July 2020 – A Take from Two Cities

ANTICIPATED AUGUST 2020 RELEASES

Each month, we’ll be putting together a list of our top most anticipated releases; from romance, to sci-fi, to fantasy, and everything in between. These releases might be ones we’re counting down the days for or ones we’ve already read and want you to read (and love!), too.

What you do need to bear in mind is that living on different continents we have different release dates. So as a general rule there might be some repeats from one month to the next.. it’s not that we’re just being weird. Though we can’t dismiss that totally out of turn.

For August, our hotly anticipated titles, in chronological order, are :

HARROW THE NINTH is the hotly anticipated follow up to last year’s unexpected delight GIDEON THE NINTH by Tamsyn Muir. If you thought book one was all that.. just wait until August 4, 2020.

Does this book even need an excited introductory blurb? Probably not. MIDNIGHT SUN by Stephenie Meyer is out August 4, 2020.

Alert! We have a feminist space opera duology release this month with SEVEN DEVILS by Laura Lam & Elizabeth May. These two seasoned authors promise some goodness with this release on August 4, 2020.

THE BLACK KIDS by Christina Hammonds Reed is a blast back into retro 1992 LA while the city burns from riots and a rich, black girl’s life gets turned on it’s head. This book also hits the shelves on August 4, 2020.

If you’re looking for some chronic illness rep in YA, EVERY LITTLE PIECE OF MY HEART by Non Pratt aims to deliver. This is a contemporary YA with friendships and some underlying romance, it releases on August 6, 2020.

DEAR EMMIE BLUE by Lia Louis is one of the most endearing and slowly heart-breaking contemporaries to hit our shelves in a while. Already out in the US, this gorgeous book hits the UK on August 6, 2020.

We’ve got a LGBTQIA+ debut for you with BOY QUEEN by George Lester. This finding yourself story also finds the protagonist on the runway. Check this out on August 6, 2020.

BLOODBORN PRINCE by Laura Lascarso is book two in the Mortal and Divine series which is a paranormal fantasy that is very much adult, erotic fiction. It contains violence and moral ambiguity and if you’re keen to try this m/m romance, book one, BOOK OF ORLANDO, might still be on sale. Grab it while you can! Book two is out August 7, 2020.

THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig is a gripping wander into a fictional and fantasy purgatory with strong mental health themes. This book is all advocacy and own voices understanding and it releases on August 13, 2020.

THE FAITHLESS HAWK by Margaret Owen is the conclusion to The Merciful Crow duology which, hey, can we get a round of applause for a duology that actually remains a duology without being extended? This series has so much excellence going for it (though mind you, trigger warnings for plague — because it’s 2020 and we can’t have nice things) and we can’t wait for whatever this author will come out with next. You can get your beaks on this finale on August 18, 2020.

Topping both our lists for We Must Has It is EMERALD BLAZE by Ilona Andrews, which is the follow up to SAPPHIRE FLAMES, which kicked off the continuation of the Hidden Legacy series and now follows one of the original protagonists’ sister on her many magical adventures. It’s true that we’re big IA trash in this bloghold (it’s a household but for blogs) but after how the last book ended? We are definitely going to be refreshing our kindles on August 25, 2020.

THE SUGARED GAME by KJ Charles is book two in the Will Darling Adventures trilogy which is historical mystery series with an m/m romance and honestly if you stopped reading after seeing KJ Charles? We wouldn’t blame you. Want, need, yes. What is sure to be yet another delight from this author is out Auguts 26, 2020.

What titles are you looking forward to this month? Let us know in the comments below!

HADES AND PERSEPHONE: CURSE OF THE GOLDEN ARROW by Heidi Hastings & Erica Hasting

A Cursed Love…When Persephone is forced into the Underworld, she fears the Dark Lord who rules the shadowed kingdom. A curse has brought them together, and the Goddess of Spring wars against Hades, the King of the Dead. But as time passes, she begins to wonder if he is truly the monster she fears or if he may be the very answer her soul calls out for. Lies, jealousy and betrayal combine to keep them apart. Together, they battle against an unknown foe, but is there enough time to reveal the dark truths of the God before his kingdom falls?

Title : Hades & Persephone: Curse of the Golden Arrow
Author : Heidi Hastings
Illustrator : Erica Hastings
Format : Paperback
Page Count : 428
Genre : Retelling
Publisher : Indie
Release Date : January 16, 2020

Reviewer : Micky
Rating : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Micky’s 5 star review

I’m a long-time fan of greek mythology and definitely a fan of retellings. That being said, Hades & Persephone is a tale I know less well, so I came into this book with open expectations. The cover, synopsis and promise of illustrations were enough to push me to buy this book but I have to say, the execution did not let me down.

The story of these two was very much push and pull, hate and love. The descriptions of the underworld and its different lands within the world really conjured a great idea of life there. Persephone had such character growth in this book, from seemingly innocent forest goddess to a formidable Queen. The reveals in her story were pretty heartbreaking.

Hades was very likeable from the start. He had little of the heavy-handed god about him and his genuine attachment to Persephone was endearing. Added to that was seeing his work as the god of the underworld, it showed him in a variety of lights, not all scary. There was a lot of chemistry going on between these two and it was a slow-burn romance.

The original stories of the greek mythology gods were dramatic and there was a taste of this throughout the book with twists and turns in the plot. The story was fairly fast-paced and it didn’t lose my attention once. The sinister beings existing in the dark nooks of the underworld were incredibly creepy.

Reading HADES AND PERSEPHONE: CURSE OF THE GOLDEN ARROW was a full-on experience. I cannot express how much the illustrations brought this story to life and made it so much more than your average retelling. Compared to other books I have read with illustrations (like Folio Society books) there was an illustration every 10 or 15 pages, so considering this was a 428 page book, there were lots. I can’t speak for how the kindle book looks, but if you want to read this, I would definitely recommend the paperback format.

The writing, story and characterisation was great in addition the visual. I cannot wait to read more from this author and illustrator and I’m really hoping to see this particular story continue.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY – JULY 28, 2020

Happy “where’d all my money go?” new release Tuesday, everyone!

As you know, the most exciting day of the week in this community is the day that follows the one we all dread (Mondays for the nope) and today we’re going to highlight some of the new books chipping away at our bank accounts — but each one is so worth it.

DEAL WITH THE DEVIL by Kit Rocha is the start of a series featuring “mercenary librarians” and, I mean, if that doesn’t intrigue you, what will? This was an interesting series opener, which is apparently set in the same world as the duo’s Beyond series, though it didn’t feel like that was required reading, and we’re looking forward to more.

Are there any titles out today you’re excited for? Let us know in the comments below!

DEAL WITH THE DEVIL by Kit Rocha

Orphan Black meets the post-apocalyptic Avengers in the vein of Ilona Andrews’ Hidden Legacy series by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author duo Kit Rocha

The United States went belly up 45 years ago when our power grid was wiped out. Too few live in well-protected isolation while the rest of us scrape by on the margins. The only thing that matters is survival. By any means. At any cost.

Nina is an information broker with a mission: to bring hope to the darkest corners of Atlanta. She and her team of mercenary librarians use their knowledge to help those in need. But altruism doesn’t pay the bills—raiding vaults and collecting sensitive data is where the real money is.

Knox is a bitter, battle-weary supersoldier who leads the Silver Devils, an elite strike squad that chose to go AWOL rather than slaughter innocents. Before the Devils leave town for good, they need a biochem hacker to stabilize the experimental implants that grant their superhuman abilities.

The problem? Their hacker’s been kidnapped. And the ransom for her return is Nina. Knox has the perfect bait for a perfect trap: a lost Library of Congress server. The data could set Nina and her team up for years…

If they live that long.

Title : Deal with the Devil
Author : Kit Rocha
Series : Mercenary Librarians (book one)
Format : eARC
Page Count : 336
Genre : sci-fi/dystopian romance
Publisher : Tor Books
Release Date : July 28, 2020

Reviewer : Hollis
Rating : ★ ★ ★ .5

Hollis’ 3.5 star review

I have so many mixed feelings about this one! I mean, like, what a surprise, though, right? No one is shocked.

But seriously. This read was so strange for me. I was totally sucked in to this world and Rocha’s words, was consumed by it for the majority of a sunday afternoon, but nothing about the book had a wow factor, no character was particularly compelling or amazing, the plot itself didn’t feel too different from any other post-apocalyptic-esque-dystopian (obviously some elements differ but the familiarity is there) and I was still, somehow, almost tempted to give this four stars. Why? Because the writing was solid, it did consume me, and the ensemble cast and banter was just great (I’m such a sucker for this).

But as I sat down to write this, as I considered the lack of wow, the as-of-right-now (but maybe not in future books considering the final chapter) rather misleading series name, and that overall lack of stand-out from the characters (don’t get me wrong, some were better than others, all were pretty good, but none really moved to me think “favourites shelf!!”)? I knew I couldn’t give this more than what I’m giving it.

This world is a mash-up of survivors after solar flares have basically reduced human contact to those within your local area. And in Atlanta, where this is set, that leaves society to be mostly enforced by a military outfit who uses enhancements on their soldiers, and also an organization who dabbles in genetics, and both are basically no good. The story features a group of ex-military operatives who are trying to survive the ticking time bomb that is their degrading implants and a trio of women who have been enhanced in various ways. Romance, secrets, betrayals, and surprises — naturally — ensue.

This story is full of action, full of sci-fi elements, gritty and dark but not bleak or hopeless. The romance wasn’t my favourite part but I didn’t hate it. I just liked the “we don’t trust each other, we know betrayal is likely” edge better. At least in the beginning. The reluctant friendships, the thawing of the tension, and all the banter, as the story went on, I liked even more. There was a lot of like.

Additionally, I liked that this wasn’t a story with just one, or two, POVs, and we’d get little tastes of each character, either to give us some backstory or some perspective. OR to whet our appetites for future books. Either way, I liked it.

I will definitely read on!

Also, of note, after finishing my review and glancing through early feedback, apparently this is supposed to be set in the same world as the duo’s other series, though standing apart from it and also with less of an erotic categorization, so, that’s worth noting. I think I’ve read maybe two of the Beyond books so can’t really say that’s where I felt this was familiar. In all honesty it made me think of Kennedy’s Outlaws series but, again, without the erotica. Though, don’t get me wrong, there are some steamy scenes! That said, maybe in the wait for book two, I should go back and read more of this duo’s other works just so I can feel caught up on this universe. It probably won’t happen, though. I’m crap at follow through.

Ultimately, this is one that gets a cautious recommend from me. If you are into the genre, if you like lots of action, and a pretty stable attraction/romance thread between two opposing forces, you’ll definitely be into this. It is fairly long, though, clocking in at over four hundred pages, so if you’re more into wham bam thank you done, and don’t want this much plot with your sexy action times, maybe try the Kennedy series. Or, obviously, Rocha’s other books.

** I received an ARC from Edelweiss+ and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **

THE VOTING BOOTH by Brandy Colbert

Marva Sheridan was born ready for this day. She’s always been driven to make a difference in the world, and what better way than to vote in her first election?Duke Crenshaw is so done with this election. He just wants to get voting over with so he can prepare for his band’s first paying gig tonight.Only problem? Duke can’t vote.When Marva sees Duke turned away from their polling place, she takes it upon herself to make sure his vote is counted. She hasn’t spent months doorbelling and registering voters just to see someone denied their right.And that’s how their whirlwind day begins, rushing from precinct to precinct, cutting school, waiting in endless lines, turned away time and again, trying to do one simple thing: vote. They may have started out as strangers, but as Duke and Marva team up to beat a rigged system (and find Marva’s missing cat), it’s clear that there’s more to their connection than a shared mission for democracy.

Title : The Voting Booth
Author : Brandy Colbert
Narrators : Robin Eller & Cary Hite
Format : Audiobook
Length : 6 hours, 5 minutes
Genre : Contemporary YA
Publisher : Dreamscape Media
Release Date : July 7, 2020

Reviewer : Micky
Rating : ★ ★ ★ ★

Micky’s 4 star review

This was a shortish listen, told over one day’s events and yet it had such a full story to tell. The themes were so relevant to the now, to Black Lives Matters. Brandy Colbert told this story naturally in a Contemporary YA setting with passionate characters and a hopeful tone.

The story was all set around voting day and Marva just arrived in this book with such drive and determination for activism set in pragmatism as she helped people vote. Duke was on the end of Marva’s plan to help and their day to ensure his vote turned into a saga that was funny, frustrating and cute.

Marva and Duke were different and yet complimented each other well. The day brought some revelations for Marva in particular about the reality of some of her relationships. Duke was a more complex character with past hurts and memories that really gave this voting day some poignant context.

Despite the serious themes, there was time for light-heartedness in this story and the author balanced these elements well. There was a cute vibe developing between these two and I adored the storyline for Instagram sensation, Eartha Kitty.

This was a dual POV story with dual narration. Both narrators sounded age-appropriate and set the tone well for the story. Their narration whisked me into the centre of the tale and got me lost in there.

I highly recommend this story for all YA readers, especially those that like a political slice of pie and contemporary issues, like me.

Thank to Libro FM who gifted this advanced listening copy as part of their ALC programme.

https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781662003929-the-voting-booth

THE LONG WAY TO A SMALL ANGRY PLANET by Becky Chambers

Follow a motley crew on an exciting journey through space—and one adventurous young explorer who discovers the meaning of family in the far reaches of the universe—in this light-hearted debut space opera from a rising sci-fi star.

Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain.

Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.

Title : The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet
Author : Becky Chambers
Narrator : Patricia Rodriguez
Series : Wayfarers #1
Format : Audiobook
Length : 15 hours, 41 minutes
Genre : Sci-fi
Publisher : Hodder Books
Release Date : August 13, 2015

Reviewer : Micky
Rating : ★ ★ ★

Micky’s 3 star review

Sadly I’m feeling rather underwhelmed by this series starter when I really expected to enjoy it. I’m a lover of sci-fi and the idea of a fun bunch of species romping the galaxy sounded right up my street and in some ways it was.

THE LONG WAY TO A SMALL ANGRY PLANET was incredibly complex in terms of characterisation of species. I initially thought the whole book would be from Rosemary’s POV but as soon as she landed on the Wayfarer, it became multi-POV. I wasn’t always enamoured by some of the POVs, nor all of the ship’s crew as characters. I did like Rosemary, Ashby, Lovey, Dr Chef and Pei. Sissex and Ohan took some getting used to and I think that some of the early description of their species lacked the depth I needed to connect.

What I did like was the vibe of the crew on the ship; it was light hearted, warm and welcoming. They were a close crew, a family really. I also liked how relationships were depicted, gender, connections were of little importance and there was a natural tone to how romantic connections were made.

The plot was slow at times but it always picked up eventually with some event happening. I think I wanted a bit more space drama than there was. Maybe this was exaggerated by listening on audio, although the narrator was good.

My ultimate feeling on finishing is that there is enough here for me to carry on with the series. I have finally made some connections with the characters and there was a little action towards the end that I hope spells a better pacing ahead.

FIVE LITTLE LIARS by Amanda K. Morgan

I Know What You Did Last Summer meets One of Us is Lying in this fast-paced suspense thriller following five teens who must cover up the suspicious death of their teacher.

Nothing ruins summer vacation like a secret . . . especially when that secret is a dead teacher.

Ivy used to be on top of the social ladder, until her ex made that all go away. She has the chance to be Queen Bee again, but only if the rest of the group can keep quiet.

Tyler has always been a bad boy, but lately he’s been running low on second chances. There’s no way he’s going to lose everything because someone couldn’t keep their mouth shut.

Kinley wouldn’t describe herself as perfect, though everyone else would. But perfection comes at a price, and there is nothing she wouldn’t do to keep her perfect record – one that doesn’t include murder charges.

Mattie is only in town for the summer. He wasn’t looking to make friends, and he definitely wasn’t looking to be involved in a murder. He’s also not looking to be riddled with guilt for the rest of his life . . . but to prevent that he’ll have to turn them all in.

Cade couldn’t care less about the body, or about the pact to keep the secret. The only way to be innocent is for someone else to be found guilty. Now he just has to decide who that someone will be.

With the police hot on the case, they don’t have much time to figure out how to trust each other. But in order to take the lead, you have to be first in line . . . and that’s the quickest way to get stabbed in the back.

Perfect for fans of Chelsea Pitcher, Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson!

Title : Five Little Liars
Author : Amanda K. Morgan
Format : Paperback
Page Count : 368
Genre : YA Thriller
Publisher : Simon & Schuster UK
Release Date : June 11, 2020

Reviewer : Micky
Rating : ★ ★ ★

Micky’s 3 star review

This was a fast-paced teen thriller, a little out of the realms of reality but a page-turner nonetheless. I found some elements predictable and the cast of characters were broadly unlikeable but it kept the plot spinning.

The story was told in multiple POV, all students taking a college-level summer psychology class in high school. Oh the irony of the psychology of this bunch of teens. Out of the this cast of five characters, there were only a couple I took to, the rest were conceited, trouble-makers or plain old mean. All that said, the teacher was plain evil.

The story took a spiral of events, panic and then lies in a familiar pattern but one that works. I did call the final twist very early on though. There were other twists that I didn’t predict however and it did keep me reading.

FIVE LITTLE LIARS was somewhat high drama teen-feeling. I read a lot of YA, but this felt particularly teeny to me with a lack of balance in the characteristics. I reminded myself that someone was dead and high drama was perhaps an appropriate response but there was just something about how it was written that sometimes made my eyes roll (like a teen).

I read this book in an afternoon, it kept me entertained and it was a switch up from genres I’ve been reading. I definitely think it has something to lend to the YA thriller scene and would appeal particularly to young adult readers.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster UK for the finshed review copy.

LOVELESS by Alice Oseman

The fourth novel from the phenomenally talented Alice Oseman – one of the most authentic and talked-about voices in contemporary YA.

It was all sinking in. I’d never had a crush on anyone. No boys, no girls, not a single person I had ever met. What did that mean?

Georgia has never been in love, never kissed anyone, never even had a crush – but as a fanfic-obsessed romantic she’s sure she’ll find her person one day.

As she starts university with her best friends, Pip and Jason, in a whole new town far from home, Georgia’s ready to find romance, and with her outgoing roommate on her side and a place in the Shakespeare Society, her ‘teenage dream’ is in sight.

But when her romance plan wreaks havoc amongst her friends, Georgia ends up in her own comedy of errors, and she starts to question why love seems so easy for other people but not for her. With new terms thrown at her – asexual, aromantic – Georgia is more uncertain about her feelings than ever.

Is she destined to remain loveless? Or has she been looking for the wrong thing all along?

This wise, warm and witty story of identity and self-acceptance sees Alice Oseman on towering form as Georgia and her friends discover that true love isn’t limited to romance.

Title : Loveless
Author : Alice Oseman
Format : eARC
Page Count : 320
Genre : YA Contemporary
Publisher : Harper Collins
Release Date : July 9, 2020

Reviewer : Micky
Rating : ★ ★ ★

Micky’s 3 star review

I’m keeping this brief because I want to let the own-voices reviewers shine on this one.

LOVELESS is the story many have been waiting for, welcome representation for aro-ace readers with a character discovering their sexual identity and it was a complex unfurling of realisation for Georgia. Georgia had this screaming desire to fit in, get her firsts under her belt until she was faced with actually doing that. The story was an opening up of consciousness of identity.

There were lots of first year uni experiences in here that were fun. Georgia was surrounded by a bunch of friends, two of whom made an uncomfortable triangle of bubbling rivalry, a bit of sparring but also friendship goodness. It was about the experience of trying to fit in and not quite succeeding; it was also about the fear of revealing yourself to others.

Overall, this was a read that revealed an experience that is important and I valued being able to read this greatly.

Thank you to Harper Collins for the early review copy.

THE GILDED WOLVES by Roshani Chokshi

No one believes in them. But soon no one will forget them.

It’s 1889. The city is on the cusp of industry and power, and the Exposition Universelle has breathed new life into the streets and dredged up ancient secrets. Here, no one keeps tabs on dark truths better than treasure-hunter and wealthy hotelier Séverin Montagnet-Alarie. When the elite, ever-powerful Order of Babel coerces him to help them on a mission, Séverin is offered a treasure that he never imagined: his true inheritance.

To hunt down the ancient artifact the Order seeks, Séverin calls upon a band of unlikely experts: An engineer with a debt to pay. A historian banished from his home. A dancer with a sinister past. And a brother in arms if not blood.

Together, they will join Séverin as he explores the dark, glittering heart of Paris. What they find might change the course of history–but only if they can stay alive.

Title : The Gilded Wolves
Author : Roshani Chokshi
Series : The Gilded Wolves (book one)
Format : eBook (overdrive)
Page Count : 386
Genre : YA historical fiction/fantasy
Publisher : Wednesday Books
Release Date : January 15, 2019

Reviewer : Hollis
Rating : ★ ★ .5

Hollis’ 2.5 star review

You know when you’re reading something that has bits of everything you love, and you’re mostly following along with plot or worldbuilding or mythology (mostly might be generous..), so you think you’re having a good time? That’s what my experience with THE GILDED WOLVES was like.

I’ve avoided this for ages because of my weird struggles with Chokshi’s writing and all the comparisons to the other big YA heist story/series but finally decided to give it a try. And.. yeah, I think I liked this? I think? Maybe?

“Honestly. Who looks at a vase covered in bull testicles and says, ‘You. I must have you.’?“
“The bored, the rich, and the enigmatic.“

The middle is easily the best part of this book. I found it slow going to settle into the setting, and all the complicated clues and problem solving with esoteric history lessons or references we were made to follow along with, and I found the ending was both rushed and hard to picture (which I find a common problem with this author, I just can’t picture what she’s describing), and that was before we jumped around with short chapters, and the passage of time, from all the POVs before a little nugget of a game changer to end the installment. But the middle? The middle was a good time. I felt I was starting to know the characters, even if for the most part we rehashed a lot of the same things we had learned in the beginning, but I love me an ensemble, so, it’s cool, it’s good. But the problem in hindsight is now I don’t really think I know any of them. Everything feels very surface level and I’m left feeling like spent a few hours watching actors perform a play instead of eavesdropping on real lives. Does that make sense?

Additionally, there was kind of a dead giveaway to a particularly element/event with how this story unfolded. I won’t say what it was (I deleted it, actually) because maybe some readers won’t pick up on it. I only noticed because I’ve been tricked this way before. I see you, authors. I see you.

Also why was the poison issue never addressed? I was 98% convinced there was a time travel element at play (sorry, is this a spoiler?) and then, nope, but then.. why?

So, yes. I think there was some greatness in here, particularly in the diverse cast and the representation, and overall the author is clearly very smart to piece all these historical tricksy bits together. I’m too dumb for it, obviously, but it felt well researched. I just wish I had been able to picture things. I wish the big climax had been a little less extreme, or easier to follow. And I wish the ending had flowed instead of feeling so chopped together to close or unpick some loops for book two.

I’m curious to read on, though, so I guess we’re coming out of this one with a win. Though I tend to read on more than I should so.. is it? I’ll stop now.

SLIPPERY CREATURES by KJ Charles

Will Darling came back from the Great War with a few scars, a lot of medals, and no idea what to do next. Inheriting his uncle’s chaotic second-hand bookshop is a blessing…until strange visitors start making threats. First a criminal gang, then the War Office, both telling Will to give them the information they want, or else.

Will has no idea what that information is, and nobody to turn to, until Kim Secretan—charming, cultured, oddly attractive—steps in to offer help. As Kim and Will try to find answers and outrun trouble, mutual desire grows along with the danger.

And then Will discovers the truth about Kim. His identity, his past, his real intentions. Enraged and betrayed, Will never wants to see him again.

But Will possesses knowledge that could cost thousands of lives. Enemies are closing in on him from all sides—and Kim is the only man who can help.

Title : Slippery Creatures
Author : KJ Charles
Series : The Will Darling Adventures (book one)
Format : eBook (overdrive)
Page Count : 215
Genre : LGBTQIA+ romance/historical fiction
Publisher : KJC Books
Release Date : May 13, 2020

Reviewer : Hollis
Rating : ★ ★ ★ ★

Hollis’ 4 star review

Oh look Hollis loves a KJC book. No one is surprised! But seriously, I’m pretty sure I can count on one hand the amount of this authors’ works that didn’t rate a four or higher. And this author isn’t short on books.

Will had gone to the War at eighteen, and come back five years later to find himself useless and unwanted. In Flanders he’d been a grizzled veteran, a fount of professional expertise who knew the ropes and had seen it all. Back in Blighty he’d become a young man again, one with little training and no expertise. [..] All he was good at now was killing people, which was discouraged.

This new series is set in the twenties and features a ex-soldier finding his place as a bookseller after inheriting his late uncle’s shop and then, unexpectedly, his rather expected life takes a turn when he’s caught between War Office agents and a gang both looking for information his uncle possessed. And then in walks a man who offers to help, seems to have no skin in the game, and.. off it goes.

He had no idea what civilians, or civilized people, would say in these circumstances. Thanks for that, old chap, much obliged, perhaps? Ought he apologize for coming in his mouth? [..] Thank God they were British. He took a deep breath. “Cup of tea?“

Considering the length of this book, the author somehow manages to not skimp on anything. Not the plot, not the characters, not the ability to infuse depth or weave backstory with only a glance, a word, and that just shows how talented she is. That said, I was sad to say goodbye to this world, even though it’s only temporary until book two. I loved how things resolved without solving everything and yet left on a good note.

“What do you want to talk about?“
“I don’t know. The football results? Politics. The pictures. Why the blazes you’re called Kim when your name is Arthur.“
“My name, since you raise the topic, is Arthur Aloysius Kimberley de Brabazon Secretan. What would you do in my place?“
“Leave the country.“

If you’re a KJC fan, I think you’ll be absolutely delighted by this new series (if you haven’t already read it, I’m a wee bit late to this one) and if you’ve yet to try Charles, this might be a great place to start. But honestly there’s not really a wrong choice no matter where you start in the backlist.

What a great way to end a weekend.