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A review by extracelestial
To Swoon and to Spar by Martha Waters
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I’ve been excited to read Penvale’s book but this one… agh. I liked a lot about Jane and relate to feeling uncomfortable around others, but her supposedly awkwardness really felt over the top. There were moments where I thought it was sweet that Penvale liked that she was different, and other times I felt like he was deranged. Some moments of “her?” à la Arrested Development.
My main frustrations with this book were 1- the gaslighting. My god! The gaslighting. And 2- it took a really long time (like 200+ pages) before the first kiss. I get it. It wasn’t a marriage either of them expected, it’s a slow burn, etc. But I usually *adore* a long game slow burn and this just didn’t feel inspiring.
Overall I thought this series was fun and I loved following each couple and seeing them reappear in and out of the series. Maybe a Sophie and West novella is to come?
For now, I will be dreaming of my own estate by the sea with an enormous library, sea views, and enough room invite all my friends.
My main frustrations with this book were 1- the gaslighting. My god! The gaslighting. And 2- it took a really long time (like 200+ pages) before the first kiss. I get it. It wasn’t a marriage either of them expected, it’s a slow burn, etc. But I usually *adore* a long game slow burn and this just didn’t feel inspiring.
Overall I thought this series was fun and I loved following each couple and seeing them reappear in and out of the series. Maybe a Sophie and West novella is to come?
For now, I will be dreaming of my own estate by the sea with an enormous library, sea views, and enough room invite all my friends.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting