The weather is dreary and nasty today—rain and ice and all sorts of unpleasantness—so it seems like a good day to talk about books (and curl up and read a book...). I read some wonderful books in January (and some that weren't so good or that just weren't the right book for me at that moment...I'll try those again some other time). I did some rereads of favorites in audio and read some new to me books I want to share:
Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday: This contemporary royalty romance between a biracial American academic and a European baron was the first book I read this year and it was charming. I loved how their relationship became a solid and supportive friendship before it turned romantic. There were a few things at the end that I didn't care for, but overall, this was a delightful book.
The Missing Page by Cat Sebastian: I mostly just want to squee about this book—I loved it so much I'm not sure I can be coherent about it even weeks later. This is second (and long awaited, at least by me!) book in the Page & Sommers series of cozy, post-WWII mysteries with a romance between a semi-retired spy and a country doctor. I figured out bits of the mystery as I went along, but the part I loved so much was the relationship between Leo and James and how it continues to develop. The blend of mystery and romance in these books is wonderful—start with the first if you want to read the series, and let's all hope more are coming.
A Marvellous Light by Freya Markse: This book was one of my Christmas presents, and I absolutely adored it. It's Edwardian fantasy romance—beautifully written with intriguing world building and a wonderful romance. Seriously, I love Robin and Edwin. I also loved the magic and the mystery, and I can't wait to see what happens next in this series. Unfortunately, I'll have to wait until later this year.
The Hellion's Waltz by Olivia Waite: This is the final book in the Feminine Pursuits trilogy (though the three books work as standalones), and I've enjoyed each of them. They are all F/F historical romances with an emphasis on craft (music, embroidery, weaving, etc) and a focus on improving the community in which the characters live in some way. I loved Sophie and Maddie's romance and Sophie's family and the resolution of the external plot as much as the romance. Another Christmas gift I'm quite pleased with and a series I would recommend.
What have you read and loved lately?
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