REVIEW for Suji Kim's UNDER THE OAK TREE, Volume two - novel

 

UNDER THE OAK TREE: VOLUME 2
Fantasy

  

AUTHOR:
Suji Kim

RELEASE DATE:
November 18, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780593871225

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2300262/suji-kim/

 

 

Lady Maximilian “Maxi” Calypse – nee Croyso – has been flourishing in her new surroundings. She strives to be a good and competent Lady of the Castle for Riftan. Maxi works diligently to speak without a stutter and to practice her healing magic. However, an unexpected visit from Princess Agnes may undermine all her progress. Maxi even worries that the army of monsters plaguing the realm will take her husband on another campaign. Can Maxi’s magical ability be beneficial to Riftan? Or will his overprotectiveness strain their relationship?

Maxi has shown incredible growth in this installment. She is still timid. And her confidence in her abilities and herself wavers. But she is slowly learning to overcome those fears and her self-doubts. I admire her determination in standing up to Riftan. Maxi no longer wants to remain in the gilded cage he erected for her. She instead wants to be an equal, a helpmate to lessen the day-to-day burdens Riftan carries.

Sadly, I have not yet read the first volume of the novel. I have, however, read the first book of the comic. I remember loving the storyline and the characters involved. Wounded or tortured hero and heroines are my favorites. I like seeing such characters overcome their shortcomings and difficulties. And Maxi is doing just that. She is pushing past her limits.

The novel does delve more into Maxi’s point of view. Her insecurities. Her fears. Her determinations. I just wish the author switched to Riftan’s point of view.

I am now fully invested in this story, both the novel AND the web comic. I cannot wait for the next installments of both.

Review: Kerrigan Byrne's "A GRAVE GAMBIT"

 

A GRAVE GAMBIT
Historical Romance – Mystery Suspense

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kerrigan Byrne

RELEASE DATE:
August 26, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0DV1QY4XT

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.kerriganbyrne.com/about

 

 

Miss Fiona Mahoney is London’s principal post-mortem sanitation specialist. She is no stranger to death or the darker side of life. When three dub-up corpses are found on wealthy doorsteps, Fiona is chosen to investigate. She poses as a lady’s maid to gain entry in the upper elite’s social scene. Fiona finds herself immersed in a dangerous conspiracy. She must decide which man will keep her safe as she navigates the deadly scheme in play. Aramis Night Horse, the Syndicate’s assassin and Fiona’s former lover? Or grim Inspector Grayson Croft of Scotland Yard?

Fiona has really grown into her own since the start of the series. She understands and acknowledges what her top priority should be. Her survival. Fiona knows to survive in the world she works in is a balancing act.

A GRAVE GAMBIT is the fourth book in Kerrigan Byrne’s historical-mystery series, FIONA MAHONEY MYSTERY. It is best to start from the beginning. The first book, THE BUSINESS OF BLOOD, introduces the setting and the characters involved. It also explains Fiona’s complicated relationship with the Syndicate, Night Horse and Croft.

I guess I am more on Team Croft than Team Night Horse. Either man is better for Fiona than Roth, aka the Hammer. Something about the man just repels me. I admit that I was bummed until I hit Chapter 15 and Croft made his appearance. I literally squeed in happiness. Croft is taciturn and gruff, but I like the way he interacts with Fiona.

Night Horse has that wounded/tortured aspect that I love. However, I feel he is too immersed in his grief to truly allow Fiona in. I simply cannot see him loving her the way she deserves. Plus, Night Horse is too entrenched in the Syndicate.

My review for Sofie Darling's "WIN ME, MY LORD"

 

WIN ME, MY LORD
Historical Romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Sofie Darling

RELEASE DATE:
July 29, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0DPVKPMGB

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://sofiedarling.com/

 

 

Lady Artemis Keating is the sister of a duke. After the death of her beloved horse, she starts an animal rescue and sanctuary Artemis hears rumors that Branwell, the man who abandoned her ten years ago, is staying with her neighbor. She becomes involved in a certain racehorse’s training, which involves being around Bran. Artemis notices he is not the same man she once remembered or loved. Will Artemis and Bran learn the truth about their past relationship? Can they forget the past to forge a new relationship?

Lord Branwell “Bran” Mallory is the brother of an impoverished earl and a war hero. An unfortunate accident has left him scarred mentally and physically. His godfather entices him with an offer Branwell cannot refuse. If he can train the nonagenarian’s horse to win a particular derby, Bran can keep the prize money. However, the training must involve Artemis. Branwell fears that she sees him as another wounded soul in need of fixing. Will a new career path open for Bran? And does that future involve Artemis?

Artemis can also be classified as the wounded/tortured type. Her scars are located within, especially the heart. First, dealing with her mother’s mental abuse dressed up as parental concern. Then losing her precious horse in the middle of an important race. I adore how the latter circumstances prompted her to open an animal sanctuary, no matter what they were. Artemis did not allow the loss to close her off helping other less fortunate animals in need.

I am generally blasé when it comes to second-chance romances. It is my least favorite trope (unfortunately for me, it seems to be a favorite of most authors). However, when it is coupled with a wounded/tortured hero type, I do not mind much. And Branwell did not disappoint me! I like how he is still trying to come to grips with his body’s limitations. Such things are not easy to accept and move on from, even two years from the fact. And I like how he openly acknowledges that his inability to ride horses all stems from the mind.

WIN ME, MY LORD is the fifth book in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND RACING. I recommend reading these books in chronological order to better understand the participants and the preparations leading to the Race of the Century. The entire series revolves around horse races set in Regency times. I started late (third book) but that did not hinder my ability to follow the plot’s flow. I still need to read the second book, THE DUCHESS GAMBLE.

I wonder if the author plans to write a sixth book. Yeah, I know the great race is done and the winner announced, but I really want Blaze Jagger to get his happily-ever-after. It would be interesting to see him paired up with either Saskia or Viveca, Gabriel and Tessa Siren’s sisters (hero from THE DUCHESS GAMBLE and the heroine from WAGER WITH A SIREN). I shall be keeping my fingers crossed…

Review for Janna MacGregor's "TWO RUINS MAKE A RIGHT"

 

TWO RUINS MAKE A RIGHT
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Janna MacGregor

RELEASE DATE:
July 22, 2025

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0FBSBLM82

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.jannamacgregor.com/

 

 

Nellwyn Whitton, the widowed Marchioness of Whitten, has always regretted jilting James Richardson. An accident strands her in the last place she wishes to be: at the man’s residence amid a house party. Things turn worse when her sister and James’ cousins are caught in a compromising position. Nell is determined to safeguard her sister’s future; even deny her the man she loves. Being around James again reminds Nellwyn of everything she has sacrificed. Will Nell tell James the real reason she jilted him eight years ago?  Or will she maintain her family’s dirty secret?

Mr. James Richardson is the nephew and heir presumptive to a dukedom. He is ready to remarry and give his young daughter the mother she desperately needs. The last person he expected to find at his house party is the very woman who jilted him eight years ago. When his cousin compromises her sister, James has no other choice but to spend time with Nell. He intends to help his cousin persuade Nellwyn to allow the lovers to wed. Can James forgive Nell for the decision she made eight years ago? Can two ruins make a right?

I do have a few reservations concerning Nell. It deals mostly with her late husband and his machinations at gaining her consent to marry. If I were in Nell’s shoes, I would have some lingering resentment towards the man, especially his taking advantage of my family’s dire situation. Instead, Nell played the martyr and accepted her lot. That just did not set well with me. What I like the most about Nellwyn is her selfless insistence on wanting to protect her sister. Yeah, she did go about it the wrong way, almost causing her sister to share her fate.

James’ unconditional love and devotion to his daughter is admirable and cute. One can tell that his entire world revolves around Valentina. I like that James is prepared to take a giant step to ensure that his daughter has a mother’s guidance. He even involved Valentina in the selection process. What I admire the most about James is his decision to help his cousin. Despite his tangled past with Nell, he set out to help his cousin gain her permission to marry Christa.

TWO RUINS MAKE A RIGHT is a standalone Regency romance. Originally, the story started out as a novella. The author has added a prologue and additional scenes to make it a full-length novel. I finished this book in one evening, staying up passed three am to boot (which I am paying for this morning) My nitpick concerning Nell’s late husband is the reason behind my 4-star rating.

Review for Deme Kingyobachi's "MY INSTRUCTOR WON'T YIELD"

 

MY INSTRUCTOR WON’T YIELD
BL, Slice of Life

 

 

AUTHOR:
Deme Kingyobachi

RELEASE DATE:
August 19, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888775059

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Chiba is a popular driving instructor, especially among the females. However, he has a strict rule of not dating his students. Chiba’s next student is the nervous, suit-wearing Yaotome. Yaotome is a manga artist. Despite his age, he has decided to get his driver’s license. Luck is with him when he is paired with Chiba. What secret is Yaotome keeping from Chiba? Have they met before? And will Yaotome manage to pass his driver’s test?

This is a cute one-shot. I finished it in one setting. Chiba and Yaotome (especially the latter) were so likeable! I like their opposite personalities. Chiba calm and friendly personality balances out Yaotome’s uncertain backwardness.

The mangaka could have made this a two-volume deal. Perhaps throw in a little more drama with Chiba’s ex. It felt that things got smoothed over between Chiba and Yaotome too easily.

Review for Christina Britton's "TO HEIST AND TO HOLD"

 TO HEIST AND TO HOLD

Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Christina Britton

RELEASE DATE:
September 30, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538769119

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
http://christinabritton.com/

 

 

Heloise Marlowe is a former blacksmith and fencing instructor. She uses her unique skills for The Wimpole Street Widows Society, a secret group of widows who help the less fortunate. Heloise accepts their latest case on behalf of her sister-in-law. She plans to seduce Dionysus’s owner, so she can secretly search within the gaming club’s inner sanctum. Heloise never anticipated growing close to Ethan or losing her heart to the man. Will she find what she is looking for in his club? Or will Heloise forfeit the mission?

Ethan Sinclaire is part-owner of a popular gaming club. He is haunted by the betrayal of his younger brother, who nearly destroyed Dionysus’ reputation.  When Ethan learns about the rumors involving his business, he starts secretly investigating the matter. He is not about to let anyone, least of all the woman sniffing around the place, to destroy all he has built. Will Ethan be able to trust Heloise with more than his heart? Or will she betray him like his brother did? And will Ethan find the culprit behind the dirty dealings?

It did not take me long to like and connect with Heloise. The whole blacksmith and former fencing instructor, professions that are not common for women. I love how Heloise fumbled in her seduction attempts with Ethan. It shows that she is not the type of woman who goes around seducing men or enticing them. What I adore the most about Heloise is how she selflessly helped her sister-in-law. She could have left the girl to fend for herself, to fix her own problems. Instead, Heloise suffered from a guilty conscience to honor her late husband’s last wish.

Oh boy! What can I say about Ethan! There is just something about the grouchy, closed-off hero types that really get to me. Add in that Ethan is haunted (or tortured) by the memory of his brother’s betrayal. Yum! What I love the most about Ethan is how he came from nothing. He had no rich family member giving him a helping hand. Ethan, along with his two brothers and two friends, built a successful empire from scratch.  Plus, he does not let the aristocracy intimidate him.

TO HEIST AND TO HOLD is the first book in Christina Britton’s newest historical romance series, WIMPOLE STREET WIDOWS SOCIETY. I admit, at first, I was a little uncertain about the series premises. The widow aspect is what threw me off. For some bizarre reason, I am not fond of reading about widowed heroines. I have yet to figure out why. Just an odd quirk of mine. It was the gaming club angle that interested me most. I have always been a sucker for stories that take place in such establishments. Which is kind of ironic since I do not care to gamble myself.

However, as I read, the characters grew on me. I like how the main couple, along with most of the side characters, are from the working class. It is a nice change-of-pace from the usual titled characters.

I wonder if the author plans to pair the widows up with Ethan’s three business partners. Teagan definitely! But the one who piqued my interest the most is Parsons. I kind of hope he will be paired with Iris. Something about their dynamic appeals to me. * fingers crossed*

My review of Jessica Scarlett's "TOWN OF SHADOWS"

 

TOWN OF SHADOWS
Victorian (England) Fantasy

 

 AUTHOR:

Jessica Scarlett

RELEASE DATE:
July 1, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Book

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0D2TC17HB

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.goodreads.com/jessicascarlett

 

 

Dorothy St. James cannot control her magic, so she keeps herself at home to avoid the authorities. When the Rook kidnaps her father, she wants to ask The Samaritan for help. The only person who seems to know the masked hero’s identity is Ashley Gardner. Dorothy strikes a bargain with him: If she can find and decipher his three clues, he will tell her who the Samaritan is. Can Dorothy win the dangerous game that Ashley set? Or will she discover far more than what she bargained for? And at what price?

Ashley Gardner uses his charismatic charm and magical abilities to get what he wants. He flits between polite society and the dark underworld, belonging to neither. Ashley fears that Dorothy could throw a wrench into all his schemes and plans. The clever chit insists that he reveal the Samaritan’s identity to her. Ashley knows the knowledge could put Dorothy’s life in jeopardy, along with his. Can Ashley keep Dorothy from winning his game? But at what expense?

I could not help but sympathize and empathize with Dorothy. Her inability to keep her gift from activating whenever someone used magic caused her to alienate herself. However, she did not spend all that time being idle or playing the damsel in distress. She instead helped her father with his scientific research. What I like the most is how Ashley gave Dorothy the impetus to step outside her comfort zone. She found herself doing things she ordinarily would not have before.

Ashley intrigues me! I am a sucker for the wounded/tortured types. Ashley fits the criteria perfectly. I feel the author barely scratched the surface with all that is troubling him. What I like the most is Ashley and Miles’ dynamics (or their bromance as some would call it). The two are opposites especially in behavior. They have also been through a lot together.

Miles easily became my favorite character! I simply adore his shyness around women. He fondly reminded me of an old role-playing character of mine – who suffered from the same affliction.

TOWN OF SHADOWS is the first book in Jessica Scarlett’s Victorian Fantasy series, SLANTED LONDON. I am new to this author’s works. The story’s synopsis is what drew me to request the book from Booksprout. The idea of a parallel universe set in a Victorian era yet intermeshed with magical elements. It intrigued me enough to take a chance on a new author and new series. In some ways, it reminds me of steampunk (one of my favorite genres) but without the mechanical jargon and technology.

The ending is what kept me from rating the story higher. I loved everything about the book until that point. It left me dissatisfied and disappointed. Others may like the twist. It just did not sit well with me.

I am leery about continuing with this series. Which is sad because half-way through I wanted the next book to center around Miles and Emme. Then there is Nicholas. The man gave off serious creeper (and eck) vibes.