karenmsecrest's reviews
337 reviews

The Legend of Lyon Redmond by Julie Anne Long

emotional lighthearted

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Lovely ending to the Pennyroyal Green series. From the emotional heartbreak of Olivia and Lyon’s breakup to their steamy reunion and an epilogue set 150 years in the future. Maybe it felt like a sweeping epic because Lyon and Olivia are in 10 books? The payoff was worth it. 

Definitely recommend reading in order. Or at least reading the book that precedes this one before reading this. 

Where Have All the Scoundrels Gone by Louisa Darling

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Everything we love about historicals: handsome Duke, graceful heroine, class conflict, bare knuckle boxing, carriages, balls, breaking down the patriarchy, and a happily ever after. 

This is nearly perfect, even though it’s my least favorite trope: mistaken identity. These 2 dummies think they can hide from each other in an eye mask?!? But the resolution is thrilling and the emotional payoff is worth it. 

If you love Sarah MacLean and Lisa Kleypas, this is for you!

Concrete Evidence by Rachel Grant

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Romantic thriller with real-world historical details. The author's note validates the true story behind many of the plot details. A female archeologist is saddled with a seemingly-incompetent intern who is secretly a skilled computer hacker. They're both secretly investigating each other in the office... and in the bedroom. 

The threats of sexual violence are a little heavy handed and the smutty scenes are a little blunt. But it's a fun, adventurous read!

The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi
Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.

Interesting story, great audiobook, but not into speculative fic right now

Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid

funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Funny and quirky with a side of hijinks. A little bit Stephanie Plum and a little bit Sex in the City a little bit Beauty and the Beast. I love a smart heroine and a hot hero. Lots of dialog and banter. Janie is a little bit TOO quirky, and Quinn is a little bit TOO mysterious... but this was a super fun escape.

A little bit of spice, but mostly closed door.

This is my first Penny Reid book, and I'll definitely read more. 

Any Old Diamonds by KJ Charles

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Jewel thieves, a double cross, an unexpected love affair between Alec and Jerry, ann evil Duke, and a wicked stepmother add up to a fun mystery and super spicy story. I cannot overstate how nasty the Duke and Duchess are. 

The first in a series left me wanting more.

It Started with a Scandal by Julie Anne Long

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Part of the Pennyroyal Green series, but can easily be read alone. (I just happened to read this immediately after the book where Valay is introduced: “I Kissed an Earl”). 

Slow burn, forbidden love, wounded hero, banter… Valay and Mrs. Fountain are a perfect match. He’s grumpy, she’s a well-born fallen woman turned housekeeper and incredibly competent at her job. Also, she makes apple tarts. 

I Kissed an Earl by Julie Anne Long

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

A pirate! A dashing earl! A strong-willed but bored heiress! A fight on a ship! 

The ending feels rushed, and it seems like this is a vehicle for advancing Lyon Redmond’s story more than it’s about Violet… the actual main character. 

The ebook version has a number of typos: mixed up pronouns, repeat words, and missing words. 

Not my favorite JAL historical. The Pennyroyal Green series is ok, but Palace of Rogues is better. 

A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

It’s easy to fall in love with these characters while they fell in love with each other. It’s a sweet love story with lots of spice in the last 25%. It’s also a gentle exploration of queer love in the Victorian age. 

The author’s notes and acknowledgments offer valuable insight. 

If you like bicycles (there are a LOT of bicycles), artists, women’s rights, trans rights, English countryside, and love stories… you’ll enjoy this. 

Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Full cast audio recording is A+! This story is mysterious and weird! I’m not typically a sci-go fan, but the audiobook was riveting.