Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: At Summer’s End by Courtney Ellis

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: At Summer’s End by Courtney Ellis

This book was my most anticipated book of the summer! The cover, the premise, swoon! Everything sounded so incredible! I couldn’t wait to dive into this one and I can tell you right now that I read it in a matter of days. I could have finished it in one siting but I breezed through it in just 2 days. It was so addicting and if you are a fan of historical fiction then you need to read this one. It boasts a unique romance, complex characters with a rich backdrop full of history and human rawness.

I am a huge fan of WWI historical romances and this should have been right up my alley for that reason alone, but I especially loved the ‘Beauty and the Beast meets Phantom of the Opera ‘ element to the story. But all of the amazing praise I have for this book was slightly tarnished by some of the issues between the characters. While I loved this one, I also felt a little conflicted about how the story unfolded and what kind of message it was sending to readers (more on that soon).

I want to say that I think readers should absolutely read this book without question. It’s well written, interesting, and romantic. But it isn’t without some issues.

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Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Show Girl by Nicola Harrison

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: The Show Girl by Nicola Harrison

I had high expectations for this one. I loved the cover and I thought the premise of the story sounded promising not to mention I love historical fiction with romance so I thought this one would be one of my favorite reads of the summer. While I liked it, I don’t know that it lived up to me high expectations but I did like it and was glad I read it.

The 1920s are not necessarily my favorite time period in historical fiction but I liked the glamour that the time period brought to the story plus I liked how the author used that in this story. I will get into some more of that in my actual review but as for what attracted me to this one, I think the glamour of the cover and glamour of the description was what drew me in and made me say yes to this on.

I know that the 1920s are a big fan favorite in the historical fiction world so I think if you love the 1920s then no doubt you will love this book and not be able to get enough, but for me I had a hard time with some of the characters which is typically how I feel in general about books set in the 1920s. Now don’t get me wrong I love the fashion and glamour but it’s something about the party life style that I just can’t get behind.

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Books, Reading

Special Feature: The Steal by M. J. Rose and C. W. Gortner

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: The Steal by M. J. Rose and C. W. Gortner

Two of my favorite authors created a book baby and it’s The Steal! Both M.J. Rose and C. W. Gortner are outstanding writers in their own right and I am so excited to read this one and see how their unique voices and styles mesh in this historical fiction novel! Part mystery and part romance, this book sounds like it’s going to hit all the high notes for me!

Plus the cover reminds me of an old James Bond film or some other heist film from the 1950s and I am so here for it! I think the cover alone would be a reason to read this book but the story sounds fun too! Forbidden romance and jewels sounds like a wonderful escape from some of the heavier reading I have been doing lately!

This book is out now and receiving great reviews. As I said both Rose and Gortner have written some wonderful historical fiction and mixed in some great romance. Whenever I pick up one of their books, I never feel disappointed and I am looking forward to reading this one. I know that the classic heist style story here will be a hit with readers and fans of historical fiction. I know I have my eye on it for that reason! Be sure to check out all the details below and snag yourself a copy!

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Special Feature: The Other Me by Sarah Zachrich Jeng

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Typically I am not a huge sci fi fan. I have tried a few over the years and it’s just not my genre but I don’t mind thrillers that have some sci fi elements. The mashup typically works well for me and I don’t mind branching out and trying something a little on the new side. That was what drew me to this one—that unique mash up of mystery/thriller and sci fi elements.

I don’t know if I will move it to the top of my TBR list, but there is enough here in the description and in some of the early reviews to give me pause and consider a book that might be a little out of my comfort zone. Some early reviewers have called this one a little strange which would normally be off putting, however I think in this context and genre blending, I think it’s supposed to be strange.

If you are looking for a thriller with a different vibe this summer then I think this book could be just what you are looking for. I liked the concept of making a different choice with the life you have versus the one you might have had. I think this book will explore some interesting concepts and have a very unique feel right from the beginning. I am excited to see what people think of this one and of course it’s on my TBR to check out!

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Books, Reading

Special Feature: The Last Mrs Summers (Her Royal Spyness #14) by Rhys Bowen

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I absolutely adore Rhys Bowen! I have read many of her series and stand alone novels but the Royal Spyness books are my absolute favorite! I have slowly been making my way through the Spyness books and jumping around here and there but I have to admit, I did have to press pause with my jumping around until I am fully caught up in the series because I love reading them in order. Hence why I just have a feature here. Yes the books can be read out of order to varying degrees but I wanted to get the full experience.

I can’t believe there are 14 books in the series now! Bowen’s books never get old to me and Georgie is such an endearing character and I love watching her solve mysteries. The early books are so funny and charming and the magic has continued well into the series for me which doesn’t always happen with some long standing series. Sure some of the books are better than others but overall I have never tired of Georgie!

This latest book sounds like it’s going to be right up my alley because I LOVE gothic elements in mysteries and this one sounds like it’s going to have a bit of a gothic element to it and I cannot wait! I am going to catch up on this series soon just so I can dive into this one…..hell I might even just read it this fall even if I am not caught up because it sounds so good! If you love cozy historical mysteries this is an outstanding series! Pop on over and grab yourself a copy of this latest release!

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