Tag Archives: Contemporary

Imperfect Chemistry by Mary Frame

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Imperfect Chemistry (Imperfect Series Book 1)

Title: Imperfect Chemistry
Author: Mary Frame
Series: Imperfect #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is something about Lucy that I really liked. She was socially awkward, and didn’t necessarily make the best choices. But I found her kind of endearing. Yes, she did low key stalk Jenson, but yet, something about her was really likeable. Plus, I’m a bit of a socially awkward blunder at times myself, so it did make her a little bit more relatable – at least for me.

Jenson is nothing like what I expected from the beginning and the blurb. And I kind of love how I was constantly surprised at how this romance unfolded. Normally, I can pigeon hole the characters a little, but Imperfect Chemistry had me constantly guessing about how this story was going to unfold. And I really loved that. It’s why, even though I didn’t devour this romance like others, I’m actually quite keen to dive into Imperfectly Criminal – I can’t wait to be surprised again.

Although this was a romance, it was Lucy’s friendships with Freya, Bethany, Ted, and ultimately Clare that were brilliant. I may enjoy a good romance, but it is the side characters and friendships which always bring me pure joy. As someone who is admittedly a little odd at times, I loved how these four just… took to Lucy’s oddities and decided to keep her.

I read this at a point in my life when I wasn’t really in the mood for romances. And yet, this still managed to hit the spot. It wasn’t so romance heavy that it made me nostalgic for something I no longer had, but it had enough that it gave me constant hope for the future. I really enjoyed this and I’m glad that I have now got a new romance author to add to my bookshelves.

<- More Mary FrameImperfectly Criminal ->

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Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavours by Sonali Dev

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Overview
Pride, Prejudice And Other Flavors: A Novel: 1 : Dev, Sonali: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavours
Author: Sonali Dev
Series: The Rajes #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Retellings, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I wanted to love this so much more than I did. I definitely enjoyed it, but i suppose I’ve gotten a lot more picky about how quickly a book draws me in. I still read it, but found myself skimming the final chapters. Yes, retelling are predictable, and this one was brilliantly tailored, but I did find it a little bit slow.

Trisha and her challenges with her family and past were something that really drew me in. The original doesn’t go much into the Darcy side of things, beyond his letter, so it was fun to read about it as it unfolded. I also love that she was the Prejudice and privileged one. A great gender flip.

DJ, I get the pride. But then he started to be painful with it. Maybe because you got so much insight into Trisha, it started to be challenging at times and a bit repetitive how he focused on his past. But, still a very likeable and enjoyable male lead.

Overall, I really enjoyed how Dev was able to twist a classic in such a unique way. I also really enjoyed how she created such sympathetic characters that I think half my rush was to just get to the bit when they find their happily ever after. Will definitely read more of this series and author, but maybe not immediately.

<- More Sonali DevRecipe for Persuasion ->

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Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Book Review, ,
Overview
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: Treat yourself to the million copy bestseller

Title: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Gaming
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This was one of those stories that I really wanted to love, but in the end, I just couldn’t. The premise was great, and it was a good story. But definitely not one that I loved. And probably not one where I’m likely to feel the drive to read much more by this author. It just wasn’t my kind of story.

For starters, I felt absolutely zero connection to the characters. The potential was there in the beginning, the desire was there. But, I just didn’t fully lean into it. It was one of those stories, that I could walk away mid-tale and not care less what was going to happen in the end – I’m sure they hit differently for others. But, for me, I just couldn’t get there.

I also absolutely loved the premise of the story, I love how it was structured. But the actual execution felt somehow lacking. To me, this very much felt like a story that has gotten great media, but maybe can’t quite live up to the hype. Or maybe it was just me, that is always a distinct chance.

I may enjoy stories which jump timelines, but I also found that this one jumped around just a little too much. Kind of like a kid on a sugar rush. It felt like the story became overcomplicated and confusing, taking away from the overall enjoyment. Again, not a bad story, but not one I would recommend to a friend either.

Image source: Amazon

A Song for Summer ReRead by Eva Ibbotson

Book Review, , ,
Overview
A Song for Summer : Ibbotson, Eva: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: A Song for Summer
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Historical fiction, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1997

Thoughts

For some reason, I didn’t love this reread as much as I’ve enjoyed the past reads of this book. Possibly because I just wasn’t in the right mood for it. I also find that this is one of the slower and longer Ibbotson books on my shelves, so I find it harder to get into the flow of things than some of my favourites. Yet, in spite of that, I still enjoyed this read through and remember why I frequently reread these romances.

One of the aspects of this story that I love is that it is about a woman who is strong and independent. But also, one whom conforms to gender roles. She chooses to embrace her femininity and a nurturing role, whilst still maintaining her sense of self and identity. And she does this as something that she desires and wants – not because she is asked to, and / or forced to.

Throughout this story, I kind of love the family that is created. Yes, the romance at the centre is sweet as they innocently fall in love. But, it is the love of the whole group and how they try their best to find safety in an uncertain world. The innocence, joy and love found in the relationships of this story create a perfect contrast to the back drop of war and horror that drives the action of the tale.

Although I didn’t absolutely adore this novel, I think that I will pick it up again in a short while. It will probably sit better at a time when I’m feeling a little more settled and calm in my life. It is a very specific kind of read, one that, whilst I enjoy, I need to be in the perfect, nostalgic mood for.

<- The Secret CountessMore Eva Ibbotson books ->

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The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Poet X

Title: The Poet X
Author: Elizabeth Acevedo
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Poetry, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel, Poem
Year: 2018

Thoughts

The Poet X is a seriously fantastic coming of age story. The tale itself is heartfelt and emotional. But writing it all in poetry form? Somehow that made it all that much more powerful and intense. The emotions leap of the page with every line, capturing your heart and pulling you in.

This is the second Acevedo book I’ve read, and there is something powerful and intense about her words. I love how strongly each and every choice resonates and echoes within the heart. From the first line, I felt connected, and this feeling just grew and grew throughout the story.

The Poet X for me is all about the journey to find oneself in a world that is just not always kind. It is about growing up and finding out who you are when there are so many things stacked up against you. Rising, in spite of those who want to keep you down.

I’ve only ever seen slam poetry performed through videos. But somehow Acevedo’s words really bought to life the passion and intensity of the performative aspects of this. The strength of emotional connection increased the power of each and every poem. Delivering them like bullets to the heart.

<- Family LoreWith the Fire on High ->

Image source: Amazon

The Marriage Vendetta by Caroline Madden

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Marriage Vendetta : Madden, Caroline: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: The Marriage Vendetta
Author: Caroline Madden
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Humour, Mystery
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2025

Thoughts

The Marriage Vendetta was hilarious, dark and strangely difficult to put down. I was a bit hesitant to read it to begin with, and just used it to fulfill a reading challenge prompt. But then, as the story unfolded and I was entertained more and more, well, I couldn’t put it down. This was hilarious and brilliant. And, like I mentioned, seriously dark in moments. Kind of exactly what I needed in the moment (when my own long-term relationship with the father of my children was breaking apart). An extremely cathartic book that I just could not get enough of.

One of the many things that I loved about this story, was that it kept taking me to places that I did not expect. I mean, the whole story is basically Eliza careening to one insane choice after another. But, even though I knew something wonderfully bizarre was about to show up, I still couldn’t predict it. And, again, reading this at the time in my life that I did, it actually gave me a humorous lens through which to view my own imploded relationship and all of the toxic choices that we had both made. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely didn’t go the extremes that Eliza did, but it was still a good reflection.

One of the things that hardly anyone tells you about motherhood is how much of your own sense of self and identity you lose. I love that Madden was able to explore some of this through Eliza’s fixation on her child, loss of self and struggles to find her place in life. The fact that she crossed the line into some smothering behaviours in this, and why she did so, was a really beautiful way to explore something that is challenging for many mothers, and not talked about nearly often enough. Yet, it also spoke of the deep and consuming love that Eliza has for her daughter, and how she prioritises her with all of the love in her heart.

Alongside all of the soul searching and insane shenanigans, I loved the mystery aspect of constantly trying to figure out just what Richard was up to. It was obvious that he was doing something kind of dodgy and scheming, but, as the insanity got more and more intense, it also was fun to question reality and try and figure out what was delusion, and what was real. I love that the unhinged insanity of Eliza’s therapist drove all of this, to create a beautiful, strong ending with a spin that I just did not see coming…

<- More humour booksMore mystery books ->

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Cream and Punishment by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Cream and Punishment: A Small Town Second Chance Romance (King Family Book 2)

Title: Cream and Punishment
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: King Family #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I loved the teasers of Tanner and Lucy towards the end of My Cone and Only, so I’m not really sure why it took me so long to dive into their story. But, I’m glad that I eventually did, I really enjoyed reading about their romance and all of the different challenges that they have to overcome. I also enjoyed their little cameo in Kilt to Order, so it was fun to go back to the beginning when they first get together. But, as with everything that I have high hopes for, I was a little reluctant to truly get into this. It turns out that I really didn’t need to be. This was fun and brilliant and I couldn’t put it down.

Something I really enjoyed about reading Cream and Punishment was reading about two different people who have incredibly toxic families. I love how quickly Tanner is able to recognise and acknowledge the toxicity of his work / family life, and chooses to strike out on his own. His strength of self and ability to actually stand on his own two feet is adorable, and kind of enviable. I also love how it gives a bit of insight into the complexities of toxic family relationships, and the King family in particular – although, when I looked at it and realised that only three books have been published… I was kind of gutted. I mean, there is so much potential for chaos and complex familial relationships in the future!

Unlike Tanner, Lucy takes a little bit longer to realise just how toxic her familial bonds are. But, I also found them to be far more passive and insidious. Particularly her mother, that level of coercive control felt icky from the beginning, and it was really hard to read about Lucy just… dealing with it. Yet, this very level of discomfort was what made it all that much more powerful when Lucy finally starts to recognise the unhealthy patterns she is a part of. Plus, for me, it made her a stronger and more loveable character – one who is able to overcome some seriously challenging odds to embrace her happily ever after.

Cream and Punishment is a great second chance romance which really felt like it was focusing on attachment styles and the internal struggles we all face when trying to commit to one another. Nix doesn’t make it easy for Tanner and Lucy to find their way to one another, but the battle and growth that they both have to go through to get there make it all that much more beautiful and enjoyable. Now I can’t wait to read Pint of Contention and find out about the next King sibling to fall in love.

<- My Cone and OnlyPint of Contention ->

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Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Dial A for Aunties
Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
Series: Aunties #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Humour, Mystery
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Holy crap, this book was freaking amazing. And totally unforgettable. There was just something about it that made me fall head over heels in love from the very first page. I mean, it is pure insanity and hilariously unhinged. But, I love that in a good book. Unhinged in real life isn’t great, but reading about it. Particularly when that unhinged comes from a place of love? That works wonderfully. Which, considering this is really a love story about four aunts and their niece, meant that I thought this was the most delightfully and chaotically unhinged story that I’ve read in a long while.

As I mentioned, there is the romance between Meddy and her past flame, but for me, the biggest love story is Meddy and her aunties. They just don’t hesitate to dive right in and help her out, regardless of just how bad the situation is. Which is particularly hilarious when they are literally trying to hide a dead body. I mean, honestly, the incredibly foolish and ill-conceived decisions just keep coming. And they had me laughing outloud throughout the entire novel. But, the fact that this all came from a place of love and care? It made what was actually quite macabre to be absolutley beautiful and kind of heart melting.

To begin with, there are the multiple timelines in this novel. Starting with the chaotic choices made by Meddy’s mum and leading to the whole body situation. But then, you flash back to Meddy’s past. This doesn’t happen throughout the entire story, but it occurs enough to giv eyou a background not only into Meddy’s past relationship, but also to just where some of her discontent sits. I love though, that when that smaller arc from the past is completed, you are just plunged into the present full time. driven along with the knowledge of some of Meddy’s past, and the reasons why she is not quite happy in life the way it is.

Dial A for Aunties crossed a whole lot of genres in the most enjoyable manner. It felt a little like a mystery, a like sattirical, a little contemporary / contemporary romance and a whole lot of familial love. I basically spent the entire time reading this laughing and giggling – there was just something ridiculously fun and light about this. Which was particularly surprising when there was literally a dead body at the centre of this story…

<- More Jesse Q. SutantoFour Aunties and a Wedding ->

Image source: HarperCollins

Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Fresh Brewed Murder
Author: Emmeline Duncan
Series: Ground Rules Mystery #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Cozy mystery, Food
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this book – I’ve never read anything by Emmeline Duncan, and I really only read this for the Popsugar 2025 Reading Challenge. And boy am I glad that I did, I pretty much read this from cover to cover and loved every single minute of it. There was something fun and light about it, even whilst dealing with murder and mayhem. The fact that this cozy mystery also centred on coffee in a lot of ways just made it all that much better. I freaking love coffee, and I seriously enjoyed the process of creating and making throughout. Duncan has such an attention to detail within this, and it was just absolutely fantastic and drool-inducing.

One of the aspects of this cozy mystery that I absolutely adored was the detail which Duncan was able to impart throughout. She created this world and structure to her story that you are plunged into immediately. Then, as the story unfolds, you get drawn deeper and deeper into the world of coffee and a fledgling food truck business. I could almost smell all the different foods in the Rail Yard. I know that the focus of the story is really the mystery aspect, but I definitely focused in on the food aspect a whole lot.

I loved how, throughout this, there are so many Red Herrings. The murderer could have literally been any one of a number of characters within the Rail Yard. Not only was the victim someone who had wronged or annoyed a number of those characters, then there’s Sage’s family and all of the complications there. I was not really sure who the villain was going to be right up until the reveal. Duncan just did such a brilliant job at entangling literally everything, so that it was almost impossible to figure out what was actually going to happen. Which is probably why I just adored reading this cozy mystery so much – I just couldn’t guess what was going to happen next.

This would’ve been an amazing story without the complications of Sage’s family. But there are so many more nuances and hints of more complications and horrors in the future. I mean, Sage’s Mum is quite possibly insane, and I have a feeling that there will be more surprises in the shape of Gabby in the future. I may be wrong, but I love that there is so much potential layered into this story, what a brilliant way to start off a series! I can’t wait to dive in again and read more!

<- More Emmeline DuncanDouble Shot Death ->

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Checking You Out by Ann Whynot & SmartyPants Romance

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Checking You Out
Author: Ann Whynot & SmartyPants Romance
Series: Green Valley Library #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Meeting Norman and getting hints of Lois in Dewey Belong Together meant that I was incredibly excited when I started reading Checking You Out. I love how their whole story is interconnected with Max and Jonathan, but they also have their own start. They meet online, create a relationship, and then Lois gets a Dear Jane letter to completely break her heart. As with most second chance romances, on the surface, the initial break up / misunderstanding seems incredibly harsh, and I still question Norman a little. But, ultimately, they are a gorgeous couple and I really enjoyed reading this story!

Not only do Lois and Norman reconnect through kismet and their mutual connections, but I love how Max, Jonathan, Lois and Norman manage to make a pretty unstoppable foursome. They are wonderfully suited to each other as a group. And the fact that this all takes place around Christmas just makes it all that much better. I love that they manage to celebrate together, and make the festive season particularly special for Agoraphobic Rose, and Lois (who is missing her daughter a whole lot). The romance between the two leads might be the main driver of this story, but the building of the community between the four of them is all that much more special to my mind.

With all of the space between Norman and Lois’ first and second chance, there is obviously going to be a whole lot of other history. I love how realistic Whynot is about Lois’ feelings towards her ex husband. Rather than it just being about him realising that he’s gay and being true to himself, she has a whole mess of other feelings. Feelings of abandonment, rejection and betrayal all due to the ways in which he goes about it. I love that towards the end, when she finally confronts him for some of his less than stellar behaviour, she highlights that it’s actually not about him coming out – it’s about the way in which he chose to go about it. Her ex made a choice, and there are consequences to it.

I love when romance authors deal with chronic conditions which have an impact on someone’s everyday experiences and lives. In the case of Checking You Out, Whynot is able to emphasise the ways in which chronic pain can have a daily impact. The risks (and often experiences) of substance abuse to deal with the pain. And then the multitude of ways in which to live with such a condition. The fact that a chronic condition can change your daily experiences and impact every decision you make. The realism is wonderful and I seriously enjoyed taking this walk in someone else’s shoes.

<- Dewey Belong TogetherMore SmartyPants Romance ->

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