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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
meganpbennett's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A Rogue of One's Own sees Lady Lucie, a suffragette who has just bought half of the shares of London Print, going head to head with the notorious rogue Tristan. Who owns the other half of the shares of London Print. It's hate at first sight, since there's no way that a nobleman would ever support the suffragette cause, or help repeal the married women's property act. And there's no way he'll let her publish anything radical in their co-owned newspaper, would he? Until, he offers her a deal to become the majority stakeholder in London Print. But will she take it, and what will happen if she does?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Sexism, Domestic abuse, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Confinement, Homophobia, Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Forced institutionalization
stardustandrockets's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Grief, Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Minor: Violence
stargoddess's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- 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
Charming romance mixed with interesting historical facts, not quite as heart rending as the first one, still plenty sexy
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, and Mental illness
Minor: Forced institutionalization
samchase112's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Lucie and Tristan's story was such a fantastic addition to this series about strong men and women and the struggle for women's rights in 19th century England! I adored both main characters to equal degree, and loved them together even more. Even as HEA romance, I was so curious to see how these two could end together by the end?! With all the odds against them?!! They both deserve so much, I was worried for them, okay. As I'm working on my undergrad thesis, which incorporates contemporary journal discourse surrounding late 18th century prison systems, the periodical talk in this book got me so excited. Dunmore has clearly done her research, and I appreciate every moment of her smart, informed romances. This series has the perfect blend of romance, history, and activism, and it never disappoints.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Sexism
Moderate: Animal death and Cursing
Minor: Sexual assault, Gun violence, Violence, and Suicidal thoughts
tesseliza's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Emotional abuse
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