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

Review: Well Played (Well Met #2) by Jen DeLuca

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Well Played (Well Met #2) by Jen DeLuca

I picked up the first book in this series on a whim. I had seen the third book around the social media world and thought it sounded cute but wanted to start with the first book in the series (which I loved by the way!). Naturally I moved on to this second book with a ton of enthusiasm! I downloaded the audiobook for this one as well as the first book. The narrator is the same and I enjoyed her quite a bit. Plus, I can listen at work which is a huge bonus for me!

I have really enjoyed this quirky series. I mean it’s not every day that a Renaissance festival provides a backdrop for a romance series. It’s a fun quirky series that really has some laughs and charming characters but also manages to bring the heat and chemistry between the characters so well.

If you haven’t discovered this series yet you are totally missing out! I have since finished the series to date and I have to say I think I could have skipped around in the series a bit and maybe read the third book Well Matched before this one so if you are wondering if you need to start at the beginning of the series, I would say no but it’s nice to see the characters evolve and make reappearances in other books! This is a fun quick romance series and I adore it!

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

Review: Under the Golden Sun by Jenny Ashcroft

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Under the Golden Sun by Jenny Ashcroft

I was first introduced the Jenny Ashcroft’s wonderful writing ability in her novel Meet Me in Bombay last year and I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t read anything by her before. So when I saw she had another historical fiction novel coming out this year I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. It’s now a foregone conclusion, I need all of her books. I love that she writes historical fiction novels that are set in exotic locations—Egypt, Singapore, Bombay and now Australia.

This book is set in WWII (her other books also have a war backdrop) and I think this is such a wonderful pairing because so many historical fiction novels are set in either Paris or London during WWII and the war was a WORLD WAR meaning it impacted many other areas and I love that Ashcroft takes us to some new and exciting places while theres a war on and explore what impact that war has on said area.

If the history and exotic location wasn’t enough to tempt you, then the romance should. Ashcroft write beautiful romances with memorable characters. I can still recall Meet Me in Bombay and the characters even over a year after reading it! If you want a new refreshing historical fiction novel then look no further. This is a wonderful choice!

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Special Feature: The Love Con by Seressia Glass

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Am I into ‘cosplay’? No. Am I into dressing up for Halloween and other events? Yes. Am I a big ass nerd? Also yes. Am I into quirky romances with costumes and nerdy things? YES. I cannot wait for this book! It sounds absolutely brilliant and guess what? The wait if over! Today this book is out in the world and it’s just what you need for the holidays and any last minute shopping you might need to take care of!

The first thing that caught my eye about this book was the cover. A plus sized woman of color with a white guy? Instantly I knew I needed this one because this book screams B-O-L-D. So many of the romances I read feature a heroine that is always described as ‘petite’, ‘slender’, or my personal favorite ‘slender with curves in the right places’—-ummm what? While I am not plus size, I am muscular with a curvy womanly body. I literally have to buy specially made jeans to fit my booty and thighs because I’m a competitive weight lifter, so when I read about ‘slender’ heroines I instantly feel some what disconnected with the character. There is nothing wrong with writing about ‘petite’ heroines but I also like seeing real women and real bodies celebrated in all their forms.

That is the number one reason I am so excited for this book. The other reason is is features a biracial romance and I am in a biracial marriage so hello this book is basically written for me and I cannot wait to read it. As I said, it’s out today and you don’t want to miss this one. Pick up your copy and maybe snag another for someone on your Christmas shopping list! Seressia Glass is sure to be a hot new bold voice in the romance genre!

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

Review: Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen

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I read one of Julie Klassen’s books a few years ago and absolutely loved it. She reminds me of a modern Victoria Holt and by modern I don’t mean her stories, as they are all historical fiction, but modern in that Klassen is a modern woman and she writes strong, vibrant heroines! I was super excited to check out this latest novel from Klassen so when it came up for review, naturally it was a no brainer as a YES!

In the historical fiction world, there are a ton of Victoria Holt and Mary Stewart fans and for good reason. Their novels really took the small ‘Gothic romance’ genre and brought it forward into the modern era. Now tat both of these talented writers have passed away, I know that I am always looking for a new writer to rise to the top of the Gothic romance genre.

Sure there are plenty out there who claim to be similar to Holt or Stewart, however when I think of an author who is most like Holt I always come back to Klassen. I know a lot of people have described this one as Christie meets Austen which I agree with but I still always think of Victoria Holt when I read Klassen’s books! I just love how well done the romances are and how new the mystery or family secrets feel and this book did not disappoint! If you are looking for an excellent gothic romance with a lovely crumbling and possibly haunted abbey—then look no further! I simply adored this book and I am sure you will too!

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Review: Beneath a Starless Sky by Tessa Harris

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You had me at forbidden romance with this one. I am an absolute sucker for forbidden romances and this book sounded like it had the ultimate forbidden romance—German soldier and a Jewish woman during WWII. I mean come on how could I pass on that? I was super excited to dive into this one. Author Tessa Harris has written two other historical mysteries series (which I now need to read) but this is her first stand alone historical fiction novel.

While her other novels are set in the Victorian era, this one is set during WWII and I thought she did a wonderful job with her historical research and presentation not to mention the romance which is the reason why I am so excited to read her other books! I am a sucker for a well researched historical fiction novel and this one did not disappoint.

It came in at around 350 pages which might seem short by historical fiction standards—sometimes historical fiction novels run long because the authors like to add a lot of historical detail. This one did not skimp on historical details but kept the focus on the characters and romance while keeping the historic details pointed and clear rather than for filler (if that makes sense). If you are a fan of historical fiction you should know what I mean by this. If you need a last minute gift for the historical fiction fan on your shopping list, take a look at this lovely story!

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