nataliesboooks's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5
juchinnii's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
gear3232's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
elizabethtagg's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adored this sweet Regency romance! While it had many classic tropes that are found throughout the romance genre, I was also legitimately surprised by a few of the plot points as they unfolded, which made it a much more interesting read than most books of its kind.
I also loved the way that the author explored various social issues in the context of this book. One of the main characters is an Anglo-Indian, and seeing how his experience had been shaped by his race was eye-opening to the customs of those times. I also loved the themes of feminism throughout the book, especially the idea that strong women can choose what they want to do and be, whether that means wanting to become an author, a scientist, or aspiring above all to be a mother. I feel that this isn't a message we get in most modern literature, and I think it is so important for all women to feel confident in their choices.
I also appreciated how the book was clean, but still had some swoon-worthy romance! I think the author did a fantastic job writing believable love scenes.
I would say that my overall rating for this book is probably 4.5 stars rounded to 5, simply because I felt that some of the writing was a little bit more explicit than I needed (i.e. explaining Regency rules in detail), though I think that was probably helpful for the YA audience this it is intended for. I also thought that the beginning was a tiny bit slow, but the rest of the book was such a quick read!
Even with these small things, this is definitely a book that I will be rereading and would recommend to anyone!
I also loved the way that the author explored various social issues in the context of this book. One of the main characters is an Anglo-Indian, and seeing how his experience had been shaped by his race was eye-opening to the customs of those times. I also loved the themes of feminism throughout the book, especially the idea that strong women can choose what they want to do and be, whether that means wanting to become an author, a scientist, or aspiring above all to be a mother. I feel that this isn't a message we get in most modern literature, and I think it is so important for all women to feel confident in their choices.
I also appreciated how the book was clean, but still had some swoon-worthy romance! I think the author did a fantastic job writing believable love scenes.
I would say that my overall rating for this book is probably 4.5 stars rounded to 5, simply because I felt that some of the writing was a little bit more explicit than I needed (i.e. explaining Regency rules in detail), though I think that was probably helpful for the YA audience this it is intended for. I also thought that the beginning was a tiny bit slow, but the rest of the book was such a quick read!
Even with these small things, this is definitely a book that I will be rereading and would recommend to anyone!
nisha_23's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sophslaw's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
it was meh. The first chapter I was so confused I had to write little character sheets so I could keep everyone straight. Overall I think the book was trying to do too much, each with a different trope while never really hitting the crux of each. I disliked one of main characters to no end, the other two were flawed and normal. I mostly read for one particular couple and wanted to see it to it’s end. OH— did love the addition of an Anglo-Indian gentleman, amazing choice.
emma_readz8's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.75
bazalex's review against another edition
4.0
I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did!! I rarely ever read historical romances but this one was a lot of fun, and the characters just felt so real and well written.