Tag Archives: Contemporary

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: One Last Stop
Author: Casey McQuiston
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, LGBTQI
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I absolutely loved Red, White and Royal Blue. It was brilliantly written with amazing characters and a wonderful storyline. Which means that I’ve been kind of hanging to read One Last Stop. I figure if one novel by McQuiston was going to be amazing, the next one probably was too. And I was completely correct. This book is amazing and wonderful and has so many emotions to it. I honestly don’t quite know where to begin…

Alright, so it took me a little to get into this. I did love August from the start. But some of her hang-ups and insecurities were just… too difficult for me to comprehend. Partly it’s probably because I’ve never really been floating through the world and untethered. I’ve always had someone, or something to give me roots. It’s incredibly difficult to understand what it would be like to not have that grounding and then relate… but I digress. August, regardless of that small factor in her characterisation that I couldn’t quite relate to was a wonderful lead. And, as I understood her more and more, I wanted to see the amazing character growth that I was hoping for from McQuiston’s writing. I wasn’t disappointed. At the root of this story, there is a major coming of age vibe that left me with all of the happy feelings.

It took me a decent chunk into this book to find the paranormal element to it. It was completely unexpected. I spent the first chunk trying to figure out how this wonderful little romance was going to go off the rails and fill the roughly 400 pages. And then that mystery element hit, and suddenly the length of the book became a lot more understandable and less tedious. I love how it was a twist that I honestly just didn’t see coming, one that had me hooked and unable to look away. It was a wonderful approach and idea that I kind of want to read more about. Actually, mostly I just want to read more about what happens after the whole cast of this story rides off, happily, into the sunset… they’re all just too cute.

This novel has a fantastic cast of characters. August and Jane as the lead couple are wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed August’s journey to acceptance and finally growing her own roots. But, then there’s the rest of the cast. Not only do multiple facets of the LGBTQIA+ community get represented within here, but there are also drag queens. Which I find ridiculously fun and wonderful. It just made me sink further and further into this story with the biggest, most ridiculous smile on my face.

<- More Casey McQuistonRed, White & Royal Blue ->

Image source: Goodreads

Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Ayesha at Last
Author: Uzma Jalaluddin
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Muslims, Retellings
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I’m a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice, and, indeed, anything Jane Austen. Which means I’m always happy and intrigued when I get the pleasure of reading a retelling of her classics. The fact that this was one of those books that I just had sent in a miscellaneous box… it left me feeling incredibly happy and over the moon. And, yes, I am completely obsessed with Jalaluddin now. She is an amazing writer, and once I sunk into this book, I struggled to put it down.

I’ve not read a lot of stories which feature Muslims. It’s definitely a cultural outlook that I am slowly increasing in my reading. But it is still incredibly sparse. Reading a retelling of a well-loved classic with this spin on it gave me an even greater understanding than I had expected. Not only was it a storyline that I already loved, but it was a cultural reality and life that I am completely fascinated by. (To be fair, I’m fascinated by anything that is not my own reality, hence the reading of a lot of books.) This window into another world also reminded us that pride and prejudice exist for everyone, no matter what their own cultural and social realities.

Unlike Pride and Prejudice, I didn’t find any of the “villains” in this story to be particularly villainous. Yes, they were a little difficult to stomach in moments, but you could also understand what drove them. Often it was small-mindedness. But it was still painful to read about, and the characters weren’t likeable. They were just… somehow more understandable. I love when the “villains” of a story are like this – it reminds you that often the “bad guys” in your own life have their own drivers and needs. It might not be exactly good and kind, but it is a little more understandable and relatable. It also takes an amazing writer to write characters that are completely unlikeable but totally understandable.

I absolutely adored this novel, and it is one that I look forward to reading again and again. There are so many fine details that pepper throughout this book that I found really intriguing and fun. I absolutely adored this and am kind of sad that it was over so soon. Which for me, is the mark of a truly amazing story.

<- More Uzma JalaluddinHana Khan Carries On ->

Image source: Booktopia

Willow Brook Road by Sherryl Woods

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Willow Brook Road
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: Chesapeake Shores #13
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I love how drastically different Carrie is from the rest of the O’Briens. Where they all want high-powered careers, she just wants a family. And Woods reminds us beautifully that this is just as important and meaningful as the rest of the O’Briens’ ambitions.

Whilst I seriously enjoyed this romance, the emotional entanglement of Susie’s journey in this also drew me in. She doesn’t act in the best of ways and is honestly quite a bitch in moments, but there is still that understanding that you get from her actions. It adds an extra layer of difficulty and drama that Carrie’s romance would otherwise be lacking.

Although I did really love the departure from the structure of the rest of this series, I did find it harder to relate to Carrie. She is incredibly and beautifully maternal. She has this fantastic natural instinct and willingness to love. Both things that I, myself don’t feel that I have. It was nice to read about someone who does though.

Yet another beautiful and incredibly cute Chesapeake Shores novel to fill a few hours with. There is just something gorgeous about this small town that pulls you in. Something that will have me returning again and again and again over the years.

<- Dogwood HillLilac Lane ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Christmas Bouquet by Sherryl Woods

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Christmas Bouquet
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: Chesapeake Shores #11
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

Caitlyn and Carrie are little show stealers from their appearance in The Inn at Eagle Point. I mean, how could they not be? They’re identical twins who just run havoc across everyone’s emotions and practicalities. And, after reading about Jenny in A Seaside Christmas, I was looking forward to reading another tale about this latest generation of O’Briens.

Caitlyn was everything I had wanted her to be. She is driven and direct. Slightly scarred, and definitely terrified of commitment. Many things that I’ve felt myself. It doesn’t matter how much you love someone… if you’re a woman who wants a career, there are certain aspects of settling down to a family life that are truly terrifying. Caitlyn is scared of all of the same things.

Noah was a fantastic balance to Caitlyn in this tale. He is patient and kind, willing to understand her fears. And also willing to slowly work on them without putting untoward pressure on her. In fact, his patience and kindness in moments reminded me of my own partner… mines not quite as patient as Noah, but who would be? The whole point of a book hero is to be the ideal… not the reality.

This story may be set against Christmas, but mostly when I think about it, I recall the love. Christmas is sweet, well and good. But it is the family that, as always, drives this Chesapeake Shores romance.

<- A Seaside ChristmasDogwood Hill ->

Image source: Amazon

A Seaside Christmas by Sherryl Woods

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Seaside Christmas
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: Chesapeake Shores #10
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

After Jenny’s abrupt departure in An O’Brien Family Christmas, I was kind of wondering how things would turn out. I mean, you do understand WHY she’s so upset. But you also feel seriously frustrated at her being… well, brattish. I was wondering how I’d bond with her considering that background. Luckily, this story starts with Jenny KNOWING what a brat she is. And feeling guilty for it.

There’s a lot of things I love about the Chesapeake Shores novels. And, just contemporary romances in general. One of the things though that shines through most in this is that the love story isn’t an insta love. Rather, it is a tale about forgiveness and moving on from past hurts. Regaining trust is incredibly important for any broken relationship, and I love how it takes centre stage in this story.

The fact that this story is also based around Christmas just made me even happier to curl up with it. There’s nothing like spending a warm December’s evening reading a Christmas romance with the dogs curled up on your lap. Tales of Christmas and love always leave me feeling happy and settled. Jenny and Caleb’s tale is no exception.

Christmas by the beach is definitely an Australian tradition. It may be winter in the setting of this book, but it still had a powerful atmosphere to it that felt familiar. That, and the chaotic O’Brien Family just about made this tale. A fantastic way to start off the stories of the next generation of O’Briens.

<- The Summer GardenThe Christmas Bouquet ->

Image source: Goodreads

Island by Alexia Arthurs

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

Title: Island
Author: Alexia Arthurs
In: How to Love a Jamaican (Alexia Arthurs)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Race
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

There is always something difficult about going home. But that can be made far worse when that original home is in another country with some far stricter rules. That sometimes all you want to be is a tourist in a world that you know intimately in another way.

Added to all of the emotional turmoil of this story is the fact that rhe narrator is having to deal with their sexuality. Whilst she is comfortable in it, she is surrounded by people who aren’t. I found this kind of heartbreaking. I mean, these people are supposed to be friends… but they’re just… dismissive in so many ways.

An emotionally difficult story that makes you think about relationships and coming home. And how it can be difficult to navigate different realities.

<- Bad BehaviorMermaid River ->

Image source: Goodreads

Slack by Alexia Arthurs

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

Title: Slack
Author: Alexia Arthurs
In: How to Love a Jamaican (Alexia Arthurs)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Race
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This story was just… tragic from beginning to end. I mean, it starts woth dead children. And honestly, there is nothing that gets better from there.

Now that I’ve read a few Alexia Arthurs stories, I’m getting used to her jumping around style. And for this story, it added to that feeling of tragedy. Not only are you talking about premature death, but there’s also the sadness and tragedies of those days before.

There is such a feeling of blame and fault throughout this tale. Not that I can pinpoint where the blame is supposed to lie. But it sits there. Incredibly uncomfortably.

<- Mash Up LoveBad Behavior ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Mogul’s Reluctant Bride by Ana E. Ross

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Mogul’s Reluctant Bride
Author: Ana E. Ross
Series: Billionaire Brides of Granite Falls #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

Where I immediately loved Eric in The Doctor’s Secret Bride, it took me a really long time to bond with Bryce. He starts out this story as kind of a dick. I mean, instead of stopping and dealing with the situation in front of him like an adult, he just has a tantrum and expects everything to go his way. Not exactly the most endearing of male leads. He did grow on me. But not as much as other male leads.

Although I didn’t love the male lead in this story, the storyline definitely drew me in. Not that common when I don’t love one pf the leads. I mean, 3 kids losing their parents, a girl losing her sister that she barely knows? It’s enough to make you tear up just a little. And lessens the dumbassery of Bryce.

I like that although Ross features billionaires as the male love interest in this series (not exactly a leap given the name of the series), the women have a much more difficult history. I love how Ross is able to build in a tragic past for Kara. Her, alongside the children really pulled on my heartstrings and made me hope like crazy for a happy ending.

I may not have enjoyed the second book as much as the first, but there are also some fun glimpses of the next story in this series. So I’ve loaded it up on my ereader and I’m ready to dig my tired baby brain into this whole new romance.

<- The Doctor’s Secret BrideThe Playboy’s Fugitive Bride ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Doctor’s Secret Bride by Ana E. Ross

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Doctor’s Secret Bride
Author: Ana E. Ross
Series: Billionaire Brides of Granite Falls #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

Honestly, I’m a sucker for a good romance. Especially now when most of my reading is done on my kobo in the wee hours of morning while my daughter has her feed. There is something about a romance that is simple and hopeful. Something that is very just needed when you’re falling asleep holding a baby. Which meant stumbling across this series felt a little like a godsend.

There was a fun simplicity to this story that didn’t have me wanting to smack either of the lead characters. Not something I can honestly say all that often. There was still the expected romance drama (I mean, it’s a story, you NEED some of that drama). But you could actually understand both motives and mostly just wanted to reach through the pages to hug BOTH the leads.

Through all of the romance and drama, Precious manages to make all of the stakes seem higher. I love when a child (or dog) manages to steal some of the spotlight. Sometimes that’s a bit of comedic relief, Precious just manages to draw your heart into the relationships so much more. Her presence also seriously ups the stakes.

I may find true love and happily ever after to be somewhat believable. The idea that it can happen with a billionaire… well, its a nice little dream there. All in all, that’s probably the part I fins most unrealistic (hopeless romantic here). But, it’s such a nice fantasy that finishing this story left me with a huge grin on my face.

<- More Ana E. RossThe Mogul’s Reluctant Bride ->

Image source: Goodreads

Total Package by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Total Package
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Bowling Friends #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Year: 2005

Thoughts

I’m always a fan of friends to lovers stories. They’re cute and fun. And I honestly think that the best basis for a good relationship is a strong friendship. The fact that in this case, the friendship is based around Ashley’s brother does make it somewhat awkward. But also so very delicious…

I haven’t found a story by Erin McCarthy that I don’t enjoy. This novella was no exception. There’s fun and sass throughout, with plenty of heart. There’s also just the right amount of steam that makes you wonder when your significant other is getting home…

Another easy and fun read that had me smiling and feeling at peace. I’m looking forward to reading the next one on my shelves.

<- Hard DriveLady of the Lake ->

Image source: Goodreads