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hilwithonel's review
emotional
lighthearted
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
4.5
I think there is alot to applaud in this historical romance. Love a secret lovesick pup cosplaying as a rake. Absolutely adore the way this book ends. Not saying cause it would spoil but it is so authentic to our MC and I appreciate the author for it.
There was sooo much going on though that no everything felt really fleshed out.
But anyways, Tristan and his poetry were still a win.
There was sooo much going on though that no everything felt really fleshed out.
But anyways, Tristan and his poetry were still a win.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Child abuse and War
welaneyding's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Sexual harassment, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Sexual content, and Bullying
theladydetective's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
3.75
Re-reading the series to get ready for the 4th and final book. I really liked the dynamic of the main characters and I was rooting for Lucie to find someone that she could rely on (she takes on a lot of responsibility). I found the order of the series interesting, and feel like her story should have been last. There are some issues with the book concerning diversity (e.g., cultural issues and insensitivities), and negative characterizations of lgbtq+ characters, which I think should definitely be discussed if this book is chosen for a book club.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual harassment, Child abuse, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, and Cultural appropriation
bexi's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Cultural appropriation, Homophobia, Animal death, Classism, Colonisation, War, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Death, Forced institutionalization, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Gun violence, and Injury/Injury detail
hkburke2's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I liked the first one better, perhaps because I didn't like the audio format on this one? I don't know, it didn't click as well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual harassment
Minor: Child abuse and Sexual assault
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
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