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reading_historical_romance's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5/5 🌶️ Seductively sexy, and will melt your heart.
This novel now claims a spot in my Top 3 Historical Romance reads of 2023. It has all of the essential elements that I'm looking for in a slow-burn steam fest: achingly well-written prose, flawless pacing, natural and authentic characters, vivid setting and atmosphere descriptions, and pitch-perfect banter. And as a bonus, the entire novel features an extended allegory to Greek mythology. I have no notes!
I love that Isabel is so earnest in her princessy-ness. She has been born and bred to be so straight-laced, so she embodies a "prim and proper spinster" archetype. Her predictable, controlled world is quickly thrown off its axis by Henrique, the intellectual rake who needs a reason to settle down and embrace true love. I love that Henrique has a husky voice, would rather discover the cure for typhus than waste his time on "gentlemanly" pursuits like hunting, and immediately recognizes his fated mate in the independent, witty, loyal Isabel. I love that Isabel and Henrique view each other as equals despite the difference in their social stations.
As Henrique says to Isabel:
'Passion is not one-sided. I want to kiss you, but I want to be kissed too. I want to caress your skin, and I want to be caressed. I want you to be vulnerable to me, but it makes me vulnerable, too. I want to revel with you, in you, for as long as our night lasts. I want to make you fly.'
I loved this novel so much I immediately re-read a number of chapters, and I bought the paperback because the cover art is absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to annotate it!
Giovanna Siniscalchi is now an auto-buy for me!
This novel now claims a spot in my Top 3 Historical Romance reads of 2023. It has all of the essential elements that I'm looking for in a slow-burn steam fest: achingly well-written prose, flawless pacing, natural and authentic characters, vivid setting and atmosphere descriptions, and pitch-perfect banter. And as a bonus, the entire novel features an extended allegory to Greek mythology. I have no notes!
I love that Isabel is so earnest in her princessy-ness. She has been born and bred to be so straight-laced, so she embodies a "prim and proper spinster" archetype. Her predictable, controlled world is quickly thrown off its axis by Henrique, the intellectual rake who needs a reason to settle down and embrace true love. I love that Henrique has a husky voice, would rather discover the cure for typhus than waste his time on "gentlemanly" pursuits like hunting, and immediately recognizes his fated mate in the independent, witty, loyal Isabel. I love that Isabel and Henrique view each other as equals despite the difference in their social stations.
As Henrique says to Isabel:
'Passion is not one-sided. I want to kiss you, but I want to be kissed too. I want to caress your skin, and I want to be caressed. I want you to be vulnerable to me, but it makes me vulnerable, too. I want to revel with you, in you, for as long as our night lasts. I want to make you fly.'
I loved this novel so much I immediately re-read a number of chapters, and I bought the paperback because the cover art is absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to annotate it!
Giovanna Siniscalchi is now an auto-buy for me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Eating disorder
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