Tag Archives: Contemporary

Since You’ve Bean Gone by Lainey Davis

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Since You’ve Bean Gone
Author: Lainey Davis
Series: Farm 2 Forking #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

Since You’ve Bean Gone is a gorgeous little second chance romance. The fact that one of the early pivotal moments occurs with Ethan passed out in a sheep pen just makes it funny as well as very, very cute. I love that not only is this a second chance story, but also one that occurs at a crossroads of change in Ethan’s life.

I’m a big sucker for romances that focus on someone whom has a chronic illness. It normalises living with chronic illness in a way little else does. But, also doesn’t glorify and romanticise it. This was the first romance, or even novel, I’ve read which features somebody living the Crohn’s Disease though. I had a friend in university who lost his twenties to this, much like Lia and it was refreshing to read about living with a chronic illness like this.

As a partnership to the difficulties of living with Crohn’s, Lia’s doctor boyfriend is just… off. I spent the whole story waiting to see if he would be revealed as an incredibly unethical horror show. Or at least, face some kind of comeuppance for his treatment of Lia. However, their relationship ends fairly calmly and, although it was definitely a healthier way for things to go, the vindictive part of me was unimpressed.

Ethan is a wonderful counterpoint to some of Lia’s struggles. He’s quite sweet, and although hurt by the past, quick to forgive and move forward. Mostly because he’s incredibly accepting and understanding of the difficulties of the past. I do love that his biggest challenge and flaw isn’t actually letting Lia back into his life, but accepting the change that she brings. It’s the changes to the farms and admitting his own past mistakes to his brothers that he struggles with. The inherent flaws that made him so damn likeable.

Alongside the romance, I love that this is a farm story about learning to diversify and change. Traditional practices across the board have begun to be less lucrative, so it’s interesting what other options are out there. Plus there’s a sheep named Baabara Streisand running free causing havoc, so why wouldn’t you love this story?

<- More Farm 2 ForkingButter You Up ->

Image source: NetGalley

Gametime by Jami Davenport

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Gametime
Author: Jami Davenport, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Moo U #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Even though the beginning of this story is kind of cringe-worthy, Pax and Naomi work beautifully as a couple. I mean, the fact that it’s friends to lovers is always a story that I’m going to get behind. However, I didn’t necessarily love the fact that they first get together because Naomi thinks that Pax is his twin. Or how she handles her faux pas. It was definitely an awkward beginning. But, it very quickly became a story that I just didn’t want to put down. Fun, adorable and with so much angst that I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.

Although throughout the story, I’m entirely on Pax’s side, it is easy to see how blindsided he made his twin, Patrick. I mean, Patrick also didn’t exactly handle things very well. But, they are also new adults who aren’t the most mature people in the world. It definitely shows what a fantastic author Davenport is, I might have entirely been on Pax’s side, but I also could completely understand the motivations behind Patrick’s behaviours. I’m such a fan of stories about contentious sibling relationships that still come from a place of love, and Davenport hit this perfectly.

It took a little longer than I would have liked for Naomi to sort out her nonsense and actually be a kind human being. But, I did enjoy the process. And, when she finally did decide to sort herself out, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and unforgettable journey. Plus, as with Pax and Patrick, you could understand where that trauma came from and why she wasn’t necessarily making the best decisions. Her grand gesture also went a long way to smoothing over the hackles raised at some of her earlier decisions.

Gametime was a fairly simple and fun college romance, with just enough angst throughout to make it interesting. It did touch on some serious issues of abuse and traumatic upbringings, but in a way that didn’t bog me down too much after I turned that final page. What an adventure of mistaken identity, friends to lovers romance, with a whole heap of family pressure and expectations thrown in. And lets not forget the hockey – so much hockey action that made me want to actually, maybe watch this sport…

<- HoldoutOvertime ->

Image source: Goodreads

Studfinder by L.B. Dunbar

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Studfinder
Author: L.B. Dunbar, Heart Eyes Press
Series: Busy Bean #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I honestly don’t know much about the American judicial system, but this is definitely the first romance that I’ve read in which the couple meets through the restitution process. This might not have given me a huge amount of insight into the system, but it did give me a little bit of an idea. I’m also always looking for the novelty of a new Meet Cute with how much I read, and Rita and Jake meeting through the restitution process certainly met this criteria. The fact that Jake is actually innocent, somehow makes it a little bit harder to read about his past and time in jail.

Rita’s journey to become who she is now is a fantastic one. I love that she’s had a whole lot of challenges to overcome that would destroy a lesser woman, and that she does so with grace and kindness. Plus, even as she has found her feet and moved on again and again in life, she is constantly looking for new challenges. As much as this story is a romance, it is also Rita’s journey to find a new purpose in life at forty. And to have the guts to actually pursue it.

The biggest theme throughout this novel is the idea of forgiveness. Theoretically that is what the restitution program in America is about (but, as always, I have my doubts, society is not that kind). And, it is also a part of AA – forgiving oneself for the past and moving forwards. But, even bigger than this is that throughout this story, Rita and Jake also have to forgive each other for mistakes in the past. I both love and dread how much their pasts intertwine – it’s kind of sad and depressing. But, also, it drives the story forwards so well. And both Jake and Rita have so much growth from being able to forgive and move on.

As the mystery of the true arsonist unfolds, I didn’t think Dunbar would be so cruel as to have the real culprit be, well, the guilty one. It was brilliant, but also incredibly shattering. Plus, it meant that I really, really, really wanted there to be some form of justice for the real arsonist’s past actions.  However, as mentioned before, the theme in this story is overwhelmingly one of forgiveness, so I guess that I actually like how that whole story turned out. I just have to make the vindictive voices in my psyche be quiet for a moment or ten.

<- FriendzonedDoubletalk ->

Image source: Goodreads

Superfan by Sarina Bowen

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Superfan
Author: Sarina Bowen
Series: Brooklyn Bruisers #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Silas’ past relationship with Delilah is hinted at throughout Overnight Sensation. I love that Superfan teases out their past together as their present moves forward. The dual timelines work brilliantly together and had me rooting for the couple from the very first paragraph. They are just too damn cute and sweet together, and their entire romance is filled with bad timing and missed chances. Plus, this isn’t only a sports romance, but a rockstar romance too. Two subgenres that surprisingly work brilliantly together.

Brett is obviously set up as the villain in the beginning of this story, and I knew that he was going to cause some kind of issue from fairly early on. However, I really didn’t expect this level of creepy nope from him. And, even days after finishing this story (and writing this review), I still get the icks when I think about just how skeevy a villain he truly is. There are so many layers of manipulation, control and abuse in his actions that it becomes really uncomfortable. Mostly in that it is incredibly easy to see how people can end up in abusive relationships with no way out – it’s just so insidious!

Honestly, I found the stress of Brett and his machinations to be a physically uncomfortable phenomenon. A testament to how great of a writer Bowen is, but honestly, what a horrible villain to feature in a romance! I’m used to hints of abuse and cruelty in the characters I read about. But, he is definitely one who is outright evil and horrid. It made me love this story all that much more, and one of the reasons I enjoy Bowen’s writing so much is the fact that she is able to give me a whole heap of feels in a novel. But, I definitely experienced high levels of stress throughout my reading of this romance.

For all that I had a whole heap of feelings throughout this tale, I did find Delilah and Silas’ romance to be incredibly cute and sweet. I love that they manage to fall together naturally and forgive each other for past misunderstandings. They also get a great happily ever after. Even if it is a little less traditional than the other members of the Brooklyn Bruisers, I loved their eventual happily ever after. And I can’t wait for them to be the charismatic secondary characters I know they will be in more books throughout this series.

<- Overnight SensationMoonlighter ->

Image source: Natasha is a Book Junkie

The Fling in Panama by Liz Alden

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Fling in Panama
Author: Liz Alden
Series: Love and Wanderlust #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Travel
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I thought that Lila and Eivind were a wonderfully cute and adorable couple. They were incredibly sweet and cute together. Plus, they manage to fall in love in the most beautiful of settings. And I learnt a little bit about the Panama Canal (which I knew absolutely nothing about prior to reading this book). They both have a few issues of maturity in the beginning of this story, but, after falling for one another, leant to grow into slightly more functional adults.

I love that, ultimately, this romance was about giving up parts of what they want for a better future together. It’s a great reminder that in all relationships, compromise is important. And sometimes we need to re-examine the things that we thought we wanted for what we actually want. Yet, ultimately, neither Lila or Eivind actually have to give up their dreams, just reconfigure them a little to fit another person in.

At the beginning of The Fling in Panama, Lila is portrayed as an incredibly naïve and innocent young woman. However, I really didn’t find her to be that naïve at all. I mean, she’s aware that she’s not quite worldly and experienced in a lot of ways. But, she uses this knowledge to then try and expand her horizons. I love characters who are wiling to learn and explore the world – those who are aware of their limitations and use this to become a more rounded person. It made it really easy to love Lila, without actually getting frustrated with some of her sheltered upbringing.

The realistic nature of the emotional release after a long time spent aboard a sailing yacht was brilliant. I love that the entire crew, whilst enjoying their experience of a lifetime, found that it was an intensely emotional experience. And, rather than romanticising such an adventure, Alden is able to show how emotionally intense such a once in a lifetime moment can be. I honestly can’t fathom being stuck on a boat as I sailed across the world with four other people for 45 days. But, that’s probably why I’m not exactly the kind to have wanderlust and actually do something like that. I loved reading about such an adventure though!

<- The Night in Lover’s BayThe Slow Burn in Polynesia ->

Image source: Empire Bookstore

The Witch Seed by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for green monkey dreams isobelle carmody book cover

Title: The Witch Seed
Author: Isobelle Carmody
In: Green Monkey Dreams (Isobelle Carmody)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Year: 1996

Thoughts

This small cluster of stories in Green Monkey Dreams seem to have a strong theme of revisiting the past. In memory and mind, remembering what it is that bought people to this point in their lives. And just how the past, however tragic, shapes all of us. It’s got a tragic and dark feel to it, that just made me ache for the narrator.

There is something terrifying about evil when you are a kid, and I love that this story shows just how easy it is to turn an evil being into a witch in the mind’s eye. Plus, there is a reminder that children sometimes see the darkness hidden behind closed doors. The darkness that adults don’t want to see often times.

Although I found this short story quite uncomfortable and dark, it was also one of surviving. About the challenges and difficulties of surviving and escaping abuse. And how those scars will haunt you forever.

<- CorfuSeek No More ->

Image source: Allen & Unwin

Side Work by Sara Farizan

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Side Work
Author: Sara Farizan
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food, LGBTQI
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

One of my favourite things to experience in short stories is the suspense of knowledge. I love spending an entire story trying to figure out what happened to have the characters end up where they are. In the case of Side Work, I spent the entirety of the story wondering what it was that the narrator actually did to warrant her exile and silence from her family.

There were so many tangled threads throughout this short story. Honestly, a surprising number considering the length of the actual story. I love that the drama from the past is all twisted up with self-confidence, discovering who you are and sexuality. You know, the dramas and themes that we all have to come to terms with in our teens and figure out as we grow. This was just a bit of a harsher learning curve than some.

Although there is much pain and silent suffering throughout this story, I love that it all, ultimately ends with the beginnings of a happily ever after. I mean, the protagonist is still young, so there’s probably going to be more suffering in the future. But, there is so much hope and optimism for becoming someone you want to be. Plus, she is able to find forgiveness for her past, and find a way to reconcile with her father. A happy ending if I ever did read one.

<- A Bountiful FilmPanaderia ~ Pasteleria ->

Image source: Goodreads

Seek No More by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for green monkey dreams isobelle carmody book cover

Title: Seek No More
Author: Isobelle Carmody
In: Green Monkey Dreams (Isobelle Carmody)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Year: 1996

Thoughts

It’s kind of unclear as to whether or not Noah lives in a fantasy world of reality or his mind. Which makes this a bit of an uncomfortable read for me. At least, that’s how I found the entire reality of this story – I wasn’t’ sure if we were in the real world with someone who is a bit unsettled with reality. Or in an urban fantasy world with someone who is just misunderstood. I suppose that’s what makes this story one that will be interesting to reread.

Although I’m not sure of where the line between reality and not is blurred, this did, ultimately have a happy ending. It was a bit of a dark story, but I don’t necessarily hate that fact when there is a nice ending. One that felt really hopeful and sweet.

I really enjoyed the craftiness Noah shows in escaping his bully, Buddha. And also how that just shows how those who don’t quite fit in are ostracized. Ultimately, this was a story about found family and maybe, just maybe, finding a place to belong.

<- The Witch SeedThe Phoenix ->

Image source: Allen & Unwin

Panaderia ~ Pasteleria by Anna-Marie McLemore

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Panaderia ~ Pasteleria
Author: Anna-Marie McLemore
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Food, LGBTQI
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This was a fantastic way to finish out the Hungry Hearts collection. Mostly because Lila is a secondary character who pops up in many of the stories throughout this anthology. Gifting needed pastries and helping people to take a step forwards in their lives. So it was really nice that she got her own story.

I love how calm and accepting of Gael is and how they begin to form a relationship built on the present, not the past. I loved reading about Lila’s acceptance of Gael’s identity and reality, and that she honestly doesn’t even blink at that fact. I always love reading stories about building friendships and being true to oneself. Plus, Lila is so quiet, that it’s nice that she’s finding her own friendships.

Lila’s ability to communicate through her food and cooking is kind of adorable. And that, even if she’s not able to actually articulate her feelings, she is able to show her love through food. Ultimately, it’s this communication through food that really lets her and Gael connect. This was such a cute short story of acceptance and caring. One that was just filled with hope for a close relationship and a bright future.

<- Side WorkHungry Hearts ->

Image source: Goodreads

A Bountiful Film by S.K. Ali

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: A Bountiful Film
Author: S.K. Ali
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Food
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I love that this is a short story all about making a film for a film competition. The whole time, it is about new beginnings, changing where you are and, finding a way to show who you are through film. As someone who is not even remotely creative in the videographic sense, I found the process of creating a film to be absolutely fascinating. And, then there’s the ever present food intertwined throughout this story.

I really enjoyed getting to know Hungry Hearst Row through the lens of a mystery. The Hungry Hearts anthology has explored this area through many different genres, but this is the first and only mystery within the collection. I loved trying to unravel the different threads throughout and predict just how the mystery ended. I did not get it right in any way, shape or form, but it was still an interesting journey.

I love that, ultimately this was a short story with happy endings all round. It was a sweet and easy read, one that I thoroughly enjoyed and I’m intrigued to see what else S.K. Ali writes. All in all, I seriously enjoyed this and want to read more stories like this.

<- BloomSide Work ->

Image source: Goodreads