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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
Autistic coded hero only deemed loveable once he starts acting more neurotypical? A heroine who admires all he has ~~overcome~~? Miss me with that ableism.
3.5 rounded up - there's a lot to like about this book but it didn't entirely grab me.
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book didn't waste any time getting started and I loved that. This book is romantic, passionate, sassy and such a fun read. I recently watched the Bridgerton series, and this book is a great one to pick up if you're looking for something similar. This was my first Eva Devon book and I'm ready for more!
I received an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions are my own.
emotional
lighthearted
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
I tried the Kindle sample of this a while ago and just couldn't get into it at the time - and now I am not sure why! I tried again and quickly got sucked into the story. I enjoyed both characters, I loved their banter, and it was a fun read. I'm not sure I totally bought Edward being a rake - for a character that seems to be uneasy around most people, it seems unlikely - but it wasn't such a big part of the plot that it really mattered one way or the other. I am a sucker for the bluestocking/wallflower/spinster trope, so I liked Georgiana a lot. This was the first book I've read by Eva Devon, but I'm looking forward to reading more!
Series: Never a Wallflower #1
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Edward Stanhope, the Duke of Thornfield, lives a life of order so when he goes to his library and finds a woman sitting in his chair, he isn’t happy. The confrontation leads to a fiery kiss that ruins them and forces them into marriage. As the wedding approaches, the attraction grows but will it be enough?
This was a very enjoyable historical romance. I loved how smart and sassy Georgiana was, especially towards Edward. Edward is known as a grumpy and aloof Duke. He likes it that way though because then people won’t know his secret. Edward has what I assume is Asperger's syndrome from his description of his problems. He has learned ways to live his life in the public eye without anyone knowing how bad it can be for him. I actually really loved Edward. He is a grump with a heart of gold.
Overall, this was a wonderful historical romance. I loved that while they had their issues at times, this wasn’t a high stress relationship, which is what I really needed this week. Their relationship was slow building, sweet, and filled with intense debates. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Also, I love this cover.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
________________________
Year of Smut 2021 - book by a new-to-you author
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Edward Stanhope, the Duke of Thornfield, lives a life of order so when he goes to his library and finds a woman sitting in his chair, he isn’t happy. The confrontation leads to a fiery kiss that ruins them and forces them into marriage. As the wedding approaches, the attraction grows but will it be enough?
This was a very enjoyable historical romance. I loved how smart and sassy Georgiana was, especially towards Edward. Edward is known as a grumpy and aloof Duke. He likes it that way though because then people won’t know his secret. Edward has what I assume is Asperger's syndrome from his description of his problems. He has learned ways to live his life in the public eye without anyone knowing how bad it can be for him. I actually really loved Edward. He is a grump with a heart of gold.
Overall, this was a wonderful historical romance. I loved that while they had their issues at times, this wasn’t a high stress relationship, which is what I really needed this week. Their relationship was slow building, sweet, and filled with intense debates. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Also, I love this cover.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
________________________
Year of Smut 2021 - book by a new-to-you author
The Spinster and the Rake is a wonderful beginning to what is sure to be a fabulous series. The story follows Georgiana and Edward, a pair pushed into a betrothal because of a steamy encounter in Edward’s library.
Georgiana was comfortable with the idea of being a spinster, but she can’t deny the attraction she feels for Edward. She determines to learn all she can about being a future Duchess and wife while Edward grows accustomed to the idea that he will no longer have the quiet, solitary, ordered life he desires. But Edward never expected to feel so strongly for this unique woman who has captured his heart. Can these two very different people from very different social circles find common ground and give in to their feelings?
I love Georgiana! She’s curious, intelligent, and unafraid to speak her mind. She is a woman ahead of her time, and, like Edward, she dislikes the unrealistic dictates of the ton. I love her gumption and her ability to stay true to herself regardless of the societal pressures that she faces.
I also like how Georgiana makes Edward think and reevaluate how he acts and how he judges others. She also makes him think about how his actions affect others. Edward is not used to being challenged, and he likes that Georgiana is unafraid to question him. He listens to Georgiana and tries so hard to please her, which says so much about his feelings. He’s not one to share his feelings, but his actions and thoughtfulness often show how much he cares for his betrothed.
I also love that the couple shares many interests. Some of my favorite parts of the novel were when Georgiana and Edward discussed politics and literature. They are both intellectuals, and their discussions of Shakespeare and other authors were fantastic. Sharp, astute, and curious, Georgiana and Edward are lovers of learning, and this shared passion is one of my favorite parts of the novel. Plus, their romance is swoon-tastic!
Georgiana and Edward have great chemistry, and I love that they have such a deep admiration for each other, even though they frustrate each other at times. It’s amazing to see them at their most vulnerable and the complete acceptance and respect they gain from each other because of their honesty and truth. Neither sees this vulnerability and openness as a weakness. In fact, it’s the opposite. The more open and honest they are, no matter the topic, the more they seem to respect and admire each other. I think they also fall deeper in love. They are two people who never felt truly accepted and understood by society who found it in each other.
At one point in the story, Edward shares a passion of his, and it is something that he’s never shared with another. This is such a touching scene, and it really says something about his feelings for Georgiana. He trusts and accepts her and wants to share himself completely with her. Edward lets his guard down around very few people, and seeing him do this with Georgiana is powerful.
This is a fantastic romance with great characters and a lovely romance. I think readers who enjoy historical romance will love the book! Thanks so much to NetGalley, Entangled: Amara, and Eva Devon for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Georgiana was comfortable with the idea of being a spinster, but she can’t deny the attraction she feels for Edward. She determines to learn all she can about being a future Duchess and wife while Edward grows accustomed to the idea that he will no longer have the quiet, solitary, ordered life he desires. But Edward never expected to feel so strongly for this unique woman who has captured his heart. Can these two very different people from very different social circles find common ground and give in to their feelings?
I love Georgiana! She’s curious, intelligent, and unafraid to speak her mind. She is a woman ahead of her time, and, like Edward, she dislikes the unrealistic dictates of the ton. I love her gumption and her ability to stay true to herself regardless of the societal pressures that she faces.
I also like how Georgiana makes Edward think and reevaluate how he acts and how he judges others. She also makes him think about how his actions affect others. Edward is not used to being challenged, and he likes that Georgiana is unafraid to question him. He listens to Georgiana and tries so hard to please her, which says so much about his feelings. He’s not one to share his feelings, but his actions and thoughtfulness often show how much he cares for his betrothed.
I also love that the couple shares many interests. Some of my favorite parts of the novel were when Georgiana and Edward discussed politics and literature. They are both intellectuals, and their discussions of Shakespeare and other authors were fantastic. Sharp, astute, and curious, Georgiana and Edward are lovers of learning, and this shared passion is one of my favorite parts of the novel. Plus, their romance is swoon-tastic!
Georgiana and Edward have great chemistry, and I love that they have such a deep admiration for each other, even though they frustrate each other at times. It’s amazing to see them at their most vulnerable and the complete acceptance and respect they gain from each other because of their honesty and truth. Neither sees this vulnerability and openness as a weakness. In fact, it’s the opposite. The more open and honest they are, no matter the topic, the more they seem to respect and admire each other. I think they also fall deeper in love. They are two people who never felt truly accepted and understood by society who found it in each other.
At one point in the story, Edward shares a passion of his, and it is something that he’s never shared with another. This is such a touching scene, and it really says something about his feelings for Georgiana. He trusts and accepts her and wants to share himself completely with her. Edward lets his guard down around very few people, and seeing him do this with Georgiana is powerful.
This is a fantastic romance with great characters and a lovely romance. I think readers who enjoy historical romance will love the book! Thanks so much to NetGalley, Entangled: Amara, and Eva Devon for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Bullying, Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent, Classism
Minor: Pregnancy
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes