Review copy was received from Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Good Neighbors by Stephanie Burgis on February 2, 2022
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Pages: 182
Format: eARC
Source: Author
Goodreads
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Mia Brandt knows better than to ever again allow her true powers to be discovered. Ever since her last neighbors burned down her workshop in a night of terror and flame, she's been determined to stay solitary, safe, and - to all outside appearances - perfectly respectable...
But Leander Fabian, whose sinister castle looms over her cozy new cottage, has far more dangerous ideas in mind. When he persuades Mia into a reluctant alliance, she finds herself swept into an exhilarating world of midnight balls, interfering countesses, illicit opera house expeditions, necromantic duels, and a whole unnatural community of fellow magic-workers and outcasts, all of whom are facing a terrifying threat.
Luckily, Mia has unnatural powers of her own - but even her unique skills may not be enough to protect her new found family and help her resist the wickedly provoking neighbor who's seen through all of her shields from the beginning.
This novel-length collection includes all four stories and novellas originally published on Stephanie Burgis's Patreon in 2020-2021: Good Neighbors, Deadly Courtesies, Fine Deceptions, and Fierce Company. (less)
I really enjoyed the collection of four short stories that make up Good Neighbors. The stories were closely related enough it felt much like one book. This fantasy world has some different sorts of magic than are typical and I love that. Our main characters have magic that their “neighbors” have disliked and shown their disapproval.
Because of this Mia and her father moved to a new cottage, and have a new neighbor to understand. Mia and Leander do eventually get to know each other and work together so they can live peacefully in their country homes. But the world just has to be critical of someone different. Each of them understands being ostracized or mistreated by others. Mia chooses to hide who / what she is and is not very social. But eventually she, along with Leander, have to stand their ground.
The author invited me to review and I was delighted. I enjoy her adult fantasy and this is really fantasy romance. There’s action with about an equal focus on the romance or relationship aspects. The author has a pleasing way with words which make reading the story more satisfying.
“I could actually feel the lazy warmth of his regard resting on me now, turning my breath shallow in my chest and my cheeks pricklingly hot.”
I loved the compassion the couple has and how even as they are in trouble, they create allies and work for everyone’s rights. In the end, there are many good neighbors.
About Stephanie Burgis
I grew up in America, but now I live in Wales with my husband, fellow writer Patrick Samphire, our sons, “Mr Darcy” and “Mr X”, and our sweet (and extremely vocal) tabby cat, Pebbles. I write fun MG fantasy adventure novels (most recently The Raven Heir) and wildly romantic adult historical fantasy novels and novellas (most recently Scales and Sensibility).
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
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I adore her books, and I’ll be reading this soon. So glad you loved it😁
Yes I loved it! It’s a bit quirky and romantic, yet there’s plot and action. A good mix of things to enjoy.
I’ve never read anything by Burgis, but this would be an excellent way to try her out. Great review, Anne!
Thanks Rachel! I recommend it.
I love that this has a nice blend of action and romance. It sounds really good!
I loved it. It’s a bit different than others in the genre and that makes it all the more fun.
I just adored this one. So fun. The romance was unique and perfect. I really hope she writes more in this world.
yes! I could read more with this very different magic.
This sounds like a delightful collection of stories. I will have to look for it.
It is just really a good read with unique characters and fantasy elements plus romance.
This is an author I want to try. I like that, the collection felt almost like one book.
It did feel like one book. I had to work at looking where one story ended and the next began but I didn’t really work that hard, so it seemed like one longer story. I love having them in a collection.
Love the cover of this one, and will have to maybe try it out. I like that the stories seemed to make one whole book. That’s perfect!
Honestly, if it was labeled a collection of shorts I’m not sure I would have noticed. I hope that doesn’t say something bad about me. But I was enjoying it enough to keep reading as I went along.