Reviews

This was a light and enjoyable read, with some reassuringly fanficcy tropes. The main character is a lot like Lizzie Bennett meets Jo March, if Lizzie/Jo were bi and SUPER DENSE about it. But she and her romantic interest are a lovely combo. Albert was also a joy and a really nice

Spoiler

supportive beard to Rose :D

I wouldn't have minded lots more of him. The only thing that bothered me was

Spoiler

that Eddie didn't fight for ownership of her novel at the end, considering that she had part of the manuscript and could prove it was by her! Even if Nash never went on to publish another novel, he still got the credit and acclaim. And everything was a Done Deal extremely quickly, somehow. I also wanted to know exactly what happened with Henry...

Content Warnings

cxrx's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

[TBA: I received an ARC of the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]

I have to say upfront that I’ve been a fan of Lex Croucher’s writing style for a long time. (And no, I’m not ashamed to admit that their Marauders fan fic was a silver lining for me during the very first lockdown in 2020.) Having been left disappointed by their debut novel, Reputation, I thought I’d give them another chance with Infamous. Unfortunately, it didn’t pay off.

The story revolves around Eddie, a 19th century wannabe writer and free spirit who can’t understand why her best friend Rose wants to get married when there’s still so much fun to be had. Luckily for her, Eddie meets renowned poet Nash Nicholson, who not only seems to share her passion for freedom and the quill, but also invites her to his country estate for a creative retreat. Delighted at first, Eddie soon realises that what awaits her are only drama, debauchery, and dilapidation.

I really tried to like this book … but I just didn’t vibe with it. Granted, Croucher’s writing is as witty and funny as ever (possibly their best yet), but I totally failed to connect to the characters in the story. Especially Eddie, the main character, didn’t elicit any strong feelings in me - apart from boredom. The plot also seemed a bit gangly and could have benefitted from more direction and less noise.

Regardless, I love to see queer representation in historical novels, and this one was no exception. Eddie’s coming to terms with her sexuality was well done and believable, which bumped up my rating.

I listened to the audiobook, which was read well by the narrator, but unremarkably so. Nothing to criticise - sometimes you want just that!

Overall, this was sadly only a mediocre reading experience. My search for a top-tier historical romance with queer representation continues.

lizzy_brooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

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

3.5

aghoststory's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

agnieszkaszuba's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.5

Lex Croucher is suuch a good writer, the words are a joy to read, the scenes and descriptions feel so real, and of course she is hilarious. I loved the characters, and I sort of wish this book was part of series. I feel like a lot of pages were spent on (excellent) world and character building, both of which I grew quite attached to, but in the end I feel like not that much happened. It leaves me yearning for more.

More...