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ssonidas's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
safaramzan's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
itriedtobegood's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
geekxgirl's review
5.0
After reading and reviewing every book in The Hathaway series I have got to admit this book was the absolute BEST. I was completely surprised to come away after finishing this book without one single complaint or issue that I felt needed to be pointed out as I have the others. Which was completely to my surprise since the youngest Hathaway, Beatrix, was the least interesting character to me!
Admittedly we met Beatrix in the first book when she was but fifteen years old but even then I wasn't particularly interested in her story, and I held onto that feeling even as I finished the fourth book. Although the blurb for this book really grabbed me so I was excited to begin reading despite being saddened this would be the final book and I would have to say goodbye to The Hathaway clan.
As I said above I have no complaints of pet peeves about this book. Notta one! Beatrix was quirky and intelligent and somehow mad all her animal fact spouting and knowledge endearing and interesting throughout the whole book. And Christopher was wonderful hero. Just angsty enough without being overkill. Both Beatrix and Christopher had some character growth, although Christopher had the most growth to do.
I thought it was a lovely book. No excessive drama from the mean girl of the book Prudence, despite expecting it once Christopher and Beatrix hashed out the letters true author. I appreciated that it wasn't drug out until the end of the book for the reveal and that the rest of the book's journey was about Beatrix and Christopher finding a balance in their marriage while dealing with his PTSD and guilt from the war. Both Beatrix and Christopher were infinitely fascinating characters and I thought they suited each other so well.
Also loved getting a bit of all The Hathaway clan sprinkled in with this book. And the epilogue was lovely even if I was expecting more told about the whole family with it being the final book but all in all it was the best book in the whole series. No over the top theatrics or angst, or misunderstandings. No dragging or annoying bits with too much monologuing. And the pacing and flow was just perfect. Loved it!
Admittedly we met Beatrix in the first book when she was but fifteen years old but even then I wasn't particularly interested in her story, and I held onto that feeling even as I finished the fourth book. Although the blurb for this book really grabbed me so I was excited to begin reading despite being saddened this would be the final book and I would have to say goodbye to The Hathaway clan.
As I said above I have no complaints of pet peeves about this book. Notta one! Beatrix was quirky and intelligent and somehow mad all her animal fact spouting and knowledge endearing and interesting throughout the whole book. And Christopher was wonderful hero. Just angsty enough without being overkill. Both Beatrix and Christopher had some character growth, although Christopher had the most growth to do.
I thought it was a lovely book. No excessive drama from the mean girl of the book Prudence, despite expecting it once Christopher and Beatrix hashed out the letters true author. I appreciated that it wasn't drug out until the end of the book for the reveal and that the rest of the book's journey was about Beatrix and Christopher finding a balance in their marriage while dealing with his PTSD and guilt from the war. Both Beatrix and Christopher were infinitely fascinating characters and I thought they suited each other so well.
Also loved getting a bit of all The Hathaway clan sprinkled in with this book. And the epilogue was lovely even if I was expecting more told about the whole family with it being the final book but all in all it was the best book in the whole series. No over the top theatrics or angst, or misunderstandings. No dragging or annoying bits with too much monologuing. And the pacing and flow was just perfect. Loved it!
bjboxbookwh0re's review against another edition
5.0
Although this is the 5th in the series, I started with Love in the Afternoon because the premise intrigued me—pen pals, with deceit. I had to read it, and yes, I absolutely stayed up until 3 a.m. to finish it. Beatrix and Christopher are so endearing, I can't even put into words how much I love them! Usually, strong-willed FMCs get annoying really quickly, but Beatrix did not; she was so delightful and caring. Christopher, going through the things he did and trying to be a good guy, won me over real fast. The animals in this made me happy. Albert is a dog soldier and really brings the characters together. Bea's love of animals and lack of interest in other people are something to be identified with.
"It crossed her mind that this was why she preferred the company of animals to people. Animals weren’t deceitful. They didn’t give one conflicting impression of who they were."
It was funny, it was sweet, and I could not put it down! Please read this if you haven't.
It deals with war, death, deceit, and PTSD. Lisa Kleypas has got me hooked, and I am going to read the rest of the series!
"It crossed her mind that this was why she preferred the company of animals to people. Animals weren’t deceitful. They didn’t give one conflicting impression of who they were."
It was funny, it was sweet, and I could not put it down! Please read this if you haven't.
It deals with war, death, deceit, and PTSD. Lisa Kleypas has got me hooked, and I am going to read the rest of the series!
dotts's review
3.0
Love in the Afternoon was a nice read for me. I had some issues with it, but was still able to enjoy it as a whole despite them. For example, it has two very hateful female side characters that I couldn't stand. But most of the others were lovely and interesting, and overall it was enjoyable. I do believe the fact that I buddy read it with Sean vastly improved the experience.
The MCs had a very special emotional bond which made their relationship strong and their HEA a matter of when and how rather than if. I liked that. Beatrix was a very capable and likeable woman from the start: she is intelligent, sweet and bold. Christopher needed the changes he experienced to grow into a more likeable person and spouse, but I did remain patient with him throughout as his flaws seem to be less deeply ingrained and more environmentally bestowed. I think he was worth the wait, especially since Bea knew all along that he was the one she wanted and was willing to be with him regardless of his past flaws and present complications.
I didn't read the rest of the series, but had no difficulty catching on so this can easily be read as a stand alone book in my opinion.
The MCs had a very special emotional bond which made their relationship strong and their HEA a matter of when and how rather than if. I liked that. Beatrix was a very capable and likeable woman from the start: she is intelligent, sweet and bold. Christopher needed the changes he experienced to grow into a more likeable person and spouse, but I did remain patient with him throughout as his flaws seem to be less deeply ingrained and more environmentally bestowed. I think he was worth the wait, especially since Bea knew all along that he was the one she wanted and was willing to be with him regardless of his past flaws and present complications.
I didn't read the rest of the series, but had no difficulty catching on so this can easily be read as a stand alone book in my opinion.
lotusross's review against another edition
4.0
“You’re the reason I live. If it weren’t for you, I never would have come back.”
3.75 stars.
Beatrix and Christopher's romance was a great conclusion to a great series. I loved them so much!! Beatrix has captured my heart from very early on in the series so I'm so happy that she had a good romance and finally found her happy ever after!!
This has officially become one of my favorite series ever, with one of my favorite literary families and some of my favorite couples! I'm going to miss my Hathaways so much!
vivi_m's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
caro__b's review
4.0
This is my favourite book in the Hathaway-series. The FMC is so energetic and unapologeticly herself. I liked seeing the rest of the family again.
books_and_breaks's review
4.0
Finally! A book in the series I liked and didn't cringe while reading. Terrible to mess up a Bennet/Bridgerton-ish mash-up/hommage.