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sofiazee's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
First half of the story:
- hailing from the USA, Emma is a bright, independent young lady who wants to take over her father’s business in a time where women are still looked down upon.
- Alex, Duke of Ashbourne, is a handsome rake who intends to remain a bachelor as long as he can.
- characters (history and personality) were built up quite well.
- their chance encounter was ridiculous. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter between them both!
- i also enjoyed the tension between them both, especially how Alex tried to control his emotions and desires for Emma. Written so beautifully!
- some of the dialogues seem out of place during the regency era.
Second half:
- Emma and Alex regress in age. Even if we can forgive Emma’s naivety for her lack of exposure, it’s impossible that a womanising Alex of 29yo can’t identify his own feelings for Emma.
- There are also too many tantrums and aggression (passive or otherwise) thrown around, which can be avoided if they would properly communicate. I believe egoistic characters can still be egoistic in a mature manner.
- plot dragged out too long. Final 100 pages, though interesting, was entirely unnecessary.
- supporting characters are purely functional for the sake of the plot. Barely any fleshing out. Which is a shame, because I do find some of them quite endearing.
- at the end of the day, Emma’s back story, which was built quite successfully at the beginning, don’t matter. The way she behaved in certain scenes do not befit this narrative of hers. For all I care, she could’ve just been a noble who has never left England and it will not affect the story one bit. Which is a real pity. There is so much potential here!
- hailing from the USA, Emma is a bright, independent young lady who wants to take over her father’s business in a time where women are still looked down upon.
- Alex, Duke of Ashbourne, is a handsome rake who intends to remain a bachelor as long as he can.
- characters (history and personality) were built up quite well.
- their chance encounter was ridiculous. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter between them both!
- i also enjoyed the tension between them both, especially how Alex tried to control his emotions and desires for Emma. Written so beautifully!
- some of the dialogues seem out of place during the regency era.
Second half:
- Emma and Alex regress in age. Even if we can forgive Emma’s naivety for her lack of exposure, it’s impossible that a womanising Alex of 29yo can’t identify his own feelings for Emma.
- There are also too many tantrums and aggression (passive or otherwise) thrown around, which can be avoided if they would properly communicate. I believe egoistic characters can still be egoistic in a mature manner.
- plot dragged out too long. Final 100 pages, though interesting, was entirely unnecessary.
- supporting characters are purely functional for the sake of the plot. Barely any fleshing out. Which is a shame, because I do find some of them quite endearing.
- at the end of the day, Emma’s back story, which was built quite successfully at the beginning, don’t matter. The way she behaved in certain scenes do not befit this narrative of hers. For all I care, she could’ve just been a noble who has never left England and it will not affect the story one bit. Which is a real pity. There is so much potential here!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Classism, and Kidnapping
Minor: Alcohol, Blood, and Colonisation
smithrachaelynn's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really loved reading this! Emma is so cute and I loved her connection with Alex. So sweet! Definitely different than Quinn’s later works but I still really loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Kidnapping, Physical abuse, and Violence
kkalicky94's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping and Sexual content
Minor: Cursing and Confinement
sienasarah's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is definitely a debut novel, which is acknowledged at the beginning with an intro from the author. Having read the Bridgerton series and other Julia Quinn novels you definitely pick up the beginning of her style here, even if it is unrefined. Alex’s dialogue initially put me off, especially with his constant use of “love” which felt very out of place, but I am glad I persevered and did end up enjoying the novel. Not necessarily one I would revisit but good if you are in the mood for a cheeky historical romance and not precious about historical accuracy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
words_and_dreams's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was Julia Quinn's first novel. You can definitely see how she has grown as a writer. All of the elements I love of Quinn's work is here, the wit and humour, the family dynamics and female friendship.
The downside for me was the hero. He made some questionble choices near the begining which could have ruined Emma our heroine. I mean compared to some heroes of the 90's romances, he was not too bad but he came across as selfish.
I liked the heroine, she was funny and feisty although there was a little of the 'not like other girls' going on. Also I dont think we needed quite so many references to her red hair. There was alot.
The downside for me was the hero. He made some questionble choices near the begining which could have ruined Emma our heroine. I mean compared to some heroes of the 90's romances, he was not too bad but he came across as selfish.
I liked the heroine, she was funny and feisty although there was a little of the 'not like other girls' going on. Also I dont think we needed quite so many references to her red hair. There was alot.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Kidnapping
karinny's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Kidnapping
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