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A review by loyaultemelie
Seven Minutes in Heaven by Eloisa James
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Rating this book is difficult because the highs were so high and the lows weren't that low - with one exception. That being said, this rivals When Beauty Tamed the Beast for my favorite Eloisa James novel and honestly is more enjoyable than my least favorite Sarah MacLean novel (which is a massive, massive compliment).
Why is this? Well one major reason - the characters feel in love. As much as I love romance novels, I love some steamy chemistry, I do in fact read romance novels partially for the erotic scenes - I'm not afraid of saying it; I do struggle sometimes with the idea that characters are in love, and not just in lust. Sometimes a hero will declare to a heroine that he'd like to spend the rest of his life with her, and he loves her personality, and I'm just like... have you guys spent any real non-sexual time together? Maybe it's because the point of Eugenia's various facets was the main point of tension, but I really felt like Eugenia and Ward enjoyed each other's company, platonically, romantically, and, of course, sexually. Like, I really, really believed that.
Which is why, when Ward rejected Eugenia (as romance heroes are tend to do) I was furious. Maybe it just hit too close to home, but I found Ward's actions more reprehensible than most romantic leads. Part of it is I think the perspective focus - the pivotal scenes of emotion and break are all from Eugenia's point of view, so we never feel Ward's anguish in the moment. But part of it is, I'm sorry, tellingyour lover that "it was just a romp but I need a classy woman to raise my orphaned half-siblings" is a hell of a move. Frankly, if I were Eugenia I wouldn't have accepted him back. Simply not enough groveling. Eugenia should have simply fallen into domestic bliss with Susan (my beloved). So, the last few chapters were a bit of a dud for me in that way. I just can't believe the conflict resolved that quickly, that she forgave him so quickly. Boo, boo!
But frankly, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the dynamic between Ward and Eugenia, and between them and Lizzie and Otis. And yes, I would die and kill for these kids - and Jarvis took, of course. Really, wonderfully enjoyable - I forgive Ward your dumbassery. Looking forward to the next read of James'.
Why is this? Well one major reason - the characters feel in love. As much as I love romance novels, I love some steamy chemistry, I do in fact read romance novels partially for the erotic scenes - I'm not afraid of saying it; I do struggle sometimes with the idea that characters are in love, and not just in lust. Sometimes a hero will declare to a heroine that he'd like to spend the rest of his life with her, and he loves her personality, and I'm just like... have you guys spent any real non-sexual time together? Maybe it's because the point of Eugenia's various facets was the main point of tension, but I really felt like Eugenia and Ward enjoyed each other's company, platonically, romantically, and, of course, sexually. Like, I really, really believed that.
Which is why, when Ward rejected Eugenia (as romance heroes are tend to do) I was furious. Maybe it just hit too close to home, but I found Ward's actions more reprehensible than most romantic leads. Part of it is I think the perspective focus - the pivotal scenes of emotion and break are all from Eugenia's point of view, so we never feel Ward's anguish in the moment. But part of it is, I'm sorry, telling
But frankly, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the dynamic between Ward and Eugenia, and between them and Lizzie and Otis. And yes, I would die and kill for these kids - and Jarvis took, of course. Really, wonderfully enjoyable - I forgive Ward your dumbassery. Looking forward to the next read of James'.