Scan barcode
mallorypen's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
5.0
How many times am I going to start a review with “KJ Charles did it again?” Well, at least one more time, because this novel was scrumptious. The narrator is one of the best I’ve heard, giving every character a little something all their own. The plot was full of great twists, and the element of romance was heart wrenching in its fallout, delicious in its execution, and very beautifully human.
The characters of Will (stubborn, principled, ruthless) and Kim (conflicted, insecure, kind) worked so well together. I ended up trusting and distrusting Kim along with Will every time, and that first sense of betrayal was completely out of left field for me. The moral quandaries (keep the information out of everyone’s hands, or give it to the government; tell the truth or lie again; apologize or disappear) were complex and compelling. I was so pleased when Kim quietly told Will where the papers were hidden, and I loved the reveal at the end that, despite all of his scheming, Kim simply wanted Will and had a selfish moment when they came together.
I want to know more about Kim’s past, and I want Will to discover it.
Phoebe and Maisie were excellent side characters; Phoebe in particular had depth and I will be extremely surprised if she isn’t queer too - and if she is, I love that Kim didn’t out here when Will was asking about what might happen if she falls in love with another man after they marry. I’d bet that the saucy letter they found in the old book was meant for her.
KJ Charles does such a lovely job of making an interesting plot aside from the romance, and then using the romance to heighten everything: the tension, the yearning, the stakes and the conclusion.
The characters of Will (stubborn, principled, ruthless) and Kim (conflicted, insecure, kind) worked so well together. I ended up trusting and distrusting Kim along with Will every time, and that first sense of betrayal was completely out of left field for me. The moral quandaries (keep the information out of everyone’s hands, or give it to the government; tell the truth or lie again; apologize or disappear) were complex and compelling. I was so pleased when Kim quietly told Will where the papers were hidden, and I loved the reveal at the end that, despite all of his scheming, Kim simply wanted Will and had a selfish moment when they came together.
I want to know more about Kim’s past, and I want Will to discover it.
Phoebe and Maisie were excellent side characters; Phoebe in particular had depth and I will be extremely surprised if she isn’t queer too - and if she is, I love that Kim didn’t out here when Will was asking about what might happen if she falls in love with another man after they marry. I’d bet that the saucy letter they found in the old book was meant for her.
KJ Charles does such a lovely job of making an interesting plot aside from the romance, and then using the romance to heighten everything: the tension, the yearning, the stakes and the conclusion.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Kidnapping
Minor: Sexual violence and War