Tag Archives: Contemporary

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

The Fadeaway by Rebecca Jenshak

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Fadeaway
Author: Rebecca Jenshak
Series: Smart Jocks #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

There is a whole lot to unpack within this very sweet college romance. A little bit like there was a lot to unpack in The Assist. It’s, at it’s core a jock / sports romance. And ultimately an easy read. But Jenshak manages to throw in some pretty hefty thoughts and conversations about society and the ways our judgements and preconceived notions influence us. It gave me an extra layer to this incredibly fun story.

Katrina’s battles with being a single mum, and a teenage mum are pretty intense. It’s hard enough being a mother, but becoming one young and then doing it all alone? Difficult doesn’t begin to describe it. Although she has an amazing support system in her friends, she is always constantly uncomfortable with the judgement of others, and admittedly, she also tends to harshly judge herself. The juggling act that she constantly must balance is also pretty intense, but Jenshak does a great job of highlighting the difficulties, whilst also showing that there are no regrets – because sometimes being a parent is really awesome.

Joel on the other hand is a bit of a man child. As his history starts to be revealed, you can understand that some of his actions aren’t actually that ridiculous. But it takes a little while to get to that. Mostly, he flirts that line of being too immature to actually like, and seriously likeable in his kind and giving moments. Once you find out his full back story though, you realise that all of his decisions are just because of his own burdens and past. And that he’s, ultimately, a really lovely guy.

I loved how The Fadeaway is both an incredibly easy read, but it was also one that left me thinking about it long after I turned that final page. The characters go through a lot of growth throughout this story, and it reminds us of all of the things that are going on below the surface. Plus, it’s just fun reading about two people who are totally meant to be together, finally, finding a way to make it work.

<- The AssistThe Tip-Off ->

Image source: Amazon

Holdout by Jacqueline Snowe

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Holdout
Author: Jacqueline Snowe, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Moo U #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I love how this is a close-proximity / accidental roommate romance. Particularly, I love how well it works out for both of them. Not just the romance aspect, but also the way that Ryann and Jonah seem to actually fit well as roommates and friends. I mean, it’s kind of difficult to find someone that you can live with and not want to tear out your own hair (in my experience at least), so I love that aside from a romance, this was actually a positive roommate story!

Aside from the awesomeness of having good roommates, I did really love the romance between Ryann and Jonah. Yes, they both admit fairly early on that there is a physical attraction. But it’s the fact that they are great friends and companions that really made me root for them. I mean, it’s hard enough finding someone you don’t want to stab as a roommate, but then finding good, solid friendship and physical attraction? Yeah, I was seriously rooting for both of these guys from pretty much the first moment. Plus, they also help each other heal from their past and move onto a much, much better future.

Secondary to the romance and the main spanner in the works for the furthering of their relationship, both Ryann and Jonah have a lot of family drama that they must wade through. It’s kind of sad and painful in moments. And I like that they help each other to process this. Plus, they find a way to live with the complexities of family – as dysfunctional as this can sometimes look and feel. In fact, I thought that Ryann’s brother was going to be much more of a problem than he actually was. And I kind of liked that fact. Yes, he was a hurdle, but in the scheme of things, he was much smaller a challenge than anticipated.

All in all, I loved this romance, it had all of the character development and dynamics that I tend to enjoy in these kinds of stories. Plus a little bit of lust and steam. That’s not even getting me started on the fact that it’s about a bunch of athletes. I mean, I may not be insanely into hockey, but it’s definitely something that intrigues me. And I do love any sports romance I can get my hands on…

<- SlapshotGametime ->

Image source: Amazon

Switch Stance by M.E. Carter & Andrea Johnston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Switch Stance
Author: M.E. Carter & Andrea Johnston
Series: Charitable Endeavors #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: 2018

Thoughts

I always enjoy stories that feature a writer. I mean, a writer writing about a writer? Somehow that works out really well. Sometimes… in the case of Misery, it wasn’t such a good thing. But I digress. Carter and Johnston are a wonderful literary pair. And their ability to craft a story in which you are constantly rooting for the main couple… brilliant. A great way to spend a few hours, drifting away on a fun and romantic story.

Spencer is a great male lead. He’s that sexy jock type that you want when you’re reading a sports romance. But he’s also humble and kind of cute. There isn’t a lot of the ego like in some of the sports romances that I read. But enough to know that he’s good at his job. I also love that he’s actually driven more by his charity and need to leave a lasting impression than his legacy as a jock. He’s also incredibly emotionally mature and spends a lot of his time supporting both his slightly neurotic sister and Aggie. Definitely one of my favourite (emotionally) male leads I’ve read in a while.

As someone who is always sure that she’s completely messing things up and doesn’t fit in, it was fun to read about Aggie’s insecurities. I mean, I’ve now moved to a point that I’m comfortable with the fact that I’m kind of nutso. But it was nice learning about her journey to get to that same place of comfort in herself. Alright, she didn’t completely get to that point, but she is definitely heading in that direction by the end of the story. Plus, she manages to finally work through her writer’s block as she acknowledges her own short comings. Something else I loved about this character.

Although Aggie went through the most personal growth throughout this story, it was still an incredibly fun and beautiful journey. I love that Spencer is able to recognise that that growth is Aggie’s responsibility. He’s there to support her, but not fix her. And that, with his patience, she is able to actually start to try and trust and learn. I can’t wait to read about her best friend, Toby, in Ear Candy. Another story that I’m sure will be filled with plenty of character growth and enjoyment!

<- More M.E. CarterEar Candy ->

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