Book Review: Band Sinister by K.J. Charles

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🌳🌳🌳🌳(four stars as rated in trees that are better climbed with someone you care about)

Amanda Frisby has written a book, and a most scandalous one, at that. Having signed her novel simply as, “by a lady” and based it not-so-loosely on rumors concerning her infamous neighbor, Sir Philip Rockwood, was a risk that could be the ruin of Amanda (again) if it ever came to light. A least, so says her well-meaning older brother, Guy. Amanda, for her part, finds being a published author all too exciting (not to mention lucrative). But when Amanda suffers a near-fatal accident while trespassing on the expansive property of Sir Rockwood, putting her at the mercy of his generosity as well as his good humor, Guy forms a sort of friendship with Phillip and his illustrious crew. This new alliance stirs something in Guy. Amanda’s book, he decides, is a matter best dealt with another day. As is the storm of local opinion waiting for their new band of friends just beyond the grounds of the Rockwood estate…

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“There’s nothing brave about hiding from one’s desires. It takes far more courage to know yourself.”

K.J. Charles, Band Sinister

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It is a truth universally acknowledged that K.J. Charles absolutely slays at writing quality relationships and sex. The key to this all being that she nails the concept of consent. Every. Single. Time. Asking permission is sexy AF and don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise. Everything Charles’ characters do to one another is done with trust and explicit assurances of pleasure. It’s honestly incredible. It also completely tramples the notion that such things did not exist in the past. Because, believe it or not, there was consensual sex happening during the Regency Period. 🤯 I can not recommend Band Sinister to you highly enough if you want a story of love, friendship, growth and general human decency surrounding both monogamous and non-monogamous sex. I appreciated the respect with which Charles acknowledges the merits of both and the understanding with which they are met by the primary characters.

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About the Author: K.J. Charles

After twenty years in UK publishing including a stint at Mills & Boon, KJ Charles is now a full-time writer. She lives in London with her husband, two kids, an out-of-control garden and an increasingly murderous cat.

KJ writes mostly historical romance, often with some fantasy or horror in there. Her paranormal romance Spectred Isle is a 2018 RITA® nominee. (Copied from the author’s personal website).

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Personal note: girl on K.J. Charles’ treadmill desk!

So according to her website, K.J. Charles types while walking on a treadmill! I highly recommend giving her entire post about it a thorough read. She is such a genuinely hilarious person and the fact that she writes while walking has me loving her all the more!!!

Best,

Sarah