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sassysmutlover's review
5.0
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This in an addictive series! There weren't as many twists, but it still kept me guessing. I loved that it had hints of the Disney movie as that is my all time favorite movie and this book did a great job. I got the creeps everytime Clowes was mentioned and kept hoping they would catch him and be done with him through the whole book. Michael's library sounds amazing and every time they were in it I could picture the scenes and I was shocked by his father's hidden collection. I yelled no out loud when everything seemed to be going great and then something would change. Just when I thought that we had seen the last of Clowes I was hit with the twist of where he really was. I wanted to dislike her father, but he really did love and care about his daughters enough to realize what his gambling had brought them too.
Abigail was hard to like at first but as the story went on I felt for her. She would do anything to take care of her sister including becoming a prostitute. She didn't realize that she was grieving because of her hand and blamed her best friend instead of the person at fault to protect herself in a way. When she finally opened up she was a very lovable heroine that just needed to see herself like everyone else did.
Michael is a unique hero. I thought I knew him pretty well from the last book, but no. He isn't just the rake that everyone sees's him as he is actually a very intelligent man that keeps the real him hidden around most people. Once you hear about his family you can understand why he thinks the way he does about marriage. He doesn't hold anything back when talking even if it's his sister.
Michael's sister sounded very interesting and the ending was great. I was shocked that the gentleman thief didn't make an appearance, but there were more people to get to know this time including Michael's servants and Bess.
This in an addictive series! There weren't as many twists, but it still kept me guessing. I loved that it had hints of the Disney movie as that is my all time favorite movie and this book did a great job. I got the creeps everytime Clowes was mentioned and kept hoping they would catch him and be done with him through the whole book. Michael's library sounds amazing and every time they were in it I could picture the scenes and I was shocked by his father's hidden collection. I yelled no out loud when everything seemed to be going great and then something would change. Just when I thought that we had seen the last of Clowes I was hit with the twist of where he really was. I wanted to dislike her father, but he really did love and care about his daughters enough to realize what his gambling had brought them too.
Abigail was hard to like at first but as the story went on I felt for her. She would do anything to take care of her sister including becoming a prostitute. She didn't realize that she was grieving because of her hand and blamed her best friend instead of the person at fault to protect herself in a way. When she finally opened up she was a very lovable heroine that just needed to see herself like everyone else did.
Michael is a unique hero. I thought I knew him pretty well from the last book, but no. He isn't just the rake that everyone sees's him as he is actually a very intelligent man that keeps the real him hidden around most people. Once you hear about his family you can understand why he thinks the way he does about marriage. He doesn't hold anything back when talking even if it's his sister.
Michael's sister sounded very interesting and the ending was great. I was shocked that the gentleman thief didn't make an appearance, but there were more people to get to know this time including Michael's servants and Bess.
abigail_lo's review against another edition
3.0
unpopular opinion: i mean, like, he's not even that much of a dick? i've read about some seriously asshole heroes, and this guy doesn't even come close. i didn't take notes bc it's a romance -- who knew i was gonna have to end up defending the hero? i'm pretty sure this is literally the first time i've ever done this in my entire history of reading romances -- but i'm kind of tempted to re-read it now, just to defend his honor. yeah, he was teaching her how to be a better whore, but if she's going to become a prostitute out of necessity -- as he acknowledges multiple times, and when does he say she's doing it because she wants to? -- isn't it better if she knows how to do it right? like, it all made sense to me, and i'm seriously confused why people are so up-in-arms against him. i was actually totally gonna rate it 3.5 stars until the ending got all
melodramatic and rushed, which pissed me off.original review (before reading all the other reviews):4 stars for the romance, -1 for the rushed ending, +1 for mentioning a "moral statistics map", and -0.5 for doing exactly what strickland was always pissed about and not mentioning any details about the map. i wanted to learn about it! total: 3.5 starsalso, 19 and 28 years old? now that's what i call questionable.
melodramatic and rushed, which pissed me off.original review (before reading all the other reviews):4 stars for the romance, -1 for the rushed ending, +1 for mentioning a "moral statistics map", and -0.5 for doing exactly what strickland was always pissed about and not mentioning any details about the map. i wanted to learn about it! total: 3.5 starsalso, 19 and 28 years old? now that's what i call questionable.
isabelisalright's review
3.0
I love beauty and the beast style stories. This was an inventive retelling for me. I really enjoyed all the twists. Both characters were pretty likeable. Monore did a good job recreating some classic moments from the tale, but adding her own style.
Overall really pleased with it. I do wish I had read the other two books as some of the story depth was lost.
Overall really pleased with it. I do wish I had read the other two books as some of the story depth was lost.
turophile's review against another edition
4.0
It’s rare that I enjoy a book so much when I dislike the hero for nearly 2/3rds of the book. My dislike of the character given that the author modeled the story on the Beauty and the Beast tale, and it was his personality that made him beastly for those first 2/3rds.
So much to enjoy about the book. Both characters are flawed but transform as the story moves forward. The heroine is from the rookeries, the worst of London’s tenements, and as a result is fully aware of life’s challenges. She’s strong, suborn yet vulnerable. An excellent read. 3.75/5 on the romance scale
So much to enjoy about the book. Both characters are flawed but transform as the story moves forward. The heroine is from the rookeries, the worst of London’s tenements, and as a result is fully aware of life’s challenges. She’s strong, suborn yet vulnerable. An excellent read. 3.75/5 on the romance scale
bruacioly's review against another edition
2.0
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.
This book was a bit disappointing.
I wasn't expecting prime literature, but I was expecting fun and flirty romance, but this was overall a little "meh".
This is a part of a series, and I know that a lot of what happened to Abbie is in the previous book, but I was still able to understand the story. I can't say how much I'm missing out on, but this definitely can be read as a stand alone, no problem.
I enjoyed the idea of the story a lot - a beauty and the beast retelling is always appealing in my eyes and the parallels with the fairy-tale/disney movie were very well done and obvious, while remaining true to the new story, not feeling too forced. I also really liked Abigail's background and personality - she is a really strong character and she has been through a really traumatic experience that has made her lose a lot of her self-confidence and happiness. But she still keeps on trying hard to take care of her sister.
Michael was a good character as well, I liked how he shows he softer side from time to time, but remains his gruffly self. However, I don't think his character was very well explored in this - we get a sense of his past and he goes through a change along with Abigail, but he didn't made an impression on me as much as she did.
I can't point exactly what it was that made me not like this book other than the fact that it was simply average.
First of all, I thought that the things that happened to the characters and the antagonist were a little too dark - not overly, but just a little darker than I would have preferred. When I read these romances, I'm looking for some fluff. This isn't really a criticism, but just me stating my personal preference.
Also, as I said, I really like the premise, which is why I read it and the romance had its fun moments, but ultimately I wasn't enchanted by it - it didn't have that "wow-factor" to set it apart from other books.
I'd recommend it for someone who really likes historical romance - maybe it wasn't for me, but someone else may enjoy it.
This book was a bit disappointing.
I wasn't expecting prime literature, but I was expecting fun and flirty romance, but this was overall a little "meh".
This is a part of a series, and I know that a lot of what happened to Abbie is in the previous book, but I was still able to understand the story. I can't say how much I'm missing out on, but this definitely can be read as a stand alone, no problem.
I enjoyed the idea of the story a lot - a beauty and the beast retelling is always appealing in my eyes and the parallels with the fairy-tale/disney movie were very well done and obvious, while remaining true to the new story, not feeling too forced. I also really liked Abigail's background and personality - she is a really strong character and she has been through a really traumatic experience that has made her lose a lot of her self-confidence and happiness. But she still keeps on trying hard to take care of her sister.
Michael was a good character as well, I liked how he shows he softer side from time to time, but remains his gruffly self. However, I don't think his character was very well explored in this - we get a sense of his past and he goes through a change along with Abigail, but he didn't made an impression on me as much as she did.
I can't point exactly what it was that made me not like this book other than the fact that it was simply average.
First of all, I thought that the things that happened to the characters and the antagonist were a little too dark - not overly, but just a little darker than I would have preferred. When I read these romances, I'm looking for some fluff. This isn't really a criticism, but just me stating my personal preference.
Also, as I said, I really like the premise, which is why I read it and the romance had its fun moments, but ultimately I wasn't enchanted by it - it didn't have that "wow-factor" to set it apart from other books.
I'd recommend it for someone who really likes historical romance - maybe it wasn't for me, but someone else may enjoy it.
jandmterry's review against another edition
4.0
Erica Monroe is one of my new favorite authors. She gives you suspense, mystery, heartbreak and in the end love.
This book wasn't any different. Both Abigail and Michael have brokenness in their hearts that needs mending. She agrees to spend two weeks with him to satisfy her father's debt. He is looking forward to his time with her. When he finds out a bad guy has escaped and means them both harm then he goes into protection mode.
This is a story about not taking someone at your first impression.
I received a copy from the author in exchange of an honest review.
This book wasn't any different. Both Abigail and Michael have brokenness in their hearts that needs mending. She agrees to spend two weeks with him to satisfy her father's debt. He is looking forward to his time with her. When he finds out a bad guy has escaped and means them both harm then he goes into protection mode.
This is a story about not taking someone at your first impression.
I received a copy from the author in exchange of an honest review.
jacqueline1989's review against another edition
4.0
DOWN & DIRTY QUICKIE REVIEW!
One Sentence Summary:
She's a "Beast" with a disability, and he's a hot playboy detective who's keeping her under witness protection.
Name That Trope:
1. Beauty & the Beast Retelling/Reimagining
2. “Be My Mistress, Never Mind; Be My Guest!”
3. Sasstacular witty heroine with a tortured past
4. Carefree sexy hero with epic horny pants
5. Class divide set among the working class
6. Historical Not In A Ballroom
7. Forced proximity via temporary housemates
What part made you fangirl squeal:
* SO MANY BATB REFERENCES! A “short & stout” (teapot nursery rhyme, anyone?) housekeeper! The wardrobe shout outs! The snowball fight!
* Every scene where Abigail clapped back at Michael! I lost count of the times this super witty, super smart chick verbally slayed his ass for dinner.
* The 647 times this book emotionally fucked me up with a sentence or paragraph. Socially conscious woke shade throwing! Poignant pain poetically prosed! This book got it all, y'all.
* When Abigail walked up to Michael butt-ass nude & all dude could say was "I, ah, I did not, ah, naked."
Favorite Character:
Oh for sure, Abigail! Her emotional narrative was way more hard-hitting than Michael’s.
While both are witty and engaging characters, your heart feels most for our heroine. That's partly 'cause gal is a tough survivor, & partly because she’s heartbreaking.
How smexy was the smex?
HOT...but brief. The sex has DAAAAAMN good dialogue, but the scenes don’t last long. And yet!
We got a "Hero Catches Heroine Masturbating" scene, and for that alone the Pound Town deserves my love! Female self-pleasure AND a hero who gets a jealous, who-sexing-my-crush Rage Boner which turns into a Boner Boner? Yes, bless!
Throw in Michael’s "Say my name or I won't let you come” bed talk, and I fangirled til I couldn't fangirl anymore.
Whose Line Is It Anyway:
Michael: If you continue to talk like that, I shan't be responsible for my actions.
Abigail: Men of your ilk never are.
*****
“She walked until her knees began to throb, and then she walked some more, welcoming the ache. Pain was a language she understood. Pain spoke in stops and starts, in the sudden unexpected stab, in the unnatural twist of a joint. Pain did not make false promises, nor give false hope. In its unpredictable, selfish nature, pain became a friend she could trust. There was no use making plans. Pain would creep in at the slightest provocation, without warning or due course. To win against pain, she simply must exist. Every waking moment was a victory.”
*****
Michael: You've as much right as any man to seek your pleasure. Anyone who tells you otherwise is wrong.
Abigail: An entire society cannot be wrong.
Michael: It most certainly can.
Got any bitching to do?
Sadly, there were a couple police policing scenes that made me yawn.
And, infuriatingly enough, this book pulled the Virginal Sex Pain game! THIS IS NOT A THING, PEOPLE! For the last time, the hymen doesn't work like that. If a healthy woman’s first time having sex hurts, then she's either not aroused enough OR she's not relaxed enough.
Translation? That means hero sucks at sex!
Visually Depict Yo Book Feels:
Famous last words:
Despite its occasional lulls, overall the book was a good read!
Sure, the heroine’s “beastly attributes” felt less significant than most batB retellings. But! I can see what the author was trying to do within the scope of the story. And yeah, I side-eyed the crap out of this couple's first sex scene. But! Their intimacy was amazingly beautiful and equally intense.
Guys, this historical romance took us out of the ballroom! It gave us a working class romance that explores classism, poverty, & survival. The writing was art, the characters were real, & the romance was gorgeous. GOOD READ WAS GOOD!
-------------------------------
For a more in depth, LOL-fest discussion on romance novels, HERE BE MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
https://www.youtube.com/fangirlmusings
One Sentence Summary:
She's a "Beast" with a disability, and he's a hot playboy detective who's keeping her under witness protection.
Name That Trope:
1. Beauty & the Beast Retelling/Reimagining
2. “Be My Mistress, Never Mind; Be My Guest!”
3. Sasstacular witty heroine with a tortured past
4. Carefree sexy hero with epic horny pants
5. Class divide set among the working class
6. Historical Not In A Ballroom
7. Forced proximity via temporary housemates
What part made you fangirl squeal:
* SO MANY BATB REFERENCES! A “short & stout” (teapot nursery rhyme, anyone?) housekeeper! The wardrobe shout outs! The snowball fight!
* Every scene where Abigail clapped back at Michael! I lost count of the times this super witty, super smart chick verbally slayed his ass for dinner.
* The 647 times this book emotionally fucked me up with a sentence or paragraph. Socially conscious woke shade throwing! Poignant pain poetically prosed! This book got it all, y'all.
* When Abigail walked up to Michael butt-ass nude & all dude could say was "I, ah, I did not, ah, naked."
Favorite Character:
Oh for sure, Abigail! Her emotional narrative was way more hard-hitting than Michael’s.
While both are witty and engaging characters, your heart feels most for our heroine. That's partly 'cause gal is a tough survivor, & partly because she’s heartbreaking.
How smexy was the smex?
HOT...but brief. The sex has DAAAAAMN good dialogue, but the scenes don’t last long. And yet!
We got a "Hero Catches Heroine Masturbating" scene, and for that alone the Pound Town deserves my love! Female self-pleasure AND a hero who gets a jealous, who-sexing-my-crush Rage Boner which turns into a Boner Boner? Yes, bless!
Throw in Michael’s "Say my name or I won't let you come” bed talk, and I fangirled til I couldn't fangirl anymore.
Whose Line Is It Anyway:
Michael: If you continue to talk like that, I shan't be responsible for my actions.
Abigail: Men of your ilk never are.
*****
“She walked until her knees began to throb, and then she walked some more, welcoming the ache. Pain was a language she understood. Pain spoke in stops and starts, in the sudden unexpected stab, in the unnatural twist of a joint. Pain did not make false promises, nor give false hope. In its unpredictable, selfish nature, pain became a friend she could trust. There was no use making plans. Pain would creep in at the slightest provocation, without warning or due course. To win against pain, she simply must exist. Every waking moment was a victory.”
*****
Michael: You've as much right as any man to seek your pleasure. Anyone who tells you otherwise is wrong.
Abigail: An entire society cannot be wrong.
Michael: It most certainly can.
Got any bitching to do?
Sadly, there were a couple police policing scenes that made me yawn.
And, infuriatingly enough, this book pulled the Virginal Sex Pain game! THIS IS NOT A THING, PEOPLE! For the last time, the hymen doesn't work like that. If a healthy woman’s first time having sex hurts, then she's either not aroused enough OR she's not relaxed enough.
Translation? That means hero sucks at sex!
Visually Depict Yo Book Feels:
Famous last words:
Despite its occasional lulls, overall the book was a good read!
Sure, the heroine’s “beastly attributes” felt less significant than most batB retellings. But! I can see what the author was trying to do within the scope of the story. And yeah, I side-eyed the crap out of this couple's first sex scene. But! Their intimacy was amazingly beautiful and equally intense.
Guys, this historical romance took us out of the ballroom! It gave us a working class romance that explores classism, poverty, & survival. The writing was art, the characters were real, & the romance was gorgeous. GOOD READ WAS GOOD!
-------------------------------
For a more in depth, LOL-fest discussion on romance novels, HERE BE MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
https://www.youtube.com/fangirlmusings
missyterry73's review
4.0
Erica Monroe is one of my new favorite authors. She gives you suspense, mystery, heartbreak and in the end love.
This book wasn't any different. Both Abigail and Michael have brokenness in their hearts that needs mending. She agrees to spend two weeks with him to satisfy her father's debt. He is looking forward to his time with her. When he finds out a bad guy has escaped and means them both harm then he goes into protection mode.
This is a story about not taking someone at your first impression.
I received a copy from the author in exchange of an honest review.
This book wasn't any different. Both Abigail and Michael have brokenness in their hearts that needs mending. She agrees to spend two weeks with him to satisfy her father's debt. He is looking forward to his time with her. When he finds out a bad guy has escaped and means them both harm then he goes into protection mode.
This is a story about not taking someone at your first impression.
I received a copy from the author in exchange of an honest review.
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