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mjwhitlock18's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Gun violence and Sexism
Minor: Infertility and Sexual content
mooshake's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Sexism, Classism, Gun violence, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
takarakei's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
The basic premise is around a very messy melodramatic love triangle or almost like a love web of many characters (but not in a poly way haha). I found Hector to be a wet noodle. Many of the chapters from Hector's POV were hard to get through because of his whining. I found Hector and Nina to be a bit one-dimensional. Valérie at least has clear (evil/selfish) motivation behind her actions and that gives her character a bit of depth.
I hesitate to really say much more because it just wasn't for me because I'm not a bit fan of this genre, or the love triangle trope. If you are a historical romance fan you might enjoy this book more.
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Classism, Sexism, Gaslighting, and Gun violence
Minor: Sexual content
jayisreading's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Bullying
Moderate: Sexism and Gun violence
Minor: Infertility
nytephoenyx's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Classism and Alcohol
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Sexual content
rorikae's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The story circles three characters, Nina a young woman starting her debut year, Hector a magical performer who returns to reclaim lost love, and Valerie, his lost love who is now living in a loveless marriage. The story weaves between their different perspectives as relationships blossom and wither between the three as love, jealousy, and plotting reign.
This story is split into two parts and I found that the first part was incredibly slow while the second part picks up pace. The characters are the center of this story and unfortunately, during the first section, the only character that I cared for was Nina while I couldn’t stand Hector and Valerie. In the second half, Moreno-Garcia makes Hector far more interesting and likable while twisting Valerie further and further. She does a good job of making Valerie’s decisions and feelings understandable while also being despicable. I disliked her while also fully understanding the decisions she was making.
I went into this story thinking that the fantastical elements were going to be more overt but they are definitely a light spice to the romance and plotting that centers the story. If you are looking for those pieces, I think you will likely enjoy it though the beginning is definitely quite slow. The second half picks up and reads like a soap opera between terrible decisions, characters letting their emotions run their decisions, and a few twists and turns.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Bullying, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gun violence
sarasreadingnook's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the drama of it all so much, the story, and loved the second half of the book, especially! There are some amazing elements introduced into the book.
This book was very entertaining and special to read - I highly recommend it if you are looking to read some high quality drama and passion-filled content!
Themes: beauty, materialism, privilege.
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gun violence, Gaslighting, and Bullying
Minor: Sexism, Sexual content, and Infidelity
clarabooksit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexism, and Bullying
Minor: Infertility and Gun violence
madamenovelist's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Classism, Violence, Gun violence, and Infertility
corar's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Classism, Gun violence, Sexism, and Infidelity
Minor: Infertility and Sexual content