Monday, September 28, 2020

Review - Once Dishonored by Mary Jo Putney


Once Dishonored by Mary Jo Putney is the fifth book in her Rogues Redeemed series, but the first book of hers that I've read. It works well enough as a standalone, although there is quite a bit of backstory that is missing, but Putney does an admirable job of filling in the gaps enough to follow the story.

Once Dishonored focuses on Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, who has returned to London after the war in dishonor. There he immediately meets Kendra Douglas, a recent divorcee' whose scandalous trial has made her a pariah. Lucas recognizes a kindred soul, and sets out to help Kendra regain what is most important to her - her son. 

Overall this book was enjoyable. There was a twist midway through the book that was unexpected and felt a little shoehorned, and I really felt the romance between Kendra and Lucas wasn't given enough room to breathe, I had a hard time believing they were truly in love as for most of the book they just seemed like friends. The book was very plot-driven, and featured lots of characters from previous books.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

Monday, September 21, 2020

Review - Beauty Tempts the Beast by Lorraine Heath


Lorraine Heath is a master storyteller, and Beauty Tempts the Beast underscores that decisively. The final book of the roller coaster that is her Sins for All Seasons series, Beauty Tempts the Beast is an absolute gem of a story.

Althea Stanwick, previously of Mayfair, has found herself living precariously in Whitechapel, and perilously short on options. When Benedict Trewlove, known as Beast, proposes to hire her to train the women under his protection etiquette, she pushes the deal farther: he must teach her seduction, so that she can become a courtesan and master her own destiny. Against his better judgement, Beast agrees, but will the lessons prove to be too much for them both?

There are so many things I love about this book. All of the Trewloves come back and we get to spend time with all of them. A self-righteous lord gets put in his place. A snobby lady gets a big snub. Heath excels at building atmosphere - without using over-the-top descriptions, you still get such a sense of place, as if these were actual places you could visit, and in fact miss after you're done reading.

The characters are just amazing in this book. I've been looking forward to Beast's book since When a Duke Loves a Woman (book 2 of this 6-book series) and it was definitely worth the wait. Althea is wonderful - very clear-headed and yet still optimistic. I really enjoyed that Beauty Tempts the Beast didn't have a "big misunderstanding" - the characters were open an honest with each other through it all. 

I'm so very sorry to be done with the Trewlove family, it has been a wonderful series that I know I'll be rereading again soon! I would absolutely recommend this book! 

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you to HarperCollins/Avon and NetGalley.

Beauty Tempts the Beast is available 29 September 2020!

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Review - The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune


The blurb on this book says it is "very close to perfect", which seems like a tall order to fill. After all, how can a book possibly be perfect, or even nearly so? The House in the Cerulean Sea, by TJ Klune, is perfect. Linus Baker is a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He evaluates the orphanages where children who are magical live, and makes sure they are safe and taken care of, while always remaining objective and impersonal (as is clearly stated in the Rules and Regulations). When he gets assigned to evaluate a very special orphanage, however, he is forced to question everything he knows.

This book is beautifully written, there's no other way to say it. Klune deals with very heavy issues around prejudice and complacency, but does it with such a deft hand it's unbelievable. The characters are fantastical but at the same time so heartbreakingly realistic. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, fantasy reader or not. I can't wait to read more of Klune's work in the future.

Monday, September 14, 2020

Review - No Offense by Meg Cabot


 No Offense is the first book of Meg Cabot's that I have read, and the second in her Little Bridge Island series. When Molly Montgomery, the new children's librarian for Little Bridge Island finds an abandoned baby in the library bathroom, she has no idea she will be swept into solving a string of crimes across the island. Sheriff John Hartwell knows who is behind the recent thefts, but without any hard evidence there's nothing he can do. He certainly doesn't need a nosy librarian poking her nose into his case! However, John and Molly find themselves thrown together and sparks fly.

This book was a cute, light read. There was very little angst, and the mystery was a fun subplot. The characters were likable enough, although I didn't really feel like you got to know them all that well, or very deeply into their heads. For a quick, lighthearted read it was a good pick, and one I would recommend.

Review - Bombshell by Sarah MacLean

Bombshell by Sarah MacLean My rating: 5 of 5 stars No one writes a book quite like Sarah MacLean. Bombshell is a heavy hitter of a histor...