Scan barcode
yourbookishbff's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
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
4.0
It's such an interesting experience to read backwards through an author's catalogue. Having already read Milan's indie-published series, like The Worth Saga and Wedgeford Trials, and most recently, The Brothers Sinister, I'm familiar with her emotionally-charged but delightfully-over-the-top humor and her willingness to tackle political nuances of the time period (particularly dominant forces of imperialism and colonialism) head on. To return to her early Harlequin series is a shift, only because you can see the restraints she's writing within. This feels very classically "historical romance" - male main character instantly lusts after female main character, a woman in disguise and intent on betraying him before she even meets him. You can feel the glimmers of her voice and style here, though not nearly as much of the humor as I've come to love in her books. That said, she executes the primary conflict exactly as I always trust her to - with respect and care for both of her main characters and an innate understanding of how real people operate off-page. She leaves a few notes unchallenged (which surprised me only because she challenges similar scenarios so forcefully in her indie published books) - a backstory for the male main character that has him earning a fortune in India and some deep-rooted classism in the female main character (which is ultimately part of her arc but never feels fully resolved) and side characters. All that said, the power negotiations and explicit discussions around consent are so well done here, as expected - there, Milan never misses!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Classism
unsuccessfulbookclub's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
fast-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
4.25
Very angsty for a Milan but I loved the exploration of family and loyalty.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
lennatheunicorncat's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.25
This was a really cute romance! I’ve been dealing with a really horrible reading slump thanks to academic burnout, and after several months of not really reading anything (or very slowly getting through books that I started over summer and either dnf’d or set aside to finish later), I’m finally starting to get back in the mood for reading. Feeling the need to read something light, fluffy and romantic, I decided to pick this up and omg I’m so happy I did! There are certain tropes i adore, like enemies to lovers, consent, non-alpha males, non-abusive or red flag relationships, consent in relationships, and did i mention consent? I HATE romances that are all for the alpha male jerks who abuse everyone in their lives and don’t ask for consent/force themselves upon women. Courtney Milan is one romance writer I’ve learned to trust who ALWAYS writes books about characters who ask for consent in relationships, who give power, space, and choice to their love interests and who pursue each other in non-stalker and non-aggressive ways (like if I was in either characters shoes, I wouldn’t feel the need to call the police on them or keep a weapon on hand for safety). I appreciate and look for that in my books. But this was just so lovely and I’m just riding the bliss train! Luckily I have book two so I can continue the series about the hero’s youngest brother who is a writer, so don’t mind me while I sit here in giddy delight.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Suicide, and Abandonment
More...