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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
If only real life childhood crushes could end this way....I enjoyed this story and rounding up to 4 stars--not quite with the feels and the conflict was weak but the banter between the characters was charming and satisfying. Nice wrapping up of the series.
Cute. Fun to read. Never quite got why Lisle's parents got on his nerves (seemed quite normal to get pissed that your eldest son would rather stay in Egypt than home in England). Olivia seemed a bit over the top in her hoydenish ways. Good resolution to the ghost/treasure issue.
Didn't realize this was a book 5, so it does read quite well.
Didn't realize this was a book 5, so it does read quite well.
★★★½. The last ten percent of the book was such a let-down after what had been a really great book. I very much enjoyed the characters and their repartee.
I really, really, really enjoyed this. I've said before that Chase can be a little dry, and regency romance in general starts off significantly cool because there's so much regency-ness to get through -all those social boundaries, how hard it is to get a chance to talk, how making out ends up being a 'and then marriage!' thing rather than anything really about exploring and getting to know how you fit with someone - but the fact that Lisle and Olivia have known each other for years and yell and rage and talk about anything makes it so much easier to get into right away.
And Lisle and Olivia are both so charming, and so aware of each other but such dummies about how they feel themselves - their conversations made me smile, their flaws and their arguments felt legit to me (without feeling like two people who condescend towards each other and underestimate each other, which books with arguing 'ships do too often - I mention this because I was worried about vibes I got from the first couple of chapters, but we moved past that quickly), and I loved how clearly they fit. It wasn't just a 'I like you more than anyone else' thing - though it is that, as a foundation, which is lovely - but two people figuring out what exactly they are to each other, and realising that could be love, in a solid, adoring way - and finding this because of this work they do together.
The plot itself was also super charming! I liked how simple it was, and I've always loved stories about people who create something together. The fact that they built a home is just...dreamy.
I was biased about how much I loved this 'ship from the get-go, so I knew I'd enjoy this book a whole lot. I was right. I'm glad when I'm right about these things.
And Lisle and Olivia are both so charming, and so aware of each other but such dummies about how they feel themselves - their conversations made me smile, their flaws and their arguments felt legit to me (without feeling like two people who condescend towards each other and underestimate each other, which books with arguing 'ships do too often - I mention this because I was worried about vibes I got from the first couple of chapters, but we moved past that quickly), and I loved how clearly they fit. It wasn't just a 'I like you more than anyone else' thing - though it is that, as a foundation, which is lovely - but two people figuring out what exactly they are to each other, and realising that could be love, in a solid, adoring way - and finding this because of this work they do together.
The plot itself was also super charming! I liked how simple it was, and I've always loved stories about people who create something together. The fact that they built a home is just...dreamy.
I was biased about how much I loved this 'ship from the get-go, so I knew I'd enjoy this book a whole lot. I was right. I'm glad when I'm right about these things.
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
Reading one of the few books by your favorite author that you haven't read before is a bittersweet experience. Like, it was so good! But also, I will no longer be able to read it for the first time! And now I have one less Loretta Chase book to read (until she writes more)!
But oh, how I loved this book. The CHARACTERS. Olivia and Lisle were perfect grownup versions of their childhood selves in Lord Perfect (which I highly recommend you read before this one, but it's not *strictly* necessary). Some might class this as a Grumpy/Sunshine romance, but really it's Order/Chaos, which is much more up my alley. Olivia is a force of nature that Lisle is powerless to withstand. When he sees her for the first time since she hit puberty, he is literally struck dumb.
But oh, how I loved this book. The CHARACTERS. Olivia and Lisle were perfect grownup versions of their childhood selves in Lord Perfect (which I highly recommend you read before this one, but it's not *strictly* necessary). Some might class this as a Grumpy/Sunshine romance, but really it's Order/Chaos, which is much more up my alley. Olivia is a force of nature that Lisle is powerless to withstand. When he sees her for the first time since she hit puberty, he is literally struck dumb.
If someone, centuries hence, happens to dig up my corpse and anatomize my brain, he will find, etched there in unmistakable characters: Olivia. Suddenly. Unexpectedly.
and
"I was bored senseless," she went on," but the look on your face when you discovered my bosoms was priceless. It was all I could do to keep a straight face.”
The supporting cast of characters is also so brilliant. The wonderful Dowager Countess of Hargate only makes a brief appearance, but two of her Harpies accompany Olivia to Scotland as her chaperones, and they are the most amazing comic relief.
"Nichols [Lisle's valet] will introduce you to the staff and take you about the castle later," Olivia told Herrick [the new butler]. "Ladies Cooper and Withcote won't be up and about until noon at the earliest." They would ogle him and make improper remarks, but he would simply have to get used to it.
And Nichols. Nichols! Here starts the campaign to give him his own book. So competent! Surprisingly strong! And apparently the women of Egypt talk admiringly of his *stamina*. There is a brief, perfectly written scene in chapter 15 with him and Olivia's lady's maid Bailey that made me laugh with joy.
Olivia and Lisle were so very delightful (and horny) together—and Loretta Chase is so good in that she really makes you wonder how on earth these two are going to get their HEA. Their approaches to life are so different, not to mention that Lisle is yearning to get back to Egypt. But (spoiler alert) she manages it, and I believe it will truly be a HEA.
And the last line: Perfection. Absolute perfection. Queen Loretta strikes again.
I was happy to see Olivia and Lisle again. It was mildly frustrating watching them almost come together and then retreat time and time again.
I’m not sure I’m fully on board with Lisle not ending up resentful he has to come back to England/Scotland. But who knows, maybe they’ll have an extended trip to Egypt that last years and years.
I’m not sure I’m fully on board with Lisle not ending up resentful he has to come back to England/Scotland. But who knows, maybe they’ll have an extended trip to Egypt that last years and years.
adventurous
emotional
funny
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:
Complicated
Unapologetic Loretta Chase stan reporting for duty!!! This was a re-read for me but it's truly one of her best books ever (which is saying a lot bc she kind of only writes bangers). Nothing I love more than a pair that couldn't be less alike but has the most amazing chemistry nonetheless. I especially like it when the gendered expectations and the hero is reserved and orderly while the heroine is a chaos demon. I love the air of challenge between Lisle (his Christian name is Peregrine literally slay me) and Olivia and the elements of adventure and roadtrip romance that are sprinkled throughout. You don't have to read the rest of the Carsington Family series to enjoy this book but you probably should anyways.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Definitely suffers from continuity lockout if you've not read "Mr. Impossible" and "Lord Perfect," but extremely enjoyable.
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sigh, I wish I could rate this higher. I loved loved these characters in Lord Perfect and I knew I had probably too high expectations going into this. But alas, the dynamic between them just felt a little repetitive and the story kinda dragged. I mean there were pages dedicated to digging something up. I just didn’t care for the plot and I wished there was a bit more growth with the characters.
Nonetheless the banter was still fun, those two old lady chaperones were a freakin HOOT, they 100% stole the show, and I also give points to Lisle as he is the first hero to fully remind me of my hubby.
Nonetheless the banter was still fun, those two old lady chaperones were a freakin HOOT, they 100% stole the show, and I also give points to Lisle as he is the first hero to fully remind me of my hubby.