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The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows by Olivia Waite
When Agatha Griffin finds a colony of bees in her warehouse, it’s the not-so-perfect ending to a not-so-perfect week. Busy trying to keep her printing business afloat amidst rising taxes and the suppression of radical printers like her son, the last thing the widow wants is to be the victim of a thousand bees. But when a beautiful beekeeper arrives to take care of the pests, Agatha may be in danger of being stung by something far more dangerous…
Penelope Flood exists between two worlds in her small seaside town, the society of rich landowners and the tradesfolk. Soon, tensions boil over when the formerly exiled Queen arrives on England’s shores—and when Penelope’s long-absent husband returns to Melliton, she once again finds herself torn, between her burgeoning love for Agatha and her loyalty to the man who once gave her refuge.
As Penelope finally discovers her true place, Agatha must learn to accept the changing world in front of her. But will these longing hearts settle for a safe but stale existence or will they learn to fight for the future they most desire?
Why you should read it: I love this even more than 'The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics'. The characters are completely charming, and the chemistry between them singes the corners of every page. I also loved the lineup of secondary characters, of which there are numerous without ever getting me muddled as a reader. The pacing is perfect, the writing made me tear up in the best ways, and the dialog is cheeky and gorgeous and heartfelt all at once.
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Proper English by KJ Charles
England, 1902. A shooting party at the Earl of Witton’s remote country house is a high treat for champion shot Patricia Merton—until unexpected guests turn the social atmosphere dangerously sour.
That’s not Pat’s biggest problem. She’s visiting her old friend, the Earl’s heir Jimmy Yoxall—but she wants to spend a lot more time with Jimmy’s fiancée. The irrepressible Miss Fenella Carruth, with her laughing eyes and lush curves, is the most glorious woman Pat’s ever met, and it quickly becomes impossible to remember why she needs to stay at arm’s length.
But while the women’s attraction grows, the tensions at Rodington Court get worse. Affairs, secrets, betrayals, and blackmail come to light. And when a body is discovered with a knife between the shoulderblades, it’s going to take Pat and Fen’s combined talents to prevent the murderer destroying all their lives.
Why you should read it: A charming novella. I enjoyed the hell out of these characters, and their alliance leading to more. KJ Charles does a wonderful job creating pairings I can cheer on with my whole entire heart, and these two women are no exception. I might have enjoyed this book even more than I loved "Think of England", and that's a hell of a high bar.
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The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian
Kit Webb has left his stand-and-deliver days behind him. But dreary days at his coffee shop have begun to make him pine for the heady rush of thievery. When a handsome yet arrogant aristocrat storms into his shop, Kit quickly realizes he may be unable to deny whatever this highborn man desires.
In order to save himself and a beloved friend, Percy, Lord Holland must go against every gentlemanly behavior he holds dear to gain what he needs most: a book that once belonged to his mother, a book his father never lets out of his sight and could be Percy’s savior. More comfortable in silk-filled ballrooms than coffee shops frequented by criminals, his attempts to hire the roughly hewn highwayman, formerly known as Gladhand Jack, proves equal parts frustrating and electrifying.
Kit refuses to participate in the robbery but agrees to teach Percy how to do the deed. Percy knows he has little choice but to submit and as the lessons in thievery begin, he discovers thievery isn’t the only crime he’s desperate to commit with Kit.
But when their careful plan goes dangerously wrong and shocking revelations threaten to tear them apart, can these stolen hearts overcome the impediments in their path?
Why you should read it: This might be my favorite Cat Sebastian book to date. Honestly, the marketing materials had me at "Be Gay, Do Crime", but even beyond that it was a delightful read. Charming characters who seem fundamentally incompatible, and yet manage to meet somewhere so real and human that my heart melted. The crime was also very nice. Bonus points for the spoiled, self-focused main character having a baby sister (literal baby) on whom he effortlessly dotes.
The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows by Olivia Waite
When Agatha Griffin finds a colony of bees in her warehouse, it’s the not-so-perfect ending to a not-so-perfect week. Busy trying to keep her printing business afloat amidst rising taxes and the suppression of radical printers like her son, the last thing the widow wants is to be the victim of a thousand bees. But when a beautiful beekeeper arrives to take care of the pests, Agatha may be in danger of being stung by something far more dangerous…
Penelope Flood exists between two worlds in her small seaside town, the society of rich landowners and the tradesfolk. Soon, tensions boil over when the formerly exiled Queen arrives on England’s shores—and when Penelope’s long-absent husband returns to Melliton, she once again finds herself torn, between her burgeoning love for Agatha and her loyalty to the man who once gave her refuge.
As Penelope finally discovers her true place, Agatha must learn to accept the changing world in front of her. But will these longing hearts settle for a safe but stale existence or will they learn to fight for the future they most desire?
Why you should read it: I love this even more than 'The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics'. The characters are completely charming, and the chemistry between them singes the corners of every page. I also loved the lineup of secondary characters, of which there are numerous without ever getting me muddled as a reader. The pacing is perfect, the writing made me tear up in the best ways, and the dialog is cheeky and gorgeous and heartfelt all at once.
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Proper English by KJ Charles
England, 1902. A shooting party at the Earl of Witton’s remote country house is a high treat for champion shot Patricia Merton—until unexpected guests turn the social atmosphere dangerously sour.
That’s not Pat’s biggest problem. She’s visiting her old friend, the Earl’s heir Jimmy Yoxall—but she wants to spend a lot more time with Jimmy’s fiancée. The irrepressible Miss Fenella Carruth, with her laughing eyes and lush curves, is the most glorious woman Pat’s ever met, and it quickly becomes impossible to remember why she needs to stay at arm’s length.
But while the women’s attraction grows, the tensions at Rodington Court get worse. Affairs, secrets, betrayals, and blackmail come to light. And when a body is discovered with a knife between the shoulderblades, it’s going to take Pat and Fen’s combined talents to prevent the murderer destroying all their lives.
Why you should read it: A charming novella. I enjoyed the hell out of these characters, and their alliance leading to more. KJ Charles does a wonderful job creating pairings I can cheer on with my whole entire heart, and these two women are no exception. I might have enjoyed this book even more than I loved "Think of England", and that's a hell of a high bar.
- — - — - — - — -
The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian
Kit Webb has left his stand-and-deliver days behind him. But dreary days at his coffee shop have begun to make him pine for the heady rush of thievery. When a handsome yet arrogant aristocrat storms into his shop, Kit quickly realizes he may be unable to deny whatever this highborn man desires.
In order to save himself and a beloved friend, Percy, Lord Holland must go against every gentlemanly behavior he holds dear to gain what he needs most: a book that once belonged to his mother, a book his father never lets out of his sight and could be Percy’s savior. More comfortable in silk-filled ballrooms than coffee shops frequented by criminals, his attempts to hire the roughly hewn highwayman, formerly known as Gladhand Jack, proves equal parts frustrating and electrifying.
Kit refuses to participate in the robbery but agrees to teach Percy how to do the deed. Percy knows he has little choice but to submit and as the lessons in thievery begin, he discovers thievery isn’t the only crime he’s desperate to commit with Kit.
But when their careful plan goes dangerously wrong and shocking revelations threaten to tear them apart, can these stolen hearts overcome the impediments in their path?
Why you should read it: This might be my favorite Cat Sebastian book to date. Honestly, the marketing materials had me at "Be Gay, Do Crime", but even beyond that it was a delightful read. Charming characters who seem fundamentally incompatible, and yet manage to meet somewhere so real and human that my heart melted. The crime was also very nice. Bonus points for the spoiled, self-focused main character having a baby sister (literal baby) on whom he effortlessly dotes.
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