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maisyreads1817's review against another edition
4.0
I can’t believe this is a debut, yes a few things need development but this was brilliant.
A revenge story is always tricky as it risks characters being irredeemable and thus unlikeable. This had the balance right of the revenge being justified but somehow not ruin characters (even if it gets a bit farcical).
The relationship was full of angst but still well developed. I did get a bit of whiplash from how quickly there emotions would change scene to scene but I get that was meant to be part of the turmoil. I would have liked to see more of the MMC backstory than just the bits we got at the end. All the characters feel well fleshed out and real fully rounded people.
I can’t wait to read on in the series as the characters have been so well set up (without taking over from the main couple).
A revenge story is always tricky as it risks characters being irredeemable and thus unlikeable. This had the balance right of the revenge being justified but somehow not ruin characters (even if it gets a bit farcical).
The relationship was full of angst but still well developed. I did get a bit of whiplash from how quickly there emotions would change scene to scene but I get that was meant to be part of the turmoil. I would have liked to see more of the MMC backstory than just the bits we got at the end. All the characters feel well fleshed out and real fully rounded people.
I can’t wait to read on in the series as the characters have been so well set up (without taking over from the main couple).
bookwife's review against another edition
1.0
I honestly hated this book. I hate the manipulation and I hated the characters.
I’m going to try the next book because this series has been recommended to me so many times but this was not a good start.
I’m going to try the next book because this series has been recommended to me so many times but this was not a good start.
alisonb's review against another edition
4.0
My first time reading this book resulted in a five star review.
Upon a second read-three years later-I’m giving it a solid four stars. I love tension and this had it in spades, although the romantic development left a bit to be desired.
Upon a second read-three years later-I’m giving it a solid four stars. I love tension and this had it in spades, although the romantic development left a bit to be desired.
karlainromancelandia's review against another edition
2.0
These two MCs were insufferable dodos and I still haven’t read a revenge plot book I liked
Edit as I read Beguiling the Beauty right after and that’s a revenge book I LOVE
Edit as I read Beguiling the Beauty right after and that’s a revenge book I LOVE
farisainherfeels's review against another edition
3.0
On my reread, Victoria is still TSTL and I remain an Atherbourne apologist.
bookbruin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I enjoyed this one overall, but I didn't feel that the revenge plot made the most sense in the story. Lucien's plan was such an indirect way of exacting his vengeance that it almost felt silly. The revenge trope in general can be tricky, but I usually enjoy the tension and angst it brings out. It also helps that the MC seeking revenge is unable to do anything but fall head over heels in love with the other MC ;)
The story flowed well and it kept me reading, but I did feel that the revenge plot lasted too long. Lucien was also a bit too territorial and possessive for me, but watching him fall in love (and be so confused by these intense feelings) was the best. The big twist/reveal was heartbreaking, but it didn't feel fully finished since the true "villain" seemed to just walk away. Perhaps this will be addressed in future books, but I'm not sure how that character will ever be redeemed. I also wish that Lucien and Victoria would have just talked to each other instead of relying on outside sources to meddle and reunite them at the end, but the epilogue left my heart happy. It also planted seeds for the next book and I'm excited to see Victoria's brother, Harrison, fall hard for bookish and shy Jane.
The narration by Mary Sara was really enjoyable and I thought she did a great job with all of the different voices.
Audiobook Review
Overall 3.5 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 3 stars
OW/OM notes: The FMC is engaged to another man at the start of the novel, but cheats on him/is compromised by the MMC. No OW/OM after the two MC's become involved, but there are mentions of the MMC's previous mistress
The story flowed well and it kept me reading, but I did feel that the revenge plot lasted too long. Lucien was also a bit too territorial and possessive for me, but watching him fall in love (and be so confused by these intense feelings) was the best. The big twist/reveal was heartbreaking, but it didn't feel fully finished since the true "villain" seemed to just walk away. Perhaps this will be addressed in future books, but I'm not sure how that character will ever be redeemed. I also wish that Lucien and Victoria would have just talked to each other instead of relying on outside sources to meddle and reunite them at the end, but the epilogue left my heart happy. It also planted seeds for the next book and I'm excited to see Victoria's brother, Harrison, fall hard for bookish and shy Jane.
The narration by Mary Sara was really enjoyable and I thought she did a great job with all of the different voices.
Audiobook Review
Overall 3.5 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 3 stars
OW/OM notes: The FMC is engaged to another man at the start of the novel, but cheats on him/is compromised by the MMC. No OW/OM after the two MC's become involved, but there are mentions of the MMC's previous mistress
Content Warnings
CW: death of parents (past), death of siblings (past, suicide and duel related), grief, war injury & PTSD, childhood riding accident resulting in fear of horses/riding, FMC has an alcoholic brother
turnerjoylynch's review against another edition
2.0
The premise of this book is flimsy, as other reviewers have aptly pointed out. The male MC is stuck on a poorly thought though plan for revenge, confused by his inability to fully carry it out because of emerging feelings for the heroine, blah blah. The characters are flat, mostly. What makes this book interesting is the stage it sets for the following books of the series — books with better premises and more ground for believable attractions and motivations, and to varying degrees, better characters.
The sex is exciting and passionate. It’s hard to believe that with absolutely no previous encouragement, experience, intoxication, or literally even a conversation that Victoria would have a passionate encounter on an open terrace with a man she’s never met before. There are some interesting conversations regarding the Viscount’s circumstances and loss and grief that sort of explain the flimsiness of his plan for revenge. It’s touching to see him move through the stages of grief. It’s all very readable, if a touch unbelievable. You get frustrated. I believe that’s the point.
What the author does well is establish the influence of the connecting character of the (9?) book series — Lady Wallingham, a diminutive woman of great social stature who only gets details of her past disclosed in the 9th book of the series. I very much enjoyed Lady Wallingham’s insistent correspondence or comments in the beginning of every chapter, especially as plot points are foreshadowed or explained across the series. At first they seem inconsequential except to establish her as society’s most interfering dowager; then you notice the tidbits relate to the network of relationships between characters, and you dismiss them less and less with every chapter. Soon, they become a welcome friend.
The sex is exciting and passionate. It’s hard to believe that with absolutely no previous encouragement, experience, intoxication, or literally even a conversation that Victoria would have a passionate encounter on an open terrace with a man she’s never met before. There are some interesting conversations regarding the Viscount’s circumstances and loss and grief that sort of explain the flimsiness of his plan for revenge. It’s touching to see him move through the stages of grief. It’s all very readable, if a touch unbelievable. You get frustrated. I believe that’s the point.
What the author does well is establish the influence of the connecting character of the (9?) book series — Lady Wallingham, a diminutive woman of great social stature who only gets details of her past disclosed in the 9th book of the series. I very much enjoyed Lady Wallingham’s insistent correspondence or comments in the beginning of every chapter, especially as plot points are foreshadowed or explained across the series. At first they seem inconsequential except to establish her as society’s most interfering dowager; then you notice the tidbits relate to the network of relationships between characters, and you dismiss them less and less with every chapter. Soon, they become a welcome friend.