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wilybooklover's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
This was such a lovely queer Regency romp. I adored both Philippa and Tommy, and how their relationship was full of communication and acceptance. For once, the meddling relatives didn't annoy me (well, the Wynchesters didn't — Philippa's mother did but she was actually supposed to). The manuscript/cipher plot kind of bored me and it takes up a lot of page-time. The fact that it was on behalf of a secondary character who appears in like, two or three scenes rather than one of the MCs just removed any sense of urgency and resulted in my lack of interest. I wasn't a big fan of the resolution of said plot either, nor the final confrontation with Philippa's parents.
There were some more modern phrases and vocabulary that I found quite jarring (e.g. ‘a cog in the machinery’ or 'lesbian'), but otherwise the language was fairly accurate. The cover is gorgeous but not representative of the MCs at all; Philippa is described as plump and curvy while Tommy is taller, skinnier, has short hair, and doesn’t like wearing dresses. I believe the cover photo was shot early during the pandemic though so I appreciate they had to work with what they had (I think the couple on the cover are an actual real-life couple).
Although the terms obviously did not exist at the time, to me Philippa read as demisexual and Tommy as non-binary or possibly genderfluid. Just to note since I've seen a lot of people label it as lesbian or F/F, which lacks the nuance of this particular book IMO.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Classism
Moderate: Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Minor: Body shaming, Homophobia, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
jackie_recommends's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
restlessreaderjay's review
adventurous
funny
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Fatphobia
allisonwonderlandreads's review
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
My heart grew two sizes reading this historical romance. Sure, there's still room for self-improvement, but honestly, what a feat. This sapphic love story originates in a reading circle presided over by one Miss Philippa York, bluestocking and illuminated manuscript enthusiast. Tommy first attends in one of her many disguises, the role of Great-Aunt Wynchester, an old woman who runs on inappropriate remarks and gin. Tommy pines for Philippa in secret for a year before her meddling siblings dare her to strike up a conversation. Wearing a different persona as Baron Vanderbean, she rakishly approaches Philippa in public. Once Tommy reveals her ruse, they strike a bargain, beginning a fake courtship to help Philippa attract a "real" suitor who will meet with her parents' approval and further their goals for the family. Unfortunately for the plan, but fortunately for Tommy and Philippa, there is a spark between them that can't be ignored.
There's some really exciting queer rep in this one. The sapphic goodness radiates from the cover, but there's more to it than that. The way Tommy talks about her gender, I think she would identify as gender-fluid and/or non-binary if that vocabulary was on the table for her. She and Philippa have several conversations about it as Philippa learns Tommy's preferences and gets to see the real her. In terms of Philippa, I think she's a lacy goddess of a curvy demi-sexual. Beyond the way social oppression kept her from coming to terms with her sexuality (Philippa is decidedly uninterested in men and what they have on offer), she also expresses that she never felt attraction before Tommy because she needed that feeling of safety and intimacy first. In the first part of the book, she assumes that experience isn't possible for her even though she wishes for it (see me get punched in the ace feels over here).
This series continues to be sweet, non-toxic (harder to come by than I would like), and witty in a combination that completely charms me. Expect more hijinks from the Wynchesters to boost your spirits and some pure-hearted goodness that make me want to hug every character. Thanks to Forever for the opportunity to read and review this book!
There's some really exciting queer rep in this one. The sapphic goodness radiates from the cover, but there's more to it than that. The way Tommy talks about her gender, I think she would identify as gender-fluid and/or non-binary if that vocabulary was on the table for her. She and Philippa have several conversations about it as Philippa learns Tommy's preferences and gets to see the real her. In terms of Philippa, I think she's a lacy goddess of a curvy demi-sexual. Beyond the way social oppression kept her from coming to terms with her sexuality (Philippa is decidedly uninterested in men and what they have on offer), she also expresses that she never felt attraction before Tommy because she needed that feeling of safety and intimacy first. In the first part of the book, she assumes that experience isn't possible for her even though she wishes for it (see me get punched in the ace feels over here).
This series continues to be sweet, non-toxic (harder to come by than I would like), and witty in a combination that completely charms me. Expect more hijinks from the Wynchesters to boost your spirits and some pure-hearted goodness that make me want to hug every character. Thanks to Forever for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism, Toxic relationship, Lesbophobia, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Abandonment