now_booking's review
emotional
funny
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
5.0
I first read this book a decade and a half ago and fell in love with Wulfric. The way this series is written and even as lovely as all the books are, Wulfric’s story is patently the star of the series, and Christine is the absolute perfect heroine for him. I am blown away by how much I remembered of this book but also how much I enjoyed reading it and how true it is when I cite this as my favourite historical romance novel. This book is very reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice and perhaps that’s one of my favourite things about it. The super buttoned up hero finding that it’s okay to be vulnerable and human; the irreverent, fun-loving, klutzy, lovable non-conformed heroine, finding that it’s okay to be herself and she doesn’t have to change for love. Again throughout this series, social class and classism have been major themes. But this also examines responsibility and making difficult decisions, emotional abuse and gaslighting, and recovering from a toxic relationship. I’ve really enjoyed this reread. This is still my favourite historical romance series. No one does heavy emotional content and the philosophy of love quite like Mary Balogh. I highly recommend this book AND this entire series!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Addiction, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Toxic relationship
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