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booknerderika's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Ana María & Gideon were perfect for each other. I wanted more interactions between them, but I enjoyed the overall story and didn't feel like a lot of spice was needed. Although, I do hope there is more build-up in the next book. I want more angst and close encounters. If it is going to be a slow-burn enemies to lovers (which it seems like from the hints in this book) then I need more tension between the characters.
All that being said, the spicy scene dialogue was a little cringe, but I was willing to look past that since I loved the rest of the story so much. I can't wait for book 2!
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Death, Gun violence, Violence, and War
thirdeyeangel23's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Pros: The Luna sisters were truly the star of this story. I loved getting to know each sister and seeing how these characters re-captured their sisterhood.
Cons: if the romance is only in the last 15% of the book can you really call it romance? Gideon was an interesting character who’s motivations were commendable, but that also made him fail as a love interest for me. He spent a good portion of the story judging Ana Maria. The marriage of convenience doesn’t take place until the last 50 pages of the book and by then it was difficult to really believe his feelings for her.
The overall writing style and characters really shined, but the execution of this book’s greatest selling points fell short for me. All I’m all I’m invested in the story of these sisters more than the romance and plan to continue the series for that reason.
Moderate: Gun violence, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Colonisation, and War
ashleycmms's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Racism, Slavery, and War
hailstorm3812's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Racism and Kidnapping
Minor: Slavery, Religious bigotry, Colonisation, and War
jackiepreston's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexual content, Slavery, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Racism, Death of parent, Alcohol, Colonisation, War, and Classism
katelynnelawson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Kidnapping, and Colonisation
Minor: Slavery, Murder, War, and Classism
sydapel's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, Kidnapping, Colonisation, and War
gabyscozylibrary's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
This is my first time reading historical romance, so I’m not sure if they’re all supposed to be more slow-paced than typical contemporary romances. This book was a SLOW-BURN for sure. I definitely enjoyed all the pining but I was so ready for Ana and Gideon to finally get together!! (BUT when they get together it’s so good!)
I loved the inclusivity and diversity of the characters and could relate to each the Luna sisters so much, (even though I’m not a Mexican Heiress lol).
I guess my rating is based on how much I enjoyed this book. I really liked it but there were times I was bored and wanted to skip the history parts and jump to the romance. It was a good book and I would recommend but only if you’re into historical-romance and enjoy slow burns 🔥
Excited for book 2 :)
Moderate: Racism, Slavery, War, and Classism
Minor: Murder
savvyrosereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Ana María and her sisters have fled to London from Mexico for their safety during the French occupation in 1863. Against both of their better judgment, Ana María begins to fall for handsome member of Parliament Gideon Fox, but the two fight to keep a lid on their attraction—until political forces push them together once and for all.
I really loved the concept of this one, which is a Victorian romance with super diverse characters that deals with aspects of history I was previously unfamiliar with and excited to learn more about. Overall, I found this to be fun and a relatively quick read—I got through most of it in a single sitting. I also LOVED the commentary about race, class, colorism, colonialism, and politics in this era in general.
That said, I also found myself wanting a bit “more” somehow—this is a slow burn in the extreme (the action doesn’t really pick up until nearly 200 pages in, in my opinion) and there were some aspects of the plot where I really needed to suspend my disbelief.
Still, I liked the characters, and I find myself really looking forward to both of Ana María’s sisters’ books, based on the hints and foreshadowing we got here. On balance, I’d definitely recommend picking this up if it sounds interesting to you!
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: diverse historical romance; political themes; “my wife”
CW: Kidnapping/violence; sexism; racism; mentions of slavery
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Death, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Death of parent, and War
karty_v's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Slow Burn.
Closed door romance (1 descriptive sex scene).
Marriage of Convenience BUT they actually love each other
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Slavery and War