Tag Archives: Contemporary

The Run Around by Bernadette Franklin

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Run Around
Author: Bernadette Franklin
Series: Holiday Fun #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I didn’t realise that this was technically the last book in the Holiday Fun series when I picked it up. I got about 2 chapters in before I realised that this was the case, and by that point I was already completely hooked and didn’t want to put this down. I mean, it starts off with a wedding with a runaway bride. Although, I’m going to use the term thoroughbride henceforth because I think that that’s a brilliant name! Which, considering this kind of stands on its own anyway, just means I have four other contemporary romances to jump into… ain’t life tough?

Everyone has their breaking point, within any relationship in their life. And, speaking from experience, that breaking point with family often comes much, much later than anyone else. But, I love that where this story starts with organising a wedding with a thoroughbride, it very quickly careens into the unknown. Hope reaches her breaking point with her brother, and rather than just getting annoyed with everyone, she just yells ‘f**k it’ and leaves behind literally everything. I can’t even imagine the bravery and strength it takes to completely start afresh, and I love that Hope does this with as much sass and attitude as possible.

There might be a great love interest and a beautiful period where the two love interests get to know one another before falling for one another. But, my favourite aspect of their relationship is their two dogs and cat. I’m a sucker for animals, and the fact that their relationship kind of starts to gain traction because of Hope’s obsession with Rick’s dog is beautiful. And totally understandable, I would be friends with someone just because of their adorable dog. Hope definitely says and does a lot of the things that I would want to do when striking up a new friendship, but I’m never quite confident enough to do so…

I love that Hope is an accountant who somehow gets wrangled into being a wedding planner. I found both aspects of her to be fascinating. I love the idea of being a forensic accountant, particularly when some of that involves male prostitutes, but I digress. Then there’s her ability to organise the wedding from hell, times two. Because both weddings she organises are completely insane. I honestly spent most of this story laughing and grinning. It is cute and funny. And definitely a story that I look forward to reading again… now I just have to go back to the beginning of the series…

<- Ginger SnappedMore Bernadette Franklin ->

Image source: Amazon

Unmoor by Mark Oshiro

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: Unmoor
Author: Mark Oshiro
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Mental health, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

This was such a bittersweet short story. I liked the premise, and I totally understand the need. But it was also kind of sad. I love the idea of having memories unmoored from a location. Rather than just obliterating the memory of someone, removing it from its attachment so that you can still enjoy a place is kind of beautiful. It turns the hurts of the past to something that can be recalled as needed.

The end of this short story makes this whole tale feel like a bit of a misunderstanding. I mean, Felix might be continuing to go ahead with his decision to become unmoored. But, there is a moment when you wonder if he really should carry through with his plans. And whether or not untethering yourself is really worth all of the pain.

Saying goodbye to someone you love is always difficult. Which left me feeling a little bit heartsick at the end of this story. It was painful and a reminder that its sometimes more difficult for us to say goodbye than we would otherwise like.

<- The WeightThe Coldest Spot in the Universe ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: The Real Deal
Author: Lauren Blakely
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary romance, although I didn’t find it as difficult to put down as I’ve found others of this genre. Or even the one other Blakely book that I’ve had the privilege to read. It was fun and easy to read. A light-hearted romance with some great character development. But it also didn’t get my heart racing like some of the other books I’ve had the privilege to read.

April’s job was one of those that really intrigued me. I mean, I suppose you need body painters for adds and shows and things that I’ve seen. But it wasn’t something I ever considered in depth. I love how Blakely describes this career. And the passion and artistry that goes into it. I know a few people who make their living through art, and I love how this creativity just jumps off the pages.

All the way through this story, it was obvious that Theo’s omitting of the truth was going to be the bump in the road for April and Theo. But I really like how it came about. That, and how parts of Theo’s history only get teased out slowly for the reader. It’s not all dealt out in one large splash. Not only do Theo and April manage to overcome some of this, but I also love that Theo finds some solutions to his own drama.

One of my favourite things that got me a little flustered in this romance was the fantasy Theo and April structure. The way they engage with each other and spin tales that make your toes curl was brilliant. It just goes to show the power of the written word (and spoken) can have to curl one’s toes…

<- My Favorite HolidateA Real Good Bad Thing ->

Image source: Amazon

Not Your Valentine by Jackie Lau

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Not Your Valentine
Author: Jackie Lau
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’m always up for a good friends-to-lovers trope. I mean, what better way to find your perfect match, then to be with someone who has already shown that they know you and like you? Plus, Lau also fully embraces the fake dating trope. Which is another bit of insanity that I always enjoy. Two tropes I love, centred around Valentine’s Day… of course I was going to just devour this short novel.

I love that both Taylor and Helen don’t just fall in instalove. And although one of them has had feelings for a little bit longer, there isn’t that unrequited love aspect either. Instead, it’s two friends spending a lot of time together. Getting to know one another more deeply. And just generally going together and as a couple.

Along with the two tropes I mentioned above, this is also the sunshine grump trope. Although, I love that the grumpy is Helen and she’s kind of valentines hating. Contrastingly, Taylor is all about the love hearts and confetti. They work so well together, even though I found Helen’s constant feeling that she was unlovable a little bit difficult at times.

Thus was a really cute and fun romance. But it was also a great journey into how some immigrant American family dynamics work. Probably one of the reasons I’m loving Lau. She writes beautiful and fun romances. But she also introduces me to a family dynamic that is entirely foreign to me.

<- More Jackie LauThe Unmatchmakers ->

Image source: Goodreads

Moments to Return by Adi Alsaid

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Moments to Return
Author: Adi Alsaid
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Death, Food
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

At least to a degree, everyone is aware of death knocking at the door. At least, that’s how I’ve always felt. And I really enjoyed the fact that this story focused on that fear. And took it to a whole new level. There’s knowing in an abstract way, and then having an existential crisis over it.

This whole short story is about finding a ‘cure’ for the fear of death. I really like that although there wasn’t a complete cure for this fear, it was also hinted at. Particularly as the story closes – just an idea of curing a paralysing fear.

Part of the ‘cure’ found throughout this is all about stolen moments in time. I like that instead of not being afraid of death, there is a focus on the moments in life that make it worth living. The moments that you return to when you’re having a moment of fear.

This was a beautiful short story. One that reminds you to stop and take in the world around you. The fact that it’s done through food just made it all that much more tantalising.

<- Sugar and SpiteThe Slender One ->

Image source: Goodreads

Maybe This Christmas by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Maybe This Christmas
Author: Susannah Nix
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: 2019

Thoughts

It’s not all that often that I love the premise of a story, and then I end up loving the execution too. But the idea of a couple and their developing relationship over 10 years was already a great premise. The fact that it’s just the Christmas day every year that is written about… beautiful and seriously sweet. And, at this time of year, who doesn’t go gaga for a Christmas love story?

Not only is this a very cute Christmas story, it’s also a great coming of age tale. Alex and Lucas start out this story as two people leaving high school and on the cusp of adulthood. Although they actually get together in the first chapter, the whole story is honestly just about two people getting to know who they are. And then returning to one another.

I loved the tradition of a group of friends getting together every year at Christmas. The fact that over the 10 years of this story, each of the group still manage to find a way back every Christmas is beautiful. This might be a story about Alex and Lucas falling in love, but it’s also about all of the friendships along the way.

I absolutely adored this story. The uniqueness of taking one day a year and using that chapter to explain all of the happenings of the past year is great in and of itself. But the fact that this is also a really sweet coming of age romance made it all that much better. I’m definitely looking forward to rereading this next Christmas!

<- More Susannah NixMore Christmas ->

Image source: Goodreads

Kiss Me This Christmas by Cynthia Eden

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Kiss Me This Christmas
Author: Cynthia Eden
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This was such a cute and festive little Christmas novella. There was a touch of danger and suspense to it that helped get the heart pumping. But overall, it was just a nice, predictable, and enjoyable read. Set at Christmas, when all the wishes can come true.

I did like that the lead female character in this romance was named Noelle. I mean, it’s a little cliche, but also very enjoyable. That and, it really fits with the whole sunshine falls for the grinch trope that is going on. Noelle is also just a really great character, and I love how all she wants to do is spread the cheer around.

Brady is kind of an idiot in a lot of ways… mostly the fact that he keeps making decisions for Noelle based on his own assumptions. But I also love that he is fiercely protective of her. And that the other trope he fits is the brother’s best friend… and that Brady’s best friend is blatantly playing matchmaker here…

This is a wonderfully cute Christmas romance novella. The suspense of the stalker raises the stakes. But overall, it is just an incredibly sweet little story.

<- It’s a Wonderful WerewolfMidnight Bite ->

Image source: Amazon

Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating
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

Hazel is most definitely my favourite kind of calamity walking. She’s funny and cute, but, she also is uncoordinated and tends to put her foot in her mouth. Frequently. With great gusto. But, the bit that I love most about this is that l, although Hazel is off kilter and not exactly mainstream on her actions, she doesn’t change a thing about herself. Throughout this whole story, there isn’t one instance in which she tries to change herself.

Josh as a counterpoint to Hazel is kind of a quiet, vanilla sort of lead. He isn’t the normal male lead that I enjoy,  bit too quiet and straight laced for my tastes. But, I enjoyed him a lot regardless. He was sweet and easygoing. Plus, his calmness was the best balance for Hazel’s insanity. That, and the fact that his easygoing nature meant he loved Hazel for exactly who she is. There is not one moment, from friends to lovers, when Josh doesn’t accept Hazel and revel in her uniqueness.

I have to admit, that the start of this story, and the way that Josh and Hazel’s first meet is one of the best meetings I’ve read in a romcom in a long time. I mean, she walks up to him, says she wants to have sex… then throws up on his shoes. If that’s not memorable, then what is? I literally laughed out loud at this, and it made me sink right into these words without wanting to put the book down.

Friends to lovers is one of my favourite romance tropes. The fact that, as friends, they go on a bunch of double dates together just cemented their wonderful friendship. I like that each of these didn’t really end well, so although there were flashes of jealousy, it was more about Josh and Hazel’s getting to know one another better and better. Plus, the humour in each and everyone of these fiascos… made me love this story all that much more.

<- In a HolidazeLove and Other Words ->

Image source: Amazon

Habibi by Tochi Onyebuchi

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: Habibi
Author: Tochi Onyebuchi
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Race, Young adult
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

This was one of those shorts stories with a very open-to-interpretation endings. Or at least, because I kind of want to envision a bit of a happy ending, I chose to take it that way. However, realistically, it feels like the final words of this story were just the final words of the person in general. It definitely had me thinking and hurting through every moment of this tale.

I loved that this is a slightly unconventional tale in that it was letters between two young, teenage boys. Both of whom are incarcerated and both of whom are facing some pretty overwhelming challenges. The letters might have been received in a less than conventional manner, one which hints at magic. But, honestly, I never really questioned the why of this. I just spent the whole time I was reading having all of the feelings.

The two boys from this help to highlight the contrasts between Palestinians and African Americans – the differences and the similarities. It talks about some pretty hefty issues such as hunger strikes and racism. But also has a whole lot of hope, in the way that only the young can generally feel.

<- Longer Than the Threads of TimeA Universe of Wishes Collection ->

Image source: Goodreads

In at the Deep End by Penelope Janu

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: In at the Deep End
Author: Penelope Janu
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This was one of those novels I bought because it was on sale, and it was suggested in one of the many author emails that I receive. Other than the fact that I liked the blurb and the cover, I really didn’t know what to expect from this. Which, of course mean that I was pleasantly surprised and happy to find out that I really enjoyed this.

The idea that this is a romance centred on an adventurer who goes out on boats, but can’t swim is kind of interesting. At first, I kind of questioned that whole creation of a character’s flaws and wondered at it. And then I started to find out more about the backstory. Suddenly, the whole afraid of the water, but on a ship thing made sense. And it kind of broke my heart – also just made me freak out because the way that Harry’s mum died is pretty much one of my worst nightmares…

Although Harry’s backstory is really sad, one of the things that really got my goat in this story was how she is constantly overlooked by others. Not just by Per, but people who actually work with her and know her family. I mean, the sad backstory part was a great aspect of this story. But, the part that I found really hard to deal with (because from experience, it is reality), when Harry is constantly ignored and overlooked because of her gender and lack of degree. Yet, she’s this amazing woman who has some serious strength to overcome her challenges.

I did want there to be a moment of realisation at the end of this for those who have completely overlooked Harry and taken the word of Per (a man with a degree) over her, even with years of experience. Alas, that doesn’t happen. Even slightly. At first, I was frustrated that there was no moment of understanding, but then I recognised that this, again, is more like reality. I mean, people don’t recognise their own biases generally – it takes something pretty drastic. And although it annoyed me (and eventually Per in this book), I loved that it was actually kind of more realistic. Again, it also showed Harry’s strength in that she recognises all of this nonsense, but just decides to do what is best, even with challenges.

Per is kind of a knob to begin with. I mean, he literally decides he can dictate the life of a woman he has just met. And, he doesn’t really change his heavy handed ways throughout this story. Again, there is no moment of understanding and changing of ways. Although, as he gets to know Harry, he does obviously start to respect her. And there is a little bit of improvement in his mannerisms, but just to our heroine, because, again, people don’t actually change. Yet, for all of his knobbishness, I actually really liked Per. Even from the beginning when he was behaving pretty crappily. Definitely a book that I look forward to reading again. And now I get to find more about Janu’s writing!

<- Clouds on the HorizonOn the Right Track ->

Image source: Goodreads