Something Spectacular

Something Spectacular (2023) Alexis Hall (Something Fabulous #2)

I was somewhat hesitant to read this book as I thought it was Arabella’s book, and I’m not sure I can handle an entire book with her as the main characters (Bonny was difficult enough and that book wasn’t from his point-of-view) but this is Peggy’s story about how she fell in love with an opera singer.

And not just any opera singer.

Belle looked no more reassured. “I’m not angry because you kissed Orfeo. I’m angry because you didn’t think to tell me any of this before. How selfish do you think I am?”

It was probably for the best, Peggy decided, to assume that was a rhetorical question.

Let me note, Alexis Hall is lovely.

Orfeo is in the difficult position of embracing an identity that was forced upon them by society (and indeed by direct violence), and for some readers that may not be the way they’d want this theme to be handled. I’m mentioning this in advance because I know these issues resonate with people, and I think it’s important for us to be able to make informed decisions about the books we read.

He is also delightful.

I absolutely am going to assume this is a Terry Pratchett reference:

“And this isn’t how you like to dress?” Peggy asked. “You wouldn’t rather we—”

“What?” Bob looked startled. “God no. Why would anyone like to dress like this? It’s itchy and uncomfortable and I had to put a rolled-up sock in my drawers.”

But there is a lot going on underneath that, as the story deals with gender non-conformity and places we are put in society, whether we want to be there or not.

Probably there would come a time when she wanted long hair again. Tomorrow she might go back to gowns. She didn’t know, she couldn’t tell. But that in itself carried a kind of rightness with it. Not having to decide.

Orfeo wasn’t given a choice in the matter, but one did feel his felt his gift to be something of a small compensation. But again, note Alexis Hall’s commentary upon the subject.

There was also a lot of boinking, most of which was hard to skim since there were important conversations going on.

There are also two sub-stories here, one the continuation of Bella’s story, and here we get more about Sir Horley Comewithers–which I wasn’t expecting.

Characters: Margaret Peggy Delancey, Orfeo / Giovanni Rossi, Duke Valentinian Layton of Malvern, Bonaventure Tarleton, Miss Arabella Tarleton, Sir Horley Comewithers, Miss Emily Fairfax, Miss Angharad Evans, Lady Farrow, Lord Farrow, Roberta Bob Everley, Mr. Delancey, Mrs. Delancey, Cerberus, Duchess of Marshalsea / Cecil Fitch, Duke of Marshalsea / Henry Reed, Haxby, Radish, George, Periwinkle, Earl Parsifal Chastaine of Southerbrooke, Grace Hickinbottom, Lord Asham, Nicholas Marquess de Montcorbier, Verity Carswile

Cover by Philip Pascuzzo

Publisher: Montlake

Rating: 8.5/10

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