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lezreadalot's review
2.0
2.5 stars. It seems to be a particular tragedy of mine that many of the books I let myself get excited about/look forward to end up being duds. Not that I disliked or hated this; as always, with queer historical romance, I am hugely thankful for its existence in the first place. Historical f/f romance is one of my absolute favourite things to read, and there's relatively little of it. The plot of this one (age gap, single mom, revenge plot, high stakes) was enough to convince me I'd love it, but. Alas.
I will say, one of the biggest things about the book that I didn't love is actually something that other people might like. It's written in... what I'm going to call a very modern way; both in terms of the writing/phrasing and the sensibilities of the characters. There were so many phrases/words that pulled me right out of the setting. Some passages could have easily been taken from a modern book. It's not that the writing was simple; simple is good. But it was also just flat. I didn't feel immersed at all. As for the approach to same sex relationships and love... Look, I'm not saying I want all of my queer historicals to be full of homophobia; that would be tiresome. Julia is pretty much as out and proud as you could get for 1827. It's just the casualness with which it was written that threw me off. Would you really tell a near stranger about whom you know little to nothing that you're interested in women? Something that's not illegal but could have huge societal ramifications? They were both kinda cavalier in a way that felt off. I felt the same way about some of the plot elements, like how Fleur admits to attempting to murder someone, before she and Julia are even close. A lot of things that should have taken time were rushed over, and it left so much to be desired.
But there's only one thing I actually really really hated, and that's how the book treats a closeted side character. It's far from the first queer book to do this, but I hate it every time, when people who are closeted or scared to come out are vilified or made into a minor enemy in some way. Especially in a case like this, where it's historical, and society is against you, and that fear should be understandable. The character in question is seen as a coward and returns near the end
It wasn't all bad. I did like Fleur's grumpiness and her dislike of/awkwardness around children. (Her asking Julia why the hell why'd want six children made me laugh out loud.) I never really loved the characters, but the romance was cute and steamy and they had good chemistry. I wish the age gap was addressed more than it was, but I still liked it. This did have the dreaded unnecessary third POV from time to time, but I didn't dislike that character, so I guess it was okay. Just not really needed imo.
LOL I started that paragraph attempting to talk about things that I liked, but then devolved back into nit-picks. Listen, the book was fine. I think most people will probably like it. I hope the lovely cover pulls in a bunch of readers like it pulled me in; I just LOVE seeing queer historical covers like this. (Though it's not really accurate to the characters; Julia doesn't look very much older.) It's part of a series, but I understood events fine even though I haven't read any other books by this author.
Content warnings:
I will say, one of the biggest things about the book that I didn't love is actually something that other people might like. It's written in... what I'm going to call a very modern way; both in terms of the writing/phrasing and the sensibilities of the characters. There were so many phrases/words that pulled me right out of the setting. Some passages could have easily been taken from a modern book. It's not that the writing was simple; simple is good. But it was also just flat. I didn't feel immersed at all. As for the approach to same sex relationships and love... Look, I'm not saying I want all of my queer historicals to be full of homophobia; that would be tiresome. Julia is pretty much as out and proud as you could get for 1827. It's just the casualness with which it was written that threw me off. Would you really tell a near stranger about whom you know little to nothing that you're interested in women? Something that's not illegal but could have huge societal ramifications? They were both kinda cavalier in a way that felt off. I felt the same way about some of the plot elements, like how Fleur admits to attempting to murder someone, before she and Julia are even close. A lot of things that should have taken time were rushed over, and it left so much to be desired.
But there's only one thing I actually really really hated, and that's how the book treats a closeted side character. It's far from the first queer book to do this, but I hate it every time, when people who are closeted or scared to come out are vilified or made into a minor enemy in some way. Especially in a case like this, where it's historical, and society is against you, and that fear should be understandable. The character in question is seen as a coward and returns near the end
Spoiler
after she decides to marry a man to conform to society, and it turns out that the marriage is an unhappy one, and she's been threatened and blackmailed. The way our protagonists react isn't the absolute worst, but it was still kind of infuriating. That, and the way Helena is written. It left such a bad taste in my mouth.It wasn't all bad. I did like Fleur's grumpiness and her dislike of/awkwardness around children. (Her asking Julia why the hell why'd want six children made me laugh out loud.) I never really loved the characters, but the romance was cute and steamy and they had good chemistry. I wish the age gap was addressed more than it was, but I still liked it. This did have the dreaded unnecessary third POV from time to time, but I didn't dislike that character, so I guess it was okay. Just not really needed imo.
LOL I started that paragraph attempting to talk about things that I liked, but then devolved back into nit-picks. Listen, the book was fine. I think most people will probably like it. I hope the lovely cover pulls in a bunch of readers like it pulled me in; I just LOVE seeing queer historical covers like this. (Though it's not really accurate to the characters; Julia doesn't look very much older.) It's part of a series, but I understood events fine even though I haven't read any other books by this author.
Content warnings:
Spoiler
referenced child sexual abuse and domestic abusebookishmya's review
4.0
A rollercoaster ride from start to finish! It was great to finally see the destruction of Harcourt Laird. The ongoing mystery of this vile character has drawn me in from the beginning of this series. So many connections along the way, leading through so many twists & turns. The suspense really does sink in to your bones. These characters have already been engrained in our hearts for previous stories, but to see Julia find her own happiness was beautiful. She is strong and a force of nature, so naturally she needed someone who was equally strong (if not maybe a little stronger even). After being alone for so long, Fleur needed what she never even thought she wanted, family. And that came in spades with Julia, through her own children of course, but also her network of friends. These ar truly beautiful characters!
mssarahbni's review
4.0
This was an interesting historical romance. I don’t read a lot of FF romance and I have never read a historical romance with two women but I really enjoyed it. Julia and Fleur were a great couple and they had chemistry in spades. The storyline was entertaining and I really liked it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
fictionalkate's review
4.0
I’ve not read a Fenna Edgewood novel before but it didn’t take long for me to feel immersed in the world she’s made. Her characters are quick witted and passionate - about their own interests, in others, and in each other. Fleur and Lady Julia are both different in many ways but ultimately they are very similar. They want to help those less fortunate and have felt the pressures of the ton. Oh and they both prefer those of their own sex. The sparks between them are evident from their first meeting and each encounter felt hotter than the previous. I enjoyed being privy to their love story. But I was surprised by the circumstances around their romance too. Or rather the lack of circumstances.
This was my first F/F historical romance read and I had certain expectations. I couldn’t wait to see how they navigated the rules of society and how their love could bloom despite the expectations placed upon them. But Ms. Edgewood effectively sidestepped the ton’s impact of Fleur and Julia by having them exist in a society of their own where same sex relationships existed almost in their own little bubble. This was fantastic because it meant they didn’t have to hide and their romance wasn’t having to fight other external pressures. But I felt a little disappointed I didn’t get to witness how the historical elements of society impacted on them as a couple.
I liked the pacing, the secondary characters (I was thrilled to learn there will be a short story featuring Jasper and David coming out!), and the overall vibe of the novel. It’s fun and romantic. I loved that Lady Julia was a mother of six rambunctious children and Fleur was not overly partial to kids in general. The dramatic and suspense aspects of the novel were exciting but were secondary to the romance. I might have felt differently if I had read the previous stories and experienced his evilness more fully. Overall this was a great read. I think people are going to love the lack of societal pressure on Fleur and Julia or be disappointed in it but either way this story is full of romance and an entertaining read. 3.5 stars
This was my first F/F historical romance read and I had certain expectations. I couldn’t wait to see how they navigated the rules of society and how their love could bloom despite the expectations placed upon them. But Ms. Edgewood effectively sidestepped the ton’s impact of Fleur and Julia by having them exist in a society of their own where same sex relationships existed almost in their own little bubble. This was fantastic because it meant they didn’t have to hide and their romance wasn’t having to fight other external pressures. But I felt a little disappointed I didn’t get to witness how the historical elements of society impacted on them as a couple.
I liked the pacing, the secondary characters (I was thrilled to learn there will be a short story featuring Jasper and David coming out!), and the overall vibe of the novel. It’s fun and romantic. I loved that Lady Julia was a mother of six rambunctious children and Fleur was not overly partial to kids in general. The dramatic and suspense aspects of the novel were exciting but were secondary to the romance. I might have felt differently if I had read the previous stories and experienced his evilness more fully. Overall this was a great read. I think people are going to love the lack of societal pressure on Fleur and Julia or be disappointed in it but either way this story is full of romance and an entertaining read. 3.5 stars
glo68's review
5.0
I want to start my review with a quote from one of the heroines of the book, Fleur: We need more honest people in the world. And how true that is! I loved this book, full of characters who strive to be honest and live their lives as they see fit. Full of bold, courageous women, and men, who battle against evil and against society rules. Well written and emotional like all Fenna Edgewood’s books, this one features, among others, a bit of a grumpy-sunshine trope. And I loved cantankerous Fleur, even if I understand that she can be an annoying character for many readers. And Julia is gorgeous, so composed and passionate at the same time. I really enjoyed the end of the mystery arch with the villain finally brought down and I loved seeing all the characters of the series, and of the previous one, reunited at the end. And I ADORED the fact that a beloved side character gets to find his happy ending as well! And his adventures could really make a gorgeous spin-off!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
theinkdrinker's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
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
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