Banquo's Son

Banquo's Son by T.K. Roxborough

Age: Adult
Category: Historical
Rating: 4 stars

Helen Thinks: Ten years have passed since Macbeth’s bloody reign over Scotland. For those ten years, Fleance - Banquo’s son - has been hiding away with a new family in the woods of Northern England. Denying his noble bloodline, Fleance has managed to stay hidden away from those that murdered his father and has fallen in love with a sweet maid named Rosie. However, he’s haunted by images of his dead father both when sleeping and awake as his Father wants justice - as well as the greatness for his son that was prophesied by the three sisters. Neither Scotland nor Fleance will rest until this day so he sacrifices his life with Rosie to travel back to Scotland where he encounters many people including young Prince Duncan, murdered king Duncan’s grandchild and third in line for the Scottish throne. Once encountering the young prince, Fleance’s life changes and the decisions he makes not only change his future but the one that he has with Rosie too...

This book popped up as an advert on my kindle and I accidentally clicked it unlocking said kindle. However, at high school, Macbeth was one of my favourite Shakespeare plays so I was intrigued and found myself adding it to my library. I’m going to be completely honest with you and admit that it was a slow read to begin with. The first couple of chapters focused on Fleance’s life in England with his new family where they live simply and his love interest, Rosie, that travels around England with her family so he rarely sees her. However, Rosie’s father demands to know what Fleance’s intentions towards Rosie are and he finally admits the truth that he can’t stay with Rosie until he has travelled back to Scotland where he can learn what truly happened to his Father all them years ago. Rosie and her family are obviously devastated by his decision causing her Father to say that his chances are over but thankfully Rosie understands and says she’ll wait for him. So off Fleance goes on his travels back to Scotland. While this is happening, we also see Prince Duncan dealing with his unstable father, Prince Donalbain, and the news that his uncle - King Malcolm - is on his deathbed without any children to inherit the Scottish crown as well as taking care of his sisters, Rachel and Bree. Upon receiving news that King Malcolm is definitely close to the end, Duncan sets out to journey to his Uncle’s castle so that Malcolm can be amongst family. On his journey, he is attacked by a pack of wolves where our titular hero comes into save the day and a friendship is born. Duncan can sense there is more to this “Flea” than his companion is letting on but he doesn’t push and together they make it to the Royal castle in time for Duncan to see his uncle before he passes. The death of King Malcolm and the coronation of King Donalbain starts to make people uneasy and eventually there’s whisperings of rebel forces allying with England to take control of Scotland.

Banquo's Son is 402 pages long and Roxborogh ensures that every page is crammed with excitement and action like you would imagine a film depicting this era would be. Deaths, coronations, rivalries and of course - love interests. Our hero, Fleance, finds himself torn between his old simple life where he’s in love with Rosie and his new life of nobility where he’s got the admiration of Princess Rachel. By the end of the book, circumstances that I won’t detail because it screams spoiler alert have to sway Fleance towards one of the women but I can’t wait to continue the journey in book two and see what decisions are made.

This book swims with characters from Fleance, the royals, thanes of different cities, the people we meet on their travels, Fleance’s family as well as Rosie’s. It’s one of them books where you could possibly do with a character list at the beginning to ensure you’re aware of who is who. However, Roxborogh never loses track of who is who and where they’re supposed to be. I always applaud any author that can have a huge cache of characters and write smoothly. Roxborogh definitely achieved this.

It is my first venture into historical fiction - the author does disclaim at the beginning that not all events are accurate as it is based of a fictional piece of work in itself - that is not solely romance, and I can definitely guarantee that it won’t be my last.

The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit

The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit by Sloan Wilson

Age: Adult
Category: Historical
Rating: 4 stars

Juliet Thinks: This novel, published in 1955, captures the essence of the unspoken struggle of veterans with PTSD after World War II. Mental illness, including PTSD, was not a subject about which people spoke. During this period, veterans returned from war, immediately immersed in office life; it is this sharp transition that leaves the protagonist disconnected and aimless. Wilson, drawing on his own experiences, describes the life of Tom Rath after war:

“I really don’t know what I was looking for when I got back from the war, but it seemed as though all I could see was a lot of bright young men in gray flannel suits rushing around New York in a frantic parade to nowhere. They seemed to me to be pursuing neither ideals nor happiness – they were pursuing a routine. For a long while I thought I was on the sidelines watching that parade, and it was quite a shock to glance down and see that I too was wearing a gray flannel suit.”

Tom Rath grapples with flashbacks and guilt about what he did during the war. His wife, Betsy, can sense that something about him has changed since his return from combat, but he has made the decision to not speak of the war to anyone. Apart from struggling with his past, he worries deeply about the future. 1950s was also the period of booming suburbia in the United States, so he feels pressured to conform to those ideals.

I truly appreciated this book because of the autobiographical aspect of it. Wilson's words resonated with depth and torment, allowing me to imagine the immense problem many countries were faced with after the end of WWII-- men struggling silently with PTSD in a world in which mental illness was an uncomfortable subject. It also captured the unhappiness of the 1950s, contrasting with the typical image one may have of 1950s America (perfect domesticity, Leave it to Beaver-style families in beautiful suburban homes).

The Dark Days Club (Lady Helen #1)

The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman

Age: Young Adult
Category: Fantasy, historical
Rating: 5 stars

Marta Thinks: If there’s one thing I can appreciate, it is originality, and in “The Dark Days Club”, Alison Goodman delivers in spades. Pitched as a Georgette Heyer Regency romance fusion with Buffy (which is astonishing accurate description, by the way), the book is set in the 19th century, against the backdrop of the upper-class English society. For our heroine, Lady Helen Wrexhall, parties, marriage and respectability are not her priority. Lady Helen desire one thing only: independence, which she does not have under the authoritarian eye of her Uncle.

Not only that, though: Lady Helen must protect her reputation and tainted heritage. Her mother and father drowned at sea, and were declared traitors to the crown soon afterwards. Lady Helen longs for her parents, though she must hide her feelings, and the only thing which remains of her mother is a pendant. It is this very pendant that will change Lady Helen’s life and allow her to discover the darker and more dangerous side of society, the one with the answers behind the disappearance of London girls.

What makes this an exceptional book, and distinguishes it from the other historical/fantasy books out there, is the witty dialogue, the strong and real female friendships and Lady Helen, who is thoughtful and kind, but also desires a life of her own without endangering others. The only downside? The sequel comes out next year.

Daughter of the Gods

Daughter of the Gods: A Novel of Ancient Egypt by Stephanie Thornton

Age: Young Adult
Category: Historical
Rating: 4 stars

“The fear of losing each other is always stronger than the pain we cause.”

Marta Thinks: Hatshepsut was one of greatest rulers of Egypt but her role was very nearly wiped away completely when almost every reference to her time as a pharaoh was erased. She was previously thought to have been murdered by her stepson Tutmose III, but her mummy revealed that she died of natural causes at the age of fifty – and archaeologists uncovered proof that showed that Tutmose III had very likely removed evidence of her rule not to seek revenge but rather to consolidate the succession of his heir.

Hatshepsut is an ideal historical character to take on: she has a vivid role in a history that has largely been lost, allowing room for experimentation and imagination. She must have been a force to reckon with – easily charming and charismatic but ambitious and ruthless and calculating. She’s a hard act to top and she’s a hard task to undertake. Hatshepsut probably would have been handled unsuccessfully in anyone else’s hands but Stephanie Thornton finds the perfect balance and allows Hatshepsut to become relatable (or at least, as relatable as an ancient royal can be), likeable and admirable.

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The Soldier of Raetia

The Soldier of Raetia by Heather Domin

Age: Adult
Category: Historical, romance, LGBTQIA+
Rating: 3 stars

Rosie Thinks: This story focuses on Manilus Dardanus, a soldier who is sent by his father to try to be sponsored by Cassius Valerian, a famous general with no heirs. Set in Ancient Rome, this story paints a vivid and accurate picture of the time, and the insights into daily military life, of the soldier and the officers, was fantastic - I'm an ancient history buff, and if you're interested in Ancient Rome, then I can't recommend this book enough. At the end, Heather Domin discusses what is real in the story and where her creative licence took control. The depth of research she put into this is huge, and her knowledge pays off.

However, this book isn't a study on Ancient Rome - rather, it is the story of Dardanus' develops from naive and idealistic into a man who is self-assured and confident is his own skills, on the battlefield and off it. It is also about the slow, steady relationship that is created between Dardanus and Valerian. While the beginning was slow, it set up the characters and action well, and by the time the plot truly began to move, I was hooked. The campaign was complex, but explained in a way that made it easy to follow. The climax was well thought out, with a villain that was unique and incredibly interesting. This story follows no pre-set cliches that are usually everywhere in the m/m genre, and I was super glad for that! There was no insta-lust or love - I can't even explain how much this made me happy. The two main characters didn't trip over their feet or become stunned when they met. Rather, their relationship was a slow burn that built on solid foundations of mutual respect, friendship and, eventually, love.

This book contained angst and passion enough to keep the romance-lover in me satisfied, while the plot was also enthralling. It is neither a story that is based around the legion or the romance - the balance of both of these made it stand out for me. Although I've mentioned Dardanus and Valerian a lot, the other characters are definitely worth a mention. Each of them had their own hopes and dreams; a personality of their own. They moved the plot along and helped with the main themes of the novel: trust, ambition, greed, and honour.

The Song of Achilles

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Age: Adult
Category: Historical, romance, LGBTQIA+
Rating: 5 stars

"And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth, when another is gone."

Rosie Thinks: This story is beautiful. I can't think of a better way to describe it. Everything, from the characters to the writing to the way Madeline Miller recreated the Illiad, is just utterly stunning. The retellings of Achilles are ridiculously numerous, as well as being well-known throughout the world, but I have never connected with it as much as I did this. And I have never read a novel that left me close to tears just from the way the sentences are crafted and the images the words evoked. In the legend, it is never quite certain the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, and Miller, a classical teacher herself, has taken the route that they were lovers. It took her ten years to write this story and she has stayed very true to the legend itself.

At the beginning, Achilles and Patroclus are as different as night and day. Achilles is the beautiful, self-confident, beloved prince, and awkward, unwanted Patroclus is captivated from the moment he sees him. Achilles, in all the retellings I've experienced has been completely unsympathetic to me - distant, arrogant, almost a bully. Somehow, Miller has created a character that is all of this yet made him into someone I could see as a real person, and someone who I admired and liked. He did not come off as arrogant and a bully at all - rather, self-assured and focused. Patroclus - well, he was just as masterfully characterised, if not better. He grew from being an envious, closed-off boy to a man who wasn't only defined by his love of Achilles, but was incredibly selfless and giving.

I adored the fierce relationship between the two, but, as I mentioned earlier, my favourite thing about the book is the way it is written. It is direct and to the point, with none of the flowery prose and digression of Homer's work. It is written in first person, from Patroclus' POV - my first question, being familiar with the legend, was how I was going to get a fulfilling story with this? But I most certainly did. The ending was incredible, and I generally can't stand how disappointing some endings can be. Miller never outright tells us what we should be thinking. Instead, she shows us how incredible Patroclus becomes, in a world of killing and greed. She shows how their growing friendship and eventual love, their devotion and loyalty.

There are so many quotes I want to share with you. I've highlighted so many, but I limit myself to one per review, if it's appropriate. Actually, you know what? I'm giving you two and I don't even care. The first quote I shared hit me hard, but this one is something that should be universally known:

"Chiron had said once that nations were the most foolish of mortal inventions. 'No man is worth more than another, wherever he is from.'"

How is it possible for the story of Achilles to be original? You'll have to read and discover for yourself.

Circumstance

Circumstance by Danielle Night

Caroline Humphrey is in her fourth Season and has yet to secure a husband. She has, however, fallen head over heels for an entirely inappropriate man: Daniel Seaton. Then Caroline suddenly does find herself engaged to a Mr Seaton only it's the wrong one.
Banner Credit: Melissa

Melissa Thinks: "Circumstance" by Danielle Night is perfect for those wanting a short, simple(ish), historical romance novel. Like
most by this widely admired author, "Circumstance" takes place during the nineteenth century. Our protagonist is a young lady who, despite her own status as a high class lady, has fallen in love with a man that doesn't rank high enough on the totem pole of society and therefore she is not permitted to marry him. A strange series of events continuously keep the two almost-lovers apart which makes you wonder: will they ever confess their love for one another?

I'm no stranger to the works of Danielle Night - I've read a few of her other novels and although I'm not a giant fan of the genre, I always find myself enjoying her work. It's crazy how well the author researches down to the smallest details. Not only does she get the setting right, but she completely perfects the typical mindset of the people in the period. There were basically no mistakes, only a little bit of drag, and a whole lot of drama. If this sounds like your cup of tea, then get ready to fall in love.

Tabby Cat

Tabby Cat by Danielle Night

It is not acceptable for a proper young miss to A) enter a tavern, B) not wear mourning colours when in mourning and C) kiss a man she's not related to. But then, fate usually has the upper hand over propriety.
Banner Credit: Marta

Marta Thinks: This was an extremely refreshing read. The story was short and snappy, but not lacking in action. It had tension and
kept my attention throughout the whole plot. There was a meaning for every word and each character was extremely well developed. Everything was necessary and nothing was unnecessary.

Moreover, Tabitha and Melvin were the sort of couple you couldn’t help but root for. Their relationship was unique. They didn’t have the common formula of being an arrogant hero and a bickering heroine, but managed to make me fall in love with them with their sweet ways. But don’t let me waste your time explaining why I liked it. Go read it. You’ll be left like me, astonished and amazed…completely and utterly blown away.

Isis

Since the posting of this review, this story has been removed from FictionPress by the author.

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Ma Mademoiselle Bizarre

Ma Mademoiselle Bizarre by Danielle Night

Regency. Glen Carlisle never wanted nor expected to inherit his paternal family's earldom. When he does, he's resigned to do his duty as quickly as possible and go home. A certain hoyden, however, complicates things.
Banner Credit: marta

Melissa Thinks: “Ma Mademoiselle Bizarre” was not a story that I expected to like. Reading the summary, I was unsure of what kind of

First we have Glen Carlisle, a true gentleman who never imagined himself to be part of high society, until his cousin dies and the title of the “Earl of Broadbent” goes to him. And then we’ve got Lorraine, a wild child who has one rule and one rule only: she will never marry. When these two meet, there’s an instant attraction, but can Lorraine open herself up to Glen? And just what happened when she was seventeen that changed her?

It’s hard to not like this story, with it’s flowing elegance and interesting historical details, it charms you almost instantaneously. The flares of love/hate and astounding wit that echo throughout give the characters dimension and make them incredibly likable - even the minor characters. I really love the simple yet provocative plot because not only is it easy to follow, but it’s also so lighthearted and you finish the story feeling a bit more cheerful than when you started.

At it’s core, “Ma Mademoiselle Bizarre” is a story of true romance and how it can triumph over all. It’s witty, well written (aside from a handful of little mistakes that could easily be fixed by a quick run-through by the author), and engaging. Overall, an awesome read.
story I was getting myself into. After I considered the fact that it was only 12 chapters long, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to take a peak. My longstanding grudge against historical stories was set aside soon after I finished the first chapter of this enchanting story.

Convict's Blood

Convict's Blood by Highway Unicorn
"A dying man once told me that those who have the blood of the convicted are destined to live a life of adventure." The long life of a Australian woman who travels throughout Europe and America in search of adventure and escape. Abandon by her Pa, Alice is forced to give her hand to Adam Jones, the cowboy with the horns. Her only choice now is to run away to America and find freedom
Banner Credit: Melissa

Rosie Thinks: 'Convict's Blood' is extremely unique in the way it is set in colonial Australia. The way that Highway Unicorn portrayed the tensions between the Aborigines and the settlers was emotive - she showed, rather than told. It starts off with a young girl called Alice, and follows her journey as she grows up and discovers more about her self and life in the 20th century.

The powerful story-telling really draws you in and makes you feel what Alice is feeling. Alice's voice is descriptive but still has that youthful innocence appropriate for her age. I quite liked how the whole story reflects the way that she talks and can imagine that it will develop as she grows. I felt that the Australian backdrop was written perfectly and captures the culture really well. However, Highway Unicorn referred to some of the men as 'cowboys' and in my opinion, I felt this was a bit too American, as they aren't really called cowboys in Australia. Other than that, though, the story does an amazing job of portraying its characters and setting. With only 6 chapters so far, it has established a solid plot line and is definitely one you should watch out for.

Vespertine

Since the posting of this review, this story has been removed from FictionPress by the author.

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Rejected

Rejected by WaitingForTheEnd
Prince Damian rejects the girl chosen by his mother without meeting her and without knowing the girl can hear every word of his rejection. Years later he finally meets her again and falls for her without knowing she is the same person.

Banner Credit: Melissa

Ciara Thinks: Without even meeting her, Damien rejects the girl his mother picked to be his bride based upon the superficial rumours and gossip of the court. The girl, Delilah, hears every word and is heartbroken charmed by the stories and pictures of the dashing Crown Prince. When they meet again three years later he is intrigued by her as she ignores him.

What makes this story stand out in particular to me is that Prince Damien is far from the usual dashing Prince and has some genuinely dislikeable traits – he’s arrogant, aggressive, bitter, jealous and disrespectful. Despite that, he does have redeeming qualities such as his loyalty and protectiveness and as the story goes on, it is interesting to see his character change for the better as he slowly learns to recognise the goodness in Delilah that he lacks and is humbled somewhat.

Delilah herself is not a headstrong character by any means, but she strengthens as the story progresses. She is a victim of the superficial society and though she tries to keep up appearances, largely for her younger cousin’s sake, has resigned herself to being unpopular and a spinster. In a way, she is the most frustrating character, as she fails to see the good in most people, or indeed, in herself.

The rest of the characters support Rejected well; particularly Cecilia, Delilah’s younger cousin, whose dynamism brings some colour to our world weary heroine and Lady Beatrice who finally does some justice to the typically antagonistic role of the Prince’s former flame. My main criticism of a character would be the antagonist(s) – they feel too predictable and a little cartoonish.

Despite not being set in any particular time nor place, WaitingForTheEnd has depicted court life in an accurate manner – the frivolity and ceremony intermixed with rumour, intrigue and good old fashioned cattiness.

The story moves at a good pace for the unfolding relationship between Damien and Delilah, however the grammar suffers a little in places, not to a truly distracting level; merely a few dropped words, awkward sentences and the odd error in punctuation.

The generally serious tone of the plot is offset by some touching and light-hearted moments, including the particularly lovable drabbles WaitingForTheEnd continues to publish in place of the traditional epilogue. Thought-provoking at times, if you’re looking for a light-hearted story, Rejected isn’t it, but on the whole, it is an excellent read.

Letters to Mary McGraw

Letters to Mary McGraw by JaneBarrie
What's your name?" he asked, hand on the door knob. She smiled, "Mary." "Like the Virgin?" he laughed, stepping out of the restaurant.

Banner Credit: Casey

Brittany Thinks: I have never personally known anyone in the military, but stories about military men and women and the people who love them fascinate me. As a plot point, such stories delve into an aspect of the human condition that I've never experienced, but feel great compassion for. To be separated from someone that you love, unsure of when or if you will see them again requires a courage and strength of character that I greatly admire. For this reason, I was immediately drawn to Letters to Mary McGraw. Mary is a kindhearted, optimistic, small town girl who meets James three days before he embarks on his third tour of duty in Vietnam. Our two leads have little in common and barely knew each other, but Mary feels compassion for a lonely soldier in obvious emotional pain. They begin a tentative friendship through letters sent across the world, interwoven with the terror of war and the endurance of the human spirit. Where James is pessimistic and hardened by war, Mary is bright eyed and confident in his future. While Mary has trouble finding herself, James sees her clearly and offers a perspective on the world far surpassing her own naivety.

JaneBarrie manages to capture the emotions of a time of turmoil in American history truthfully and factually with an unbiased eye. I felt apprehensive at first that this story would sway too close to one side of thinking from that time more than the other, but was pleased to discover she paid credence to a true historical event without allowing it to define the story. Mary and James are well developed and the supporting characters - particularly their respective parents - offer a well rounded cast of interesting individuals. My main criticism is the letters sometimes felt too short and I didn't always feel the connection between the characters as strongly as I may have with face to face interaction. However, it allows the reader to know the two leads how they began to know each other. Also, sporadically characters used language, particularly slang, that seemed a bit too modern for the time, but I didn't find it overly distracting. I expected this story to follow a cliche more closely than it did and was surprised at how JaneBarrie made it her own. Be forewarned: have your tissues ready and be prepared for some crazy twists and turns. This is a lovely historical piece easily applicable to current times. Letters to Mary McGraw presents a story of friendship, love, survival, and how one person can change you forever if you only have the courage to let them.

A Noble Bargain

A Noble Bargain by XxScriboLegoxX
1778, a young girl is desperate to get her crumbling family through the war unscathed, even if it means making a desperate bargain with one of the King's men. American Revolution.

Banner Credit: Melissa

Melissa Thinks: I learned more from this story than I did in my American Studies class. From what I can tell, all of the facts are true; the author is a history major. The writing is very believable for the time it's supposed to take place during. The grammar could be tightened up a bit, but it was hardly a problem for me. Elizabeth plays a strong female role and her struggle is commendable. I'm not even a big fan of historical fiction, nor am I of love triangles, yet I found this one captivating and very intriguing.

When Elizabeth's father is arrested for being a traitor to the British crown, he leaves his three young children without a strong hand on their farm. So being the oldest, Elizabeth finds herself in a bind. To break free, she goes to the man in charge: the colonel. In exchange for her father's freedom, she offers her virtue; anytime he needs a warm body to fill his bed with, he can call upon her. This becomes problematic for a few reasons: he's English, she's American, and she soon finds herself having feelings for another man. How does she decide what is right? You'll have to read and find out.

Season for Love

Season for Love by Astarael-11

Kate's brother has fallen in love but the parents of the love of his life don't approve of him. He enlists the help of Kate to fix this problem and everything seems to be going well until Kate meets Andrew.
Banner Credit: Melissa

Helen Thinks: For as long as she can remember, Kate has known that she's never the girl boys want to date. They only dance with her so that they can get her approval to date her best friend, Hazel. This, however, is going to change this season. Kate's main goal this season was to help her brother win the approval of his true love's parents but what she didn't encounter on meeting Andrew, the girlfriend's brother. Or for her childhood best friend, David, to return. Or for James Caldwell, Viscount of Hallden, to take an interest in her money...

With an endless pool of characters, you would think that a reader would get lost trying to remember which character is who or what their relationship with Kate was but this is never the case. Each individual character has their own quirks as well as how their relationships are with Kate. This could only happen with amazing writing and that's exactly what Astarael-11 delivers. Not only does the writing stay fluent so the reader can keep on track but the characters also develop throughout the story.

However, I have one slight issue with this story. Despite the summary stating that Kate's brother has fallen in love and he needs Kate's help to win over his true love's parents approval, this point is rarely visited throughout the story so it is slightly misleading but I wouldn't let that stop you from reading. The tale of Kate and her three suitors make a highly entertaining read.

Historical knowledge, believable characters and fast paced chapters makes “Season for Love” a story that you'll want to read in one sitting.

The Debutante

The Debutante by Angelica.Eddings

Regency After baring her thighs to the queen and half of the English aristocracy, Priscilla Randall is determined to salvage her ruined reputation. Too bad Ethan Howell, the handsome Marquess of Ainsworth, has other things in mind--namely seduction.
Banner Credit: marta

Helen Thinks: It's Priscilla Randall's first season; a period that will either make or break her reputation as a Lady of the society; and already she has bared her thighs to half of the English Aristocracy, as well as the Queen! Despite all these setbacks, Priscilla is determined that she can change her luck and become reputable after all. What she didn't counteract into her plan was the handsome Ethan Howell, Marquess of Ainsworth, who is determined to seduce the young debutante.

One of the most striking things for me throughout this story was Angelica.Eddings fantastic characterisation for all characters; especially Priscilla. As I read the story, I actually believed that if I had been around in this era then I would have most definitely been as clumsy as our protagonist; reputation ruined and living as a crazy spinster! The lifelike characteristics of having a clumsy protagonist determined to become a lady as well as a dashing Marquess that – even in these historical times – is all about the charm factor and the stuck-up sponsor made this story realistic for me. The interactions between all the characters are strong, in-character and are sometimes enough to make you laugh out load or even groan at what the characters have done.

Angelica.Eddings has created a world that has me wishing I belonged in an era where we have elegant balls, beautiful dresses and handsome men to share a waltz with. It was a story that had me hooked from the first chapter right down to the last; and I even let out a giggle of excitement at the prospect that one day Angelica.Eddings will be editing this great story and re-posting! A day I wait for anxiously...

Of Dukes and Peasants

Of Dukes and Peasants by Lenah. C

On the summer of 1861, six year old Serena Fallows suffered humiliation in the hands of the Duke of Norton. So what's she supposed to do when they meet years after? Why, throw a shoe at one of the most respected gentlemen in English society of course!
Banner Credit: marta


Ciara Thinks: This is one of my favourite stories in the whole of FP-dom and it is easy to see why Lenah C has earned herself over 1,000 reviews, for starters, it has excellent grammar and pacing throughout and a vibrant cast of characters that never feel flat, no matter the size of the role they play.

The two leads, Derek and Serena, have incredibly alchemy (chemistry so good, it’s golden!) as their relationship develops through their many, many spats. It is through this heady mix of wit and beguiling characters that Lenah C keeps you pressing that ‘Next Chapter’ button.

The general feel of the nineteenth century is well captured, especially the close scrutiny of upper class society and the pressures upon young ladies to behave ‘properly’. My main criticism of this story would be in this context, as it does not feel specific enough to the Victorian setting; Serena is allowed to exercise a slightly unbelievable amount of freedom when at home with her Grandpa.

This story seems long at first, but the chapters are of a reasonable length and despite having read it for the umpteenth time, I find it still grips me with the same ferocity as it did on my first read. In short, I love it!

Petals

Petals by Danielle Night

In nineteenth century London, it isn't considered proper for a young lady to send flowers to a healthy young bachelor. But when Adrian Morey receives a bouquet with a challenge, he can't help but be intrigued.
Banner Credit: marta


Ciara Thinks: In Petals, Danielle Night whisks us away to the gossiping ladies and dashing gentlemen of Regency London and tells the story of Annabelle Bradford, a young girl enamoured with a man she dare not approach – Adrian Morey, the Earl of Dunlap.

Annabelle has a great knowledge of flowers, understanding their various meanings, and so, against propriety, sends a bouquet of bluebottles to Adrian to show her timid admirations, unintentionally starting a correspondence through her rough stable hand Jack and many, many flowers. In the meantime Adrian is under pressure from his father to marry, and not captivated by any of the young ladies London society has to offer so far, begins a desperate (and, at times, rather amusing) search to find the Lady.

Petals is a well paced, easy read and the writing is nearly flawless. Danielle Night gives us an idyllic snapshot of society, supported by a vibrant cast of characters. Adrian is everything a gentlemen should be – handsome and benign – whilst Annabelle is a shy, likable young woman who often reacts childishly in situations (making you want to strangle her through your screen), but her insecurity is a trait many can relate to. Overall, Petals is a sweet and charming story that should be considered a classic upon Fictionpress.

Waking of a Dream

Waking of a Dream by Morfiwien Greenleaf
When she travels to her late uncle’s estate for the reading of his will, Maybelle anticipates a glorious week with the man she loves before she must marry the man her father has chosen. But someone has been waiting for this opportunity to exact revenge...
Banner Credit: Amy

Belinda Thinks: The Waking of a Dream could rightly be classified as historical or supernatural, but for me it is the mix of the two genres that makes the story so exciting to read.

The depth of historical research, planning and care than went into this story is remarkable. The author skilfully weaves together the separate strands of a gently convoluted plot to form a beautifully and detailed story of love, betrayal and loss between two time periods and between American Indians and local settlers.

But the story is also a supernatural thriller in which atmosphere is king. The past, the present, ghosts and curses are described with such skilled language and tone that I was quite literally frightened when reading the story at night. Morfiwien Greenleaf grabs you by the hand and leads you through haunted corridors, eerie forests and deserted graveyards until your spine tingles and you want to check over your shoulder.

Above all, however, this story is a romance. Maybelle and Jack are perfect for each other, but are barred from love by her father's insensitivity. Victoria and Will have undeniable chemistry, but are unwilling to act on it. Rachael and Jacob fall in love despite the curse that hangs over both their heads. For each character, love has the power to save them - from a curse, a cage or unhappiness.

I was thoroughly captivated by this beautifully written and well-rounded story. It is error-free and flows gracefully, leading me - and you - to a powerful and haunting finish that I know will stay with me - and you - for days.