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hannahrhian's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness, Mental illness, and Child abuse
readwithde's review
challenging
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I spent quite a lot of time trying to find something I disliked about this book, any reason to give it 3 or 4 stars, but the truth is I absolutely adored it.
Lucie is completely different than what I remember from Bringing Down the Duke, but of course her strong exterior shrouds her vulnerability -- her loneliness and sacrifices made for the Cause.
Likewise, Ballentine reads much differently when you realize his reputation is a facade, a way to numb his pain and provide space from entanglements that may jeopardize his plans to free himself from his father.
Childhood connection plus this passion for freedom inevitably turn their indecent proposal into love (Ballentine's long-term crush on Lucie notwithstanding). Every choice they make seems real, and Dunmore gives them both space to think through these choices: when Ballentine realizes he waited too long to tell Lucie his plans, he knows she will be angry, possibly hate him, so he chooses to remain silent on the matter, clinging to as much time as possible.
They both grow and change so much through the process; in the end, Ballentine is right -- love makes them stronger. The challenges faced are truly considered and managed, not brushed aside for whim or fancy or "being in the moment." They are two serious people with real stakes; the respect that grows between them is tangible.
Though Cecily and Arthur tried various ways to disrupt the couple, neither had truly wrong intentions and neither truly paid for their involvement or insolence. In the end, Arthur actual gets what he wants from Ballentine (though he doesn't realize it); he is seen and heard and understood for his feelings, without judgment or shame. It's a rare case where everyone wins, though not how they planned to. And it's beautiful in the making.
Lucie is completely different than what I remember from Bringing Down the Duke, but of course her strong exterior shrouds her vulnerability -- her loneliness and sacrifices made for the Cause.
Likewise, Ballentine reads much differently
Childhood connection plus this passion for freedom inevitably turn their indecent proposal into love
They both grow and change so much through the process; in the end, Ballentine is right -- love makes them stronger. The challenges faced are truly considered and managed, not brushed aside for whim or fancy or "being in the moment." They are two serious people with real stakes; the respect that grows between them is tangible.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Sexual harassment, and War
linesiunderline's review
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
While this second outing in the League of Extraordinary Women series was not as perfectly satisfying as the first book, it was still a very entertaining, well-conceived story that made me excited to see what the author offers next.
I actually enjoyed Lucie as a main character more than Annabelle, the MC of the debut title. I found Lucie to be more complex, and I felt that I had a deeper understanding of her motivation than I did with Annabelle. Anytime Lucie was in a scene, she stole it for me. I’d happily spend more time with that character.
Lucie and Tristan’s connection was fiery and utterly engaging. I loved their exchanges. Full marks for a great version of the enemies to lovers trope. Sizzling sex scenes, so prepare yourself!
There was some bumpiness in terms of the pacing and sub plots. Things didn’t move along at the same clip as the first book and I found some of the secondary characters to be rather sketchy in their development.
Still, sign me up for all the rest! There’s a verve to Dunmore’s style that is so refreshing.
I actually enjoyed Lucie as a main character more than Annabelle, the MC of the debut title. I found Lucie to be more complex, and I felt that I had a deeper understanding of her motivation than I did with Annabelle. Anytime Lucie was in a scene, she stole it for me. I’d happily spend more time with that character.
Lucie and Tristan’s connection was fiery and utterly engaging. I loved their exchanges. Full marks for a great version of the enemies to lovers trope. Sizzling sex scenes, so prepare yourself!
There was some bumpiness in terms of the pacing and sub plots. Things didn’t move along at the same clip as the first book and I found some of the secondary characters to be rather sketchy in their development.
Still, sign me up for all the rest! There’s a verve to Dunmore’s style that is so refreshing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Sexism, and Sexual content
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