Lee Cushing's Blog, page 3
January 4, 2025
Civil War Sapphic Romance
In 1863, tens of thousands of soldiers were drawn into the fight to abolish slavery. Among them were a few harboured secrets. Such soldier was Private Emmett Croft, who, like many others, was not what he seemed.
He was actually a woman named Emily Croft, who braved the of to fight for a cause was deeply committed to.
Anna, a slave, was fleeing a cruel overseer of the plantation where was owned.
When Anna found Emily, who had shot by a Confederate, she discovered Emily's secret but chose to help her regardless of the consequences.
The bond that developed between the two women transcended and friendship, blossoming into love.
He was actually a woman named Emily Croft, who braved the of to fight for a cause was deeply committed to.
Anna, a slave, was fleeing a cruel overseer of the plantation where was owned.
When Anna found Emily, who had shot by a Confederate, she discovered Emily's secret but chose to help her regardless of the consequences.
The bond that developed between the two women transcended and friendship, blossoming into love.
January 1, 2025
Goth Opera Review
Goth Opera a fascinating work. Published years ago it was the first of the "Missing Adventures," introducing the now-standard technique of inserting new stories into previous era. Nowadays, this is Big Finish's, and indeed, this book is connected to Finish's current projects in several ways.
For a start, it explores Gallifrey in an intriguing. The Seventh Doctor " Harvest (a prequel to this in timey-wimey) was the book brought Romana back Gallifrey; this is the one that really has her interacting with it satisfyingly The Romana Presidency extends from this, and there references to Deca and a Gallifreyan that Rassilon infected with the Vampire from "State of Decay." Furthermore, is an early echo of Time War here. The renegade Time Lord who drives the plot believes that Gallifrey, as we know it in the distant past the present, the Time Lords no longer exist. She believes that Time Lords are an evolutionary dead end and must become vampires survive. When she confronts the Doctor, the Time flips through hisations including his "final" one in the future.
, the main drive of such a story cannot merely rely on continuity. It must have an emotional core, and this one has a strong one, taking the character interactions of the Davison era and enhancing them, providing the characters with complexity, and them to interact dynamically Tegan is more sympathetic, Nyssa is more active, and Five is both. The secondary characters each with their own and short stories.
This story does have its flaws, including a couple of scenes that resemble a poorblazer ripoff and a character with a Deep Dark Secret that manages to be a predictable cliché.
For a start, it explores Gallifrey in an intriguing. The Seventh Doctor " Harvest (a prequel to this in timey-wimey) was the book brought Romana back Gallifrey; this is the one that really has her interacting with it satisfyingly The Romana Presidency extends from this, and there references to Deca and a Gallifreyan that Rassilon infected with the Vampire from "State of Decay." Furthermore, is an early echo of Time War here. The renegade Time Lord who drives the plot believes that Gallifrey, as we know it in the distant past the present, the Time Lords no longer exist. She believes that Time Lords are an evolutionary dead end and must become vampires survive. When she confronts the Doctor, the Time flips through hisations including his "final" one in the future.
, the main drive of such a story cannot merely rely on continuity. It must have an emotional core, and this one has a strong one, taking the character interactions of the Davison era and enhancing them, providing the characters with complexity, and them to interact dynamically Tegan is more sympathetic, Nyssa is more active, and Five is both. The secondary characters each with their own and short stories.
This story does have its flaws, including a couple of scenes that resemble a poorblazer ripoff and a character with a Deep Dark Secret that manages to be a predictable cliché.
December 28, 2024
Supernatural - Carved In Flesh
I must mention once again that I began this book with low expectations because supernatural books generally a history of being disappointing. However, I must say that this is undoubtedly one of the best books I have read in the published 'fanfiction' series. story is a giant roller coaster ride from start finish, leaving you breathless as you read it. There is truly dull moment in this book. While some reviewers mentioned the ending boring, I found it perfect. Moreover, the characterisation is impeccable and will genuinely you feel you are reading the story of the real Winchester brothers from the show, rather than just fanfiction.
December 26, 2024
The Reformatory
This book is truly exceptional. I couldn't put it and will undoubtedly experience a book hangover. The storytelling from the beginning was well-paced and immense. The characters were so well-developed that if you told they were real people, I would believe you. The story itself is harrowing but necessary to tell. There is a perfect mix of historical relevance, horror elements, intense stress.
Gloria Robbie, Miz L were so lovable as characters that you want the best for them throughout. Tananarive does an incredible job of focusing on the main characters while introducing plenty of important side characters without drawing the story or focus to them excessively.
The book's pacing was perfection. I could read this book repeatedly and get bored. It made me cry, had me on the edge of my, and so stressed I couldn't concentrate on anything else, and I frequently gasped aloud my commute.
The fact that this is based on pieces of real history is profoundly sad and it made me so angry that we live in a world where, at some point in, this level of horrific treatment of humans was acceptable. What is more terrifying is that one can still see aspects of it today.
Tananarive Due has an incredible piece, and I would recommend it to absolutely anyone and everyone.
Gloria Robbie, Miz L were so lovable as characters that you want the best for them throughout. Tananarive does an incredible job of focusing on the main characters while introducing plenty of important side characters without drawing the story or focus to them excessively.
The book's pacing was perfection. I could read this book repeatedly and get bored. It made me cry, had me on the edge of my, and so stressed I couldn't concentrate on anything else, and I frequently gasped aloud my commute.
The fact that this is based on pieces of real history is profoundly sad and it made me so angry that we live in a world where, at some point in, this level of horrific treatment of humans was acceptable. What is more terrifying is that one can still see aspects of it today.
Tananarive Due has an incredible piece, and I would recommend it to absolutely anyone and everyone.
December 25, 2024
Mrs & Mrs Murder - The Missing Lover
Emily turned over, "Morning, Baby."
There was no reply.
She felt the space in the bed where Alex slept.
Nothing.
She slipped out from beneath the covers and approached the bathroom door, "Baby, you in there?"
Still there was just silence.
She picked up the cabin phone, "Maggie, you haven't seen Alexa this morning, she wasn't in bed." She paused, giving Maggie the time to reply. "Thanks anyway, Merry Christmas."
She walked from the bedroom, her bare feet stepping on something wet on the carpet.
Emily looked down and saw the red stain.
Blood.
Now Emily was getting worried.
Together she and Alex had put so many killers behind bars.
She considered that maybe one of them was loose and plotting revenge.
She knew it was a long shot but she returned to the phone. "Maggie, it's me again. Do you think I can see a passenger list?" She waited for to finish speaking. "Thanks."
It was over thirty minutes before the knock on the cabin door.
She answered it
The cruise liner's purser was outside, "Here's the list you wanted. May I ask? Is something wrong?"
"Nothing that I want to bother the Captain with at the moment. Thank you again." Emily took the list and began searching through the names, looking for one that she recognized.
The search did not take long.
Adam Boardman.
He had poisoned his wife on their 10th anniversary and it was her and Alexa who had brought him to justice.
But he was supposed to be serving another five years in prison.
Emily returned to the phone, "Sorry to trouble you again, I need to make a ship-to-shore call."
The reply she got began to scare her. "The line is down, how long do you think it's going to be before it's working again. Thanks anyway."
She glanced at the list again, her gaze travelling down to the cabin number by the name.
Having gotten dressed, Emily proceeded along the massive cruise liner and eventually reached the right cabin.
She knocked on the door.
She stood outside the cabin door for several minutes until she was confidant that the room was unoccupied.
She began picking the lock.
The door opened and the sight inside the cabin chilled Emily to the bone.
The walls were covered with pictures of her and Alex.
She picked up the phone, "Maggie, I need security in cabin 1204 now. Yes, it's an emergency. Alex is missing."
Emily hurried back to her and Alex's cabin.
When she unlocked the door and opened it, she realised she was not alone.
Emily froze, staring at the man with a gun.
"I was hired to kill you and your wife, where is she?"
"I don't know."
"It doesn't matter, I'll get to her soon enough. After I've taken care of you. The Aqua Ballroom is under renovation, now move."
The gun hidden in the man's jacket pocket, he took Emily through the corridors of the cruise ship and eventually reached the ballroom.
"Inside."
Emily opened the doors and revealed the darkened interior, "You don't need to do this, we can work something out."
"A contract is a contract, I've never gone back on one in my life. I'm not about to start now."
Emily stepped into the darkness and a single strobelight came on.
The glare from the light silhouetting the shape of a woman.
"You okay Baby."
Emily nodded, "I am now."
"You have one chance to give yourself up."
The gun slipped from the man's pocket, "I have this, what do you have?"
"I have them."
The full lights came on.
The killer looked at the ship's officers surrounding him, each armed.
"You knew. How?"
Alex ignored him and walked towards Emily. "Merry Christmas, Baby. You know I wasn't you let anything happen to you."
Alex and Emily kissed.
There was no reply.
She felt the space in the bed where Alex slept.
Nothing.
She slipped out from beneath the covers and approached the bathroom door, "Baby, you in there?"
Still there was just silence.
She picked up the cabin phone, "Maggie, you haven't seen Alexa this morning, she wasn't in bed." She paused, giving Maggie the time to reply. "Thanks anyway, Merry Christmas."
She walked from the bedroom, her bare feet stepping on something wet on the carpet.
Emily looked down and saw the red stain.
Blood.
Now Emily was getting worried.
Together she and Alex had put so many killers behind bars.
She considered that maybe one of them was loose and plotting revenge.
She knew it was a long shot but she returned to the phone. "Maggie, it's me again. Do you think I can see a passenger list?" She waited for to finish speaking. "Thanks."
It was over thirty minutes before the knock on the cabin door.
She answered it
The cruise liner's purser was outside, "Here's the list you wanted. May I ask? Is something wrong?"
"Nothing that I want to bother the Captain with at the moment. Thank you again." Emily took the list and began searching through the names, looking for one that she recognized.
The search did not take long.
Adam Boardman.
He had poisoned his wife on their 10th anniversary and it was her and Alexa who had brought him to justice.
But he was supposed to be serving another five years in prison.
Emily returned to the phone, "Sorry to trouble you again, I need to make a ship-to-shore call."
The reply she got began to scare her. "The line is down, how long do you think it's going to be before it's working again. Thanks anyway."
She glanced at the list again, her gaze travelling down to the cabin number by the name.
Having gotten dressed, Emily proceeded along the massive cruise liner and eventually reached the right cabin.
She knocked on the door.
She stood outside the cabin door for several minutes until she was confidant that the room was unoccupied.
She began picking the lock.
The door opened and the sight inside the cabin chilled Emily to the bone.
The walls were covered with pictures of her and Alex.
She picked up the phone, "Maggie, I need security in cabin 1204 now. Yes, it's an emergency. Alex is missing."
Emily hurried back to her and Alex's cabin.
When she unlocked the door and opened it, she realised she was not alone.
Emily froze, staring at the man with a gun.
"I was hired to kill you and your wife, where is she?"
"I don't know."
"It doesn't matter, I'll get to her soon enough. After I've taken care of you. The Aqua Ballroom is under renovation, now move."
The gun hidden in the man's jacket pocket, he took Emily through the corridors of the cruise ship and eventually reached the ballroom.
"Inside."
Emily opened the doors and revealed the darkened interior, "You don't need to do this, we can work something out."
"A contract is a contract, I've never gone back on one in my life. I'm not about to start now."
Emily stepped into the darkness and a single strobelight came on.
The glare from the light silhouetting the shape of a woman.
"You okay Baby."
Emily nodded, "I am now."
"You have one chance to give yourself up."
The gun slipped from the man's pocket, "I have this, what do you have?"
"I have them."
The full lights came on.
The killer looked at the ship's officers surrounding him, each armed.
"You knew. How?"
Alex ignored him and walked towards Emily. "Merry Christmas, Baby. You know I wasn't you let anything happen to you."
Alex and Emily kissed.
December 8, 2024
Billy Summers Review
Billy Summers
Stephen King continues to be a prolific source of storytelling, now a half-century from his debut with "Carrie," showing no signs of slowing down. His novel 'Billy Summers' captivates readers from start to finish.
Billy, a principled hitman who targets only the villainous, is ready for his final job before retirement. The payoff is substantial, promising a secluded life on a distant beach. However, things don't go as planned. His assignment is six months away, so he assumes a false identity in 'Red Bluff'—a place reminiscent of Memphis or Louisville—blending into the mundane until it's time to strike. The narrative builds tension masterfully to what seems like an early climax, but that's merely a third of the way through, as my Kindle app indicated.
The story takes a turn when Billy, remaining incognito post-hit under a new alias, encounters a pivotal character—a young woman left for dead after a brutal assault. Unable to ignore her plight, he takes her in. The evolution of their bond and the resolution of the hit's aftermath occupy the remainder of the tale. It's an enthralling journey from the first page to the last, another five-star tale from Stephen King—highly recommended.
Stephen King continues to be a prolific source of storytelling, now a half-century from his debut with "Carrie," showing no signs of slowing down. His novel 'Billy Summers' captivates readers from start to finish.
Billy, a principled hitman who targets only the villainous, is ready for his final job before retirement. The payoff is substantial, promising a secluded life on a distant beach. However, things don't go as planned. His assignment is six months away, so he assumes a false identity in 'Red Bluff'—a place reminiscent of Memphis or Louisville—blending into the mundane until it's time to strike. The narrative builds tension masterfully to what seems like an early climax, but that's merely a third of the way through, as my Kindle app indicated.
The story takes a turn when Billy, remaining incognito post-hit under a new alias, encounters a pivotal character—a young woman left for dead after a brutal assault. Unable to ignore her plight, he takes her in. The evolution of their bond and the resolution of the hit's aftermath occupy the remainder of the tale. It's an enthralling journey from the first page to the last, another five-star tale from Stephen King—highly recommended.
December 5, 2024
The Sweetest Oblivion
Booktok 📚 discussion
10 views
Book Recommendations > Help me choose between 2 series😊
Comments Showing 1-3 of 3 (3 new) post a comment »dateDown arrow newest »
message 1: by Daliya🫶🏻 (new)1 hour, 58 min ago
Daliya🫶🏻 | 4 commentsHello everyone!Help me choose between The Sweetest oblivion or to start The Briar U series.🥰
reply | flag
message 2: by Luli (new)1 hour, 46 min ago
Luli | 75 commentsi havent read them but judging on the descriptions id say briar u
reply | flag
message 3: by Pranjal (new)2 minutes ago
Pranjal (pranlyhfml) | 127 commentsThe sweetest oblivion
reply | flag
by Lee1 minute ago
Lee CushingDaliya🫶🏻 wrote: "Hello everyone!Help me choose between The Sweetest oblivion or to start The Briar U series.🥰"
I'll have to go with The Sweetest Oblivion
The Sweetest Oblivion
This was my inaugural read from Danielle Lori, and I absolutely loved it.
I impulsively ordered this book, captivated by its stunning cover, and I'm thrilled that I did. 'The Sweetest Oblivion' presents a charming yet feisty heroine in Elena Abelli and a formidable yet ardent mafia don in Nico Russo.
The highlight of the book for me was the slow-burning romance; its execution was flawless. The chemistry between Elena and Nico is pristine. Despite knowing their attraction is forbidden, their denial proves futile—it's as impossible to resist as it is not to champion their union. I appreciated how their initial perceptions of each other evolved as they became acquainted.
Danielle Lori introduces a unique spin on the arranged marriage narrative, which I won't divulge, but I relished the unexpected turns. This book distinguishes itself within the mafia romance genre with its exquisite prose. A minor note—I cherished the quaint illustrations and quotes at the beginning of each chapter. My sole critique is the somewhat abrupt conclusion, yet it remains a treasured read.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book (and the subsequent series) for its endearing characters, impeccable tension, and elegant writing. To encapsulate the book in one sentence: it's the most exquisite slow-burn romance I've ever encountered.
10 views
Book Recommendations > Help me choose between 2 series😊
Comments Showing 1-3 of 3 (3 new) post a comment »dateDown arrow newest »
message 1: by Daliya🫶🏻 (new)1 hour, 58 min ago
Daliya🫶🏻 | 4 commentsHello everyone!Help me choose between The Sweetest oblivion or to start The Briar U series.🥰
reply | flag
message 2: by Luli (new)1 hour, 46 min ago
Luli | 75 commentsi havent read them but judging on the descriptions id say briar u
reply | flag
message 3: by Pranjal (new)2 minutes ago
Pranjal (pranlyhfml) | 127 commentsThe sweetest oblivion
reply | flag
by Lee1 minute ago
Lee CushingDaliya🫶🏻 wrote: "Hello everyone!Help me choose between The Sweetest oblivion or to start The Briar U series.🥰"
I'll have to go with The Sweetest Oblivion
The Sweetest Oblivion
This was my inaugural read from Danielle Lori, and I absolutely loved it.
I impulsively ordered this book, captivated by its stunning cover, and I'm thrilled that I did. 'The Sweetest Oblivion' presents a charming yet feisty heroine in Elena Abelli and a formidable yet ardent mafia don in Nico Russo.
The highlight of the book for me was the slow-burning romance; its execution was flawless. The chemistry between Elena and Nico is pristine. Despite knowing their attraction is forbidden, their denial proves futile—it's as impossible to resist as it is not to champion their union. I appreciated how their initial perceptions of each other evolved as they became acquainted.
Danielle Lori introduces a unique spin on the arranged marriage narrative, which I won't divulge, but I relished the unexpected turns. This book distinguishes itself within the mafia romance genre with its exquisite prose. A minor note—I cherished the quaint illustrations and quotes at the beginning of each chapter. My sole critique is the somewhat abrupt conclusion, yet it remains a treasured read.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book (and the subsequent series) for its endearing characters, impeccable tension, and elegant writing. To encapsulate the book in one sentence: it's the most exquisite slow-burn romance I've ever encountered.
December 4, 2024
The Haunting of Crawley House
The first book of a new series, I love these kinds of stories! This series of books is undoubtedly one that I won't want to put down, and I'll eagerly anticipate each new instalment, excited for the incredible adventures 'Keira' and her Guardian will encounter in their paranormal experiences. This book was so captivating that I found myself engrossed for hours, often until sleep overtook me. For those intrigued by the paranormal world, this book is a delightful read. I certainly enjoyed it!
December 1, 2024
Gaza Love Review
I absolutely adore a compelling sapphic narrative, and this one certainly delivers. Receiving a copy of "Gaza Love" filled me with joy, and the title alone piqued my curiosity. I eagerly delved into this novella to share my thoughts with you. The story transports us straight to Gaza, where we meet Katie and Nia amidst warfare.
This novella marks the fifteenth installment in the "Girls Kissing Girls" series by Lee Cushing. Although it's my first encounter with the series, it has sparked my interest to read the previous books. The story presents a blend of tragedy and transformation.
We meet Kate, a dedicated humanitarian worker, driven to alleviate suffering in the war-ravaged regions of Gaza.
Nia emerges as a character embodying the brutal realities of war. As a mercenary, her life is governed by survival and tough decisions. Her proficiency in maneuvering through the complexities of war zones is unmatched, yet she harbors a complex and intriguing inner world. From the outset, Nia is depicted as Katie's antithesis.
Despite their differences, Katie and Nia are magnetically attracted to each other, their connection igniting amidst the turmoil. Cushing delves into the nuances of love and its enduring strength against adversity. The bond between the women is palpable and compelling, making it impossible not to champion their relationship.
Amidst the gloom of conflict, they discover beauty in life and in each other. Cushing's vivid portrayal of life in a conflict zone lends "Gaza Love" its enthralling quality. The juxtaposition of Nia's mercenary actions and Kate's humanitarian efforts poignantly highlights the intricate nature of conflict, where moral lines are often blurred.
As the narrative unfolds, we witness the stark reality of destruction and h
This novella marks the fifteenth installment in the "Girls Kissing Girls" series by Lee Cushing. Although it's my first encounter with the series, it has sparked my interest to read the previous books. The story presents a blend of tragedy and transformation.
We meet Kate, a dedicated humanitarian worker, driven to alleviate suffering in the war-ravaged regions of Gaza.
Nia emerges as a character embodying the brutal realities of war. As a mercenary, her life is governed by survival and tough decisions. Her proficiency in maneuvering through the complexities of war zones is unmatched, yet she harbors a complex and intriguing inner world. From the outset, Nia is depicted as Katie's antithesis.
Despite their differences, Katie and Nia are magnetically attracted to each other, their connection igniting amidst the turmoil. Cushing delves into the nuances of love and its enduring strength against adversity. The bond between the women is palpable and compelling, making it impossible not to champion their relationship.
Amidst the gloom of conflict, they discover beauty in life and in each other. Cushing's vivid portrayal of life in a conflict zone lends "Gaza Love" its enthralling quality. The juxtaposition of Nia's mercenary actions and Kate's humanitarian efforts poignantly highlights the intricate nature of conflict, where moral lines are often blurred.
As the narrative unfolds, we witness the stark reality of destruction and h
Doctor Who - The Ark In Space Review
It has been quite some time since I read it, but my recollection is that Noah's transformation was depicted in a much more vivid manner.
I'm fond of these new editions, particularly this one since it's authored by Ian Marter, (Harry Sullivan). It includes a new foreword by Steven Moffat, the departing producer of Doctor Who. They are excellently crafted. Although I miss the original cover design, I believe certain elements have been enhanced.
I'm fond of these new editions, particularly this one since it's authored by Ian Marter, (Harry Sullivan). It includes a new foreword by Steven Moffat, the departing producer of Doctor Who. They are excellently crafted. Although I miss the original cover design, I believe certain elements have been enhanced.
