Erin McCarthy does it for me every time. She is fantastic at writing light, fun and incredibly cute romances. Ice Princess is no exception. My only feeling of confusion… why was a snow story in a collection titled Hot Summer Nights?
This novella may have one of my favourite Meet Cutes of recent. I mean, trying to jump off a balcony and falling (literally) into a gorgeous man’s arms? Yes please! The fact that the lead female is quirky and kind of has verbal diarrhoea… well, it had me giggling Kate at night when I really should have been sleeping.
The gutsy and willing to go get it attitude of both of the leads in Ice Princess is seriously amazing. I’m honestly jealous of how willing they are to take a leap. And, since this is one of those Happily Ever After stories, I love how it all turns out. I won’t ever be that gutsy and willing to jump into things. But it sure was fun travelling along and imagining that I could be.
Title: Lyrics Alley Author: Leila Aboulela Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one) My Bookshelves:Contemporary Pace: Slow Format: Novel Year: 2010
Lyrics Alley is one of those books that I’ll read again and again. There is so much going on that I found it impossible to keep up with every minutiae. And, in some books, like Lyrics Alley, I love this fact.
To be fair, even after reading this, I did look up a synopsis just to get my head further around the details of this novel. As much as I enjoyed it and found it to be wonderfully written, I did spend most of my time reading this trying to figure out if I’d missed something. And, honestly, I think that I did.
There are some books on my shelf that I consider great and genuine literature. This is one of those. It’s a read that I would read to expand my brain, not for a bit of diversion. Which means that although I plan to read this again in the future, it’ll be awhile before I feel like my brain is capable of absorbing all of the information.
Title: The Housekeeper and the Professor Author: Yoko Ogawa Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Japan Pace: Slow Format: Novel Year: 2003
I had no idea what to expect from this book. It looked pretty, and seemed intriguing. That is about the extent of my knowledge when I began this. And, honestly, this was one of those stories that so far overwhelmed my expectations that I can’t wait to read more of Ogawa’s books.
I’ve always found maths kind of soothing. There is something about the universality of numbers that makes me feel… comfortable. Ogawa obviously understands this feeling. Maths is used throughout this tale to communicate and highlight how sometimes we use different methods to communicate with one another.
Another part of this story that was strangely relatable and drew me straight in was the role of the housekeeper. Although I haven’t actually worked as a housekeeper, I have worked as a support worker for people with disabilities. The roles and the nuances of the housekeeper’s job were very similar to that role. The difficulties and the joys. The unbelievably difficult yet fulfilling role.
This was one of those stories that just made my heart soar. It was so wholesome and loving. Beautiful in a myriad of ways that I just want expecting. It definitely is the kind of novel that will stick with me for a long while yet.
I can’t imagine the difficulties and perils of raising a daughter (I’m about to find out and I’m terrified). But adding into that mix being immigrants and having to balance different cultures? Wow. This story was a good way to show how difficult that can be.
I enjoyed the way in which the reform for the daughter didn’t come from tough love. It didn’t come from being sent back to the “homeland”. Rather, it came about because the grandmother stopped and TALKED to her granddaughter. It was such a powerful driver to end on and a reminder that communication is important.
The jumpy nature of this story was thoroughly enjoyable. The disjointed nature of the prose felt like life. After all, things aren’t exactly straight forward in life and they certainly aren’t easy. But there can always be a silver lining.
Title: Perfect Stranger Author: Carly Phillips Series: Serendipity #3.5 In: Hot Summer Nights (Jaci Burton, Carly Phillips, Erin McCarthy & Jessica Clare) Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 31st October 2021 Pace: Fast Format: Novella Publisher: Berkley Sensation Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: Alexa couldn’t relate to guy issues considering she lived an extremely busy life, spent hours in the hospital ER, and had no time for a relationship, let alone hot, stress-relieving sex – something she could definitely use.
Carly Phillips takes you back to the town of Serendipity, where overworked Alexa has an instant connection with a sinfully sexy football star on the dance floor. A one-night stand evolves into multiple nights when Luke decides to teach the good doctor about his own brand of fun. But when it’s time for him to leave town, will this “Perfect Stranger” be able to say good-bye for good?
Alright, this story did have slightly stalkers vibes. I mean, guy and girl dance I a club, she has to rush off to help a friend. He then… follows her? And yet, because there is that level of mutual interest and chemistry, it somehow becomes sweet. I’m not sure WHY that is. But I still thoroughly and seriously enjoyed this novella.
I loved that this is a story about usurping parental expectations and finding one’s own path. So many of my younger decisions were based on the idea of what my parents would and wouldn’t like. What was expected of me because I was intelligent. But, ultimately, happiness for me was completely against what my family had expected for me. And the same is obviously the situation I this story. Probably part of the reason I enjoyed it so much.
Although this is a romance, the part I enjoyed most about the “romance” was the fact that it was about finding one’s own happiness. And that most definitely happened here.
Title: My Kind of Christmas Author: Robyn Carr Series: Virgin River #18 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 31st October 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Harlequin Year: 2012 5th sentence, 74th page: He could love her for a lifetime; he would never regret it.
Patrick Riordan always thought that nothing could match the adrenaline rush he gets from his job. 88 But this Christmas, Patrick’s pulse is really racing…
The Riordan brothers may have a reputation for being rough-and-tumble, but Patrick has always been the gentle, sweet-natured one. These days, his easygoing manner is being tested by his high-octane career as a navy pilot. But for the Riordan brothers, when the going gets tough… the tough find the love of a good woman.
Except the woman who has caught Patrick’s attention is Jack Sheridan’s very attractive niece.
Angie LeCroix comes to Virgin River to spend Christmas relaxing, away from her well-intentioned but hovering mother. Yet instead of freedom, she gets Jack Sheridan. If her uncle had his way, she’d never go out again. And certainly not with the rugged, handsome Patrick Riordan. But Angie has her own idea of the kind of Christmas she wants – and the kind of man!
Patrick and Angie thought they wanted to be left alone this Christmas – until they meet each other. Then they want to be left alone together. But the Sheridan and Riordan families have different plans for Patrick and Angie – and for Christmas, Virgin River-style!
Visiting Virgin River is always comfortable and fun. But, visiting Virgin River at Christmas time? Perfect. I probably should have waited another month or so to read this so that it was more based in the festive season… but anyway, it was a perfect way to spend the day… reading about love and sweetness in Virgin River at Christmas time.
From the very beginning, I loved that this story is about Jack’s niece. It brings out a side of him that you know is there, but is still funny regardless. I really liked having him unravel as he tries to protect Angie. And how she likes to make him unravel even more with her antics and stubbornness. It definitely brings the Sheridan clan full circle. That, and the Riordan circle also closes.
Both Patrick and Angie have PTSD from past traumas. Considering this is often something associated with soldiers, I enjoyed the ways in which both learnt to deal with their own issues. Plus, it highlights that anything can happen to give an individual PTSD. And it doesn’t make them damaged. Or irreparable. I love that it’s accepting each other’s difficulties and challenges that these two find their common ground. Common ground that binds them together and helps to make your heart melt.
I loved travelling to Virgin River again. It’s such a quaint and wonderful town. The romances are gorgeous. And, honestly, both the Riordans and Sheridans are amazing. So having a couple that unites them all together – yeah, this gave me all of the happy feelings. I may have to read this again in another month or so just to recapture that beautiful Christmas feeling.
Title: Light-Skinned Girls and Kelly Rowlands Author: Alexia Arthurs In: How to Love a Jamaican (Alexia Arthurs) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Race Dates read: 31st October 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Short story Publisher: Picador Year: 2018 5th sentence, 74th page: I observed that every man she pointed to in school or around the city, men she joked about rebounding with, were all white.
Friendships are difficult. But they’re even more difficult when you come from different worlds and see everything through a different lens.
I found this story a little intense. In the best of ways. I’m white, so although I’m peripherally aware of my privilege, I’m not consistently aware of it. And I hadn’t even thought of privilege in terms of friendships. How simple it is for me to walk into a room and find a friend, because most people look like me.
I really loved the slightly jumpy nature of this tale. For me, it highlighted that friendships aren’t exactly a simple and linear thing. Rather, they do literally jump all over the place. Maybe not in time, but when you reflect, which is the tone of this piece, you think of different moments in a totally non linear order.
Having never thought about the impact of racism and racial identity on forming something as simple (or not so aimple) as friendships, I found this intense. And thought provoking. And yes, I will be reading this again.
Title: Live and Let Grow Author: Penny Reid Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 30th October 2021 Pace: Fast Format: Novella Publisher: SmartyPants Romance Year: 2021 5th sentence, 74th page: Yeah.
Alice is in love with her best friend.
Now all she has to do is tell him.
Best buds Milo Manganiello and Alice Hooper have been the one constant in each other’s lives for over fifteen years. The charismatic and compassionate physics professor was there when Alice got married, and he was there ten years later when she got divorced. Likewise, the candid and kind computer science professor has always been there for Milo. She babysits his apartment and plethora of houseplants when he’s traveling and they share breakfast together every day he’s in town.
Alice wasn’t always in love with Milo, but the feeling has grown, and when Milo returns from his latest globe-trotting adventure, Alice decides it’s time to spill the seeds. 88 Does Alice have the grit to confess? And will feelings take root? Or is hers a love destined never to bloom?
For such a short story. This was just too damn cute. I mean, two people who are completely in love with each other, not quite ready to let each other know. And just generally having a whole heap of misunderstandings that could lead to total tragedy.
Alice is such a quirky lead. I know how hard it is to tell the person you love of your feelings. But the multitude of ways that she’s tried to do this… just way too cute for words. Actually, I would have probably enjoyed it far more if the first scene of her attempt to tell Milo of her feelings continued. Her sister was a bit of a killjoy with the whole romance thing. And kind of strongly putting down poor Alice when she was “looking out for her”.
The part that I’m most jealous of in this story is the fact that Alice is able to keep plants alive! I mean, I’m sure I should be jealous of the amazing romance in this tale. But since I don’t tend to even be able to keep cacti alive… I’m mostly just incredibly jealous that Alice can.
This was a fantastic visit back into the world of Penny Reid’s mind and writing. It was a short read. But one that I loved and will read again and again and again.
In Jaci Burton’s “Hope Smolders”, sturggling divorcee Jane has put her personal life on hold to raise her kids – until she runs into Will, her ex’s former best friend, who convinces her it’s time to start having fun again.
As the first story in a series, this definitely pulled me in. A small town, romance and characters that have their own baggage? Yeah, sign me up. That seems to be the thing that draws me in lately.
I love that Jane is working on being a strong independent woman. And even when Will comes in to try and help her, she still holds onto her independence. Alright, she might take it a little too far. But I can totally respect and admire that strength and power.
The pool setting, the romance and the feeling of second chances makes this a perfect summer romance. There are some bumps along the way, but ultimately, this is such an easy and sweet read. One I’ll definitely return to.
Title: Only Mostly Devastated Author: Sophie Gonzales Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance, LGBTQI Dates read: 24th – 25th October 2021 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Hodder Year: 2020 5th sentence, 74th page: Did you do this on purpose, or what?
Ollie falls for Will over the holidays, but once Summer’s ended, Will stop texting him back.
Enrolled at a new school – Will’s school – Ollie finds that the affectionate and comfortably queer guy he knew from Summer isn’t the same one attending Collinswood High. This version of Will is a class clown, a basketball jock and, well, a bit of a jerk.
The last time Ollie gave Will his heart, Will handed it back to him trampled and battered. Ollie would be a fool to truth him with it again. Right?
Not only is this a fantastic and fun LGBTQI+ romance, but it is also a really sweet coming of age story. It made me cry. I’m incredibly hormonal with the whole being pregnant thing, which may be why I started to cry. But still… tears. And feelings. It was wonderful.
I’ll move onto the romance aspect that I enjoy in a moment. But part of what made me cry and connected me so strongly with this story was the way in which Ollie is dealing with his own family dramas. Set with a backdrop of getting older, having confidence in oneself and just finding a new path in life, Ollie’s journey is powerful. He is able to take on board things that I know, I, myself have found difficult. But he’s able to finish off this tale with pride and his head held high. In the most adorable way possible.
Family is such a backbone of this story. It’s a great driver for the tale. But, there is also the aspect of friendships. Ollie makes some amazing friendships from the very beginning of his time at Collinswood. But he also has to work hard for some others. I like that it’s not this picture perfect joining of people that come together. Ollie has to negotiate different personalities and motives. But, eventually, he’s able to find his own “secondary family”.
Will and Ollie are an incredibly cute and fun couple. There is a lot of complications and negotiations. Much drama. But, all in all, both Will and Ollie are able to find themselves and what they want in their lives. I love the ending of this story. They’re heading off into an unknown future that is full of beautiful potential and everything just feels… settled. Not complete. There is a lot of life left to live. But there is also so much hope.
Earth and Skye 