Book Review: The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

Author: Sara Raasch

Title: The Nightmare Before Kissmass

Series: Royals and Romance #1

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, LGBT

Format: ebook

Pages: 357

Published: October 8, 2024

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Nicholas “Coal” Claus used to love Christmas. Until his father, the reigning Santa, turned the holiday into a PR façade. Coal will do anything to escape the spectacle, including getting tangled in a drunken, supremely hot make- out session with a beautiful man behind a seedy bar one night.

But the heir to Christmas is soon commanded to do his duty: he will marry his best friend, Iris, the Easter Princess and his brother’s not-so-secret crush. A situation that has disaster written all over it.

Things go from bad to worse when a rival arrives to challenge Coal for the princess’s hand…and Coal comes face-to-face with his mysterious behind-the-bar hottie: Hex, the Prince of Halloween.

It’s a fake competition between two holiday princes who can’t keep their hands off each other over a marriage of convenience that no one wants. And it all leads to one of the sweetest, sexiest, messiest, most delightfully unforgettable love stories of the year.

Review:

I was scrolling through some Halloween books on my Libby app and then I stopped dead when I came across this one. I knew I HAD to read it!! 

Coal used to love Christmas until Santa, his dad, turned it into a PR facade. He wants to escape it and avoid even, but he is the heir to Christmas. However, duty calls and now duty is making him marry his best friend and the love of his brother's life....the Easter Princess. Things get even worse when a rival arrives to challenge Coal for the princess' hand.......the prince of Halloween, Hex. Funnily enough this is the same mystery man that kissed him years ago at some seedy bar. This fake competition between the two holiday princes will lead to a messy, but sexy holiday season. 

This was really amusing. I had a good time following Coal around. He is a hot mess but a hot mess with a big heart. Hex was dark and smexy.

This concept was a lot of fun and I loved how holidays are pretty much like countries. So refreshing and different!!

I enjoyed every bit of this story, but I really cringed at the text exchanges. They were aiming to be funny and modern, but it didn't vibe with me for some reason. Super awkward attempt at humor for me. 

Other than the texting threads, I had a lot of fun. I loved watching the fake engagement competition. I loved the princess. I loved Kris. So fun.

Minus the cringey texts, I would 100% recommend this. It was entertaining and you can't help but root for this adorable couple. 

4 stars from me. 

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #29

- Romance Reading #22 (MC is a royal)

Book Review: Yours for the Season by Kate Cochrane

Author: Kate Cochrane

Title: Yours for the Season

Series: Puck Struck #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, LGBT

Format: ebook

Pages: 352

Expected publication October 28, 2025

Where I got It: My shelf (Given to me for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

Making the yuletide gay

JT Cox never quite fit into Hart’s Landing. Playing on the boys’ hockey team and coming out young didn’t help. Now, thanks to an Olympic gold medal, JT’s name is on a sign greeting visitors to her hometown. Her family of artists and creatives still treat her as an odd duck, but elsewhere there’s a warm welcome. Especially from her best friend’s older sister, newly divorced Ali Porter.

Single for the first time since high school, Ali is ready to take the reins of her own life. She’s never had the chance to date another woman, and JT is an irresistible force of nature. When they team up for the town’s holiday contest, cocoa tasting and gingerbread decorating give way to snow-melting chemistry.

If teenage JT thought Ali was the prettiest girl on the planet, adult JT is completely smitten. But JT can’t see herself living in Hart’s Landing again and Ali can’t imagine leaving her job and her newly purchased home. And with Ali’s mom trying to plot a reconciliation with her ex, this holiday season might be bittersweet…or the start of something magical.

Review:

I meant to wait a bit before reading this, but I needed some holiday joy. 

Here we follow Ali and JT. The two have known each other for years. Ali is JT's best friend's older sister. Ali is finally free of her stuck-in High School husband and is ready to move on. JT never quite fit in and always felt like the odd duck out. This has all changed and everyone wants a piece of JT after she won an Olympic gold medal. When they team up to take on the holiday contest, they realize there is a strong chemistry between them. However, JT doesn't ever want to move back to Hart's Landing and Ali can't imagine leaving her job. 

This is technically book 2 of the series, but it did well as a standalone. The first book was about another couple. I totally forgot I wanted to read book 1 first...oh well. This was fine. 

The two had a lot of family stuff to deal with and I felt so bad for them. Screw both of their families (minus Ali's brother). Honestly, I think they both needed therapy because a lot of the hurdles they face were internal. But they were an adorable couple and I adored them soooo much. They deserved all the love!

Don't even get me started on KYLE. >_> Ugh. Such a stereotypical jerk. 

Awwww this made me miss Christmas!!!! I want some hot chocolate now!

I did enjoy this overall, but I did feel that some of the side characters seemed so 2D and in some case pretty stereotypical. 

All-in-all, this was a very sweet romance between two gals who deserved all the love in the world. I loved that couple!!! The side characters needed some fleshing out since they felt so 2D to me. This was adorable and a nice Christmas read. 4 stars from me. 

 

Favorite Character(s): Ali and JT

Least Favorite Character(s): KYLE!

2-in-1 Book review: Trick Shot and Puck Shy by Kayla Grosse

Author: Kayla Grosse

Title: Trick Shot

Series: Brother Puckers #1

Genre: LGBT, Romance, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 189

Published: November 1, 2023

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Leo McKnight, an identical twin to a famous hockey player, finds himself caught up in a case of mistaken identity on Christmas Eve.

When Leo unexpectedly bumps into the captivating Riley at the airport, he's both amused and intrigued by her assumption that he's his renowned brother. Embracing his mischievous side, Leo decides to play along, relishing in their flirty banter and clever exchanges.

But as fate would have it, their flight gets canceled, and Leo seizes the opportunity to spend more time with Riley. With a devilish glint in his eye, he invites her to spend the night at his penthouse. With an intriguing woman, his best friend Jace, and a whole night of possibilities ahead of them, Leo has all the ingredients for what promises to be a memorable Christmas Eve.

Review:

Who doesn't want a nice smutty Xmas story in June? Stumbled upon this while looking for something else and it seemed like a nice quick read. 

Leo finds himself being mistaken for his twin brother who is a famous hockey player. It happens enough, but he doesn't correct Riley because there is something about her and he wants to take her home. The further they go the harder it is to tell her the truth even though his partner, Jace, knows it is not a good idea to keep it from her. Things escalate and they will spend a holly, jolly Christmas with each other. Sometimes miracles happen. 

This was 90% smut and 10% story. Which was fine, but man...I think I needed another 10% to really enjoy it. Yes, I enjoyed the smut but I think I needed more talking especially after the reveal. No spoiler here but YOU KNOW it comes out eventually. Love an insta-love, but this needed more. 

Jace is a sweet bean. 

Leo was nice, but dumb dumb. 

Riley was an angel. 

Very smutty...very Christmas-y. Fun, but I needed just a smidge more story. 

3 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Jace

Least Favorite Character(s): CHAD

 Challenge(s):

- Romance Reading #18 (LGBT)

Author: Kayla Grosse

Title: Puck Shy

Series: Brother Puckers #2

Genre: LGBT, Romance, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 206

Published: January 1, 2024

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

LUCAS MCKNIGHT, is the center for the Seattle Stormbreakers hockey team, and a famous actor. You’d think his life would be made, but he’s going through a dry spell—in more ways than one.

One of his teammates is tired of watching Lucas suffer, and with a little convincing, entices him to attend a masked Valentine’s Day party for a night of distraction. Little does he know; this night will change the game.

Lucas meets a mysterious woman in a red mask, and their chemistry is both instant and undeniable. After one little taste of the lady in red, his dry spell is broken, and after a fresh win on the ice, Lucas wants more. He’ll stop at nothing to find her.

Only, he doesn’t have to look far. It turns out the woman behind the mask, is STEVIE HARPER. As in, the sister of his twin brother’s partner. Future sister-in-law or not, Lucas isn’t giving up that easily.

Determined to keep Stevie close, Lucas offers her a job, hoping to explore what’s between them. Stevie agrees but insists on a platonic arrangement, she doesn’t mix business with pleasure. Only, their pact to remain professional quickly becomes a complicated dance, as they skate the blurred lines between friendship and something more.

When it comes to the game of love… there’s more than meets the ice.

Review:

Okay - I had to read book 2 because I wanted to see more. We get to see our throple make an appearance here and there. PLUS Leo's brother is going to find love too? Yayyyyy.

Here we follow Stevie and Lucas. Stevie is Riley's sister and Lucas is Leo's twin. They meet at a masked Valetine's Day sex party. It is love and lust at the same time. They share an incredible night but it was one single night....but then they run into each other and realize who each other is. Stevie doesn't do relationships especially not with her boss. So when he offers her a job there can be nothing more than friendship. 

NOW this was fun. I feel like this had the perfect blend of story and smut. Still EXTREMELY SMUTTY but a story I can get behind. They get to know each other for a bit before they explore more and I was here for it. 

It was so nice seeing the gang from the last book and seeing them out and interacting. Loved seeing them with their HEA. It made me appreciate this one even more. 

But yes, this was a nice quick read. 4 stars from me. 

Favorite Character(s): Lucas *fans self*

Least Favorite Character(s): mmmmmm no one. 

Graphic Novel Review: Heartstopper V5 by Alice Oseman

Author: Alice Oseman

Title: Heartstopper

Series: Heartstopper #5

Genre: LGBT, YA, Romance, Graphic Novel

Format: ebook

Pages: 336

Published: December 7, 2023

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. The bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel about life, love, and everything that happens in between: this is the fifth volume of the much-loved HEARTSTOPPER series.

Nick and Charlie are very much in love. They've finally said those three little words, and Charlie has almost persuaded his mum to let him sleep over at Nick's house ... But with Nick going off to university next year, is everything about to change?

Review:

Book 5!!!! Weeeee!

We continue on Nick's and Charlie's journey of love and awkward teen years. Nick is a year older and is going off to university next year. What university? How far? Will their love be able to make it? At the same time of Nick deciding where he wants to go, Charlie is still battling his demons. 

Now that I have this finished....I'll have to wait for the next one. UGH wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen????? The ending left me needing to know what is going to happen. I guess I have the show I can finish (gah. I only did season 1...so behind).

I hope they can stay together, but it is hard being school sweethearts and then college...especially if the go far away for college. I do worry about them and what the future holds. 

Seeing Charlie blossom is amazing. He's had a journey and I'm so happy to see him finally loving himself. 

We got to see some other subplots and character development with our sides. It didn't take away from our mains. Beautifully done!

The art is cute and perfect. 

My only issue is that it felt....slow. Lots of repetition. Enjoyable overall, but my eye did twitch a little bit. Yes, I get we are seeing their inner monologue, but it did get....old. 

I can't wait for the next one. I believe the next one might be the finale....or close to the finale. 

4 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Amusing

Reading Challenges: 

- Library Love #35

Book Review: Halloween Werewolf by Kestra Pingree

Author: Kestra Pingree

Title: Halloween Werewolf

Series: The Holiday Shifter Mates #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance, LGBT, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 135

Published: September 22, 2018

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

A wolf howls on the mountain.

Austin’s heart skips a beat.

It’s been a long time since he heard that sound.

And it brings back memories.

Review:

This was a freebie and I had to have it. One, Halloween season bebe! Two, can't resist a PR. Three this is a M/M PR which is a rare thing. Weeeeeee!

Here we follow Mateo and Austin. They were friends when they were younger and they both had a crush on each other. Things happen and Mateo has to leave. Years past and Austin has been trying to get over his silly crush, but he can't shake the memories of Mateo. Mateo comes back to town to get revenge for his parents and he comes across Austin. The love is rekindled and they can't and won't be separated anymore. However, Mateo still needs to stop the murdering of shapeshifters. 

This was cute. I liked Mateo and Austin. It was insta-love, but they have a past so it didn't bug me. They both crushed on each other hard for years even after Mateo had to leave. 

The baddies are bad. Grrrrr. I'm with Mateo murder them. 

Honestly my only complaint was that I wanted more of their past. I would've loved to seen some flashbacks here and there. I would've loved to see them young and crushing madly over each other. Eeee. Also, I would've loved to see them together longer. Maybe more interaction and dates?

All-in-all, this was cute and short. A nice romance with some baddies that need to be stomped out to save other shifters. I would've liked to see more flashbacks of them being young and maybe more dates. I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Delightful 

Graphic Novel Review: Heartstopper V4 by Alice Osema

Author & Illustrator: Alice Osema
Title: Heartstopper

Series: Heartstopper Volume 4
Genre: Graphic Novel, LGBT, YA, Contemporary, Romance
Format: ebook

Pages: 320
Published: May 6, 2021
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Charlie didn't think Nick could ever like him back, but now they're officially boyfriends. Charlie's beginning to feel ready to say those three little words: I love you.

Review: 

I'm loving this series SO much. It's so dang sweet and....real. 

We continue following Charlie and Nick on their journey of young love. Things get a little heavier in this one. 

Not only do they want to scream "I LOVE YOU" to each other, but both are so scared and unsure.....we also get to glimpse at some of their demons. They both don't have the perfect family life. Charlie's mom is having a hard time trusting him. Nick's brother is a monster and his dad is absent. He's a 1 time a year father. 

We also dive into Charlie's mental health issues and eating issues. I'm sure a lot of it stems from that whole year he was bullied to the point the police should've been involved. Poor kid....Charlie is so sweet and didn't deserve that at all. :( 

Don't get it twisted...even with the heavier plotline here it is still light and YA. It just made their world seem more real....and it makes you adore them even more. You want them to be happy and have the perfect life. We all know life isn't like that though......

But yes. This is still really good and I want more! MORE PLEASE!

5 stars. I loved that it went a little darker and we get to see more behind each character. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Beautiful

Challenge(s):

-  Library Love #22

Book Review: Crown of Hearts by Judith Lynne

Author: Judith Lynne

Title: Crown of Hearts

Series: Lords and Undefeated Ladies #4

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 539

Published: April 30, 2021

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Does Anthony's lonely past doom him to a lonely future?

He's never breathed a word of who he was before he ran away from home. Now someone knows who he is.

Worse, brazen David Castle knows what he likes.

Anthony's survived by being what others want him to be. He's given up on finding the grand passion of his dreams. The little girl he took under his wing so long ago has asked for just one more thing: to know the fate of her mother.

David Castle is a terrible rake behind that English rose complexion. He thinks taking his lumps is a fair exchange for having every indulgence Anthony doesn't: family, neighbors, and pleasure wherever he can. He's never left London before, but he's always game for anything; how hard could it be?

When circumstances force Anthony to take David along, they'll both have to decide what would be worse: if they killed each other along the way, or if they fell in love.

Review:

Grabbed this and didn't realize it was part of a series until a few chapters in and I checked Goodreads. LOL Whoopsies. Lucky for me it worked perfectly well as a standalone. I'm sure we got to meet some of the past characters but it didn't impact the story. 

Here we follow David and Anthony. Anthony had a lonely past and is carrying a mighty secret of who he was before he ran away. Now....someone knows who is he and what he likes. David is a terrible rake and he is up for anything. When circumstances force Anthony to bring David along, they'll have to decide what would be worse....if they kill each other along the way or if they fall in love.

Like I said earlier...this did well as a standalone. I had zero idea about past event. If it was important we were told. I can assume who some of the other couples might have been in the past three books, but it was fine. I did have a couple of questions, but it didn't slow me down.

Anthony's true identity was great! What a fun twist. 

David was annoying but I grew to like him. They seemed perfect for each other.....after a while. At first I was not sure these two would make a good couple but after a certain scene it clicked for me. 

This was a lot of fun but there were scenes that dragged ON AND ON AND ON. Like okay, I get it. Let's skip ahead a bit. 

The epilogue was very sweet. I loved seeing these men worry about their friend. It was cute. 

All-in-all, this was a nice love story. I am curious about the other three books ahead of this one. It'll be fun to see them all be curious about the mysterious Anthony. Some scenes dragged on a bit and I didn't buy the couple at first. However, everything worked by the end and I enjoyed myself. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Delightful

Challenge(s):

- Romance Reading Challenge #20 (LGBT)

Graphic Novel: Heartstopper V3 by Alice Osema

Author & Illustrator: Alice Osema
Title: Heartstopper

Series: Heartstopper Volume 3
Genre: Graphic Novel, LGBT, YA, Contemporary
Format: ebook

Pages: 320
Published: January 1, 2018
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Charlie didn't think Nick could ever like him back, but now they're officially boyfriends. Nick has even found the courage to come out to his mom.

But coming out isn't something that happens just once, and Nick and Charlie try to figure out when to tell their friends that they're dating. Not being out to their classmates gets even harder during a school trip to Paris. As Nick and Charlie's feelings get more serious, they'll need each other more than ever.

Review: 

This series is just so cute so far! I still need to watch the next season of the show. But full steam aheaddddddddd!

Nick and Charlie are finding their groove as a couple. However, coming out isn't easy and isn't something that just happens once. They will struggle to figure out when to tell their friends and family (who don't already know). It gets harder when the school takes a trip to Paris. The city of Love. 

What I love about this is that we do get a couple of side stories, but the main focus is Nick and Charlie. They are adorable and sweet and they deserve each other. 

There is some worry about Charlie by the end of this. Does Charlie have an eating disorder thanks to the year before when he was bullied relentlessly? Ugh poor kid. I do worry that this may throw in unnecessary drama. But we shall see. 

We get to see a little bit of Nick's relationship with some more of his family. F his brother and F that father of his. GRRR. Nick is a gosh dang angel. 

So very sweet and so very easy to read. I'm trying not to devour the series. 

The animation is adorable. 

All-in-all, this series is great. It is so very YA, but not cringey which is a huge bonus. Just a sweet tale of love. 4 stars for this one. 

 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Sweet

Challenge(s):

-  Library Love #19

Graphic Novel Review: Heartstopper, Volume 2

Author & Illustrator: Alice Osema
Title: Heartstopper

Series: Heartstopper Volume 2
Genre: Graphic Novel, LGBT, YA, Contemporary
Format: ebook

Pages: 320
Published: January 1, 2018
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Nick and Charlie are best friends. Nick knows Charlie's gay, and Charlie is sure that Nick isn't.

But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is discovering all kinds of things about his friends, his family ... and himself.

Review: 

Awwww! I have to read more of these. The story and the art is so adorable!

We continue were we left off in V1. I guess a spoiler...but Nick and Charlie are best friends. We left off when they kissed and Nick took off. Charlie has been openly gay for a long time and Nick thought he knew himself...but after meeting Charlie...is there more to himself? 

BE WARNED! Some spoilers are ahead!!

I simply adore Charlie. He is so sweet and kind and really helped Nick. He didn't hold it against Nick for needing sometime to figure out himself. No pressure to make Nick come out. I really loved this. 

We get to see Nick try to figure out himself and his mates. He has some not nice friends (dang popular boys) to deal with. And telling his mom? He is scared. I loved how the scene with his mom was dealt with. It broke a tear to my eye. So sweet. I love his mom! I loved that WHOLE scene. 

The ending was simply adorable! I can't wait to read V3!!!

The art is adorable and fits the vibes very well. 

I'm loving this series so much. The characters are very sweet. We have a couple meanie weanies that Nick used to be slight friends with. Hopefully they can grow up. 

Giving this a 5 because I can and I will. 

 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Sweet

Challenge(s):

-  Library Love #16

Graphic Novel Review: Heartstopper Volume 1

Author & Illustrator: Alice Osema
Title: Heartstopper

Series: Heartstopper Volume 1
Genre: Graphic Novel, LGBT, YA, Contemporary
Format: ebook

Pages: 288
Published: January 1, 2018
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more...?

Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn't been too great, but at least he's not being bullied anymore. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He's heard a little about Charlie - the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months - but he's never had the opportunity to talk to him.

They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn't think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner...

Review: 

I watched the TV show a couple years back (I still need to watch season 2 - whoops) and I've been meaning to read the original works. 

Here we follow Charlie and Nick. Charlie is high-strung and an over-thinker. He's been openly gay at his school. Nick is a kind boy who plays rugby. They meet when they are partnered up and a friendship quickly blooms. However....could there be more? 

The story is beautiful and I love these two together. Charlie is adorable and Nick is so dang sweet. 

I also really love the illustrations. So beautiful and impactful. 

Charlie and Nick really need each other and deserve each other. Charlie had a terrible year after coming out and then BEN showed up. Grrrr. Ben is shit. 

This is just so sweet and adorable. 100% recommend. 

5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Adorable

Challenge(s):

-  Library Love #15

Book Review: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Author: Travis Baldree

Title: Legends & Lattes

Series: Legends & Lattes #1

Genre: Fantasy, Cozy Mystery, Romance, & LGBT

Format: ebook

Pages: 296

Published: February 22, 2022

Where I Got It: My Shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.

The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won't be able to go it alone.

But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

Review: 

I have had my eye on this for a little while, but never pulled the trigger. Not sure why but just never did it. It was picked for book club, so I'm glad I'm finally getting the push I needed. 

Here we follow Viv who is hanging up her sword. She is done with adventure. She wants a quiet life and opens up the first-ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. Not only does old and new rivals stand in her way to success, but so does the fact that no one in this area knows what coffee is. 

If you like DND you would truly appreciate this. Heck, even if you don't know a lick about DND I think you would enjoy this too. There is fantasy, coffee, a cozy mystery, and a sprinkle of love. Very cozy indeed. 

Originally, I planned to count this as a book for my Romance Reading Challenge, BUT the romance element was SO small I would forget about it until something happened. Yes, there are some other moving parts going on so romance isn't the key element or focus......but I simply think there wasn't enough focus on it for it to be counted as a romance. I wish there had been more. This is def a PG-rated book, BUUUUUUUUUT there could've been more focus on Viv finding the love of her life. Bummer.

Now, this is super cozy. Even the mystery wasn't a huge deal. Rather simple and simplistic. It barely even rocked the boat. Which is fine for me. I want Viv happy so I'm glad she didn't have to deal with TOO much craziness. Yes, there is some, but nothing insane. 

Sometimes I did find this was TOO cozy. I think I would've loved it more if it was a short story instead. There were lots of dragged-out moments and explanations. It felt like a lot of fillers, to be honest. 

All-in-all, this was a very cozy story. Like I mentioned....some mystery, fantasy, coffee, and a teeny tiny sprinkle of romance. Literally just a teeny tiny cherry on top. I feel like there is great potential in this story. Maybe book 2 will spice up a tiny bit. This was a lot of build-up. Cute and fun, but sometimes it felt TOO cozy. I'll give this 3 stars. 

 

Challenge(s):

- Cloak and Dagger - #2 (Cozy mystery)

Book Review: The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley

Author: Erica Ridley

Title: The Perks of Loving a Wallflower

Series: The Wild Wynchesters #2

Genre: Historical Romance, LGBT

Format: Ebook

Pages: 352

Published: October 26, 2021

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

As a master of disguise, Thomasina Wynchester can be a polite young lady—or a bawdy old man. Anything to solve the case. Her latest assignment unveils a top-secret military cipher covering up an enigma that goes back centuries. But when Tommy’s beautiful new client turns out to be the highborn lady she’s secretly smitten with, more than her mission is at stake . . .

Bluestocking Miss Philippa York doesn’t believe in love. Her cold heart didn't pitter-patter when she was betrothed to a duke, nor did it break when he married someone else. All Philippa desires is to rescue her priceless manuscript and decode its clues to unmask a villain. She hates that she needs a man's help—so she’s delighted to discover the clever, charming baron at her side is in fact a woman. Her cold heart . . . did it just pitter-patter?

Review:

Been meaning to get to book 2! I liked Tommy and Philippa from book 1!

Here we follow Tommy/Thomasina and Philippa. Tommy is the master of disguise. She can be a polite young lady or a bawdy old man. She can be anything for any case the Wynchesters take on. Enter her latest assignment....there is a top-secret military cipher covering up an enigma that goes back centuries. The client turns out to be Philippa whom Tommy has been smitten with for a long time. Philippa doesn't believe in love and she believes she will never feel lust or love, so what does it matter who she marries? All Philippa wants to do is unmask a villain for her friend. She hates that she needs a man's help to uncover this, but she is delighted that the charming baron is none other than Tommy. 

Note - def read book 1 first. Lots of backstory and etc. 

Now, I liked Philippa and Tommy in the last book. Not sure why, but while reading this it took me a long time to warm up to Philippa again. I can't really pinpoint WHY I struggled, but I'm glad after a certain scene I remembered why I liked her again. But yeah, I guess you can call it a slow burn for me. 

They were an adorable couple and I loved watching them take down that sonofabitch. I love all the Wynchesters and all of Philippa's friends. It was fun. The ending once all was revealed with the baddie....was realistic. I hope to see more in the next one and hopefully, he is gone for good, but I have a feeling. I do feel the drama with the parents was too easily solved. And Philippa forgave them too quickly. Her mother in particular was horrid to her. 

Speaking of the pre-ending/big drama...................I get what Philippa was asking for and I get why Tommy took it to heart and was hurt. Honestly, though, it wouldn't be a bad plan because of the way the world is. I won't say too much, but I go back and forth on how I feel about that whole scene. I feel like it needed more exploration. This was a chance to get deep into the complexities of these characters and their situation. 

All-in-all, I really did enjoy this even though I had some issues. I loved watching these two fall into friendship and then love. I loved watching their adventure. I'll give this 3 stars because of the couple of issues I had with some plot points.