Natalie Al-Otaibi

Amazing story as always but weird narration

Reviewed: 22-01-25

K J Charles once again does not disappoint with fabulous historical world building, amazing characterization of both the leads and the supporting cast. Gareth at first seems a little obstinate and irrational but even then he grows on you significantly from the start. The atmosphere of the marsh is both gloomy and vibrant and the adventures are as usual well thought out and exciting. Not my absolute favourite of her works but Charles is such an amazing writer that it is literally picking best of the best here.
On the other hand the narration is bizzare. The narrator speaks very slowly with awkward pauses that make no sense in the sentence or to emphasise anything. I got used to it and managed to listen all the way through at 1.15 speed and it wasn't too bad. But I am surprised Charles got this narrator as her usual choices are immaculate. But don't let you miss out on the story! get this book via text if you must but it's fabulous!

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K J Charles has done it again

Reviewed: 16-12-24

Every installment I read from K J in any of the series simply takes what Charles does best and elevates it again and again! Everything was perfect and I listened to this one in two whirlwind days straight. The shy, sheltered Duke undercover, the dashing yet damaged not-so-rake to help him on his quest, horde thievery, elopement (multiple yes you heard me), lying to the church, the infamous Lady Wintors hell and return of our favourite fortunehunter and his Heart! From the character development, to the plot, to the bloody humour I love so much from Charles, to the absolutely spectacular scheming... Everything was impeccable. One of my absolute favourites

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fantastic short romp

Reviewed: 15-12-24

Just as the other book in these series, "the Gentle Art Of fortunehunting" , this has all the makings of a historical romcom: unrealistic yet charming meetcute: Check. Broody yet handsome lead and a charming witty and positive second main lead?: Check and check. slimy money grabbing officials and family drama: all the checks. happy ending? : biggest Check of all! K J Charles can truly wrote some gripping horror and some heartfelt fluffy feelgood historical romances! The narration at times was a little subpar as one of the narrators was clearly inexperienced but it does not make the novella unlistenable and I enjoyed my time greatly.

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Interesting concept

Reviewed: 19-09-24

When I listened to this the first time I recall being really in love with the story. However, after going through a few of other works in this genre my mind has changed somewhat. I guess all is clear in comparison. Overall it is one of my favourite time periods (Edwardian England) and my favourite dynamic (enemies kinda to lovers). However the execution is a little disappointing. Reese is supposed to be this fantastic spy but honestly he is kind of shit at his job: exposes himself to his target immediately, clearly misses very obvious signs of subterfuge or lies, keeps being distracted by counts advances and basically screams suspicious. It is obvious the writer has no idea how spies operate and this really pulls us out of the immersion. Now to the count, while he is extremely lascivious and reckless, at least his behavious is explained quite well and honestly I find him to be an amazing character. In comparison with Reese it just hurts my literary heart to have one character so well developed while the other is just all over the place. It would have been better if Reese was a canonically horrible spy and this was a comedy. There is a lot (and I mean A LOT) of smut in this. Honestly too much. The moment some sort of interesting plot point comes up or situation develops, they immediately are all over each other. I have read many M/M novels and this is an anomaly with 60% smut and 40% plot. Maybe some people like that but I disagree. Narrator did his best but his intonations were a bit off and he struggled a little with pacing. Otherwise a solid 4 stars.

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Yet another masterpiece of creative types

Reviewed: 13-08-24

This series by Chambers and Malcolm is one of my favourites. The first book "Total creative control" is my favourite of all time with this one coming a close second. Tag is my cinnamon bun boy that I love and will defend with my last breath. Jay is a more complicated individual and at first seems haughty and aristocratic. But as we get to know him better we realise the level of damage done to his mental health when he was young and the only cure would be our sunshine boy Tag! The plot is engaging and even if you sort of know what will happen it still takes you by surprise. The writing : impeccable, narration: stunning, do I want another book in this series from these two authors: 1000%!!!

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1 person found this helpful

The mystery is brilliant!

Reviewed: 28-04-24

I am a big fan of Fox and have consumed most of her works within the last year. While this is a wonderful novel with a gripping mystery, emotional turmoil, harrowing events and great characters that develop and grow throughout the story together, in my humble opinion it is not one of her best. First of all I have no comments on the mystery, the way it developed and the way it was revealed. That was amazing. My tiny gripe is with the character of Daniel. While his behaviour is fully understandable due to circumstances I shall not name (lest I spoil the whole book), it appears that he tends to act very immature for his age. Maybe it is just me but I found him a little ditsy, which with the stakes that he is dealing with is a little infuriating to the reader. But these are just nitpickings of a fan thar has read the full breadth of Fox's masterpieces and is simply comparing them to each other. Definitely I recommend a read.

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Amazing narration

Reviewed: 15-02-24

While suffering a little from the excess of P without Plot, the plot we do get is actually pretty good. The Characters are believable, one young and green but not naiive, the other older and jaded but a romantic at heart. Their chemistry is palpable and the story about a young man having to deal with a more experienced (and baggaged) partner is a classic. Overall I loved it but as a historical buff the inconsistencies kept pulling me out of the Regency era. They are not too horrible as to be a crime against literature as some historical romance novels do (which shall not be named) but dont expect K J Charles or Harper Fox level of attention to detail and excellence. For what this book is trying to be it is doing a good job and I would recommend it.
Collin's narration is impeccable as always.

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Mediocre plot but excellent "plot"

Reviewed: 08-02-24

The story isn't bad per say for its length. the characters are understandable and likeable. However they do not get developed much and the conflict near the end feels added on for "drama" but makes little sense in my opinion. Not a literary work of art but honestly its not trying to be. For what it ultimately is, a PWP novella, its actually pretty good. The performance is fantastic though 10/10 narration.

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Inception

Reviewed: 07-02-24

Well! I have been following this story for a while now and the way Fox writes can be very mystical and downright trippy. But this installment takes the cake. From the beginning with Tamsin performing more and more miracles to the sudden jumps in reality where neither the reader nor the characters have any idea what is real and what is not. From terrible events that shake the everyone to their core to beautiful gatherings of fated individuals to heal the world. This novel also builds on the previous novella in making Gideon out to be very supernatural in and of himself and not just his hubby Lee. While sometimes a little confusing during the read, by the end a lot of things are resolved but left on a cliffhanger! Thankfully the next installment is available but dear god was it a satisfying read! Highly recommend to any fans of the series! Newcomers need to start at the beginning otherwise this novel will probably make very little sense.

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Gripping storyline

Reviewed: 18-01-24

Harper Fox is at her best when she gets a seemingly simple setting: historical medeval monastery beset by vikings, and transforms it into a tale of magic, mystery, love, spiritualism and profound existentialism. Her books are so real and raw and oftentimes take the reader to places that they did not expect or want to go but absolutely had to. In the end though the paths always converge and a happy ending is reached. This book is up there for me. Beautiful tale of a life of a man struggling with faith, honour, doing what is right in the face of adversity and zealotry to instead be human. The setting is so compelling and reminds me of an episode of vikings but just told from the monk's perspective. except it is much better written and more profound. mut the mystique of that periof of human history and the brutal survivalism that is required is an amazing ground for romance in my opinion. I like every single character in this book. Kai, Fen and Dunnan are my absolute top 3. Even the absolute villains. Because Fox makes them so compelling and understandable. She does not excuse the evil as a mere misunderstood person as many authors do. Her villains are truly vile but you do understand their logic and where they are coming from. A few times in this book i have gasped and held onto my heart as I had no idea what would happen. I would highly recommed this book and every work of this author!

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