-
REVIEW: Copper Script by K.J. Charles
Copper Script – K.J. Charles
Detective Sergeant Aaron Fowler of the Metropolitan Police doesn’t count himself a gullible man. When he encounters a graphologist who deduces people’s lives and personalities from their handwriting with impossible accuracy, he needs to find out how the trick is done. Even if that involves spending more time with the intriguing, flirtatious Joel Wildsmith than feels quite safe.
Joel’s not an admirer of the police, but DS Fowler has the most irresistible handwriting he’s ever seen. If the policeman’s tests let him spend time unnerving the handsome copper, why not play along?
But when Joel looks at a powerful man’s handwriting and sees a murderer, the policeman and the graphologist are plunged into deadly danger. Their enemy will protect himself at any cost–unless the sparring pair can come together to prove his guilt and save each other.
Copper Script is another cleverly titled historical romance by my all-time favorite author, K.J. Charles. Set in 1920s London, the story stars an unlikely hero, a graphologist and war veteran, Joel Wildsmith, whose genius at analyzing handwriting is so eerily on point it’s practically magic.
He cross paths with Detective Sergeant Aaron Fowler when the DS’s cousin’s cheating ass was revealed through a letter the cousin’s fiancée asked Joel to analyze. Aaron tried to come up with all sorts of possible explanations of how Joel knew about the indiscretion, and even went so far as to test Joel’s talents through a blind read of several different letters.
Not only did Joel give very accurate character profiles, he also smacked Aaron with not one, but two bombshells. First, hit hard close to home; the other was the spine-chilling revelation that there was a high-placed murderer in the Met.
Just as she gave us a bookseller who has no interest in books in The Will Darling Adventures, K.J. Charles gave us a handwriting analysis expert who couldn’t write properly.
Joel is a delightfully sassy, incredibly perceptive and quick-tempered ginger whose mouthy ways made me laugh. The man lost his left hand in the war, which unfortunately was his dominant one. It irked him to no end whenever people tried to console him with “at least it’s not your right hand.”
Aaron is the more even-tempered and controlled, also a fair-minded do-gooder who takes his duties and responsibilities to heart. He is a methodical and conscientious investigator who has to deal with office politics. He goes out of his way to help a certain jobbing graphologist, occasionally taking him to his favorite restaurants because he likes watching him eat.
Joel has no trust in the police, having been a victim of an entrapment scheme. So, while he was attracted to Aaron, it took a while for him to fully trust the detective. I loved the contrast between their personalities and how they played off each other. The chemistry was fantastic, and the banter between them was a joy to listen to!
The cousin was a real pain in the ass, and watching Aaron, patience stretched thin, yet duty-bound, a.k.a. threatened to be reported to the Fowler matriarch, dealing with the bastard was also funny. The scenes with the cousin are a classic poke by the author at entitled, overprivileged assholes.
My favorite scenes were the letter readings and the first bombshell on Aaron when Joel analyzed his handwriting. Joel, the tease that he is, really knew how to draw out the anticipation, keeping Aaron on the edge of his seat, then bam! I could vividly picture Aaron gaping like a fish at the reveal. It was hilarious!
The only reason this is not a 5-star book is that the villain and the comeuppance scene were mostly told, not shown. Maybe because the story has a low-key vibe to it, but the villain’s murderous ways were mostly implied. The climactic scene where the bad guy overtly acted was resolved with minimal fuss a.k.a. the evil man just walked away, and we only hear about his fate later.
This is a very minor issue. Overall, the plot was well-executed, and I was thoroughly entertained by Aaron and Joel’s interactions and adventures.
Copper Script is a story of seduction and crime-solving through handwriting analysis. It might lack a bombastic showdown, but the vivid personalities, engaging humor, and compelling narrative performed impeccably by audiobook narrator Cornell Collins made this a very well-written book indeed!
Rating:
4.5 Stars – perfection is only half a step awaySoundtrack: Handwriting Analysis
Artist: Late Night Takeaway
Album:
If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links below to buy your copy of Copper Script. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.
COPPER SCRIPT: Kindle | Audiobook
If you like my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi or PayPal. Your donations will help keep this website going. Thank you so much!
-
NEW RELEASE BLITZ: The Devil’s Garden by Jack Bumgardner (Excerpt)
-
BLOG TOUR: Worth The Fight by C.F. White
-
REVIEW: The Monster of Elenhaven by Jennifer Giesbrecht
The Monster of Elenhaven – Jennifer Giesbrecht
The city of Elendhaven sulks on the edge of the ocean. Wracked by plague, abandoned by the South, stripped of industry and left to die. But not everything dies so easily. A thing without a name stalks the city, a thing shaped like a man, with a dark heart and long pale fingers yearning to wrap around throats. A monster who cannot die. His frail master sends him out on errands, twisting him with magic, crafting a plan too cruel to name, while the monster’s heart grows fonder and colder and more cunning.
These monsters of Elendhaven will have their revenge on everyone who wronged the city, even if they have to burn the world to do it.
The Monster of Elenhaven by Jennifer Giesbrecht is my Halloween read, and what a fabulously creepy little novella it is!
Elenhaven is a German-flavored coastal city of a fictional kingdom in the north. Its sea is black, and eldritch creatures are said to crawl out of its depths. Its factories are almost gone, and the city is barely recovering from a plague that struck some years ago. The sun makes its appearance a few short months after winter, which is most of the year.
Unknown to the residents, a monster is lurking in the shadows. This monster cannot be killed, not even with bullets, knives, or being dropped from a tower. This monster, who calls himself Johann, took a special interest and began stalking a gentleman named Florian Lichenbloom, who harbored his own dark secret.
The world-building is eerily atmospheric. I can easily picture the forboding coastline, grey overcast skies, and Elenhaven, which seem to be perpetually sinking in the shadows. The lore is detailed enough to answer questions and complete the narrative, but also left me wanting another visit to Elenhaven for more because it’s hella fascinating!
There is romance here, but this is not romance, so we know what that means for our couple. Still, this was so good, I didn’t mind. The ending was bittersweet and satisfying, and also creeptastic if you think of all it implies.
This is horror, and if there is such a thing as cozy horror, this novella is the epitome of one. After all of Johann’s skulking around and his confrontation with Florian, the two played house and proceeded to kill me with Johann’s outrageous flirting and Florian’s adorably blushy tsundere-ing.
All while secretly carrying out Florian’s devious plot for revenge, which at first glance was just an eye-for-an-eye thing but is really one of the most insidious plans one could unleash on the whole world.
The cuteness was on a different level that I momentarily forgot there’s devilry afoot. As the story progressed, we learn of Florian’s tragic past and a surprising connection to Johann, a full circle built on grief, rage, despair, and dreams. It was devastating and beautiful, painful and sweet, and ultimately, a gift to be carried wherever the monster went.
Overall, The Monster of Elenhaven is a story of kindred souls, revenge, and tragedy. It began with curiosity and ended with a gift. A spine-tingling tale where dreams come to life as a nightmare that fulfils the heart’s deepest, darkest desires.
Rating:
5 Stars – absolutely perfectSoundtrack: Black Water
Artist: Of Monsters and Men
Album: Beneath the Skin
If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links below to buy your copy of The Monster of Elenhaven. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.
THE MONSTER OF ELENHAVEN: Kindle | Audiobook
If you like my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi or PayPal. Your donations will help keep this website going. Thank you so much!
-
RELEASE BLITZ: Worth The Fight by C.F. White (Excerpt & Giveaway)
-
BOOK BLITZ: Old Ghosts by Janina Franck (Excerpt & Giveaway)
-
REVIEW: Immoral by Brooke Blaine & Ella Frank
Park Avenue Kings: Immoral by Brooke Blaine & Ella Frank
Who are we? Nobody really knows. We’re the seven most powerful heirs to empires, ruling Manhattan from our thrones on Park Avenue. By day, we’re the elite, untouchable, and more connected than you could ever imagine. By night, we revel in the darkness of our secrets, pulling strings that make the city bow to our whims.
Ruthless.
Dangerous.
We’re the Park Avenue Kings.
In this city of power and desire, where the line between love and obsession blurs, nothing is off-limits—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
He was sent in to seduce a monster. He didn’t expect to fall for the man beneath.
Benoit Olivier has always played the part—charming, cunning, and impossible to pin down. As one of the Park Avenue Kings, he’s used to being the watcher, the flirt, the wild card. But when the Kings need eyes on a powerful new arms dealer with a dangerous reputation, Benoit steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight—as a performer in Dimitri Stavros’s exclusive world.
Dimitri is lethal, calculating, and entirely unprepared for the distraction Benoit presents. Drawn to the dancer’s allure, he offers him a place at his side, unaware that every flirtation, every glance, is a calculated move in a game Benoit was sent to win.
But the deeper Benoit is pulled into Dimitri’s world of wealth, weapons, and whispered threats, the more dangerous the assignment becomes. Because Dimitri doesn’t forgive betrayal—and if he discovers Benoit’s true purpose, it won’t just be hearts that shatter.
Now, with time running out and his feelings blurring the line between performance and reality, Benoit must make a choice: complete the mission… or protect the man he was never supposed to love.
Immoral can be read as a standalone novel in the Park Avenue Kings world, but for maximum enjoyment, read after Savage & Devilish.
Immoral is the third book of Park Avenue Kings, a fabulous, fabulous billionaire secret society series by acclaimed writer duo, Brooke Blaine & Ella Frank.
Our King, this week, is Benoit Olivier – billionaire, burlesque dancer, polyglot, diva, and spy. He’s tasked to gather information about the notorious arms dealer Dimitri Stavros. Benoit is very good at his job, and he pulled out all the stops to hook his mark. Through a burlesque dance, of course.
And what a dance it was! This part alone made the book for me.
Benoit was seduction personified with every sizzling move and smoldering eye contact. He knew he had a gorgeous body and knew how to use it to his advantage. The finale was a cheeky wink and the ultimate tease. If I were in the club, I would have been on my feet, clapping hard and clamouring for more!
So yep, Dimitri stood no chance.
Dimitri is powerful, dangerous, and broody, a weapons dealer in the body of a Greek god. Clearly enamoured by the sassy dancer, possessive and ready to spoil the diva, he was always wanting Benoit so much that his right-hand man had to keep reminding him of business at hand.
Dimitri was a swoony blend of confidence and vulnerability, a tragic prince who slayed the villain, and now the dark king of an underground kingdom. His more somber temperament is a foil to Benoit’s playful side; his burning desire for the spy is matched only by Benoit’s palpable attraction for the man. They fit so well, just watching them interact was a joy!
In the previous books, Savage and Devilish, I had wished the stories were more mission-focused. This time, the mission and romance blended so beautifully, it was pure magic!
Benoit had to endure such hardships as being whisked away to a fairytale castle in Prague, having fantastic smexy times in different rooms each night, dragging Drimtri to a picturesque Christmas market, and sneaking around a luxury train across Europe, not to mention a bout of exhibitionism at a train stop.
Benoit enjoyed himself so much, he had to remind himself he was not on vacation. His sheer delight at a job going well, with how fun it is to flirt with Dimitri, and despite himself, falling in love with his mon monstre, that sense of exhilaration jumped off the page and swept me away!
Immoral have all the perfect moves, from the delicious tease, the nuclear-hot chemistry, the enthralling romance, the riveting cat-and-mouse game, and the constant tension that kept everything tight, fast-paced, and thrilling. Overall, a captivating dance of seduction you never want to escape!
Dating:
5 Stars – absolutely perfectSoundtrack: Kiss Twice, Kiss Me Deadly
Artist: Alice Nine
Album: VandalizeP.S.
Park Avenue Kings can be read as standalones, but the Kings are worth meeting.
Savage is a shadowy king and the innocent journalist in a meet-disaster turned meet-stalker
Devilish is the dom king sweeping the sweet sub off his feet with books and constellations.
If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links below to buy your copy of Immoral. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.
If you like my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi or PayPal. Your donations will help keep this website going. Thank you so much!
-
RELEASE TOUR: He Should Be Mine by Jessica Jackman (Excerpt)
-
PREORDER BLAST: He Should be Mine by Jessica Jackman
-
REVIEW: His Death Bringer by Courtney W. Dixon
The District: His Death Bringer – Courtney W. Dixon
PLEASE READ THE BLURB AND WARNINGS IF YOU’RE SENSITIVE TO TRIGGERS! And please, please be careful of spoilers and giving away endings of books. Use spoiler tags.
He calls me his dark angel, but I’m merely a killer. A bringer of death.
Luca Davenport
He is my angel, sent to be my death bringer to save me from my tormentors and betrayers—those who sold me into slavery when I was only eight years old. Angel came in with guns blazing and black wings that were made to crush his enemies and envelope me in love. He belongs to me and I belong to him. We are destined. After he saves me from my captors, we hunt down the remaining men who had abused me for eleven years to make them pay in blood.
Dante Varga
He is a broken boy of no more than nineteen. He sees me as an angel, but I’m simply a killer. An assassin for hire. I can’t save him. I can’t take care of him. There’s no room left in my dying soul to care about someone. Not anymore. But I can’t turn him away either. I should kill him. He’s a witness. But I feel compelled to protect him at all costs. Saving him will either shatter the ice around my heart or destroy me. Either way, Luca is dangerous.
Reading in order will add more pleasure to the reading experience since some of the books end in a series cliffhanger. But they can technically be read as standalones.
CW: graphic violence, murder, rape, torture, human trafficking, explicit content
** Note: This book has been re-edited in December of 2024. Several grammatical errors have been fixed and some scenes have been adjusted for sensitivity issues. If you download this book before then, these changes will not be available on your Kindle. But you can get it updated. **
His Death Bringer is the stirring opener of The District, an assassin, found family series by new-to-me author Courtney W. Dixon.
The first thing you need to know is that the book is quite dark, so you must heed the content warnings. It stars Luca Davenport, taken when he was eight years old and subjected to horrific abuse as a sex slave for 11 years. Luca mentions the tortures he experienced, and it’s so stomach-churning I had to put the book down several times.
He was accidentally rescued by Dante Varga when the assassin was sent to kill all the evil men from the crime family who held Luca captive. Dante had no idea the young man was there when he went about his mission. Luca immediately fell in love with his rescuer, called Dante his “dark angel” and hired the assassin to punish all the bad men who hurt him.
Luca is 19 years old and remains childlike since his captors restricted his education. He also has a streak of ingenuity, is surprisingly insightful, and so resilient he survived and wreaked his vengeance. With Dante’s help, he learned to fight, protect himself, and take control of his life.
Dante doesn’t know what to do with Luca, isn’t equipped to deal with trauma, and doesn’t have space in his life for another broken soul as he is just as fractured himself. It was cute how he tried so hard to resist Luca and before he knew it, the younger man not only stole his heart, he was helping put the pieces back together, too.
With all the violence and dark themes, the relationship between Dante and Luca is sweet and tender. The hurt-comfort worked its magic to warm hearts and heal souls through trust, patience, and a whole lot of TLC’s. Realistically, though, it would have been best if Luca had professional help to deal with his trauma.
Cleo, Dante’s Cane Corso and bestest girl, stole the show as Luca’s emotional support dog and fiercest protector. Dante’s District brothers came through with no hesitations, rallying behind him and Luca with guns blazing.
The District is a found family of assassins-for-hire led by Sid Virgil and Malek Amin. The most intriguing member is Sullivan, the resident psychopath who’s lusting after Malek. The older man has his steel walls up, so I’m excited to see how Sully breaks through in the next book.
His Death Bringer is a story of survival and healing. It’s a young man’s journey to reclaim control of his life with the help of a dark angel seeking retribution. Overall, the journey is daunting, the revenge sweet, the feels intense, and the HEA so damn worth it!
Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitsSoundtrack: Angel
Artist: Alice Phoebe Lou
Album: Shelter
If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links below to buy your copy of His Death Bringer. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.
HIS DEATH BRINGER: Kindle | Audiobook
If you like my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi or PayPal. Your donations will help keep this website going. Thank you so much!
