Roaring Twenties

I can't quite decide if I love this series so much because I've discovered a passion for the 20s era it's set in, or if I only love it so well because of Bennett's exquisitely sensual and clever writing, but either way, I'm definitely loving it! Grim Shadows is an excellent follow up to Bitter Spirits in every conceivable way.

We return to the delectable Magnusson brothers, this time with Lowe, younger brother of Winter from book one, who's just back from his grand adventures in Egypt, and is the bearer of a recently discovered and highly sought-after ancient artifact. It should be a triumphant return, but Lowe is feeling anything but proud of himself. He's in financial trouble, but would rather chew off his own arm than ask Winter for a hand out. He's also being pursued by those who seek to get their hands on the artifact via any means necessary.

Fortunately he meets Hadley, the rather dowdily-dressed owner of a seemingly captivating round, high bottom, and the unfortunate sufferer of ghostly sightings, who also happens to be the daughter of a wealthy collector desperate to get his hands of Lowe's recent find, but who is actually willing to pay for it, which is a novelty. Does this mean all his troubles are over? Not quite. Not only is the deal not so simple as cash on collection, it also means spending more time with Hadley who seems to be getting under his skin alarmingly quickly!

Hadley and Lowe together were exceptionally cute. I particularly loved the idea of Hadley being this uptight, studious woman, hiding her beauty under drab grey clothes, when really, she's passionate and fiery, with a penchant for extravagant lingerie - much to Lowe's delight! The way their relationship evolved was delightful and perfectly paced. I really was invested in them and their success as a couple.

Hadley's paranormal Sight and the side effects connected to the artifact brought some excellent heart-pounding scenes filled with high stakes action. That, combined with the sweet and sexy love story, was about all I could ask for from this book. It was a great read!

5 Stars ★★★★★
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, these irresistible Magnusson boys. Probably a bit too complex and cosmopolitan for their time period, but we'll blame that on their daring, working-class parents, shall we? Hadley was an interesting mix of tension and longing, though I never quite figured out her relationship with her father. The story of her parents was quite a surprise, so I suppose her own wild streak comes naturally.

If I were going to list my favorite things, I'd start with the sexual fireworks between Lowe and Hadley, followed by Lowe's dirty talk, and finally the mix of quiet and spectacular magic that Bennett mixes together liberally. Hadley's curse seems tame in comparison to flying gryphons and flame goddesses. Another fantastic romance wrapped up in a delightful adventure, the Roaring Twenties is my new favorite historical paranormal series.

Full review to follow.

Sexual Content: Sex scenes.

I enjoyed book one. It was interesting and different.
This book was not either. I found both main characters irritating and immature.
I wanted to love Winters brother but he was such a brat that I did not like him at all.
The female character ( I’ve already forgotten her name) was full of emotion. Everything was an overreaction. She was valid and shallow.
Clearly this book was not for me.