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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
informative
mysterious
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Was there chemistry?
🦋🦋🦋
Was the spice any good?
🌶️🌶️🌶️
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexual content, Pregnancy
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Miscarriage, Death of parent, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
This was a far cry from Julia Quinn’s Bridgeton series or the Rokesby series, though I’ve heard this series gets better after this book.
After reading "My Dark Vanessa" it felt weird.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I gave this book four stars the first time I read it, and I'm not sure why? There was nothing inherently wrong with the book, but it was also very much a by the numbers regency romance. I had trouble finishing the book this time around because every conflict was so predictable. There was nothing truly unique to The Secret Diaries or Miranda and Turner's relationship--no spark that truly sets it apart from all the other just-adequate romance novels like it.
Ah well.
Ah well.
I hated this book. This is the 5th book by Julia Quinn that I've read and I just don't think I like her writing. Well I did like the Duke and I. But the others.. not so much.
My problem with this book was 100% Miranda. She has been in love with Turner since she was 10.. for 9 years.. and in those 9 years Turner hasn't looked at her or spoken to her and he married someone else. I do not understand how you can be in love with someone who literally doesn't notice you. He said some kind things to her when she was 10. BFD. Doesn't mean you devote your life to him. It reeks of desperation and I was so embarrassed for her. Reading this made me physically cringe and want to hide my kindle in the closet.
Turner comes off as an asshole.. but is he really? He is 9 years older than his sister and her best friend. Is he really an asshole for not paying attention to her? And even after his wife dies and he turns cold.. is he really at fault? I don't think so. Should he have kissed her that first night? No. But the dude just buried a women he hated and spent all day listening to people talk about how wonderful she was. It's logical that he was emotional.. and drunk. I think that Miranda should have not gone anywhere near him. But she loves him oh so much and can't turn away. Gag me with a spoon.
The only part of this book that was marginally good was the first couple months of their marriage. They were playful and fun but then Miranda gets all weepy about him not saying the words "I love you" Turner pretty much worships the ground she walks on but she is in a fit because he won't voice the words. She had a husband that was devoted to only her (which at that time wasn't normal) and he was sweet and fun and sexy and kind. But nooooo everything is terrible because he can't say that he loves her. I'll take actions over words any day.
What really sucks is I loved Olivia.. I'll probably have to read the next book. I just hope she doesn't turn out to be a little pansy like her friend Miranda.
My problem with this book was 100% Miranda. She has been in love with Turner since she was 10.. for 9 years.. and in those 9 years Turner hasn't looked at her or spoken to her and he married someone else. I do not understand how you can be in love with someone who literally doesn't notice you. He said some kind things to her when she was 10. BFD. Doesn't mean you devote your life to him. It reeks of desperation and I was so embarrassed for her. Reading this made me physically cringe and want to hide my kindle in the closet.
Turner comes off as an asshole.. but is he really? He is 9 years older than his sister and her best friend. Is he really an asshole for not paying attention to her? And even after his wife dies and he turns cold.. is he really at fault? I don't think so. Should he have kissed her that first night? No. But the dude just buried a women he hated and spent all day listening to people talk about how wonderful she was. It's logical that he was emotional.. and drunk. I think that Miranda should have not gone anywhere near him. But she loves him oh so much and can't turn away. Gag me with a spoon.
The only part of this book that was marginally good was the first couple months of their marriage. They were playful and fun but then Miranda gets all weepy about him not saying the words "I love you" Turner pretty much worships the ground she walks on but she is in a fit because he won't voice the words. She had a husband that was devoted to only her (which at that time wasn't normal) and he was sweet and fun and sexy and kind. But nooooo everything is terrible because he can't say that he loves her. I'll take actions over words any day.
What really sucks is I loved Olivia.. I'll probably have to read the next book. I just hope she doesn't turn out to be a little pansy like her friend Miranda.