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jess_justmaybeperfect's reviews
691 reviews
Knockout by Sarah MacLean
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book, the 3rd in MacLean’s Hell’s Belles series features perhaps the most intriguing of the Belles, Lady Imogen Loveless, and Detective Thomas Peck, a dedicated member of Scotland Yard.
These two are classic opposites attract, with a twist.
She’s the delightful chaos to his serious steadiness. She’s short and curvy. He’s tall and muscular. She’s a Lady. He has worked his way up from nothing. Turns out though, they have similar goals.
Imogen wants nothing more than to do her science in peace and of course, to strike fear in the hearts of cruel men in power. Then she meets Tommy and miiiiiiight want just one more thing.
Tommy wants to keep his city safe and work his way up in the force, to be someone his adoring family* is proud of, and now, to protect his personal slice of chaos, Lady Imogen.
*(there is a dinner at his mother’s home that will melt the coldest of hearts ♥️♥️)
Imogen and Tommy want each other from the first, literally the first book. Some of us have been waiting for this story for a LONG time. 🤣🤣 And boy does MacLean make these too work for their HEA. In one of the classes she teaches MacLean stresses that authors must be able to address why the characters can’t be together RIGHT NOW. And while these two are on the page together for most of the book, they have A LOT to overcome to be together: Class. Belief in justice. Their own insecurities. Villains. Paternal legacies. Family.
Knockout continues the intrigue of the previous books but is definitely a stand alone story. Many of your favorite characters from earlier books and earlier series make appearances too, a theme in the MacLeaniverse!
Imogen is a perfect MacLean FMC. She knows what she wants, who she is, and how to get it. She doesn’t necessarily need help, but when it comes from the right person, she may just accept when no one expects it.
Plus the author’s note is spectacular (and in the audio version).
I first read this book as an arc provided by Avon and Ms. McLean. My thanks to them both.
These two are classic opposites attract, with a twist.
She’s the delightful chaos to his serious steadiness. She’s short and curvy. He’s tall and muscular. She’s a Lady. He has worked his way up from nothing. Turns out though, they have similar goals.
Imogen wants nothing more than to do her science in peace and of course, to strike fear in the hearts of cruel men in power. Then she meets Tommy and miiiiiiight want just one more thing.
Tommy wants to keep his city safe and work his way up in the force, to be someone his adoring family* is proud of, and now, to protect his personal slice of chaos, Lady Imogen.
*(there is a dinner at his mother’s home that will melt the coldest of hearts ♥️♥️)
Imogen and Tommy want each other from the first, literally the first book. Some of us have been waiting for this story for a LONG time. 🤣🤣 And boy does MacLean make these too work for their HEA. In one of the classes she teaches MacLean stresses that authors must be able to address why the characters can’t be together RIGHT NOW. And while these two are on the page together for most of the book, they have A LOT to overcome to be together: Class. Belief in justice. Their own insecurities. Villains. Paternal legacies. Family.
Knockout continues the intrigue of the previous books but is definitely a stand alone story. Many of your favorite characters from earlier books and earlier series make appearances too, a theme in the MacLeaniverse!
Imogen is a perfect MacLean FMC. She knows what she wants, who she is, and how to get it. She doesn’t necessarily need help, but when it comes from the right person, she may just accept when no one expects it.
Plus the author’s note is spectacular (and in the audio version).
I first read this book as an arc provided by Avon and Ms. McLean. My thanks to them both.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
The Highlander's Return: A Novel by Lynsay Sands
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A classic Sands.
Gorgeous, competent (if a bit naive) young woman meets deceased husband’s brother, falls in majorly lust, then wildly in love. He reciprocates of course.
A plot to murder them is afoot! Attempted poisoning, head injuries, mid-coitus arrow wounds, bed rooms aflame, more arrow wounds, fratricide, matricide, jealousy, revenge, lots of less violent sex, returned characters (she’s the daughter of the couple from An English Bride in Scotland), and a huge strong hot man knocked on his ass by his fierce wife.
Hope her brother is next!
Thanks to Sands, Avon, and NetGalley for this ARC.
Gorgeous, competent (if a bit naive) young woman meets deceased husband’s brother, falls in majorly lust, then wildly in love. He reciprocates of course.
A plot to murder them is afoot! Attempted poisoning, head injuries, mid-coitus arrow wounds, bed rooms aflame, more arrow wounds, fratricide, matricide, jealousy, revenge, lots of less violent sex, returned characters (she’s the daughter of the couple from An English Bride in Scotland), and a huge strong hot man knocked on his ass by his fierce wife.
Hope her brother is next!
Thanks to Sands, Avon, and NetGalley for this ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Kidnapped by the Pirate by Keira Andrews
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A virgin on the way to his very much unwanted betrothal arranged by his awful father gets kidnapped by an infamous and very dangerous pirate. Antagonism turns to respect turns to desire to love.
It’s hot. It’s funny. The pirate is of course more than his reputation. It’s romantic. It’s violent. Cornell Collins (a fave) narrates. Rescues are made. The villains get exactly what they deserve. The good guys win. Plus they build a safe space for others.
Sexy happy gay pirates. What more could you ask for??
It’s hot. It’s funny. The pirate is of course more than his reputation. It’s romantic. It’s violent. Cornell Collins (a fave) narrates. Rescues are made. The villains get exactly what they deserve. The good guys win. Plus they build a safe space for others.
Sexy happy gay pirates. What more could you ask for??
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Duchess Material by Emily Sullivan
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I liked a lot about the set up of this story. Second chance. Childhood crush. Unexpected dukedom. Bluestocking. Liberal politics. Getting revenge on cruel hypocrites. Fun sisters.
The romance just didn’t work for me. Will’s almost book long insistence that Phoebe isn’t good enough for him being resolved by her apology was disappointing. I didn’t buy his character arc at all.
I loved Sullivan’s other books though and am looking forward to the rest of this series.
The romance just didn’t work for me. Will’s almost book long insistence that Phoebe isn’t good enough for him being resolved by her apology was disappointing. I didn’t buy his character arc at all.
I loved Sullivan’s other books though and am looking forward to the rest of this series.
The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Anne and Hart appear to be enemies but what lies beneath that tension is quite complicated.
Nearly 7 years after disaster destroyed their chances together, Hart is stunned to find Anne in his grandfather’s library. When he learns she’s there to ask for help he agrees immediately.
Brought together by her ask and his agreement they begin to rekindle their friendship and soon their feelings.
Anne is tied to her mother’s deep grief at the death of her father. Hart is keeping secrets both familial and financial, from everyone. Once they open up to each other their personal healing expands right along with their romance.
This is a quiet, serious, and sweet romance. Hart is devoted and determined. Anne is cautiously optimistic.
I really enjoyed the pacing of this story, it takes months for them to find their way back to each other. Plus you get moments with all the women from this series and what I suspect is a big hint for book 4.
I love Matthews’ feminist take on Victorian romance and have really enjoyed this series.
The second half unfortunately dragged a bit while simultaneously being over burdened by numerous external conflicts.
Nearly 7 years after disaster destroyed their chances together, Hart is stunned to find Anne in his grandfather’s library. When he learns she’s there to ask for help he agrees immediately.
Brought together by her ask and his agreement they begin to rekindle their friendship and soon their feelings.
Anne is tied to her mother’s deep grief at the death of her father. Hart is keeping secrets both familial and financial, from everyone. Once they open up to each other their personal healing expands right along with their romance.
This is a quiet, serious, and sweet romance. Hart is devoted and determined. Anne is cautiously optimistic.
I really enjoyed the pacing of this story, it takes months for them to find their way back to each other. Plus you get moments with all the women from this series and what I suspect is a big hint for book 4.
I love Matthews’ feminist take on Victorian romance and have really enjoyed this series.
The second half unfortunately dragged a bit while simultaneously being over burdened by numerous external conflicts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Wicked Designs by Lauren Smith
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
A group of wealthy aristocrats kidnap a woman because one of them wants revenge on her uncle. Why not ruin his niece who had nothing to do with what her uncle did. Plus they all want her. She’s already turned on and forgiving and discovering she has power and of course it’s her “feminine wiles” not her brain. Bleh. Not for Jess.