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tak_everlasting's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
there was a lot going on in this book, much of it laudable, but the things that weren't weren't.
there was great character work, clearly a lot of research went into specific period details, the mystery was intense, there was a genuine grasp that the author was writing a book and not just directly telling us things (which i shouldn't have to say, but lack of editing plagues the romance genre as a whole) and the romance, minus the smut scenes, was solid. that being said, the consent was nowhere to be found.
also there's these 2 side characters that get povs so we can keep up with there romance. i could not have cared less about them. the farce should've gotten thrown away sooner, and the ending was not a proper conclusion, where we establish that he actually did some self improvement instead of just saying that he would.
also the fade to black smut scene is the only one where both parties are sober and consenting. do with that what you will.
there was great character work, clearly a lot of research went into specific period details, the mystery was intense, there was a genuine grasp that the author was writing a book and not just directly telling us things (which i shouldn't have to say, but lack of editing plagues the romance genre as a whole) and the romance, minus the smut scenes, was solid. that being said, the consent was nowhere to be found.
also there's these 2 side characters that get povs so we can keep up with there romance. i could not have cared less about them. the farce should've gotten thrown away sooner, and the ending was not a proper conclusion, where we establish that he actually did some self improvement instead of just saying that he would.
also the fade to black smut scene is the only one where both parties are sober and consenting. do with that what you will.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Confinement
Moderate: Murder and Rape
Minor: Homophobia, Drug use, and Murder
yourbookishbff's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
3.0
I love the character development, I adore Thomas' writing, and there were so many moments I alternately laughed and teared up. My reservations are with the lack of consent in one scene (due to intoxication) and the coerciveness of the encounter in a second scene. I understand the intention in each scene and the context, but want to note these two instances for other readers (they occur between the main characters). I would also note that this is an incredibly dark story and both main characters have experienced substantial trauma - please check content warnings!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Drug use, Physical abuse, and Confinement
Moderate: Suicide, Child death, Murder, Sexual content, Bullying, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Antisemitism
mslori's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Appears to have some mixed reviews, but rather enjoyed this one. It is a bit darker as HR romances go, bit gritty. Neither of the MC's were perfect, though I would argue the MMC was far more stubborn and had the power to do something about his issues, where as the FMC was trapped with few tools at her disposal. So a lot hung on his choice to do anything about it. That being said, the love story felt pretty natural and the end felt believable. Not overly sappy or cheesy. I really enjoyed that neither of these two were perfect.
Kate Reading also did a fantastic job as a narrator, and save a few issue with the audio quality it self.
I did find the side romance of Vere's brother a bit of a distraction, and maybe less time could have been spent on it.
Kate Reading also did a fantastic job as a narrator, and save a few issue with the audio quality it self.
I did find the side romance of Vere's brother a bit of a distraction, and maybe less time could have been spent on it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Drug abuse
happily_after_heas's review
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
This book captivated me. I couldn't put the book down. Thomas ripped my heart out at one point but then gently put it back together for a lovely, well deserved HEA. There's a mystery/spy element to the book (which I normally don't care for) but it never (rarely) detracted from the romance. Please note the content warnings though. Not as dark as other popular romance writers but the book does have some moments.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Drug abuse, Toxic relationship, and Chronic illness
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, and Death of parent
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