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talknerdybookblog's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
No strong representation of diverse characters or minority identities.
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does have OW drama
- the Hero courted the Heroine's sister ~6 years ago and proposed marriage to her (they would've married if the Heroine hadn't been proposed to by the guy she was actually in love with)
- the Hero spends a few instances in the book comparing the Heroine to her sister, where the Heroine is idealized as "perfect" and the Heroine is "wild," ... but, personally, you can tell as the reader that to him the sister simply "made sense" (she fits the mould of a gentlewoman for the time, whereas the Heroine defies that mould)
- the Hero is terrified about what he feels for the Heroine - and how his feelings don't "make sense" (i.e., he's very passionate), so he attempts to order his thoughts by creating a list ... where he unfortunately compares the Heroine to her sister. Of course, this list is found by the Heroine, and it causes a lot of issues, but the Hero actually apologizes (rip, the bar is so low, even in romance novels).
- It becomes evident that the Hero liked the Heroine's sister for the novelty of what their future could've looked like a warm, loving family, which he had never had before. It wasn't so much the sister as the <i>idea</i> of what their future would've looked like that hurt him after the sister decided to marry someone else.
• Does have mild OM drama
- an OM at the Heroine's job is smitten with her and his presence around the Heroine <i>infuriates</i> the Hero despite the OM being harmless (and his feelings are totally unrequited)
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Murder
• Attempted murder
• Knife violence
• Recounting of childhood abuse & neglect
• Gun violence
• Threat of gun violence
• Drugging
Ending:HEA
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does have OW drama
- the Hero courted the Heroine's sister ~6 years ago and proposed marriage to her (they would've married if the Heroine hadn't been proposed to by the guy she was actually in love with)
- the Hero spends a few instances in the book comparing the Heroine to her sister, where the Heroine is idealized as "perfect" and the Heroine is "wild," ... but, personally, you can tell as the reader that to him the sister simply "made sense" (she fits the mould of a gentlewoman for the time, whereas the Heroine defies that mould)
- the Hero is terrified about what he feels for the Heroine - and how his feelings don't "make sense" (i.e., he's very passionate), so he attempts to order his thoughts by creating a list ... where he unfortunately compares the Heroine to her sister. Of course, this list is found by the Heroine, and it causes a lot of issues, but the Hero actually apologizes (rip, the bar is so low, even in romance novels).
- It becomes evident that the Hero liked the Heroine's sister for the novelty of what their future could've looked like a warm, loving family, which he had never had before. It wasn't so much the sister as the <i>idea</i> of what their future would've looked like that hurt him after the sister decided to marry someone else.
• Does have mild OM drama
- an OM at the Heroine's job is smitten with her and his presence around the Heroine <i>infuriates</i> the Hero despite the OM being harmless (and his feelings are totally unrequited)
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Murder
• Attempted murder
• Knife violence
• Recounting of childhood abuse & neglect
• Gun violence
• Threat of gun violence
• Drugging
Ending:
alisoun's review
3.75
Phineas and Eugenia
Ok Eugenia is a total fav. She is flawed (what other heroine gets roaring drunk and years pillows up?) which I adored.
Phineas was fine. Lol. Eugenia had to do a lot of emotional lifting here and his grovel could have been majorly better.
Ok Eugenia is a total fav. She is flawed (what other heroine gets roaring drunk and years pillows up?) which I adored.
Phineas was fine. Lol. Eugenia had to do a lot of emotional lifting here and his grovel could have been majorly better.
qsheen's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
3.0
njsbooknook's review
4.0
I was so excited for this book because I love this whole series. I couldn't wait to read Phineus's story and I was not disappointed. The chemistry was amazing between the two. The story along with the mystery kept me hooked from start to end. It is always so delicious to read about a Hero is so emotionless on the outside but adorably warm to the heroine :)
My only problem with this book was her "Scandal". Even for the sake of the plot I just couldn't bring myself to connect with how everyone was so cool about it. In reality, she would have been ostracized by society and her parents would have sent her to the country (even if they do support her no matter what). But no, here, Genie is living with her parents, working which means she is walking around London, and taking part in family dinner parties. Since avoiding scandal was such a huge part of Regency society, I just couldn't ignore that plot point.
My only problem with this book was her "Scandal". Even for the sake of the plot I just couldn't bring myself to connect with how everyone was so cool about it. In reality, she would have been ostracized by society and her parents would have sent her to the country (even if they do support her no matter what). But no, here, Genie is living with her parents, working which means she is walking around London, and taking part in family dinner parties. Since avoiding scandal was such a huge part of Regency society, I just couldn't ignore that plot point.
surrahsee's review
4.0
I always worry when I read a series likes this that involves families, friends, and intimate moments that it will all sound the same and I won't be able to separate the current book from the previous in the series. This is not the case with "Rescued from Ruin!" I love how Elisa Braden writes characters- they are flawed, they love, they hurt, and they are human.
I loved Eugenia and Phineas. I loved their blunt conversations and whenever there was an issue Phineas asked what was wrong instead of assuming Eugenia would get over it; I also appreciate that when he asked, Eugenia told him. I can't stand when I read romance and half the book is each person making false assumptions, judging/acting based on those assumptions, being upset, and avoiding conversation throughout the entire book. It gets so tiring, so Eugenia and Phineas's conversation styles were refreshing.
Further, I like that both Eugenia and Phineas weren't "typical" aristocracy and didn't try to change to fit the mold. We are told that for years Phineas has looked for a wife and he seems to understand his "short comings," and although he tries to fit in, he does not change his love of plants or trying to get into the Horticultural Society. Eugenia did try to change, and it did not go well for her (hence her "ruin"). She embraces who she is and makes it clear to Phineas she will not change herself or him. Finally, I'm glad that Henry and Phineas band together and become friends!
I highly recommend the whole series!
I loved Eugenia and Phineas. I loved their blunt conversations and whenever there was an issue Phineas asked what was wrong instead of assuming Eugenia would get over it; I also appreciate that when he asked, Eugenia told him. I can't stand when I read romance and half the book is each person making false assumptions, judging/acting based on those assumptions, being upset, and avoiding conversation throughout the entire book. It gets so tiring, so Eugenia and Phineas's conversation styles were refreshing.
Further, I like that both Eugenia and Phineas weren't "typical" aristocracy and didn't try to change to fit the mold. We are told that for years Phineas has looked for a wife and he seems to understand his "short comings," and although he tries to fit in, he does not change his love of plants or trying to get into the Horticultural Society. Eugenia did try to change, and it did not go well for her (hence her "ruin"). She embraces who she is and makes it clear to Phineas she will not change herself or him. Finally, I'm glad that Henry and Phineas band together and become friends!
I highly recommend the whole series!
sharonwb's review
3.0
I felt this was a bit of a rehashing story. We already did the h in peril from the poisoner with Maureen and Henry so I was a bit weary. I look forward to finishing the series with Hannah.
winterreader40's review
3.0
I like how blunt the main female character is in this story especially in contrast with the secondary female character, though she has very good reasons for her timidity. The men in these stories do tend to be brilliant in some way and super stupid in basic ways at the same time.
samanatha's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
Eugenia was wonderful. I enjoyed this one quite a lot despite the violence in the plot. One of the aspects of Elise Braden’s books that I appreciate is how the FMCS are unique and show strength in different ways. Being able to write kindly about Eugenia and Hannah’s challenges at the start of their relationship without destroying either of their characters is a true talent. I wish Braden would write a love story without heartache or deep sadness. I appreciate books need some kind of conflict, but I need more joy in these stories! Braden is such a great writer, I think if she chose to do so, that type of love story would be amazing.
caitieparker's review
medium-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? Yes
3.5