The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Vol. 7, by Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals #7 

August 30, 2023 – August 31, 2023

 Six stars, most excellent. Made me smile the whole time.

You have no idea how badly I wanted this book. After the cliffhanger of the last book my mind was just going crazy asking and picturing what in the world their conversation was going to be. I honestly haven’t been this excited about a book drop since Twilight. I was checking Amazon multiple times a day to see if preorders were up yet (spoiler there weren’t any) even calling our local book store to see if they were planning on carrying it. I even started stalking her on Instagram (I now have a reason to go on there.)

Then it happened! A day before it was supposed to drop it showed up! But then I had to wait TWO WHOLE DAYS until I actually got it.

But it was so worth the wait.

I’m glad they addressed the whole “what will she wear” question. That was part of the day dream. And the conversation when it happened? It did not go quite how I thought it would. I thought he would be a lot more sure of himself and stuff since he is the one who kissed her. But still satisfying.

And we found out how he hurt his leg! Sort of. Sigh. He asked if she’ll be able to handle the fact that he just plain isn’t going to tell her stuff, and she doesn’t know, which I think is realistic as I don’t know too.

So much happened and I read it so fast, I need to read it again. And I would like the record to show that I TOTALLY called it that Jack would find her a chaperone – it was exactly like I hoped it would be.

Random thing I wasn’t expecting was Duke guy becoming her guardian. Like it makes sense and I can see why they would be so upset, but it keeps her safe from her aunt and he’s not going to clip her wings. I do wonder if he’s going to throw a fuss when he finds out about Pierce. Because yeah he’s not the polished nice look suitor. I mean we’re all in love with him, but what are they going to think? Hawkes obviously caught onto that something is up, but I don’t think even he knows how serious Emma and Perice are.

And now they are courting. I’m glad that it ended like that, but at the same point it wasn’t the joyous “yeah! This is so great!” No he put a storm cloud over it with his threat to leave if it looks like he’s going to hurt her. Which is just foreshadowing that something awful is going to happen.

Marinda MMM frowns.

I’m glad she’s free of her aunt, but now there is more mystery and questions around Hawkes than ever before. How did he know her father and why of all people did he leave her in his care?

This time I would say I want the next book, not that I need it like this one was.

I’m going to go reread it today- and eat a scone.