Rebecca Warren
This duo of holiday Urban Fantasy novellas is a mixed bag. I didn't like The Gift, but I loved Home for the Holidays. I'm not impressed with the Argeneau vampires, but I want to read more about Bones' and Cat's makeshift family.
Originally posted at rebeccasreadingcorner.blog.
Ellie Blix seems to see herself as the next coming of Mrs. Marple when she starts to investigate a former friend's suspicious death. That is all well and good. Unfortunately, she appears to be on the verge of a mental breakdown throughout most of the book. Nevertheless, a fun small-town cast keeps things interesting, with Sylvia as a standout that makes up for Ellie's shortcomings.
Originally posted at rebeccasreadingcorner.blog.
How the Dukes Stole Christmas is another anthology that didn't match my expectations. I have enjoyed stories from Tessa Dare and Sarah MacLean in the past, so I was hopeful that I would at least enjoy their novellas. Unfortunately, Tessa Dare's Meet Me in Mayfair was the only one I liked.
Originally posted at rebeccasreadingcorner.blog.
The great thing about anthologies entirely by an author I enjoy is that I know I will like all of the novellas, which is the case with this one. Mary Jo Putney's collection of Christmas stories shines. The stories were written between 1990 and 2002, but they all hold up well. I laughed, smiled, and ended the book wanting to read more.
Originally posted at rebeccasreadingcorner.blog.
Evan and Diana both have good reflexes, which is needed when they constantly react to others' whims and demands. It doesn't mean that they are pushovers. It's tough to stand up to your abusive father or say no to a capricious ruler who considers you a new favorite. But watching them muddle through and prevail is well worth it.
Originally posted at rebeccasreadingcorner.blog.
Overall, this anthology was much darker than I expected for a Christmas-themed collection. I rate 6 of the 15 stories one or two stars. Some of them are just disturbing while some are maudlin or angsty.
The only standouts in the book were from Carrie Vaughn, Patricia Briggs, and Karen Chance. The rest I could have done without reading.
I genuinely adore Mary Jo Putney's more mature leading characters. Randolph and Elizabeth know what they are doing as they travel through Naples and the surrounding countryside. Of course, that doesn't mean there are no misunderstandings, but they are not blindsided by their developing feelings.
They make a sweet couple as they move away from their past heartaches and towards a new future.
This is a delightful story about finding a family. Cases of mistaken identity don't always end well. Still, in this case, Mary Jo Putney has a beautiful way of making it all work. Jack's easygoing manner meshes well with the goings-on in Meg's home. Watching him enjoy the comforts of a family that he never had is one of the joys of this novella. Meg is a magnificent head of the household and ensures that everyone has a place, even after many disappointments, including losing her old house.
Everything clicked for me in this novella.
Charles and Anna are definitely hitting their stride in Hunting Ground. Of course, there are some bumps along the way, but they are a formidable team. Even when faced with some of the grumpiest Alphas in Europe.
Originally posted at rebeccasreadingcorner.blog.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Suzanne Enoch has a beautiful talent for crafting fun, entertaining tales with more than a touch of chaos. Something in the Heir is an excellent addition to that collection. Will and Emmie have their hands full, and it's a blast to watch.
Originally posted at rebeccasreadingcorner.blog.
Nadine has a beautiful talent for bringing her characters to life. Each is unique and brings a distinct voice and view to the Eubeltic realm.
Originally posted at rebeccasreadingcorner.blog.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I am a character-driven reader, and I adored how well all of the characters meshed in this book. Drew and Ilsa's wild romp takes them all over Scotland, and it's a fun ride the entire way.
Originally posted at rebeccasreadingcorner.blog.
The Last Wish is a uniquely compiled book that consists of short stories with over-arching interludes that connect them together. If you've watched the Netflix series, you will be familiar with several of these stories. It's well worth coming along for the ride with Geralt, Dandelion (Jaskier), and Yennefer.
Originally posted at rebeccasreadingcorner.blog.
I really like Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson books, so it is no wonder that I enjoy the intro to the spin-off Alpha & Omega series. It is short but shows a new aspect of this world. Charles and Anna are a fun, new couple with a different dynamic. As always, Patricia does not shy away from the aftermath of trauma. Anna is beaten down but blossoms once she knows that she has someone in her corner.
I look forward to reading more from this spin-off series.
Steampunk is not one of my usual genres, which led to this book languishing on my shelf for far too long. A unique, beautiful world, memorable characters, and action-packed battles kept me enthralled.
Originally posted at rebeccasreadingcorner.blog.
Sebastian and Bella are both trying to do what is best for their families. While Sebastian is less headstrong about it, he is well matched with vivacious Bella. I especially liked her take-charge attitude.
I did not expect much from a novella starring a mistakenly shared bed. Allegra and Baird grew on me, and I thoroughly enjoyed their journey beyond the pains of their pasts. Their hurts are very different, but they both find a way forward by leaning on each other.
This is a bittersweet tale of reunited love. A lot has happened in the six years that Karta and Dom have been separated. It's a slow burn as they relearn each other. The dramatic reveal was not one that I was expecting, which is a pleasant surprise.
This Victorian novella is a sweet romp in the snow. Angelica is a spirited miss who is not afraid of rushing off in her dressing gown to confront suspected peeping toms or throwing things at her brother when he annoys her. Ben is enchanted with her from their first face-to-face meeting, and their subsequent romance is fun to watch.
Stories starting with a bet usually end with a lot of annoying drama as the bet is discovered. This novella neatly sidesteps that trope as Holly leads Michael on a merry chase. I adored Holly's feistiness, which meshed well with Michael's (sometimes overbearing) protectiveness.
I loved how Lila and Vincent came together to make the best of a marriage that neither of them initially wanted. There is sweetness, tension, intrigue, and a dash of sorrow. There were some questions unanswered at the end, but they weren't enough to spoil my enjoyment.
Two fish-out-of-water come together in this fun and quirky novella. Ursula is determined to make her own way, fleeing from her controlling uncle and landing in the highlands as an etiquette tutor. Rye is floundering to find his feet after being called to Scotland to take over his uncle's title. There is plenty of mayhem and giggle-worthy moments (courtesy of the local animals) as they both struggle to land on their feet.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book is an enjoyable, witty read. Coll and Persephone make a great couple, which definitely keeps his mother and London on their toes. Whether running into or out of trouble, there's rarely a dull moment.
Originally posted at rebeccasreadingcorner.blog.
This book is a suspense-filled ride from start to finish. Whether dodging Black Friday shoppers or hunting down the people who took her pack, Mercy is on a mission. It is neat getting a better look at Mercy's world's politics as she toes the line between human and supernatural.
Originally posted at rebeccasreadingcorner.blog.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Nadine has a way of taking characters that would not usually be the main character and making their stories shine. Abigaia is a delightful main character, and her journey is a fantastic tale of finding home.
Originally posted at rebeccasreadingcorner.blog.