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deestarod's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
emilyveryromance's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was a wonderfully adventurous story about an absolute simp and the woman he could never possibly deserve, but who miraculously falls for him. Elle is one of the most incredible, brilliant, competent heroines I’ve encountered in any story ever, and it makes all the sense in the world that Malcolm would take one look at her and just be a goner. I didn’t expect the book to be as successful at selling me on her love for him, but a super emotional final act absolutely sealed the deal.
bookishmichs's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ohheyandi's review against another edition
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
An absolutely thrilling read! I loved Elle and Malcolm, both as individuals and as a couple. I thought the pacing suited the story, though was a bit too fast for my taste. One of my usual critiques of romance novels is that the plot will get in the way of the romance. On the other hand, one of my critiques of non-romance books is that the romance will get in the way of the plot. This does neither. The story is greatly enhanced by the romance, and the romance is informed by the story. Overall, I enjoyed this thoroughly and will be reading the rest (hopefully very soon!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Slavery, Racism, and Racial slurs
kimapede's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
feliciasrose's review against another edition
4.0
These two were so easy to root for. I enjoyed watching this story progress and for once it made me think I could actually be a historical romance girlie. I can easily imagine myself reading this book 20 years from now and still enjoying it.
allytmacd's review against another edition
3.0
I have this thing with straight romances where I always think the man sucks. This man sucks. I couldn't for the life of me figure out what Elle saw in Malcolm. The stakes for their relationship were so incredibly high and Malcolm seemed to have so little regard for how the consequences for Elle would be monumentally worse. I wish the story either leaned more into the espionage of it all or worked harder to make the romance more believable. In general, there is a significant amount of suspension of disbelief needed to make this book work. I had a tricky time getting there.
prisreadallnight's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookloverjenn's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
ccreadz's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I don't think I like the enemies to lover's trope all that much. maybe it's bc the hatred doesn't feel real to me since I know they'll end up together anyway this book was OK overall I understood the main character's feelings of racial guilt" about falling in love with a white man but thats about it. This book didn't really touch me.