Scan barcode
aduchene's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a fun story, but with a very slow burn that sometimes it felt much like pride and prejudice in the “do they actually even like each other” category. Still good and the ending wrapped it up nicely. I appreciated some of the plans and attempts to ruin other plans that led to mayhem and chaos and I wish those details appeared a little more on the page as all as some well placed longing or lingering that was accidental and unwanted to really make the enemies to lovers sizzle.
kemikemi's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I actually read Sophie Irwin’s sophomore book first, and after loving it so much, dove in to read this one. It was so fun but full of heart, and I felt so much for Kitty, who had the weight of her family’s worlds upon her shoulders and loves her sisters more than anything else. She and Radcliffe really connected so well as eldest sibling thrust into complete responsibility for their siblings much too early, and I was just waiting for Radcliffe to fucking bridge the class gap and understand the severity of Kitty’s plight and her commitment to her family!!! Irwin really has such a fun writing style and I got so sucked into the story and the setting; Eleanor Tomlinson also did such a great job as the audiobook narrator. I do wish we got a teeny bit more of the couple in the end after they got together (and with the rest of Kitty’s sisters!), but I had a fantastic time with this book and sped through it so fast because of how much I didn’t want to put it down; I’ll definitely be looking out for whatever Sophie Irwin puts out next!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Classism
agrippinaes's review against another edition
5.0
This is just a very good book; the writing sparkles, it’s very witty and flows very well, making for an enjoyable, smooth read. Sophie Irwin hasa lovely turn of phrase. Parts of the book made me laugh out loud, others made my chest ache. There are parts of this story that are deeply romantic, others sad, and it makes for a surprisingly tender and touching read through all of the humour. I barely noticed its length - I just skipped through it very easily.
Kitty was such a delight of a character. She was so funny and quick, her manipulations were a pleasure to see unfold. As a character she felt very real and very fleshed out, and I really rooted for her. She was a breath of fresh air to me, truly; the book embraced the sly side of her personality, acknowledging that whilst she was very capable and bold she was also, at times, her lack of kindness towards others, and how she had to work to improve that.
James was a good, solid, steady, sensible presence in contrast. I loved how he saw through her so easily. Their first meeting was so amusing - the way that he pointedly questions her in front of people was so funny. Their romance was good. The dynamic between them is very fun, their banter entertaining, and I particularly liked that they became friends and developed a respect and understanding for the other’s position. It felt like a good foundation for their eventual romantic feelings, which was very sweet. The yearning in this book worked very well; there were some lovely moments, such as the glove scene, or their kiss. There was a quiet need for each other’s company, a good level of trust and respect and understanding between them.
I also thought the subplots to this book worked well as an accompaniment to the rest of the book. They’re big parts of the story, actually, but it didn’t feel overcrowded, and I felt like the drama sat nicely alongside the romance. There was a good cast of side characters here, too, that made it very enjoyable.
I just really enjoyed it. This is more of a traditional historical romance; it’s in part a novel of manners, in my opinion, with a heavy focus on social etiquette and the differences in class. For my personal tastes, I probably would have liked a little bit more happening between the main couple, but I was so charmed by the book that ultimately it didn’t really matter to me. Kitty and James were a well-suited match and I loved how their romance unfolded. The writing of this book, though, is its biggest strength; it’s the kind of writing that made me feel a little bit jealous at how skillfully Sophie Irwin handled the plotting, the characterisation, the dialogue…just everything, really! It’s just a lovely book, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Content Notes: Hate-to-love, bargains/deals/wagers, class difference.
Warnings:
Other:FMC courts various men and comes very close to becoming engaged to OM. .
Kitty was such a delight of a character. She was so funny and quick, her manipulations were a pleasure to see unfold. As a character she felt very real and very fleshed out, and I really rooted for her. She was a breath of fresh air to me, truly; the book embraced the sly side of her personality, acknowledging that whilst she was very capable and bold she was also, at times, her lack of kindness towards others, and how she had to work to improve that.
James was a good, solid, steady, sensible presence in contrast. I loved how he saw through her so easily. Their first meeting was so amusing - the way that he pointedly questions her in front of people was so funny. Their romance was good. The dynamic between them is very fun, their banter entertaining, and I particularly liked that they became friends and developed a respect and understanding for the other’s position. It felt like a good foundation for their eventual romantic feelings, which was very sweet. The yearning in this book worked very well; there were some lovely moments, such as the glove scene, or their kiss. There was a quiet need for each other’s company, a good level of trust and respect and understanding between them.
I also thought the subplots to this book worked well as an accompaniment to the rest of the book. They’re big parts of the story, actually, but it didn’t feel overcrowded, and I felt like the drama sat nicely alongside the romance. There was a good cast of side characters here, too, that made it very enjoyable.
I just really enjoyed it. This is more of a traditional historical romance; it’s in part a novel of manners, in my opinion, with a heavy focus on social etiquette and the differences in class. For my personal tastes, I probably would have liked a little bit more happening between the main couple, but I was so charmed by the book that ultimately it didn’t really matter to me. Kitty and James were a well-suited match and I loved how their romance unfolded. The writing of this book, though, is its biggest strength; it’s the kind of writing that made me feel a little bit jealous at how skillfully Sophie Irwin handled the plotting, the characterisation, the dialogue…just everything, really! It’s just a lovely book, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Content Notes: Hate-to-love, bargains/deals/wagers, class difference.
Warnings:
Spoiler
Death of a parent (in past), threat of violence, gambling addiction, references to war, PTSD, grief.Other:
Spoiler
No on-page sex, OM dramaeilidhcan's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
share_the_book_dragon's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
aeblack's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lauraccm's review against another edition
4.0
It is indeed a good book. Honestly I think the romance between James and Kitty it was excessively slow and I’d love to be a bit more spicy, but it is a cute enemies to lovers trope and I loved the main characters and their relationship. I’d recommend it if you are looking for a cute romance and a good slow burn.
rhuyreads's review
4.0
Very fun, humorous, and easy to read. Predictable but that’s what I like about it. As a Jane Austen fan, I approve.
holalisa's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
3.0