This Sense & Sensibility adaptation was excellent. It manages to capture a ton of the minor characters and plot points, in a wildly different modern cThis Sense & Sensibility adaptation was excellent. It manages to capture a ton of the minor characters and plot points, in a wildly different modern context....more
This novella was a goddamn delight. Written entirely in the form of letters (epistolary stuff is my kryptonite). The main character is introverted andThis novella was a goddamn delight. Written entirely in the form of letters (epistolary stuff is my kryptonite). The main character is introverted and socially awkward, and the unreliable-ness of his narration is clear and so sweet because he is so so clueless and adorable in his cluelessness. A queer historical with some light magic, in a world where queerness is normal, but social class issues are still in place. Curious to read more in this world. Thanks Charlotte for the rec!...more
How do you get me to read a book that is not a romance? When one of my favourite romance writers decides to write a book that isn’t a romance! I wouldHow do you get me to read a book that is not a romance? When one of my favourite romance writers decides to write a book that isn’t a romance! I would read anything KJ Charles writes, and wow am I happy I read this one!
Death in the Spires is a historical mystery that follows the story of Jem, who is working class and went to Oxford on a scholarship. While he was there, one of the members his group of friends was murdered. The story jumps between the past and present day. I loved getting to know all the characters in both timelines, and trying to figure out whodunnit.
While it was not the central focus, there are some romantic elements to the book, and of course I absolutely adored those parts! The way the mystery was unravelled was expertly executed, which is no surprise from KJ Charles who is a master at managing elaborate plots. This book has a lot to say about class, justice, friendship, and forgiveness. Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!...more
I read this book for the trans right readathon and I am glad I did! I chose it because I am currently on a mini tentative exploration of books within I read this book for the trans right readathon and I am glad I did! I chose it because I am currently on a mini tentative exploration of books within the fantasy genre (that still have romance!), and this book came with several trusted recommendations.
I really enjoyed the noir, mid-century mystery vibes of this novella, and the magical world building was interesting and not too complicated. The love story between Helen and Edith was lovely, though I would have wanted more! The pace was brisk without seeming rushed, and the denouement was really well executed and felt bittersweet in a good way. I am curious to read more by this author!...more
Wow. Ok. This book was outstanding, full stop. The romance was incredibly satisfying on so many levels, and the story deals quite directly with issuesWow. Ok. This book was outstanding, full stop. The romance was incredibly satisfying on so many levels, and the story deals quite directly with issues of class and racial justice, the targeting of black folks by police, the justice system, challenges faced by refugees, academia….I mean. This book was written pretty much exactly at the intersection of several things I care about. It was masterfully done.
I could discuss the ways this book deals with social justice at length, but I also need to yell a bit about the romance itself. Easton and Patrice have so much chemistry I am surprised my kindle didn’t self combust. I loved each of them as individuals, their growth and vulnerability was beautiful, their love story had me near tears in a few places (when I wasn’t fanning myself).
One of my favourite things in this book is the mark of some of my absolute favourite romance novels: the way they fought and talked about difficult things. This book is obviously very different in style and content, but that aspect reminded me of the best of KJ Charles.
Plus this book has what is sure to be one of my all time favourite epilogues. I will be revisiting this book for sure, and I am eager to complete the series, which is also shaping up to be a favourite....more
I absolutely loved this book. The writing is absolutely sublime, I wanted to roll around in its glory.
Emily, the protagonist, is prickly and difficulI absolutely loved this book. The writing is absolutely sublime, I wanted to roll around in its glory.
Emily, the protagonist, is prickly and difficult in a way that is rarely seen for female main characters in romance. I have read heaps and heaps of male protagonists like her, and it was an absolute joy and delight to revel in to story of a curmudgeonly woman who risks allowing herself some joy, while staying true to herself.
This book is a romance, though it is a very slow burn, and the love story is not as central as in most romances. That being said, I absolutely loved romance between her and Captain Andrews, and found their story really satisfying.
One of the highlights of the book was the relationship between Emily and Grace. I legit cried a couple of times at key moments between them in the book.
This book has a magnificent cast of supporting characters, all of whom I adored. Each was well developed and compelling, and I look forward to future rereads so that I can revisit them like old friends.
Highly recommended
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!...more
This was a fun historical romance with some light mystery hijinks.
Jane’s fortunes changed when her father died, and now works as a governess in the hThis was a fun historical romance with some light mystery hijinks.
Jane’s fortunes changed when her father died, and now works as a governess in the household of one of his former colleagues at the Foreign Office. During a gathering at this estate, the owner is murdered in suspicious circumstances. Lord Adrian is a former acquaintance of Jane’s, and they are thrown together in a few ways as the murder is investigated.
I liked both characters and their love story, and found the mystery and side characters to be quite entertaining. Recommended if you’re looking for a fairly light fun read!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC...more
I really enjoyed this You’ve Got Mail retelling by a Canadian author! I really liked the slow burn romance between Hana and Aydin, and really enjoyed I really enjoyed this You’ve Got Mail retelling by a Canadian author! I really liked the slow burn romance between Hana and Aydin, and really enjoyed the cast of characters. This book has romcom vibes. as well as more serious elements including on page Islamophobia. ...more
Loved this book so much. It had so many elements that I loved:
- found family - conversations that go from deep to silly - two fully fleshed out MCs and Loved this book so much. It had so many elements that I loved:
- found family - conversations that go from deep to silly - two fully fleshed out MCs and well drawn secondary characters - fantastic group scenes - humour and difficult issues both done well (including a parent with Alzheimer’s and MMC with likely adhd/dyslexia) - the mmc really actually listens to and respects and seeks to understand and honour the fmcs opinions, values, desires, priorities - sisters actually getting to know each other - the complexities of actual family - a crumbling castle - yes learning embroidery is actually fun and it is a soothing activity thank you! - being known my god it’s done so well here - how finding someone you love to be in committed relationship with can actually be freeing
Ok I’ll stop now. I need the books for Effie, Simon, and Olive now please and thanks!!!...more
Reader, I am so glad I finally read this book that has clearly impacted literature and popular culture in so many ways. I went into with knowing almosReader, I am so glad I finally read this book that has clearly impacted literature and popular culture in so many ways. I went into with knowing almost nothing, and was at times delighted, horrified, amused, and confused. I imagine that many aspects of the book would have landed very differently for me if I had read it when I was younger. I loved Jane in all her contradictions, she was truly a very compelling character. The highlight of the experience was reading and discussing this book as part of a buddy read. I would never have picked up this book without that, and I am super grateful....more
When I found out that the new edition of Waiting for the Flood would come with a longer novella companion piece about Marius, I was excited and intrigWhen I found out that the new edition of Waiting for the Flood would come with a longer novella companion piece about Marius, I was excited and intrigued. I never saw Marius as a villain, and was super curious to get to know him. It turns out Marius is in fact quite a difficult character in many ways. He is full of pain and self-loathing, and behaves quite atrociously. A very sharp contrast to Edwin, and to Marius’ love interest Leo in this novella.
Marius is a fascinating character, and I enjoyed his love story with Leo. My favourite part is hard to discuss without spoilers. I will say that I appreciated that there was a lot about compassion, understanding, honesty, and forgiveness in this book. That every person is worthy of being fully seen and accepted and loved. That people can live a situation very differently, and that without information or a full perspective, one can easily fill in the mental blanks in different ways. That it’s possible to come to understanding, resolution, and healing. That part gave me hope. I wish there was more of that in the world.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC ...more
Claire aka DocReads
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