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what_karla_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
4.5/5 stars
2/5 spice
A riveting historical romance that was rich in culture and tension filled romance.
Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Princess FMC
Viscount/Scientist MMC
Friend's sister
Kidnapping/Captive
Virgin FMC
Political intrigue
He falls first
Dual POV
I loved the bantering between Isabel and Henrique. But I also really loved how Isabel grew out of her confining shell and learned to enjoy her life without compromising what was truly important to her. Her patriotism was commendable and was something that Henrique admired her for. So I'm glad she didn't sacrifice that part of herself simply because she fell in love.
Not a lot of time passes from the moment Isabel and Henrique meet, so the romance that blooms does feel a bit fast. But I am a sucker for the hero falling first, soooo I'm not mad about that, lol...
Even though this is part of an interconnected series, it reads as a standalone. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves historical romances with lots of tension. The build-up is worth it, and you'll get a few open door scenes that aren't explicitly detailed and on the shorter side.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Political manipulation, jealousy, sexual content, misogyny
2/5 spice
A riveting historical romance that was rich in culture and tension filled romance.
Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Princess FMC
Viscount/Scientist MMC
Friend's sister
Kidnapping/Captive
Virgin FMC
Political intrigue
He falls first
Dual POV
I loved the bantering between Isabel and Henrique. But I also really loved how Isabel grew out of her confining shell and learned to enjoy her life without compromising what was truly important to her. Her patriotism was commendable and was something that Henrique admired her for. So I'm glad she didn't sacrifice that part of herself simply because she fell in love.
Not a lot of time passes from the moment Isabel and Henrique meet, so the romance that blooms does feel a bit fast. But I am a sucker for the hero falling first, soooo I'm not mad about that, lol...
Even though this is part of an interconnected series, it reads as a standalone. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves historical romances with lots of tension. The build-up is worth it, and you'll get a few open door scenes that aren't explicitly detailed and on the shorter side.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Political manipulation, jealousy, sexual content, misogyny
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity and Misogyny
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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