Scan barcode
chloe_liese's reviews
232 reviews
The Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne
5.0
More than once as I read this book about Annique’s incredible tenacity, skill, and fortitude as a spy who is navigating a complex web of treachery, corruption, & political intrigue in the Napoleonic era, I thought of Sydney Bristow from ABC’s early 2000s gem, ALIAS. I was glued to my kindle and a nail-biting mess, but I loved every twist and turn.
For lovers of Outlander and The Count of Monte Cristo, this is an action-packed historical fiction with a sexy romantic subplot. Annique was beyond badass and Grey was a difficult, complex love interest. I found him always held at a distance from a narrative standpoint—I was never deeply immersed in his mind like Annique—and so I wasn’t quite as sold on him as I wanted to be. But ultimately this book is a winner for me for the sheer originality of its plot, the heroine’s absolutely badassery, and a writing style that kept me hooked and guessing until the very last page.
For lovers of Outlander and The Count of Monte Cristo, this is an action-packed historical fiction with a sexy romantic subplot. Annique was beyond badass and Grey was a difficult, complex love interest. I found him always held at a distance from a narrative standpoint—I was never deeply immersed in his mind like Annique—and so I wasn’t quite as sold on him as I wanted to be. But ultimately this book is a winner for me for the sheer originality of its plot, the heroine’s absolutely badassery, and a writing style that kept me hooked and guessing until the very last page.
To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for this advance review copy; all opinions are my own! Full review with quotes included to come closer to Pub Day but for now...
Everything I liked about To Have and to Hoax was even stronger in To Love and to Loathe. Sharp banter, dynamic characters, fast-paced and deliciously domestic setting. There's something cozy about Waters' writing--while she keeps the narrative moving and engages you with the plot, you know you can rest easy in her hands, that happily ever after is coming, with plenty of laughs along the way along with the satisfying journey through both main characters' growth toward their realization of their true-love-feelings.
I'll also say how deeply I appreciated the self-awareness infused in the dialogue--be that about the privilege of heteronormative relationships, the unfairness of patriarchal norms, the despicable misogynist laws that wiped away a woman's autonomy, finances, and independence. Historical romances often gloss over this, and I really valued seeing it included. I also really enjoyed there being open communication about pleasure, personal preference for how it's achieved, and the degree of vulnerability both Jeremy and Diana were open to in the bedroom. Love to see sex-positivity and intimate communication normalized in romance!
Everything I liked about To Have and to Hoax was even stronger in To Love and to Loathe. Sharp banter, dynamic characters, fast-paced and deliciously domestic setting. There's something cozy about Waters' writing--while she keeps the narrative moving and engages you with the plot, you know you can rest easy in her hands, that happily ever after is coming, with plenty of laughs along the way along with the satisfying journey through both main characters' growth toward their realization of their true-love-feelings.
I'll also say how deeply I appreciated the self-awareness infused in the dialogue--be that about the privilege of heteronormative relationships, the unfairness of patriarchal norms, the despicable misogynist laws that wiped away a woman's autonomy, finances, and independence. Historical romances often gloss over this, and I really valued seeing it included. I also really enjoyed there being open communication about pleasure, personal preference for how it's achieved, and the degree of vulnerability both Jeremy and Diana were open to in the bedroom. Love to see sex-positivity and intimate communication normalized in romance!
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
5.0
I found Serpent & Dove enthralling and immersive, and its exploration of the dangers of extremist thinking that villainizes or idolizes, damns or claims purity poignantly executed. Set in a fantasy world, specifically a town that seems like it's meant to be an analogue of Paris, I found the use of French idioms (ah, the creative swearing!), and the atmospheric depictions of life and food and architecture to be absorbing as well as evocative without dragging the plot with too much world-building. That said, I tend to prefer less world building than I think most might; I want just enough to situate me and space for my imagination, and this was definitely on the light side.
Without going too deep, this book examined tirelessly how relative and subjective goodness and malevolence are, how much our daily moral choices exist on a spectrum of doing least evil for the most good, and how deeply corrupting meeting hate with more hate always will be. I also loved how the magic worked, that like the law of the natural world, there was a material cost and necessary counterbalance for magic to happen, and it couldn't simply be conjured out of nothing.
The pace built beautifully to a frantic culmination in the battle at the Chateau, and the slow-burn romance between starchy, priggish Reid, the hunter, and irreverent, tumbleweed, wounded Lou, the witch in hiding, was wonderfully done. I did find the chemistry *so* well done that their finally coming together felt a bit anticlimactic for how it was written (though as this is published through Harper Teen, I'm not surprised by this), but still, this was a rewarding read.
Without going too deep, this book examined tirelessly how relative and subjective goodness and malevolence are, how much our daily moral choices exist on a spectrum of doing least evil for the most good, and how deeply corrupting meeting hate with more hate always will be. I also loved how the magic worked, that like the law of the natural world, there was a material cost and necessary counterbalance for magic to happen, and it couldn't simply be conjured out of nothing.
The pace built beautifully to a frantic culmination in the battle at the Chateau, and the slow-burn romance between starchy, priggish Reid, the hunter, and irreverent, tumbleweed, wounded Lou, the witch in hiding, was wonderfully done. I did find the chemistry *so* well done that their finally coming together felt a bit anticlimactic for how it was written (though as this is published through Harper Teen, I'm not surprised by this), but still, this was a rewarding read.
How the Marquess Was Won by Julie Anne Long
5.0
I have a problem. I read a Julie Anne Long book, fall in love, declare it my favorite...only to pick up the next one and someone how love it more.
HOW DOES SHE DO THIS TO ME?!?
Okay, bear with me. Something JAL does *expertly* is deftly yank class tensions to the fore of her love interests' conflict. Once again, Phoebe is on the fringes of the aristocracy: respectable, chaste, intelligent. She's a schoolteacher with a squeaky clean reputation but a flair for wit, sarcasm, and a fierce though often concealed need to be loved and to belong. She hides her vulnerability behind her work and propriety, that is, until she meets Julian, Marquess Dryden, who has spent his whole adult life cleaning up his reprobate entitled father's mess. He is the portrait of duty and restraint and his cool aplomb has turned him into the It Guy. Everyone wants to be Dryden and fears Dryden. And nobody actually knows the real him. He's made sure of it. Until Phoebe shows up and brings out the fiery, passionate, playful side of this otherwise perfectly composed man. Their attraction is undeniable but Julian has sworn to marry strategically to secure the last piece of his family’s restoration after his father nearly ruled them, and Phoebe refuses to settle for anything less than total belonging and a family of her own. She won’t be his mistress and he can’t stop tripping over himself (literally) for her as he falls in love while trying to stay the course of duty...whatever will happen?
These two were fated mates, an OTP that I will never forget. They turned each other inside out, made each other laugh, inspired each other, challenged each other, and they longed for each other with such tortured, sarcastic, sharp restraint I was in agonies. Agonies, I tell you! Their connection was written brilliantly, intelligently, and it was so damn sexy. This was a slowwww burn, but baby, it burned. I loved it. I will be buying this book, rereading this book, never ever forgetting this book. It was tender and smart, just the right pitch of angsty yet dappled with hilarious comedic moments that lightened it up. It was sensual and powerful and original—everything I love in a historical romance. I know already it will be an all time favorite.
HOW DOES SHE DO THIS TO ME?!?
Okay, bear with me. Something JAL does *expertly* is deftly yank class tensions to the fore of her love interests' conflict. Once again, Phoebe is on the fringes of the aristocracy: respectable, chaste, intelligent. She's a schoolteacher with a squeaky clean reputation but a flair for wit, sarcasm, and a fierce though often concealed need to be loved and to belong. She hides her vulnerability behind her work and propriety, that is, until she meets Julian, Marquess Dryden, who has spent his whole adult life cleaning up his reprobate entitled father's mess. He is the portrait of duty and restraint and his cool aplomb has turned him into the It Guy. Everyone wants to be Dryden and fears Dryden. And nobody actually knows the real him. He's made sure of it. Until Phoebe shows up and brings out the fiery, passionate, playful side of this otherwise perfectly composed man. Their attraction is undeniable but Julian has sworn to marry strategically to secure the last piece of his family’s restoration after his father nearly ruled them, and Phoebe refuses to settle for anything less than total belonging and a family of her own. She won’t be his mistress and he can’t stop tripping over himself (literally) for her as he falls in love while trying to stay the course of duty...whatever will happen?
These two were fated mates, an OTP that I will never forget. They turned each other inside out, made each other laugh, inspired each other, challenged each other, and they longed for each other with such tortured, sarcastic, sharp restraint I was in agonies. Agonies, I tell you! Their connection was written brilliantly, intelligently, and it was so damn sexy. This was a slowwww burn, but baby, it burned. I loved it. I will be buying this book, rereading this book, never ever forgetting this book. It was tender and smart, just the right pitch of angsty yet dappled with hilarious comedic moments that lightened it up. It was sensual and powerful and original—everything I love in a historical romance. I know already it will be an all time favorite.
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
5.0
Thank you to Avon for the advance #OwnVoices review copy; all opinions are my own!
Eve is the youngest of the Brown sisters & has grown up feeling very much like a failure. Unsure of where or how to succeed, she’s moved from job to job & never quite felt understood by her friends or family, who are all in their own ways confident, accomplished & driven. When Eve applies for the job of cook at Jacob’s bed & breakfast, she finally finds a place where she fits just-right—not just at Jacob’s B&B but in his heart, too. Eve is a singer, a smiler, a glass-half-full embodiment of resilience & optimism & I couldn’t adore her journey to greater self-understanding & self-love any more. It was brilliant & emotional & deeply satisfying.
Jacob is my bespectacled, starchy & exacting, sarcastic AF dream who’s wounded from being rejected for who he is. Upfront about being autistic, Jacob knows he comes across as chilly & blunt, but he uses this conception to reject people before they reject him…until Eve crashes onto the scene. Literally.
Jacob & Eve were the couple I’ve needed to read for some time. As a late-diagnosed autistic woman, autism representation can be bittersweet—it’s wonderful to see myself (which is rare) & yet I’m often reminded of what’s hard & how I’ve been hurt for being who I am. But of course, I knew with Talia, I was in the best hands. Autism was beautifully & compassionately portrayed, & it made my heart sing to see two people like me, finding love & belonging & understanding for exactly who they are.
In short: Eve’s & Jacob’s story was witty & emotional & steamy as hell, a perfect opposites-attract pairing with chemistry & a connection that was everything my heart could want. I’m sad to say goodbye to this series, but thrilled with how it ended. This book, simply put, was perfect for me.
ACT YOUR AGE, EVE BROWN is out TOMORROW, March 9! Pre-order it, request it from your library, & prepare for a heartfelt, sexy, witty & delightful conclusion to the Brown Sisters Series.
Eve is the youngest of the Brown sisters & has grown up feeling very much like a failure. Unsure of where or how to succeed, she’s moved from job to job & never quite felt understood by her friends or family, who are all in their own ways confident, accomplished & driven. When Eve applies for the job of cook at Jacob’s bed & breakfast, she finally finds a place where she fits just-right—not just at Jacob’s B&B but in his heart, too. Eve is a singer, a smiler, a glass-half-full embodiment of resilience & optimism & I couldn’t adore her journey to greater self-understanding & self-love any more. It was brilliant & emotional & deeply satisfying.
Jacob is my bespectacled, starchy & exacting, sarcastic AF dream who’s wounded from being rejected for who he is. Upfront about being autistic, Jacob knows he comes across as chilly & blunt, but he uses this conception to reject people before they reject him…until Eve crashes onto the scene. Literally.
Jacob & Eve were the couple I’ve needed to read for some time. As a late-diagnosed autistic woman, autism representation can be bittersweet—it’s wonderful to see myself (which is rare) & yet I’m often reminded of what’s hard & how I’ve been hurt for being who I am. But of course, I knew with Talia, I was in the best hands. Autism was beautifully & compassionately portrayed, & it made my heart sing to see two people like me, finding love & belonging & understanding for exactly who they are.
In short: Eve’s & Jacob’s story was witty & emotional & steamy as hell, a perfect opposites-attract pairing with chemistry & a connection that was everything my heart could want. I’m sad to say goodbye to this series, but thrilled with how it ended. This book, simply put, was perfect for me.
ACT YOUR AGE, EVE BROWN is out TOMORROW, March 9! Pre-order it, request it from your library, & prepare for a heartfelt, sexy, witty & delightful conclusion to the Brown Sisters Series.
Hang The Moon by Alexandria Bellefleur
5.0
Thank you to Avon & NetGalley for this advance review copy—all opinions are my own!
Brendon believes in your One True Love. Annie's sick of the revolving door that many who date in the digital age are far too familiar with. Do two people coming at love from truly opposite ends of the emotional spectrum have a chance at love?
The answer—thank goodness—is yes! This was a joy to read, to return to the ensemble cast I've come to love, to get inside the mind of people-pleaser, fix-your-problems Brendon, and to meet Darcy's elusive best friend, Annie. HANG THE MOON explored different themes and backstories than its predecessor WRITTEN IN THE STARS but it was no less RomCom pitch-perfect and oh-so-swoony.
I love Alexandria's gift for writing emotionally complex characters without miring a plot in overwrought angst or melodrama. Her conflict feels believable, her characters' flaws realistic, and yet this still feels so deliciously decadent because she hits those romance beats without fail. Yes, we have realistic characters but we're surrounded by the whimsy and wonder, the joy and butterflies of romance that is such a lovely counterpoint to the obstacles woven throughout her narrative.
In short, HANG THE MOON, like WRITTEN IN THE STARS is truly your quintessential feel-good, swoony, endearing RomCom. I love the diversity and inclusion of this story (and series) in its representation of queer love and its bold love for the romance genre within its own pages. Lovers of RomCom movies, grand gestures, and countless nods to the hope & big heart of the romance genre will be delighted with this next installment, out Spring 2021!
Brendon believes in your One True Love. Annie's sick of the revolving door that many who date in the digital age are far too familiar with. Do two people coming at love from truly opposite ends of the emotional spectrum have a chance at love?
The answer—thank goodness—is yes! This was a joy to read, to return to the ensemble cast I've come to love, to get inside the mind of people-pleaser, fix-your-problems Brendon, and to meet Darcy's elusive best friend, Annie. HANG THE MOON explored different themes and backstories than its predecessor WRITTEN IN THE STARS but it was no less RomCom pitch-perfect and oh-so-swoony.
I love Alexandria's gift for writing emotionally complex characters without miring a plot in overwrought angst or melodrama. Her conflict feels believable, her characters' flaws realistic, and yet this still feels so deliciously decadent because she hits those romance beats without fail. Yes, we have realistic characters but we're surrounded by the whimsy and wonder, the joy and butterflies of romance that is such a lovely counterpoint to the obstacles woven throughout her narrative.
In short, HANG THE MOON, like WRITTEN IN THE STARS is truly your quintessential feel-good, swoony, endearing RomCom. I love the diversity and inclusion of this story (and series) in its representation of queer love and its bold love for the romance genre within its own pages. Lovers of RomCom movies, grand gestures, and countless nods to the hope & big heart of the romance genre will be delighted with this next installment, out Spring 2021!
Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas
5.0
Reread almost exactly a year since my last read and I somehow love it even more. Ugh. My heart is so full.
“The point is, is you could just overlook this one small issue of my inability to form emotional attachments to other human beings, we’d be very happy together.”
Ah, Tom. As Phoebe tells him in the beginning, the declaration that emotions and love are not for him coupled with the unwillingness to marry is the refrain of every rake, but Tom isn't your stereotypical rake or staunchly declared bachelor. Having grown up in difficult and emotionally isolating circumstances, he is willing to marry and be a kind, respectful partner; he simply doubts his capacity to feel deeply and to love. His honesty about that is delightfully refreshing and endearing.
As a person on the autism spectrum, I definitely got some undiagnosed spectrum vibes from him, from the way Tom analyzes and explains the world through the lens of his "special interest" and strengths (math, puzzles, engineering) to his inclination to *think* about his feelings instead of just feeling them. His pragmatism, his impatience with social conventions and superstition, and his directness all resonated with me as spectrum adult and I truly felt a kinship with him. I also adored Cassandra for telling him genuinely, "I like you just the way you are."
Cassandra is a real, caring, and refreshingly "ordinary" woman. While I appreciate that Kleypas wrote about horse-whisperers, female physicians, hyperactive game board inventors, I'm glad she also gave us Helen, Phoebe, and Cassandra: women who feel "ordinary" which often translates to feeling rather unremarkable. Cassandra has no glaring talents, she's a little down on her weight, and she's the last to marry in her family. But Kleypas gives us an intimate look into the beauty of her heart, her compassion for those different from her, and a growing tenacity to stand up for the underprivileged. She shows us no woman is ordinary, and that you don't have to be a genius or a pioneer in a field to be admirable, strong, or capable of making a difference.
Tom is also, in my opinion, the most delightfully feminist and progressive of the male heroes in The Ravenels. He truly admires Cassandra and defends her intellect and compassion over what everyone else does (her stunning beauty). He also tells her this when she explains she's trying to lose weight:
“Your body isn’t an ornament designed for other people’s pleasure. It belongs to you alone. You’re magnificent just as you are. Whether you lose weight or gain more, you’ll still be magnificent. Have a cake if you want one.”
Hell. Yes.
These two worked. They were wildly distinct people that everyone was convinced would never click; they were refreshingly vulnerable and insecure in quite realistic ways, and they both gave each other true empathy and support in those areas. They also modeled true give and take as they negotiated their not legally enforceable marriage agreement (that section probably made me laugh the most; such great physical humor and comedic timing).
This felt by far the most modern, feminist, and egalitarian relationship and story in the series, and it truly gave me the closure I wanted to say goodbye to this world. I teared up at the end when Kathleen and Devon reflected on the beautiful knitted patchwork of their friends who'd become family. I couldn't have asked for a better ending to The Ravenel Series.
“The point is, is you could just overlook this one small issue of my inability to form emotional attachments to other human beings, we’d be very happy together.”
Ah, Tom. As Phoebe tells him in the beginning, the declaration that emotions and love are not for him coupled with the unwillingness to marry is the refrain of every rake, but Tom isn't your stereotypical rake or staunchly declared bachelor. Having grown up in difficult and emotionally isolating circumstances, he is willing to marry and be a kind, respectful partner; he simply doubts his capacity to feel deeply and to love. His honesty about that is delightfully refreshing and endearing.
As a person on the autism spectrum, I definitely got some undiagnosed spectrum vibes from him, from the way Tom analyzes and explains the world through the lens of his "special interest" and strengths (math, puzzles, engineering) to his inclination to *think* about his feelings instead of just feeling them. His pragmatism, his impatience with social conventions and superstition, and his directness all resonated with me as spectrum adult and I truly felt a kinship with him. I also adored Cassandra for telling him genuinely, "I like you just the way you are."
Cassandra is a real, caring, and refreshingly "ordinary" woman. While I appreciate that Kleypas wrote about horse-whisperers, female physicians, hyperactive game board inventors, I'm glad she also gave us Helen, Phoebe, and Cassandra: women who feel "ordinary" which often translates to feeling rather unremarkable. Cassandra has no glaring talents, she's a little down on her weight, and she's the last to marry in her family. But Kleypas gives us an intimate look into the beauty of her heart, her compassion for those different from her, and a growing tenacity to stand up for the underprivileged. She shows us no woman is ordinary, and that you don't have to be a genius or a pioneer in a field to be admirable, strong, or capable of making a difference.
Tom is also, in my opinion, the most delightfully feminist and progressive of the male heroes in The Ravenels. He truly admires Cassandra and defends her intellect and compassion over what everyone else does (her stunning beauty). He also tells her this when she explains she's trying to lose weight:
“Your body isn’t an ornament designed for other people’s pleasure. It belongs to you alone. You’re magnificent just as you are. Whether you lose weight or gain more, you’ll still be magnificent. Have a cake if you want one.”
Hell. Yes.
These two worked. They were wildly distinct people that everyone was convinced would never click; they were refreshingly vulnerable and insecure in quite realistic ways, and they both gave each other true empathy and support in those areas. They also modeled true give and take as they negotiated their not legally enforceable marriage agreement (that section probably made me laugh the most; such great physical humor and comedic timing).
This felt by far the most modern, feminist, and egalitarian relationship and story in the series, and it truly gave me the closure I wanted to say goodbye to this world. I teared up at the end when Kathleen and Devon reflected on the beautiful knitted patchwork of their friends who'd become family. I couldn't have asked for a better ending to The Ravenel Series.
The Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry Thomas
Holy lord my emotions. So. Much. Angst. Fascinating/unromantic yet somehow romantic dynamic of cat and mouse manipulation between the leads that gave way to solid emotional growth & a very satisfying grovel.
It Started with a Scandal by Julie Anne Long
5.0
If you're a hot-blooded human, you probably had or have a thing for Captain Von Trapp...Well, it's time for the fine captain (immortalized by stern brunch daddy Christopher Plummer) to step aside—there’s a new ice king captain in town. And this time, he’s actually a Bourbon prince.
Convalescing in Pennyroyal Green, Philippe—son of French aristocrats who were killed or scattered in the revolution—is recovering from the loss of his family and way of life. He’s scarred from a near-death attack, he’s in pain, he’s lonely, and he’s ice cold. He’s also deliciously French—dry witted and sensual even as he tries to subdue it for his pragmatic, ruthless plans to restore his fortunes and do what it takes to fulfill his duty. The last thing he counted on was falling for the determined, creative, compassionate Elise Fountain—his new housekeeper.
Elise was a fiercely lovable heroine. She’s a single mother just barely skirting total ruin, abandoned by her family. Her painful circumstances never leave her, yet she focuses on doing whatever good she can in her present. She epitomizes resilience. I loved how even though she’d been deeply hurt, she didn’t allow herself to be numbed. She still felt, empathized, desired. She had pride and vision and principles. As it goes for Philippe, it wasn’t hard to fall for Elise.
As for the romance itself? Hoooo boy, the sexual tension. This was a fierce slow burn and I wouldn’t say the physical intimacy was JAL’s steamiest, but where this book truly shone—and let’s be real, it always shines in JAL’s writing—was the emotional intimacy. She has a true talent for crafting characters whose chemistry, whose connection and soul-mate belonging you never question. Her romances are a masterclass in writing a One True Pairing, and It Started with a Scandal is a shining example.
I probably sound like a broken record by now, but once again, I adored this. I love the Pennyroyal Green world—its characters and haunts and the cozy belonging I now feel when I read a Pennyroyal book. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Convalescing in Pennyroyal Green, Philippe—son of French aristocrats who were killed or scattered in the revolution—is recovering from the loss of his family and way of life. He’s scarred from a near-death attack, he’s in pain, he’s lonely, and he’s ice cold. He’s also deliciously French—dry witted and sensual even as he tries to subdue it for his pragmatic, ruthless plans to restore his fortunes and do what it takes to fulfill his duty. The last thing he counted on was falling for the determined, creative, compassionate Elise Fountain—his new housekeeper.
Elise was a fiercely lovable heroine. She’s a single mother just barely skirting total ruin, abandoned by her family. Her painful circumstances never leave her, yet she focuses on doing whatever good she can in her present. She epitomizes resilience. I loved how even though she’d been deeply hurt, she didn’t allow herself to be numbed. She still felt, empathized, desired. She had pride and vision and principles. As it goes for Philippe, it wasn’t hard to fall for Elise.
As for the romance itself? Hoooo boy, the sexual tension. This was a fierce slow burn and I wouldn’t say the physical intimacy was JAL’s steamiest, but where this book truly shone—and let’s be real, it always shines in JAL’s writing—was the emotional intimacy. She has a true talent for crafting characters whose chemistry, whose connection and soul-mate belonging you never question. Her romances are a masterclass in writing a One True Pairing, and It Started with a Scandal is a shining example.
I probably sound like a broken record by now, but once again, I adored this. I love the Pennyroyal Green world—its characters and haunts and the cozy belonging I now feel when I read a Pennyroyal book. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Duke I'd Like to F... by Sierra Simone, Adriana Herrera, Nicola Davidson, Eva Leigh, Joanna Shupe
This was delightful. I took my time and soaked up each style and narrative. So much was covered in this anthology from age gap to kink & consent, racism & the slave trade, healing after trauma & women pursuing their own paths to happiness, & much more. Each story was sexy, witty, & refreshingly original.