Tag: romance

Review: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

Emily Wilde is a Cambridge professor of Dryadology who surrounds herself with her books, her work, and the faeries she has built a life around studying. Deep in research for her first encyclopedia of faeries, Emily journeys to the remote village of Hrafnsvik, Scandinavia to learn about the local faerie lore and endeavor to uncover an age-old mystery. The last thing she expects when she arrives is having to win over the numerous townsfolk and appease unfriendly attitudes. Incidentally, her arrogant and charming colleague Wendell Bambleby has taken it upon himself to hijack her research and charm the very townsfolk who have given her the cold shoulder. Someone is abducting villagers in the night, and despite everything, Emily wants to find out why. Bambleby undoubtedly knows more than is letting on, and as they journey into the wilderness for answers, their combined knowledge may be what saves them both, and could possibly be what opens her heart for good.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries surprised me with its cozy atmosphere and scholarly inquiry into the world of the fae. Combining fantasy, mystery, history, and romance elements, this is a one-of-a-kind story, unlike anything I’ve read concerning faerie so far. Written retrospectively through the form of an open diary, we journey into the strange corners of the Hrafnsvik wilderness as Emily conducts her research and befriends the fae folk both friend and foe. Settling into the story, the narrative structure takes some getting used to at the onset, but it’s ultimately an inventive way to visualize the world and portray character point of view. It’s unique to be able to read character reflection on a situation and see that situation being dictated all at the same time, and Fawcett delivers this flawlessly, interspersed with fae lore and the occasional Wendell journal entry. In town, Emily battles a much closer adversary, the wary townsfolk that deeply fear the fae on their borders. This core struggle joins with the slow build of the narrative, weaving in layers of whimsy and adventure as Emily’s reluctance to open up and make connections begins to thaw. Shifting between her fieldwork and time in the town seizes the humanity at the heart of academic research and the relationships we can close ourselves off to when we try to protect our hearts and peace above all else. The slow-burn romance between Emily and Wendell was on the lighter side, but much like the novel, it’s a quieter romance that takes hold like some kind of faerie spell. I really loved their romantic arc, which was obviously complete and utter chaos with a side of banter that was the epitome of sassy. Witty and delightful, I can only pray for more Emily Wilde, Wendell, and the fae world in the upcoming sequel. Fawcett debuts a delightful academic fantasy that bridges boundaries and leaves behind a yearning for love and an appreciation for the ostensibly insignificant details of the everyday.

Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing this review copy

Trigger warnings: blood, injury, self-inflicted amputation, murder, death, violence

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Review: The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

They had a seemingly happy marriage: he, a scholar of fantastical stories, and she, Indigo Maxwell-Casteñada, a wealthy heiress with a mysterious past. Despite their differences, the couple found solace with one another, and soon a bargain was struck in exchange for love – that the scholar could have her heart, provided he never inquire into her past. For a time, there was harmony, but when Indigo learns that her estranged aunt is on her deathbed, the couple return to the place where her story began, the House of Dreams. Within the manors walls, winding staircases, and dusty rooms, lie plenty of secrets far too seductive for the bridegroom to resist. As the house reveals the past of another girl, Azure, Indigo’s childhood friend long gone, he is willing to search between both reality and fantasy to learn the truth about his bride’s past, even at the expense of their binding promise.

The Last Tale of the Flower Bride is a luscious gothic feast, interlaced with fairytales, myth, and the treacherous secrets of a marriage. Wandering the halls of the crumbling House of Dreams, Chokshi spins her tale, interweaving fairy tales into the central narrative amidst broken promises and childhood dreams. Testament to everything I love about the gothic, this novel delivers a startling atmosphere, set around a crumbling manor and its ability to suspend the past. Chokshi absolutely dazzles, with poetic prose and the kind of fairytale spinning only she could bring to fruition. Everything inside me yearned to read this exquisite gothic debut from the moment it was announced, to step inside the House of Dreams and deconstruct the secrets hidden within its winding halls. The experience reading this was all the more mesmerizing, as I fell into Chokshi’s labyrinth of mystery, led deeper between the past of the house by Azure’s perspective, and the present day, with the bridegroom’s suspicions. There was quite the unsettling back and forth with these two, aided by the different tones employed – the shift from Azure’s childhood wonder, to the unfortunate realization that happened on both sides. I still can’t wrap my head around how beautifully written this novel is. Lush, dreamy writing is undoubtedly in Roshani’s wheelhouse, and this is my favorite of hers thus far. This book twisted my expectations up in knots until right at the very end, and each betrayal and exposed truth scored a little deeper. Infused with a kernel of romance, Roshani Chokshi breathes life into this resplendent and tragic gothic story. The Last Tale of the Flower Bride is everything I could possibly wish for in a gothic novel, and the way it slowly approaches the final act will leave you breathless in its downfall.

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

Trigger warnings: blood, death, violence, murder

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Review: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

Decades of fighting have left Viv the orc barbarian tired of bloodshed. One last mission makes her the owner of Scalvert’s Stone, a mythical artifact with untested power that paves the road to her next adventure, opening a coffee shop in the city of Thune. Viv’s fresh start doesn’t come easy after a life of battle, and renovating the cafe space may be the least of her problems. Convincing the residents of Thune to give her unfamiliar drinks a try, facing the uncontested powers within the city, and the return of old enemies could quickly crumble the life of peace she is desperate to maintain. To successfully pull off her plan, Viv will need to enlist the help of her new partners in order to get the cafe back on track, which just may provide her with the perspective that she has been missing all along.

Legends & Lattes is easily the coziest fantasy novel I have ever read, centered around an orc barbarian turned entrepreneur Viv and her trials and tribulations in opening a coffee shop. Debut author Travis Baldree serves up a lighthearted and easygoing tale that feels like being wrapped up in a warm blanket with a piping hot cup of coffee. Following Viv, as she journeys to the city of Thune to start her new adventure, I was instantly carried away by the sights of the city, and the mouthwatering pastries and food described in ever-expanding detail. This is definitely a feast for the senses, combined with an incredible attention to detail. My favorite moments in particular were the chalkboard menu updates that were described after each new morning pastry addition. They all sounded so delectable I wished for nothing more than to jump into the page and enjoy a steaming cinnamon bun myself. As the cafe expands and takes on new upgrades, so are we introduced to our lovely cast of characters Viv, Cal, Thimble, and Tandri. I adored them all, especially Thimble and his careful attention to his breakfast pastry creations, and Viv and Tandri who had such a heartwarming love story. Every passing addition to the cafe team imparted such a strong sense of coming together, along with that found family component I was hoping for. Legends and Lattes is, at its heart, about community and friendship, and how personal quests for transformation cannot be accomplished alone. Look no further for a fantasy that doesn’t forgo a warm atmosphere and layers heavily on all things cozy. Legends and Lattes is the perfect book for anyone that has ever dreamed of ditching their responsibilities to open up a cafe or bookstore, or is in need of a well-earned escape. 

Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing this arc

Trigger warnings: fire, violence, sexual harassment

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Review: Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail by Ashley Herring Blake

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

For interior designer and impeccably put-together Astrid Parker, failure is out of the question. After her botched engagement over a year ago, Astrid has held tight to the reins of her life lest her world crash and burn around her. When the opportunity to design the renovation of Bright Falls Everwood Inn appears in front of her, Astrid soars. Since the renovation will be televised on a popular home improvement show, it may just be what she needs to put herself back on the map. What Astrid doesn’t intend is to butt heads with lead carpenter Jordan Everwood, who despises the plans that Astrid has for renovating her family home. Tension sells better than anything, and when the producers of Innside America ask them to up the ante, Jordan and Astrid clash until their deep dislike for one another is threatened. All Astrid has ever done is what is expected of her, yet there is a chance for her to live the life she truly desires if only she can let go of the rigid control that she has clung to for so long.

Ashley Herring Blake pens another queer romance reminiscent of Schitt’s Creek and the romantic comedy, with lovable characters, emotional depth, and classic small-town charm. Astrid Parker delighted in the first installment of the Bright Falls series and I was elated when I heard the sequel would center around her own love story. Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail completely outsells, elevating her character and developing an enthralling rivals-to-lovers romance at its center. If there is one thing I have come to expect from Herring Blake, it’s the unique situations that she crafts for her characters. This secondary romance is no different, concentrating on a home-improvement show and the antics between interior designer Astrid and lead carpenter Jordan Everwood. Oftentimes I find it difficult to engage with the rivalry trope, especially if the set-up isn’t there or the rivalry isn’t founded on anything concrete, but that was not an issue here. The first chapter establishes an exquisite antagonism with a coffee spill gone wrong and a vengeful Astrid caught in the crossfire. This led to some of the most glorious romantic tension and palpable on-page chemistry as the story unfolded. There is nothing more telling I can say about this other than it completely ruined me. Astrid Parker’s story is about the trials surrounding creating the life you truly want for yourself, against a world pulling you in an entirely different direction – how the people in our lives can sometimes show up right when they’re needed, even if it doesn’t make sense at first. By way of this, Ashley Herring Blake has given voice to a pervasive fear of failure, and just what it means to figure out your sexuality later in life. Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail is a sensational follow-up romance to Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, and is shaping up an incredible continuation for the Bright Falls series.

Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing the arc.

Trigger warnings: death, depression

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

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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 Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri

Robin3 Comments

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Declared the rightful empress of Parijatdvipa by the prophecy of the nameless god, Malini embarks on a vengeful path to usurp her brother and lay claim to her throne. Meanwhile, Priya, now an elder of Ahiranya and thrice-born priestess, gambles the extent of her power to eradicate the rot taking hold in her country. Set apart by their respective roles, Priya and Malini’s destinies remain forever entwined, but as Malini’s campaign to depose her brother takes a brutal turn, coming together may be the only option to truly achieve what they both desire. War wages and the deeper Priya reaches into her power to turn the tide, and Malini turns to pent-up rage, the cost of their advance blooms into something truly deadly.

The Oleander Sword is a sequel of such brutal reckoning that I was completely unprepared to venture into. After the astonishing start to the series that was The Jasmine Throne, its sequel quickly lept to the forefront of my anticipated upcoming reads for 2022. An expansive and otherwise ambitious addition to the series, The Oleander Sword stole my heart and destroyed my soul with a slow and delicate grace. Tasha Suri elevates everything previously contended in the first installment, focusing more heavily on battle strategy, and examining the temple of Ahiranya and the Yaska. Everything about this sequel is awe-inspiring, from the intensely romantic and tender moments between Priya and Malini to the gradual undertaking of a stolen empire. Once again, Suri provides a staggering amount of character perspectives to wade through, woven together in an intricate tapestry that renders itself to the overarching themes of power, loyalty, and love. One character that really stood out to me this time around was Bhumika, who carries the weight of what is happening with Ahiranya towards a sacrifice that was absolutely heart-wrenching. Alongside the ongoing war, and the unsettling shift back at Ahiranya’s temple, there was not a moment in this book where I was not caught in its unforgiving clutches. The political tension underpinning the actions of every character, and the divided loyalties threatening to fracture the established alliances only made this sequel all the more disconcerting. Like its former, The Oleander Sword elicits a slow pace, that culminates in an ending that left me thoroughly anguished. Intensely ruthless and brutal at its core, The Oleander Sword is an astonishing sequel that blooms with betrayal, romance, and unintended sacrifice. Tasha Suri’s Burning Kingdoms is an exemplary fantasy series, and I’ll be waiting patiently for its finale in the coming year.

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

Trigger warnings: death, violence, war, suicide

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Fantasy Regency Romance; Exploring a New Series

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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: Misrule by Heather Walter

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Rating: 4 out of 5.

Out of the ashes of the Briar realm arises a new dominion for its destroyer. Alyce, now called Nimara, rules over her newly established Dark Court and a manor of beasts once kept in the shadows. In the century since the decimation of the Briar realm, Aurora still lies under her sleeping curse, and Alyce has become the very thing she once feared to be. Though Alyce has tried, she cannot break the curse holding her love captive, and Aurora lies hidden away from the prying eyes of the court. When a young man washes up on shore everything changes, waking the princess and descending the realm into chaos. With war looming closer, and her lost love returned, Alyce must decide how far she is willing to go to enact her revenge and discover if love can even thrive in a world so entangled with it.

Where its predecessor Malice led me softly through its thorny brambles, Misrule pushes back the thickets to reveal a reality far more malevolent. In the hundred years since the destruction of the Briar realm, Heather Walter explores the intricacies of revenge, and the lengths one will go to make it endure. Expanding on the scope of the world, and the plethora of beings within, a new side to the story emerges – one teetering on the edge of change and the balance between good and evil. As the curse upon Aurora flourishes, a war against the fae looms nearer, and a simmering tension between the dreams of a century past and the present day draws breath. By the time Aurora awakens from her slumber these moving pieces are amplified, paired against the fallout from the ashes of a fallen kingdom. The strain on Alyce and Aurora’s relationship ensuing from these transformations is central to the closing of the series. While the two grapple with this new reality and who they have both become, they search for forgiveness and a way to still build a future together. These components of the story were not what I expected for the characters going into the finale, but the complexity of forgiveness ensuing out of them was splendid. Albeit a little emotionally damaging. Alyce’s ties to the Vila were expanded upon even further here, something I’d been looking forward to since the end of Malice. Tested loyalty is my bread and butter and Misrule served it well, especially with Alyce, Aurora, and the Dark Court. Misrule is truly a book where morally gray characters thrive, constantly shifting the narrative and making moves that are never anticipated by the audience. The introduction of new beings and characters brought that even further into the foreground. Coming around to the inevitable conclusion had me very much wrecked, yet drawn into its essence of hope and repairing what is lost. Full of violence, the brutality of vengeance, and the unraveling of prejudice, Misrule makes for an enthralling ending to the Malice Duology. One that will remain with me for the considerable future.

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

Trigger Warnings: blood, gore, violence, death, murder, grief, trauma

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Review: A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall

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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!