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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
Wow! My first J’nell Ciesielski book and I cannot wait to read more from her. This book is historical fiction, but I love the mystery of the tiara and where the real one is. That cat-and-mouse between Jasper and Esme had me cheering them both on. But the real prize of their game is yet to come.
I enjoyed the on and off romance part of the story a lot. I liked that Esme and Jasper had a history and that history played the main part of the story. The sparks flew between them with every meeting but I liked that their relationship was not easy. In fact, it was more than difficult for them to be together. I had hopes that they would figure it out and I liked that there were no quick answers for them.
There were a few parts that I felt like were slower and I skimmed them but mostly I was looking for times to read just a little more, to see what would happen next, and to enjoy a little more of this amazing story.
I enjoyed the on and off romance part of the story a lot. I liked that Esme and Jasper had a history and that history played the main part of the story. The sparks flew between them with every meeting but I liked that their relationship was not easy. In fact, it was more than difficult for them to be together. I had hopes that they would figure it out and I liked that there were no quick answers for them.
There were a few parts that I felt like were slower and I skimmed them but mostly I was looking for times to read just a little more, to see what would happen next, and to enjoy a little more of this amazing story.
Finally!! A cute and fun historical mystery that didn't miss its mark!!
I didn't know I needed this book until I was reading this book. Narrator was excellent and the whole tone of the novel was delcious and smooth like chocolate!!
Esme and Jasper... SIGH!!! Well written and intriguing characters and the attraction between them was gone with finesse.
It was really well written for a book that straddled several genres but the balance was perfect and the whole book was entertaining as all heck!
I love historical fiction and I know some people won't read it because it comes across as "stuffy" but this book will change your mind on the genre.
4.5 stars!
I didn't know I needed this book until I was reading this book. Narrator was excellent and the whole tone of the novel was delcious and smooth like chocolate!!
Esme and Jasper... SIGH!!! Well written and intriguing characters and the attraction between them was gone with finesse.
It was really well written for a book that straddled several genres but the balance was perfect and the whole book was entertaining as all heck!
I love historical fiction and I know some people won't read it because it comes across as "stuffy" but this book will change your mind on the genre.
4.5 stars!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
DNF read.
I’m pretty evenly split in books by this author; I loved two of them, and didn’t love a couple more. This new book sounded fascinating, and the cover is gorgeous! So I thought I’d give it a go and see how I got on/which camp it’d fall into.
Alas, for me it fell into the latter, and suffered from the same things as the two books I didn’t care for: ongoing alcohol use and scenes I wished faded to black a little sooner. I quit drinking a few years ago, and the MC’s enjoying my then-favorite drink on the regular was a special personal challenge.
I’m not sure I’ll leap into other books by the author, now that a few have missed the mark (and for the same reasons). She’s talented, and I still love those two other books, but I’m seemingly not the right reader for now!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I’m pretty evenly split in books by this author; I loved two of them, and didn’t love a couple more. This new book sounded fascinating, and the cover is gorgeous! So I thought I’d give it a go and see how I got on/which camp it’d fall into.
Alas, for me it fell into the latter, and suffered from the same things as the two books I didn’t care for: ongoing alcohol use and scenes I wished faded to black a little sooner. I quit drinking a few years ago, and the MC’s enjoying my then-favorite drink on the regular was a special personal challenge.
I’m not sure I’ll leap into other books by the author, now that a few have missed the mark (and for the same reasons). She’s talented, and I still love those two other books, but I’m seemingly not the right reader for now!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This one took me WAY back and I loved every single second of reading this book. From the witty banter between Jasper and Esme, to their competitive thievery activities to their growing attraction to one another. It had all the best elements of my favorite power couple from the 1930’s (William Powell & Myrna Loy).
Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt have this opening chapter filled with a whirlwind romance where the war has just ended and they hurriedly marry one another. But the morning after, Esme realizes she just can’t stay and be tied down, and so she leaves. Fast forward four years and they run into one another again as they’re both pulling a con trying to steal The Valkyrie (a tiara that a lot of wealthy people are vying for).
This is where everything gets even more complicated, but stays heavily interesting. They realize they’re both thieves and are in competition with one another. Each of them trying to find The Valkyrie for deeply personal reasons with their employers. So while they’re still married and competing against one another to get to The Valkyrie first, there are numerous moments of sensitivity between them as they are deliberating whether they should keep their marriage or get the divorce after their missions are completed.
What I loved most was their easy banter and witty interactions. Both Esme and Jasper have that classical character with etiquette and charm, but the sarcasm-laced comments that easily float about them makes it comical in a way that this time period was so well known for. Their romance was perfection and I really enjoyed how they were married first and then start to get to know one another throughout the rest of the book. Even if they both think they want a divorce, they soon realize just how perfect they are for one another.
Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt have this opening chapter filled with a whirlwind romance where the war has just ended and they hurriedly marry one another. But the morning after, Esme realizes she just can’t stay and be tied down, and so she leaves. Fast forward four years and they run into one another again as they’re both pulling a con trying to steal The Valkyrie (a tiara that a lot of wealthy people are vying for).
This is where everything gets even more complicated, but stays heavily interesting. They realize they’re both thieves and are in competition with one another. Each of them trying to find The Valkyrie for deeply personal reasons with their employers. So while they’re still married and competing against one another to get to The Valkyrie first, there are numerous moments of sensitivity between them as they are deliberating whether they should keep their marriage or get the divorce after their missions are completed.
What I loved most was their easy banter and witty interactions. Both Esme and Jasper have that classical character with etiquette and charm, but the sarcasm-laced comments that easily float about them makes it comical in a way that this time period was so well known for. Their romance was perfection and I really enjoyed how they were married first and then start to get to know one another throughout the rest of the book. Even if they both think they want a divorce, they soon realize just how perfect they are for one another.
I dnf’d at the 65% mark. It just wasn’t good writing, was very trope heavy, and I could tell the ending about 20-30% through it just didn’t hold my attention. The characters are highly unlikable and I just can’t suspend my disbelief that the book sets up for the characters to end up together is my theory.
4 Stars ✨
Historical Romance
France 1922
Audio Version
Historical Romance
France 1922
Audio Version
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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