Reviews by Grade: D-
Book Review

Duchess If You Dare by Anabelle Bryant

Duchess If You Dare

I really wanted to like Duchess if You Dare. A historical with a fierce and street-wise heroine who all-too-frequently has to rescue the stuffy duke from his attempts to make things better? Yes, please. Alas, it really didn’t work for me. The relationship between Scarlett and Ambrose made absolutely no emotional sense, and I found the narrative’s treatment of sex workers to be quite distressing and dehumanising. Scarlett is the daughter of a sex worker … Continue reading Duchess If You Dare by Anabelle Bryant

Book Review

A Witch in Time by Constance Sayers

A Witch in Time

CW/TW: sexual assault, violence A Witch In Time is billed as the story of magically star-crossed lovers, both artists, cursed to be reincarnated and live out their doomed affair again and again throughout history. Based on the description and premise, I thought this book was going to be an atmospheric, poetic, romantic, and maybe slightly sad book with some occult elements. Not only was it not really any of those things, it was also an … Continue reading A Witch in Time by Constance Sayers

Lightning Review

Much Ado About A Widow by Jenna Jaxon

Much Ado about a Widow

Content warning: Attempted rape Much Ado About A Widow starts with Georgie, two years widowed, returning to her father’s house to marry a man she loathes on pain of being disowned. On the way, she is kidnapped by unsavoury persons; she escapes them only to collide with Robin, Lord St Just, a friend of her brother’s, who rescues her… by kidnapping her again, this time onto his boat. To do him justice, this is probably … Continue reading Much Ado About A Widow by Jenna Jaxon

Book Review

Dating by the Book by Mary Ann Marlowe

Dating by the Book

I started Dating by the Book with high hopes: You’ve Got Mail is my favorite 90s romantic comedy and this was supposed to be a charming retelling set in a cozy bookshop. Unfortunately, the enemies in Dating by the Book — author vs. critic instead of independent bookstore vs big retailer — marred my enjoyment. Additionally, the heroine’s frustrating actions — including her baffling behavior as a soon-to-be-published author and her selfishness — ultimately ruined … Continue reading Dating by the Book by Mary Ann Marlowe

Other Media Review

Movie Review: A Christmas Prince

A Christmas Prince poster

In light of the happy news this week of one Meghan Markle and one Prince Henry of Wales announcing their engagement (I’m so happy for those two!) we thought we’d bring you one or two thoughts on the Netflix original movie, A Christmas Prince. After all, tis the season and also the royal engagement makes this so very timely. And we’re not the only ones who have noted the arrival of this direct-to-Netflix original. Bea … Continue reading Movie Review: A Christmas Prince

RITA Reader Challenge Review

Atone by Beth Yarnall

Atone

So I need to start this review with a whole host of content warnings. Rape mentions including: sexual abuse/rape of children and teens, sexual slavery of children and teens, and prison/revenge rape (i.e. the Heroine “hopes” one of the antagonists is repeatedly assaulted in prison as a punishment for him taking part in the enslavement/abuse) Emotional abuse/manipulation Alcoholism (with some emotional abuse attached to it) Dubious/lack of consent between the Hero and Heroine (their first … Continue reading Atone by Beth Yarnall

Book Review

Blind Landing by Carrie Aarons

Blind Landing

Though I haven’t been following the Olympics closely, I figured I should read something that aligns with current events. Besides, I really loved the cover of Blind Landing, and a romance between gymnasts opens up all sorts of possibilities for creative sexytimes. Natalia and Spencer both reside at the same training facility. Nat is hoping to qualify at the Olympic trials and go on to fulfill her dream of earning a medal. Spencer used to … Continue reading Blind Landing by Carrie Aarons

Book Review

Fairest of Them All by Cathy Maxwell

Fairest of Them All

Fairest of Them All made me mad. So, so mad. Mad like: The thing was, the book was not what I was expecting and the hero was not the right guy, IMO. Charlene Blanchard is penniless noblewoman who has taken to disgusting herself as a boy and pick-pocketing in order to support herself and her aunt. One day Charlene learns that the Duke of Baynton is looking for a wife. The duke, Gavin, is very wealthy … Continue reading Fairest of Them All by Cathy Maxwell

RITA Reader Challenge Review

Lock and Load by Kimberley Troutte

Lock and Load

This is my third try at writing a review. Seriously. I was too ranty on the first and too detailed on the second. I’m going to try the thematic approach this time. Warning: ALL THE SPOILERS. Things I like: Meet cute: they play online games together and chat, but meet IRL in this crazy situation. Action, action, lots of action! Things I dislike: Heroine (Amber): She’s super smart! Best hacker ever in the whole wide … Continue reading Lock and Load by Kimberley Troutte

Other Media Review

Fifty Shades of Grey

Amanda and I (and a not insignificant stash of alcohol) went to Fifty Shades of Grey so you don’t have to.  We take our jobs seriously here at the Pink Palace of Bitchery. We will also turn your attention to the $50 Not 50 Shades campaign, which is aimed at raising money for battered women.  Shelters in your area would be delighted with any money or items like tampons and maxipads, toothpaste, baby food, and … Continue reading Fifty Shades of Grey

Book Review

Tender is the Storm by Johanna Lindsey

Tender is the Storm

So I started reading this because someone who shall remain nameless but who’s name rhymes with D-Ellie posted the original cover art, which involves titty-fucking basically and I had to read it. What better way to get back into the Old School Groove than to read me some crazysauce Lindsey? Spoiler: there’s no actual titty-fucking in this book. So we start with the introduction of Slade Holt, who’s been living with the Apache since his … Continue reading Tender is the Storm by Johanna Lindsey

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