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. "A Confidential Problem" is a lovely deleted scene that shows David Cyprian and Silas Mason, two … Continue reading Reviews: “A Confidential Problem” and “A Private Miscellany” (Society of Gentlemen short stories) by K.J. Charles

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 … Continue reading Review: Think of England by K.J. Charles

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 … Continue reading Review: “The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh” (Society of Gentlemen short story) by K.J. Charles

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.  The political intrigues in the first two books extended far beyond the arenas of gentlemen's clubs, so … Continue reading Review: A Gentleman’s Position (Society of Gentlemen #3) by K.J. Charles

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 … Continue reading Review: A Seditious Affair (Society of Gentlemen #2) by K.J. Charles

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.  Harry is a charming character who is thrust into a very difficult position. Most of his success can be laid at the feet of Julius, an intriguing … Continue reading Review: A Fashionable Indulgence (Society of Gentlemen #1) by K.J. Charles

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 … Continue reading Review: An Unsuitable Heir (Sins of the Cities #3) by K.J. Charles

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.  The relationship between the mystery and Justin Lazarus is a bit … Continue reading Review: An Unnatural Vice (Sins of the Cities #2) by K.J. Charles

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 … Continue reading Review: An Unseen Attraction (Sins of the Cities #1) by K.J. Charles

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 … Continue reading Review: Escaping Solitude (Escape #2) by Sara Dobie Bauer

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, … Continue reading Review: Escaping Exile (Escape #1) by Sara Dobie Bauer

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 … Continue reading Review: A Gentleman Never Keeps Score (Seducing the Sedgwicks #2) by Cat Sebastian

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, … Continue reading Review: “The Unexpected Infatuation” by Sara Dobie Bauer

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 … Continue reading Review: The Ruin of a Rake (Turner Series #3) by Cat Sebastian

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. … Continue reading Review: “A Case of Spirits” (A Charm of Magpies short) by K.J. Charles

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 … Continue reading Review: A Case of Possession (A Charm of Magpies #2) by K.J. Charles

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 … Continue reading Review: The Soldier’s Scoundrel (Turner Series #1) by Cat Sebastian