Scan barcode
sallydoig's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
clarissareads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
blairlovesbooks's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
dogearedbooks's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Violence, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Rape, Pedophilia, and Homophobia
geminireader's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
What an incredible read! I picked this up in anticipation of Bridgerton Season 3 and I’m so glad I did. I was immediately drawn to this novel because it didn’t center around romance, and while there was a bit of romance sprinkled in, it delivered on its promise to be a unique and adventurous Regency era novel. I wish there was a bit more of warning… I felt the description made the novel seem a lot more lighthearted and fun. This book delves into some very dark topics of the time regarding the treatment of women. I felt a bit unprepared for those heavy topics, so please consider this aspect before you read if you have certain triggers. Otherwise, I am eagerly awaiting the sequel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Physical abuse
Minor: Child death, Sexual violence, Rape, Incest, Vomit, and Sexual harassment
c8kodo's review
Yawn! Lighthearted 'romp' ala Jane Austen with a feminist twist, but falls flat because the dialogue of the two-dimensional uninteresting characters is thoroughly unconvincing. Rather than the purported "joyous romp that is equally entertaining, revealing, feminist, heartbreaking and humorous", it reads more like Nancy Drew in a Regency frock, but less interesting.
mliazano's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
thetipsytomes's review
4.0
I do not normally read historical fiction, but the premise of this book piqued my interest and I am very glad I picked it up. The writing style transported me to the earlier 1800's and into the lives of the Colebrook twins. I felt all the emotions throughout this book: the grief, the anger, the disgust, and the love. I appreciated that this book did not shy away from the problems that women faced during this time period and instead highlighted it through the many adventures. I am excited to see with Goodman takes this series. I highly recommend!
seisha's review
5.0
A Regency romance slash detective (sort of), offering a perfect blend of sweet romance and surprisingly dark themes of the era, such as killing barren wives due to high divorce costs, vivid descriptions of 19th century mastectomies, sexual child abuse as a 'virgin cure' and madhouses for perfectly healthy women - I heartily recommend.