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clara_h39's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
5.0
I did not expect such a heartfelt story and inspiring women in STEM plot from what I thought was a standard smutty romance novel. But I was most certainly pleasantly surprised. The plot of the relationship tied together with Lucy’s effort to be acknowledged as a female astronomer was incredibly well done. Mixed in was also very well written f/f smut; it was always short but detailed smut scenes and probably less than 30% of the book overall. Author was wonderful and her writing was gorgeous. Highly recommend for fans of queer historical fiction, Bridgerton, and books about female scientistsz
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
juliaxgulia's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I’m normally not a fan of regency romance novels, but the sapphic WLW theme had me hooked.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
genevieve5's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
jesshudzik's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
I was intrigued by the blurb about this book, historical fiction about a woman astronomer and a sapphic romance? Yes please! But a book jacket blurb can't do this book justice.
The romance is very sweet, complete with plenty of astronomy prose and flourishes. I also enjoyed how the characters, at different points in their lives, came to understand themselves as sapphic and what that meant in 1800s England.
But what really struck me about this book was the many examples of women helping women in various stations in life. Beyond the main characters there are a number of strong women who make their mark in their chosen fields. It was both inspiring to read about these women pushing for progress in the 1800s, but also frustrating that in some instances we have only come so far.
The book also discusses the very practical impacts of the lack of same sex marriage (and of course the impact of marriage itself historically being tied so tightly to the patriarchy).
Did I mention the intrigue and infighting of the scientific community? Or the dramatic return of an ex lover?
This manages to be an excellent blend of genres that will appeal to many.
The romance is very sweet, complete with plenty of astronomy prose and flourishes. I also enjoyed how the characters, at different points in their lives, came to understand themselves as sapphic and what that meant in 1800s England.
But what really struck me about this book was the many examples of women helping women in various stations in life. Beyond the main characters there are a number of strong women who make their mark in their chosen fields. It was both inspiring to read about these women pushing for progress in the 1800s, but also frustrating that in some instances we have only come so far.
The book also discusses the very practical impacts of the lack of same sex marriage (and of course the impact of marriage itself historically being tied so tightly to the patriarchy).
Did I mention the intrigue and infighting of the scientific community? Or the dramatic return of an ex lover?
This manages to be an excellent blend of genres that will appeal to many.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Classism
growintogardens's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Toxic relationship and Alcohol
lilylune's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Sexual violence
raekellie'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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism
lakeofstars's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-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
4.5
i need every article of clothing described in this book. especially that stellarium shawl.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Racism, and Colonisation
Minor: Death of parent
sophiesmallhands's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Classism
unsuccessfulbookclub's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is a very quiet and restrained novel but I loved the focus on women in STEM and fighting to be recognized for your brilliance. I could have used a little more external conflict and a little less jealousy between the MCs, but overall this was very good and the prose is gorgeous!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content