We have some Lightning Reviews for you! All of them are in a similar grade range, but they’re different in genres: an LGBTQ anthology, a historical romance novella, and a steampunk Beauty & the Beast retelling!
Susan “Sukey” Lazarus has been a favorite character of mine since I first met her as the sharp-eyed 12-year-old “medium” apprentice in An Unnatural Vice, the second book in the author’s Sins of the Cities series. Adult Susan, who is bisexual, reappeared nearly two decades later as the friend of one of the heroes in Any Old Diamonds, bent on revenge and just as perceptive. Susan was the engine of the riveting plot twist in … Continue reading Gilded Cage by K.J. Charles
RECOMMENDED: Any Old Diamonds by K.J. Charles is 99c! New reviewer Claudia submitted this for a previous guest review and gave it an A-:
For being superbly written, evocative, intellectually stimulating, risky in the way it presents two flawed main characters, and, last but not least, sexy as all heck, this book gets an A minus from me.
This guest review is from Aarya Marsden. Aarya Marsden is a pseudonym for an Indian-American college student and long-time romance reader. Her favorite authors include Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, Lucy Parker, Kresley Cole, Alisha Rai, Lisa Kleypas, Alyssa Cole, Tessa Dare, Meredith Duran, Mina V. Esguerra, Kate Clayborn, and many more. You can follow @Aarya_Marsden on Twitter, where she gushes about romance novels and is a firm advocate for a happily-ever-after. … Back in November … Continue reading Guest Review: Proper English by K. J. Charles
Many of the Bitchery have been talking about Any Old Diamonds by K.J. Charles. Well, now we have a great guest review of it by Claudia. A bit about Claudia: “At sixteen, I found my older cousin’s stash of Barbara Cartlands and assorted Harlequin-type romance housed in an old sewing cabinet and life was never the same! I love history, so I mostly read historical romance. Favorite authors include Meredith Duran, Mary Balogh, Miranda Neville, … Continue reading Guest Review: Any Old Diamonds by K.J. Charles
Welcome to Lit Wicks! This is where we pair an author’s backlist or book theme with candles to really immerse yourself in the reading experience. All of the candles featured in these post are from Etsy, which means there is often worldwide shipping and that you’re supporting independent crafters and sellers. The Etsy candle rabbit hole is one I have gone down many times. This month, we’re pairing candles with the work of K.J. Charles! … Continue reading Lit Wicks: K.J. Charles
RECOMMENDED: The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox is $1.99! Thank you to all the readers who let us know about this sale! Elyse read this one and gave it B+, but issued some content warnings:
I really enjoyed this book. I wish I could delve more deeply in the incredibly spooky, ghostly shenanigans that go down, but it’s really best experienced in the moment. The author does a fantastic job balancing a Gothic sense of dread with a burgeoning romance, weaving in awfulness with hope.
His Perfect Partner by Priscilla Oliveras is 99c! This contemporary romance features a single dad hero and a dance teacher heroine. Sonali Dev recommended this on a previous podcast episode. She did mention that at times, the book felt more like women’s fiction with a focus on family than a romance. The second book is also part of today’s Kindle Daily Deals.
Welcome to Lit Wicks! This is where we pair an author’s backlist with candles to really immerse yourself in the reading experience. All of the candles featured in these post are from Etsy, which means there is often worldwide shipping and that you’re supporting independent crafters and sellers. The Etsy candle rabbit hole is one I have gone down many times. For October, we’re recommending candles for some of our favorite paranormal romances. All of … Continue reading Lit Wicks: Recommended Paranormal Romances
Wilde in Love by Eloisa James is $1.99! This is the first book in The Wildes of Lindow Castle. Some readers DNF-ed this on Goodreads citing lack of chemistry between the characters or boredom. However, other fans of James were excited about this new series. Which camp are you in?
RECOMMENDED: Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt is $1.99! I listened to this on audio after Elyse’s great review and loved it. I’ve since listened to the next two Maiden Lane books on audio as well. Elyse really enjoyed this book and gave it an A-:
Serial killer. And Ghost of St. Giles vigilante. And river pirate. And bondage.
If any or all of those things appeal to you, I’d really recommend this book. If you’re looking for a spicy historical, or one not focused around the glittering aristocracy, Wicked Intentions fits the bill. Aside from a few ball scenes, this book takes place among the working class of London.
