readclever's reviews
337 reviews

I was excited to read a dark fae world where Mab is icy and manipulative. Unfortunately, the romance was too rushed without a lot of build up, beyond glamour, and Alana seemed to many, many unanswered plot points.

However, the world building and atmosphere were really well done. I loved the way Leclercq weaved the fae and human worlds together. It reminded me a lot of Keats' La Belle Dam Sans Mercy. That drowning optimism, tendrils of gauzy fantasy going horribly wrong.

The court reminded me a lot of Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series in a best way. I could see what the author offered. I even liked Tynan's character, the hunter and prey aspect really intrigued me.

I just didn't buy the fated mates push because Alana was bamboozled and it didn't feel like a choice to continue. And that was such a huge motivation that it dropped my rating quite a bit.

Final rating: 2.5 stars. While the short story wasn't a favorite, I will read more by the author. The world was excellent. I would love more about Mab. She's always a winner for me as an addition.

Champagne, romps, and connection

Rating 4.5/5

Solid friends to lovers story with a mix of only one bed and opposites attract. Wren and Amanda are complex women with their own vulnerabilities.

I took the half star off on the amount of sex in the amount of time. Just seemed a bit of much. It was really well written sex. Some elements felt a bit rushed, again, due to time. But I felt emotional story really worked.

Since half stars aren't allowed, I pushed to 5 stars since my score is based on quibbles. Good, happy, strong story.

Couldn't finish. Erotic scenes felt more like sexual assault. The hero, Michael, assaulted Lady Sarah based on an invitation by someone he'd never met and didn't bother to ask Sarah if she was okay. Sexual chemistry is not the same as rape, especially for such a virginal character like Sarah. Constantly saying no is a clear indication of unwillingness. And Lady Sarah's characterization felt like a cardboard cut out of a 'Regency' lady without any positive qualities. Definitely not an author I'll try again.

Once again murder strikes around Clare. This time she's caught up with a friend's sad end. Clare and her friends' investigation opened up a lot of doors for possible suspects. Definitely one of my favorite Village Blend mysteries.

Lovely look into not only Clare's mind, but Madame's as well. There's a lot of family building and explanations in this book. Definitely worth a read if you're a fan of the series.

Strongest book of the trilogy with a lot more agency for the kids. It didn't feel so ham-fisted at time. I normally love Armstrong's work and I love her Otherworld series especially. Unfortunately, the book felt like the editor may be eliminated some scenes or sections that would have made the ending a little more plausible. I'm hoping the characters end up in another series in the universe at least. To see what they know.