Reviews

I'll just say, right off the bat, the regency romance is not my thing. However, I did enjoy elements of this. I loved Raya as a character. She was eager to learn, determined, and resilient. I loved reading from her perspective, and I think I would have preferred if the book was solely from her perspective. Anthony was...fine. I totally understood his reasoning for irritation. I also liked that he wasn't completely unlikeable to where it would be irredeemable. However, I was not a fan of the male audiobook narrator. He sounded stuffy and so much older than the female narrator who was FANTASTIC. The back and forth was disorienting and unenjoyable. There was also an interesting mystery to follow. I won't continue the series, but that is not a negative.

notesonbookmarks's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Oooh! The steam! The diversity! The business savvy in Victorian England!

anyawats's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious 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

4.25

chaosdemonmonster's review against another edition

Go to review page

fast-paced

3.0

I had high hopes for this book since it was a strong female main character and the MCs had to work together for both their happiness and success. That said, the characters were very single faceted (she liked business, he likes antiquities - and sex/innuendo but that isn't a personality trait I count in a romance novel), there were multiple instances of communication issues making me scream at my book JUST FRIGGIN TALK TO EACH OTHER WITH YOUR WORDS YOU PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE IDIOTS, and the one track mind of the MMC always turning everything to a dirty reference really grated on me after a while because the timing was just annoying (especially when the FMC was actually trying to have a serious conversation). A random other note is the hyperfixation on the FMC's body under her clothes which, to be fair, annoyed me more than it should because of my knowledge of historical fashion. Curves in the late 1800s were manufactured with corsets and padding but that was only remembered when it was convenient (like when playing with the FMC's breasts over the top edge of the corset she was wearing).

stargrlbooks's review

Go to review page

3.75

what can I say I had a great time! that being said we might need to invest in a belt with a lock for Strickland. that dude CANNOT keep it in his pants like we get it you’re HORNY omg

(also I did not need the visual of them fucking when they're gray and old I could've done without that thanks (😭)

Content Warnings

zabeishumanish's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

This is not a perfect story, I deeply wish that the ending had included some of the community that was built throughout the story. The book is fun and the wit is sparkling. The read is a good time, I just wish it was a touch more well rounded.

tatendz's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted 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? Yes

3.0

THINGS I LIKED
- The main girly was Palestinian (as it should be - haven’t read much book representation of Palestinian influence).
- It was nice to read a regency book that had a person of Color - rather they were conscious of the cultural differences (I am happy they didn’t make it the backbone of their relationship, where that is their barrier).
- I loved how the woven in Palestinian cultural norms, such as wedding attire and the her fav food that he recreated.
- The best part (even I highlighted it) was their chemistry and how the dialogue perfectly got their witty banter - I find myself waiting for them to conversate to get more funny moments.

THINGS I DISLIKED
- The naughty scenes became overbearing after some time - where I felt that I knew I was gonna get that scene over a emotionally connecting scene or a scene to dive into the second plot about Deena’s death.
- I wish there was more of the scenes of them sharing moments that create unique experiences for them - like the picnic at the ruins.
- While the premise for them being enemies was good, the longevity for it to be believable was done poorly. Like, early in the book they had scenes where she saw him shirtless or initiated physical contact. I wish it was prolonged to emphasise how crucial these moments are.

More...