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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Review to come soon.
Update 26.05.2019
I had written the review a couple of days after finishing the book and posted the same on my blog but forgot to update here. So here you go.
Originally published on Hina Loves To Read
It is a 3.5 book for me.
Julia Quinn is one of my favorite romance authors; someone whose books I buy without even reading the synopsis. You may not believe this but I had refrained from reading the synopsis of this book ever since it was posted. I do that sometimes as synopsis in themselves are spoilers at times.
Back to the story. I enjoyed it very much. It kept me engaged throughout. You may wonder if that is the case, why is that one ship knocked off from the rating. Following is why.
- Stockholm syndrome: This is not cool. If you lock up a person and there is only way (or two – the other being a kid) contact, attachment is somehow the conclusion. I understand why Andrew may have done it, but I do not have to like it.
- The scene where Poppy and Andrew meet for the first time: I realize that I must take the context in to account and this was the way things happened back in the 18th century but WOMEN ARE NOT THINGS for crying out loud! I hated Andrew in that moment!
- Andrew’s Job: Though you find it out real early in the story, I am not writing it here as many may take it as a a spoiler. Why this point is on the list? I wanted more information on that front. What he really did was mentioned as a passing thought instead.
- The unnecessary and the rush: Can’t help it but write it in here (it may be taken as a spoiler so caution required).
Now, let’s get to what I liked / loved about the story and the characters.
- Poppy’s passion for learning: I loved it that this woman was going against the norms of the day and making it known that a man and a woman equally deserved to be educated. I loved that she continued with her education – even if it is informal. She believes that she grows as a person with what she learns and that is what is the most important thing anyway.
- Poppy’s curious nature: Curiosity may kill the cat but I understand what role it plays in a person’s life because I am way too curious by nature. Always looking in to the Whys and Hows of everything, I found Poppy’s penchant for the same as something relate-able and comforting.
- The story line: Even with the Stockholm syndrome (discussed above) and the rush in the end (also discussed above), the story kept me engaged and I wanted to know how these two will find their happily ever after. Following happen to be a few of my favorite scenes from the story.
- The Stars and The Sea: The scene where Poppy and Andrew are on the foremost part of the ship (I may as well say it, I have forgotten the name of the place but I remember it had beak in its name). The scene was beautiful and sweet. Made me go awww.
- The Puzzle: It is no secret that I am a fan of crosswords and puzzles. That scene where Poppy works on putting the World Map puzzle together made it to my favorites for all the passion of puzzles and excitement of putting something together that was clear from the words.
Update 26.05.2019
I had written the review a couple of days after finishing the book and posted the same on my blog but forgot to update here. So here you go.
Originally published on Hina Loves To Read
It is a 3.5 book for me.
Julia Quinn is one of my favorite romance authors; someone whose books I buy without even reading the synopsis. You may not believe this but I had refrained from reading the synopsis of this book ever since it was posted. I do that sometimes as synopsis in themselves are spoilers at times.
Back to the story. I enjoyed it very much. It kept me engaged throughout. You may wonder if that is the case, why is that one ship knocked off from the rating. Following is why.
- Stockholm syndrome: This is not cool. If you lock up a person and there is only way (or two – the other being a kid) contact, attachment is somehow the conclusion. I understand why Andrew may have done it, but I do not have to like it.
- The scene where Poppy and Andrew meet for the first time: I realize that I must take the context in to account and this was the way things happened back in the 18th century but WOMEN ARE NOT THINGS for crying out loud! I hated Andrew in that moment!
- Andrew’s Job: Though you find it out real early in the story, I am not writing it here as many may take it as a a spoiler. Why this point is on the list? I wanted more information on that front. What he really did was mentioned as a passing thought instead.
- The unnecessary and the rush: Can’t help it but write it in here (it may be taken as a spoiler so caution required).
Spoiler
The second kidnapping seemed forced. I don’t think it was necessarily required the way the story was progressing prior to it. The story after the second kidnapping (and rescue) seemed rushed. As is the author did not know how to finish the story and wanted to complete it anyway! As if that was not enough, the tell all scene with the family lacked intensity and passion. The family’s reaction was not even there! You can’t have stories in isolation that way! If I am reading about people in a situation, I want to know what went through everyone’s mind!Now, let’s get to what I liked / loved about the story and the characters.
- Poppy’s passion for learning: I loved it that this woman was going against the norms of the day and making it known that a man and a woman equally deserved to be educated. I loved that she continued with her education – even if it is informal. She believes that she grows as a person with what she learns and that is what is the most important thing anyway.
- Poppy’s curious nature: Curiosity may kill the cat but I understand what role it plays in a person’s life because I am way too curious by nature. Always looking in to the Whys and Hows of everything, I found Poppy’s penchant for the same as something relate-able and comforting.
- The story line: Even with the Stockholm syndrome (discussed above) and the rush in the end (also discussed above), the story kept me engaged and I wanted to know how these two will find their happily ever after. Following happen to be a few of my favorite scenes from the story.
- The Stars and The Sea: The scene where Poppy and Andrew are on the foremost part of the ship (I may as well say it, I have forgotten the name of the place but I remember it had beak in its name). The scene was beautiful and sweet. Made me go awww.
- The Puzzle: It is no secret that I am a fan of crosswords and puzzles. That scene where Poppy works on putting the World Map puzzle together made it to my favorites for all the passion of puzzles and excitement of putting something together that was clear from the words.
adventurous
funny
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:
No
More of a 3.5
My first escapade into Romance. For the most part it was charming and enjoyable. The dialogue was fun and witty. Quinn seems cognizant of the Stockholmness vibe and puts a mirror up to the captain so that he gains so sort of an epiphany. It gets “mature” briefly, not really my thing, but it is a romance so it’s to be expected. Thought it ended rather quickly, Quinn probably could have played with the characters a bit more once they were both back in England. Have Poppy feign interest in the captain’s brother, play coy, make small comments the rest of the characters would be puzzled over.
My first escapade into Romance. For the most part it was charming and enjoyable. The dialogue was fun and witty. Quinn seems cognizant of the Stockholmness vibe and puts a mirror up to the captain so that he gains so sort of an epiphany. It gets “mature” briefly, not really my thing, but it is a romance so it’s to be expected. Thought it ended rather quickly, Quinn probably could have played with the characters a bit more once they were both back in England. Have Poppy feign interest in the captain’s brother, play coy, make small comments the rest of the characters would be puzzled over.
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Of all of Julia Quinn's novels, this is one of my favorites. The story is unique in environment and the characters have a wit that makes for encaptured reading. My only complaint is the ending felt rushed and I would have liked to see it play out more, especially with the family.
I've had really big hopes for this book but unfortunately, it's been a little disappointment. I really loved Andrew as a second character in the first book of the series and I couldn't wait for him to get his own book but once we've got it.. Well, I might just be that person who doesn't like Stockholm syndrome but because of this trope, the whole romance was not easy for me to relate to. Also, I really hate the title - I know that it meant to acknowledge that this is Bridgerton prequel but I just feel like Poppy shouldn't be 'the other'. Anyways, the whole series is quite good so if you want to have the full picture, you can read this one.
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
hopeful
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:
No