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considerthelily's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
Another nice work by Matthews. Maggie and Nicholas are not necessarily my very favorite couple in her bibliography (though Maggie may be my favorite female lead!), but this book had some of the most engaging banter thus far.
It has a slightly larger cast than any of the other books I’ve read by the author, which I think helped flesh out the two leads. Jane and Maggie have a really engaging rapport! It was a little funnier and more adventurous than the rest of her bibliography, too.
My main complaint is that I sometimes felt like Maggie and St. Clare’s scenes were a little underdeveloped. Because the couple knew each other beforehand, many of the conversations they have are just about how much they love each other. The story does a good job setting up their love prior to the story, but it means you get to see less of what they love about each other.
The last chapters of the book are supremely satisfying, however, and the most adventurous scene in the story the fight at the inn was a really engaging explosion of all the simmering tension. So fun.
I read this series out of order, and I’m starting to regret that. a lot of the details of the other books in the series make more sense with this piece (and, I assume, a Work of Art). It was kind of fun to hear pieces of this story treated as rumors and references, though, as it makes finding out the truth really fun!
It has a slightly larger cast than any of the other books I’ve read by the author, which I think helped flesh out the two leads. Jane and Maggie have a really engaging rapport! It was a little funnier and more adventurous than the rest of her bibliography, too.
My main complaint is that I sometimes felt like Maggie and St. Clare’s scenes were a little underdeveloped.
The last chapters of the book are supremely satisfying, however, and the most adventurous scene in the story
I read this series out of order, and I’m starting to regret that. a lot of the details of the other books in the series make more sense with this piece (and, I assume, a Work of Art). It was kind of fun to hear pieces of this story treated as rumors and references, though, as it makes finding out the truth really fun!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Violence, and Murder
kld8338's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Chronic illness, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
whatemilysreading's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Childhood friends! Second chances! Revenge!! What a treat this book was. It was incredibly dramatic yet equally sweet and romantic. Maggie had all the spirit I love in a main character and I won't lie and say St. Clare remaining casual as he's being shot at isn't an appealing picture. 2023 looks like its the year of historical romance for me and I'm becoming a Mimi Matthews stan.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Sexual assault
theladydetective's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Loved Maggie and the Count of Monte Cristo vibes. Didn't appreciate St. Clare. 10 years is a very long time to wait.
The writing ✍️ was strong, but I couldn't get lost in the romance feels. Too much abandonment and betrayal, and not enough... I don't know groveling? Penance? I feel the story would have been more compelling if he would have waited as well.
Reread this to get ready for book 3 in the series.
The writing ✍️ was strong, but I couldn't get lost in the romance feels. Too much abandonment and betrayal, and not enough... I don't know groveling? Penance? I feel the story would have been more compelling if he would have waited as well.
Reread this to get ready for book 3 in the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Abandonment
Minor: Sexism, Sexual assault, and Injury/Injury detail