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 to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

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!