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blueberryelf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Ableism, Child abuse, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Pregnancy, Panic attacks/disorders, Misogyny, Gun violence, and Death of parent
cadybooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Sexism, Abandonment, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Rape, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Classism and Alcoholism
macknificent's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This book could have been wonderful if it gave a flying fuck about consent. I was revolted by the way Quinn described Simon's assault, as if it was just a particularly risqué love scene. 🤢
I'm so glad that I didn't spend money on this book. I will not be continuing the series.
I'm so glad that I didn't spend money on this book. I will not be continuing the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Rape, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Fatphobia and Sexual harassment
devynhinds's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Sexual content, and Child abuse
rickieskidmore's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual content, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Sexism
Moderate: Racism
mybookishdelights's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was a run of the mill historical romance although I will say I enjoyed the banter as well as the Bridgerton family. I was expecting worse, I guess. It wasn’t amazing, but it wasn’t terrible either. The controversial scene was pretty cringe though, I can’t lie.
CAWPILE Score: 6.71 = 3.75 stars
Characters: 7
Atmosphere: 7
Writing: 7
Plot: 7
Intrigue: 6
Logic: 6
Enjoyment: 7
CAWPILE Score: 6.71 = 3.75 stars
Characters: 7
Atmosphere: 7
Writing: 7
Plot: 7
Intrigue: 6
Logic: 6
Enjoyment: 7
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual content, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Death of parent
annanas's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
If you're thinking about reading this book, please check the content warnings before!
I can't believe that 81% of people here has has voted that this book is lighthearted (and 40% has voted that it is funny, lol when?). It started out very innocently and slow but the last part of the book was horrifying. It hit too close at home for me personally since I have experience with dysfunctional relationships, childhood trauma and mental disability. And all of these sensitive topics were not handled well at all. I feel horrible after finishing it. I'm so disappointed since I just wanted a lighthearted steamy read and it didn't feel that romantic or sexy at all 😕
I can't believe that 81% of people here has has voted that this book is lighthearted (and 40% has voted that it is funny, lol when?). It started out very innocently and slow but the last part of the book was horrifying. It hit too close at home for me personally since I have experience with dysfunctional relationships, childhood trauma and mental disability. And all of these sensitive topics were not handled well at all. I feel horrible after finishing it. I'm so disappointed since I just wanted a lighthearted steamy read and it didn't feel that romantic or sexy at all 😕
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Abandonment, Sexual violence, and Child abuse
Moderate: Ableism and Violence
Minor: Misogyny
Please check trigger/content warnings before reading!flors_'s review against another edition
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.5
i actually enjoyed the first half of the book: the characters had chemistry, their conversations were entertaining and it was cute watching them interact; most of the times at least. then the duel scene happened, and everything just went downhill from there.
they both made terrible things and got no consequences in return. i don't even understand why the author would include sensitive topics in her narrative and then not address them properly or toss them aside as if nothing had happened.
the main characters became very unlikable and terrible people (worst thing is that the book insists on telling you otherwise) and the rest served a single purpose to the plot, sometimes none at all.
this was just a messy, all-over-the-place unpacking of trauma, horrible decisions and frustratingly flat characters trying to convince you that they're madly in love. and failing miserably.
they both made terrible things and got no consequences in return. i don't even understand why the author would include sensitive topics in her narrative and then not address them properly or toss them aside as if nothing had happened.
the main characters became very unlikable and terrible people (worst thing is that the book insists on telling you otherwise) and the rest served a single purpose to the plot, sometimes none at all.
this was just a messy, all-over-the-place unpacking of trauma, horrible decisions and frustratingly flat characters trying to convince you that they're madly in love. and failing miserably.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Child abuse
lucyselim's review against another edition
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-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? N/A
2.5
I, like many others, read this book after enjoying the TV show. I had heard very mixed reviews about this book, but I figured I would give it a go, and I was pleasantly surprised with the first half. It seemed like it was going to be a fluffy romcom. The friendship between Daphne and Simon seemed natural and was enjoyable to read. He was kinder and more infatuated than his TV counterpart and she was wittier and smarter. They seemed like a genuinely good match.
And then they got married and ruined it. Even without mentioning 'that' scene, the plot was, in my opinion, ridiculous. I did not love those episodes of the TV show either, but as I was reading it I couldn't help but just laugh at the ridiculousness of some of it. It was difficult to keep up with their constant mood swings and comings and goings.
Putting the plot to one side, the writing was honestly just meh. It was very jarring to find modern day slang and colloquialisms with regency-era settings. I assume Quinn was trying to make a period piece seem modern and more approachable for younger audiences, but using simple English would have sufficed. I am glad they managed to get a better balance in the TV show.
Another thing I did not like was the stark contrast between Quinn trying to write strong modern women in one moment, and then having them reduced to needing a man the next. 'Then he was completely within her, and she thought she would die from the pleasure. Never had she felt so full, nor so completely a woman,' in particular made me throw up in my mouth a little.
Despite this, I am going to read the next one (because I hate myself) but because I have heard it to be many people's favourites. Mostly, however, because I borrowed the first three books in a compendium from the library and I still have time left before needing to return it. Overall this book really wasn't that great for me, but I can understand the appeal and I hope the next one provides me with better luck.
And then they got married and ruined it. Even without mentioning 'that' scene, the plot was, in my opinion, ridiculous. I did not love those episodes of the TV show either, but as I was reading it I couldn't help but just laugh at the ridiculousness of some of it. It was difficult to keep up with their constant mood swings and comings and goings.
Putting the plot to one side, the writing was honestly just meh. It was very jarring to find modern day slang and colloquialisms with regency-era settings. I assume Quinn was trying to make a period piece seem modern and more approachable for younger audiences, but using simple English would have sufficed. I am glad they managed to get a better balance in the TV show.
Another thing I did not like was the stark contrast between Quinn trying to write strong modern women in one moment, and then having them reduced to needing a man the next. 'Then he was completely within her, and she thought she would die from the pleasure. Never had she felt so full, nor so completely a woman,' in particular made me throw up in my mouth a little.
Despite this, I am going to read the next one (because I hate myself) but because I have heard it to be many people's favourites. Mostly, however, because I borrowed the first three books in a compendium from the library and I still have time left before needing to return it. Overall this book really wasn't that great for me, but I can understand the appeal and I hope the next one provides me with better luck.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Misogyny, Death of parent, Sexism, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Suicidal thoughts, Child abuse, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Classism, Infertility, Cursing, and Gun violence
saturnpersonified's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Moderate: Miscarriage
Minor: Pregnancy, Death of parent, and Death