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ashleyreadsanything's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
tense
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
4.0
lezreadalot's review against another edition
3.0
"Ask nicely."
I didn't like this one as much as the first book in the series, largely because it took me a very long time to warm up to Justin. Which surprised me at first, because he's exactly the type of character I would like? Former street rat who pulled himself out of the bgell yeah. But the way he did it, using people's grief, was pretty revolting to me. His change of heart couldn't come soon enough for me, and it came pretty late.
But I did like Nathaniel very much; self-righteous as he could be, all the chivalry and knight-in-shining-armour-ness was cute and appealing. And the story was fun and engaging, though not as much as the previous book. Enemies to lovers is always fun. Sukey was a fucking delight. Matthew Llyod Davies did a good job once again, and once again, his reading of the love scenes was so overwrought and grunty and dramatic it was hilarious. LMAO.
Pretty stoked to conclude to series; I really like Mark, and from what we've seen of him so far I think I'll really like Pen as well.
I didn't like this one as much as the first book in the series, largely because it took me a very long time to warm up to Justin. Which surprised me at first, because he's exactly the type of character I would like? Former street rat who pulled himself out of the bgell yeah. But the way he did it, using people's grief, was pretty revolting to me. His change of heart couldn't come soon enough for me, and it came pretty late.
But I did like Nathaniel very much; self-righteous as he could be, all the chivalry and knight-in-shining-armour-ness was cute and appealing. And the story was fun and engaging, though not as much as the previous book. Enemies to lovers is always fun. Sukey was a fucking delight. Matthew Llyod Davies did a good job once again, and once again, his reading of the love scenes was so overwrought and grunty and dramatic it was hilarious. LMAO.
Pretty stoked to conclude to series; I really like Mark, and from what we've seen of him so far I think I'll really like Pen as well.
sarahsupastar's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
wannabekingpin's review against another edition
5.0
All reviews in one place: Night Mode Reading
Justin Lazarus is a famous seer of London. Lost a loved one? Want to talk to a dead relative? It’s him you come to. Much like this woman, of seemingly no interest. She wished to find her runaway twins, and instead of taking her meager savings to a detective, she took a drawing of them straight to Lazarus. Drawing, which Lazarus kept until the lady, whom he consoled as best he could, vaguely promising her that they’re alive and well, got back home to bring him the money she owed. For it seems, someone robbed this village woman out of her pennies. The fact she never returned didn’t surprise or concern Lazarus either. It happens. Up until he ran into journalist Nathaniel Roy, and his detective friend Mark.
Nathaniel Roy dedicated his time to expose people like Lazarus, thus the interest and crossing of paths happened naturally. The less natural was Lazarus appearing at his doorstep, cold, shivering, and seemingly worse for the wear, in need of help. For he nearly lost his life over that damned lost woman, and her runaway twins, it seems. Turns out, neither the woman, nor Mark, are the only people searching for the pair. And by far not every seeker has their well being in their hearts.
This was a very fine piece of detective work, and two mighty fine characters. I really loved the plot, and I loved the development of both it, and the people in it. Characters had substance, they filled another out well, tugging at flaws, and seeking best ways to mend what’s mendable. 5 out of 5, and I think I’ll jump straight to the third right now.
Justin Lazarus is a famous seer of London. Lost a loved one? Want to talk to a dead relative? It’s him you come to. Much like this woman, of seemingly no interest. She wished to find her runaway twins, and instead of taking her meager savings to a detective, she took a drawing of them straight to Lazarus. Drawing, which Lazarus kept until the lady, whom he consoled as best he could, vaguely promising her that they’re alive and well, got back home to bring him the money she owed. For it seems, someone robbed this village woman out of her pennies. The fact she never returned didn’t surprise or concern Lazarus either. It happens. Up until he ran into journalist Nathaniel Roy, and his detective friend Mark.
Nathaniel Roy dedicated his time to expose people like Lazarus, thus the interest and crossing of paths happened naturally. The less natural was Lazarus appearing at his doorstep, cold, shivering, and seemingly worse for the wear, in need of help. For he nearly lost his life over that damned lost woman, and her runaway twins, it seems. Turns out, neither the woman, nor Mark, are the only people searching for the pair. And by far not every seeker has their well being in their hearts.
This was a very fine piece of detective work, and two mighty fine characters. I really loved the plot, and I loved the development of both it, and the people in it. Characters had substance, they filled another out well, tugging at flaws, and seeking best ways to mend what’s mendable. 5 out of 5, and I think I’ll jump straight to the third right now.
kay_slayerofbooks's review against another edition
5.0
The plot gets creepier and creepier
But it is such fun! Minus the the level of creepy lol. I did enjoy this more than book 1. And I am excited to get into book 3.
4.5 stars
But it is such fun! Minus the the level of creepy lol. I did enjoy this more than book 1. And I am excited to get into book 3.
4.5 stars
cakemouse's review against another edition
4.0
One of my favorite tropes is enemies to lovers, and this is one of the better "hate on sight" to lovers stories I've read. Very enjoyable.
tellingetienne's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent follow up to the first Sins of the Cities book. I didn't find Justin or Nathaniel as compelling as Clem and Rowley, but I did love the book, and the mystery woven throughout the series continues to be fascinating and twisting. I'm completely invested and ready for the 3rd book...and I must say I'm REALLY looking forward to what the romance in that novel is going to look like.
teresab78's review against another edition
5.0
KJ Charles has quite the way with words! I love her diverse, imperfect characters and the adventures they get up to. This book is a case of opposites attract and I loved how they went from animosity to love.
This series is a must read in order and read all books. I’m looking forward to delving into An Unsuitable Heir!
This series is a must read in order and read all books. I’m looking forward to delving into An Unsuitable Heir!
samantha_shain's review against another edition
2.0
I found this book a bit difficult to follow (because of audio format for me) and I didn't find the "forbidden love" between the protagonists particularly compelling. And there weren't really any women with meaningful characterization.