Weekly Reads: October 31 to November 6, 2022

Another great week of books and I finally sat down with an epic novel-length Dramione fanfic. Here’s the recap of everything I read this week!

The Escape by Mary Balogh (2014)

Historical romance in Regency-era England. Book 3 of the Survivors’ Club Series. Benedict had his legs injured in the war and now painfully walks with canes (despite having been told he’d never walk again). He’s depressed and aimless and finally coming to terms with the fact that he’ll never regain full mobility and that he doesn’t know what to do with his life (as his younger brother serves as steward to his estate). While visiting his sister, Ben meets Samantha, a recent widow who spent the past five years nursing her injured husband. She’s in deep mourning and oppressed by her puritanical in-laws. They have quite the antagonistic first meeting, but they find their way towards friendship (and eventually more). I expected to enjoy this story and I definitely did! I love how their friendship developed slowly over time and I loved learning more about Samantha’s family history.

Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby.

Shop this book via Amazon // Bookshop.org // Libro.fm

Harry Potter Fanfic: Mon Couteau Aiguise (My Sharp Knife) by gillianeliza

Draco/Hermione romance, alternate universe. Epic, novel-length saga. It definitely ended up on my all-time faves list. The story starts during third year when Harry and Ron have been ignoring Hermione after Christmas. She comes across Draco (and later Theo) injured and asks about his condition. Turns out the young Slytherins have been bullied by older students from other houses. They begin and tentative friendship and Draco eventually invites Hermione home to Malfoy Manor over the Summer. Their romantic relationship starts slow and sweet and develops into a smutty soul-binding tale. Meanwhile, Lucius and Narcissa completely approve of Hermione and aim to protect her, even when the Dark Lord returns. Throughout the rest of the fic, we see the events of the remainder of the series unfold, with many of the major events happening as they do in canon, with one exception: Hermione becomes a marked Death Eater spying on Harry for Voldemort. There was so much good plot and romance and friendship in this story, the pages just kept turning for me. Note: Major Ron-bashing in this one and watch the tags and content warnings.

Read this fic on Archive of Our Own

Meant for the Marquess by Alexa Aston (2022)

Historical romance in Regency-era England. Book 7 of the Second Sons of London series. After her father’s death, Lady Julia’s older half-brother tossed her out and forced her to find employment. She’s now the governess to the duke’s nephews from Book 5 of the series and has accepted her place as a mere miss and upper servant, never to take her place in Polite Society again. The duke’s army friend, Devin, has appeared at the big house to visit, after having recently been injured and sent home from the army. He’s looking for a purpose now that his military career has ended and learning how to use his left hand after his right was maimed. Devin and Julia meet and are instantly attracted to each other, though neither believe they are worthy of the other’s attentions. I enjoy reading the instant attraction and I love how both characters interacted with the six-year old nephews; however, I disliked how pushy Devin was towards Julia. It all works out in the end (as it often does in these books) and there’s a sweet little epilogue to tie up the entire series.

Advance ebook provided by Dragonblade Publishing via NetGalley.

Harry Potter Fanfic: Under the Moon by Lilian_Silver

Draco/Hermione One-Shot. Eighth Year. Draco gets detention to avoid being harassed by other Slytherins. Hermione is in detention too and strikes a deal with Draco. Short and somewhat smutty read.

Read this fic on Archive of Our Own

Duke Gone Rogue by Christy Carlyle (2021)

Historical romance in Victorian-era England; Book 1 of the Love on Holiday Series. This was the first book I’ve read from this author and I will definitely be reading more! The Duke of Ashmore has distanced himself and his reputation away from his rogue of a father as much as possible, but has gained himself a reputation as a curmudgeon and a bore. Sent away by his sister, he visits one of his properties in Cornwall for a seaside holiday. While there, he meets Maddie, a local nursery owner who works almost as hard as he does and is part of a dozen committees in town. They start to spend more time together and soften each other’s productive edges. Unfortunately, with their social class differences, they both know that they will have duties and responsibilities that will ultimately keep them apart. Unless someone is willing to compromise.

Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby.