THE PASSIONATE TUDOR BY ALISON WEIR
Historical fiction about Mary I of England. I enjoy reading about this period but haven't read much about Mary Tudor herself. Most of the novel is tedious with uninteresting writing and characters, and though the last part, concerning Mary's final years, was more interesting it was still a stodgy read. Generally, I prefer Weir's nonfiction and this was no exception. Weir does not care for Mary and it clearly shows in both the novel and the afterword. Whatever your opinion of Mary, I'd skip this and choose another of Weir's books, almost all of them are better. ★★★☆☆
TALK SWEETLY TO ME BY COURTNEY MILAN
Another in the Brother's Sinister series, but other than being a romance set in Victorian England I failed to see any connection. Rose Sweetly works as a computer for a scientist and has a crush on her rakish neighbourhood writer. All my previous complaints about Milan books are back in force; an overly rushed romance, an implausibly wonderful love interest, and an oh-so-exceptional protagonist. My biggest peeve is that Rose's experiences as a Victorian-era British Black woman seem under-explored but if you like Milan's "formula", you'll like this. ★★★☆☆
CLAIRMONT BY LESLEY MCDOWELL
I eagerly started this highly-rated novel about Clair Clairmont, being very interested in reading about her. After having finished it I can't understand the glowing reviews. I didn't care for it at all, finding it disjointed, tedious and brimming with unlikable, boring characters (Mary Shelley! Byron! Boring?!) wandering around in mind-numbingly dull settings (including the Year Without Summer FFS!) that skip back and forth in time. Not for me! Two stars only because I actually finished it. ★★☆☆☆
GOBLINS & GREATCOATS BY TRAVIS BALDREE
A very short, very sweet story set in the Legends & Latte world. I hope Zyll will show up in more of Baldree's writing. ★★★☆☆
