Sally Bend's Blog, page 17
September 27, 2024
Freebie Friday – Putting the TG in TGIF!
Well, if it’s Friday, then it must be time to bend our way into the weekend with Freebie Friday!
Every Friday I search through the free titles on Amazon, looking for those that might be of interest to similarly bent readers, fans, and lovers. Even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can still download the titles through one of Amazon’s free reading applications.
Please do be sure to check the price before downloading anything, as most freebies are limited time offers, and some are specific to certain regions.
Enjoy!
September 25, 2024
Can’t-Wait Wednesday: Red Sonja: Consumed by Gail Simone (fantasy)
Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.
My choice for this week brings back pulp heroine, Red Sonja, and takes her from the pages of comics to the pages of a novel with Gail Simone still very much in charge.
Red Sonja: Consumed by Gail Simone
Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery
384 pages, Hardcover
November 19, 2024 by Orbit
Red Sonja, the iconic, fiery, she-devil with a sword, is reinvented for a new generation of readers in this action-packed epic fantasy by legendary comic book writer Gail Simone.
The gutsy, wild, tortured free spirit, forged in pain yet unafraid of life or death, Red Sonja, the famous, fiery She-Devil and barbarian of Hyrkania has never concerned herself with the consequences of her actions. She’s taken what she wanted, from treasure to drink to the companionship of bedfellows. She’s fought who deserved it (and sometimes those who didn’t). And she’s never looked back.
But when rumors start bubbling up from her homeland–rumors of unknown horrors emerging from the ground and pulling their unsuspecting victims to their deaths–and a strange voice begins whispering to her in her sleep, she realizes she may have to return to the country that abandoned her. And finally do the only thing that has ever scared her: confront her past.
September 24, 2024
Reservations: A Fun and Quirky Romance Novel
Author: Donna Jay
Publication Date: September 26, 2024
Genres: Romance
Protagonist Gender: Female
The first date that opens Reservations is one of the funniest, most awkward scenes I’ve come across in ages. It was so clear that something was wrong with both the date and the rescue from it that I was instantly drawn in, desperately curious to find out what other surprises were in store. Of course, it helps that Donna Jay is such a wonderful author when it comes to establishing strong, likable, endearing women. By the time true motivations we revealed, I already cared so much for Alex and Rose that my curiosity deepened into need.
Unlike Rose, I haven’t been sworn to an NDA, but I’ll still keep my secrets to myself and avoid any spoilers.
The first third of the book is all about establishing the characters and planting the seeds for the forced-proximity romance. The second third explores setting up the women’s only hotel, designing the kink-themed rooms, and struggling with the flirting, teasing, and temptation. The final third then explores the lives and loves of the hotel’s guests while seeing the romance realized . . . and, of course, tested with a wild twist I so did not see coming!
While there is some darkness behind the lives of the women, mostly to do with secrets and family, the overall theme of this is playful and fun. It’s a delightful read, from beginning to end, that not only takes a positive approach to kink, but beautifully redeems the theme of family. I always enjoy Donna’s work, but this is my favorite since Arms Wide Open or The Temp.
Rating: 
My sincere thanks to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Book Review: Reservations by Donna Jay (romance)
Author: Donna Jay
Publication Date: September 26, 2024
Genres: Romance
Protagonist Gender: Female
The first date that opens Reservations is one of the funniest, most awkward scenes I’ve come across in ages. It was so clear that something was wrong with both the date and the rescue from it that I was instantly drawn in, desperately curious to find out what other surprises were in store. Of course, it helps that Donna Jay is such a wonderful author when it comes to establishing strong, likable, endearing women. By the time true motivations we revealed, I already cared so much for Alex and Rose that my curiosity deepened into need.
Unlike Rose, I haven’t been sworn to an NDA, but I’ll still keep my secrets to myself and avoid any spoilers.
The first third of the book is all about establishing the characters and planting the seeds for the forced-proximity romance. The second third explores setting up the women’s only hotel, designing the kink-themed rooms, and struggling with the flirting, teasing, and temptation. The final third then explores the lives and loves of the hotel’s guests while seeing the romance realized . . . and, of course, tested with a wild twist I so did not see coming!
While there is some darkness behind the lives of the women, mostly to do with secrets and family, the overall theme of this is playful and fun. It’s a delightful read, from beginning to end, that not only takes a positive approach to kink, but beautifully redeems the theme of family. I always enjoy Donna’s work, but this is my favorite since Arms Wide Open or The Temp.
Rating:
My sincere thanks to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2024
Freebie Friday – Putting the TG in TGIF!
Well, if it’s Friday, then it must be time to bend our way into the weekend with Freebie Friday!
Every Friday I search through the free titles on Amazon, looking for those that might be of interest to similarly bent readers, fans, and lovers. Even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can still download the titles through one of Amazon’s free reading applications.
Please do be sure to check the price before downloading anything, as most freebies are limited time offers, and some are specific to certain regions.
Enjoy!
September 18, 2024
Time and Tide: A Sapphic Regency Romance to Anticipate
Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.
My choice for this week is a sapphic regency romance for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Alexis Hall, and Olivia Waite – and I check all the boxes.
Time and Tide by J. M. Frey
Romance, Historical Fiction
408 pages, Paperback
November 12, 2024 by W by Wattpad Books
Historical fiction with a touch of time travel, for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Alexis Hall, and Olivia Waite’s Feminine Pursuits series, where a modern bisexual woman is thrown into Regency England and must figure out how to survive, while she falls in love with a woman who will become a famous author.
Just a twenty-first century gal with nineteenth-century problems…
When Sam’s plane crashes catastrophically over the Atlantic, it defies all odds for Sam to be the sole survivor. But it seems impossible that she’s rescued by a warship in 1805. With a dashing sea captain as her guide, she begins to find her footing in a world she’d only seen in movies.
Then Sam is betrayed. At the mercy of the men and morals of the time, and without the means to survive on her own, she’s left with no choice but to throw herself on the charity of the captain’s sisters. She resigns herself to a quiet life of forever hiding her true self. What she doesn’t expect is that her new landlady is Margaret Goodenough–the world-famous author whose yet-to-be-completed novel will contain the first lesbian kiss in the history of British Literature, and a clever woman. Clever enough to know her new companion has a secret.
As the two women grow ever closer, Sam must tread the tenuous line between finding her own happiness in a place where she doesn’t think she’ll ever fit in, and possibly (accidentally) changing the course of history.
Can’t-Wait Wednesday: Time and Tide J. M. Frey (historical romance)
Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.
My choice for this week is a sapphic regency romance for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Alexis Hall, and Olivia Waite – and I check all the boxes.
Time and Tide by J. M. Frey
Romance, Historical Fiction
408 pages, Paperback
November 12, 2024 by W by Wattpad Books
Historical fiction with a touch of time travel, for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Alexis Hall, and Olivia Waite’s Feminine Pursuits series, where a modern bisexual woman is thrown into Regency England and must figure out how to survive, while she falls in love with a woman who will become a famous author.
Just a twenty-first century gal with nineteenth-century problems…
When Sam’s plane crashes catastrophically over the Atlantic, it defies all odds for Sam to be the sole survivor. But it seems impossible that she’s rescued by a warship in 1805. With a dashing sea captain as her guide, she begins to find her footing in a world she’d only seen in movies.
Then Sam is betrayed. At the mercy of the men and morals of the time, and without the means to survive on her own, she’s left with no choice but to throw herself on the charity of the captain’s sisters. She resigns herself to a quiet life of forever hiding her true self. What she doesn’t expect is that her new landlady is Margaret Goodenough–the world-famous author whose yet-to-be-completed novel will contain the first lesbian kiss in the history of British Literature, and a clever woman. Clever enough to know her new companion has a secret.
As the two women grow ever closer, Sam must tread the tenuous line between finding her own happiness in a place where she doesn’t think she’ll ever fit in, and possibly (accidentally) changing the course of history.
September 17, 2024
Discover Bull Moon Rising: A Romantasy Adventure
Author: Ruby Dixon
Publication Date: October 15, 2024 by Ace
Genres: Romantasy
Protagonist Gender: Various
What do you get when you cross archaeology adventure with romantic fantasy, toss in a marriage of convenience, and sprinkle it with regency drama? If your dowsing rod is pointing you in the direction of Ruby Dixon, then you’re already on your way to discovering the treasure that is Bull Moon Rising.
There was so much to love about this book, starting with the friendship between Aspeth and Gwenna. They were such a great duo, both very much playing against society’s expectations, and it’s their loyalty to one another that makes the whole story possible. Their training as adventurers is fraught with challenges, undermined by sexism, and overshadowed by practical matters, but that’s what makes it so satisfying to finally see them descend into the tunnels. Only Hawk, frustrated guild trainer and grumpy minotaur about to go into a rut, could possibly make something of them, but he is as swoon-worthy a mentor as he is a lover.
You’d expect a book like this to be, well, dirty – physically and sensually – but it’s actually very sweet. Aspeth and Hawk have a lovely relationship arc, and as much as there are differences in size and experience, they work as a couple because their personalities fit so well. Even when they’re voyeuristically watching orgies in the streets, talking about knotting (while dealing with cat hair), or dealing with the sexual madness of seasonal rutting, they’re still fun and fabulous. There’s compassion and consent at every step, and the feelings that develop are genuine.
I’d hoped we’d get into the tunnels sooner, and was kind of saddened by the way Magpie was portrayed, but that’s more a failure of my wish-fulfillment than the story itself. The tension in the final part of the book is thick, full of danger and double-crossing, and I loved how seamlessly Dixon made the transition from creature-infested tomb to dark-and-dusty love nest. It sounds like there will be more stories in the Royal Artifactual Guild, and I’m up to be a repeater!
Rating:
My sincere thanks to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Book Review: Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon (romantasy)
Author: Ruby Dixon
Publication Date: October 15, 2024 by Ace
Genres: Romantasy
Protagonist Gender: Various
What do you get when you cross archaeology adventure with romantic fantasy, toss in a marriage of convenience, and sprinkle it with regency drama? If your dowsing rod is pointing you in the direction of Ruby Dixon, then you’re already on your way to discovering the treasure that is Bull Moon Rising.
There was so much to love about this book, starting with the friendship between Aspeth and Gwenna. They were such a great duo, both very much playing against society’s expectations, and it’s their loyalty to one another that makes the whole story possible. Their training as adventurers is fraught with challenges, undermined by sexism, and overshadowed by practical matters, but that’s what makes it so satisfying to finally see them descend into the tunnels. Only Hawk, frustrated guild trainer and grumpy minotaur about to go into a rut, could possibly make something of them, but he is as swoon-worthy a mentor as he is a lover.
You’d expect a book like this to be, well, dirty – physically and sensually – but it’s actually very sweet. Aspeth and Hawk have a lovely relationship arc, and as much as there are differences in size and experience, they work as a couple because their personalities fit so well. Even when they’re voyeuristically watching orgies in the streets, talking about knotting (while dealing with cat hair), or dealing with the sexual madness of seasonal rutting, they’re still fun and fabulous. There’s compassion and consent at every step, and the feelings that develop are genuine.
I’d hoped we’d get into the tunnels sooner, and was kind of saddened by the way Magpie was portrayed, but that’s more a failure of my wish-fulfillment than the story itself. The tension in the final part of the book is thick, full of danger and double-crossing, and I loved how seamlessly Dixon made the transition from creature-infested tomb to dark-and-dusty love nest. It sounds like there will be more stories in the Royal Artifactual Guild, and I’m up to be a repeater!
Rating:
My sincere thanks to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2024
Freebie Friday – Putting the TG in TGIF!
Well, if it’s Friday, then it must be time to bend our way into the weekend with Freebie Friday!
Every Friday I search through the free titles on Amazon, looking for those that might be of interest to similarly bent readers, fans, and lovers. Even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can still download the titles through one of Amazon’s free reading applications.
Please do be sure to check the price before downloading anything, as most freebies are limited time offers, and some are specific to certain regions.
Enjoy!
