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aoife98's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
4.25
I really enjoyed this book! It’s probably my favorite in the series. Penelope and Gabriel had a very sweet romance with conflict between them. Penny is one of my favorite heroines in HR. She is caring and loving but she’s not naive or aloof. She’s strong in her own way and she knows what she wants.
The premise of this book is pretty simple: Lady Penelope “Penny” Campion lives alone in her parents London townhouse surrounded by animals that she has rescued. Her brother have requested that she return to the their country seat and accept her fate as a spinster. Penny has three weeks to be seen participating in society to prove that she does have a life in London and staying in here is worthwhile. But there’s a catch - she must get rid of the animals.
Gabriel Duke, known in the newspapers as The Duke of Ruin due to his ruthless business tactics, has bought the house next door to her and intends to sell it for a profit. One of the big selling points is that the new home owner, likely from a new money family, would be the neighbor of a Lady. However, he didn’t anticipate she would have so many animals and he wants them gone. He can’t afford for Penny to leave London and so the pair strike up a deal. Gabriel will help find loving homes for the animals if it helps her stay.
Despite this being a fairly lighthearted story, the backstory for both of these characters is pretty heavy. Gabriel was sold as a child and was subject to extreme poverty. As a child, Penny was assaulted by a friend of her parents. Both characters have to deal with these issues throughout the story. I like how Penny stood up for herself and gave her brother the ultimatum. I think Penny and Gabriel balanced each other out well. He needed some love and comfort and she needed someone who took the time to understand her. He also didn’t try to protect or treat her like a child which her friends occasionally do.
I did think Ash and Chase were a little ridiculous at times but the scenes still humorous and I liked seeing their begrudging friendship. The parrot was also quite funny.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, and Abandonment
mxrumphius's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Pedophilia and Emotional abuse
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