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allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
In my estimation, the twin victories of this historical romance are the found family and the commentary on gender roles. Delilah, Lady Derring, finds herself widowed and with almost nothing to her name when her husband's debts come to light. She also finds herself face-to-face with the late Earl of Derring's mistress, Angelique. The two women form an unlikely partnership on the bond of wanting to never rely on a man again. Using the one property left by the erstwhile Earl of Derring and the sale of all their jewels, the ladies refurbish the once brothel into an upstanding boardinghouse meant to create a family atmosphere among its boarders. Taking in misfits and lonely hearts, the two also welcome in Captain Tristan Hardy, who is actually on a mission to topple a smuggling ring that had the dead Earl at its center.
I liked that the first half of the book is largely focused on non-romantic plotlines. The establishment of the boardinghouse and the smuggling investigation take center stage. The friendship between Delilah and Angelique grows, and new boarders are introduced in all their whimsy. Delilah and Tristan's interactions are mostly banter and long, heated glances, which is my favorite combination, let's be honest. In the latter half, their relationship heated up at what I found to be an abrupt change of pace. I didn't dislike their romance, but it was ultimately the least interesting to me of the several skeins of plot. I was much more invested in the several, strong platonic relationships weaving through the story.
I'm looking forward to returning to The Grand Palace on the Thames and getting the jaded Angelique's love story next.
I liked that the first half of the book is largely focused on non-romantic plotlines. The establishment of the boardinghouse and the smuggling investigation take center stage. The friendship between Delilah and Angelique grows, and new boarders are introduced in all their whimsy. Delilah and Tristan's interactions are mostly banter and long, heated glances, which is my favorite combination, let's be honest. In the latter half, their relationship heated up at what I found to be an abrupt change of pace. I didn't dislike their romance, but it was ultimately the least interesting to me of the several skeins of plot. I was much more invested in the several, strong platonic relationships weaving through the story.
I'm looking forward to returning to The Grand Palace on the Thames and getting the jaded Angelique's love story next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual assault
Minor: Infertility and Suicidal thoughts
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