Tag Archives: Contemporary

My Thief by MaryJanice Davidson

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for perfect for the beach book cover

Title: My Thief
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
In: Perfect for the Beach (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Erin McCarthy, MaryJanice Davidson, Kayla Perrin & Morgan Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 13th January 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Kensington
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Well, if you don’t want an ambulance.. And everything’s under control…

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Synopsis

John Crusher is hauled into his hotel room only to come fact-to-face with a stunning redhead who orders him to strip. But when the room service is this superb, what’s a guy to do but show his appreciation.

Thoughts

Every MaryJanice Davidson story I’ve read is completely off-kilter different from what I’d expected and just downright funny. This novella was no different. My Thief had me out and out laughing, smiling and just grinning as the heroine, who is so different to what you’d expect, hooked up with a hunky accountant. Talk about turning stereotypes on their head.

I’ve been very much into romances lately. They involve a little less concentration than many of the fantasies that I love, and I’ve kind of needed that break in the pattern. As a general, they’re a little bit lighter than many of the other genres which fill my shelves. Yet, there is something even more light-hearted about this novella. Something that made me feel like I was on a happy universe where everything actually does work out in the end… especially when you consider the competition between Robin and her Uncle Rich.

I love imagining the happily ever after, sunset moment that both of these characters are going to have. Particularly the idea of Robin meeting John’s Hallmark family. It’s a future filled with humour and entertainment. One that would never have a dull moment. And, honestly, who wouldn’t want that?

 <- Blue Crush ReviewHot and Bothered Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

Blue Crush by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for perfect for the beach book cover

Title: Blue Crush
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Florida Doctors #1
In: Perfect for the Beach (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Erin McCarthy, MaryJanice Davidson, Kayla Perrin & Morgan Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 12th January 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Kensington
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: What was there to see?

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Synopsis

Dr Sara Davis loses her bikini top to a powerful wave and finds herself in the arms of gorgeous lifeguard Kyle Vanderhoff…where a little mouth-to-mouth just might resuscitate her love life.

Thoughts

One of the hardest things about being a driven, independent and intelligent woman is that it’s something which doesn’t always go over too well with the people you’re surrounded with. The fact that this novella features a woman whose main hang-up is exactly that was seriously enjoyable. And way, way, way too relatable.

I’ve been with my other half for almost nine years, and, like the couple in this story… it started out as somewhat of a fling. That feeling of instant attraction is palpable on these pages. That desire to somehow find more when it starts out as something just physical. I love the discussion about that human need to connect throughout this story. That idea that one afternoon of insane sex can actually lead to something more… I know that it did for me.

To further make this story fun and engaging, the setting was absolutely gorgeous. Set on a beach amongst the joys of the surf and sand. With a monsoon heading in… there is just something kind of glorious about the entire storyline.

<- One Wilde WeekendHouston, We Have a Problem ->

Image source: Goodreads

One Wilde Weekend by Janelle Denison

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for perfect for the beach book cover

Title: One Wilde Weekend
Author: Janelle Denison
Series: Wilde #2.5
In: Perfect for the Beach (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Erin McCarthy, MaryJanice Davidson, Kayla Perrin & Morgan Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 11th January 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Kensington
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Curious, and more than a little intrigued to find out what kind of game Alex was playing, she took the elevator to the main floor, then headed into the hotel bar, named the Lobby Lounge.

Synopsis

Alex Wilde is crazy about Dana Reed. Career-driven Dana wants him as a lover, not a husband…until Alex whisks her away for a weekend that will fulfil every forbidden desire.

Thoughts

A secret weekend away with the boyfriend… who has a hidden agenda. It kind of sounds perfect, except for the fact that the woman in this story doesn’t really want to be tied down and has major issues. It made me think of a few people that I know. This idea that love makes you weak. Alright, it kind of does, because you’re putting your trust in another person and that shit is scary. But, honestly, it makes a great tale – learning to trust and what it actually takes to put that much trust in one person.

I love that although this is a love story, it is all about letting go. Letting go of the past and your hang ups and looking forward to a great future. Everyone has hang ups. And, I for one found nothing scarier than letting go of those things that held me back and actually putting my trust in another human being. Trusting someone to love you for everything that you are. It’s something I work on everyday (and I’ve been with my S.O. for almost 9 years). I love that each romance I read is sweet and doesn’t have these hang ups. But it was really nice to read a story that does focus on the multitude of ways in which you can struggle to find that one person and truly trust them.

Trust issues (as you can probably tell) are a major issue for me. I love that this was a cute and easy little novella which was ultimately about a proposal. But it focuses on the whole idea that trust is the most important thing. Trusting someone to actually love you for all your bumps, bruises and scars. It’s something I’m still working on…

<- Some Like it HotBlue Crush ->

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The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the duff kody keplinger

Title: The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend
Author: Kody Keplinger
Series: Hamilton High #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Book to Film, Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Young adult
Dates read: 10th January 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Poppy
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: I just needed to deal with it myself before I sprang it on her and Jessica.

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Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper may not be the prettiest girl in her high school, but she has a loyal group of friends, a biting wit, and a spot-on BS detector. She’s also too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush, who calls Bianca the Duff – the designated ugly fat friend – of her crew.

But things aren’t so great at home and Biance, desperate for a distraction, ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t sucha bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

Thoughts

I read this in one sitting. Literally. I thought I’d pick up a book and just enjoy an easy read for an hour or so. But then, I couldn’t put it down. And forgot to eat. And went to bed really late. I have GOT to stop doing that. I also read this while I was watching the movie. Which is also amazing. Actually, I’m not entirely sure which version I loved more. They are really nothing alike. Except for the fact that there’s a Bianca and Wesley… and the use of the term DUFF.

I love that this story is all about accepting oneself. Realising that all of us feel like the “DUFF” in one way or another. And taking that, and making it work for you. After all, everyone has their own insecurities and we should work to build each other up. Like the girls in this novel. Actually, although this is a romance and centres on Wesley and Bianca, it’s the girl relationships that I love the most. Normally, they’re all about bringing each other down. But this is about support, jealousy and all of those wonderful things that a real friendship entails. Believe me, I’ve been best friends with the same girl since I was like, two… we get jealous when the other spends more time with other people, we get annoyed at each other, but at the end of the day, we love each other and support each other no matter what. That’s the friendships that Bianca has with Jess and Casey in this novel.

This is kind of a coming of age story, but it’s a lot more adult. I’m not sure if I’m kind of old, but the idea of having sex at fourteen seems a bit intense. And the fact that this whole relationship starts in sex… when they’re in high school. I don’t know, I’m used to that plot line in my adult romances, not in a young adult one. It still works brilliantly, but it does make me question a few things about society today. And make me fear having children… what will it be like when they get to their teenage years?

Bianca doesn’t have good coping mechanisms in this story. Which is pretty much what this entire story is about. My coping mechanisms are just as bad, maybe not quite as destructive…but withdrawing into myself and refusing to communicate with others? Yeah… I understand that a little too well. Keeping things to yourself is often not the best way to go, and I hope that someone reads this and realises that they need to readjust their coping mechanisms. I know I definitely considered it.

 <- Lying Out Loud ReviewShut Out Review ->

Image source: Fantastic fiction

Some Like It Hot by Lori Foster

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for perfect for the beach book cover

Title: Some Like It Hot
Author: Lori Foster
Series: Dean Brothers and Friends #2
In: Perfect for the Beach (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Erin McCarthy, MaryJanice Davidson, Kayla Perrin & Morgan Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 8th January 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Kensington
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Oh shit!

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Synopsis

Family practitioner Cary Rupert wants Nora Chilton so badly he can barely keep a hold of his stethoscope. Now he’s out to prove that when it comes to loving her forever, he’s the man for the job.

Thoughts

This was an incredibly cute and easy novella. A good read at the end of a long day and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. It started out a little tedious… but then it gained traction. And was actually quite cute. Not the kind of story that will get your pulse racing, but one that makes you smile that happy, secret little smile.

At the beginning, I found Cary a little bit annoying. He was a little too stalkerish for my liking. I really don’t understand this whole idea of “romance” that focuses on men who won’t take no and somehow that’s romantic. I mean, seriously… if I tell you no. It’s a no. There is nothing coy and playful about that for me. Yet, once the story unfolded, it kind of became a little less stalkerish. Mostly because Nora actually appreciates it and there is true love. Ya da. Ya da. It’s still somewhat problematic though when you think about it…

I did like Nora though. She was super sweet and innocent. A little too much, but it was a nice balance to the super painful, pushy persona of Cary. Mostly, I found a lot of this storyline problematic. But yet, there was something about it that still worked beautifully. Something I just enjoyed. Even if I was constantly questioning why…

<- Perfect for the BeachOne Wilde Weekend ->

Image source: Goodreads

Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover sweetbitter

Title: Sweetbitter
Author: Stephanie Danler
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Food, Wine
Dates read: 3rd – 14th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Oneworld
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: No change in temperature arrived.

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Synopsis

Tess is the 22-year-old narrator of this stunning first novel. Moving to New York, a place at the centre of the universe, from a place that feels like ‘nowhere to live’, she lands a job at a renowned Union Square restaurant and begins to navigate the chaotic and punihsing life of a waiter, on and off duty. As her appetites awaken – not just for food and wine but also for knowledge and friendship – Tess becomes helplessly drawn into a dark, alluring love triangle.

Sweetbitter is a novel of the senses. Of taste and hunger, of love and desire, and the wisdom that comes from our experiences, both sweet and bitter.

Thoughts

From the cover, the title and the blurb on this book, I was expecting something that was kind of sweet and easy. Sure, a little bit lustful. But overall? A nice, easy, sweet read. Man was I wrong. This was kind of dark, didn’t really have that hopeful feeling I was expecting. And really lent more towards the bitter end of the spectrum than sweet. But it was also brilliant and next to impossible to put down.

As someone who has worked on and off in hospitality for the past 13 years, there was a lot about this story that was completely relatable. I may not have ever worked in such a nice establishment (country pubs, tiny cafes and small wineries being my area of expertise), but the requirements and draining aspects of service… yup. I get that. And it made me very, very, very glad that I recently left the industry. I’m hoping this time forever… but I said that last time too…

One thing that I really didn’t have in common with Tess in this story was the sex, drugs and alcohol. It was one of the most relatable insights into this world and excess that I have ever read. I may push the boundaries a little, but I don’t have anything to do with drugs and even that level of alcohol consumption is off my charts. So it was intriguing to read a story that didn’t make it seem cool or great, but also didn’t completely condemn the practice either. Very intriguing. Which is probably why, even when I wanted to reach through the pages and tell her to get out of the whole she was digging, I couldn’t stop being fascinated by Tess’s choices.

I thought that Sweetbitter was an incredibly interesting title when I grabbed this up. I only got it because it had a wine glass on the cover, and I needed that for a reading challenge… but, regardless. After reading this, I completely understand where the title comes from. Although I mostly felt seriously uncomfortable about this story, and understood the bitter aspect… there were moments of incredible sweetness of self and a great sense of understanding of self at the end of the journey. It wasn’t hopeful, it wasn’t a great journey of self-discovery, but it had this idea of sweetness at the very conclusion.

I’ve always struggled with the fact that people think I’m pretty before they bother with my personality. I’m pretty sure that like Tess, I’ve probably been offered jobs based on this. But I’ve never wanted to trade on my physicality. It was intriguing to read a story with a heroine, not much younger than me went completely the opposite direction. She actually chose to trade on her looks, and ignore her own mind. That is, until she realised that she could have both. Something I’m still trying to figure out…

 <- More food reviewsMore wine reviews ->

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The Duke Who Came to Dinner by Elaine Fox

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for four dukes and a devil book cover

Title: The Duke Who Came to Dinner
Author: Elaine Fox
In: Four Dukes and a Devil (Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash & Tracy Anne Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 8th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon Romance
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Calling it.

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Synopsis

An impulsive decision leaves Gray naked and alone on a beach. But, the Duke who caused it all could just be her ticket to a better life, and a more romantic ending than she’d originally anticipated.

Thoughts

This was an incredibly cute and sweet contemporary story. One that was far too easy to read, but I probably also won’t forget for a while. Because, it was just… well… sweet. And innocent and just so supremely easy. I was really sad that it was over so quickly… I enjoy the sweet and easy tone to this storyline.

I really wasn’t expecting a contemporary romance or an easy read in the Four Dukes and a Devil collection. I thought there’d be a little more historical factors or supernatural tones to this storyline. But I loved that it did exist. That I got the pleasure of reading such a fun and humorous little story. one which features a meddling dog. Because, all good stories require a meddling puppy if we’re being honest here.

One of my favourite factors about this book is the fact that although it is in a romance collection it wasn’t overly lustful. There are sometimes when that’s exactly what I want. But reading this, I loved that it was just a sweet courting, not an intense romance. It’s nice to have something different in my reading every now and again…

 <- The Irish Duke ReviewDevil to Pay Review ->

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Cold Feet by Brenda Novak

Book Review, , , ,

Overview
Image result for book cover cold feet brenda novak

Title: Cold Feet
Author: Brenda Novak
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Romance, Romantic suspense, Thriller
Dates read: 2nd November – 2nd December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Harlequin
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Where’s my girl?

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Synopsis

When the past won’t go away…

The Seattle police suspect Madison Lieberman’s father was the serial killer they call the “Sandpoint Strangler.” Madison refuses to believe it. Her father is now dead, and all she wants is the chance to create a new life for herself and her six-year-old child.

Then she discovers something in the crawl space beneath her parent’s house. Something that makes her question her father’s innocence. Or the innocence of someone else who’s equally close to her…

When another woman turns up dead, crime writer Caleb Trovato wonders whether they’re dealing with a copycat killer. Or is the real Sandpoint Strangler still alive? Caleb’s sure Madison knows more than she’s telling, and he’s determined to find out what. But he doesn’t expect to fall in love – or to lead Madison and her child into danger…

Thoughts

I have never read a Brenda Novak story, nor have I heard of them. This was just the only book I could find with the word “feet” in the title… and I needed that for a reading challenge. It turns out that it was a brilliant choice. I absolutely adored this book. And I was completely blown away by who the villain in this tale was. Actually, the mix of romance and suspense in this novel was not at all expected, and seriously enjoyable.

Normally I tend to guess who or what is going to be the killer fairly early on. Or at least, I get pretty damn close with my guess. I DID NOT see the identity of the bad guy coming at all! I started to have an inkling of the fact that: a) my initial hunch was wrong. And b) who the actual bad person was. I’m not normally this damn surprised, and every time I thought, hmmmm… maybe… there was something that quickly disproved my theory. It was brilliant!

I like that this romance featured a divorcee and her young daughter. That it was all about perceptions, loyalty and trying to find your way in the world. Rather than a twenty-something woman who had never experienced love, was a virgin, ya da, ya da, yay da… she had already had some really difficult experiences. And so had he. The older I get, the more I appreciate older characters in romances… after all, their experiences seem to start being a little more in line with mine.

The only reason I didn’t gobble this book up in just a day was that it was an eBook. There is something about eBooks that tend to take me a little more time to read… yet, the physical copy of this (which I now want to find a second hand version of) would have been completely inhaled in a matter of hours… late at night… when I was supposed to be sleeping.

 <- Before We Were Strangers ReviewDear Maggie Review ->

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Holes by Louis Sachar

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover holes louis sachar

Title: Holes
Author: Louis Sachar
Series: Holes #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Book to Film, Contemporary, Easy reading
Dates read: 26th November – 1st December 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 1998
5th sentence, 74th page: But the last thing he wanted to do after digging all day was to dig at night, too.

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Synopsis

Stanley Yelants has bad luck (which is all because of his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather).

When Stanley’s bad luck unfairly lands him in the juvenile detention centre Camp Green Lake (a very weird place that isn’t green and doesn’t have a lake), he and his campmates Zero, X-Ray, Armpit, Squid, Magnet and Zigzag are forced to dig holes in order to build character…

But what are they really digging for?

Thoughts

This is one of those books where I’m actually not sure if the book or the movie is better… I can remember watching the movie as a teenager in high school. It’s one of those that seems to be a staple of the Australian high school experience. But I’d never had the chance to actually read the book. I’m not entirely sure how it’s a classic – it seems a little too easy to read. But I do understand why so many people enjoy reading it.

This was such an incredibly easy read. Like, ridiculously. I ripped through it in next to no time (when I actually got a chance to sit down). Although it did flick through past and present a little, it wasn’t done in any kind of confusing way. The language was incredibly easy and accessible. And the entire story was just generally easy to follow and fun to read. I’ll be interested to see what the other books in the series are going to be like…

Holes is kind of an intense story. It is, after all, about a boy who is incarcerated. There’s not going to be sweet, innocent characters in a story like that. It is also about righting the wrongs of the past, finding yourself and, I think most importantly finding a way to like yourself. Or at least, that was the journey that I really got for Stanley. He might have lost a little weight because of his time at Camp Green, but it mostly ends with his actually accepting who he is and finding a friend who feels the same.

I absolutely adore how all of the threads of this story are interwoven. The past, the present, and the future are all weirdly interconnected. It’s hard to write like this in a way that doesn’t feel clunky and contrived. And Sachar manages to do this perfectly. All of the connected lines are completely natural and you only truly realise how they are linked at the very end of the story.

 <- Small Steps ReviewStanley Yelnats’ Survival Guide to Camp Green Lake Review ->

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Beowulf for Cretins by Ann McMan

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover beowulf for cretins

Title: Beowulf for Cretins: A Love Story
Author: Ann McMan
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, LGBTQI, Romance
Dates read: 30th November 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bywater Books
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: I don’t doubt it.

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Synopsis

Is God in the machine – or out to lunch? It’s anybody’s guess.

English professor and aspiring novelist, Grace Warner spends her days teaching four sections of “Beowulf for Cretins” to uninterested students at one of New England’s “hidden ivy” colleges. Not long after she is dumped by her longtime girlfriend, Grace meets the engaging and mysterious Abbie on a cross-country flight. Sparks fly on and off the plane as the two strangers give in to one night of reckless passion with no strings attached, and no contact information exchanged.

Back home at St. Albans, the college rocks Grace’s world when it announces the appointment of a new president – the first woman in its fabled 165-year history. Cue Abbie – and cue Grace’s collision course with a neurotic dog named Grendel, a fractious rival for tenure, and a woman called Ochre in what very well be a final shot at happiness.

Thoughts

This story is sweet, fun and not one that I’m going to forget anytime soon. It’s a fairly easy read, but one that still completely sweeps you away. Makes you forget about reality. I spent a perfect afternoon reading about Grace, Abbie and their neurotic dog while my neurotic dogs were piled on top of me. There was just something completely innocent and sweet about this story… not what I would normally claim for a romance. Mostly they tend to be a lot more lustful.

Sadly, there aren’t many LGBTQI stories on my shelves. Yet, every time I’ve run across one, I’ve found that it is brilliant and unforgettable. Maybe because they’re not so common-place, and it is more difficult to have them published… whatever it may or may not be, it’s not a sub-genre that often finds its way to my shelves. And, in fact, I think this was the first LGBTQI romance that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. It was kind of life changing to be honest. I’m going to now find every single Ann McMan book I can.

An obsession with books is obvious in the amount that I read… but I also love to write, and reading a story about someone who has that same literary obsession was really relatable. Everything about Grace is relatable and makes her impossible to not to love. Then, there’s Grendel. A dog that is damaged, neurotic and completely loveable. Although, I do find every dog I meet ridiculously loveable… whether in person or on print.

Abbie was also a loveable character. However, I found that I related to Grace’s awkward mannerisms and kind of lost feeling way more. The more put together woman is someone that I aspire to be… but I think I’ll forever be more like Grace… kind of bumbling through life in a somewhat confused way. But always stumbling into a happily ever after. At least, that’s what I’m hoping for.

 <- Backcast ReviewDust Review ->

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