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Reviews tagging 'Body shaming'
Letter From a Rake: The Duke of Strathmore, Book 1 by Sasha Cottman
1 review
mariahmmm's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Cruelly labelled as an "Indian Elephant" due to her larger figure, Millie Ashton struggles to settle into her new home in England when her heart remains in India. Finally making a friend in Lucy Radley, Millie falls for Lucy's charming brother Alex, the Marquess of Brooke, and a known rake. When Millie and Alex are caught sharing an innocent chai in his home, unchaperoned, the two are seperated to save them from scandal. When illiterate Alex has his brother pen him a love letter, and it's addressed to the wrong person, disaster is in store...
This promising read was such a disappointment.
The unique characteristics of Millie (plus sized) and Alex (illiteracy) were poorly handled. Instead of being used to empower them, they were brushed under the rug. Millie changed so completely in the book to conform rather than remaining the unique loveable woman she was, rapidly losing the weight to be accepted by her family and society (BOO!), removing her nose ring, and being emotionally guilted into remaining in England. Alex's illiteracy was also concealed as a shameful flaw. Why include these defining traits if they're "fixed" and covered up?
The story itself dragged on, with too many plot points squeezed into one book. Many felt half-written. Alex's love of good quality chai made me hope he would show interest in moving to India, where Millie longed to return, but this plotline was seemingly abandoned. The mystery of the flowers seemed to set up the story to lead to a fun secret admirer plotline, but this led nowhere, too.
The Clarice plotline and maze scene were awkward, and I rushed through the rest of the book from that point. The one sex scene felt random and unnecessary rather than the triumphant revelation of long-held emotions it could have been
This promising read was such a disappointment.
The unique characteristics of Millie (plus sized) and Alex (illiteracy) were poorly handled. Instead of being used to empower them, they were brushed under the rug. Millie changed so completely in the book to conform rather than remaining the unique loveable woman she was, rapidly losing the weight to be accepted by her family and society (BOO!), removing her nose ring, and being emotionally guilted into remaining in England. Alex's illiteracy was also concealed as a shameful flaw. Why include these defining traits if they're "fixed" and covered up?
The story itself dragged on, with too many plot points squeezed into one book. Many felt half-written. Alex's love of good quality chai made me hope he would show interest in moving to India, where Millie longed to return, but this plotline was seemingly abandoned. The mystery of the flowers seemed to set up the story to lead to a fun secret admirer plotline, but this led nowhere, too.
The Clarice plotline and maze scene were awkward, and I rushed through the rest of the book from that point. The one sex scene felt random and unnecessary rather than the triumphant revelation of long-held emotions it could have been
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Sexual content, Alcohol, Bullying, and Fatphobia
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