Scan barcode
thestefehr's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
This was my favourite in this series. I love Penny and how she came into her own strength. She is the most unique of all the FMC in this series.
Trigger warnings re: SA (talked about, not in the story itself)
Trigger warnings re: SA (talked about, not in the story itself)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
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
skyhazzard's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? Yes
5.0
This was so cute and adorable, although it did have its moments of heavier topics. The backstories of the characters was a bit heavier than the other characters in the series I believe.
Penny is just this ray of sunshine and joy despite things that happened in her past. She cares so deeply for those around her and her creatures. I loved reading about her. And she was the perfect foil to Gabriel’s undoing. They were so fun together right from the beginning. I really liked that we didn’t have to wait long to see them get together. And then of course he had to put up with her friends and their husbands (which the husbands were hilarious, they’d eventually became friends although I don’t think they’d ever say that, they ended up fighting over who would be the second in a duel).
This one might be my favorite out of the series.
Penny is just this ray of sunshine and joy despite things that happened in her past. She cares so deeply for those around her and her creatures. I loved reading about her. And she was the perfect foil to Gabriel’s undoing. They were so fun together right from the beginning. I really liked that we didn’t have to wait long to see them get together. And then of course he had to put up with her friends and their husbands (which the husbands were hilarious, they’d eventually became friends although I don’t think they’d ever say that, they ended up fighting over who would be the second in a duel).
This one might be my favorite out of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment, Child abuse, Adult/minor relationship, and Sexual assault
atamano's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Sexual content
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Rape
boundbyemily's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
5.0
“I do not believe every problem can be cured with a kitten. I do believe in love. And perhaps love can’t cure every problem, but it makes the wounds heal a bit faster, with fewer scars. I understand why you don’t believe that. How could you, if you’ve never known it yourself? But perhaps you should give it a try. Let someone care for you, Gabriel. It doesn’t have to be me, but—” She broke off. “No. Forget that last. It does have to be me. I’m generous, but I’m not that generous. When it comes to this, I’m not willing to share.”
My absolute favourite in the series - Penny and Gabriel are so perfect and delectable — I adore them with my whole heart. This was insta-love done right and I loved seeing Gabriel's struggle with his newfound wealth and how that effects who he is.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Classism, Sexual content, and Sexual assault
jody_diou's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia and Sexual assault
laineyangelyn's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
krystalncraiker's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Check the CWs
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse and Sexual assault
Fairly detailed description ofivegotyourpaperback's review against another edition
4.0
This was another fantastic addition to this series. I loved both our self made hero, Gabriel and our quirky heroine, Penelope.
Once again the story was filled with humour and steam. Both characters also had quite heartbreaking backstories (for which I am a sucker), and learned to love by being with each other. I really enjoyed Penelope’s character growth and the pivotal point at which she stood up for herself.
I also appreciated the instances of the hero seeking clear consent from the heroine to engage in sexual activity. This was a very attractive quality of his.
We also got a few cameos from Ash and Chase which I enjoyed immensely.
I’ve decided I want this narrator to narrate ever historical romance audiobook because she’s fabulous to listen to. Her cadence is very soothing and I find I’m easily able to conjure the scenes of the story in my head.
There was a slight technical issue with the audio recording within a certain chapter which unfortunately took me out of the story at a crucial moment (it sounded like different audio files had been spliced together, perhaps from different days of recording, and so the sound of the narrators voice differed for various sentences).
Now I’m anxiously awaiting the release of the next book, The Bride Bet. Amazon is thoroughly confusing me with three different release dates:
- paperback - 1 Feb 2024
- Audiobook - 15 Apr 2024
- eBook - 12 Feb 2026
What is happening?!?? 😩
Content warnings:
⚠️child abandonment
⚠️poverty
⚠️grooming/ child sexual assault
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Abandonment, and Child abuse
readabookemman's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: this is Roy Kent and Keely fan-fiction. Even if it actually isn’t, it still is. This book has so many delightful moments in it, it made me giggle so hard. I once again had a weird relationship with this book as an audiobook. The voice for Penny was giving sexy baby in a bad way. And I’ve decided listening to sex scenes is the worst. Too bad audiobooks are so convenient.
Gabe’s the historical man font “Softy In Denial” mixed with “Chip On His Shoulder and Won’t Shut Up About It”
Other highlights of the book:
-the men becoming friends against their will. Is that a trope? If it is, it’s my favorite trope.
-the way Gabe has his realization that he’s in love with Penny. Lmao incredible.
-I cannot wait for Nicola’s story
There are some triggers for this one! CSA and purity culture are big ones.
Gabe’s the historical man font “Softy In Denial” mixed with “Chip On His Shoulder and Won’t Shut Up About It”
Other highlights of the book:
-the men becoming friends against their will. Is that a trope? If it is, it’s my favorite trope.
-the way Gabe has his realization that he’s in love with Penny. Lmao incredible.
-I cannot wait for Nicola’s story
There are some triggers for this one! CSA and purity culture are big ones.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Child abuse, and Religious bigotry