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comfy_anna's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-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
5.0
sebrittainclark's review against another edition
lighthearted
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
4.5
abcd135's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mkakoske's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.75
wonder_in's review against another edition
lighthearted
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
4.25
topy_loving_books's review against another edition
3.5
One of the best and weird meet-cute I've read. But after that it went too fast (one week) into insta lust/love to be believable to me. It was nice to see Gabriel's parents, Evie & Sebastian, now being even grand parents and still so in love (even if the too horny Sebastian was too much for me). But I love discovering Gabriel siblings, especially Phoebe who intrigued me right away (especially knowing she'll be West Ravenel +1. That scene between brother and sister was really sweet. I also loved the relationship that Gabriel has with his younger brother Ivo (of only 11, the result of a later in life pregnancy for Evie, which gave me second epilogue of The Duke and I by Julia Quinn vibes) which shows a more fatherly aspect of him.
But what was disappointing to me was Pandora. She felt too much of a girl and not a lead lady material. The way the narrator did her voice, sounding like a teenager didn't help. Also I had big expectations about her board game entreprise and it went like a soufflé. We have one great scene with a printer, that she chose because it's a woman and she wanted to uplift women's business then we geta ridiculous spy plot twist. Then the poor printer got killed in the process. And we get nothing more about her business.
Also at the beginning she was very adamant on not wanting to EVER marry to keep the control of her business. Which was very interesting because it's true women back then lost all their possessions and rights once they married. They literally became invisible to the law as soon as they took their husband's name. So I wish Pandora would have fight way more to keep her independence instead of trusting the pretty words Gabriel told her (and letting the lust she felt for the dude run her judgement). Because as much as he could be honest with her, when he became her husband, he had legally all the control over her. And I don't think LK gave us a satisfying answer concerning this topic. Especially when at the first opportunity they are tested, his first instinct is to decided for his wife. Kleypas could have at least do an epilogue few years later, when women's rights were starting to change. She explained it in her notes in the end, but I would have prefer to see how it translated into Pandora & Gabriel marriage.
But what was disappointing to me was Pandora. She felt too much of a girl and not a lead lady material. The way the narrator did her voice, sounding like a teenager didn't help. Also I had big expectations about her board game entreprise and it went like a soufflé. We have one great scene with a printer, that she chose because it's a woman and she wanted to uplift women's business then we get
Also at the beginning she was very adamant on not wanting to EVER marry to keep the control of her business. Which was very interesting because it's true women back then lost all their possessions and rights once they married. They literally became invisible to the law as soon as they took their husband's name. So I wish Pandora would have fight way more to keep her independence instead of trusting the pretty words Gabriel told her (and letting the lust she felt for the dude run her judgement). Because as much as he could be honest with her, when he became her husband, he had legally all the control over her. And I don't think LK gave us a satisfying answer concerning this topic. Especially when at the first opportunity they are tested, his first instinct is to decided for his wife. Kleypas could have at least do an epilogue few years later, when women's rights were starting to change. She explained it in her notes in the end, but I would have prefer to see how it translated into Pandora & Gabriel marriage.
mollyjeannette's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
3.5
imreading's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jadeverbick's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5