Fiction Friday

Some truly excellent books for Fiction Friday this week.

The Spectred Isle by KJ Charles – Set just after WWI, this tale tells a story of a war fought on two fronts, the one we all know about and the world of the supernatural. Of course the government just had to use the Supernatural world as a weapon and in doing so has weakened the barrier between our world and the world beyond. The world in which this is set is the same one that Charles wrote about in The Casebook of Simon Feximal, where things feel familiar but aren’t necessarily the same. Saul and Randolph are a well-matched couple. They are both broken men, unable to trust easily or even able to trust their own judgment on matters of friendship or the heart. Also neither of them thinks they are worthy of the others regard or affection. The story gave me serious plot envy. And the writing could go from chilling to absolutely delightful on the turn of a phrase. Highly recommended. (NB This book is the first in a trilogy and while the relationship arc is complete the overall story isn’t.)


The Heart of the Lost Star by Megan Derr – This is book three in The Tales of the High Court. Jader’s surprise as he falls in love is adorable, while Kamir’s belief that he is only a dalliance is heart-breaking. Not that Kamir is weak, he’s actually remarkably strong as someone who has faced abuse head on and survived, and who is still plagued by the gossip of the High Court and manipulations of his family. Also a great chance to catch up with the rest of the couples in the series so far. Highly recommended.





A Kind of Truth by Lane Hayes – I’m not normally one for rock star books. I find the ego required for the rock star persona often rubs me up the wrong way. In this one the band are just starting out and rand, the wannabe lead singer is an interesting mix of cocky and, when it comes to his relationship with Will, adorably confused. Will is actually the bigger enigma. Well written with engaging leads and a lovely developing relationship. But I could only give this book 4 stars. One character and the plot point revolving around her kept me on edge for a large portion of the book, making me feel physically uneasy it the point where I had to put the book down for several days on two occasions.


A Kind of Romance by Lane Hayes – Book two in the series. This features Benny, Will’s best friend, and Zeke, the son of the Bagel shop owner where Rand works in the first book. Will and Rand also make occasional appearances in this book if you’re hoping to catch up with them. This book was a good as the first but without the threat of impending doom. It made me happy and I read it through without a break. Highly recommended.

There are also a couple of freebie stories on the author's website for the 'kind of' series.