Scan barcode
language_loving_amateur's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Dante does not have the superpower common to leading men of romance novels of giving women instant orgasms which in addition to being a nice change of pace adds some tension and other considerations to the plot.
Amount of sex in the book is 3/5
Amount of sex in the book is 3/5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Cursing, Alcohol, Sexual assault, and Classism
readbooks_eatapples's review
5.0
I love Grace Burrowes. I am rereading everything I have access to of hers, as they truly are a comfort,and I somehow missed this one on the first round. Her books are a comfort and tend to be joyful in a quiet way, with at least semi-realistic events and a minimum of histrionics. This book is as character-driven as always, with genuine affection and humor among the people. Everyone has flaws, but everyone is at least somewhat likeable.
You really do have to read the earlier books in the series for this to make sense. You'll be really confused otherwise. One thing I loved: the characters don't have SUPER AMAZING MIND-BLOWING SEX from moment one. There are a few unsatisfactory attempts before they have mutual pleasure, which rings true, for both men and women who have a lot on their minds.
Another thing I loved: Spathfoy is presented as a bit of a jerk. I liked his story a lot, but it was rosy, in that his flaws were seen in a positive light. Here, he is just kind of a jerk for a while, and he's called out on it repeatedly. Her secondary (and tertiary) stories are enjoyable, even if they do get a bit confusing and overshadowed at times. I wasn't as invested as I could have been in Hector's story, for example, and would have enjoyed a novella.
You really do have to read the earlier books in the series for this to make sense. You'll be really confused otherwise. One thing I loved: the characters don't have SUPER AMAZING MIND-BLOWING SEX from moment one. There are a few unsatisfactory attempts before they have mutual pleasure, which rings true, for both men and women who have a lot on their minds.
Another thing I loved: Spathfoy is presented as a bit of a jerk. I liked his story a lot, but it was rosy, in that his flaws were seen in a positive light. Here, he is just kind of a jerk for a while, and he's called out on it repeatedly. Her secondary (and tertiary) stories are enjoyable, even if they do get a bit confusing and overshadowed at times. I wasn't as invested as I could have been in Hector's story, for example, and would have enjoyed a novella.
bibliophile_mama's review
2.0
Just lost a few hours of my life that I won't get back. Ever the optimist, I kept reading hoping sparks would fly, the sex would be good... anything. I liked the words but the story telling felt disjointed bouncing abruptly from one scene to another. Also, lord have mercy the foreshadowing of one event was mentioned so many times throughout the book it was no surprise when the inevitable happened. I'll try Grace Burrows again but I'm gonna do a little detox from this book first. Also, did people really play hockey in kilts? Google didn't deliver answers.
sheltzer's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jackiepreston's review against another edition
emotional
slow-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Sexual assault
lumbermouth's review
2.0
YAWN. I wanted a cozy Christmas story with lots of cleaning and/or decorating montages. But all that happened off camera. The ~dark secret grew tiresome and tedious very quickly. YAWN
nelsonseye's review against another edition
3.0
Overall this was pretty good. I was, however, a bit frustrated at how long it took Joan to tell Dante about Edward.
robinwalter's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
An historical romance that was not very romantic and cared little for historical accuracy.