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jenn_alwaysreading's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
ericas_bookshelf's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
Ok I did love the characters, but the overall execution of the plot and stuff, just felt lackluster to me. Which, based on other reviews, I’m not alone in thinking. Her writing style is very distinct and lovely, and I’m hopeful about the rest of this series. I did enjoy Judith & Christian’s dynamic and the slow burn between them so very well done! It’s a second chance romance, and the tension is excellent!
I am noticing that I tend to struggle with the first book in historical romance series, just in general haha. Courtney really jammed a lot of stuff in this though, which was impressive.
I am noticing that I tend to struggle with the first book in historical romance series, just in general haha. Courtney really jammed a lot of stuff in this though, which was impressive.
tessanne's review against another edition
3.0
A good three stars as this book is setting up the rest of the series. While it didn’t have the depth and chemistry that I’ve come to expect from Courtney Milan, it was still a good story with great characters.
That said, I hated Theresa and her tantrums. And some of Christian’s jokiness seemed over the top and/or wrong for the situation and that got annoying.
That said, I hated Theresa and her tantrums. And some of Christian’s jokiness seemed over the top and/or wrong for the situation and that got annoying.
pattydsf's review against another edition
3.0
“I was worried that my brilliant good looks and easy manners would make me impossible to hate, thus ruining our fragile alliance. But this will be simple. Just tell me all the subjects you are an expert in, and I shall endeavor to explain them to you.”
This is the tenth book I have read by Milan, however it has been more than a year since I picked up one of her romances. I never quite remember the humor of her stories, but it is always there. I am grateful that Milan makes an excellent hot fudge sundae, and she makes them often enough that there is always another one for me to read. I had fun with Judith’s story.
This is the tenth book I have read by Milan, however it has been more than a year since I picked up one of her romances. I never quite remember the humor of her stories, but it is always there. I am grateful that Milan makes an excellent hot fudge sundae, and she makes them often enough that there is always another one for me to read. I had fun with Judith’s story.
nellesnightstand's review against another edition
4.0
The I love how Courtney Milan's books always have unique plots and characters!
claire_loves_books's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this but I'm kind of over the whole eldest sister sacrifices herself for the family thing (in regency romance at least whenever a man has to make a sacrifice for his family the plan seems to be a few years of trade to make the fortunes back while the women always seem to plan to give up their whole future)
Judith's family just seemed so unappreciative of what she'd done for them- Teresa deliberately breaks stuff, burns the food and takes no care of anything despite the fact that Judith really struggles with money. I know they are younger but most children from underprivileged backgrounds take some care of their property knowing it might be difficult to replace and show some remorse if they have cause damage (perhaps not while having a tantrum but 14 is old enough to be aware that money isn't endless).
Judith's family just seemed so unappreciative of what she'd done for them- Teresa deliberately breaks stuff, burns the food and takes no care of anything despite the fact that Judith really struggles with money. I know they are younger but most children from underprivileged backgrounds take some care of their property knowing it might be difficult to replace and show some remorse if they have cause damage (perhaps not while having a tantrum but 14 is old enough to be aware that money isn't endless).
tellingetienne's review against another edition
5.0
Another amazing addition to Milan's catalog of works. I really loved both Christian and Judith. They were warm and funny, and their fears and insecurities are (as always in Milan's writing) real. They aren't tropes or plot points, but just enhance and build the story with the characters. I can't wait to see how the rest of the Worth Saga plays out!
kstep1805's review against another edition
5.0
The great romance novels make me laugh and cry all in the same book. The best romance novels do all this while also addressing historical or contemporary issues.
eslismyjam's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars. Milan writes very intelligent romances and I always enjoy her work.
yvsmovingcastle's review against another edition
3.0
Much grittier, I thought, than Milan's other works but the realism played through well. I like Judith's plucky practicality though Christian's joking got on the nerves after a while. It felt like there were sections that could have been cut out in the middle as they may have supposed to add to the tension but didn't. A solid read and interesting adding a character with some sort of OCD (at least I think it's OCD??). Also interesting to wrap it up in what was happening at the time between Britain and China. Sometimes I felt that overshadowed the romance but it came through in the end. Definitely not as in love with the Worths as I was with the Brother's Sinister but, still, I'm looking forward to the next one.