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A review by msjessc
Adverse Effects by Alicia Nordwell, Cia_
4.0
I was so pleasantly surprised! This book fixed what few issues I had with the first and I love it! I haven't been able to put down this trilogy. Even though I now realize the next is mpreg, which is my least fav trope of all. I will still read it because that's how much I enjoy this series. I want to make that clear, because my two issues with this book are pet peeves of mine and are going lead to me venting now. *deep breath*
Of all things, this book is oddly sexist. The next in line to the world wide leadership position is a woman, only she's never with her father while all these massively important decisions are being made. Do you know who is? His son, who has nothing to do with leadership. He will never lead, but he's the one helping his dad all through the first book. (Which did make some sense due to the plot at the time.) In this one though, it's even more blatant. Then finally, towards the end, even the author must have realized, because they put in a medical reason why she isn't leading- Finally at the end they put her in charge of women and children and even then, as soon as the masc MC walks in the room he takes charge!! You all, I almost threw my kindle. I know this is a minor point to the book, but seriously? In this day and age, that's how her character is handled? Did I mention she babysits for the MCs as well? Which is now the total sum of her activities in this book.
Which brings me to my second issue- children. If one must put children in a romance, for the love of all that is well written, do NOT use them as props! They are actual characters. The MC's guards had more personality than these two generic children. Which included the boy being stoic and the girl being incredibly sweet. Generic and stereotypes. Ugh! The author is obviously a better writer than this, so why they chose to write them this way I have no idea. Though they are hardly the first, hence the fact I almost never read romances with children.
I'm a tad tentative about the third due to the mpreg and misogyny/stereotyping, but I've come this far and I've been waiting for Nick's story since the second they opened his cell door! (I just want to wrap up in blankets and cuddle with him.) So here I go :)
Of all things, this book is oddly sexist. The next in line to the world wide leadership position is a woman, only she's never with her father while all these massively important decisions are being made. Do you know who is? His son, who has nothing to do with leadership. He will never lead, but he's the one helping his dad all through the first book. (Which did make some sense due to the plot at the time.) In this one though, it's even more blatant. Then finally, towards the end, even the author must have realized, because they put in a medical reason why she isn't leading-
Spoiler
because she's pregnant and too delicate! Jesus help me- I can't make this 1950s shit up!Which brings me to my second issue- children. If one must put children in a romance, for the love of all that is well written, do NOT use them as props! They are actual characters. The MC's guards had more personality than these two generic children. Which included the boy being stoic and the girl being incredibly sweet. Generic and stereotypes. Ugh! The author is obviously a better writer than this, so why they chose to write them this way I have no idea. Though they are hardly the first, hence the fact I almost never read romances with children.
I'm a tad tentative about the third due to the mpreg and misogyny/stereotyping, but I've come this far and I've been waiting for Nick's story since the second they opened his cell door! (I just want to wrap up in blankets and cuddle with him.) So here I go :)