Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for providing me with an eARC of Mortal Follies in exchange for my honest review!

Official rating: 3.5. stars

This book has so much going on. It's fantasy, it's Regency, it's queer, it's romance, all of those elements being combined together into a novel that I had a fun time with. The slow-burn love story between Miss Mitchelmore and the Duke of Annadale is charming to follow, and the side characters bring their own entertaining aspects to this magical world as well. Miss Bickle in particular is plenty enjoyable, and I'd be all for a standalone sequel focusing on her. But I do think the plotting and pacing weren't laid out in the smoothest fashion. It feels like the narrative is split up into multiple mini-plot arcs that don't gel together all that cleanly.

Still, I'll give this 3.5 out of 5 stars because of how adorable and humorous it is. I wouldn't expect any less from an Alexis Hall read.

What an utter delight and a completely unique and original romance story. I enjoyed the world building and the story telling aspects of this book where a narrating hobgoblin tells the tale of a cursed young lady of high society. And in typical Alexis Hall fashion, the book was well written and full of humor. The only negative thing I can say, is that it felt a little long in places and standoffish duke turned affectionate quite out of nowhere. Otherwise, I thought it was an excellent book and I would highly recommend!

I received this book as an ARC from netgalley in return for an honest review. all opinions are my own.

This book was actually really good. I personally struggle to grasp different time periods in books sometimes and overall i give it a 3.6 stars. I loved the cute romance and I enjoyed the pacing. I however didnt gravitate towards this book at every waking moment and I feel like books should be like that. I will re read this book again and update my review accordingly but this book was so cute to me and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed how the narrator wasnt part of the story. that was very interesting to see from their perspective similar to lemony snicket

This was one of my more interesting romance reads of the last couple years. I don't think I've ever read a book where the narrator is someone not involved in the story and is telling it to us second-hand, and overall I think it was rather clever. The pitfalls, though, are that I didn't feel as attached to any of the characters as I might have been otherwise. I was thoroughly entertained by the narrator and his funny ways of telling the story, but it did give me another layer of detachment from truly knowing what these characters were feeling.

Still, I do love a good "Be Gay Do Crimes" story, and this one was set in 1800s England without feeling unwieldy for someone who doesn't read the classics, so I did genuinely enjoy myself despite my attachment issues!

Thank you to Random House for the ARC!

Big thanks to NetGalley and Alexis Hall for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I highly anticipated this book since I heard about its release and was not disappointed. I deeply enjoyed the charismatic narrator who directly addresses their audience and kept the story moving along.

Just when you would think the story ends, Hall, or the narrator rather, pulls you back in for a fantasy fueled adventure to bargain with a goddess or consult with a witch.

The ordinary and arcane cross paths effortlessly throughout the story, and one character along for that seamless ride is Miss Bickle. She was my favorite character throughout the entire story due to her open mindedness and fierce loyalty to her best friend.

I highly recommend this fantasy novel, which comes out on July 11th. Happy reading!

Alexis Hall returns with another hysterical romance adventure this time featuring the fae of legend, Robin from Oberons court. First of foremost, this discuss the voice with which this story is written. Only once before had a novel with such a creative narrator thus making a truly amazing narrative. (That book being the Book Thief by Zusak narrated by Death). But Robin being the narrator in this story might at first confuse some readers, but hold on for this ride because this book is exactly how I imagine a capricious faery would tell a story. With cute input, weariness at mortality, humor, and a tad all over the place.

This book follows an adorable couple as they continue to find one another with a little help along the way with a fabulous supporting cast of characters. It offers a lot within its 400 pages. All that I mentioned above, vindictive gods and viscounts, a wagging ton (which feels so right having read A Lady for Duke by Hall), and plenty more. I can't give too much away, but this book will TAKE YOU PLACES! I found myself rooting for these two along the way and there are twists and turns and family secrets to be revealed. I have so many good things to say about this story and I know that readers are going to fall in love with this world and beg for more.

This is perfect for fans of A Marvellous Light and A Restless Truth.

Give me all the Alexis Hall books. I don't care what time period they take place in or if they are realistic or fantasy, I want them all. Maelys is Georgianna are such a good match for each other in so many ways that aren't romantic that the conclusion is obvious on that front as well. I loved the addition of the magical elements into this story and the world building was imaginative and fun.

Synopsis:
It is the year 1814, and life for a young lady of good breeding has many difficulties. There are balls to attend, fashions to follow, marriages to consider, and, of course, the tiny complication of existing in a world swarming with fairy spirits, interfering deities, and actual straight-up sorcerers.

Miss Maelys Mitchelmore finds her entry into high society hindered by an irritating curse. It begins innocuously enough with her dress slowly unmaking itself over the course of an evening at a high-profile ball, a scandal she narrowly manages to escape.

However, as the curse progresses to more fatal proportions, Miss Mitchelmore must seek out aid, even if that means mixing with undesirable company. And there are few less desirable than Lady Georgianna Landrake—a brooding, alluring young woman sardonically nicknamed “the Duke of Annadale”—who may or may not have murdered her own father and brothers to inherit their fortune. If one is to believe the gossip, she might be some kind of malign enchantress. Then again, a malign enchantress might be exactly what Miss Mitchelmore needs.

With the Duke’s help, Miss Mitchelmore delves into a world of angry gods and vindictive magic, keen to unmask the perpetrator of these otherworldly attacks. But Miss Mitchelmore’s reputation is not the only thing at risk in spending time with her new ally. For the reputed witch has her own secrets that may prove dangerous to Miss Mitchelmore’s heart—not to mention her life.

A sapphic pride and prejudice-sequel romance featuring goddess, fae and all sorts of such creatures. A young woman, Maelys, finds her entry into high society hindered by a curse, and the first to her aid is Lady Georgianna Landrake- a rumored witch who may or may not have murdered her whole family for her own benefit. As things progress Maelys discovers there is a lot more going on and a lot more at stake than just her reputation.

I have very mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the main characters and the overall concept. I had a lot of fun watching Georgianna and Maelys stumble over themselves. I did however, hate the narrator. Alexis Hall appears in the story as a hobgoblin who is forced to tell tales by his master and Maelys is his chosen subject. I honestly could have done without that part entirely.

This was a very cute read. It was a fun romp in eighteenth century England where fairies and the old gods are real and Miss Mitchelmore finds herself cursed. Her friends, Miss Bickle and Mr. Caesar, along with the notorious Duke of Annadale need to help her find who cursed her and why in order to put a stop to it.

The characters were unique and likable and it was fun going on this magical journey with them. The protagonist, Miss Mitchelmore, was well balanced by the optimistic Miss Bickle and the realist Mr. Caesar.

The narrator character didn’t really work for me. I thought he had some fun lines and he was able to add more depth and insight to the fairy realm which were positives. I could definitely see other people loving him, but he just wasn’t my thing.

I liked the world that Alexis Hall built. Anything with fairies has so much potential and she wove them into every day society well. She also did a good job threading in different LGBTQ elements and characters in a way that felt natural.

Does Alexis Hall ever sleep? This man is a book writing machine I swear! 10/10 love his historical books and this one holds up. I wish I had waited for the audiobook rather than grabbing the ebook but it’s good regardless!

I don’t know how he does it. But every time I read his work he leaves me wanting more!
Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall is a beautifully written Regency era story.
And talk about a fun time. I enjoyed every minute of this one.
Hall has the ability to make you feel things with his writing. You feel what these characters are going through. And honestly that makes me feel so connected to the characters inside his books.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Thank You NetGalley and Random House, Ballantine & Del Rey for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I think this book will be a hit for some and a real struggle for others. Sadly I am the former. I tried many times do start this book and get thru it, but it was just too slow and I couldn't grasp what was going on. Sadly I had to decide to DNF 50% of the way thru.

This just wasn't what I was expecting and was super disappointed by it. I loved the concept of this book but it was just poorly executed.

Thank you the NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for this advanced read copy. My review is voluntarily my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey for an eARC of Mortal Follies!

I have to admit, at first, with the narrator of the story, I was skeptical. Then, I was pleasantly surprised! Mortal Follies is a hilarious delight- utterly witty and filled with whimsical and quirky language. The romance was very realistic and I love a good sapphic romance! Bridgerton-esque regency romance mixed with Shakespeare and Fae... definitely one to add to your TBR!

I was enraptured from the beginning. At first, I wasn't sure of the narrator but I think it added something very special to a wonderful story. I loved the queer representation and how accepting many of the characters are. Speaking of characters, from main to side characters, all were compelling and three-dimensional. No one ever really felt like a throwaway even if they were only seen once or twice. I would have to say my personal favorite is Miss Bickle because of how she interacted and viewed anything otherworldly. I can't wait to have a physical copy of this book on my shelf.

I was provided this ARC from NetGalley for a fair review. This is a f/f historical romance inspired by Midsummer Night’s Dream, which sounded very intriguing. Unfortunately I am DNFing this one. It is rather chaotic and unfocused. It may just me and my mood but I have picked this up and put it down about 10 times since early February so it’s time to give up. I have enjoyed Alexis Hall’s previous books and will check out their books in the future, this is just a miss for me.

The inspiration behind this book feels like a sapphic Jane Austen crossed with a Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sweet Maeys Mitchelmore, granddaughter of an Earl, is enjoying her social season in Bath until her plans to hook an eligible young gentleman are thwarted by a curse. Maeys journey to cure her curse, through the thorny world of fickle gods and outcast witches, draws her closer to the Lady Georgiana Annendale a.k.a the Duke of Annendale. There is a growing chemistry between them, but everyone warns her not to trust the orphaned heiress and rumored witch and murderess.

First, the things I enjoyed–I loved the ludicrous humor and antics surrounding Maeys, and her friends Lizzie and John. I feel like the parody of formal society was very strong. I thought many of the exchanges between Maeys and her love interest the Duke of Annendale were witty and steamy, and I liked their exploration of power dynamics.

However, I couldn’t fully get into the book since my experience was interrupted by a couple of things. The book has a first-person narrator who isn’t involved in the action, and is often unsympathetic to the characters–I often wanted to shush their quips. They felt intrusive and distracting, especially in intimate scenes. The pacing of the story was stilted somewhat, especially as characters deliberated a lot over their decisions in dialogue. Some of the diversity in the story felt sort of flat. It felt like the author didn’t fully think through how different historical events, like enslavement and colonization, could be affected by a world with magic.

An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

Content warnings: murder, kidnapping, assault, public humiliation, transphobia (targeted at a side character, fought by MCs)

We follow Maelys through a troubling season in Bath. She is waylaid by a curse and must figure out who's out to get her and how to stop it. This is a fantastical tale involving spiteful gods and a Puck-ish narrator. The world is colorful and fun, and an entirely refreshing take on a "young woman of marriagable age" historical. The characters are delightful; the Duke of Annadale is an immediate hit, as well as third quarter show-stealer Polly the housemaid. The use of a narrator was almost equal parts hilarious and destabilizing. He took us for a ride, but ultimately had me glancing into the shadows hoping for a glimpse of the Puck-ish narrator of my own mortal folly.

Alexis Hall’s first romance, Boyfriend Material, was quite enjoyable, if I remember correctly. While it boasts a pretty atrocious cover, it manages to fall in the sub-genre of “romance with a little bit more depth” for me, being still relatively fluffy but also exploring self-sabotage with enough delicacy and nuance that the love story hits at a higher degree. It wasn’t fantastic, but it was sufficiently engaging I’ve been tracking the author’s future releases.

What has come since has been total flops. Something Fabulous, which somehow made the ever-confusing NYT Best Romances of 2022, featured an incredibly repetitive plot and wildly annoying characters, plummeting my opinion of the author. Still, it was queer, and it was also a historical romance, so I figured it could just be my biases, on the prowl again. I was willing to give Mortal Follies a chance, though it might be worth noting that chance was not a very large one.

Mortal Follies is significantly better than Something Fabulous, but that isn’t saying much. It’s readable, which is cool. It’s also sapphically queer, which is even cooler. Beyond that, it’s hampered by a very strange but very prominent rhetorical device Hall clings to desperately: the entire story is told from the perspective of a sprite/goblin spectator. It’s a plot-irrelevant omniscient narrator, which means its largely traditional narration, but Hall never lets the reader forget it’s a fairy viewing the human characters, frequently chiming in with details of how the narrator is changing forms in order to follow the characters around on their little quest. It’s cute—to a point. Ultimately, such a gimmicky narrator not only gets tired, but also severely hinders the reader's opportunity to be actually invested in the romance we’re watching play out. Tension and drama tends to die a little when it’s an unknown, invisible spectator who’s telling you it’s there, especially since the narrator frequently reminds the reader how little they care about human affairs.

Otherwise, the integration of the magic into Victorian England is a trick that’s been done before, but isn’t wildly offensive when done here. I’ve found Hall’s characters to be consumed by their quirks in the past—so quirky are they, they cease to have actually personalities that might make them enjoyable characters to read and relate to—and there’s a couple of characters who teeter on that cliff of quirkiness but don’t manage to fall off. I’m not sure the romance would stand up even without the fairy-spectator-lens to hinder it, as there’s an age and experience gap that makes both characters uncomfortable at different points. It also doesn’t build appropriately; it’s insta-love, but still strangely plot-oriented for a romance novel, where their relationship development is largely stagnant as they address the curse subplot.

I want to be consumed by a romance novel. I want there to be no option for me but to blitz read it, so consumed am I. While that may sound like a high bar, it isn’t actually—the number of things that have consumed me is frankly embarrassing. The sad failure of this book is that I struggled to care. A combination of the author’s stylistic choices and their underdeveloped characters severely hampered this book. While they’re not without hope, I won’t be picking up their next one.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and Netgalley for the ARC, gifted in exchange for my honest review.

Alexis Hall did it again! I throughly enjoyed this book, I loved the magical elements and the queer romance. Thank you so much for the early copy!

It might be for others, but it’s not for me. As much as I wanted a saphhic fantasy historical romance, the Puck narration was just too much. Too distancing from the characters, too twee, and betraying too much of the author’s selfxsatisfaction.