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kylieqrada's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
I never would have picked this (or any historical romance) up if it wasn't for Beautifully Bookish Bethany's Patreon book club and I WAS MISSING OUT. This gave what needed to be gaveeeeee!!!!! Give me sapphic scientists in love or give me death. That is all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual content, and Misogyny
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
Minor: Grief, Death, and Death of parent
beforeviolets's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
TW: sexual content, sexism/misogyny, lesbophobia, death of mother (past), death of father (past), grief, death of S/O (past), toxic relationship/abusive relationship (past)
I know I'm not the first to say this, but this book is so much more than a spicy romance novel. I mean, do NOT get me wrong, the spice is fantastic, but there are incredible qualities to the work beyond that.
Throughout this story, we follow two incredibly well-written, complex, and powerful women learning to take up space and assert their importance in their relationships, in their work, and in their lives.
Misogyny is a theme constantly handled on both smaller and larger scales, exploring topics like the erasure of women within the sciences and the history of invalidating more "domestic" and "feminine" artistries.
I also find it fantastically ironic that this book only exists within the form of a mass market romance novel, a form that is often labelled as "cheap" or "trash" by self-proclaimed "intellectual" readers. Its state - whether intentional or not - comments on the way we as a society view work catered to women as lesser than. Only by defying the misogynistic societal judgments of romance books is it possible to even consume this work, making the reader feel connected to the experiences of the characters and relating the messages of this book to our own realities.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Misogyny, and Sexual content
Moderate: Grief and Lesbophobia
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, and Domestic abuse
cgn's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I found this book a little too easy to put down for a long time, but it was still delightful. I love the representation of gay women following their passions, and while I wasn’t head over heels for this romance, I did love the ending. Be forewarned there’s a bit of power play spice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Racism, Death of parent, Death, and Grief
Sexual content includes BDSM-style power play/submission that is not discussed but is welcomed by both characters.lipstickitotheman's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Minor: Alcohol, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Grief
anovelbeauty's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Book TW: sexism common to the historical time (cht), homophobia (discussed; cht), mentioned emotional abuse/IPV,
Historical Fiction LGBT romances will almost always have a fine line to ride between just being downright depressing and not completely ignoring historical context in favour of a happy ever after. I actually think The Lady’s Guide walked it pretty well. There is certainly a decent amount of heavy sexism and the knowledge that queer relationships are frowned upon for women, however there are still sweet and happy moments. I also liked the acknowledgement that queer couples throughout history have existed and many were able to find ways to remain with their partners for their lifetimes.
Now, the part I /certainly/ adored was a consistent blending of science and art. While Lucy is our stalwart astronomer, Christine is both an artist and firmly within the scientific world. While very few of the characters in the book seem to be based off of real historical figures, I will always appreciate recognition for the women throughout history who have created art and contributed to science’s progression who were often relegated to the sidelines or erased entirely. Most of female characters in this work are strong and wonderful. Lucy and Christine’s relationship is equal parts steamy, healing, and sweet. I should mention that there is both lesbian and bisexual rep in the book! The characters that were supposed to be mature /actually/ acted mature or at least realized quickly when they messed up. I /loved/ a lot of the artistic and scientific descriptions in the book as they really brought the setting to life for me. I was thoroughly invested in Lucy’s fight to translate Oléron’s works and be acknowledged for work by the men of science in England. There were a few lovely moments of comeuppance and just it was a lovely, compelling read. As a bit of a science and art nerd myself, this romance hit the sweet spot for me! If you’re looking for a mostly pleasant, historical, sapphic romance that is equal parts science and art (and yes, an actual happy ending) you will probably love this one!
Historical Fiction LGBT romances will almost always have a fine line to ride between just being downright depressing and not completely ignoring historical context in favour of a happy ever after. I actually think The Lady’s Guide walked it pretty well. There is certainly a decent amount of heavy sexism and the knowledge that queer relationships are frowned upon for women, however there are still sweet and happy moments. I also liked the acknowledgement that queer couples throughout history have existed and many were able to find ways to remain with their partners for their lifetimes.
Now, the part I /certainly/ adored was a consistent blending of science and art. While Lucy is our stalwart astronomer, Christine is both an artist and firmly within the scientific world. While very few of the characters in the book seem to be based off of real historical figures, I will always appreciate recognition for the women throughout history who have created art and contributed to science’s progression who were often relegated to the sidelines or erased entirely. Most of female characters in this work are strong and wonderful. Lucy and Christine’s relationship is equal parts steamy, healing, and sweet. I should mention that there is both lesbian and bisexual rep in the book! The characters that were supposed to be mature /actually/ acted mature or at least realized quickly when they messed up. I /loved/ a lot of the artistic and scientific descriptions in the book as they really brought the setting to life for me. I was thoroughly invested in Lucy’s fight to translate Oléron’s works and be acknowledged for work by the men of science in England. There were a few lovely moments of comeuppance and just it was a lovely, compelling read. As a bit of a science and art nerd myself, this romance hit the sweet spot for me! If you’re looking for a mostly pleasant, historical, sapphic romance that is equal parts science and art (and yes, an actual happy ending) you will probably love this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
Minor: Death of parent and Grief
danajoy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
This is a beautifully written and wonderful romance. I love the backdrop of astronomy and the arts, especially in light of the historical setting. It is full of beautiful quotes and imagery.
I think my favourite aspect of this was the amazing portrayal of consent and the importance of enthusiastic consent when progressing with intimacy.
I think my favourite aspect of this was the amazing portrayal of consent and the importance of enthusiastic consent when progressing with intimacy.
"The whole point is to feel excited about one another, isn’t it? If you’re more anxious than excited, then we wait. Simple."
It IS simple. I love seeing this sort of thing in books! This was the story I read directly after The Duke and I by Julia Quinn which unfortunately has a very problematic, non-consensual scene which really does make it hard to think back on the rest of the story with anything but uneasiness. When I read this story I was so happy that consent was clear and enthusiastic. There are a lot of steamy scenes in here. They are usually a little long, very tender and very hot so if that is something you're seeking out then I highly recommend picking this book up.
Personally, I found the plot interesting enough to keep me engaged but a bit on the predictable side. The docked half star is for my frustration with a very common romance trope also present in this story -
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Grief, and Homophobia
decklededgess's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
trigger warnings: marital abuse and assault, potential mention of bdsm relationship with a sub who wasn’t really fully consenting??, emotionally abusive exes, homophobia, sexism and misogyny, sexism for women in STEM, sex and nudity, alcohol, sexist family, death of parents, mild racism
surprisingly diverse!!! hella brown and poc characters mentioned except none of them have their actual races mentioned save one because of his name. but the book is making several points about first wave feminism which is interesting!! really enjoyable.
surprisingly diverse!!! hella brown and poc characters mentioned except none of them have their actual races mentioned save one because of his name. but the book is making several points about first wave feminism which is interesting!! really enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racism
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