A Necessary Murder by MJ Tjia

A uniquely atmospheric murder mystery

I am a great fan of the classic whodunnit and am always willing to give historical murder mysteries a try. Although interesting, I found this one a little uneven and don't think I will hunt down the preceding or subsequent in the series.

Plot: there are two plots intertwined here - murder and missing person - and I won't spoil how they are tied together. They seemed to take a while to kick in, so after the climax, I had to reread the beginning just to see how what clues were scattered from the start. Both played out satisfactorily, to my mind, though seemed to go over-long with the red herrings.

Characters: the main character, Heloise Chancey, is a bit of an odd duck. She is the main POV but I can't say I really liked or got to know her. Perhaps this is stems from starting at book 2 of a series, but the overall impression I got of Heloise was of a vain, selfish woman who sees the detective thing as a bit of a lark and something to do while her married lover is tending to his pregnant wife. Far more interesting is her mother and maid (yeah, that made me raise an eyebrow), whose POV carried the B plot and whose perspective on Victorian London was altogether unique and compelling.

Setting; I haven't read much in Victorian England, but I liked how in addition to the parlours and parks, we get to see the docks and the immigrant quarters, where immigrant sailors mingle with the outcasts of society. I loved the diversity shown and the writing here is evocative and rich as it draws the reader into a London that I've rarely seen.

Verdict: an interesting mystery with a fascinating and well-written setting, but let down by a main character I couldn't get behind

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own

Headliners by Lucy Parker

Quick note: I would say that unlike the previous novels in the London Celebrities series, this book is not completely stand-alone. I highly recommend reading The Austen Playbook prior to reading this book, and not just because I absolutely adored TAP (Austen murder mystery show, grouch with a heart of gold, absolute ray of sunshine who coaxes him into actually smiling? SIGN ME UP)

Having said the above, let's cut to the chase. Headliners is a great book and an excellent addition to the London Celebrities series. It had drama, banter, and hilarity in SPADES. It had me laughing out loud when I was supposed to be sleeping as I desperately tried to fit in just one more chapter.

The main characters will be familiar to readers of The Austen Playbook as both made their debut there, and much of the initial friction between the two stems from events in the closing chapters of that book. However, after some honest communication, they get past that particular point of difference with admirable grace. Goodness, I do love it when characters actually talk to each other.

There are a few fun cameos from previous books - nothing jarring - and the best scene in this book had me telling absolutely everyone around me. It's this beautiful moment of vindication that is all the more satisfying for being delayed (no spoilers, but you'll know it when you see it). I also loved that there were enough interesting side characters that the author has a wealth of future stories to tell.

Five fabulous stars for a book I thoroughly enjoyed.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley; all opinions are my own

This Earl of Mine by Kate Bateman

An interesting premise but busy execution

While the idea of a marriage of convenience to a criminal is certainly a new one, and enough for me to take a second look, I found the execution a little convoluted and full of holes. What use is a marriage of convenience if one keeps it secret - and if her cousin is willing to force scandal to gain her hand, what makes Georgiana think this would work? The hero also has PTSD, but I felt this was a bit tacked on.

On the other hand, there are some genuinely touching and entertaining moments. Thea is delightful and likeable, even if some of her plans belie her cleverness. I also really liked how Wylde appreciated her for who she was - but would've loved it more if he'd managed to communicate her worth to her in a way which shut down those silly comparisons to her sister.

Wanted to love this book, found it a bit messy.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced reading copy of this book via NetGalley but all opinions are my own

The Gentleman's Deception by Karen Tuft

Lavinia needs to escape her past. Lucas prefers to face his past with a fiancee by his side. A chance meeting provides each with salvation in the form of each other - but how can a relationship built on lies and deception turn into something real?

Well, with great ease, apparently. With many shenanigans and drama along the way, this is a fun fake relationship romance. I enjoyed how they got to know each other and helped each other out. I also appreciate the family reconciliation and difficult conversations that resulted. A touching and genuine romance.

I received an advanced reading copy of this book via NetGalley but all opinions are my own

Rogue Most Wanted by Janna McGregor

It's been a while since I've reviewed - partly due to reading less (thanks, 9-5!) and partly due to less interest in finishing and reviewing some of those books on my shelf.

This review is one that has taken a while to get to as I simply... lost interest as it neared the end. It wasn't a bad book - there was nothing awful about it, but while it was a decent read, I feel a bit misled by the title and blurb. Will is nowhere near a rogue, and this is less a marriage of convenience and more two people trying to convince themselves out of said marriage, when both desperately want it. I also wasn't a fan of the Midnight Crier - while an interesting device, some of the headlines indicate that they have spies within the loyal Caversham household and behind closed doors.

However, Thea was a delightful and interesting heroine, and Will an honourable gentleman (once he gets over his 'woe is me'). They had great chemistry and the entire family sound awesome. I just feel like their story could've been marketed a little better and the last part could've been edited to keep the momentum going.

I received an advanced reading copy of this book via NetGalley but all opinions are my own

The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple

This book will make you cry.

Well, I can't say it will for certain, but it certainly made me cry. When you read these kinds of books, you kinda expect to cry - or at least, I do. I simply didn't expect to be blinking back tears from nearly the first chapter.

It's not that this book is depressing - in fact, it's the opposite. It's the uplifting story of an old man and his friendship with a sick young boy, framed as a magician telling the story to his autobiographer. Not the most elegant of framing devices for a few reasons, but it works.

The shining part of this book is the titular Murray McBride. We meet him on his hundredth birthday, quietly ready to give up on life so he can see his beloved wife again. He is forgetful, crotchety, and terrible with technology. Watching him loosen up and appreciate life again, seeing him build relationships with those around him - it's beautiful.

If you're looking for a good old cryfest about unlikely friendships and living life in the shadow of death, pick this book up. Bring tissues.

Four stars.

I received an advanced reading copy of this book via NetGalley but all opinions (and tears) are my own

Dance All Night by Alexis Daria

A Sweet and Steamy Holiday Novella

I've thoroughly enjoyed my first two forays into Alexis Daria's world of professional dancing. Her characters are vivid and flawed, their relationships tangible with just the right amount of sizzle. This novella is no different.

Nik has always been a roamer, but now he's met someone who makes him want to settle down. The only problem is convincing her of that. Jess gives him three dates culminating on New Year's Eve, otherwise they go their separate ways.

Nik takes full advantage of the holiday season to woo his prospective lady-love - it's a pity she's a confirmed Scrooge! Watching her learn to love the season will melt the heart of any miser. For a die-hard romantic like me, it was the perfect way to spend a few hours.

If you feel like tossing yourself into a glitzy Winter Wonderland (as opposed to whatever is happening with the weather right now, honestly), give this novella a go!

Four snowy stars

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Duke I Once Knew by Olivia Drake

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Award-winning author Olivia Drake begins her new Unlikely Duchesses series with THE DUKE I ONCE KNEW (St. Martin’s Paperbacks; December 31, 2018). With compelling characters and skillful plot twists, Drake’s latest novel will take your breath away.

First love is always the sweetest…

For years, Abigail Linton devoted herself to caring for her parents and her siblings’ children. Now, eager to create a life of her own, Abby seizes upon a position as a governess on a neighboring estate. Unfortunately, her absentee employer is Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, the notorious rake who once broke her youthful heart. But since he hasn’t set foot on his estate for fifteen years, Abby assumes she’ll never have to lay eyes on him ever again. 

Then, from out of nowhere, Max appears. He is stunned to come face to face with the girl next door he fell for years ago—before he went away, and she stopped writing to him … even though Abby swears that he is the one who left her without a word. Could it be that this spirited, witty spinster has won Max’s heart all over again—and that they may have a second chance at love?

REVIEW:

This is a classic second-chance historical romance, embellished with an overbearing family and a jealous rival. Max and Abby were childhood sweethearts, cruelly separated by time and circumstance. When they finally meet again (in one of the most awkward remeetings ever), it seems too much has passed for them to rekindle what once was.

The characters were varied and interesting, even if a few were a bit stock standard. In fact, this was my main quibble with this novel. I enjoyed the read overall, but I didn't find it particularly memorable. 

If you like historical romance, this is a decent read. I would recommend it, but wouldn't call it unmissable.

Three stars.

I received an ARC through St Martin's Press; all opinions are my own. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Olivia Drake is the author of the Cinderella Sisterhood series (Seducing the Heiress, Never Trust a Rogue, Scandal of the Year, If the Slipper Fits, Stroke of Midnight, Abducted by the Prince, Bella and the Beast, His Wicked Wish, and The Scandalous Flirt). She has been a member of Romance Writers of America since 1981, and her novels have won the Golden Heart Award, Best Historical Romantic Suspense and Best Regency Historical from Romantic Times. She has also won the prestigious RITA award. She currently resides in Houston, TX.

Buy this book: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250174376

Author website: http://oliviadrake.com/ 

Author Twitter: @OliviaDrake1

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Olivia-Drake-186133368670/ 

SMP Romance Twitter: @SMPRomance or @heroesnhearts

SMP Romance Website: https://heroesandheartbreakers.com/ 

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