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what_karla_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4/5 stars
2/5 spice
A quick read that integrates friends to lovers with a bit of Cinderella vibes. Fun to read the banter between Evie and Max and see their friendship blossom.
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Cinderella/Ugly Duckling vibes
Forced proximity
Duke & Bookshop owner
Class differences
Slow burn
Tension & banter
Victorian era
Multiple POV
Evie was very relatable and genuine in her fears. I was very pleased how she was able to conquer her fears and in the end choose to embrace the challenges life was throwing her way. She was independent, witty, and out spoken. I loved her interactions with the Duke. And Max, the Duke, was kept on his toes and never put her in her place, despite being well above her station. Max proved to be Evie's champion without over stepping. The banter was great and the sexual tension that built up was nice too.
Overall, a great Victorian era romance that focused more on the two main characters and their budding romance. I was hoping for an epilogue but it still ended at a good part that was sweet. Highly recommend for fans of Cinderella or Ugly Duckling retellings or sweet friends to lovers.
Thank you to Forever/Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered freely.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Bullying (shared as a memory), classism, sexism (relative to that time period), death of a spouse (shared as a memory), sexual content
2/5 spice
A quick read that integrates friends to lovers with a bit of Cinderella vibes. Fun to read the banter between Evie and Max and see their friendship blossom.
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Cinderella/Ugly Duckling vibes
Forced proximity
Duke & Bookshop owner
Class differences
Slow burn
Tension & banter
Victorian era
Multiple POV
Evie was very relatable and genuine in her fears. I was very pleased how she was able to conquer her fears and in the end choose to embrace the challenges life was throwing her way. She was independent, witty, and out spoken. I loved her interactions with the Duke. And Max, the Duke, was kept on his toes and never put her in her place, despite being well above her station. Max proved to be Evie's champion without over stepping. The banter was great and the sexual tension that built up was nice too.
Overall, a great Victorian era romance that focused more on the two main characters and their budding romance. I was hoping for an epilogue but it still ended at a good part that was sweet. Highly recommend for fans of Cinderella or Ugly Duckling retellings or sweet friends to lovers.
Thank you to Forever/Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered freely.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Bullying (shared as a memory), classism, sexism (relative to that time period), death of a spouse (shared as a memory), sexual content
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual content, and Classism
Minor: Bullying and Death