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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
lighthearted
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
I really, really enjoyed this one. Honestly going into it I didn’t know how I would feel about Silvester and Stella. We met Stella briefly in Yasmin’s book and Silvester seemed really smitten with Yasmin. It felt like a recipe for disaster for them to be together.
I loved their banter and there is one scene that shocked me to my core. I had to reread it because I was like “what?! He did not just say that!” Oh but he did!
I really felt for Stella, she just wanted to be chosen first, she just wanted to be loved and she felt she was never good enough. My heart went out to her.
Now for the next book, I’m going to assume the FMC will be Blanche and I’m excited for her to give up her mean girl ways. Let’s hope we also get to see the downfall of Lady Lydia.
I loved their banter and there is one scene that shocked me to my core. I had to reread it because I was like “what?! He did not just say that!” Oh but he did!
I really felt for Stella, she just wanted to be chosen first, she just wanted to be loved and she felt she was never good enough. My heart went out to her.
Now for the next book, I’m going to assume the FMC will be Blanche and I’m excited for her to give up her mean girl ways. Let’s hope we also get to see the downfall of Lady Lydia.
3.7 stars
Historical romances is one of the genres I read and enjoy. But going through my read list, there will hardly be established big author names in there except for [a:Lisa Kleypas|27847|Lisa Kleypas|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1288899037p2/27847.jpg]. This is because there is always something in their writing that ticks me off. EJ definitely falls into that category. In the far past, I have skim read a few of her books and never found one pleasant beyond the veneer of the blurb. Now, older me seems game to try again and see where it leads. Which is to this book.
...a first choice is not always the right choice.
The blurb and the gorgeous cover reeled me in. But did the story change my opinion on EJ? Well, to be honest, no. I am still not a fan of her writing style. It's pretty and wholesome, sure, and even had some witty moments. But it lacked finesse in transitions, and failed to focus on key story elements. It was as if the storyteller was more interested in listening to its own voice than actually listening to what was being said and whether the audience is satisfied. But there were certain qualities to the story on which I based my rating that made me overlook the writing style.
So, why the high rating? Well, because I fell in love with the idea of the story much more than the delivery of the story. This is a tale about being second choice and its h, Stella was very lovable and carried that trope royally. She had an admirable strength of character, very smart and perceptive. She was also touchingly insecure without veering into the overdramatic. I loved how very kind and respectuous she was (esp. her relationship with her aunt - I liked the latter, even with her edges, as she was a cool and loving aunt). I did not get the emotional depth I wanted for the romance between Stella and Silvester, but there were very bright moments in their story that I enjoyed and made me believe in their love.
I would have rated much higher if EJ had done a better job to paste together the character building of the H. He was as insecure as Stella, in a different way. It was touching but gauchely inserted in the story. And giving his pov would have helped a lot in explaining how he fell hard in love with Stella. I saw it happening but only got hints of the emotion behind it. And because of that Silvester came across more as a beta male than the alpha he ought to be. Case in hand,
Spoiler
in the climax of the book, his denial that he never loved Yasmin was not powerfully enough said, it sounded so weak - I needed his rage, his passion, that he shouted the quote above instead of just thinking it....Stella's character building was better handled because we got lots of opportunities to see her inner thoughts and she voiced them out clearly to Silvester and others. However, where it was most important to get her thoughts, EJ yet again failed to give it:
Spoiler
when Silvester was trying to convince her that he never really cared Yasmin, her inner processing of that information and the moment it dawned on her that she believed in his words was not providedWill I read EJ again? It is doubtful (though I may be game to read the daughter's story, if it comes to ever be, teased in the epilogue). But having a tendre for this story, I will probably revisit this one.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Entirely forgettable
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Enemies to lovers for a short curvy redhead and a hot muscular duke. Pure fluff, but scratches that historical romance itch!
Loved:
Loved:
- A curvy heroine
- The focus on educated women still having an impact in history
- The heartbreak for Stella never wanting to be the second choice
Meh:
- Silvester should have done more - like come on dude you clearly are interested with her and yet you’re not showing it at all
Disliked:
- She’s a curvy, freckled, short redhead. Why does the cover for the book look like a skinny tall girl with perfect skin? Not the author’s fault I’m guessing, but do better Avon
- I wanted more time with them actually in love. Just an epilogue wasn’t enough
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Why do historical romance covers hate women with glasses so much? And the cover model has zero freckles. 🙄