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sarahholt's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-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
Things I liked: Archer's desire for them to be equals from day one, accurate BDSM portrayal, that Poppy never once judged him for what he liked, Constance being a wonderful friend, Archer and Constance's investment in Poppy's business, accurate portrayal of Archer's PTSD symptoms, Poppy was never pressured to give up the clothes that made her comfortable, the amount of thought Archer put in to making sure Poppy was as independent as possible while married, Tom as a villain, Poppy seeking out professional help to give Archer what he needs safely, and I LOVED the concept of the magical indoor forest, that was one of the coolest things I've read in a long time.
Things I didn't love: I feel like some of the conflict was from situations created just for the sake of conflict or misunderstanding, rather than it coming from plot relevant events. For example, the fire felt like it was just a device for Archer's PTSD to be displayed and for both of them to feel unheard. They already had a lot of miscommunication by that point in the book so I don't think it was vital that it happened again, and I think Archer's PTSD could have been expanded on when Georgie was lost. There was also a couple side plots that weren't resolved but maybe they'll be addressed in the next book.
About the "cheating": Archer's desires were never sexual in nature, they were about giving up control to feel more grounded. People do that in a lot of ways, this one just happens to include nudity. Arousal was a byproduct, not the main goal. Also Poppy's hurt was because he didn't trust her to share that with her, not that he was doing it with someone else.
I think this was a wonderful first novel and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Things I didn't love: I feel like some of the conflict was from situations created just for the sake of conflict or misunderstanding, rather than it coming from plot relevant events. For example, the fire felt like it was just a device for Archer's PTSD to be displayed and for both of them to feel unheard. They already had a lot of miscommunication by that point in the book so I don't think it was vital that it happened again, and I think Archer's PTSD could have been expanded on when Georgie was lost. There was also a couple side plots that weren't resolved but maybe they'll be addressed in the next book.
About the "cheating": Archer's desires were never sexual in nature, they were about giving up control to feel more grounded. People do that in a lot of ways, this one just happens to include nudity. Arousal was a byproduct, not the main goal. Also Poppy's hurt was because he didn't trust her to share that with her, not that he was doing it with someone else.
I think this was a wonderful first novel and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
arithefan's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.25
vpalmer0508's review against another edition
emotional
slow-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
3.0
mskennedyreads's review against another edition
3.75
It isn't my favourite type of spice but the relationship and characters were SO well drawn. Looking forward to book 2!
angelicasreads's review against another edition
3.0
I will certainly forget everything I read in this book in about a month or so. But, I guess I was entertained for a few hours.
mandi_richards's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
4.5
ashleighbeanxo's review against another edition
3.0
...This book felt much longer than it was.
So, this was an okay read. I loved the pairing of Poppy and Archer, but there were moments when I wasn't so sure they were suited for each other. For the most part of the book, they spend their time bickering over misunderstandings and miscommunication and it gets really frustrating the longer it goes on.
One scene that I particularly hated was.
Would be interested in reading the next couple of books, but I hope the communication is much better in those.
So, this was an okay read. I loved the pairing of Poppy and Archer, but there were moments when I wasn't so sure they were suited for each other. For the most part of the book, they spend their time bickering over misunderstandings and miscommunication and it gets really frustrating the longer it goes on.
One scene that I particularly hated was
Spoiler
when the fire happened and Poppy runs into the building to save her work. Understandable, I get why she would do this. But then when Archer saves her, she's practically telling him he doesn't understand why she would do this, and he doesn't know what it's like to lose someone. HELLO? HE LITERALLY LOST HIS WIFE AND KID IN A FIRE! And she's like I'll never forgive you but does like that next chapter or something? It was just so annoyingWould be interested in reading the next couple of books, but I hope the communication is much better in those.
readlikejackie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
tellingthehours's review against another edition
2.5
Second book way better. This feels like a long set up. So good at writing foreplay but the details of the actual deed fall flat
emikaa21's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
I signed up for a hot BDSM historical romance, but I should have saved myself the pain. The entire book is a giant miscommunication trope, which is my least favorite ever. The MMC is painfully immature and inconsistent, while the FMC is stubborn and blind. ALL OF IT could have been avoided with a conversation, but this book happens to be about the King and Queen of denial.
Also, the writing is a bit over the top, with so many feelings that are hard to relate to, given the inconstancies of heart of the characters. The MMC wasn't very realistic or compelling in his train of thoughts. There are constant changes of POV all along the book, sometimes several times per chapter, which is not very pleasant.
Also, the writing is a bit over the top, with so many feelings that are hard to relate to, given the inconstancies of heart of the characters. The MMC wasn't very realistic or compelling in his train of thoughts. There are constant changes of POV all along the book, sometimes several times per chapter, which is not very pleasant.