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smuttymcbookface's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was such a wholesome, sweet book with wonderful banter between the two MCs.
I loved the integration of Hakka culture into the this sweet romance. It was wonderfully balanced as part of Chloe's daily life, and it was easy to see why Jeremy was so drawn to it; the part of his heritage that his aunt tried to refuse on his behalf.
The chats between Chloe and Jeremy were light-hearted, sweet, and often hilarious. I loved getting glimpses into their two perspectives, and although Chloe felt obtuse at first when she purposefully overlooked his overt signals, it became more clear later on thatshe knew that Dukes did not just run away with the poor village woman .
I love a take-charge heroine, and Chloe was definitely that. She comfortably set boundaries, chose what she was happy to do, and I loved the inn scene.Deciding to take fate into her own hands seemed very true to her character, and I love how this confidence continued when attempting to seduce him. I also loved how nervous and fumbly Jeremy was, so contrary to his normally easygoing facade. I love it when a main character just can't articulate properly around their love interest, and this was adorable executed for Jeremy.
Although I've seen reviews that didn't like how easily resolved the conflicts were, I actually quite enjoyed it. This was about two sweet, wonderfully matched people learning to forge a life together, and it didn't need external drama or lies to heighten it.
Additionally, the inclusion of two epilogues is never a bad thing for me. I lovedseeing how their personalities translated into parenthood. However, the White and Whistler resolution had me rolling my eyes at their comeuppance.
The thing that stops me rating this any higher is that I found myself bored for a section in the middle; when they were going to the inn, and when Jeremy was tutoring the newcomer in the Wedgeford trials. Their days really did drag on forever, and I know that they were supposed to be busy days, but I just wasn't interested in it all. There was the minutiae done well; the labelling of jars where Jeremy and Mr Fong chatted, or Chloe's conversations with her mother, or the prepping of the dough. But when it didn't feel well done, it was a trudge to get through.
I loved the integration of Hakka culture into the this sweet romance. It was wonderfully balanced as part of Chloe's daily life, and it was easy to see why Jeremy was so drawn to it; the part of his heritage that his aunt tried to refuse on his behalf.
The chats between Chloe and Jeremy were light-hearted, sweet, and often hilarious. I loved getting glimpses into their two perspectives, and although Chloe felt obtuse at first when she purposefully overlooked his overt signals, it became more clear later on that
I love a take-charge heroine, and Chloe was definitely that. She comfortably set boundaries, chose what she was happy to do, and I loved the inn scene.
Although I've seen reviews that didn't like how easily resolved the conflicts were, I actually quite enjoyed it. This was about two sweet, wonderfully matched people learning to forge a life together, and it didn't need external drama or lies to heighten it.
Additionally, the inclusion of two epilogues is never a bad thing for me. I loved
The thing that stops me rating this any higher is that I found myself bored for a section in the middle; when they were going to the inn, and when Jeremy was tutoring the newcomer in the Wedgeford trials. Their days really did drag on forever, and I know that they were supposed to be busy days, but I just wasn't interested in it all. There was the minutiae done well; the labelling of jars where Jeremy and Mr Fong chatted, or Chloe's conversations with her mother, or the prepping of the dough. But when it didn't feel well done, it was a trudge to get through.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Racism
Moderate: Xenophobia and Death of parent
Minor: Grief and Bullying
farbooksventure's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Really enjoy Milan's writing style & the way the infamous 3'rd act conflict is handled in this story. It balanced the conflicts & the feel good aspects quite well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Xenophobia, and Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness
Minor: Death of parent
jackiepreston's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Classism, Death of parent, Racism, and Xenophobia
yourbookishbff's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Cultural appropriation, Xenophobia, and Racism
takarakei's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
I'm obsessed with this book fr!!! From the first chapter I was *screaming* at how much I loved Chloe and Jeremy. This book focuses mainly on their relationship and most of the time they are just bantering and pining for each other.
I also just adored Chloe's father Mr. Fong and their hustle to become the best selling sauce in the land in order to bring down his nemesis (this is a side plot but I loved it).
I usually find the one bed/room trope to be overused, but this was just hilarity and amazing how it was done.
I honestly can't wait to reread this and I need to get my own copy immediately to highlight every line.
I also just adored Chloe's father Mr. Fong and their hustle to become the best selling sauce in the land in order to bring down his nemesis (this is a side plot but I loved it).
I usually find the one bed/room trope to be overused, but this was just hilarity and amazing how it was done.
I honestly can't wait to reread this and I need to get my own copy immediately to highlight every line.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Racism, Death of parent, and Xenophobia
thenextbookdilemma's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Xenophobia
hailstorm3812's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-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
4.75
I am so charmed by then. They are both such interesting characters that really keep you involved in the story. The ADHD Autism alliance remains strong. It is just such a fun read. There is drama and plot without losing the tone that really sells the book. I loved it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Xenophobia, and Death of parent
Minor: Bullying
wilybooklover's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
A lovely, low-angst historical romance, featuring a serious, organised heroine and a playful, puppy-like hero. Childhood friends-to-lovers can be hit-or-miss for me as a trope and I loved this incarnation of it. I also loved the subversion of the only one bed and hidden identity tropes. Chloe and Jeremy were just so sweet together.
I adored the little village full of POC living their best lives that Courtney Milan created. I liked that she didn’t skim over the realities of life as a POC in the late Victorian era, but also didn’t let those struggles take over the story. It’s like she carved out a little pocket of joy for these characters to live in.
A minor quibble, but I will admit I did wince a little when one of the characters said ‘on accident’ because I fully believe that is not a phrase that any adult British person has ever said in the history of the English language. It sounds as jarringly wrong and ungrammatical to me as ‘by purpose’ does. I am so sick and tired of Americanisms in historical romance!
If you want to read a little more diversity in historical romance then this is a delightful option. Be prepared with snacks, because there’s a big focus on delicious food and it will probably make you hungry.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Grief, Racism, Colonisation, Death of parent, Chronic illness, and Xenophobia
barefootsong's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
sydapel's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Just so downright sweet and funny and lovely. Low angst and so cute, definitely recommend if you're looking for a low stakes trip into regency romance that doesn't fall into the typical tropes of the genre.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Racism, Death of parent, and Xenophobia
Minor: War