Reviews tagging 'Misogyny'

Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday

4 reviews

emilywemily6's review

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hopeful lighthearted relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

This could best be described as a cozy romance, and I don’t think that’s the vibe I’m looking for. This book was very character driven and slow, with a lot of dialogue and internal thoughts compared to scene description and plot. Also, one of the major plot points included on the back cover was introduced into the story at the 68% mark, which left no surprises to anticipate. I really loved the idea of Clem seeking Archie’s help with exploring her sexuality, but it came so late in the book that it felt like more of a secondary plot point than a major plot device. And while this book takes place in Regency England, it was greatly modernized to its detriment. It felt like a modern retelling of a classic story but set in the classic time period. Everything I love about Regency atmosphere, relationships, speech, etc. was watered down. It felt Regency only in name. I generally enjoyed the writing style and how to characters interacted, but it didn’t scratch the historical romance itch. The character viewpoints that aligned with modern times (vegetarianism, feminism, found family, etc.) were fun to read but took me out of the story a little because they were so heavy handed. Also, this book was advertised as a The Hangover-like guy’s trip, but the shenanigans were few and far between. The pacing was inconsistent as the story started off with some drama and a rescue, then turned into a turtle crawl. And I know that Simon was labeled as the quiet one, but he had zero personality while Effie and Archie had personalities, even if they weren’t super fleshed out. Sorry to complain so much, it just fell short in a lot of ways for me. 
I enjoyed the prose of the writing style even with the content being so modern- lots of nice metaphors and thoughtful commentary from the characters’ interactions. It also warmed my heart how Archie and Clem came together at the end of the book. The spicy scenes were tasteful and tender and complimented their relationship at that point in the story. Overall, this was cute and cozy, but slow and overtly modern to the point of detracting from the Regency vibes. I wanted either more ridiculousness or more subtlety. I would read the next but only if I didn’t know what else to read.
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webbsusa's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

I won a print ARC through a publisher’s giveaway of Earls Trip, and I’m so glad I did. I really, really loved this book! I loved the friendship among the “earls,” the development of the relationship between the sisters, and of course Clem and Archie (separately and together). Archie is probably one of my favorite heroes ever. He was so sweet and loving. He cared so deeply about his friends, his mom, and Clementine. Clem was so loyal to her sister and fought for her, even when she wasn’t so sure her sister deserved it. Clem was true to herself and her value system, even when the sanctions for that could be quite high, and I really appreciated her commitment to her values (being vague so as not to spoil). Both Clem and Archie grew a lot and came to important realizations about themselves as they fell in love with each other.

Thanks again to Kensington Books for the giveaway! All opinions are my own. 
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allingoodtime's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective slow-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

3.5

I’m the type of person who constantly has songs stuck in my head. While they range greatly, there are a few that are in there over and over. One of them is the song Sisters from the film White Christmas. Not only is the dedication of this book lyrics from that song but there is a chapter named after said lyrics. Needless to say, that song has been on a continuous loop in my brain all week!

As for this book, it had its ups and downs for me. To start with, the characters are all amazing. I couldn’t love Archie and his friends more. And while it seemed at first as though Clementine’s sister was going to be a hard sell, that wasn’t the case. I found this story fascinating when this quintet was together in the same room. I loved their camaraderie and the inside jokes the men shared. I loved that Clementine and Olive could let go of formality and be themselves with them. Also, when Clementine and Archie spent time alone it was magic. They were the best of friends when children and delight in reconnecting. They bask in the realization that they still find great comfort in each other’s presence while also noting the differences that have come about over the last few years.

The problem was I didn’t feel they got to spend enough time together. Seriously, these two didn’t kiss until three-quarters into the book! While there is a definite attraction between Archie and Clementine, they are strictly renewing their friendship and keeping any lingering thoughts to themselves. In fact, they rarely see each other for the first half of the book due to the circumstances that brought them together. It was too much for me and slowed the story, which started strong, to a crawl at times.

Once Clementine and Archie finally kiss, the story picks back up and the last quarter of the book is wonderful. I especially love the scene leading up to their declarations of love. So touching and beautiful.

Right now I don’t see this story listed as part of a series, but there was a reference that there will be a teaser chapter to Effie’s story in the final draft of this book. (BTW, how magnificent is the title Manic Pixie Dream Earl?) There is enough given in this story for me to have me invested in the rest of the quintet’s stories, too.

**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely** 
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dezs_diary's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted slow-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

4.0

What happens on Earls Trip, stays on Earls Trip.

Thank you to Kensington Books & Netgalley for this eARC! 

The cover and title initially sold me on this book, and I was so happy to find a great story inside!
This modern take on historical romance had me giggling & staying up late. From the get-go, I was reminded of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, which I absolutely loved! I was so excited to find a book that felt similar in voice and tone to that one.

I think where this book really shines is in its relationships, most especially in the friendships between the three Earls. They are such sweet, understanding, and supportive friends; I loved seeing them get into shenanigans together, as well as have tender heart-to-hearts. They really give found-family vibes, and I can’t wait for the rest of their stories!

I also thought the main characters had great chemistry. And the spice was done very well! 
And the ending was so sweet— I was holding back tears! Well done.

My critiques are two-fold.
Firstly, the pacing felt a bit slow at times. I think its a combination of this being a heavily character-driven novel and that the beginning started with such an action-packed bang.
Secondly, I didn’t love that Archie had to
give up his one hobby, espcially when it seemed to mean so much to him
. I think there were different ways to resolve that particular plot-point that wouldn’t have felt as forced. It was still an admirable gesture on his part, but it left me feeling a little uneasy.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I had a great time with these characters and I loved getting to know them; I’ll definitely be continuing with the series. I was delighted to read that the next book will follow Effie! Also, the title, “Manic Pixie Dream Earl”, is hilarious.
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