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amris's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Grief
Moderate: Child abuse and Pedophilia
max_pink's review
4.0
4 Stars
Tropes: Marriage of Convenience, Widow, Military Hero
This was a very cute slow-burn historical romance. I liked both of the main characters and the focus on class issues. There is a nice complicating aspect around the military that ties into the primary tension of the book, as well.
I probably would have rated this higher if I'd read it all a bit faster, so blame that on me being scattered.
Tropes: Marriage of Convenience, Widow, Military Hero
This was a very cute slow-burn historical romance. I liked both of the main characters and the focus on class issues. There is a nice complicating aspect around the military that ties into the primary tension of the book, as well.
I probably would have rated this higher if I'd read it all a bit faster, so blame that on me being scattered.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse and Suicide
veronian's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A warm bowl of soup
cam411's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
grymoira's review against another edition
4.0
Loved it except for the ending
The premise, although the basic trope is a bit common, still managed to feel fresh and engaging. I enjoyed the characters and their inner growth. However, much was left hanging, and many loose ends needed to be tied up in order for me to feel that the story had been finished. I will always long to know what happened with Starkey, and how the Admiral's sisters ended up feeling about the heroine. Perhaps there is a sequel in the works? If not, there should be.
On a technical note, the Kindle edition had numerous snaggy typos, which I noted and for which I submitted correction recommendations. A few typos are understandable. But when there are so many, it just feels like sloppy and careless editing.
The premise, although the basic trope is a bit common, still managed to feel fresh and engaging. I enjoyed the characters and their inner growth. However, much was left hanging, and many loose ends needed to be tied up in order for me to feel that the story had been finished. I will always long to know what happened with Starkey, and how the Admiral's sisters ended up feeling about the heroine. Perhaps there is a sequel in the works? If not, there should be.
On a technical note, the Kindle edition had numerous snaggy typos, which I noted and for which I submitted correction recommendations. A few typos are understandable. But when there are so many, it just feels like sloppy and careless editing.
llamallamacallurmama's review against another edition
3.0
**Most of my reviews contain detailed Content Notes (including CW/TW) sections, which may include spoilers. I have tried to mark them appropriately, but please use caution.**
3/5
Ebook
* Summary: Relatively long widowed and newly desperate former companion agrees to marry a retired naval man and help bring his life ship-shape, while hiding her past.
* Stats: HR, M/F, limited open door, stand alone.
* Notes: I’m a bit conflicted about this one - there was a lot that I liked about it, but I found it disappointing overall. I think my big issue was that, to me, the MMC was exhausting - I make decisions and answer questions all day long every day in my life, I think it was just really hard for me to read an MMC who needed the FMC to be the director of their lives and do that too. I totally understand why it might work for someone else, and I did find the story and characters interesting and different… I just can’t say it worked much for me. I also was extremely irritated by the ending - rushed and unsatisfactory, and I felt like the resolution was more due to circumstance rather than love. I did like that the characters were older, found some of their banter witty and entertaining, but overall, bit of a bust.
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
1816, alcohol, death of previous spouse (suicide), age gap - 45M/31F, limb loss/amputation, prosthetic use, military MMC, child military service, Scottish FMC, child death (in the past, briefly described, including of FMC’s son and deaths in war), homelessness, execution (ordered by MMC in past), FMC with stretch marks, death of parents (mentioned), some crazy talk/jokes, SA of FMC (kissing, brief, played as a bit of a joke), FMC hits someone, references to antisemitism against side characters, descriptions of violence/war/blood and gore - including death and medical care, child abuse/child sexual assault (of side character, brief references), family tension, nightmares/some PTSD references, illness and death of friend, substance abuse (alcohol), pregnancy
3/5
Ebook
* Summary: Relatively long widowed and newly desperate former companion agrees to marry a retired naval man and help bring his life ship-shape, while hiding her past.
* Stats: HR, M/F, limited open door, stand alone.
* Notes: I’m a bit conflicted about this one - there was a lot that I liked about it, but I found it disappointing overall. I think my big issue was that, to me, the MMC was exhausting - I make decisions and answer questions all day long every day in my life, I think it was just really hard for me to read an MMC who needed the FMC to be the director of their lives and do that too. I totally understand why it might work for someone else, and I did find the story and characters interesting and different… I just can’t say it worked much for me. I also was extremely irritated by the ending - rushed and unsatisfactory, and I felt like the resolution was more due to circumstance rather than love. I did like that the characters were older, found some of their banter witty and entertaining, but overall, bit of a bust.
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
kittykhan's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
annashiv's review against another edition
2.0
More adult than you might think. The story was okay but felt rushed due to the format. The at was decent but had a surprising amount of mildly erotic imagery.
chandelierskies's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5