Scan barcode
thebookishworm's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
This book could be triggering for somebody who has experienced SA at the hands of a trusted adult in their life.
Helena is, in my opinion, a bit of a groomer, and I hated the emphasis on the fact that she couldn’t live her life until she received forgiveness. Gerald doesn’t owe that to you, Helena!
takethyme's review
2.0
Honestly, I had considered not reading this historical romance. It was the last story in the Stapleton-Downes series but it contained the crusty Edgar Downes, Cora's brother, from THE FAMOUS HEROINE. And added to the mix was Lady Helena Stapleton, the suggestive and precocious step-mother from A PRECIOUS JEWEL. As someone else mentioned, at minimum, you should have read and enjoyed the above stories before attempting ACB. Of course, it would help to read the entire series because a bumper-crop of returning characters are mentioned in this romance.
I really wanted to say nice things about this story. It is the last book in this series and I had high hopes.
STOP!. Only read the spoiler if you do NOT plan on reading the book after what I just told you. I am doing you a favor by telling you that all the secondary characters continue to happily live their lives.
Now, for the spoiler.Edgar and Helena have a meet-and-greet. Then a one night stand with plenty of sex. They have some words, plan not to meet each other again, meet again here and there, Helena finds out she is pregnant, and Edgar eventually marries her. Then, they fall in love. I. DON'T. THINK. SO.
With little believability or chemistry, I actually thought that Ms. Balogh forced her writing to meet a publisher's deadline. Hence, the reason for her H/h's lack of depth. I expected much better from this author.
I really wanted to say nice things about this story. It is the last book in this series and I had high hopes.
STOP!. Only read the spoiler if you do NOT plan on reading the book after what I just told you. I am doing you a favor by telling you that all the secondary characters continue to happily live their lives.
Now, for the spoiler.
With little believability or chemistry, I actually thought that Ms. Balogh forced her writing to meet a publisher's deadline. Hence, the reason for her H/h's lack of depth. I expected much better from this author.
More...