes the next book!

<- More Susannah NixTBC ->

Image source: Amazon

All This Time by Annabelle McCormack

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: All This Time
Author: Annabelle McCormack
Series: Brandywood #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I’m a bit of the fence about how much I liked this story. I actually almost DNF’d it about a third of the way through. I liked the characters and could kind of see where this was going. But it was taking a bit too long to get to any action and drama… at about the halfway point there was FINALLY enough drama to actually hook me. So it was definitely worth reading, I just wish that there was less lead up.

I have to admit, Garrett and Sam’s interconnectivness was a little bit cringe factor for me. I mean, they’ve each been HEAVILY involved with each other’s best friends. Alright, it turns out that both of those ‘friends’ are kind of knobs. But still, I can’t even imagine doing that to someone I care deeply about. Because both Eli and Katie turn out to be kind of knob-like, you eventually lose the cringe factor. But honestly, that was another reason why I almost DNF’d this.

Katie turns out to be my favourite character in this. Not in the I like her way, but that love to hate you should always have with a good villain. She’s obviously a manipulative, self-centred creature from the very get go. And I like that Sam is immediately uncomfortable with a lot of her actions. Honestly, until that halfway point when I really got invested, I was mostly reading this, waiting for Katie to get her poetic justice…

All in all, though I’ve probably highlighted the flaws of this book more than what I liked about it, I did really enjoy this read. It was a nice little Christmas story. And by the end, I was completely rooting for Sam and Garrett. There was also the added bonus of Christmas cookies, which is always a lovely bonus in my books…

<- More Annabelle McCormackI’ll Carry You ->

Image source: Amazon