I may have slept on this one (it came out in October), but I was fully awake while devouring it, that’s for sure. Marisol Soltero has had a tough life, and the criminal underground is the only place she belongs. She rules over the nightclubs and shadier side of Chicago as The Queen of Humboldt with her pick of women. Sabrina Sloane has been cleaning up the streets her whole career, first as a DA and then as Governor of Illinois. During an assignation attempt, the two women’s lives cross paths, drudging up old memories and endangering the life Marisol has built for herself, that is, if they even make it out alive.

This book is everything I needed right now. I was looking for something engaging and escapist. This book moves at a million miles per hour with plenty of action and romantic tension. With hints of enemies-to-lovers and the-one-that-got-away mixed with high stakes and espionage, I was hooked. When I finished it, I said out loud, “Aw, man! It’s over? I want more.” Been a minute since a romance has captivated me so completely.

Don’t get me wrong, I usually enjoy them, but I don’t lose myself in them like I did this one. I don’t think I’ve read any of Shepard’s previous works, but I’ll definitely be seeking them out after this one. It definitely made a slow, boring workday go by a lot faster.

This story is intense. Love on opposite sides of law, kidnapping, lots of truma, and ending with lovely escape. The only thing that comes to mind is forbidden love. 2 people who should be together cannot do that in the open. I really liked this one!

Sabrina Sloane met Marisol Soltero years ago. Mind it was only for one weekend but the time spent together was something neither could forget. Now Sabrina finds herself the Governor of Illinois who got there by making her life's work to rid her state from the criminal’s who worked with everything they could get their hands on, including the selling of young girls into the sex trade that seemed to be everywhere.
Masisol Soltero remembered the weekend spent with the young lawyer. She has spent her life trying to keep from being arrested. She has spent her life working, Stealing, selling drugs, etc, running the Humboldt Park like her own. Her choice of career wasn’t one she’d chosen but one that kept her alive, finding herself on her own while still a young girl.
Now the two women find themselves running from the gang; they run one of the biggest operations when it comes to selling humans. They have long arms and are determined to put a stop to the Governor but while Sloane and Marisol they discover what the killers really want. Now they are on the run after being captured and held by the murderous gang.
Can they get along long enough to make their way to safety. Ms Shepard can and does tell a great story about the people who live, hidden from the law. Did I mention the fact that Sloane hates Marisol mainly because Marisol isn’t who she thought she was. She's just a criminal that should be behind bars. I should also mention that this is the first book in what looks like it could turn into a series. The last page is just that, the last page. That’s until the next book is published. There has to be a follow up book, please. Excellent read.
ARC via NetGalley/Bella books.

I felt like this book had so much potential but various plot points just weren’t fleshed out; and as a result I wasn’t able to immerse myself in the book. For example the main characters’ relationship started out engaging with a good pace and then suddenly everything went from 0 to 100 in regards to the depth and devotion of feelings. It just felt out of nowhere especially since the characters had just a one night stand and then almost no substantial interaction for years. Besides the romance, the action/mystery portion of the novel also got more and more unbelievable at an incredible pace. One of the main characters was quite literally a Mary Sue with nothing to tether her skills or character to reality. If this was better paced with fleshed out characters this could have been a great book.

Marisol is a crime boss known as the Queen of Humboldt, a neighborhood in Chicago. Sabrina is Governor of Illinois. When Marisol is told that there will be an attempt on the Governor, she decides to take matters into her own hands.

I was not expecting this book to be as good as it was. Not a fan of the cover and the blurb sounded a little out there, which is so ironic, considering the recent real-life plot to kidnap the Michigan mayor.

I loved almost everything about this book. How the two main characters met and the misunderstanding of intent. Marisol's sad backstory that explains why she is who she is and what drives her decision making. This book was unnerving non-stop action. It reminded me of Shepard's 'Across the Dark Horizon' where there was a tense countdown to survival. But this seemed like a countdown to certain death. I did not want to put the book down.

Two things I was not fond of. One, there was an oddly timed intimate scene. I just could not suspend my belief enough to believe that would be happening after the events that unfolded within the last 24 hours. Two, a lot of things were not finished and it was set up so that there will certainly be a continuation of the story. It can't come soon enough! I need it right now.

I recommend this to people who like to read about romance, crime, politics, action, murder, violence, torture, uncomfortable topics, and miracle salve.

P.S. I don't normally add trigger warnings to my reviews. But I do want to say that this has some intense content. Rape, murder, human trafficking, and an abundance of torture. And I hope those things don't prevent you from giving this book a chance, because it was one of the better books I've read this year.

Years ago Marisol and Sabrina Sloane spend a weekend together that neither can quite get out of their mind. Now Sabrina is Governor of Illinois and works every day to make the state safer, but she's never been able to contain criminal mastermind known as the Queen of Humboldt. Marisol, also known as the Queen of Humboldt, lives her life in the shadows, but when she hears of a plan to assassinate the Governor of Illinois, she takes a chance to step out of the shadows to save a woman she's never been able to forget. When their paths cross their lives are turned upside down and the two women must rely on each other to survive.

I didn't even know I got to the end of this book, I was flipping pages so fast and still trying to flip pages to read more, when I finally clued in that I had finished and would have to wait for more. This book sucks you into this world - its gritty and dark and action packed and intensely emotional - and it doesn't want to let you go. Both Marisol and Sabrina Sloane are brilliant characters. They were very well developed characters, very strong, and acted to orient the reader in the middle of the chaos. Just a small warning that it is a pretty violent book so might not be for everyone. I enjoyed the balance between the action and politics and the romance. The romance wasn't necessarily a main aspect of the book, but the chemistry and the emotional connection between the two women was a strong undertone throughout the book. Every interaction was just dripping with tension which only intensified the action. It was brilliant. Tagan Shepard really knocked this one out of the park.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book that I have read by Tagan Shepard and after much thought I did not hate it. I was given this book from NetGalley and Bella books in exchange for an honest review.

This book was about two women Marisol and Sabrina. Marisol is seemingly a criminal who has no scruples, everyone calls her the Queen of Humbolt. Sabrina is the current governor. The premise of the book is that Sabrina gets kidnapped and Marisol is there to save her. I won't say much more others it would spoil the story.

The two main characters were fine, but there didn't seem to be a lot of chemistry. I also doubt that any person after being unwashed for three days and being sweaty is at all thinking about sex. Other than that the book was action packed and it was interesting enough. There were things I did not like, I felt that it dragged on for a little in the middle. Other than that the book is okay.

If you are looking for an action/adventure novel filled with mystery, intrigue, and romance, then Queen of Humboldt by Tagan Shepard is the book you want.

This story is nonstop action set in the dark and dangerous world of one of Chicago’s most formidable criminal elements. The two main characters are on opposite sides of this life. Marisol Soltero is known in Chicago as the head of a powerful gang, and is often called the Queen of Humboldt, the area where her gang rules. Marisol has another, even more shadowy life though, and when she hears that Governor Sabrina Sloane’s life is in danger, Marisol springs into action. Thus begins a journey that could end up deadly for both of them.
This is one of those stories that will barely let you take a breath as you go from one crisis to another. It is very well-written, with an intricate plot and with great setting and mood building. The romance works well in the conflict and seems almost like one of those love stories doomed to fail because of who they both are…but is it? You’ll have to read to find out.

This story doesn’t completely end with this novel. There’s a lot left unfinished at the end of the story, and I’m pretty sure there is more coming with this tale and these characters. I enjoyed this one and will be looking forward to more.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.

Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/

Every so often, I'll start reading a book based on the promise of a back-cover blurb. Usually, the promise pays off and I enjoy the book. I can think of occasions so rare that I can count them on one hand that this has not been the case.
Queen of Humboldt is the exception, however. It is a well-written book, with characters who are rightly-motivated and believable. At the story's core is the classic right vs. wrong battle, which is always entertaining. This is my first Tagan Shepard book, and by just a few pages in, I knew she was a good writer, something other reviewers have praised her for as well.

Fictional violence doesn't usually bother me, it's all make-believe after all. But as much as I enjoyed the writing of this book, and the characters, the level of violence here did not sit well. I literally tossed and turned in bed while I was reading this. I couldn't get into the book. So I tried sitting up. Nope. It was not my reading position, the torture scenes just didn't allow me to get REALLY into the book.
I tried a few other things, but I had a hard time with this one.

I want to repeat, this book is well-written with wonderfully developed characters.
It just wasn't the book for me, and I'm a little sad about that. Three stars feels like a break-up. But it's not the book or the author's fault.

It's not you, Queen of Humboldt, it's me.

Wow, this was not what I was expecting. This feels a little like what if Harvey Dent was not disfigured and Batman was secretly in love with him? Except Harvey is Sabrina Sloane, the Governor of Illinois, and the Batman character is Marisol Soltero, an antihero criminal Queenpin. They met ten years prior to the main story, and ever since then, Marisol was Sabrina's shadow. They're thrown together again, when, in a weirdly prescient plot point, Marisol saves Sabrina from an assassination attempt. Instead, they're both kidnapped and must work together to get out alive.

Well, this came out of left field. I honestly wasn't sure about this one, because of the darker themes it promised, and it is hard to really balance that grit out with some hope. But dang, this is done so well. Marisol's character and life is well plotted, utilizing flashbacks to help slow down the break neck pace a bit. I love that there are hints for what Marisol is doing in the shadows of her criminal enterprise, but when its revealed, its done so well that it doesn't lose any of its punch. Shepard avoided switching between Marisol's and Sloane's perspectives too much, giving most of the storytelling duties to Marisol, and it works so well. Marisol is a compelling narrator and having events playing out through her eyes was great.

I loved almost every second of this book, but I do have to side eye the sex scene in the middle of an escape attempt a bit. I understand that these two women were finally able to express their feelings for each other, and that they did not know if they'd even be together, whether they died or made it out of their ordeal alive. It wasn't sudden, but time and place is important. That's just about the biggest gripe of the book, especially since the emotional climax was beautifully done I didn't need them to connect physically at that time.

This is dark, pretty violent, but is also full of hope and goodness. Sloane and Marisol are well balanced characters, and one of the few examples where they don't have to grow that much to make them compelling. It is well paced, with some really great action sequences, some slower moments, and some truly emotionally impactful ones. This was a lovely surprise, and is quite possibly my favorite book this month.

Wow, I loved this. How do I even react? I don’t know how to describe the jumble of emotions after putting this down.
For the first few pages, I thought I had overestimated my interest in the story, but immediately after, the pace began to pick up. Not much more to say unless I give spoilers. Upon reflection, it feels like not much has actually happened, but after that first bit, there wasn’t a single dull page.
I really liked our two protagonists. Obviously the action made it harder to define their personalities, but we still get to know them really well through their actions. There were a lot of flashbacks, probably a couple too many, but they all contributed to the story, and helped paint a picture of Marisol and the Governor’s complicated history. I really liked the way the history was done as well. Everything fit together so that when the characters have a spark, it’s more than believable.
My main complaint? What the hell was that ending. Clearly there’s a sequel, but the last words cut off more abruptly than a chapter end. It was just entirely the wrong place to leave off at. Really, it would have been better to stop at Sloane’s perspective instead of bouncing back to Marisol. It was just so... unfinished, that I got annoyed at the fact that I want more.
Five stars. That sequel better be in the works.

A sincere thank you to Bella Books for allowing me to read The Queen of Humboldt ahead of publication.

A few months ago, I was blown away by Tagan Shepard's And Then There Was Her. The writing style, the word choices, everything about it was so lush and gorgeous that I was sad to finish it. I knew right then that this is an author who is a must-read for me.

Queen of Humboldt does not disappoint. I didn't read the blurb (who needs to when it's Tagan Shepard), but the cover suggested to me that this was a futuristic/sci fi type story. Was I ever wrong. This is a second-chance romance with a dose of opposites attract and almost a taboo feel thrown in for good measure.

This book took me five hours to read, which I remember because once I started I couldn't put it down. Be sure to pay attention to the chapter headings where a year is involved, because there are flashbacks interspersed and the timing definitely matters. I don't want to give any of the story away because this one is a doozy. A true roller coaster ride that ends with a bang.

I had mixed feelings about this book. I was expecting a romance, and what I got was something completely different - the two leads get abducted at the beginning of the book and spend almost the entirety of it in captivity, so there's not much of a romantic storyline, if at all. There's very little happening, and there are various explicit scenes of torture. I found these unnecessarily graphic and gory, and it was a struggle to read through them. It was a well written book, but as a matter of personal taste I found it too violent.

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Aj Smith rated a book it was amazing
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Queen of Humboldt by Tagan Shepard
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Wonderful. Spectacularly good. Might just restart this book right away even though I only finished it the other day. Tweeted the author with my effusive praise and was over the moon to discover that there will be a sequel, it is being written right now and my favourite supporting character has a large role to play in it!

...need I really say more?

I am, however, going to write a more detailed review because I'm utterly smitten with this book. I've loved Tagan Shepard's work from the start but she's getting better and better. Also, what a range! Romance (Bird on a Wire is one of the most incredible books I've read recently), space-opera/sci-fi with Across the Dark Horizon and now this action-packed awesomeness. The characters in "Queen of Humboldt" are very well crafted and even when they are not necessarily at their best, they are still very sympathetic. From a few paragraphs into the prologue I was 100% rooting for both Marisol and Sabrina professionally and romantically. Sabrina has other ideas though, she might find Marisol physically attractive but as a State's Attorney, and then Governor with a reputation built on being tough on crime, Marisol Soltero seedy nightclub owner and the titular 'Queen of Humboldt' is someone she wants to put away, not take to her bed.

Some of the early chapters of the book are split between Marisol as she is now, running her entertainment empire and enjoying her pick of women and heart-breaking flashbacks to her childhood. Kind of a well-worked 'origin story' I suppose. The ones about her toy bunny made me cry and want to give Marisol a big hug. While her interactions with Ruby, a sex-worker who tried to look after her, provide a strong statement about how our society treats violence against women; why victims don't always go to the police, why victims freeze (the "why didn't you fight back?" narrative). I don't want to give you the impression that this is a very grim or polemical book, it's not, despite some of the dark subject matter (which has just become even more relevant with the news of a planned kidnap attempt on Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer!) As well as the two leads we also meet the utterly fascinating and captivating Dominique, the character I was so glad to hear featured heavily in the sequel. "Dominique Levy sat on a low stool in front of a vanity, a tube of bright-red lipstick hovering halfway to her lips. She had the elegant poise of a classic movie star paired with the confidence of an older woman who knew herself." I mean, forgive my crassness but, holy fucking shit that's hot!

I don't want to discuss the plot for fear I give away anything and temper your surprise and enjoyment - there are a few cracking twists! I would and indeed will be, highly recommending this book to anyone and everyone. Apart from all that I have already outlined Shepard is a master craftswoman with the written word: "There was a moment of quiet anticipation. A heartbeat when the whole world stopped and Marisol thought her prayers might be answered". Her ability to capture emotions and reel the reader into her world is part what makes Tagan Shepard's books so beautiful to read.

If my rambling review hasn't convinced you, maybe this will: even though I got a free review copy I loved this book so much that I pre-ordered my own from Bella Books. Just because I wanted to have bought it - it's that good!

PS in an age where an awareness of the importance of both representation of minorities in fiction and of white privilege, I want to draw attention to Tagan Shepard's thoughtful author's note:

"I encourage everyone who reads this book to also read Own Voices stories by LGBTQ Latinx authors. My personal recommendations are Lex Files by Celeste Castro and Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore."

This, on top of being a book that deals thoughtfully and thought-provokingly with issues of poverty, domestic abuse, violence against women, homelessness and human trafficking without becoming preachy or taking away from the enjoyment of the thriller or romance angles of the plot makes "Queen of Humboldt" a truly remarkable piece of work.

Goodreads Horror Week 2020
Aj Smith
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Aj Smith rated a book it was amazing
about 1 hour ago
Queen of Humboldt by Tagan Shepard
Queen of Humboldt
by Tagan Shepard (Goodreads Author)
Read
Wonderful. Spectacularly good. Might just restart this book right away even though I only finished it the other day. Tweeted the author with my effusive praise and was over the moon to discover that there will be a sequel, it is being written right now and my favourite supporting character has a large role to play in it!

...need I really say more?

I am, however, going to write a more detailed review because I'm utterly smitten with this book. I've loved Tagan Shepard's work from the start but she's getting better and better. Also, what a range! Romance (Bird on a Wire is one of the most incredible books I've read recently), space-opera/sci-fi with Across the Dark Horizon and now this action-packed awesomeness. The characters in "Queen of Humboldt" are very well crafted and even when they are not necessarily at their best, they are still very sympathetic. From a few paragraphs into the prologue I was 100% rooting for both Marisol and Sabrina professionally and romantically. Sabrina has other ideas though, she might find Marisol physically attractive but as a State's Attorney, and then Governor with a reputation built on being tough on crime, Marisol Soltero seedy nightclub owner and the titular 'Queen of Humboldt' is someone she wants to put away, not take to her bed.

Some of the early chapters of the book are split between Marisol as she is now, running her entertainment empire and enjoying her pick of women and heart-breaking flashbacks to her childhood. Kind of a well-worked 'origin story' I suppose. The ones about her toy bunny made me cry and want to give Marisol a big hug. While her interactions with Ruby, a sex-worker who tried to look after her, provide a strong statement about how our society treats violence against women; why victims don't always go to the police, why victims freeze (the "why didn't you fight back?" narrative). I don't want to give you the impression that this is a very grim or polemical book, it's not, despite some of the dark subject matter (which has just become even more relevant with the news of a planned kidnap attempt on Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer!) As well as the two leads we also meet the utterly fascinating and captivating Dominique, the character I was so glad to hear featured heavily in the sequel. "Dominique Levy sat on a low stool in front of a vanity, a tube of bright-red lipstick hovering halfway to her lips. She had the elegant poise of a classic movie star paired with the confidence of an older woman who knew herself." I mean, forgive my crassness but, holy fucking shit that's hot!

I don't want to discuss the plot for fear I give away anything and temper your surprise and enjoyment - there are a few cracking twists! I would and indeed will be, highly recommending this book to anyone and everyone. Apart from all that I have already outlined Shepard is a master craftswoman with the written word: "There was a moment of quiet anticipation. A heartbeat when the whole world stopped and Marisol thought her prayers might be answered". Her ability to capture emotions and reel the reader into her world is part what makes Tagan Shepard's books so beautiful to read.

If my rambling review hasn't convinced you, maybe this will: even though I got a free review copy I loved this book so much that I pre-ordered my own from Bella Books. Just because I wanted to have bought it - it's that good!

PS in an age where an awareness of the importance of both representation of minorities in fiction and of white privilege, I want to draw attention to Tagan Shepard's thoughtful author's note:

"I encourage everyone who reads this book to also read Own Voices stories by LGBTQ Latinx authors. My personal recommendations are Lex Files by Celeste Castro and Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore."

This, on top of being a book that deals thoughtfully and thought-provokingly with issues of poverty, domestic abuse, violence against women, homelessness and human trafficking without becoming preachy or taking away from the enjoyment of the thriller or romance angles of the plot makes "Queen of Humboldt" a truly remarkable piece of work.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.


Marisol and Sabrina had a weekend fling but it ends when Sabrina learn who Marisol is at that time Sabrina was a State’s Attorney.

Years later Marisol is doing well with running her club and ruling with iron a fist. As she tries to live her life in the shadows she learns of something shocking.

Sabrina is the Governor who doesn’t go easy on the criminals that comes her way when she learns that their a hit out on her she doesn’t want the help from the one person she never could put a way.

This was good what you think going to happen goes another way as Sabrina realize not everything is black and white and you feel for Marisol you understand the things she does it’s what I like about her because she a grey character not all good not all bad either.

This is my first time reading a book by this author. I don’t know if this is her first book or if there are more but I’ll definitely be looking for her on the major retailers sites. The Queen of Humboldt surprised me. At first, when I read the description I thought that the 2 MC’s would be fighting a common enemy on their home turf but boy was I wrong and I really enjoy when a book surprises me and takes an unexpected turn. Marisol starts off as the bad criminal but my heart hurt for her because, she even though she had her dark side, she was a good person. I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. And I hope Ms. Shepard gives us the pleasure of being able to see where this story goes.