Tag Archives: Contemporary

Geekerella by Ashley Poston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Geekerella (Once Upon A Con, book 1) by Ashley Poston

Title: Geekerella
Author: Ashley Poston
Series: Once Upon a Con #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Retellings
Dates read: 28th June – 12th July 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Quirk
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: Mark looks between me and my doom with this proud grin on his face.

Synopsis

Geek girl Ellie Wittimer lies and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new II Starfield II movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle is determined to win… unless her stepsisters get there first.

Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons – before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but the Starfield fandom has written him off as just another incompetent heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake – until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise.

Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, GEEKERELLA is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom.

Thoughts

This was just too cute for words. Cinderella, cosplay, cons… not only was this a fantastic retelling. But it was also a great love story to all of the fandoms and geekdoms out there. There was even a great point in this about the fact that you should NOT judge another fan or their level of fan hood. A fan is a fan, and we get to do it in anyway we want. Something I’m perpetually happy about.

I had to keep pausing in my reading of this story. Mostly, because knowing Cinderella like I do… I kept feeling that point when things were about to be horrible. And I just loved Elle so much from the very beginning. I didn’t want the horrible things to happen to her… even though I knew that they would. But, as with all good stories…. it ended okay.

This was a wonderful teen story. It was one that captured all of that teen angst of finding oneself. That feeling of not belonging and being a bit incomplete. And just… figuring it out. We all do it throughout our lives, but it’s so much more intense in our teen years… I like that this story had characters that were ACTUALLY teenagers. Not characters that were that age… but seem so much more mature. It was fantastic. But yet, not too teen angsty that as an adult you’d want to put it down.

I absolutely adored this story and I can’t wait to get into The Princess and the Fangirl… its looking like another cute and adorable book. One that I know will hit all the same emotional ticks that I love.

<- More Ashley PostonThe Princess and the Fangirl ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Promise Canyon by Robyn Carr

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Promise Canyon :HarperCollins Australia

Title: Promise Canyon
Author: Robyn Carr
Series: Virgin River #11
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 6th – 10th July 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: But they ran to him when he arrived.

Synopsis

Welcome back to Virgin River with the books that started it all…

After years spent on ranches around Los Angeles, Clay Tahoma is delighted to be Virgin River’s new veterinary assistant. The secluded community’s wild beauty tugs at his Navajo roots, and he’s been welcomed with open arms by everyone in town – everyone II except II Lilly Yazhi.

Lilly has encountered her share of strong, silent, II traditional II mean within her own aboriginal community, and she’s not interested in coming back for more. In her eyes, Clay’s earthy, sexy appeal is just an act used to charm wealthy women like his ex-wife. Lilly can’t deny his gift for gentling horses, but she’s not about to let him control her. There’s just one small problem – II she II can’t control her attraction to Clay.

But in Virgin River, faith in new beginnings and the power of love has doors opening everywhere…

Thoughts

It’d been a little while since I’ve had the chance to return to the beautiful world of Virgin River. And, honestly, it was about damn time. I’ve been hanging to throw myself back into this beautiful series. And for the first time in a long time, I actually stayed up past my bedtime reading. I mean, it was a weekend, but still it ft wonderfully indulgent.

I was honestly surprised that this story featured two Native Americans. Pleasantly so, but most of the Virgin River books so far haven’t really had culture and tradition as a huge part of the characters’ background. I really enjoyed this idea! I mean, I’m completely ignorant if these Peoples. But I enjoyed the glimpses I found in Lilly and Clay of how their background constructed their identities.

The bonding over horses for Lilly and Clay really hit my happy spot. I love any story staring animals, and, although I’m not really a horse person…. I appreciated their presence. Plus, it was more than just a story about moving on from the past and falling in love. It was one about falling in love with an animal and all of the comforts that brings.

What I like to think of as the “core cast” was very much present in this story as always. Whilst it was Lilly and Clay’s tale, I was also the town’s… just as it should be. Having all the familiar faces and some teasing hints of new ones really felt like coming home… and luckily I have the next novel, Wild Man Creek, all ready to go in my hot little hand…

<- Midnight ConfessionsWild Man Creek ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Happy Trail by Daisy Prescott

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Happy Trail (Park Ranger, #1) by Daisy Prescott

Title: Happy Trail
Author: Daisy Prescott
Series: Park Ranger #1, SmartyPants Romance
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 30th June – 7th July 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Publisher: SmartyPants Romance
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘”Ed wants you to return as soon as possible.”

Synopsis

A man of few words, Ranger Jay Daniels values the calm, quiet solitude of the Great Smoky Mountains. Never quite fitting in with either side of his family, he prefers the company of birds and trees to people.

Yeah, he’d most definitely prefer a bird—any bird, any bird at all, take a vulture for instance—to the human-tornado hybrid that just blew onto his peaceful stretch of the Appalachian Trail.

The path of true love never has run smooth for Olive Perry. After getting dumped and promptly abandoned in the middle of her multi-month hike, Olive swears off men. Determined to finish the long trek by herself, she doesn’t need a prince—or broody and taciturn ranger—to save her.

Yet, when an early snowstorm threatens the mountains, and Ranger Daniels is charged with getting hikers to safety, that includes hot-tempered Olive Perry. Snowed in and forced to share an abandoned cabin, can Olive’s heated intensity melt Jay’s cool reserve?

And if so, will this happy trail lead to true love? Or will their time together be just another bump in the road?

Thoughts

For someone who has been loving the Penny Reid books, I have taken a while to dive into the rest of her SmartyPants Romance world. And as the very first furrow into this journey and world…. I think I picked a good one with Happy Trail. This was fun, light and had just enough connection to the Winston Brothers whilst also being an amazing and independent journey on its own.

I really enjoyed how Prescott was able to weave cultural identity and that feeling of being split throughout this story. Jay’s crisis of personhood, being centred around his half Japanese heritage was so well written. And it also highlighted the ways in which we make assumptions about “belonging” based on a person’s looks.

I really enjoyed Olive’s character arc throughout this story. She is fun and quirky and has zero filter (something I too tend to have issues with). Yet, she does a lot of maturing throughout this story. At the beginning of the hike she is another spoilt girl with no clue as to who she is. But, as she hikes and learns how to feel comfortable with herself… she really becomes her own, wonderful strong person. One that I continuously fell in love with.

Even though this story had a bit of an insta love feeling, the relationship is ultimately based on getting to know one another. Alright, it happens in a very short amount of time. But its built on a foundation of conversations, not lust. I also love that although Olive feels the pull of her feelings for Jay, she does hesitate and refuses to just dive right into his life and an identity as his girlfriend. She even finishes her goals before taking that final step. Which all made me very, very happy.

I loved this book. And although I got a free eBook version, within chapters I went online and ordered not only the paperback version, but also the next book in the series… Stranger Ranger. Now I just have to be patient and wait for them to arrive…

<- More Daisy PrescottStranger Ranger ->

Image source: Goodreads

A Chesapeake Shores Christmas by Sherryl Woods

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Chesapeake Shores Christmas, Chesapeake Shores Novel by Sherryl Woods | 9780778312628 | Booktopia

Title: A Chesapeake Shores Christmas
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: Chesapeake Shores #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 30th June – 3rd July 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Lawrence chuckled.

Synopsis

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Sherryl Woods brings the O’Brien family home for a heartwarming Christmas…

After years apart, Mick and Megan O’Brien are finally ready to make it official… again. Most of their grown children couldn’t be happier about their rekindled love and impending marriage this holiday season. Only Connor is a holdout. Driven to become a divorce attorney after what he views as his mother’s abandonment of their family, Connor’s not about to give his blessing to this reunion romance

The last thing Megan wants to do is hurt her family again. After all, is she really sure she and Mick can make it this time around? And when an unexpected delivery causes chaos, it seems only a miracle can reunite this family.

Of course, it II is II Christmas – the season of miracles.

Thoughts

This was one of those fun, cute and easy reads. It’s been a while since I’ve visited Chesapeake Shores (because I didn’t have any more of the books, rectifying that situation immediately). So it was nice to just slip right back in… like putting on a well loved coat.

Megan and Mick are a good lead for the chaotic of the family of O’Briens. I enjoyed their reconciliation and how it kind of closed off the first three siblings with their happily ever afters. All the while setting up the next two Chesapeake Shores books perfectly.

I may have read this Christmas story in the middle of the year… but I do always love a good Christmas tale. They just have this extra layer of hope that always seems to surround the season. It’s that feeling of family and together-ness that Woods is able to capture in this story. The story becomes less about Megan and Mick, more about family. Connor and Megan in particular.

This was such a happy feel good book. One I very much enjoyed. And one that was a great reminder of how much I love my family. And Sherryl Wood’s romances.

<- Harbor LightsDriftwood Cottage ->

Image source: Booktopia

On the Run by Kay Staples

Book Review, ,
Overview
Proud by Juno Dawson & various (9781788950602/Paperback) | LoveReading

Title: On the Run
Author: Kay Staples
In: Proud (Juno Dawson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, LGBTQI
Dates read: 30th June 2021
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Little Tiger
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: The next message I’d got from him was at eleven thirty at night, after I’d settled down to sleep because I had college in the morning.

Synopsis

Two teenagers on the run. They thought it’d be a little more glamorous… but reality isn’t always what we expect. It can be better!

Thoughts

This was a seriously cute and sweet story. At the beginning, I was a little uncertain.. I mean two teenagers on the run? You’ve gotta be concerned. But, as the story unfolded… it was just beautiful!

I love how the information and uncertainty of being Nicky unfold as the story unfolds. Its such a cute and sweet tale that makes you… smile. You just keep hoping for the best with these characters and wanting the happily ever after they so obviously need.

What I found surprising about this is that they were not on the run due to their identities. It was a total twist that I wasn’t expecting. And I seriously, deeply enjoyed it!

<- PenguinsThe Phoenix’s Fault ->

Image source: LoveReading4Kids

Witch Wife by Kiki Petrosino

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Amazon.com: Witch Wife (9781946448033): Petrosino, Kiki: Books

Title: Witch Wife
Author: Kiki Petrosino
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Poetry, Race
Dates read: 27th June 2021
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Collection, Poem
Publisher: Sarabande Books
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: Stuffed thy brain with blooms of blight:

Synopsis

In Witch Wife’s incantations, Kiki Petrosino summons history’s ghosts – the ancestors that reside in her blood and craft – and sings them vibrantly to life.

Thoughts

This collection of poems was wonderfully dark and poignant. I loved the emotions that it inspired within me throughout. I also felt like a whole heap of it went over my head, but I often feel that way with poetry until I’ve read it half a thousand times…

This poetry was wonderfully dark and engagingly written. I struggled to put it aside. And, even as I’m writing this review days after finishing it… I still get those strong emotions rushing through me.

One of my favourite things about poetry is that you can find something new with every new reading. Some of these poems I read multiple times and understood something new each and every time.

<- More Kiki PetrosinoMore Poetry ->

Image source: Amazon

Say Everything by Langley Gray

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Say Everything by Langley Gray - online free at Epub

Title: Say Everything
Author: Langley Gray
Series: The Socialites #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 26th May – 20th June 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Langley Gray
Year: 2021
5th sentence, 74th page: He’s funny, laid back, intelligent, and a great listener.

Synopsis

WILL A MISTAKEN IDENTITY LEAD TO LOVE?

Iris Mortimer, heir to a shipping empire, is a new ex-pat in Hong Kong. She agrees to a blind date only because, well, she’s bored and maybe a tiny bit lonely. When Bryan Harris arrives, she’s pleasantly surprised – he’s not the stuffy white-collar type she anticipated.

Both new to the city, the two embark on an exploration of all the best tourist spots. She’s recovering from a past relationship, he’s focused on his research, so no pressure – right?

What neither realizes is that there has been a serious mistake in identity, both were meant to meet other people with the same name. When their true selves are accidentally revealed, Bryan realizes he can’t be with Iris. But by now, she’s fallen for him.

Will their mutual love of 80’s rom coms help keep them together?

Find out as Iris Says Everything to get him back.

Thoughts

This is one of those series and authors that I only just, very recently found. And I’m completely hooked. Say Everything is a great finish to this quartet. And whilst Iris and Bryan aren’t my favourite couple of the series… they’re still completely adorable.

I love the whole fate / serendipity feeling of the Meet Cute in this novel. I mean, the likelihood of two people meeting up and accidentally mistaking them for one another… its honestly kind of ridiculous. Which made it THAT much more adorable and fun. Then off on a fun whirlwind… one that I really wasn’t expecting if I’m being honest.

I’m always a fan of a story that features a scientist in the lead… I spent years working in the field, so I feel a kind of kinship. The connection that this never fails to make for me just left me smiling harder and harder as the story unfolded. Particularly as Bryan shares his strong opinions on marine issues… my Facebook is filled with likeminded people, and it definitely helped me to connect even more.

I’m not going to lie, whilst this wasn’t my all time favourite of The Socialites novels (that honour falls to The Flyaway Bride), I did love the ending. That final ditch effort to make things work bought a tear or ten to my eye. And I had the pleasure of finishing this book with a gigantic smile on my face.

<- The Peak of LoveMore Langley Gray ->

Image source: epub.pub

Neanderthal Seeks (Extra) Yarns by Penny Reid

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Neanderthal Seeks (Extra) Yarns by Penny Reid

Title: Neanderthal Seeks (Extra) Yarns
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Knitting in the City #8
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 14th – 17th June 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: SmartyPants Romance
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: “I just hate this.”

Synopsis

There are three things you should know about this book

1) It contains deleted scenes,
2) It contains bonus scenes,
3) Almost all the characters know how to knit.

If you find yourself missing y our favourite knitting group, this volume contains a comprehensive collection of all the bonus scenes, deleted scenes, and short stories available for the Knitting in the City series.

Janie & Quinn’s deleted (love) scene from ‘Neanderthal Seeks Human’ as well as ‘Neanderthal and Human seek Baby’ parts 1&2 are included. You can also read four deleted scenes from Elizabeth & Nico’s book, or an original, exclusive short story about Sandra & Alex. Ashley & Drew have two deleted scenes and two bonus scenes, and readers will get a chance to read never before shared content from Fiona & Greg, Marie & Matt, and Dan & Kat’s novels.

Thoughts

Surprisingly, this is the first Knitting in the City book that I wouldn’t give 5 stars. I mean, I still loved it and seriously enjoyed it. But compared to the other novels… it just didn’t hit me in the same happy place.

I think mostly this didn’t get me all spine tingly happy like the other novels is that I felt like there was amazing closure at the end of each romance. So, where I normally want to dive straight into the next one… I didn’t feel quite as strongly about getting extra closure. Particularly with the ending of Marriage of Inconvenience… that epilogue tied everything up perfectly.

There were some amazingly good standouts in this collection. Neanderthal Seeks Baby was very cute. Particularly since I read this when pregnant. So was Scenes from the Hallway with Dan and Kat… although not quite as good as Janie and Quinn expecting. But, probably my favourite of all… Sandra and Alex’s extra stories. I get so much mileage out of these characters.

Although I ranked this lower than the other books in the Knitting in the City series… I still seriously enjoyed it. And, honestly? If I need a fix of these wonderful women but don’t have the time to read the big novels… this will be a perfect go to.

<- Marriage of InconvenienceMore Penny Reid ->

Image source: Goodreads

Marriage of Inconvenience by Penny Reid

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Marriage of Inconvenience by Penny Reid

Title: Marriage of Inconvenience
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Knitting in the City #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 11th – 14th June 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: SmartyPants Romance
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: Sandra’s suggestion that I do sexy research distracted me.

Synopsis

There are three things you should know about Kat Tanner

(aka Kathleen Tyson… and yes, she is that Kathleen Tyson):
1) She’s determined to make good decisions
2) She must get married ASAP, and
3) She knows how to knit.

Determined to live a quiet life, Kat Tanner changed her identity years ago and eschewed her family’s legacy. But now, Kat’s silver spoon past has finally caught up with her, and so have her youthful mistakes. To avoid imminent disaster, she must marry immediately: it is essential that the person she chooses have no romantic feelings for her whatsoever and be completely trustworthy.

Fortunately, she knows exactly who to ask. Dan O’Malley checks all the boxes. Except, what happens when Dan O’Malley isn’t as indifferent – or as trustworthy – as she thought?

Thoughts

Kat and Dan have been on the edge of the Knitting in the City stories from very early on. So it was kind of fitting that they were also the last couple to round everything out. Their story was longer than the others. Not just in the pre-book build up. But also just in general length of story. And it was most definitely fitting…

This story was a good reminder that communication is ridiculously important. I mean, most of Kat and Dan’s issues come from them making assumptions and just NOT COMMUNICATING. If they weren’t so damn cute, it’d be fracking frustrating. Luckily, they quickly realise not to be so dense and actually figure out that sharing thoughts is important to a relationship.

I love how Reid touched upon schizophrenia in this story. The fear when it’s in your family, how people perceive it. And, in the case of this story, how it can be used against a person. I felt like Penny perfectly highlighted the judgement that comes along with such a diagnosis and honestly, how terrifying it can be.

I loved everything about Kat and Dan. I also loved how the epilogue rounded out their story. Actually, not just theirs, but all of the women I’ve fallen in love with throughout this tale. It was a happily ever after. But one that highlighted that even after the happy ending… there’s still a whole lot of happy to be lived.

<- Dating-ishNeanderthal Seeks (Extra) Yarns ->

Image source: Goodreads

Dating-ish by Penny Reid

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Dating-ish (Knitting in the City, #6) by Penny Reid

Title: Dating-ish
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Knitting in the City #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 10th June 2021
Pace:  Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: SmartyPants Romance
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: He was also shirtless and barefoot, wearing red loose-fitting pants that resembled a billowy sarong.

Synopsis

There are three things you should know about Marie Harris

1) She’s fed up with online dating,
2) She’s so fed up, she’s willing to forego the annoyance and consider more creative alternatives, and
3) She knows how to knit.

After the most bizarre first date in the history of dates, Marie is looking for an alternative to men. With the help of her friends, she quickly identifies a few possibilities: Need a cuddle? Use a professional cuddler. Need affirmation? Get yourself a life coach. Need an orgasm? Try orgasm meditation!

Why does she need the hassle of a romantic partner when she can meet all her needs with paid services? But then her irritating date resurfaces. And he’s not at all the person she thought he was. And he suggests a different – and crazier – solution to her dilemma…

Thoughts

I was so hoping that Matt would make an appearance in one of the romances when he was introduced in Happily Ever Ninja. There is something adorably geeky and off kilter about him that left me wishing / hoping for more. The fact that he then gets partnered with Marie? It’s enough to leave a girl grinning and dancing around like a fool.

You don’t really get much of Marie in many of the Knitting in the City stories until Happily Ever Ninja. She’s there, and she’s partly responsible for the fiasco at Janie’s hens party… but that’s about it. It, of course, made me more intrigued to meet her.

This is a great friend’s to lovers story. I love that even when trying to pinpoint their moment of falling, neither can. For some of the characters in this universe, love is an instantaneous thing. I love that for Marie and Matt it is the creation of friendship that slowly leads them to where the want and need to be. After all, some of the greatest loves are built on a foundation of friendship…

Just like every other Penny Reid book, I absolutely loved this. I sunk into the pages of this story from the beginning and couldn’t wait to see how the latest romance would blossom. It left me smiling and grinning. Plus, I had a nice note on which to end a long day… one that sent me to my dreams with a smile on my face.

<- Happily Ever NinjaMarriage of Inconvenience ->

Image source: Goodreads