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A review by what_karla_reads
An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
4.0
4/5 stars
2.5/5 spice
A sapphic historical romance that delivers in tension and banter but also rich with historical gems.
Tropes:
Forced proximity
Businesswoman & Artist
Opposites attract
Grumpy/sunshine
Latinx representation
Dual POV
Manuela is passionate and bursting with curious wonder at the beginning of the story, and I loved how she was able to grow and learn to love her life independently from the constraints of her family. Especially since she was raised as a pawn in her parents' schemes. Cora, aka The Duchess, proved to be Manuela's opposite in personality but couldn't deny being drawn to her light. She tried to avoid getting close, but Manuela slowly wore down her walls. They both had to grow and learn from past mistakes, and they hey both had to allow themselves to be happy.
Above all, I enjoyed learning about the sapphic community during these times. These are the things that we are denied learning in school. I am so happy these stories exist for the LGBTQIA community to enjoy and share and relate to. The found family aspect of this story was so incredibly heartwarming. Both the MCs needed these people to truly feel safe to be open about their love.
Overall, I loved this story and how it tackled the bigotry of those times but also brought a sense of hope for the future. I highly recommend for fans of sapphic romance, latinx representation, and historical romance.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Bigotry, sexism, explicit sexual content, mild violence
2.5/5 spice
A sapphic historical romance that delivers in tension and banter but also rich with historical gems.
Tropes:
Forced proximity
Businesswoman & Artist
Opposites attract
Grumpy/sunshine
Latinx representation
Dual POV
Manuela is passionate and bursting with curious wonder at the beginning of the story, and I loved how she was able to grow and learn to love her life independently from the constraints of her family. Especially since she was raised as a pawn in her parents' schemes. Cora, aka The Duchess, proved to be Manuela's opposite in personality but couldn't deny being drawn to her light. She tried to avoid getting close, but Manuela slowly wore down her walls. They both had to grow and learn from past mistakes, and they hey both had to allow themselves to be happy.
Above all, I enjoyed learning about the sapphic community during these times. These are the things that we are denied learning in school. I am so happy these stories exist for the LGBTQIA community to enjoy and share and relate to. The found family aspect of this story was so incredibly heartwarming. Both the MCs needed these people to truly feel safe to be open about their love.
Overall, I loved this story and how it tackled the bigotry of those times but also brought a sense of hope for the future. I highly recommend for fans of sapphic romance, latinx representation, and historical romance.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Bigotry, sexism, explicit sexual content, mild violence
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual content, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Violence