_isabel_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was lovely.
Romantic and sweet, full of heartfelt emotions and found family vibes that were truly top-notch, with just the right amount of angst and heartache to make the book, with it's historical setting, feel realistic.
It's also surprisingly tame in some ways, especially considering the chosen profession of one of the leads: there are several closed-door scenes that I was a bit surprised to see.
However, "The Gentleman's Book of Vices" IS an extremely sexy book: the chemistry between the two leads, the build-up to their relationship and the way their dynamic plays out, all of that is very, very hot so I must say, I wasn't disappointed at all by the steam (or lack of it). On the contrary!
I also adored the characters. Miles and Charlie are fantastic protagonists: opposites in so many ways, but both of them are terrified of their lot in life and secretly desperate to find a bit of happiness and love. The whole cast of side characters, though? They stole my heart completely. Noah/Penelope, Forester, Warren, Jo and even Alma and Smithy: all of them are terrible meddlers, and the best kind of people. I'm so, so curious to see if any one of them will be getting their own story: I'm especially desperate for Noah's 🥺
So why 3 and a half stars?
Well, I got a bit bored at one point. I think this book started off great, and then lost a bit of steam. Maybe it was a tad too lengthy for its content: I ended up skimming a few bits, especially during the second half of the book. A shame really, because otherwise I would have truly loved it.
Anyway, this was a minor issue, so I'm sure lots of readers with more patience than me will enjoy this book more: either way, I'd wholly recommend giving it a go, if you love queer historical romances.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Romantic and sweet, full of heartfelt emotions and found family vibes that were truly top-notch, with just the right amount of angst and heartache to make the book, with it's historical setting, feel realistic.
It's also surprisingly tame in some ways, especially considering the chosen profession of one of the leads: there are several closed-door scenes that I was a bit surprised to see.
However, "The Gentleman's Book of Vices" IS an extremely sexy book: the chemistry between the two leads, the build-up to their relationship and the way their dynamic plays out, all of that is very, very hot so I must say, I wasn't disappointed at all by the steam (or lack of it). On the contrary!
I also adored the characters. Miles and Charlie are fantastic protagonists: opposites in so many ways, but both of them are terrified of their lot in life and secretly desperate to find a bit of happiness and love. The whole cast of side characters, though? They stole my heart completely. Noah/Penelope, Forester, Warren, Jo and even Alma and Smithy: all of them are terrible meddlers, and the best kind of people. I'm so, so curious to see if any one of them will be getting their own story: I'm especially desperate for Noah's 🥺
So why 3 and a half stars?
Well, I got a bit bored at one point. I think this book started off great, and then lost a bit of steam. Maybe it was a tad too lengthy for its content: I ended up skimming a few bits, especially during the second half of the book. A shame really, because otherwise I would have truly loved it.
Anyway, this was a minor issue, so I'm sure lots of readers with more patience than me will enjoy this book more: either way, I'd wholly recommend giving it a go, if you love queer historical romances.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Homophobia, and Alcohol
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