kylanicole's review against another edition
3.0
So, this literally was Downton Abbey, in the sense that it was slow but exciting all at the same time. It also doesn’t help that all I’ve been wanting is to read the fast pace intense books, but this was nice. It was a really slow stroll, but a really fun story time that makes the Regency era just divine.
notthemonalisa's review against another edition
1.0
What a rip.
I honestly dont even know where to begin. If I could give this less than one star, I would. Not only does this book glorify- and ultimately support- an extremely abusive relationship, the focus on superficial qualities so permeates the entire story that I honestly felt I was reading patriarchal propaganda. This book doesn't pass the Bechtal test, despite being 500 pages, and these women are only deemed worthwhile if they are extravagantly wealthy and impossibly beautiful. Cora's pregnancy is completely passed over and she recovers her pre-pregnancy body within hours of her baby being born. And, not only that, Ivo is a grade-A bastard. His manipulation and emotional abuse are presented to us as if they are supposed to be sexy. Frankly, I have had enough of that in my life that I wont tolerate it anymore in anyone. It is media like this that make women think it is okay to let people hurt them. It isn't. If someone loves you, they will not hurt you out of spite or to "teach you a lesson". With holding crucial information and then being angry at your failures is prime horse poo behaviour.
What a ridiculous drip of a book.
I honestly dont even know where to begin. If I could give this less than one star, I would. Not only does this book glorify- and ultimately support- an extremely abusive relationship, the focus on superficial qualities so permeates the entire story that I honestly felt I was reading patriarchal propaganda. This book doesn't pass the Bechtal test, despite being 500 pages, and these women are only deemed worthwhile if they are extravagantly wealthy and impossibly beautiful. Cora's pregnancy is completely passed over and she recovers her pre-pregnancy body within hours of her baby being born. And, not only that, Ivo is a grade-A bastard. His manipulation and emotional abuse are presented to us as if they are supposed to be sexy. Frankly, I have had enough of that in my life that I wont tolerate it anymore in anyone. It is media like this that make women think it is okay to let people hurt them. It isn't. If someone loves you, they will not hurt you out of spite or to "teach you a lesson". With holding crucial information and then being angry at your failures is prime horse poo behaviour.
What a ridiculous drip of a book.
alliepeduto's review against another edition
3.0
DNF…I mostly just read the opening chapters to get a feel for the opulence of the Newport mansions, since I happened to be traveling there. I didn’t love the writing so I put it down, but the descriptions of the party were fabulous!
mundinova's review against another edition
2.0
Story: 1 stars
Character Development: 1 stars
Prose/Language: 2 stars
A bad, wannabe Downton Abbey fanfiction.
Character Development: 1 stars
Prose/Language: 2 stars
A bad, wannabe Downton Abbey fanfiction.
red_steele's review against another edition
2.0
Terrible abrupt end! This book had potential but fell flat. Ivo and Jim were jerks and don’t deserve Cora or Bertha. It’s disappointing that the author did not provide an alternate ending instead of providing a reward for abhorrent behaviors. Ivo is a cheating, pompous bastard who left his wife while she was pregnant. When Ivo finally returns Cora takes him back and acts like all is well in their marriage.
Jim too was an arse and he did not care enough to understand the nature of the relationship Bertha had with Cora. The author could have developed their relationship much more instead of Jim constantly taking liberties with Bertha every time he saw her, which could have placed her job in peril. Ivo nor Jim deserved a happy ending.
I was also outraged that the author provided an option for Cora to run away with Teddy.
No more Daisy Goodwin books for me. This and the Fortune Hunter were poorly written.
Jim too was an arse and he did not care enough to understand the nature of the relationship Bertha had with Cora. The author could have developed their relationship much more instead of Jim constantly taking liberties with Bertha every time he saw her, which could have placed her job in peril. Ivo nor Jim deserved a happy ending.
I was also outraged that the author provided an option for Cora to run away with Teddy.
No more Daisy Goodwin books for me. This and the Fortune Hunter were poorly written.
clittleford3's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
It was like reading a soap opera. Contrived and lacking depth or resolution. If I didn’t need to finish it for a book challenge I would have dropped it.
bearavenclaw's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.25