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Reviews: “A Confidential Problem” and “A Private Miscellany” (Society of Gentlemen short stories) by K.J. Charles
The two following reviews are of content freely available on the author’s website as supplemental material to the Society of Gentlemen series. Neither can be read as stand-alone, but are best enjoyed following a read of the full series.
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Review: Think of England by K.J. Charles
If you’ve ever watched Downton Abbey and thought, “This show could use more espionage, blackmail, and murder,” this is the book for you! What I especially enjoyed about this book is that it is primarily a mystery/thriller with an excellent romance subplot. But more importantly, the romance subplot informs and adds to the tension of the…
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Review: “The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh” (Society of Gentlemen short story) by K.J. Charles
This short story acts as a sort of prequel to the Society of Gentlemen series, filling in the background for one of the established parings in the full trilogy. It can be read as a stand-alone. My favorite part of this story is card game of “strip poker,” though Ash and Francis are playing a…
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Review: A Gentleman’s Position (Society of Gentlemen #3) by K.J. Charles
Though I was correct in my guess that the final book in this trilogy would involve the relationship between Lord Richard Vane and his valet/spymaster David Cyprian, I wish this series had ended with more of a bang.
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Review: A Seditious Affair (Society of Gentlemen #2) by K.J. Charles
First of all, this can’t be read as a stand-alone. You absolutely have to have read the first book in this series, A Fashionable Indulgence, to understand a significant portion of the larger plot. That being said, this is not a detraction to the book. In fact, I spent a lot of time admiring the plot…
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Review: A Fashionable Indulgence (Society of Gentlemen #1) by K.J. Charles
Kind words must be said about any book that teaches me about both early nineteenth century men’s fashion AND political history. Obviously, the two are not mutually exclusive.
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Review: Band Sinister by K.J. Charles
I have become very spoiled by how so many of Charles’ books are series that revolve around a group of people, because I desperately want more books featuring these characters. It was a bit overwhelming, being dropped in the midst of so many names and personalities, but it quickly became what made this book so…
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Review: An Unsuitable Heir (Sins of the Cities #3) by K.J. Charles
This book was a fabulous conclusion to the over-arching mystery that took place over the course of this trilogy. However, it was almost a shame that this book had to take place at the end. I think it can be read as a stand-alone, because what makes this book so important isn’t the conclusion of the…
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Review: An Unnatural Vice (Sins of the Cities #2) by K.J. Charles
My favorite thing about this series is the overlapping mystery, in which each of the romances develop as a part of that plot. Charles’ talent for writing truly shows as each book in this trilogy feels complete even without the over-arching story yet solved.
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Review: An Unseen Attraction (Sins of the Cities #1) by K.J. Charles
Thanks to real-life drama dragging me down, I’m back on a kick where I just want to read about happy endings. Therefore, K.J. Charles is the perfect author for me to binge-read right now. I’m so glad that a friend recommended that I check out the Sins of the Cities trilogy next, and I read…
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Review: Unfit to Print by K.J. Charles
JLG: October was really stressful for me, in terms of politics and worldwide events. So, comfort reading became a bit of a priority. For the next two months or so, please enjoy this ride through my adventures with the excellent writing of author K.J. Charles. This novella was a delightful read, perfect for a quiet…
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Review: Escaping Solitude (Escape #2) by Sara Dobie Bauer
Disclaimer: I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. The moment I finished part one of the Escape Trilogy, Escaping Exile, I was already clamoring to the author that I needed part two right away. Of course, having completed part two, I’m begging for the conclusion immediately. While some middles of stories or trilogies…
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Review: Escaping Exile (Escape #1) by Sara Dobie Bauer
Disclaimer: I consider the author a friend; I received an electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. The first thing you notice about this novella is the vibrant narrative voice. You learn everything you need to know about the main character and his circumstances within the first chapter, during the inciting incident,…
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Review: A Gentleman Never Keeps Score (Seducing the Sedgwicks #2) by Cat Sebastian
I guess I’m a bit lucky coming to this book as a reader who doesn’t have a lot of experience with “Regency” romances. To me, this is merely an unexpected romance set in an historical era, so I was a lot more forgiving of aspects of the plot that seemed to bother other readers based…
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Review: “The Unexpected Infatuation” by Sara Dobie Bauer
Disclaimer: I consider the author a friend; however, I purchased this short story ebook for full price. I wasn’t sure about this short story at first. I’m not keen on the idea of anyone cheating in a relationship, nor do I particularly find the “gay for you” trope appealing. The writing of this story, however,…
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Review: The Ruin of a Rake (Turner Series #3) by Cat Sebastian
This was a satisfying conclusion to the romantic tales of the extended Turner family. While I was concerned that Lord Courtenay wouldn’t appeal to me as a romantic lead after his introduction in The Lawrence Browne Affair, author Cat Sebastian proves a deft hand at hidden depths that do not negate any of the character…
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Review: “A Case of Spirits” (A Charm of Magpies short) by K.J. Charles
This short story was included in my Kindle edition of A Case of Possession (A Charm of Magpies #2). This delightful short story doesn’t add much to the interpersonal relationship between Lord Crane and Stephen Day, but it does show how Crane and his manservant Merrick have become intricately linked with Day’s world of magician justiciars.…
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Review: A Case of Possession (A Charm of Magpies #2) by K.J. Charles
This was not a long novel, but I think I would have devoured it just as quickly had it been twice the length. I’ve decided that I adore Lord Crane. Like any true romantic hero, he has looks, brains, and money. But his personality, lack of regard for polite society, and familiarity with the world…
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Review: The Soldier’s Scoundrel (Turner Series #1) by Cat Sebastian
I’m starting to see the appeal of romances, especially the ones where a happily ever is guaranteed. I don’t always like the emotional angst characters have to go through to get there, and I’ve discovered that I’m not a huge fan of the “you’re better off without me” trope (it hits a bit close to…
