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riskyduck's review against another edition
3.0
Chase crafts some gorgeous characters and sensible plot that makes this a solidly enjoyable book.
Leila is admirable and Ismal's a good match to teach her how to enjoy life.
Francis plays the villain in death through his poisonous actions/words. Chase succeeds here much better than most authors, who try to make their rampaging, knife/gun wielding, plot perpetuators scary, but end up seeming silly, boring, and ineffectual.
For one novel to have both a good villain and ending is rare enough; throw in an adorable, intriguing couple and you've got a lovely 3 hours of escape waiting to be read.
Leila is admirable and Ismal's a good match to teach her how to enjoy life.
Francis plays the villain in death through his poisonous actions/words. Chase succeeds here much better than most authors, who try to make their rampaging, knife/gun wielding, plot perpetuators scary, but end up seeming silly, boring, and ineffectual.
For one novel to have both a good villain and ending is rare enough; throw in an adorable, intriguing couple and you've got a lovely 3 hours of escape waiting to be read.
seeinghowitgoes's review against another edition
3.0
Loretta Chase builds these multi faceted stories, layer upon layer of backstories, characters and romance. It's a murder mystery with roots from a decade in the past, of a beautiful widow and her story.
diaryofthebookdragon's review against another edition
2.0
I started reading this expecting just another historical romance novel, but I was surprised to discover that romance tale was secondary to a very intriguing murder plot. This book keeps you guessing right until the end.
ashleyreadsanything's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
relaxing
slow-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
3.5
yourbookishbff's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
The love story? Enjoyed it. The rampant homophobia and biphobia (coding all villains as bi was really my line, but then we also just had blatant homophobic slurs and commentary that went mostly unchallenged on page) - rough going. This commentary becomes deeply interwoven in the characterization and is never fully unpacked and is only briefly challenged once on page. I would not actively recommend this to anyone not committed to reading her entire backlist.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Emotional abuse, Murder, Sexual content, Cultural appropriation, Death, Homophobia, and Infidelity
Moderate: Abandonment, Racial slurs, Racism, Islamophobia, and Death of parent
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Infertility
zombi's review against another edition
1.0
It pains me to 1 star this book because actually, I liked Ismal a lot and I enjoyed the book — but the homophobia and biphobia in here is TOO MUCH. It is unforgivable.
Encounter counter: 5.5ish
Encounter counter: 5.5ish
spiringvenus's review against another edition
2.0
Ismal you get yourself into the weirdest situations. Leila you need to calm down. I liked Red Lion's Daughter more.
emrlane's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
4.0
itabar's review against another edition
3.0
I first read it years ago, and remembered really liking it so gave it 5 stars when I first joinded GR. A re-read via audio, didn't hold up the 5 star rating. Audios don't allow you to skim so I have a lot of trouble listening to romances.
Chase did a good job redeeming the villain of the previous book and I liked how Leila was objective in her assessment of her rotten husband. Yes, he was a rat, but he did fight to allow her to become an artist. So it was a nice balance of a good/bad man.
Chase did a good job redeeming the villain of the previous book and I liked how Leila was objective in her assessment of her rotten husband. Yes, he was a rat, but he did fight to allow her to become an artist. So it was a nice balance of a good/bad man.