Tag Archives: Contemporary

Hands On by Jaci Burton

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Hands On
Author: Jaci Burton
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2005

Thoughts

I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I did enjoy the storyline and wanted to actually get through this novella. On the other, I found some of the writing a little bit clunky and more of a challenge to get through. I’ll still read more of Jaci Burton, but this definitely wasn’t one of my favourites.

I really enjoyed the idea of a sex specialist who is somewhat awkward. I loved the disconnect between real life experience and academic intelligence. Alright, it hit a few too many clichés, but Lara was still a fun character to get to know.

I didn’t like Mark as much as Lara. He was kind of a dick and user. And yes, he was redeemed by love. But in the end, he gave up pretty much nothing to get what he wanted. The stereotypical sexy journalist that I just didn’t get excited by.

Whilst this was a fun story, it hit a lot of clichés and was a bit tedious at points. Whilst I enjoyed the hour it took to read this, it’s definitely not one that I would read again.

<- Garden of EdenHousebroke ->

Image source: Amazon

Going Under by Sonia Henry

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Going Under
Author: Sonia Henry
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Contemporary, Medical, Mental health
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I bought this thinking that it was a memoir about a woman who worked as a doctor in Australia. Turns out it’s actually a fictional work. But it still had the tone that j was looking for. After all, it is incredibly obvious that Henry is a doctor and that the story line pulls from her own experiences. I should also mention that although I seriously enjoyed this book, it is NOT a happy story. You finish it feeling kind of content, but it’s not a roses and rainbows kind of finish…

I remember considering medicine when I finished up with high school, but ultimately decided that I didn’t have the patience with people required to do so. Reading this just made me all that much more certain that I made the right call there. Kitty (the lead character of this) sounds the entire story burnt out, exhausted and overwhelmed. She definitely enjoys her career to a degree, but that level of exhaustion and stress? Definitely not a career path I would ever be happy in.

The aspect of this story that strikes me the most is dealing with sex, and assault. There are some pretty hefty trigger warnings in this. And Henry quite bluntly talks about a broken system in which junior staff are constantly abused in a number of fashions. And the incredibly serious consequences that can be felt because of such abuse. It will break your heart, but it’s also worth really thinking about the price that some people pay for their profession. And why this should never be the case.

Although there is a lot of very serious messages in this novel, there is also a lot of humour. The day-to-day existence of these junior doctors may be difficult, but they manage to temper that with some kind of bizarre shenanigans. Plus, the tightness and love found in their relationships reminds you that even in the most adverse situations, things can turn out for the best. And sometimes all you need to stop from going under is a good friend by your side.

<- More Australian authorsMore medical ->

Image source: Allen & Unwin

Fake It Till You Make It by Leigh Donnelly

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Fake It Till You Make It
Author: Leigh Donnelly
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Food
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I loved this WAY more than I expected. Admittedly, I didn’t have huge expectations going into it, but still. This was far, far more enjoyable than I was anticipating. Probably in part because both the leads in this romance were involved in the food industry. And, as a lover of all things food, I’m preprogrammed to enjoy any story with such a theme.

I’m such a lover of relationships that start with a fake ruse and forced proximity. I love that the beginning of this was even more awkward – asking a man you just met to pose as your fiancé. And pretty much yelling in his face every time she felt awkward… although you kind of know exactly how it will all work out; the pure awkwardness was brilliant and enjoyably cheesy.

Both the leads in this novel have incredibly narcissistic exes. Both act out in different ways. And the male ex is not just narcissistic, but abusive. It made for a great challenge to the romance – not so much in getting over the damage of the past (which there is some of). But in getting over their constant manipulations and insanity in the presence. The narcissism is actually kind of scary in moments.

In fact, the narcissistic exes take such centre stage throughout this story as conflict that I was expecting a bit more of them in the epilogue. I kind of liked that although they are so central to the conflict, they’re effectively forgotten about in the ending. The best punishment ever for these horrible individuals.

<- More Leigh DonnellyIgnore Scott ->

Image source: Amazon

Bad Bridesmaid by Portia MacIntosh

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Bad Bridesmaid
Author: Portia MacIntosh
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Family
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

The reason I marked this kind of low in the star factor is that, even though I enjoyed this story, I had some serious issues with some of the family dynamics throughout. I mean, it’s obvious that MacIntosh wants to create a story about a dysfunctional family. But what she created wasn’t dysfunctional. It was downright abusive. And honestly, the bit that made me drastically rate down a book that I otherwise enjoyed was that I was seriously pissed off that in the end, everything was forgiven. There was a lot that shouldn’t have been forgiven.

Mia, as the lead, is kind of sympathetic in the fact that, like I said, her family is filled with arseholes. But, that excuse kind of gets a bit old. I mean, aspects of her personality are sympathetic, but I also found her really whiney and kind of boring at times. There was so much potential for growth in her, and I loved that for the first half. But then, she didn’t really have all that much growth. I did love her she floundered from one epic fail to the other though. It was kind of hilarious if I’m being honest.

Then there was Leo. He was actually kind of sweet, and a lot of what I’m generally looking for in a lead male of a good romance. But, again, there were a few issues. He spends the whole time telling Mia that he doesn’t want a relationship, and just wants a good romp in the sheets. But, it’s obvious from the very beginning that he does want a relationship. And then, he actually admits that that’s what he wants. It’s a little bit, annoyingly deceitful. And yet, like with Mia, I still actually liked him.

So there were a lot of serious issues with this story which would normally lead me to DNF this book. Yet, I actually really enjoyed it. There is something very talented about MacIntosh and how beautifully she is able to craft her stories. It turns something that has points to rant and rave about into a story that I would still read again in the future.

<- The Accidental HoneymoonBetter Off Wed ->

Image source: Amazon

Grumpy as Puck by Elizabeth Lynx

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Grumpy as Puck
Author: Elizabeth Lynx
Series: Blue Ridge Mountain Hockey #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I’m not going to lie, I picked this up because of the title, I love a good puny title. But, beyond that, I didn’t quite know what to expect. It turns out, this was a good and easy read. Not necessarily a book that I will reread a thousand times, but one that I did seriously enjoy throughout the reading of it.

For the first half of this book, I did find Daisy to be a bit of an idiot. I mean, she catches her boyfriend cheating with her boss, and just… walks away? And continues working for the woman? It might be my impulsiveness, but I definitely relate better to tales of woman who go nuclear on that kind of behaviour. Maybe I’ve also been reading too many urban fantasy books where the woman is more likely to stomp on the guy’s head (literally, both…).

Cillian I didn’t have too many issues with though. Granted, he’s a grump and doesn’t have the greatest filter on his treatment of others. But I kind of get the need. Honestly, a lot of what he says throughout this is the internal monologue in my brain. I just care a little more about others’ emotions I suppose… I do love that a lot of his brashness is about thinking others hate him. Which turns out to be completely false.

As much as I enjoyed this romance and the growth that each goes through, there were a few moments I struggled with. Firstly, Jackson’s attitude to Cillian. It did a full 180, without any real moment of epiphany. I felt like this needed a little more work and build up before it happened. And, then there’s all the crap that Cillian’s ex puts him through. I mean, it works for the storyline, but it SO could’ve been a stronger plot point.

<- More Elizabeth LynxDangle the Ring ->

Image source: Goodreads

Glass Coffin by Caitlin R. Kiernan

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Glass Coffin
Author: Caitlin R. Kiernan
In: Silver Birch, Blood Moon (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Retellings
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 1999

Thoughts

This was a very dark and twisty contemporary retelling of Snow White. Without the happy ending. Although, there was at least, the feeling of true love. In true Kiernan fashion, this was dark and twisted. But there was something ridiculously fun about that fact. Even while you were kind of sad at the turn of events.

I love that the seven dwarves are replaced by seven urchins (I’m sure there’s a better term for this, but that’s how it works in my head). With very few words, Kieran is able to show how each of them ended up here and what their burdens are. It also makes a weird sense how their decisions at the end of the story lead to such tragic outcomes.

There is violence and death in this story. Enough that it reminds you how kind of twisted the original Snow White is. But there’s this believability to this version which somehow makes it all darker and more twisted. Seriously enjoyable and a reminder of why I enjoy Kiernan’s writing so much.

<- The PriceThe Vanishing Virgin ->

Image source: Wikipedia

Lucky Star by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Lucky Star
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Starstruck #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This is a nice, cute and easy read. A fairly common (but still awesome trope) about a fake relation becoming something more. I love that they orchestrated this so seamlessly and there wasn’t quite as much angst as expected when they start moving towards something more. There’s a little of it (because otherwise it really wouldn’t be worth the read), but nowhere near as much drama as I expected.

I absolutely love that the lead female in this is honestly a total fan girl. I mean, she’s literally written blogs and fanfiction to him. But, instead of looking at him as the object of her fandom, she actually takes the time to get to know him. I love this switch and the way she is able to see past her enjoyment of his job to who he is as a man. And help him get over the abuses of his past.

Nix manages to beautifully deal with the realities that people (anyone) face when they are overcoming an abusive relationship. It is definitely a difficult journey. One that is still a work in progress at the end of this story. But one that has so much hope and enjoyment for the future. Nix is able to really work to remind you that there are all kinds of abuse, and they happen to EVERYONE. No preconceived notions.

This is yet another sweet and fantastic romance from Nix. It’s fun and easy to read. But also sweet, with just the right level of intensity to it that you can’t help but be obsessed. Plus, there’s also the great reminder that everyone has their hurdles to overcome. And relationships are all about finding a way move toward a better future together.

<- Rising StarMore Susannah Nix ->

Image source: Amazon

Stripped Down by Eva Moore

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Stripped Down
Author: Eva Moore
Series: Exposed Dreams #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

There were certain aspects of this story (primarily Natalie’s past) from the Christmas short story Decked Out. Yet, this still fleshed out a lot of their characters. And was a very fun and engaging romance. It was one of those easy read romances that was cute and fun. But it also focused on the fact that both Enzo and Natalie had to work on themselves and their own hangups to truly be good for one another.

There is something extra special about single parent romances. I think because it is never just about the parent, and there is a whole other aspect of trusting that just isn’t there when you aren’t a parent. And in this story, I love that Enzo is forming a bond and relationship with daisy. Not because it makes things better with Natalie (if anything it makes her go off her rocker even more), but because of Daisy in and of herself.

Where Enzo is constantly working at improvement throughout this story, it does take Natalie an annoyingly long time to move past her own insecurities. But, when she is finally called on her crap and chooses to grow up a little, it is seriously glorious. And a bit of a reminder that sometimes asking for help isn’t actually such a bad thing after all…

Although all of Enzo’s actions come from a really nice place, they definitely are not as considerate as they should be. It’s fantastic that he finds a way to move on from this. I mean, its all well and good to want to solve the problems of someone you love. But if you don’t actually take the time to learn HOW to, it’s really just you acting in a fairly entitled way. Or at least, that’s how I felt upon reading this. And through some of my own experiences.

Ultimately, Enzo and Natalie learn to process their own damage and create a new reality for themselves. At the centre of all of this is the idea that communication is key. You can’t just assume you know what someone else is feeling – you have to ask them.

<- Opened UpDecked Out ->

Image source: Kobo

Opened Up by Eva Moore

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Opened Up
Author: Eva Moore
Series: Exposed Dreams #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This is a great, fun and sweet contemporary romance. I mean, it’s pretty easy and kind of obvious how it will all turn out. But it’s still a fun adventure. The fact that Sophia and Adrian have been seriously and ridiculously attracted to each other since they were kids just helps to add to the fun nature of this story. There’s a history, but not one that is filled with angst. Which gives the past of knowing one another, without anything to make up for.

Sophia’s constant struggles to strike out on her own and be appreciated by her father drive this story spectacularly. That, partnered with her own insecurities help to show just how much getting in one’s own head can mess with you. Plus, quite frankly, her father is a total knob. I mean, willingly leaving your daughter in a dead end position and taking advantage of her? Purposely throwing a spanner in the works of her relationship? All ridiculously entitled and horrible actions. I love that Sophia is able to overcome this nonsense and find her own happily ever after.

I love how this is a story not just about romance and family romance. But also how three siblings (and their parents) work towards surviving their older brother’s death. Certainly, many of the issues that Sophia struggles to overcome are built around the compromises the family made to deal with this death. And, once Sophia finds her own two feet, it’ll be interesting in the future books to see how her remaining two siblings are able to negotiate the same difficulties.

I love that, alongside Sophia trying to forge her own reality and life, Adrian is actually trying to do the same thing. He’s a little bit less flexible and giving to others than Sophia. But, it’s still nice that both characters are trying to find a way to be better and create a life that they can be proud of. When it all comes together at the end of this story, it’s nice to know that they do succeed. Having said that, Adrian’s narrow-mindedness in his pursuit makes him incredibly callous and kind of cruel in moments.

This was a great romance, not just about how to build a future life together, but also how to encompass your own goals in this. Plus, there are some incredibly insane family dynamics throughout this story. Ones that were very fun to negotiate. And made me grateful for my own dysfunctional clan…

<- More Eva MooreStripped Down ->

Image source: Amazon

Shopping for a Billionaire’s Fiancée by Julia Kent

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire’s Fiancée
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

Following the tone of the rest of this series, OF COURSE Declan’s proposal was going to end seriously awry. I mean, you can’t really get much worse than ending up in the ER (which is what is explained on the first page). But the journey there, as with everything in the Shopping for a Billionaire series, is absolutely priceless. It had me grinning the whole way through.

I love that the first five books in this series are written from Shannon’s point of view, and then this book is written from Delcan’s. It’s a great departure and gives a whole new perspective into their relationship. It also means that Declan touches upon his past decisions and mistakes. Again, giving a wonderful, new perspective to their relationship.

As someone who has a somewhat close-knit family, and one that isn’t always great with boundaries, Delcan’s difficulties with dealing with this are quite intriguing. Particularly as it made me understand a little more just some of the difficulties my own SO has with my family. Family dynamics are always difficult, but Shannon’s definitely take the cake.

Even though this is a story just filled with calamities, Shannon and Declan do still get their perfect moment. Actually, I find their true moment so much better than what Declan had planned. It was such a wonderful read, and I can’t wait to see how Amanda and Andrew find their own way to a HEA.

<- Christmas Shopping for a BillionaireShopping for a CEO ->

Image source: Amazon