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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved Mackenzie Lee’s Gentlemen’s Guide series, so I was pretty excited when I got her adult sapphic historical romance. It was overall a good read, but I did not like Harry at first and thought the pacing was off in the beginning. It also read a little more like a YA than an adult novel to me. It did pick up and I did like it in the end.
I really loved Mackenzie Lee’s Gentlemen’s Guide series, so I was pretty excited when I got her adult sapphic historical romance. It was overall a good read, but I did not like Harry at first and thought the pacing was off in the beginning. It also read a little more like a YA than an adult novel to me. It did pick up and I did like it in the end.
I didn't know what to expect going into this book. I was absolutely delighted. Harry is the best kind of fmc. She does not care one whit about what anyone thinks and I so appreciate that. And Emily is a sweetheart. I'm impressed how the author made everything work out. Good job!!
Thank you to The Dial Press for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Thank you to The Dial Press for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Harriet “Harry” Lockhart has never planned to marry. She plays men on stage and prefers romantic and sexual relationships with the fairer sex - both of which make her an outcast in Regency England. When her previously unknown father comes forward and promises her an inheritance if she marries, Harry must choose between being herself - something she can barely afford to do - and a life where she wouldn’t have to worry about money anymore. Meanwhile, Emily Sergeant is refined and poised, secretly running away from a dark past and in desperate need of a suitable husband. When the two women set their sights on the same duke, they find themselves falling in love… but not with him.
After enjoying Mackenzi Lee’s young adult series, I was excited to read her adult debut and doubly so when I learned it was sapphic. There just aren’t enough sapphic historical romances out there! Unfortunately, I didn’t end up enjoying this as much as I hoped. The book is long enough to develop and set up the romance between Harry and Emily but it barely does. While I found the scenes of them once they’re together sweet and even swoon-worthy, they didn’t feel truly earned. It was hard to believe that they were in love enough to put their lives on the line when we didn’t actually get that many scenes developing their relationship.
I enjoyed Emily as a character and her journey to be her true self but Harry annoyed me at times. I think, again, it comes down to there not being enough time dedicated to developing her as a character and her arc.
I would have loved to see Alexander get a true comeuppance. Tweed got his but Alexander got away scot-free - which is maybe realistic for the time period but was annoying. He was truly awful.
Mackenzi Lee's Montague Siblings trilogy was so funny but here I thought the sense of humor was lacking and even awkward at times.
Mackenzi Lee's Montague Siblings trilogy was so funny but here I thought the sense of humor was lacking and even awkward at times.
I appreciated the notes in the back. It’s clear that Lee did a lot of research into the Regency era and romantic relationships between women that took place at that time. I look forward to seeing what she writes next and I hope to enjoy it more!
Lady Like was such a delight to read! I adore Emily and Harry so much. I loved the concept of two women going after the same Duke, but falling in love with each other instead. It was a fresh take from other Regency romances I’ve read before.
The development of Emily and Harry’s relationship felt natural and I adored their banter. Despite being from different worlds, the two are more compatible than they seem. Violet was also wonderful and I enjoyed seeing how much unconditional love and support she had for Emily.
If you’re a fan of Bridgerton and in the market for a sweet, sapphic romance, then this is the perfect book for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group | Dial Press Trade Paperback for an ARC of Lady Like in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This was the most beautiful love story I have read recently! Each step Harry and Emily took to become closer was so much fun! The way they went from hating each other, to becoming friends and then falling for each other was bewitching to see unfold. I love every character in this book, especially Violet, who was the real MVP with helping Emily and having that really important conversation that was able to help Emily understand that she did nothing wrong, and has nothing to feel guilty about.
This book does touch into some deeper topics, SA being one of them, so make sure you are aware of that before reading, but it's dealt with so well. This is my favorite sapphic read of this year! Thank you Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for this arc.
This book does touch into some deeper topics, SA being one of them, so make sure you are aware of that before reading, but it's dealt with so well. This is my favorite sapphic read of this year! Thank you Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for this arc.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Oh my goodness, well…first thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC, I really appreciate this opportunity!
I don’t even know what to say other than I read the entire book in one day, one sitting, one hour… (just kidding..but i wish). I loved reading this book. At first, I felt like I was a bit hesitant and was not too sure of where this story was heading, but not too soon after….I was HOOKED!
The way this author writes of Emily and Harry’s banter/flirting made me kick my feet and giggle, sue me. Oh man, it was so hard to stop smiling between the both of them and I enjoyed every bit of it. One of their first few meetings being Harry fixated with Emily and how her vocabulary was “so blue.”
Their love was so tender and honestly, endearing. I have a couple of quotes I enjoyed, but seeing how much Harry loved Emily’s laugh really did it for me.
“Harry laughs too—mostly at Emily’s wild, infectious cackling, which warms Harry’s whole body like she’s stepped into a sunbeam.” Sign me up!
I’m a bit picky with my five star reads, but I really did love this book. I’m already letting my friends know about it.
The way this author writes of Emily and Harry’s banter/flirting made me kick my feet and giggle, sue me. Oh man, it was so hard to stop smiling between the both of them and I enjoyed every bit of it. One of their first few meetings being Harry fixated with Emily and how her vocabulary was “so blue.”
Their love was so tender and honestly, endearing. I have a couple of quotes I enjoyed, but seeing how much Harry loved Emily’s laugh really did it for me.
“Harry laughs too—mostly at Emily’s wild, infectious cackling, which warms Harry’s whole body like she’s stepped into a sunbeam.” Sign me up!
I’m a bit picky with my five star reads, but I really did love this book. I’m already letting my friends know about it.