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amyress's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
trogdorteacher's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
julyavenue's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
rknitss's review against another edition
This is the second book in a series that must be read in order to make sense of the background political plot and character connections. I did not read the first book 😔
erfette's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
3.5
lklitup's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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? No
4.0
turtlelullaby's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I tried to like this, but there were just so many things. Overall, Peckham sacrifices actual romance for the sake of making her point. I had no emotional connection with the main characters because of the writing style (I felt the same way in the first of the series, too) and their characterizations (they felt immature and simplistic in their black and white thinking).
Similar to the first in the series, the majority of the connection between the main characters is sex and it's hard to believe they actually love each other by the end of the book. The main female in both also have the very similar and annoying trait of being so tight fisted with their ideas of independence and freedom that it takes them the whole book to realize you can be in love and free at the same time.
Then there's the age difference. It was uncomfy in the flashbacks and then just made their immature actions and thoughts that much more annoying for adults who are almost 40 and almost 60.
Finally, the author could have done much more with race and diverisity with this one, especially since the main character is a poc, but it felt like an afterthought the entire time.
It gets a little more than two stars for what the author is trying to do, for the display of affection at the very end, and for Jack & Elinor's love story (which has been my favorite so far out of all of them).
Similar to the first in the series, the majority of the connection between the main characters is sex and it's hard to believe they actually love each other by the end of the book. The main female in both also have the very similar and annoying trait of being so tight fisted with their ideas of independence and freedom that it takes them the whole book to realize you can be in love and free at the same time.
Then there's the age difference. It was uncomfy in the flashbacks and then just made their immature actions and thoughts that much more annoying for adults who are almost 40 and almost 60.
Finally, the author could have done much more with race and diverisity with this one, especially since the main character is a poc, but it felt like an afterthought the entire time.
It gets a little more than two stars for what the author is trying to do, for the display of affection at the very end, and for Jack & Elinor's love story (which has been my favorite so far out of all of them).
quietbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
I received this as a goodreads giveaway and was torn between loving it and being annoyed. Because the annoyance was part of the journey that ultimately had me rooting for the characters, I still give it 4 instead of 3 stars.
Loves:
I loved the characters. They are complexed, flawed, but they also have heart and it showed.
1. A mixed race duchess in Georgian England. She's a painter and a suffragette and portrayed in a way that is modern well before her time.
2. A duke who is not the traditional romance "Alpha hero." He's a self professed romantic, who falls hard and fast. In a twist that I didn't see coming and feel like could be a dealbreaker for some, he's either bi- or pansexual. This wasn't the point and I loved the way it's integrated in the story. That said, I'm always annoyed when people give books terrible rating because there's sex or relationships that offend their personal beliefs. If you're looking for something else in your romance, this isn't the book for you.
Annoyances:
1. Flashbacks. I recognize the point and even understand the rationale for the placement. My personal preference however is I tend to prefer linear stories. 1 or 2 flashbacks can be acceptable, but more feels like the focus is more on the historical context of the relationship and not what's happening in the "present."
2. I understand Cornelia's rationale for her feelings, but by the end, I was really annoyed, even though I was rooting for her. I just didn't know how she could make it right. I'm not completely sure she did to my satisfaction, but maybe that's the point. The entirety of their relationship is about navigating emotions and beliefs that are centuries ahead of their time. And ultimately, what makes a relationship work are the two people who understand and commit to each other.
It's been a couple of days since I've finished this book and had to wrestle with my feelings. Did I have these feelings about Cornelia, because she was a black woman? Did I root for Rafe because a white man willing to express his love for a black woman during that time seem unthinkable for me? I'm still not sure. It's not a light read. It's thought provoking with layers that I don't think people expect. For some, I think it would be too controversial to enjoy. But they would be missing out. It's a thought-provoking modern twist on historical romance tropes.
Loves:
I loved the characters. They are complexed, flawed, but they also have heart and it showed.
1. A mixed race duchess in Georgian England. She's a painter and a suffragette and portrayed in a way that is modern well before her time.
2. A duke who is not the traditional romance "Alpha hero." He's a self professed romantic, who falls hard and fast. In a twist that I didn't see coming and feel like could be a dealbreaker for some, he's either bi- or pansexual. This wasn't the point and I loved the way it's integrated in the story. That said, I'm always annoyed when people give books terrible rating because there's sex or relationships that offend their personal beliefs. If you're looking for something else in your romance, this isn't the book for you.
Annoyances:
1. Flashbacks. I recognize the point and even understand the rationale for the placement. My personal preference however is I tend to prefer linear stories. 1 or 2 flashbacks can be acceptable, but more feels like the focus is more on the historical context of the relationship and not what's happening in the "present."
2. I understand Cornelia's rationale for her feelings, but by the end, I was really annoyed, even though I was rooting for her. I just didn't know how she could make it right. I'm not completely sure she did to my satisfaction, but maybe that's the point. The entirety of their relationship is about navigating emotions and beliefs that are centuries ahead of their time. And ultimately, what makes a relationship work are the two people who understand and commit to each other.
It's been a couple of days since I've finished this book and had to wrestle with my feelings. Did I have these feelings about Cornelia, because she was a black woman? Did I root for Rafe because a white man willing to express his love for a black woman during that time seem unthinkable for me? I'm still not sure. It's not a light read. It's thought provoking with layers that I don't think people expect. For some, I think it would be too controversial to enjoy. But they would be missing out. It's a thought-provoking modern twist on historical romance tropes.
mrvm's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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? It's complicated
2.75
I was really looking forward to this book but it just felt a bit flat compared to the first one. Every other chapter was a flash back which messed up the pacing of the book. Also their ages and their actions didn’t seem to match, these were people in their 40s and 60s but it didn’t seem like it. Also her actions seemed a bit manipulative at times so it was a bit hard to like or relate to her.