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thisbookishmom's review
5.0
This book definitely lived up to the hype! I loved it.
I love the enemies to lovers trope, but often, especially in contemporary or historical romances, it’s not really TRUE enemies. There’s usually some kind of secret pining at least on one side. But this one—they truly disliked each other! It made the book so much better as Marigold and Tristan both grew to see one another differently.
Loved the archery aspect of the book and competitiveness between the two MCs. There was great banter and so many sweet moments.
I love the enemies to lovers trope, but often, especially in contemporary or historical romances, it’s not really TRUE enemies. There’s usually some kind of secret pining at least on one side. But this one—they truly disliked each other! It made the book so much better as Marigold and Tristan both grew to see one another differently.
Loved the archery aspect of the book and competitiveness between the two MCs. There was great banter and so many sweet moments.
thestagedstory's review against another edition
4.0
Such a cute story! I loved the enemy to lovers trope and felt it was so well done here! It flowed really well.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
A thousand stars for this new favorite! This is enemies to lovers at it’s absolute best. This story has everything: witty banter, a sizzling clean romance, fierce rivalry, forced proximity, a strong heroine, wonderful character growth, and a unique plot with twists and turns that made it so hard to put down.
Marigold Cartwell is beautiful, vivacious, and fiercely competitive, especially when it comes to competing against her irritating rival Tristan Gates. His archery society doesn’t allow women and so Marigold decides to start her own.
Tristan is quiet, serious, and as competitive as Marigold. His life is going swimmingly until his uncle decides to marry, and a dangerous incident turns his world upside down. As he and Marigold see each other in a new light, will the ultimate competition where the stakes are extremely high bring them closer together or drive them apart for good?
This book from start to finish was so well written! I adored the relationship between Tristan and Marigold. As enemies turn to allies, the chemistry and passion are amazing. That first kiss on the scale of swooniest kisses makes the top ten list for sure. The banter is outstanding whether flirting or bickering.
I also loved the growth that each character goes through as they see past their own prejudices, learn the value of true friendship, and find the meaning of lasting and deeply felt love.
This is a must read that I can’t recommend highly enough! It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year. I am desperately hoping for Oliver’s and Cora’s stories and hopefully there’s a romance between the two! Thanks to the author for the advanced complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
Marigold Cartwell is beautiful, vivacious, and fiercely competitive, especially when it comes to competing against her irritating rival Tristan Gates. His archery society doesn’t allow women and so Marigold decides to start her own.
Tristan is quiet, serious, and as competitive as Marigold. His life is going swimmingly until his uncle decides to marry, and a dangerous incident turns his world upside down. As he and Marigold see each other in a new light, will the ultimate competition where the stakes are extremely high bring them closer together or drive them apart for good?
This book from start to finish was so well written! I adored the relationship between Tristan and Marigold. As enemies turn to allies, the chemistry and passion are amazing. That first kiss on the scale of swooniest kisses makes the top ten list for sure. The banter is outstanding whether flirting or bickering.
I also loved the growth that each character goes through as they see past their own prejudices, learn the value of true friendship, and find the meaning of lasting and deeply felt love.
This is a must read that I can’t recommend highly enough! It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year. I am desperately hoping for Oliver’s and Cora’s stories and hopefully there’s a romance between the two! Thanks to the author for the advanced complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
mom_loves_to_read's review against another edition
5.0
Reread update - I loved it just as much the second time!!
Oh, this was fun! So much fun! Such a unique Regency book. It seriously has all the things that make a 5 star read for me: enemies to lovers (my fav trope!), dual POV, great banter and chemistry, steamy kisses in the rain! Ok, maybe kisses in the rain isn’t a requirement but it’s definitely a bonus!
I loved the archery aspects of this book. Marigold is a talented archer. She can beat any man, except her long time rival, Tristan. These two have awesome banter. Their witty and sarcastic comments to each other were the best! And the archery competitions!! I was holding my breath to see who would win. Who knew archery could be so intense?
This book has some surprises in it also! No spoilers, but something happens that took me totally by surprise and I LOVED it! There’s more than one of my favorite tropes hidden in this gem! That’s all I’m going to say about that!
Oh, this was fun! So much fun! Such a unique Regency book. It seriously has all the things that make a 5 star read for me: enemies to lovers (my fav trope!), dual POV, great banter and chemistry, steamy kisses in the rain! Ok, maybe kisses in the rain isn’t a requirement but it’s definitely a bonus!
I loved the archery aspects of this book. Marigold is a talented archer. She can beat any man, except her long time rival, Tristan. These two have awesome banter. Their witty and sarcastic comments to each other were the best! And the archery competitions!! I was holding my breath to see who would win. Who knew archery could be so intense?
This book has some surprises in it also! No spoilers, but something happens that took me totally by surprise and I LOVED it! There’s more than one of my favorite tropes hidden in this gem! That’s all I’m going to say about that!
abookishromantic's review against another edition
5.0
"He was trying to irk me. Lucky for him, Tristan Gates irked me just by existing."
Marigold and Tristan have been rivals almost since the moment they met. As the best archers in Kent, tensions are high any time they are in the same vicinity. Unfortunately, when the two are tainted with a scandal, their names are irrevocably tied together. With Marigold's tenacity and determination and Tristan's personal worries and apparent aloofness—and an archery competition that neither can afford to lose—it seems that Cupid's arrow may never hit its mark.
Warning: Do not start this book if you do not have time to finish it in one sitting. Once you've begun, you will not want to stop reading for anything.
I LOVED this regency romance from Joanna Barker. While I've enjoyed all of her books, A Game of Hearts immediately moved to the top of my list.
Marigold and Tristan were both incredibly well developed, and each of the side characters added to the charming cast of characters that kept me so entertained throughout the book. Marigold is sweet and fiery and so determined to prove herself. Tristan has a soft heart underneath his unapproachable exterior. Watching them fall in love was delightful and so, so sweet.
I especially loved watching the characters change and grow. There is a depth and a realness to the main characters that made me feel like I knew them and that if I were to magically visit Regency-era England, I would actually be able to spend time with them.
Also, the banter in this book is top notch. There are so many moments that had me chuckling or full-on laughing. Joanna has a fabulous writing style that flows so naturally that you'll be finished with the book (and probably starting it again) before you know it.
This book is so light and sweet and the perfect romantic escape after a day in real life. I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Marigold and Tristan have been rivals almost since the moment they met. As the best archers in Kent, tensions are high any time they are in the same vicinity. Unfortunately, when the two are tainted with a scandal, their names are irrevocably tied together. With Marigold's tenacity and determination and Tristan's personal worries and apparent aloofness—and an archery competition that neither can afford to lose—it seems that Cupid's arrow may never hit its mark.
Warning: Do not start this book if you do not have time to finish it in one sitting. Once you've begun, you will not want to stop reading for anything.
I LOVED this regency romance from Joanna Barker. While I've enjoyed all of her books, A Game of Hearts immediately moved to the top of my list.
Marigold and Tristan were both incredibly well developed, and each of the side characters added to the charming cast of characters that kept me so entertained throughout the book. Marigold is sweet and fiery and so determined to prove herself. Tristan has a soft heart underneath his unapproachable exterior. Watching them fall in love was delightful and so, so sweet.
I especially loved watching the characters change and grow. There is a depth and a realness to the main characters that made me feel like I knew them and that if I were to magically visit Regency-era England, I would actually be able to spend time with them.
Also, the banter in this book is top notch. There are so many moments that had me chuckling or full-on laughing. Joanna has a fabulous writing style that flows so naturally that you'll be finished with the book (and probably starting it again) before you know it.
This book is so light and sweet and the perfect romantic escape after a day in real life. I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
katiejohn_'s review against another edition
3.0
Just another cute fluffy regency romance- perfect palate cleanser between fantasy books
mihuga's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
kitten638897's review
medium-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
3.5
morgangiesbrecht's review
5.0
4.5 ⭐️
I’ve been on a Regency kick lately, which has been surprising me!
Ever since this book came out, I’ve heard great things about it. And while I was initially on the fence for the first third of the story, after the mine scenes (iykyk) I was absolutely SOLD.
I’ve been on a Regency kick lately, which has been surprising me!
Ever since this book came out, I’ve heard great things about it. And while I was initially on the fence for the first third of the story, after the mine scenes (iykyk) I was absolutely SOLD.