Scan barcode
capnlinnius's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
I quite enjoyed this! Quirky and very likeable writing, as usual with Carriger. Fun little spin-off that makes me want to re-read the Parasol Protectorate again.
I quite enjoyed this! Quirky and very likeable writing, as usual with Carriger. Fun little spin-off that makes me want to re-read the Parasol Protectorate again.
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
5+ stars. This was amazing, swoony, cute, fantastic, lovely, sweet, kyaaa, squeal, and so much more!
So, now that I posted almost all my favourite scenes (I had a few more, but they were either NSFW or they might go to a spoiler area) on Twitter, I am ready to try my hand at writing a review for this adorable, fun, sweet, oh wait, you already know I love this book to bits. :P Sorry if the review is a bit chaotic. :)
The main character is Imogene, a country lass who is apparently very pretty (which causes her problems all the time), however she isn't interested in a man. All she wants is a wonderful girl. Yes, this book is LGBT. So be warned if you don't like that. There will be quite a few scenes with girl x girl action, or at least hints to it.
Now back to Imogene. She is a lovely, sweet, wonderful girl. She can't read, write, but she is amazing with numbers. She can calculate stuff right out of her head. Even big sums. Yes. I really loved that she was wiz in maths. It stood out so much, especially in the age this book was written. A time in which girl should just be girls, being a math genius isn't really something to talk about.
A lot happens, and then she has to bring something to the pottery shed, where Drone Lefoux is. From that moment on, all Imogene wants is to be with Lefoux. Why? Well Lefoux (VIEEEEEVEEEEEE, cough, sorry) is a girl and Imogene is very very much in love with her. But how do you let someone of the same sex know you like them? Especially when, later, you find out about a difficult past?
Well, you just send some hints, and you try your hardest to show that what you feel is 100% love and affection. What makes this even more difficult is that (how could you) Vieve apparently is under the impression that Imogene isn't lesbian. That Imogene is just infatuated, is just feeling indebted to her due to some things that happen in the book. Arghhhhh! Plus the fact of course that there is that whole dark, gloomy past that isn't easily conquered even when faced with a sweet angel like Imogene.
But the road to love isn't an easy one, and I was frankly quite happy it wasn't easy. Don't get me wrong, I was shipping these 2 as crazy, I wanted to bop Vieve for being such a stiff idiot (even with all the hints, and even some Lady Maccon butting in), but I am glad it took them a bit before things finally began to form. Now it felt much, much, much more realistic. Now by the time they finally started doing stuff I was so invested in them, by now I just wanted them to be together, and it made the love scenes oh so much better. Finally! Hopefully I explained it right, it sounds so much better in my head than seeing it on a screen. :P
Of course next to Vieve, we also meet some others from the world of Gail Carriger and it was such a delight to spot them all. Like a game. :) Who would we meet? Would we see this and that person?
I also loved Vieve's background story, well, maybe love sounds wrong, considering what happened to her, but I hope you get what I meant. It was quite interesting to see what has happened to Vieve after that Finishing School series. It was darn sad though. I wish that Vieve would have been happy, then again, she wouldn't have met Imogene then. And that would have been terribly sad they make such a cute couple.
I also loved that Vieve never gave up on inventing. She just went and became super famous and super awesome with it. *snickers*And it seems she never really cared about dresses, so I was happy to see she is still wearing suits tailored to her form. So she would still look feminine but not have the restrictions that dresses would have.
The book also has some sex scenes, but like with Poison and Protect, they are written quite lovely and you will just be kyaaaing and squeeeing because of what happens. While there are enough details to know what is going on, it isn't too explicit, at least not as explicit as some books I have read. The scenes are just really sweet, cute, and warm.
Next to the sex scenes we also have some super adorable scenes with them (or well, Imogene) reaching out and trying to flirt. Of course she isn't that good at it, but at least she tries!
Then we have Henry, my lord, I hated his guts so much. I was definitely happy with how Vieve handled that little rat. Muahhahah. I have to say it was written very effective, I read them out loud to my boyfriend and he was just cringing and wiggling, like he could understand the pain. :P
I wont waste any time on this rat, what a horrible, terrible character (not written badly, he just was terrible as a person).
Also I have the feeling Skoot is a reference for someone (or more than one) in the Finishing School. I am not sure, but it surely does feel like that.
Of course we have the whole supernatural bunch together too. From the hive, Imogene and Vieve work there, to the werewolf pack, who also played a giant role.
I already adored, loved, swooned over the cover before I read the book, before I even had the book, but after reading it? I definitely love the cover even more. Now I can just imagine it being Imogene and Vieve even better, and I can just imagine how this kiss will end.
What more? Mm, well I think I have said everything. I loved this book to bits, and I wouldn't mind more books like this set in the world that Gail Carriger made. I can think of some more characters I wouldn't mind seeing. Or maybe some new characters meeting old characters. *dreams*
I would highly recommend this book to everyone!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
So, now that I posted almost all my favourite scenes (I had a few more, but they were either NSFW or they might go to a spoiler area) on Twitter, I am ready to try my hand at writing a review for this adorable, fun, sweet, oh wait, you already know I love this book to bits. :P Sorry if the review is a bit chaotic. :)
The main character is Imogene, a country lass who is apparently very pretty (which causes her problems all the time), however she isn't interested in a man. All she wants is a wonderful girl. Yes, this book is LGBT. So be warned if you don't like that. There will be quite a few scenes with girl x girl action, or at least hints to it.
Now back to Imogene. She is a lovely, sweet, wonderful girl. She can't read, write, but she is amazing with numbers. She can calculate stuff right out of her head. Even big sums. Yes. I really loved that she was wiz in maths. It stood out so much, especially in the age this book was written. A time in which girl should just be girls, being a math genius isn't really something to talk about.
A lot happens, and then she has to bring something to the pottery shed, where Drone Lefoux is. From that moment on, all Imogene wants is to be with Lefoux. Why? Well Lefoux (VIEEEEEVEEEEEE, cough, sorry) is a girl and Imogene is very very much in love with her. But how do you let someone of the same sex know you like them? Especially when, later, you find out about a difficult past?
Well, you just send some hints, and you try your hardest to show that what you feel is 100% love and affection. What makes this even more difficult is that (how could you) Vieve apparently is under the impression that Imogene isn't lesbian. That Imogene is just infatuated, is just feeling indebted to her due to some things that happen in the book. Arghhhhh! Plus the fact of course that there is that whole dark, gloomy past that isn't easily conquered even when faced with a sweet angel like Imogene.
But the road to love isn't an easy one, and I was frankly quite happy it wasn't easy. Don't get me wrong, I was shipping these 2 as crazy, I wanted to bop Vieve for being such a stiff idiot (even with all the hints, and even some Lady Maccon butting in), but I am glad it took them a bit before things finally began to form. Now it felt much, much, much more realistic. Now by the time they finally started doing stuff I was so invested in them, by now I just wanted them to be together, and it made the love scenes oh so much better. Finally! Hopefully I explained it right, it sounds so much better in my head than seeing it on a screen. :P
Of course next to Vieve, we also meet some others from the world of Gail Carriger and it was such a delight to spot them all. Like a game. :) Who would we meet? Would we see this and that person?
I also loved Vieve's background story, well, maybe love sounds wrong, considering what happened to her, but I hope you get what I meant. It was quite interesting to see what has happened to Vieve after that Finishing School series. It was darn sad though. I wish that Vieve would have been happy, then again, she wouldn't have met Imogene then. And that would have been terribly sad they make such a cute couple.
I also loved that Vieve never gave up on inventing. She just went and became super famous and super awesome with it. *snickers*And it seems she never really cared about dresses, so I was happy to see she is still wearing suits tailored to her form. So she would still look feminine but not have the restrictions that dresses would have.
The book also has some sex scenes, but like with Poison and Protect, they are written quite lovely and you will just be kyaaaing and squeeeing because of what happens. While there are enough details to know what is going on, it isn't too explicit, at least not as explicit as some books I have read. The scenes are just really sweet, cute, and warm.
Next to the sex scenes we also have some super adorable scenes with them (or well, Imogene) reaching out and trying to flirt. Of course she isn't that good at it, but at least she tries!
Then we have Henry, my lord, I hated his guts so much. I was definitely happy with how Vieve handled that little rat. Muahhahah. I have to say it was written very effective, I read them out loud to my boyfriend and he was just cringing and wiggling, like he could understand the pain. :P
I wont waste any time on this rat, what a horrible, terrible character (not written badly, he just was terrible as a person).
Also I have the feeling Skoot is a reference for someone (or more than one) in the Finishing School. I am not sure, but it surely does feel like that.
Of course we have the whole supernatural bunch together too. From the hive, Imogene and Vieve work there, to the werewolf pack, who also played a giant role.
I already adored, loved, swooned over the cover before I read the book, before I even had the book, but after reading it? I definitely love the cover even more. Now I can just imagine it being Imogene and Vieve even better, and I can just imagine how this kiss will end.
What more? Mm, well I think I have said everything. I loved this book to bits, and I wouldn't mind more books like this set in the world that Gail Carriger made. I can think of some more characters I wouldn't mind seeing. Or maybe some new characters meeting old characters. *dreams*
I would highly recommend this book to everyone!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
kberry513's review
4.0
I'll admit that I don't love Genevieve Lefoux the way most people seem to; as an adult it has always seemed like she made some ridiculous decisions. I also don't love her son in the Prudence books, so I suppose I also subconsciously hold that against her also.
That being said, I really loved her in this. And I love Imogene also. It was really interesting to have a main character be someone in a different social class, as well as getting to see internal hive workings. It was a very enjoyable novella (although I admit I really really can't wait for the Biffy/Lyall one!!)
That being said, I really loved her in this. And I love Imogene also. It was really interesting to have a main character be someone in a different social class, as well as getting to see internal hive workings. It was a very enjoyable novella (although I admit I really really can't wait for the Biffy/Lyall one!!)
kriseaf's review
DNF. I think this might be my first ever DNF for Carriger, but it's also the last book in the expanded series/universe that I haven't read, so it'll also be the only DNF!
lalexvp's review
3.0
I was disappointed at the way Lefoux’s story ended in Parasol, but I found this installment less than I had hoped for. I liked the premise for sure, and it was definitely a romance novella rather than a fully developed plot line, but it was still dull.
mischievous_monkey's review
3.0
I remember feeling like Imogen. Wanting to be myself and all that entails but not quite having the space to do it. Therefore, her reasoning for joining the hive made sense to me and I found myself interested in her desires being met.
Genevieve was a thoroughly likable character and I enjoyed every scene that she was in. I am almost tempted to read the other book in which she featured just to spend more time with her.
The only things that detracted from the story was the amount of time and description spent on the “will they, won’t they?” and that the wrap up of the story was too quick.
I’ll probably not reread this one but it was worth the time I spent reading it this time. I may even read the other book that features Genevieve at some point.
Genevieve was a thoroughly likable character and I enjoyed every scene that she was in. I am almost tempted to read the other book in which she featured just to spend more time with her.
The only things that detracted from the story was the amount of time and description spent on the “will they, won’t they?” and that the wrap up of the story was too quick.
I’ll probably not reread this one but it was worth the time I spent reading it this time. I may even read the other book that features Genevieve at some point.
dinnureads's review
3.0
Imogene was a weak character, too easy (she went to vampire hive to get ruined by perverted vampires....seriously, that should not be a goal for anyone who respects themselves!!!!) and way too simple-minded to be a companion for a witty and talented Genevieve....At first I didn't like the book at all but then Alexia Maccon made an apperance and made the lovestory work for the main characters and was a usual strongwilled and funny self....I feel that perhaps the author did not put a lot of effort into writing Imogene's character but concentrated only on the lesbian love :(
fyrekatz's review
5.0
A adorable F/F romp in the park. I love these characters... just love them... and this world is amazing... I need to read more of Gail Carriger's books! Like now!
missbryden's review against another edition
3.0
This felt more serious than much of Carriger’s other work. I think it was a nice change having a member of “the lower orders” as the protagonist, and it made a valuable point, showing that being female and working class in that time and place can result in all manner of disrespect levied at you, and add to that being, in this universe, at the whims of literal predatory blood-sucking, bone-crunching masters.
The struggles of each Imogene and Genevieve was part of the story’s less comedic flavor, but it came together nicely and sweetly in the end.
Spoilery ahead.
Given Genevieve’s reticence, due to her history, it did seem a little too easily concluded in the end, and how would it have gone if not for Alexia’s meddling? But I loved the return of Alexia. Though, after reading much later stories in the chronology, and seeing her from others’ perspectives, it’s hard to understand this as only a couple years after Timeless. I suppose it makes sense, but she feels much more autocratic about everything, than in the original books from her perspective.
I read this after reading How to Marry a Werewolf, and I think because of that found the later interaction of Imogene with Channing even more sweet and lovely, showing his soft, familial side.
my Pinterest board of references
The struggles of each Imogene and Genevieve was part of the story’s less comedic flavor, but it came together nicely and sweetly in the end.
Spoilery ahead.
Spoiler
The vampires’ violence, and the werewolves coming to the rescue, gave me even more love for the werewolves and less for the vampires - as a general rule the vampires don’t seem to be very nice, Akeldama being the exception.Given Genevieve’s reticence, due to her history, it did seem a little too easily concluded in the end, and how would it have gone if not for Alexia’s meddling? But I loved the return of Alexia. Though, after reading much later stories in the chronology, and seeing her from others’ perspectives, it’s hard to understand this as only a couple years after Timeless. I suppose it makes sense, but she feels much more autocratic about everything, than in the original books from her perspective.
I read this after reading How to Marry a Werewolf, and I think because of that found the later interaction of Imogene with Channing even more sweet and lovely, showing his soft, familial side.
my Pinterest board of references
tinynavajo's review
5.0
Thank you to the amazing Gail Carriger for an advance copy for review!
As a gentle FYI, there is a trigger warning for this novella. If physical abuse, or the idea of physical abuse is not your cup of tea, I recommend you don't read this particular novella.
Imogene Hale is our heroine and she believes that there is something wrong with her. But never fear, she believes that Madame Lefoux could be the one to fix her, or at least help her figure out what’s wrong with her. But what happens is not what she expects. Madame Lefoux wants nothing to do with Imogene. Life in the Woosley Castle vampire hive is a bit of a roller coaster for our Imogene, but it’s a roller coaster that she gladly ride.
As a gentle FYI, there is a trigger warning for this novella. If physical abuse, or the idea of physical abuse is not your cup of tea, I recommend you don't read this particular novella.
Imogene Hale is our heroine and she believes that there is something wrong with her. But never fear, she believes that Madame Lefoux could be the one to fix her, or at least help her figure out what’s wrong with her. But what happens is not what she expects. Madame Lefoux wants nothing to do with Imogene. Life in the Woosley Castle vampire hive is a bit of a roller coaster for our Imogene, but it’s a roller coaster that she gladly ride.