Harmony Williams > Recent Status Updates

Well, Gailey is doing a good job of scaring the crap out of me. I don't often read horror because, well, I get scared. I may not make it so the way through this book but I will say, it's accomplishing what it's set out to do.

This queer couple existing in a vacuum is also annoying to me... Even if it were illegal to be gay, you would still hear of it happening. In tragic legends, if nothing else. The "it doesn't happen so it's wrong and we shouldn't" mentality makes the f/f relationship lose a lot of its appeal to me.

I'm disappointed that Burqila's use of sign language is due to an oath of silence. Almost as disappointed as the fact that she needs a single interpreter rather than teaching the clan (including her daughter) sign language.

The first three chapters of this book have given me the backstories of three different characters. I absolutely loved The Ruthless Lady's Guide to Wizardry, but I'm not going to dedicate myself to a book that wastes my time this way.

On the surface, this should be a book I'll enjoy. But the author's disdain for things that are helpful (like antidepressants) and the ignoring — in both the touting of all the great things in this Land of Plenty and all the terrible ones — of vital social issues like racism, trans- and homophobia, ableism, discrimination on the basis of religion, etc. tell me this will have holes big enough to fly a plane through.

I started this book because I love to learn about more women in STEM. However, for a book that touts "anyone can go to space", it has gaping oversights. It lavishes praise on billionaires for stepping up to fund commercial space flight, while ignoring the extreme privilege needed to be considered. It's the CEOs, not the Amazon delivery drivers who get these chances. Not sure if I'll finish this one.

This book is making me hungry! It's fascinating so far.

The execution of this book is not living up to the premise. Aside from the fact that it's a bit transparent, there's nothing objectionable to it, but there's nothing that's making me want to read on, either. I'll give it another shot some other time, I think.

Uproariously funny. I can't stop laughing!

I started with the Nebula-finalist Anxiety is the Dizziness of Freedom. My first story by this author and WOW. I loved the premise, of parallel timelines and the ability to see how your life would work out if you made a different decision. The layers of morality, guilt, and regret when it came to making decisions was fascinating. I can't wait to read the rest of the collection!

I have mixed feelings about this one. I get pulled in by the characters, only to come across something that throws me out of the narrative again and then I find myself dragging my feet to keep reading.

I've only just started this book, but I'm intensely disappointed at how it caters to the Western gaze. It takes away from the authenticity of the narrative, particularly in first person, to stop and explain all these minute cultural details.

I find myself on edge about continuing to read this. On the one hand, the mystery and magical elements are intriguing. However, I typically read M/M for the power balance. Here, Stephen is being thrust into a typically feminine role — small of stature, Crane is the romantic aggressor (heavy on the aggression), a difference in class. It's definitely turning me off.

One of my favorite pieces of wisdom I've added into a book: “There is no love without mutual respect.”

On the bed directly in front of the door, Milton was stretched out, covering every inch of the mattress, a calico cat curled onto his chest. The cat was his only adornment. He was absolutely, gloriously naked. And he didn’t seem the least bit concerned that I walked in on him.

With a sheepish expression, he gestured to his chest. “I appear to have been taken captive.”

I baited him, hoping he would make a mistake. “You won’t win my ship with those kitten swipes.”

The ghost of a smile crossed his mouth, drawing my attention. “Perhaps I’m aiming for the woman this time.”

“What do you say, my lady? Shall we duel?”

“If you have your heart set on defeat, I am more than happy to oblige.”

They didn’t call me Lady Quickblade out of irony.

Papillon sat at my feet and mewled in a loud, plaintive demand. No mere mortal could deny him when he craved attention.

Although fear of the future made sweat bead on my upper lip, I wanted independence. One way or another, I would find a home and a place to belong. I would make one.

"On the floor, the calico cat, Papillon, purred deeply and twined around my ankles as if trying to cast me back into the neatly made bed. Not tonight, hairball."

I love writing animals into my books. Love, love, love it! This one has a cat with a tendency to be in the wrong spot at the right time.

"Eavesdropping did not become a well-mannered lady. In my defense, England was a cold, wet, maudlin place, and if I couldn’t spend time out of doors, I had to entertain myself somehow."

I love it when a first line just clicks into place. This one propelled me into finishing the rest of the novella!

It's getting so much closer! Today I'm reading through my novella for this collection, THE SPINSTER'S GUIDE TO PIRACY AND PLUNDER. For fun, I will share my favorite lines here as I do. Out January 1!

If you have PTSD, I don't recommend reading this book. I want the information, but in the very first chapter as the authors are discussing fight-flight-freeze instincts and why the body chooses them, particularly the last, I was triggered.

Re-reading this book was a lot of fun! If I can admit to favorites, Francine and Mary often steal the show for me. It was nice to revisit Rose and Warren and watch her grow comfortable with parts of herself she's always been told to hide. ❤️

"He didn't believe in love when he met you. That doesn't mean he doesn't believe in it now."
I opened my mouth, then shut it. Could it be true?
"What am I supposed to do, browbeat a confession out of him?"

"Keep your voice down," I whispered. "Do you want the whole world to hear?"
"Maybe," he said slowly, "if it will keep you from murdering me with your eyes."

"I don't believe proposals involve undressing."
"No?" A smile teased his lips. "Forgive me. I'm not well-versed in the art of proposing to a woman."

"I'm not in this for a fleeting moment. I want you to choose me. No one else."

"Men beg me to accept their hands."
Something hot and urgent crossed his face. For a moment, I mistook it for anger. When he stalked toward me, it wasn't the gait of an outraged man. It was the prowl of a predator as it cornered its prey.
He stopped inches away from me. "I'm begging you now. Kiss me."