Tag: Romance

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

Review: Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen

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

Review: Beneath a Starless Sky by Tessa Harris

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Beneath a Starless Sky by Tessa Harris

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

Review: All I Want for Christmas is a Cowboy (Wyoming Cowboys #1) by Jessica Clare

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: All I Want for Christmas is a Cowboy (Wyoming Cowboys #1) by Jessica Clare

After reading Holly Jolly Cowboy on vacation, I immediately needed another cowboy book to keep me entertained so I snagged the first book on my Kindle the second I finished with the other book. This series has quickly become my guilty pleasure and I am not even a little bit sorry about it. I love small town romances and this series has made me want to move to Wyoming and buy all the cows and do all the ranch things not to mention transform my husband into a sexy cowboy.

If you are looking for some steamy holiday romances, this series has you covered. Now not every book in the series is a holiday themed book but there are enough holiday themed cowboys in this series to warm you up through the winter. If you are looking for something a little more in the way of sweet romances then move right along as this one is packing some heat.

This was a quick and easy read that I could easily have finished in one sitting but we were driving back from Mt Rainier so I had to take a little break but the second I got home guess what I stayed up reading WAY TOO LATE? You guessed right, this book right here. While note earth shattering literature, it left me feeling happy and in the Christmas spirit which makes it a winner in my opinion!

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

Review: Holly Jolly Cowboy (Wyoming Cowboy #7) by Jessica Clare

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Holly Jolly Cowboy (Wyoming Cowboy #7) by Jessica Clare

I literally have no idea where I saw this book or why but I think it must have been on Amazon and I was like ‘awwww look at that cute dog on the cover’ and next thing I know, this book is arriving in my mailbox. In all honesty, I didn’t think I would read this one. I thought it would be a holiday book that I picked up and then sat on my bookshelf for the next 12 months until next holiday season and by which time I would have forgotten all about. But I left it sitting on my coffee table and that cover just kept calling to me and next thing I know, I am binging this book and ordering all the other ones in the series!

I love small town romances and if they are set during the holidays so much the better! But this is my first cowboy Christmas/holiday book and honestly I want to sell my house and move to Wyoming and ranch cattle with my husband who I plan on buying Wranglers and boots for Christmas. I loved this book a lot more than I expected to. I mean, sure it’s cheesy and honestly a little silly but I loved it and read it so quick—not to mention I downloaded the next book in the series and ordered like all the other cowboy books in this series so that I could have them all at home (I read this one on vacation in the woods!).

If you love holiday cheer and enemies to lovers troupe with a surprising amount of steam then you need this book to warm you up during the holiday season! I mean cowboy romances aren’t for everyone but they sure are for this cowgirl and I cannot wait to read more of this series. While this might be a series, you can most definitely read them out of order. So if this one sounds cute to you then read it even if you haven’t read the others in the series.

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Special Feature: Someone Perfect (Westcott #9) by Mary Balogh

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When my mom first put a Mary Balogh novel in my hands, I was shocked. She handed me this book with a cheesy cover (hello shirtless man in an awkward pose) and I didn’t really know what to say. Honestly I just wanted to put it on my shelf and forget all about the shirtless man with a suggestive look on his face. But then she kept bugging me and bugging me to see if I had read it yet so I did what any good daughter would do and that is read what your mother tells you to.

Besides the frequent references to being a ‘lusty man’, I actually really enjoyed Balogh’s Survivor’s Club series and found a lot to love in her writing and storytelling. Which is exactly why I am so thrilled to be sharing about Balogh’s latest novel, Someone Perfect with you guys today! I haven’t read the Westcott series yet but boy does it sound amazing! While the books are part of a larger series about the Westcott family, I think these can be read out of order based on what I am reading from reviews of the other books. I am going to probably dive in with this one since Justin, the hero, sounds swoon-worthy and I love a enemies to lovers troupe.

The thing I love about Balogh’s novels is the steam level is moderate. The focus is really on the romance and love parts rather than on the sex. She writes interesting and complex characters that have flaws but are still likable. I am eager to start this series and with this book out now, you should definitely take a look! If you love historical romances or have fallen in love with Bridgerton, then Mary Balogh should be on your TBR list!

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