I started out highlighting lines in Something Spectacular that made me cackle, as is my typical procedure. The problem is that it amounted to nearly half the prologue by the time I was through. I kept up this habit for the entire book, sometimes highlighting an entire page because I couldn't bear to leave out a juicy bit of context or any ounce of witty repartee. In other words, whatever teacher tried to instill in me the virtue of spare and meaningful annotation would be horrified. If I were using a physical highlighter, it would be out of ink. One vein of humor worth specifically mentioning is the aristocracy bashing-- even their names (see: Miss Stoddingplonk and Sir Comewithers) are ridiculous and overdone to great comedic effect. Then there's not only advanced use of wordplay but also word invention for humor's sake (one of my personal favorite pastimes). I love to see a master at work.

The thing is that underneath the humor that so thoroughly delighted me is a thoughtful story with many angles to consider. We follow Peggy, stuck in unrequited love with her best friend, Belle. And while that dynamic understandably rouses sympathy for our protagonist, it doesn't stop there. Because while Belle is certainly theatrical and self-absorbed, she's struggling with something that Peggy can't understand. She's aromantic in a world where she feels like everyone is leaving her behind for love. Despite her many paramours and admirers, no one has incited the coveted feeling in her that she's so sure she should find if she tries hard enough. In a world built to run on romantic partnerships, the only other option feels like loneliness. Even her friendship with Peggy feels doomed by feelings she'll need to take elsewhere. This side plot made a certain aroace reader (this one) pretty emotional, so thanks for that, Alexis Hall 😉.

Belle's understandable tumult comes out in a way that inspires less empathy but more hilarity, and I'm here for it. The levity of her absurd plan to catch a singer who uniquely has no interest in her evens out some of my deeper feelings on the subject. We're all just doing our weird best, after all. All of Belle's charm seems to fail in front of this person who she hopes to make her love, so she calls in the reinforcement of her best friend, her own feelings on the subject of Belle's love life be damned. Within these objectively ill-devised parameters, Peggy meets the glamorous castrato, Orfeo... the person of Belle's dreams? We're treated to the irony of someone who despairs at the thought of art (Peggy) fainting from the transportive aria that Orfeo performs. Orfeo is flattered by this reaction to their voice and is interested in seeing her again, just not for an introduction to Belle.

Our lovers are first attracted to one another for their star quality (Orfeo) and appropriate admiration of said stardom (Peggy), but with that comes the curiosity and excitement of meeting someone like them-- someone not bound by binary gender roles. It adds depth to their connection from the start. Despite these promising factors, there's much for them to find frustrating in one another, too. Both Peggy and Orfeo have limited views of what a romantic encounter could mean to them, and they are not aligned. Orfeo maxes out at a fling, so used to passion without affection, fun without any deeper emotion. They suggest that passion is all transactional, a sidebar to their musical stardom. Then we have Peggy, who seems pretty into being lovesick over people who won't reciprocate. That fact alone gives her pause even before we consider Belle's role in all this. Beyond that, Peggy was raised under the roof of two deliriously happy people who gave Peggy hope for hearth and family in her future, even if she can't help but struggle to imagine how she could achieve that without losing parts of herself. Their adventures together take them from a debtors' prison to an obliviously and explicitly homoerotic poetry salon. While money paves the way for their escape from one, it's only by inciting an orgy that Peggy can extract them from the other.

The side characters, as ever, are another reason to be excited about an Alexis Hall book. As one of many possible examples, we have Bob, who makes reference to traditional historical romance tropes in one conversation and has another tongue-in-cheek Pride and Prejudice exchange in another. So basically, I'm obsessed. In another vein, we don't meet the villain of this play til right near the end, but OOF does he pack a punch when he does appear. My loathing knows no bounds, etc. Because yes, our characters have internal work to do to find space for one another in their lives, and yes, societal pressures would hinder two non-binary people from finding happiness together, but there's also a villain. A full trifecta.

The book features a bunch of queer people blundering into each other while they struggle with sometimes antagonistic predicaments. Yes, it's a community. But also, the very concept allows for so many people and experiences when done right that you can have people misunderstanding one another, microaggressing, and slipping and sliding through all kinds of layers of privilege and oppression. For example, a person with a marginalized sexuality might not give another person's gender identity the dignity it deserves. Or a group of queer people might cry over an aromantic loved one's lack of romantic future.

Yes, I am always down to laugh my ass off, but even while poking fun at the genre, this is also EXACTLY why I pick up a romance in the first place. For the hope, the acceptance, the delight. It made me tear up when I wasn't laughing and gave me that little nudge toward fonder feelings for humanity-- a true feat. Thanks to Montlake for my copy to read and review! It's another Alexis Hall masterpiece.

3.5

It took me quite a while to get to this one because my previous experiences with hall's writing hadn't been super positive and i was afraid i would be bored by this one. To me surprise Something Spectacular was really fun and engaging with colourful characters of all shades of the rainbow. In particular Belle is a rare aro allo character that is slowly developed over two books before getting her own story.

As for Peggy she is really fun however i was disappointed by how quickly she transferred her feelings from belle to orfeo. I expected a lot out of a queer romance with a castrato opera singer (believe it or not i had wanted one for a year before this book came out) but i think i was disappointed by the way it was in the story.

Something Spectacular by Alexis Hall is an absolute delight, full of wit, charm, and just the right amount of chaos. It’s set in Regency-era England, but don’t expect your usual uptight historical romance—this one’s got personality in spades. Hall takes all the best parts of the period (the fashion, the drama, the fancy parties) and mixes them with modern humor and quirky, lovable characters that you can’t help but root for.

Peggy, our wonderfully bold and chaotic heroine, is a breath of fresh air. She’s not exactly your typical Regency lady, and that’s what makes her so fun to follow. She’s trying to figure out life and love, and watching her navigate that with all the grace of a bull in a china shop is both hilarious and heartwarming. Then there’s her love interest—absolutely swoon-worthy in that quiet, thoughtful way that contrasts perfectly with Peggy’s whirlwind energy. The dynamic between them is full of tension and laughs, and the slow-burn romance is chef’s kiss.

What I loved most is how Something Spectacular doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s romantic and touching, sure, but it’s also downright funny. The side characters are brilliant, with their own quirks and dramas, and the dialogue is so sharp it’ll make you laugh out loud. If you want a historical romance that’s a little offbeat, a lot of fun, and leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, this one’s for you.

Thank you Alexis Hall and their team for allowing me to read this ARC. I read the first book in this series and loved it and I knew that I would love this one as well! Alexis kills it with the stories!

I'd been holding off on reading this one because I'd seen mixed reviews, but I loved this one! It was fun, just like the first book. Alexis Hall can really write queer historical romance and make it fun and exciting. I can't wait for the other books in this series and for more queer historical romance from this author.

Something Spectacular is a SPECTACULAR follow up to Something Fabulous. While being very diffrent it still keeps much of the original energy and stakes. Continuing on with Peggy this time it’s a much more focused on character development than plot. It might be a slower plot but it’s just as cute and made me think more. Orfeo is a fabulous addition to the cast.
The journey Orfeo and Peggy go on, while whimsical also felt so real and organic. I loved it.

I will admit that I went into this book a little skeptical that I would like it. I had a difficult time getting into this book and ended up putting this down around the 20% mark. I've found with Alexis Hall's books that I either love them or hate them and decided this wasn’t quite for me, at least not right now. Thank you for the publisher for the chance to read the review copy.

It had me smiling right from the beginning! Hall’ writing style is so effortless and easy to connect to. I could literally just see the story enfold in front of me as though I were watching a movie. My first sitting reading this book, it kept me riveted to the story until 2am!

Having read the first in this Duology (Something Fabulous), I knew this next installment would be just as good. However, I didn’t realize it would be so beautiful and raunchy, I really love Peggy and their love for the people in their life. And falling for the ever illustrious Orfeo.

The romance, the important conversations, the way the world isn’t as judgmental is it is today… are just parts of why I love this book,

Alexis Hall just knows how to write this kind of book, can’t wait for more!!

Thank you Montlake and NetGalley for the eARC of Something Spectacular! All opinions in this review are my own.

Something Spectacular is the second book in the Something Fabulous series so I read it out of order, but unsurprisingly, I loved it! I love Alexis Hall and it is usually a pretty good bet that will enjoy his books!

My favorite thing about this book was watching Peggy and Orfeo becoming more themselves and seeing how their relationship helped each other do this. Peggy is finally able to find someone who sees her for who she is and Orfeo is able to find someone who doesn't just want to use them for their talent. Combine this with Hall's signature witty writing and this was a fantastic historical romance!

After seeing Valentine and Bonny together in Something Spectacular, I can't wait to go back and read Something Fabulous now! I am also very excited for Sir Horley's book, Something Extraordinary!

I will admit that I went into this book a little skeptical that I would like it. While I enjoyed the first book overall, there were things about it that bugged me. I had a very hard time reading this book. I ended up putting this down around the 20% mark. I've found with Alexis Hall's books that I either love them or hate them and unfortunately this book fell into that second category for me.

Can I start by saying Alexis Hall is friggen hilarious. Every book slaps. The representation, the characters. I don't even like historical romance and I was SOLD on this one. Would read anything they write. I love seeing the previous characters in this series make appearances and the backstory follows through the series. Peggy was so delightful and this will be a comfort read of mine.

Something Spectacular is my third book by Alexis Hall and I liked it well enough I didn't love it like his previous books. The plotline was great but unfortunately I didn't click with the characters and had to slog my way through this book. This is not a criticism against either the book or author I think it just wasn't the right book or even time for me to read but I would recommend to others.

*more like 3.5 stars*
I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a lovely read. I thought Peggy was a great main character, however, I felt like Orfeo's character could have been explored more. Overall, I have definitely been impressed with Alexis Hall's historical romances so far and would definitely consider picking up more in the future! If you are in the mood for an adorable, joyful, queer historical romance, I would definitely recommend this book!

I am a huge fan of Alexis Hall’s contemporary work, but I think it might be time for me to admit that his historical pieces don’t work quite as well for me. I enjoyed Something Fabulous well enough that I was interested in the sequel, but getting through this ended up being a bit of a slog. Sadly, I think I’ll avoid his historicals in the future, while still devouring his contemporaries.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Alexis Hall has some really great work, but it’s so hit or miss for me.
The premise is interesting and I wanted it to hit, but I chose to dnf at 20% because it was not going well for me and I didn’t want to skim the rest of the book.

Unfortunately I had a hard time getting into this book and first after I found out why. I missed that there was another book to read before this one. I felt so stupid but oh well guess I have to do better check up and not just omg this sounds so good and click.

Despite the fact that I missed this and had a hard time getting into it I can see that the story was fine as was the writing I recommend to read it AFTEr you read the first one.

Thanks for letting me read my first Alexis Hall book.

This book's chefs kiss❤️❤️❤️








Thank you soooooo much netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced review copy if this book💗 "I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Whatever Alexis Hall writes I will read, this book was very outrageous, and campy but in all the best ways. the author always gets the representation perfectly right. The banter was a delight to witness.

After reading Something Fabulous - which I absolutely ADORED - I was both excited and, admittedly, a bit apprehensive about Something Spectacular. I always tend to worry that a follow up story won’t live up to its predecessor.
I got to say, I was NOT disappointed with Spectacular!
This book was an absolute delight! It made he feel EVERYTHING! I laughed, I swooned, I bit my lip with temptation, I even happy cried!
Peggy and Orfeo’s love story was just so beautiful, and while there were plenty of whimsical funny moments, it still felt very organic and true.
I also loved how friendship played a huge factor in this story. Honestly one of my favorite moments was near the end when Bonny offered to help Peggy make a baby with Orfeo and it ends up being a very heartfelt - and steamy - scene where they all came together and I truly felt happy for everyone involved.
I ended up ordering the paperbacks of both Fabulous and Spectacular after finishing this book. They are more than worthy of shelve space!
Well done, Alexis Hall! You have done it again!