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hjb_128's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexism, Bullying, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Infertility and Infidelity
carbs666's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- 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? It's complicated
2.75
Ok I really wanted to love this book but I only liked it and I'm going to tell you exactly why while avoiding spoilers as much as possible!
You have to wait until you're roughly halfway thru the book for anything to really happen. Theres a difference between building tension and having no plot, but the book is very much like a classic in this way, as well with how much the writing tells rather than shows. Hector does exactly NOTHING to recommend himself until the last 5 chapters of the book so not totally sure why I'm supposed to feel like he and Nina got their HEA? Nina interested me, but I felt very keenly like she didn't belong in this book; she would have been an excellent weird little heroine for a genuine romance novel, but I just spent the entire book feeling sorry for her while everyone else played her like a fiddle. Valerie was vile and jealous and self absorbed and pitiful - a truly perfect villain. I did not predict this book would go in the direction it did and while I suppose the ending was satisfying, I think I was expecting something darker. Also, the aspect of psychokenisis was very much an afterthought throughout the book - I think it could have been replaced with basically anything else as a common ground uppm which Hector and Nina could build their relationship and the book would have been almost exactly the same, which was somewhat disappointing to me.
I will say that the narrative kept me tense and on the hook enough for me to keep reading - I was desperate to find out what the ending would be, I just think when I got there I was a bit disappointed.
You have to wait until you're roughly halfway thru the book for anything to really happen. Theres a difference between building tension and having no plot, but the book is very much like a classic in this way, as well with how much the writing tells rather than shows. Hector does exactly NOTHING to recommend himself until the last 5 chapters of the book so not totally sure why I'm supposed to feel like he and Nina got their HEA? Nina interested me, but I felt very keenly like she didn't belong in this book; she would have been an excellent weird little heroine for a genuine romance novel, but I just spent the entire book feeling sorry for her while everyone else played her like a fiddle. Valerie was vile and jealous and self absorbed and pitiful - a truly perfect villain. I did not predict this book would go in the direction it did and while I suppose the ending was satisfying, I think I was expecting something darker. Also, the aspect of psychokenisis was very much an afterthought throughout the book - I think it could have been replaced with basically anything else as a common ground uppm which Hector and Nina could build their relationship and the book would have been almost exactly the same, which was somewhat disappointing to me.
I will say that the narrative kept me tense and on the hook enough for me to keep reading - I was desperate to find out what the ending would be, I just think when I got there I was a bit disappointed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence and Bullying
yourbookishbff's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- 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
I LOVED this hot mess of a love triangle. For historical romance readers, I would highly recommend this to lovers of Sherry Thomas. We have a cast of deeply flawed and self-absorbed characters caught between naivete and cynicism and heartbreak and hope. Nothing actually happens, except they ruin their lives and break each other's hearts. If you love character-driven historical fiction with a strong romantic through-line (and a happily-ever-after) and don't mind messy, often unlikeable people, this is a compelling and honestly gripping read (again, this is largely plotless, but if you love character work, this is delicious).
Be warned, romance readers, this is a heady love triangle, with a slow-paced build in the first half, some repeated light infidelity (betrothals in historical romance often feel more transactional, but I do know crossing even this line is a deal-breaker for some in Romancelandia, and I get that!). We also have a capital-V-villain/Other Woman with a dedicated POV throughout - again, a choice not all romance readers will care for, but I loved it.
I would also note how timeless and ethereal this feels. It's set in an imagined city that draws on the structure of European aristocratic society and la Belle Epoque era (though it feels really worldless in a lot of ways). I loved this decision to deny the reader a sense of being truly historically grounded, as it makes the romance feel that much more consuming and isolating. And the light touch of magical realism (the characters each have telekinetic abilities in a world where this is rare but not unheard of). This cemented Silvia Moreno-Garcia for me, looking forward to reading more of her backlist!
Note for audio readers: I loved the narration by Imani Jade Powers and how it brought to life Silvia Moreno-Garcia's vivid scene-setting and prose.
Be warned, romance readers, this is a heady love triangle, with a slow-paced build in the first half, some repeated light infidelity (betrothals in historical romance often feel more transactional, but I do know crossing even this line is a deal-breaker for some in Romancelandia, and I get that!). We also have a capital-V-villain/Other Woman with a dedicated POV throughout - again, a choice not all romance readers will care for, but I loved it.
I would also note how timeless and ethereal this feels. It's set in an imagined city that draws on the structure of European aristocratic society and la Belle Epoque era (though it feels really worldless in a lot of ways). I loved this decision to deny the reader a sense of being truly historically grounded, as it makes the romance feel that much more consuming and isolating. And the light touch of magical realism (the characters each have telekinetic abilities in a world where this is rare but not unheard of). This cemented Silvia Moreno-Garcia for me, looking forward to reading more of her backlist!
Note for audio readers: I loved the narration by Imani Jade Powers and how it brought to life Silvia Moreno-Garcia's vivid scene-setting and prose.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Classism, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, and Bullying
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Sexual content and Suicidal thoughts
ehoustonmyatt's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was drawn to this because I thought it was a fantasy read but I ended up feeling like this story could have been told just as well without the small fantasy element’s inclusion. I found myself loving this even though it’s not my usual read and not what I anticipated when I chose it!
A beautiful (non-spicy) romance story perfect for February! ♥️
A beautiful (non-spicy) romance story perfect for February! ♥️
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Emotional abuse
blakeandbooks's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I am just such a fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia. This was a bit different than other books of hers that I’ve read. This book didn’t focus so much on magical realism as it did the romance and the meaning of what being loved feels like. (There’s still magical realism though!!) It’s definitely a slow burn, but I felt like it was the perfect amount of anticipation.
I’m looking forward to continuing to read through SMG’s works!
I’m looking forward to continuing to read through SMG’s works!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Gun violence, Gaslighting, and Sexism
Minor: Sexual content and Infertility
alicelalicon's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Bullying, and Classism
mjwhitlock18's review
emotional
medium-paced
3.5
Regency romance with a dash of magical realism. Overall entertaining and I love the character of Nina. In the end, I like Hector and the way he cares for Nina, but I spent 60% of the book just wanting to scream at him and shake him. My main gripe with this book is that so much of the conflict hinges on miscommunication/lack thereof, which I don’t usually like. But in the end I love to see a bitch get what is coming to her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Gun violence and Sexism
Minor: Infertility and Sexual content
takarakei's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- 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
Having read some of Moreno-Garcia's other work, this wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I would categorize this as a historical romance, with a bit of magical realism. It's definitely not fantasy!
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Classism, Sexism, Gaslighting, and Gun violence
Minor: Sexual content
jayisreading's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
3.0
I will read just about everything Moreno-Garcia publishes, especially because she writes beautifully and I love the way she approaches historical fiction. That being said, I probably should have taken the “romance” tag on this book a bit more seriously. Not being the biggest fan of the romance genre, I definitely was unprepared for what essentially was a historical telenovela that centered what was essentially a messy, messy (seriously, emphasize messy) love triangle full of melodrama. I thought the book was a bit predictable and had its fair share of clichés. One thing I felt was a bit forced was the telekinesis bit. It would have taken a lot away from the story if the author didn’t include it, but I also wish more was done with it, especially with the protagonist, Nina.
I didn’t hate reading this book, but it’s clear that I am not the intended audience, aha. But if you like messy romances, this is worth checking out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Bullying
Moderate: Sexism and Gun violence
Minor: Infertility
jhbandcats's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The three main characters, Nina, Valerie, and Hector, are fully-fleshed and complex. While the other characters fade into the background, these are vibrant. We learn of their desires and motivations, their frustrations and anguish.
Nina starts as a naive, happy-go-lucky country girl learning the ways of the well-to-do in the big city but she grows and matures into a sympathetic young woman. Hector, too, grows and matures; even though he’s nine years older than Nina, sometimes she seems the wiser. Their lives are made hell by the narcissistic and hateful Valerie, who demands the world revolve around her.
The love story is believable and painful, and my interest never flagged as I looked forward to the resolution of Nina and Hector’s distress. I would have said that Valerie’s character seemed overblown had I not learned so much about narcissism since 2016.
I’m really enjoying making my way through Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s wonderful books - each one is new and fresh, vastly different from the others.
Nina starts as a naive, happy-go-lucky country girl learning the ways of the well-to-do in the big city but she grows and matures into a sympathetic young woman. Hector, too, grows and matures; even though he’s nine years older than Nina, sometimes she seems the wiser. Their lives are made hell by the narcissistic and hateful Valerie, who demands the world revolve around her.
The love story is believable and painful, and my interest never flagged as I looked forward to the resolution of Nina and Hector’s distress. I would have said that Valerie’s character seemed overblown had I not learned so much about narcissism since 2016.
I’m really enjoying making my way through Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s wonderful books - each one is new and fresh, vastly different from the others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Classism, Grief, and Toxic relationship