Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

4 reviews

annahamburger's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Car accident, Abandonment, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Death of parent, Grief, and Mental illness

Moderate: Medical trauma, Toxic friendship, Blood, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, Sexual content, Alcoholism, and Classism

Minor: Sexism, Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, Infidelity, Rape, and Sexual assault

annamarie98's review against another edition

emotional funny 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

2.0

There is some really toxic and creepy stuff in these books to be completely honest. But I also read horror books so I can ignore a lot. The first half of the book was rough and I think the marriage of convenience or getting pushed into marriage trope is overused in these books but the last third of the book was much better and actually got really cute! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent and Death

Moderate: Toxic relationship, Pedophilia, and Domestic abuse

kb33's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5

This was very different from the Netflix series, from Kate’s entire character to most of the second half of the plot. Also, Anthony started the novel so completely unlikable that I didn’t think he’d be redeemable, but in the way of historical romances, his negative qualities were completely forgotten.  He did improve in the second half of the book, but I still need a better love interest than Anthony. 

The storm phobia and explanation added unnecessary, contrived drama. 

Added TW: dubious consent kissing and groping. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content

Moderate: Fatphobia and Alcohol

Minor: Infidelity

thebookishjenna's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

It is Anthony's turn to find a wife.
So, we know what is going to happen, that is why we pick up these books. We are in it for the happy end, for the sweet conclusion, for the frustrating plots ultimately bringing characters together.
All that said....Anthony sucks.
Anthony lost his father tragically and that really affected him, but it also serves as justification for his abusive behaviour, especially towards women. He is manipulative and self-centred, super self-righteous, emotionally abusive and has anger issues. I SAID IT.
Kate, however, is a great romance MC, she is quick-witted and charming. Kate is able to understand Anthony due to her own struggles and traumas in her past. She has a deep passion for her family, which apparently Anthony shares, and a lot of fire in her. I think she deserved better if I am being completely honest.
I keep reading and will keep reading because I definitely feel like Shondaland has added huge value and depth to the novels via the Netflix adaptation. Obviously, keeping some of the more problematic parts of the book *looking at you Daphne*. I don't necessarily feel these books are bad, but they aren't good. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Sexism

Moderate: Death of parent and Sexual content