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musebeliever's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Violence and Torture
wardenred's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“You didn’t tell me the truth.”
“Why should I have? Do you blurt out all your worst acts and features on first acquaintance? I’m quite sure there’s parts of your life you’d rather not reveal to me.”
That was true, and thus intolerably unfair.
Such a fun, emotional book to get lost in! It has it all: secrets, lies, a big scary conspiracy, spy intrigue, and a cozy bookstore. Will really made me feel for him throughout the story, and Kim was an intriguing character in his own right. As I've come to expect from K.J. Charles's books, there were a number of fully realized female side characters, too, who were quite compelling. Phoebe in particular has me totally enamored.
The non-romance part of the plot was full of tension and had me anxiously turning pages. As for the romance part, on one hand, I'm not 100% sold on it; that is to say, I did enjoy following this couple's relationship and want them to have a HEA one day, but I also can't yet see them actually getting there. On the other hand, this is kind of the point, I guess? This book is the first part of a trilogy, with the resolution of the romance arc delayed until the end of book three, so Will and Kim do still have a long way to go. I'm excited to pick up the next book and follow them down the rest of the road.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War and Homophobia
amandaquotidianbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I was really impressed with the historical world building and how being gay in the 1920s was handled. I enjoyed the side characters and the mystery kept me guessing! I’d continue on with the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia and War
sassmaster's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was a very fun read and I ordered the other two of the trilogy immediately upon finishing! I loved both Will and Kim and the banter between them.
I would have loved if the romance was slower to develop, but that's just because I'm a sucker for slow burns.
I would have loved if the romance was slower to develop, but that's just because I'm a sucker for slow burns.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death, Murder, War, and Confinement
Minor: Torture and Suicide
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