What I read this week:

Band Sinister by K.J Charles
Historical M/M
October 11, 2018 by KJC Books

I loved this book. Loved, loved, loved. This might even be my favorite romance by KJ Charles. I was scrolling through twitter a while back and came upon a tweet by the author saying that she had gone “Full Heyer” and that there were all the tropes my heart could possibly desire and from that moment on I was all in. Virgin country gentleman forced into close proximity with his dastardly (but not really), rakish Baronet neighbor who is rumored to be a heathen who hosts orgies and has all kinds of disreputable friends? Hell, yes.

The main storyline is rather uncomplicated. The siblings Guy and Amanda Frisby live in the small village of Yarlcote. They are financially dependent upon their aunt and rather isolated from society. Their nearest neighbor is Sir Philip Rookwood, who also happens to be the brother of the man their mother ran away with. To say there is animosity between them would be an understatement. But when Amanda badly breaks her leg while out riding, Rookwood Hall is the closest location where she can recuperate safely. Her doctor says she can’t be moved until her leg starts to heal, and she can’t stay by herself in such a disreputable household. Which means Guy must stay by her side.

Guy and Philip have a sweet, sensual relationship that is lovely as it blossoms and grows. Guy is sheltered in his thinking at first and I believe he is seduced just as much by the radical new ideas and easy acceptance offered to him by Philip and his friends as he is by his desire for his neighbor.  They debate, they argue and laugh. There is music and entertaining dinner discussions about religion and history and the world. Just as Guy’s mind is challenged, his sexuality awakens and he begins to have all these feelings for his neighbor. I loved how their entire relationship was framed around consent. I loved that this couple was completely honest with each other about their feelings for each other, and their feelings for other characters who held important places in their lives. It made their HEA all the more delightful and believable.

I also loved the racial diversity of Band Sinister, and also how different sexual orientations were represented. Philip has a broad, interesting group of friends and I’m desperately hoping that Ms. Charles decides to continue telling stories in this world. For instance I would love to hear more about how Harry and Sheridan met and connected. Pretty please.

Yes, I know. I said loved a whole heck of a lot in this review. But in my defense, this book is really, really good. Go one-click, you won’t be disappointed.

Final Grade: A

GR * AMZ * BN

Sentinel of Darkness by Katie Reus
Darkness #8
Paranormal Romance
October 16, 2018 by KR Press, LLC

This is one of those series that whenever I see a new release I snap it up quickly. They are such easy, quick reads. I didn’t even know who the characters were, or how they were connected within the series, when I picked Sentinel of Darkness up. All I knew was that one of the main protagonists was a dragon shifter and the other a human. Once I started reading it was super easy to understand where this couple fit into this world.

Dagen meets his mate when he is stuck in an elevator with her on his way to a meeting with a local woman about some real estate. It turns out Keva is the woman he was supposed to meet and she knows about the existence of his kind and has a relationship with several members of his clan. Once he meets her, he knows that he is his forever and sets out to woo her. His protective instincts get all riled up when Keva’s abusive ex-boyfriend’s brother comes around and starts terrorizing her. It doesn’t take much for this couple to fall for each other. A few dinners, a dragon out to protect his mate, and BAM… it’s love.

This was another super fast, fun read by this author. Dagen and Keva do have the instalust, instamate thing going on but, I expected it and it worked in this short novella length story.

Final Grade- B-

GR * AMZ * BN

My TBR:

Archangel’s Prophecy by Nalini Singh– I’m right in the middle of this one and so far…!!!!!! I”ll talk more about it in next Monday’s post

Fury by Rachel Vincent – This is the last book in the Menagerie series and I was happy with the way it wrapped up. Review to come next Monday.

Escape by Emmy Chandler– The first book in the Project Veritas series, which is a spin off from this author’s Prison Planet series. It will be available on Amazon and KU on October 25th.