Check-ins/Updates:

Before I begin:

There was buzz for this book, I already knew some stuff 🤔 Like the book occurs in the Victorian era. It’s about a girl gang 👏🏽 Sesily appeared first in Day Of The Duchess. Love Sesily’s ferocity 👏🏽

Monday: Sesily – Chapter 4

This section provided a good introduction to the story 👏🏽 But it’s not overly complex either 😂 Rereading They Of The Duchess too, gotta admit – it’s hitting harder the 2nd time around! Befitting for a 2nd chance romance 😂

Tuesday: Chapters 5 – 9

Things are amping up 👏🏽 We had a brawl, 1 bed situation, and a reveal already 😂 Already prevalent in the story – a forbidden love ❤️ Caleb is trying to resist but is finding Sesily irresistible 😂 We were already teased Peck and Imogen 👏🏽 but Adalaide and the Duke of Clayborn too?! This series looks to be a lot of fun 😂♥️😍

Wednesday: Chapters 10 – 15

Coleford a major marker for me for them 😂 I feel like it majorly helped their relationship along 👏🏽 The scene in the cupboard was 🥵 🔥 and 😂. The Duchess coming upon them settled them down. Highley 😍 Felt like it showed a new side and dynamic in their relationship, giving them an opportunity to have a honest conversation, showing a side of them no one knows 🤫

Thursday: Chapters 16 – 19

Sex scene was 🔥 and gratifying to read 🤗 Admittedly, I was a chapter behind but glad I got to read it in ebook form, on my kindle (so I can highlight 😋). Caleb’s actions afterwards hurt (especially for Sesily) but I can’t help but wonder, why 🤷🏽‍♀️? What past pain does he have? That’s never an excuse for abandonment but I can’t disregard the insight that’ll provide. But him leaving the country?! So soon?! I’m hurt 😢 for her. Feeling abandoned sucks. 👎 Mystery behind and around Caleb 🤔 Loved seeing Caleb confide in Sesily ❤️ Hopefully 🙏🏾🤞🏽 this carriage ride heats up 🔥😂

Friday: Chapters 20 – Epilogue

Invitation into Talbot house 🏡😂 Their love making was 🥵 🔥. I understand his fear but, at the same time, don’t feel it’s enough of a reason to leave a girl as capable as Sesily behind. It’s kind of eerie, Duchess’ timing 🤔 I love their friendship though! Caleb turns himself in 👮‍♀️😱. Imogen seeks out Detective Inspecter Peck 😋.The scene with Coleford felt anticlimactic. I think there needed to be more build up to Caleb’s story, the conclusion was fast.

Check-ins/Updates:

Before I begin:

Definitely gives me outlander vibes 😬 Glad to see it published 2007 because I know the 90s can be problematic .

Took the time to properly set up my reading notes 📝👏🏽

Monday: Beltane – Chapter 7

This book took a while to get my attention but it got it! Feel like the story picked up after Adrienne travels back in time 😉 Not a fan of the violence displayed against women. After learning more of Hawk, he’s more than what he seems. 🤔 Already get good vibe between Lydia-Addrienne ♥️ I have a feeling we’ll love their relationship

Tuesday: Chapters 8 – 14

Hawk is endearingly playful 😂😍 and wants Adrienne. Still getting to know more about Hawk 🤔 Hawk grows to care for Adrienne more and more. Adrienne poisoned 😱 ☠️ Learn some things 🤔 1) Hawk cares for Adrienne immensely 2) The court fool is Adam. Adam re-enters conveniently. Hawk has choices 🤔 Appropriate responses by Addrienne, finding herself naked in a room with Adam. 😂 Part of me feels Hawk wanra Adrienne out of the challenge she provides 😏 The truth of Adrienne revealed 😱 Major mistake deopping Adam’s name then 😂 Olivia will spicw things up 😂

Wednesday: Chapters 15 -21

Hawk makes Adrienne jealous. Adrienne makes Hawk jealous 👏🏽 Adrienne drunk but Hawk wants her consent. Then Olivia comes back in, tells of Hawk’s past. 😱 Forge fire 🔥 burns the black queen 👸 Adam, King 🤴Finnbheara pull Addrienne through time 🕰 Story is still bonkers but it’s enjoyable 👏🏽 For me, I think it’s because I like Hawk 👍🏽 I also feel his character has changed the most 👏🏽 From an aloof player to a sensitive, in-love man ❤️

Thursday: Chapters 22 – 28

Relieved the truth about Esmerelda is coming out so soon 👏🏽 Oftentimes, that fact would be painstakenly prolonged. Interesting reveal Rushka was Esmerelda’s father 🤔 Addrienne’s response to finding out what Esmerelda did ✅ Addrienne and Lydia trying to find out Addrienne’s time traveling triggers 🤔 Hawk and Addrienne progress 👏🏽 Hawk believes Addrienne time traveled from the future 🤔 Feel Samkain is the 3rd act conflict.

Friday: Chapters 29 – Epilogue

Interesting how within each chapter there’s a part in Addrienne’s perspective and a part in Hawk’s perspective 👏🏽 It’s subtle but there. Spicy 🌶 Adam came to the wedding, moonlight Samkain festival nuptial 😍 3rd act conflict – worst than Hawk imagined?! This section was less action-packed but I feel it was needed. Thought fitting Addrienne went back in time, are wedded, and receive the Queen’s protection 🤗 But wasn’t that resolution too sudden? +Enjoyed Lydia & Tavis’ arc, would have loved seeing more of it 👏🏽

End of book 📖

Overall, felt the story was full. Dragged a bit after Addrienne was poisoned, but I was content overall. There were magical monents but didn’t take over the story.