onlyonebookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Gun violence, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, and Murder
carbs666's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
I mostly read this book to round out the Maiden Lane series because it was the only one I hadn't read. I'd avoided it because the heroine has a kid and I don't like kids in my romances (sorry!). There are some deeply problematic interactions with Kilbourne early in tne novel when everyone treats him like he's stupid or mentally disabled because an injury prevents him from speaking that was hard to get through. Over it was fine, but definitely one of the weakest books in the series in terms of a plot where every actor has motivations that make sense (seriously, wtf is Valentine doing here and why does he care abt Kilbourne?) but they do fuck A LOT which is always fun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Murder
givemaribooks's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This was ok. Just ok. I really liked the couple, and most of the side characters, but the story itself just fell flat to me. Apollo was great, and I really wanted to like his story but it just didn’t work for. The story didn’t make a lot of sense, plus the character kept being dumb. They kept having conversations where they could easily be overheard about things they were trying to keep secret. I just got the sense the author didn’t know where she wanted to take this story. The murderer reveal didn’t make that much sense, and that story with Indio’s father was not necessary.
I’m also confused as to why Apollo pulls out when they first have sex, she makes a big deal of it by thanking him, but after not mentioning it again, they keep having sex but he doesn’t pull out again. That made no sense, especially since Lily didn’t think they had a future together.
And lastly, I have an issue with how disabilities are portrayed in the book, and how the hero gets his voice back and is “cured.” Even though it’s a historical, the author could have avoided certain words that we now know are offensive.
I will say that I’m looking forward to Phoebe and the Captain’s story based on what we got see of them.
I’m also confused as to why Apollo pulls out when they first have sex, she makes a big deal of it by thanking him, but after not mentioning it again, they keep having sex but he doesn’t pull out again. That made no sense, especially since Lily didn’t think they had a future together.
And lastly, I have an issue with how disabilities are portrayed in the book, and how the hero gets his voice back and is “cured.” Even though it’s a historical, the author could have avoided certain words that we now know are offensive.
I will say that I’m looking forward to Phoebe and the Captain’s story based on what we got see of them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Murder
Minor: Death of parent, Mental illness, and Forced institutionalization
morganphoenix's review
dark
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? No
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Domestic abuse
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