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unsuccessfulbookclub's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
While I usually enjoy Alexis Hall’s penchant for oddity, this book was a little too loosely connected plot-wise for me. I really enjoyed Peggy, our erstwhile ladygent, trying to figure out who exactly she was, and Orfeo, our nonbinary opera singer, was absolutely lovely. I enjoyed the time they had together, but there were so many competing storylines that the love story between Orfeo and Peggy felt a little lost in the shuffle. I will say there is a wonderful grovel - fully on the knees in the rain from Orfeo!
This book is more of a farcical, fantastical version of a historical English setting, and Hall has talked about the way they use historical romance as fantasy on a few occasions. I think readers who enjoy a lighthearted, zanier take on hissy RoNos could get into this, but if you’re looking for “realistic” historical romance you might be disappointed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Acephobia/Arophobia, Transphobia, and Homophobia
Moderate: Child abuse
caseythereader's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Thanks to Montlake Publishing for the free advance copy of this book.
- Aren't we all so lucky to be living when Alexis Hall is writing books? SOMETHING SPECTACULAR is everything I've come to love about his romance: silly, spicy, queer, messy, and tender.
- This book has two protagonists who would likely be considered nonbinary today, though they don't have the word for it in the Regency era. I loved that they both experienced gender and expressed themselves differently.
- As with many Hall books, there are some real, thorny emotional struggles here, but they are handled so lovingly and gently. It's probably also the funniest and most over the top Hall book I've read so far. Just the best.
- Aren't we all so lucky to be living when Alexis Hall is writing books? SOMETHING SPECTACULAR is everything I've come to love about his romance: silly, spicy, queer, messy, and tender.
- This book has two protagonists who would likely be considered nonbinary today, though they don't have the word for it in the Regency era. I loved that they both experienced gender and expressed themselves differently.
- As with many Hall books, there are some real, thorny emotional struggles here, but they are handled so lovingly and gently. It's probably also the funniest and most over the top Hall book I've read so far. Just the best.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Dysphoria, Homophobia, Acephobia/Arophobia, Alcohol, Cursing, and Sexual content
Moderate: Transphobia
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