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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
The world-building is very good. The conflict legit and high-stakes. I tend to get frustrated with slip-shod conflict in romances, and this one is very compelling (the heroine under pressure to marry for various "reasons" and the cross-class nature of the romance). It's one of those books where you think "How the heck is the author going to pull off this happy-ever-after?!"
That said, as much as I enjoyed the world-building and conflict, the romance was kinda blah. I never felt tension? Chemistry? It just seemed to be missing something. There was no anticipation for the first kiss, let alone the first love scene. But there is a well-done Black Moment that does punch things up a bit in that respect.
Probably a B- on my personal scale. I am interested in picking up the next book in the series.
That said, as much as I enjoyed the world-building and conflict, the romance was kinda blah. I never felt tension? Chemistry? It just seemed to be missing something. There was no anticipation for the first kiss, let alone the first love scene. But there is a well-done Black Moment that does punch things up a bit in that respect.
Probably a B- on my personal scale. I am interested in picking up the next book in the series.
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
What a fun read! Mixing fractured fairy tales and spicy romance? More please!
DNF at 30%.
The synopsis caught my eye -- a romance about a Jewish woman in 1830s London looking for a suitable husband sounded promising, but sadly, the story itself just wasn't for me. The historical fiction elements were very interesting, and if the book's focus truly had been on the Jewish community's struggle for security and acceptance in London society at that time, it probably would have worked for me. There were just too many scenes about racing pulses, forbidden touches, etc -- basically, the romance tropes overwhelmed the good stuff, and I could not keep going.
The synopsis caught my eye -- a romance about a Jewish woman in 1830s London looking for a suitable husband sounded promising, but sadly, the story itself just wasn't for me. The historical fiction elements were very interesting, and if the book's focus truly had been on the Jewish community's struggle for security and acceptance in London society at that time, it probably would have worked for me. There were just too many scenes about racing pulses, forbidden touches, etc -- basically, the romance tropes overwhelmed the good stuff, and I could not keep going.
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Really romantic and beautiful. I appreciated the nuanced and intimate portrayal of a Jewish community and the constant fear of antisemitism that makes their relative prosperity precarious. And the in-fighting and jockeying between different subgroups that often characterizes Jewish communities. The Cinderella aspect of the story was delightful as well. I enjoyed both Isabella and Aaron.
Jewish representation and history.
Consent.
Friendship - genuinely - between men and women.
Great grandmother character.
I’m here for all of it.
Explicit sex scenes. Consensual and pretty fabulous.
Consent.
Friendship - genuinely - between men and women.
Great grandmother character.
I’m here for all of it.
Explicit sex scenes. Consensual and pretty fabulous.
In this reverse Cinderella tale, it is the princess (in this case, wealthy heiress) who must marry to save the family’s kingdom (business) and falls for a handsome, kind and impoverished housekeeper (synagogue custodian) who loves to tell stories and makes friends with the mice. Isabelle has yet to celebrate the first yahrzeit (anniversary of death) of her beloved father, a shrewd businessman who co-owned a sureties company with the prominent Bebar family. Because there are two Bebars, and just one Lira; as a women and Jewess, with her father gone, the balance will shift decidedly against her father, and the Bebars are pressuring her to pick a brother to marry. Savvy Isabelle knows marriage to a Bebar will spell the demise of a career she likes and is good at, so even though the calendar is during the counting of the Omer, Isabella is planning a series of three balls to entertain eligible bachelors interested in winning her hand. She employs Aaron as her henchman to get the dirt on her potential suitors, falling for his sweet character, sexy good looks, and their explosive chemistry. The tension stems from the fact that their life circumstances are very different, and also, she’s technically acting as his boss.
Grossman excels at writing detail, describing setting, couture, and cuisine alongside eighteenth-century mores. The plot moves at a great pace, and this was unputdownable. Best of all, Isabelle knows what she wants and speaks her mind, including in the love scenes, a bold, twenty-three-year-old virgin with healthy drives, healthy curiosity, an awareness that Jewish husbands are obligated to provide pleasure to their partners. The actual act is left off the page, but the foreplay is stunningly hot.
Through it all, Grossman weaves in history and culture, particularly around the way Jews are portrayed and regarded. The author’s note at the back is a well-researched and engaging essay that sets in context the fairy tales she draws on. Her clear and direct explanation of the nuances of anti-Semitism in late eighteenth century Europe that should be required reading for every high school student on the planet. I learned so much, and it dovetailed beautifully with the story Grossman she told.
I received a free advance reader’s edition of #MarryMeByMidnight from #NetGalley — I also WON a copy through a Jewish Romance Giveaway.
Grossman excels at writing detail, describing setting, couture, and cuisine alongside eighteenth-century mores. The plot moves at a great pace, and this was unputdownable. Best of all, Isabelle knows what she wants and speaks her mind, including in the love scenes, a bold, twenty-three-year-old virgin with healthy drives, healthy curiosity, an awareness that Jewish husbands are obligated to provide pleasure to their partners. The actual act is left off the page, but the foreplay is stunningly hot.
Through it all, Grossman weaves in history and culture, particularly around the way Jews are portrayed and regarded. The author’s note at the back is a well-researched and engaging essay that sets in context the fairy tales she draws on. Her clear and direct explanation of the nuances of anti-Semitism in late eighteenth century Europe that should be required reading for every high school student on the planet. I learned so much, and it dovetailed beautifully with the story Grossman she told.
I received a free advance reader’s edition of #MarryMeByMidnight from #NetGalley — I also WON a copy through a Jewish Romance Giveaway.
Just finished reading an uncorrected proof of this and, y'all, it was such a gorgeous read. Gender reversed Cinderella set in the Jewish communities of 1830s London. It was so good I've got a book hangover from it.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
This was a sweet reverse Cinderella story that had solid characters and a lovely romance. It's protagonists are Jewish, which is so rare. What's also rare is a take charge heroine who is unapologetically ambitious and a hero who would love nothing more in life than to support her. They're a delightful pairing.
I enjoyed the world and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
This was a sweet reverse Cinderella story that had solid characters and a lovely romance. It's protagonists are Jewish, which is so rare. What's also rare is a take charge heroine who is unapologetically ambitious and a hero who would love nothing more in life than to support her. They're a delightful pairing.
I enjoyed the world and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.