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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
3.5 stars
I enjoyed the premise of this book (Lucy stumbles across a naked man and paints him), but I was frustrated with the drama between Anthony's inheritance and Mr. Yardley. Some parts of the book's plot felt unfinished at the end of the book. Lucy's personality and independence was a great match for Anthony. Fans of [a:Evie Dunmore|18775709|Evie Dunmore|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1548783382p2/18775709.jpg] will enjoy this book.
I enjoyed the premise of this book (Lucy stumbles across a naked man and paints him), but I was frustrated with the drama between Anthony's inheritance and Mr. Yardley. Some parts of the book's plot felt unfinished at the end of the book. Lucy's personality and independence was a great match for Anthony. Fans of [a:Evie Dunmore|18775709|Evie Dunmore|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1548783382p2/18775709.jpg] will enjoy this book.
one of my personal favorites in its class
I’ve read more than a handful Victorian/regency novels in the past week. This one has been my favorite. It was expected but also unexpected. More than once did I stop and pause and say out loud, “oh this is good”.
I’ve read more than a handful Victorian/regency novels in the past week. This one has been my favorite. It was expected but also unexpected. More than once did I stop and pause and say out loud, “oh this is good”.
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Good enough to fill the Bridgerton-shaped hole in my heart for a day, but certainly not the most entertaining historical romance I've read.
Uma premissa interessante, uma estudante de artes na era vitoriana ,porém um tédio e o casal é chato e sem química,o alcoolismo um tópico pobremente desenvolvido ...
dark
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So, I had received a digital ARC from NetGalley, but then I got caught up in so many other books that the publishing date for this book came and went. Then I was able to get the audiobook on Libby (Overdrive), and Mary Jane Wells’ narration is AMAZING.
There are a lot of complexities here, and it might turn off people who are looking for something moving at a simpler and faster pace. It’s not just about a duke trying to keep any scandals under wraps until his 30th birthday when he’s free of his father’s codicil—which a nude painting of him by an aspiring Shoreditch artist, inspired from her finding him naked and passed out drunk in an alleyway, doesn’t help. And yes, there are the usual issues of class and sexism and the yoke of ancestral responsibilities. But there’s also the story of trauma and how it clearly shapes Anthony and Lucy’s lives. The trauma of dysfunctional families, alcoholism, mental illness, and power dynamics—especially against women—that if not for Mary Jane Wells’ narration could’ve brought this book to a screeching halt for me. Anthony truly struggled with his demons, and it was refreshing to see someone know better than to give into them and yet he still did, anyway, longer than any plot arc would allow him to. It’s about Lucy not just fighting for her gender, but for her career, and her neighborhood, even when society says that as a low-born woman she just needs to put up with what life gives her. And when shocking, heartbreaking realizations continue to dawn on Anthony like crashing waves, it’s learning how to stay strong and keep loving in the face of what was robbed from him and his family. I think it’s worth the read.
There are a lot of complexities here, and it might turn off people who are looking for something moving at a simpler and faster pace. It’s not just about a duke trying to keep any scandals under wraps until his 30th birthday when he’s free of his father’s codicil—which a nude painting of him by an aspiring Shoreditch artist, inspired from her finding him naked and passed out drunk in an alleyway, doesn’t help. And yes, there are the usual issues of class and sexism and the yoke of ancestral responsibilities. But there’s also the story of trauma and how it clearly shapes Anthony and Lucy’s lives. The trauma of dysfunctional families, alcoholism, mental illness, and power dynamics—especially against women—that if not for Mary Jane Wells’ narration could’ve brought this book to a screeching halt for me. Anthony truly struggled with his demons, and it was refreshing to see someone know better than to give into them and yet he still did, anyway, longer than any plot arc would allow him to. It’s about Lucy not just fighting for her gender, but for her career, and her neighborhood, even when society says that as a low-born woman she just needs to put up with what life gives her. And when shocking, heartbreaking realizations continue to dawn on Anthony like crashing waves, it’s learning how to stay strong and keep loving in the face of what was robbed from him and his family. I think it’s worth the read.
adventurous
emotional
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
emotional
funny
lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Really enjoyed this one. It had an interesting and original premise and wasn't afraid to go its own way. One of the things that makes this better than most romance novels is it wasn't afraid to go into some dark places. For instance the male love interest is an alcoholic. Many are the romances I have read that have a 'dark and brooding' love interest but that never comes across as interesting to me because their troubles feel unrealistic or too many steps removed from modern life. Someone struggling with alcoholism is very realistic and accessible to a modern reader. The female protagonist's struggle against the sexist ideals that govern her time and make it almost impossible to advance her career feel very real. Not only that but her struggle to balance pursuing her passion, taking care of her family, struggling to keep a roof over her head, and also not get dragged into her love interest's alcoholism was relatable in every way. I would also like to point out how the author was pragmatic in showing us how much women who were deemed uncontrollable by society were treated. I won't write more because of spoilers but the author unflinchingly depicted what happened to women who used their agency or suffered from mental illness during this time period. Not many authors who write historical romances touch on these subjects, everything is dashing dukes and waltzes in ballrooms. Kudos to this author for going beyond the surface of a typical regency romance. I highly recommend and will be looking forward to more of her works.