Tag: historical fiction

Lets Talk: Gothic Reads for the Fall Season

Robin4 Comments

Everything gothic, from retellings, to gothic horror

Fall is one of my favorite seasons of the year, and what better way to celebrate its arrival than by sharing some of my favorite gothic novels from the last two years. If you’re like me, then fall is the time that you reach for gothic novels and horror more than anything. Something about the leaves falling and the temperature dropping puts me in the mood to read about desolate castles, blood, and murder. Even if you aren’t the biggest gothic fan, fall is undoubtedly the perfect time of year to give it a try or another shot. This post will reach everything from vampires to haunted castles, and retellings. Of course, these are just a select few of my favorite gothic reads. Regardless of the time of year, I am always looking for more, so please drop a recommendation if you feel like it. Spooky reading!

Gothic Recommendations

What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher

T. Kingfisher is a new author I have discovered this year, with an extensive backlist in both fantasy and horror. Their new novel, What Moves the Dead is an unsettling gothic retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher. Following the retired soldier Alex Easton, coming to the aid of a dying childhood friend, we explore the house of Usher run amok with mushrooms and unpredictable wildlife, and set around the malevolent murky depths of a lake. What Moves the Dead has a suspenseful build to it, leaning more towards the classic horror I have come to love. Perfect for the everyday Poe fan, or someone looking to read more of the genre.

Trigger warnings: Body horror, animal death, death, war, suicide, gore

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House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson

Queer horror has definitely had a resurgence this year, and House of Hunger is one of my favorites of them all. There’s a sprawling estate with plenty of secrets inside and a vampiric regime that preys on impoverished women. Henderson has perfected the gothic atmosphere, combining the horrific, an analysis of desire, and a sweeping narrative that ensnares the senses. Following heroine Marion, as she applies for the position of bloodmaid, and discovers the truth behind the illustrious houses of the North, this novel delves deep into its corrupted heart. House of Hunger comes packed with a gruesome twist that you won’t want to miss!

Trigger warnings: blood, death, violence, gore, murder, torture

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A Dowry of Blood by S.T Gibson

An exquisite reimagining of Dracula’s Brides in the form of an open letter from the first bride Constanta; A Dowry of Blood is an achingly haunting and beautiful novel that spans centuries in the life of its narrator. S.T Gibson devises an evocative narrative, chronicling the quiet descent from love into violence over many years. This queer polyamorous vampire novel has re-debuted this October through Orbit and what better time to read it than the Halloween season. Everything about this is exquisite, a combination of sapphic yearning at the opera, found family, and a moving exploration of relationship abuse.

Trigger warnings: Emotional abuse, blood, death, murder, abuse

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Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid

Continuing the trend of retellings, Juniper & Thorn is one of my favorites, a gothic horror retelling of The Juniper Tree that just released this year. Honestly, Ava Reid is THE author for fantasy and the gothic, and they always manage to deliver an impeccable story that ticks all the boxes. Juniper & Thorn is a phenomenal story full of monsters that await you down dark hallways and the ones within. Its examination of survivorhood, defiance, and the monstrous is something I will carry with me for a long time. If any gothic horror is going to stick with you, it’s going to be this one.

Trigger warnings: violence, emotional abuse, gore, blood, death, murder, body horror, cannibalism, eating disorder (bulimia), vomiting (graphic), sexual assault, antisemitism, xenophobia, drug use 

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The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling

The Death of Jane Lawrence has been aptly compared to Crimson Peak, with a narrative so mind-boggling it completely threw me over. Set in a dark version of Post-War England, we follow the bright and practical Jane Shoringfield as she makes a marriage of convenience centered around a bargain she won’t be able to uphold. This is one of the most brilliant and unnerving books that I have ever read within the horror genre. Starling weaves a startling story with layers that cannot be fully parsed with just one glance and one that I continue to think about to this day. It’s gothic horror with a historical layer and a side of discontent.

Trigger warnings: Blood, gore, medical procedures, drug use, child death, death, gaslighting

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Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

An instant recommendation of mine is always going to be Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. This is comped as Rebecca meets The Yellow Wallpaper, and honestly, nothing could be a more accurate comparison. A gothic that burns slowly and then doesn’t catch its breath until the very end —complete with a twist that still keeps me up at night, Mexican Gothic is a great venture into gothic horror. Moreno-Garcia is one of my all-time favorite writers, with an insane capacity to genre-shift and spin the stories that stay with you. Mexican Gothic is arguably her most well-known novel, and for good reason. It’s got a creepy family estate, and a horrific family legacy to unpack before its smashing conclusion.

Trigger warnings: Violence, death, body horror, sexual assault, sexism

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This is coming a bit late into the season so I’ve already had the chance to revisit a few of these and try some new reads. The books above remain my absolute favorites of what the gothic has to offer, and if you try and like any, be sure to reach out and let me know. Every single one of these authors has other works I have adored, and I cannot recommend delving into their backlist, especially if you liked any of them. Currently, any and all of Jennifer McMahon’s books are on my upcoming reading list, as well as a few of Paul Tremblay’s horror novels. Both authors have provided a fascinating dive into the horror genre and I hope to read more before the season is out!

Review: Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen

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Rating: 4 out of 5.

The year is 1952, and Irene Lamontaine, head of the illustrious Lamontaine soap empire has died, leaving behind a substantial family seat vacant. Irene spearheaded the family’s soap empire to its current position with her signature and everchanging scents, held secret behind the gates of the family estate Lavender House. On the estate, the inhabitants have secrets of their own, secrets that require keeping outsiders at bay, and an understanding staff. When Evander Mills, a recently fired cop of the San Fransisco police department is contacted by a mysterious widow to investigate the circumstances surrounding her wife’s death, he finds himself behind its illusive walls for the first time. Reaching deeper into the family’s past, Andy soon finds himself beset by petty squabbles and family jealousy, but Irene’s death wasn’t an accident, and even between a family united by secrets, there are some worth killing for.

Lavender House has been aptly described as a 1950’s Knives Out mystery, surrounding a queer family, their confined existence, and the deadly secrets they keep hidden. Perfectly situated in its place in time, Rosen assembles a cloying ambiance for this novel, with an overpowering scent of deception that permeates the stuffy halls of Lavender House and unto the very page. Passing through the gates of the house aside the narrator Evander Mills, the real mystery begins once inside, as the motivations and history of each of the characters are exhumed. It was at this point of the story, that I was officially hooked. So much of what I love about the family mystery narrative is the entangled motivations and complicated relationships that are played out from start to finish. Lavender House has the added layer of the Lamontaine family being comprised entirely of queer people that have found solace, and ultimately family, with one another. For that reason, this novel is very much a stark examination of queer lives during the 1950s as it is a murder mystery. These two topics intersect as Andy investigates deeper into the family history and the establishment of their legendary soap empire. Each of the family and staff all have their own struggles with identity, which Rosen does a great job exploring in tandem with existing as queer in this time and the difficult choices necessary to exist and have any kind of security. This is a historical novel that does depict some of the violence inflicted upon the LGBTQ+ community during the time period by individuals and law enforcement, so I strongly advise checking out the content warnings before reading. I ended up having to take several breaks during certain sections of this. The existence of Lavender House in and of itself is escapist for the time period it is situated in, yet it provides an altogether intimate and refreshing inquiry into queer existence served against a stellar mystery. With its not so neatly wrapped up ending, I am hopeful that this is not the last we will be hearing from these characters going forward.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc to review.

Trigger warnings: violence, grief, homophobic slurs, homophobic violence, police brutality, animal death

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Review: Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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Rating: 4 out of 5.

Renowned athlete Carrie Soto quickly surpassed the masses to become one of the world’s most legendary tennis players. Aided by her cutthroat attitude, her passionate coach of a father, and her willingness to win no matter the cost, she broke nearly every record and managed to collect twenty Grand Slam titles in her time. Six years after her retirement from tennis, an upfront spot in the stands at the 1994 U.S open to her record’s demise compels Carrie to come out of retirement and reclaim what was taken. This tremendous decision will have Carrie relying on her father to coach her again and pair her up with the very person to whom she almost gave her heart. One final season to win or lose, and make her mark on the world for a final time.

Author Taylor Jenkins Reid returns with Carrie Soto is Back, a relentless and immersive portrayal of a female athlete’s legendary tennis career. First introduced to Carrie Soto back in Malibu Rising, I could not imagine Reid’s next book would center around her, yet I was all the more excited having learned so. Carrie Soto is the high-stakes entertaining read I needed for the summer, full of all the twists and intricate relationships I’ve come to expect from its author. Not only is this novel comprised of all things tennis, but a touching father-daughter relationship over the years, and an assessment of the media’s treatment of women in sports. Carrie herself is an easy character to fall in love with, wonderfully vicious, and determined to claim every victory. Her journey took hold of me right at the beginning, with the decisive introductory chapter of a retired Carrie witnessing the downfall of her legacy and deciding to take action. From that moment on, I was here for every upswing and countermove on her path to reclaiming her title. In standard fashion, Reid has created a heroine that is uncompromising, but in different ways from those of her previous novels. I really appreciated reading about Carrie’s dedication to succeed and the sacrifices required in order to make it to the top as a world champion. Reid does an incredible job with the setup and payoff here, especially regarding the initial and final chapters of the story. The mirroring of those two moments was equally gratifying as it was vindicating on my part of having called it from the very start. Tennis may not be my forte, but this novel certainly makes you feel a part of the game. Taylor Jenkins Reid has become a staple author for many, and Carrie Soto is Back is her next unapologetically fierce read to devour.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc to review.

Trigger warnings: death, grief, injury

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Pride Month Wrap: Recommended Reads for the Rest of the Year

Robin2 Comments

Old and new favorites, and upcoming releases

We’re only halfway through the year and already there have been some fantastic queer books released. With pride month now past, I’d like to take the time to discuss some of my favorite LGBTQ+ reads, a few of which have already been featured on the blog, some underrated favorites, and a retrospect for the rest of the year – with an emphasis on sapphic reads. June has already been an incredible month of reading for me, and I cant wait to see what I’ll be able to get to over the next six months. As usual, I’m always looking for recommendations, specifically any LGBTQ+ reads, so be sure to share some of your favorites or new releases you are looking forward to. Happy reading!

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake

An incredible romance from debut author Ashley Herring Blake, following a New York City photographer finally gaining success after leaving her hometown, only to be dragged back on the eve of her stepsister’s wedding. Delilah Green Doesn’t Care is a charming romance with an emotional depth surprisingly astonishing to experience. Come for the situational small-town antics, and stay for incredible characters, complicated relationships, and perfectly executed sapphic relationship.

Trigger warnings: bullying, emotional abuse, parental abandonment, cancer, cheating, loneliness.

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Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

A second chance queer romance worthy of all the attention this month. Alexandria Bellefleur is the romance god in my mind, and Count Your Lucky Stars is her best work to date. With a beloved cast of characters, pining, and rekindled love, this is both an emotional and passionate romance and the perfect way to close out the series. If you’re looking for a contemporary romance with an incredible backdrop and queer characters, look no further.

Trigger warnings: infidelity, death of a parent, alcohol consumption

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A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall

Alexis Hall has written one of my favorite queer historical romances in existence, centering around a trans heroine after fleeing waterloo in order to become her true self, and the friend she left behind. This romance is so heartwarming, filled with exquisite pining and the tenderness of newfound love. Not only did the main leads completely steal my heart, but the side characters were absolutely hilarious. Armed with an epilogue that made me misty-eyed, this is one romance I’ll be slow to forget.

Trigger warnings: death, violence, guns, PTSD, child abuse (mentioned), abduction, suicidal ideation (side character), deadnaming 

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Siren Queen by Nghi Vo

It’s no surprise that there is a Nghi Vo novel on here, seeing as they are one of my favorite authors of all time. Through the eyes of a young Chinese American woman seeking fame, Siren Queen explores the dark truth behind the movie industry willing to exploit her soul. Monstrous and oh so alluring, Siren Queen will drag you down into its murky depths, leaving you entirely wrecked. This novel is perfect for fans of historical fiction and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, with a fantasy twist to top it off.

Trigger warnings: racism, sexism, homophobia, death 

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Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Aidan Thomas’s Cemetery Boys is an incredible coming-of-age contemporary debut surrounding a young trans boy’s search for acceptance and the accidental ghost he summoned in the process. It’s certainly been at the top of a lot of pride month lists, and for good reason. This story has the perfect balance of heartfelt moments, hilarious banter, and wholesome friend dynamics. With the recent announcement of an upcoming sequel, Cemetery Boys should be at the top of everyone’s tbr.

Trigger warnings: transphobia, death, blood, violence, deadnaming

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Tripping Arcadia by Kit Mayquist

Tripping Arcadia is easily one of my favorite debuts of this year by far, altogether poisonous and opulent. This modern gothic novel follows a young med school dropout who becomes embroiled in the lives of her wealthy employers and the harrowing secrets they hide. From the first sentence, Tripping Arcadia had me in its never-ceasing grip, as Lena begins a poisonous gamble that has deadly consequences. If you liked A Dowry of Blood or Mexican Gothic, this intoxicating story may be the perfect next read.

Trigger warnings: drug use, drug abuse, attempted suicide, death, addiction

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The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

The Jasmine Throne is the first installment in a new fantasy trilogy, where a captive princess and a maidservant with forbidden power team up to save their empire. Tasha Suri crafts an intricate narrative, with evocative language, an incredible magic system, and a slow-burn romance that completely changed me. This first installment is a triumphant start to The Burning Kingdoms series, which is sure to take the world by storm in the next few years. Highly recommend this to anyone looking to read more fantasy this year.

Trigger warnings:  blood, gore, violence, murder, poisoning, torture, public execution, homophobia, forced drug use, body horror, suicidal thoughts, self-mutilation, abusive family member

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This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

When Briseis inherits a rundown estate from an aunt she’s never met before, she and her family leave Brooklyn behind and discover behind its walls a dangerous legacy. Kaylynn Bayron’s sophomore novel has everything I could want in a fantasy story, incredible characters, queer rep, and an atmosphere fraught and deadly. This book was spectacular, and with the next book out this past month, a completed duology. Literally the perfect book for any plant and Greek myth stans.

Trigger warnings: blood, violence, death, murder, grief

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I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

Casey McQuiston delights with a young adult debut altogether messy and queer. When her longtime academic rival Shara Wheeler kisses her a month out from graduation and then disappears, Chloe Green is drawn into a hunt for her whereabouts between herself and the two other people Shara kissed. A story surrounding home and where we choose to set roots, this debut is spitful, witty, and poignant at its heart. Casey McQuiston writes the queer stories you can’t help but hold close, and this story is an absolute dream.

Trigger warnings: racism, homophobia, bullying, outing of a past character (mentioned)

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She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick

The college romance we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. She Gets the Girl, is a poignant slow-burn story between two women struggling to overcome their own obstacles amidst their growing love connection and navigating freshman year of college. Written by two different authors, both characters harnesses such a distinct voice and palpable chemistry that I immediately connected to. Add in a few tropes, and this kept me engaged from start to finish. She Gets the Girl is such a fresh take on college romances and the kind of story I could see be eventually adapted to screen.

Trigger warnings: alcoholism, car crash, parental abandonment

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She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen

The 80’s romantic comedy gets reinvented in this queer contemporary about a basketball player who fake dates her enemy to get back at her ex. Whenever I’m in search for a queer contemporary echoing some of my favorite tropes, Kelly Quindlen is certainly an author who comes to mind. Not only is this one accompanied by an emotional deep dive into harmful relationships and self-worth, but a call back worthy of dirty dancing and other classics.

Trigger warnings: bullying, homophobia

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Well, that’s a wrap folks! I hope you enjoyed reading just a sliver of my queer favorites from the past year or so. June as a whole was definitely a success for me with what I had planned to read, and I hope to continue off of that for the remainder of the year. You can expect to see full reviews for a variety of books that were not initially included in this list later on in the year. Additionally, this month has given me the opportunity to examine my standing tbr, and any additions I would like to get to before the year is out. I’d love to hear about how your pride month reading went or of any books you are looking forward to below!

Review: The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

In a secluded estate far removed from the conflict on Yucatán’s peninsula, Carlota Moreau lives an isolated existence. The only daughter of the venerable scientist Doctor Moreau, she spends her days surrounded by the beauty of the Yaxaktun property and the hybrid creatures held captive by their domineering creator. Backed financially by the wealthy Lizaldes, Doctor Moreau is sent a new overseer, the pensive Montgomery Laughton, to assist in his experiments. Six years pass and the fragile atmosphere at Yaxaktun is altogether upended by the arrival of two unexpected gentlemen, one being Eduardo Lizalde, the son of Moreau’s benevolent benefactor. With the sudden arrival of their unforeseen guests, the problems outside the bounds of the jungle loom ever closer, and as Carlota becomes all the more inquisitive, her father’s secrets threaten to expose a truth far more harrowing.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia astounds with a gothic science fiction historical set against the background of late nineteenth-century Mexico. The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is a fascinating reimagining of H.G Wells’s novel “The Island of Doctor Moreau,” that completely extends upon the original with its themes of colonization, class, and subjugation. Stepping into this novel felt akin to wading into a crystalline pool, as main character Carlota slowly draws together a hazy picture of her world, one that is refined and sharpened as she begins to question her reality and gain agency. Similarly to Mexican Gothic, this novel seizes a quiet pace, bringing forth an enthralling expose into the obsessions of a mad doctor, and just who the real monsters are. Dual narrators Carlota Moreau and Montgomery Laughton are altogether delightful, providing the opposing perspectives necessary to relay the unsettling nature of the entire narrative. Where Carlota is the quiet lonesome voice in the darkness, Montgomery is the brooding moody tone in contrast. While it can be said that both characters captivate, Carlota is beyond a doubt the one who dazzles. Her escape from the clutches of her father’s influence, to uncovering the truth about his creations, and unleashing the monster within was absolutely earth-shattering. Moreno-Garcia interlays a gripping examination of possession, prejudice, and the relationship between creator and subject beneath it all. With an added afterword on the history of the Yucatán region and the caste war, the influence of historical events from the text is all the more apparent. It seems as if every time I find myself reaching for a new book by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, I have to prepare for the fact that it will surpass all of my expectations and leave me completely dumbfounded. Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a powerhouse, and The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is a startling addition, wonderfully romantic and intense in its resistance.

Thank you to Edelweiss for providing the arc.

Trigger warnings: abuse, violence, blood, death, gun violence, suicide

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Fantasy Regency Romance; Exploring a New Series

Robin2 Comments

Exploring Regency Fairy Tales,

For the past three weeks, I’ve been embarking on what many have coined as the post-Bridgerton romance binge, which has literally just been me reading as many historical romances as I possibly can in my limited free time. It’s been an overall enjoyable experience as I’ve found new historical romances, tropes, and authors to adore. In my most recent blog post I discussed some of my favorites, so be sure to check that out here if you haven’t already. Alongside this deep dive into historical romance, I came across the regency faerie tales series by Olivia Atwater. Picking the first book up was largely due to my bookish bestie Robin, over at @cozyinthenook on Instagram who hyped it up in a recent post. This series truly cured me of the ache left by Bridgerton, and I hope that these mini-reviews will convince some of you to read the series upon its release in June.

It’s difficult to find a husband in Regency England when you’re a young lady with only half a soul.

– Olivia atwater

It’s been many years since Theodora Ettings lost half of her soul in an unfortunate meeting with a faerie in the woods as a child. Ever since that moment, she has lost any sense of fear or embarrassment, which, in regency era England, spells scandal. Entering the upcoming London Season, Dora attempts to remain on the sidelines, but when she draws the attention of the mysterious and irritable Lord Sorcier, she inevitably becomes entangled with the world of the fae she has tried her whole life to ignore. As Dora and Elias continue to work together to uncover the mystery of her past, the two are at risk of falling in love, regardless of the circumstance of her soul.

The first thing that came to mind when I started this series was how much it reminded me of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. There’s nothing I love more than a snarky love interest and a heroine determined to make a way for herself. Dora and Elias were truly serving grumpy sunshine trope and my romance-obsessed heart was along for the whole ride. Between the search for the clues to her past and figuring out the cause of the mysterious plague inflicting children across the city, these two form a connection that is truly genuine. When the final act of the book hit, there was nothing left for me to do but become completely enamored with our main couple and immediately embark on a read of the rest of the series. Along with an epilogue that made my heart yearn, Half a Soul is a historical romance debut I’m unlikely to forget for quite some time.

Trigger warnings: violence, war, death, kidnapping, emotional abuse

Regency housemaid Euphemia Reeves has acquired a faerie godfather. Unfortunately, he has no idea what he’s doing.

Ten thousand stitches by olivia atwater

Euphemia Reeves has encountered quite the inconvenient problem in that she has fallen in love with the son of a gentleman. As a housemaid for the gentleman in question, Effie is out of luck on how to proceed, but when she finds herself drawn into the faerie realm of Lord Blackthorn, she finds an unexpected solution. Lord Blackthorn is a benefactor, more than willing to help Effie in her venture, for a trade of one thousand stitches sewn into his favorite jacket. With just one hundred days to convince Benedict Ashbrooke to propose, Effie is on the clock. Her mind made up, nothing will stop her in her quest for love, not even Lord Blackthorns’ insistent meddling.

Ten Thousand Stitches is a Cinderella retelling with a twist of regency romance in the best way possible. With an underlying air of kindness and charm grounding the entire story, Atwater infuses such heart into the second installment of her regency faerie tales. Unlike its predecessor, Ten Thousand Stitches focuses more heavily on class structure and the lives of servants working behind the scenes for the great families of England. Effie is one of my favorite historical romance heroines thus far, seriously stubborn and determined to find love no matter the cost. Jubilee/Lord Blackthorn made this romance all the more amusing, and his constant need to meddle eventually worked its way into my heart. Ten Thousand Stitches is a romance that carries as much depth in the commentary, as it excels at being incredibly heartwarming, and it made me fall in love with retellings all over again.

Trigger warnings: domestic abuse

Proper Regency ladies are not supposed to become magicians – but Miss Abigail Wilder is far from proper.

Longshadow by olivia atwater

All over London, the available young ladies of the season are turning up dead, and no one knows why. Thrown headfirst into the mystery is Abigail Wilder, daughter of the illustrious Lord Sorcier of England, desperate to uncover the truth. Her father Elias believes that a dark lord of faerie is behind the deaths, and though her family doubts her capability, Abigail is willing to use her magic against the threat no matter the personal cost. Joining the investigation into the deaths is Mercy, a loner magician, the last person Abigail wants derailing her mission. Though the two are no more than unlikely allies, Mercy may be the very person that Abigail cannot live without.

Longshadow is a conclusion that centers around a sapphic romance and the daughter of Elias and Theodora. These two components made me all the more excited for this one, but unfortunately, this is probably my least favorite out of the three. I liked that there was an emphasis on the Sorcier family and Abigail and Hugh, as adopted siblings, but I think the main relationship kind of got lost in the weeds. Longshadow certainly has the charm textbook to Atwater, and I adored the dynamic between Abigail and Mercy. I think just knowing that this was the conclusive book of the series, I wanted more substance on the romance side of things. Besides that, the mystery plot took up a lot more content than I expected, and personally, I wasn’t as engaged with it as I’d have liked. The little moments between the family were everything though, and Abigail and Mercy had a really wonderful connection that I would have liked to see more of.

Trigger warnings: death

Having reached the end of my exploration into Olivia Atwater’s Regency Faerie Tales, it’s safe to say I will be looking out for more books like this soon. Atwater has crafted the perfect blend of regency and fantasy elements together, and given a cast of characters that I would do anything to read more of. Fantasy and regency is a combination I didn’t expect to read from, but as a lover of both genres, I would love to see this take off as a potential subgenre. If you’ve read this series I would love to hear your thoughts below, or any recommendations you think I should try. This entire trilogy will be released on June 28th, 2022!

Review: A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall

Robin2 Comments

Rating: 4 out of 5.

After being presumed dead at Waterloo, Lady Viola Caroll decided to let the world go on thinking that and begin to live for herself. Sundering the past, Viola does not regret much. The loss of her wealth and title are trivial against the greater loss of her friend and closest companion, Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood. For several years, Viola has kept her distance, believing that grief has given way to peace of some kind, yet when their families reconnect again she finds that it is actually the opposite. Gracewood is a shadow of the man she once knew, withdrawn so far into his grief that he is completely unrecognizable. Striving to somehow bring him back to his former self, Viola is drawn closer to her former friend, and desires she could never name before are brought to the surface. Denial is useless, and as Viola and Gracewood grow closer these feelings become harder to ignore, prompting a necessary reconciliation against loss and the impossibility of the future. 

A Lady for a Duke could not have come at a more perfect time for me, fresh off the historical romance binge and having just watched the latest season of Bridgerton. Looking for a romance teeming with emotion, this novel gave me everything I needed and then some. In his altogether masterful historical romance, Alexis Hall draws together a complex past between his main leads, with an evocative center of loss, memory, and intimacy driving the story forward. Our main heroine Viola is one of the more well-written queer characters in historical romance that I have read recently, giving voice to dysphoria and the trans experience in a way unforeseen previously by me in the genre. As for the other main lead, Justin De Vere, he provided quite the emotional conversation surrounding grief and the lingering trauma arising from war. Even with all of this tense subject matter, the entire story overflows with longing and an underlying comfort that disperses throughout every aspect of the novel. This is definitely not a tragic story, yes we have a trans heroine and a disabled hero living in this time period, but it doesn’t bear the narrative down into tragedy like I’ve seen other period pieces do. Instead, what emerges is a tender second chance romance about two people defined by their circumstances finding love against the odds. I would also be remiss not to mention the wonderful side characters in this novel, who radiate just as much as the two main leads. With a mix of queer and playful characters, Hall really creates a wholesome cast of supporting characters for the novel. The side plots intervening in the central storyline had the most fabulous banter and made me fall even more in love with the story overall. A Lady for a Duke is honestly one of the most beautiful and exemplary historical romances I have read in quite a long time. The epilogue especially, really brought the emotion to the surface, exemplifying love found and a future once deemed unlikely.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc to review.

Trigger warnings: death, violence, guns, PTSD, child abuse (mentioned), abduction, suicidal ideation (side character), deadnaming 

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Let’s Talk: Historical Romances I’ve Been Loving

Robin3 Comments

Spoiler Alert, It’s a lot of Sarah MacLean

As I am sure many of you have noticed, I have been reading more historical fiction this month (it’s free serotonin during these troubling times after all). This is one genre that I put on my 2022 goals to read more of this year, and with school ramping up, I thought why not explore some romances alongside that. This included rediscovering some past favorites and discovering new ones via my tbr and friend recommendations. As I’ve delved more into the genre, there have definitely been some authors that have stood out to me more than others, and tropes and types of heroines I adore. Below, I’ll be giving some mini-reviews of my current favorites, and why I loved them so much. Trigger warnings will be included for each title as well. Thank you for reading, and be sure to drop some of your recommendations in the comments!

Bombshell by Sarah MacLean

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Up first is one of my absolute all-time favorite historical romances, Bombshell by Sarah MacLean. This is the most recent book by the author, kicking off their new series, The Hell’s Belles. It’s hard to describe why I love this one so much, but much of it can be accounted for by the main heroine, Sesily Talbot, last of the famed “Soiled S’s.” Sesily is a character that graced several of MacLean’s past novels, and I was so excited to finally read her and Caleb’s story. I loved reading Sesily’s point of view, from her unapologetic sexuality against those that had shamed her for it, to her utter willingness to love in the same way. I cannot recommend this one enough to anyone looking to read more of the genre.

Trigger warnings: violence, death, gun violence, sexism,

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The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Next is a brand new favorite of mine, The Viscount Who Loved Me by Bridgerton author Julia Quinn. I am really surprised by how much I enjoyed this one, considering how much I abhorred the first book in the series, but nevertheless, here we are. This book follows elusive Rake Anthony Bridgerton as he decides to finally find himself a wife and settle down. His choice pits him head to head with Kate, the sister of his intended, and of course, romance ensues. Honestly, I adored the romantic development between Anthony and Kate, and the eventual love that evolved over time. There’s not much I could say against this, and I am even more excited for the upcoming series.

Trigger warnings: death, grief, panic attacks

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Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Yet another book I adored by Sarah MacLean was Daring and the Duke, third in the Bareknuckle Bastards Trilogy. This one featured my favorite heroine of the entire series, Grace. With a romance that featured a rediscovery of love and a redemption arc for the supposed villain of the series, Daring and the Duke took me completely by surprise. I was very apprehensive going into this one, but what a blazing finale it was (hehe). Featuring past characters of the series, Daring and the Duke was an incredible send-off for the trilogy as a whole. I would 100% consider this a comfort book at this point, and Grace and Ewan have my whole heart.

Trigger warnings: violence, emotional abuse

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How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Kerrigan Byrne is a new author I discovered alongside my read of How to Love a Duke in Ten Days. This is very much a story of healing for our leads, as it is an unfolding love story. Set against the backdrop of an unlikely wedding, main character Alexandra Lane tries to move forward from a past incident that has shaped every part of her life thus far. When a chance to spring her friend from an unhappy engagement occurs, Alexandra springs at the chance, entering into a relationship with her intended, Piers Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne. As a lover of marriage of convenience, this book not only ticked all of my boxes but provided such a poignant exploration of healing and finding solace after a traumatic experience. I will certainly be reading more from this author.

Trigger warnings: violence, death, rape, sexual assault, murder

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Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean

Rating: 4 out of 5.

My first dabble in Sarah Maclean’s historical romances this winter was Wicked and the Wallflower, a book that had me devouring the rest of the trilogy and the authors’ entire backlog. A deal with mixed intentions turns wicked when Felicity Faircloth throws love into the mix, making chaos for its maker. Centered around a nefarious deal between a wallflower and a criminal, Wicked and the Wallflower grabbed me from the beginning and had me completely spellbound at its end. This is certainly one of my favorites by the author, and Felicity is such a sweet heroine. If you’re looking for kind people falling in love against the odds this one is for you.

Trigger Warnings: death, violence

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The Rogue of Fifth Avenue by Joanna Shupe

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

A new author and favorite of mine is The Rogue of Fifth Avenue by Joanna Shupe. I took a dive into this one shortly after beginning my historical romance reading, and it quickly became one of my favorites. The Uptown Girls series is unique from others that I’ve been reading because it’s set in New York City, rather than England. Exploring a new city through the eyes of the main character, Mamie, and Frank Tripp, her fathers’ lawyer made for such a unique background that I hadn’t experienced before. There was also more of an emphasis on the working-class hero, amidst the upper class and high society drama. Frank and Mamie had such incredible chemistry, I really could not help but root for them. Out of the several books I have read by Shupe, this one really takes the cake.

Trigger Warnings: sexual assault, domestic abuse, alcoholism

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The Duchess Hunt by Lorraine Heath

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

The Duchess Hunt is the most recent historical romance I had the good fortune of stumbling upon. Lorraine Heath is an author that I’d been meaning to try, and safe to say, I’ll be reading more by her down the line. Tired of searching for a wife, Hugh Norton, the Duke of Kingsland tasks his secretary with choosing the women to become his duchess. Though she has the rather unpleasant task of choosing a wife for the man she loves, Penelope Pettypeace attacks the assignment as she would any other. As the search unveils, Hugh begins to realize that the partner he’s been seeking may be closer than he realized. Being a fan of “the love you’ve been looking for as been in front of you this whole time” this novel really served that to me on a platter. I love angst and forbidden love, which was as much a part of this as the duchess search. Bookish heroines are a favorite, and Penelope was such an intelligent character who could hold her own. I plan on finishing this series in the upcoming month.

Trigger warnings: death, abuse, child abuse, sexual harassment

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The Day of the Duchess by Sarah MacLean

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

The Day of the Duchess is a second chance romance that packed quite the emotional punch to the heart. Years after the failed marriage of Malcolm Bevingstoke, the Duke of Haven, Seraphina, his wife returns requesting a divorce. Malcolm agrees, on the condition that Sera be the one to choose her replacement. What ensues is a moving reclamation of love, against past traumas and hurt between the couple. A journey that had me closing my book out of frustration more often than not. I read this right after Bomshell, so there were also some cute moments between Caleb and Sesily as the two meet for the first time. This is a book filled with all the angst and tenderness that comes with pursuing a relationship that had failed in the past. If that’s your speed, try picking this one up.

Trigger Warnings: miscarriage, death of a child, infertility, grief, infidelity, death

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A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare

Rating: 5 out of 5.

My first experience with historical romance author Tessa Dare was through her Spindle Cove series. This series had a lot of ups and downs for me enjoyment-wise, but one that I absolutely adored was A Week to Be Wicked. I mean, what’s not to love about forcing a man into marriage so you can go to a geology conference?? Seriously Minerva and Colin stole the show for marriage of convenience and all others can just go home. I’ve always loved unlikely pairings and bookish heroines, which A Week to Be Wicked had upfront and center. The slow descent of the love interest Colin into: I would die for her is also just exquisite. Honestly, if you’re looking for a five-star romance just read this.

Trigger warnings: death, grief, misogyny

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Exploring more of the historical romance genre has become my way of staying on course with my reading during the semester. I’ve really enjoyed reading more of my mutuals favorites and discovering new authors to keep up with in the upcoming year. Some tropes I have really come to love are second chance romance and anything relating to marriage of convenience really. Both Sarah MacLean and Joanna Shupe have books releasing in the summer/early fall, so expect a review for those later on. This post is going to be a live document for me to update with new favorites, so feel free to recommend ones you think I should try in the comments. I certainly hope that this has either given you some new romances to try or convinced you to maybe try the genre. If you’ve read any of these already I would love to know your thoughts below!

Review: Siren Queen by Nghi Vo

Robin2 Comments

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Enter the glittering world of Old Hollywood, where the very fabric of stardom is rife with dark bargains and sacrifice. To those that dare attempt fame, they must navigate a complicated system, competing for the limelight, and inevitably paying the ultimate price. For Luli Wei, a young Chinese American coming of age in this tumultuous time and desperately seeking stardom, the dark truth to the movie industry is inconsequential. She is more than willing to offer up her soul for the chance to shine and burn, even if it means becoming someone else entirely. In a system where the studio heads have all the power, and blood and ancient ritual is second nature, to yield is to begin. The silver screen beckons her forth, and to succeed in an industry determined to push her to the sidelines she may have to take on the role of the monster itself.

Siren Queen is an alluring novel, laced with a ferocity that reverberates throughout every page. In typical fashion Nghi Vo creates a vivid picture, ingeniously depicting the glamorous world of Old Hollywood and its frightening underbelly. Through the eyes of a young woman looking back upon her journey to the limelight, this golden age of Hollywood is given new voice – one that dwells in the bottomless deep, luring you from the shore before dragging you down into its murky undertow. It’s been awhile since I read a book that left me as epically stranded and desperate as this one and I’m sure I won’t find anything like it again. Throughout the narrative, there is a luminosity that shines through even the darkest moments. Existing as a queer, Chinese American woman during the time of pre-code Hollywood is a poignant center for the entirety of Luli’s story. This landscape breeds a unique sort of desperation and a drive to break free from the predetermined roles set by these studios and the world at large. Luli Wei is such an incredible representation of that and a person willing to be flawed to get where she wanted. Knowing that Siren Queen was also giving a slice of Evelyn Hugo energy only led me further into the deep end of this novel. While I would have liked more with Luli and her future partner, there is a staggering beauty in this narrative being a kind of open letter penned to her past self and future relationships. For those looking for something in the vein of Evelyn Hugo, this is right up there thematically, but don’t expect an exact comparison between the two. In her sophomore novel, Nghi Vo explores the realities of fame, what it means to pursue it on your own terms, and who you have to become in order to succeed. With razor-sharp teeth, Siren Queen shines like a beacon in the storm, bringing to light a truth far deadlier when realized.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger warnings: racism, sexism, homophobia, death, domestic abuse

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Review: Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong

Robin4 Comments

Rating: 5 out of 5.

It’s 1927, and Shanghai stands divided by blood. Allied to the Scarlet Gang through family ties, Juliette Cai gambles the safety of those around her to protect those she loves from the inevitable fallout. Having chosen a necessary betrayal over her own heart, Juliette is completely undone, possessed by an impossible need to prevail against the White Flowers and her own family. Roma Montagov believes her cruelty for the supposed murder of his comrade, but Juliette must keep up the game if she ever hopes to keep her cousin from ousting her as the Scarlet Gang’s heir. Deep within the city, something far more dangerous lurks primed to strike. It brings with it great evil, a final chip in the marble that could bring Shanghai to its knees. A betrayal may have torn their reunion asunder, but Juliette and Roma will have to shed the hatred binding them together to become something far greater to each other and to the city that they hold dear.

The thing about Our Violent Ends is that I didn’t want the ends to be violent. I spent most of my time reading this denying that the duology was in fact a Romeo and Juliette retelling and instead choosing to focus solely on vibes. Right from the start, Chloe Gong does not hold back, amping up the action and drawing an exquisite picture of betrayal and intrigue. The complexities arising from the conclusion of the previous book stay strong, give or take some added angst that set my soul ablaze. There’s just something about the betrayal trope that drives forth this finale into something dark and tragic. A foreboding atmosphere that seeps into every crevice of the story, threatening to fracture apart growing relationships and the fate of the characters. Much like the previous book in the series, the politics, and complicated alliances play against the emergence of an outside threat, but one far greater than before. Roma and Juliette really excelled here, as they ultimately reach the tipping point for compromise and a search for power amidst the blood feud that has fueled the city for decades. Seeing all of these complex feelings play out, especially after the events that concluded the last book, was simply delightful. Gong has a talent for keeping the emotions of her characters in check until the last second, which drove me completely insane. By the time that the inevitable reconciliation came around, I was utterly ruined by it. Roma and Juliette have this passion mixed with a tenderness that is so rare to read about. I certainly won’t be getting over their journey anytime soon. With so many allusions to the original text, I was afraid of how this was going to end, but Chloe Gong crafts a compelling and bittersweet ending that simultaneously tore my heart to pieces and restored my faith in love. In this explosive finale set in the chaos of a city divided, two people find their way back to one another and must fight against the bonds determined to destroy them both.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc to review

Trigger Warnings: blood, violence, gun violence, death, murder

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