Tag Archives: Kelley Armstrong

Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Ballgowns & Butterflies
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: A Stitch in Time #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Time travel
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I read this novella as part of my Christmas reading. And now I just want to read the rest of the series. Particularly the first novel, A Stitch in Time to see how Bronwyn and William fell in love. And met, and how the time travel portal works. There is so much going on that I just need all of the amazing backstory to this world. And adventures. And just, general Armstrong awesomeness.

One of the many, many things I loved about this story was that it featured Christmas on either side of a time warp. I’m assuming that Armstrong has done a bit of research into the time period, because this was mostly about the differences between the two times. Both timelines still focusing on love, companionship and giving.

I also love both of the traditions have that Christmas spirit that makes me love this time of year so much. It’s so beautiful seeing how taking care of others is a big focus on the town’s traditions. And that in the case of this story, the aristocracy actually give a damn about their people.

Although I wasn’t pregnant for the Christmas that I read this, I did only have a two month old. And the Christmas 2 years prior I had been pregnant. So I loved reading about the frustrations and challenges of being heavily pregnant at this time of year. It’s also highlighting some of the challenges I’m sure Bronwyn is about to face in A Twist of Fate.

<- A Stitch in TimeA Twist of Fate ->

Image source: Goodreads

High Jinx by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: High Jinx
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Cursed Luck #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Kelley Armstrong is one of those brilliant and wonderful authors that I ca never get enough of. She writes wonderful stories with a strong female lead that is generally sassy and all around enjoyable. High Jinx is no exception to this trend. Kennedy is clever and independent but surrounded by the best kind of support and love. She also undergoes some pretty wonderful growth throughout this duology.

The way things were left off in Cursed Luck, Kennedy and Aiden were right on the cusp of something. But curses and fate got in the way. High Jinx picks up that thread and shows you how much these two are meant to be together. Particularly when Aiden reminds Kennedy that the risk is the decision of both of them. It was so much fun to watch this relationship unfold and grow throughout this book.

As with everything, the challenges and battles Kennedy faces in this are even greater than those in Cursed Luck. I love that Vess and Marius make a bit of an appearance in this story, although it is tangential. Mostly, there are other immortal gods running havoc through everyone’s lives. And, Kennedy has so many less avenues to follow in her attempt to, well, stay alive.

High Jinx is a wonderful, fast paced story. It ties up all of the loose ends from Cursed Luck and gives you a happily ever after vibe. It was a fun and enjoyable adventure. One with horrible families, insane gods and just your general nutty mayhem. I loved every moment of it, and I’m really disappointed that this duology is over. Although, Armstrong did manage to finish it all off perfectly.

<- Goddess of Summer LoveMore Kelley Armstrong ->

Image source: Amazon

Hex on the Beach by Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost & Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Hex on the Beach
Author: Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost & Melissa Marr
In: Hex on the Beach (Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost & Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology, eBook
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I loved every single one of these three novellas. One of those anthologies that I’m glad I have on the shelves. And one that I look forward to reading again and again. I mean, I kind of figured that would be the case because I’ve read all of these authors before and loved them all. But, it was still nice to be right in that assumption.

It comes as absolutely no surprise that I loved all of the series that these stories feature in. Two of which I’d already started reading, one of which I had in my TBR anyway. Now I just want to dive into these urban fantasy series all over again.

Even though all three novellas have that same summer vibe throughout this collection, they all have a wonderfully unique flavour. I love that there is the chilling with friends, enjoying a vacation feel, which goes completely belly up in every one of the stories. But, the ways that chaos hits the group is completely different for each tale.

A brilliant collection, one that I was completely in love with from the very first moment.

<- Goddess of Summer LoveDaiquiris and Daggers ->

Image source: Booktopia

Goddess of Summer Love by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Goddess of Summer Love
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Cursed Luck #1.5
In: Hex on the Beach (Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost & Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

It was really fun to dive right back into the Cursed Luck world. Its been a little while since I read the first book and had the pleasure of meeting the whole cast. Which meant that this was a lovely little break in time to re-meet everyone. Particularly since it is all written from Vanessa’s point of view – something entirely unique from the insights you gain from Kennedy’s point of view.

I love that although this is a story about a matchmaker trying to, well, matchmake – it is also fun to try and solve the background mysteries of this story. Not just what happened to Lisa Lake in the recent past. But also what on earth is happening throughout the tours now and how this is related to the past. I definitely didn’t expect either outcome of the mysteries, although, admittedly, I didn’t spend too much time trying to solve what had happened either…

At it’s core, this novella is a tale of four different couples. Each at totally different stages of their relationships and connection to one another. It was fun to read about the different dynamics and needs of each matchup. Plus, it was fun to realise that all of Vanessa’s behaviours were really just projecting her own wants and desires onto others. Luckily, she does realise this before it’s too late…

<- Cursed LuckHigh Jinx ->

Image source: Booktopia

Branded by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Branded
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Paranormal romance, Werewolves
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

I loved, loved, loved, loved, loved this novella. Which comes as exactly no surprise considering I love everything I have read by Kelley Armstrong. There is just something that is impossible to put down about all of her stories, and the strength of the women in her works is also completely admirable. Which, obviously, this was no exception.

I like that although this is kind of loosely based in the Otherworld series, it’s not really part of that world. It’s kind of what would happen after generations and generations of people making incredibly bad decisions. And the apocalypse / dystopian future. I love that it is showing just what can happen when prejudice and fear run rampant and destroy lives.

There is a whole lot of plotting and darkness throughout this story, and yet it is a wonderful and adorable teen romance. Even some of the plotting that in hindsight was obviously going on, wasn’t quite as obvious as in hindsight. Some of it actually took me by surprise. Always something I enjoy.

I loved this novella, and it is definitely one I’ll reread again when the urge takes me.

<- More Kelley ArmstrongWomen of the Otherworld series ->

Cursed Luck by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Cursed Luck
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Cursed Luck #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

There is a very good reason why I love Kelley Armstrong so much. And everything I pick up one of her books, I’m reminded again of just WHY I think she’s so amazing. Although, admittedly, some of her works are pretty dark. This is nowhere near as dark and heart rending as some of her other stories though… there is such a pithy, light, and fun tone to this whole story that left me smiling throughout.

Kennedy is a little too much like me. And I loved her. She’s impulsive, loyal and doesn’t always think things through when trying to help. Which, of course is what ends up placing her in awkward position after awkward position. That, and she’s obviously and needfully very driven to find her sisters. Mostly though, her impulsively doesn’t always necessarily lend itself to being helpful in her situation. Something I am all too familiar with…

Aidan is a great counterpoint to Kennedy. He is sweet and buttoned up, and really very cute. His rule-following nature and tendency to want to plan his way through everything sort of acts as the voice of reason to Kennedy’s insanity. Like Kennedy though, he is incredibly loyal to his sibling. I loved how both the leads in this are very loyal to their siblings. It means they get manipulated constantly by this motive… but it’s yet another reason to love them.

The surprise of motive and culprit was brilliantly done within this novel. There were some wonderful surprise reveals from the second half onwards. It had me diving into this story page after page. I love when authors are able to take a great story and make it even more phenomenal with all of their tricky little twists and turns. The fact that Armstrong was able to use this surprise to provide a totally unexpected motive… I definitely can’t wait to read High Jinx.

<- More Kelley ArmstrongGoddess of Summer Love ->

Image source: Amazon

City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: City of the Lost
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Rockton #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

It took me a while to get through this book, not because it was easy to put down. But because it was just dark enough that reading it at night, before bed was not the greatest of ideas. So many twists and turns, and somewhat gruesome deaths filled these pages. And, just like all of the other books I’ve read by Kelley Armstrong, I freaking loved this.

Although Diana didn’t seem like the greatest of friends even from the beginning of this story, I was shocked at the depths of badness that she went to. I mean, her steady unravelling while Casey is able to find herself… it was horrible and a little heartbreaking. Also a little bit too familiar. Everyone has had a toxic friendship, and as someone who has recently said goodbye to one such friendship, it was a little bit eerie and too relatable.

Actually, this story had a few unexpected twists and betrayals throughout it. I spent the whole time trying to figure out just who the killer was, and it wasn’t until literally moments before the big reveal that I guessed it. Which completely doesn’t count as anticipation, because it was literally the moment that Casey puts it all together. I love those surprises, and I would love to go back one day and reread this, finding all of the clues that I totally missed. Having said that, I didn’t actually have any good guesses as to WHO the murderer was…

I loved everything about this book. It was absolutely amazing and fun and delicious. The idea of a town in which people are trying to disappear hide out is so very cool. And I love that it highlights all of the ways in which people are likely to resort to less-than-desirable behaviours if the rules of society are removed. It makes you stop and think about what social rules shape us.

<- More Kelley ArmstrongA Darkness Absolute ->

Image source: Goodreads

Dead Man’s Hand edited by John Joseph Adams

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Overview
Image result for dead man's hand book cover

Title: Dead Man’s Hand
Author: John Joseph Adams, Joe R. Lansdale, Ben H. Winters, David Farland, Mike Resnick, Seanan McGuire, Charles Yu, Alan Dean Foster, Beth Revis, Alastair Reynolds, Hugh Howey, Rajan Khanna, Orson Scott Card, Elizabeth Bear, Tad Williams, Jonathan Maberry, Kelley Armstrong, Tobias S. Buckell, Jeffrey Ford, Ken Liu, Laura Anne Gilman, Walter Jon Williams, Fred Van Lente & Christie Yant
In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Science fiction, Short story collections, Weird western
Dates read: 4th June – 26th November 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Titan Books
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: “Am I interrupting?” she asked.

Synopsis

HOW THE WEST WAS WEIRD!

From a kill-or-be-killed gunfight with a vampire to an encounter in a steampunk bordello, the weird western is a dark, gritty tale where the protagonist might be playing poker with a sorcerous deck of cards, or facing an alien on the streets of a dusty frontier town.

Here are twenty-three original tales – stories of the Old West infused with elements of the fantastic – produced specifically for this volume by many of today’s finest writers. Included are Orson Scott Card’s first “Alvin Maker” story in a decade, and an original adventure by Fred Van Lente, writer of Cowboys & Aliens.

Thoughts

What a fantastic collection. And a great new genre to add to my ever-expanding knowledge of / collection of books. Before reading Dead Man’s Hand and Westward Weird, I had never heard of Weird westerns. And now it’s a genre that I’m seriously keen to find more of. There is just something amazingly fun and awesome about this collection. Very, very enjoyable.

The gunslingers and card players throughout this anthology took me on an absolutely joyous ride. One that I was kind of disappointed finished so quickly. The idea of the wild west has always intrigued me, making this the first time that I was completely able to thrown myself into this fascination.

This anthology didn’t quite get five stars because I didn’t fall head over heels for each and every story. Having said that, I would most definitely read this again. Even those stories which weren’t quite as holy crap amazing as the others.

<- Dead Man’s HandThe Red-Headed Dead ->

Image source: Amazon

The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women edited by Marie O’Regan

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Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of ghost stories by women book cover

Title: The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women
Author: Marie O’Regan, Kim Lakin-Smith, Sarah Pinborough, Kelley Armstrong, Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Mary E. Wilkins-Freeman, Sarah Langan, Elizabeth Massie, Alex Bell, Alison Littlewood, Nina Allan, Lisa Tuttle, Nancy Holder, Yvonne Navarro, Mary Cholmondeley, Marion Arnott, Lilith Saintcrow, Nancy Kilpatrick, Muriel Gray, Cynthia Asquith, Amelia B. Edwards, Elizabeth Gaskell, Gail Z. Martin, Edith Wharton & Gaie Sebold
Series: Mammoth Books
In: The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women (Marie O’Regan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Horror, Short story collections
Dates read: 29th June – 26th November 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: She was a sickly child, prone to unaccountable fits and agues, and her parents were convinced on more than one night that she would not live to see the dawn.

Synopsis

25 chilling short stories by outstanding female writers

Women have always written exceptional stories of horror and the supernatural. This anthology aims to showcase the very best of these, from Amelia B. Edwards’s ‘The Phantom Coach’, published in 1864, through past luminaries such as Edith Wharton and Mary Elizabeth Braddon, to modern talents including Muriel Gray, Sarah Pinborough and Lilith Saintcrow.

From tales of ghostly children to visitations by departed loved ones, and from heart-rending stories to the profoundly unsettling depiction of extreme malevolence, what each of these stories has in common is the effect of a slight chilling of the skin, a feeling of something not quite present, but nevertheless there.

If anything, this showcase anthology proves that sometimes the female of the species can also be the most terrifying…

Thoughts

This is a fantastic collection. One which I thoroughly enjoyed but learnt fairly quickly that I shouldn’t be reading this late at night… after all, some of these ghost stories are actually kind of scary. And reading them late at night with the wind blowing through the house while you’re home alone… not the best decision making of my life. To be fair, it’s also not the worst…. But that’s a whole other story.

I love that all of these ghost stories are written by women. I definitely believe that we need a collection of women-only writers more often. Or at least, I need to buy more to put on my shelves… although not all of these stories had strong women as the voice, they still felt more relatable than many of the stories that I read by men. I suppose shared experience and all that nonsense.

As a kid, I was never into ghost stories or tales of things that go bump in the night. Although I’ve gotten more into the genre over the past few years, it’s still sometimes not the most powerful driver for me. This collection though is swaying me more and more towards those horror stories.

<- The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories 2Field of the Dead ->

Image source: Goodreads

Bamboozled by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for dead man's hand book cover

Title: Bamboozled
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #0
In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Dates read: 23rd October 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Titan Books
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: She raised her voice a little, knowing Nate’s ace hearing would pick it up.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Lily has loved Nate for a long time, and they make a great team. Particularly when they’re in the Wild West.

Thoughts

I love reading a paranormal fantasy story and spending it trying to guess what “being” the lead characters are. In the case of this story, I spent my whole time trying to figure out what Nate and Lily’s paranormal species was. I didn’t get it. And now, knowing what I know… I feel like it should have been WAY obvious… but oh well.

The word “bamboozle” has got to be one of my favourites. There is just something… fun about it. So reading a story that features this word as the title was immediately going to draw me in (let alone the fact that it is by a well-loved author and series). But it was the activity of “bamboozling” people throughout this that really had me smiling. And I’m now just going to sit in my little book lair and keep saying the word. Because, seriously, who wouldn’t? It’s a pretty awesome word…

What was I saying?

Oh yeah. This is an awesome short story. You should read it.

Bamboozled.

<- Red DreamsSundown ->

Image source: Amazon