Maulever Hall - Jane Aiken Hodge

Maulever Hall by Jane Aiken Hodge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I mostly enjoyed this old-school gothic romance. It has so many classic elements - old house, the moors, hostile servants, sinister woods in the fog, mysterious murder attempts, and questions of identity and intent.

If only there hadn't been so much plot driven by lack of communication! Even though I realize that this happens in real life, I usually just want to scream at characters to talk to each other.

Still, I think it's actually my favorite Hodge so far. She actually gives more to the romance than stating a happily ever after in this one.

This is lighter gothic fare, and I wouldn't go into it expecting anything unfamiliar or earth-shattering. Although I do enjoy the familiarity of a classic gothic atmosphere, myself. There's something cozy about it.

Breakaway - Michelle Diener

Breakaway by Michelle Diener
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: This book is not the first in the series, even though it's technically #1. You need to start with the prequel novellas, Interference / Insurgency, since they take care of a lot of world-building. Plus they're really good for novellas.

I'm really enjoying this series so far. It's a combination of Sci Fi lite and Romance lite that works for me. I previously really liked Diener's Class 5 series, but wasn't too thrilled with Sky Raiders because it lacked the multi-cultural space opera intrigue and felt more dystopian to me (I only read the first one).

Now with the Verdant String, I feel like Diener has returned to form. It's been a while since I was tempted to binge read a series, but I seem to be doing so with this one!