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The Will Darling Adventures #2
The Sugared Game
It's been two months since Will Darling saw Kim Secretan, and he doesn't expect to see him again. What do a rough and ready soldier-turned-bookseller and a disgraced shady aristocrat have to do with each other anyway?
But when Will encounters a face from the past in a disreputable nightclub, Kim turns up, as shifty, unreliable, and irresistible as ever. And before Will knows it, he's been dragged back into Kim's shadowy world of secrets, criminal conspiracies, and underhand dealings.
This time, though, things are underhanded even by Kim standards. This time, the danger is too close to home. And if Will and Kim can't find common ground against unseen enemies, they risk losing everything.
A 1920s m/m romance trilogy in the spirit of Golden Age pulp fiction.
But when Will encounters a face from the past in a disreputable nightclub, Kim turns up, as shifty, unreliable, and irresistible as ever. And before Will knows it, he's been dragged back into Kim's shadowy world of secrets, criminal conspiracies, and underhand dealings.
This time, though, things are underhanded even by Kim standards. This time, the danger is too close to home. And if Will and Kim can't find common ground against unseen enemies, they risk losing everything.
A 1920s m/m romance trilogy in the spirit of Golden Age pulp fiction.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2020
413 people are currently reading
3451 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Charles
65 books12.2k followersKJ is a writer of romance, mostly m/m, historical or fantasy or both. She blogs about writing and editing at http://kjcharleswriter.com.
She lives in London, UK, with her husband, two kids, and a cat of absolute night.
Bluesky @kj_charleswriter.com
Join the lively Discord group at https://discord.gg/fmPTWSZfT6
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She lives in London, UK, with her husband, two kids, and a cat of absolute night.
Bluesky @kj_charleswriter.com
Join the lively Discord group at https://discord.gg/fmPTWSZfT6
Sign up to the (infrequent) newsletter at http://kjcharleswriter.com/newsletter
Please **do not** message me on Goodreads as I no longer check the inbox due to unwanted messages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,336 reviews
April 18, 2022
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’m a fan. And this was a fun, suspenseful and yet cozy read.
In the first installment, Slippery Creatures, they met and bonded over a case involving secret agencies and criminal conspiracies - until, that is, Kim’s penchant for secrecy and lies and using Will as a tool to achieve his goals almost ruined it all.
Now they are still on shaky ground, and there’s a new conspiracy involving the same secret criminal organization, and yet again Will finds himself smack in the middle of trouble involving murders and smuggling and blackmail and weapons — and, as one would expect, Kim is at the center of it all. And Kim’s fiancée Phoebe and Will’s best friend Maisie are now perilously close to danger as well.
This book is a bit more serious than its predecessor, and digs deeper into the shady infuriating character of Kim Secretan, exposing insecurities and vulnerabilities than his bravura and slickness and aristocratic hauteur were able to hide before. Kim is not invulnerable and certainly not as perfect of a planner as the first book wanted you to believe. And Will - reasonable, kind, patient Will - is no longer willing to let it slide even a slightest bit. He takes Kim to task over his questionable behavior, and it gets a bit real and very necessary.
But despite a tad more serious tone, this book is still full of humor and fun and banter. Charles develops the supporting characters - Phoebe and Maisie - much more, making them fleshed-out and interesting and three-dimensional. The background of the 1920s and the shiny (although often empty) glamour of Bright Young People was quite delightful. And, as it has been customary at this point in K.J. Charles’ books, the well-done mystery/adventure story takes center stage, with the romance playing very much the second fiddle and thus keeping it interesting for me.
Anyway, when is that sequel coming out???
4 stars.
————
My review of the first book in the series, Slippery Creatures, is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review of the third book in the series, Subtle Blood, is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
“Unarmed, one-handed, outnumbered, and facing a professional killer. Will had to admit he wasn’t feeling optimistic.”This is the second chapter in the story of unlikely “strange bedfellows” (double entendre crudely meant) in the 1920s Jazz Age London - Will Darling (a former soldier turned antiquarian bookseller, good with a knife and his fists) and Kim Secretan (a secretive disgraced aristocrat, former revolutionary, current secret agent, good with cunning lies and full of smarts and guilt and double-speak). Will is as tough as a rope; Kim is strung like a taut wire. Here’s the snapshot of their differences, courtesy of alcohol:
“Kim was an amateur mixologist with a well-stocked cocktail cabinet in his mansion flat. Will kept a bottle of cheap Scotch on the mantelpiece.”
In the first installment, Slippery Creatures, they met and bonded over a case involving secret agencies and criminal conspiracies - until, that is, Kim’s penchant for secrecy and lies and using Will as a tool to achieve his goals almost ruined it all.
“Kim Secretan had unquestionably been special. They’d met back in November, in the course of dramatic events that had involved Will antagonising a criminal gang and upsetting the War Office, and they’d fit together. They didn’t belong together—Will was a plain man with a knack for violence, while Kim was a twisty upper-class bundle of nerves—but they’d fit.”
Now they are still on shaky ground, and there’s a new conspiracy involving the same secret criminal organization, and yet again Will finds himself smack in the middle of trouble involving murders and smuggling and blackmail and weapons — and, as one would expect, Kim is at the center of it all. And Kim’s fiancée Phoebe and Will’s best friend Maisie are now perilously close to danger as well.
“It’s the way of the world, Mr. Darling. Young women—especially of her class and race—are very vulnerable.”
“And old houses are flammable,” Will said through his teeth. “Just like old bones are breakable.”
This book is a bit more serious than its predecessor, and digs deeper into the shady infuriating character of Kim Secretan, exposing insecurities and vulnerabilities than his bravura and slickness and aristocratic hauteur were able to hide before. Kim is not invulnerable and certainly not as perfect of a planner as the first book wanted you to believe. And Will - reasonable, kind, patient Will - is no longer willing to let it slide even a slightest bit. He takes Kim to task over his questionable behavior, and it gets a bit real and very necessary.
“But I still don’t like being used.”
“I know,” Kim said.
That was all. He didn’t apologise, because they both knew there wasn’t much value to an apology for a thing you’d done entirely on purpose.”
———
“That’s not a relationship!” Will shouted. “That’s not how you treat a friend or a lover or a partner, or any damn thing! ‘Take it or leave it’ is for customers, not people you care about. You’re meant to compromise, and find a way through, not just say this is how it is because you don’t have the guts to face up to things. You’re meant to give a damn when you hurt people!”
But despite a tad more serious tone, this book is still full of humor and fun and banter. Charles develops the supporting characters - Phoebe and Maisie - much more, making them fleshed-out and interesting and three-dimensional. The background of the 1920s and the shiny (although often empty) glamour of Bright Young People was quite delightful. And, as it has been customary at this point in K.J. Charles’ books, the well-done mystery/adventure story takes center stage, with the romance playing very much the second fiddle and thus keeping it interesting for me.
“The best defence is a good offence,” Kim said. “And I am nothing if not offensive.”I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I loved the story, and the consequences, and seeing how the tables turned. This book completed the story arc, but since another sequel is on the way, I’m curious to see where she takes them next, and how exactly Kim is going to battle the entire legion of his inner demons.
———
“I know you’ve thought about this,” Will said. “But there are men in the world who aren’t queer or arseholes. Have you considered marrying one of them instead?”
———
“Tea?” he said, because the kettle was on and he was furious but not a monster.
Anyway, when is that sequel coming out???
4 stars.
————
My review of the first book in the series, Slippery Creatures, is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review of the third book in the series, Subtle Blood, is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 18, 2023
Kim:
“infinitely unreliable, oddly vulnerable, painfully desirable”, a man with “a fashionable fiancée and a background of eye-watering privilege, and five names plus the title, and beautiful manners when he chose to use them, and elegant hands unmarred by calluses and scars."
Will:
“common as muck”, but “sophisticatedly thuggish”in a suit, a bookseller with no formal education to his name. A man inherently good, whose moral compass is permanently on ‘doing the right and human thing’ but without shying away from the rough and ready when it’s necessary. A guy who's learnt in the war how to fight and defend himself and is as straightforward and honest as they come.
KJ Charles has created two truly wonderful characters.
I adore Will. Full stop.
I particularly love how he doesn’t take any BS from Kim, how he sees through the man, sees more than Kim wants him to and likes him anyway.
And even if Kim gets things spectacularly wrong quite a few times, you just know that there is a good guy underneath, a desperate and very sad man who feels the need to atone for what happened in the past. My heart went out for him big time here.
Will describes him as “the last knight. He’s got a bad reputation and maybe deserves it, but he’s still taking up arms, fighting the battles other people don’t want because somebody’s got to do it.”
These two men shouldn’t fit.
Their social status, their views on life and expectations are miles apart.
But they do.
When the “door is locked” and they are simply two men madly attracted to each other, they click on a level neither has experienced before. Although both can feel that something ‘more’ is blossoming between them, neither knows what to do with it or how to resolve their situation.
Absolutely stellar writing here which not only shows the multi-faceted issues both men have, but how they tentatively reach out and gradually fall for each other, no matter what happens when the ‘door is open’. Fabulous symbolism here!
But love needs trust, and trust is hard to come by when Kim is notoriously economic with the truth.
I could trust you,”Will said. “I truly could. Could you not let me down when I do?”
Kim breathed out. “I could try.”
Well, I’m holding my breath for both men.
Stellar character and relationship development, on top of a tense mystery plot.
Can’t wait for book 3 now!
“infinitely unreliable, oddly vulnerable, painfully desirable”, a man with “a fashionable fiancée and a background of eye-watering privilege, and five names plus the title, and beautiful manners when he chose to use them, and elegant hands unmarred by calluses and scars."
Will:
“common as muck”, but “sophisticatedly thuggish”in a suit, a bookseller with no formal education to his name. A man inherently good, whose moral compass is permanently on ‘doing the right and human thing’ but without shying away from the rough and ready when it’s necessary. A guy who's learnt in the war how to fight and defend himself and is as straightforward and honest as they come.
KJ Charles has created two truly wonderful characters.
I adore Will. Full stop.
I particularly love how he doesn’t take any BS from Kim, how he sees through the man, sees more than Kim wants him to and likes him anyway.
And even if Kim gets things spectacularly wrong quite a few times, you just know that there is a good guy underneath, a desperate and very sad man who feels the need to atone for what happened in the past. My heart went out for him big time here.
Will describes him as “the last knight. He’s got a bad reputation and maybe deserves it, but he’s still taking up arms, fighting the battles other people don’t want because somebody’s got to do it.”
These two men shouldn’t fit.
Their social status, their views on life and expectations are miles apart.
But they do.
When the “door is locked” and they are simply two men madly attracted to each other, they click on a level neither has experienced before. Although both can feel that something ‘more’ is blossoming between them, neither knows what to do with it or how to resolve their situation.
Absolutely stellar writing here which not only shows the multi-faceted issues both men have, but how they tentatively reach out and gradually fall for each other, no matter what happens when the ‘door is open’. Fabulous symbolism here!
But love needs trust, and trust is hard to come by when Kim is notoriously economic with the truth.
I could trust you,”Will said. “I truly could. Could you not let me down when I do?”
Kim breathed out. “I could try.”
Well, I’m holding my breath for both men.
Stellar character and relationship development, on top of a tense mystery plot.
Can’t wait for book 3 now!
October 17, 2020
4 Hearts! - Team review with Adam!
Although I liked the first installment, this second entry brings more of everything - suspense, action, mystery and intrigue, and thankfully, romance!
This is not a standalone, so please check out Slippery Creatures first!
Last we saw Will and Kim, they had thwarted the secretive society The Zodiac, and both think they’ve mainly come to an unsaid agreement with the nefarious group to avoid the other and move on. Will and Kim have also moved on by enjoying each other, so much so that Will thinks it’s the start to something very good, but Kim suddenly off and disappears with basically no promises or reassurances.
Two long months pass with nary a word, and Will shouldn’t be bothered. He shouldn't be hurt but nonetheless, he is. Just when Will thinks his life has gone back to the normal tedium of being a bookshop owner, Kim shows up at his door with not much explanation but instead, with a plea for help with his next undercover mission. Not surprisingly, Will’s the sort to never say no to a good cause, and it doesn’t particularly help that he’s bored out of his skull. Pair it with possibly putting a stick in Zodiac again, and Will’s all for watching Kim’s back as Kim tries to get evidence on Zodiac’s mysterious leader. Plus, it’s always a good thing when these two can spend some more quality time together, and it’s quickly understood that despite the separation, their attraction to each other has only intensified.
Assuredly, this was faster paced than the first book. Once the primary dilemma is set in motion, the story pulls the reader along, especially when Kim is still keeping secrets, and Will is damn tired of him doing so. However, what Kim suspects is quite the shocking reveal and again, how the problem unravels and spirals out of control, forces these two to work in sync which was fabulous to witness.
So, if you’re looking for a continued evolution of romance between opposites Will and Kim, with plenty of cultural shoutouts to the roaring 20’s, this MM historical will work a treat! There‘s definitely some complexity here as Will knows there’s a social divide between himself and Kim, and he wonders how he’ll fit, if ever, into Kim’s glamorous life. Will also feels he’s making all the concessions (because he is), and he’s angry and resentful that he’s the only one with his heart on his sleeve with no reciprocity to be seen. One finally gets to see beyond Kim’s indifferent mask that hides a man weighed down by guilt and obligation, his personal demons compelling him to play his cards close to the vest. Kim plays the martyr well, often feeling undeserving of any love or affections, especially from Will. The deeper depths explored between these two was much appreciated, and additional props to the fabulous female cast who hold their own against their male counterparts!
This ends again with the main conflict resolved, making me even more curious as to how Charles will wrap up this trilogy. Will and Kim have made the first few tentative steps towards a commitment, and I look forward to them foiling the bad guys as par for the course, all the while ultimately getting their well deserved and long awaited happy ending!!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Although I liked the first installment, this second entry brings more of everything - suspense, action, mystery and intrigue, and thankfully, romance!
This is not a standalone, so please check out Slippery Creatures first!
Last we saw Will and Kim, they had thwarted the secretive society The Zodiac, and both think they’ve mainly come to an unsaid agreement with the nefarious group to avoid the other and move on. Will and Kim have also moved on by enjoying each other, so much so that Will thinks it’s the start to something very good, but Kim suddenly off and disappears with basically no promises or reassurances.
Two long months pass with nary a word, and Will shouldn’t be bothered. He shouldn't be hurt but nonetheless, he is. Just when Will thinks his life has gone back to the normal tedium of being a bookshop owner, Kim shows up at his door with not much explanation but instead, with a plea for help with his next undercover mission. Not surprisingly, Will’s the sort to never say no to a good cause, and it doesn’t particularly help that he’s bored out of his skull. Pair it with possibly putting a stick in Zodiac again, and Will’s all for watching Kim’s back as Kim tries to get evidence on Zodiac’s mysterious leader. Plus, it’s always a good thing when these two can spend some more quality time together, and it’s quickly understood that despite the separation, their attraction to each other has only intensified.
Assuredly, this was faster paced than the first book. Once the primary dilemma is set in motion, the story pulls the reader along, especially when Kim is still keeping secrets, and Will is damn tired of him doing so. However, what Kim suspects is quite the shocking reveal and again, how the problem unravels and spirals out of control, forces these two to work in sync which was fabulous to witness.
So, if you’re looking for a continued evolution of romance between opposites Will and Kim, with plenty of cultural shoutouts to the roaring 20’s, this MM historical will work a treat! There‘s definitely some complexity here as Will knows there’s a social divide between himself and Kim, and he wonders how he’ll fit, if ever, into Kim’s glamorous life. Will also feels he’s making all the concessions (because he is), and he’s angry and resentful that he’s the only one with his heart on his sleeve with no reciprocity to be seen. One finally gets to see beyond Kim’s indifferent mask that hides a man weighed down by guilt and obligation, his personal demons compelling him to play his cards close to the vest. Kim plays the martyr well, often feeling undeserving of any love or affections, especially from Will. The deeper depths explored between these two was much appreciated, and additional props to the fabulous female cast who hold their own against their male counterparts!
This ends again with the main conflict resolved, making me even more curious as to how Charles will wrap up this trilogy. Will and Kim have made the first few tentative steps towards a commitment, and I look forward to them foiling the bad guys as par for the course, all the while ultimately getting their well deserved and long awaited happy ending!!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
April 18, 2022
Real Rating: 4.5* of five, rounded down because even though we went alllllmost a whole MM romantic mystery without a single w-bomb splattering my Imperial aesthetic hems, there the bastard was
MY YOUNG GENTLEMAN CALLER KNOWS TO BUY ME EVERY RELEASE FROM THIS AUTHOR. HE IS THE BEST.
My Review: I did not see the ending coming. It's very hard to fool someone who's been reading as long as I have about something this central to the story for two whole books. I am clearly a sociopath because, as the finale debuted in the theatre (note misspelling intentional) of my mind I, the audience, was on my (mental) feet shouting for more gore. Gore there is, be forewarned.
But oh how satisfyingly deployed.
In my review of Slippery Creatures, I commented that the story resembled Notorious (Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant, Nazi spies) only with 1940s hunk Steve Cochran in the Bergman role. This time...well, wait for tomorrow.
Now...if you'd like to see the pictures and read the spoilers, go to Expendable Mudge Muses Aloud and enjoy!
MY YOUNG GENTLEMAN CALLER KNOWS TO BUY ME EVERY RELEASE FROM THIS AUTHOR. HE IS THE BEST.
My Review: I did not see the ending coming. It's very hard to fool someone who's been reading as long as I have about something this central to the story for two whole books. I am clearly a sociopath because, as the finale debuted in the theatre (note misspelling intentional) of my mind I, the audience, was on my (mental) feet shouting for more gore. Gore there is, be forewarned.
But oh how satisfyingly deployed.
In my review of Slippery Creatures, I commented that the story resembled Notorious (Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant, Nazi spies) only with 1940s hunk Steve Cochran in the Bergman role. This time...well, wait for tomorrow.
Now...if you'd like to see the pictures and read the spoilers, go to Expendable Mudge Muses Aloud and enjoy!
July 30, 2025
the fact that after reading this 3 times (and Think of England 4 times) someone had to POINT OUT TO ME that DS is Daniel da Silva is honestly so embarrassing
August 30, 2020
4.5 stars! I'd probably read KJ Charles' grocery list if she published it but I'm really loving this series. I love Will, Maisie and Phoebe unreservedly but in the first book, Kim was harder to sympathise with. Yes, all his deceit and trickery was in pursuit of bad guys but it didn't make the hurt and frustration he dealt to Will any better, despite the fact that he genuinely seemed to regret it.
However, in this book it becomes a bit more apparent that Kim is punishing himself more than trying to disregard Will. I was more than happy with where the story closed but I have no doubt the next book is going to be difficult, for several reasons.
The writing and plot were as exceptional as everything I read from KJC and the action was genuinely heart-pounding in places. I loved the progression of Kim and Will together, though things are far from perfect, which is completely realistic as both men have issues .
Subtle Blood has a 2020 publish date but it cannot get here soon enough, I'm absolutely looking forward to it!
However, in this book it becomes a bit more apparent that Kim is punishing himself more than trying to disregard Will. I was more than happy with where the story closed but I have no doubt the next book is going to be difficult, for several reasons.
The writing and plot were as exceptional as everything I read from KJC and the action was genuinely heart-pounding in places. I loved the progression of Kim and Will together, though things are far from perfect, which is completely realistic as both men have issues .
Subtle Blood has a 2020 publish date but it cannot get here soon enough, I'm absolutely looking forward to it!
September 2, 2020
I liked this, but not as much as the first one! After how Will and Kim ended things in the previous book, I appreciated how the romantic conflict focused on Will’s frustrations with Kim’s secret keeping and how Will wouldn’t tolerate it anymore (which is a good thing because I was sick of it, too! Kim is a bit annoying with the secrets in this book, but he has excellent reasons so I begrudgingly forgave him). I confess that I wasn’t super engaged with the adventure storyline for the first half, but then it became EXTREMELY exciting at the 70% marker. The last third of the book is the best part, imo, and that was one hell of a ending. So while this isn’t my favorite of the trilogy, I think book three has the potential to be incredible based on how THE SUGARED GAME ended.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2023
These guys. THESE GUYS. These guys and their crazy life. Class differences, parties, murders, fashion, betrayal, evil characters, banter and lots of sex.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
dnf
March 26, 2021Im so sorry but this sucks so I’m just gonna DNF
June 22, 2021
I’m more in the mood to read than review lately, so I won’t do this series justice, but I wanted to say that it keeps being so good and I’m loving it. I’m especially loving the characters and the romance arc, the way it’s developing is so refreshing, not only because the MCs—one of them in particular—are realistically and deeply flawed, I also love the dynamic between them. The author gave Kim and Will a huge obstacle in terms of romance that in the hands of a less-talented writer could’ve easily ended up in a jerk/doormat dynamic and instead, so far, their relationship has been realistically nuanced and a delight to read about. Even when I wanted to slap a certain someone upside the head.
I really liked the plot too, it managed to pack a few surprises even though I guessed almost all the “big revelations” a little before the characters did, and KJC writing is always full of humor and a pleasure to read.
The short version is: I loved the book. I loved reading the book. I’m sorry I’m unable to review it as it deserves, but you should definitely give this series a try.
I really liked the plot too, it managed to pack a few surprises even though I guessed almost all the “big revelations” a little before the characters did, and KJC writing is always full of humor and a pleasure to read.
The short version is: I loved the book. I loved reading the book. I’m sorry I’m unable to review it as it deserves, but you should definitely give this series a try.
September 1, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 Rounding up.
“Use your ingenuity. Go and find the life you were supposed to have.” “What if I don’t want it any more?” Will asked. “What if there’s something else I want instead?” “Is there?” Their eyes were locked. The silence rang like crystal. Oh, what the hell. “You sodding know there is.”
Will and Kim. 😍 These two nearly killed me. All that’s left of me is a puddle of feelings. It’s worth it. When book one ended, Will was very upset with Kim. I was very upset with him too. It’s been nearly a month since Will has heard from him when this book begins. And just as Will has started to (unsuccessfully) try and rid his thoughts of him, Kim bursts back into Will’s life, needing help. As much as Will knows he should kick him to the curb, he’s quickly sucked back into Kim’s world. The danger from book one is not over with yet. And it turns out, the source is closer than they realized.
There was oh so much to love about this book:
✅ Perfect steam to plot ratio.
✅ A tight and twisty mystery that kept me engaged and guessing.
✅ Amazing secondary characters. I adore Maisie and Phoebe just as much as Will and Kim.
✅ An exquisite slow burn romance. Not on the physical side but with the feelings. Kim has a lot of baggage and a lot of walls. Will is knocking those walls down little by little. There’s still lots to go but I’m loving the journey.
✅ Lush and descriptive writing that really made me fall right into the story.
The wait for book three will be torture.
“Like we said the other day. When I decide I don’t want to keep on, I’ll tell you so, and you can do the same. Only, actually tell me next time, all right?” Kim gave a half smile. “When you don’t want to keep on. When will that be?” “How should I know? I don’t know what I’m doing. Nothing’s gone like I thought it would since 1914. And all I can think about is you.” Kim’s mouth opened. He looked just a little desperate, and just a little hopeful, and then he reached for Will’s head, leaned over, and kissed him hard.
“Use your ingenuity. Go and find the life you were supposed to have.” “What if I don’t want it any more?” Will asked. “What if there’s something else I want instead?” “Is there?” Their eyes were locked. The silence rang like crystal. Oh, what the hell. “You sodding know there is.”
Will and Kim. 😍 These two nearly killed me. All that’s left of me is a puddle of feelings. It’s worth it. When book one ended, Will was very upset with Kim. I was very upset with him too. It’s been nearly a month since Will has heard from him when this book begins. And just as Will has started to (unsuccessfully) try and rid his thoughts of him, Kim bursts back into Will’s life, needing help. As much as Will knows he should kick him to the curb, he’s quickly sucked back into Kim’s world. The danger from book one is not over with yet. And it turns out, the source is closer than they realized.
There was oh so much to love about this book:
✅ Perfect steam to plot ratio.
✅ A tight and twisty mystery that kept me engaged and guessing.
✅ Amazing secondary characters. I adore Maisie and Phoebe just as much as Will and Kim.
✅ An exquisite slow burn romance. Not on the physical side but with the feelings. Kim has a lot of baggage and a lot of walls. Will is knocking those walls down little by little. There’s still lots to go but I’m loving the journey.
✅ Lush and descriptive writing that really made me fall right into the story.
The wait for book three will be torture.
“Like we said the other day. When I decide I don’t want to keep on, I’ll tell you so, and you can do the same. Only, actually tell me next time, all right?” Kim gave a half smile. “When you don’t want to keep on. When will that be?” “How should I know? I don’t know what I’m doing. Nothing’s gone like I thought it would since 1914. And all I can think about is you.” Kim’s mouth opened. He looked just a little desperate, and just a little hopeful, and then he reached for Will’s head, leaned over, and kissed him hard.
June 6, 2023
“He wished he had words for what Kim was, the aching pain and the starlight, the beauty and the ugliness.”
Still as good as the first time.
August 26, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Kim says: “It really ought to be an entirely uneventful evening,” RUN.
Well. How to give a comprehensive review of the second book in a series without spoiling anything, that is the question.
For the notes on genre and MCs, I’ll refer you to my review of the first part of the series, Slippery Creatures.
We meet the same cast of MCs but they have much more space to show their personalities. If you liked Phoebe and Maisie, you are in for a good time. Especially Maisie steals the spotlight and shows her claws.
Will is getting more action too. In Slippery Creatures, he was acting partly in self-defence, forced by the circumstances. Now he is acting on his free will and shows that he is very capable not just with his Messer. I consider his arc the most interesting so far because at the first sight he seems that his emotions and opinion are less complicated (I don’t mean simple!) than Kim’s but there is a lot for him to make his mind about. He has to question things he considered obvious and given. And as he is less “morally flexible”, it’s not easy.
Kim… Well, there is a line in Spectred Isle where Saul, exasperated with Randolph’s evasive answers, says: “I swear no jury would convict me!” I believe the jury would give Will a medal for patience and a pat on his back for lasting that long because Kim continues to be Kim for a bigger half of this book, exasperating Will and readers by the same degree – but then both Will and we have to say “oh”.
But on top of being utter shit, Kim is also sarcastic, funny, clever, vulnerable, hurt and slowly opening up. So if you are annoyed with him, just hold on. We get some important answers but also more questions.
There are also a few new settings in this book. I especially liked the night club and its characters, very vivid and well fleshed. And as with Slippery Creatures, I really admire how well the whole thing is plotted (by “admire” I mean consuming, agonizing envy because I’m not even able to plot my own shopping list).
In short, a very enjoyable second part of the trilogy that DOESN’T suffer from the usual second-part sickness of “just some filling to prepare for a grand finale”. I inhaled the book in two sittings (with a few breaks when the suspense became just too much and one crying break - you WILL KNOW what scene I'm talking about when you read it. I'll be here if you need to scream).
When Kim says: “It really ought to be an entirely uneventful evening,” RUN.
Well. How to give a comprehensive review of the second book in a series without spoiling anything, that is the question.
For the notes on genre and MCs, I’ll refer you to my review of the first part of the series, Slippery Creatures.
We meet the same cast of MCs but they have much more space to show their personalities. If you liked Phoebe and Maisie, you are in for a good time. Especially Maisie steals the spotlight and shows her claws.
Will is getting more action too. In Slippery Creatures, he was acting partly in self-defence, forced by the circumstances. Now he is acting on his free will and shows that he is very capable not just with his Messer. I consider his arc the most interesting so far because at the first sight he seems that his emotions and opinion are less complicated (I don’t mean simple!) than Kim’s but there is a lot for him to make his mind about. He has to question things he considered obvious and given. And as he is less “morally flexible”, it’s not easy.
Kim… Well, there is a line in Spectred Isle where Saul, exasperated with Randolph’s evasive answers, says: “I swear no jury would convict me!” I believe the jury would give Will a medal for patience and a pat on his back for lasting that long because Kim continues to be Kim for a bigger half of this book, exasperating Will and readers by the same degree – but then both Will and we have to say “oh”.
But on top of being utter shit, Kim is also sarcastic, funny, clever, vulnerable, hurt and slowly opening up. So if you are annoyed with him, just hold on. We get some important answers but also more questions.
There are also a few new settings in this book. I especially liked the night club and its characters, very vivid and well fleshed. And as with Slippery Creatures, I really admire how well the whole thing is plotted (by “admire” I mean consuming, agonizing envy because I’m not even able to plot my own shopping list).
In short, a very enjoyable second part of the trilogy that DOESN’T suffer from the usual second-part sickness of “just some filling to prepare for a grand finale”. I inhaled the book in two sittings (with a few breaks when the suspense became just too much and one crying break - you WILL KNOW what scene I'm talking about when you read it. I'll be here if you need to scream).
September 29, 2020
What a gem! I still can't believe I've found this series, it has everything I like, historical books are a hit for me, historical romance with stubborn characters, a lot of chemistry, and great writing? I'm in!
I liked this one even better than the first, it was so so so good, my love for will went 📈📈📈, he's so precious I can't even... I also love how Kim (despite being himself lol) is starting to open up.
An awesome read that I would suggest to anyone - if you haven't, just do yourself a favor and start this series. 🤍
I liked this one even better than the first, it was so so so good, my love for will went 📈📈📈, he's so precious I can't even... I also love how Kim (despite being himself lol) is starting to open up.
An awesome read that I would suggest to anyone - if you haven't, just do yourself a favor and start this series. 🤍
September 14, 2020
Yes, Kim did redeem himself. I hope the next book will give us some insight into his psyche to understand his personality better.
——
9/6 - I’m starting this as my “birthday treat” to myself. I sure hope Kim redeems himself!
——
9/6 - I’m starting this as my “birthday treat” to myself. I sure hope Kim redeems himself!
July 29, 2023
KJC Backlist Read Part 22
Second books of trilogies are tricky beasts, and this one manages to feel like it's moving somewhere purposefully while still keeping the reader on the hook to find out what's next. The suspense plot unfolds Zodiac's scheming - drawing the main characters more directly into the thick of it - and it's got a couple of BIG, complicated, heart-pounding set pieces, though the final one borders on too complicated to follow. The relationship between Will and Kim progresses in such a lovely way as well. There's a bit less of the "can I trust him?"/"no I can't"/"but his magnificent thighs"/"whoops, he tricked me again" back-and-forth than in the first book, which feels right. And Will is just barely starting to ask himself the questions that he's eventually going to have to ask Kim: what can two men be to each other that isn't just "good in bed" and "good in a fight"? I love that a question this big - the way you build a life together when you have no societal mold to step into - gets the space of three whole books to grow and expand. I'll probably save my full poetic waxing on this for the summary of book three, but it's really well done.
On a bit more of an analytical note though, I keep getting stuck on the scene where Kim opens up about his backstory - his initial idealism about fighting social inequality and subsequent (understandable!) disillusionment with the Bolsheviks. He's got a lot in common with Will in that sense: they're both men who put themselves on the line for greater causes (the war for Will, social revolution for Kim) and have "returned" from that idealism with scars, skepticism, and skills that they're putting towards new fights. Fights that are in some way similar, but at a much smaller scale. And I wonder about that loss, for both of them, of a sense of belonging, of partaking in a larger cause. On the one hand, I think Will and Kim's "us against the world" vibe works, because romance is a genre where the personal and interpersonal are meant to hold the center, and work as a microcosm of broader ideas. But on the other hand, there's something about Kim's trajectory that feels suffused with a hopelessness that really surprised me, this time around. And got me wondering about what kind of work is being done here, by evoking Kim's broader class consciousness only as a site of past failure and disillusion, one that - so far at least - mostly gets filled with a catalog of tiny class differences with the rough, callused-handed, down-on-his-luck bookseller he falls in love with. Something to think about as I move on to book 3...
Favorite line: "Every time I see you naked, I marvel at the gift. I discover a structural weakness in my knees that makes them want to bend. I consider and reject joining a gymnasium"
Second books of trilogies are tricky beasts, and this one manages to feel like it's moving somewhere purposefully while still keeping the reader on the hook to find out what's next. The suspense plot unfolds Zodiac's scheming - drawing the main characters more directly into the thick of it - and it's got a couple of BIG, complicated, heart-pounding set pieces, though the final one borders on too complicated to follow. The relationship between Will and Kim progresses in such a lovely way as well. There's a bit less of the "can I trust him?"/"no I can't"/"but his magnificent thighs"/"whoops, he tricked me again" back-and-forth than in the first book, which feels right. And Will is just barely starting to ask himself the questions that he's eventually going to have to ask Kim: what can two men be to each other that isn't just "good in bed" and "good in a fight"? I love that a question this big - the way you build a life together when you have no societal mold to step into - gets the space of three whole books to grow and expand. I'll probably save my full poetic waxing on this for the summary of book three, but it's really well done.
On a bit more of an analytical note though, I keep getting stuck on the scene where Kim opens up about his backstory - his initial idealism about fighting social inequality and subsequent (understandable!) disillusionment with the Bolsheviks. He's got a lot in common with Will in that sense: they're both men who put themselves on the line for greater causes (the war for Will, social revolution for Kim) and have "returned" from that idealism with scars, skepticism, and skills that they're putting towards new fights. Fights that are in some way similar, but at a much smaller scale. And I wonder about that loss, for both of them, of a sense of belonging, of partaking in a larger cause. On the one hand, I think Will and Kim's "us against the world" vibe works, because romance is a genre where the personal and interpersonal are meant to hold the center, and work as a microcosm of broader ideas. But on the other hand, there's something about Kim's trajectory that feels suffused with a hopelessness that really surprised me, this time around. And got me wondering about what kind of work is being done here, by evoking Kim's broader class consciousness only as a site of past failure and disillusion, one that - so far at least - mostly gets filled with a catalog of tiny class differences with the rough, callused-handed, down-on-his-luck bookseller he falls in love with. Something to think about as I move on to book 3...
Favorite line: "Every time I see you naked, I marvel at the gift. I discover a structural weakness in my knees that makes them want to bend. I consider and reject joining a gymnasium"
June 28, 2024
I didn’t think I was such a sucker for the “moth to an open flame” dynamic but this was just so delightful and their brand of angst is just right up my alley.
I wish I could claim any sort of surprise at how charming, complex and engaging these characters are but KJC has always had strong character work. The villains are villainous, Maisie and Phoebe are fabulous and the development in the growth of Will and Kim’s relationship is just delicious. I completely ate it up.
These books have been such a welcome escape from an especially stressful week and for that alone I adore them.
I wish I could claim any sort of surprise at how charming, complex and engaging these characters are but KJC has always had strong character work. The villains are villainous, Maisie and Phoebe are fabulous and the development in the growth of Will and Kim’s relationship is just delicious. I completely ate it up.
These books have been such a welcome escape from an especially stressful week and for that alone I adore them.
October 18, 2020
Note: The Will Darling Adventures is a trilogy with overarching storylines and in which character and relationship development takes place throughout, so it’s advisable to read the books in order. There are spoilers for book one, Slippery Creatures, in this review.
K.J. Charles’ trilogy of Will Darling Adventures continues with book two, The Sugared Game, a perfectly-paced and superbly plotted mystery that sees soldier-turned-bookseller Will Darling and disgraced aristocrat and (probable) spy Kim Secretan working together once again to foil a dastardly plot. It’s pure Boy’s Own Adventure, albeit with sex and violence, richer characterisation and insightful social commentary.
At the end of Slippery Creatures, Will and Kim had prevented some dangerous information from falling into the hands of Zodiac, a secret organisation determined to destroy the fabric of society, and had managed to antagonise both Zodiac and the War Office along the way. After it’s over, they’d been to the pub a few times, spent another night together and, even though Will is well aware that Kim is an expert liar, devious and completely unreliable, he’d thought that perhaps there was a chance of things between them actually going somewhere.
But by the time The Sugared Game begins, Will has seen neither hide nor hair of Kim for almost two months, and is seriously pissed off. He keeps telling himself he should have known better than to hope for anything more from a man like Kim but still, he’s… hurt. And angry with himself for thinking there could ever be anything between them other than a few drinks and a few fucks.
As the book opens, Will and his best friend Maisie Jones are going for an evening out at the High-Low Club. Will has never heard of the place, but Maisie has chosen it because one of her customers gave her a voucher for a free bottle of bubbly – and according to Phoebe Stevens-Prince (Kim’s fiancée and a friend of both Will and Maisie’s) the band is good and it’s “awfully glamorous in a seedy way.”
As the book opens, Will and his best friend Maisie Jones are going for an evening out at the High-Low Club. Will has never heard of the place, but Maisie has chosen it because one of her customers gave her a voucher for a free bottle of bubbly – and according to Phoebe Stevens-Prince (Kim’s fiancée and a friend of both Will and Maisie’s) the band is good and it’s “awfully glamorous in a seedy way.”
It certainly is that. There’s a dope dealer upstairs together with several shady sorts, and the management don’t seem to take kindly to Will looking around; in fact, when the club’s proprietor introduces herself, Will gets the distinct impression he’s being threatened. Needless to say, he and Maisie decide not to go there again.
One evening a few days later, Will returns home and sees a strip of light beneath his bedroom door. Braced for the worst – maybe Zodiac has come for him – he arms himself with his trusty (and deadly) Messer knife, flings the door open… to discover Kim, cool as a cucumber, sitting in his armchair reading a book.
Kim, being Kim, starts in on a story to explain his presence, but Will has learned enough about his erstwhile lover to be able to tell when he’s lying – and when he’s up to something. Realising Will isn’t going to accept less than honesty, Kim admits that he’s been keeping an eye on the High-Low Club for a while now and tells Will it’s linked to Zodiac somehow. More than that, a colleague of his – a specialist in following financial trails – died recently in a manner Kim suspects was not at all accidental, after he had identified a number of profitable and highly illegal operations being run out of the club that he suspects are being used to finance Zodiac.
That’s all I’m going to reveal about the plot, because the mystery is clever and absolutely gripping, with twists and turns you won’t see coming. The plot turns out to have stakes that go far beyond the thwarting of a criminal gang and which prove devastatingly personal for Kim, and he and Will are going to have to use every ounce of their wit and ingenuity to keep ahead of the game – and make it out alive.
I enjoyed this second instalment in the series just as much and possibly more than I did the first one, and that’s saying a lot! I devoured it in one or two sittings, once again completely caught up in the story and the setting, captivated by the characters and relishing the development of the relationship between Will and Kim, who, despite Kim’s untrustworthiness and their total unsuitability, can’t keep away from each other.
The Sugared Game offers further character development and a greater understanding of what makes both men tick. Will knows he’s been changed by war, but here, he’s beginning to admit more to himself about that change, to realise that has an uncivilised streak that wants someone to ask him to infiltrate night-clubs and kick people’s heads in. In the last book, he was the innocent bystander getting caught up in a dastardly plot; this time around he goes in with his eyes wide open because he wants to stick it to the bad guys. And Kim, still his funny, snarky, clever self, finally tells Will something of his past and his motivations, displaying a raw and touching vulnerability as he does so. Although, being Kim, it doesn’t mean he reveals quite all… and when Will figures out what he’s holding back, he’s – understandably – furious with him. But when push comes to shove, he’s got Kim’s back, and although there are several unresolved issues by the time the book ends, their relationship is in a much better place than before.
I’ve said before that while “book twos” in trilogies frequently suffer from “middle book-itis” (just treading water until the final instalment), that’s never been a problem with K.J. Charles, and in fact some of her book twos have been the best in their series (A Seditious Affairand An Unnatural Vicefor instance). Well, The Sugared Game is certainly not treading water. It’s a terrific follow up to Slippery Creatures, a tautly-written, compelling, high-stakes mystery with a vividly realised setting, a romance that’s coming along quite nicely, villains you can love to hate, heroes you can cheer for, murder, larceny, deception, betrayals – and plenty of cups of tea.
February 21, 2024
Will pensaba que su relación con Kim estaba llegando a algo importante, pero éste desapareció hace meses sin decirle nada, y no ha vuelto a saber de él desde entonces. Así que ahora Will sigue con su vida, ahora con los bienes de su tío a su nombre. Cuando se ve envuelto, de nuevo, en los enredos del grupo llamado "Zodiaco", y solo con la ayuda de Kim podrá salir de todo eso. Así que ahora con Masie involucrada también, debe tener mucho mas tanto que antes para poder destruir de una vez por todas, al "Zodiaco", pero serán capaces de conseguir las pruebas suficientes? Podrá Will trabajar de nuevo con Kim? Que pasará con su relación?
En esta historia vemos mucho mas drama, y mucho trabajo de "espionaje", lo que resulto en una trama un poco mas lenta y con mas misterio. Vemos mucho como subestiman a las mujeres en la época, de tal forma que solo es posible para ellas "trabajar" si se encuentran en una posición privilegia y avalados por un hombre de poder. En este caso, Masie se ve patrocinada por el padre de Phoebe, y solo porque este tiene una agenda oculta. Mucho drama, mucho "misterio", poca acción y casi ninguna escena erótica, pero con todo eso, la química entre los protas se sintió muchísimo mas que en el libro anterior.
En fin, me esta gustando esta serie, y quiero saber como termina, así que voy por el último libro, esperando no quedar decepcionada.
En esta historia vemos mucho mas drama, y mucho trabajo de "espionaje", lo que resulto en una trama un poco mas lenta y con mas misterio. Vemos mucho como subestiman a las mujeres en la época, de tal forma que solo es posible para ellas "trabajar" si se encuentran en una posición privilegia y avalados por un hombre de poder. En este caso, Masie se ve patrocinada por el padre de Phoebe, y solo porque este tiene una agenda oculta. Mucho drama, mucho "misterio", poca acción y casi ninguna escena erótica, pero con todo eso, la química entre los protas se sintió muchísimo mas que en el libro anterior.
En fin, me esta gustando esta serie, y quiero saber como termina, así que voy por el último libro, esperando no quedar decepcionada.
June 11, 2021
I waited a long time to read this book so I could reduce my pining time until the release of 3rd book.
Plot-
In short, this was a great addition to the series. The first book set the tone for the mystery and this one bought the plot to closure. The book has the right dose of thrill blended with action and romance.
A big chunk of the plot revolves around the nightlife, cinemas and fashion in the time just after WW1. So The atmosphere reflects the cultural scene of 1920s England perfectly.
Characters-
Will Darling and Kim are the best imperfectly perfect couples of KJC.( Sorry! Did I forget Silas and Dominic?? Yeah, sure I did.)
Will is an army veteran turned bookshop keeper who is gallant, non-judgemental, has a genuine care for people and is ready to do anything to defend people he loves. But he is not ready to take crap from anyone, not even Kim.
Kim is deceptive, twisty and an unreliable bastard( pardon my 🇫🇷). He works as an undercover agent of the government and is typical 'Kimish' about sharing information about his life and past. But he redeems himself in this book by opening up more and confiding in Will. So, the relationship development was promising.
We also have two very independent and well-developed female side characters and I would love to read more about their journey in the next book. Also, I am giving this book 4 stars not because I found something wrong with it but in doing so I am comparing this book with other works of KJ Charles.
Note-
• I loved the narration by Cornell Collins, for example, the way he says Mr Darlingggg🤣🤣🤣🤣.
•This is not meant to be a standalone book so do remember to read it in order.
Plot-
In short, this was a great addition to the series. The first book set the tone for the mystery and this one bought the plot to closure. The book has the right dose of thrill blended with action and romance.
A big chunk of the plot revolves around the nightlife, cinemas and fashion in the time just after WW1. So The atmosphere reflects the cultural scene of 1920s England perfectly.
Characters-
Will Darling and Kim are the best imperfectly perfect couples of KJC.( Sorry! Did I forget Silas and Dominic?? Yeah, sure I did.)
Will is an army veteran turned bookshop keeper who is gallant, non-judgemental, has a genuine care for people and is ready to do anything to defend people he loves. But he is not ready to take crap from anyone, not even Kim.
Kim is deceptive, twisty and an unreliable bastard( pardon my 🇫🇷). He works as an undercover agent of the government and is typical 'Kimish' about sharing information about his life and past. But he redeems himself in this book by opening up more and confiding in Will. So, the relationship development was promising.
We also have two very independent and well-developed female side characters and I would love to read more about their journey in the next book. Also, I am giving this book 4 stars not because I found something wrong with it but in doing so I am comparing this book with other works of KJ Charles.
Note-
• I loved the narration by Cornell Collins, for example, the way he says Mr Darlingggg🤣🤣🤣🤣.
•This is not meant to be a standalone book so do remember to read it in order.
April 10, 2021
I'm not sure my feelings about this book are entirely fair as I've come out of quite a bit of a lull/slump and I knew the first book I picked up might suffer for it. But I thought a KJC might help battle that prediction and also I mean she's kind of a guaranteed pick me up. And yet..
"I don't know about you, but the position of hand puppet to [spoiler] does not appeal to me."
"Nor me. If I want someone sticking their hand up my arse--"
"Oh, do go on."
"I'm not going to be [spoiler]'s hand puppet either, was what I meant."
Certainly not a bad book, not that I think she even has one, and a three star is far from a dislike but I didn't quite enjoy this installment as much as book one. We did have some good reveals and how this plays out into book three will be interesting but to be honest I found myself less enamoured by the MC and the love interest and instead was just rooting for the ladies of the story. They had felt like full and realized characters in book one and yet they definitely stole the show for me in this one. And I love that it went that way because they are certainly deserving of a spotlight.
That said, if you are not yet on the KJC train you absolutely have to. If not this series, another, find a standalone, whatever. If you're into queer fiction or historical fiction or where the two meet and you aren't reading this author? What even are you doing!
Hoping that book three goes out with a bang but also hoping to not be battling anymore slumps between now and then. Fingers crossed!
----
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
"I don't know about you, but the position of hand puppet to [spoiler] does not appeal to me."
"Nor me. If I want someone sticking their hand up my arse--"
"Oh, do go on."
"I'm not going to be [spoiler]'s hand puppet either, was what I meant."
Certainly not a bad book, not that I think she even has one, and a three star is far from a dislike but I didn't quite enjoy this installment as much as book one. We did have some good reveals and how this plays out into book three will be interesting but to be honest I found myself less enamoured by the MC and the love interest and instead was just rooting for the ladies of the story. They had felt like full and realized characters in book one and yet they definitely stole the show for me in this one. And I love that it went that way because they are certainly deserving of a spotlight.
That said, if you are not yet on the KJC train you absolutely have to. If not this series, another, find a standalone, whatever. If you're into queer fiction or historical fiction or where the two meet and you aren't reading this author? What even are you doing!
Hoping that book three goes out with a bang but also hoping to not be battling anymore slumps between now and then. Fingers crossed!
----
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
September 17, 2020
4 STARS
These two... I just love them. Another adventure, while not quite as stunning as the last, I still loved every minute. Fabulous writing. Witty and heart-felt dialogue. True to their nature characters, that I have completely fallen in love with. Cannot wait to see what will come next for these two. And what of Phoebe? And Maisie? Looking forward to the next installment.
“God, you love this. You should be ashamed of yourself, how much you love this.” “Oh, I am,” Kim assured him breathlessly.
“Utterly. Now embarrass me till I can’t walk.”
These two... I just love them. Another adventure, while not quite as stunning as the last, I still loved every minute. Fabulous writing. Witty and heart-felt dialogue. True to their nature characters, that I have completely fallen in love with. Cannot wait to see what will come next for these two. And what of Phoebe? And Maisie? Looking forward to the next installment.
November 27, 2024
*sobs* this is still such a beautiful book, one of my favourites. Even after many (many!) re-reads. Will Darling, THE MAN YOU ARE <3
_____________________________
Well, I think I need a couple of days or weeks to recover from this rollercoaster of a book. It was absolutely perfect.
I am once again in awe of KJ Charles masterful storytelling and god, I really don't have the right words to describe what this wonderful book meant to me.
Like the previous one, this second book had it all: the glittering Twenties atmosphere, the gritty heart-breaking moments, an off-the-chart chemistry between the two mains (a chemistry you can easily see whenever they are fighting, f***ing, talking or screaming at one another), betrayal and romance, spy shenanigans and the best action I have ever read in a book. I think I have whiplash.
Will absolutely shined in this one. I have the biggest crush on him, his stubbornness and strength, his pride and the way he just sticks up for himself and ugh, I just love him so damn much. His action scenes were perfectly executed and I had to take a breather each time. SO MUCH ACTION.
Kim broke my heart many many times and if the first book left me feeling a bit off about him and his betraying sneaky self, this book has definitely cemented the fact that I love him a great deal too. Clever, sensible and a sweetheart at times but mostly a sneaky bastard... I'm officially team Kim now.
Phoebe and Maisie were much more present here and thank god for that. I love them so so much and now I also have the biggest crush on Maisie too. She absolutely shone and that scene with the candle stick holder? THE BEST SCENE EVER.
Also, the Bright Young Wankers? I laughed so much.
The ending broke me and then remade me and I am both terrified and impatient to read about their final, and I'm pretty sure, glorious adventure. And I'm going to re-read this now.
_____________________________
Well, I think I need a couple of days or weeks to recover from this rollercoaster of a book. It was absolutely perfect.
I am once again in awe of KJ Charles masterful storytelling and god, I really don't have the right words to describe what this wonderful book meant to me.
Like the previous one, this second book had it all: the glittering Twenties atmosphere, the gritty heart-breaking moments, an off-the-chart chemistry between the two mains (a chemistry you can easily see whenever they are fighting, f***ing, talking or screaming at one another), betrayal and romance, spy shenanigans and the best action I have ever read in a book. I think I have whiplash.
Will absolutely shined in this one. I have the biggest crush on him, his stubbornness and strength, his pride and the way he just sticks up for himself and ugh, I just love him so damn much. His action scenes were perfectly executed and I had to take a breather each time. SO MUCH ACTION.
Kim broke my heart many many times and if the first book left me feeling a bit off about him and his betraying sneaky self, this book has definitely cemented the fact that I love him a great deal too. Clever, sensible and a sweetheart at times but mostly a sneaky bastard... I'm officially team Kim now.
Phoebe and Maisie were much more present here and thank god for that. I love them so so much and now I also have the biggest crush on Maisie too. She absolutely shone and that scene with the candle stick holder? THE BEST SCENE EVER.
Also, the Bright Young Wankers? I laughed so much.
The ending broke me and then remade me and I am both terrified and impatient to read about their final, and I'm pretty sure, glorious adventure. And I'm going to re-read this now.
July 23, 2021
***4 - 4.5 Stars***
January 10, 2022
4.25 stars
A solid addition to the series. More Zodiak mystery. I adore Will and Kim, even they act like a couple blockheads at times. The last quarter of the book was a rollercoaster ride! Looking forward to the third audiobook that was just released.
A solid addition to the series. More Zodiak mystery. I adore Will and Kim, even they act like a couple blockheads at times. The last quarter of the book was a rollercoaster ride! Looking forward to the third audiobook that was just released.
September 1, 2020
This second book in the series gives us the continuing story of Will Darling, WWI veteran and bookstore owner, embroiled in the schemes of both a criminal society and his own government (or at least, the shadow agencies that work hand in glove with the government.) The end of book 1 gave us hope that Kim might care about Will enough to give him more than crumbs of time and attention, but as this story opens, Will hasn't seen Kim for two months.
Kim is, as always, reticent, twisty, deceptive even when his words are the truth. His passion for Will is clearly similar to Will's for him, but he resists it, doesn't trust it or trust himself with Will, and definitely gives anything between them lower billing than the mission he's on. He's denying himself, but at the same time, he's denying and sometimes using Will. And even as I sympathized with him, his complete inability to trust a man who had proved himself trustworthy time and time again frustrated me.
The plot here gives us sequential antagonists, working in the shadows, and the action and plot resolution were satisfying. The characters are more fleshed out, particularly Kim. Some of his reveals give the reader more insight into his inability to trust - other people or himself. The relationship moves forward... slightly. The ending is once again HFN, and I fully enjoyed the ride, but my irritation with Kim wasn't quite assuaged.
As a side note, I hope DS is who I suspect he is. Just for the fun of it. The secondary characters are part of the fun of this series, and both Masie and Phoebe were excellent.
Another good installment, in a series that is among my favorite historical thrillers, and the third book will be a preorder as soon as I see it. This is not a cliffhanger, but if you are the kind of reader who needs to feel a warm certainty in your HFN endings, you might choose to wait for the next installment. Do keep it on your radar though. When these two men finally reach a point where they can give themselves permission to really be together, it's going to be awesome.
Kim is, as always, reticent, twisty, deceptive even when his words are the truth. His passion for Will is clearly similar to Will's for him, but he resists it, doesn't trust it or trust himself with Will, and definitely gives anything between them lower billing than the mission he's on. He's denying himself, but at the same time, he's denying and sometimes using Will. And even as I sympathized with him, his complete inability to trust a man who had proved himself trustworthy time and time again frustrated me.
The plot here gives us sequential antagonists, working in the shadows, and the action and plot resolution were satisfying. The characters are more fleshed out, particularly Kim. Some of his reveals give the reader more insight into his inability to trust - other people or himself. The relationship moves forward... slightly. The ending is once again HFN, and I fully enjoyed the ride, but my irritation with Kim wasn't quite assuaged.
As a side note, I hope DS is who I suspect he is. Just for the fun of it. The secondary characters are part of the fun of this series, and both Masie and Phoebe were excellent.
Another good installment, in a series that is among my favorite historical thrillers, and the third book will be a preorder as soon as I see it. This is not a cliffhanger, but if you are the kind of reader who needs to feel a warm certainty in your HFN endings, you might choose to wait for the next installment. Do keep it on your radar though. When these two men finally reach a point where they can give themselves permission to really be together, it's going to be awesome.
November 5, 2025
First, I have to gush about the cover! It is my fav of the three (altho all are gorgina) but the sneaky detail in this one that winks at a subplot is chef's kiss...plus it's purple so it already had a leg up 🤭
On to actual bookish thoughts 😉
This story starts a few months after the events of the previous book. It's been 2months since Will has seen Kim and he's a bit in his feels about it & trying not to be so he takes Maisie out dancing as thanks for her help + unwavering friendship with help from his uncles probate coming through.
There he crosses paths with an old officer who is now waiting tables in a questionable establishment and meets him for dinner the next day to catch up. Surprisingly later that very evening Kim pops back into his life with an issue for which he needs Will's help & particular skillset.
From there our intrepid duo embark on a new leg of possibly the same adventure spilling over from the previous book []. Will repeatedly challenges and calls Kim on his nonsense as Maisie & Phoebe's blossoming friendship becomes a partnership alongside Phoebe & Will's deepening bonds over Kim's shenanigans.
The storyline moves along at a clip and the steam continues to sizzle between our MCs as they indulge and butt heads along the way 😏
This one rates slightly higher for me as Will is 100% a participant and more in control in this book, he comes more into his own and his stubborness and strength of character stand to him in the best ways. In the previous book things were happening to him and so much was unknown - he is on much firmer ground this time around.
Please don't miss out on the free novella (11pgs) available on the authors website for a needed conversation between Will & Kim that will hopefully help put some of my quibbles from book1 to bed 🙃
On to actual bookish thoughts 😉
This story starts a few months after the events of the previous book. It's been 2months since Will has seen Kim and he's a bit in his feels about it & trying not to be so he takes Maisie out dancing as thanks for her help + unwavering friendship with help from his uncles probate coming through.
There he crosses paths with an old officer who is now waiting tables in a questionable establishment and meets him for dinner the next day to catch up. Surprisingly later that very evening Kim pops back into his life with an issue for which he needs Will's help & particular skillset.
From there our intrepid duo embark on a new leg of possibly the same adventure spilling over from the previous book []. Will repeatedly challenges and calls Kim on his nonsense as Maisie & Phoebe's blossoming friendship becomes a partnership alongside Phoebe & Will's deepening bonds over Kim's shenanigans.
The storyline moves along at a clip and the steam continues to sizzle between our MCs as they indulge and butt heads along the way 😏
This one rates slightly higher for me as Will is 100% a participant and more in control in this book, he comes more into his own and his stubborness and strength of character stand to him in the best ways. In the previous book things were happening to him and so much was unknown - he is on much firmer ground this time around.
Please don't miss out on the free novella (11pgs) available on the authors website for a needed conversation between Will & Kim that will hopefully help put some of my quibbles from book1 to bed 🙃
November 17, 2020
Absolute bliss!💙
I read the first two books in one sitting, 5 stars for this ruthless, cut-the-crap, ex soldier and his DanielDaSilva-ish companion. A standing ovation for this couple.
I love those moments while reading a good book where the tension level is so high, and the anticipation that comes from knowing that what’s coming up next will be so exciting, that for some reason you can't keep reading! I don't know how many times I have to stopped reading to look into space and smile like a loony, to put the book aside for a moment to ease the adrenaline rush, think things over a little, and let the butterflies in my stomach calm down a bit.
I need book 3 now!
I read the first two books in one sitting, 5 stars for this ruthless, cut-the-crap, ex soldier and his DanielDaSilva-ish companion. A standing ovation for this couple.
I love those moments while reading a good book where the tension level is so high, and the anticipation that comes from knowing that what’s coming up next will be so exciting, that for some reason you can't keep reading! I don't know how many times I have to stopped reading to look into space and smile like a loony, to put the book aside for a moment to ease the adrenaline rush, think things over a little, and let the butterflies in my stomach calm down a bit.
I need book 3 now!
January 14, 2025
Series re-read October 2022
Kim, Kim, Kim. Just because you have an (undoubtedly fine) ass, does not mean that's where your head is supposed to be lodged.
Excellent swordplay, though!
🗡💜🥵
PS -- Will and Kim's HEA comes at the end of the trilogy.
Kim, Kim, Kim. Just because you have an (undoubtedly fine) ass, does not mean that's where your head is supposed to be lodged.
Excellent swordplay, though!
🗡💜🥵
PS -- Will and Kim's HEA comes at the end of the trilogy.
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