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Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Hanging with Daddy (Pride Pet Play 2023) in Books
Jun 13, 2023
cute and sweet but maybe not for me.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, i was gifted my copy of this book.
I love JP Sayle, you know I do. I've watched the skill this author has grow from the very beginning, and I'm incredibly proud of the work this author continues to produce.
But!
This one I found a little too sweet for me, and I hate that I did.
It's well told, from both Gaines and Austin's point of view. It's the first I've of a koala as a chosen pet for play, and at times, I did find the koala stuff too much. There were koalas in everything, EVERYTHING Gaines did, and it was a bit overpowering.
I loved that both men had an immediate and powerful reaction to the other, and both men, once they started to get to know each other, were fully able to adapt and bend to the others' needs, without sacrificing their own. I liked that Austin gave Gaines time to work things out in his head, before he came to Austin, even if it killed Austin to wait.
I loved that we got to catch up with Terrence and Warner from A Little Christmas, Terrence. It's always great catching up with characters fromprevious reads, even in those that can stand alone from others.
I really liked that, while some things *little* were mentioned in passing, and others were talked about, Gaines doesn't slip far into little-space. He's more a pet-space kinda guy and I did like that. LOVED the descriptions of Gaines climbing Austin like a pole! LOVED them!!
It's steamy and smexy, not overly emotional and there is no real drama, save for Gaines getting his head straight to talk to Austin.
It just didn't really work for me, and I hate that it didn't! I'm sorry, Jayne!
3 good, but not really for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I love JP Sayle, you know I do. I've watched the skill this author has grow from the very beginning, and I'm incredibly proud of the work this author continues to produce.
But!
This one I found a little too sweet for me, and I hate that I did.
It's well told, from both Gaines and Austin's point of view. It's the first I've of a koala as a chosen pet for play, and at times, I did find the koala stuff too much. There were koalas in everything, EVERYTHING Gaines did, and it was a bit overpowering.
I loved that both men had an immediate and powerful reaction to the other, and both men, once they started to get to know each other, were fully able to adapt and bend to the others' needs, without sacrificing their own. I liked that Austin gave Gaines time to work things out in his head, before he came to Austin, even if it killed Austin to wait.
I loved that we got to catch up with Terrence and Warner from A Little Christmas, Terrence. It's always great catching up with characters fromprevious reads, even in those that can stand alone from others.
I really liked that, while some things *little* were mentioned in passing, and others were talked about, Gaines doesn't slip far into little-space. He's more a pet-space kinda guy and I did like that. LOVED the descriptions of Gaines climbing Austin like a pole! LOVED them!!
It's steamy and smexy, not overly emotional and there is no real drama, save for Gaines getting his head straight to talk to Austin.
It just didn't really work for me, and I hate that it didn't! I'm sorry, Jayne!
3 good, but not really for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Kicks (Pleasure Seekers, #2) in Books
May 19, 2024
a perfect follow up to book one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Pleasure Seekers series, but it can be read as a stand alone book. I loved book one, Thrill, and would strongly recommend it but it's not necessary, you know?
I loved Eddie and Scott in book one, and I was looking forward to getting to know them better, because I was fairly certain they are putting on a face for the world. But I discovered, not so much for Eddie. He's very laid back, until he lays eyes on Billy, then all bets are off!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I didn't love it, and I don't know why and my book brain hates that I cannot voice why!
I liked Eddie and Billy, separately and apart. We got a lot of Billy's family here, raising his teenage sister and reconnecting with his older brother but we don't get much about Eddie's. I kinda missed that.
There is powerful and immediate attraction for these two and it burns hot and bright through the whole book. That is, until Billy finds out what Eddie did and then, all bets are off again!
Tyler is still living with Eddie and Scott and as such, Tyler and Danny, along with Scott play a large part here. I liked that we got to catch up with them.
Not an especially emotional read, but sometimes, that's just what you need.
Scott is next. Now Scott, I know, is putting on a face, and the poor man has a case of envy, given that his two flatmates are now loved up and I look forward to getting his story!
As I said, I liked this book, just couldn't quite love it though, like book one, (sorry!)
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Pleasure Seekers series, but it can be read as a stand alone book. I loved book one, Thrill, and would strongly recommend it but it's not necessary, you know?
I loved Eddie and Scott in book one, and I was looking forward to getting to know them better, because I was fairly certain they are putting on a face for the world. But I discovered, not so much for Eddie. He's very laid back, until he lays eyes on Billy, then all bets are off!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I didn't love it, and I don't know why and my book brain hates that I cannot voice why!
I liked Eddie and Billy, separately and apart. We got a lot of Billy's family here, raising his teenage sister and reconnecting with his older brother but we don't get much about Eddie's. I kinda missed that.
There is powerful and immediate attraction for these two and it burns hot and bright through the whole book. That is, until Billy finds out what Eddie did and then, all bets are off again!
Tyler is still living with Eddie and Scott and as such, Tyler and Danny, along with Scott play a large part here. I liked that we got to catch up with them.
Not an especially emotional read, but sometimes, that's just what you need.
Scott is next. Now Scott, I know, is putting on a face, and the poor man has a case of envy, given that his two flatmates are now loved up and I look forward to getting his story!
As I said, I liked this book, just couldn't quite love it though, like book one, (sorry!)
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated A Little Christmas! Matty's Secret in Books
Jan 23, 2024
Loved the way Wes fit Matty's foxes into his life.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book is part of the 2nd season of A Little Christmas. You don't need to read the others, they all stand alone within the series. I would recommend you read Hanging With Daddy, by JP Sayle though before this one. We first met Matty there, he is Gaines' best friend. And since Gaines and his Daddy Austin play a large part here, it might help to have their story first. Not necessary, just a personal point.
Matty keeps picking the bad ones, and now questions everything. Weston comes across the cute little Pumpkin in the park and is smitten. But can Matty let Weston in??
What this is, is a wonderfully written, delightfully told tale of letting someone into your heart, even though you know it might get broken.
It's sweet and smexy, cute and cuddly, and all sorts of things that might take too long to type!
I loved catching up with Gaines and Austin, but also with Terrence and Warner, for the first Little Christmas series. Austin, Warner and Weston turn out to be very close friends, and I loved how they all slot into each other's lives here.
There is very little drama between Wes and Matty. The drama is called by Matty's ex, Putrid Peter. Have to say, that did make me laugh, calling him that but it fits perfectly!
Loved the way Wes fitted Matty's foxes into his life. The plates were a particularly cute touch. But Weston wants Matty happy, and he will do what Matty needs him to.
I did like being made to wait for the main event though! While there are smexy, steamy times, they don't go all the way til very near the end of the book, and I loved that!
I loved it, exercises and all! (But I'm with Matty on that front, walking is enough :-) )
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book is part of the 2nd season of A Little Christmas. You don't need to read the others, they all stand alone within the series. I would recommend you read Hanging With Daddy, by JP Sayle though before this one. We first met Matty there, he is Gaines' best friend. And since Gaines and his Daddy Austin play a large part here, it might help to have their story first. Not necessary, just a personal point.
Matty keeps picking the bad ones, and now questions everything. Weston comes across the cute little Pumpkin in the park and is smitten. But can Matty let Weston in??
What this is, is a wonderfully written, delightfully told tale of letting someone into your heart, even though you know it might get broken.
It's sweet and smexy, cute and cuddly, and all sorts of things that might take too long to type!
I loved catching up with Gaines and Austin, but also with Terrence and Warner, for the first Little Christmas series. Austin, Warner and Weston turn out to be very close friends, and I loved how they all slot into each other's lives here.
There is very little drama between Wes and Matty. The drama is called by Matty's ex, Putrid Peter. Have to say, that did make me laugh, calling him that but it fits perfectly!
Loved the way Wes fitted Matty's foxes into his life. The plates were a particularly cute touch. But Weston wants Matty happy, and he will do what Matty needs him to.
I did like being made to wait for the main event though! While there are smexy, steamy times, they don't go all the way til very near the end of the book, and I loved that!
I loved it, exercises and all! (But I'm with Matty on that front, walking is enough :-) )
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Once Upon a Wardrobe
5.0
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Now available in trade paper with an eye-catching new cover from the bestselling author of Becoming...
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Unbar the Barred (Darling Ranch #1) in Books
Aug 24, 2025
Cassidy and Trey are perfect for each other!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book was originally called Ranch Down and was published in an anthology, it hasn't had any revisions, bar some minor editing. It's based in the Divergent Omegavesre world, but can totally be read as a stand alone novel to that series. It's a jumping off point, the start of a new series, set on Darling Ranch.
Cassidy and Trey have a friends with benefits thing going on. Neither will admit to the other, but they both want more. The arrival at the Darling Ranch of the Starling brothers presses ALL of Trey's buttons and he claims what really has been his for a long time. But can a city wolf and a farm chick really be happy?
This was, and I defy anyone to tell me otherwise, the most too stinkin cute, warm and fuzzies, low angst book I've read in a long time!
Cassidy and Trey really are perfect for each other. They know it. We know it but they refuse to admit to the other about it. It takes a Starling to flirt with Cassidy for Trey to broadcast his feelings across the bar and go all cave man on Cassidy and I loved that!
It's steamy, with Cassidy and Trey already in a relationship, of sorts. They already know what they like, what the other likes, so the first time is straight in, so to speak.
Once they admit to the other what they really want, they go all in and are out to make this work, they just need to find a compromise in the location of them being together.
Loved Cassidy's girls and their outfits!
Some overlap in the timeline with Silas's Sweetheart, which is the Divergent Omegaverse book 4. We do meet Cass and Trey there.
Thoroughly enjoyable hour's read!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book was originally called Ranch Down and was published in an anthology, it hasn't had any revisions, bar some minor editing. It's based in the Divergent Omegavesre world, but can totally be read as a stand alone novel to that series. It's a jumping off point, the start of a new series, set on Darling Ranch.
Cassidy and Trey have a friends with benefits thing going on. Neither will admit to the other, but they both want more. The arrival at the Darling Ranch of the Starling brothers presses ALL of Trey's buttons and he claims what really has been his for a long time. But can a city wolf and a farm chick really be happy?
This was, and I defy anyone to tell me otherwise, the most too stinkin cute, warm and fuzzies, low angst book I've read in a long time!
Cassidy and Trey really are perfect for each other. They know it. We know it but they refuse to admit to the other about it. It takes a Starling to flirt with Cassidy for Trey to broadcast his feelings across the bar and go all cave man on Cassidy and I loved that!
It's steamy, with Cassidy and Trey already in a relationship, of sorts. They already know what they like, what the other likes, so the first time is straight in, so to speak.
Once they admit to the other what they really want, they go all in and are out to make this work, they just need to find a compromise in the location of them being together.
Loved Cassidy's girls and their outfits!
Some overlap in the timeline with Silas's Sweetheart, which is the Divergent Omegaverse book 4. We do meet Cass and Trey there.
Thoroughly enjoyable hour's read!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Who Said Witness Protection Was Boring? (Mobster Mayhem #2)
J.F. Miev and Aria Clark
8.0
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MATTHEW It was supposed to be a quiet night of gaming. But then the power went out. No biggie—it...
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Nothing But the Night (Basic Instincts #2) in Books
Apr 20, 2025
It hit all of the buttons I was expecting and some I wasn't.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Basic Instincts series and I have not read book 1, Now Comes The Dark. I did not feel I missed anything by not doing so, so I would say this can totally be read as a stand alone. Roman and Mallon pop up, but only in passing.
Marc is not happy with the local police about their lack of progress in finding his brother's killer. Because Marc does not believe that Theo's death was an accident. Enter Jason, a local private detective. But just as his investigation gets moving, their chief witness is murdered and both men find themselves in a fight for their lives, with no clue who is behind it all.
I just wanna say: Well played, Mr Collins, so very well played! I did not see the whodunnit coming at me, not at all! I love being kept on my toes, I really do. So, I loved that coming out of nowhere and whooping me upside the head!
As Marc and Jason get to know each other, their relationship builds. I liked that build up and when it spilled over. I can't say I liked the reason it spilled over, and I'm not going to elaborate due to spoilers, but I think when it does spill over, it was exactly at the right time for these two.
It moves at speed sometimes, and slows up in others, just enough for you to catch up. It's dark and deadly, and sweet and emotional. Steamy and smexy. It hit all of the buttons I was expecting and some I wasn't.
I absolutely need to read book 3, but I've no clue who that would be or even IF there will be a book 3! And at some point, I'd like to go back and read book 1.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Basic Instincts series and I have not read book 1, Now Comes The Dark. I did not feel I missed anything by not doing so, so I would say this can totally be read as a stand alone. Roman and Mallon pop up, but only in passing.
Marc is not happy with the local police about their lack of progress in finding his brother's killer. Because Marc does not believe that Theo's death was an accident. Enter Jason, a local private detective. But just as his investigation gets moving, their chief witness is murdered and both men find themselves in a fight for their lives, with no clue who is behind it all.
I just wanna say: Well played, Mr Collins, so very well played! I did not see the whodunnit coming at me, not at all! I love being kept on my toes, I really do. So, I loved that coming out of nowhere and whooping me upside the head!
As Marc and Jason get to know each other, their relationship builds. I liked that build up and when it spilled over. I can't say I liked the reason it spilled over, and I'm not going to elaborate due to spoilers, but I think when it does spill over, it was exactly at the right time for these two.
It moves at speed sometimes, and slows up in others, just enough for you to catch up. It's dark and deadly, and sweet and emotional. Steamy and smexy. It hit all of the buttons I was expecting and some I wasn't.
I absolutely need to read book 3, but I've no clue who that would be or even IF there will be a book 3! And at some point, I'd like to go back and read book 1.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Darren (1599 KP) rated Alien (1979) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Story: It would be fair to say when this came out it was brilliant and stand alone on the type of film. Now the story has been copied, pinched from and used to the death. This paved the way for the truly trapped horror films because the space mission means it’s the ship of nothing. The twist that comes half way through offers a surprise and of cause the mood of the film changes drastically when the alien makes its first appearance. (10/10)
Actor Review: Sigourney Weaver – Ripley, just part of the crew really but steps up when the alien starts wreaking havoc. In a role that will be remembered as one of the best and most iconic in sci-fi history this performance will never be forgotten. Breakout Performance Award, Iconic Performance Award, Star Performance Award (10/10)
ripley
Actor Review: Tom Skerritt – Captain Dallas puts the team together to investigate the planet but has to step up when they don’t come back alone. Good performance showing leadership in time of panic. (9/10)
Actor Review: Ian Holm – Ash the science officer who is very distant as well as keeping a big secret from the rest of the crew. Good performance from Holm that opened a door for a twist in films that people actually have to think about. (9/10)
holm
Actor Review: John Hurt – Kane gets a creature stuck on his face before looking like making a full recovery only to make film history. This character has one of the most iconic sci-fi horror deaths in history. Unluckiest Character Award (9/10)
hurt
Director Review: Ridley Scott – Creates a world that no one saw coming and shows brilliant direction to create atmosphere throughout. (10/10)
Horror: There is no escape from a creature you have never met. (10/10)
Sci-Fi: Redefines the sci-fi genre to use true horror. (10/10)
Special Effects: Stunning special effects that even after 30 plus years still haven’t dated. (10/10)
Believability: We don’t know what is really in space until we go deeper enough. (5/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Settings: When it comes to horror you need great location isolation is the best as we know the characters have nowhere to run, this offers that making the setting perfect. (10/10)
Suggestion: Most films can come and go and gain a few fans, this is not one of them it is one of the first films people will say when you say sci-fi. This makes it a must watch and when you do you will be reward but I expect most of you have already seen it so watch it again. (Watch)
Best Part: Alien first reveal.
Kill Of The Film: Kane
Trivia: The original title was Space Beast.
Oscar Chances: Won for Best Effects.
Chances of Sequel: Has three direct sequels and a couple of versus films.
Overall: Masterpiece classic must see
https://moviesreview101.com/2014/02/12/alien-1979/
Actor Review: Sigourney Weaver – Ripley, just part of the crew really but steps up when the alien starts wreaking havoc. In a role that will be remembered as one of the best and most iconic in sci-fi history this performance will never be forgotten. Breakout Performance Award, Iconic Performance Award, Star Performance Award (10/10)
ripley
Actor Review: Tom Skerritt – Captain Dallas puts the team together to investigate the planet but has to step up when they don’t come back alone. Good performance showing leadership in time of panic. (9/10)
Actor Review: Ian Holm – Ash the science officer who is very distant as well as keeping a big secret from the rest of the crew. Good performance from Holm that opened a door for a twist in films that people actually have to think about. (9/10)
holm
Actor Review: John Hurt – Kane gets a creature stuck on his face before looking like making a full recovery only to make film history. This character has one of the most iconic sci-fi horror deaths in history. Unluckiest Character Award (9/10)
hurt
Director Review: Ridley Scott – Creates a world that no one saw coming and shows brilliant direction to create atmosphere throughout. (10/10)
Horror: There is no escape from a creature you have never met. (10/10)
Sci-Fi: Redefines the sci-fi genre to use true horror. (10/10)
Special Effects: Stunning special effects that even after 30 plus years still haven’t dated. (10/10)
Believability: We don’t know what is really in space until we go deeper enough. (5/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Settings: When it comes to horror you need great location isolation is the best as we know the characters have nowhere to run, this offers that making the setting perfect. (10/10)
Suggestion: Most films can come and go and gain a few fans, this is not one of them it is one of the first films people will say when you say sci-fi. This makes it a must watch and when you do you will be reward but I expect most of you have already seen it so watch it again. (Watch)
Best Part: Alien first reveal.
Kill Of The Film: Kane
Trivia: The original title was Space Beast.
Oscar Chances: Won for Best Effects.
Chances of Sequel: Has three direct sequels and a couple of versus films.
Overall: Masterpiece classic must see
https://moviesreview101.com/2014/02/12/alien-1979/
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Yours Everlasting (Enchanted Folklore #2) in Books
Apr 14, 2022
sometimes, you need to be made to wait, and the result is such a sweet, sweet thing.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Enchanted Folklore series. While it can be read as a stand alone book, to get the full impact of this book, you should read Yours Forever After first. It will give you a better view of Evrard, and just what he means to this world.
As the Guardian of Secrets, he is called Evander. Banished for wanting to keep people safe from power hungry sorcerers, he becomes Rhys, and then Evrard, the King of the Unicorns. Marcos watched from afar for so long, so VERY long but now things have changed and they both need to reveal themselves, and quite possibly save the world from those who were tasked with keeping it safe.
In book one, he is Evrard and then Rhys. Here, we get Evander, as he was in the beginning. And it is very important, that beginning, and it shapes him, for all those years to come.
What I especially loved about this book was the time involved! I mean, Evander has been on the surface for a thousand years, and Marcos has loved for that long, longer in fact. Marcos watched Evander when Evander didn't even see Marcos, from before his banishment. That Evander, as Guardian of Secrets, didn't know that, was surprising!
There is a huge amount of emotion in this book. Evander has been alone for a long time. Gray and Rory helped but Evander is lonely. Marcos is patient, has been a long time wanting Evander, but now things need to move forward, so he makes himself known to Evander.
As things move along, Evander joins the dots, putting it all together, and is surprised by Marcos, many times. Marcos is also surprised when Evander reveals some things he had not noticed after all this time.
There is love, even if Evander doesn't think himself capable of such feeling. Betrayal too, and Evander has to deal with the aftermath of that.
Gray and Rory from book 1 play a huge part, and it was fun to catch up with them and their own surprise at the end.
It's beautifully written, from Evander and Marcos point of view. It takes a long time for everything to come together, including Marcos and Evander, and I love that I had to wait. Because sometimes, you need to be made to wait, and the result is such a sweet, sweet thing.
Are there more? Will there be? I'd love to catch up with Evander, Marcos, Gray and Rory but also, there was clearly something between two other Guardians, and I'd like more on that.
I gave book 1 four stars but I found this a much more engaging read, so beautifully told, a story of everlasting love.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Enchanted Folklore series. While it can be read as a stand alone book, to get the full impact of this book, you should read Yours Forever After first. It will give you a better view of Evrard, and just what he means to this world.
As the Guardian of Secrets, he is called Evander. Banished for wanting to keep people safe from power hungry sorcerers, he becomes Rhys, and then Evrard, the King of the Unicorns. Marcos watched from afar for so long, so VERY long but now things have changed and they both need to reveal themselves, and quite possibly save the world from those who were tasked with keeping it safe.
In book one, he is Evrard and then Rhys. Here, we get Evander, as he was in the beginning. And it is very important, that beginning, and it shapes him, for all those years to come.
What I especially loved about this book was the time involved! I mean, Evander has been on the surface for a thousand years, and Marcos has loved for that long, longer in fact. Marcos watched Evander when Evander didn't even see Marcos, from before his banishment. That Evander, as Guardian of Secrets, didn't know that, was surprising!
There is a huge amount of emotion in this book. Evander has been alone for a long time. Gray and Rory helped but Evander is lonely. Marcos is patient, has been a long time wanting Evander, but now things need to move forward, so he makes himself known to Evander.
As things move along, Evander joins the dots, putting it all together, and is surprised by Marcos, many times. Marcos is also surprised when Evander reveals some things he had not noticed after all this time.
There is love, even if Evander doesn't think himself capable of such feeling. Betrayal too, and Evander has to deal with the aftermath of that.
Gray and Rory from book 1 play a huge part, and it was fun to catch up with them and their own surprise at the end.
It's beautifully written, from Evander and Marcos point of view. It takes a long time for everything to come together, including Marcos and Evander, and I love that I had to wait. Because sometimes, you need to be made to wait, and the result is such a sweet, sweet thing.
Are there more? Will there be? I'd love to catch up with Evander, Marcos, Gray and Rory but also, there was clearly something between two other Guardians, and I'd like more on that.
I gave book 1 four stars but I found this a much more engaging read, so beautifully told, a story of everlasting love.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
EmersonRose (320 KP) rated In The Dark Corner I Stood Alone in Books
Nov 20, 2019
I stood alone in a dark corner. My imagination ran wild.”
In the Dark Corner, I stood Alone is a collection of short stories by author Petra Pavlikova, published on June 12th, 2018. These short stories pull together themes of women and fairytales. Telling stories about strong women in stressful situations, difficult because they are real, and how these women pull through, with a healthy dose of the fantastical. The collection itself is a short and easy read as the stories range in length from 5-20 pages each. I loved the beautiful imagery created in these stories as they each take you on fantastic journeys.
The characters in these stories are such strong and relatable women that I fell in love with each one as I read their story. From beginning to end this book captured this beautiful whimsey that kept me captivated in each story. As you read, each has a distinctive story to tell, but they are all in the same unique voice that has a charming but straightforward tone that captures the fairytale quality splendidly. I think that my favorite story may be The Smell of Sweet Lavender, as it tackles a heart-wrenching tale of trying to be true to yourself and the cost it sometimes has on those that you love most. But each was so unique that they held different messages and meanings to them, that I could see myself having a different favorite depending on what mood I was in at the time. This is definitely one of those books that I could see myself re-reading whenever I just wanted to curl up with a sweet set of stories that allow my imagination wander in the realm of fairies and distant kingdoms. The magic in them creates a tone but the themes within them last without extra flare, making them that much more poignant.
The other thing that makes this book really stand out is the remarkable work of the illustrator Anastasia Telegina. From the small flowers and bright colored pages to the exquisite images of the women in the book, the watercolor work is astounding and fits in perfectly with the wanderlust tone of the writing. Each time I saw that stories full image, I was blown away by the beauty and talent. They play with your imagination rather than entirely putting images in your head, keeping the fluidity of the imagination intact while still creating magnificent images. Creating perhaps what is more what a child might imagine from what is described that a realistic picture. This pair clearly makes an excellent team.
These are stories for almost any age in the themes it tackles and the beautiful way in which they are told. While some of the ideas may be intense for a younger audience, the way in which the stories are told make them accessible to any reader. They are important topics dealt with in a way that is natural and very real world, while held within a slightly more fantastical space. I very much enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it. I will be keeping an eye out to read more from this author. Five Stars.
In the Dark Corner, I stood Alone is a collection of short stories by author Petra Pavlikova, published on June 12th, 2018. These short stories pull together themes of women and fairytales. Telling stories about strong women in stressful situations, difficult because they are real, and how these women pull through, with a healthy dose of the fantastical. The collection itself is a short and easy read as the stories range in length from 5-20 pages each. I loved the beautiful imagery created in these stories as they each take you on fantastic journeys.
The characters in these stories are such strong and relatable women that I fell in love with each one as I read their story. From beginning to end this book captured this beautiful whimsey that kept me captivated in each story. As you read, each has a distinctive story to tell, but they are all in the same unique voice that has a charming but straightforward tone that captures the fairytale quality splendidly. I think that my favorite story may be The Smell of Sweet Lavender, as it tackles a heart-wrenching tale of trying to be true to yourself and the cost it sometimes has on those that you love most. But each was so unique that they held different messages and meanings to them, that I could see myself having a different favorite depending on what mood I was in at the time. This is definitely one of those books that I could see myself re-reading whenever I just wanted to curl up with a sweet set of stories that allow my imagination wander in the realm of fairies and distant kingdoms. The magic in them creates a tone but the themes within them last without extra flare, making them that much more poignant.
The other thing that makes this book really stand out is the remarkable work of the illustrator Anastasia Telegina. From the small flowers and bright colored pages to the exquisite images of the women in the book, the watercolor work is astounding and fits in perfectly with the wanderlust tone of the writing. Each time I saw that stories full image, I was blown away by the beauty and talent. They play with your imagination rather than entirely putting images in your head, keeping the fluidity of the imagination intact while still creating magnificent images. Creating perhaps what is more what a child might imagine from what is described that a realistic picture. This pair clearly makes an excellent team.
These are stories for almost any age in the themes it tackles and the beautiful way in which they are told. While some of the ideas may be intense for a younger audience, the way in which the stories are told make them accessible to any reader. They are important topics dealt with in a way that is natural and very real world, while held within a slightly more fantastical space. I very much enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it. I will be keeping an eye out to read more from this author. Five Stars.