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lautreamont's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I was ready to give this 4 stars or more because two thirds of it were great. I really liked the characters, even though this book is like 90% insanely long conversations with little to no actual scenes taking place or descriptions. Weirdly, it worked, even though from a writing standpoint : wtf? I like the overall writing and tone.
But from Chapter 39 it gets actually insane in a bad way and nothing makes sense. They introduce this weird villain guy we've seen in only one scene and have 3 pages of him asking both characters to "suck his cock". I have no clue if it's originally some fanfic and the character is a nod to something in the og work so there's not much buildup, but that's how it felt. Like there was NO sex in the book at all until like 80% of it, there's a long long long sex scene of the main couple. Mind you, nothing at all sexual happened ro was mentionned before. there's no sexual desire buildup. Smut is not something I particularly enjoy reading in general, but fair enough. However, it's so weird rhat the whole book becomes just About sex suddenly (???).
But from Chapter 39 it gets actually insane in a bad way and nothing makes sense. They introduce this weird villain guy we've seen in only one scene and have 3 pages of him asking both characters to "suck his cock". I have no clue if it's originally some fanfic and the character is a nod to something in the og work so there's not much buildup, but that's how it felt. Like there was NO sex in the book at all until like 80% of it, there's a long long long sex scene of the main couple. Mind you, nothing at all sexual happened ro was mentionned before. there's no sexual desire buildup. Smut is not something I particularly enjoy reading in general, but fair enough. However, it's so weird rhat the whole book becomes just About sex suddenly (???).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness
fretsandflour's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Alcoholism, War, and Mental illness
Moderate: Transphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Misogyny, Classism, Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, and Addiction
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
withlivjones's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This was such a sweet and heartfelt read, from the constant tenderness and yearning between the two main characters (some of their moments had me kicking my feet and giggling fr), to the depictions of PTSD, to the colourful side characters (Miranda absolutely stole the show for me). Even the spicy scenes felt tender and surprisingly didn’t make me cringe. And no third act breakup!! Hooray!! I love how Hall’s writing feels like it belongs in a classic novel without it being overly dense and clunky, especially the dialogue which is quick and witty. I kind of wish we had a little more time with Amberglass before the end of the book to really set him up as the villain, but I understand the sequel will focus on him a fair amount which will give his character the chance to be explored in a lot of depth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Child abuse, and Mental illness
Moderate: Transphobia, Gun violence, Misogyny, and Death
Minor: Death of parent
shinypurplepants's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
- 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
Lovely mix of yearning and romance 🥰
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing, War, Classism, Deadnaming, Ableism, Mental illness, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Drug use, Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, Drug abuse, Grief, Misogyny, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Transphobia
comradeant's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I apparently did not read the description because I had no clue the book was queer and was delightfully surprised with a trans main character!! I did find myself annoyed with literally all the other characters except Gracewood and Lillimere. I love love love historical romance and cheesy plot lines but felt very done with the fact that they were keeping themselves from happiness because of how other would perceive it. But I love fantastic LGBTQ representation and non-cheesy mental illness portrayal so it was a good read
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and War
eed8's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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: Addiction, Drug abuse, Sexual content, and Mental illness
Moderate: Kidnapping and War
Minor: Transphobia
lisacanteven's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
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
This is really more of a 3.5 read without rounding up, but I think because of the wonderful representation in a genre like this it deserves rounding up to a 4.
Here's where it didn't work for me: Almost 400 pages were telling a beautiful story with lovely writing and great character development. Then it took a hard left turn somewhere just south of page 400, and we were taken on a totally different ride on a trip I did not sign up for. It wasn't a bad trip, but it wasn't the one I wanted to be on. Maybe another time I would have enjoyed the trip, but I was ready for the trip I already had to be finished. Ya getting me?
Then for a few pages just north of page 400 the story got a little patriarchal outta nowhere. I didn't really expect that one person to just excuse the other person's behavior like they used the wrong fork at fancy dinner. If you read it, think about it. How did they just get away with it, but that is kinda how it usually happens because patriarchy.
Just as I was building my case against the villain's terrible redemption arc, the ending came together in a way that did satisfy me. I mean no one took down patriarchy in this book, but maybe that wasn't the point.
Here's what did work for me: The trans representation was really nice and sweet. I thought it was the perfect blend of trans joy and trans realness. You do have to suspend your disbelief and let yourself enjoy the relationship, but experiencing the trans joy through the story is worth it. For that alone this book was worth the read despite its flaws.
TL;DR- The first 400 pages will seem very laborious, but the last 50 pages will flash before your eyes like you're fast forwarding a movie. Both these parts of the story are enjoyable in their own right, but when put together they make a confusing tale. The queer, specifically trans, representation only gave the story more depth and attachment. For that achievement this story has earned its place among must-read romance books.
Here's where it didn't work for me: Almost 400 pages were telling a beautiful story with lovely writing and great character development. Then it took a hard left turn somewhere just south of page 400, and we were taken on a totally different ride on a trip I did not sign up for. It wasn't a bad trip, but it wasn't the one I wanted to be on. Maybe another time I would have enjoyed the trip, but I was ready for the trip I already had to be finished. Ya getting me?
Then for a few pages just north of page 400 the story got a little patriarchal outta nowhere. I didn't really expect that one person to just excuse the other person's behavior like they used the wrong fork at fancy dinner. If you read it, think about it. How did they just get away with it, but that is kinda how it usually happens because patriarchy.
Just as I was building my case against the villain's terrible redemption arc, the ending came together in a way that did satisfy me. I mean no one took down patriarchy in this book, but maybe that wasn't the point.
Here's what did work for me: The trans representation was really nice and sweet. I thought it was the perfect blend of trans joy and trans realness. You do have to suspend your disbelief and let yourself enjoy the relationship, but experiencing the trans joy through the story is worth it. For that alone this book was worth the read despite its flaws.
TL;DR- The first 400 pages will seem very laborious, but the last 50 pages will flash before your eyes like you're fast forwarding a movie. Both these parts of the story are enjoyable in their own right, but when put together they make a confusing tale. The queer, specifically trans, representation only gave the story more depth and attachment. For that achievement this story has earned its place among must-read romance books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Drug use, Grief, Ableism, Drug abuse, Mental illness, and Misogyny
Minor: Body shaming, Abandonment, Deadnaming, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, and War
mandathebiblio's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I'm not really someone who reads a lot of historical romances so as for how the book fits in the genre, I cannot say. But I will say that I really enjoyed it. Seeing the struggles that trans people had to live through and continue to live through always hits hard. But I loved seeing this relationship bloom. The beginning of the book did feel kind of slow but then it really picked up and I just kept needing more.
I listened to the second half of this book on audio and I will say that I wouldn't recommend it really if you struggle with audiobooks. I didn't really love how the narrator read any dialogue. But it wasn't too bad once I got used to it.
I listened to the second half of this book on audio and I will say that I wouldn't recommend it really if you struggle with audiobooks. I didn't really love how the narrator read any dialogue. But it wasn't too bad once I got used to it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and War
Moderate: Transphobia
kylarenea_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
I thought this book was absolutely delightful. One of the friends to lovers romances I've ever read, especially in the round about way they got there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Classism, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Toxic friendship, Violence, Addiction, Alcohol, Blood, Deadnaming, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Alcoholism, Mental illness, War, Death, Dysphoria, Grief, Infertility, and Kidnapping
itsbeanefun's review
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This is exquisite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Minor: Sexual assault