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whatbeccareadnext'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? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Death of parent
what_karla_reads'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? No
4.5
2.5/5 spice
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Brother's best friend/ Best friend's sister
Poet MMC
Forced proximity
Banter and tension
Clandestine adventures
Dual POV
I read this series out of order, so I already knew a bit about Kieran and Celeste's story. However, that didn't take away from the adventure. This was a surprisingly spicy read... not in the sense that it was scene after scene of smut, but the language, descriptions, and tension leading up to each scene was present anytime the MCs were in each other's presence. The chemistry was palpable, and the flow of the story worked well with the growth of the MCs relationship. The adventures they went on were also fun to read about. It was an enjoyable story that had all the romance, angst, adventure, and spice that I love to read in historical romances.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Blackmail, misogyny, classism, explicit language, and sexual content
Graphic: Sexual content, Cursing, and Misogyny
bookishmillennial's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Wow, this was so much fun! I met Eva Leigh at Steamy Lit Con & she gave me a copy of this book as part of a fundraiser reward that I purchased, and I am so grateful for it! This historical romance is told in third-person limited, past tense POV of our love interests Celeste Kilbern and Kieran Ransome. Kieran is given an ultimatum from his parents that he, his young brother Finn, and their best friend Dom must marry a “respectable” woman within a year or they will be financially cut off. Celeste is actually Dom’s sister, so this is a best friend’s sister/brother’s best friend trope lol. Celeste agrees to bring Kieran to respectable events to improve his rakish reputation as long as he brings her to the scandalous late-night outings so she can live it up before getting married to an earl. Obviously, with this forced proximity and Celeste taking on a sexy persona of “Salome” as she goes out, they become closer and start falling for each other!
I really enjoyed their connection from the beginning. They both had found the other attractive but knew they were off-limits and as they got to know one another, it became harder and harder to dismiss the truth, that they were a perfect fit for each other. Kieran empowered Celeste to follow her dreams in making a difference in her lower-class hometown, and Celeste embraced the softer, more artistic side of Kieran that he was bashful about sharing with just anyone. They challenged the other to be their best selves, and they inspired each other! Plus, the tension was off the charts, omgosh!!!! I loved the build up to their steamy scenes 🤌🏽
Overall, I’d absolutely read more from Eva Leigh in the future and I had such a wonderful time reading this!
steam rating: 3/5
cw: sexism, misogyny, blackmail
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexism, and Misogyny
ramakn22's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexual content
hannahkiwi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and Drug use
kyeruhh's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content, Classism, and Sexism
noellelovesbooks's review
4.25
OMG I love Celeste and Kieran so much! She's considered a good girl [she's also his best friends little sister 😏] he's considered a rake who has no care for responsibility...and then circumstances cause them to join forces. *chefs kiss* She completely gobsmacks him with just how curious, adventurous, and full of life she is...and he surprises her with his sensitive side, caring, and poetry *swoons* and OMG the TENSION and then the SPICE! *SCREAMS IN HISTORICAL ROMANCE*
Graphic: Sexism, Classism, Sexual content, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Violence
sydapel's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content
carbs666's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I love a romance with the "you're the only one who truly knows me" dynamic and this couple has it in spades! Celeste is easy to root for as a heroine - she's fiesty and bored as hell and her mission to squeeze as much joy as she can out of life before her obligations get in the way is very relatable. Also, Kieran's sensitivity and devotion to pleasure is so appealing in a hero. I love how Leigh didn't let him descend into cynicism despite the efforts of his family to crush his personality. Also, the way they each had a secret little crush on/fascination with each other before getting together in this scheme is SO cute!
I love a historical that accurately captures the political concerns of the era and is guided by what reviewers often call "modern morals", and Leigh is great for this. Also, the sex is tender and hot - fans of dirty talking and explicit negotiations of consent will be delighted. My one key complaint is that it was way too easy to make the villain go away - a touch more drama in that confrontation could have been nice!
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Violence
mcmizzie's review
4.75
Graphic: Sexual content and Abandonment