As promised, we’ve got some more variety this week! I’m still working my way through the “Troubleshooters,” but I also dipped my toe into fantasy and even horror. Plus a little historical Christmas romance for funsies.
Once Upon a Duke by Erica Ridley: I’d heard good things about this one, but I’ll be honest – it took me several chapters to get into, and I almost dropped it. It just felt a little, too… precious, you know? The idyllic little village of Christmas (or, if you’re a Scrooge like me and the titular Duke, the village of Cressmouth), where’s it Christmas all year round, filled with utopian ideals and eccentric characters who’ve magically found acceptance in Regency England. Uh-huh. (I think the reason I struggled with this even though I adore Tessa Dare’s “Spindle Cove” series, which has a similar premise, is because in Spindle Cove, they may have found a haven, but they’re constantly struggling to protect it. It’s very rooted in the real-world considerations of the time. Although yes, it, too, is still very fluff. Stop telling me facts! Bah! Humbug!) But I liked the setup for the OTP, who shared the same fear of abandonment but reacted in very different ways – he withdrew and avoided forming any attachments that could hurt him, while she worked her butt off to become indispensable to her community. And about the time the hero started to thaw, so did I, and I ended up having a great time. Recommended if you’re in the mood for some low-angst Christmas romance.
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury: This has been on my TBR list for… *consults calendar* approximately forever. Several years ago, I saw the 1983 Disney adaptation (which is excellently creepy), and I also knew it was a favorite of my parents’, who have pretty good taste. So I finally sat down to read it, and… instant favorite! The carnival creepiness is effective and that whole storyline is interesting, yes, but the real highlights for me were the reflections on growing up, growing old, and growing with the people around you, as well as the distance between a father and son who love each other dearly but aren’t sure how to communicate.
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake: Horror isn’t generally my thing – not because I dislike it in and of itself, but because I tend to get pretty emotionally engaged with my reading (and viewing… and listening…), so I don’t go out seeking stress and scares. But this was chosen for one of my book clubs, and I really enjoyed it (shout-out to Jules for picking it!). The plot is fairly simple, but it’s told with humor, and I fell in love with the little gang of misfits that forms around our ghost-hunting hero – Carmel and her baseball bat were a particularly fun discovery! Anna is actually on the tamer side of horror (or so I’m told…), but the last few chapters were still intense for me. Again with the emotional entanglements! Still. It was a good kind of tension, and I’m already a few chapters into the sequel, Girl of Nightmares, because I want to know what happens to our Scooby Gang! Come back next week to find out how that goes.
“Troubleshooters” #7-9 by Suzanne Brockmann – Yes, I’m still reading these and still having fun. Troubleshooters Inc. has finally been established, so now our crew is operating more in the private sector than in military spaces (though we still spend time with some of the characters who stayed with the SEALS – Cosmo’s book is especially fun!). Also… hooray for more of Jules! He was an instant favorite from his first appearance in book #2, and it’s so much fun seeing him take on a more central role in the series. I’d be lying if I said part of the reason I’m speeding through these isn’t so I can get to his happy ending. My boy deserves all the love and happiness! Do you hear me??
Okay, so I clearly had a lot to say this time. But now what about you? What are you reading this week?
–b
Book It With Becca 