Tag Archives: Romance

The Weight by Dhonielle Clayton

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: The Weight
Author: Dhonielle Clayton
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Romance, Science fiction, Young adult
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

For a short story that didn’t have a lot of action, I loved this to a ridiculous level. It was just… thought provoking. And kind of sweet. It made me wonder, if I could find out more about my lover’s “heart”, then would I do it? Would I risk our happiness to get some concrete answers? I don’t know that I would… but then the temptation of knowledge shouldn’t be underestimated…

Although there are comments about what Grace and Marcus’ hearts contain, there is no way to know which heart belongs to whom. And, what kind of love is being discussed. You get the feeling at the end that they’ve realised they want happiness together, but it’s still really open ended. Which, is how it should be. Love and relationships are not a happily ever after and finished kind of story – they are open ended in real life.

As someone who has been with their significant other since they were quite young (almost half of my life), I get how difficult it is to grow together. It’s interesting that some of these challenges are highlighted. How love might not ever be lost, but does growth, change and curiosity alter the stakes? How do you know when it’s worth continuing with the known and when you should strike out to a new future? For me, these questions might not have been that difficult, but I also completely understand why both Grace and Marcus find themselves asking them…

<- WishUnmoor ->

Image source: Goodreads

Unmoor by Mark Oshiro

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: Unmoor
Author: Mark Oshiro
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Mental health, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

This was such a bittersweet short story. I liked the premise, and I totally understand the need. But it was also kind of sad. I love the idea of having memories unmoored from a location. Rather than just obliterating the memory of someone, removing it from its attachment so that you can still enjoy a place is kind of beautiful. It turns the hurts of the past to something that can be recalled as needed.

The end of this short story makes this whole tale feel like a bit of a misunderstanding. I mean, Felix might be continuing to go ahead with his decision to become unmoored. But, there is a moment when you wonder if he really should carry through with his plans. And whether or not untethering yourself is really worth all of the pain.

Saying goodbye to someone you love is always difficult. Which left me feeling a little bit heartsick at the end of this story. It was painful and a reminder that its sometimes more difficult for us to say goodbye than we would otherwise like.

<- The WeightThe Coldest Spot in the Universe ->

Image source: Goodreads

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Kingdom of Ash
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #7
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I wanted to like this a whole lot more than I did. I mean, I’ve loved all of this series. But, something about the bulk of this and the convoluted nature of the story meant that I found it kind of a hard slog. It might have been a bit more palatable if the story was split into a few different novels if I’m being honest. Part of it is just the sheer size of this damn novel. I could probably knock someone unconscious with it if I’m being honest. In fact, once I got about halfway through, I found that I was just skim reading this – I wanted to know how it ended, but wasn’t invested enough to read every single word.

I think one of the aspects that I found so difficult about this was that there are SO many loose ends and convoluted story lines that need to be tied up. I mean, Maas has done a great job of world building in this, but it felt a little like there was a little bit too much going on. As much as I’ve loved this series, I didn’t really consider it an epic fantasy. Yet, that is how Kingdom of Ash reads – as though it is an epic with epic final battles. None of which were actually… well, epic.

I knew that everyone would get their happily ever after. Which, personally I do like – although I’ve enjoyed some books that don’t have a happily ever after, I did like that this one had that. I can imagine the loving cast riding off into the sunset with their partners, having children and just being… well, happy. I think that it could’ve been accomplished in a lot less pages though…

All in all, while I did enjoy this and I’m glad that the series got a nice ending. I did find that there was a lot of filler. I think I just found that Maas was trying a little bit too hard. I can imagine how difficult it would’ve been to finish out a number of character arcs, but I still wish that they were tidied up a little more succinctly.

<- Tower of DawnThe Assassin’s Blade ->

Image source: Amazon

The Grand Ishq Adventure by Sandhya Menon

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Grand Ishq Adventure
Author: Sandhya Menon
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Food, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I loved this little romance, it was sweet and cute. And, although I completely guessed that Prem was the one writing in and just why he was writing in, it was still a fun journey. After all, what better way to get advice on how to approach the person you are interested in, than by asking them? The fact that this involved food and gaining courage… well, it just made it all that much better.

Honestly, I kind of want to try this challenge – I mean, I’ve eaten out by myself before, but I’ve never done so without using some kind of “shield”. The idea of going out to a restaurant and eating out alone, without a shield, and just enjoying the world flow by. That kind of appeals, and scares me. Plus, doing so in new locations and with new experiences… that just makes it all that much more appealing.

I love that this is a story set in the between time of adulthood. That moment when you are about to jump into college and your first forays away from the parents. But, you’re not quite read to do so. Throughout this tale, the narrator sees people from her high school – and in a way says goodbye to that part of her life before embarking on the next steps. Her journey is not just about finding bravery in being alone, but also in saying goodbye to the past. A seriously enjoyable short story.

<- Kings and QueensSugar and Spite ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy
Author: Mackenzi Lee
Series: Montague Siblings #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical fiction, LGBTQI, Romance, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I definitely didn’t enjoy this novel as much as The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue. I think there was something about Monty’s chaotic existence and personality that drew me in. I just didn’t quite feel as attached to Felicity. This was still an amazing novel. But just not quite as grabbing as Monty’s story.

One of the aspects of Felicity that I found most difficult to connect to, but, also the most realistic, was how judgemental she was about other women. Its a conversation that is often had – there is no right or wrong way to be a woman. There is no right or wrong in being strong and independent and a feminist. Sometimes we are our harshest critics and its definitely something that needs to be changed. As is pointed out very beautifully in this story.

There is an element of asexuality in this story that I found beautiful. Instead of being a romance and ending with the off kilter couple running off together, there is that sense of me about romance and sexuality. I’m not sure if there was an aim for an asexual character, but it was definitely how I read it.

Lee is able to bring up a lot of very relevant social issues and realities in a seamless manner. It’s a rollicking adventure that had me smiling. One that I would happily read again. But maybe not for a little while…

<- The Gentleman’s Guide to Getting LuckyThe Nobleman’s Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks ->

Image source: Goodreads

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Tower of Dawn : Sarah J. Maas : 9781408887974

Title: Tower of Dawn
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Dates read: 2nd – 17th October 2021
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: She straightened.

Synopsis

A GLORIOUS EMPIRE
A DESPERATE QUEST
AN ANCIENT SECRET

Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast armies are Erilea’s last hope. But they ahve also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the legendary Torre Cesme for the wounds that Chaol received in Rifthold.

After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child, Yrene Towers has no desire to help a young lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need – and will honour it. But Lord Westfall carries darkness from his own past, and Yrene soon comes to realise it could engulf them both.

And deep in the shadows of distant mountains, where warriors soar on might ruks, long-awaited answers slumber. Answers that might offer their world a chance at survival – or doom them all.

Thoughts

I did struggle with this book more than I had expected to. I’ve been putting off the last 2 books of the series. Partly because I know that it will destroy my heart (seems to be a talent of Maas). But, more so, because I just don’t want this series to be over! Sure, I can reread it… but it just won’t be the same. Having said that, I didn’t fall head first into this book like I have the others.

I think that the thing that takes me a while with this story is that Chaol spends the first part just being incredibly whiney. I get that he’s been dealt a hard hand, but my lordy, he’s just a bit too bitter and painful. For those who feel the same… Read on! Once I got to the second part, I started to fall head first into the storyline as expected.

Of all the characters in this, it was Yrene that I loved the most. The fact that she has an intertwined past (like many of the other characters) just makes her all that much better. I love how much of this story involves her fight to get over her horrible past and move forwards with her life. Her story, when Chaol’s was a bit painful made this book still a 5 star I my view.

Whilst I had a few moments of discomfort and “huh” throughout this, ultimately I loved this book. After the first 200 pages, the character development is so wonderful and intense that I couldn’t put it down. And, much of the whiney that was irritating made so much more sense.

<- Empire of StormsKingdom of Ash ->

Image source: Book Depository

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

Title: The Fountains of Silence
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves:  Historical fiction, Romance, War
Dates read: 14th – 15th August 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: He’s about to reach for his camera when he hears the laugh.

Synopsis

‘TRUTH BREAKS THE CHAINS OF SILENCE’

MADRID, 1957

Daniel, young, wealthy and unsure of his place in the world, views the city through the lens of his camera.

Ana, a hotel maid whose family is suffering under the fascist dictatorship of General Franco.

Lives and hearts collide as they unite to uncover the hidden darkness within the city.

A darkness that could engulf them all…

Thoughts

This is one of those “holy crap” “wow” “Oh My God” kind of stories. I had no idea if I was going to like this when I first started it… but then I got my teeth hooked in… and… I just can’t even. I pretty much read this whole 500 page book in one sitting. It was just impossible to put down, look away, forget about. And then, like the fool that I am, I finished it late at night and couldn’t sleep. Because. So many thoughts. Too many thoughts.

I think the thing that really threw me about this book was the fact that a lot of the history in this book is only recently coming to light. The fact that an estimated 300,000 babies were taken from their parents and put up for adoption (after telling the parents that they had died) is… unfathomable. And it happened RECENTLY. It’s not a part of history that we can say, oh, that was another time, it happened forever ago. It happened in the past forty-odd years. And it’s only just coming to light and people are only just being bought to task for what they’ve done… it’s… unfathomable. Like, my brain literally cannot grasp this fact.

There is a sweet romance throughout this story. It’s not at the forefront and it’s not as in your face as the actual romances that I read. But it is incredibly sweet. Ana and Daniel are that quintessential falling in love when young romance. That one that sticks with you for the rest of your life. Some of us are lucky and find that we are actually going to spend the rest of our lives with that person. But the others? Well, it’s those stolen moments in time, in this one summer that Ana and Daniel are able to spend together.

This is a brilliant story. It is filled with history and the darker parts of our recent past that need to be bought to light. There is an intense feeling of humanity and intensity throughout that plucks at your heart strings. You can’t stop reading and look away from the pages. There is mystery and horror, all lightened by the love, both romantic and familial that ties all of these amazing characters together.

<- More Ruta SepetysMore war ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Phoenix’s Fault by Cynthia So

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

Title: The Phoenix’s Fault
Author: Cynthia So
In: Proud (Juno Dawson)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chinese mythology, LGBTQI, Romance
Dates read: 15th August 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Little Tiger
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: An infinite variety of them, as manifold as human hearts.

Synopsis

All those with a phoenix are supposed to present themselves to the Emperor and his dragon. But Chilli Oil and her owner don’t want to do that… they’ve got their heart set on someone else.

Thoughts

There was a great intersection of Chinese mythology in this story. The use of the dragon and phoenix as symbols of marriage and happiness. What I enjoyed most though was the way in which the author was able to use this symbol to show another kind of marriage and happiness.

I desperately was hoping for a happy ending to this story. Considering the collection it was in, I thought it might happen. But, honestly, up until I turned that final page… I just wasn’t sure.

The imagery in this story was brilliantly done. And the way that the mother accepts her daughter… just beautiful. Definitely a short story that I will read again.

<- On the RunAs the Philadelphia Queer Youth Choir Sings Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’… ->

Image source: LoveReading4Kids

The Silk Blade by Natalie C. Parker

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: The Silk Blade
Author: Natalie C. Parker
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: LGBTQI, Medieval fantasy, Romance
Dates read: 30th June 2021
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020
5th sentence, 74th page: I have him exactly where I need him to be, but before I can swing around to his other side, Rabi is there.

Synopsis

It’s the competition of a lifetime – three competitors competing to be the consort to the ruler of them all – the Bloom. But a chance meeting just before the final battle may change everything.

Thoughts

I love that from the get go of this story, gender and sexuality isn’t even a thing. There are multiple attractions and couples, but no set expectations for which genders are together. The way that there is no big deal made out of this needs to happen more frequently in YA stories as far as I’m concerned.

The idea of a great big challenge to be the consort of the Bloom was fun. There was this beautiful poetry and feeling of elegance that I got throughout this book. One that I wasn’t really expecting. But definitely enjoyed. Especially when there is that final challenge / battle at the end…

All in all, I loved this short story. I found it adorable and fun. With a great sense of action and drama. Add to that the romance and connection that weaves through the tale and the fantastic world building… I was sad when this ended.

<- A Universe of WishesThe Scarlet Woman ->

Image source: Goodreads

Kissing Tolstoy by Penny Reid

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Kissing Tolstoy (Dear Professor, #1) by Penny Reid

Title: Kissing Tolstoy
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Dear Professor #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves:  Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Romance
Dates read: 25th January 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: SmartyPants Romance
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: I couldn’t bring myself to look at him again, so I directed a short wave at the room.

Synopsis

What do you do when you discover that your super-hot blind date from months ago is now your super-hot Russian Lit professor?

You overthink everything and pray for a swift end to your misery, of course!

Thoughts

I fell stupid, crazy in love with this novel. Like, completely, totally and utterly head over heels for it. Not only was it fun and brilliant. But, as with every one of Reid’s books, the characters were a little quirky and impossible not to love. Particularly Anna with her slightly zany and very unique outlook on life. And Luca? Oh my goodness! Completely drool worthy! (Nobody look at my book… there are drool stains through the pages).

Every time I read a story that features academia, I kind of want to return to that world. Although, this is a perfect way in which to return without having all of the crap that actually comes alongside a life in the area. It’s a great window into a world that is seriously intense and complex. One that is fascinating and intriguing. The fact that it’s the setting for this book, and series, but not really a feature of it left me thinking of all of those wonderful positives. Whilst not dwelling on any of the negatives.

This is one of those stories in which things seem to go wrong, one thing after the other. That no matter what Anna tries to do, she’s drawn into Luca’s orbit and just isn’t quite sure how she got there. But, she wants to stay. It’s got that fate kind of feel to it that makes you think that those who are meant to be together will be, even if they’re not quite sure how to go about it. Which, honestly is the kind of thing that I love in a good romance – that feeling of inevitability that lends itself to a happily ever after.

All in all this was a fantastic, fun and impossible to put down book. I completely fell in love with it and don’t know that it is one that I will forget anytime soon. I most definitely can’t wait to sink my literary teeth into Kissing Galileo now!!!

<- More Penny ReidKissing Galileo ->

Image source: Goodreads