Lisa Kleypas strikes me as a somewhat traditional author of historical romance. Which isn’t to say that she’s boring or stuffy, because she can write great smolder and steamy love scenes. I’m not entirely sure that I can put my finger on what makes me think this way, but I have an impression of her as an author whose idea of rebellion against romance conventions is a wink rather than a thorough upending. None of that is to pass any kind of value judgement on […]
Any Dare Will Do
What another delightfully funny, steamy, and romantic story from Tessa Dare. It’s the totally fantastical story of how Griffin York, Duke of Halford, wakes up confused in a carriage one day, having been abducted by his mother. She’s plain fed up with not having grandchildren, with Griffin well into his thirties and seemingly resolved not to marry, so she’s absconded with him to Spindle Cove with the idea that he, once and for all, will be forced to choose one of the women there and […]
Say yes to lady brewmasters
I’ll read essentially any historical romance recommended by Mrs. Julien or Malin, and particularly one whose review earns a comment from beloved author Courtney Milan. So that’s how my attention was drawn to Say Yes to the Marquess, which is now my favorite historical I’ve read since The Suffragette Scandal. Catnip alert: Beer. I am way, way, embarrassingly into craft beer. I have even brewed myself. The intersection of beer knowledge and ambition with “Surprise! Ladies beer too!” knowledgebombing was just the most delightful thing. So here’s a […]
Unexpectedly Histrionic Historical Romance
A new release, The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy is the fourth book in Julia Quinn’s Smythe-Smith Regency romance series. I feel like all of my reviews of her recent novels are repetitive, to wit: Julia Quinn is an excellent gateway author for people who want to try Regency romance. The writing is light and fun. Deft is the word I always come back to. Since her Bridgerton series, her quality has fallen off a bit. The Bridgerton series is really strong though. It has […]