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make_believer's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death of parent, Genocide, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, and Sexual violence
adalgibson's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.25
The premise and story were great, but I didn’t love the execution. It felt clunky at times and the lead-up to the romance felt a little rushed. Overall though was an enjoyable read and the sex scenes were very well written.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, and Sexual content
jgberokoff's review
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I decided to pick this up after finishing a dark and dense book and it was perfect. I’m not a big romance person but this was so sweet.
Highly recommend if you want a chill and relaxing book to read
Highly recommend if you want a chill and relaxing book to read
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Sexism
wardenred's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The earth is the center of a web of force that touches the moon, the sun, the other planets, and perhaps even all those distant stars that burn so far away. But every other moon, sun, comet, planet, and star is itself a center, and exerts its own force upon all the rest.
Nothing in the universe stands alone.
An incredibly beautiful and thoughtful book. I deliberately read it at a slower pace than usual, even though sometimes it was hard to pace myself and not just gulp down all the remaining chapters. But I didn't want to miss out on anything. The prose here is gorgeous, the characterization throughout the book is consistently evolving, and even though the romance obviously takes central stage, there's so much else going on.
I loved both Catherine and Lucy, independently and together—especially together. Theirs is exactly the kind of relationship I want to see in romance: two people building a future together as they work through the effects of their individual pasts, seeing the best in each other and lifting each other up, helping each other be the best version of themselves. It was wonderful to see these two women let each other in and work together as partners. All the beautiful details woven into their relationship—the art and the science, the translations and the embroidery—added so much to the story.
The parts of the book that were perhaps the most fascination but also the most difficult to read involved the vividly painted picture of the society these characters live in. It's impressive how the author doesn't gloss over or sugar-coat any of the numerous aspects of the systematic oppression Catherine and Lucy encounter, whether head-on or in passing—and at the same time, manages to lead the story to a powerful and hopeful ending. The world around the characters doesn't change in an instant, but there's a strong feeling that it can change, bit by bit.
Without diving into spoilers, I'll just say I also enjoyed how the subject of the power imbalance between the romantic leads was handled. Like so many topics in this story, it was very directly confronted instead of steering toward something like, "but they love each other, so of course this won't be a problem, let's focus on something else." And it was firmly the kind of confrontation that leads to solutions, not problems.
Overall, an amazing read, and I'm looking forward to reading more books by Olivia Waite in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Homophobia, and Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Racism
Minor: Death of parent
anovelbeauty's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Book TW: sexism common to the historical time (cht), homophobia (discussed; cht), mentioned emotional abuse/IPV,
Historical Fiction LGBT romances will almost always have a fine line to ride between just being downright depressing and not completely ignoring historical context in favour of a happy ever after. I actually think The Lady’s Guide walked it pretty well. There is certainly a decent amount of heavy sexism and the knowledge that queer relationships are frowned upon for women, however there are still sweet and happy moments. I also liked the acknowledgement that queer couples throughout history have existed and many were able to find ways to remain with their partners for their lifetimes.
Now, the part I /certainly/ adored was a consistent blending of science and art. While Lucy is our stalwart astronomer, Christine is both an artist and firmly within the scientific world. While very few of the characters in the book seem to be based off of real historical figures, I will always appreciate recognition for the women throughout history who have created art and contributed to science’s progression who were often relegated to the sidelines or erased entirely. Most of female characters in this work are strong and wonderful. Lucy and Christine’s relationship is equal parts steamy, healing, and sweet. I should mention that there is both lesbian and bisexual rep in the book! The characters that were supposed to be mature /actually/ acted mature or at least realized quickly when they messed up. I /loved/ a lot of the artistic and scientific descriptions in the book as they really brought the setting to life for me. I was thoroughly invested in Lucy’s fight to translate Oléron’s works and be acknowledged for work by the men of science in England. There were a few lovely moments of comeuppance and just it was a lovely, compelling read. As a bit of a science and art nerd myself, this romance hit the sweet spot for me! If you’re looking for a mostly pleasant, historical, sapphic romance that is equal parts science and art (and yes, an actual happy ending) you will probably love this one!
Historical Fiction LGBT romances will almost always have a fine line to ride between just being downright depressing and not completely ignoring historical context in favour of a happy ever after. I actually think The Lady’s Guide walked it pretty well. There is certainly a decent amount of heavy sexism and the knowledge that queer relationships are frowned upon for women, however there are still sweet and happy moments. I also liked the acknowledgement that queer couples throughout history have existed and many were able to find ways to remain with their partners for their lifetimes.
Now, the part I /certainly/ adored was a consistent blending of science and art. While Lucy is our stalwart astronomer, Christine is both an artist and firmly within the scientific world. While very few of the characters in the book seem to be based off of real historical figures, I will always appreciate recognition for the women throughout history who have created art and contributed to science’s progression who were often relegated to the sidelines or erased entirely. Most of female characters in this work are strong and wonderful. Lucy and Christine’s relationship is equal parts steamy, healing, and sweet. I should mention that there is both lesbian and bisexual rep in the book! The characters that were supposed to be mature /actually/ acted mature or at least realized quickly when they messed up. I /loved/ a lot of the artistic and scientific descriptions in the book as they really brought the setting to life for me. I was thoroughly invested in Lucy’s fight to translate Oléron’s works and be acknowledged for work by the men of science in England. There were a few lovely moments of comeuppance and just it was a lovely, compelling read. As a bit of a science and art nerd myself, this romance hit the sweet spot for me! If you’re looking for a mostly pleasant, historical, sapphic romance that is equal parts science and art (and yes, an actual happy ending) you will probably love this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
Minor: Death of parent and Grief
danajoy's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
This is a beautifully written and wonderful romance. I love the backdrop of astronomy and the arts, especially in light of the historical setting. It is full of beautiful quotes and imagery.
I think my favourite aspect of this was the amazing portrayal of consent and the importance of enthusiastic consent when progressing with intimacy.
I think my favourite aspect of this was the amazing portrayal of consent and the importance of enthusiastic consent when progressing with intimacy.
"The whole point is to feel excited about one another, isn’t it? If you’re more anxious than excited, then we wait. Simple."
It IS simple. I love seeing this sort of thing in books! This was the story I read directly after The Duke and I by Julia Quinn which unfortunately has a very problematic, non-consensual scene which really does make it hard to think back on the rest of the story with anything but uneasiness. When I read this story I was so happy that consent was clear and enthusiastic. There are a lot of steamy scenes in here. They are usually a little long, very tender and very hot so if that is something you're seeking out then I highly recommend picking this book up.
Personally, I found the plot interesting enough to keep me engaged but a bit on the predictable side. The docked half star is for my frustration with a very common romance trope also present in this story -
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Grief, and Homophobia
_roctopus_'s review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I love the blend of science and romance
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Biphobia, Homophobia, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
womanwill's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Homophobia, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Racism
decklededgess's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
trigger warnings: marital abuse and assault, potential mention of bdsm relationship with a sub who wasn’t really fully consenting??, emotionally abusive exes, homophobia, sexism and misogyny, sexism for women in STEM, sex and nudity, alcohol, sexist family, death of parents, mild racism
surprisingly diverse!!! hella brown and poc characters mentioned except none of them have their actual races mentioned save one because of his name. but the book is making several points about first wave feminism which is interesting!! really enjoyable.
surprisingly diverse!!! hella brown and poc characters mentioned except none of them have their actual races mentioned save one because of his name. but the book is making several points about first wave feminism which is interesting!! really enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racism
nickoliver's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
Minor: Death
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