bookish_selkie's Reviews (2.14k)

I was drawn into Given Our History by the cute cover and intriguing title. Clara is an assistant professor who is not exactly working her dream job, but is content that it will eventually help her achieve her goals. When tenure becomes a possibility, she starts to feel the pressure. To her horror, the new visiting professor is her former best friend (who she no longer talks to). Will they be able to work together or will the awkwardness be too much?  

Given Our History is a lighthearted second-chance romance. Clara and Teddy first meet as homeschoolers. There is a dual timeline approach with alternating scenes from the present to past. While I enjoyed the additional backstory, I wish there had been a little more focus on the present and them falling in love again. The tenure and portrayal of academia was interesting and I felt satisfied with the choice Clara made in the end. 

Readers who enjoy dual timelines and second-chance romance will appreciate Give Our History. 

Thank you to Kristyn J. Miller, St. Martin’s Griffin, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Confounding Oaths is the enchanting sequel to Mortal Follies. Mr. Caesar is set on helping his younger sister find a match, though things soon spiral rapidly out of control. Luckily for him, he meets the sensible and dashing Captain James. As the two work together to free his sister from a fae bargain gone wrong, sparks fly between them. Do they have a future beyond the end of the season? 

Alexis Hall is incredibly witty and every sentence is packed with humor. Hall is an excellent storyteller and creates a compelling romance between Captain James and Mr. Caesar. I loved the interpretation of fairy magic (and sinister gods) in Regency-era queer romance. The characters have great banter and there is never a dull moment. The narrator is also extremely witty and I can only hope he’s nowhere near close to fulfilling his duties to Oberon. 

Readers who enjoy queer romance, fairy magic with a twist, and witty dialogue should check out Confounding Oaths. I can’t wait to read what Alexis Hall writes next! 

Thank you to Alexis Hall, Del Rey, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Long Live Evil is an adventure from beginning to end! It’s meta, theatre-kid style fun, and filled with cleverness. When Rae is given a chance to enter her favorite fantasy series, she is dropped into the plot as an existing character. Rae is now the villain and she’ll have to remember all her knowledge of the books to make it back to life as she knew it. With the help of her handmaiden, a bodyguard, and a multifaceted spymaster, Rae is determined to find her own happily ever after. 

I loved this book! Long Live Evil is so funny and unafraid to take risks. The characters are well-designed and complex- especially the Golden Cobra! His origin story and the secrets he held were fascinating to watch unravel. I loved his romance! Rae is incredible as a villain and intent on deciding her own fate. The side characters (like Key!) are equally as compelling. 

Throughout the book, Brennan’s clear love of fantasy tales and how these books can provide an escape shines. Long Live Evil is the perfect book for readers who love fantasy and have wished they could slip through a doorway to a different realm. It’s a love letter to fantasy readers who love their villains as much as their chosen ones.  

Long Live Evil is action-packed, has hilarious dialogue, and is filled with captivating characters. Readers who seek meta fantasy and villains with hearts of gold will love this book. I seriously can’t wait to find out what happens next in the sequel! 

Thank you to Sarah Rees Brenann, Orbit Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.