monday minis

Stake Sauce Arc 1: The Secret Ingredient Is Love. No, Really (Stake Sauce #1) by RoAnna Sylver

Source: Purchased

“A cute punk-rock vampire and a disabled firefighter-turned-mall-cop with a dark past join forces to battle the forces of evil.” ~ Goodreads

My thoughts: I was looking for something fun and quirky and Stake Sauce totally fit the bill.

The first half has a bit of slower pace but is still very good, as it explores Jude’s grief at losing his leg, job, a good friend, and his deteriorating relationships and his need for revenge.

Then pops in pink haired Pixie, a vampire that changes Jude’s world forever and the action really picks up and turns into a bit of a gruesome blood bath and battle for survival.

The change in tones might be a little jarring but I liked it. It's an odd, dark yet optimistic little story.

Aside from being a great vampire yarn - there's also disability, consent, trans, ace/aro/grey, poly rep - even though it's not the main focus.

*Maybe not for the squeamish. There's quite a bit of violence and some torture


It Takes Two to Tumble (Seducing the Sedwicks #1) by Cat Sebastian

Source: Purchased

“Phillip can’t wait to leave England’s shores and be back on his ship, away from the grief that haunts him. But his children have driven off a succession of governesses and tutors and he must set things right. The unexpected presence of the cheerful, adorable vicar sets his world on its head and now he can’t seem to live without Ben’s winning smiles or devastating kisses.
In the midst of runaway children, a plot to blackmail Ben’s family, and torturous nights of pleasure, Ben and Phillip must decide if a safe life is worth losing the one thing that makes them come alive.” ~ Goodreads

My thoughts: So flipping heartwarming and sweet. I adored this story – really lovely writing and story. Low angst – opposites attract, cute kids, great friends. It just had it all.

How’s that for a mini review! lol