Tag Archives: Contemporary

The Neighbor by Lorhainne Eckhart

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Neighbor
Author: Lorhainne Eckhart
Series: The O’Connells #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Whilst I seriously enjoyed this novel, it was nowhere near as suspenseful and romantic as I was expecting. I mean, I was expecting a whole lot of steam and action that you just couldn’t look away from. Instead, it was an unexpectedly sweet love story that had more darkness to it than anticipated. In fact, when I reflect on the story line, for me, this is very much a story about a dark and hidden past being moved on from and a happily ever after being found.

I love the fact that this novel was medium-paced, it was definitely hard to put down (because I wanted to know what was happening to Alison), it wasn’t impossible. And, the outcome of Alison’s going missing was nowhere near as dark as I was expecting. I mean, probably a bit hard to have a happily ever after, romantic ending in a story that ends the way my brain was expecting… but that probably says more about my brain than anything else (and let’s just not go there).

My favourite thing about this story was the O’Connell family. They’re such a great, tight-knit group. And, having only grown up with one sibling myself, what I always dreamt of in a family. I love the idea of the chaos that is inspired in every gathering of the clan. And the way that they rally together to ensure Alison is found and bought home safely? It’s just too damn adorable.

This is probably more of a psychological suspense novel than a physical one. Jenny’s abusive past and her ability to overcome it hold true to form. It’s not as if everything is magically fixed when Ryan decides to come into her life, but rather, it takes time. Plus, all of the crap that her ex hangs over their heads, even from the grave… wow. I had a bit of a sick feeling in my gut throughout reading this for that fact alone. Eckhart does such a brilliant job of giving you just enough information to make you feel seriously uncomfortable. Which makes me REALLY excited to read The Third Call.

<- More Lorhainne EckhartThe Third Call ->

Image source: Goodreads

Prose Before Bros by Cathy Yardley

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Prose Before Bros
Author: Cathy Yardley
Series: Green Valley Library #3, SmartyPants Romance
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: 2019

Thoughts

Drill is frequently mentioned throughout the Winston Brothers and other Smartypants Romance stories. He’s a fairly high up character in the Iron Wraiths. And, although I never found him scary, I certainly had no interest in liking him. And then I was introduced to Yardley’s writing. And I fell stupid in love. I mean, I know that many people who join gangs / find themselves in a criminal element are not necessarily doing it because of choice, but, more a lack of. But it was very different to read about someone with this history in such a cute romance.

Likewise, I never really got to feel overly involved in Old Man Blount. Just the knowledge of him as a supplier of some of Jen’s ingredients for her baking. I love how the Smartypants Romance world is so fully fleshed out with such a wide array of voices. I also love, that, again, there is a POC representation in this story. Thuy is of Vietnamese background, and although there are some darker moments throughout, it gives such a beautiful variety and flavour that left me smiling.

Thuy is quite potentially one of the toughest leads I’ve read in a while. She’s incredibly intimidating the more you get to know about her and her history in fact. And her loyalty… I have always felt loyal to my friends. But the level of Thuy’s loyalty is a whole other level. I’m not sure that I know many people who I would happily up the stakes of my whole life and just… start again. It all works out wonderfully in the end, but it’s still a bloody big leap.

There are so many aspects of this story that I absolutely loved. But I think, for me, my favourite was the way that Thuy was able to deal with the nonsense of strangers. For starters there’s the nosiness of the small-town-minded people. She has absolutely zero concerns about putting them in their place in a variety of ways. And, then, there’s the final confrontation with the Wraiths and Catfish. Again, Thuy is able to just take a whole load of nonsense, cut through it and deliver a fantastic ending. Definitely a book that I will be reading again and again.

<- Crime and PeriodicalsShelf Awareness ->

Image source: Goodreads

Dare to Desire by Carly Phillips

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Dare to Desire
Author: Carly Phillips
Series: Dare to Love #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I immediately wanted to know more about Alex once I read Dare to Love. I mean, he’s the half-brother of Ian and the best friend of Riley… it’s a complex little mess that is going on in this story, I must say. And although Alex doesn’t necessarily come across too badly, you could tell he was going to be a moron who almost lost himself a very good woman. The fact that that woman was obviously going to be Madison… like I said, I was pretty keen to jump right in.

Turns out that I was right to be so excited and keen. This was a fun adventure from beginning to end. Alex was predictably a bit of a moron. But not enough that he wasn’t loveable. In fact, he’s so aware of his nonsense that I liked him even more. Alex spends the whole story trying to make up for his stupidity and mistakes.

Madison’s trials in this story, outside of trusting Alex were kind of heartbreaking. I was expecting a happy ending for her. But there really wasn’t one in this. However, it did make it far more real to life. And made me want a happily ever after all that much more.

This was a very light and easy read. It was a great journey. Just enough emotion to keep you attached and hooked. But not enough that it was too overwhelming. I definitely look forward to reading Olivia’s story next…

<- Dare to LoveDare to Touch ->

Image source: Carly Phillips

The Ghost of Jia Yi by Alexia Arthurs

Book Review, ,
Overview
How to Love a Jamaican by Alexia Arthurs

Title: The Ghost of Jia Yi
Author: Alexia Arthurs
In: How to Love a Jamaican (Alexia Arthurs)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Picador
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I don’t normally like stories with such an unreliable and morally-ambiguous character. Cheating is a pretty big trigger thing for me and I very rarely can stomach a character who partakes in cheating. Yet, I enjoyed this one. I didn’t necessarily like the narrator as a person, but I did enjoy the journey that the voice took me on. It was very… confused. Much as the decisions that were obviously being made were.

Although this does talk about the horrible death of a young woman, it’s this idea that the character is being haunted for her own bad decisions that I like. After all, she constantly states how guilty she feels about her actions. But it isn’t until the ghost of Jia Yi starts to haunt her when she’s doing the things for which she feels guilty that she actually stops. I kind of liked that feeling of retribution / a reminder to listen to your conscience.

This is a very… meandering story. It’s a bit hard to lock down what I liked so much about it. Particularly when it dealt with cheating. Yet, I found the meandering nature and somewhat perplexing storyline to be really enjoyable. And I would definitely be wanting to read this again.

<- Mermaid RiverHow to Love a Jamaican ->

Image source: Goodreads

Forrest for the Trees by Kilby Blades

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Forrest for the Trees
Author: Kilby Blades, SmartyPants Romance
Series: Green Valley Heroes #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I loved that this is a contemporary romance that deals, realistically, with inequality issues. I mean, at the centre it’s just another beautiful and heart-warming romance. But the other aspects of the plot that deal so directly with an issue that many people face? That was glorious. And, it’s not just dealing with a woman working in STEM (I actually wanted to work in the exact same area and eventually just gave up). But it is also about being a POC and how this can further become a restriction on what is available to a person.

I’ve got to admit, that I think Forrest’s quiet and steady pursual of Sierra is kind of adorable. I’m not normally a fan of that whole, steadily and quietly pursuing somebody. It can give off too strong a stalker vibes at times. But, it didn’t in this. Instead, Forrest’s court (even when Sierra was unaware of it) is very respectful and sweet. He takes the time to learn more about her and create a relationship that can be used as the basis of something more. Rather than just making a decision about their potential future.

On that note, I actually really loved the relationship building in this story. Sierra and Forrest slowly build up their knowledge of one another. It starts out antagonist, becomes closer and closer, and then eventually makes its way to something more serious. I love tales which build a relationship around truly getting to one another. I mean, I also love when there is all of that sexual sizzle, but sometimes it’s just nice when a couple takes that damn time to build something.

Alongside the discussions of inequality and the romance, there is also the secondary story line which is a bit of a whodunnit. I spent the whole time trying to figure out just how the fires were getting lit. What the motive was. Who had actually done it. And why there seemed to be a bit of a dodgy cover up throughout. Of course, it was all tied up quite nicely, and I definitely loved the comeuppance at the end when everything was revealed.

<- More Kilby BladesParks and Provocation ->

Image source: Goodreads

Chasing Romeo by Sarah Ready

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Chasing Romeo
Author: Sarah Ready
Series: Soul Mates in Romeo #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This story takes a total and complete departure into CrazyTown. It’s a very cute contemporary romance, but, boy does it go to LooneyVille. And honestly, I loved every single damn minute of it. It’s completely unrealistic, but I think that most romances are – that’s why they’re such a great escapist read. Chasing Romeo really ticked all of my boxes for a good escapist read. It was funny, light, cute, completely predictable and just all round fun.

It’s impossible not to realise from the very moment that Chloe’s soul mate is announced as the first guy she kissed that it can’t be Nick. You know that the soul mate psychic can’t be wrong, and the purposeful vagueness of the pronouncement is exactly what drives the story line. I do love that the old broad is ridiculously manipulative though – and I’m looking forward to the rest of the books in this series to see how she is able to continue to manipulate others. But, even knowing how that will end, I did enjoy the journey to get there. And that realisation that whilst fate may exist, it’s still our choice at the end of the day.

The part of CrazyTown that had me laughing the most was the seven Matts. Each and every one is completely insane, has absolutely zero reservations in their insanity. And, in general is just ridiculously fun. I love how they all make a reappearance at the end of the story in the epic love moment. I mean, if you’re going to travel across a country and find all of the insane Matts you possibly can, why not use them in your romantic announcement? Seriously had me laughing out loud.

This was such a fantastic and cute cover to cover read. I had fun, I laughed, and I really loved the sweetness of the characters. Alright, Chloe is kind of an idiot with her determination to just hunt down some poor guy and announce that he’s her soul mate… but Ready is able to build that story up in a way that even if you kind of think she’s an idiot, you can also understand why. Plus, Nick is just a fantastic counter to this, which helps to dilute some of the “what is that woman thinking?”

<- More Sarah ReadyLove Not at First Sight ->

Image source: Booktopia

How to Love a Jamaican by Alexia Arthurs

Book Review, ,
Overview
How to Love a Jamaican by Alexia Arthurs

Title: How to Love a Jamaican
Author: Alexia Arthurs
In: How to Love a Jamaican (Alexia Arthurs)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Picador
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This short story balances both loves that of the Jamaican on his home soil and the American immigrant. The constant flicking between that life and this is a good way to show how these two identities sit against one another for many people.

I’m noticing a bit of a recurring theme of infidelity in Arthurs’ writing. And I can’t say it’s one that I enjoy. But it does show a great understanding of the imperfections of humanity. Which I did enjoy… constantly giving me a conflicting viewpoint and emotional response.

I love how this story balances different aspects of life. And provides yet another insight into immigrant life.

<- The Ghost of Jia YiOn Shelf ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Importance of Being Alice by Katie MacAlister

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Importance of Being Alice
Author: Katie MacAlister
Series: Ainslie Brothers #1
Rating Out of 5: 2.5 (Readable, but not worth reading again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I wanted to like this novel a lot more than I actually did. Which seems to be a bit of a common occurrence lately. I mean, I loved the premise and the idea behind this tale. But I didn’t necessarily find the execution to be quite to my taste. Actually, from the moment that I read about Alice’s boobs talking to Elliot, I started to go, yeah, nah…

The other aspect of this story that I found kind of difficult was the rivalry between women. The idea that Alice is falling for a guy, and there is a random woman on their cruise who has just decided to seduce him. I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m kind of over the opposing female as the villain. An accidental villain yes, but one who is adamantly out to get someone’s man? Can we please come up with a new trope? It just feels so… painful.

I did like the backdrop of this story. Stuck on a cruise ship together, touring around Europe? I can imagine that it would be very easy to fall in love in such a setting. But, honestly, that’s probably the most that I liked about this novel. Maybe I’m being spoilt for the romances at the moment.

Even though I didn’t enjoy this, I will probably read the next book in the series… just for curiosities sake.

<- More Katie MacAlisterA Midsummer Night’s Romp ->

Image source: Goodreads

Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Bridget Jones’s Diary
Author: Helen Fielding
Series: Bridget Jones #1
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 1996

Thoughts

I wanted to absolutely love this. After all, I seriously love the movie and normally if I love the movie, I love the book. But it just didn’t quite do it for me… I found this version of Bridget WAY too whiney and painful. Honestly, she is a total and utter ditz, and she spends the whole diary just rambling on about all of her whiney-ness. It was kind of hard to feel any connection to her whatsoever really. And I so, so wanted to. Maybe it was just my mood.

This is one of those books that I didn’t hate, but I did struggle with. Which means it goes back into the pile for a second try later down the track. I’m not going to get rid of it, but it’s a close call. Probably, because as I mentioned earlier, I really want to love this. I also found that the plot wasn’t quite moving fast enough for me. Again, it’s something that I need to allow myself to be in the right mental space for I think…

I did really love the style of writing in this. I could hear Bridget’s voice as I read each of her diary entries. It did help me to feel connected to a character that I would otherwise normally not connect to at all. The style of writing and great indication of a flawed character were really fun. After all, it’s kind of hard to write a flawed character when everything is from their point of view. But, Fielding manages to do it.

As much as I was a bit “eh” about this book, I did ultimately enjoy it enough to read it. Just in fits and starts I suppose. I think it would be a great book to read when I was feeling a little more self-indulgent and self-pitying. Which, at the time of this read, I really wasn’t.

<- More Helen FieldingBridget Jones: Edge of Reason ->

Image source: Amazon

Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Sweet Tea and Sympathy
Author: Molly Harper
Series: Southern Eclectic #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

You know a book is going to be good when it starts with a massive event that goes belly up because there are flamingos trying to eat the centre-piece. Amongst other shenanigans. It certainly makes for an incredibly easy and fun read. One that I enjoyed far more than I had anticipated. Mostly because I had never heard of Molly Harper and had absolutely no idea what to expect. Turns out I should expect some lovely romance, some wonderful southern culture (which I still know next to nothing about) and a whole lot of random enjoyment.

One of the aspects I always enjoy in fish-out-of-water stories is the fact that you get to discover a never before understood world right alongside the main character. It lets you bumble into a world that you literally know nothing of, and discover all of the intricacies along the way. Margot’s discovery of the family that she never knew and a world that she never knew she wanted does this perfectly. Plus, the whole family vibe immediately makes her fit in, even when she doesn’t quite. Plus, there’s the whole getting to know her family that you get to do alongside her. And what a unique and quirky bunch that is! Again, I absolutely adored this.

This was kind of one of those insta-lust romances. It wasn’t insta-love (thank goodness), but there was still that immediate moment of petting between Margot and Kyle as soon as the story starts. Considering this is something that I don’t always love, I found it quite pleasant. I mean, who hasn’t seen some irresistible hunk and just thought… yummm?? The fact that it just gets continuously more complicated as the story unfolds just made me sink deeper and deeper into the relationship. This was one of those ones that I most definitely emotionally invested in. Not something I necessarily do with all of the romances that I’ve been powering through lately.

I love how this story finished with the couple wanting to see how the relationship unfolds and looking to a future. Indeed, love isn’t even mentioned throughout as anything but a future possibility. It’s not a given, and it’s not seen as the ultimate goal. Instead, there’s a sense of potential, happiness and contentment at the end of the tale. It’s sometimes frustrating how every romance finishes with a wedding and happily ever after feel. This felt like the steps that go towards obtaining that goal. I’m sure in the next few books in this series, I’ll probably find out that Margot and Kyle, do, in fact get their marriage and happily ever after. But I love how it doesn’t feel completely like a given.

<- More Molly HarperAin’t She a Peach ->

Image source: Goodreads