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A review by justinkhchen
A Gentle Feuding by Johanna Lindsey
2.0
2 stars
Possibly the most unromantic historical romance I've ever read. Reading A Gentle Feuding is worthwhile only for the purpose of observing how the genre has evolved in the past 30+ years, otherwise, there's really no point suffering through this incredibly dull, and mildly offensive relic today.
The problem with A Gentle Feuding starts and ends with its hero, Jamie MacKinnion. An Alpha Hero in its most primitive state, throwing the word 'rape' around as a casual banter, insistent on his 'never marry before trying' principle, and basically gaslighting the heroine all the way through (saying he respects her choices, but they are only valid if fits his liking). While the essence of this hero type still exists (and remains popular) today, contemporary authors have managed to soften the offensive aggression and ensure it's acceptable within today's moral standards. Even taking into account of the discrepancy of 80s societal attitude, it is still unpleasant reading about a woman repeatedly being driven to submission through physical / psychological assault (especially when it's suppose to be romantic).
Even with their issue, there are still older historical romances I find enjoyable, simply because the story itself is compelling; unfortunately the plot of A Gentle Feuding is equally lackluster; the hero and heroine barely spend any time together on page, the political intrigue juvenile and unnecessarily complex, and the 'romance' only revolves around their lusty, physical attraction, without addressing the conflict in personality. The smallest redeeming qualities are the writing, some heartfelt character moments, and a very Shakespearean tragedy inspired backstory — which somehow manages to be more romantic and poignant in a couple paragraphs than the central love story.
A Gentle Feuding focuses so much on claiming/conquering the heroine as a challenge or a piece of object, instead of a human being with equal rights, it's difficult to find genuine enjoyment under today's mentality (I feel like I was reading a domestic thriller featuring an abusive relationship). I'm keeping my copy simply for the beautiful Elaine Duillo illustration, but will never open it again otherwise.
***Historical Hellions Book Club | April 2022 Selection***
Possibly the most unromantic historical romance I've ever read. Reading A Gentle Feuding is worthwhile only for the purpose of observing how the genre has evolved in the past 30+ years, otherwise, there's really no point suffering through this incredibly dull, and mildly offensive relic today.
The problem with A Gentle Feuding starts and ends with its hero, Jamie MacKinnion. An Alpha Hero in its most primitive state, throwing the word 'rape' around as a casual banter, insistent on his 'never marry before trying' principle, and basically gaslighting the heroine all the way through (saying he respects her choices, but they are only valid if fits his liking). While the essence of this hero type still exists (and remains popular) today, contemporary authors have managed to soften the offensive aggression and ensure it's acceptable within today's moral standards. Even taking into account of the discrepancy of 80s societal attitude, it is still unpleasant reading about a woman repeatedly being driven to submission through physical / psychological assault (especially when it's suppose to be romantic).
Even with their issue, there are still older historical romances I find enjoyable, simply because the story itself is compelling; unfortunately the plot of A Gentle Feuding is equally lackluster; the hero and heroine barely spend any time together on page, the political intrigue juvenile and unnecessarily complex, and the 'romance' only revolves around their lusty, physical attraction, without addressing the conflict in personality. The smallest redeeming qualities are the writing, some heartfelt character moments, and a very Shakespearean tragedy inspired backstory — which somehow manages to be more romantic and poignant in a couple paragraphs than the central love story.
A Gentle Feuding focuses so much on claiming/conquering the heroine as a challenge or a piece of object, instead of a human being with equal rights, it's difficult to find genuine enjoyment under today's mentality (I feel like I was reading a domestic thriller featuring an abusive relationship). I'm keeping my copy simply for the beautiful Elaine Duillo illustration, but will never open it again otherwise.
***Historical Hellions Book Club | April 2022 Selection***