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kaitrates's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
I'll continue with the series, not only because I do enjoy de la Rosa's writing but also because I'm so eager to see Gabby and Isa fall so hard for these men who *supposedly* drive them nuts. Though, if Isa doesn't get a library scene I will be BIG mad lol. I think I'll enjoy book 2 more both because its got enemies to lovers vibes and also because I'll go in knowing what to expect re: the breakdown of history vs romance.
All in all I do recommend this book and am so excited for more and more publishing houses to *finally* sign more authors of color for histroms. Here's to this continuing and growing, giving space to tell the stories that constantly get swept under the rug.
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, and Colonisation
Moderate: Sexual content and Kidnapping
Minor: Violence
Colorismcrystalisreading's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Gun violence, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: War
*heaves great sigh* A+ idea. C for actual writing. My favorite part of the book was the afterward. Such fascinating history.levesc17'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? N/A
3.75
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Misogyny and Racism
Minor: Slavery, Violence, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, and War
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
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
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
laurenalysse's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
Moderate: Death, Sexism, Violence, and Alcohol
what_karla_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Kidnapping, and Classism
Minor: Racism
bedtimesandbooks's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, Xenophobia, Kidnapping, Colonisation, and Classism