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trish47's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
I'm a sucker for a smitten rogue, especially when he falls for a lady's intelligence first. The main characters were lovable and definitely had a lot of steam between them. I, like others, do think the last chapter was a bit of an info-dump and would have benefited from a HEA epilogue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Death of parent
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
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
3.0
This amusing historical romance picks up elements of an (urban) Tarzan and (gender-bent) Anastasia to delightful effect. When Jane's study of scoundrels takes her on an expedition to a brothel, her field notebook is filled with new observations and theories. As one might guess, this plan goes sideways. In her escape, one of her inventions turns a man named Raven pink, thus starting a promising acquaintance. When Jane catches sight of his supposed birthmark and recognizes it from her reading, the two set out (Jane determinedly and Raven begrudgingly) to discover what it means about his mysterious past.
The book really picks up steam in all senses of the word in the latter half. In the beginning, I enjoyed the premise but wasn't confident in the chemistry. What a joy it was to find myself fully onboard without recalling how I ended up there midway through. So what is there to recommend this sneaky slow burn? The romance was tender-hearted, even when a certain man with an animal moniker was being moody or using innuendo to try and shock Jane. I loved Jane's ten younger siblings, so called The Horde, and their chaotic but loving family dynamic. The way Jane's scientific mind attacked new information was in turns fascinating and amusing. Things wrapped up quickly at the end, but there was a final twist I hadn't anticipated, so the drama was alive right until the bitter end.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Confinement
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Blood
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