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Samhain
The story continues with Carter and Miri in Book Two of the contemporary MMFF adaptation of Midsummer Night's Dream by Jena Doyle.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2024
8 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Jena Doyle
19 books177 followersJena Doyle writes smut for smut’s sake. No apologies. No shame. And definitely no judgement. When she’s not dreaming up dirty words for wild hearts, she enjoys traveling, binge watching trash TV, and dabbling in tarot and astrology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing, and enjoys rambling about Shakespeare's gay agenda.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 10, 2024
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ↴
Just like Midsummer, I ate this one up. I loved the banter, I loved the spice, and boy was it hot in there. I knew Carter hadn’t sent Lex and Ivy a text telling them that they needed space (at the end of midsummer) and Miri & Carter getting a text from Lex and Ivy just confirmed it. I couldn’t wait for all four of them to be together again but in the meantime, we had Carter and Miri to satisfy our dirty little needs. For people that got married they sure acted like they were only doing it to be with Lex and Ivy, they both had me screaming “JUST ACCEPT THAT Y’ALL LOVE EACH OTHER DAMN IT.”
Ivy was so stubborn, wanting to get their gift taken back but why take it back when it’s what brought all four of them together during midsummer? All she had to do was enjoy her husbands and her wife but no she decided that she wanted to investigate and go into the woods, Miri should’ve listened to her gut and stayed away from the woods. Carter should’ve listened to Lex when he said Poppy was not their responsibility. I for one think the group should’ve left Poppy in the woods to fend for herself. A part of me feels like the King was being portrayed to be the evil one but what if the Queen is the evil one and the King is just trying to stop her? At the same time, I feel like both the King and Queen played all four of them.
“Telepathic mind trick,” 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝, 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬. “Your droids are not here.” - Ivy
When I tell you that I spent five minutes laughing at this line after I figured out the reference (I’m not into Star Wars but my partner is) I’m not joking. Carter going “close enough” had me cackling because boy no she wasn’t lmao.
With the ending we got, I was left with so many questions, was Poppy sent with the group to betray them? What does Carter’s sister have to do with anything? Were Miri’s memories real or just the fairy king messing with her? What if (and this is a big IF) Smythe is Poppy’s father? I’m ready for the third book, I need my answers.
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫 ↴
This is an Advanced Reader copy. Although this book was given to me as an ARC my thoughts are my own. Thank you to Jena Doyle and Booksirens for the ARC opportunity!
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 ✎
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⇝ ★★★★★
𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 ⇝ 306
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭 ⇝ e-Book
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 ⇝ Oct. 29th
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ↴
🍷 MMFF
🧚🏽♀️ Queer
🍷 Angst
🧚🏽♀️ Second Chance
🍷 Friends to Lovers
🧚🏽♀️ Enemies to Lovers
🍷 Why Choose (with a twist)
🧚🏽♀️ Fairy Lust Potion Made Them Do It!
🍷 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 📖
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ↴
Just like Midsummer, I ate this one up. I loved the banter, I loved the spice, and boy was it hot in there. I knew Carter hadn’t sent Lex and Ivy a text telling them that they needed space (at the end of midsummer) and Miri & Carter getting a text from Lex and Ivy just confirmed it. I couldn’t wait for all four of them to be together again but in the meantime, we had Carter and Miri to satisfy our dirty little needs. For people that got married they sure acted like they were only doing it to be with Lex and Ivy, they both had me screaming “JUST ACCEPT THAT Y’ALL LOVE EACH OTHER DAMN IT.”
Ivy was so stubborn, wanting to get their gift taken back but why take it back when it’s what brought all four of them together during midsummer? All she had to do was enjoy her husbands and her wife but no she decided that she wanted to investigate and go into the woods, Miri should’ve listened to her gut and stayed away from the woods. Carter should’ve listened to Lex when he said Poppy was not their responsibility. I for one think the group should’ve left Poppy in the woods to fend for herself. A part of me feels like the King was being portrayed to be the evil one but what if the Queen is the evil one and the King is just trying to stop her? At the same time, I feel like both the King and Queen played all four of them.
“Telepathic mind trick,” 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝, 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬. “Your droids are not here.” - Ivy
When I tell you that I spent five minutes laughing at this line after I figured out the reference (I’m not into Star Wars but my partner is) I’m not joking. Carter going “close enough” had me cackling because boy no she wasn’t lmao.
With the ending we got, I was left with so many questions, was Poppy sent with the group to betray them? What does Carter’s sister have to do with anything? Were Miri’s memories real or just the fairy king messing with her? What if (and this is a big IF) Smythe is Poppy’s father? I’m ready for the third book, I need my answers.
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫 ↴
This is an Advanced Reader copy. Although this book was given to me as an ARC my thoughts are my own. Thank you to Jena Doyle and Booksirens for the ARC opportunity!
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 ✎
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⇝ ★★★★★
𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 ⇝ 306
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭 ⇝ e-Book
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 ⇝ Oct. 29th
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ↴
🍷 MMFF
🧚🏽♀️ Queer
🍷 Angst
🧚🏽♀️ Second Chance
🍷 Friends to Lovers
🧚🏽♀️ Enemies to Lovers
🍷 Why Choose (with a twist)
🧚🏽♀️ Fairy Lust Potion Made Them Do It!
🍷 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 📖
October 27, 2024
With Carter being my favorite of the four, reading from his perspective was such a treat! In this second installment we see a lot of growth from each MC, all deeply affected by the events following Midsummer. Samhain brings about a much darker and more sinister view of the Faerie realm. Strap in, friends - it's going to be a bumpy ride!!!
October 11, 2024
This agonizing second installment of the Midsummer series opens up more paranormal pathways and gives us two different perspectives.
Every time I pick up this series I have a serious hankering to see a live production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. But this time the adventure gets nail-bitingly darker and the stakes raise. Honestly, I’m unwell after that cliffhanger and it’s such a relief that the next book comes out a month after this one.
What’s not to love here? A mmff polyamorous situation backlit by fairy curses is a serious balm for anyone this election season, and you need to read it right now.
Also is it just me or did Jena AMP the spice up in this one? *clutches pearls*
Fast burn with spanking, hair pulling, strap, spitroast, group sex.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual First Past
Every time I pick up this series I have a serious hankering to see a live production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. But this time the adventure gets nail-bitingly darker and the stakes raise. Honestly, I’m unwell after that cliffhanger and it’s such a relief that the next book comes out a month after this one.
What’s not to love here? A mmff polyamorous situation backlit by fairy curses is a serious balm for anyone this election season, and you need to read it right now.
Also is it just me or did Jena AMP the spice up in this one? *clutches pearls*
Fast burn with spanking, hair pulling, strap, spitroast, group sex.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual First Past
October 29, 2024
I, once again, do not have the proper words to describe how wholly this book, this series, has woven itself into my very soul.
When I say this is a tragedy, I say it with the weight of a thousand suns.
There is so much love and physicality, but, it is so somber. There is always something waiting in the wings to tear down a beautiful moment.
There’s a weight over the entire book because you know things cannot just be beautiful and good and loving for the rest of the time; there’s going to be heavy and horrible acts and circumstances that will happen whether you want them to or not.
This book is heavier than the first one, but no less brilliant. The book is in the POV of Carter and Miri. Being inside their heads, both of them so much softer and open than Lex and Ivy, makes what is happening that much more powerful in every way.
The adventures the foursome go on in this installment are stressful, adrenaline-filled, and dangerous. Their actions cause even more complications in their lives, and the book ends on a cliff-hanger, but also, once again, thrusts us to “now” when we’re back to the wedding.
It’s a cluster-fuck of emotions from start to finish. It was so intense I actually had to put it down a few times to take a break because I have so much going on in my life I didn’t have the capacity to also take on the emotions of Carter and Miri.
Phew. If you haven’t read a Jena Doyle book, I’m telling you, it’s time to start. The writing is excellent. The world building is incredible. The characters are all-consuming, and the emotional turmoil is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
Plus, the smut is top notch, and never over shadows the actual story. It’s amazing.
When I say this is a tragedy, I say it with the weight of a thousand suns.
There is so much love and physicality, but, it is so somber. There is always something waiting in the wings to tear down a beautiful moment.
There’s a weight over the entire book because you know things cannot just be beautiful and good and loving for the rest of the time; there’s going to be heavy and horrible acts and circumstances that will happen whether you want them to or not.
This book is heavier than the first one, but no less brilliant. The book is in the POV of Carter and Miri. Being inside their heads, both of them so much softer and open than Lex and Ivy, makes what is happening that much more powerful in every way.
The adventures the foursome go on in this installment are stressful, adrenaline-filled, and dangerous. Their actions cause even more complications in their lives, and the book ends on a cliff-hanger, but also, once again, thrusts us to “now” when we’re back to the wedding.
It’s a cluster-fuck of emotions from start to finish. It was so intense I actually had to put it down a few times to take a break because I have so much going on in my life I didn’t have the capacity to also take on the emotions of Carter and Miri.
Phew. If you haven’t read a Jena Doyle book, I’m telling you, it’s time to start. The writing is excellent. The world building is incredible. The characters are all-consuming, and the emotional turmoil is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
Plus, the smut is top notch, and never over shadows the actual story. It’s amazing.
October 10, 2024
So let me start off by saying that I DEVOURED THIS BOOK.
I have been counting the days since I finished Midsummer for the ARC read for Samhain, and I would like to announce that it did not disappoint!!!!
The story picks off right where we left our lovers, miles apart and missing one another. With how insane of a ride Midsummer was, I truly had no idea what to expect coming into this. It was just as fast paced as the first and S.P.I.C.Y. A.F.
Where this book differs is we finally get to see Carter and Miri's perspectives, which I loved!!! Just like their partners, both characters have such depth and I loved seeing these two connect and grow together.
My only complaint is that it felt so short, but like I said I devoured it. It was well rounded, full and did not feel rushed in any way. I just wanted to read more of the story…. now. What can I say, I'm impatient!
I can't wait to read Solstice. I know it's going to break me all over again and then I have to wait till APRIL for book 4. How the fuck am I going to recover from this hangover?
Oh Jena, you are clever, witty and oh so cruel. My masochistic heart loves every second of it.
I have been counting the days since I finished Midsummer for the ARC read for Samhain, and I would like to announce that it did not disappoint!!!!
The story picks off right where we left our lovers, miles apart and missing one another. With how insane of a ride Midsummer was, I truly had no idea what to expect coming into this. It was just as fast paced as the first and S.P.I.C.Y. A.F.
Where this book differs is we finally get to see Carter and Miri's perspectives, which I loved!!! Just like their partners, both characters have such depth and I loved seeing these two connect and grow together.
My only complaint is that it felt so short, but like I said I devoured it. It was well rounded, full and did not feel rushed in any way. I just wanted to read more of the story…. now. What can I say, I'm impatient!
I can't wait to read Solstice. I know it's going to break me all over again and then I have to wait till APRIL for book 4. How the fuck am I going to recover from this hangover?
Oh Jena, you are clever, witty and oh so cruel. My masochistic heart loves every second of it.
October 11, 2024
Thank you to Jena Doyle for the ARC!!
My whole world stopped so I could read this, the second book in this series.
I fell in love with the first book, so could hardly wait to get this one read.
The story continues, and the magic gets deeper. Our "couples" have been unknowingly forced apart, until they are all hit with the magic again, which means they have to find their way back together to sate the need. This brings on the necessity of find Shibourne , to find out what is happening. So a trip to Ireland is arranged, and the plot thickens from there.
Our team have now found they have all been blessed, or cursed, with special power from the fae that need explanations. What has happened to them and why? And how do they get rid of it!
If you're not into multiple partners or any kind of same sex couples , then this isn't the series for you. We get a taste of all sorts in here, and it's fantastic! Ms Doyle has done an amazing job of taking an ancient tale and modernizing it for our times.
What an epic tale the author has woven, I'm counting down the days until we get book three!!!
My whole world stopped so I could read this, the second book in this series.
I fell in love with the first book, so could hardly wait to get this one read.
The story continues, and the magic gets deeper. Our "couples" have been unknowingly forced apart, until they are all hit with the magic again, which means they have to find their way back together to sate the need. This brings on the necessity of find Shibourne , to find out what is happening. So a trip to Ireland is arranged, and the plot thickens from there.
Our team have now found they have all been blessed, or cursed, with special power from the fae that need explanations. What has happened to them and why? And how do they get rid of it!
If you're not into multiple partners or any kind of same sex couples , then this isn't the series for you. We get a taste of all sorts in here, and it's fantastic! Ms Doyle has done an amazing job of taking an ancient tale and modernizing it for our times.
What an epic tale the author has woven, I'm counting down the days until we get book three!!!
October 29, 2024
Dang! That was an emotional roller coaster of a book. And I loved absolutely every single second of it. This time we are shown the story from Carter and Miri's points of view and how the two years since Midsummer have affected them. Now the fairie magic has them in its lustful grip and is bringing them back together and eventually back to the woods in Ireland and to the fairie realm. The action is non-stop, the sex is even spicier than it was in book 1, and that ending - holy Hannah of a cliffhanger - it's a good thing the next book is only a month away. Not sure my heart could handle anything longer before getting more of this story. Once again Jena Doyle has proven herself as an amazing author who captures your attention and doesn't let go.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 29, 2024
This is the second in a series and just as intense as the first. I have struggled back and forth on how to write my review without adding too many spoilers. I do want to start off with the fact that this book contains scenes - and different dynamics of relationships than are normally (for me at at least) seen. However, scenes are easy to mark and skip over to enjoy the overall story line.
Everything started on a Midsummer's Night - an accidental trip into Faerie without realizing it. A marriage in ancient runes that bound four people together forever and a gift from a faery to each person. And now after living apart they are suddenly drawn back together and they decide that they want to try to figure out what exactly happened on that Midsummer's Night.
This ends with a sort of clifhanger so be ready to be left wanting the conclusion to this very unique story.
Everything started on a Midsummer's Night - an accidental trip into Faerie without realizing it. A marriage in ancient runes that bound four people together forever and a gift from a faery to each person. And now after living apart they are suddenly drawn back together and they decide that they want to try to figure out what exactly happened on that Midsummer's Night.
This ends with a sort of clifhanger so be ready to be left wanting the conclusion to this very unique story.
November 5, 2024
Wow, these guys are going through it. In Midsummer we had Ivy and Lex’s pov, in Samhain we get Miri and Carter’s pov. To me that was great, it rounded out the gaps we had in Midsummer.
We get to see the faerie land here and there was a lot more plot revolving around the fairies and their myths. This book had everything, there was danger, mystery, magic and a hella lot of spicy times. The four MMC’s really “like” each other a lot.
We still have a time jump where we the readers are unaware of what has happened and a cliffhanger. I’m sure both will be addressed in Solstice, which is here in three weeks. Fantastic.
Thank you to Booksirens and Jena Doyle for the arc and this is my honest review.
We get to see the faerie land here and there was a lot more plot revolving around the fairies and their myths. This book had everything, there was danger, mystery, magic and a hella lot of spicy times. The four MMC’s really “like” each other a lot.
We still have a time jump where we the readers are unaware of what has happened and a cliffhanger. I’m sure both will be addressed in Solstice, which is here in three weeks. Fantastic.
Thank you to Booksirens and Jena Doyle for the arc and this is my honest review.
October 28, 2024
This continuation of a re-imagined and contemporary spin of Midsummer Night’s Dream was a page turner, for me. You definitely need to read this series in order and there’s more to come – so mind the cliff 😉 This installment brings Carter and Miri’s voices to the front and it was great getting their perspective on things. This is a fast paced read that brings all things hot to the table. Like a fan and lots of cold drinks hot ;P I’m loving this series and can’t wait for the next book to see how things continue to unfold. Good thing the author’s only making me wait a month for it ;D Highly recommend
December 31, 2024
Samhain is the second book of the Midsummer series, and it does not disapoint! I was in a slump when I started it. I read a few pages and left for some time. When I was in the mood, I returned and I'm so glad I did. The first act was kind of slow, but boy did the others fly by. We dive in more supernatural themes here and it is so well done, it is realistic in a way, like I would probably react the way the protagonists did, maybe freak out a bit more!
We encounter more people along the way and read more history surrounding the fairy world.
And the spice is spicing alright! It is awesome and I love all the different configuration between the characters. And the bound between them is really sweet.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We encounter more people along the way and read more history surrounding the fairy world.
And the spice is spicing alright! It is awesome and I love all the different configuration between the characters. And the bound between them is really sweet.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 20, 2024
I love this re-imagining of A Midsummer Night's Dream! It's original with fantastic characters and a plot that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go. Carter and Miriam are the POV voices for this second book and Ms. Doyle did a fabulous job with them. They were more like secondary characters in the first book, but they standout and shine in Samhain. It is a little disconcerting ending on a cliffhanger, but book three is just around the corner.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 17, 2024
This is the second book in the Midsummer series and follows two characters from the first book. After a wild night during a theater trip that ends with a fairy granting them a wish, two couples become one and explore their relationship. When their lives get in the way and they have to go their separate ways they are tormented by each others’ absence and must find a way to be together or end their suffering. This book explores a poly relationship that has you at the edge of your seat. You will laugh, cry, and lust over the characters as you read their story.
October 8, 2024
This amazing book follows on from Midsummer and it continues with Carter, Miri, Ivy and Lex. Their journey through the trials of their decisions that they made each other. I really enjoyed reading this one and read it in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. If you have a love of fantasy then this book, ( series ) is for you. I highly recommend reading this book and I give it 5 stars 🌟
October 28, 2024
This book started out as four young people who made a pack when they were younger. Carter, Miri, Alex and Ivy. They met at university and they were the love of each other's lives. They were going to go places together. Then Carter and Miri both went to California. Carter was going to be THE talent. Miri went to get away from royal duties. So much went on. Read the book to find out what happens.
November 14, 2024
This is book 2 of the series. The plot of this story is incredibly written and developed! The spice and suspense kept me on edge, I read straight through the night dying to see just how this could possibly end. I loved this book and can't wait for the next book!! I loved the storyline and characters. Recommend highly!
November 22, 2024
Jena has my mind in faireland and I don't want to leave. This was a wonderful 2nd book in the series. I am still fanning myself from all the spice! Currently reading the 3rd book and I can't wait for the last book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 20, 2024
A beautiful continuation of the story. Getting a closer look at the characters and their backstories was great. The interactions between the four are perfectly written. The descriptions of the emotions that come with polyamory are spot on and added in to the rest of the things the group has to deal with I couldn’t wait to see how they handled it.
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October 28, 2024Absolutely loved this book. This series has been so goode. It keeps me on the edge of my seat and has me wanting so much more. I am excited for the next book in this series. I want to know how this is going to end. It has kept me guessing.
November 15, 2024
Book two in the series. A wonderful story. I was hooked from the start, This is the continuing characters from book one, I enjoyed the twists and turns, I couldn't put it down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 8, 2024
💫4 stars💫
November 15, 2024
A great sequel to the first book in the series! Looking forward to more books by this author.
I received an advance copy via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advance copy via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2024
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC/FMC/MMC- Carter/Miri/Ivy/Lex (MFFM/FMMF/MMFF/MFMF, however you imagine it)
Premise-Part two of a queer reimagining of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in five acts, with a cliffhanger
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋, though YMMV. Sharing
Series? Y
Safety? N
Mewsings
Oh, these four! Magical beings, with or without the faerie dust. They are all equally fascinating, as they were in the last book (Midsummer). I really like Miri and Carter. In some ways, I understand them better than I do Ivy and Lex, although I am equally attached to all four of them. I’m in love with them being a ménage because I acted Helena twice and I always felt that there was more to the interactions between the four Shakespeare characters than ever made it to the page. This is the series that Shakespeare never dared to write.
MMC/FMC/FMC/MMC- Carter/Miri/Ivy/Lex (MFFM/FMMF/MMFF/MFMF, however you imagine it)
Premise-Part two of a queer reimagining of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in five acts, with a cliffhanger
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋, though YMMV. Sharing
Series? Y
Safety? N
Mewsings
Oh, these four! Magical beings, with or without the faerie dust. They are all equally fascinating, as they were in the last book (Midsummer). I really like Miri and Carter. In some ways, I understand them better than I do Ivy and Lex, although I am equally attached to all four of them. I’m in love with them being a ménage because I acted Helena twice and I always felt that there was more to the interactions between the four Shakespeare characters than ever made it to the page. This is the series that Shakespeare never dared to write.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews