Tag: romance

Audiobook Review: An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

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An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Publishing Info: Audiobook by Simon & Schuster Audio UK, narrated by Julia Whelan

Star Rating: 5/5

Back Cover Summary:

From the internationally best-selling author of Sorcery of Thorns comes a breathtaking fantasy story of danger, lust and forbidden love. This is the perfect story for fans of Cassandra Clare, Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series, and Holly Black!

Every enchantment has a price….

Isobel is an artistic prodigy with a dangerous set of clients: the immortal fair folk. Yet when she receives her first royal patron—Rook, a fairy prince—she makes a terrible mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes—a weakness that could cost him his life.

Furious, Rook escorts Isabel to his kingdom to stand trial for her crime, but their journey is full of danger. Forced to depend on each other for survival, will their alliance blossom into something more? After all, love violates the fair folks’ ruthless laws…but are some matters worth the risk?

Although I enjoyed Margaret Rogerson’s two other novels – Sorcery of Thorns and Vespertine – I was unsure about reading An Enchantment of Ravens due to it having quite a low average star rating. However, I’m very glad that I finally picked this one up as I ended up loving it, and am honestly surprised it has such a low rating on Goodreads. Margaret Rogerson’s writing in this novel is just sublime. The descriptions are so evocative and paint such a clear picture, I felt I could truly sink into the story and be enveloped by it. The audiobook narration from Julia Whelan was also excellent.

The novel centres on the romance between a human and a fair one, which causes the protagonist a lot of problems as love between a human and fair one is forbidden. At first, I thought the romance might be a bit rushed at the start, but actually it is given time to grow and develop throughout the book. I was really rooting for these two and willing Isabelle to realise her true feelings.

I loved how the fair folk are depicted in this novel. They are completely inhuman, beautiful and ethereal yet cold and distant, tricky and cunning and dangerous. The atmosphere that the author creates with her beautiful writing is so striking and the way the world of the fair ones is described is both beautiful and disturbing, in a way that it really makes you think about what it means to be human and to feel human emotions, and how cold and hollow life would be without them. 

There are some very amusing moments when Rook is confused by Isabelle’s human needs and emotions. His characterisation throughout is excellent. The way the author describes his expressions and moods is so spot on, I could visualise his character so clearly.

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Recent Reads #1 – Scandal, Mystery and Magic

M.T.Wilson @ The Last Book on the LeftLeave a comment

It’s been a while. This year has ended up being quite a difficult one, and the unplanned hiatus I’ve been on the last few months was certainly far longer than I’d expected. In the spring, my long covid was flaring quite badly and then, because life loves a curveball, I got covid again in June. I had a month off work and another month of reduced hours, before going back to work as normal. The recovery has been slow and I’m still not back to feeling quite myself. But I decided I wanted to try and get back into blogging as I’ve missed doing my hobbies while I’ve been unwell.

Today’s post is a whistlestop tour of some of the books I’ve read while I’ve been away from blogging.

A Lady’s Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin ⭐⭐⭐⭐– While Sophie Irwin’s new novel isn’t a sequel to A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting, it does follow in a similar vein to the author’s first novel. I was once again thoroughly entertained and had lots of fun reading this novel. It was a light and fun historical romance. I’m looking forward to Sophie Irwin’s next book very much! 

Shield Maiden by Sharon Emmerichs ⭐⭐⭐.5 stars – This was an interesting take on part of the Beowulf story I’m not familiar with. I felt very immersed in the historical setting of this novel and the author did an excellent job of including details which really brought the place to life. There were a lot of POVs which gave the novel an unfocused feel – it would have benefited from having fewer. Something just felt missing from this book. There were many great elements, but the way the story was told just didn’t pull me in or leave a lasting impression.

Dial A For Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – This book sure was a ride, and I certainly wasn’t able to predict what would happen next. It’s part mystery, part romance, part family drama. Some pretty odd and unbelievable things happen, and yet I found myself having a great time reading it. This was a really fun read and had some very amusing moments.

Twin Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber ⭐⭐⭐.5 stars – I was immediately drawn into this story and both authors have great writing. There were also quite a few humorous moments which I hadn’t been expecting, so that was quite fun. The story alternates between the POVs of twin princesses who were separated at birth. There were two narrators for the audiobook which helped make the characters’ POVs distinct. Although I was hooked at the start, this book didn’t hold my attention all the way through. There was a lot of backstory, worldbuilding and set up. Perhaps the next book will have more momentum now that all the set up has been done, but I’m not sure I was captivated enough to keep reading the rest of the series.

Hex Appeal by Kate Johnson ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – This witchy romance was such a fun, cosy read. I loved the magical house that shifts its shape and style with the residents’ moods. The humour was spot on, especially in the first half. While the second half took a bit of an unexpected turn which I wasn’t sure about, I still enjoyed finishing this one as I was invested in the characters and their story. Asides from the main character and love interest, there is also a great cast of side characters. I especially enjoyed seeing Josh and Sienna’s sibling relationship grow. The writing style and narration are what drew me in from the start. The author’s writing just really pulled me into the story and the audiobook narrator was just perfect for this book. I’ll definitely be checking out more books from this author and narrator. 

The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain ⭐⭐⭐.5 stars – This was a sweet Regency romance but I felt there was some detail or depth missing in places. It was quite a short book and possibly could have benefited from being a little longer. Some conflicts also felt too easily resolved. Having said that, I enjoyed listening to this audiobook and particularly liked the female friendships the author explored. Though the story is fictional, the idea for the registry of ladies with fortune came from a real, similar historical document, and is an interesting springboard for the characters to meet. The ending was very satisfying with several happily ever afters for multiple couples.

What books have you enjoyed recently? Chat with me in the comments!

Audiobook Review: A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft

M.T.Wilson @ The Last Book on the Left5 Comments

A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Publishing Info: Audiobook by Orion Children’s Books, narrated by Fran Burgoyne

Star Rating: 4/5

Back Cover Summary:

An unforgettable YA regency-inspired romantic fantasy about a seamstress who is sent to dress the prince for his royal wedding – and the scandal she weaves in her wake.

All Niamh has longed for is to be remembered: to create something that will last far longer than she will. For her, that means becoming a renowned dressmaker, using the magic in her blood that lets her stitch emotions and memories into fabric – the same magic that will eventually kill her.

When Niamh is commissioned to design the prince’s wardrobe for a royal wedding in Avaland, she knows she finally has her chance to leave her legacy. But Avaland is far from the fairytale that she imagined. While nobles and the elite attend extravagant balls and candlelit garden parties, unrest brews amid the working class.

Niamh finds herself drawn to Kit, the prince whom she must dress for his wedding, despite his cold, prickly demeanour. And soon, a gossip column reports on their undeniable chemistry between them, threatening scandal. Niamh must decide if reputation should come above all else, whether her magic curse will allow her to experience love, and what cost she is willing to pay for a future she never thought possible…

Threaded with intrigue and unforgettable characters, A Fragile Enchantment is a sweeping romance for the ages.

This Regency-inspired fantasy captivated me with its warm heart and beautiful writing. The opening drew me in and enveloped me entirely. Allison Saft’s descriptions were just so well crafted that I found myself wanting to reread sentences to take in the stunning imagery. The audiobook narration by Fran Burgoyne elevates the reading experience. The narration was so expressive and brings to life each of the characters’ voices excellently. I always knew who was speaking and Fran captures the characters’ personalities in their voices so well.

The chemistry between the main character and love interest leapt off the page. With a grump/sunshine dynamic, I loved their interactions, which often provided humour and brought a smile to my face. There was also something very touching about how they broke down each other’s walls and helped each other grow. There is also an excellent supporting cast of side characters, through which the author explores friendship as well as romance.

The magic in this book is so interesting. Niamh’s magic enables her to sew emotions and memories into the garments she makes, which can be felt by both the wearer and those around them. However, the magic isn’t always predictable and sometimes her own feelings influence the enchantments she stitches, leading to some final results that aren’t always quite what she intended.

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November & December 2023 Wrap Up

M.T.Wilson @ The Last Book on the Left2 Comments

Happy New Year! I can’t believe another year has finished and gone. 2023 had a lot of ups and downs. I’ve not been as active here as I would have liked. Things have been pretty bumpy with my health, but hopefully things will improve as I now have a new diagnosis which will help me manage it better. I read quite a few books in November and December and ended the year by exceeding my 2023 goal of 18 books by reading 22!

Every Duke Has His Day by Susanne Enoch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – This book was absolutely charming and completely fun to read. I was thoroughly entertained the whole way through and laughed on more than one occasion. I adored the romance and was so happy with the ending I didn’t care whether it was predictable or not. Having been feeling a bit down, this was just the book I needed. If you’re looking for something light-hearted and fun, I would highly recommend this book.

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – This is a great YA fantasy with a touching romance and an interesting setting. It kept me reading from start to finish and had a heartbreaking ending. It’s not one of my favourite reads of the year, but I think that’s more down to personal taste than the quality of the book. This is an excellently crafted book and I would definitely recommend it.

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – The final book in the Grishaverse series! I can’t believe I’ve finally reached the end and won’t be returning to this world again. Unless Leigh Bardugo decides to go back to this world at some point, and I would be perfectly happy if she did. Rule of Wolves is a great conclusion to the series. Some old, favourite characters return which made it feel like a homage to the series as a whole and a bit of a farewell tour.

The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – As I enjoyed The Bone Houses, I was looking forward to returning to the same world, with new characters and a new story. This was a fun heist story and there were some great twists towards the end.

Whisked Away at Christmas by Mahi Chesire ⭐⭐⭐ – I was looking for a fun, Christmassy read and came across this on Audible. The story centres around a prestigious baking competition and a second chance romance. While I enjoyed the story, I think I would have enjoyed it more with different narrators, as the ones chosen for this audiobook were a little flat and didn’t bring the story to life.

Sisters of Sword and Shadow by Laura Bates ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – I love Arthurian stories and tales of knights, so I just had to pick this one up when I saw it. The audiobook narration is great and works really well for this one as the writing has the feel of being told a classic tale of brave knights. The ending leaves things open for a sequel and I’d be interested in returning to this world and characters if the author does write another.

I ended the year pretty well, reaching the midpoint of my novel which is really exciting. I’ve been working on it a long time now, so to reach this milestone feels like a great achievement.

What books have you enjoyed this month? Chat with me in the comments!

Audiobook Review: Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall

M.T.Wilson @ The Last Book on the LeftLeave a comment

Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall

Genre: Romance, Historical Fantasy

Publishing Info: Audiobook by Gollancz, narrated by Nneka Okoye

Star Rating: 3/5

Back Cover Summary:

A young noblewoman must join forces with a rumoured witch to conquer an ancient curse in this devilishly funny and heartwarming sapphic Regency romantasy from TikTok titan and bestselling author of Boyfriend Material Alexis Hall – unmissable for fans of Juno Dawson’s Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, Sophie Irwin’s A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting, and Freya Marske’s A Marvellous Light.

It is the year 1814 and Miss Maelys Mitchelmore finds her entry into the highest society of Bath hindered by an irritating curse. It begins innocuously enough, with her dress slowly unmaking itself over the course of an evening at the ball of the season, a scandal she only narrowly manages to escape.

However, as the curse progresses to more fatal proportions, she realises she must seek out urgent assistance, even if that means mixing with the most undesirable company – and there are few less desirable allies than the brooding Lady Georgiana Landrake – who may or may not have murdered her own father and brothers to inherit their fortune.

If one is to believe the gossip, she might be some kind of malign enchantress.

Then again, a malign enchantress might be exactly what Miss Mitchelmore needs.

Having seen mixed reviews for this book, I was unsure whether to give it a go. However, when I listened to the audiobook sample, I found myself completely drawn in by the author’s writing style and the audio narration, so when it came to the end of the sample, I was eager to continue reading.

The novel is narrated from the perspective of Robin, a hobgoblin who decides to follow Maelys in the hopes of collecting a good story. This is an unusual narrative device that will definitely not click with all readers. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I ended up really enjoying this aspect of the story and think it worked very well. The only time I didn’t enjoy the magical narrator, was during spicy scenes. It felt a little strange, intrusive almost, to be seeing these intimate moments from the perspective of a third-party observer.

Although I was never bored, the pacing was slow at times, and for reasons I can’t quite put my finger on, I just wasn’t keen on a lot of the plot choices. It felt meandering. There are also a lot of similar scenes in the second half which made it drag a little. If this book had been shorter, it would have been a much more engaging read. While I was happy enough to continue reading, I was never excited to. Apart from, perhaps, the midpoint which did provide some suspense and tension.

While I liked Lady Georgiana when we first meet her character, her continued meanness and mockery of the protagonist began to grate. Reasons for her to push Maelys away of course come to light, but even so, there was something about her attitude and treatment of Maelys which, rather than being attractive or sexy, was just nasty most of the time.

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Audiobook Review: Make You Mine This Christmas by Lizzie Huxley-Jones

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Make You Mine This Christmas by Lizzie Huxley-Jones

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Publishing Info: Audiobook by Hodder & Stoughton, narrated by Helen Keeley

Star Rating: 4/5

Back Cover Summary:

It’s the golden rule of pretending to be someone’s girlfriend: don’t fall for their sister.

After a year from hell, Haf is ready to blow off steam at a Christmas party: a kind stranger, a few too many drinks and suddenly she’s kissing Christopher under the mistletoe—in front of his ex-girlfriend.

The next day the news is out that they’re apparently a couple, madly in love and coming to Oxlea to spend the festive season with Christopher’s family. But Haf doesn’t have better holiday plans and to save her new friend from embarrassment, she agrees to pretend to be Christopher’s girlfriend for Christmas.

It has the makings of a hilarious anecdote they’ll be telling for years. Until Haf meets Christopher’s sister: the mysterious, magnetic and utterly irresistible Kit. Maybe love was waiting for Haf in this quiet little town all along….

Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Laura Kay and Carol—this is sheer festive joy as you’ve always wanted to see it.

As soon as I heard about Make You Mine This Christmas earlier this year – a romance with queer, neurodivergent and disabled characters in the main cast – I knew this had to be my festive read in December. This book made me laugh and cry, and I had such a fun time listening to the audiobook, which had great narration by Helen Keeley.  

Some parts of this book are ridiculously cheesy, and some parts are just bonkers, but you know what, I loved that. I loved seeing queer and disabled people fall in love and experience all the tropes and Christmassy romance. The main trope here is fake dating, so if you aren’t a fan, this might not be the book for you. I really enjoyed the author’s spin on this trope, and it provided plenty of opportunities for humour and Christmas chaos. I felt the spark and connection between Haf and Kit, and enjoyed the slow burn and romantic tension. They only actually get a few days together, but the chemistry was definitely there right from their meet cute.

Although the romance is, of course, the beating heart of this book, I wouldn’t have enjoyed Make You Mine This Christmas nearly as much without the equally important platonic relationships. Just as much care and attention is given to the friendships in the book as the romance. Seeing Haf’s existing friendship with Ambrose and her new friendships grow was heart-warming.

Make You Mine This Christmas is a cosy and festive read with fantastic rep so if you are looking for a holiday romcom then this should be going to the top of your list!

Audiobook Review: The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India HoltonBook Review:

M.T.Wilson @ The Last Book on the Left2 Comments

The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton

Genre: Historical, Romance

Publishing Info: Audiobook by Penguin Audio, narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden

Star Rating: 3/5

Back Cover Summary:

Miss Charlotte Pettifer belongs to a secret league of women skilled in the subtle arts. That is to say—although it must never be said—witchcraft. The League of Gentlewomen Witches strives to improve the world in small ways. Using magic, they tidy, correct, and manipulate according to their notions of what is proper, entirely unlike those reprobates in the Wisteria Society.

When the long lost amulet of Black Beryl is discovered, it is up to Charlotte, as the future leader of the League, to make sure the powerful talisman does not fall into the wrong hands. Therefore, it is most unfortunate when she crosses paths with Alex O’Riley, a pirate who is no Mr. Darcy. With all the world scrambling after the amulet, Alex and Charlotte join forces to steal it together. If only they could keep their pickpocketing hands to themselves! If Alex’s not careful, he might just steal something else—such as Charlotte’s heart.

Having loved India Holton’s riotously fun The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels at the beginning of this year, I decided it was time to dive into the second instalment in the Dangerous Damsels series. The League of Gentlewomen Witches centres on a new main character, a witch called Charlotte who is destined to rule the Wiccan League after her aunt. The love interest is a familiar face in the form of Captain Alex O’Riley, and many of the pirates from the first book return as well.

While the beginning of the book was excellent fun, I found the middle very slow. I kept reading, hoping things would pick up by the end, but sadly I didn’t find this novel quite as entertaining as the first book. Despite a brilliant first section, it just didn’t hold my attention and wasn’t as funny as The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels.

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Audiobook ARC Review: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

M.T.Wilson @ The Last Book on the Left2 Comments

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Genre: Contemporary fantasy, romance

Publishing Info: Audiobook by Hodder & Stoughton Audio, ARC, narrated by Samara MacLaren

Star Rating: 4/5

Back Cover Summary:

As one of the few witches in Britain, Mika Moon knows she has to hide her magic, keep her head down, and stay away from other witches so their powers don’t mingle and draw attention. And as an orphan who lost her parents at a young age and was raised by strangers, she’s used to being alone and she follows the rules…with one exception: an online account, where she posts videos “pretending” to be a witch. She thinks no one will take it seriously.

But someone does. An unexpected message arrives, begging her to travel to the remote and mysterious Nowhere House to teach three young witches how to control their magic. It breaks all of the rules, but Mika goes anyway, and is immediately tangled up in the lives and secrets of not only her three charges, but also an absent archaeologist, a retired actor, two long-suffering caretakers, and…Jamie. The handsome and prickly librarian of Nowhere House would do anything to protect the children, and as far as he’s concerned, a stranger like Mika is a threat. An irritatingly appealing threat.

As Mika begins to find her place at Nowhere House, the thought of belonging somewhere begins to feel like a real possibility. But magic isn’t the only danger in the world, and when a threat comes knocking at their door, Mika will need to decide whether to risk everything to protect a found family she didn’t know she was looking for….

Thank you so much to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for providing an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a very sweet and charming read that drew me in from the start and enveloped me in warmth and magic. Add to your cauldron a house by the sea, found family, a grumpy librarian, some romance, three children in need of a witch to teach them, an adorable dog, a dash of humour, and a sprinkle of magic, and you have the perfect potion for a heart-warming story.

There are quite a few characters but the author paints each of them so vividly that I felt like I was seeing old friends, and instantly fell in love with the charm of Nowhere House and its inhabitants. Of course, with three young witches unable to control their powers, disaster is sure to follow and there were plenty of opportunities for humour which Sangu Mandanna delivered spot on, and I found myself smiling and laughing at many points as I listened.

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Audiobook Review: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

M.T.Wilson @ The Last Book on the Left4 Comments

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance  

Publishing Info: Audiobook, June 2021, narrated by Elizabeth Knoweldon

Star Rating: 4/5

Back Cover Summary:

A prim and proper lady thief must save her aunt from a crazed pirate and his dangerously charming henchman in this fantastical historical romance.

Cecilia Bassingwaite is the ideal Victorian lady. She’s also a thief. Like the other members of the Wisteria Society crime sorority, she flies around England drinking tea, blackmailing friends, and acquiring treasure by interesting means. Sure, she has a dark and traumatic past and an overbearing aunt, but all things considered, it’s a pleasant existence. Until the men show up.

Ned Lightbourne is a sometimes assassin who is smitten with Cecilia from the moment they meet. Unfortunately, that happens to be while he’s under direct orders to kill her. His employer, Captain Morvath, who possesses a gothic abbey bristling with cannons and an unbridled hate for the world, intends to rid England of all its presumptuous women, starting with the Wisteria Society. Ned has plans of his own. But both men have made one grave mistake. Never underestimate a woman.

When Morvath imperils the Wisteria Society, Cecilia is forced to team up with her handsome would-be assassin to save the women who raised her–hopefully proving, once and for all, that she’s as much of a scoundrel as the rest of them.

Fancying a change of pace, I decided to pick up The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, expecting a historical romance with a dash of adventure. That is what I got, but with a tad more of the fantastical than I had anticipated.

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is bizarre yet brilliant, with Victorian ladies flying pirate houses using incantations, regularly attempting to assassinate each other, capably wielding guns and knives, and drinking tea. The juxtaposition between the well-mannered ladies and their piratical behaviour provided some excellent humour. The magical element is only a small part of the world as aside from the flying pirate houses, there wasn’t any other magic. After my initial bafflement at the concept, the idea was so well integrated into the Victorian world that it quickly seemed normal. Why wouldn’t women fly pirate houses around England?

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December 2021 Wrap Up

M.T.Wilson @ The Last Book on the LeftLeave a comment

It’s the last day of 2021! Today I’m looking back at the books I read in December. I had a bit of a disappointing reading month and felt in a bit of a slump but have been reading The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels over the holidays and it’s fun, ridiculous and hilarious, and just the kind of book I needed to get me out of a slump.

Knot My Type (audiobook) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – I don’t read romance very often but I loved this one. It’s got excellent disability rep and a sweet love story that I really enjoyed.

Girls of Paper and Fire ⭐⭐⭐ – I found this book a little slow and didn’t find it very memorable, though I thought the worldbuilding was interesting. It was a good book, but I didn’t love it. I think it just wasn’t a book for me, but would encourage others to give it a go.

Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare (audiobook) ⭐⭐⭐ – The finale of the Dark Artifices series was a bit of a let-down for me and I was especially disappointed as Lady Midnight was one of her best. Queen of Air and Darkness was just too long and drawn out. I’m glad I finished the series but think the last instalment would have benefited from some trimming.

This month, I have sadly not had much time for writing. It seemed to be a very busy month, and I am still struggling to fully shake off covid. But I am looking forward to continuing to plan my next book in the new year. I’ve had a lot of ideas and can’t wait to start writing again.

What books have you enjoyed this month? Chat with me in the comments!