Allison

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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 8

by Beth Brower (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: 2026, currently-reading

Reading for the 2nd time

read in October 2026

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Allison said: " Eight volumes in, and apparently I have no intention of leaving St. Crispian’s anytime soon. This series continues to be an absolute delight, although Volume 8 did leave me wanting a little more of the chaos, scandal, and romantic tension that usuall Eight volumes in, and apparently I have no intention of leaving St. Crispian’s anytime soon. This series continues to be an absolute delight, although Volume 8 did leave me wanting a little more of the chaos, scandal, and romantic tension that usually keeps me glued to the pages.

I’ll admit, I was rather pleased to see some cracks appearing in Pierce’s seemingly polished exterior. I’ve never been a Pierce stan, and his combination of self-absorption and victim mentality does very little for me. Emma seems to be noticing some of his shortcomings, too, and I’m here for it. Meanwhile, I was practically waiting for Hawkes to open up at Stonecrop after Islington’s warning, only to be left feeling a little short-changed. Those chapters felt longer than necessary, and I kept hoping for a revelation, an epiphany, or perhaps a little romance to justify the extended stay.

Speaking of romance, **I remain firmly on Team Islington.** I want answers about his sister, the mysterious girl in the painting, and whatever complicated history he’s keeping tucked away. And if those answers happen to come with some unmistakable romantic feelings for Emma, all the better. I am not a patient woman when it comes to fictional slow burns.

I also continue to distrust Arabella. I’m convinced she has an ulterior motive where Emma is concerned, and I refuse to believe otherwise until proven wrong. As for Maggie, Islington’s sister, I have very little patience for her bullying behaviour. The way she manoeuvred her husband into proposing was enough to make me want to confiscate her invitation to polite society.

Despite my complaints, I still love this series. St. Crispian’s is gloriously topsy-turvy, the characters are endlessly entertaining, and there is rarely a dull moment. I just missed some of the scandal and drama this time around. Stonecrop had its place, but I was ready to return to the delightful madness of St. Crispian’s before I’d quite finished unpacking.

Naturally, I’ll be reading Volume 9. I need answers, I need more Hawkes, I need Islington to get on with it, and I need to know what Arabella is up to. Beth Brower, please understand that I have developed a completely reasonable level of emotional investment in these fictional people.

5/5 stars. A slightly less satisfying instalment in places, but even a quieter volume of this series is better company than most books. And I am absolutely not ready to leave St. Crispian’s yet. ...more "

Oct 19, 2026 08:31AM · see review