Reviews

I LOVE that Bron is 100% authentic in who they are, even if that changes from day to day. This was a hopeful read and I am happy that it had a happy-ish ending! This was my 1st book by C.A. Castle but will not be my last one! I am adding their books to my TBR!

#TheManorHouseGoverness
#NetGalley

asterreadstoomuch's review against another edition

Go to review page

got bored and realized i could not do the writing style like two chapters in.

happilyruined's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

3.25/5. Releases 11/7/2023 (audiobook).

*I read an audio ARC.

Vibes: Jane Austen meets Charlotte Bronte, fuck gender norms, and a modern approach to the Gothic.

After leaving his boarding school, orphaned Bronte (“Bron”) Ellis takes up a position as a governess at Greenwood Manor, caring for Ada Edwards. The family welcomes him with open arms, save chilly oldest son Darcy. Following a mysterious fire, Bron takes a cue from his beloved Gothic heroines and begins searching for the truth–with his ever-growing attraction to Darcy never far from mind.

This book is a really ambitious, really interesting homage, mixing both Austen and Bronte with an approach I appreciated as an admirer of both writers. And I think Literary Types will absolutely get into this (or, like, hate it if you’re a purist… but if you’re a purist, what are you doing here). The writing style wasn’t quite for me, but I do respect this book, and would recommend it to the target audience any day.

Quick Takes:

–Want to get this out of the way: Bron is gender nonconforming and uses he/him pronouns. I believe the implication is that he’s non-binary, but the novel doesn’t get overly specific. I found this interesting and refreshing. While it’s a totally, absolutely queer book, you get the impression that in some ways Bron is still figuring shit out, and it’s valid, and he’s in no hurry to figure it out. It’s a part of him; it’s not torturing him internally; some people are assholes about it.

The Edwards family are not assholes about it, and are in fact super welcoming and warm. I loved that. Darcy is gay, upfront about it, and unashamed.

–Obviously… He is Darcy. Obviously, Bron is Bronte. We know there’s a merge here. And I would call it a true merge. There’s a Gothic sensibility and vibe throughout the story, but it’s not quite as intense as what you’d find in a true Gothic novel, and it’s cut throughout by a sparkly Austenian wit and the flirty, quippy vibes between Darcy and Bron (which are strong once Darcy gets over himself). To me, this blend never felt clunky or weird. It won’t work for everyone, but it’s definitely a big swing.

–Netgalley has this under Romance (the publisher probably categorized it as such). It’s not a romance. That doesn’t mean there isn’t an HEA; but it does mean that Darcy and Bron’s romance is a subplot, not the main plot. It’s a strong subplot, it’s good and I liked it. But if you’re a romance reader, this may not satisfy your craving for a love story.

–It is a bit slow, which does fit the tone of the inspirations (especially Bronte). And it’s not unjustified. The story unfolds over time, the prose lovely and the details creating a distinct and interesting world.

I appreciate the novel approach to this, well, novel. And it’s a take I think will work for many readers, and provoke some into exploring the classics. It’s not speedy, but it’s quality.

Thanks to Dreamscape and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

More...