This past week I picked up a book that has been in my TBR stack for a few months with the intention to have a relaxing read. I made it exactly one chapter in before it was obvious that the story was going to take a turn into subject material that would be personally triggering … Continue reading What’s your DNR limit?
Can robots write romance?
The talk this past week and last week have been the idea of AI bots creating works. First, they came for the artist and many of the artists that I know and follow are rightfully outraged that pieces that they have spent hours on, labored over, are being recreated, sometimes poorly, in minutes. Recently, this … Continue reading Can robots write romance?
A Riot in Camden
My relationship with urban fantasy is tenuous at best. It usually depends on the book or the author. So when I was suggested the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovich, I was hesitant. I only know Aaronovich from his works on Doctor Who books and the Blake’s 7 Big Finish audio drama series, of which I … Continue reading A Riot in Camden
How many books are too many?
My room looks like a secondhand bookshop. You know the kind, the ones you walk into and it’s just rows of old wooden bookshelves and stacks upon stacks of old paperbacks and hard covers. The kind of store where one could easily get lost in for hours, finding treasures you hadn’t thought you’d ever find … Continue reading How many books are too many?
I call this story, The Midnight Pals
Sometimes, when one is scrolling mindlessly through social media, one will come upon something that is amusing, funny and just freshly unique. I found that almost 10 years ago (Good God, 10 years???) when The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, appeared on You Tube. (seahorses forever!), then again about four or five years ago when Lore Olympus appeared … Continue reading I call this story, The Midnight Pals
The Door Is Open
I’ve mentioned my love of podcasts before in this blog. Usually when I’m talking about the latest Jonathan Sims novel. Of which there have been two and anyone who likes horror should go read them. But I digress. One of my first foray into audio drama, after Welcome to Night Vale, was The Black Tapes. It’s … Continue reading The Door Is Open
Small town life, Big town drama
Imagine you’re a woman in a small Northern town. You win a well-known baking contest and come home. And your life falls apart. That’s Monroe Roberts life. A young woman in the town of Forever Falls returned to find her husband had been sleeping with her cousin. It’s the reverse of the Hallmark trope of … Continue reading Small town life, Big town drama
Death of the Author?
For centuries, authors, actors, public media celebrities who were once beloved before they were found to be problematic. With changing landscapes there is always an ebb and flow of these type of people and when that happens, a question is always asked: can the death of the author be a thing, or are there some … Continue reading Death of the Author?
When your audiobook goes Meta
After listening to a few audiobooks that just ripped my heart and tossed my emotions all around until they were shaken and stirred, I wanted to take a breath. Listen to something nice and sweet. Something that was just going to be a nice interlude before I dove into the next audiobook that I knew would … Continue reading When your audiobook goes Meta
The Disappearance of Humanities
In a February article in the New Yorker titled “The End of the English Major”, Nathan Heller talks about the fall of humanities majors around the country. Heller goes to Harvard and ASU to talk with students on campus about why they chose the major they did and not something in humanities. The majority of … Continue reading The Disappearance of Humanities
Afro-Latino voices: a retelling of a classic
It's ironic that Black History Month is also the shortest month in the year. As if people agreed that they would finally decided to give black people recognition but as little as necessary. My posts this month are nothing but I hope to shed light on books written by writers of color. There's been discussions … Continue reading Afro-Latino voices: a retelling of a classic
Good ol’ fashion book burnings
I'm going to start this out with a quote. From one of my favorite television shows ironically. Doctor Who, the episode Tooth and Claw, the Doctor says: "You want weapons? We're in a library. Books are the best weapon in the world. This room's the greatest arsenal we could have. Arm yourself!" That's where we … Continue reading Good ol’ fashion book burnings
History Repeating Itself
Originally, I was going to spend February talking about romance novels and doing my standard reviews. I even posted a musing last Friday discussing romance novels and what constituted a romance. Then Saturday I heard some news frustrated me That will be next week’s Musings but for now my view for this month has shifted. … Continue reading History Repeating Itself
Love is All Around
It’s February and that mean it’s the countdown for hearts, roses, and discount chocolate on the 15th. It’s also the time when most women watch romantic movies or read romance novels. Everyone loves a happily ever after, we love the romance of two people meeting for the first time, the casual glances across the room, the mild … Continue reading Love is All Around
Ladies don’t tell
I have an odd para-social relationship with Alexis Hall’s books. On one hand, I love the sarcastic, self-deprecating mess that is Luc O’Donnell and his uptight, organized partner Oliver Blackwood from both Boyfriend Material and Husband Material. The books have such a gay Bridget Jones vibe that I adore them to pieces. However, I was … Continue reading Ladies don’t tell
Memoirs, biographies and non-fiction, oh my.
Autobiographies, biographies, unauthorized biographies, memoirs. There’s nothing more the public likes that to read about other’s secrets. Especially if the others in question are rich and famous. I’m old enough to remember when then Ronald and Nancy Reagan’s son wrote a “tell-all” book about his life and his parents. Which was shocking. What was even … Continue reading Memoirs, biographies and non-fiction, oh my.
The Deconstruction of the Author
In the summer of 2022, a book was released by St. Martin’s Press. Corinne was written by an unknown author by the name of Rebecca Morrow. While it’s not unusual for new authors to get contracts with major publishing companies and be promoted, it was the way this book came onto the scene. The front jacket … Continue reading The Deconstruction of the Author
2023: Looking back and looking forward
Happy New Year friends and welcome (belatedly) to 2023. Wow, seven days in and it's already been a roller coaster ride, hasn't it? The end of 2022 was just a free fall into crashing and burning. I won't bore you will the particulars but I'm back for a new year, new ideas, new books and … Continue reading 2023: Looking back and looking forward
Holiday shopping & readings
We are now officially into the holiday shopping season. Christmas, Hannukah, Yule, Kwanzaa to name a few. No matter what holiday you're shopping for, (does Festivus need shopping days?) there's plenty of options that will appeal to the book lover in your life. Or as a well done to you after holiday shopping. Credit to … Continue reading Holiday shopping & readings
I need more books like this!
In a good majority of romance novels and Hallmark movies, there’s the woman who lives in the Big City and is forced to go to the Country/Small Town for whatever reason. Seduced by the small town. First, let me preface this by saying, this was a book I didn’t know I needed until I began … Continue reading I need more books like this!
All Good things…
I know I discuss books and book related things here but today we're going to talk about the potential end of Twitter. I'm not getting into the do's and don'ts or any of the 'political' ramifications or reasons on the potential end of Twitter. I just want to talk about what the site meant to … Continue reading All Good things…
Do literary tastes change?
I'm assuming so. After all, there are books I read when I was much younger that don't impress me now. But there are books I read when I was younger that still captivate or, in certain cases, terrify me. Tastes change. Clothing styles, music, movies, food. A person's tastes change as they get older or … Continue reading Do literary tastes change?
Romances and unusual children by the sea.
A while back, maybe last year, there was a bit of discussion regarding the popularity of m/m books being written by women and the men writing these books being frozen out, so to speak. Going in search of a male writer for a m/m romance, I stumbled upon TJ Klune and his novel The House … Continue reading Romances and unusual children by the sea.
It’s a Scream
Hello my ghosts and goolies, It’s near that time again, the first holiday in what begins the final three months of holidays. Also, my personal favorite, Halloween. A time when the weather gets cooler, the leaves begin to fall, the warm apple cider is brought out and we gorge on chocolate. There’s also campfires and … Continue reading It’s a Scream
Where have all the good Husband Material gone?
Books are like people. Sometimes there are some you just don’t like. There are some you love and keep around you at all times, and then there are a few that you love enough, but then they come back around, it’s like they never left. Alexis Hall’s sequel in his London Calling series came out and I … Continue reading Where have all the good Husband Material gone?
What is it about Benedict Cumberbatch?
I have my preferences on books. While some people enjoy nonfiction or memoirs; I prefer fiction. I’m trying to escape; I want to be taken away by a book that is set in a fictional place with fictional people. That said, when I heard about this book: This is not a Book about Benedict Cumberbatch, … Continue reading What is it about Benedict Cumberbatch?
Why are people keeping gates anyway?
It’s been a while friends, since we’ve had a Book Twitter controversy. While I was thinking about what to write this week, an American author wrote out a quote-tweeted thread giving her opinion on the differences between science fiction and fantasy. Now as a humble reader of books, my thoughts regarding the difference between science … Continue reading Why are people keeping gates anyway?
It’s not really loveless, just not romantic.
By now, everyone knows who Alice Oseman is. The person who created the LGBTQ graphic novel series, Heartstopper, recently a popular Netflix series (Recently being 2022). In 2021, Osman wrote Loveless, the story of Georgia, who doesn’t understand why she has no immediate need for a romantic partner, nor finds the concept of dating or … Continue reading It’s not really loveless, just not romantic.
Journals AND books!
Just when you think you’ve seen all the cute bookish things, someone hands you something new and you must crow about it. My best friends handed me a package today as a belated birthday present. A lovely tablet cover with a journal and a set of multicolored fine tip felt pens. Anyone who knows me … Continue reading Journals AND books!
A Devilish Good Time
I am under the belief that audiobooks are books, no matter what the current argument is. Just because one isn’t sitting either on their Kindle or with a paper book in their hand does not make the story any less exciting and engaging. Audio dramas, however, are up in the air because, while the stories … Continue reading A Devilish Good Time
Organization? Don’t know them.
I really should be more organized. Book reviews are easy (HA!) Well, not easy but at least I know what I’m doing there. Read a book, review it, post onto blog. It’s these in between posts, where I’m supposed to be talking about other things, book related where I get a little lost. What I … Continue reading Organization? Don’t know them.
There’s No Place Like Home
The temperatures are still hot, and it’s not quite fall yet. Here we are, reviewing a book that should be destined for October. When the temperatures cool and the nights are just a bit spookier, that’s the perfect time for a haunted house story. Instead, we’re reading Home Before Dark by Riley Sager now. Because … Continue reading There’s No Place Like Home
There and back again
Welcome back my friends! Already it is near the middle of August and here we are. I've bought so many good books this past month, and read even more and I can't wait to share them with you. First, my trip to London was wonderful! I had so much fun and visited so many historic … Continue reading There and back again
In a New York Minute
I'm back! Did you miss me? Did you at least miss the reviews, wondering what Mouse was going to pick this month to read? Well, look no further because I have more than a few book in the pipeline to review. Plus pictures to share next week about my trip! So tune in for that. … Continue reading In a New York Minute
London Calling
Hello friends! June is almost over and July is only a few days away. I will be taking the month of July off from writing this blog. Why? Because I'm going to England! Almost two weeks in the heart of London with side trips to the country and to Scotland. It's something I've wanted to … Continue reading London Calling
Parallel Cases: What do Mycroft Holmes & St. Louis have in common?
Mark Twain and his band of Futurists. Who knew? In my rabbit hole of Holmesian comic books and graphic novels, I finally set upon Mycroft Holmes and the Apocalypse Handbook written by Kareen Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld. The story takes place in Mycroft Holmes’ younger years, still in university and refusing to make his mark … Continue reading Parallel Cases: What do Mycroft Holmes & St. Louis have in common?
My rabbit hole is the size of Reichenbach Falls.
I fell down a rabbit hole this past weekend. It started with a comic book, A Study in Emerald. Then it was Major Holmes and Captain Watson. Then I was reminded that I ordered another comic, Mycroft Holmes and the Apocalypse Handbook which I'll be reviewing next week. During my search and discussion of Holmesian … Continue reading My rabbit hole is the size of Reichenbach Falls.
Why’s everyone gotta pick on Archduke Ferdinand?
Happy June everyone! Last year I reviewed two LGBTQ books but this year it’s the month of Sherlock Holmes comics. But never fear, because Sheffield Holmes is here! Last review we had Sherlock Holmes (sort of) in alternate Victorian London where Lovecraftian Elder Gods ruled. This week we have Sherlock Holmes (sort of) in an … Continue reading Why’s everyone gotta pick on Archduke Ferdinand?
1,000 Views and free book!
Wednesday, I passed 1,000 views on my blog! While I know that may not be a huge deal for some review blogs, it's huge for me! I have to admit, I get a little tickled when I got the notification. I've been thinking for a while how to expand this blog and how to say … Continue reading 1,000 Views and free book!
A Study in Sherlock Comics
There’s an old adage in the Ghostbusters/ Real Ghostbusters fandom that dictates that when writing fanfiction, you can crossover GB/RGB with any fandom. I’m beginning to thing this adage may apply to Sherlock Holmes as well. There are so many pastiches and variations surrounding Sherlock Holmes. He’s met Dracula, Jack the Ripper, Scooby Doo, The … Continue reading A Study in Sherlock Comics
Look Back Diaries: Ten Years Later
If you’ve been following me for even a month, you know that one of my favorite books is Pride and Prejudice and that in my spare time I devour P&P variations from Kindle Unlimited. Seriously, don’t look at my Goodreads, it’s ridiculous. Ten years ago, a few small named people: John Green and Bernie Su … Continue reading Look Back Diaries: Ten Years Later
Cosplay All the Way
For those who aren’t in the know, I am a huge geek. This weekend is the release of Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness and to say I’ve been waiting years for this is an understatement. I was raised on a healthy diet of Star Wars, Star Trek, X-Files, Musicals, PBS, British sci-fi…you get the idea. I … Continue reading Cosplay All the Way
April conventions
Hello friends. How has your April been? I know I missed a week this month, a week where I would normally post my bi-monthly musings, but I had just gotten back from a convention. It was the first convention out of state I’ve attended since 2019 so it was an exciting time. 221B Con, a … Continue reading April conventions
Mr. Darcy’s deeds.
Welcome back friends! No, I haven’t gone anywhere, I just…apparently took a week off to recuperate from my first out of state convention in 2 years. I’ll post about that next week but for today let’s discuss something light and fun to read, Engaging Mr. Darcy by Rachel John. This is going to be short … Continue reading Mr. Darcy’s deeds.
America’s Retail Wasteland
There’s something unnerving about abandoned places. Buildings, houses that you know at one time were teaming with light and laughter and people and now they’re shadows. Masses of empty, forlorn, forgotten places where everyone is gone, and it is just a ghost of its former self. While abandoned houses are both creepy and beautiful, there’s something … Continue reading America’s Retail Wasteland
The Personalities of Writers: J.D. Robb
Happy April everyone! This is not an April Fools Joke. I never got the hang of April Fools Day. So, let’s dive in! I’ll never post a review of Nora Roberts’ body of work, or new releases, because, let’s face it, there are more professional and much better paid critics who are paid to read and … Continue reading The Personalities of Writers: J.D. Robb
When you’re everything for everyone but nothing for yourself.
Last month two anticipated books on my pre-order list dropped and I was so excited. So apologies for a BOTM book not being mentioned this month but Alexandria Bellefleur’s final chapter in her trilogy just dropped and like that, I dropped everything to read it. Okay, listen to it because Lauren Sweet reading these three … Continue reading When you’re everything for everyone but nothing for yourself.
Second hand anxiety
Audiobooks, or programs like Audible are wonderful for readers. It opens worlds for people who can no longer read or have reading disabilities. It allows us to read multiple books at one time. It allows us to read books during times when we normally couldn’t. On the drive to and from work or driving anywhere for that matter. While … Continue reading Second hand anxiety
Sowing the Seeds of a new favorite series.
I love a good detective story. I am not usually all that up on futuristic science fiction though. But give me a good murder mystery and an equally detective/ murder cop who gets thrown in the middle of an investigation and you have my attention. Until this month, my go-to murder cop was Lt. Eve … Continue reading Sowing the Seeds of a new favorite series.
Spring (not) Cleaning
According to Phil, we have six more weeks of winter. As of this post, it’s actually more like two or three weeks left. Plus, one more week until Daylight Savings Time and we lose that extra hour but gain and extra hour of sunlight each day. It’s a trade off I’ll happily take. It’s been a little … Continue reading Spring (not) Cleaning
Time after Time after Time
In the beginning of May there was a Twitter post by Bigolas Dickolas Wolfwood, who runs a Trigun fan Twitter page. It was short and succinct. A picture of a book This is How You Lose the Time War and the order to read the book. Don’t question it, just get it and read it. … Continue reading Time after Time after Time
Ali Hazelwood, you have my heart.
By now you all know my origin story regarding my love of Ali Hazelwood books. So when the newest book came out, a collection of three short stories called Loathe to Love You, of course I snatched it up from the library and read it. Why do I love these so much? Hazelwood holds a … Continue reading Ali Hazelwood, you have my heart.
T.J. Klune: Live and In Person!
Wednesday night, my best friend and I attended an evening to see the author T.J. Klune at one of our local centers. The event was hosted by Left Bank Books, a local bookstore in town. Klune is on tour to promote his newest work, In the Lives of Puppets which is out now. I've reviewed … Continue reading T.J. Klune: Live and In Person!
Science women are perky bundles of rage.
I love Ali Hazelwood. She’s quickly becoming a person whose books I pick up no matter what just because her name is on the cover. What started as a spite read for me with The Love Hypothesis, is quickly turning into a full-blown love of the author’s writing. I wish I shipped Reylo so I … Continue reading Science women are perky bundles of rage.
Mouse's Reading Nook 