The Wicked City A Novel

Silly and predictable.

Who else enjoying reading era romance stories? 'Cause I certainly do. Beatriz Williams release a fresh book in a new series. The Wicked City is set in two different time era that the reader will get to enjoy two stories at one. The time setting is place between 1924 and 1998. In each era, there is a very interesting love story between two ladies but set apart. In the 1924 era, reader will read the captivate love triangle of Geneva. Geneva is a beautiful women yet she attracts more for her life that she gets torn between two men. Each of the men is very different from each other that their personality catch Geneva attention. But there will always be a price since she will need to pick one of them. In the 1998 era, Ella is a strong women but she recently discover her husband affair that she flee. It may take some time for Ella to figure out her life but she gets more and more interesting in the building she moves into. She is discovering Geneva life story in her building that you both realize that they are both figuring out their life. While they are having interesting life, there is also interesting plot story in between that leaves you more interesting. It is action packed but it is also suspense too. The Wicked City is a good romance story that has two connecting love story that capture the true meaning of falling in love. Four Stars.

3.5 PROS - I really liked the characters in this book even though I’m not a fan of love triangles, I don’t really think it was that big of one. - The 1920s mid Atlantic setting was cool. - There was plot twists that I didn’t expect. - I overall did enjoy reading this book. CONS -I don’t think all the romances were necessary in this book. As I said, I feel like the love triangle had no impact on the plot. -I wish we could’ve have seen more of the bootlegging. Maybe a multi perspective book. -I didn’t really get the 90s plot. It might be a good idea to read Williams's other works before reading this, I was reading Goodreads questions and I just think if I had read her earlier books than I would have enjoyed The Wicked City more.

In all fairness I should probably start this review with the fact I've never read any of Beatriz Williams' previous books, so I don't have any standing knowledge of her writing or characters. So it actually surprised me when I picked up this book and started enjoying it as a standalone, only to slowly fall further and further out of sorts with what was actually going on. I feel like I should warn any potential readers that although this is technically a standalone first book, there are references to Williams' other books here too. I had a friend who has read more of her works than I have explain them to me, and then everything made more sense after that. So, if you're lost, you might want to do a little digging. Just a PSA. Now, on to The Wicked City. This is a dual narration book, alternating between the POVs of Ella Hawthorne in 1998 and Gin (Geneva) Kelly in 1924. I have to say, I was a little disappointed that Ella didn't get more of the limelight here. I actually enjoyed her story immensely, and felt like she got cut out more than she should have. Struggling to make her way in a world where she was once so happy, and now all alone, I so felt for her. While Gin's story was wonderful, and intriguing, the focus on her didn't create strong ties between these two women's stories. It felt more like Ella was just a filler story to connect Gin's story to present day events. There's a "ghost story" of sorts that works hard to make this connection, but I'm still not convinced. Add in the fact that the ending is wide open to make way for another book, and there are tons of loose threads floating out there, and you'll see why I was on the fence about that. I can definitely say that Gin's story is well done though. Down to the vernacular, you can feel the vibe and grit of the 1920's. From speakeasies, to bootleggers, to prohibition era agents, it all draws you in to Gin's day to day life in Manhattan. I loved how easily Williams showed Gin's deep love for this Manhattan, despite its less than desirable aspects, and how realistic her life felt on the page. Despite not always feeling like her story tied into Ella's, I can't say that I didn't enjoy seeing life through Gin's eyes. Her story was wild and unpredictable, much like her character, and I appreciated that. In fact, had this been a story that only focused on her, I probably would have happily rated it much higher. It was the stretches of tying this back to other stories, and to other characters, that kept giving me issues. Truth be told, I'll probably seek out more of Beatriz Williams' books, if for no other reason than I really enjoyed her writing style. I would also like to fill in some of the questions I have for myself, and give some of her other characters a chance. I still feel like it should be noted somewhere though that this book is a little difficult to read as a newbie to Williams' work. If you're willing to enjoy the story without fully understanding every little reference and nuance, you'll be fine. If you're nitpicky, like I am, you might have an issue. I'd say this is worth a read, as long as you know what you're in for! 1920's Manhattan is a fascinating place to take a literary trip to!

Slower and darker than her usual flair, but still distinctly witty in that way only Williams seems capable of doing.