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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
DNF
I wanted to like this so bad. I love historical romances and the plot of this sounded great. Unfortunately I DNFed by like 10%. There was just way too much telling. Because of that, it felt like the narrator was keeping me at distance, never letting me get close to experience the scene or even ground me in a scene. Especially since there was a fair bit of flashbacks throwing me out of the front story randomly. But honestly, those flashbacks had more showing and was more dynamic and interesting than the front story.
I like the concept and goal of this story, sadly the execution of it was too tough for me to read. I found myself skimming pages way too early on in the book that I knew my opinion most likely wouldn’t change.
That being said, I know this will definitely be someone. The writing style just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
I wanted to like this so bad. I love historical romances and the plot of this sounded great. Unfortunately I DNFed by like 10%. There was just way too much telling. Because of that, it felt like the narrator was keeping me at distance, never letting me get close to experience the scene or even ground me in a scene. Especially since there was a fair bit of flashbacks throwing me out of the front story randomly. But honestly, those flashbacks had more showing and was more dynamic and interesting than the front story.
I like the concept and goal of this story, sadly the execution of it was too tough for me to read. I found myself skimming pages way too early on in the book that I knew my opinion most likely wouldn’t change.
That being said, I know this will definitely be someone. The writing style just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
I received an ARC from the publisher for my honest review.
I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story as well as learning more about Mexican history during this time period. Overall though I found the book to be a bit boring. The dialogue was stilted (maybe it was trying to sound old-fashioned?) and I got tired of listening to Isabel's inner dialogue on how unremarkable she was. I get it, you're the ugly/boring/antisocial/awkward sister. Also, I did not read the first book and there were many references to the plot and characters from that book that made parts of this book confusing to me.
Merged review:
I received an ARC from the publisher for my honest review.
I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story as well as learning more about Mexican history during this time period. Overall though I found the book to be a bit boring. The dialogue was stilted (maybe it was trying to sound old-fashioned?) and I got tired of listening to Isabel's inner dialogue on how unremarkable she was. I get it, you're the ugly/boring/antisocial/awkward sister. Also, I did not read the first book and there were many references to the plot and characters from that book that made parts of this book confusing to me.
I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story as well as learning more about Mexican history during this time period. Overall though I found the book to be a bit boring. The dialogue was stilted (maybe it was trying to sound old-fashioned?) and I got tired of listening to Isabel's inner dialogue on how unremarkable she was. I get it, you're the ugly/boring/antisocial/awkward sister. Also, I did not read the first book and there were many references to the plot and characters from that book that made parts of this book confusing to me.
Merged review:
I received an ARC from the publisher for my honest review.
I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story as well as learning more about Mexican history during this time period. Overall though I found the book to be a bit boring. The dialogue was stilted (maybe it was trying to sound old-fashioned?) and I got tired of listening to Isabel's inner dialogue on how unremarkable she was. I get it, you're the ugly/boring/antisocial/awkward sister. Also, I did not read the first book and there were many references to the plot and characters from that book that made parts of this book confusing to me.
I felt like this book hit the ground running because we knew the Luna sisters, particularly Isabel, who’s the lead of this book.
I loved the espionage / secret mission to look for information that could aid Mexico aspect the novel. I LOVE lady spies!!! I love that Sirius was also a bit of a secret agent, so having two leads do that during a period piece romance was GOLDEN.
I enjoyed the romance and the characters getting to know each other, but devastatingly we had a third act break up because Sirius wouldn’t tell Isabel he loved her. I’m so thrilled that he decided to move to Mexico to be with Isa, and I’m ELATED that she’s working for the First Lady of Mexico. She’s a badass, and I love her. I want a short story about their life from the moment the book ended to a proposal and marriage to see Isabel’s work and how Sirius supports her and Mexico. Please Liana give me more!!!!
I loved the espionage / secret mission to look for information that could aid Mexico aspect the novel. I LOVE lady spies!!! I love that Sirius was also a bit of a secret agent, so having two leads do that during a period piece romance was GOLDEN.
I enjoyed the romance and the characters getting to know each other, but devastatingly we had a third act break up because Sirius wouldn’t tell Isabel he loved her. I’m so thrilled that he decided to move to Mexico to be with Isa, and I’m ELATED that she’s working for the First Lady of Mexico. She’s a badass, and I love her. I want a short story about their life from the moment the book ended to a proposal and marriage to see Isabel’s work and how Sirius supports her and Mexico. Please Liana give me more!!!!
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
informative
fast-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
emotional
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
I enjoyed this one more than the first book but not enough to give it a half star more. I still had some of the same thoughts regarding the romance, but I found Isabel’s bookish and wallflower nature as endearing as Sirius’s dedication to veterans. They’re both looking for a “place” and meaning in their lives when they don’t feel like they deserve it or know how to receive it.
I think I eventually grew tired of the repeated mention of Isabel’s “failures” in not being able to find anything to send back to Padre Ignacio for help. However, the cultural and historical significance was interesting to me and the pride and deep affection Isabel has for her homeland is wonderful to see in the same way that Sirius’s loyalty to take care of veterans was. I also was glad to read about Westhope and that he wasn’t a dick who treated Isabel like she was exotic. He had general affection toward her and was a nice person too.
I think the ending was really my favorite but in a good way. I won’t spoil it, obviously, but what a generous and loyal individual Sirius is and what surprise and love the two have for one another. I imagine they will spend lots of time cultivating a very, very good library together.
I think I eventually grew tired of the repeated mention of Isabel’s “failures” in not being able to find anything to send back to Padre Ignacio for help. However, the cultural and historical significance was interesting to me and the pride and deep affection Isabel has for her homeland is wonderful to see in the same way that Sirius’s loyalty to take care of veterans was. I also was glad to read about Westhope and that he wasn’t a dick who treated Isabel like she was exotic. He had general affection toward her and was a nice person too.
I think the ending was really my favorite but in a good way. I won’t spoil it, obviously, but what a generous and loyal individual Sirius is and what surprise and love the two have for one another. I imagine they will spend lots of time cultivating a very, very good library together.
Content Warnings
Minor: Xenophobia
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
lighthearted
fast-paced
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced