“Amari and the Great Game” (Supernatural Investigations #2) by B.B. Alston (Review)

September 30, 2022October 1, 2022 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Alston, B.B. Amari and the Great Game. New York: Balzer & Bray, 2022.

ISBN-13: 978-0062975195 | $18.99 USD | 423 pages | MG Fantasy

Blurb

Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black in this magical second book in the New York Times and Indie bestselling Supernatural Investigations trilogy—perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, the Percy Jackson series, and Nevermoor.

After finding her brother and saving the entire supernatural world, Amari Peters is convinced her first full summer as a Junior Agent will be a breeze.

But between the fearsome new Head Minister’s strict anti-magician agenda, fierce Junior Agent rivalries, and her brother Quinton’s curse steadily worsening, Amari’s plate is full. So when the secretive League of Magicians offers her a chance to stand up for magiciankind as its new leader, she declines. She’s got enough to worry about!

But her refusal allows someone else to step forward, a magician with dangerous plans for the League. This challenge sparks the start of the Great Game, a competition to decide who will become the Night Brothers’ successor and determine the future of magiciankind.

The Great Game is both mysterious and deadly, but among the winner’s magical rewards is Quinton’s last hope—so how can Amari refuse?

In the series

#1 Amari and the Night Brothers

Review

4 stars

Amari and the Great Game is a truly epic sequel to last year’s breakout middle grade hit Amari and the Night Brothers. It does everything the perfect sequel does: it ups the stakes and expands the world, giving Amari new challenges to assist in her continued growth.

Amari was in a pretty sticky situation at the end of book one, as she was already reckoning with Quinton’s curse, and then Dylan’s betrayal. But she begins this book being blamed for time being frozen at the Supernatural Congress. And then Dylan comes back into the story, as they end up in a battle to become the head magician.

I really liked the development of Amari’s character, especially going from someone who has been celebrated to being questioned and having to prove herself again. This reinforces the importance of the friendships she does have, such as with Elsie, who is one of the main people who believes in her. Their friendship is super sweet, and I love how they have these moments of showing how pure and selfless their friendship is.

The plot itself is pretty busy, with the different plot threads and the character growth, but it never feels like any of it is superfluous.

This is a solid second installment, and as with the first book, I’m already excited for what is to come in the next book! If you enjoyed the first book, this one is just as good, if not better. And if you haven’t read this series yet, but you love middle grade fantasy, in the vein of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, I recommend giving this series a try!

Author Bio

B.B. Alston lives in Lexington, South Carolina. His debut novel, Amari and the Night Brothers, is a #1 Kids’ Indie Next pick and the winner of Barnes & Noble’s inaugural Children’s and YA Book Award as well as a New York Times and indie bestseller. When not writing, he can be found eating too many sweets and exploring country roads to see where they lead. Visit him online at https://www.bbalston.com

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“One Woman’s War” by Christine Wells (ARC Review)

September 30, 2022September 30, 2022 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Wells, Christine. One Woman’s War. New York: William Morrow, 2022.

ISBN-13: 978-0063111806 | $17.99 USD | 384 pages | Historical Fiction

Blurb

ONE OF BOOKBUB’S BEST HISTORICAL FICTION BOOKS OF THE FALL

From the author of Sisters of the Resistance comes the story of WWII British Naval Intelligence officer Victoire Bennett, the real-life inspiration for the James Bond character Miss Moneypenny, whose international covert operation is put in jeopardy when a volatile socialite and Austrian double agent threatens to expose the mission to German High Command.

World War II London: When Victoire “Paddy” Bennett first walks into the Admiralty’s Room 39, home to the Intelligence Division, all the bright and lively young woman expects is a secretarial position to the charismatic Commander Ian Fleming. But soon her job is so much more, and when Fleming proposes a daring plot to deceive the Germans about Allied invasion plans he requests the newlywed Paddy’s help. She jumps at the chance to work as an agent in the field, even after the operation begins to affect her marriage. But could doing her duty for King and country come at too great a cost?

Socialite Friedl Stöttinger is a beautiful Austrian double agent determined to survive in wartime England, which means working for MI-5, investigating fifth column activity among the British elite at parties and nightclubs. But Friedl has a secret—some years before, she agreed to work for German Intelligence and spy on the British.

When her handler at MI-5 proposes that she work with Serbian agent, Duško Popov, Friedl falls hopelessly in love with the dashing spy. And when her intelligence work becomes fraught with danger, she must choose whether to remain loyal to the British and risk torture and execution by the Nazis, or betray thousands of men to their deaths.

Soon, the lives of these two extraordinarily brave women will collide, as each travels down a road of deception and danger leading to one of the greatest battles of World War II.

Review

3 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

One Woman’s War is a pretty solid historical fiction read. I don’t know a ton about James Bond, but I was aware of Ian Fleming’s past espionage career, so I was intrigued to learn about the woman who may have inspired Miss Moneypenny.

And theoretically, this book is cool. I love looking into the inner workings of MI5/MI6 during World War II through a woman’s eyes. I also loved the idea of an Austrian woman being disillusioned by being ostracized due to her marriage to a Jewish man, and with nuance, I could try and understand her position as she becomes a double agent.

Paddy is the part that made the book work for me. I really liked seeing her enthusiasm to work with Ian Fleming and observing her progress, even if the mission involves personal danger to her and puts strain on her personal relationships.

Friedl was a struggle for me. I have a pretty strong “no-Nazis-or-fascists” policy, so her shifting loyalties (at least the perception of them, anyway) definitely tested me here. She is competently written as a character, but absolutely is a puzzle to work out.

Speaking of puzzles…the book is split between the perspectives of both women (making the title feel inaccurate), and the story is not told in a linear fashion. It felt like a really odd choice, on top not seeing much in the way of connection between the two women’s arcs until late in the narrative.

While I had some issues with the execution of the book, I appreciate what the book was trying to do in exploring some of the real people behind some of the popular characters from the James Bond stories and diving deeper into espionage in World War II. If you’re a fan of the time period and want a women’s perspective on it, you might enjoy this book.

Author Bio

Christine Wells writes historical fiction featuring strong, fascinating women. From early childhood, she drank in her father’s tales about the real kings and queens behind popular nursery rhymes and she has been a keen student of history ever since. She began her first novel while working as a corporate lawyer, and has gone on to write about periods ranging from Georgian England to post World War II France. Christine is passionate about helping other writers learn the craft and business of writing fiction and enjoys mentoring and teaching workshops whenever her schedule permits. She loves dogs, running, the beach and fossicking for antiques and lives with her family in Brisbane, Australia.Christine Wells writes historical fiction featuring strong, fascinating women. From early childhood, she drank in her father’s tales about the real kings and queens behind popular nursery rhymes and she has been a keen student of history ever since. She began her first novel while working as a corporate lawyer, and has gone on to write about periods ranging from Georgian England to post World War II France. Christine is passionate about helping other writers learn the craft and business of writing fiction and enjoys mentoring and teaching workshops whenever her schedule permits. She loves dogs, running, the beach and fossicking for antiques and lives with her family in Brisbane, Australia.

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“So This is Christmas” (A Princess for Christmas #3) by Jenny Holiday (ARC Review)

September 30, 2022September 30, 2022 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Holiday, Jenny. So This is Christmas. New York: Avon, 2022.

ISBN-13: 978-0062952127 | $16.99 USD | 384 pages | Contemporary Romance

Blurb

USA Today bestselling author Jenny Holiday concludes her beloved royal Christmas series with an unforgettable romance about a confident American woman and the strait-laced royal advisor who falls hopelessly in love with her.

Matteo Benz has spent his life serving at the pleasure of the Eldovian crown. His work is his life and his life, well…he doesn’t have much of one. When he is tasked to aid a management consultant who has been flown in to help straighten out the king’s affairs, he is instantly disturbed by her brash American manner—as well by an inconvenient attraction to the brainy beauty.

Cara Delaney is in Eldovia to help clean up the king’s financial affairs, but soon finds herself at odds with the very proper Mr. Benz. As intrigued by his good looks as she is annoyed by his dedication to tradition for its own sake, she slowly begins to see the real man behind the royal throne.

As they work together to return Eldovia to its former glory during the country’s magical Christmas season, Matteo discovers he is falling hopelessly in love with the unconventional American. But a man who has devoted his life to tradition doesn’t change easily. Can he become the man Cara needs, or will their love be another sacrifice to the crown?

In the series

#1 A Princess for Christmas

#2 Duke, Actually

Review

4 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

So This is Christmas is the third in Jenny Holiday’s trilogy of Christmas romcoms, and my favorite of the three. It can be read as a stand-alone, although there are some connections to the other books for readers who have followed each book so far.

What makes this one stand out from the other two was that it has a ton of personality and heart. Not that book one didn’t, but I feel like that one was very by-the-numbers Royal Hallmark or Netflix-esque romance. And I can’t say much about book two, because I bailed pretty early on due to not caring for the hero (although apparently my issues with the book aren’t shared among other readers). But this one? Both characters and their dynamic grabbed me immediately. And given my growing mixed feelings about monarchy as an institution, it’s interesting to pivot away from the royals and aristocrats to see what life is like for those working for them, who may still come from a somewhat better background than average, but aren’t overly privileged and insulated. And Matteo offers that. I love his insights about the contrasts of his upbringing, being raised somewhat within the upper crust, but not being uber-wealthy. It gives him a traditional view of things, while also being able to connect with those who may not always fit the mold.

Cara is the perfect match for Matteo, even if it’s not initially obvious. As an American, she’s definitely an outsider to all the pomp and circumstance, but like Matteo, she’s also very career-driven and is able to get things done when they need to be done.

And while things start off being purely professional, I really liked seeing things develop on a personal, romantic front. Their lively banter about the merits of Star Wars (prequel slander excepted) vs. Star Trek and Jane Austen lit up the book for me. And there’s an ultimate romantic gesture that will excite any lover of old, rare books that absolutely had me swooning.

I really liked this book, and feel this is the high point of the series. If you’re looking for a fun opposites-attract romance for the holidays, you might like this one.

Author Bio

Jenny Holiday is a USA Today-bestselling author whose books have been featured in The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, and The Washington Post. She grew up in Minnesota and started writing when her fourth-grade teacher gave her a notebook to fill with stories. When she’s not working on her next book, she likes to hike, throw theme parties, and watch other people sing karaoke. Jenny lives in London, Ontario, Canada.

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“A Curse of Queens” (The Kingmaker Chronicles #4) by Amanda Bouchet (ARC Review)

September 28, 2022September 29, 2022 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Bouchet, Amanda. A Curse of Queens. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2022.

ISBN-13: 978-1728230047 | $15.99 USD | 496 pages | Fantasy Romance

Blurb

Discover an all-new adventure in USA Today Bestselling author Amanda Bouchet’s thrilling, white-hot fantasy series, The Kingmaker Chronicles!

The queen has been cursed, and no one knows who’s behind the plot to threaten the realm’s fragile peace. Desperate to help, Jocasta hatches a plan to find Circe’s Garden, a fabled island where she hopes to discover an antidote. But she can’t do it alone. She needs the strong arm and unflinching bravery of the warrior she’s loved since childhood-her brother’s right-hand-man and captain of the guard, Flynn of Sinta.

Together they can do the impossible. Yet with treachery brewing on Mount Olympus, one thing is clear: Thalyria and its new royals are still pawns in an epic game of power-one that might end in a War of Gods.

In the series

#1 A Promise of Fire

#2 Breath of Fire

#3 Heart on Fire

Review

4 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

A Curse of Queens brings The Kingmaker Chronicles into an exciting new era, following different characters, and whether you like it or not will depend highly on your experience with the prior trilogy. Most of the positive things I had to say for those books were about the world (unclear as the semantics were) and Cat herself, while feeling lukewarm to sometimes horrified by Griffin. So to have that pairing take a backseat for one more my speed is very welcome.

I love how the narrative begins with a kiss between Jocasta and Flynn, which both try to deny means anything. While “best friend’s sister”/“brother’s best friend” narratives can be problematic in some of their outdated messaging, the book avoids this, while maintaining the stakes and tension. It does start to her a little long-winded with all the pining, but ultimately it is worth it to see these two figure it out and get together.

And it’s not like the book lacks other stuff going on. Cat is now cursed, and Jocasta and Flynn are tasked with hunting down the cure. This is a great way to continue to see more of the world and give them perilous stakes to overcome on the road to love.

This is a solid “reboot” of sorts for the series, giving the characters their happy ending while also leaving the door open for more stories in the future. If you’re a fan of the previous books, you’ll very likely enjoy this one too. And while new readers are recommended to read the first three for context, I’d still recommend it to those who love fantasy romance, with the caveat that the dynamics between Griffin and Cat vs. Jocasta and Flynn are very different.

Author Bio

Author photo: © Richard Beban, 2015

Amanda Bouchet grew up in New England where she spent much of her time tromping around in the woods and making up grand adventures in her head. It was inevitable that one day she would start writing them down. Drawing on her Greek heritage for the setting and on her love of all things daring and romantic for the rest, her debut trilogy, The Kingmaker Chronicles, took form. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry.

Her first novel, A Promise of Fire, won several Romance Writers of America chapter contests, including the Orange Rose Contest and the paranormal category of the prestigious Golden Pen.

Amanda is a French master’s graduate and former English teacher. She lives in Paris, France with her two bilingual children who will soon be correcting her French.

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“The Christmas Clash” by Suzanne Park (ARC Review)

September 28, 2022September 28, 2022 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Park, Suzanne. The Christmas Clash. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Fire, 2022.

ISBN-13: 978-1728248011 | $10.99 USD | 368 pages | YA Contemporary Romance

Blurb

Who’s naughty and nice at Riverwood Mall? In this hilarious YA holiday rom-com, two rivals get together to save their families’ livelihoods, and Christmas, too!

Chloe Kwon can’t stand Peter Li. It’s always been that way. Their families don’t get along either: their parents operate rival restaurants in the Riverwood Mall food court—Korean food for the Kwons and Chinese food for the Lis. Now it’s the holiday season and Chloe’s the photographer at the mall’s Santa Land, and Peter works at the virtual reality North Pole experience right across the atrium. It’s all Chloe can do to avoid Peter’s smug, incredibly photogenic face.

But it turns out the mall is about to be sold to a developer and demolished for condos. Eviction notices are being handed out right before Christmas. Their parents don’t know what to do, and soon Chloe and Peter realize that the two of them need to join efforts to try to save the mall. Just when it seems like they can put aside their differences and work closely (very closely) together, they discover that the Kwon and Li feud goes far deeper than either of them realize…

Review

3.5 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

The Christmas Clash is a cute, fun YA holiday romcom. I was instantly drawn to the premise of the children of rival mall food court vendor families teaming up to save the mall from demolition, especially with the additional Chinese vs. Korean culture war (and perhaps more?) angle. And while I did have some issues with it, I liked it overall.

I’ve pretty much learned that anything involving Chinese or Korean food will inevitably (and inexplicably, given my weird relationship with these cuisines in real life) make me hungry. And this time was no exception. I don’t even like some of the dishes mentioned, yet I had an intense craving for them while reading.

Chloe and Peter are pretty great characters. I like how each of them is loyal to their respective families and businesses, and while that does somewhat distort their views of the other (especially on Chloe’s part), I appreciate how quickly they’re willing to put aside their differences for the greater good and save their families’ livelihoods. They truly are very similar once they get over their preconceived notions, and while this is not “enemies to lovers” in the conventional sense, I think the kids being conditioned to think they don’t like each other because of their parents’ feud classifies it as such, and I appreciate how they realistically grow past that.

The story does get a little crowded at points, because of the myriad half-developed subplots. One I really liked was the exploration of the respective families’ pasts, but it didn’t really develop to its full potential. Chloe is also shown to be particularly ambitious, which is not unusual for the child of Asian immigrant parents, participating in things like painting, her other after school job, and more. I did like that it was an attempt to give her depth, but it just ended up feeling a little muddled. There’s just a lot of unrealized potential that got mixed into the pot, when cutting some of them and developing the few that remained may have made for more realistic characters and a more impactful story.

Despite my critiques, I like the story overall. If you’re looking for a fun Asian YA romcom to read for Christmas, you might want to try this one.

Author Bio

Suzanne Park is a Korean American writer who was born and raised in Tennessee.

In her former life as a stand up comedian, Suzanne appeared on BET’s “Coming to the Stage,” was the winner of the Seattle Sierra Mist Comedy Competition, and was a semi-finalist in NBC’s “Stand Up For Diversity” showcase in San Francisco.

Suzanne graduated from Columbia University and received an MBA Degree from UCLA. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, female offspring, and a sneaky rat that creeps around on her back patio. In her spare time, she procrastinates. Her novels have been featured in “best of” lists in NPR, Popsugar, Real Simple, Country Living, Bustle, Buzzfeed, Marie Claire, Parade, Shondaland and The Today Show.

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“The Dragon’s Promise” (Six Crimson Cranes #2) by Elizabeth Lim (Review)

September 27, 2022September 27, 2022 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Lim, Elizabeth. The Dragon’s Promise. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2022.

ISBN-13: 978-0593300954 | $19.99 USD | 484 pages | YA Fantasy

Blurb

Princess Shiori made a deathbed promise to return the dragon’s pearl to its rightful owner, but keeping that promise is more dangerous than she ever imagined.

She must journey to the kingdom of dragons, navigate political intrigue among humans and dragons alike, fend off thieves who covet the pearl for themselves and will go to any lengths to get it, all while cultivating the appearance of a perfect princess to dissuade those who would see her burned at the stake for the magic that runs in her blood.

The pearl itself is no ordinary cargo; it thrums with malevolent power, jumping to Shiori’s aid one minute, and betraying her the next–threatening to shatter her family and sever the thread of fate that binds her to her true love. It will take every ounce of strength Shiori can muster to defend the life and the love she’s fought so hard to win.

In the series

#1 Six Crimson Cranes

Review

4 stars

The Dragon’s Promise is the second half of the Six Crimson Cranes duology, and I enjoyed it overall. I appreciate how it expands on the first book, particularly in terms of providing more exploration of the world in which the series is set. Getting to see the dragon-realm in particular is a lot of fun.

I really liked the development for Shiori’s character, especially seeing more of her interactions with her family. I liked the scenes with her father and reflecting on her relationship with her stepmother. The bonds she has with her brothers, while somewhat sidelined here, are also lovely.

I did quite like the romantic relationships, even if it is a love triangle. Takkan and Seryu are both solid romantic prospects, and it’s hard not to feel bad for Seryu, even if I do like Shiori and Takkan together.

I do feel the length bogged the story down a bit. It’s not that long books are unusual for Lim; the first book was pretty long too. But it did feel odd when converted to how the story was paced. The first part felt very slow, although it does pick up where book one left off. And there are other moments of lull in the middle as well, with it only really picking up toward the end. It also does feel a bit more episodic in places, like it could easily have been split into two books.

Issues aside, I did really enjoy this book and the duology overall. If you enjoy Asian-inspired YA fantasy, I recommend checking these books out!

Author Bio

ELIZABETH LIM grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she was raised on a hearty diet of fairy tales, myths, and songs. Before becoming an author, Elizabeth was a professional film and video game composer, and she still tends to come up with her best book ideas when writing near a piano. An alumna of Harvard College and the Juilliard School, she now lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.

Elizabeth’s internationally bestselling novels include Spin the Dawn, Unravel the Dusk, and Six Crimson Cranes. She is also a contributor to Disney’s ”A Twisted Tale” series.

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“Miss del Río” by Bárbara Mujica (ARC Review)

September 27, 2022September 27, 2022 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Mujica, Bárbara. Miss del Río. Toronto, Ontario: Graydon House, 2022.

ISBN-13: 978-1525899935 | $17.99 USD | 432 pages | Historical Fiction

Blurb

A Target Book Club Pick!

“Dolores del Río bursts to life in this vivid, well-researched portrayal. Her iconic feline elegance and brash spirit dominates every page, but it’s her defiance to live life on her own terms that sets her apart—and what an extraordinary life she led.”—C.W. Gortner, bestselling author of Marlene

1910, Mexico. As the country’s revolution spreads, Dolores, the daughter of a wealthy banker, must flee her comfortable life in Durango or risk death. Her family settles in Mexico City, where, at sixteen, she marries the worldly Jaime del Río. But in a twist of fate, at a party she meets an influential American director who recognizes in her a natural performer. He invites her to Hollywood, and practically overnight, the famous Miss del Río is born.

Dolores’s star quickly rises, and her days become a whirlwind of moviemaking and glamorous events. Swept up in L.A.’s glitzy inner circle, she takes her place among film royalty such as Marlene Dietrich and Orson Welles. But as her career soars, her personal life becomes increasingly complicated, with family tragedy, divorce, and real heartache. And when she’s labeled box office poison amid growing prejudice before WWII, Dolores must decide what price she’s willing to pay to achieve her dreams and if her heart and future instead lie where it all began…in Mexico.

Spanning half a century and narrated by Dolores’s fictional hairdresser and longtime friend, Miss del Río traces the life of a trailblazing woman whose legacy in Hollywood and in Mexico still shines bright today.

“Bárbara Mujica dazzles us…. She takes us on a journey through an era of wars and movies, and unforgettable characters that made Hollywood what it is today.” —María Amparo Escandón, New York Times bestselling author ofL.A. Weather

Review

3 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

Miss del Río caught my attention due to the cover and the blurb. Prior to picking the book up, I didn’t know anything about the book’s subject, Dolores “Lola” del Rio. As such, while I appreciate the book for bringing her to my attention, the execution didn’t fully work for me.

I love the exploration of the times in which Lola and her friend and hairdresser, Mara lived. The upheaval of the Mexican Revolution and the constantly evolving nature of Hollywood are both vividly brought to life. They both flee Mexico to save their own lives, and ultimately I love how the story constantly highlights adapting to survive. Lola starts off as a silent film star, and she must evolve as “talkies” become more popular. She also has a passionate, tempestuous personal life, including liaisons with men like Orson Welles…who ironically would end up marrying Rita Hayworth, who was compared to Lola in the press at the time, after their breakup.

But with Lola’s vibrant personality and the descriptions of her Hollywood connections and passionate affairs, I feel like it was a mistake not to make the story a more intimate portrayal. Yes, Mara is incredibly close to her. But she’s still merely a friend, and there will inevitably be things Lola wouldn’t confide in her, even if they are really close.

And this book falls into the trap many books have when the protagonist and narrator are two different people: I just didn’t care about Mara. There’s attempts to give Mara some family drama, but I simply wasn’t invested enough in her as a character. That’s not to say it couldn’t have worked, but I feel like it’s a lot harder to pull off.

While I didn’t care for this book, I see a lot of merit in what it’s trying to do. If you’re a fan of stories about Old Hollywood, it might still be worth checking out.

Author Bio

Bárbara Mujica is the bestselling author of four novels, including Frida, which was translated into 17 languages. She is also an award-winning short story writer and essayist whose work has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Miami Herald, among others. A professor emerita of Spanish at Georgetown University, she lives in Bethesda, Maryland.

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“Husband Material” (London Calling #2) by Alexis Hall (Review)

September 26, 2022September 26, 2022 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Hall, Alexis. Husband Material. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2022.

ISBN-13: 978-1728250922 | $15.99 USD | 432 pages | Contemporary Romance

Blurb

Wanted:

One (very real) husband

Nowhere near perfect but desperately trying his best

In BOYFRIEND MATERIAL, Luc and Oliver met, pretended to fall in love, fell in love for real, dealt with heartbreak and disappointment and family and friends…and somehow figured out a way to make it work. Now it seems like everyone around them is getting married, and Luc’s feeling the social pressure to propose. But it’ll take more than four weddings, a funeral, and a bowl full of special curry to get these two from “I don’t know what I’m doing” to “I do”.

Good thing Oliver is such perfect HUSBAND MATERIAL.

In the series

#1 Boyfriend Material

Review

4 stars

I was excited when I heard Alexis Hall was writing a direct sequel to Boyfriend Material and following Luc and Oliver on their journey (or not?) to the altar. It’s so uncommon to see this in romance, because of the need to focus on conflict, and the fear of messing up the happy ending. And while I don’t think that Husband Material is a perfect (or even necessary) sequel, I enjoy it for what it is and what it attempts to do, especially in terms of exploring the nuances of what an HEA really means.

I truly love the characters, and they’re what kept me invested. Luc and Oliver, and their relationship, are beautiful and lovable, even as they deal with the complications and questions around “what’s next for us?” And the way it ultimately ties into queerness and how they define what happiness and love mean to them…super sweet!

I also love how the narrative shows them confronting real issues, not just in their relationship with each other, but in their other interpersonal relationships. Oliver’s complex relationship with his father hit me particularly hard, especially as it felt like there were some (likely unintentional) parallels with discourse around Jennette McCurdy’s recent memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. Seeing Oliver being able to unpack his complex emotions about his father’s passing, and being able to articulate that he was not a great person was cathartic to read.

If there are some issues, it’s in the length and pacing. Alexis Hall has written longer books of late, and it either works or it doesn’t. I like how there was a planned structure, inspired by Four Weddings and a Funeral, so it wasn’t like the story was lacking in plot. But I can’t help but feel like the story went on a little too long and some elements could have been condensed to make for a punchier, but still effective story.

This was an enjoyable read, and one I’d recommend to anyone who enjoyed book one.

CWs: see author’s website

Author Bio

Alexis Hall writes books in the southeast of England, when’re he lives entirely on a diet of tea and Jaffa Cakes.

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Twitter/Instagram: @quicunquevult

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“Within These Gilded Halls” by Abigail Wilson (ARC Review)

September 26, 2022September 26, 2022 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Wilson, Abigail. Within These Gilded Halls. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2022.

ISBN-13: 978-0785253303 | $16.99 USD | 320 pages | Regency Romance/Historical Mystery/Christian Fiction

Blurb

Hidden treasure and betrayal mingle with unexpected love within the walls of Avonthorpe Hall.

After studying art under Miss Drake, a renowned painter, Phoebe Radcliff is certain she can finally move beyond the childish mistake that’s kept her away from home. She is thrilled when Miss Drake employs her to complete a complicated ballroom renovation.

Everything changes, however, the moment Miss Drake is murdered. With her last breath she imparts the location of a clue to Phoebe. Can the biggest secret of Avonthorpe Hall be true—the rumored treasure real? Phoebe is tasked to finish her work in the ballroom by Miss Drake’s infuriatingly regimented yet all-too-handsome nephew, Lt. Graham Burke. Determined to fulfill the promise she made to her beloved teacher to find the treasure, Phoebe also works to uncover the truth about Miss Drake’s death—and she must do so before Lt. Burke leases the house.

But dark shadows line the gilded halls of Avonthorpe, and soon enough Phoebe realizes she’s not the only person who knows about the clues. What’s worse, she needs Lt. Burke’s help to stay ahead of whoever is hard on her heels. If only she weren’t so attracted to him.

Caught up in a deadly race for answers, Phoebe must find a way to breach the shroud of lies that surrounds every last resident in the house and, more importantly, face a past she’s been running away from for far too long.

Review

4 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

Within These Gilded Halls is another solid romantic historical mystery from Abigail Wilson. She perfectly captures the atmosphere of the Regency era with a slight Gothic mystery twist. And while she hasn’t followed the expected path of some of her historical romance or Christian fiction peers by writing stories in interconnected series, I love the subtle connection made to one of her previous titles.

Abigail is a compelling protagonist. I like how she’s not perfect, and she’s made some mistakes in her past that she’s working to atone for, and while things are looking up, that quickly changes with the murder of her employer. While she is a little too naïve and too trusting of the wrong people, I could understand her position.

The romance is a sweet slow-burn, and I like how the trust grows between her and Graham, especially as they begin to understand that they are on the same side.

The secondary cast are all largely pretty untrustworthy, and it does make for questions of whodunnit and a compelling puzzle to piece together. It kept me guessing, and I was ultimately satisfied by how it all was resolved.

I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical stories that blend romance and mystery elements.

Author Bio

Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A Registered Nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the National Parks, attending her daughter’s diving meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children.

Website

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“When Life Gives You Vampires” (Slaying It) by Gloria Duke (ARC Review)

September 25, 2022September 25, 2022 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Duke, Gloria. When Life Gives You Vampires. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Casablanca; 2022.

ISBN-13: 978-1728257440 | $15.99 USD | 336 pages | Paranormal Romance

Blurb

A paranormal Dumplin’ for adults, When Life Gives You Vampires is part a journey of body positivity, part a story about learning how to accept love at face value, and part a hysterical romcom told through a paranormal lens.

Twenty-five year old Lily Baines is used to waking up hungover, overweight, and underemployed. Waking up with fangs? Not so much. But when it turns out a little light necking has more serious consequences than she ever imagined, Lily’s determined to get to the bottom of it.

Tristan hadn’t meant to turn Lily-it’s against vampire law-but now that she’s here, they need to team up to save their hides. They strike a truce, fending off other vampires, Lily’s work-rival-turned-slayer, and her mother’s tone-deaf romance and fitness advice-all while Lily faces down her insecurities about the fact that she lives in a diet-obsessed world with a body that will never age, never die, and never change. Can she learn to love the (plus size) woman she’ll be forever more?

Review

4 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

I haven’t read a proper vampire romance in years, but When Life Gives You Vampires caught my attention, especially with the fat heroine prominently featured on the cover. I didn’t go in with much in the way of expectations, which ended up working out in my favor. It’s rather charming, and I appreciate the way it walks the line between navigating sensitive issues and maintaining a lighthearted touch.

Lily really spoke to me as a character. In some ways, she may be very hit-or-miss, because her arc is largely about her navigating her relationship with her body. I feel like it explores the struggle to get past the internalized fatphobia, especially when it’s reinforced by a relative who is “just trying to help,” but is actually reinforcing the toxic cycle of weight-negativity. I really liked how her growth toward self-acceptance paralleled her journey of coming into her own as a new vampire.

On a related note, I didn’t expect to appreciate the nuance to her relationship with her mom. I fully expected the mom to be a full-on toxic parent, but to see the two of them come to a consensus about how harmful the mom’s behavior could be was gratifying.

I had mixed feelings about Tristan at first. There’s a bit of non-consent that goes down in the moment where Lily is turned, and even if Tristan only meant to feed on her and not for her to complete the process for her transformation, he still confirms he uses his hypnotic powers to seduce prey in order to slake his thirst. This and the fact that he explicitly confirms the sexual connotations makes that first encounter feel a bit uncomfortable, especially as Tristan even wipes her memory so she can’t even remember it happening at first.

However, within the context of vampire living, I can also understand doing what you need to do for long-term survival and satisfaction, and ultimately his goal wasn’t to do long-term harm to any of his targets (and he would get in trouble if he did, which is another key plot point of the book). But even with context, it’s worth letting readers know what to expect.

Once the characters got past that hurdle, I did generally like them together. Are they on my list of characters who I feel are ultimate couple goals? Not really, but I did like their dynamic overall. And I love that Tristan is a closet romance writer.

I appreciated how the undercurrent of suspense and danger from the head of the Vampire Council was incorporated in the book, subtly at first and then amping up the stakes. There’s clear inspiration taken from Twilight (which is referenced many times) and other popular Vampire media while Duke also tries to craft her own iteration of the lore.

Overall this is a fun, charming book, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys books by Julie Murphy or Olivia Dade, or vampire romances.

CWs: fatphobia, body-shaming and diet culture, toxic parent, dubious/non-consent

Author Bio

Gloria Duke is a pen name for Gloria Ketterer, WGA Award-winning radio writer, TV sitcom writer, and brand advertising copywriter. When Life Gives You Vampires is her first novel.

Website

Buy links

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