Review Revisited

Review Revisited: Holly Returns to The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian (2022)

Popping back in here for an update, now that I’ve also read The Queer Principles of Kit Webb, aka the first book in this duology.

And no, it does not answer the questions about plot that I had. 

However, The Queer Principles of Kit Webb does lay out the philosophy that underpins these two books, which hinges on the inherent immorality of the duke’s wealth and power. Maybe that’s enough reason—along with him being a Bad Dad of Romance—for everyone to hate the Duke of Clare.

So while it doesn’t solve the plotholes, if you’re interested in Marian Hayes, I definitely recommend reading Kit Webb first.

My full review can be found below.

Continue reading “Review Revisited: Holly Returns to The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian (2022)”
Recommended Read, Review

Review: The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian (2022)

The Queer Principles of Kit Webb, Book #2

Heat Factor: We’ve got praise kink!

Character Chemistry: Sometimes two wrongs DO make a right

Plot: When Marian accidentally-on-purpose kills her husband, she goes on the run. And kidnaps Rob so he can aid and abet her. After all, he had been blackmailing her, and who could better help her escape the law than a criminal?

Overall: I love me a good highwayman roadtrip book!

Continue reading “Review: The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian (2022)”
Review

Review: A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian (2019)

A Turner Series Novella

Heat Factor: Marshmallow toasting levels

Character Chemistry: Molly is just what Alice needs

Plot: Disgraced vicar’s daughter grows spine, learns art of blackmail

Overall: Good build up, abrupt resolution

Continue reading “Review: A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian (2019)”
Review

Review: Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian (2020)

Seducing the Sedgwicks, Book 3

Review of Seducing the Sedgwicks, Book 1

Heat Factor: I’m waffling between “the door’s ajar” and “snuggled under a pile of blankets”

Character Chemistry: These two clearly adore each other

Plot: IDK, love is hard?

Overall: Character-driven, low-key, friends-to-lovers M/M snuggles

Continue reading “Review: Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian (2020)”
Listicle

Saturday Smutty Six: LGBTQ Romances on Holly’s TBR

There are so many awesome books out there, and we can’t talk about all of them (or even read them), so I figured I’d take a second to talk about some of the books I haven’t read yet, but definitely want to get to. This list is not comprehensive, but is rather a sample of books that I have saved either in my Kindle app or my Libby app. 

Putting together the list brought some of my preferences into sharp relief: I prefer F/F or queer M/F stories to M/M stories, and I love LGBTQ historicals. So if you can’t get enough of M/M contemporaries, you should probably ask Erin for recommendations.

Titles link to the book’s Amazon page. 

Ruthless by Kara Lowndes

Kara Lowndes is an indie author whose blog I started following last year because she had the snarkiest Game of Thrones recaps. Since she writes sharp cultural criticism I figured – why not pick up one of her books? Ruthless features a lesbian with mysterious powers, so I bet it’s gonna be gooooood. 

The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows by Olivia Waite

A Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics was one of the best books I’ve read in the past year – it was sexy, political, and historically grounded. Plus, it included a bunch of conversations about the philosophies of science and art! Agatha Griffin had a small role – she’s the grumpy engraver whose press puts out the titular Lady’s Guide – and I’m super excited to see what Waite does with her story. The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows releases in July, and I’m stoked that I was able to get an ARC. 

Ascension by Jacqueline Koyanagi

A woman facing chronic health problems and poverty stows onto a ship and falls in love with the captain. IN SPACE. (Have I ever mentioned that I have a soft spot in my heart for science fiction? Because I do.) 

A Duke in Disguise by Cat Sebastian

I added A Duke in Disguise after reading a really insightful analysis of the opening passage over at Close Reading Romance (a blog you should definitely check out if you’re interested in in-depth textual analysis because damn). Maybe reading it will rekindle my zest for The Duke Project?

Slippery Creatures by K.J. Charles

1920s M/M romance, in the spirit of Golden Age pulp fiction? Count. Me. In. Relevant: Wanted, A Gentleman, also by K.J. Charles, is one of the best romances I’ve ever read, and I generally have little patience for M/M romance. 

Hold Me by Courtney Milan

I read Trade Me when it came out a million years ago, and meant to grab the sequel, but just never did. I think it’s time I rectified that oversight. 


Have you read any of these? Is there one I should bump to the top of my list? Let me know in the comments!