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extracelestial's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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
4.5
I’m loving this series! A HR that includes queer AND BIPOC?! Who knew it was possible.
In terms of the story itself, this story was really adventurous and fun to follow, though witnessing the gaslighting and psychological abuse was rough. Milan did such a lovely job really helping us understand the characters’ traumas and growth to live life in abundance in spite of it. Like the first book of the series, this wasn’t as steamy as I would have liked but I still loved this.
In terms of the story itself, this story was really adventurous and fun to follow, though witnessing the gaslighting and psychological abuse was rough. Milan did such a lovely job really helping us understand the characters’ traumas and growth to live life in abundance in spite of it. Like the first book of the series, this wasn’t as steamy as I would have liked but I still loved this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Racism, and Gaslighting
yourbookishbff's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
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
4.5
Once again, the social and political commentary in this is so expertly done and so nuanced. Our biracial and Black male main character navigates (and even explains) code switching on page, and provides a unique contrast to the code switching of our female main character, who is white and formerly of the nobility, but now must navigate life in the servant/working class. The intersections of race, class difference and gender are explicitly examined through the story.
I struggled with the third-act conflict and wished for a bit more apology/grovel in one scene, but ultimately these two characters navigate a rocky path to a truly beautiful happily ever after. And the resolution of the family separation was heart wrenching in the best way.
I loved the audio production, but will note that Milan's author note is not included in narration and well worth reading, as she reflects on her lived experiences that informed key plot points. It is available on her website to read in full.
I struggled with the third-act conflict and wished for a bit more apology/grovel in one scene, but ultimately these two characters navigate a rocky path to a truly beautiful happily ever after. And the resolution of the family separation was heart wrenching in the best way.
I loved the audio production, but will note that Milan's author note is not included in narration and well worth reading, as she reflects on her lived experiences that informed key plot points. It is available on her website to read in full.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Gun violence, and Confinement
Minor: Sexual assault
heydebigale's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
5.0
I loved this book!!! The start to this book is one of the best. Camilla and Adrian are forced to marry at gun point and it’s a bit of a mystery to find out why. As Camilla and Adrian look for evidence to get the marriage annulled, they fall in love.
I really loved Camilla. She’s not as “strong” of a heroine as many of Milan’s MCs but she felt very real to me. She has been deal a series of challenging circumstances and is truly desperate. Seeing her character arc was chefs kiss!
This book was funny and sweet and feminist.
Notes: primarily takes place in London, England. Camilla is an impoverished white woman working as a maid, who is the daughter of an Earl who was executed for treason. Adrian is a wealthy Black man who owns a company that creates fine plates.
I really loved Camilla. She’s not as “strong” of a heroine as many of Milan’s MCs but she felt very real to me. She has been deal a series of challenging circumstances and is truly desperate. Seeing her character arc was chefs kiss!
This book was funny and sweet and feminist.
Notes: primarily takes place in London, England. Camilla is an impoverished white woman working as a maid, who is the daughter of an Earl who was executed for treason. Adrian is a wealthy Black man who owns a company that creates fine plates.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Racism
martamae77'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? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual content, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Abandonment and Sexism
Minor: War, Death, Homophobia, Death of parent, and Gun violence
caseythereader's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
4.0
- It's been awhile since I read a Courtney Milan book, and I'm reminded again how much I love her stories. Sharp, smart heroines. Kind, progressive heroes. And always a dash of queerness along with bringing people of color into historical romance.
- Camilla and Adrian find themselves in a uniquely weird and complicated situation, and I loved watching them work through the layers of what was happening to them, and their feelings about it.
- Plus, a delightful cameo by Mrs. Martin, from a previous novella in this series. Such a treat to see her again!
- Camilla and Adrian find themselves in a uniquely weird and complicated situation, and I loved watching them work through the layers of what was happening to them, and their feelings about it.
- Plus, a delightful cameo by Mrs. Martin, from a previous novella in this series. Such a treat to see her again!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Abandonment, Cursing, Grief, Classism, and Death of parent
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