Trigger warning: Lots of violence, death of major characters Fire & Water is the third urban fantasy novel featuring Kate Kane, Paranormal Investigator. I have not read the previous books in this series, but I had no trouble finding my way into Kane’s world – she provides the necessary backstory in her laconic, humorous style, and it’s enough. Having said that, I’m not sure that it stands alone, precisely – the end, while not a … Continue reading Fire and Water by Alexis Hall →
Shout out to Maya who shared her expertise on racialization and approved of Megxit Ranger! Thanks, Maya!!!! Headliners is the fifth book in Lucy Parker’s London Celebrity series, and it is not an exaggeration to say that I have been a squatting like a goblin in the corner, waiting to pounce on this book. I LOVE Parker’s style, and it’s absolutely worth picking this book up for her snark and wit alone. All the books … Continue reading Headliners by Lucy Parker →
Back in the early aughts I worked in a family-owned bookstore where, during slow periods, I would pretend to dust but really sneak-read chick lit (unless you’re reading this, Peggy, then I was totally dusting). My favorite authors were Sophie Kinsella, Jennifer Weiner and Helen Fielding. One in a Million by Lindsey Kelk made me nostalgic for those books while blending in enough romance that it certainly qualifies as a romance novel. Set in London, this novel … Continue reading One in a Million by Lindsey Kelk →
Once again we pack our bags for a Romance Wanderlust trip. This month we are off to Hever Castle in England, which is primarily famous for having been the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. History buffs will recall that Anne’s romantic life did not end well, and yet this is a popular wedding site because it is incredibly beautiful and romantic in a “but then she was decapitated” kind of way. The oldest part of … Continue reading Romance Wanderlust: Hever Castle →
First, a note: this is more of a review of the series, but the books therein need to be read in order so I shall start here. Second, I will avoid spoilers as much as possible, focusing mostly on what I like, what I find bothersome, and whether I recommend the book and the series. The grade above is both for this book and the series as a whole – lucky for me they line … Continue reading Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovich →
I read travel guides like any other book. In a world where people seeeeeeeeeeem to think Oh, no, who uses Lonely Planet anymore when you’ve got the internet in your pocket, let me tell you, internet. Browsing through a travel guide is worth your time. You’ll find at least one thing that you may not have found on Expedia’s Top Ten Things to do in London that is clearly a perfect trap set personally for … Continue reading Romance Readers Guide to Historic London by Sonja Rouillard →
Obvious questions first! Is Pretty Face as good as Act Like It? Alas, no, I don’t think it is. It’s close, but not quite. The hero and heroine are tremendous, but the obstacles for the characters are not as seamlessly integrated into the story, and there are secondary characters in this book whose portrayals are inconsistent from chapter to chapter. Is there a “But?” HECK YES there is a “But.” Lucy Parker’s dialogue is top-notch, and the London … Continue reading Pretty Face by Lucy Parker →
I was so, so excited for The Protector by Jodi Ellen Malpas. I mean, look at that cover! Look at it! When I was a kid, we watched three movies on rotation at every sleepover: Dirty Dancing, The Cutting Edge and, my favorite, The Bodyguard. That cover is clearly a reference to The Bodyguard and when I saw it I was light-headed with nostalgia. So I picked up the book and I was prepared to … Continue reading The Protector by Jodi Ellen Malpas →
The Squee Cannon is set to ALL CAPS MULTI-LAYERED AWESOMESAUCE. Earplugs may be advised. I mentioned this book during our most recent Whatcha Reading? post, and I talked about it during a podcast interview, so I figured I should talk about it here in the “Reviews” section because YOU GUYS I LIKED THIS BOOK SO MUCH I READ IT TWICE. As in, I finished it, had the Queen Mother of all Good Book Sighs, backed up … Continue reading Act Like It by Lucy Parker →
