Novella Review: Bridal Boot Camp by Meg Cabot

Rating: 3.5 stars

Pub Date: May 28, 2019

Publisher: Avon Impulse

Genre: adult romantic comedy

Format/Source: eARC, Edelweiss

Status: novella, book #0.5 of the Little Bridge Island series

Summary: Physical trainer Roberta “Rob” James moved to Little Bridge thinking she’d found paradise, but things haven’t turned out quite as she’d hoped.

The closest Rob has come to her “happily ever after” is happy hour at the Mermaid Café with her buddy Bree, the bartender slash waitress who’s got romance problems of her own.

But Rob’s situation suddenly changes when sheriff’s deputy Ryan Martinez accidentally enrolls in her bridal boot camp class. Turning mush into metal in time for the big day is Rob’s passion (because even the happiest bride could use a little toning).

But what happens when a guy who’s all mush meets a girl who’s all metal?

They discover they have a lot to learn . . . about each other, themselves, and the island paradise they’ve come to call home.

Review:

Bridal Boot Camp is the first look into Meg's new Little Bridge Island series, which I'm really excited about! I've been needing some more adult romance from Meg since I frequently reread her Boy series and last year I reread the entire Heather Wells series. Her books are a shot of fluff that I always appreciate, and Bridal Boot Camp isn't any different.

I think Rob and Ryan have really really great chemistry, and I loved seeing them overcome some initial not-quite-right first impressions to get to the good stuff (ie kissing). However, I'm going to give Bridal Boot Camp 3.5 stars because it was SO SHORT. I don't mind novellas, but I like them more in the 80-120 page range. Bridal Boot Camp is only 51 pages, and that really wasn't enough time to get a good arc with Rob and Ryan. We only get four chapters, and while they're good, fun chapters, full of that classic Meg Cabot banter and charm, this didn't feel like a fully fleshed out story.

And although I thought it introduced the world of Little Bridge Island decently, I prefer for companions (whether novellas or full-length novels) to be at least a little more connected. The summary mentions Bree (who is the mc of the first full Little Bridge Island book No Judgments) and Rob being friends, but really, Rob is just Bree's one-a-week trainer, and Bree is the "sad-eyed" waitress Rob sometimes sees at the Mermaid Cafe. I've also just finished reading No Judgments, which I really enjoyed (review coming closer to its pub date in September!), but Rob was not even mentioned by name in it. Ryan is in exactly one scene, and only refers to Rob as his girlfriend.

I never miss an opportunity for more content in a good series so I love novellas, I just think this one was not quite meaty enough to be a must-read. But if you're a die-hard Cabot-fan like me, or if you read No Judgments and want more Little Bridge goodness, Bridal Boot Camp will whet your appetite while you await the next book in the series.

Purchase Links:

 

About the Author:

Meg Cabot was born in Bloomington, Indiana during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign, but learned at an early age that a good storyteller can always give herself a happy ending.  Her 80+ books for both adults and tweens/teens have included multiple #1 New York Times bestsellers, selling over twenty-five million copies worldwide. Her Princess Diaries series has been published in more than 38 countries and was made into two hit films by Disney. Meg’s numerous other award-winning books include the Mediator series, the Heather Wells mystery series, and Avalon High, the latter of which was made into a film for Disney Channel. Meg Cabot (her last name rhymes with habit, as in “her books can be habit forming”) currently lives in Key West with her husband and various cats.

Author Links:

    

Novella Review: Pretty in Pearls by Tera Lynn Childs

Rating: 3 stars

Pub Date: January 7, 2014
Publisher: Harper Impulse
Genre: young adult paranormal romance (mermaids)
Format/Source: ebook, bought from Amazon
Status: novella, book #3.5 of Forgive My Fins series

Summary:

As Princess Lily’s emissary, Peri works hard to make sure her best friend knows all the goings on in the underwater kingdom of Thalassinia. The upcoming Sea Harvest Dance means plenty of fun for them, too, including shopping for jewels, trims, and dress making supplies. Peri especially loves the pearls she finds at Thalassinia’s marketplace—and she might be falling head over fins for Riatus, the thoughtful pearl trader who looks like a dashing pirate.

When Lily realizes her friend has a crush, she is determined to help them get together in time for the dance—except her matchmaking efforts backfire, sweeping Peri into dangerous depths and tangled in confusing tides. Should Peri give up on Riatus and find a different date to the Sea Harvest Dance, or will they finally find a way to float along the same current?

 

Review:

Almost exactly one year ago, Tera posted a bonus Forgive My Fins story on her blog. It was a tiny story, less than 1000 words, that had been written for a mermaid magazine. The magazine ended up not materializing so Tera posted it to her blog instead. This story told of the meeting of Peri, Lily's best friend, meeting a charming Captain Jack-esque merboy at the pearl stall of the Thalassinian market. Tera asked readers if they liked the story and wanted to see more of Peri and Riatus. I remember responding with a resounding YES. Peri was always one of my favorites in the FMF series, and I loved the slightly roguish Riatus. When I met Tera and her editor Sarah at TLA a couple months later, I admit I all but begged them to write the entire story. Now, nine months later, I finally have my wish: a full "Pretty in Pearls" novella!

There are just a couple slight differences between the original story posted and the newly published "Pretty in Pearls," namely that Peri and Riatus knew each other as kids, whereas before, they were newly met strangers. I think I prefer the original version because it makes for more drama, but I'm okay with the update because it makes more sense that they'd be comfortable...ish with each other more quickly. One reason I really enjoy this novella is because Peri is a wonderful main character. Lily is passionate and a bit impulsive, while Peri is more reserved and thoughtful. That doesn't mean she's a pushover, though! Peri may be quiet, but she's no doormat. She doesn't allow people to push her around.

Riatus is really interesting. I love his physical appearance, the way he is a little pirate-y. He's kind and clearly a loving big brother while simultaneously just mysterious and a little bit dangerous enough to make things interesting. That being said, Riatus is still a teenage boy (of the mer variety, yes, but still), and he makes some seriously stupid mistakes. I was so disappointed that he pulled the old give-you-distance-to-protect-you routine. That's honestly a terrible and far too common device, and thus, it has become a tired cliché. I much prefer the actual saving from an immediate threat. There's one scene where Peri has a really bad panic attack at a very dangerous and terrible time to do so. Riatus's response to her is so gentle, so unbearably kind. I definitely squeed a bit.

The actual plot of the story is straightforward, very simple. Riatus promises to message Peri about the Sea Harvest Dance, then doesn't. She spends the rest of the novella alternately attempting to figure out why or trying to slech the attraction she feels toward him. It's very cute and definitely matches the tone of the rest of the series, which is equally adorable and fun. I hope that if Tera decides to write any more stories set in the Forgive My Fins world, Peri and Riatus will be major characters because I'd love to see more of them.

Book Links:

   

About the Author:

Tera Lynn Childs is the award-winning author of the mythology-based OH. MY. GODS. and GODDESS BOOT CAMP, the mermaid tales FORGIVE MY FINS, FINS ARE FOREVER, and JUST FOR FINS (July 3rd, 2012), and a new trilogy about monster-hunting descendants of Medusa beginning with SWEET VENOM and SWEET SHADOWS (September 4, 2012). Tera lives nowhere in particular and spends her time writing wherever she can find a comfy chair and a steady stream of caffeinated beverages.

Author Links:

   

Giveaway:

I've been holding on to signed copies of Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever since TLA last year, just waiting for a good opportunity to use them for a giveaway. Now is as good a chance as ever. This giveaway is open to the US & Canada and will end at 12 AM February 14. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ironically, as I was typing this, I noticed that Tera is celebrating her 7000th Twitter follower and is giving away seven signed copies of Just for Fins, the third book of the Forgive My Fins series. One of the questions on her Rafflecopter is which characters we readers want more Fins stories for, which is something I'm way excited about. More Fins stories? Bring it, Tera! So please, go check out her giveaway. You may end up with the entire trilogy!

Novella Review: Night of Cake & Puppets

Rating: 5 stars

Pub Date: November 26, 2013
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Genre: young adult fantasy, magical realism, romance
Format/Source: ebook, bought from Amazon
Status: novella, book #1.5 of Daughter of Smoke & Bone series

Summary: In Night of Cake & Puppets, Taylor brings to life a night only hinted at in the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy—the magical first date of fan-favorites Zuzana and Mik. Told in alternating perspectives, it’s the perfect love story for fans of the series and new readers alike. Petite though she may be, Zuzana is not known for timidity. Her best friend, Karou, calls her “rabid fairy,” her “voodoo eyes” are said to freeze blood, and even her older brother fears her wrath. But when it comes to the simple matter of talking to Mik, or “Violin Boy,” her courage deserts her. Now, enough is enough. Zuzana is determined to meet him, and she has a fistful of magic and a plan. It’s a wonderfully elaborate treasure hunt of a plan that will take Mik all over Prague on a cold winter’s night before finally leading him to the treasure: herself! Violin Boy’s not going to know what hit him.

Review:

I started listening to the Daughter of Smoke and Bone audiobook in my car this week, and I love that it's taken me back to the world of Karou and her chimera friends and Akiva and the angels, which is something "Night of Cake and Puppets" also did a couple months ago when it was released. This novella doesn't follow the primary action of the trilogy, instead detailing the story of Zuzana, Karou's best friend, and Mik, the boy she loves. This novella is lovely, as are all of Laini's stories. There is magic in this story, and not just all the wishes Zuzana uses to create the treasure hunt. The magic is Laini and the enchanting world she has created and the gorgeous words she uses like paints to create it.

Zuzana has always been a feisty character so I loved seeing her a little unsure. It...softened her, made her less intimidating and human. In Days of Blood and Starlight, she and Mik basically march up to a camp of chimera more or less fearlessly. It's amazing and totally relatable that a cute boy nearly brings her to her knees. At the same time, I absolutely admire and covet her bravery to go after Mik in such spectacular fashion. Meanwhile Mik, who is quite a small character in the main plot arc, shines as the winsome suitor. Mik is charming and sweet, which is a lovely change from the hardened and tough male characters who dominate Karou's story (not that I don't love them too!). 

The plot of this novella is quite simple: Zuzana creates a treasure hunt for Mik, and she is the prize. The real magic is the getting there. These two circle one another throughout the snow-silenced streets of Prague in a dance every bit as alluring and elegant as Zuzana's marionette dance for her school project. Zuzana makes good use of the wishes Karou left her, and she and Mik each add some of their own. The fact that Zuzana created the hunt and that Mik is so willing to play along–and even add a couple twists of his own–casts an intangible but very real spell over this story and the reader. I was entralled by this darling short story. I found myself gasping and sighing dreamily at all the good parts. This, and my reread of DoBS and Days of Blood and Starlight, are more than enough to tide me over until the conclusion of the trilogy with Dreams of Gods and Monsters, which is sure to be just as much of a magical adventure.

Book Links:

    

About the Author:

Laini Taylor is the author of the National Book Award Finalist Lips Touch: Three Times, as well as the novels Blackbringer and Silksinger. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, illustrator Jim Di Bartolo, and their daughter.

Author Links:

    

Novella Review: Camp Christmas

Rating: 5 stars

Pub Date: December 17, 2013
Publisher: Spencer Hill
Genre: young adult contemporary romance
Format/Source: ebook, bought from Amazon
Status: novella, book #1.5 of Camp Boyfriend series

Summary: 

Hannah never meant to be a mean girl – at Camp Juniper Point or at her high school. It just sort of happened during one painful year when her parents split and her life fell apart. Who knew being mad at the world would catapult her to popularity? But since changing the status quo would make her some serious enemies, she’s prepared to ride out her time until graduation. That is, until a camp friend calls her on the act during their school ski trip. Will Julian out her to her friends? Or will the guy she once accused of being King of the Nerds make her wish she was a whole lot more like him?

 

Review:

The Camp Boyfriend series has been such a delightful surprise for me. I honestly didn't know when I first heard about it that I would love it as much as I have. "Camp Kiss" was pretty good, Camp Boyfriend was really good, and "Camp Christmas" is amazing. I like that Joanne and Karen have made a point with their writing that there aren't really "good guys" and "bad guys." Sure, there are antagonists in their stories (you can't have a decent story told without conflict, after all), but Joanne and Karen prove that there are more always more than one side to every story and that no one is the villain in their own story. Case in point: Hannah, who is the leading lady in this novella.

Hannah spent much of Camp Boyfriend being a petty queen bee, which is partially Lauren's perspective but also partially she's actually mean (albeit shallowly) to the Munchie Manor girls and the Wander Inn boys. Now that we're in Hannah's head, though, it's easy to see that there's more to her than the girl obsessed with fashion and boys. Instead, Hannah is a lonely teenage girl who is dealing with her parents' divorce and a group of frenemies who are insistent on tearing her down. I'm not saying it's okay to be a jerk to other people when you're going through a bad time, but that is normal, human survival instinct, and it's one I can not only sympathize Hannah for doing, but I also empathize with her.

Also, props on the actual hidden nerd thing. It's popular for people to have be nerdy these days, but Hannah has REAL nerdiness in her, and I love it. I don't know how they do it, but Joanne and Karen also manage to give their characters traits and habits and interests I have in my life. I absolutely attended a "nerd" convention before it was a cool mainstream activity thanks to Comic Con San Diego. Skiing is one of my favorite sports, and yes, I do have a cape. But back to Hannah. This adorable novella is really her realization of what is important and what is bull. She figures out that it's okay to let someone else "win" those stupid games that we all play but swear we don't, it's okay to be yourself. Once again, this is a story of a character finding out who she is and learning to love herself, which is the best message a ya book can possibly have.

Then there's Julian, who is pretty much the polar opposite. There's a saying that the rich aren't crazy, they're eccentric, which I guess is a motto their school buys into because people leave Julian alone since he's one of the wealthiest kids. Or at least I bet that's what they tell themselves. Actually, Julian is just ridiculously comfortable with himself. He's a nice; he's smart; he's a gentleman; he's unique; and he's not scared of that. Julian is a boy with perspective. He knows that all that high school posturing is BS, and he doesn't have time for it. For him, this novella is about his decision to finally go for what he wants, which is Hannah. In a way, he's like her Yoda or her Dumbledore or her Gandalf, as he helps her through her big eureka moment, except it's BETTER than all those old guys because 1. Julian has abs (I know he's wearing a parka the whole time, but I can totally tell there is undercover ab stuff going on here) and 2. these two kids have crazy ridiculous tummy-butterfly-inducing chemistry.

This novella is just a perfect read for a chilly winter day, whether you're on snowy slopes or just shivering in a southern state going through a weird cold snap like I am right now. There's adventure, there's humor, there's romance. And you'll probably find yourself shipping Juliannah as I did. Honestly, they might rival Lauren and --t- for my favorite Camp Boyfriend romance (I can't just give the ending away! Go read it!). But you can't have Julian for yourself. I called dibs on the sexy Geekster!

Book Links:

   

About the Author:

Sisters in law Joanne and Karen Rock write Young Adult books under the pseudonym J.K. Rock. They bonded on a set of bleachers, watching their respective Rock boyfriends play baseball, and later, as young wives married into the same big family. Today, they have fun reliving teen drama on the pages of their YA books in their ongoing Camp Boyfriend series, which reviewers have noted for its authentic treatment of navigating relationships and self-identity. Individually, Joanne and Karen write adult romance books for Harlequin. Joanne is a three-time RITA Award nominee and Golden Heart winner. Her books have been reprinted in twenty-six countries and translated into twenty different languages. Karen's debut romance, Wish Me Tomorrow, has garnered critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of a cancer survivor's journey. You can learn more about their upcoming projects and previous releases at http://jkrock.net.

Author Links:

  

Novella Review: Bitter Sweet Love by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Rating: 5 stars
Pub Date: December 1, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: young adult paranormal romance
Format/Source: DRC, from the publisher via Netgalley
Status: prequel novella to The Dark Elements series

Summary:

Dez wasn't just Jasmine's crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining balance between good and evil. He was her everything...right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn't help that Jas's father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally.

And now he's back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn't taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again...

 

Review:

"Bitter Sweet Love" is short so I'll keep my review short and bittersweet (so punny!) as well, but I'd like to expound a little on what I said in my Waiting on Wednesday post this week. Guys, this is good. Really good. This prequel novella gives a really quick and intriguing glimpse into the mythology of her gargoyle characters or Wardens. I was strongly reminded of Shadowhunters as the Wardens are charged with protecting regular people from demons who have escaped from Hell. However, the Wardens have gone public, and they also have very strong gender roles which is partly due to their dwindling numbers. Like Jasmine, I am frustrated by the sexist acts of the male Wardens. I am really interested to see how this affects the characters in White Hot Kiss, who make very short appearances here, as "Bitter Sweet Love" is almost more of a companion novella. It introduces the world and the mythology, but it takes place a good...four years (if I'm not mistaken) before White Hot Kiss.

The best part of "Bitter Sweet Love" is the romance. Jas and Dez have this INSANE chemistry that can only come from a mixed cocktail created from best friends/childhood sweethearts, betrayal, a marriage agreement, life-threatening danger, and a road trip. If there was an actual scientific equation for fictional chemistry, that's it. Trust me; I'm both a professional reader and a scientist. Well, I review books for a hobby and I work at a science museum for kids, so that counts, yeah? That's what I thought! Seriously, though, even though Jasmine still hurts from Dez's seeming abandonment years before, the continuation of their childhood love and her desire to forgive him and move on is apparent. That kind of care, that connection does not just fade away. I love that Dez doesn't just come back physically, but he's also there for Jasmine emotionally. He knows he made a dick move so he's patient and kind in order to win back her trust. The whole time I was like, "Oh, Jasmine, just say yes already! Look at this poor kid with his abs and his smoldering eyes and his abs and his gentleness and his abs and his thoughtfulness and his abs..." Three years might be a long time to go away, but a guy who will throw himself up against demons of varying shades of evil to keep you safe is probably a keeper.

Okay, so that's what we're dealing with. Gargoyles. Sexy Gargoyles. I mean, you thought you knew what sexy ya was? Think again. I like that Jennifer is thinking outside of the box to find a new supernatural creature to feature (ha, featured creature. I like that). Vampires, werewolves, dragons, fairies, mermaids, ghosts, etc. All have had their day. Now it's time for Team Gargoyle! So combine a cool new mythology for these badass not-quite-heavenly warriors with Jennifer's flair for romance and believable characters, and I think Harlequin Teen has a hit on their hands. Is it February yet?! Cause I want that White Hot Kiss that has been promised! BTW, it's available for preorder on Amazon for $3.03 right now so you pretty much have no reason not to go ahead and do that.

Book Links:

  

About the Author:

# 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia.

All the rumors you heard about her state aren’t true.

Well, mostly. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.

She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don't Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion), and new YA paranormal series with Harlequin Teen.

Jennifer also writes New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. The Gamble Brothers Series (Tempting the Best Man/Tempting the Player) and Wait for You. Under her pen name, she is published with Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Author Links:

   

New book alert! Night of Cake & Puppets by Laini Taylor

Last week, I listed Dreams of Gods and Monsters, the third book of Laini Taylor's acclaimed Daughter of Smoke and Bone as my pick for Waiting on Wednesday. Today on her blog, Laini dropped the bomb that this past spring, she took a short break from Dreams and wrote a DoS&B novella entitled "Night of Cake and Puppets," which tells the complete tale of Zuze & Mik's meeting. *drops jaw* Why have there not been more of these novellas from this series? There are SO MANY potential short stories from this world. I have to say, I'm really glad, though, that it's about Mik & Zuze because the angels and the chimera have a lot of stories already. Let's hear it for the humans! Here's the cover:

 

"Night of Cake and Puppets"

a Daughter of Smoke & Bone novella

by Laini Taylor

November 26, 2013

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Summary:

In Night of Cake & Puppets, Taylor brings to life a night only hinted at in the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy—the magical first date of fan-favorites Zuzana and Mik. Told in alternating perspectives, it’s the perfect love story for fans of the series and new readers alike. Petite though she may be, Zuzana is not known for timidity. Her best friend, Karou, calls her “rabid fairy,” her “voodoo eyes” are said to freeze blood, and even her older brother fears her wrath. But when it comes to the simple matter of talking to Mik, or “Violin Boy,” her courage deserts her. Now, enough is enough. Zuzana is determined to meet him, and she has a fistful of magic and a plan. It’s a wonderfully elaborate treasure hunt of a plan that will take Mik all over Prague on a cold winter’s night before finally leading him to the treasure: herself! Violin Boy’s not going to know what hit him.

  

What do you think? Will you be picking up this sure-to-be-delightful novella? I know I will! My thoughts: