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greatexpectations77'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
3.5
Initially, I was very into this book, and I will likely read this author again. However, I was not impressed with how judgemental the reading was about sex work. The character doing the sex work was specifically described as disliking the work and doing it only as a last resort, but there was still a LOT of judgment that was really unnecessary. I understand that not everyone recognizes that sex work is work, and I also understand that in this historical period, Lila would probably not be supportive of this work, but it still felt ultra-judgy. Also, Lila getting totally dickmatized by Ivor and letting the lascar get arrested was so irresponsible , and I was really ticked off about it. And THEN Ivor 1000000% victim-blamed Lila for that young guy assaulting her because she was nice to him twice, and then she just forgives him and gets over it?? How many times does he have to show her who he is before she believes it??
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Pregnancy, and Bullying
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexual assault, Death, Racism, Sexual harassment, Infidelity, Misogyny, Death of parent, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual violence, Terminal illness, and Fatphobia
shortiebabe's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
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? No
5.0
I LOVED the first book in The Marleigh Sisters series. Lila Marleigh, the FMC, is modern, progressive, and open-minded compared to the majority of the ton. She sees people for who they are, not what society tells them they are. You see this in how she engages with the other characters in the story and who she employs. As the story progresses, I find myself liking Lila more and more. As a dowager who has no desire or need to marry, she reminds me of Shonda Rhimes's version of Kathina Sharma from Season 2 of Netflix's Bridgerton, and I imagined Lila with a strong resemblance to Kate also.
I wasn't a big fan of Ivor; however, I did respect that he believed Lila from the beginning about it not being Sunil who attacked his cousin. He did slowly grow on me towards the end, but he still has to evolve as a character.
I can't wait for book 2 about Anya Marleigh's story that comes out May 2024. I hope we get to see more of Lila (and Ivor) woven into Anya's story and that they start to heal their relationship.
I appreciate that the regency/historical romance genre is getting the multicultural boost that is desperately needed. Until Season 2 of Bridgerton started, I had no desire to read historical romances by authors like Julia Quinn or the classics by Jane Austen. Now, I am more inclined to read and appreciate them.
I wasn't a big fan of Ivor; however, I did respect that he believed Lila from the beginning about it not being Sunil who attacked his cousin. He did slowly grow on me towards the end, but he still has to evolve as a character.
I can't wait for book 2 about Anya Marleigh's story that comes out May 2024. I hope we get to see more of Lila (and Ivor) woven into Anya's story and that they start to heal their relationship.
I appreciate that the regency/historical romance genre is getting the multicultural boost that is desperately needed. Until Season 2 of Bridgerton started, I had no desire to read historical romances by authors like Julia Quinn or the classics by Jane Austen. Now, I am more inclined to read and appreciate them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Xenophobia, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Misogyny, Colonisation, and Classism
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