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jenniferbbookdragon's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A wonderful mix of humor, social critique, and historical romance, with a neurodivergent heroine and strong social justice themes. I knew that in the past, it was relatively easy to commit someone to an asylum (especially women whose husband's find them difficult) but this story cast the issue in a different light.
Despite serious topics, there are plenty of fun moments and a couple of spicy scenes to balance the story. I enjoyed the witty dialogue and the misadventures of a cat added to the excitement.
Despite serious topics, there are plenty of fun moments and a couple of spicy scenes to balance the story. I enjoyed the witty dialogue and the misadventures of a cat added to the excitement.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Classism, Sexual content, Bullying, Sexism, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death of parent, Confinement, Domestic abuse, and Ableism
Minor: Pregnancy
bookishmillennial's review
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all. Everyone’s reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
“Hours later, Aspen was still seething from a potent cocktail of anger, lust, and powerlessness.”
^^ hahaha this man is *suffering* because of how bad he has it for our unattainable FMC!!!!
Another absolute romp of a new adult historical romance from Amalie Howard! The Hellfire Kitties are probably one of my favorite series of hers. I loved the tension between Vesper & Aspen — it was delectable. Aspen’s passion for fossils and archaeology was so neat, & Vesper’s aspirations to help local children only added to her being one of my favorite characters of Howard’s.
Howard’s author’s note at the very end discusses research she conducted for this novel, which includes the very abhorrent practices that were able to carry on, due to the Lunacy Acts, especially with regards to how women or any neurodivergent or person experiencing mental health struggles were mistreated. I also enjoyed learning about the Ragged School Union, which was founded in England in 1844 to provide free education to underprivileged, impoverished children.
-second chance romance
-headstrong, self-assured, independent FMC who has zero interest in marriage/partnership for herself
-ADHD/neurodivergent representation
-matchmaking (it’s why people call this an Emma/Clueless retelling, but I think it really stands on its own & could do without the constant pointing to those two!)
-a lil occupational, existential crisis (millennials can relate)
-so much angry banter & sexual tension
-nicknames: Aspen calls Vesper “Viper” lmao😅🤭
-sex in public places
steam rating: 3/5
see content warnings below!
Another absolute romp of a new adult historical romance from Amalie Howard! The Hellfire Kitties are probably one of my favorite series of hers. I loved the tension between Vesper & Aspen — it was delectable. Aspen’s passion for fossils and archaeology was so neat, & Vesper’s aspirations to help local children only added to her being one of my favorite characters of Howard’s.
Howard’s author’s note at the very end discusses research she conducted for this novel, which includes the very abhorrent practices that were able to carry on, due to the Lunacy Acts, especially with regards to how women or any neurodivergent or person experiencing mental health struggles were mistreated. I also enjoyed learning about the Ragged School Union, which was founded in England in 1844 to provide free education to underprivileged, impoverished children.
-second chance romance
-headstrong, self-assured, independent FMC who has zero interest in marriage/partnership for herself
-ADHD/neurodivergent representation
-matchmaking (it’s why people call this an Emma/Clueless retelling, but I think it really stands on its own & could do without the constant pointing to those two!)
-a lil occupational, existential crisis (millennials can relate)
-so much angry banter & sexual tension
-nicknames: Aspen calls Vesper “Viper” lmao😅🤭
-sex in public places
steam rating: 3/5
see content warnings below!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Confinement, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Sexual content, Classism, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
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