Tag Archives: Romance

The Blue Pebble by Shirley Kennedy

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: The Blue Pebble

Author: Shirley Kennedy

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Easy reading, Magic, Romance

Pace: Slow

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: He gazed around the tiny room and frowned.

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Synopsis

A young, Irish woman granted with a gift moves to England and finds deceit, passion and a whole new life.

Thoughts

This was such a sweet short story. I knew from the very beginning who would end up with who, but there was a moment that still made me doubt it. Which of course made me read through the tale even quicker than I was before.

My family is English, and Irish, and Welsh… and every time I read a story that uses any of these three countries and groups, I feel myself getting swept away. I have never been, and I may never get the chance, but there is something about these settings that seems to speak to me. Or maybe it’s just my obsession with where my family originally came from. Regardless, the setting for The Blue Pebble completely swept me away. It was picturesque, sweet and everything that I wanted in a before-bedtime story.

I enjoyed how this story highlighted the injustices and cruelty of class systems and the judgements that people make. Poor Evleen was forced to contend with this, alongside her growing emotions and insecurities. This is such a sweet tale and one that I will probably pick up every time I feel low and alone.

 <- The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance Review The Ballad of Rosamunde Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Lover Beware by Christine Feehan, Katherine Sutcliffe, Fiona Brand & Eileen Wilks

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

lover-bewareTitle: Lover Beware
Author: Christine Feehan, Katherine Sutcliffe, Fiona Brand & Eileen Wilks
In: Lover Beware (Christine Feehan, Katherine Sutcliffe, Fiona Brand & Eileen Wilks)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romance, Short story collections
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Berkley Books
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: He was thick and hard and throbbing with his own need.

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Synopsis

BE WARNED – four of today’s most popular authors push passion and intrigue to the limit in four thrilling original stories…

In a sleepy coastal town… Early retirement turns deadly for a defense expert – until a beautiful woman steps between him and his assassins…

Among women of the night… An FBI profiler can see into the mind of a French Quarter killer targeting prostitutes – but not into the heart of the detective she must trust with her life…

Between two strangers… Sometimes one glance is all it takes. And sometimes all it takes is one man to tear apart what fate – and desire – have brought together…

Under the light of the moon… Investigating a series of grisly murders, a San Diego detective is caught off guard by the enigmatic man helping her find the killer…

Thoughts

I bought this collection because I thought that it was a prequel to Tempting Danger. It turns out that the Eileen Wilks tale in this collection was just an original version of the much better novel. Although that tale kind of fell flat for me (as I said, the novel was much better), I loved the collection. It introduced me to three new writers I had never before experienced and took me away to a number of entirely new worlds filled with romance and love.

The paranormal spin on the romances in this collection is a little less potent than what I’m used to. Most of the paranormal romance tales that I read have a heavy emphasis on the paranormal, and the romance (and often lust) occurs as a secondary plot line. With Lover Beware, the romance was first and foremost. It was fun and interesting. It made me believe in true love again and also gave me a great, romantic lustful story, or four to think about.

 <- Only Human Review Magic in the Wind Review ->
Image source: Fantastic Fiction

After Midnight by Fiona Brand

Book Review, , ,

Overview

lover-bewareTitle: After Midnight
Author: Fiona Brand
In: Lover Beware (Christine Feehan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Books
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: The rusted hinges of his white picket gate creaked as Tucker pushed it wide.

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Synopsis

Between two strangers… Sometimes one glance is all it takes. And sometimes all it takes is one man to tear apart what fate – and desire – have brought together…

Thoughts

Sometimes it’s nice to curl up with a good, cliché romance. If it reads a little like a Mills and Boon novel, then it’s also nice. If you don’t have a tiny beagle trying to lick your face in all the good bits like I did… talk about awkward.

They say that opposites attract. And also that sometimes lone glance is all that it takes. For Jane and Michael, both of these clichés ring true. For seven years, they have fought their attraction, and when they might finally be able to act on their feelings… well, crime and mayhem rears it’s ugly head and threatens to destroy everything.

So much of this story was the lust and the windup to the big moment. The crime that weaves its way throughout this sleepy New Zealand town just helps to up the stakes. The storm scene that brings the climax of the tale (in more ways than one) crashes through and highlights not only the stakes, but the passion and excitement that this story brings. My only complaint about this is that it was a little too short, and I would dearly love to visit Jane and Michael again.

 <- Hot August Moon Review Only Human Review ->
Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Bridge of Snow by Marie Rutkoski

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Bridge of SnowTitle: Bridge of Snow
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Series: The Winner’s Trilogy #0.5
In: Kisses & Curses (Lauren Burniae)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: His shoulders were rigid, his face tight.

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Synopsis

Ignore the stirrings of war. Let the carriage to a royal ball wait. There is a story to be told: of a starless night, a mother and her sick son, and a mortal who falls in love with the snow god, and will do anything to have her…

Thoughts

I really like stories that are retellings of traditional tales. Those tales that tell you how the milkyway was formed, how the emu got its name (one of the versions is really quite funny if you have a chance to look it up)… those kinds of tales. And apparently, according to this short story’s introduction, so does Rutkoski. Which was an incredibly fun and pleasant surprise for me. And now I get to start a new, exciting series that I have never heard of before! (Yes, there is a very good chance that I have a book shopping problem…)

The setting of Bridge of Snow is incredibly sweet. It’s the typical scene of a mother telling her child a bedtime story, and gives the entire tale (and the hint of its tragic end) a very loving and surreal feeling. Kind of like when there’s a power cut and you used to curl up by the fire with your family, just enjoying the flickering of the flames and the peace of being in a place that you know you are loved. The contrast provided by the tale that is told not only has slightly lingering overtones of The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson, but a flavour entirely of its own.

Just reading this short story throws you into an incredible world where a mother’s love for her son is highlighted and the tragedy of his future is glimpsed at. I definitely can’t wait to begin reading The Winner’s Curse.

 <- Glitches Review Dynamite Junior Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

North Child by Edith Pattou

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

North ChildTitle: North Child
Author: Edith Pattou
Series: East #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fairy tales, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Usborne
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: Nils Erland set out for Danemark, where he hoped to make his way, and Selme Eva married an ironworker and moved with him to a village in Njord far distant from us.

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Synopsis

Superstition says that children born facing north will travel far from home, and Rose’s mother is terrified that Rose, a north child, will face a lonely, icy death if she follows her destiny. But Rose is unaware of this, so when an enormous white bear appears and wants to take her away she agrees to his bargain.

Rose travels on the bear’s back to a mysterious castle where a silent stranger appears to her night after night. Overwhelmed by curiosity, Rose does something that has terrible consequences. Now she must embark on an epic journey to save the one she loves and fulfil her true destiny.

As familiar and moving as Beauty and the Beast, yet infused with freshness and originality, North Child is at once lyrical, exciting and memorable, a sweeping story of grand proportions.

Thoughts

I loved this book the first time I read it. And then, I was so mixed in my emotions this second time. But, once I get sucked into Pattou’s amazing world, I was hooked. Again. And completely drowned myself in the words that she continuously spread across the page.

Although when I first read this story, I thought it was based on Beauty and the Beast, but I have since discovered that this story is based on a Norwegian folk tale. And somehow this just makes it so much better. The intricacies of the tale and storyline and the stark difference to a fairy tale that I know well make a lot more sense when understood through a Norwegian lens. Or at least, it is a lot more enthralling and leads me to a greater fascination for a culture I’ve had little exposure to.

I often get kind of frustrated with stories that flick between points of view. Normally I get really attached to just one of the characters and then all I want is to know more about his / her point of view. Somehow it works for this tale though. Flicking between Neddy, Rose, Father, White Bear and the Troll Queen shows the many finely woven aspects of this tale. And although you are sometimes swept away from a character that you love, you’re quickly swept into an entirely new tale that wraps you up in its spell.

Anyone that wants a sweet romance with a strong female, this is the story you should pick up. It brings to life a number of gorgeous, glacial settings that Rose must battle through to save what she loves most. But the overtones of folklore make this even sweeter and somehow more innocent.

 <- More Edith Pattou’s reviews West Review ->
Image source: Pinterest

Unstolen by Jessica Brody

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Kisses and Curses

Title: Unstolen
Author: Jessica Brody
Series: Unremembered #1.1
In: Kisses & Curses (Lauren Burniae)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Romance, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: How could they think it wouldn’t scar her permanently?

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Synopsis

An extra scene from the Unremembered series, showing how the stolen memories were obtained.

Thoughts

This is kind of a deleted scene from a series that I haven’t had a chance to read yet. Or really, hadn’t heard of before I read this. Having said that, I did really enjoy it – so it means that it has become quite likely that I will buy Unremembered and actually begin this series.

Unstolen showed a young boy trying to help his love, and fighting for it. But in a very unique way. After all, this story has a very SciFi feel to it, and nothing can be straight forward in a SciFi. I liked the idea of memories stored on a computer and the young boy being completely immersed in another’s feelings and emotions. Also the way in which he constantly felt like he was intruding, even though he was doing this to help somebody that he deeply cared about. I can’t wait to see how this overlaps with the first novel in this series!

<- UnrememberedUndiscovered ->

Image source: Goodreads

Monster Crush by Anna Banks and Emmy Laybourne

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Kisses and CursesTitle: Monster Crush
Author: Anna Banks & Emmy Laybourne
In: Kisses & Curses (Lauren Burniae)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: But she would call them, and tell them she was staying in Colorado forever.

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Synopsis

Monster Crush is the tale of a young woman falling in love for the first time – with a Sasquatch. Told in the form of Twitter posts between two authors, it is incredibly unique and fun to read.

Thoughts

This was one of the most unique short stories I have ever read. Actually, it’s one of the most unique stories I’ve ever read period. Originally, this story was a twitter feed. And it is written as such – both Banks and Laybourne write their 140 character part and the tale is slowly spun.

I liked this story – it features the sasquatch after all. And somebody falling in love with him. And it’s just generally cute and simple. I like a good love story. And the unique way in which it’s told. And the great storyline all worked beautifully together to create a fantastic canvas upon which this journey can be taken.

 <- Dynamite Junior Review Fixer Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Magic Flutes by Eva Ibbotson

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Magic FlutesTitle: Magic Flutes
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, History, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Picador
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Charles was heir to a baronetcy and a famous estate in Wiltshire; she accepted him and had to endure the four years’ martyrdom that followed his injury in Flanders.

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Synopsis

SPRING 1922

Tessa is a beautiful, tiny, dark-eyed princess who’s given up her duties to follow her heart, working backstage at the Viennese opera. No one there knows who she really is or that a fairy-tale castle is missing its princess – and Tessa is determined to keep it that way.

But secret lives can be complicated. When a wealthy handsome Englishman discovers this bewitching urchin backstage, Tessa’s two worlds collide – and in escaping her inheritance, she finds her destiny…

Thoughts

An Austrian princess, a millionaire and an opera, what better setting and couple for a romance? The fact that it is based in Venice in 1922 and features some of the most enchanting imagery I’ve read in a while? It’s just beautiful. This is such a heart-warmingly sweet story that I finished it inside a day. Actually, I refused to do any of the work that I have piling up simply because I wanted to bury myself in the beauty and the romance of this tale.

I like Tessa – she is constantly described as waif-like. And, initially, she is seen as being weak and quiet. A silent almost pushover like woman. Yet, as the story develops, her quiet demeanour reveals a backbone of steel. Even in love and lost to the world that she knows and loves, she is able to hold her head high. At least in public, the heartache of unrequited love and finding one’s soul mate is so beautifully tragic. And sweet. And kind. And just, in general, heart breakingly gooshy.

Actually, I struggle to find the words for this novel. It is filled with a great (if not predictable) love story. The stunningly described backdrop, the slow realisation that the two are in love and the constant challenges thrown in their way take you on an amazing journey. The fact that there is a historical setting and an understanding of the cultural and social outlay at the time. It just makes the story all the better, and far more enthralling to read.

 <- A Company of Swans Review The Morning Gift Review ->
Image source: Amazon

A Company of Swans by Eva Ibbotson

Book Review, , ,

Overview

A Company of SwansTitle: A Company of Swans
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, History, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Picador
Year: 1985
5th sentence, 74th page: Of late, too, there had been competition from other and younger dancers – from Pavlova, who had also come to Europe; from the divine Karsavina, Diaghilev’s darling, who with Nijinsky had taken the West by storm.

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Synopsis

FOR HARRIET MORTON, BALLET IS THE ONLY ESCAPE FROM HER DREARY HOME AND STRICT FAMILY. THEN A RUSSIAN BALLET MASTER COMES SEARCHING FOR DANCERS…

Defying her father, Harriet runs away to join the ballet on a journey to the Amazon. In a grand opera house, deep in the heart of the wild jungle, she performs Swan Lake – and falls in love with a mysterious British exile. But Harriet’s father has tracked her down… and her new life is under threat.

Thoughts

This is the last Eva Ibbotson book on my shelf. The last one that I have read (this year). I’ve read them all at least three times. And it’s kind of a nice note to end her five adult books on. Harriet is probably the most urchin-like and innocent of the five heroines. And her journey to romance is both the sweetest and the most tragic.

Everyone feels a little supressed by the expectations of their parents. But, in Harriet’s case, this takes a downright nasty and dangerous turn. Not being able to live or believe in anything seems like the worst possible life to me. Having people that don’t agree with anything that you wish for… there is this beautiful strength and passion that is to be found in Harriet. There is a line in this story about when she decides to finally give up on loving others. She has accepted that she won’t ever be loved, but it is the loss of giving love that provides a breaking point. This resonates beautifully with me. After all, receiving love might be easy, but giving it is the true pleasure.

Rom is probably the darkest and most British of the Ibbotson suitors. Or at least, the most mysterious. I love how his acknowledgement of Harriet’s innocence and purity ensures her safety, even while he plans a greater future for them both. His counterpart (Harriet’s original suitor) is so at odds with Rom and seems to highlight all of the worst things about a well-educated man. It is something that provides no end of entertainment throughout, and makes it incredibly easy to read this book in one night…

 <- A Song for Summer Review Magic Flutes Review ->
Image source: Books’ Are a Girl’s Best Friend

The Patron Saint of Pigs by Lauren Myracle

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Let It SnowTitle: The Patron Saint of Pigs
Author: Lauren Myracle
In: Let it Snow (John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Penguin UK
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: What would you like a sample of?

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Synopsis

The third story follows a girl named Addie, who is depressed because she broke up with her boyfriend Jeb. The backstory of her relationship with Jeb is told, about how the two had instantly fallen for each other, but that Addie had kept trying to change Jeb. This resulted in Jeb feeling inferior and the two fighting. After one fight Addie had gotten drunk and made out with someone else, telling Jeb it was over. Upset, Jeb had taken a train to meet his family on an Indian reservation, unaware that Addie has sent him an email apologizing and hoping to work things out. When he didn’t call or respond, Addie assumed that the relationship was over and cut her hair short and dyed it pink as a way to show that she wanted a change.

Thoughts

I think that every teenager is a little self-centred. Something about puberty, and angst and just generally growing older. We grow out of it pretty quickly. We realise that sometimes it’s just not about us. And in the case of Addie, it takes a pretty big kick up the bum for her to realise this. And, although this is still a Christmas romance, it’s more about her friendships and the girls who love her (and are willing to kick her).

Addie’s history with Jeb (who is met in both The Jubilee Express and A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle), but it’s Addie’s tale and her side of the story that makes it more understandable. Not exactly allowing her past acts to be excusable, but to be less vilifiable. Her morose reminiscing are only the beginning of the story though. Like her spunky pink hair, Addie finds a way to rally and, in finding her own Christmas angel, finds a way to become a better person.

 <- A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle Review Let it Snow Review ->
Image source: Better Reading