Norse Mythology – Neil Gaiman

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I have been a fan of Neil Gaiman since watching Doctor Who and it’s only after I did research that I found out he wrote Coraline as well. His writing always submerges you in the world of the story that he is weaving around you.

In Norse Mythology he does not disappoint, I loved every second of it, and I highly recommend that you get yourself an audible copy as he narrates the book himself.

Gaiman stuck to the original stories, giving it to the reader in its purest form. No bells or whistles, no alterations, just the original stories told in Gaiman’s novelistic arc. It starts from the genesis of the legendary nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs and giants. The work comes to an end with Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and rebirth of a new time and people.

Gaiman has a way of breathing life into these stories that have been told many times before, and it pulls you in from the beginning right through to the last page. You get to read more about characters that you have gotten to know in the Marvel universe, Odin, Thor and Loki.

Cowboys and Virgins - Alexa Riley

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This saucy little bundle of books was just what I needed when I was going through a little reading slump. Alexa Riley books have the ability to pull me out of that rut almost as fast as her characters falls in love with each other.

Her books have the knack for putting a smile on my face, and once you start you just can’t put her books down. This bundle features a collection of yes, you guessed it, Cowboy stories. All of which are sort of interlinked to each other, but I am sure that you will be able to read each one individually.

The first story in this bundle was Lassoing the Virgin Mail-Order Bride, it is about Clare Stevens and Cash McCallister. Clare walks onto the McCallister ranch as a mail-order bride, with a faint idea of what the dashing ranch owner looks like. Cash McCallister didn’t have time to date and find a wife, but he knows this is what he really wants in life. This is one of those insta-love stories that pulls on your heart strings and grabs you from the beginning. It’s a cliché and every bit as wonderful as it should be.  

The next one is Branding the Virgin, this one follows Mary-Jane and Ty. Mary-Jane wanted a family, that is why she went to the sperm bank, but after a mix-up, she ends up with a baby by a father who hasn’t given his consent. Ty was injured in a bull-riding accident and thought that he would never be a father, all he wants now is to work on his ranch and keep to himself. Mary-Jane comes up with a plan on how she will break the news to Ty. This is a very quick read, and in true Alexa Riley style I loved every second of it, the ridiculousness of the pregnant virgin, the insta-love, everything just worked in this story.

Then there was also Roping the Virgin, I swear there isn’t a scenario that Alexa Riley can’t pull off. Blake has always wanted what his parent had, sweet and simple love that lasts a lifetime. Luciana Salazar comes from a tight-knit family that pushes her to follow her dreams. She takes a job as a vet on the Braided Rope Ranch, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with the owner. This story might as well be dripping with syrup it is that sweet.

The Wanted Virgin followed Trace Jennings and Addison Becket, this one is an insta-love story that pulls on the heartstrings from the first words. Trace Jennings is the brother that enjoys his solitude. Addison Becket is on the run from an abusive father, after turning 18 she decides to make a run for ti. Trace is everything Addison has been dreaming about, strong, dependable, just what every damsel in distress needs.

The last one in this bundle is The Virgin Cowboy, this follows Dolly Jennings and Brendon Knight. Dolly Jennings is a strong-willed, independent woman. Having taken care of her older brothers since their parents passed, Dolly knew exactly who she wanted to marry one day. Brandon Knight has wanted Dolly for almost as long as he knew her, but he knows she deserves better than a foreman. He kept her at arms-length. When he finally realises that he has to make a move or risk losing her, he takes a leap and hopes she is there to catch him.

Daughter of the Pirate King – Tricia Levenseller

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Picture this, a feisty redheaded pirate, whose father is the pirate king, a mission to get captured by an enemy ship, an attractive and very clever first mate, daring sword fights, and stealthy searches at night. What more could a book have?

This is the first book in this thrilling duology by Tricia Levenseller, and when I read the synopsis and saw for once we have a female pirate I couldn’t help but (politely) demand a copy from NetGalley, and it does not disappoint one bit.

The tale of the Pirate King’s daughter draws you in from the first words, with enough action to keep you riveted, and a kindling of a romance that makes any romance lover’s heart beat a little faster.

I loved how every situation was well thought of and that at the end of the book I was gasping for more. Can’t wait for the next one.

That Burning Summer - Lydia Syson

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If there is one type of books that I love, it is romance, throw in a little bit of World War 2 drama and I’m hooked, sadly with this book it missed the mark for me.

It had so much potential. A small English town on the South coast, a plane that crashed and a young woman who finds its broken pilot. She helps him to hide, and slowly but surely she discovers the story behind the Polish pilot. With a younger brother who is coming to terms with the war, Peggy and Ernest are inseparable, and the two hide the secret of the fallen pilot.

Personally, this book dragged a bit for me, and the ending felt completely rushed. There were parts where even though the author was dealing with a fascinating story line, I was bored and waiting for something to happen. The whole book felt that way.

Another thing that really bothered me was the fact that the relationship between the two potential lovers felt forced.

I am sure that there are a lot of people who would like this book, sadly for me, it won’t be on my list of favourites.