Caprice

Best Start of the Year

Oh my! This book was absolutely delicious - hilarious, charming, and wildly entertaining from start to finish. Mallory is so adorable and capable even without magic, I instantly fell in love with her. Her interactions with Alexander are pure gold. Their banter had me laughing out loud repeatedly. I couldn't stop laughing for a good five minutes over poor Kevin. Moments like that are comedic perfection.

I got this story as an ebook from author and then as an audiobook from Netgalley, and I have to say the narrator is simply superb. Her voice is marvellous, and her performance elevated an already fantastic story and made it even more vivid and entertaining.

An absolute joy to read - easily the best start to my reading year. I adored every moment of it and I just want more!

Dark, Gritty, and Absolutely Magnificent

Lydia Hope has truly outdone herself with Seven Oar. This book was nothing short of magnificent. It takes the Rix Universe in a darker, grittier direction than Homebound or Sky Song, and I loved every moment of it.

At the centre of the story is one of the most compelling anti-hero male leads I've read in a long time - complex, flawed, and utterly magnetic. He brings depth and unpredictability to the narrative, and paired with the twists and turns of the plot, the result is breathtaking. There were moments that genuinely left me reeling, shocked in the best possible way, yet always eager to turn the next page.

At its heart, Seven Oar is a story about survival - enduring unimaginable, almost incomprehensible conditions and finding a way forward despite everything. That core theme makes the book all the more powerful, layering grit with resilience and hope.

Despite its darker tone, the book didn't feel bleak. Lydia Hope weaved in threads of hope and inspiration, balancing the rawness of the world with moments of profound humanity. It's this balance between brutal challenges and glimmers of light that made the story unforgettable.

For me, Seven Oar stands out as one of the very best books I've read this year. It's shocking, emotional, inspiring, and impossible to put down. If I could give it ten stars, I absolutely would and I already know I'll be diving back in for a reread soon.

A Charming Austen-Style Romance with Heart and Humour

What a delightful historical romance! Sense and Suitability captured everything I love about a story written in the spirit of Jane Austen. It has all the essential ingredients: sparkling humour, clever and witty conversation, genuine mutual pining that tugs at the heart, and, refreshingly, a real, believable reason for the characters' separation rather than a contrived or manufactured obstacle. That depth made the romance all the more satisfying when the pieces finally came together.

Pepper Basham's writing shines with warmth and charm, delivering a story that feels both classic and fresh. The balance between light-hearted banter and emotional weight was beautifully done, keeping me thoroughly engaged from start to finish.

I listened to the audiobook and loved the choice of a dual narration. Having both a female and male narrator added richness to the experience, and their voices complemented each other perfectly. It made the characters feel even more alive and added an extra layer of enjoyment to an already lovely read.

Sense and Suitability was a warm, witty, and heartfelt historical romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. It's the kind of book that leaves you smiling and feeling uplifted - exactly what a good Austen-inspired story should do.

I've received an ARC copy from NetGalley.

This book was an absolute page-turner! I had no idea who the murderer was until the very end. It was a real surprise!
It's mostly a mystery novel, but there was a hint of romance, but it wasn't really described at the end. It was left up to the reader to figure out what happened.

Fierce and Addictive

This is everything I hoped for and more. The best book for the year! I loved it so much!

Maggie is compelling and layered, navigating impossible choices with a mix of grit and vulnerability that’s impossible not to root for. As always, the writing is effortlessly immersive, with sharp dialogue and a rich sense of atmosphere that kept me turning pages well into the night.

What a powerful blend of tension, heart, and storytelling mastery - another standout from a favourite author.