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hookedbythatbook's reviews
3201 reviews
A Measure of Menace by Jennifer Ashley
5.0
This was another slightly madcap adventure with Kat and Daniel leading the charge. Cynthia lends a helping hand, as usual, and clearly she got her flair for the dramatic from her father. The plot flowed fast and delivered some interesting twists, but never felt rushed. I just love Kat and Daniel and their relationship is making slow progress. I truly hope that they can find their happy-ever-after. It's best to have read some of the previous books to get to know all these wonderful characters.
Mrs. Holloway's Christmas Pudding: A Below Stairs Mystery Novella by Jennifer Ashley
5.0
Kat's reputation means everything to her, to keep her job and to keep Grace safe and comfortable. And she will do whatever she needs to when that reputation is threatened. This book was a short but exciting piece of investigation to find a poisoner. With plenty of suspects to go around, the story kept me captivated and delivered a surprise ending. This is a novella in this series, and it will be better to have read at least some of the other books in this series to know who the characters are.
Something Extraordinary by Alexis Hall
4.0
When society frowned on their sexual orientations, Belle and Sir Horley found a way to happiness and freedom.
This book presented profound discussions and thoughts about friendship, sexuality, and aromanticism. The characters did a lot of introspection that made me think as well. By the time Belle and Sir Horley made it to Scotland, their unconventional marriage seemed like the most natural thing in the world.
Even though it was set in the Regency period, the characters used very modern language and phrases. This didn't bother me at all, in fact, I enjoyed the bits of contemporary vernacular in the historical context.
Any sex happened without the usual romantic build-up and our MCs weren't attracted to each other at all, but that's not what this story was about anyway. The focus was on Belle and Sir Horley and their personal journey. And at the end, I 100% believed in them, their marriage, and that they can make their lifestyle work for the long run.
There were also plenty of very entertaining and sharp, witty banter spread throughout. I truly enjoyed reading this book.
In terms of sexuality, you'd be hard pressed to find a more diverse representation. I won't call this a romance, necessarily, as it deviates quite a bit from what you'd expect from a traditional romance novel, even though there is a happy ending.
I didn't read any of the previous books in the series, and this one stood well on its own. If you like books about queer relationships in a historical context with interesting characters, then this is for you.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Whisper at Midnight by Darcy Burke
4.0
A clever murder mystery with too many suspects and not enough physical evidence kept our intrepid investigators on their toes.
The murder of Louis Chambers was mysterious, but not all that surprising, considering his less-than-charming personality. This gave rise to a surplus of suspects, all very plausible as the investigation gathered more evidence. The identity of the actual murderer was cleverly concealed until the end, with some surprising twists.
Tilda and Hadrian were delightful, as expected. They work together so well, trying to make better sense of Hadrian's ability and how to use it without compromising his wellbeing. The attraction between them was stronger than before, but both of them were extremely hesitant to act on it. I enjoyed their surreptitious glances and thoughts, and I do think they will make an excellent couple, but for now, they are solidly in the friendship camp.
If you like your historical fiction with murder and suspense, then this is for you. I've been enjoying this series a lot so far. This book can be read on its own, but I think it's worth reading them in order.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bloodguard by Cecy Robson
4.0
I wasn't sure what to rate this book. There were very obvious similarities to the movie Gladiator, just with more fantasy and violence. The fight scenes were thrilling and nail-bitingly tense, but some felt drawn-out. There were plenty of surprise reveals, suspense, and tension to keep things interesting and engaging, but at one point it felt like Leith was never going to get to his final two fights. I liked Leith and Maeve and they had plenty of chemistry.
Three Days to be Ruined by Giovanna Siniscalchi
5.0
Boyd’s thirst for revenge didn't stand a chance against his fascination with Beth.
Right from the start there was this anticipation simmering just beneath the surface and Beth and Boyd were a volcano waiting to erupt. Who knew tasting wine could be so… stimulating. That thin thread of tension was broken occasionally by amusing interludes, such as the bear fountain in the garden and Reggie (sorry, Reginald).
Boyd’s expectations of his "winemaker wife" got progressively more ridiculous and Beth embraced each challenge with determination and vigour. There were also many small actions that showed that Boyd was very much taken with Beth, even if he didn't acknowledge it to himself.
Some of the other characters from The Winemakers series featured very prominently and even got their own chapters, but it's not necessary to have read their stories first.
You would not say this was a novella. It certainly didn't feel like one. We got to know Beth and Boyd quite well. They did fall in love very quickly, but the magic of the writing and the story made it seem like the most natural thing in the world. Things were very intense between them from their first meeting, so, of course, there could be no other outcome.
I can recommend this book and the others in The Winemakers world if you like steamy historical romance.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tall, Dark and December by Tracy Sumner
5.0
West and Penelope get the love they both richly deserve in this utterly delightful romance.
From uncertain first impressions a friendship grew, underscored by an attraction that refused to be denied. West loved to tease Penelope and bring out her wilder side, and I loved every clever barb and loaded look. The fledgling relationship with his brother also provided some very heart-warming moments.
It was easy to forget that this is just a novella, apart from the fact that it was over too quickly. West and Penelope were thoroughly developed as characters and their relationship had enough space and time to develop convincingly.
This book was so much delicious fun and I can highly recommend it if you like steamy historical romance.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.