Category: Reviews

Reviews

Review: Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore

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Book Review

Bringing Down the Duke
Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
(A League of Extraordinary Women #1)
Historical Romance
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Synopsis
England, 1879. Annabelle Archer, the brilliant but destitute daughter of a country vicar, has earned herself a place among the first cohort of female students at the renowned University of Oxford. In return for her scholarship, she must support the rising women’s suffrage movement. Her charge: recruit men of influence to champion their cause. Her target: Sebastian Devereux, the cold and calculating Duke of Montgomery who steers Britain’s politics at the Queen’s command. Her challenge: not to give in to the powerful attraction she can’t deny for the man who opposes everything she stands for.

Sebastian is appalled to find a suffragist squad has infiltrated his ducal home, but the real threat is his impossible feelings for green-eyed beauty Annabelle. He is looking for a wife of equal standing to secure the legacy he has worked so hard to rebuild, not an outspoken commoner who could never be his duchess. But he wouldn’t be the greatest strategist of the Kingdom if he couldn’t claim this alluring bluestocking without the promise of a ring…or could he?

Locked in a battle with rising passion and a will matching her own, Annabelle will learn just what it takes to topple a duke…

What I thought
I am very out of the loop when it comes to Historical Romance books since this is something new that I am picking up.  So when I saw this book absolutely everywhere I caved and bought a copy. I have to say it was worth every penny.

This book was so good I couldn’t put it down. No, really I stayed up until 4am finishing it (I am normally in bed by 10pm). This book took so many things that I like: hate to love romance, 1800s time frame, strong female character, brooding male character and so on. So naturally it has Pride and Prejudice vibes and I am here for that 100%.

There was one thing that I couldn’t quite figure out and it’s just me over analyzing things I know. However, Annabelle gets a scholarship to go to Oxford in exchange for joining the suffragette movement, but if not for the scholarship is this something she would have ever done.  When she is around the other women she doesn’t seem to have the same passion for the cause. Well…the passion really only surfaces when she is speaking to the Duke. I know in the grand scheme this does not matter but that is the only reason it did not get 5 stars.

My Rating: /54 StarsFollow me on other platforms:
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Review: How to Marry a Werewolf by Gail Carriger

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Book Review

How to Marry A Werewolf
How To Marry A Werewolf by Gail Carriger
(Claw & Courtship #1)
Steampunk, Fantasy, Romance, Historical
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Synopsis
Guilty of an indiscretion? Time to marry a werewolf.

WEREWOLVES

The monsters left Faith ruined in the eyes of society, so now they’re her only option. Rejected by her family, Faith crosses the Atlantic, looking for a marriage of convenience and revenge.

But things are done differently in London. Werewolves are civilized. At least they pretend to be.

AMERICANS

Backward heathens with no culture, Major Channing has never had time for any of them. But there’s something special about Faith. Channing finds himself fighting to prove himself and defend his species. But this werewolf has good reason not to trust human women.

Even if they learn to love, can either of them forgive?

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Parasol Protectorate series comes a stand alone romance set in the same universe. Look out for appearances from favorite characters and the serious consequences of unwarranted geology.

A Note On Chronology
The Claw & Courtship novellas can be read in any order. This book can be enjoyed without having read any of Gail’s other works. Set in the spring of 1895 this story occurs after events chronicled in Romancing the Werewolf.

More?
This story is contemporaneous with events at the beginning of Reticence (final Custard Protocol book). Channing is first introduced to readers in the second Parasol Protectorate book, Changeless. He also appears briefly in Romancing the Inventor

What I thought
This is the first book in the Claw & Courtship Novella series. In chronological order, this one falls during the same time as Reticence the final Custard Protocol book. This book can be read as a standalone! I have to say that Gail has really upped her game with this one. I didn’t realize how much I truly liked Channing until this book, or how much I wanted him to be happy. From the time he has been introduced he has been moody and you never knew that led him to be that way. In this book, you learn some of Channing’s back story before he became a werewolf and why he is generally untrusting and why he seems to hate vampires so much. I know it seems like a lot of information for such a small book but I am here to tell you that it is so beautifully written that you feel as if you are getting a full novel. When we first meet Channing is when he goes toe to toe with Alexia but she was an Alpha so the last thing that he expects is a little American girl going toe to toe with him at the docks in London.

As much as this is a story for Channing it is also the story of Faith, who has been sent to London to make a match with a werewolf. To London society, this is not shocking but for an American it is. In America, Werewolves are not excepted in society and they then to be more savage. So why would her mother send her to make this match?

Watching this story play out I felt a whole range of emotions. I was angry, sad and so very happy. Since this book can be read as a standalone I highly suggest picking it up. No after writing this I want to go back and give it another read.

My Rating: /55 StarsFollow me on other platforms:
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Review: Cage of Destiny by Jennifer Anne Davis

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Book Review

Cage of Destiny
Cage of Destiny by Jennifer Anne Davis
(Reign of Secrets #3)
Young Adult, Fantasy
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Synopsis
Destined from birth to be the next empress of Emperion, Allyssa grew up at court weighed down by the expectations of the crown. Kingdom and duty always came first.

Until now.

Having survived the brutal kingdom of Russek, she is given the choice to walk away and live a peaceful, quiet life. But it also means giving up everything she knows and everyone she loves. Before she decides, word reaches her about an assassination attempt. Donning her secret persona—that of a vigilante—she sets out to eliminate her enemy once and for all.

As Allyssa fights the demons of her past to save her future, she realizes she never had a choice. She can either embrace her destiny or be caged by it.

What I thought
Somebody tell me how there is more books after this?!?!?!

No really don’t because I can not wait to pick up the next one.  

Once I started this book I did not want to put it down. Sometimes being an adult is hard lol.  

So I loved how this book started out stating that this may or may not be the end of Allyssa’s story.  Since this series is now complete, I know for a fact there are 2 more books, but I don’t know if the main characters change or if its a continuation.  I have so many questions. I am going to make a guess that this is the end of Allyssa’s arc and we may be finally getting to see her brother maybe. I haven’t even read the synopsis for the last two books. Once a series starts I like to go in blind unless they are companions and the characters change with each book.  

One thing I can say for sure is that if the story was to stop here I would be satisfied. Which leads me to say that I am scared to death to pick up the last two.  I really like how this ends here and the characters have been through enough they deserve this ending. So here is to hoping we mix up the main characters just a bit.

If you enjoy Young Adult Fantasy that isn’t afraid to get a little dark then you should try this series out. I have loved the journey through these first 3 books so much.

My Rating: /55 StarsFollow me on other platforms:
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Review: A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas

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Book Review

a study in scarlet women
A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas
(Lady Sherlock #1)
Historical Fiction, Mystery
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Synopsis
With her inquisitive mind, Charlotte Holmes has never felt comfortable with the demureness expected of the fairer sex in upper-class society. But even she never thought that she would become a social pariah, an outcast fending for herself on the mean streets of London.

When the city is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and her father, Charlotte is desperate to find the true culprits and clear the family name. She’ll have help from friends new and old—a kind-hearted widow, a police inspector, and a man who has long loved her.

But in the end, it will be up to Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, to challenge society’s expectations and match wits against an unseen mastermind.

What I thought
So I might be a little biased since Sherlock Holmes-esque reads are comfort reads for me. So it is no surprise that I really liked this twist on Sherlock Holmes. This is a classic woman in Victorian England taking control of her life no matter how society/her family wants to use her for. I live for these types of books.

I liked how the Author swapped the gender of Sherlock but still found a way to incorporate the classic characters that we all associate with Sherlock Holmes stories. They don’t reside in their classic roles which I enjoyed rather than the author trying to force them in there. For example, Charlette has sisters, not a brother named Mycroft, but Mycroft still shows up as he should just in a different place. Yes, I am being purposefully vague so as not to spoil anything. Everyone you need for a classic Holmes esque story comes together nicely.

One of the things that I adored about the character Charlotte was her relationship with her sister Bernadette. Even though she was a classic Holmes character (very offish to everyone) her relationship with her sister Bernadette is a very sweet one. Charlotte seemed to be the only person that understands her and you can tell she truly cares for her.

There is the possibility of a love story brewing and I am curious to see how it plays out. The “love interest” seems to be a man of high morals so I am interested to see how this all plays out in the other books.

My Rating: /55 Stars

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Review: Becoming the Dark Prince by Kerri Maniscalco

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Book Review

 

Becoming the Dark Prince
Becoming the Dark Prince by Kerri Maniscalco
(Stalking Jack the Ripper #3.5)
5 Stars
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Synopsis
In this irresistibly-priced short story, catch a glimpse of the inner struggles and triumphs that drive Stalking Jack the Ripper’s endearing but troubled hero.

Enigmatic, brooding, and darkly handsome, Thomas Cresswell has always been the one mystery Audrey Rose has never been able to fully solve. As brilliant partners in crime investigation, they understand each other perfectly…but as young lovers, their passionate natures have led to both euphoria and heartbreak throughout the Stalking Jack the Ripper series.

This novella features a collection of scenes that takes place during and after the pair’s horrifying Atlantic voyage in Escaping From Houdini. Experience new and familiar scenes from Thomas’s unique point of view, including an intensely personal look into his plea for Audrey Rose’s hand in marriage.

With a romance for the ages, Audrey Rose and Thomas reach the conclusion to their epic, irresistible partnership in their final adventure, Capturing the Devil.

What I thought
This is a short story/novella. I am never sure what makes it at short story vs a novella.  This story takes place from the perspective of Thomas, and it begins at the end of Escaping from Houdini and goes into the beginning of Capturing the Devil.

I adore Thomas so getting this from his perspective was wonderful.  I loved seeing some of the same events through his eyes, and really getting to see how his mind works.  I cannot say anything specific because this story comes in at a whopping 64 pages. This story gives you a whole other layer and insight to him that any fan of this series needs.  

Yes, to get the most out of it you really should read it between the last two books since most of it takes place in that small time frame. But if you are just learning about it now still read it if for no other reason than a look into Thomas’s mind. You won’t regret it.

My Rating: /55 Stars

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Review: Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco

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Book Review

capturing-the-devil


Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco
(Stalking Jack the Ripper #4)
Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Mystery
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Synopsis
Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell have landed in America, a bold, brash land unlike the genteel streets of London they knew. But like London, the city of Chicago hides its dark secrets well. When the two attend the spectacular World’s Fair, they find the once-in-a-lifetime event tainted with reports of missing people and unsolved murders.

Determined to help, Audrey Rose and Thomas begin their investigations, only to find themselves facing a serial killer unlike any they’ve heard of before. Identifying him is one thing, but capturing him—and getting dangerously lost in the infamous Murder Hotel he constructed as a terrifying torture device—is another.

Will Audrey Rose and Thomas see their last mystery to the end—together and in love—or will their fortunes finally run out when their most depraved adversary makes one final, devastating kill?

What I thought
This is the final book in the Stalking Jack the Ripper series.  

I must say the author did a lot of research on different theories regarding Jack the Ripper.  Even the American connection, which as a person growing up fascinated by the longest unsolved case still open at Scotland Yard, I was in nerd heaven. Serial Killers, aside I left this book so happy with the end.  

I absolutely adore Thomas and Audrey Rose. Oh and Audrey’s grandmother now we all know where she gets her spunk from.  I have to say I loved watching her grandmother knock Thomas’s father down a few pegs.  

I am going to admit to something that I only realized at the end and couldn’t believe I missed it until then but these two characters are very Holmesish how did I not see this but it does help explain some of my love of the story.

I won’t lie I hope we get a spin-off series sometime in the future about Thomas and Audrey’s future endeavors. 

If you haven’t picked up this series yet and you like historical fiction based in this time period you really should.

My Rating: /55 Stars

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Review: Water’s Wrath by Elise Kova

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Book Review

Water's Wrath
Water’s Wrath by Elise Kova
(Air Awakens #4)
Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
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Synopsis
Librarian turned sorcerer. Sorcerer turned hero. Hero turned puppet.

The Solaris Empire found victory in the North and, at the cost of her heart and her innocence, Vhalla Yarl has earned her freedom. But the true fight is only beginning as the secret forces that have been lurking in the shadows, tugging at the strings of Vhalla’s fate, finally come to light. Nowhere is safe, and Vhalla must tread carefully or else she’ll fall into the waiting arms of her greatest foe. Or former lover.

What I thought
Since this is book four in the series, this will be short and sweet.

There was a lot going on in this book you can tell we are nearing the end of the series. I felt that this book’s main purpose was to move people to where they need to be for the final book.  I also found my love for Jax in this book there is just something about him that I adore.

I am still wanting that happy ending for Daniel but I am starting to worry that its not going to happen. Yes, I will hold onto this until the end 🙂

If you have not picked up this series, you should really consider doing so if you like young adult fantasy and romance.  Especially if you like strong female characters who take control of their own destiny.

My Rating: /54 Stars

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