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shomarq's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
emlickliter's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
4.0
The Awakening of Ivy Leavold (Markham Hall #1) by Sierra Simone – Its giving Jane Eyre/Rebecca vibes because of the spooky house and mysterious previous wives! Be prepared to read all the novellas in this series because there was a very nice cliffhanger! Happy Reading!
justinkhchen's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 stars
An erotic Jane Eyre, it has been awhile since I pick up a book from Sierra Simone, and this is a good reminder how much I resonate with her writing—the way she articulates sexual tension and steam is like no other—bold, stimulating, but never steer into crass. The writing style also fits surprisingly well for a period piece (I've only read her contemporary romance in the past). All of this is elevated by Zara Hampton-Brown's emotive performance in the audiobook.
I'm a bit surprised for this re-release (the audiobook was produced in 2024, while the novella was originally published in 2015), the publisher didn't bundle the series together, as The Awakening of Ivy Leavold on its own is not really self-contained, ending abruptly on a cliffhanger. As much as I enjoyed the story, its close resemblance to the character and plot point of Jane Eyre made it more like an erotic fan fiction, rather than an entity that can exist on its own; without the knowledge of Charlotte Brontë's classic, the heroine and hero as described on page is rather shallow in personality.
There's something inherently alluring about combining gothic romance with explicit sex (physical isolation vs. eruption of emotion). This is a promising start to the series, and I'll be curious to see if it will move into more original territory after this familiar setup.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
An erotic Jane Eyre, it has been awhile since I pick up a book from Sierra Simone, and this is a good reminder how much I resonate with her writing—the way she articulates sexual tension and steam is like no other—bold, stimulating, but never steer into crass. The writing style also fits surprisingly well for a period piece (I've only read her contemporary romance in the past). All of this is elevated by Zara Hampton-Brown's emotive performance in the audiobook.
I'm a bit surprised for this re-release (the audiobook was produced in 2024, while the novella was originally published in 2015), the publisher didn't bundle the series together, as The Awakening of Ivy Leavold on its own is not really self-contained, ending abruptly on a cliffhanger. As much as I enjoyed the story, its close resemblance to the character and plot point of Jane Eyre made it more like an erotic fan fiction, rather than an entity that can exist on its own; without the knowledge of Charlotte Brontë's classic, the heroine and hero as described on page is rather shallow in personality.
There's something inherently alluring about combining gothic romance with explicit sex (physical isolation vs. eruption of emotion). This is a promising start to the series, and I'll be curious to see if it will move into more original territory after this familiar setup.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
ashleylynnreads's review against another edition
5.0
One POV but let me tell you the narrator is amazing in both MMC and Female in both Spicy and regular scenes. Overall I needed more from the plot and the story! I need the second book in the series like now! This was so good if you like Bridgerton, Julia Quinn, Beverly Jenkins, and stuff along those lines you will love this book. 5 stars! The plot was "plotting" and the twists and turns this was the best kind of slow burn and then hot and heavy. This narrator did so well her voice is like silk it's so smooth.
ALC provided by NetGalley
ALC provided by NetGalley
ariannaisbooked's review against another edition
5.0
I started reading this book because I needed to confirm if it ties in with the Thornchapel series or not. While I *think* it is, I haven’t came across anything that 100% confirms it.
But I don’t usually reach for historical romances so I just assumed I wouldn’t love this series like the rest of Sierra’s books. For how short the book is, it’s a wildddd and hot time! I had a great time with this book & can’t wait to continue the series!
But I don’t usually reach for historical romances so I just assumed I wouldn’t love this series like the rest of Sierra’s books. For how short the book is, it’s a wildddd and hot time! I had a great time with this book & can’t wait to continue the series!
khari_zoe's review against another edition
4.5
This book was such a slay like it was so wild ,but I am here for it. The fact that everyone thought that he murdered both his wives and she still wanted him was so delusional of her ,but that her man and she gon stick beside em. The tension between these two was crazy and every time he shooed her away I was so annoyed. While I knew there was going to be a “group” scene I thought it honestly was going to be wilder lol. SPOILERS!!!!!!!The ending was crazy like two seconds after meeting her he’s like marry me like sir. Gotta love historical romance.
christinabooktreasures's review against another edition
3.0
This is a good historical romance book. Historical romance is not something.I read much of but this one did hold my interest. The FMC is lovable and relatable. I would definitely recommend for those that enjoy historical romance.
smartinez9's review against another edition
3.0
2.5
While I appreciated the references to Jane Eyre and the mystery built in, the pacing felt off, less like a cohesive story than random bits strewn together. Ivy started out strong but lost a lot of her defiance and independence after the guests arrive. I understand it‘s meant to end on a cliffhanger, but neither the character development nor the plot felt sufficiently fleshed out. The eerie atmosphere, duplicity, Ivy’s conflicted feelings, and general unease all needed more time to stew in order to really capture the meandering suspense of a gothic novel. It might have been better suited as one longer book rather than short installments. Not sure if I’ll continue.
While I appreciated the references to Jane Eyre and the mystery built in, the pacing felt off, less like a cohesive story than random bits strewn together. Ivy started out strong but lost a lot of her defiance and independence after the guests arrive. I understand it‘s meant to end on a cliffhanger, but neither the character development nor the plot felt sufficiently fleshed out. The eerie atmosphere, duplicity, Ivy’s conflicted feelings, and general unease all needed more time to stew in order to really capture the meandering suspense of a gothic novel. It might have been better suited as one longer book rather than short installments. Not sure if I’ll continue.
beknoel's review against another edition
2.75
I knew this was a gothic-erotic-period drama, but it somehow wasn't what I was expecting. It's missing what makes period dramas so delicious. Banter. Dialogue.
Ivy has no personality and almost no lines. She doesn't have deep thoughts or feelings and she seems to barely exist outside of the sex scenes. She barely reacts to anything that happens to her. There's nothing that feels honest about the sex scenes. There's just a build up lacking there for me.
All that being said, I did still finish the book (which I wouldn't have done if I were truly not enjoying it at all) and I think there's a lot of potential there. The author is talented. I'm not sure I'll finish the 2nd book in the series... the sex scenes aren't really my thing and that's what most of the book is.
Ivy has no personality and almost no lines. She doesn't have deep thoughts or feelings and she seems to barely exist outside of the sex scenes. She barely reacts to anything that happens to her. There's nothing that feels honest about the sex scenes. There's just a build up lacking there for me.
All that being said, I did still finish the book (which I wouldn't have done if I were truly not enjoying it at all) and I think there's a lot of potential there. The author is talented. I'm not sure I'll finish the 2nd book in the series... the sex scenes aren't really my thing and that's what most of the book is.
hsteel's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0