While still good, I did not enjoy this book as much as the first two in the series. This entry in the Mercy Thompson series has more angst and less sass than the previous two books. A large part of this heaviness is caused by the weight Mercy is feeling as Zee is accused of murder, and the love triangle she is embroiled in finds a resolution.
The fae take center stage in this book and their sense of fair play is decidedly different from the werewolves and vampires. This book is much more psychological than Moon Called or Blood Bound. It makes sense, given the fae can alter reality through their magic. It’s hard to have a knock-down, drag-out fight with something that can control minds.
Beyond that, Patricia does not shy away from tough subject matters. Mercy and Co. deal with how to handle bullying and physical violence towards a teenager, and the trauma and aftermath of rape. Mercy has to deal with friends trying to push her away because they know that their leaders are ‘kill first, ask questions later’ types of beings.
Mercy’s tenacity shows through as she refuses to give up on proving Zee innocent. Like in the previous books, she is not afraid to go up against those more powerful than her to do what she believes is right. She is smart enough to know when she needs help and reaches out for it, even when severely incapacitated.
I am glad that the love triangle was finally brought to a conclusion. There is only so long that can play out before it gets to the point that it’s annoying. Fortunately, this triangle did not drag out long enough to reach that point. A large part of Mercy’s difficulty with it in this book is how to let one of them down without losing them as a friend. I am happy with how that situation finally resolved itself.
It is also neat to see more of the political forces at work. It’s not all hearts, stars, and rainbows now that the fae and werewolves have revealed themselves to humanity. Anti-fae activist groups are on the rise, and both supernatural groups are more on edge with a fae accused of killing a human. After the events of Blood Bound, the emotional aftermath felt by the Tri-cities population is also adding to the strain between species.
Mercy does not leave this book unscathed, but she has a loyal group of friends around her. She may miss her quiet life, but she’s got more adventures ahead starting in Bone Crossed.
The fae take center stage in this book and their sense of fair play is decidedly different from the werewolves and vampires. This book is much more psychological than Moon Called or Blood Bound. It makes sense, given the fae can alter reality through their magic. It’s hard to have a knock-down, drag-out fight with something that can control minds.
Beyond that, Patricia does not shy away from tough subject matters. Mercy and Co. deal with how to handle bullying and physical violence towards a teenager, and the trauma and aftermath of rape. Mercy has to deal with friends trying to push her away because they know that their leaders are ‘kill first, ask questions later’ types of beings.
Mercy’s tenacity shows through as she refuses to give up on proving Zee innocent. Like in the previous books, she is not afraid to go up against those more powerful than her to do what she believes is right. She is smart enough to know when she needs help and reaches out for it, even when severely incapacitated.
I am glad that the love triangle was finally brought to a conclusion. There is only so long that can play out before it gets to the point that it’s annoying. Fortunately, this triangle did not drag out long enough to reach that point. A large part of Mercy’s difficulty with it in this book is how to let one of them down without losing them as a friend. I am happy with how that situation finally resolved itself.
It is also neat to see more of the political forces at work. It’s not all hearts, stars, and rainbows now that the fae and werewolves have revealed themselves to humanity. Anti-fae activist groups are on the rise, and both supernatural groups are more on edge with a fae accused of killing a human. After the events of Blood Bound, the emotional aftermath felt by the Tri-cities population is also adding to the strain between species.
Mercy does not leave this book unscathed, but she has a loyal group of friends around her. She may miss her quiet life, but she’s got more adventures ahead starting in Bone Crossed.
This book presents itself as a take on Pride and Prejudice or a comedy of errors and fails miserably on both counts. A grating writing style only compounds the problems caused by a cast of manipulative characters in a series of events that get progressively crueler.
The only thing I liked in this book was Selina. She is a humble young woman who wants to make a good match to give her younger siblings a chance at better circumstances. She tries to keep up good spirits even when everyone and everything is conspiring against her.
By everyone, I do mean everyone. Selina’s former schoolmate (I won’t use the word friend because she isn’t one), Julia, brings Selina to London solely to get revenge on Mr. Malcolm for slighting her. All the while, making Selina pay the price for every part of the schemes, both literally and figuratively. Julia’s cousin Cassie, Mr. Malcolm’s friend, goes along with every idea just to get Julia to leave him alone. Mr. Malcolm subjects Selina to an embarrassing set of trials to see if she fits his list. Even her parents refuse to take her side after being thoroughly humiliated, and she just wants to go home. Everyone says that they have Selina’s best interests at heart, but their actions all speak otherwise.
The writing style doesn’t help matters either. While attempting to emulate a nineteenth-century style, it comes across the same as an actor with an atrocious accent sounding like nails on a chalkboard. Apparently, writing like someone from an earlier century requires enormous words that add nothing to the story and are unusual enough to break the story’s flow.
I also disliked the characters passionately throwing themselves into each other’s arms as a way to end any tense situations. It’s a copout that means that they have little to no character growth at all.
I wish the upcoming movie all the luck in the world. Being based on this book, I don’t see it doing well at all.
The only thing I liked in this book was Selina. She is a humble young woman who wants to make a good match to give her younger siblings a chance at better circumstances. She tries to keep up good spirits even when everyone and everything is conspiring against her.
By everyone, I do mean everyone. Selina’s former schoolmate (I won’t use the word friend because she isn’t one), Julia, brings Selina to London solely to get revenge on Mr. Malcolm for slighting her. All the while, making Selina pay the price for every part of the schemes, both literally and figuratively. Julia’s cousin Cassie, Mr. Malcolm’s friend, goes along with every idea just to get Julia to leave him alone. Mr. Malcolm subjects Selina to an embarrassing set of trials to see if she fits his list. Even her parents refuse to take her side after being thoroughly humiliated, and she just wants to go home. Everyone says that they have Selina’s best interests at heart, but their actions all speak otherwise.
The writing style doesn’t help matters either. While attempting to emulate a nineteenth-century style, it comes across the same as an actor with an atrocious accent sounding like nails on a chalkboard. Apparently, writing like someone from an earlier century requires enormous words that add nothing to the story and are unusual enough to break the story’s flow.
I also disliked the characters passionately throwing themselves into each other’s arms as a way to end any tense situations. It’s a copout that means that they have little to no character growth at all.
I wish the upcoming movie all the luck in the world. Being based on this book, I don’t see it doing well at all.
The Black Beast of Belleterre does not hide that it is a Beauty and the Beast retelling and is all the better for it. Instead, it embraces reimagining the fairytale in Victorian England.
James was deemed ugly in childhood. Further damaged in an accident, he has come to accept the lonely life his ugliness has subjected him to while still finding enjoyment. Ariel is the quintessential beauty but chooses life in the country rather than taking living as a trophy wife. When they are thrust together in a marriage of convenience to protect Ariel, they have to come to terms with themselves and their growing feelings for one another.
While by no means ground-breaking, The Black Beast of Belleterre is a quick, delightful, fluffy romantic read with a dash of Christmas charm. James and Ariel both blossom as characters, and their romance is a joy to read.
James was deemed ugly in childhood. Further damaged in an accident, he has come to accept the lonely life his ugliness has subjected him to while still finding enjoyment. Ariel is the quintessential beauty but chooses life in the country rather than taking living as a trophy wife. When they are thrust together in a marriage of convenience to protect Ariel, they have to come to terms with themselves and their growing feelings for one another.
While by no means ground-breaking, The Black Beast of Belleterre is a quick, delightful, fluffy romantic read with a dash of Christmas charm. James and Ariel both blossom as characters, and their romance is a joy to read.
Highland Sword takes the Royal Highlander trilogy out on a high note. Morrigan and Aidan’s repartee and slow-burn romance are fun to watch reach fruition. The overarching plot plots from Highland Crown and Highland Jewel wrapped up nicely. For those who have read their other books, references to older books are a welcome reminder that they all take place in the same world.
Many romance novels shy away from the hardships suffered by many during the Regency era in Britain, but Jim and Nikoo embrace it, especially the tensions between Scotland and England. Morrigan has lost her father and fled her home as a direct result of the conflict. Aidan fights in the courtroom as a barrister defending his clients accused of treason. This conflict and the villains that it spawns are the antagonists that Morrigan, Aidan, and their allies face, and it works well.
Morrigan is a character that we’ve seen different sides of in each of the books of the Royal Highlander. She showed herself to be a dutiful daughter and protective sister, but now she shows us her vulnerable side. Pain is a common element of Morrigan’s past, some ordeals we’ve seen before, and this book shows us trauma that shaped who she has become. This past drives her to become a capable fighter able to defend herself while making her fearful of following her heart with Aidan. It’s rewarding watching her make peace with the past and move forward, even when forces try to blackmail her.
Aidan is well-known as a capable talker, which goes along with his profession as a barrister. It doesn’t mean that he’s incapable during a fight. He and his brother Sebastian survived the Battle of Waterloo. That doesn’t stop Morrigan from giving him a black eye or two. He still prefers to spar with Morrigan verbally, and their banter is very amusing. Aidan is also one of the rare romance heroes that is the one to say that he won’t sleep with his love until they’re married. It’s a refreshing change of pace from books where the hero immediately tries to dive under the heroine’s skirts.
Aidan and Morrigan have a slow-burn romance that builds over weeks instead of days and is more organic feeling because of it. They have other duties and tasks that take them away from each other, and while some readers may not like the emphasis on aspects other than the romance, it is more accurate.
The Royal Highlander trilogy has come to a close, and with it, the stories of Isabella, Maisie, and Morrigan come to their happy conclusion. I look forward to where Jim and Nikoo will take us next.
Many romance novels shy away from the hardships suffered by many during the Regency era in Britain, but Jim and Nikoo embrace it, especially the tensions between Scotland and England. Morrigan has lost her father and fled her home as a direct result of the conflict. Aidan fights in the courtroom as a barrister defending his clients accused of treason. This conflict and the villains that it spawns are the antagonists that Morrigan, Aidan, and their allies face, and it works well.
Morrigan is a character that we’ve seen different sides of in each of the books of the Royal Highlander. She showed herself to be a dutiful daughter and protective sister, but now she shows us her vulnerable side. Pain is a common element of Morrigan’s past, some ordeals we’ve seen before, and this book shows us trauma that shaped who she has become. This past drives her to become a capable fighter able to defend herself while making her fearful of following her heart with Aidan. It’s rewarding watching her make peace with the past and move forward, even when forces try to blackmail her.
Aidan is well-known as a capable talker, which goes along with his profession as a barrister. It doesn’t mean that he’s incapable during a fight. He and his brother Sebastian survived the Battle of Waterloo. That doesn’t stop Morrigan from giving him a black eye or two. He still prefers to spar with Morrigan verbally, and their banter is very amusing. Aidan is also one of the rare romance heroes that is the one to say that he won’t sleep with his love until they’re married. It’s a refreshing change of pace from books where the hero immediately tries to dive under the heroine’s skirts.
Aidan and Morrigan have a slow-burn romance that builds over weeks instead of days and is more organic feeling because of it. They have other duties and tasks that take them away from each other, and while some readers may not like the emphasis on aspects other than the romance, it is more accurate.
The Royal Highlander trilogy has come to a close, and with it, the stories of Isabella, Maisie, and Morrigan come to their happy conclusion. I look forward to where Jim and Nikoo will take us next.
May McGoldrick, aka Nikoo and Jim, hit all the right notes for me with this book. The Radical War of 1820 makes a suspenseful backdrop for this tale, the characters are vibrant, and Jean is great at stealing the scene from Isabella and Cinaed.
Tensions are high throughout Scotland in 1820. Scottish culture had been repressed for over 75 years, people are forced from their homes, and suppression of all protests is the law of the land. If this is not enough, Isabella Drummond is wanted by both the British forces and Scottish rebels.
As we meet her, she is fleeing to Inverness to seek passage to Canada for herself, her sister, and her stepdaughter. Her husband was an activist with the rebels in Edinburgh and was shot by British soldiers raiding their clinic during strikes by the workers. Isabella is a University-trained physician who has worked alongside her father and husband. Her training leads her directly to Cinaed Mackintosh’s side.
Cinaed is the captain of the Highland Crown which sank when it ran aground. Rather than allow anyone to expose what his cargo is, he lights it on fire before abandoning ship. The villagers waiting on shore to loot the boat are angered by its destruction, and one of them shoots Cinaed as the longboat he’s in attempts to reach the beach. Despite the danger to herself, Isabella rushes to save his life with the grumbling aid of Jean, the woman who is giving her shelter.
The characters are all capable in their own ways and in ways that, while unusual, were not unheard of in that time. The characters are also not forceful to the point of stupidity. Isabella is wise enough to hide her abilities when dealing with people who might turn on her. When the opportunity presents itself, she is willing to help those in need. Cinaed is willing to put his own life and liberty in danger to run weapons and carry emigrants across the ocean. This doesn’t change even when he’s down with a hole from a bullet in his chest. He offers Isabella the protection of claiming to be his wife because he knows that even his own family would turn her in without that protection.
Jim and Nikoo’s blending of historical fact and fiction paints a vivid landscape of Scotland in 1820. They don’t pull their punches concerning the conditions of the people and the delicate balance that exists between different factions that can explode into violence at any time. Even with the high level of tension, there is humor and softer elements to be found. Several scenes actually had me laughing out loud, which is a rare occurrence. Jean is an excellent counterpoint to Isabella’s compassion, and her willingness to clobber Cinaed in the head is especially amusing. The romantic elements showcase the growing together of two people during a time of turmoil and are a nice contrast to the chaos that surrounds the couple. While there is sexual content in the book, there are no explicit sex scenes.
Some new information about Cinaed’s past comes to light at the end of the book, but that is for Highland Jewel and Highland Sword to explore. I look forward to reading Maisie and Morrigan’s stories as they fight for their own bit of peace in the Scottish Highlands.
Tensions are high throughout Scotland in 1820. Scottish culture had been repressed for over 75 years, people are forced from their homes, and suppression of all protests is the law of the land. If this is not enough, Isabella Drummond is wanted by both the British forces and Scottish rebels.
As we meet her, she is fleeing to Inverness to seek passage to Canada for herself, her sister, and her stepdaughter. Her husband was an activist with the rebels in Edinburgh and was shot by British soldiers raiding their clinic during strikes by the workers. Isabella is a University-trained physician who has worked alongside her father and husband. Her training leads her directly to Cinaed Mackintosh’s side.
Cinaed is the captain of the Highland Crown which sank when it ran aground. Rather than allow anyone to expose what his cargo is, he lights it on fire before abandoning ship. The villagers waiting on shore to loot the boat are angered by its destruction, and one of them shoots Cinaed as the longboat he’s in attempts to reach the beach. Despite the danger to herself, Isabella rushes to save his life with the grumbling aid of Jean, the woman who is giving her shelter.
The characters are all capable in their own ways and in ways that, while unusual, were not unheard of in that time. The characters are also not forceful to the point of stupidity. Isabella is wise enough to hide her abilities when dealing with people who might turn on her. When the opportunity presents itself, she is willing to help those in need. Cinaed is willing to put his own life and liberty in danger to run weapons and carry emigrants across the ocean. This doesn’t change even when he’s down with a hole from a bullet in his chest. He offers Isabella the protection of claiming to be his wife because he knows that even his own family would turn her in without that protection.
Jim and Nikoo’s blending of historical fact and fiction paints a vivid landscape of Scotland in 1820. They don’t pull their punches concerning the conditions of the people and the delicate balance that exists between different factions that can explode into violence at any time. Even with the high level of tension, there is humor and softer elements to be found. Several scenes actually had me laughing out loud, which is a rare occurrence. Jean is an excellent counterpoint to Isabella’s compassion, and her willingness to clobber Cinaed in the head is especially amusing. The romantic elements showcase the growing together of two people during a time of turmoil and are a nice contrast to the chaos that surrounds the couple. While there is sexual content in the book, there are no explicit sex scenes.
Some new information about Cinaed’s past comes to light at the end of the book, but that is for Highland Jewel and Highland Sword to explore. I look forward to reading Maisie and Morrigan’s stories as they fight for their own bit of peace in the Scottish Highlands.
It’s fun to go back and read earlier books from a favorite author. Sometimes it’s a reason to be grateful that the writer has changed their style, but not in this case. Stephanie Laurens’ debut novel is a light-hearted romp through Regency England.
Dorothea starts Laurens’ recurring trait of strong, independent heroines who will only marry if they want. She is determined to enjoy her spinsterhood but looks forward to the London season to find a match for her sister Cecily. While she is willing to let Marc lead when it comes to their courtship, she is more than ready to stand her ground and go toe-to-toe with him when they argue.
Marc is enchanted with her from their first meeting and is determined to make her his Marchioness. It is fun to watch them play the courtship dance in Regency society while trying not to let the other know about their feelings. While Marc dreaming of her emerald eyes can be a little over the top, I prefer the eyes to other body parts. He loves and has a healthy respect for his mother, but I found it hilarious when he, in essence, ran and hid from her to avoid interrogation.
This is a fluffy book, so there isn’t a considerable amount of plot beyond the courtships of the Misses Darent. Some adventure does happen in the latter half of the book, dragging them out of London to the countryside. I found it very interesting that Laurens touched on how the ton saw the Prince Regent, which is the primary reason behind the strict social structure.
Tangled Reins is an impressive debut novel and a fun return to the romance novel scene of 1992.
Dorothea starts Laurens’ recurring trait of strong, independent heroines who will only marry if they want. She is determined to enjoy her spinsterhood but looks forward to the London season to find a match for her sister Cecily. While she is willing to let Marc lead when it comes to their courtship, she is more than ready to stand her ground and go toe-to-toe with him when they argue.
Marc is enchanted with her from their first meeting and is determined to make her his Marchioness. It is fun to watch them play the courtship dance in Regency society while trying not to let the other know about their feelings. While Marc dreaming of her emerald eyes can be a little over the top, I prefer the eyes to other body parts. He loves and has a healthy respect for his mother, but I found it hilarious when he, in essence, ran and hid from her to avoid interrogation.
This is a fluffy book, so there isn’t a considerable amount of plot beyond the courtships of the Misses Darent. Some adventure does happen in the latter half of the book, dragging them out of London to the countryside. I found it very interesting that Laurens touched on how the ton saw the Prince Regent, which is the primary reason behind the strict social structure.
Tangled Reins is an impressive debut novel and a fun return to the romance novel scene of 1992.
I was hoping that the long build-up in King of Ashes would pay off. Did it ever! This book is aptly named because a storm hits the main characters, and none of them are left untouched by the fallout. It was a curveball I didn’t see coming, and it has been an incredibly long time since that has happened.
If you haven’t read King of Ashes, you will need to before reading Queen of Storms. Like in many high fantasy series, the books build on one another. I found King of Ashes a hard book to get through, but Queen of Storms makes it well worth the effort. It also answered one of my biggest plot complaints from King of Ashes, which is always a bonus.
I thought I knew where the plot was going from the end of King of Ashes but was proven very wrong. There is more than meets the eye in Garn, and this book pulled back a layer, showing how fragile plans can be. It has been years since I finished a chapter and sat back in shock at a plot twist. Queen of Storms managed it. I know I keep going back to that, but it is hard to say more about the plot without spoilers.
This upheaval has a powerful effect on all of the characters. Many of them are pushed from their comfort zones as they try to make sense of their changing world. Hatu falls slightly into the background, but we get to see more of what makes the Firemane line so unique. Hava, on the other hand, struggles a bit but steps up to the challenge and takes the reins as a central character. She was by far my favorite character in the book. She has come a long way from the obedient student in King of Ashes.
I finished this book in a 200-page marathon session, and it was well worth it. I loved seeing Hava blossom and look forward to seeing what Raymond pulls out of the hat in Master of Furies.
If you haven’t read King of Ashes, you will need to before reading Queen of Storms. Like in many high fantasy series, the books build on one another. I found King of Ashes a hard book to get through, but Queen of Storms makes it well worth the effort. It also answered one of my biggest plot complaints from King of Ashes, which is always a bonus.
I thought I knew where the plot was going from the end of King of Ashes but was proven very wrong. There is more than meets the eye in Garn, and this book pulled back a layer, showing how fragile plans can be. It has been years since I finished a chapter and sat back in shock at a plot twist. Queen of Storms managed it. I know I keep going back to that, but it is hard to say more about the plot without spoilers.
This upheaval has a powerful effect on all of the characters. Many of them are pushed from their comfort zones as they try to make sense of their changing world. Hatu falls slightly into the background, but we get to see more of what makes the Firemane line so unique. Hava, on the other hand, struggles a bit but steps up to the challenge and takes the reins as a central character. She was by far my favorite character in the book. She has come a long way from the obedient student in King of Ashes.
I finished this book in a 200-page marathon session, and it was well worth it. I loved seeing Hava blossom and look forward to seeing what Raymond pulls out of the hat in Master of Furies.
When a series has been going on for over thirty books, it is hard to keep everything feeling fresh and new. Christine Feehan manages it skillfully with a unique couple, ratcheted tension, and plenty of action.
Elisabeta is a unique heroine in the series. There have been women who have suffered hardships but never to the extent she has. It is beautiful watching her re-learn how to live, while Ferro walks the fine line of encouraging her to push herself and protecting her. While they both struggle, they find their way together.
The vampires have been enemies of the Carpathians since the first books, and they show their strength in this book. While the mages have recently taken center stage, the vampires have reclaimed their leading villain role. The tension stays high as the Carpathians can only react early on as characters turn on each other. Some old friends return, and while I wouldn’t say I like some of the characters’ actions, some interesting facts about the Carpathian world emerge.
I also liked the mystery aspect, as attacks came from every angle, the Carpathians struggle to counter them before everything they have built falls. I did not guess some of what is going on before the reveal, which is always a nice feeling.
This book fixed some of my issues with recent entries in the series. The BDSM elements are toned down, and while spells are still cast, they are without the invocations, helping the flow of the story.
This book is an excellent entry in the long-running series, managing to keep things fresh while opening up new parts of the world to explore. If you’re a fan of the Dark series, it is well worth picking up.
Elisabeta is a unique heroine in the series. There have been women who have suffered hardships but never to the extent she has. It is beautiful watching her re-learn how to live, while Ferro walks the fine line of encouraging her to push herself and protecting her. While they both struggle, they find their way together.
The vampires have been enemies of the Carpathians since the first books, and they show their strength in this book. While the mages have recently taken center stage, the vampires have reclaimed their leading villain role. The tension stays high as the Carpathians can only react early on as characters turn on each other. Some old friends return, and while I wouldn’t say I like some of the characters’ actions, some interesting facts about the Carpathian world emerge.
I also liked the mystery aspect, as attacks came from every angle, the Carpathians struggle to counter them before everything they have built falls. I did not guess some of what is going on before the reveal, which is always a nice feeling.
This book fixed some of my issues with recent entries in the series. The BDSM elements are toned down, and while spells are still cast, they are without the invocations, helping the flow of the story.
This book is an excellent entry in the long-running series, managing to keep things fresh while opening up new parts of the world to explore. If you’re a fan of the Dark series, it is well worth picking up.
Another Beauty and the Beast retelling has found it’s way to my bookshelf. I’m a sucker for this type of book, but Bella and the Beast is an excellent addition to the collection. Bella and Miles are an engaging take on the fish out of water heroine and disfigured hero coming together to find love.
Bella is a spunky heroine that is willing to go toe to toe with those who look down on her. Being raised outside of England, she doesn’t fit easily into society, especially when her trusty dagger makes an appearance. The cryptic last words from her father lead her to Miles’ home in London.
Miles is not physically disfigured but does carry emotional scars. Rising to the rank of Duke at thirteen, he has spent his life caring for his father’s collection of artifacts from Egypt. His anti-social outlook puts him at odds with others, especially his cousin and his wife.
Miles’ cousin, Oscar, leads the crew of supporting characters that gleefully rotate through the story. Servants, mischievous matchmakers, siblings, and more flesh out the cast of characters. Each has a distinct feel and makes the story feel well lived.
The story has a good pace as Miles and Bella dance around each other, trying to learn what happened to their families in Egypt and grow closer to each other.
Despite how much I liked the book, there are still a few nagging issues that I did not enjoy.
First, the set of enchanted Garnet slippers that Bella runs around in are never really explained other than that they would only fit “a girl worthy of true love.” These are a link to the other books in the Cinderella Sisterhood books. I don’t know if they are explained in any of the other books because I have not read them. So, are they enchanted and do something, or are they just pretty? I don’t know.
Secondly, this book falls prey to the trope of “Lust at First Sight.” I don’t mind attraction at first sight. But, it is always awkward and somewhat creepy when the hero immediately starts to fantasize about getting under the heroine’s skirts when they’ve just met.
Overall, I enjoyed Bella and the Beast and will look for other Olivia Drake books if I see them at my favorite book stores.
Bella is a spunky heroine that is willing to go toe to toe with those who look down on her. Being raised outside of England, she doesn’t fit easily into society, especially when her trusty dagger makes an appearance. The cryptic last words from her father lead her to Miles’ home in London.
Miles is not physically disfigured but does carry emotional scars. Rising to the rank of Duke at thirteen, he has spent his life caring for his father’s collection of artifacts from Egypt. His anti-social outlook puts him at odds with others, especially his cousin and his wife.
Miles’ cousin, Oscar, leads the crew of supporting characters that gleefully rotate through the story. Servants, mischievous matchmakers, siblings, and more flesh out the cast of characters. Each has a distinct feel and makes the story feel well lived.
The story has a good pace as Miles and Bella dance around each other, trying to learn what happened to their families in Egypt and grow closer to each other.
Despite how much I liked the book, there are still a few nagging issues that I did not enjoy.
First, the set of enchanted Garnet slippers that Bella runs around in are never really explained other than that they would only fit “a girl worthy of true love.” These are a link to the other books in the Cinderella Sisterhood books. I don’t know if they are explained in any of the other books because I have not read them. So, are they enchanted and do something, or are they just pretty? I don’t know.
Secondly, this book falls prey to the trope of “Lust at First Sight.” I don’t mind attraction at first sight. But, it is always awkward and somewhat creepy when the hero immediately starts to fantasize about getting under the heroine’s skirts when they’ve just met.
Overall, I enjoyed Bella and the Beast and will look for other Olivia Drake books if I see them at my favorite book stores.
I was looking for a light, fluffy read when I picked up this book, and that is the definition of this book. The characters boisterously fall into various fiascos and work their way back out. This is a romance novel and includes sexual content and sex scenes.
Alexandra and Chase are not your usual romance main characters. Alexandra was born in Manila, grew up aboard ship, and makes her living setting the clocks in people’s homes. Chase is a duke’s heir who is determined to never marry and enjoy life’s pleasures. His hedonistic lifestyle is upended when he becomes the guardian of two young orphans.
Rosamund and Daisy Fairfax are chaos incarnate for Chase. Rosamund takes pride in driving away governesses and records how long it takes to make each one flee. Daisy is starved for attention and goes to the extreme of finding new, exotic ways for her doll to die each day to be close to Chase during the “funeral.” While they drive him to distraction, he clearly cares for them both even while threatening to ship them off to boarding schools in various exotic locales. Tessa Dare has done an excellent job of showing two very different ways that children who have been abandoned react to new circumstances. And, how they can blossom with some love and patience.
The plot mainly revolves around the four of them learning to live and love one another. There are many amusing scenes as different, unconventional approaches to life and learning clash. It is a light-hearted romp for the most part and a most enjoyable read.
If you are looking for a fluffy, funny, feel-good romance, this book is well worth your time.
Alexandra and Chase are not your usual romance main characters. Alexandra was born in Manila, grew up aboard ship, and makes her living setting the clocks in people’s homes. Chase is a duke’s heir who is determined to never marry and enjoy life’s pleasures. His hedonistic lifestyle is upended when he becomes the guardian of two young orphans.
Rosamund and Daisy Fairfax are chaos incarnate for Chase. Rosamund takes pride in driving away governesses and records how long it takes to make each one flee. Daisy is starved for attention and goes to the extreme of finding new, exotic ways for her doll to die each day to be close to Chase during the “funeral.” While they drive him to distraction, he clearly cares for them both even while threatening to ship them off to boarding schools in various exotic locales. Tessa Dare has done an excellent job of showing two very different ways that children who have been abandoned react to new circumstances. And, how they can blossom with some love and patience.
The plot mainly revolves around the four of them learning to live and love one another. There are many amusing scenes as different, unconventional approaches to life and learning clash. It is a light-hearted romp for the most part and a most enjoyable read.
If you are looking for a fluffy, funny, feel-good romance, this book is well worth your time.
Things are looking up for Mercy, so naturally, everything has to go wrong simultaneously. Pack politics and dodging the fae are nothing new, but her friends are now used to backing her up in crazy situations and are along for the ride. It’s another fun entry in the Mercy Thompson universe.
Mercy has had a lot of hardships recently, but some people have remained steadfast throughout those trials. This time, Mercy finds out how fragile some of those relationships can be. Fortunately, Mercy is not one to give up without a fight, even if she’s going against everything she once believed.
Pack politics rear their head again, and unusual events with the fae put her even more on guard. Mercy meets it all head-on with her usual sass, stubbornness, and willingness to play the weak one. It was great to see others rallying around her and willing to stick their necks out for her like she is willing to do for them.
Many of the characters are familiar, and I love seeing how they have changed throughout the series. One new arrival looks to be sticking around for the foreseeable future, and I look forward to seeing where that plotline goes.
Overall, this is a solid entry in the series. Action, drama, mind games, and a smidge of romance keep things fresh in Mercy Thompson’s world.
Mercy has had a lot of hardships recently, but some people have remained steadfast throughout those trials. This time, Mercy finds out how fragile some of those relationships can be. Fortunately, Mercy is not one to give up without a fight, even if she’s going against everything she once believed.
Pack politics rear their head again, and unusual events with the fae put her even more on guard. Mercy meets it all head-on with her usual sass, stubbornness, and willingness to play the weak one. It was great to see others rallying around her and willing to stick their necks out for her like she is willing to do for them.
Many of the characters are familiar, and I love seeing how they have changed throughout the series. One new arrival looks to be sticking around for the foreseeable future, and I look forward to seeing where that plotline goes.
Overall, this is a solid entry in the series. Action, drama, mind games, and a smidge of romance keep things fresh in Mercy Thompson’s world.
Things seem pretty straight-forward when Stefan crashes into Mercy’s living room. Marsilia knows. But, as the danger grows, it becomes clear that not all is as it first appeared. It is great to see that there is more to vampire society than we have seen so far, and Marsilia becomes even more of a nuanced character by the end of the book. I don’t like her more, but knowing more about what she thinks and her leadership style makes her a stronger character.
Mercy has a great group of characters around her for support, and she needs all that she can get after the end of the last book. Adam, especially, is willing to take their relationship slowly for her sake. Her willingness to do what it takes to keep her friends safe is one of her more endearing traits, even when taking on enemies exponentially more powerful than herself. However, Mercy’s continued insistence on tackling every issue by herself is frustrating, but she does finally curb that instinct.
Overall, this is a solid entry in the Mercyverse and introduces some interesting characters that I would love to see more from in future entries.