Monthly Check In: May 2021

I know we often say each month is a blur, but I honestly don’t know what happened in April. I had some pretty big stuff happening in reality that meant a lot of stress and chaos, so I’m blaming it all on that.

You know all those good intentions I had for the blog last month? Yeaaah, they didn’t go too well. I’ve been struggling with the blog recently to be honest. I’m definitely in a spell where everything feels it’s plateaued and I need to have a think about what I want out of it.

It doesn’t help that it turns out there’s been a problem with connecting to the WordPress Reader. But at least there is a reason why my normal average 20 likes has been down to 2 with very limited engagement on new posts. Hopefully that will be fixed soon.

I also have two posts scheduled. That’s it. Feel like there might be a break coming soon while I get everything in order.

But, for now, here’s the fun stuff!

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April’s Reading

April’s Reading: 5 books

Year to Date: 18 out of 60 (1 behind)

I was definitely reading more again last month, which I really enjoyed. It was nice to get a few titles ticked off.

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Plot

In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound. From their earliest days, children of aristocrats learn how to address an earl and curtsey before a prince—while other dictates of the ton are unspoken yet universally understood. A proper duke should be imperious and aloof. A young, marriageable lady should be amiable… but not too amiable.

Daphne Bridgerton has always failed at the latter. The fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family, she has formed friendships with the most eligible young men in London. Everyone likes Daphne for her kindness and wit. But no one truly desires her. She is simply too deuced honest for that, too unwilling to play the romantic games that captivate gentlemen.

Amiability is not a characteristic shared by Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Recently returned to England from abroad, he intends to shun both marriage and society—just as his callous father shunned Simon throughout his painful childhood. Yet an encounter with his best friend’s sister offers another option. If Daphne agrees to a fake courtship, Simon can deter the mamas who parade their daughters before him. Daphne, meanwhile, will see her prospects and her reputation soar.

The plan works like a charm—at first. But amid the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London’s elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule…

Thoughts: After taking myself by surprise how much I enjoyed Bridgerton, I couldn’t resist when I saw the first three books available through the digital library. A whirlwind of romance, wit and humour, I enjoyed the book more than the series. It was a good escapism and something different for me.

Sistersong by Lucy Holland

Plot

535 AD. In the ancient kingdom of Dumnonia, King Cador’s children inherit a fragmented land abandoned by the Romans.

Riva, scarred in a terrible fire, fears she will never heal.
Keyne battles to be seen as the king’s son, when born a daughter.
And Sinne, the spoiled youngest girl, yearns for romance.

All three fear a life of confinement within the walls of the hold – a last bastion of strength against the invading Saxons. But change comes on the day ash falls from the sky, bringing Myrddhin, meddler and magician, and Tristan, a warrior whose secrets will tear the siblings apart. Riva, Keyne and Sinne must take fate into their own hands, or risk being tangled in a story they could never have imagined; one of treachery, love and ultimately, murder. It’s a story that will shape the destiny of Britain.

Thoughts: It’s a sign of how far behind I am that the book is in the round-up with the review already published! You know by now how much I enjoyed Sistersong and it’s a definite recommendation from me. If you enjoy the blend of historical and fantasy, check this book out!

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

Plot

814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, this author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London’s most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry.
And in truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better…
—Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, April 1814

But this time, the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn’t just decided to marry—he’s even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended’s older sister, Kate Sheffield—the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams…

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands—and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate is determined to protect her sister—but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony’s lips touch hers, she’s suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself…

Thoughts: Yep, I continued the series. I really enjoyed getting to know Anthony’s character in this one whereas the show hasn’t yet done him justice. This was another fun whirlwind, even if you know from the start the final destination, the journey is still enjoyable. I really like Quinn’s writing style.

The House of Lamentations by S.G MacLean

Plot

Summer, 1658, and the Republic may finally be safe: the combined Stuart and Spanish forces have been heavily defeated by the English and French armies on the coast of Flanders, and the King’s cause appears finished.

Yet one final, desperate throw of the dice is planned. And who can stop them if not Captain Damian Seeker?

The final gripping book in this acclaimed and award-winning series of historical thrillers. Will Seeker’s legacy endure?

Thoughts: Another with the review already published – I’m so far behind! A fun return to the Cromwell era with much-loved characters. MacLean has a way of bringing to life the rough exterior but soft heart in Seeker and I love it. This whole series is a recommendation for historical fiction fans.

An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Plot

Will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she’d be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton’s famed masquerade ball—or that “Prince Charming” would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid’s garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

Thoughts: Again, another fun read. I enjoyed this, true, and it had some laugh out loud moments, but there were a few points where I wasn’t completely sold on the characterisations. Maybe because I’ve read a few of them back-to-back I was noticing more? Still, I’m glad I continued the series.

How about you? How was your reading last month?

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You may also like:

• Top Books for 2021 – Q1 Edition
• Netgalley Shelf: April 2021

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