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embroidery_by_booklover's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Grief, Sexual content, Classism, Death of parent, and Forced institutionalization
theboricuabookworm's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Always Be My Duchess was the first book by Amalie that I had read and I was so excited to get an advanced copy of Never Met a Duke Like You and continue with this series! I've said it before and I will keep saying it but I trust Amalie to write a fun, diverse, and well-researched romp every single time. From the delectable tension that Aspen and Vesper had to the always loved friendships I flew through this. Many authors will provide beginning of banter but the follow through just doesn't cut like it should, and when this two were trading barbs I felt like I was watching a tennis match, edge of my seat, who would get the last word.
I especially appreciated how much effort and care Amalie put into exposing the abhorrent treatment of the mentally ill as well as the different ways that these laws were wielded without oversight. I wish we had gotten a little more follow up with the Dowager Duchess as well as how things played out in parliament. But not enough historical romance will explore this side of history, especially if we look at the institutionalization rates amongst minorities and marginalized peoples of this time. I cannot read ignorant historical romance and Amalie will not disappoint in this regard.
I cannot wait for Briar and Lushing's book!
Thank you Netgalley and Forever for my eArc!
I especially appreciated how much effort and care Amalie put into exposing the abhorrent treatment of the mentally ill as well as the different ways that these laws were wielded without oversight. I wish we had gotten a little more follow up with the Dowager Duchess as well as how things played out in parliament. But not enough historical romance will explore this side of history, especially if we look at the institutionalization rates amongst minorities and marginalized peoples of this time. I cannot read ignorant historical romance and Amalie will not disappoint in this regard.
I cannot wait for Briar and Lushing's book!
Thank you Netgalley and Forever for my eArc!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Confinement, Mental illness, Sexual content, and Gaslighting
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
savvyrosereads's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A solid and cute follow-up to ALWAYS BE MY DUCHESS with some great feminist overtones. Overall I really enjoy this series so far and look forward to seeing it continue! Full review to come.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Sexism, Mental illness, and Death of parent
ktdakotareads's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Confinement, and Death
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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