Recent Reads: That One Night by Emily Rath

That One Night by Emily Rath

Series: Jacksonville Rays #0.5
Publisher:  Emily Rath Books
Publication Date:  March 1, 2023

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited - Borrowed

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

My name is Rachel Price, and the sky is officially falling. Imagine being at your brother's wedding brunch when you get an email that crushes all your dreams. I didn't win the Barkley Fellowship. My rising career in sports medicine has just come crashing down. So here I sit, alone in this swanky hotel bar, ready to drown my feelings in bitters and bourbon. Then suddenly, in walks...

Review: 

Rating is for enjoyment not good writing... because let's be honest here, the writing is rough. I will also disclaimer that this is just a one night stand and very much smut. 

If you're in the mood for a novella that combines sizzling chemistry, clever banter, and a touch of intrigue, this story delivers in spades. Rachel Price, a driven sports medicine doctor, finds herself at a crossroads when her career aspirations take an unexpected hit. Enter the mysterious and magnetic stranger at the hotel bar—a man who just so happens to be a professional hockey player.

The premise is simple but engaging: two people keeping their true identities hidden while sparks fly. The witty dialogue is a standout, with Rachel and her hockey-playing counterpart exchanging quips that had me laughing out loud. Their connection feels genuine, with a mix of playful tension and heartfelt moments that become this one night of fun. 

What I appreciated most was how the story balanced its steamy elements with emotional depth. Rachel's struggles with her career and self-worth add layers to her character, making her more than just a romantic lead. Meanwhile, the hero's charm and vulnerability make him equally compelling.

While the novella's brevity means plot points are resolved quickly, the fast pace works for the genre. It's an entertaining escape that doesn’t overstay its welcome. If you are planning to read the Jacksonville Rays series, this is a good start and explains a lot going into book one, that said it isn't necessary.

Recent Reads: Witching You a Charmed Christmas by Jenna Collett

Witching You a Charmed Christmas by Jenna Collett 

Series: Witching You #1
Publisher: Independently Published
Publication Date:  December 9, 2023

 

Format: Ebook
Source: From a Stuff Your Kindle day. Also available on Kindle Unlimited at the time of this posting.

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A witchy matchmaker faces off against a grumpy Christmas tree farmer with a heart encased in ice.

Delia Frost wants only one thing for Christmas: to earn a promotion at her mystical agency known for granting holiday miracles. She wouldn't mind a stocking stuffer with the attention of her longtime office crush either, but neither of those gifts are under her tree unless she completes the case file that just landed on her desk.

Her mission? Travel to the quaint, snow-dusted town of Wood Pine and work her magic on Jack Bradley, a rugged, Christmas tree farmer with a heart as cold as winter itself. All she has to do is make Jack fall in love with the shy, yet talented, local pastry chef by midnight on Christmas Eve, and the promotion is hers.

The problem? As Delia weaves her spells, she finds herself drawn to Jack, igniting feelings she never planned for.

But Jack’s heart won’t melt without a fight.

Known for his Scrooge Complex, Jack's world is more about pine needles than tinsel and joy until Delia Frost blows into his life like a bad winter storm. The last thing he needs is the meddlesome woman playing matchmaker. But when unexpected sparks fly, he’s torn between driving the woman out of town and hoping she’s his Christmas miracle.

Review: 

This was my favorite read during the HoHoHo Readathon this year.  At only 130 pages this was super cute and had my love for the holidays, witches, and a great grumpy/ sunshine dynamic all rolled into one book. 

Delia works as a witch at an agency that grant miracles, and when her friend gets snowed in and she can't take a case, Delia steps in in hopes of gaing a big promotion. Her goal, matchmaking, get this grumpy, grinch-like man to fall for a women in town. Jack, her target, is not going to make it easy. 

Delia is so stubborn and can't wait to accomplish her goal that she doesn't even realize that she is falling for her target. Jack is stubborn as well and really a menace to the Christmas season and spirit. Their witty banter and pranks on each other had me laughing and loving this book so much. It was honestly sad that it is only novella length.

With novella, there is a lot more insta-love especially if noted as romance; but this one was sweet and written in such a fun manner that it really didn't matter all that mich to me. I liked Delia and how the author incorporated her being a witch into a holiday miracle setting, such a fun idea... it doesnt alway have to be elves with Christmas magic. I thought that Jack was a good male lead as well, he was a pain, but his determination to get Delia away from him only made it better when he figured out he had fallen. 

Overall, so wickedly cute. This was such a fun and funny read and I will certainly be looking for more from this author soon.

Recent Reads: Slay Bells Ring by Mona Marple

Slay Bells Ring by Mona Marple

Series: A Christmas Cozy Mystery Series Book 2
Publisher: Aspen Park Publishing
Publication Date:  May 21, 2024 

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Freebie during a stuff your Kindle day. Also available on Kindle Unlimited as of the time of this posting. 

Rating:


Synopsis: 

Welcome to Candy Cane Hollow, where every day feels like Christmas!
It's New Year's Eve in Candy Cane Hollow.

This winter wonderland may look festive and be home to the Claus Family, but all is not as it seems. The festivities take a turn for the bizarre when the giant glitter ball comes crashing down on cantankerous elf chef, Greasy. Chief Superintendent Wiggles is sure the death is just a tragic accident, but Holly isn't so sure. Greasy was lots of things, but it appears that popular wasn't one of them. 

Holly begins her own investigation with the eager help of Mrs Claus, while dimpled Nick Claus warns them both to be careful.
Was the death an accident? Or is that a false ho-ho-hope? 

Slay Bells Ring is a festive cozy mystery and second in an exciting new series by popular author Mona Marple. 

Review: 

We are still in Candy Cane Hollow with Holly in the second installment of these holiday cozy mysteries. With Holly's appearance in town, things are really getting riled up. She got there and there was a murder, which she helped to solve. It is now coming up on New Years Eve and there is a huge town ball... sadly in a crazy turn of events the disco ball falls from the ceiling on top of an elf.  Holly is convinced that it is also a murder, decor like that doesn't often fall and hit anyone. 

Holly is trying to find out if it was a murder or just a very unlikely coincidence. She is still her determined self but is less lonely with the Claus familty and in the Candy Cane Hollow setting.

This book had the same flow and vibes as the last one - cozy mystery, clean romance, and lots of holiday themes. And like the last one, I only really had an issue with the timeline... in a week there have been 2 murders.... what the heck! I guess the holidays just make people crazy. 

What I like about these books is just how simple they really are - they are full of festive feels and while murder mysteries, they are pretty light and just fun to read. This book also has a bit more romance, but I won't spoil it for new readers. If you liked the first one, this is a good follow up, but very similar overall. 

Recent Reads: Bound by Knighthood by Nicki Chapelway

Bound by Knighthood by Nicki Chapelway  

Series: Starry Kingdoms of the Fae Collection
Publisher: Dragonflight Press
Publication Date: July 21, 2023 

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

An academy in the sky,

Two rival knights-to-be,

And the cursed princess who could destroy them all.

Willow is a fae born with a weak and muddled magic. In a world where magic can be bought…for the right price, she attends the Academy of the Gilded Knights. Her to swear her service to a high fae in return for powerful magic.

There is only one person standing in the way of her success, Byron Coalbiter, her childhood rival.

A blacksmith’s son born with a magic far more powerful than her own, Byron has always lived a seemingly charmed life. But apparently that isn’t enough, because now he’s looking to steal Willow’s knighthood.

However, there is something sinister taking place at the academy, and the princess they both rescued might be far more than a damsel in distress. She could very well be their undoing.

If Willow and Byron want to save their precious academy then they are going to have to put aside their rivalry, move past the strange attraction that they feel toward each other, and learn to work together before they both lose their dreams.

Because a dark magic threatens the academy and Willow and Byron might be the only ones capable of keeping the school from crumbling…right out of the sky.

Bound by Knighthood is the 8th book in the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae Collection. These books are all standalones written by your favorite fantasy authors and are the perfect read for your summer vacation. Prepare to be swept away into magical worlds with tropes you obsess over and swoon-worthy romance.

Review: 

Set in the same world as Bound by Honey, this installment follows another group and an overall different plotline, but the high-fae still play an important role.

In this story we learn about low-fae that have limited magic and how some take action to gain more power. Willow, our main character is on her way to the knight academy. There she will earn a spot, hopefully, to be a knight for a high-fae that will share thie power. The only wrench in her plan is her rival Byron going too.

Willow was so stubborn and oblivious, that it was very cute. 

Byron swooned throughout the story and I felt for him, he was trying so hard to get Willow's attention.  I liked them together, it became a cozy romance with fantasy elements, which I was digging. I alsoliked that you can read these books in any order, I think this one is actually #8 or something like that but since they all read as stand-alones readers are good to go. The only piece that was overlapped was that in Bound in Honey we were just getting to know about the dragons and in this story they seem more established. There might also be some politics that I missed along the way too but the author did a good job keeping things prettty simple. 

Overall, this was cute. I liked the cahracters but didn't fully fall for them like I did with Bound in Honey. They were still great to follow though and I will certainly continue to pick these short reads up.

Recent Reads: Hark! A Homicide: A Cozy Mystery Christmas Novella by Tricia L. Sanders

Hark! A Homicide: A Cozy Mystery Christmas Novella by Tricia L. Sanders 

Publisher: Kindle
Publication Date:  December 17, 2020

 

Format: Ebook
Source:  Kindle Unlimited

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

When a dead elf threatens to spoil Pine Grove’s Christmas, being on Santa’s naughty list is the least of Mattie’s worries. Mattie Modesky and her best friend are planning the 25th annual Christmas toy drive and charity dinner. Days away from the celebration, Mattie discovers a dead body—an elf—in the toy donation box. The elf is really a small-time hoodlum, and the killer is Santa Claus. Not the real Santa, obviously. Mattie’s husband, Mo, the chief of police, sustains a shoulder injury in a scuffle with the fake Santa. Now he’s out of commission, and the toys have been confiscated as evidence. Mo suspects Mattie’s stepfather, Lazy Lou, and it’s up to her to prove Lou’s innocence, figure out why the town councilwoman is railroading Mo into retirement, and solve the caper so she can get the celebration back on track.

Review:

This was a holiday themed novella from Kindle Unlimited. I picked it up to continue with my Goodreads reading goal that I was SO CLOSE to hitting. I was looking for something light and cozy. 

Mo and Mattie are older. Mo is the police chief but should be retiring soon. Mattie doesn't want to push him, but there is a new woman in town that thinks he is incapable and should give up the role. Before Christmas a murder occurs and in the process Mo gets hurt. Mo is stubborn, but now bed-ridden for a bit while the others on the force try to solve the crime. To try to alleviate some of Mo's complaining Mattie tries to help and insert herself to find out more for him. 

This was a good, short, cozy, mystery - I liked the small town. It brings everyone together and presents some interesting dynamics for the townspeople. The overall story was simple and a bit easy to deduce but overall it was a great read. I would like to read more from this author.

Recent Reads: Series - Misadventures & Mistletoe by Wren Morris

From Cocktails and Sleigh Bells by Wren Morris

Series: Misadventures and Mistletoe #1
Publisher: Kindle Edition
Publication Date:  December 6, 2022

 

Format: Ebook, Novella
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

It was one night before Christmas, but for Cole and Kris, one night might not be enough.

Nicole “Cole” Barnes can’t seem to summon any Christmas cheer, not even while donning her best irreverent reindeer sweater for her bar’s annual contest. Slipping on the ice after a long Christmas Eve shift feels like the perfect nightcap to her lackluster holiday… until she’s rescued by a handsome stranger.

Turns out, she and her would-be-hero have a lot in common: they're both long time service professionals running low on Christmas spirit.

The catch? He’s Santa (for real), but he’s not at all the holly jolly grandpa in the greeting cards.

Kris Kringle has been running Santa Enterprises for years, but the ho-ho-ho has become rather ho-hum. This feisty bartender’s scorching wit could be just what he needs to stoke his passion again… if she doesn’t roast his chestnuts on an open fire first.

Cocktails to Sleigh Bells is a stand-alone MF holiday romcom novella. It has no cliffhanger and ends in a HEA.

Review: 

Found while looking for holiday novellas to complete my goodread challenge. SO CUTE!

Cole, aka Nicole, is a bartender, if is Christmas eve and one her way home she slips and falls and hits her head. Kris happens to be there and gets her up. Cole panics when she comes to but they decide to spend some time together to ensure she is alright. This short read is told in alternating points of view - Cole and Kris. 

The spend some time together watching movies and talking and actually falling for each other, both normally lonely during the holidays. But Kris is actually THE Kris Kringle, Santa. He runs Santa Enterprises and they are speinding time in his magical world, although Cole doesn't know that. Kris' team busts in at one point and gives some of it away, especially because they are named after the famous reindeer. 

Overall, while short, this was so cute, LOL funny, and I loved Cole and Kris. The alternating chapters were really well done. I also really liked how Morris did the North Pole world and the guys were perfect event though we only have a brief glimpse of them. 

This can be read as a standalone, but there will be more in the series following the team. It is a perfect, slightly spicy, holiday romance novella/rom-com. 

 

From Snowball Fights to Hot Summer Nights by Wren Morris 

Series: Misadventures and Mistletoe #2

Publisher: Kindle Edition

Publication Date:  September 29, 2023

  

Format: Ebook, Novella

Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

The Delivery Team at Santa Enterprises brings cheer during the holidays, but Dancer is putting a little Christmas in July with a hot summer romance.

When a friend gets injured right before a performance for charity Dancer offers to take his place. Unexpectedly among all the sequins and spotlights, he finds not one chance at love, but two.

He never thought Trevor, the sweet but quiet bouncer, was interested…but the way he watches Dancer from the audience says otherwise.

Candace Cane, another performer, is as sweet and refreshing as her name. When she urges Trevor and Dancer to act on their feelings, they both realize they’re interested in her as well—but a relationship is the last thing on Candy’s mind.

Will these three find love with a little Christmas magic, or will fate pass them by?

From Snowball Fights to Hot Summer Nights is book two in the Misadventures and Mistletoe series. Each book will focus on a new romance for one (or more) of the Santa Enterprises team. This is a complete MMF romance and ends in a HEA.

Review: 

Shorter review for this one. Cole and Kris make an appearance and it is probably a good idea to read the fisrt book to get the overall Santa Enterprises feel.

This installment follows Dancer. After a snowball fight gone very wrong, Dancer has to take the place of a friend at a charity event. Interestingly enough though, this event is a stripping one. He meets another dancer named Candace Cane (actual name, goes by Candy). He really likes she, she is a breath of fresh air and helps him finally get the attention of Trevor (the bouncer from Cole's bar). 

This becomes a MMF romance with a fair amount of spice. When they all finally get together it is cute and funny, and sometimes awkward as they figure out themselves and each other.

I liked that this was another holiday themed novella. the MMF part was done well. There was a lot of communication and agreements which I felt was good to show even in a short novella. 

I loved the Kris/Cole hightlights and really love this world overall. I will be checking for more installments. 

Recent Reads: Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent

Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent

Series: Crowns of Nyaxia #1.5
Publication Date:  March 21, 2023

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Borrowed / Kindle Unlimited

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Six roses. Six vials of blood. Six visits to a vampire who could be her salvation… or her damnation.

Lilith has been dying since the day she was born. But while she long ago came to terms with her own imminent death, the deaths of everyone she loves is an entirely different matter. As her town slowly withers in the clutches of a mysterious god-cursed illness, she takes matters into her own hands.

Desperate to find a cure, Lilith strikes a bargain with the only thing the gods hate even more than her village: a vampire, Vale. She offers him six roses in exchange for six vials of vampire blood–the one hope for her town’s salvation.

But when what begins as a simple transaction gradually becomes something more, Lilith is faced with a terrifying realization: It’s dangerous to wander into the clutches of a vampire… and in a place already suffering a god’s wrath, more dangerous still to fall in love with one.

Six Scorched Roses is a standalone fantasy romance novella set in the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, perfect for those who love dark, romantic tales with bite and fans of Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Review: 

Throughout the month of December I spent my time reading Novellas to hit my Goodreads goal and I am so glad that I picked this one up. I really have enjoyed the Crowns series and this was a wonderful glimpse into the relationship between Lillith and Vale, so cute!

The story falls before book 2 of the Crowns series. We learn how Vale and Lillith met and fell in love before they appear together in Book 2. I really enjoyed these side characters. Vale is hiding out brooding and the religious humans around him worship a different god so they don't like him there. That area was published by a god and are suffering from a plague, people slowly get sick and turn to dust. Lillith was a sickly child but in her adulthood, which she has made it to, she is determined to find a cure for the people, most especially her sister. She goes to Vale with roses and trades them for his blood to use in her experiments. 

I loved Lillith - her determination, fight, and bravery was wonderful. I liked the gods that appeared and the roses theme/twist. Vale as broody was lovely and added depth to their relationship. She was stubborn, he was an ass but they learned to work together and then him swoping in to save her and help her as the story went on was so nice. 

I really enjoyed this. If you liked the main series, this is a great glimpse into their story, I am glad I read it after book 2 but you could go in order. 

Recent Reads: A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers

A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers 
Series: Monk and Robot #1
Publisher: Tor.com/ Kindle
Publication Date:   July 13, 2021

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Centuries before, robots of Panga gained self-awareness, laid down their tools, wandered, en masse into the wilderness, never to be seen again. They faded into myth and urban legend.

Now the life of the tea monk who tells this story is upended by the arrival of a robot, there to honor the old promise of checking in. The robot cannot go back until the question of "what do people need?" is answered. But the answer to that question depends on who you ask, and how. They will need to ask it a lot. Chambers' series asks: in a world where people have what they want, does having more matter?

Review:

Not sure what I was expecting here but A Psalm for the Wild Built was short but beautiful. It felt like a warm blanket but was also so thought provoking at times as well. 

Sibling Dex (they/them) is a monk who becomes a tea monk at the beginning of the book, because they wanted more for themself. After a few years as a tea monk and becoming the best tea monk in the land, they decide to venture outside of their normal village roue into the wilderness to again experience something more again. While in the wild, Sibling Dex meets a robot named Mosscap, while he knew they existed somewhere he never expected to meet one and together they finish the journey talking about themselves, the villages, the world, and other philosophical topics. The have time to talk and reflect and teach each other, questioning lots of things. The conversations were interesting and kept the flow well. 

The book, while short, covered topics about healing, purpose, self-worth, exploration, and the idea of being and living. In the end, also about friendship and asking for help. 

Super cute, interesting read. If you are looking for something shorter, this might be a great little Science Fiction/Fantasy to add to your reading list.

Recent Reads: The Half Life of Marie Curie by Lauren Gunderson

The Half-Life of Marie Curie by Lauren Gunderson
Narrated by: Kate Mulgrew, Francesca Faridany
Length: 1 hr and 19 mins 
Performance
Release date: 12-05-19
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Original
Categories: Drama & Poetry, Modern Drama

 

Format: Audible Audiobook
Source: Audible Freebie, December 2019

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

In 1912, scientist Marie Curie spent two months on the British seaside at the home of Hertha Ayrton, an accomplished mathematician, inventor, and suffragette. At the time, Curie was in the throes of a scandal in France over her affair with Paul Langevin, which threatened to overshadow the accomplishment of her second Nobel Prize.

Performed by Kate Mulgrew and Francesca Faridany, this play by Lauren Gunderson is an ode to two remarkable women who, despite tremendous personal and professional obstacles, continued to devote their lives to scientific innovation and social change.

Playwright Lauren Gunderson was awarded a commission through the Audible Emerging Playwrights Fund, an initiative dedicated to developing innovative original plays driven by language and voice. As an Audible commissioned playwright, she received funding and creative support to develop The Half-Life of Marie Curie.

Directed by Gaye Taylor UpchurchSound design by Darron L West

Review: 
Audible Original offerings every month give me a way to venture outside of my normal Youth-YA readings, which is nice and I have learned a lot in doing so. I fully expected this book about Marie Curie to be about the science, it was not, but I am completely ok with that because I know about the science, I did not realize that she was involved in a scandal. 

This dramatic reading is about Marie Curie in the aftermath of her affair with a married man. She is vulnerable in a new way, but also so angry with society and the double standards that existed then as they do now. The overall narration was so well done and the play between the characters was enthralling and I didn't want to stop listening. 

While the audiobook was short it painted a new picture of a woman that I thought I knew a good deal about. She was human, upset, dying, and so mad at the world around her, but also brilliant in so many ways even in this short tale. I really enjoyed this book even though it was not what I expected.

If you are looking for a new point of view on this very well known scientist and Nobel Prize (x2) winner, this is a very well dramatized book in which to learn more about the woman.

Recent Listen: You Can Thank Me Later: A Novella by Kelly Harms

You Can Thank Me Later: A Novella by Kelly Harms
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
Original Recording Audiobook
Release date: 10-31-19
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Original
Categories: Fiction, Contemporary

 

Format: Audible Audiobook
Source: From Audible as a Freebie in November 2019.

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

A short and sweet audio novella that'll leave listeners wanting second helpings, You Can Thank Me Later follows an unforgettable family over the course of three Thanksgivings.
When the Dickenson clan sits down for Thanksgiving dinner in 2016, it is the last holiday when their tight-knit family will ever be the same. Oldest brother Pete and his wife are expecting their first child. Youngest sibling Sophie is too busy running her restaurant, The Little Plum, to bother with any kind of social life. And middle child Charlie's happy, uncomplicated life as a Midwestern science professor is upended when his wife Annette is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Knowing this will be her last Thanksgiving, Annette asks Sophie to look after Charlie after she's gone. Which would be a lot easier if Charlie didn't show up with an insufferable new girlfriend at the next holiday meal.
From the best-selling author of The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, this heartwarming novella embraces the spirit and gratitude of the holiday, and shows how a family's love can endure anything.

Review: 
This freebie novella from Audible was a good listen, albeit pretty sad and a little depressing. It is always good to know that your family is not always the crazy one, and this story once again proves it. In this novella we follow a family through a few years of Thanksgiving and how it changes. In the first Thanksgiving we learn that Sophie's sister-in-law is diagnosed with a terminal illness, that is followed by the grief and acceptance of her death in the Thanksgivings to come.

There were a lot of emotions while listening to this audiobook. While I enjoyed it overall, it was a lot.  If you like books about grief and then growth this is a short listen and it is that. Getting to that point it rough though. I found Sophie the main character to be a bit annoying, judgmental, and really wanted to slap sense into her for about half of the book. Eventually she comes around but not after being a pain to all those around her. 

I am glad this was a freebie, otherwise I would not have picked it up, but it was a nice, short listen, and I think it was good story.

Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway - Wild Horse by Kyle Richardson

Wild Horse by Kyle Richardson
A Young Adult Superhearo Novella
Publisher: Meerkat Press
Publication Date:  July 30, 2019

 

About the Book
Grady has found a crack in the wall—a crack to the outside world. But all he knows about life outside the compound comes from books, magazines, and a photograph of a creature that no longer exists. Things change when he meets a girl with raspberry-yellow hair, and a secret that could lead them to a world beyond the walls. A world where their abilities could change everything … or lead them both to ruin. 

Additional Buy Links 

 Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Book Page

Grady finds it in the spring, when the leaves are sprouting from the trees in tiny pink-green buds. There are no trees in the courtyard, there's only dirt and rocks and other kids that look like Grady—their heads shaven, their clothes loose and gray, the skin under their eyes a creamy blue and red. But Grady has found a crack in the wall, a crack that wasn't there before—a crack that isn't supposed to be. Whenever the guards aren't looking, he leans his face against the wall and peers through the crack at the world outside. He does this with his left eye first. Always his left eye first. The gap is so tiny it's like squinting through a nostril. But in that nostril there's the sky, purple as a bruise, and beneath it there are scrawny trees with tiny pink-green buds. Today the trees bend and sway, like they know Grady's watching. Like they're dancing just for him. And his cracked lips spread until he's smiling, big and dumb. 

This is when he hears the voice. "What're you looking at?" The voice comes from behind him, small and smooth and wild, like the picture of the horse taped to the ceiling above his cot. It knocks something loose in him, something that tumbles free, something that falls but doesn't seem to ever land. Whatever it is, it just keeps on falling, lost somewhere inside him. Grady frowns and squirms, but the stupid feeling doesn't quit. "Go away," he tells the voice. He doesn't bother to turn. "I'm looking at spring," he adds, "but you wouldn't know what that is."

The voice that's like a wild horse, it tells him, "I do too know what spring is. And I know that you're mean and I don't like you." Then the voice is gone, and a guard walks by, and Grady looks away from the wall as if the crack isn’t there at all. And stomping away from him straight across the courtyard, like she's trying to knock the world off orbit with the weight of her footsteps alone, is a skinny girl with loose gray clothes and raspberry-yellow hair.

Grady raises his eyebrows. Whatever that thing is inside him, it tumbles even faster.

Format: Ebook
Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Rating: 

Review: 

This was a very interested novella about a dystopian world where kids with powers are kept locked in. Grady and Cassie are some of those kids and it happens that they are able to escape into the outside world and live together for a while. This novella is a bit odd, but it is beautifully written and it seems like a run to the finish line so it is pretty fast paced and leaves the reader wanting more. It has a few themes, the dystopian society, the powers, but it is also about falling in love and learning about those feelings and how they can change as you change. 

I enjoyed following along with Grady, and really felt for him and wanted to help him fight his way through everything. And while he felt for Cassie, she seemed too aloof for my liking, it might be because of her powers, but she never really seemed committed to anything. 

As noted, this was a short work, but it had me pretty invested from start to finish. If you like dystopian worlds, and scifi/ fantasy, this is a great quick read.

About the Author

Kyle lives in the suburban wilds of Canada with his adorable wife, their rambunctious son, and their adventurous daughter. He writes about shapeshifters, superheroes, and the occasional clockwork beast, moonlights as an editor at Meerkat Press, and has a terrible habit of saying the wrong thing at the most inopportune moments. His short fiction has appeared in places such as Love Hurts: A Speculative Fiction Anthology and Daily Science Fiction.

Find the Author

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