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auteaandtales's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Their chemistry was fantastic, it was enemies-to-lovers done perfectly. I love the Arab culture woven in, how much Anthony wanted to make sure she felt at home and the cute little things he did for her, and Raya was such a great character. She had so much depth and strength, and could definitely hold her own ground.
The side characters were awful and added so much extra tension, and the bonus mystery was unexpected but fun. It was predictable but I don’t think that hindered the experience at all, and not everyone would find it predictable, I’ve just read SO many thrillers and mysteries in my reading history that there’s very little that takes me by surprise anymore, I can still enjoy the ride.
Well, my only real issue with it was the drama and it felt a little over the top at times, and I’m a fan of slow burn so I think it could have been dragged out a little bit longer.
But while I wait for the next instalment in the series, I’ll have to read Diana Quincy’s other works!
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism, Abandonment, and Misogyny
Minor: Racism, Alcohol, Islamophobia, and Murder
bethehart's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Sexual content, Racism, Murder, Xenophobia, and Sexism
overflowingshelf's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
“All we ever do is quarrel.”
“Because you are beyond annoying.”
“And you are the most provoking woman I have ever met.”
“The feeling is most definitely mutual,” she snapped. And yet she wanted nothing more than to feel his kiss again.
His gaze dropped to her mouth. “This attraction between us is a curse.”
Raya sucked in a breath. Putting words to the connection, saying it aloud, made the inexplicable pull between them terrifyingly real. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Liar.”
She licked her lips. “The very idea is repulsive.”
His pupils dilated as he watched the movement of her tongue. “Nauseating.”
“We should keep as far away from each other as possible.”
“An ocean would not be far enough away,” he growled, “to relieve myself of the affliction of you.”
I was so giddy watching Strickland and Raya spar and then kiss and then immediately go back to sparring. These two prove how close the boundaries between love and hate are. I was literally living for every interaction they had and was giggling at how they were both telling each other the same lie about their feelings when it was so clear they were head over heels in love with each other. Why else would you keep kissing? Diana Quincy also delivered on the spice in this, as their chemistry led to some great banging, including some angry, hate banging with dirty talk. I also adored how Strickland showed his devotion to Raya – who wouldn’t want a man to give you a full bed of flowers in a gorgeous abandoned abbey on a castle estate? If you like the vibes of Anthony and Kate from season 2 of Bridgerton (more the show vibes than book vibes), I think you’ll love Raya and Strickland. The book also talks about how Arabs believe in fated mates, about finding your naseeb, and these two definitely felt like they were destined for each other.
Graphic: Sexism and Racism
Minor: Death of parent
noellelovesbooks's review against another edition
4.75
Mention of: murder, death, and death of loved ones.
***I received an ARC, via Netgalley, from Harper Collins...as part of their influencer program.***
Diana is one of my FAVORITE historical romance authors. Between the POC rep and the ease in which one can start her books...I just adore the characters she writes.
Raya seeks financial independence and is stunned to learn her cousin has left her a castle. Seeing that the castle has seen better financial days she starts to formulate plans to bring money back in and make sure the castle prospers. She WILL show her family how valuable her financial opinions are and that they were wrong to force her out of the family business.
Strickland always believed he would inherit the family castle and was devastated when his father's will stated he passed the family seat to Strick's stepmother. Having been promised by his stepmother he would inherit once she passed...he's infuriated when he learns that she willed the family home to a cousin...a cousin she's never even me in person!
Watching these two, extremely stubborn, people clash while also fighting their mutual attraction... *chefs kiss*
I cannot wait to see, and devour, the other books Diana writes into this series!
Graphic: Classism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Racism, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Murder, Animal death, and Death of parent
themeadowlibrary's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Moderate: Alcohol, Murder, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Classism, Death, and Death of parent
bedtimesandbooks's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Murder, Xenophobia, and Classism
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol