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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
emotional
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Overall, Reverence is a moving, memorable read with standout characters and emotion that lingers.
There were just a couple of things that didn’t quite work for me. McKay’s writing—usually so poetic and beautiful—sometimes felt overly wordy and a bit pretentious here. And Part Two really dragged for me. The pacing dipped so much I found myself skimming; a handful of chapters could’ve easily been cut or shortened without hurting the story. A tighter edit would’ve made a big difference.
That said, there’s a lot to love. Part One starts off strong with the gripping storyline of Katarina defecting and Juliette helping her escape. And Part Three was a sweet and emotional way to wrap things up.
Katarina and Juliette’s romance was beautifully built—subtle but gut-wrenching in all the right places. There were a few moments that genuinely made me stop and catch my breath. Katarina’s arc in particular stood out, developing into a really well-rounded and powerful character journey.
There were just a couple of things that didn’t quite work for me. McKay’s writing—usually so poetic and beautiful—sometimes felt overly wordy and a bit pretentious here. And Part Two really dragged for me. The pacing dipped so much I found myself skimming; a handful of chapters could’ve easily been cut or shortened without hurting the story. A tighter edit would’ve made a big difference.
That said, there’s a lot to love. Part One starts off strong with the gripping storyline of Katarina defecting and Juliette helping her escape. And Part Three was a sweet and emotional way to wrap things up.
Katarina and Juliette’s romance was beautifully built—subtle but gut-wrenching in all the right places. There were a few moments that genuinely made me stop and catch my breath. Katarina’s arc in particular stood out, developing into a really well-rounded and powerful character journey.
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Just Finished: Reverence by Milena McKay
Narrated by Abby Craden
🩰 1980's Paris
🩰 Rivals to Lovers
🩰 Angst
3.5/5 🌟
3/5 🌶
This was not what I was expecting, or even hoping it would be, but this was heartbreaking and rife with conflict and deception. I really wanted more ballet, especially them dancing together.
Though the scenes were few, they were all 0-to-100 with pent-up desire.
Narrated by Abby Craden
🩰 1980's Paris
🩰 Rivals to Lovers
🩰 Angst
3.5/5 🌟
3/5 🌶
This was not what I was expecting, or even hoping it would be, but this was heartbreaking and rife with conflict and deception. I really wanted more ballet, especially them dancing together.
Though the scenes were few, they were all 0-to-100 with pent-up desire.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
slow-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
This book surpassed the high expectations I had. The whole setting with ballet dancers, 1980’s and Paris makes the whole story so enticing. For me living in Europe close to the Russian border and remembering the fear we had for the Soviet Union during that time and what we also feel now vs. Russia after they invaded Ukraine it made it all so much more real. The mention of the AIDS pandemic also reminded me of all the great persons we lost to that disease. Clear that the author has this time in history close to her heart.
On top of the fantastic story settings, I can just gush over the language, the romance, the angst and the amazing main and side characters. I will remember and think about this story for a very long time. It is not just a romance but so much more moving me on such a deep level. Thank you, Milena McKay, for giving me this fantastic read.
On top of the fantastic story settings, I can just gush over the language, the romance, the angst and the amazing main and side characters. I will remember and think about this story for a very long time. It is not just a romance but so much more moving me on such a deep level. Thank you, Milena McKay, for giving me this fantastic read.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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
I didn’t finish this one. I don’t plan to in the near future, if ever. The writing is beautiful but not a style I’m enjoying. I knew based on the cover and description this was about ballerinas in the 80’s so I was excited to read it because I am an 80’s baby. I just didn’t expect the very Soviet, regimented ballet story. I’m having a hard time staying engaged in the story or connecting to the characters (could be my ADHD). I think there’s a more specific audience that would enjoy this book very much.
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
dark
emotional
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:
Yes
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
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:
Complicated
STARS 3-4 stars
SPICE (medium) - 2-3 graphic scenes
CHEMISTRY good
ANGST high
SLOW BURN medium
CLIFFHANGER no
FAVORITE QUOTE/QUOTES
In this nest Juliette had woven out of broken bones and broken promises.
A LITTLE ABOUT THE BOOK/HOW DID IT MAKE ME FEEL
I was recommended this book based on its angst. I love a book that will make me feel gutted. And this book is full of angst. What I struggled with was following all the ballet stuff. And it threw me off and made it really hard for me to get through it. I actually struggle with book with lots of world building but that usually happens in fantasy. But this one was hard to keep up with it also had quite a bit of politics in it and that also is something I struggle. I usually avoid books with politics in them.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE CHARACTERS
I loved their brokenness. And I love how they come together at the end.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE BOOK
I think it was the characters discovering the truth about themselves and each other. And then finding forgiveness and love again.
MY FAVORITE PART- IF IT IS NOT TOO SPOILERY
The reunification.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
I did not enjoy being so lost to the "bigger story". But I know that is me thing
TROPES
second chance romance, sapphic
SPICE (medium) - 2-3 graphic scenes
CHEMISTRY good
ANGST high
SLOW BURN medium
CLIFFHANGER no
FAVORITE QUOTE/QUOTES
In this nest Juliette had woven out of broken bones and broken promises.
A LITTLE ABOUT THE BOOK/HOW DID IT MAKE ME FEEL
I was recommended this book based on its angst. I love a book that will make me feel gutted. And this book is full of angst. What I struggled with was following all the ballet stuff. And it threw me off and made it really hard for me to get through it. I actually struggle with book with lots of world building but that usually happens in fantasy. But this one was hard to keep up with it also had quite a bit of politics in it and that also is something I struggle. I usually avoid books with politics in them.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE CHARACTERS
I loved their brokenness. And I love how they come together at the end.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE BOOK
I think it was the characters discovering the truth about themselves and each other. And then finding forgiveness and love again.
MY FAVORITE PART- IF IT IS NOT TOO SPOILERY
The reunification.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
I did not enjoy being so lost to the "bigger story". But I know that is me thing
TROPES
second chance romance, sapphic
