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sunflower7skull's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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? Yes
4.5
this book was so well written. usually i don't like historical dramas bit this ripped my heart out (burned it) and put it back in again. simply beautiful
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Blood, Death, Biphobia, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Alcoholism, Cursing, Forced institutionalization, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Violence, Child abuse, and Racism
dumpsterc0rpse's review against another edition
medium-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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse and Child abuse
readingqueerly's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
4.25
So this came out quite some years ago now and I remember it being a hype then. It's been on my shelf for so long and I was afraid it might have aged dubiously but no this was actually so much fun!!
I mean it checks all the boxes for me: a queer historical romance with disability and POC rep that has actual good plot, friends to lovers and a badass female character (who is the MC in the sequel which I will DEFINITELY be buying).
The writing was quite compelling, a relief as one of the main reasons I put off reading this for so long is the fact that it's 500 pages long. But I enjoyed it from start to finish. There were enough propelling windings in the plot to keep it interesting and the wit and banter from the characters kept it light and breezy.
Just a good time all the way through with some action and heart.
I mean it checks all the boxes for me: a queer historical romance with disability and POC rep that has actual good plot, friends to lovers and a badass female character (who is the MC in the sequel which I will DEFINITELY be buying).
The writing was quite compelling, a relief as one of the main reasons I put off reading this for so long is the fact that it's 500 pages long. But I enjoyed it from start to finish. There were enough propelling windings in the plot to keep it interesting and the wit and banter from the characters kept it light and breezy.
Just a good time all the way through with some action and heart.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Homophobia, Gun violence, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Physical abuse
mothfemme's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
5.0
My god, what can I say that I haven’t already screeched about to my roommates, friends, coworkers, and basically anyone who will listen to me?? In no way did I expect to love this book as much as I did. I looked past the heinous cover (crossing my fingers for a pretty reprint one of these days) and borrowed the audiobook on Libby, thinking nothing of it. I’m not typically over the moon for regency romances, let alone YA ones, but this came so highly recommended and it was queer, so I figured I would give it a shot. Reader, you should be the next one to give this a shot!!
The story takes off running immediately with its sarcastic humor and gay yearning, placing us in the perspective of Henry “Monty” Montague, one of the most real and lovable characters I’ve encountered in a long time. Monty is a total slut (affectionate) and always the life of the party, covering up his problems with humor, charm, and alcohol…so much alcohol. He is hopelessly in love with his childhood best friend, Percy, and the boys venture on a tour of Europe to have one last adventure before Percy goes off to law school.
After a social faux pas at Versailles and a petty theft gone wrong, Percy, Monty, and Monty’s younger sister Felicity are caught up in the reluctant adventure of a lifetime, featuring highway men, pirates, a sinking island, and evil noblemen. The delicate exploration of Monty’s trauma surrounding his father and how it has led to his avoidance and various addictions was weaved throughout the plot seamlessly, and added so much depth to this story. No matter how hard you try to run from yourself, your problems will always be right behind you, which Monty learns the hard way.
It really says something about the overall quality of the writing that I’m talking about the romance this far down in the review, but to nobody’s surprise, Monty and Percy’s connection was also phenomenal. Their chemistry was so sweet and so tangible, and never forced or rushed.I loved how the “conflict” (I use this word extremely loosely) within the romance wasn’t jealousy or miscommunication, but instead the importance of bodily autonomy and letting disabled people make their own decisions about how they would like to live their lives.
Exciting, endearing, and emotional, this book effortlessly delivers a story that has something for everyone. I will carry these characters in my heart forever, and I can’t wait to read the sequel.
The story takes off running immediately with its sarcastic humor and gay yearning, placing us in the perspective of Henry “Monty” Montague, one of the most real and lovable characters I’ve encountered in a long time. Monty is a total slut (affectionate) and always the life of the party, covering up his problems with humor, charm, and alcohol…so much alcohol. He is hopelessly in love with his childhood best friend, Percy, and the boys venture on a tour of Europe to have one last adventure before Percy goes off to law school.
After a social faux pas at Versailles and a petty theft gone wrong, Percy, Monty, and Monty’s younger sister Felicity are caught up in the reluctant adventure of a lifetime, featuring highway men, pirates, a sinking island, and evil noblemen. The delicate exploration of Monty’s trauma surrounding his father and how it has led to his avoidance and various addictions was weaved throughout the plot seamlessly, and added so much depth to this story. No matter how hard you try to run from yourself, your problems will always be right behind you, which Monty learns the hard way.
It really says something about the overall quality of the writing that I’m talking about the romance this far down in the review, but to nobody’s surprise, Monty and Percy’s connection was also phenomenal. Their chemistry was so sweet and so tangible, and never forced or rushed.
Exciting, endearing, and emotional, this book effortlessly delivers a story that has something for everyone. I will carry these characters in my heart forever, and I can’t wait to read the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Racism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Homophobia
Minor: Vomit
madicana's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Biphobia, Mental illness, Child abuse, and Homophobia
mikki_madison's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Homophobia, Racism, Vomit, Child abuse, and Physical abuse
epeolatrist's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
medium-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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Homophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Medical content, and Violence
Minor: Slavery
jessieb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Violence, Alcohol, Child abuse, Religious bigotry, and Chronic illness
Minor: Death of parent
klbreyfogle's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A fun read (in a good way)! It’s set in the 1700s but doesn’t always read that way. The main character has a decent character arch but is pretty conceited in the beginning, which is understandable because he’s like 18 and has an abusive father. Love the queer narrative, adventure, and sibling banter. Lack of communication trope is a little frustrating at times but it sets up some angsty moments and a sweet resolution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Homophobia and Violence
Minor: Slavery, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
rafacolog's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Child abuse, Homophobia, Racism, and Alcoholism