Heat Factor: There’s an orgy. At a poetry reading.

Character Chemistry: “I am very attracted to you but I know I can’t keep you and that is preemptively breaking my heart.”

Plot: Peggy woos an opera singer.

Overall: Spectacular indeed.

Late in the book, after a kidnapping gone very very awry, Peggy articulates the thesis of this series:

"She had always chosen to be the naysayer, the sensible one, the voice of reason when dragged into the latest round of Tarleton hijinks, but she had never once said no. Because, at the end of the day, a world full of adventures, romantic reversals, grand gestures, and happy endings was simply better than a world without."

I guess this is the thesis of the entire romance genre writ large, but this series in particular is purposely conscious of the way Romance Tropes—as we find them in books—make things better. So readers should not be surprised to find that this book references genre romance tropes deliberately, frequently, and joyfully.

This book is also very queer—deliberately, frequently, and joyfully. This is not a queer historical romance where the characters are carefully closeted (as is the case in books by Aster Glenn Gray and K.J. Charles, for example). No, the characters in this book are open about their sexual desires, in whatever form they take. Our protagonists, Peggy and Orfeo, are both non-binary pansexual characters—and are broadly accepted as such by their friends, family, and acquaintances. (Note: Peggy is occasionally misgendered by minor characters.) Even Orfeo’s vaguely villainous patron is not villainous because he wants to limit Orfeo’s gender presentation or sexuality; rather, he wants to control Orfeo’s time and attention in order to guide their musical talent to his specifications.

Before I talk about the romance, I think some background information on the characters is warranted. Peggy has been in love with her best friend for years, though the feeling is not reciprocated. Peggy is trying to get some space by going home to the country, but when Belle summons Peggy to London, of course Peggy goes. She is not amused when it turns out that Belle has called for Peggy so that Peggy can woo someone for Belle, Twelfth Night style. Especially since it will involve going to a musicale, and Peggy is so bored by the arts, and musicales are the absolute worst. But she goes anyway.

Enter Orfeo. Orfeo is a castrato who is visiting London to show off their spectacular singing, and Peggy is duly impressed—and, in fact, faints after the performance, much to her deep and abiding embarrassment. (“It was a bad grape!”) There is a lot of talk throughout the book about the haunting quality of Orfeo’s voice. Thanks to the power of the internet, here’s a recording from 1904 of Alessandro Moreschi, the last castrato affilitated with the Sistine choir in rome, singing: https://youtu.be/KLjvfqnD0ws


Unfortunately for Belle, Orfeo has eyes only for Peggy. (Honestly, Belle has read enough books that she should have expected that to happen.) Peggy finds herself similarly drawn to Orfeo, though she fights her attraction: because she’s there on behalf of her friend, and, more importantly, because she’s afraid of being hurt. After all, Orfeo is spectacular, and Peggy’s deepest desire is to have a quiet, normal life in the country.

Most of the conflict of the romance is therefore internal, and centers on the question of whether snatching a short time of joy will be worth the sadness when it ends. Once Peggy decides that yes, it’s worth it, she and Orfeo have various adventures running around London (this is when the poetry orgy happens). Of course, since we’ve been building up to this moment for the entire relationship, Orfeo and Peggy do separate in a truly gutting scene that is both shocking and inevitable.

But don’t worry, there’s a happy ending—probably the most “ever” happy ending I’ve read in any of Alexis Hall’s books. If I were feeling more cogent this morning, I could write a whole case study in how it plays with the heteronormative HEA, but I’m not, and also, I don’t want to spoil anything.

A final note: I’ve seen some pearl clutching about the sex scene that occurs late in the book and how “spicy” it is. Maybe I’m jaded, but I didn’t find it shockingly explicit or anything? Anyways, reader be warned, there is a sex scene where Peggy and Orfeo are joined in bed by other characters. Who were not at the poetry orgy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

Something Spectacular by Alexis Hall
Book #2 in the Something Fantastic series. LGBTQ+ historical romance. NB/NB. Best read as part of the series in order. Characters and backstory from the first book play heavily in this story.
Peggy Delancey is in love with Arabella Tarleton and has a hard time saying no to any of her requests. So Peggy travels to London to help Arabella catch the eye of celebrated soprano, Orfeo. But Orfeo and Peggy have eyes only for each other as they begin a relationship neither expected.

While it’s set in historical times, the author is clear in the introduction that the language is modern and that liberties are taken in the settings.
Orfeo is a “kept” artist of the times and they must sing and consort for their living. Peggy’s eyes are opened to the privileged life she’s led.
It’s a romance. It’s a statement of the times for the artist. It’s a bit erotica for the couples from the series and a few others. It’s a declaration of acceptance demanded by the author for the reader. It’s a romp of indulgence for the characters though they must overcome a bit of strife first to get there.
Again, it’s a romance so a guaranteed happily ever after.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This book is wow. In a good way. I am close to speechless. The ending was the most intense ending of any book in recent memory.

Also, I really savoured this book and read it slowly so I gotta pull my thoughts together. Luckily, I've been taking some notes as I go along so hopefully I can come up with something coherent. The bottom line is that I don't think I would change a thing about this book. There was a moment in the last 20% where I thought that maybe I wanted a little more insight into Orfeo's actions but then I remembered that we got so much character depth and development leading up to that point that I was indeed satisfied. I truly highlighted a solid 50% of the book - so many great lines, things that made me laugh out loud, things that got me thinking and challenged me - it was just so much goodness.

Peggy is possibly my favourite romance hero ever? And the most complex. She is so wonderfully and intricately drawn. I can't think of anyone who compares. And the way she is so taken with Orfeo is enthralling. Who can blame her? Orfeo is enchanting and flawed and vulnerable and strong. As much as it is Peggy's book, I delighted at the deeper view into Belle and Sir Horley and the antics and growth of Bonny and Valentine in a way that felt just right and not forced the way cameos can sometimes feel. However controversial, Belle too is a complicated figure and my sympathy and compassion for her grew exponentially. Now I simply cannot wait for Sir Horley's story. And to see more of some of the new characters. I hope we get to see the whole band of merry misfits in his book.

This book was a delight in a whole different way than Something Fabulous and they are now both dear to my heart.

Something Spectacular is a follow up to Hall’s Something Fabulous, and follows Bonny’s sister Arabella and her best friend Peggy on Arabella’s quest to find love. Only, it’s really about Peggy’s own journey to finding (self) love and pride. ⁣
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I absolutely adored Peggy in Something Fabulous, so I was really excited to learn more about her and watch her fall in love - with herself, and the beautiful Orfeo. Belle still grinds my gears (she’s just incredibly frustrating lol) but I appreciated her own growth throughout the story, and through her friendship with Peggy. ⁣
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Hall, as always, focuses on important themes like gender fluidity and societal expectations in a Regency era setting, and it floors me everytime. Having two non-binary main characters take center stage made me feel so seen, and beyond happy. My favorite part? Being inside Peggy's head; it felt like my brain was looking at itself (isn’t that weird?) and I deeply appreciated seeing her grow and realize how her dreams and self-expression could coexist, and finding the courage to be free on her own terms. And of course, you can’t have an Alexis Hall book without some good laughs, an unplanned (but essential) orgy, and lots of steamy moments. ⁣
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All in all, just a spectacular ride from start to finish. Definitely pick this one up!

Peggy goes to London at the call of her former lover, Arabella, hoping that Arabella wants her back, but she learns that Arabella wants her help in seducing the opera singer Orfeo. When Peggy and Orfeo meet the two are instantly attracted to one another and decide to pursue their connection. Both are gender-fluid and are very happy to find someone who sees and loves the other for who they are and their fluctuating gender identity.

Like with Something Fabulous, this book is just fun queer fluff. It isn’t a serious historical romance and does not try to be. In fact Alexis starts the book with an author’s note stating that he was not trying at all for historical accuracy which makes sense given that everyone in the book is queer and everyone is fine with it. I found Orfeo’s character as a male soprano to be very interesting as the presence of castrati on the stage is not something that is typically mentioned in historical romance let alone having one as one of the leads of a story. Like always this book is a wonderful mix of queerness, humor, and heat.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hall’s second entry in the Something Fabulous series is once again filled with a cast of complex and yet incredibly likable characters. While Hall admits to playing fast and loss with the historical facts and using modern language in the dialogue, you’ll find it doesn’t matter since this book is a delightfully fun 2SLGBTQIA+ romantic romp. Not that there aren’t serious issues tackled (so check the CWs) but Hall handles them with aplomb. If you’re looking for an unabashedly steamy very well written humorous romance, pick up this book. Oh and don’t miss out on Bonny and Valentine’s love story, Something Fabulous.


I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Montlake in exchange for an honest review.

- Aren't we all so lucky to be living when Alexis Hall is writing books? SOMETHING SPECTACULAR is everything I've come to love about his romance: silly, spicy, queer, messy, and tender.
- This book has two protagonists who would likely be considered nonbinary today, though they don't have the word for it in the Regency era. I loved that they both experienced gender and expressed themselves differently.
- As with many Hall books, there are some real, thorny emotional struggles here, but they are handled so lovingly and gently. It's probably also the funniest and most over the top Hall book I've read so far. Just the best.

📚 r e v i e w 📚
something spectacular - alexis hall
the tarteltons, valentine, peggy and sir horley are back in another spectacular adventure exploring georgian society whilst being fabulous. this time peggy takes the lead - after accidentally helping belle evade marriage to valentine and helping valentine realise he actually loves bonny - she is back home in devon trying to get over belle and recover from her adventure.
only belle has summoned her to london to help in a new adventure; falling in love with an italian opera singer, orfeo. naturally, with this group, the course of true love never runs smooth.

full of hilarity, heart break and a diverse cast of queer characters (seriously, there are no straights to be found here, if you find historical romance aggressively heterosexual, give this duology a try!). told with alexis hall’s usual wit and charm, something spectacular is just that: spectacular.

thank you to @netgalley for the early copy. something spectacular and its prequel, something fabulous, is available on kindle unlimited now.
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Something Fabulous, but make it lesbian. It was perfect and just a great bundle of joy. I loved it so much. It was even better in my opinion than other books by the author. Genuinely felt like a big warm hug.

I loved the characters and their relationships, this feels like a comfort read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my early e-arc.

Written by Alexis Hall, Something Spectacular is a Historical Romance book that revolves around Peggy, who have deep feelings for their friend Arabella. However, everything changes when Arabella asks for Peggy's assistance in wooing an Italian opera singer called Orfeo, which leads to Peggy falling in love with them.
Whilst the writter set up a very exciting plot, I couldn’t help but feel that Something Spectacular was disappointing. I'm going to walk you through the aspects that made me feel this way.
Firstly, the narrative pacing is excruciatingly slow. To my mind, there are a lot of scenes that do not add up to the book's plot, which turns the reading process into a tedious one. Were I the author, I could have prevented this by deleting these parts.
Secondly, the characters. While I was reading this novel, I found it difficult to empathize with most of the characters since I felt their personalities were not magnetic. As a consequence, I was not able to enjoy their interactions.
Thirdly, the central characters' chemistry. Sadly, I think Peggy and Orfeo have no affinity for each other, which made me not to root for their romance. It strikes me that the author could have focused more on developing a harmonious relationship between the characters.
Despite all this, I will give Alexis Hall credit for his lyrical prose. There are a lot of memorable quotes that can be taken from this novel.
Even though I would not recommend the book overall, it’s important to mention that this title has non binary representation, which I consider that should be included in more stories.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Alexis Hall does it again. His ability to write relatable characters (who maybe have a flair for the dramatic), even in historical fiction is unmatched and Something Spectacular is no different. After reading Something Fabulous and absolutely adoring Peggy, I was thrilled that she got her own story. I have never read anything quite like this and I mean that in the best way possible. Orfeo is a delight and I loved the somewhat rocky courtship (if you could quite call it that) they went through with Peggy. The joy in finding love is endlessly celebrated in this book and I seriously hope that we haven't seen the last of these characters!

This was an enjoyable romance that I didn't want to put down. I loved the main characters and the story was well developed.

I haven't loved this latest queer historical romance series from Alexis Hall and this latest was no exception unfortunately. While I do love seeing more queer characters and love stories in the regency romance genre and it was nice getting cameos from Something fabulous, where this story lost me was the two couples agreeing to have basically an orgy in order for the Sapphic couple to get pregnant. I get that the options would have been limited at the time but it felt weird and wrong/out of character/forced? Maybe it was just a straight cis me thing but I wasn't a fan. I also didn't love the narrator's accents in the audiobook version either. Overall mostly a miss for me sadly. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! (On the upside, the cover is beautiful and purple!)

Something Spectacular was such a delightful read! It's a perfect addition to the Something Fabulous series, and I truly hope this isn't the last we see of these characters. *cough*Sir Horley*cough*

If you haven't read Something Fabulous yet, I implore you to! It was my top read of 2022 and it's where you'll first meet Peggy. (It's not 100% necessary to read SF first, but I think you'll appreciate the antics of these characters even more if you do!)

Peggy was the most level headed and practical of that ridiculous crew and she definitely deserved a happily ever after, after everything Belle put her through. I was hoping she'd come out of her Belle induced haze and realize that she deserved more than whatever Belle would be able to give her. While it was a little touch and go there in the beginning, I loved seeing Peggy finally have a "light bulb" moment when it came to Belle and her feelings and all that entailed.

And it was thanks to Belle that she met Orfeo, which turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to/for her. Their romance was lovely. There was a lot these two had to figure out for themselves and I liked being along for the ride.

I really enjoyed this story. It was fun and funny, sweet and tender, and quite entertaining. It wasn't as ridiculously, wonderfully, over the top as Something Fabulous, but it was just as enjoyable nonetheless. There were so many great scenes, one of my favorites was the first time Peggy and Orfeo met- it was so out of character for her, I think that was when I knew this was going to be good! And of course I loved seeing Bonny and Valentine again, I adore them!

Here's hoping we'll be seeing more of this dysFUNctional found family!

Wow! A brilliant regency non-binary/gender non-conformity and Castrato/Unico storyline. Completely unique compared to everything else out there, and an absolute joy to discover! I read both of this series back-to-back (Something Fabulous and Something Spectacular), straight through on the same day, so it really had a great impact with all of the characters. I highly recommend doing that, so you really get these characters in your head and heart. Very important to read the first book and understand Peggy and all of the friends.

Peggy is truly a special case. She’s in love with her best friend Arabella, sister of the main character from book one. They both feature prominently so we get to know them well, and their friendship as they flee together from the proposal of Arabella’s new “brother-in-law,” the duke. Arabella is not in love with Peggy… Peggy also doesn’t feel she is either a woman or a man - she’s neither and both. Non-conforming, gender dysphoria. Before non-binary was something, or they/them, so is still a she. She prefers to dress masculine but will still wear dresses when necessary.

Arabella asks Peggy to speak on her behalf to the Castrato opera singer, performing at their friends party, since she keeps getting tongue tied… wanting to have a fling with them (ah - but the Unico are deemed “they” when gender is removed at a young age!), but Orfeo instead takes a liking to Peggy and her non-conforming preferences, and thus a beautiful, short-term fling bond is forged.

Is it strange that I pictured Harry and Olivia in these roles?? I know they broke up now, but he’s a singer and doesn’t believe in typecasting people into gender identity and the cover art kind of looks like them! (yes, I understand the short-haired one is Peggy)

I definitely did not see what happened at 98% coming!! Wowza! I wish all his books were this steamy!

I completely and totally recommend this to every single romance reader out there - you need this book/series in your lives, right now!

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Montlake, and this is my honest feedback.

Something Fabulous was like something I'd never read before. Regency MM is not that available. I knew I would love Something Spectacular because Alexis Hall wrote it. Bella was not my favorite, and for the most part, she hasn't changed much, but for me, this was not her story so she was just an irritatingly funny side character. Peggy, however, wowed me. She was irreverent, hilarious, dry witted, and so many other adjectives. Orfeo was a character that completely captivated me. Obviously, not perfectly regency historical, but great laughs were had and some swooning as well.

This book had me literally laughing out loud!

Alexis Hall's writing style really shone in this book. It was so witty and funny, while also just being a great, feel-good queer read. I love that his Regency setting books don't take themselves too seriously. They play with the way people talk and explore the entire spectrum of gender and sexuality against a backdrop of a society where everyone is just a little bit queer.

Something Spectacular follows Peggy, who considers herself neither a girl nor a boy, and Orfeo, a castrato, who also considers themselves somewhere in between. In each other, they find a meeting of souls, and I loved getting the chance to read their love story.

**advanced reader copy provided by netgalley**

What a hilarious, hijinks-filled historical romance from Alexis Hall!

I loved the characters, the action, and the passion. Hall's writing is so fun. It consistently makes me giggle and even clutch my pearls on the rare occasion.

Something Spectacular is Peggy's love story. I have not yet read book one in this series (Something Fabulous) and definitely got peeks if not straight spoilers into the plot through this book. I'm definitely going to go back and read it because the Tarletons are an absolute hoot and do nothing but engage in poor decision-making, often involving kidnapping.

The highlighting of Peggy and Orfeo as two genderqueer characters in history deserving of love and romance is one of the true strengths of this book. Likewise Peggy's journey grappling with how to desire what society forces on you on your own terms, was a joy to read. She is a strong-willed yet often supporting character finding her own legs in her story.

Hall delivers:
- a pretty much all queer cast
- two genderqueer MCs
- single POV - Peggy
- castrato opera star love interest - Orfeo
- operaaaaa
- more Belle, Bonnie, Valentine & Sir Horley
- absolutely hijinks after hijinks
- homoerotic poetry
- orgies...so many orgies

While I enjoyed this story, I think it could have been strengthened with the addition of Orfeo's POV. I wanted to know better what drove their conflicted decision-making and how they came to love Peggy more than music. The single POV also made it easier to get distracted in Peggy's side jaunts that sometimes took the reader away from the main story (for instance, when she saved the Duke of Marshalsea).

Something Spectacular is a wonderfully sexy, emotional, heartwarming, love affirming, historical romance stunner with distinct banter and humour in places that, I've come to believe, only Alexis Hall can make happen. 

Peggy is a genderfluid hero AND heroine who hopelessly falls for Orfeo, an agender soprano who promises Peggy something spectacular without breaking her heart - but only for a few months. 

And as this is a romance with a wonderful happy ending, it's essentially in many ways, about not living a compromise, not having to follow the labels and 'shoulds' or society, instead making deliberate choices in stepping away from playing small and going after the spectacular, THE one, the love - whatever that looks like.

And while Orfeo's upbringing has been traumatic*, and there are (challenged) instances of harassment due to their identity, there's this overall normalcy of love and acceptance (somehow everyone is spectacularly queer) with some of my favorite scenes featuring Peggy and the chats with her parents, the orgies, old friends supporting each other to find happiness, and so much more.  

This book is explicit and filled with lots of queer people having lots of sex-positive, body positive, consent driven sex. 

Get this book and put it on your keeper-shelf. 

This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone. However, with 'Something Fabulous' - the 1st book in the series - being absolutely fabulous - I'd highly recommend reading that book too. 

Thank you to the publisher for granting me an opportunity to read this book in advance of it's publication date.  

*Check out the author's note at the beginning of the book for detailed historical explanation and context.

Something Spectacular by Alexis Hall certainly does live up to its name. This was such a fun, silly and entertaining read. This is such an Alexis Hall book and I'm so glad to have had a chance to read it. If you're looking to read something fun yet still grounded with emotion, I would look no further than anything by Alexis Hall, especially Something Spectacular.