You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange of an honest review!
I hadn’t read a historical romance in quite some time, so this was a fresh read for me!
I truly loved Lucy and Anthony’s story. The first half was full of intrigue and slow-burn romance that had me on my toes, and while the next 20% ish was a bit slow and perhaps confusing, the last 30% was AMAZING! It came full circle and answered (with a lot of drama, which was great) every question and bit of loose end that for a little while, I was scared was going to remain hanging like it often happens in books of this genre.
I loved Lucy’s character. She was wild and opinionated, artistic and very authentic. I loved how the author didn’t make her be “the most beautiful girl” or “the most talented girl”. She was often described as ordinary and even when painting, she struggled to find her own mark and sometimes ended with pieces she didn’t like. Her flaws and normality were very appealing and made the story all the more real.
Now, Anthony was a very interesting character. Usually men in historical romances are described as washed out versions of Mr. Darcy, yet Anthony was very unique. While he did struggle with sobriety and certainly had his own demons to overcome, he was always quick to smile and help others - never shying away from showing softness. That was particularly so attractive of him and I loved that!
Their chemistry and interaction from moment one was palpable from the page and remained so throughout the book. I loved that there wasn’t much miscommunication trope (I hate that) and they talked about things with much candor.
It was overall very refreshing, daring and really sweet!!!!
I hadn’t read a historical romance in quite some time, so this was a fresh read for me!
I truly loved Lucy and Anthony’s story. The first half was full of intrigue and slow-burn romance that had me on my toes, and while the next 20% ish was a bit slow and perhaps confusing, the last 30% was AMAZING! It came full circle and answered (with a lot of drama, which was great) every question and bit of loose end that for a little while, I was scared was going to remain hanging like it often happens in books of this genre.
I loved Lucy’s character. She was wild and opinionated, artistic and very authentic. I loved how the author didn’t make her be “the most beautiful girl” or “the most talented girl”. She was often described as ordinary and even when painting, she struggled to find her own mark and sometimes ended with pieces she didn’t like. Her flaws and normality were very appealing and made the story all the more real.
Now, Anthony was a very interesting character. Usually men in historical romances are described as washed out versions of Mr. Darcy, yet Anthony was very unique. While he did struggle with sobriety and certainly had his own demons to overcome, he was always quick to smile and help others - never shying away from showing softness. That was particularly so attractive of him and I loved that!
Their chemistry and interaction from moment one was palpable from the page and remained so throughout the book. I loved that there wasn’t much miscommunication trope (I hate that) and they talked about things with much candor.
It was overall very refreshing, daring and really sweet!!!!
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Forced institutionalization
Minor: Suicide
adventurous
funny
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
hopeful
medium-paced
This was a really clever premise. Also I live how his dyslexia (I’m assuming) was shown in this book, and it is interesting to see how people dealt with being neurodivergent in the past.
I also see that Lowell is setting up for a book series, as that side characters to up quite a few pages. I’m curious to see If a book will be made about Lucy’s friend.
I also see that Lowell is setting up for a book series, as that side characters to up quite a few pages. I’m curious to see If a book will be made about Lucy’s friend.
adventurous
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There were a lot of things I liked about this book. I enjoyed each of the main characters separately and liked their individual growth; however, I did not feel the chemistry between them for the romance elements. It didn’t seem to fit into the rest of the book for me.
I loved the setting of the art school and seeing the fight for equality in the women’s education. I also liked seeing the differences between the classes and discussion of the negative effects of British colonization (which tends to be ignored in a LOT of historical romance).
I loved the setting of the art school and seeing the fight for equality in the women’s education. I also liked seeing the differences between the classes and discussion of the negative effects of British colonization (which tends to be ignored in a LOT of historical romance).
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The writing is bad. The story is silly. I hated it and skipped most of it from the middle to the end.
challenging
emotional
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