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aqtbenz's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent
yourbookishbff's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
4.5
This is my favorite installment in Caroline Linden's Scandals series so far, which is a feat, given how much I loathed this male main character in the previous book! This accomplished everything I look for in a marriage of convenience, where our main characters are reluctant but optimistic and infatuated, and have to traverse physical and emotional intimacy in tandem following the wedding. I also love the micro trope of he proposed to her sister/family member first. This is a bit rivals to lovers as well, but rivals solely because her heart is bruised and she resents him - he never truly dislikes her.
I thought this was well-paced, with our marriage occurring around the halfway point and a steady build into the third act crisis. We have clear villains in this story, and I appreciated the continuation of the Earl's story arc from the previous book. I was also grateful that we didn't fully resolve our mystery, as it sets up the next book, but still achieved a secure happily ever after for the main characters.
I would also note that this is the hottest book so far, with a lot more on page intimacy inspired by our infamous Lady Constance. I was anxious through the entire wedding night, as I don't enjoy alcohol use during initial intimacy, particularly with an inexperienced female main character, but ultimately felt they were not intoxicated to a point that they were unable to consent - I note this, though, because this could cause similar anxiety for other readers and others may feel differently/come to a different conclusion than I did in this scene.
I really struggled with book two's narrator and was so relieved to have a different narrator for this installment (Beverly Crick).
I thought this was well-paced, with our marriage occurring around the halfway point and a steady build into the third act crisis. We have clear villains in this story, and I appreciated the continuation of the Earl's story arc from the previous book. I was also grateful that we didn't fully resolve our mystery, as it sets up the next book, but still achieved a secure happily ever after for the main characters.
I would also note that this is the hottest book so far, with a lot more on page intimacy inspired by our infamous Lady Constance. I was anxious through the entire wedding night, as I don't enjoy alcohol use during initial intimacy, particularly with an inexperienced female main character, but ultimately felt they were not intoxicated to a point that they were unable to consent - I note this, though, because this could cause similar anxiety for other readers and others may feel differently/come to a different conclusion than I did in this scene.
I really struggled with book two's narrator and was so relieved to have a different narrator for this installment (Beverly Crick).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Death, Sexual assault, Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Pregnancy
Attempted sexual assault by a side character against the FMC - MMC intervenes. Domestic abuse (physical and emotional) in the MMC's backstory and present story - abusive father.rcpope's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Violence
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