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jujudepamplemousse's review against another edition
2.0
This was such a disappointment. I love the bodyguard trope but I didn’t enjoy this book at all.
Phoebe and Trevillion were kind of fine as friends but the romance didn’t work. They had no chemistry. The physical part of their relationship was so awkward and I did not like how it was handled. Actually I have much to say about that.
First, Phoebe forced her kiss and touch on Trevillion. Even though he might like her, no means no. And because she is a girl and she is blind it still doesn’t make it okay.
Then, Elizabeth Hoyt made us wait quite some time for the first really intimate moment, but what was that ? I wondered if it was a foggy dream before realizing it really happened. All of their intercourses felt so blunt, detached and impersonal.
I would also add that the age gap was fine at first but started being really weird when their relationship became physical. Elizabeth Hoyt didn’t stop emphasizing on how young and inexperienced she looked and it was just completely creepy as this passage "She looked all of twelve. He was a lecherous bastard, plain and simple, but he could no longer deny the pull she exerted on him just by breathing". I don't understand what this is suppose to be.
Other than the awkward and creepy love scenes the rest of the plot was weak, repetitive and too melodramatic. The characters were not really likable. Both characters were quite insipide and I found Phoebe to be stupid and immature at times. The narrative voice also sounded way too modern for a story set in England in the middle of the 18th century.
All in all, it was my first time reading a book by Elizabeth Hoyt but I’m not sure her style matches my tastes.
Phoebe and Trevillion were kind of fine as friends but the romance didn’t work. They had no chemistry. The physical part of their relationship was so awkward and I did not like how it was handled. Actually I have much to say about that.
First, Phoebe forced her kiss and touch on Trevillion. Even though he might like her, no means no. And because she is a girl and she is blind it still doesn’t make it okay.
Then, Elizabeth Hoyt made us wait quite some time for the first really intimate moment, but what was that ? I wondered if it was a foggy dream before realizing it really happened. All of their intercourses felt so blunt, detached and impersonal.
I would also add that the age gap was fine at first but started being really weird when their relationship became physical. Elizabeth Hoyt didn’t stop emphasizing on how young and inexperienced she looked and it was just completely creepy as this passage "She looked all of twelve. He was a lecherous bastard, plain and simple, but he could no longer deny the pull she exerted on him just by breathing". I don't understand what this is suppose to be.
Other than the awkward and creepy love scenes the rest of the plot was weak, repetitive and too melodramatic. The characters were not really likable. Both characters were quite insipide and I found Phoebe to be stupid and immature at times. The narrative voice also sounded way too modern for a story set in England in the middle of the 18th century.
All in all, it was my first time reading a book by Elizabeth Hoyt but I’m not sure her style matches my tastes.
sharonjay's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
Dearest Rogue has 2 of my favorite romantic plot scenarios 1) a blind hero/heroine and 2) a bodyguard love interest. So basically I was gonna like this regardless. But this was a really sweet story. No ridiculously controlling alpha love interest here. He's pretty much in love with her from the beginning and I liked reading their growing friendship and love but I would have liked to see a bit more of their relationship in the beginning (but maybe that's in the other books?). Kinda skimmed through the Eve/Val parts because I wasnt interested. I find this happens a lot in HEA romance novels. Like, I KNOW that Phoebe and James are going to live HEA so therefore I KNOW that the kidnappers aren't going to succeed so why would I read through their parts when they don't offer anything particularly interesting? Especially when skimming does the job.
PS. I can't read "titties" or especially "clitty" in a serious love scene without laughing hysterically.
Dearest Rogue has 2 of my favorite romantic plot scenarios 1) a blind hero/heroine and 2) a bodyguard love interest. So basically I was gonna like this regardless. But this was a really sweet story. No ridiculously controlling alpha love interest here. He's pretty much in love with her from the beginning and I liked reading their growing friendship and love but I would have liked to see a bit more of their relationship in the beginning (but maybe that's in the other books?). Kinda skimmed through the Eve/Val parts because I wasnt interested. I find this happens a lot in HEA romance novels. Like, I KNOW that Phoebe and James are going to live HEA so therefore I KNOW that the kidnappers aren't going to succeed so why would I read through their parts when they don't offer anything particularly interesting? Especially when skimming does the job.
PS. I can't read "titties" or especially "clitty" in a serious love scene without laughing hysterically.
surejan's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
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? No
3.5
I really enjoyed this book despite the plot becoming increasingly ridiculous. I do think the author is aware of its ridiculousness and is just rolling with it. The main characters are perfectly wonderful and I enjoyed reading about them falling in love.
danytch's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
In my opinion, the best of Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series.
sara11_reads's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting characters with Phoebe being blind. The multiple kidnappings were somewhat ludicrous but still a fun book.
waitingforgoodoggo's review against another edition
I'm new to historical romance so trying out a few authors. The summary sounded sooooo good but the writing and characters were mid. I don't think Hoyt is for me sorry girl.
itriedtobegood's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Sexual content
Moderate: Rape
natasha0410's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-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
3.5
fareee_dah's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.5
mingreen's review against another edition
4.0
my first 4.5 ⭐ historical romance read! (aside from jane austen & other classics)
this story of an injured ex-captain guarding a high-born blind lady delivers peak angst
the later half/third of the book is pwp but the first half is chef's kiss
this story of an injured ex-captain guarding a high-born blind lady delivers peak angst
the later half/third of the book is pwp but the first half is chef's kiss