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Something Spectacular (Something Fabulous) Paperback – April 11, 2023

by Alexis Hall (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 472 ratings
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From the USA Today bestselling author of Boyfriend Material comes a riotous Regency romp full of art, expensive hats, and a love that is nothing short of spectacular.

Peggy Delancey’s not at all ready to move on from her former flame, Arabella Tarleton. But Belle has her own plans for a love match, and she needs Peggy’s help to make those plans a reality. Still hung up on her feelings and unable to deny Belle what she wants, Peggy reluctantly agrees to help her woo the famous and flamboyant opera singer Orfeo.

She certainly doesn’t expect to find common ground with a celebrated soprano, but when Peggy and Orfeo meet, a whole new flame is ignited that she can’t ignore. Peggy finds an immediate kinship with Orfeo, who’s just as nonconforming as she is―and just as affected by their instant connection.

They’ve never been able to find their place in the world, but as the pair walks the line between friendship, flirtation, and something more, they may just find their place with each other.

Previous page
  1. Part of series
    Something Fabulous
  2. Print length
    335 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 11, 2023
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1542035287
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1542035286
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

"Gleefully anachronistic and spectacularly queer... enjoy this indulgent treat." -Publishers Weekly

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Hall is explicitly claiming and making space in the historical romance subgenre for queer people to be main characters on their own terms. Peggy and Orfeo’s tender friendship and romance shows that queer people do not need to justify or explain their presence or identities to find love and that love, in some form or fashion, is for everyone.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Gleefully anachronistic and spectacularly queer.…Enjoy this indulgent treat.” ―Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Alexis Hall is determined to marry into money, as his grandfather drank half the family fortune and gambled the rest. He lives in a tumbledown mansion in a fictional county, and his valet doesn’t even have a humorous name.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Montlake (April 11, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 335 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1542035287
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1542035286
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 472 ratings

About the author

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Alexis Hall

Alexis Hall

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Alexis Hall has Bette Davis eyes.

Website: http://www.quicunquevult.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/quicunquevult

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quicunquevult/

Newsletter: http://www.quicunquevult.com/contact

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
472 global ratings
Something Spectacular
4 Stars
Something Spectacular
Something Spectacular by Alexis HallBook #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.
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Top reviews from the United States

low.vely
5.0 out of 5 stars Sublime
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book’s title is absolutely apropos to the delicious romp Alexis Hall takes us on! I originally expected this book to tell the story of Peggy and Arabella finding their happy ending, but I always felt like Peggy deserved more. Luckily my assumptions were wrong and instead, Peggy finds herself falling immediately under the spell of the great Castrato opera singer, Orfeo. Their story was so sensual, but also so powerful to read the exploration of gender identities and roles in relationships. Catching up with all our favorite characters from the first book in the series is another lovely joy bomb contained within! If possible, read the audiobook version! Robyn Holdaway took an already delightful book and elevated it with their impeccable narration, perfectly capturing Hall’s characters and bringing them to life.
2 people found this helpful
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Mainer
4.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular story!
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2023
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An absolutely spectacular sequel to the first book, this one revolves around Peggy, the perhaps one sensible person from Something Fabulous. Peggy is in love with Arabella and struggles with her own sexual identity. When Belle sends her to woo the latest musical sensation, Orfeo, in her place, she finds that she wants Orfeo for herself. Orfeo is a castrato who is attracted to Peggy but warns her that their musical career is the most essential thing in their life. It's a lovely story about two NB people who find each other.
My one caveat is that I wish I had gotten more of Orfeo's POV. It would have helped me to understand his actions at the end of the book. This is a great book, very funny at times, and I think steamier than Hall's other books, which felt appropriate for the story. The other characters, both old and new, are wonderful and add a lot to the story, though I join my voice to other reviewers who want Sir Horley to get his own book.
2 people found this helpful
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M. Ball
5.0 out of 5 stars Oh, my heart!
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2024
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I enjoyed this SO much more than the first book. Loved it, in fact! Belle didn't even bother me all that much this time around. But I need a Lord Horley story, stat!! Alexis can't leave him like that.
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T. Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars sweet and fun and thoughtful
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2023
Verified Purchase
The thing that Alexis Hall manages, the thing I most admire, is how beautifully his/their characters navigate complex emotion without it ever falling back on making a plot point. It feels real to me and makes me care, a lot. That's a superpower.

Something Fabulous was a wild ride. Something Spectacular is a thought-filled ride, with one or two wild bits. It's sweet and funny and thoughtful, and with the kind of sex scenes I actually read, they're so pretty, so intensely personal to the characters.

I cannot wait for book 3.
4 people found this helpful
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hogglea10
3.0 out of 5 stars 2.5 stars rounded up
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2023
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed revisiting the characters I came to know in Something Fabulous, and this was the most enjoyable part of the book for me: seeing the now secondary characters carrying on in their lives. As for the stars of this novel… well, Peggy was fine, but I really kept hoping she would wake up and realize she deserved someone better than Orfeo. They didn’t treat her well through 90% of the book, and while I understand they had their own trauma to work through and growing up to do, that doesn’t excuse treating someone the way they treated Peggy. Also, the modern day euphemisms and language and ideas just felt old to me in this book. They were fine in the first one but by the time this second book ended, they felt tired and worn out and used up. While this story lacks the ridiculousness and over-the-topness of the first book and arguably had the better/more realistic(?) plot line, I think the fact that the plot of the first one was so ridiculously over-the-top that the language and euphemisms worked better there than they did here. That was more of a parody than this one and this one just tried too hard to capture the whimsy of the first one and fell short. Also, the excessive everyone-clearly-wants-an-orgy-at-the-drop-of-a-hat energy felt gratuitous. I mean, I didn’t hate the book… I enjoyed it fine, but this doesn’t inspire me to want to carry on with the series, either.
4 people found this helpful
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Madison W Fairbanks
4.0 out of 5 stars Something Spectacular
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2023
Verified Purchase
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.
Customer image
Madison W Fairbanks
4.0 out of 5 stars Something Spectacular
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2023
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.
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4 people found this helpful
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Annette Lee
5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful story!
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2023
Verified Purchase
As a 76 year old baby boomer and as one who always prided herself as an open-minded individual, I must admit I have been struggling to understand the current crisis over perceived sexuality. Now I FINALLY understand nonbinary. I have struggled past the barrier of confusion to recognize hearts, thoughts, feelings, compassion, sensivity and humanity -- all those recognizable traits existing as simply on this side of the man-made (and steadily weakening) barrier as they do on the other side. We are all flesh and bone, hearts and brains -- and love honors no barriers. Thanks for this book. It was a gift.
9 people found this helpful
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Jules42
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2023
Verified Purchase
This was my first Alexis Hall book, but it certainly won’t be my last. Simply a delight from start to finish. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard at a novel. Imagine the humor of Douglas Adams, Christopher Moore, or Terry Pratchett, but applied to a fabulously queer regency romance. This was also the only book I’ve ever found where two non-binary people fall in love, and I’d love to see that pairing become more popular.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Anni (Bella) reads a lot
5.0 out of 5 stars Peggy and Orfeo’s story is one for the ages - loved it!
Reviewed in Canada on April 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
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.
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JS
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful as ever
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
Another delightful book from Alexis Hall. Quite different to the first in this universe, yet even more fully rounded, which I was not expecting could be. Even when I think I might not relate to one of the characters, the writing lends itself to show me how they feel, and it’s joyous how eventually they win you over. The author’s point of view always very carefully and respectful put through. Wonderful.
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Arashi / Danny
5.0 out of 5 stars does its title justice
Reviewed in Germany on June 25, 2023
Verified Purchase
I will once again have to start this with a disclaimer - I've never really met an Alexis Hall book I didn't like. I am biased and don't want to not be, either.

Something Spectacular follows Something Fabulous chronologically. While you don't need to have read the latter, it helps a lot - especially when the book makes reference to previous events or settings, such as what transpired at the homes of Miss Fairfax and Miss Evans. Some characters and their arcs also make a lot more sense in context, such as Sir Horley, and growth is even more evident for Belle or Valentine if one considers Something Fabulous.

I loved Peggy in the first book - the steadfast, level-headed friend dragged into "adventures" by the impetuous Tarleton twins, where she was a side character acting as the voice of reason. I am glad she got her own book and a well-earned happy ending. I cannot stress enough how happy I am to see more and more nonbinary characters whose parents never rejected them, whose friends don't try to fix them, and whom the world, albeit grudgingly, accepts. Peggy herself, after confronting some harsh realities, would be the first to admit she can find answers to all her identity questions from a place of priviledge - she is rich and loved within her own support network. I think it makes her occasional loneliness even more striking when she feels her identity makes her one of a kind amongst her circle.

Enter Orfeo, as unapologetically queer and sex-positive as Peggy, but with a confidence carved out of trauma, charisma, vanity, and talent - they are adored and desired and deserving of both, and they know and flaunt it. Throughout the book, the unlikely non-binary couple discover they are also worthy of the sort of love that makes the other an anchor in their world.

(As a side note, I am about as familiar and enthusiastic about opera or sacral music as Peggy. However, Hall's description of the musical passages, Orfeo's renditions, and their undeniable effect upon Peggy gave me goosebumps and got me curious. One of the author's newsletters contained some resources and I looked up the recording of the last known castrato and... I can see where it's coming from.)

Valentine has been a favorite character in Something Fabulous and he has not let me down in this one, either. In case you didn't know, he's a duke!, filthy rich, and therefore able to follow his heart where a 'lesser' man might not (as Sir Horley points out in one of the most heart wrenching scenes). He's also a gentler and kinder man than most give him credit for, and he's finally come out of his shell (though he mostly keeps it hidden) and found his happiness, and I am silly happy for him.

Also, Belle finally got a bit of depth and comes across as more than obnoxious and selfish. I am glad to see some aromantic rep as well, and hope she finds her place in the world with a dream of her own, rather than one she believed she had to pursue (and oh, how that hit home).

I love how the author writes characters across the entire rainbow spectrum, giving them all a spot on the stage and a voice to tell their story, without ever giving the feeling that their (right to) existence is questioned (it might be by the one or other character, but the voice of the novels always gives off an 'I'm queer, I'm here, deal with it' vibe, no matter how "obscure", for lack of a better term, their sexuality or identity - a fact for which I am immensely grateful).

Lastly, I listened to this as an audiobook and loved Robyn Holdaway performance as narrator - including Orfeo's Italian accent and the overly dramatic Belle and Bonnie :)
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LectoraEstherica
5.0 out of 5 stars Something Spectacular
Reviewed in Spain on May 5, 2023
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No soy muy dada al romance histórico que no contenga highlanders o elementos fantásticos, pero siendo Alexis Hall quien lo escribe y teniendo une protagonista no binario y otro un castrati no pude dejar de darle una oportunidad:
es divertido, interesante, a veces un poco triste (necesario para que las otras partes brillen más y darle un toque de realidad), lleno de diversidad, alguna aventurilla loca, amigos de verdad (familia encontrada) y ¡muchas otras cosas!
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars So Spectacular
Reviewed in Australia on April 19, 2023
Verified Purchase
I love Alexis Hall. They could write a book every day all year and I'd read each one as it was written and I'd still feel sad at the end because it wouldn't be enough. Because. They. Are. AMAZING. Something spectacular is Peggy's story and if you loved something fabulous, you'll adore this one. The characters are fantastic and if anything I'd say this one is superior because as much as I do adore Bonny and ValENtine, they are mildly silly in many ways while Peggy and Orfeo are just so mature, so gorgeous and so stunningly beautiful together. Every star in the sky. Please may there be more books in this series because I want our *potentially* aro gal Bella to find her peace and a certain friend needs urgent rescuing from a wedding.
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