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reeyabeegale's review against another edition
3.0
Based from how easily Oliver warmed up to Christina, one would easily argue he's not a grumpy recluse. I don't mind honestly because I liked Oliver, I love reading about characters who are dealing with disabilities since it inspires strength. However, I was led to believe that he was a recluse and pretty much dislikes contact with the outside world, yet after his first encounter with Christina, he developed a liking to her.
The story felt so rushed, especially towards the last two chapters. I wouldn't wish for Oliver to suffer, but how it was resolved and dealt with was anticlimactic. I hated the injustice done to him, but the resolution was too simple for my liking.
Lastly, I couldn't give this book a higher rating because of Christina. I can tolerate a shy woman or a wallflower, but she didn't grow throughout the book. There was a lack of empowerment and growth in her character, which I find upsetting. There were a few scenes that offered glimpses of possible strength in her, but it faltered. I wish she would have stood up for herself and was able to show more spine when trying to help Oliver with his case. This is an important factor for me since I adore historical romances because of women empowerment - such was hard to come by in reality during their time, and that's why it's important for me to read about strong female leads even if there's less truth and reality in them (from that time period).
I love The Devil from Downtown because that had such a strong female lead, and in that regard, this book miserably failed. Nonetheless, it's still a good book, Christina's lack of growth and personality is tolerable. I'm looking forward to reading her other books from this series soon.
teatime_and_reading's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
leafonthewind's review against another edition
- 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
caitieparker's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
woodland's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
iskanderjonesiv's review against another edition
4.0
Joanna Shupe returns to New York City’s Gilded Age, where fortunes and reputations are gained and lost with ease—and love can blossom from the most unlikely charade
With the fate of her disgraced family resting on her shoulders, Lady Christina Barclay has arrived in New York City from London to quickly secure a wealthy husband. But when her parents settle on an intolerable suitor, Christina turns to her reclusive neighbor, a darkly handsome and utterly compelling inventor, for help.
Oliver Hawkes reluctantly agrees to a platonic marriage . . . with his own condition: The marriage must end after one year. Not only does Oliver face challenges that are certain to make life as his wife difficult, but more importantly, he refuses to be distracted from his life’s work—the development of a revolutionary device that could transform thousands of lives, including his own.
Much to his surprise, his bride is more beguiling than he imagined. When temptation burns hot between them, they realize they must overcome their own secrets and doubts, and every effort to undermine their marriage, because one year can never be enough.
erinreadsalot's review against another edition
nellesnightstand1's review against another edition
5.0
I love learning thing and the setting of the 1900s in NYC is perfect. Government corruption, the society is different and the hero has a disability and so does the heroine to an extent.
When will I get Frank's story!!!
laurazdavidson's review against another edition
5.0