carryontae's review against another edition
1.0
DNF @ 67%
gave it a shot, waited for it to get less ... blah, but it didn't happen so.
gave it a shot, waited for it to get less ... blah, but it didn't happen so.
_surri_'s review against another edition
2.0
I listened to this one, instead of reading it. It needs a cautionary disclaimer. Depression, suicide attempts, and toxic parent/child relationships all on top of a struggle to be gay during a horrific war... This is not the book I would have picked up for some light reading had I known. Yes, I read the summary. Also, the narrator's voice is ok, but his reading is stilted and whoever chose to have the awkward guitar introduce chapters made a poor decision. However, I did continue reading. I finished the book and I would have likely enjoyed it a lot more if I had been prepared for the emotional rollercoaster it put me through. I enjoyed how beautifully the couple interacts and it's a very realistic portrayal of glimpses into a relationship. I think what I most appreciated was the clear and explicit consent involved. We don't see enough of that in fiction
ilyarozanov123's review against another edition
5.0
Historical romance is a real pleasure to read when done well, and this is one of the very few M/M ones that fit that criteria. I have read this book many times at this point, and it always gives me feels.
I love Tristan and Charlie together. I find Tristan’s depression and existential torment to be so heartbreaking; I always tear up at the point when he’s reached his limit. But oh, the angst is so good, and the following hurt/comfort is exquisite.
I love Tristan and Charlie together. I find Tristan’s depression and existential torment to be so heartbreaking; I always tear up at the point when he’s reached his limit. But oh, the angst is so good, and the following hurt/comfort is exquisite.
lilybear's review against another edition
3.0
A decent historical romance. Not an exciting page turner, but it definitely held my interest. We follow Tristian, who despite being rich and handsome gets no joy from life. I really felt for the guy as he battled with depression and grief for the life he would never have. I just wanted to give Tris a big hug and pet his head! Poor thing. George was a fully fleshed out character with his own woes and I loved that he supported Tristian but it felt kind of wrong that he started a relationship with him while Tristian was still battling with depression. All in all I thought Speedwell did a great job portraying depression and war and I enjoyed Tristian's journey from broken baby bird to happy, fulfilled man.
a___broad's review against another edition
3.0
Generally an enjoyable read. I appreciated the detailed and accurate description of the Napoleonic wars. My quibbles seem to be directed largely at the characterization of the leads. It was odd to me that the men seemed to burst into hysterics at the slightest provocation. And the women were rather cold and unfeeling. To me, it seemed more strange than refreshing as I hoped. But they were at least self-aware of the fact I suppose. Also, the plot such as it was seemed a little too perfect; that the usual obstacles that one would expect for a regency romance are all too easily explained away.
stitchywitch's review against another edition
4.0
Sometimes I think I should win some kind of award for "most eclectic taste" on Goodreads. So... this is a Male/male regency romance novel. I can admit to unashamedly enjoying the occasional romance (of all genders/sexual preferences) and I do prefer historicals, so I thought I would check this one out. It's really maybe a 3.5 for me, but I bumped it for good writing. The author clearly did her research on the period - she used a lot of authentic language and terminology that you rarely see in regency novels. I enjoyed the characters, particularly that of Charlotte, wife of our hero Tristan, who was believable, and avoided the trope of the terrible shrew.
I liked both Tristan and Charlie, though Charlie might have been a little bit too good and noble to feel real. I thought the book dragged a little for me, and I objected to the whole "love at first sight" trope, which I thought was less interesting than a drawn out attraction might have been. Even so, this was much better written than most romances, and I do recommend it to fans of the genre!
I liked both Tristan and Charlie, though Charlie might have been a little bit too good and noble to feel real. I thought the book dragged a little for me, and I objected to the whole "love at first sight" trope, which I thought was less interesting than a drawn out attraction might have been. Even so, this was much better written than most romances, and I do recommend it to fans of the genre!
claudia_is_reading's review
3.0
Entertaining, but I really didn't engage with the characters.
I was very interested in the historical aspects of medicine, though. The new discoveries of that era, and the separation between surgeons and physicians, that got my attention.
Paul Morey's narration was good.
I was very interested in the historical aspects of medicine, though. The new discoveries of that era, and the separation between surgeons and physicians, that got my attention.
Paul Morey's narration was good.
amyiw's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2 stars
I liked this pretty well but it was tame for what it was. A very slow burn and coming to know oneself. The despair is a little much and drawn out. It does make it emotional in some points but eye rolling in others for self indulgence. It was slow at points but didn't drag either, just slow. They had great chemistry but I really wondered about the wife and why she was the way she was.
I liked this pretty well but it was tame for what it was. A very slow burn and coming to know oneself. The despair is a little much and drawn out. It does make it emotional in some points but eye rolling in others for self indulgence. It was slow at points but didn't drag either, just slow. They had great chemistry but I really wondered about the wife and why she was the way she was.