Guest Review by Julie: A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

Series:	Veronica Speedwell #1
Pub. Date:	July 12, 2016
Publisher:	Berkley
Length:	368 pages

Veronica is quite the unusual young lady. She's feisty, extremely opinionated, sarcastic, and lacking in feminine pursuits-like needlepoint and husband catching-and she happens to be a lepidopterist (person who studies butterflies). 

Stoker is a taxidermist among other duties, and ..well, to me, he's kind of like the Victorian version of a tattooed bad boy. Little facts about him pop up throughout the story solidifying that he has honor, is protective, intelligent-even when he acts before he thinks, and the best part-just how much Veronica confounds him on many levels..often times with amusing results. 

I can truly say my favorite parts of book were the conversations! Veronica and Stoker had me cracking up with deliciously straightforward bits..imagine two scientific, very logical thinkers having discussions on everything from mending a shirt to stuffing an elephant..the vocabulary alone made it so worthwhile. Stoker telling Veronica how to alleviate her desire in a non-physical way-that one stands out because I couldn't stop laughing! 

The mystery surrounding Veronica's past was quite fun unraveling and the secondary characters-from the traveling circus troupe to Scotland Yards Special Branch-simply added to the interesting landscape. Overall, I thought this was a well-plotted adventure and can't wait to see what's in store next for Veronica and Stoker!

Reviewed by Julie H. for Bambi Unbridled

Julie is a transplanted military brat that now calls the Midwest home with her own romantic hero, daughter and two furbabies. While she toils the day away in a medical office, she would really rather be reading! Julie loves historical romance, steampunk, romantic suspense, military romance (duh!), paranormal and urban fantasy.  She loves a kickass take-charge heroine, lots of action, and the all-important HEA. Julie can get down with an alpha male, but she does not discount a nerdy hero with a sexy brain.

Julie and Bambi met at the RT Convention where they found themselves standing in many lines, sharing their similar reading interests, and fangirling over attending authors.