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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
This was a well-written historical mm romance and I will definitely be reading the next one, as there a no HEA here. I always struggle with internalized homophobia in my romances, it’s both sad and frustrating, and that is David in a nutshell. A good soul but so lost and misguided. I’ve seen reviews of people who don’t like Murdo, but I quite liked him. I also appreciate an mm romance with a positive female character, which this had in Elizabeth.
Every time an author writes a queer historical romance book an angel gets its wings 😌
Loved this. Can’t wait to binge read the whole series
Loved this. Can’t wait to binge read the whole series
First of all, I liked "Provoked" mostly because of its characters and how real they seemed (not because the plot isn't good or anything). Even the minor characters felt like real people, maybe because not one of them was "perfect" - they all were flawed in some regard. I especially liked David. He is an idealist who is sympathetic to people he shouldn't reeeally be and who's got quite the struggle with his sexuality, which is actually believable if one takes into account the time this piece is set in (his personality and his father - it's really no wonder David thinks like he does).
Throughout this story, we get to know and understand him better, but because it's written from David's perspective, Murdo Balfour remains a mystery for most of the book, an angry mystery at times (well - at least for me). Truthfully, I was so, so irritated with this character, hated him quite a bit in the beginning (and the things he said). Although at some point it made click and I kind of got a sense of his personality. Shortly before the end he even was likable!
Still, I hope the next books have some sort of character development for both protagonists and that I don't have to live with that attitude of Murdo 'till the end of book three.
The plot itself was really engaging, so much that for half a night and a whole day I just couldn't put it away. Even though some parts were predictable, the execution (writing style &c.) was great and not once did I have to re-read a sentence. What was also enjoyable were the short parts about David's "normal routine" in life, which helped to liven up the whole book.
Now I'm off to debate if I really should spend my non-existent money to buy the next installment right now :D
Throughout this story, we get to know and understand him better, but because it's written from David's perspective, Murdo Balfour remains a mystery for most of the book, an angry mystery at times (well - at least for me). Truthfully, I was so, so irritated with this character, hated him quite a bit in the beginning (and the things he said). Although at some point it made click and I kind of got a sense of his personality. Shortly before the end he even was likable!
Still, I hope the next books have some sort of character development for both protagonists and that I don't have to live with that attitude of Murdo 'till the end of book three.
The plot itself was really engaging, so much that for half a night and a whole day I just couldn't put it away. Even though some parts were predictable, the execution (writing style &c.) was great and not once did I have to re-read a sentence. What was also enjoyable were the short parts about David's "normal routine" in life, which helped to liven up the whole book.
Now I'm off to debate if I really should spend my non-existent money to buy the next installment right now :D
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
emotional
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
* 2 stars *
hmm, this book left me conflicted. it was more serious than i was expecting, it had lots of angst and internalized homophobia and neither character convinced me it was worth the pain of trudging through bland prose.
not sure if i'm interested enough to find out how they'll get their hea.
hmm, this book left me conflicted. it was more serious than i was expecting, it had lots of angst and internalized homophobia and neither character convinced me it was worth the pain of trudging through bland prose.
not sure if i'm interested enough to find out how they'll get their hea.
I enjoyed this. There was a realstic level of angst, and the characters were believable.
Struggled a bit with the dark tone—it starts with a hanging—and the internalised homophobia, but liked it enough by the end that I'm keeping reading the next one.