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drops_everything_and_reads's Reviews (1.2k)
adventurous
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I am enthralled with this series and the third book is fantastic! When so many historical romances focus on main characters that are part of the aristocracy, I appreciated that the author wrote a FMC that not only is not in the aristocracy, but is a housemaid - an illiterate one at that who has a mother in prison because of debts.. It really helps readers to understand the implications of laws that contributed to the oppression of poor people and women in the UK. It also created a lot of natural tension between the housemaid, Penny, and her love interest and MMC, Lord William Rehnquist, Marquess of Stoneway, who is also her boss.
The relationship between William and Penny is done well - it tackles the issue of an aristrocratic male engaging in a relationship with a servant - romantic or otherwise, but also just two people who are attracted to one another. While also not fully trusting each other.
I am enjoying the ongoing mystery aspect of this series that began in the first book and with each book, we get closer to finding all the answers. In this book, we see more of the dynamics between the men who are working for the Prime Minister, and those who are working for the Queen, and how they are really all on the same side.
This was a quick read, fun, and had me excited for book four!
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
The relationship between William and Penny is done well - it tackles the issue of an aristrocratic male engaging in a relationship with a servant - romantic or otherwise, but also just two people who are attracted to one another. While also not fully trusting each other.
I am enjoying the ongoing mystery aspect of this series that began in the first book and with each book, we get closer to finding all the answers. In this book, we see more of the dynamics between the men who are working for the Prime Minister, and those who are working for the Queen, and how they are really all on the same side.
This was a quick read, fun, and had me excited for book four!
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Canary Street Press for the eARC of Scot and Bothered by Alex Kiley. All opinions are my own.
Alex Kiley’s second book is absolutely wonderful and quite different from her first book, Kilt Trip.
While Kilt Trip had me laughing, Scot and Bothered had me in TEARS and my heart was aching. It’s very different tonally, and I think this really helps to showcase Alex’s writing talent.
I really love how Jack and Brooke were forced into a position of having to deal with each other, and address their past, in order to deal with the present, and perhaps see if they have a future together. They have to trust each other, support one another, and comfort individual fears and truths, and also figure out how to say goodbye to a woman who means so much to each of them. Neither is fully living the lives they dreamed of, lives they are scared to dream of even now, and this trip really forces them to reckon with what is holding each of them back.
Alex’s writing is so smooth, descriptive, and she does a wonderful job of taking us through the character arcs. I thought the dual timeline was done exceptionally well, allowing us glimpses into the past to help us understand the present and why Brooke and Jack have, for a lack of a better way of saying it, feeling stuck in their lives.
Mhairi is a gem of a character and so pivotal to the story. If Alex were to ever feel called to write a story about Mhairi when she was younger, I would happily read it!
It is so clear throughout Alex’s two books how much she loves Scotland. I think Scot and Bothered shows us another part of the country, and how it is an incredibly unique, beautiful, and challenging place.
I’m so excited to read more books by Alex!
Alex Kiley’s second book is absolutely wonderful and quite different from her first book, Kilt Trip.
While Kilt Trip had me laughing, Scot and Bothered had me in TEARS and my heart was aching. It’s very different tonally, and I think this really helps to showcase Alex’s writing talent.
I really love how Jack and Brooke were forced into a position of having to deal with each other, and address their past, in order to deal with the present, and perhaps see if they have a future together. They have to trust each other, support one another, and comfort individual fears and truths, and also figure out how to say goodbye to a woman who means so much to each of them. Neither is fully living the lives they dreamed of, lives they are scared to dream of even now, and this trip really forces them to reckon with what is holding each of them back.
Alex’s writing is so smooth, descriptive, and she does a wonderful job of taking us through the character arcs. I thought the dual timeline was done exceptionally well, allowing us glimpses into the past to help us understand the present and why Brooke and Jack have, for a lack of a better way of saying it, feeling stuck in their lives.
Mhairi is a gem of a character and so pivotal to the story. If Alex were to ever feel called to write a story about Mhairi when she was younger, I would happily read it!
It is so clear throughout Alex’s two books how much she loves Scotland. I think Scot and Bothered shows us another part of the country, and how it is an incredibly unique, beautiful, and challenging place.
I’m so excited to read more books by Alex!
I unfortunately ended up skipping a lot of this book. I think the writing itself is excellent, it's just not the right story for me. I found it a bit slow at times, and I was hoping it would pick up the pace.
I think it was a very original story, especially not knowing the perspective of the person in the flashbacks, nor who Luna really is.
I think the book is good for readers who lean towards the horror genre (though this definitely isn't a horror story), so perhaps more gothic?
Appreciate the opportunity from the publisher to read this book. All opinions are my own.
I think it was a very original story, especially not knowing the perspective of the person in the flashbacks, nor who Luna really is.
I think the book is good for readers who lean towards the horror genre (though this definitely isn't a horror story), so perhaps more gothic?
Appreciate the opportunity from the publisher to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Over the past few months, I've been trying to read author backlists and not focus so heavily on ARCs and new releases. And, I've also been in a big historical romance book phase (HR isn't dead!!!!!) so of course I had to read some Lisa Kleypas books.
I started with the Wallflowers because, well, why not?
I love a series about friendship, especially a group of women who lift each other up, celebrate wins, commiserate and support, and show up for the big and small moments.
The whole series delivers this, and I love this for the characters, and also for readers who can see how great friendship can be.
I enjoyed this book, for the most part. Annabelle is slightly boring, but really started to come into her own throughout the book. Simon is brash and bossy and some of his comments were misogynistic and I didn’t like that (e.g., when he offered to make Annabelle his mistress and implying that she should be grateful for it).
This book has humour, emotions, tension, steam, and was overall a fun read. I definitely was excited to pick up the second book and continue to find out what happens with the Wallflowers!
I started with the Wallflowers because, well, why not?
I love a series about friendship, especially a group of women who lift each other up, celebrate wins, commiserate and support, and show up for the big and small moments.
The whole series delivers this, and I love this for the characters, and also for readers who can see how great friendship can be.
I enjoyed this book, for the most part. Annabelle is slightly boring, but really started to come into her own throughout the book. Simon is brash and bossy and some of his comments were misogynistic and I didn’t like that (e.g., when he offered to make Annabelle his mistress and implying that she should be grateful for it).
This book has humour, emotions, tension, steam, and was overall a fun read. I definitely was excited to pick up the second book and continue to find out what happens with the Wallflowers!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Big thanks to @elizabetheverettauthor and @berkleyromance for the eARC of this glorious book, The Lady Sparks a Flame, which publishes March 25, 2025.
I think The Lady Sparks a Flame may have one of the most complex FMCs in romance books. Phobe Hunt was a villainess in the Secret Scientist’s of London trilogy and boy oh boy are people surprised that she has returned to England after living in exile in the United States.
One of the few people to see past her past… complications… and see Phoebe for who she is and was, is Samuel Fenley who, much to Phoebe’s chagrin, becomes the person who can set her family up for a respectable future after the death of her father. However, the more time they spend together, the more they find themselves wanting to be together, even though society, friends, and even their logical brains are telling them they shouldn’t.
Of course, there’s intrigue, there’s suspense, there’s science, there’s women who are incredibly intelligent and refuse to follow society’s ‘rules’ and instead are choosing to forge their own futures.
Elizabeth can write historical romances that are full of emotion and intelligence, and write about social issues that, sadly, we are still seeing and experiencing in modern society. Elizabeth’s books serve as a reminder that it’s been women, brave, bold, spirited women, who have often been at the forefront of social, economic, and political change. Women who have pushed society forward, aiming for us all to be better versions of ourselves. Women who can do all that and also have a happily ever after with a partner who chooses them, and loves them for all their strengths and weaknesses, even when society says otherwise.
While this book can be read as a standalone, I strongly recommend reading the Secret Scientists series to fully appreciate Phoebe’s character arc in this book. I think reading the Love Remedy is also an excellent decision, but there isn’t as strong of a connection between Remedy and Flame. But you should still read it because it’s about a woman’s right to choose.
Reading this book was a joy and I hope other’s like it as much as I do!
I think The Lady Sparks a Flame may have one of the most complex FMCs in romance books. Phobe Hunt was a villainess in the Secret Scientist’s of London trilogy and boy oh boy are people surprised that she has returned to England after living in exile in the United States.
One of the few people to see past her past… complications… and see Phoebe for who she is and was, is Samuel Fenley who, much to Phoebe’s chagrin, becomes the person who can set her family up for a respectable future after the death of her father. However, the more time they spend together, the more they find themselves wanting to be together, even though society, friends, and even their logical brains are telling them they shouldn’t.
Of course, there’s intrigue, there’s suspense, there’s science, there’s women who are incredibly intelligent and refuse to follow society’s ‘rules’ and instead are choosing to forge their own futures.
Elizabeth can write historical romances that are full of emotion and intelligence, and write about social issues that, sadly, we are still seeing and experiencing in modern society. Elizabeth’s books serve as a reminder that it’s been women, brave, bold, spirited women, who have often been at the forefront of social, economic, and political change. Women who have pushed society forward, aiming for us all to be better versions of ourselves. Women who can do all that and also have a happily ever after with a partner who chooses them, and loves them for all their strengths and weaknesses, even when society says otherwise.
While this book can be read as a standalone, I strongly recommend reading the Secret Scientists series to fully appreciate Phoebe’s character arc in this book. I think reading the Love Remedy is also an excellent decision, but there isn’t as strong of a connection between Remedy and Flame. But you should still read it because it’s about a woman’s right to choose.
Reading this book was a joy and I hope other’s like it as much as I do!
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thanks to Berkley for the eARC, via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I loved Tiana's first book, The Spy and I, and was thrilled when Mr. Nice Spy was announced, and that the MMC would be Adam Chan. I was even more thrilled when I received the eARC of the book. I devoured it in a day, and loved it all!
In this book, the Big Bad from book one, Holt, is still active and the CIA is determined to track him down. When the FMC, Andee, takes a DNA test and discovers Holt is her father, so does the CIA. And so does Holt. What happens next requires Andee and Chan to trust each other and work together to secure their freedom, in part by pretending to date.
I love a suspense romance, and this book did not let me down. There was chemistry between Andee and Chan, as well as healthy doses of conflict to keep me wondering how we would get to an HEA, in addition to the two MCs being free of Holt.
I think readers who enjoyed The Spy won't be disappointed by Mr. Nice Spy. I really hope Tiana writes more books in this universe; I particularly would love one with Madison, the sister of the FMC from The Spy and I, as the lead character!
I loved Tiana's first book, The Spy and I, and was thrilled when Mr. Nice Spy was announced, and that the MMC would be Adam Chan. I was even more thrilled when I received the eARC of the book. I devoured it in a day, and loved it all!
In this book, the Big Bad from book one, Holt, is still active and the CIA is determined to track him down. When the FMC, Andee, takes a DNA test and discovers Holt is her father, so does the CIA. And so does Holt. What happens next requires Andee and Chan to trust each other and work together to secure their freedom, in part by pretending to date.
I love a suspense romance, and this book did not let me down. There was chemistry between Andee and Chan, as well as healthy doses of conflict to keep me wondering how we would get to an HEA, in addition to the two MCs being free of Holt.
I think readers who enjoyed The Spy won't be disappointed by Mr. Nice Spy. I really hope Tiana writes more books in this universe; I particularly would love one with Madison, the sister of the FMC from The Spy and I, as the lead character!
Time to throw it back and highlight one of my fave books from when I was a kid - MORTIMER by Robert Munsch!!
Have you read Robert Munsch books? If so, which is your fave? If you read them with your kids, do they have favourites??
Robert Munsch is one of the pre-eminent children’s authors and there’s no doubt that his books have been pivotal in the lives of millions. I have so many memories of reading his books, and, thanks to where I lived, having him visit my classrooms over the years in elementary school to read to us. (Fun fact: while he was born in the US, Munsch has lived in Guelph, Ontario for many decades and is a Canadian citizen.)
When I read these books, or even think about them, I can hear them in Robert Mensch’s voice, which is why I strongly recommend listening to the audiobook for Mortimer, or any of his books, as they are narrated by Munsch himself and he puts his whole self into the performances. They are iconic. Another Munsch audiobook to listen to is “I Love You Forever” so you can learn the melody of the song.
Mortimer was always one of my faves because of the song he sings, and then the family’s reaction: “MORTIMER - BE QUIET!”
Have you read Robert Munsch books? If so, which is your fave? If you read them with your kids, do they have favourites??
Robert Munsch is one of the pre-eminent children’s authors and there’s no doubt that his books have been pivotal in the lives of millions. I have so many memories of reading his books, and, thanks to where I lived, having him visit my classrooms over the years in elementary school to read to us. (Fun fact: while he was born in the US, Munsch has lived in Guelph, Ontario for many decades and is a Canadian citizen.)
When I read these books, or even think about them, I can hear them in Robert Mensch’s voice, which is why I strongly recommend listening to the audiobook for Mortimer, or any of his books, as they are narrated by Munsch himself and he puts his whole self into the performances. They are iconic. Another Munsch audiobook to listen to is “I Love You Forever” so you can learn the melody of the song.
Mortimer was always one of my faves because of the song he sings, and then the family’s reaction: “MORTIMER - BE QUIET!”
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Thanks to @avonbooks I was able to read Marriage & Masti by @nishawrites last year (yes, I know this is a VERY delayed IG review) and LOVED it. It’s such a fun, steamy read!
M&M is the third in the “If Shakespeare Was an Auntie” trilogy, yet the first book in the trilogy I read. Whoops? Except not ‘whoops’ because when I say I’m super excited to read the first two, you should know this means I REALLY LOVE THIS BOOK.
Nisha writes with heart, humour, and head (interpret the latter however you wish 😜), as well as a deep respect for Indian, and specifically, Desi, culture, traditions, and community.
This book takes us through many of the beautiful aspects of Desi wedding customs and what being married means in the culture. This allows us to see how the MCs, Veera and Deepak grow as individuals, and a couple, and step into new roles in their community.
The dynamic between Veera and Deepak was fantastic. They are both stubborn, highly intelligent, charismatic people, who are one another’s biggest cheerleader, even after having some distance in their friendship for some time. They balance each other in so many ways, and respect each other deeply. In their careers, they definitely become a power couple.
Veera’s character growth was lovely. She’s at a crossroads in her career, and needs to find a new path forward, while also finding a new equilibrium with her friends after having felt sidelined a bit. I felt that her story was so much more than getting her HEA, but truly an evolution into being a Desi woman, and entry into an inner circle of married women, with its new privileges, traditions, and expectations.
I plan to read the first two books soon, and I have no doubt they will be great!
M&M is the third in the “If Shakespeare Was an Auntie” trilogy, yet the first book in the trilogy I read. Whoops? Except not ‘whoops’ because when I say I’m super excited to read the first two, you should know this means I REALLY LOVE THIS BOOK.
Nisha writes with heart, humour, and head (interpret the latter however you wish 😜), as well as a deep respect for Indian, and specifically, Desi, culture, traditions, and community.
This book takes us through many of the beautiful aspects of Desi wedding customs and what being married means in the culture. This allows us to see how the MCs, Veera and Deepak grow as individuals, and a couple, and step into new roles in their community.
The dynamic between Veera and Deepak was fantastic. They are both stubborn, highly intelligent, charismatic people, who are one another’s biggest cheerleader, even after having some distance in their friendship for some time. They balance each other in so many ways, and respect each other deeply. In their careers, they definitely become a power couple.
Veera’s character growth was lovely. She’s at a crossroads in her career, and needs to find a new path forward, while also finding a new equilibrium with her friends after having felt sidelined a bit. I felt that her story was so much more than getting her HEA, but truly an evolution into being a Desi woman, and entry into an inner circle of married women, with its new privileges, traditions, and expectations.
I plan to read the first two books soon, and I have no doubt they will be great!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thanks to @berkleyromance for the eARC of Jewel of the Isle by Kerry Rea which pubbed November 24, 2025
QOTD: are you a camper? would you go camping on an island with no cell phone service?
Okay, I'm delayed in sharing my review but, you know, life happens. So here it is!
What a fun book! It's got romance. it's got adventure. It's got a hardcore himbo who KNOWS he is a himbo! All things I am a sucker for, so clearly I enjoyed it.
In this book, we have two MCs who are grieving deeply, and that grief is something they both must tackle in order to grow and find happiness in their lives. Both Emily (FMC) and Ryder (MMC) are forced to address their respective grief amidst a fight for their lives.
This fight first starts with Ryder not exactly knowing how to camp and have basic wilderness skills and then progresses to an archaeologist who is determined to seek riches and glory for himself at anyone's expense.
I thoroughly enjoyed this romp of a book, wondering how Emily and Ryder were going to get off this island. The writing is so much fun, the red herrings and the foreshadowing were great, and I'll definitely be looking to read more books from Kerry.
QOTD: are you a camper? would you go camping on an island with no cell phone service?
Okay, I'm delayed in sharing my review but, you know, life happens. So here it is!
What a fun book! It's got romance. it's got adventure. It's got a hardcore himbo who KNOWS he is a himbo! All things I am a sucker for, so clearly I enjoyed it.
In this book, we have two MCs who are grieving deeply, and that grief is something they both must tackle in order to grow and find happiness in their lives. Both Emily (FMC) and Ryder (MMC) are forced to address their respective grief amidst a fight for their lives.
This fight first starts with Ryder not exactly knowing how to camp and have basic wilderness skills and then progresses to an archaeologist who is determined to seek riches and glory for himself at anyone's expense.
I thoroughly enjoyed this romp of a book, wondering how Emily and Ryder were going to get off this island. The writing is so much fun, the red herrings and the foreshadowing were great, and I'll definitely be looking to read more books from Kerry.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-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
Thanks to Berkley and Ace for this book because I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!
I was enthralled from the first page and barely put it down to take breaks for basic human things like eating and sleeping. The author has done a phenomenal job of creating the universe of the fae and humans. I love how we learn about the fae along with the main character, Kenna, as she is thrust into trying to survive in their world. And oh my, the ending of the book speaks so highly of Sarah's ability to plot and plant clues without the reader knowing that even the most minor of details will have a big payoff in the end.
I can't wait for book two and then book three and will absolutely be re-reading this book!!
I was enthralled from the first page and barely put it down to take breaks for basic human things like eating and sleeping. The author has done a phenomenal job of creating the universe of the fae and humans. I love how we learn about the fae along with the main character, Kenna, as she is thrust into trying to survive in their world. And oh my, the ending of the book speaks so highly of Sarah's ability to plot and plant clues without the reader knowing that even the most minor of details will have a big payoff in the end.
I can't wait for book two and then book three and will absolutely be re-reading this book!!