Twenty-six-year-old Elsie Sherman has had a crush on her brother’s best friend, Henry Logan, since she was twelve years old. Unfortunately, Henry—now an Air Force officer—has only ever treated her like a younger sister, stepping into her brother’s shoes after he was killed in action.
That is, until the night when one dance ignites a sensual fire between the two, leaving Elsie aroused and confused. Is she allowed to lust after her surrogate big brother, who also happens to be her roommate? As the passion between them crosses the line into a territory that teases with the forbidden, Elsie decides to give herself to the man she has always desired. But Elsie is not prepared for where the relationship will take her.
Henry has been harboring two secrets. One can bring them closer together. The other will tear them apart. Now, with each startling new revelation, Elsie realizes that only she can decide if the past can ever be forgiven—and if a future with Henry is worth fighting for.

My review

Author: June Gray
Pages: 384
Publication Date: February 4, 2014
Source:  Library
Contains 6 novellas

My obligatory man in uniform romance fix was almost overdue and I'm quite happy that I picked this one up. I refuse to view this novella collection as a novel. But I do see many instances in which the author could have made these novellas into a real book, story wise.

The whole thing felt very choppy and light so much so that it was almost superficial. Elise and Henry had a cute past that lead up to their relationship, but their relationship in the present didn't have much depth beside the physical type.

There was also the tidbit where I didn’t realize this was an erotic romance when I picked it up. Do I mind? Not really, but I did feel like the story could have been much stronger if there wasn’t a sex intermission in between every important conversation. That's just my opinion and obviously the book gave sufficient hints that it wouldn't be like that. Even so, I found this to be quite enjoyable. 

I did decide to stop reading after novella number 3, Retreat because the story had done what I needed it to, get me out of my slump and I no longer enjoyed the direction it was taking. All in all, an enjoyable romance, really light, sexy and feel good but also heartbreaking as is usually the case with military romances. Recommended for an adult audience.

-MARI

Author: Rosamund Hodge
Date of Publication: April 1, 2014
Pages: 111
Source: Library

Orphan Maia doesn't see the point of love when it only brings pain: Her dying mother made a bargain with the evil, all-powerful ruler of their world that anyone who hurt her beloved daughter would be punished; her new stepmother went mad with grief when Maia's father died; and her stepsisters are desperate for their mother's approval, yet she always spurns them. And though her family has turned her into a despised servant, Maia must always pretend to be happy, or else they'll all be struck dead by the curse.

Anax, heir to the Duke of Sardis, doesn't believe in love either—not since he discovered that his childhood sweetheart was only using him for his noble title. What's the point of pretending to fall in love with a girl just so she'll pretend to fall in love with him back? But when his father invites all the suitable girls in the kingdom to a masked ball, Anax must finally give in and select a wife.

As fate would have it, the preparations for the masquerade bring him Maia, who was asked by her eldest stepsister to deliver letters to Anax. Despite a prickly first encounter, he is charmed and intrigued by this mysterious girl who doesn't believe in love. Anax can't help wishing to see her again—and when he does, he can't help falling in love with her. Against her will, Maia starts to fall in love with him too. But how can she be with him when every moment his life is in danger from her mother's deadly bargain?

GOODREADS

Review:

I've heard about the grim adaptations of the original Cinderella tale but I've never read one. In Gilded Ashes, Hodge presents us with just that. A dark Cinderella tale set in her darkly rich world of shadows, demons and Greek gods. 

My favourite thing about this story and Hodge's work in general is that she always gives her readers a glorious backstory. If you've ever wondered exactly why Cinderella's stepmother and sisters were so mean, then why not read Hodge's take. Every character had their spotlight moments in which they got to tell us how they became the people they were and garner our sympathy. Evil or innocent I came to love and appreciate all of them. 

Ignifix has a little cameo in this one but was mentioned many times. I'm glad to see that he retained his dark lord character in this novel but still had those moments of light. The deal making process was also very nice to read about, as many deals were struck and many punishments received. 

The shining couple Cinderella or in this case Maia and Lord Anax were awesome, as 111 pages could make them. I liked the way their romance built up to the special ball night. Nothing instalovey, a lot of conversation, which led to understanding, a tentative friendship and finally romance.

My favourite relationship though, was between Maia and Koré and their respective mothers. Both girls were brave and intelligent but had chosen completely different paths for themselves. I loved their cold companionship, to me it was closer then the one Maia could ever have with her super affection younger stepsister. 

Overall, I greatly recommend this series. If you are unsure about trying Cruel Beauty and want a taster of the writing style and world then give this one a go. For me it was a great continuation story. It was fun, quick and enjoyable. 

-MARI

Author: Veronica Roth
Date of Publication: July 8, 2014
Pages: 285
Source: Gift

Readers first encountered Tobias Eaton as "Four" in Divergent. His voice is an integral part of Allegiant. Readers will find more of this charismatic character's backstory told from his own perspective in Four: A Divergent Collection. When read together, these long narrative pieces illuminate the defining moments in Tobias Eaton's life. The first three pieces in this volume--"The Transfer," "The Initiate," and "The Son"--follow Tobias's transfer from Abnegation to Dauntless, his Dauntless initiation, and the first clues that a foul plan is brewing in the leadership of two factions. The fourth story, "The Traitor," runs parallel with the events of Divergent, giving readers a glimpse into the decisions of loyalty--and love--that Tobias makes in the weeks after he meets Tris Prior.

GOODREADS

Review:
I wasn't planning on reading this book. I didn't even give it a thought until my brother bought it for me. Now, how could I deny a Divergent novel, more importantly a book about Four? Correct, I couldn't so I did the only thing I could do; I devoured it!

I re-read Divergent a few months ago and I became aware of exactly how mysterious and distant Four is. We hardly get to see through his facade and that's tough. I love Four, because he is brave, honourable, caring and adorable but I didn't know him until now.

One of my favourite things was reading about Four's childhood and his relationship with his parents and faction. We all know about the abuse he suffered but not the extent. My heart really went out to Four in this one. I've not read many books dealing with abuse but I think Roth managed to portray the mixture of emotions a victim of the situation might feel very well.

Four was so different from the calm and collected persona that he portrays to other. I loved seeing in his mind and seeing how he is always nervous and second guessing himself; it makes him relatable. It also takes him off his perfect pedestal and makes him human.

The book is quite short, approximately 300 pages but it sheds a lot of light onto one of the major characters in the series, who in my opinion needs more pages. Now that I've read Four's perspective, I think I'm going to have a hard time going back to Tris.

For those who are considering reading this book; do it. It will rekindle your love for the series and it's characters, it will also help connect somethings you've read before. For me, I haven't read Allegiant (no spoilers please) and all the negative reviews were starting to get to me, but this has revived my interest in the series. At this point I want to see how the story goes down for myself.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. It was light, interesting and a pleasure to read. I recommend it!

-MARI

Author: Kai Strand
Date of Publication: May 6, 2014
Pages: 78
Source: Author for review - Thank you!

Ella Jones is a coward. There is a teen boy living in the alley behind her work and she is terrified of him.

Desperate to leave behind the stereotypical and judgmental world she was raised in, Ella forces herself to make a true connection with seventeen-year-old Ayden Worth. As their friendship grows Ayden’s quiet, gentle ways teach her true courage. 

But there’s more to Ayden’s story than Ella knows. When their worlds collide in the most unexpected place, Ella feels betrayed. Will she find the courage to learn who Ayden really is, or will she determine he’s not worth the effort?

GOODREADS

Review:

Worth the Effort is a unique story. It tackles the tough topic of homelessness, something I’ve only ever come upon in one other novel. The topic is quite obviously a taboo subject and people become uncomfortable when discussing it but when has avoiding something helped solve the problem? Strand managed to give us a quick view of the life on the streets in this 78 page story and it made the novella for me.

Ella is a sweet, down to earth narrator when she comes across Ayden, a homeless boy taking refuge in the ally behind the coffee shop she works at. Reacting as anyone would, her heart rate quickens and she fumbles with her keys as anxiety takes over and makes the easy task much harder. What if he attacks her, she is alone defenceless. But all Ayden does is give her key back.

The novella made me think so much. We always manage to find ways to distinguish ourselves from others, sometimes were smarter, prettier or richer and that apparently makes us better. The homeless are seen as less than human sometimes because why else would we be terrified to face them. Just because they don’t have a home shouldn't mean that they are bent on hurting those that do. 

As always topics of homelessness arise because of hardships that push people on to the street. Kai Strand managed to explore all these details and at the same time build a relationship around Ella and Ayden. They both grow as they get to know each other and this fascinated me. Ella was already a round character with a lot of background and personality. As she got to know Ayden and started to question societies judgements on homelessness she grew as a character and became so much more.

My only issue arose with the romance angle which I felt was a little unrealistic and rushed but I realize that this was a novella of only 78 pages and so, many things couldn't be dragged out for as long as I wished they would be.

Still, for it’s length this story was a great joy to read. I learned things and was able to appreciate two very likeable characters as well as a well written story. I think that this story has the makings of a book but I’m happy with what I got in the novella.

-MARI

Author: Livia Blackburne 
Date of Publication: September 24, 2013
Pages: 54
Series: Midnight Thief Prequel
Source: Review copy from the author. Thank you!

James is skilled, efficient, and deadly, a hired blade navigating the shifting alliances of a deteriorating Assassin’s Guild. Then he meets Thalia, an alluring but troubled dancing girl who offers him a way out—if he’ll help her kill a powerful nobleman. With the Guild falling apart, it just might be worth the risk. But when you live, breathe, and love in a world that’s forever flirting with death, the slightest misstep can be poison. 

AMAZON / GOODREADS

Review:

I'm not one to usually read novellas, but every now and then there are exceptions; Poison Dance is one of them. I was automatically hooked after reading the synopsis. Who wouldn't be? There are assassins! Also, I'm desperately pining for the novel to come out, so this was a welcomed treat.

Poison Dance's strength resides in its world building. Despite the restriction of approximately 50 pages, Livia Blackburne managed to create a great visual of the world. I was interested to read about the Assassin's Guild and their past. I now have a beginning image of the world Blackburne is creating and I'm liking what I'm seeing, especially the trade caravans, which I thought were a very cute and enriching addition.

The novella has a very simple plot and we are introduced to it from the first chapter. Thalia wishes to obtain James, an assassin's, help with someone. Of course, problems ensue but because of the length I found the story to be lacking depth and it was too predictable at times. This led to me not understanding some of the characters' actions, especially Thalia. I didn't like her much and I didn't see what James saw.

James, on the other hand, I really liked. He was calm and calculating, as I would expect an assassin to be. I definitely want to see more of him, especially after the ending. I saw it coming, but I also didn't see it coming. I'm in between.

Overall, Poison Dance is really quite short and light but, it was exactly what I needed. This book isn't meant to be analyzed. It was fun, quick, interesting and gave a taste of what was in store for us in the novel. I enjoyed it.

-MARI

A discussion with P.E. and Mari.

Recently I've been seeing a growing trend in novellas in YA. These novellas range between being a necessary read or a fun add on and they can be placed anywhere chronologically in the series. To begin, what are your thoughts on novellas? Do you like or dislike them and most importantly do you even read them?

I really don't care very much about them. The thing is, they're hard to get. Either you have to download them, or buy them, and I get most of my books physically from the library, so I usually don't bother with most novellas. I think they're a nice idea, but as someone that desires detail, I can't fall for a short story. I need more.

I hear you. From the few that I've read, I can't say I was satisfied. First of all, they are overpriced. I know on the kobo store some novellas are priced somewhere around $3, which isn't much bang for my buck. I'm often left with a confused sense of loss because the character in the book doesn't always feel the same in the novella. I may have been one of the only people who didn't really like Four's Story, the one chapter add-on from Divergent. However, I can still see why they are around. They do quench some of the thirst when placed in between ongoing series. 

I wouldn't go that far. I've read a few novellas for Wicked Lovely that were fine, although I did want more. Rachel Vincent's Reaper however was outstanding. It was perfectly written, and I ended up crying and loving it. I think it was free too- many novellas are at some point. 

I haven't come by many like those. I think the biggest problem is that they are continuations of stories that you love with characters that you've read so much about therefore you kind of expect their actions to be a certain way and it's hard for the author to show that in such a small space. How about reading a novella thats a 0.5 in a series? Have you read or would read them?

Well that's what Reaper was. It takes something that happened in the background of the series, and explains it. It's a pretty significant event and it looks at some pretty important side characters. Most of the novellas I've read take place during a series too. I don't read many of them though. For me, it's still all about access. How about you?

There are three reason why I would read a novella: I want to read a series and I'm not sure if I'll like it, I love a series and I'm missing it or the novella is a necessary part. For the most part I usually read them for the second reason. Novellas really aren't meant to be taken too seriously and I enjoy them if they are just supposed to be fun. But usually they aren't something I enjoy so I stay away.

In general, I just seem to forget about their existence.

What do you think?