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melissawi's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
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
4.0
smilesgiggle's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the diversity offered in this book.
Three sisters - divided by their relationship with their father, each desperate for his approval and willing to cut each other down.
Three sisters forced to flee their house, raise awareness in England of Mexico's desperate need for support against the French.
An eager politician from humble roots - learning to pass among his peers, mixing with society while trying to maintain self worth and confidence.
An eager politician's passion for abolishing slavery - forcing it to be discussed in ballrooms, society events.
And then the romance. Oh the romance. Great read!
Three sisters - divided by their relationship with their father, each desperate for his approval and willing to cut each other down.
Three sisters forced to flee their house, raise awareness in England of Mexico's desperate need for support against the French.
An eager politician from humble roots - learning to pass among his peers, mixing with society while trying to maintain self worth and confidence.
An eager politician's passion for abolishing slavery - forcing it to be discussed in ballrooms, society events.
And then the romance. Oh the romance. Great read!
swatson4016's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I realllllly wanted to love this. I am so thrilled to see diverse representation in HisRo and I really really reallllly want publishers to keep it going.
DNF’ed 60% in.
Unfortunately this novel did not belong in the romance category in my opinion. Most of the novel is taken up with historical politics (which are important and I enjoyed learning about them), but I expected romance. Had this novel been marketed as historical fiction I would feel very different about this novel.
The main characters spend more time apart than they do together. It’s hard to build an emotional connection and romance when 60% in they barely like each other. I also found myself annoyed at how diminutive Anna Maria was toward Gideon. She was full of fire and ferocity when he wasn’t around but when he was around, she was too demure.
I also just didn’t find Gideon likable as a romance hero. I loved his ambition, and his goals/motivations but instead of saying “fuck propriety I’m going to go after this beautiful woman” he just kept ignoring her because it wasn’t good for his reputation to be seen with her…. Which for someone trying to go against racism didn’t really align?
DNF’ed 60% in.
Unfortunately this novel did not belong in the romance category in my opinion. Most of the novel is taken up with historical politics (which are important and I enjoyed learning about them), but I expected romance. Had this novel been marketed as historical fiction I would feel very different about this novel.
The main characters spend more time apart than they do together. It’s hard to build an emotional connection and romance when 60% in they barely like each other. I also found myself annoyed at how diminutive Anna Maria was toward Gideon. She was full of fire and ferocity when he wasn’t around but when he was around, she was too demure.
I also just didn’t find Gideon likable as a romance hero. I loved his ambition, and his goals/motivations but instead of saying “fuck propriety I’m going to go after this beautiful woman” he just kept ignoring her because it wasn’t good for his reputation to be seen with her…. Which for someone trying to go against racism didn’t really align?
arhodes_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
danicapage's review against another edition
4.0
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This was an enjoyable read. I learned a ton about some historical events I knew nothing about before. I love historical fiction that teaches me new things, so I really loved that part of this book. I listened on audio, and I enjoyed the writing style and the characters. I enjoyed the angst and seeing Gideon and Ana Maria growing into themselves. I've been told the subsequent books might be spicier than I like, as this is about as spicy as I read, but I enjoyed this one. It's a slow burn with very few spicy scenes that can be easily skipped if desired for those who don't prefer spice.
Reading Age: This is an adult historical fiction with a few 18+ scenes towards the end.
Love,
Danica Page
You can connect with me on Instagram @danicapage.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This was an enjoyable read. I learned a ton about some historical events I knew nothing about before. I love historical fiction that teaches me new things, so I really loved that part of this book. I listened on audio, and I enjoyed the writing style and the characters. I enjoyed the angst and seeing Gideon and Ana Maria growing into themselves. I've been told the subsequent books might be spicier than I like, as this is about as spicy as I read, but I enjoyed this one. It's a slow burn with very few spicy scenes that can be easily skipped if desired for those who don't prefer spice.
Reading Age: This is an adult historical fiction with a few 18+ scenes towards the end.
Love,
Danica Page
You can connect with me on Instagram @danicapage.
abkinlaw's review against another edition
Tried a second time and still didn’t connect with the story or characters. Felt like it was forcing the narrative about the slave trade.
raccoonfoo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
4.0
calamario's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
4.0
Very cute and enjoyable read! However, potential readers lured in by the promise of a marriage of convenience should know that said marriage doesn't happen until the third act, way after both MCs have already fallen deeply for each other.
kaylaeph08's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0