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rubyredders's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
For the right reader I think this book would be a delight but I think the genre and simplicity of the story didnt work for me. I need multiple plots points going on at once if there’s so much introspection going on lol
Good queer rep and hope the author produces more along this line as it seems to really resonate with the majority.
Minor: Misogyny, Kidnapping, and Sexism
fretsandflour's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Drug abuse, Alcoholism, War, and Mental illness
Moderate: Transphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Misogyny, Classism, Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, and Addiction
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
jamie_cruz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Drug abuse, Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: War and Sexual content
Minor: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, Kidnapping, and Deadnaming
mobymaize's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Drug abuse, Kidnapping, Death, Drug use, Dysphoria, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, Violence, Vomit, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcoholism, Blood, Bullying, Grief, Homophobia, Medical content, War, Classism, Death of parent, Outing, Sexual content, Deadnaming, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, Ableism, Body shaming, Alcohol, Addiction, Child abuse, Infidelity, Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Gun violence
robin_reads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
1.0
It was very long, the pacing was odd and soooo much was happening. The connection between Viola and Gracewood just wasn’t there for me.
I did like the queerness and the historical aspect but that’s about it, unfortunately.
However, the narration of the audiobook wasn’t for me either.
Additional TW/CW: PTSD and flashbacks
Moderate: Homophobia, Transphobia, Drug use, Alcohol, Kidnapping, Ableism, Gaslighting, Sexism, and War
Minor: Vomit
persychan's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was giggling and reciting various dialogues aloud, so yeah, I really liked it.
Is it a realistic story about a trans woman in the Regency era? No, but no modern Regency romance is even trying to be historical so yeah, I'm here for the dramatic declaration and the longing and this book has both.
And a couple of unexpected (but well-written and meaningful for the plot) sexy moments towards the end.
Graphic: Addiction and War
Moderate: Body shaming, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, and Infertility
Minor: Child abuse and Deadnaming
lisacanteven's review against another edition
- 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
Here's where it didn't work for me: Almost 400 pages were telling a beautiful story with lovely writing and great character development. Then it took a hard left turn somewhere just south of page 400, and we were taken on a totally different ride on a trip I did not sign up for. It wasn't a bad trip, but it wasn't the one I wanted to be on. Maybe another time I would have enjoyed the trip, but I was ready for the trip I already had to be finished. Ya getting me?
Then for a few pages just north of page 400 the story got a little patriarchal outta nowhere. I didn't really expect that one person to just excuse the other person's behavior like they used the wrong fork at fancy dinner. If you read it, think about it. How did they just get away with it, but that is kinda how it usually happens because patriarchy.
Just as I was building my case against the villain's terrible redemption arc, the ending came together in a way that did satisfy me. I mean no one took down patriarchy in this book, but maybe that wasn't the point.
Here's what did work for me: The trans representation was really nice and sweet. I thought it was the perfect blend of trans joy and trans realness. You do have to suspend your disbelief and let yourself enjoy the relationship, but experiencing the trans joy through the story is worth it. For that alone this book was worth the read despite its flaws.
TL;DR- The first 400 pages will seem very laborious, but the last 50 pages will flash before your eyes like you're fast forwarding a movie. Both these parts of the story are enjoyable in their own right, but when put together they make a confusing tale. The queer, specifically trans, representation only gave the story more depth and attachment. For that achievement this story has earned its place among must-read romance books.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Drug use, Grief, Ableism, Drug abuse, Mental illness, and Misogyny
Minor: Body shaming, Abandonment, Deadnaming, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, and War
kylarenea_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Ableism, Classism, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Toxic friendship, Violence, Addiction, Alcohol, Blood, Deadnaming, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Alcoholism, Mental illness, War, Death, Dysphoria, Grief, Infertility, and Kidnapping
strange_little_ranger's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Minor: Ableism, Death, Infertility, Mental illness, Sexual content, Addiction, Alcohol, Blood, Dysphoria, War, Kidnapping, Sexism, Transphobia, Violence, Vomit, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Deadnaming, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Suicidal thoughts
littleflowerfairy's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Ableism, Drug abuse, Sexism, Addiction, Cursing, Grief, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Classism, Deadnaming, Violence, Dysphoria, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Suicidal thoughts, and War
Minor: Alcohol, Blood, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, Sexual harassment, and Vomit
The sexual harassment warning is very minor, nothing really happens,