Queer Literary Loft
A great resource for anybody, but especially perhaps for the younger generations to learn about our communities history.
The book highlights that whilst progress has been made, it's only really happened in recent history (the last 50 years or so). The narrative explores this progress and also serves as a reminder of how much more is still to be done.
I really really enjoyed this book; post apocalyptic stories are one of my favourite genres.
There's a fair amount going off, with the story split in two to feature two sets of main characters on different continents. Despite that the author does a good job of not making it overly difficult to keep up with what is happening where.
The ‘unmasking' of the sociopath, means that something obvious for a plot line becomes less so and therefore intriguing as to what his ultimate end game will be.
I liked that the author has included a diverse bunch of main and supporting characters which reflect identities and/or situations found in real life e.g. age gaps, identifying your own sexuality, crushes etc.
I warmed well to the main characters and felt for the most part their evolvement and progression would probably be true to life given the dire circumstances they are in.
My only negative would be that it felt like the book needed another edit, the copy i read had a fair amount of misspellings, typos etc.
Depending how much you as a reader are able to overlook those things will depend on your level of frustration.
That being said whilst a little annoying for me, i enjoyed the story too much to give anything other than 5 stars.
The story the author wanted to tell, won out for me, regardless of how it was presented on the page. I'm genuinely really excited to read the next installment!
I liked the first book in this series but i enjoyed this one more.
I wasn't able to guess who the culprit was in Grave Decisions which kept my interest in the story for longer, where it wained a little in the Dollmaker book.
I also appreciated the development of the main characters and seeing how they dealt with and recovered from the effects of the Dollmaker case. This in turn allowed for the progression of their romantic relationship in this story.
It was interesting how the author depicted the personality types of one of the main chracters, as being either the ‘Detective' or ‘Sophie' and the impact this has on a romantic and sexual level. It also highlights the often unseen stressful nature of jobs and the balancing act of work and home life.
Overall, a good story with likeable main characters and decent side characters such as Dale and Becky who actually add to the story, rather than just fluff it out. I'd be interested to see more stories from these characters.
Straight up romances aren't usually my thing, but i quite enjoyed this.
The storyline is novel and entertaining purely on the premise that this story starts backwards. Molly and Anna get married first and worry about how or if to rectify that second.
There's plenty of drama between the pair which keeps the momentum of the story moving at a nice pace. Joyce is also a loveable side character and comes across as very believable.
Overall a fun, light, romantic read to break up the dreary winter nights.
I loved this series, but i'm not sure i enjoyed the 3rd and final installment as much as the others.
I didn't really connect with the new characters, Meg and Grace and i'm not sure if they brought anything extra to the story that couldn't have been achieved with the existing characters from book 1 and 2.
I like that unlike most other survivalist/post apocalyptic books, the storyline went beyond the immediate problem and the ensuing days/weeks afterwards. The author actually allowed us to envisage what long term life could look like. That said the epilogue was a miss for me. It eluded to the future happenings for some characters and not others. I think it either needed to be more involved or not there at all.
Overall, a series i've really enjoyed, with characters that you will want to root for. It's definitely a series which i would choose to reread.
I thought i'd be disappointed with this book, when in the first few pages i discovered it was not going to carry on the ‘end of the world' theme from the first installment.
But i can admit when i'm wrong!
I did not see that plot twist coming - at all!
I think the twist fitted really well, it didn't seem forced or too far fetched. To be able to successfully land such a surprise takes skill and the author clearly has this in spades.
So although it was nothing like what i was expecting, i truly enjoyed getting to see Andi and Ren fall in love in a less perilous situation and for Ren to be vulnerable and open to facing her past, in order to move forward and embrace that love.
This book doesn't disappoint, i totally enjoyed it, so much so i'll probably go ahead and buy it to keep (read on KU).
I'm slightly biased in that i love end of the world post apocalyptic shizz, but i'm not overly into pure romance stories. This however was the perfect combination of hotness, romance, angst and action.
The writing is to a high quality and flows well, with a story arc that even for a survivalist genre doesn't come across as too over the top.
Hailing from the UK and Yorkshire at that, i really enjoyed that the story was set in England, it just adds another layer to the vividness of your own imagination.
The main characters were believable in their job roles and blossoming romance. I liked that we start to see the other sides of their public personas and i'm intrigued to see how that develops in the next book.
Totally worth reading/purchasing!
I don't usually opt for a pure romance story and i picked this one originally because the front cover caught my eye - i'm not even sure i read the blurb!
But by the end this book resonated with me so much. It's unique and raw in it's inclusion of mental health issues not just as a side but as a prominent feature for one of the main characters and the story as a whole.
Anyone who has experience of mental health will recognise the depth of understanding and truth in this story. It's clear that the author has drawn on some element of personal experience/undertaken comprehensive research to get this right and to do the story justice.
The author has done a great job weaving the realities of mental health struggles into what could be anyone's real life, without it coming across as fake, attention seeking or over the top.
It is a work of art that truly depicts how to love and be loved whilst navigating the pits of mental health.
Job well done ❤
I stumbled upon this after reading Aspen's Blaise by the same author - which i enjoyed but wasn't bowled over by.
This book however i absolutely loved!
I don't want to give away any spoilers, but even though i'd half guessed who the suspect might be, i still didn't see the last minute twist coming.
It's totally changed how i'll look at these characters in other books now!
A really well thought out plot, intriguing and attention grabbing.
I really enjoyed getting to know more about the back stories of the main characters especially having read Aspen's Blaise first where i felt disconnected from the characters - maybe that would change having read The Confessor!
Would highly recommend picking this up and giving it a try
I wasn't sure what i'd make of this book as it isn't my usual go to - but the lure of the city Rome pulled me in.
I think the author did a fantastic job of enabling a reader to visually imagine themselves in Italy; some of the descriptions and scenes literally made me feel like i was back in Rome walking those cramped streets- right down to the culture, architecture, food and people.
I liked that the main characters Rome and Nadine, had professions that were more unusual than i've seen in other books. The characters back stories and jobs seemed throughly researched and made the book a joy to read, as it all seemed plausible in real life.
The supporting characters also seemed a good fit and again in turn were believable - right down to the grumpy neighbour Luca!
Overall this was a sensual read on many levels, with a wonderful depiction of Italy all whilst still covering some serious issues such as abandonment and the #metoo movement.
A joy to read in the end.
You won't want to put this book down!!
I've always had a fascination/somewhat morbid interest in anything disaster/survival/post-apocalyptic related. And this book ticks all of those boxes.
The development and exploration of Devin and Karissa's relationship allows the reader to discover the themes of morality, socio-economics and ethics amongst others. Aside from the main love story, this is a book that you could read twice or more and take something different from it every single time. It will certainly give you food for thought - Who's responsible for what? What's right and wrong? Are we doing enough now? What will the future hold? What would you do if faced with Devin and Karissa's position?
The theme of the book is very relevant right now and personally i find climate change and the environment at large very interesting. With that said whilst i'd love a sequel, if there isn't to be one, Chosen is still a perfect standalone book in my opinion.
You won't regret buying it and whilst i'll read anything once, there aren't alot of authors who make the cut for me to back read their works or actively seek out new and upcoming releases, but Brey unequivocally crosses the line.
Chosen isn't just a story with a solid plotline and great characters, it's thought provoking, relevant, nail biting, exciting and well written. What more could you want??
This is the first Lee Winter's book i've read but it certainly won't be the last.
This book had everything i enjoy all rolled into one - a love/hate relationship, Ice Queen, a mystery to solve and witty banter throughout.
The two main characters King and Ayers are perfectly established - Winter's certainly knows how to write a simmering, catty Ice Queen with Ayers stealing the show.
Imagine my joy at discovering there's a sequel . . .
I didn't realise this was a YA book until after i'd finished reading it, which explains the relative tameness of the story in all aspects.
However, that aside i really enjoyed the actual plotline. It was well written and believable.
The main characters Peyton and Nixie are developed throughout the story and the supporting characters such as Graham, Jasper, Static etc add their own worthwhile value.
The dystopian genre is well done and is something which i could engage with - it was an interesting take on a future world whilst still being realistic as to where humanity might find itself.
I really do love how Northern Cari's books are and this one is no different. The characteristics, mannerisms and dialect throughout is exactly like being enveloped in a nice warm hug - it's like home!
This is only the second book of Cari's that i've read but i'm certainly hooked and will be reading the authors back catalogue for sure.
I've adored this series from beginning to end and the final installment doesn't disappoint - it's a beautiful mix of romance and action, with just the right amount of each.
Sometimes throughout a series the original main characters get lost altogether or become token bit parts - but Tyler and Brooke are just as badass and madly in love as they were in book 1 - and i'm so stoked with the end of their story. It's perfect!
Jackie does such a great job of tying all the characters together and carrying them forward in a realistic and believable manner in the series - the addition of Dylan and Emma in Elimination is no different and i found myself warming to them instantly. The vulnerability and connection between them is electric and it's clear throughout that the author excels at creating sexual chemisty and romantic tension between characters.
The story is fast paced with plenty of action and twist and turns, everything you'd expect from a military/intelligence orientated plot.
But alongside the adrenaline pumping action is a little sub story of acceptance that is highlighted in the relationship between Brooke and her parents. For me it's the icing on the cake when authors squeeze in real world issues into their stories. It adds an extra level but even without this Elimination doesn't disappoint - it's a book surely set to annihilate it's competition.
This is the first book i've read by Hunter and what a joy it was. Hailing from the North of England i fully appreciated the northern slang, swearing and place names i'd actually heard of!
The writing style made a pleasant difference to other lesfic offerings - it truly did feel like you were up north with Jem and Rosie having a cuppa.
I enjoyed the story itself and whilst vastly different to what i'd usually opt for, i wasn't disappointed. The will they, won't they, near misses, ex partners and who dunnit theme was engrossing, well thought out and realistic enough to engage me as a reader in the myriad of action from beginning to end.
I'm definitely looking forward to seeking out Hunter's backlist to see what else might grab my attention :)
I'm a little unsure on what to say for this review other than it was bloody brilliant!
I don't have the words to describe what i've just read. It's such a unique and ‘out of the box' book that i've nothing to compare it to.
Willow's world building and imagination skills are clearly second to none. I really liked that the fairytales aren't the common English ones and that other cultures are in there.
The ‘wanted ads' are hilarious and i think i want Shamus as my next cat
I wasn't sure what to expect from Nyx's foray into writing a story that focused more on romance than it did action. But i wasn't disappointed by the authors efforts.
I'm not a country music fanatic, so a lot of the scene setting in the book was beyond me to a certain extent. I was however already aware that country music is big in the south of America and those states can be fairly conservative. As such i was pleased to see that even with a more romantic genre, Nyx still doesn't turn away from writing about the less savoury aspects of life.
Queue a whole host of interesting topics (homophobia, sexism, racism, gender identities, abuse, coming out, ambitions etc) woven into this love story from beginning to end.
Ultimately, i enjoyed reading this book and i was pleased to find that this story offered something more to get your teeth into other than girl meets girls, falls in love, the end!
The only thing left mulling over in my mind was whether i liked the ending. I'm still note sure if i wanted Louie to tell Heather to go sling her hook or if Heather did indeed deserve a second chance?!? Guess i'll just have to read it again to decide that one!
This is my first time reading anything from this author. I got gifted this book and ordinarily if i'm being honest i don't think i would have chose to read it based on the back cover.
However, i was pleasantly surprised by what this book had to offer. It's well written with an interesting and thought provoking plotline.
I think what i enjoyed the most was that the physical time travelling aspect of the book wasn't the main part of the story. Instead the author spends more time building and highlighting the relationship between Eva and Casey from young teenagers through to young adults. In between there's lots of play on the passage of time and how present time might be different if things were done differently in a different time - right down to how time changes people.
I loved the dissection of Eva and Casey's characters as they grow and the idea that finding a soul mate is a powerful thing to deny. I especially enjoyed how the book ended, it neatly tied everything together and left the future open to where ever Eva and Casey end up next.
I'll certainly be looking at what other works this author has to offer
If you aren't keen on graphic descriptions of violence/torture than this probably won't be the book for you.
Personally, i didn't mind it. I've already read the authors Extractor trilogy and that's pretty hard hitting in parts. I asked Nyx previously if this book would be darker and the positive confirmation certainly didn't disappoint.
I truly love that all of Nyx's work has an undertone - the story isn't just the ‘story'. You could consider this book to be graphically violent, to showboat torture alongside some explicit sex scenes.
There's no denying that those elements are in the book, but strip that away and you'll find a story of human trafficking, the have's and have nots, power, emotional vulnerability, upbringing, journalism and many many other considerations.
The graphicness is no worse than what you'd find in a horror movie, the content however is more true to life than any horror movie. Nyx is never afraid to write about the topics others would sweep under the carpet or the ones that get sugar coated to be more palatable.
Human trafficking exists, homophobia exists, corruption exists, socioeconomic divides exist and journalism on the frontline exists. Maybe they don't always exist in our back yard but somewhere in the world there will be similar true to life tales of destruction, of what money, greed, power and a lack of humanity can buy.
Yes, this book is a thriller - there's graphic violence and hot and heavy sex and it won't be everyone's cup of tea but there's a chillingly cold truth being told in this book of what happens in a seedy underworld driven by desperation, power and greed.
Nyx should be commended for once again documenting in her own unique style the nastiness that is sometimes humanity.
The saying ‘save the best till last' rings true in the closing book of the Afterlife Inc. trilogy. Willows' once again delivers on what i've come to think of as her trademark when she writes in the fantasy genre; an action packed story that defies possibilty whilst simultanously feeling realer than real, flawed main characters who seemingly thrive on witty remarks, hot/sexy/tender sex (take your pick), a stellar support cast, and finally thought provoking sub-topics to sink your book teeth into.
In keeping with the first two books in the series, Fury's Death concentrates on a different Fury sister, the red Fury - Megara Graves, alongside Dani Morana aka Death.
Whilst Meg doesn't share her sisters doubts in what she and they do, she instead finds herself doubting who she is, outside of the wild child or in this case, wild Fury reputation she's built for herself. Meanwhile Dani is lonely, as the collector and caretaker of souls, no-one seems to be able to see past her daily work garb of black hooded robe and scythe. Who knew Death could crave the company of a loving partner? And how exactly do you tame a Fury?
As long time friends, Meg and Dani embark upon a journey of discovery together; as their individual purposes and feelings become clear, the race is on to put Chaos back behind the cosmic door she came from, before humanity and the world are destroyed for good.
I love that Willows' novels always have so much depth to them - her stories perpetually go beyond the surface level. In Fury's Death readers are introduced to a softer, altrusic version of Death, far removed from mainstream depictions of the Grim Reaper.
Through Willows' imaginative writing we see that perhaps there is more to Death then just death; maybe she's a caretaker of souls, rather than the harbringer of doom. Could it be that there isn't just Heaven, Hell and Limbo, but instead somewhere else for those unsure of what to believe in, to enjoy what ever comes next after death. It's oddly comforting to think outside of the box and examine both religion and death from a different perspective.
In short Willows' has a talent for writing unique stories, and it's that refreshing orginality that always leaves me yearning for more from this author. When you pick up one of Willows' books, you know without a doubt, that the story lovingly encased between those pages, will not be like anything you've read before.
Whilst rather depressing at times, this book presents a no barred approach to presenting the various scenarios that have the potential to happen in the not so distance future.
It's easy reading in terms of how scientific it is - it's not like reading an academic journal which made it all the more refreshing to read as it simply lays out mankind's future challenges in rather plain english.
Everyone should read this at least once regardless of your stance on the issues covered in the book.
Oh, urban fantasy, the sweet, sweet, spot that is this genre. A genre might i add, that author Brey Willows excels at. Fury's Choice is book 2 in the Afterlife Inc, trilogy and it's fair to say Willows doesn't skip a beat – producing a universe that is as captivatingly ‘normal' as it is resoundingly other worldly.
I've said it before and I'll say it again just for good measure, I so wish we could open our front doors and see Zeus strolling down the street. Maybe not so keen on the equal potential of Dis, the harbinger of Chaos, rocking up at my door but that's beside the point...!
Anyhow I digress (slightly), Fury's Choice picks up with Willows' sublime prose where book one (Fury's Bridge) left off. And whilst Alec and Selene still make frequent appearances throughout, book two moves focus to another of the Fury sisters – Tisera Graves, and the super rich philanthropist, and owner of non-profit GRADE, Kera Espinosa.
Tisera (Tis), is the white Fury known for avenging murder and over the many centuries she's been in existence she's seen more than her fair share of the rotten side of humanity, so much so that she's burnt out, lonely, and pondering whether ‘retiring' might be what she truly needs. Unfortunately, the emergence of religious deities into the human world does little to carve out any time for Tis to actually consider what she needs and wants. As the Fury most feared and respected by said deities, Tis finds herself in the unenviable position of trying to forge a way forward for them all. After all, the sudden emergence of one's God into everyday life, is sure to throw more than one spanner into the mundane workings of the world.
Meanwhile, Kera Espinosa hides a past trauma which few know about, not even her father. In the present day she throws herself into doing good around the world through her non-profit organisation, GRADE. With plenty of money to burn and a penchant for hot women, Kera isn't looking for a relationship never mind love; her focus lies squarely on seeking revenge on those who hurt her and laying to rest her Haitian priestess mother, in her mother's year and a day ceremony.
However you don't always get what you want, and as Kera was born with the ‘sight' she often sees Tis from a distance at the humanitarian sites where GRADE is operating on the ground – and so whilst one tries to enact good, the other punishes the bad. Despite their differences, Kera knows a sensual woman when she sees one and a chance encounter in France proves to be the beginning of something more.
But in spite of their sexual compatibility, as Kera grows increasingly frustrated with the Gods the growing tension between Kera and Tis is enough to spark a bonfire; simmering, conflicting emotions give rise to waves of anger and unhappiness, fanned by Kera's struggle to disassociate Tis from her own cynical feelings about religion and deities. Hardly the solid foundation for a love that could span the ages! But then this isn't a pure romance story and no-one ever said love was easy; it would seem Tis and Kera's fledgling relationship is destined to be fraught with obstacles. Still, opposites do attract and perhaps Tis and Kera are exactly where they are meant to be to restore harmony between humans and deities.
A task which won't be trouble-free and now that the Gods are out in the world amongst their followers and believers, Willows explores what this means in ‘real terms'. How does an atheist cope when presented with the very thing, they believed didn't exist? How does a believer come to terms with not having their prayers answered? And how do the gods react to their believers revolting against the very beings they whole-heartedly believed in not minutes before?
As the Furies do their best to maintain order, an ancient being is unknowingly rising to prominence, called forth by the turmoil in the minds of the humans that can't comprehend what is happening and those who no longer know what to think or believe in, Dis the personification of chaos sweeps in to claim her place at the table.
Fury's Choice is the natural sequel to Fury's Bridge, Willows continues to wow readers with her original and unique stories, whilst truly bringing to life on the page, an array of characters which for the most part are mythological entities with no physical manifestation to draw upon. Despite this, every deity that is portrayed matches in a somewhat light-hearted and humorous manner, the exact personality and behaviours that you'd expect them to have based upon religious/historic texts.