Book Review: In Between Spaces

Author: Rebecca Burke

Title: In Between Spaces

Genre: Anthology, Nonfiction, Short Stories, Poetry

Format: paperback

Pages: 264

Published: November 1, 2022

Where I got It: My shelf (Given as a gift)

Summary: 

In Between Spaces, Stillhouse Press’s first ever anthology, centers the experiences of thirty-three disabled poets, short-story writers, and essayists as they navigate the physical and emotional complexities of disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence, and mental illness. Compiled by an editorial team of disabled writers, this timely collection of often-overlooked voices celebrates joy, freedom, and the power of agency, while at the same time confronting and challenging the stigmas and barriers, visible and invisible, that too often come to define life with a disability.

Review:

Someone gave this to me as a gift a while back and I'm finally diving in!

This is a collection of 33 pieces of work from people with disabilities. From poems to short stories to essays. These all navigate the physical and emotional complexities of disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence, and mental illness. 

I took my time with this because I wanted to enjoy each and every story. I found myself re-reading some of the passages since they were just so good. 

There was for sure a huge variety of style and messaging. I really enjoyed that! You never knew what story would be told next and in what format. Refreshing!

Not sure if I could really pick a favorite though since they were all good. Maybe the poems? I have a soft-spot for a well written poem! Especially if the format and style is different and unique....count me in!!! There wasn't any I didn't like which is RARE for an anthology. They were all good on some level. 

All-in-all, this will make you think, make you smile, make you want to cry. The poems were especially good, but everything else was good too. I for sure recommend this. 5/5 stars! 

Audiobook Review: Poirot Investigates by Agatha Christie

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Richard Armitage

Title: Poirot Investigates

Series: Hercule Poirot #3

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Classic, Short stories, Anthology

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 1, 1924

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

First there was the mystery of the film star and the diamond... then came the “suicide” that was murder... the mystery of the absurdly cheap flat...a suspicious death in a locked gun room... a million dollar bond robbery... the curse of a pharaoh’s tomb... a jewel robbery by the sea... the abduction of a prime minister... the disappearance of a banker... a phone call from a dying man... and, finally, the mystery of the missing will.

What links these fascinating cases? Only the brilliant deductive powers of Hercule Poirot!

Review: 

This is a collection of mini mysteries that Poirot takes on. I remember reading a couple of these years and years ago, but it'll be fun to re-read those and to read some of the others!

We'll divide and conquer these. 

1) The Adventure of 'The Western Star'

I had read this little one years ago. So I remembered, slightly, what happened. The mystery was slightly obvious, but it is good. I think I liked this more than when I first read it. 4 stars. 

2) The Tragedy of Marsdon Manor

The ending and resolution of this one was clever!!!! Loved it. Such a nice mystery and it feels that Poirot is coming into his own. This should be made into a movie (or at least a part of the movie). 5 stars. 

3) The Adventure of the Cheap Flat

Eh. I feel like this was the weakest of them all. It was still intriguing in its own way, but meh. I found my attention drifting during this one. What even happened at the end? I can't remember.....*googles* oh, yes. Okay. 2 stars. 

4) The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge

Shoot. I didn't right down my thoughts about this (or type it up). Mmmm. Forgettable I guess. I don't remember a thing. Shouldn't I remember SOMETHING even though I didn't write any notes?1 star

5) The Million Dollar Bond Robbery

Oooooo Hercule. So clever. So NOT humble. I love it. This was a fun one. The ending and solution was a little on the nose. 4 stars

6) The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb

I think this is one of my favorites of the whole collection. Cool location, neat crime, great solution....5 stars yes

7) The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan

A cute gem! I liked this one a lot. 5 stars as well. 

8) The Kidnapped Prime Minister

Eh. This started of great but the solution was meh. Sort of anti-climatic. And honestly? Predictable in one way. It was still enjoyable for the majority of the time.  3 stars

9) The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim

Oh!!!! I remember this one! I struggled a little bit back then but I liked this one much more now. 4 stars. 

10) The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman

This was okay. I just wish it was longer. The solution seemed easily resolved. 3 stars

11) The Case of the Missing Will

Fun. I enjoyed this one. A nice conclusion. 4 stars. 

12) The Veiled Lady

Mmmmmm. I barely remember this one and I was just listening to it. 2 stars

13) The Lost Mine

Another just okay one. I think it needed more time to marinate. 3 stars 

14) The Chocolate Box

Awwww I liked this one. It was a nice ending to this collection. It went back to when our boy was a...well....boy. He was young and just getting into being a detective. The ending was great. 5 stars. 

Overall/Narrator

This was overall a lot of fun. The narrator is fantastic of course. Some greats...some misses. Overall it was totally worth it if you like Hercule and his mysteries. 

*does complicated math* I'll give this 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Entertaining

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #54

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Christmas and Other Horrors

By: Ellen Datlow - editor

Narrated by: Carrie Coello, Andrew J. Andersen

Length: 13 hrs and 9 mins

Release date: 03-19-24

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Horror/short stories/to review

A lot of short stories. All about different things too. We have Xmas, we have solstice, Hannukah. Lots of winter holidays, and lots of different monsters that show up. I still think those Austrian ones were the creepiest.

Some were better, some were meh, but that is the thing with an anthology. Some were not scary at all, some had some horror in them. Though none made me look at the window in fear.

But I do like short stories in audio. I really do. They work so well, a fast listen and on to the next one.

It was the same narrator, but I was so immersed in the stories that I didn´t really think about it. So she did well there. Same with the man.

"The Importance of a Tidy Home" by Christopher Golden:

A creepy tale about what happens if you have not cleaned your house before xmas.

"The Ones He Takes" by Benjamin Percy:

A sad xmas turns into a happy ones and then horror

"His Castle" by Alma Katsu:

I liked this one. A little twist to what happens in Wales on xmas

"The Mawkin Field" by Terry Dowling:

I am not really syre if I understood this one fully, I think, but, what? Not scary either

"The Blessing of the Waters" by Nick Mamatas

Another not scary one about a runaway inmate and blessed waters

"Dry and Ready" by Glen Hirshberg:

It took me a while to get it, but yes no eerie feels here before the boom at the end

"Last Drinks at Bondi Beach" by Garth Nix:

I liked this one. I wondered about a few things. It could have been longer. Never scary though

"Return to Bear Creek Lodge" by Tananarive Due:

I wondered about things here too. Like wtf was that thing? I want to know

"The Ghost of Christmases Past" by Richard Kadrey:

I had no idea where this was going, and it went dark

"Our Recent Unpleasantness" by Stephen Graham Jones:

This just had me confused what was happening.

"All the Pretty People" by Nadia Bulkin:

Kind of wanted more blood

"Löyly Sow-na" by Josh Malerman:

A story set in Finland, and all in the sauna. No xmas feels here. Just some wood demons I know nothing about

"Cold" by Cassandra Khaw:

I managed to fall asleep to it twice

"Gravé of Small Birds" by Kaaron Warren:

Same with this one, I feel asleep twice. Dunno why

"The Visitation" by Jeffrey Ford:

Interesting one. Creepy ending

"The Lord of Misrule" by M. Rickety:

A slow start, then it turned creepier

"No Light, No Light" by Gemma Files:

Could have been better

"After Words" by John Langan:

Confusing, but meant to be so

The winter solstice is celebrated as a time of joy around the world—yet the long nights also conjure a darker tradition of ghouls, hauntings, and visitations. This anthology of all-new stories invites you to huddle around the fire and revel in the unholy, the dangerous, the horrific aspects of a time when families and friends come together—for better and for worse.

From the eerie Austrian Schnabelperchten to the skeletal Welsh Mari Lwyd, by way of ravenous golems, uncanny neighbors, and unwelcome visitors, Christmas and Other Horrors captures the heart and horror of the festive season.

Because the weather outside is frightful, but the fire inside is hungry . . .

Book Review: Shoot the Horses First by Leah Angstman

Author: Leah Angstman

Title: Shoot the Horses First

Genre: Historical Fiction, Short Stories, Anthology

Format: Paperback

Pages: 238

Published: February 28, 2023

Where I Got It: My Shelf (Given a complimentary copy after the book tour)

Summary: 

Through a historian’s lens and folkloric storytelling, the pieces in SHOOT THE HORSES FIRST revel in the nuances, brutality, mythology, and tiny victories of our historical past. A launderer takes us inside the linens of the richest families in early Baltimore. A child on the Orphan Train has his teeth inspected like a horse. Civil War soldiers experience PTSD. While one woman lands on an island of the Wampanoag tribe, a woman 200 years later finds Apache in a harsh frontier. Children survive yellow fever, the desert heat, and mistaken identities; men survive severed fingers, untested medicines, and wives with obsessive compulsive disorders. Frederick Douglass’ grandson plays violin at the World’s Fair on Colored American Day, a woman with disabilities is kept hidden away like she doesn’t exist, and a botanist is denied her place in a science journal because she is female. Themes of place, war, mental illness, identity, disability, feminism, and unyielding optimism throughout harrowing desperation resurface in this collection of stories that takes us back to time immemorial, yet feels so close, and all too familiar.

Review:

Been meaning to read this since I was given this as a gift, but you know how life gets ;) 

This is a collection of short stories that do not really tie into each other so you can read these individually which I appreciated. Normally with anthologies, I break down each short story. I am not going to do that. 1) There are 16 of them. 2) Some are soooo short. Maybe a page or two while others are pages and pages. 3) I am lazy and tired. 

Honestly, this was a nice collection of stories. We got to see different time periods and different types of characters. Some stories are feel-good. Some deeper. Some sad. Some...confusing. A nice variety overall. 

There are a couple that really, really stuck with me. I would LOVE to read more. 

Like 'The Orphan Train'....I NEED MORE! WHAT HAPPENS TO THAT POOR KID?!

'Casting Grand Titans'....WHAT! OMG. I have hopes and thoughts, but what does she decide???? I understand why she was upset BUT it was that time. I truly think he did what he thought was best. Ugh. This could be a full novel for shizzle. 

'In Name Only'.....this was good. I wanted to cry and cheer and scream. So many feels. 

'A Lifetime of Fishes'.....another one that should be a full-length novel. Probably my favorite of this whole collection. 

'The Desert Jewel'....this one surprised me. It started off meh but then TWIST and I ended up loving it. Can't blame him. 

Now, it did take me forever to get through this. Not because it was bad...it was all on me. I wanted to take my time with this guy. Some of these stories were super impactful so I wanted to take my time like this was a dry wine. Slow and steady. 

In the end, I highly recommend this. It was really good. Some stories were better than others, but there wasn't one I didn't like. 4 stars from me. 

Audiobook Review: Halloween Cupcake Murder

Author: Carlene O'Connor, Carol J. Perry, & Liz Ireland

Narrator: Daniela Acitelli
Title: Halloween Cupcake Murder

Series: Irish Village Mystery #9.5 - Halloween Cupcake Murder

Genre: Anthology, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Holiday, fantasy
Published: August 22, 2023

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

A trio of sweet-toothed Halloween cozy mystery tales by nationally bestselling authors.

HALLOWEEN CUPCAKE MURDER by CARLENE O'CONNOR

With Galway’s Halloween Mystery Tour only a few days away, Tara Meehan is scouring the town’s curiosity shops for spooky decorations to draw tourists into her architectural salvage store. But when a stranger appears in her shop bearing a cryptic cupcake and an ominous message, Tara suddenly finds herself tangled in a mystery with ancient Gaelic roots, but very modern—and very deadly—consequences . . .

 

MRS. CLAUS AND THE CANDY CORN CAPER by LIZ IRELAND

Christmastown is pulling out all the stops for their Halloween celebration, planning a huge carnival with rides, games, and a candy corn-themed bake-off! But the sweet theme stokes the bitterest of rivalries amongst the elves, until tragedy strikes at Santaland’s newest bakery. The only clue is a cupcake, leaving Mrs. Claus to sort through tricks and treats as she races to unmask a Halloween fiend . . .

 

A TRIPLE LAYER HALLOWEEN MURDER by CAROL J. PERRY

Every October, Salem plunges into a month-long celebration of Halloween and WICH-TV’s Lee Barrett can’t wait to cover the festivities. But rumors swirl after a wealthy bakery owner goes missing—and his beloved cat, Cupcake, is found—under mysterious circumstances. Now, amid Salem’s wicked revelry, Lee must conjure clues to reveal the missing millionaire . . . or the truth about his disappearance . . .

Review:

This is perrrrrect for the Halloween season! Yayy for anthologies!

Halloween Cupcake Murder by Carlene O'Connor

Story 1! 

Galway's Halloween Mystery Tour is only a few days away and Tara is scouring the town's curiosity shops for some decorations. She will find herself entangled in a murder mystery all thanks to a cupcake.

This is book a million in the series, but it worked well as a standalone. I wouldn't have know this was a series until near the end. I missed a lot of backstory between our Tara and some others. Still didn't ruin the story for me. Just the ending didn't mean as much to me as it would've. Still adorbs tho. 

But yessss this was a fun mystery. Nice and cozy and spooky. Perfect for Halloween! 

The narrator.....was okay. Maybe I'll warm up to her in the next....

4 stars. 

MRS. CLAUS AND THE CANDY CORN CAPER by LIZ IRELAND

Christmas town is going hard for Halloween! Between a huge carnival, games, and a candy corn-themed bake-off...this is going to be a Halloween to remember! However, tragedy strikes at the new bakery. The only clue is a cupcake. It will be up to Mrs.Claus to find the killer.

This was simply adorable. OKAY, not the murder, but the whole premise. I love this village and I love Mrs. Claus and the whole crew. I will def want to backtrack and read more. So much fun. 

The mystery was good. Lots of twists and suspects. Every suspect had a motive. I was right in my guess....but I was not 100% sure.

Same narrator as the last one. Still slightly monotone in parts. Slightly better here though...or was I just getting used to it? Mmmmm.

I'll give this a 5 even with the monotone. The story, mystery, and characters were just that sweet to override the bitter. ;) 

A TRIPLE LAYER HALLOWEEN MURDER by CAROL J. PERRY

Halloween strikes Salem! The town of Salem loves Halloween and so does Lee Barrett. She can't wait to cover the festivities. However, rumors are taking the town by storm with the disappearance of a wealthy bakery owner and his cat. When Cupcake the cat is found under mysterious circumstances, Lee will conjure clues to figure out where the baker is and find out the truth.

This started out strong. I love the cat. I love the sprinkle of magic. The mystery was mysterious..........however......I was slightly meh by the end. I was intrigued enough to stay, but I wasn't blown away or really cared about the baker. Yes, yes, all human life is important and all, but that baker was super sus. I found myself zoning out in parts and would have to back up the player. 

This one was just okay by the end. And it was the same narrator so it was monotone in parts. 

I'll give this 2 stars. 

OVERALL

This was a very nice collection of Halloween cozy mysteries! Def worth the read. The narrator was pretty monotone for me, so I think I would've enjoyed this much more as a read instead. But that could just be me. Maybe you'll like her voice more. I loved listening to this while decorating for my Halloween party! 

After doing complicated and spooky math, it would be a 3.6....so I rounded up to a 4. :)

 

Challenge(s):

- #42 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Rogues Rush In

Author: Tessa Dare & Christi Caldwell

Narrator: Justine Eyre
Title: Rogues Rush In

Genre: Historical Romance, Anthology, Novella, Short Stories
Published: May 22, 2018

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Two scandalous brides...

Two rogues who won’t be denied...

His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare

It’s the first rule of friendship among gentlemen: Don’t even think about touching your best friend’s sister. But Sebastian, Lord Byrne, has never been one for rules. He’s thought about touching Mary Clayton—a lot—and struggled to resist temptation. But when Mary’s bridegroom leaves her waiting the altar, only Sebastian can save her from ruin. By marrying her himself.

In eleven years, he’s never laid a finger on his best friend’s sister. Now he’s going to take her with both hands. To have, to hold...and to love.

His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell

It was never meant to be…

That’s what Elizabeth Terry has told herself while trying to forget the man she married--her once best friend. Passing herself off as a widow, Elizabeth has since built a life for herself as an instructor at a finishing school, far away from that greatest of mistakes. But the past has a way of finding you, and now that her husband has found her, Elizabeth must face the man she’s tried to forget.

It was time to right a wrong…

Crispin Ferguson, the Duke of Huntington, has spent the past years living with regret. The young woman he married left without a by-your-leave, and his hasty elopement had devastating repercussions. Despite everything, Crispin never stopped thinking about Elizabeth. Now that he’s found her, he has one request—be his duchess, publicly, just for a day.

Can spending time together as husband and wife rekindle the bond they once shared? Or will a shocking discovery tear them apart...this time, forever?

Review:

2-in-1! Always fun. 

His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare

Sebastian, Mary, and Mary's brother have been friends for years. After Mary's brother died tragically in the war and Mary's father gone too, Sebastian stepped in to be Mary's rock. And that involves fixing what has happened after Mary is left at the alter. In order to save Mary's reputation, he decides to marry Mary himself. 

This one was good. Friends to lovers. Always a blast. 

That twist, though, I didn't like. I won't spoil anything, but I'm glad that last-minute drama didn't ruin everything. I'm glad they could move one decently quick. Still annoyed me though. Kinda unnecessary story-wise....and to be frank....it seemed odd for the character who did it. 

Awwwwwww that epilogue made me giggle. So freakin' sweet!!!!!

The narrator is fantastic as per normal. 

Still a nice fun one overall. 3 stars though. 

His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell

Second chances!!! Another fun trope IF done well. 

Elizabeth and Crispin have been friends since they were kids. They got married very very young. Elizabeth ran off after hearing a certain conversation and a misunderstanding took place...for 10 years. Crispin needs his wife back in order to keep away the match-making mamas and desperate young ladies. He happens to find her making a living as a teacher. After striking a deal for her to come back for one ball, they two find themselves finally getting the talk they need. And of course, love will flood back in. 

I liked this one. However, I was annoyed at the 10 years of separation (10??????? too many years) and how Crispin was acting like a rogue, but he really wasn't a rogue (what?). And then the end twist? Eh. Not needed. Glad it was a quick fix, but still......

But I liked Elizabeth and Crispin. They are so fit for each other and they def should've waited to marry. They were young and dumb. I think the 10 years apart did them well overall. They were able to find themselves and grow up so they COULD talk. 

Fun narrator. She is always awesome. Good pick to read both of these. 

In the end, it was still fun and lovely to see these two TALK and find love again. Somethings seemed messy and not needed, but thus is life, eh? 3 stars.

Overall

I enjoyed both. These authors are always a blast. Some minor complaints, but I loved the stories. One was a friends-to-lover trope which has a key to my heart. The second is a second chance and it worked (second chances are always rocky for me). Great narration. Def recommend it if you like this genre or any of these authors. 3 stars overall. 

 

Challenge(s):

- #40 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: Louisiana Saturday Night by AL Vincent

Author: AL Vincent

Title: Louisiana Saturday Night

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella, Short Story, Anthology

Format: ebook

Pages: 94

Published: June 26, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Run away to the Gulf Coast...

Come sit on the front porch with everyone's Aunt Glinda and have a glass of tea or a strong cup of Cajun coffee. Sit and enjoy the views and the company of the locals of Bon Chance and Lafayette. Stop by one of the local shops for lunch or dinner and enjoy the daily special. After, stop by the local watering hole and let the bartender serve you up your favorite drink. Nighttime entertainment? We've got that too. From festivals to live music to a quiet game of pool, we've got you covered. During football season, you can always find a place to watch your favorite team. We have a little something here for everyone, and we can't wait to share it with you.

Come pass a good time with the Boonies of Bon Chance!

"Blue Jeans and Gemstones"

Fiesty business owner, Gemma St. John, spends her days building "Bite Me," her sandwich shop. After a bitter divorce, the last thing she's looking for is a tall, dark Cajun man to complicate her life. However, a few spins on the dance floor with Jasper Leblanc sends her senses reeling. Will Jasper prove to be the man to finally treasure her heart?

"Saving Grace"

Rescued in a New Orleans alley, Furby has been Grace's comfort and constant companion. After he is injured, his fearless personality and determination encourages Grace to let go of the past and embrace the future with Gabriel.

"Saved by the Bell"

As a female football coach, Taylor Campbell has spent her career proving herself with no time for herself or a relationship. Making the state high school playoffs brings her to New Orleans and back to Luke Walker, her college boyfriend. The enchanting Chateau Rouge Hotel has a few plans to make sure these two former lovers have the chance to rekindle that old flame. Will Taylor win the playoffs and the heart of a coach?

Review:

MORE FREEBIES! I had to pick this one up because it is set in Louisiana. I've been missing my New Orleans honeymoon. Sighsss.

- Blue Jeans and Gemstones

I liked Gemma and I did like Jasper. However, I didn't like them together to be frank here. Maybe we need more time with them to see the love. Yes, yes, the lust is there, but I didn't FEEL it. More time is needed for me. 2 stars. 

- Saving Grace

This my absolute favorite one. I loved them and I loved that dog!! Soooo good. I feel like I could read a full length of them, but I am completely satisfied with the short story too. I shall stamp this one with a 5.

- Saved by the Bell

This one was cute. I loved the mix of Football. I also loved the fact that Taylor (the heroine of the story) is the football coach instead of the dude. It was a nice twist! Love it! And omg that hotel reminded me of the one I stayed at. Sighssss this gave me such FOMO. I want to go back! I'll give this one 5 stars too. 

OVERALL

I really enjoyed this short story, short anthology. Honestly...I wish there were more in it! It gave a nice taste of NOLA and Louisiana. I would like to read more by this author and more romances set down there. Such a romantic place! I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Book Review: Girl Country by Jacqueline Vogtman

Author: Jacqueline Vogtman

Title: Girl Country

Genre: Anthology, Short stories, Fiction, Fantasy

Format: Paperback

Pages: 200

Published: May 16, 2023

Where I Got It: My shelf (Publisher/author for my unbiased and honest opinion)

Summary: 

A near-future farmer battling environmental crises takes in

a mysterious girl he finds on the roadside. A bus driver navigates through treacherous weather and memories of her tragic past as she races to save children from the end of the world. A woman keeps giving birth to children from different time periods. And a woman struggles with her young daughter mysteriously transforming into something wild and unruly, confronting themes of motherhood and family.

In Girl Country , stories range from medieval Belgium to the near-future of the American Midwest, populated by

mothers and monsters, mermaids and milkmaids, nuns and bus drivers—women in

every walk of life, but particularly working-class women, navigating the

intersection of the mundane and the magical. Perfect for fans of Orange World

and Animal Wife , these are stories about women with teeth—wild and

alive.

Review:

There is something about that cover that had me wanting to read the summary. Once I read the summary I KNEW I had to check this book out. Plus I can't remember when I last read an anthology...it has been a hot min....

Girl Country

This was one heck of an opener. It was really good, but also really, really sad. I wish we got more! Oof, that ending and those poor women? Creepppppyyyyyy! 4 stars

Once Bound for Earth

Again...I want more from this one! I feel like this could be a full story. What happens next???????? But yes, very good. Liked it a lot. I especially love that moment at the end between our heroine and another character. It did make me smile. 4 stars

Children and Other Artifacts 

Honestly...I think this is one of my favorites. It is such a wild story. Weird and strange, but it has a strong message at the end. Very different and interesting. 5 stars. 

A Love Letter From Very Far Away

Awwwwwww this made me tear up a tiny bit. The ending was a surprise but not at the same time. Hard to explain. When something was mentioned I guessed what was going to happen, but I didn't expect WHAT happened. Again...you gotta read it ;) 5 stars. 

When The Tree Grows This High

This one was really good. It was more simple than the other ones. It was just about a girl navigating life during The Great War. It was sad and bittersweet. 5 stars. 

BI6Foot

I started off not really liking this one. I found myself wanting to skim. However, I was shocked by the twist and ended up liking it more than I thought I would. 3 stars. 

The Hall of Human Origins

I honestly had to stop reading for a few after this one. This one truly makes me think and I took some time to mull this one over. Honestly, this one would be a good one to discuss with others. I'll give it 4 stars. 

Wilder Family

This was a super sad one. It was super weird too and oddly bittersweet. I did like it, but when the end happened all I kept thinking was, "HOW ON EARTH DO YOU TELL EVERYONE?" That's a conversation I would like to listen to. 4 stars. 

Jubilee Year

Not sure why I didn't connect more to this. It had everything I would like, but it fell a little flat. 2 stars.

The Mermaid and the Pornographer

I didn't expect to like this one so much. I wasn't sure what I felt at first, but as the story went along it was tragic and then the ending was fitting. But yes, surprisingly good. 4 stars.

The Preservation of Objects Lost at Sea

This was a nice way to end the collection. I liked this one. The ending was good but it did take a moment for me to get sucked into the story. 4 stars.

Overall, I really did like this collection of stories. There was only one that I didn't like or love. But the majority are good! I def recommend this if you like a mix of genres and stories that have some good twists and turns. Doing some complicated math, I will stamp this with 4 stars. 

DNF - The Dragon Griaule by Lucius Shepard

Author: Lucius Shepard

Title: The Dragon Griaule

Series: Dragon Griaule

Genre: Fantasy, Anthology, Short Stories, SciFi

Format: ebook

Pages: 432 

Published: May 31, 2012

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

More than twenty-five years ago, Lucius Shepard introduced us to a remarkable fictional world, a world separated from our own “by the thinnest margin of possibility.” There, in the mythical Carbonales Valley, Shepard found the setting for “The Man Who Painted the Dragon Griaule,” the classic account of an artist—Meric Cattanay—and his decades long effort to paint—and kill—a dormant, not quite dead dragon measuring 6,000 feet from end to end. The story was nominated for multiple awards and is now recognized as one of its author’s signature accomplishments.

Over the years, Shepard has revisited this world in a number of brilliant, independent narratives that have illuminated the Dragon’s story from a variety of perspectives. This loosely connected series reached a dramatic crossroads in the astonishing novella, “The Taborin Scale”. The Dragon Griaule now gathers all of these hard to find stories into a single generous volume. The capstone of the book—and a particular treat for Shepard fans—is “The Skull,” a new 40,000 word novel that advances the story in unexpected ways, connecting the ongoing saga of an ancient and fabulous beast with the political realities of Central America in the 21st century. Augmented by a group of engaging, highly informative story notes, The Dragon Griaule is an indispensable volume, the work of a master stylist with a powerful—and always unpredictable—imagination.

Review:

Okay - so this was an Amazon freebie I got a few months ago. Decided to finally give this a read. 

This is a collection of shorts that take place in this fictional world. 

Did I miss something? Are there other books? I'm sure there are, but I had no idea going into this bad boy. Got this for free. I get the shorts tied into one another, but I couldn't help feeling like I was missing something. 

I never got hooked. I kept skimming and skimming and skimming. Nothing got me. I believe I got to about 42% or something like that before I shut the ebook and began downloading my next read. Yes, I think I am done. Maybe it is a me thing? Maybe I am the problem? The writing seemed okay, but I just could not get into this no matter how I tried. At one point when I opened the book, it opened up a couple pages before my bookmark and I didn't even realize so I obviously didn't obtain what I had read. Maybe I'll revisit it one day? Mmm.

So yes, DNF. Onto the next.   

Book Review: Countdown to a Kiss

Author: Colleen Gleason, Holli Bertram, Mara Jacobs, Liz Kelly

Title: Countdown To A Kiss

(Heroes of Henderson #0.5)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Anthology, Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 300

Published: November 24th 2012

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Four stories by four authors…one fateful New Year’s Eve

Four kisses at midnight…

Three different sisters…

Two old flames…

One bet that drives it all!

The Devine sisters return to their hometown for New Year’s Eve each year to attend the annual ball. Part of the tradition is their decade-old bet: whoever has no date at midnight has to kiss their nerdy neighbor Lewis Kampmueller.

Tess—burned by love, the glamorous Broadway star isn’t interested in a repeat performance…until she encounters an old flame.

Annabelle—when the local etiquette expert gets caught breaking the law, her heart might have to pay the price.

Grace—the tough FBI agent has an easy time being one of guys, but is she woman enough to keep a man?

Lewis—the shy nerd has made millions over the years…but is he smart enough to catch the woman of his dreams?

Who will lose the bet but win out in love? Four charming stories written by four different authors about one fateful New Year’s Eve.

The champagne is poured. The clock is ticking. Join the countdown!

Review:

Been saving this for the last book of the year!! How could you not? 

We have four different stories for four different people but they are all connected and the same location....The Devine Ball. 

Story 1 - What are You Doing New Year's Eve

First, we follow Tess who is a Broadway star. She has been burned by love so many times that she has lost count. She is part of the tradition between her and her sisters. Whoever has no date at midnight has to kiss their school friend and neighbor Lewis Kempmueller. Sadly, it looks like Tess may not have a date this year, which goes against her plans to have Lewis and her sister, Grace, kiss. Luckily...or unluckily an old flame shows up.

I did not like Tess at all. 

Honestly? I am not 100% liking the other sisters either. I think they are mean to Lewis. Sure he's agreed to this decades-old bet. But still....he doesn't deserve to be a "punishment". Sighs. 

Anyway...Tess bumps into her old flame. Which, of course, she'll end up with him. Second chances and all that. I hope it works out. I kinda liked Johnny and I personally think he deserves better, but hopefully, this works out for them.

Ya - this wasn't my favorite. It was hard to look past my dislike of Tess though. 2 stars

Story 2 - The Keeper of the Debutantes

Now, we follow Annabelle. She is the perfect doll and perfect southern belle. She is even the local etiquette expert, but she got caught breaking the law. She doesn't have time to be dealing with this ticket. She has to get to the party early and she has to get a date before midnight. 

I liked Annabelle much more than Tess. Thank goodness. I still think it is mean to treat Lewis like that. :/ 

Can I just say I'm jealous that she got pulled over by Duncan?? ;) BUT they are perfect for each other!! They are so sweet and so funny. Their quips were amusing. 

The ending was fun. This is my 3rd favorite one. 3 stars from me. 

Story 3 - Kiss of a Lifetime

Best sister saved for last!! Grace!! She works for the FBI and is coming home with a date so she doesn't have to kiss Lewis this year. Maybe this is the year she breaks it...especially when Leo, her partner, shows up too. Two dates! One of them has to kiss her at midnight! Right? 

Loved Grace. I even was happy when she admitted she didn't really mind kissing Lewis. So that added a few points to her. 

There was so strong chemistry between Leo and Grace. I loved them as a couple!! Took a long time for Leo to get over his dumb rules. No long-term relationships and no dating co-workers. Booo! But he does get over it....of course...took a minute though. 

Loved them and I loved this story the most. 5 stars. 

Story 4 - The Perfect Kiss

Last, but not least, is Lewis' story! He is one of the biggest nerds in town. So much of a nerd that he capitalized on that and created his own company. He has been in love with Grace for years and this is the year - when he kisses her again - that he will tell her his feelings! Until he gets stuck with taking care of Darcy who is his bestie's little sister. Maybe it won't be that bad...she is now fully grown and they have a lot of similarities. 

Yayy nerdy Lewis! Loved him from the others and I was hoping he would get a HEA. He certainly does deserve it after being used for years and trying to hide his feelings for Grace. Bless his little heart. 

I liked Darcy and it broke my heart she has been in love with Lewis since she was like 4. Poor thing. He never noticed her, but this year he for sure does! Yayy. They are perfect for each other. 

Def my 2nd favorite. 

This was a good way to end the anthology! 4 stars. 

Overall - 

Overall, this was a good anthology. I struggled with book 1. I really could not get myself to like Tess. Maybe if I had a longer book? IDK. It was nice seeing Lewis, who was the butt of the bet, actually get a HEA. That was a nice touch and it wrapped up their stories perfectly! 

After doing complicated mathage, I'll stamp this with an overall........3 stars.