Mini Thoughts
Hello, all!
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| Pub Date: 10-15-24 Adult - Historical Fantasy |
Strange Beasts- Susan J. Morris: Samantha Harker comes from a very well-known family (her father was Dracula's killer, after all), but she's determined to make a name for herself. She works as a researcher at the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena, and while she loves spending time amongst the library stacks, Sam is itching to get out into the field. Sam is a Channel--meaning she can see into objects and people--and has spent most of her life hiding her ability. But when a string of gruesome deaths in Paris tie into her grandfather's disappearance, Sam teams up with Dr. Helena Moriarty, a top agent and daughter of the notorious criminal mastermind. Hel is reluctant to have a partner since her last three have mysteriously died on previous missions, but Sam won't be deterred. Soon, their investigation has them running all over Paris, from grand opera salons to the dark underbelly of the catacombs. Will the pair be able to stop this mysterious beast from killing again before it sets its sights on them?
Once I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read it immediately. A gothic, historical fantasy following the daughters of famous literary characters? Yes, please. The magical/paranormal element was interesting, and I liked learning more about Sam's powers. It was fascinating seeing her use her channeling ability to aid in the case while trying to keep it hidden so she didn't get herself committed. The dynamic between her and Hel was also a highlight. Hel was very brash and a bit standoff-ish, and Sam had this innocent naivety. It was fun trying to see them work together, but I would've liked their relationship more had it just stayed friendly since the romantic element between them felt forced. The pacing was slow, but it helped build tension. I couldn't figure out how the story would play out until the end as pieces started falling into place. I want to see if this will become a series because I'd read more.
Once I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read it immediately. A gothic, historical fantasy following the daughters of famous literary characters? Yes, please. The magical/paranormal element was interesting, and I liked learning more about Sam's powers. It was fascinating seeing her use her channeling ability to aid in the case while trying to keep it hidden so she didn't get herself committed. The dynamic between her and Hel was also a highlight. Hel was very brash and a bit standoff-ish, and Sam had this innocent naivety. It was fun trying to see them work together, but I would've liked their relationship more had it just stayed friendly since the romantic element between them felt forced. The pacing was slow, but it helped build tension. I couldn't figure out how the story would play out until the end as pieces started falling into place. I want to see if this will become a series because I'd read more.
Rating: 3/5
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| Pub Date: 1-21-25 Adult - Historical Romance |
Earl Crush- Alexandra Vasti: Lydia Hope-Wallace is a wealthy wallflower who gets nauseous at the mere thought of social interactions. She's spent the last few years anonymously penning seditious pamphlets and exchanging letters with Arthur the Earl of Strathrannoch, who's charmed Lydia with his political takes and wit. When Arthur's latest letter details his financial crisis, Lydia takes it upon herself to go to Scotland and offer up her hand (and purse) in matrimony. Unfortunately for Lydia, when she arrives at Strathrannoch, Arthur has no idea who she is. Arthur is blindsided by the beautiful woman on his doorstep but is furious to learn that she's been corresponding with his brother, who was pretending to be him. Desperate to track down his meddling brother, the pair soon find themselves amid an espionage plot, and the danger only adds to their growing attraction.
I can't believe it's taking me this long to get into Vasti's books. They are so 👏🏻good 👏🏻. Her writing is tender, fun, and oh-so-romantic. So many moments between Arthur and Lydia tugged at my heartstrings. (The letters? Hello, 911, I'm dead.) Not only did it have me swooning, but laughing as well. I love when a story can be serious and silly, and Vasti excels at that. I never knew where this whirlwind adventure would take our MCs, but I was all in. I related to Lydia on so many levels. She was timid but fierce when she needed to be, and I loved watching her fight for what was right. I also loved how down-bad Arthur was for her. If you're a fan of historical romance or want to get into the genre, I highly recommend checking out her books.
I can't believe it's taking me this long to get into Vasti's books. They are so 👏🏻good 👏🏻. Her writing is tender, fun, and oh-so-romantic. So many moments between Arthur and Lydia tugged at my heartstrings. (The letters? Hello, 911, I'm dead.) Not only did it have me swooning, but laughing as well. I love when a story can be serious and silly, and Vasti excels at that. I never knew where this whirlwind adventure would take our MCs, but I was all in. I related to Lydia on so many levels. She was timid but fierce when she needed to be, and I loved watching her fight for what was right. I also loved how down-bad Arthur was for her. If you're a fan of historical romance or want to get into the genre, I highly recommend checking out her books.
Rating: 4/5
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| Pub Date: 6-4-24 Adult - Historical Fiction |
The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye- Briony Cameron: Jacquotte Delahaye is an up-and-coming shipwright in the small town of Yáquimo, Santo Domingo. Her ambitions are as wide as the sea, and Jacquotte dreams of the day she'll get out from under her father's thumb and make a name for herself. When the Governor of her town is overthrown, Jacquotte and a small group of friends are forced to flee and are taken by the notoriously ruthless pirate, Blackhand. Jacquotte and her friends must rely on their wits and cunning to survive the brutality of Blackhand, but the longer they sail under his banner, the more Jacquotte longs to become a captain in her own right. Soon, Jacquotte devises a dangerous plan to set her and her crew up for life but will see her swinging from the gallows if she fails.
I haven't heard many people talk about this book, but I love stories inspired by real people, so I had to pick it up. What a ride it was! I was hooked from the very first page. Jacquotte was such an incredible main character to follow. She was intelligent, and cunning, and would stop at nothing to reach her goals. I loved watching her journey from being a shipwright to a fearsome pirate captain. I admired her determination to carve a path for herself during a time when women, especially women of color, were looked down upon. I also loved the relationship between her and Teresa, and the dynamic between the side characters. Cameron's writing was action-packed, and thrilling, and kept me on the edge of my seat. If you enjoy historical fiction centering found family, badass female main characters, and adventure, then I highly recommend checking it out.
I haven't heard many people talk about this book, but I love stories inspired by real people, so I had to pick it up. What a ride it was! I was hooked from the very first page. Jacquotte was such an incredible main character to follow. She was intelligent, and cunning, and would stop at nothing to reach her goals. I loved watching her journey from being a shipwright to a fearsome pirate captain. I admired her determination to carve a path for herself during a time when women, especially women of color, were looked down upon. I also loved the relationship between her and Teresa, and the dynamic between the side characters. Cameron's writing was action-packed, and thrilling, and kept me on the edge of my seat. If you enjoy historical fiction centering found family, badass female main characters, and adventure, then I highly recommend checking it out.
Rating: 5/5
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