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hodanayan's review against another edition
lighthearted
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
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, and Abandonment
readwithde's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I wasn't expecting this book, but I think it was worth the read.
First, Phillip spends the majority of the book dealing with undue weight of responsibility on him -- things he neither expected or wanted, but dealt with as needed.Primarily his brother's death leading to his marriage to Marina and her attempted suicide, which leads to her death.
Eloise is obviously an escape for him -- both a chance to be seen and heard, but more practically someone to ease his load and shoulder some responsibility for his home and children. And Eloise does not appreciate the seeming bait-and-switch effect this causes.
The primary conflict stems from this: Phillip has no example of a good father and no practice being a good husband. He is lonely, desperate, and traumatized. Eloise doesn't automatically fix everything, but her ability to listen, love, and take charge give him just enough breathing room to manage his own issues, though other events help him along.
There's quite a lot of kissing and passion, more so than the other books, as Phillip uses that to avoid emotions and words. It is honestly more Phillip's story than Eloise's, as her undergoes the most changes and self-discovery.
Emotional, but good story; would have loved more of Eloise's spunk, as her character was often drown out due to others' needs.
First, Phillip spends the majority of the book dealing with undue weight of responsibility on him -- things he neither expected or wanted, but dealt with as needed.
Eloise is obviously an escape for him -- both a chance to be seen and heard, but more practically someone to ease his load and shoulder some responsibility for his home and children. And Eloise does not appreciate the seeming bait-and-switch effect this causes.
The primary conflict stems from this: Phillip has no example of a good father and no practice being a good husband. He is lonely, desperate, and traumatized. Eloise doesn't automatically fix everything, but her ability to listen, love, and take charge give him just enough breathing room to manage his own issues, though other events help him along.
There's quite a lot of kissing and passion, more so than the other books, as Phillip uses that to avoid emotions and words. It is honestly more Phillip's story than Eloise's, as her undergoes the most changes and self-discovery.
Emotional, but good story; would have loved more of Eloise's spunk, as her character was often drown out due to others' needs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Abandonment, Death, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual content
Minor: Child abuse, Toxic relationship, and Violence
kirbylover16's review
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Really don't like how the book frames Marina or Eloise. Eloise is an outgoing almost modern girl and her story is don't push your husband, Stop talking. Sir Phillip has so much baggage and both Elosie and Philip tell themselves that he owns Elosie now. Also since there's no lady whistledown anymore they use Elosie's letters which could have worked if they were more focused. Like I don't care about one sentence from Elosie from years ago talking about her sisters' relationships. I was more interested in the letters between Elosie and sir Philip.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Chronic illness, and Death of parent
Moderate: Alcohol, Body horror, Body shaming, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Mental illness
Minor: Rape and Suicide attempt
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