Reviews

Overall, wholesome and cute. I enjoyed it and loved reading a story like this that isn't built upon queer suffering/death. I mean there is a certain amount of suffering, but its different and comes mostly from the war components. I also enjoyed the fact that strict historical accuracy is shirked, that is what fiction is for.
The one thing that prevented it from being a 4/5 star read for me was ridiculous amount of time dedicated to pining, immense self-inflicted torture that went on too long.

scotcheroo's review against another edition

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medium-paced

2.0

If it wasn't audio I wouldn't have finished. As other reviewers say, this has a strong start but then I didn't really care for the plot involved Gracewood's sister. Having the sister was a convenient plot device for Viola and Gracewood to stay around each other given this is Englandtimes, but imo it should have ended there.

Spoiler

Viola used to be a man but during the war when she was injured (I think?) she faked her death and went to live in France to reinvent herself as a woman. She's now a ladies maid. Her former best friend Gracewood injured his leg during the war but also never got over his friend's death, he turned to opium. Viola helps him break his addiction, but they also fall for each other, Viola because she's known him all her life and Gracewood because he feels like he has. Gracewood suspects and Viola confirms that she used to be his friend. Gracewood admits that he's falling for her as Viola though and he wants to be with her. Viola warns him that she still has man parts but he's like k I don't care I just love you as a person (awww!).

That's really what makes this a good book. It's about loving someone as they are.

The whole plot where his sister gets kidnapped by the man who wants to marry her is meh. Didn't care for it.

hopecatena's review against another edition

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emotional 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? Yes

4.25

charlee92's review

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lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

this was ok. very cute with a happy ending. I was glad to end the year on something easy. a bit of a slow burn with one big spicy scene. I felt the ending was a bit abrupt.

gardensongs's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

5.0

pharmdpositive's review against another edition

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4.0

This book is a historical romance and oh so good. I loved the two main characters and their love for one another.

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