#Lilywhite Boys

[ofliterarynature]

2023 Reading Wrap Up: Favorites from the First Half

Not to sound like a broken record, but I can't believe we're already halfway through the year! (and even further, given how late I'm posting this lol). I've read an ungodly amount of books already, and while I try my best to shout out my favorites as I go or in my monthly wrap-ups, I don't always succeed. So Here I Am, to do a little more shouting about the 10 most memorable books or series I've read so far in 2023!

The God of Endings by Jaqueline Holland

The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez

Sword Stone Table ed by Jenn Northington & Swapna Krishna

Sea Hearts (The Brides of Rollrock Island) by Margo Lanagan

Spill Zone by Scott Westerfeld & Alex Puvilland

Will Darling/Lilywhite Boys by K.J. Charles

Lord Peter Wimsey by Dorothy L Sayers

The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein

More discussion below the cut!

The God of Endings by Jaqueline Holland had me entirely engrossed. It's slow and moving and dark, with it's own take on vampirism, with any number of the associated content warnings. All the content warnings actually (but harm to animals, harm to children, and domestic abuse are some of the big ones. Does the Nazi murder make up for it?). Best described as The Historian meets everything I wanted from The Invisible Life of Addie Larue but didn't get.

The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez I have, in fact, already yelled about a bit. It was so good! Think A:TLA meets The Raven Tower and The Hundred Thousand Kindgoms, and queer! The thing that really blew my mind was the second-person narration, which is always a swing, and I think this nailed it! I loved how it worked with the story and frame narrative, and let me tell you, on audiobook parts of the story felt positively haunted. I won't say it's the perfect novel (I'm a little eh about the last third), but that in no way dampens my enthusiasm. cw for ritual cannibalism.

Sword Stone Table ed by Jenn Northington & Swapna Krishna is an anthology of Arthurian re-imaginings with about a 1-in-3 success rate (for me anyways. is that good for an anthology?) that snuck onto this list purely on the strength of Mayday by Maria Dahvana Headley. I just yelled about my love for unusual narrative structures, so when I tell you that this is a retelling of the Arthurian family drama set in late 19th century America, told only through found objects, newspaper clippings, and manuscript exerpts? I had *such* a great time trying to puzzle things out with my half-remembered memories of the lore (heavily corrupted by the show Merlin, lol). Additional shout-out to Spear by Nicola Griffith, which didn't make it into the collection due to length but was also amazing!

Sea Hearts (aka The Brides of Rollrock Island) by Margo Lanagan was an absolute surprise, for several reasons. For one, I own both a physical and digital copy under different titles and didn't realize it until I was cleaning up my goodreads account! And second, the Brides cover is an absolute travesty and is entirely the wrong vibe - this may be YA (technically?) but it doesn't read like it! Sea Hearts is the story of a small island community with a history of summoning wives from the sea, a tradition only whispered about until an outcast young woman revives the practices to sow discord and revenge among the community members we follow. Incredibly moving and sorrowful, this is for fans of literary, historical, and speculative fiction.

Spill Zone by Scott Westerfeld & Alex Puvilland. This graphic novel is about a city hit by an unknown disaster that has killed or mutated everything and everyone who wasn't able to evacuate in time. Our main character sneaks back in to take pictures to support herself and her little sister, and while I have some reservations about the larger plot, the art of the Zone is GORGEOUS. Sketchy, eerie, hauntingly beautiful, I loved it, enough that I have no regrets. I could see this making a great comic series or animated show instead.

Major, heartfelt shout-out to K.J. Charles, who absolutely saved my sanity for a few months there. My brain was in a weird spot for a few months and I burned through a good chunk of her backlist, so it's absolutely necessary to name drop a few of my favorites. The Will Darling series, a 1920's spy adventure/gay romance, did not immediately win me over, but exposure makes the heart grow fonder? I don't think they say that, actually, but I love a competent dumbass, and when I finally picked up on the crossover with Charles' England duo, I absolutely cackled. I can't wait to reread these! Any Old Diamonds of the Lilywhite Boys series did catch me immediately, even if I managed to read it out of order with one of it's prequel series. Jewel thieves, a heist, revenge, family drama, what's not to love? I loved every single book and novella in this series.

Lord Peter Wimsey (series) by Dorothy L Sayers. This has been a work in progress since 2022 and has consistently made my favorites lists, but truly, she saved the best for last! Murder Must Advertise was stellar, but everyone who said the Harriet Vane novels were the best is absolutely correct. I don't know why I love them, other than that they're wonderfully complex mysteries, but I do. I definitely need to find another long mystery series for my mental health or else I'm going to start these from the beginning again (I still need to read the short stories after all).

The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green. I'll be honest, I didn't write a review for this at the time, and my memory for non-fiction is terrible. But I loved this book, I love John Green, and this was fantastic on audio. Thank you John for putting hope and goodness and beauty into the world.

84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff was a beautiful little book for the book lover. It's a collection of letters between the American author and a used-book seller (and family and associates) in London in the 50s and 60s. Its funny, it's friendly, it's lovely, but there's also an underlying tension that builds throughout from the repeated invitations to the author to come visit, and the book copy saying that THEY NEVER MEET. It about killed me, and did make me cry. For further reading you can also check out the author's related memoirs, The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street and Q's Legacy.

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein. Frankly, I'm impressed by my nonfiction choices so far this year. This one is what it says and it HURT. SO. MUCH. I am absolutely a generalist and it's made life frustrating, so reading this was both extremely comforting but also enraging, because society doesn't need another reason to suck. Alas.

[lemonidae]

Book Series by K.J. Charles

WEBSITE | X: @kj_charles | Goodreads

A Charm of Magpies

A Charm of Magpies #0.5: The Smuggler and the Warlord

Free read is available here

A Charm of Magpies #1: The Magpie Lord FREE EBOOK

A lord in danger. A magician in turmoil. A snowball in hell. Exiled to China for twenty years, Lucien Vaudrey never planned to return to England. But with the mysterious deaths of his father and brother, it seems the new Lord Crane has inherited an earldom. He’s also inherited his family’s enemies. He needs magical assistance, fast. He doesn't expect it to turn up angry. Magician Stephen Day has good reason to hate Crane’s family. Unfortunately, it’s his job to deal with supernatural threats. Besides, the earl is unlike any aristocrat he’s ever met, with the tattoos, the attitude… and the way Crane seems determined to get him into bed. That’s definitely unusual. Soon Stephen is falling hard for the worst possible man, at the worst possible time. But Crane’s dangerous appeal isn't the only thing rendering Stephen powerless. Evil pervades the house, a web of plots is closing round Crane, and if Stephen can’t find a way through it—they’re both going to die.

Paperback: 271 pages

Audiobook: 6,5 hrs.

ISBN13: 9781999784614

ISBN10: 1999784618

ASIN: 0995799024

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other (it's free!)

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, M/M, Magic, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Mystery

Published: September 3, 2013

A Charm of Magpies #2: A Case of Possession

Magic in the blood. Danger in the streets. Lord Crane has never had a lover quite as elusive as Stephen Day. He knows Stephen’s job as justiciar requires secrecy, but the magician is doing his disappearing act more than seems reasonable—especially since Crane will soon return to his home in China. When a blackmailer threatens to expose their illicit relationship, there's only one thing stopping Crane from leaving the country he Stephen. Stephen has problems of his own. As he investigates a plague of giant rats sweeping London, his sudden increase in power, boosted by his blood-and-sex bond with Crane, is rousing suspicion that he’s turned warlock. With all eyes on him, the threat of exposure grows. Stephen could lose his friends, his job and his liberty over his relationship with Crane. He’s not sure if he can take that risk much longer. Crane isn’t sure if he can ask him to. The rats are closing in, and something has to give…

Paperback: 194 pages

Audiobook: 6 hrs.

ISBN10: 0995799032

ASIN: B077C6VZDW

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, M/M, Magic, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Mystery

Published: January 6, 2014

A Charm of Magpies #3: Flight of Magpies

Danger in the air. Lovers on the brink. With the justiciary understaffed, a series of horrifying occult murders to be investigated, and a young student flying off the rails, magical law enforcer Stephen Day is under increasing stress. And the strain is starting to show in his relationship with his aristocratic lover, Lord Crane. Crane chafes at the restrictions of England’s laws, and there’s a worrying development in the blood-and-sex bond he shares with Stephen. A development that makes a sensible man question if they should be together at all. Then a devastating loss brings the people he most loves into bitter conflict. Old enemies, new enemies, and unexpected enemies are painting Stephen and Crane into a corner, and the pressure threatens to tear them apart…

Paperback: 210 pages

Audiobook: 6,5 hrs.

ISBN10: 0995799040

ASIN: B06XX6V7ZC

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, M/M, Magic, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Mystery

Published: October 28, 2014

A Charm of Magpies: Jackdaw SPINOFF

(takes place after Flight of Magpies)

If you stop running, you fall. Jonah Pastern is a magician, a liar, a windwalker, a professional thief…and for six months, he was the love of police constable Ben Spenser’s life. His betrayal left Ben jailed, ruined, alone, and looking for revenge. Ben is determined to make Jonah pay. But he can’t seem to forget what they once shared, and Jonah refuses to let him. Soon Ben is entangled in Jonah’s chaotic existence all over again, and they’re running together—from the police, the justiciary, and some dangerous people with a lethal grudge against them. Threatened on all sides by betrayals, secrets, and the laws of the land, the policeman and the thief must find a way to live and love before the past catches up with them...

Paperback: 222 pages

Audiobook: 6,5 hrs.

ISBN10: 0995799059

ISBN: 9780995799059

ASIN: B077BNR1FP

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, M/M, Magic, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Mystery

Published: February 13, 2015

A Charm of Magpies: A Queer Trade SPINOFF

(takes place at the same time as A Case of Possession)

Apprentice magician Crispin Tredarloe returns to London to find his master dead, and his papers sold. Papers with secrets that could spell death. Crispin needs to get them back before anyone finds out what he's been doing, or what his magic can do. Crispin tracks his quarry down to waste paper dealer Ned Hall. He needs help, and Ned can’t resist Crispin’s pleading—and appealing—looks. But can the waste-man and the magician prevent a disaster and save Crispin’s skin?

Paperback: 59 pages

ISBN: 9781311652409

ASIN: B019GBSGZO

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, M/M, Magic, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Mystery

Published: February 2, 2016

A Charm of Magpies: Rag and Bone SPINOFF

(takes place at the same time as Jackdaw)

It’s amazing what people throw away… Crispin Tredarloe never meant to become a warlock. Freed from his treacherous master, he’s learning how to use his magical powers the right way. But it’s brutally hard work. Not everyone believes he’s a reformed character, and the strain is putting unbearable pressure on his secret relationship with waste-man Ned Hall. Ned’s sick of magic. Sick of the trouble it brings, sick of its dangerous grip on Crispin and the miserable look it puts in his eyes, and sick of being afraid that a gentleman magician won’t want a street paper-seller forever—or even for much longer. But something is stirring among London’s forgotten discards. An ancient evil is waking up and seeking its freedom. And when wild magic hits the rag-and-bottle shop where Ned lives, a panicking Crispin falls back onto bad habits. The embattled lovers must find a way to work together—or London could go up in flames.

Paperback: 202 pages

Audiobook: 5,5 hrs.

ISBN: 9780995799066

ASIN: B077BQZG4Z

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, M/M, Magic, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Mystery

Published: March 1, 2016

A Charm of Magpies: Five for Heaven EPILOGUE

The gang are in Japan and Jenny Saint is in labour. Free read is available here

--------------------------------------

The Will Darling Adventures

A m/m romance trilogy in the spirit of Golden Age pulp fiction. It’s the 1920s and tensions are rising along with hemlines. Soldier-turned-bookseller Will Darling finds himself tangled up in spies and secret formulas, clubs and conspiracies, Bolsheviks, blackmail, and Bright Young Things. And dubious aristocrat Lord Arthur ‘Kim’ Secretan is right in the middle of it all:  enigmatic, unreliable, and utterly irresistible.

The Will Darling Adventures #1: Slippery Creatures

Will Darling came back from the Great War with a few scars, a lot of medals, and no idea what to do next. Inheriting his uncle’s chaotic second-hand bookshop is a blessing...until strange visitors start making threats. First a criminal gang, then the War Office, both telling Will to give them the information they want, or else. Will has no idea what that information is, and nobody to turn to, until Kim Secretan—charming, cultured, oddly attractive—steps in to offer help. As Kim and Will try to find answers and outrun trouble, mutual desire grows along with the danger. And then Will discovers the truth about Kim. His identity, his past, his real intentions. Enraged and betrayed, Will never wants to see him again. But Will possesses knowledge that could cost thousands of lives. Enemies are closing in on him from all sides—and Kim is the only man who can help.

Paperback: 265 pages

Audiobook: 7 hrs.

ISBN: 9781912688159

ISBN10: 1912688158

ASIN: ‎ B086WKLJSN

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Mystery, M/M, Adult, Crime, Mystey, Suspense

Published: May 13, 2020

The Will Darling Adventures #2: The Sugared Game

It's been two months since Will Darling saw Kim Secretan, and he doesn't expect to see him again. What do a rough and ready soldier-turned-bookseller and a disgraced shady aristocrat have to do with each other anyway? But when Will encounters a face from the past in a disreputable nightclub, Kim turns up, as shifty, unreliable, and irresistible as ever. And before Will knows it, he's been dragged back into Kim's shadowy world of secrets, criminal conspiracies, and underhand dealings. This time, though, things are underhanded even by Kim standards. This time, the danger is too close to home. And if Will and Kim can't find common ground against unseen enemies, they risk losing everything.

Paperback: 288 pages

Audiobook: 7,75 hrs.

ISBN10: 1912688174

ASIN: B08DL1CKY3

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Mystery, M/M, Adult, Crime, Mystey, Suspense

Published: August 23, 2020

The Will Darling Adventures #2.5: To Trust Man on His Oath

A heart-to-heart in the small hours leads to a crucial promise. Free read is available here

The Will Darling Adventures #3: Subtle Blood

Will Darling is all right. His business is doing well, and so is his illicit relationship with Kim Secretan--disgraced aristocrat, ex-spy, amateur book-dealer. It’s starting to feel like he’s got his life under control. And then a brutal murder in a gentleman’s club plunges them back into the shadow world of crime, deception, and the power of privilege. Worse, it brings them up against Kim’s noble, hostile family, and his upper-class life where Will can never belong. With old and new enemies against them, and secrets on every side, Will and Kim have to fight for each other harder than ever—or be torn apart for good.

Paperback: 290 pages

Audiobook: 8,5 hrs.

ISBN: 9781912688197

ASIN: B094TL3GJX

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Mystery, M/M, Adult, Crime, Mystey, Suspense

Published: June 23, 2021

The Will Darling Adventures: This Lord’s Father EPILOGUE

Will has a nice chat with the Marquess of Flitby. No, really. Free read is available here

Think of England / Will Darling Adventures : How Goes the World? EPILOGUE

Archie attends a house party. Will goes to a club. Free read is available here

-------------------------------------- Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune

Very lightly linked books set in a lighthearted Regency world.

The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting features Robin Loxleigh; A Thief in the Night stars Robin’s brother and Toby Real Last Name Unknown. The Duke at Hazard isn’t linked directly to either book but features cameos; there’s no need to read anything first.

Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune #1: The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting

Robin Loxleigh and his sister Marianne are the hit of the Season, so attractive and delightful that nobody looks behind their pretty faces. Until Robin sets his sights on Sir John Hartlebury's heiress niece. The notoriously graceless baronet isn't impressed by good looks or fooled by false charm. He's sure Robin is a liar, a fortune hunter, and a heartless, greedy fraud - and he'll protect his niece, whatever it takes. Then, just when Hart thinks he has Robin at his mercy, things take a sharp left turn. And as the grumpy baronet and the glib fortune hunter start to understand each other, they also find themselves starting to care - more than either of them thought possible. But Robin's cheated and lied and let people down for money. Can a professional rogue earn an honest happy ever after?

Paperback: 311 pages

Audiobook: 8hrs.

ISBN: 9781398715752

ISBN10: 1398715751

ASIN: B094TC4F93

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Romance, M/M, Adult

Published: February 24, 2021

Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune #2: A Thief in the Night

Toby never meant to be a highway robber, but needs must. He didn’t plan to impersonate a top London valet either, but when the chance comes to present himself as the earl of Arvon’s new gentleman’s gentleman, he grabs it. Unfortunately, the earl is the man he seduced and robbed on the road to get here. Oops. Miles, Lord Arvon, is not impressed. But he’s faced with a tumbledown home and lost family fortune, and desperate times call for desperate measures. Toby—shameless, practical, and definitely desperate—may be just the man he needs. To steal back a priceless bracelet, that is. What else were you thinking?

Paperback: 76 pages

Audiobook: 2,75 hrs.

ISBN10: 1912688239

ISBN: 9781912688234

ASIN: ‎ B0BVMZGMCQ

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Romance, M/M, Adult

Published: October 13, 2022

Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune #2.5: A Rose By Any Name EPILOGUE

The reunion scene! Brothers Toby and Robinmeet again, with help from Hart and Miles. Free read is available here

Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune #3: The Duke At Hazard

The Duke of Severn is one of the greatest men in Britain. He’s also short, quiet, and unimpressive. And now he’s been robbed, after indulging in one rash night with a strange man who stole the heirloom Severn ring from his finger. The Duke has to get it back, and he can’t let anyone know how he lost it. So when his cousin bets that he couldn’t survive without his privilege and title, the Duke grasps the opportunity to hunt down his ring-incognito. Life as an ordinary person is terrifying…until the anonymous Duke meets Daizell Charnage, a disgraced gentleman, and hires him to help. Racing across the country in search of the thief, the Duke and Daizell fall into scrapes, into trouble-and in love. Daizell has been excluded from polite society, his name tainted by his father’s crimes and his own misbehaviour. Now he dares to dream of a life somewhere out of sight with the quiet gentleman who’s stolen his heart. He doesn’t know that his lover is a hugely rich public figure with half a dozen titles. And when he finds out, it will risk everything they have…

Paperback: 336 pages

Audiobook: 10 hrs.

ISBN10: 1398715794

ISBN: 9781398715790

ASIN: ‎ B0CW1JXB4R

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Romance, M/M, Adult,

Published: July 18, 2024

-------------------------------------- The Doomsday Books

Romney Marsh, Kent, in the early 1800s. A remote part of England, thinly populated, misty…and perfect for smugglers. The Doomsday clan run the free trade across the Dymchurch area of Romney Marsh. But two of them are about to get mixed up in crime, conspiracy, murder—and unexpected love.

The Doomsday Books #1: The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen

Abandoned by his father as a small child, Sir Gareth Inglis has grown up prickly, cold, and well-used to disappointment. Even so, he longs for a connection, falling headfirst into a passionate anonymous affair that's over almost as quickly as it began. Bitter at the sudden rejection, Gareth has little time to lick his wounds: his father has died, leaving him the family title, a rambling manor on the remote Romney Marsh…and the den of cutthroats and thieves that make its intricate waterways their home. Joss Doomsday has run the Doomsday smuggling clan since he was a boy. His family is his life…which is why when the all-too-familiar new baronet testifies against Joss's sister for a hanging offense, Joss acts fast, blackmailing Gareth with the secret of their relationship to force him to recant. Their reunion is anything but happy and the path forward everything but smooth, yet after the dust settles, neither can stay away. It's a long road from there—full of danger and mysteries to be solved—yet somehow, along the way, this well-mannered gentleman may at last find true love with the least likely of scoundrels.

Paperback: 331 pages

Audiobook: 11,25 hrs.

ISBN10: 1728255856

ISBN: 9781728255859

ASIN: B0B2KWBRNL

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, M/M, Adult, Mystery

Published: March 7, 2023

The Doomsday Books #1.5: If He Had His Legs, We’d Be In So Much Trouble EPILOGUE

Gareth goes for his long-promised meeting with Granda Doomsday, and discusses Luke's future. Free read is available in PDF and EPUB

The Doomsday Books #2: A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel

Major Rufus d'Aumesty has unexpectedly become the Earl of Oxney, master of a remote Norman manor on the edge of the infamous Romney Marsh. There he's beset on all sides, his position contested both by his greedy uncle and by Luke Doomsday, son of a notorious smuggling clan. The earl and the smuggler should be natural enemies, but cocksure, enragingly competent Luke is a trained secretary and expert schemer—exactly the sort of man Rufus needs by his side. Before long, Luke becomes an unexpected ally…and the lover Rufus had never hoped to find. But Luke came to Stone Manor with an ulterior motive, one he's desperate to keep hidden even from the lord he can't resist. As the lies accumulate and family secrets threaten to destroy everything they hold dear, master and man find themselves forced to decide whose side they're really on…and what they're willing to do for love.

Paperback: 336 pages

Audiobook: 10,5 hrs.

ISBN10: 1728255902

ISBN: 9781728255903

ASIN: B0BNW638GQ

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, M/M, Adult, Mystery

Published: September 19, 2023

-------------------------------------- Society of Gentlemen

Society of Gentlemen is set at a time of incredible privilege for the few and social turmoil for the many. Regency England is torn by war, poverty and social unrest, ruled by a draconian government. People are starving, rioting, rebelling. But the aristocrats dance on, in their glittering existence of balls, gambling, silks and scandal…

The trilogy covers three couples between autumn 1819 and spring 1820.

A young Radical discovers his noble birth and is catapulted into a world of privilege, fashion and murder with a dandy as his guide.

A government official and a revolutionary seditionist find common ground in their unconventional desires, under the threat of the gallows.

And a lord in love with his valet struggles to find a way across the social abyss that divides them.

Each book is a standalone romance but the plots are linked.

Characters and reading order

Society of Gentlemen #0.5: The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh

The youngest son and the blackest sheep in his family, Lord Gabriel Ashleigh never imagined he could sink so low. Though he’s a notoriously bad gambler, he takes on the formidable but strangely alluring Francis Webster, only to lose everything: all his money, the lovely estate he inherited from his aunt, and any hope of future happiness. So it’s a shock when Webster summons him to a private game for a chance to win back his possessions. The stake? If he fails, Ash must surrender his body. Francis has been waiting years for this moment. At Eton, Ash’s elder brother harassed him relentlessly. Now, consumed by lust and rage, Francis is only too happy to exploit Ash’s foolish indiscretions. But as Francis strips the magnificently built youth—first of his family assets, then his clothes—he begins to wonder whether he’s been plotting revenge . . . or exquisite seduction.

Paperback: 32 pages

IISBN-13: 9781101968680

ASIN: B013NIF9U6

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, M/M, Short Story, Regency

Published: October 27, 2015

Society of Gentlemen #1: A Fashionable Indulgence

When he learns that he could be the heir to an unexpected fortune, Harry Vane rejects his past as a Radical fighting for government reform and sets about wooing his lovely cousin. But his heart is captured instead by the most beautiful, chic man he’s ever met: the dandy tasked with instructing him in the manners and style of the ton. Harry’s new station demands conformity—and yet the one thing he desires is a taste of the wrong pair of lips. After witnessing firsthand the horrors of Waterloo, Julius Norreys sought refuge behind the luxurious facade of the upper crust. Now he concerns himself exclusively with the cut of his coat and the quality of his boots. And yet his protégé is so unblemished by cynicism that he inspires the first flare of genuine desire Julius has felt in years. He cannot protect Harry from the worst excesses of society. But together they can withstand the high price of passion.

Paperback: 264 pages

Audiobook: 8,75 hrs.

ISBN10: 1101886021

ISBN: 9781101886021

ASIN: ‎ B00QP3ROUA

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, M/M, Regency

Published: August 11, 2015

Society of Gentlemen #2: A Seditious Affair

Silas Mason has no illusions about himself. He’s not lovable, or even likable. He’s an overbearing idealist, a Radical bookseller and pamphleteer who lives for revolution . . . and for Wednesday nights. Every week he meets anonymously with the same man, in whom Silas has discovered the ideal meld of intellectual companionship and absolute obedience to his sexual commands. But unbeknownst to Silas, his closest friend is also his greatest enemy, with the power to see him hanged—or spare his life.   A loyal, well-born gentleman official, Dominic Frey is torn apart by his affair with Silas. By the light of day, he cannot fathom the intoxicating lust that drives him to meet with the Radical week after week. In the bedroom, everything else falls away. Their needs match, and they are united by sympathy for each other’s deepest vulnerabilities. But when Silas’s politics earn him a death sentence, desire clashes with duty, and Dominic finds himself doing everything he can to save the man who stole his heart.

Paperback: 251 pages

Audiobook: 7.5 hrs.

ISBN10: 1101886064

ISBN: 9781101886069

ASIN: ‎ ‎ B00V2AYYF4

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, M/M, Regency, BDSM

Published: December 15, 2015

Society of Gentlemen #2.5: A Confidential Problem

Cyprian and Silas bonding. Free read is available here

Society of Gentlemen #3: A Gentleman's Position

Among his eccentric though strictly principled group of friends, Lord Richard Vane is the confidant on whom everyone depends for advice, moral rectitude, and discreet assistance. Yet when Richard has a problem, he turns to his valet, a fixer of unparalleled genius—and the object of Richard’s deepest desires. If there is one rule a gentleman must follow, it is never to dally with servants. But when David is close enough to touch, the rules of class collide with the basest sort of animal instinct: overpowering lust.   For David Cyprian, burglary and blackmail are as much in a day’s work as bootblacking—anything for the man he’s devoted to. But the one thing he wants for himself is the one thing Richard refuses to give: his heart. With the tension between them growing to be unbearable, David’s seemingly incorruptible master has left him no choice. Putting his finely honed skills of seduction and manipulation to good use, he will convince Richard to forget all about his well-meaning objections and give in to sweet, sinful temptation.

Paperback: 246 pages

Audiobook: 8 hrs.

ISBN10: 1101886072

ISBN: 9781101886076

ASIN: ‎ B011G3HIFE

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, M/M, Regency, BDSM

Published: April 5, 2016

Society of Gentlemen: A Private Miscellany EPILOGUE

In which letters fly all over Europe, and Silas keeps a promise to his newly knighted lover. Free read is available here

-------------------------------------- England World

England World #1: Proper English

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.

England World #2: Think of England

England, 1904. Two years ago, Captain Archie Curtis lost his friends, fingers, and future to a terrible military accident. Alone, purposeless and angry, Curtis is determined to discover if he and his comrades were the victims of fate, or of sabotage. Curtis’s search takes him to an isolated, ultra-modern country house, where he meets and instantly clashes with fellow guest Daniel da Silva. Effete, decadent, foreign, and all-too-obviously queer, the sophisticated poet is everything the straightforward British officer fears and distrusts. As events unfold, Curtis realizes that Daniel has his own secret intentions. And there’s something else they share—a mounting sexual tension that leaves Curtis reeling. As the house party’s elegant facade cracks to reveal treachery, blackmail and murder, Curtis finds himself needing clever, dark-eyed Daniel as he has never needed a man before…

England World #2.5: Song for a Viking

The last chapter or so of Think of England from Daniel’s point of view. Free read is available here

England World/ Will Darling Adventures : How Goes the World? EPILOGUE

Archie attends a house party. Will goes to a club. Free read is available here

-------------------------------------- Lilywhite Boys

London 1895. Jerry Crozier and Templeton Lane are the Lilywhite Boys: a pair of jewel thieves with a knack for infiltrating high society and getting away clean. They’re ruthless, shameless, and incredibly slippery. Nobody has ever managed to pin down the Lilywhite Boys.

Yet.

Lilywhite Boys #0.5: The Rat-Catcher’s Daughter

Music-hall singer Miss Christiana is in serious debt, and serious trouble. She owes more than she can pay to a notorious criminal, and now he plans to make an example of her. There’s no way out. But Christiana has an admirer. Stan Kamarzyn has watched her sing for a year and he doesn’t want to see her get hurt. Stan’s nobody special–just a dodgy bloke from Bethnal Green–but he’s got useful friends. Friends who can get a girl out of trouble, for a price. Christiana’s not sure what it will cost her… The two slowly reach an understanding. But Christiana is no criminal, and she can’t risk getting mixed up with the law. What will happen when Stan’s life as the fence for the notorious Lilywhite Boys brings trouble to his doorstep?

Lilywhite Boys #1: Any Old Diamonds

Lord Alexander Pyne-ffoulkes is the younger son of the Duke of Ilvar, with a bitter grudge against his wealthy father. The Duke intends to give his Duchess a priceless diamond parure on their wedding anniversary—so Alec hires a pair of jewel thieves to steal it. The Duke’s remote castle is a difficult target, and Alec needs a way to get the thieves in. Soldier-turned-criminal Jerry Crozier has the answer: he’ll pose as a Society gentleman and become Alec’s new best friend. But Jerry is a dangerous man: controlling, remote, and devastating. He effortlessly teases out the lonely young nobleman’s most secret desires, and soon he’s got Alec in his bed—and the palm of his hand. Or maybe not. Because as the plot thickens, betrayals, secrets, new loves, and old evils come to light. Now the jewel thief and the aristocrat must keep up the pretence, find their way through a maze of privilege and deceit, and confront the truth of what’s between them…all without getting caught.

Lilywhite Boys #2: Gilded Cage

Once upon a time a boy from a noble family fell in love with a girl from the gutter. It went as badly as you’d expect. Seventeen years later, Susan Lazarus is a renowned detective, and Templeton Lane is a jewel thief. She’s tried to arrest him, and she’s tried to shoot him. They’ve never tried to talk. Then Templeton is accused of a vicious double murder. Now there’s a manhunt out for him, the ports are watched, and even his best friends have turned their backs. If he can’t clear his name, he’ll hang. There’s only one person in England who might help Templeton now…assuming she doesn’t want to kill him herself.

Lilywhite Boys #3: Masters In This Hall SPINOFF

John Garland was in love: now he’s in disgrace. He’s jobless, alone, and determined to avenge himself on the thief who ruined his life. All he wants for Christmas is to see Barnaby Littimer in gaol. Barnaby has secured a job running the extravagant traditional Christmas at a rich man’s country house. John intends to thwart whatever he’s up to. But amid the festivity, the halls are decked with unexpected dangers. And John will need to decide if he can trust Barnaby one more time…

Lilywhite Boys #3.5: White Wedding EPILOGUE

Susan is getting married; Alec and Barnaby are bonding, or at least drinking. Free read is available in PDF or Epub

-------------------------------------- Sins of the Cities

Sins of the Cities is written in the spirit of the Victorian sensation novel (plots, shenanigans, murder, mystery, fog, secrets and scandals). It’s London 1873. As one of the worst fogs of the nineteenth century closes in on the city, long-buried secrets are crawling into the light, and dragging all sorts of trouble with them.

The trilogy centres on a group of friends who meet at the Jack and Knave, a club for ladies and gentlemen of unconventional persuasion.

Clem Talleyfer is an unassuming lodging-house keeper who just wants a quiet life; Nathaniel Roy is a lawyer turned journalist who likes nothing more than a crusade; Mark Braglewicz is a private enquiry agent and a bit of a tough nut. And all three are about to find themselves dragged into a long-simmering family secret that turns deadly.

Sins of the Cities #1: An Unseen Attraction

Lodging-house keeper Clem Talleyfer prefers a quiet life. He’s happy with his hobbies, his work—and especially with his lodger Rowley Green, who becomes a friend over long fireside evenings together. If only neat, precise, irresistible Mr. Green were interested in more than friendship... Rowley just wants to be left alone—at least until he meets Clem, with his odd, charming ways and his glorious eyes. Two quiet men, lodging in the same house, coming to an understanding . . . it could be perfect. Then the brutally murdered corpse of another lodger is dumped on their doorstep and their peaceful life is shattered. Now Clem and Rowley find themselves caught up in a mystery, threatened on all sides by violent men, with a deadly London fog closing in on them. If they’re to see their way through, the pair must learn to share their secrets—and their hearts.

Sins of the Cities #2: An Unnatural Vice

In the sordid streets of Victorian London, unwanted desire flares between two bitter enemies. Crusading journalist Nathaniel Roy is determined to expose spiritualists who exploit the grief of bereaved and vulnerable people. First on his list is the so-called Seer of London, Justin Lazarus. Nathaniel expects him to be a cheap, heartless fraud. He doesn’t expect to meet a man with a sinful smile and the eyes of a fallen angel—or that a shameless swindler will spark his desires for the first time in years. Justin feels no remorse for the lies he spins during his séances. His gullible clients simply bore him. Hostile, disbelieving, utterly irresistible Nathaniel is a fascinating challenge. And as their battle of wills and wits heats up, Justin finds he can’t stop thinking about the man who’s determined to ruin him. But Justin and Nathaniel are linked by more than their fast-growing obsession with one another. They are both caught up in an aristocratic family’s secrets, and Justin holds information that could be lethal. As killers, fanatics, and fog close in, Nathaniel is the only man Justin can trust—and, perhaps, the only man he could love.

Sins of the Cities #3: An Unsuitable Heir

On the trail of an aristocrat’s secret son, enquiry agent Mark Braglewicz finds his quarry in a music hall, performing as a trapeze artist with his twin sister. Graceful, beautiful, elusive, and strong, Pen Starling is like nobody Mark’s ever met—and everything he’s ever wanted. But the long-haired acrobat has an earldom and a fortune to claim. Pen doesn’t want to live as any sort of man, least of all a nobleman. The thought of being wealthy, titled, and always in the public eye is horrifying. He likes his life now—his days on the trapeze, his nights with Mark. And he won’t be pushed into taking a title that would destroy his soul. But there’s a killer stalking London’s foggy streets, and more lives than just Pen’s are at risk. Mark decides he must force the reluctant heir from music hall to manor house, to save Pen’s neck. Betrayed by the one man he thought he could trust, Pen never wants to see his lover again. But when the killer comes after him, Pen must find a way to forgive—or he might not live long enough for Mark to make amends.

--------------------------------------

[slipperymeteor]

Roughly six months ago I picked up KJ Charles’s The Magpie Lord (probably after stumbling upon @fahye’s recommendations) and I’ve been on a binge ever since.

Well tonight I finished reading her entire back catalogue. Forty-something books and novellas and short stories. The Charm of Magpies, Society of Gentlemen, Sins of the Cities, Lilywhite Boys, Will Darling, Green Men, Gentle Art, Doomsday, and all the standalone books.

What’s really interesting to me is that a lot of her books are trilogies, but I often end up liking the second books in the trilogies the best. That rarely happens with trilogies for me, but she has managed to strike the balance between going back/expanding a familiar setting from the first book, but ratcheting up the ante enough to make them truly gripping.

I also like the plots-mysteries-whodunnits too. I never felt the romance to be too saccharine because typically I’ll be engrossed in the mystery. Even when the premise are quite dumb (I’m looking at you, Gilded Cage)—by the end of the book I’d be hooked.

I also felt her representations were done quite well. There are several Black (main) characters throughout her work, and people from Indian heritage. I don’t care much for Clem Talleyfer (half Indian, a bastard son) in An Unseen Attraction but I really like Vikram and Gil’s dynamic in Unfit to Print. Vikram wasn’t white but he’s dripping privilege.. while Gil had to scrabble a living—in KJ Charles’s word: being a bookseller of ill repute. One of the last books that I read was An Unsuitable Heir, and the non-binary character (and the pairing with a one-armed man) made me think about my non binary friend from real life.

Honestly, I’m just in awe. I am thoroughly entertained, and I even get to infect my partner to read her too. (It’s been fun. I think it’s a tossup between Will Darling and Gilded Cage as our favorite.)

[pod-together]

Pod-Together Day 2 Reveals 2023

Fashion is the Armor [text, audio] (Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) - All Media Types, Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Star Wars - All Media Types) written by wanderingjedihistorian, performed by kbirb Summary: It’s not that Fox would have reconsidered things with Bail and Breha if he had known about…this. It’s just that if someone had told him he needed to go shopping for a “proper prince consort wardrobe” and that said shopping trip would make him long for the days of babysitting Senators…well. He’d have figured out some way to avoid this part.

Through Thin Walls (9-1-1: Lone Star (TV 2020)) written by noxsoulmate, performed by Juulna Summary:“Hey, so please don’t freak out–”

In the next moment, Carlos could hear a thud, followed by a curse, and he was pretty sure the guy had just hit his head somehow. Carlos winced in sympathy.

“Sorry! Sorry, it’s just your neighbor here.”

“Dude,” came the reply, the voice sounding rough, probably from all the crying. “Way to give a person a heart attack. Also, creepy much?”

“My apologies. The walls here are basically paper with some paint slapped on. So uhm… noises are somewhat muffled but… not really, I guess.” ~*~ 3 times Carlos only heard his neighbor’s voice, 2 times TK lusted over a certain officer, +1 time it all melted together.

Captain Jack Books (Newsies!: the Musical - Fierstein/Menken, Newsies: The Broadway Musical! (2017)) written by TrebleMaker07 and Shakespeare_stole_my_url, performed by Shakespeare_stole_my_url Summary: Jack Kelly is the proud owner of Captain Jack Books; however, business is down and the Delancey brothers have expanded. How will he keep Captain Jack Books relevant? And who is the cute guy that keeps coming around?

Fashionable Lectures, composed and delivered with Tact and Titillation (Lilywhite Boys Series - K. J. Charles) written by vinia, performed by jennisaisquoi Summary: The Marchioness of Cirencester seeks advice from her best friend, the Countess of Moreton.

Sk8 Infinity: Winter Break (SK8 the Infinity (Anime)) created by Syr, Opalsong, and Cantarina Summary: EM: It’s another episode of Ambiguous Robot and Earnest Hero Watching Anime, the podcast all about anime, fandom, and what shows are worth spending your short hours on this earth watching, and the drama they create along the way. I: Today we’re talking about Sk8 Infinity: Winter Break, the prequel series to SK8 The Infinity. And no, don’t ask us why it’s called that. This is just the anime nonsense that we are here for.

Old Words, New Mission (Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America (Movies)) written by poppetawoppet, performed by GhostCwtch Summary: In which 'Til the end of the line' resets all the other code words.

Nearly Enough (Hornblower - C. S. Forester) written by Sanguinity, performed by Luzula_podfic Summary: Over the course of two wild days and two wild nights in Kingston, Hornblower must choose which he wants more: command of the Retribution, or Lieutenant William Bush.

admiring flowers (Hannibal (TV)) written by Koschei_B, performed by Dr_Fumbles_McStupid Summary: Will's not a goddess, but he gets kidnapped by the Reaper all the same.

At the End of All Things [text, audio] (Transformers: Prime) written by autobotscoutriella, performed by Gilraina Summary: At the end of the war, Optimus goes in search of something still missing.

when all the roads you took came back to me (บทกวีของปีแสง | Be My Favorite (TV)) written by Kiranokira, performed by pieces0fstars Summary: In a timeline where Kawi and Pisaeng are both famous and secretly dating, a jetlagged Kawi sits on Pisaeng's lap during a livestream and accidentally outs them to the public.

It’s in the last fifteen seconds of the live while Pisaeng is promoting an upcoming appearance at a local music festival that a sleepy weight drops into his lap, changing the entire direction of not only his life but Kawi’s, too. Sweetly and adoringly, Kawi winds both arms around Pisaeng’s neck, puts his face on Pisaeng��s shoulder, and whines, “Pisaaaeeeng, you weren’t there when I woke up.”

Once More Into the Void (Teen Wolf (TV)) written by melly_diamond, performed by thilia Summary: Derek Hale has moved on with his life; he has a wife and child now, has rebuilt the Hale house, and is living contentedly in Beacon Hills. For a while. Until a long-buried evil rears its ugly head and chooses a new target to torment; Lorelei Hale, the nine year old daughter of Derek and Sasha Hale. And when no one, anywhere, can seem to rid the little girl of her interloper, a plea goes out into the supernatural world for their final option, a mysterious being - shaman, exorcist, magic-wielder - known only as M. to save her. Who is M.? And is he the answer to all their prayers or a whole other problem in itself?

[cheeeryos]

obsessed with outside perspectives of jerry crozier being cartoonishly terrifying

while alec takes one look at that and he's like....well I can't not fuck him

[bookgeekgrrl]

My media this week (14-20 May 2023)

📚 STUFF I READ 📚

🥰Masters in This Hall (Lilywhite Boys #3) (KJ Charles) - Barnaby's in deep trouble, John wants vengeance and they both have to contend with a certain Lilywhite Boy who is extremely displeased that his name's been taken in vain…

🥰(Lily)White Wedding (Lilywhite Boys #3.5) (KJ Charles) - free short story - "Susan is getting married; Alec and Barnaby are bonding or at least drinking."

🥰A Rose by Any Name (KJ Charles) - free short story reuniting the long-lost brothers Robin from Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting and Toby from A Thief In The Night

💖💖 +489K of shorter fic so shout out to these I really loved 💖💖

The Curse of the Deserted Heart: A Tantalising Tale of Love and Adventure Amidst the Dunes of the Lost City That Will Thrill, Chill and Delight You! (kyaticlikestea) - The Mummy: Ardeth/Jonathan, 34K - Jonathan accidentally becomes a best-selling author thru writing a version of their adventures. Very fun, great character voices.

PRE-ORDER NOW (spqr) - Ted Lasso: Ted/Trent, 9K - Trent's book is about to be published. My love for a hot mess Trent Crimm is boundless.

📺 STUFF I WATCHED 📺

Um, Actually - s2, e10, e17-21; s3, e1

The Brokenwood Mysteries - s9, e6

Ted Lasso - s3, e10 [x2]

🎧 PODCASTS 🎧

You Are Good - School of Rock w. Jamie Loftus

⭐You're Dead To Me - Leonardo da Vinci (Live)

Hit Parade Plus - Champagne Supernova Edition

Re: Dracula - May 15: Lizard Fashion

Welcome to Night Vale #228 - Diplomacy

The Allusionist - 174. Eurovision part 1

The Allusionist - 175. Eurovision part 2

Re: Dracula - May 16: This Man Belongs to Me

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Voynich Manuscript

⭐Switched on Pop - Listening 2 Daft Punk: Homework

Shedunnit - The Evolution of Margery Allingham

⭐Vibe Check - The Summer of “Could”

ICYMI Plus - Quiet Luxury is TikTok’s Latest Nonsensical Fashion Trend

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Theatricum Botanicum

⭐99% Invisible #537 - Paved Paradise

Song Exploder - Madison McFerrin "Run" (feat. Bobby McFerrin)

Pop Culture Happy Hour - Primo

Re: Dracula - May 18: It was No Dream

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Fugitive Train Wreck

⭐Re: Dracula - May 19: Surely in the Toils

Into It - Are We Into 'Fast X,' Martha Stewart, and the Vitriol Toward Che Diaz?

Pop Culture Happy Hour - Fast X And What's Making Us Happy

Dear Prudence Plus - I Think My Dad Is Cheating On My Mom. Help!

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Chile Pepper Institute

Endless Thread - Come to the Orchestra

You're Dead To Me - Agatha Christie

ICYMI Plus - The Internet’s Biggest Secret

🎶 MUSIC 🎶

Eurovision 2023 (but just the good songs)

Käärijä

Lord of the Lost

Presenting Daft Punk

Presenting BLACKPINK (블랙핑크)

Feel Good! K-Pop Dance Music

The ArchAndroid [Janelle Monáe] {2010}

The Electric Lady [Janelle Monáe] {2013}

Dirty Computer [Janelle Monáe] {2018}

Janelle Monáe

Heavenly '80s

[polliniaa]

Review: This was cute. (Jewel thieves and shady motives and a familiar baritone are very good holiday escapism. KJC’s typical humor—“a desiccating lack of enthusiasm” is a new favorite phrase, along with, “Shut yourself up.” It also has led to me rereading Any Old Diamonds. Oh, Jerry, my beloved.)

[radialarch]

i have read... so many kj charles so rapidly over the space of a week and a half, here's a ranking of my faves

charm of magpies (original trilogy): lucien vaudrey constantly does SO much to drive action and is SO fun about it, 10/10, more tattoos please

an unnatural vice (sins of the cities 2): justin and nathaniel abysmally failing not to fuck despite their better judgment, god. great dynamic, great shenanigans

spectred isle: saul and randolph constantly falling over each other suspiciously? extremely good. randolph being compelled to give saul a weird baptism for some reason? sir that is your dick talking.

the band sinister: tell me more about rookwood/corvin tbh, i'm haunted by that blowjob

any old diamonds (lilywhite boys 1): kjc write more dubcon

will darling adventures: i feel like kim's pov might have made me really feral about these

the ruin of gabriel ashleigh (society of gentlemen 0.5): KJC WRITE MORE DUBCON

[rowan-blood]

Book Recommendations

Kellen Graves

Prince of the Sorrows (Rowan Blood, #1) Lord of Silver Ashes (Rowan Blood, #2) Herald of the Witch’s Mark (Rowan Blood #3) The Fox and the Dryad

K.J. Charles

The Smuggler and the Warlord (A Charm of Magpies, #0.5) The Magpie Lord (A Charm of Magpies, #1) Interlude with Tattoos (A Charm of Magpies, #1.5) A Case of Possession (A Charm of Magpies, #2) A Case of Spirits (A Charm of Magpies, #2.5 Flight of Magpies (A Charm of Magpies, #3) Feast of Stephen (A Charm of Magpies, #3.5) Five For Heaven (A Charm of Magpies, #3.6) Jackdaw (A Charm of Magpies, #4) Rag and Bone (A Charm of Magpies, #5) A Queer Trade (A Charm of Magpies, #5.5) The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal Butterflies (The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal, #2) Remnant: A Caldwell & Feximal/Whyborne & Griffin Mystery (The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal, #3; Whyborne & Griffin, #3.5) Proper English (England World, #1) Think of England (England World, #2) Song for a Viking (England World, #2.1) A Fashionable Indulgence (Society of Gentlemen, #1) A Seditious Affair (Society of Gentlemen, #2) A Gentleman’s Position (Society of Gentlemen, #3) Wanted, A Gentleman An Unseen Attraction (Sins of the Cities, #1) An Unnatural Vice (Sins of the Cities, #2) An Unsuitable Heir (Sins of the Cities, #3) Spectred Isle (Green Men, #1) The Henchmen of Zenda Unfit to Print Band Sinister The Rat-Catcher’s Daughter (Lilywhite Boys, #0.5) Any Old Diamonds (Lilywhite Boys, #1) Gilded Cage (Lilywhite Boys, #2) Masters in This Hall (Lilywhite Boys, #3) Slippery Creatures (The Will Darling Adventures, #1) The Sugared Game (The Will Darling Adventures, #2) Subtle Blood (The Will Darling Adventures, #3) The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen (The Doomsday Books, #1) A Nobleman’s Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel (The Doomsday Books, #2) A Thief in the Night

A.J. Demas

One Night in Boukos Something Human Sword Dance (Sword Dance, #1) Saffron Alley (Sword Dance, #2) Strong Wine (Sword Dance, #3) Honey and Pepper (When in Pheme, #1)

C.S. Pacat

Captive Prince (Captive Prince, #1) Captive Prince: Volume Two (Captive Prince, #2) Kings Rising (Captive Prince, #3) Dark Rise (Dark Rise, #1) Dark Heir (Dark Rise, #2)

Joanna Chambers

Provoked (Enlightenment, #1) Beguiled (Enlightenment, #2) Enlightened (Enlightenment, #3) Unnatural (Enlightenment, #4) Restored (Enlightenment, #5) Gentleman Wolf (Capital Wolves Duet, #1) Master Wolf (Capital Wolves Duet, #2)

Tamara Allen

Downtime Whistling in the Dark The Only Gold If It Ain’t Love The Road to Silver Plume (Secret Service #1) Playing the Ace (Secret Service #2) Invitation to the Dance

Harper Fox

Brothers of the Wild North Sea Once Upon a Haunted Moor (Tyack & Frayne #1) Tinsel Fish (Tyack & Frayne #2) Don’t Let Go (Tyack & Frayne #3) Kitto (Tyack & Frayne #4) Guardians of the Haunted Moor (Tyack & Frayne #5) Third Solstice (Tyack & Frayne #6) Preacher, Prophet, Beast (Tyack & Frayne #7) Out

Sebastian Nothwell

Mr Warren’s Profession (Aubrey & Lindsey, #1) Throw His Heart Over (Aubrey & Lindsey, #2) Hold Fast Oak King Holly King

Lydia Gastrell

One Indulgence (Indulgence #1) One Glimpse (Indulgence, #2)

Hale Ginn

Lord of the White Hell, Book 1 (Lord of the White Hell, #1) Lord of the White Hell, Book 2 (Lord of the White Hell, #2)

Adella J. Harris

The Marquess of Gorsewall Manor (After the Swan’s Nest, #1) The Earl of Klesamor Hall (After the Swan’s Nest, #2)

Cat Sebastian

The Soldier’s Scoundrel (The Turners, #1) The Lawrence Browne Affair (The Turners, #2) The Ruin of a Rake (The Turners, #3) It Takes Two to Tumble (Seducing the Sedgwicks, #1) A Gentleman Never Keeps Score (Seducing the Sedgwicks, #2) Two Rogues Make a Right (Seducing the Sedgwicks, #3)

Lily Morton

The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings (Black and Blue #1) The Quiet House (Black and Blue #2) Something Wicked (Black and Blue #3) Merry Measure The Cuckoo's Call

Freya Marske

A Marvellous Light (The Last Binding #1) A Restless Truth (The Last Binding #2)

Other Authors

The Devil Lancer by Astrid Amara The Reluctant Berserker by Alex Beecroft The Scottish Boy by Alex de Campi Catalina Blues by Marlo York The Rake, the Rogue and the Roué by Eric Alan Westfall The Gladiator’s Master by Fae Sutherland The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller When Skies Have Fallen by Debbie McGowan Nova Praetorian by N.R. Walker The Reanimator's Heart (The Reanimator Mysteries #1) by Kara Jorgensen One Night in Hartswood by Emma Denny

(last update 2024/06/14)

I would appreciate your recommendations if you enjoy one or more books from this list.

[haveyoureadthistransbook]

The Rat-Catcher's Daughter by K.J. Charles

goodreads

Music-hall singer Miss Christiana is in serious debt, and serious trouble. She owes more than she can pay to a notorious criminal, and now he plans to make an example of her. There's no way out. But Christiana has an admirer. Stan Kamarzyn has watched her sing for a year and he doesn't want to see her get hurt. Stan's nobody special--just a dodgy bloke from Bethnal Green--but he's got useful friends. Friends who can get a girl out of trouble, for a price. Christiana's not sure what it will cost her... The two slowly reach an understanding. But Christiana is no criminal, and she can't risk getting mixed up with the law. What will happen when Stan's life as the fence for the notorious Lilywhite Boys brings trouble to his doorstep?

Mod opinion: I haven't heard of this book, but it sounds interesting.

[ofliterarynature]

Every time I think I’ve worked out all the connections between KJ Charles’ series I find ANOTHER one. It’s entirely my fault because I just found a complete breakdown on her website, but it doesn’t mean I won’t wail about it.

[bloody-wonder]

2023 reading wrap up

sort sort sort i love to arbitrarily sort😌📚

*i decided to get even more creative this time and named the tiers after different things from the books featured on this list. see explanation below🙃 **the following series i read in full are represented only by the first book: the aurelian cycle, the radiant emperor, the winnowing flame, sorcery of thorns, monk & robot, lilywhite boys

so in 2023 my reading was heavily curated: i challenged myself to finish at least 5 series i started a long time ago, to start at least 5 new ones, to read at least 10 classics, at least 5 dark academia books, at least 10 books not in english and to re-read at least 5 books i've been meaning to re-read for some time - and i did well at all of these challenges except for the last two (missed the goal by one book in each case). it's still difficult for me to find books in languages i can read other than english which i actually want to read as well as prioritizing re-reads over new exciting books😒🤷‍♀️

but overall i would say this was a good way to organize my reading year. i like planning, i like structure, i like crossing things off different lists so completing these challenges gave me a great sense of accomplishment. but more importantly, i feel like they achieved their respective purpose: i returned to stories i fell in love with years ago and finally followed some of those journeys to their end. i discovered new fun journeys - some of them so exciting i had to finish the series immediately and some that will last me for a few more years to come. i finally feel like i trained my classics brain muscle back to its glory days and i can't express how pleasantly surprised i am to see one of those dusty tomes i read by the dozen as a teen on my top 5 again. i rediscovered my love for dark academia. i did read books in different languages and some of them ended up quite high on my tier list as well.

at the same time i had plenty of opportunities left to mood-read. boy parts, my favorite book of the year, for example wasn't a part of any challenge. the same goes for semantic error which i picked up at random during the bl manhwa revival i experienced at the end of 2023. so my top tiers ended up being a mix of different genres, the new and the old series and books, the expected and the unexpected faves.

i wasn't trying to read a certain amount of books this year but surprisingly i managed to read even more than last year (when it comes to the page count). and as for the quality, i do have a better feeling than i had in 2022 too. while i didn't manage to regain the heights of literary enjoyment from the golden era of 2019-2021, i think i'm on my way there :)

here's another curious wrap up thingy @magpiefngrl tagged me in! very representative of my reading tastes, though i must say i have only 6 unread kj charles books left and i'm starting to get concerned about what i'm going to do when i inevitably gobble them up in 2024😬

what about you guys? please tell me about your reading year! you can do a tier list (if you're a virgo) or the my year in books overview (if you regularly update your goodreads) or just write a post, if you want to. or you can also ignore me and go have a fantastic year😉🍾🎉🎆🎄

@figuringthengsout @fugitoidkry @pinkasrenzo @fandomreferencepending @counterwiddershins @magpiefngrl @sugarbabywenkexing @weirdsociology @theodoradove @doh-rae-me @venndaai @sixappleseeds @oliviermiraarmstrongs @bookish-moony

goodreads │ old yearly wrap ups 2020 2021 2022

explanation of the tier titles under the cut (if you even care)

spermaceti is a precious substance derived from the head of the sperm whale that may or may not be the whale's sperm. these are the books i absolutely loved. the vibe is that scene from moby dick where they are all on deck slicking each other with spermaceti and chanting "sperm!🙌" (that's how i remember it anyways)

toy excavator is the source of his strongest positive feelings for the main character of semantic error chu sangwoo. these are the books that i loved too but not on the spermaceti level, you know. the vibe is that scene where sangwoo realizes he's in love with jaeyoung and is like,, damn. this feels exactly like that time they gifted me a toy excavator🤔😒 (he's autistic)

skyfish is the least cool type of dragon in the aurelian cycle. the hufflepuff dragon, if you will. but it's still a dragon so these were some good books i still enjoyed😌

defekta are sentient furniture in nino cipri's sci fi novella defekt. now, in this book the concept of defekta very much serves the purpose of questioning what things we see as defective and the ethics of of how we treat them. for the purposes of this tier list however defekta are the books which range from good to great but which at the same time have some big issue that made me want to throw them at a wall. that's why the radiant emperor is ranked twice lol it has to be on my top 5 bc i'm obsessed but also ragsghhjdsgjhjbbdsd

kerinne is a made up drink the characters of mca hogarth's cozy sci fi series the dreamhealers like to drink. in 2023 i found out that i am not immune to cozy sff but one genre-specific thing i will forever remain indifferent towards is foods & beverages - i don't care about them too much irl so when they're fictional i care even less. these are the books that were just whatever🤷‍♀️

holism is art's annoying coworker we're introduced to in system collapse. a totally overrated guy, just like these books🙄

green varnish is a resin-like substance a certain type of creature in the winnowing flame excretes after consuming everything it finds in its path so that entire towns together with their residents get entombed under it forever. it's also transparent so the areas attacked by these creatures basically turn into see-through graveyards brrrr. these were The Worst books i read in 2023😬

[redgoldblue]

Get to know you game! Answer the questions and tag 9 people you want to know better.

tagged by @stephmcx thanku

Last song listened to: Long Walk Home by Bruce Springsteen, although I've had Shadow Of A Black Crow by Melissa Etheridge stuck in my head for hours (my bed is on fireeee from the ashes of the truth... all the untold lieeees..... of my mis.spent. youth... I WOULD RATHER DIE FAST THAN TO EVER-)

Currently reading: Gilded Cage by KJ Charles, because I started her novelette collection A Pocketful Of Lies and then two of the stories were a prologue and epilogue, respectively, to the Lilywhite Boys duology, so I had to go (re)read them in between

Currently watching: Also ongoing H50 rewatch, currently in s7; The Man From UNCLE; Due South rewatch; Percy Jackson and the Olympians; wading through back archives of Taskmaster and also Dirty Laundry (Dropout, not the Thai drama I only know exists bc of @itwoodbeprefect's current obsessions)

Currently obsessed with: i mean, The Man From UNCLE, in case it wasn't clear. also 40s-50s romcoms. and the new thing I decided I was doing with my reading this year, which is a granny square cardigan with five different colours for (rough) genre classifications.

I'm also gonna do last 9 people from my notifs, no pressure: @tsilvy @transmascgarak @krysten-knitter @livepoultryfreshkilled @itwoodbeprefect @goldenaltar @aplaceformyselftogo @osccrisaac @hardcandyfilmclub

[edwinspaynes]

Rate from best to least fav novels by KJ Charles ☺️?

Okay so this is hard but I'll try. Bear in mind that these are only the ones I have read, I haven't read all of them because I save them for rainy days. Lol. Also I like all of them. Like, I haven't met a KJC book I disliked besides the last one which is also objectively a wonderful book.

Jackdaw

Flight of Magpies

The Magpie Lord

A Case of Possession

An Unsuitable Heir

An Unseen Attraction

The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting

An Unnatural Vice

Proper English

The Henchmen of Zenda

Think of England

The Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel

Band Sinister

Unfit to Print

A Thief in the Night

Slippery Creatures (I do plan to continue the series eventually but probably will read the Lilywhite Boys first)

Wanted: A Gentleman

The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal

Rag and Bone

The Secret Life of Country Gentlemen

A Fashionable Indulgence (I DNFed the series but there is nothing wrong with it, it's just not my thing and book 2 looked even less like my thing)

[hussyknee]

TIL that it's revealed in the Lilywhite Boys that Richard Vane's nephew and Philip and Eustacia's son little Dickie grew up to be greedy asshole who wanted Richard to shuffle off the mortal coil asap so he could inherit the house, and was bitter af that he lived to ninety. That he spawned a first son just as money grubbing and had his second son secretly exiled to Australia for wanting to marry a working class girl and destroyed his reputation to make her believe he'd dumped her. Basically he's Gideon Vane reincarnated.

We saw Dickie for like a minute in A Gentleman's Position, so Idk why this is so sad for me. Maybe it's because Richard loved his brother and his family because they would be the only children he could ever have, and made Dickie his heir because he cared about him. Dickie should have been the son he never had. Also the fact that good people who were good and loving parents can still end up with children who grow up to be terrible has always felt more fucked up than the other way round.