Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
Never in my life did I think I would say the show was better than the book. Maybe it’s because I listened to it as an audiobook but there were many times I almost dnf-ed, the only reason I didn’t was because I was listening on 2X speed so I figured I might as well just finish it quickly.
Loveable characters:
No
To start out the review, I want to mention that I immediately found the story catching. When I’m tired after a long day of work, reading can feel like a chore, but this book didn’t. I looked forward to read it. I do enjoy romcoms and sappy romances. The book has intimate scenes. So be prepared for that, if that’s something you’re comfortable with. I like TV series like GoT and Outlander. It’s kind of in that genre, minus the fantasy world. I have not seen the Bridgerton TV series for this book series yet.
Unfortunately I turned out to become a bit skeptical after reading reviews about “a certain scene”. This ruined a part of the reading experience for me, since I was waiting for this scene to happen. I wish I didn’t read the spoiler, because the first 1/3 of the book I had a clear mind without those impressions. I really enjoyed the book until then. Maybe this pulled off a star of my review. I’m not sure? If you’re skeptical because of this too, then I recommend reading it.
Anyhow, I really ended up enjoying the book. The story has a warm feeling toward it. I enjoyed the old fashioned 1800s historical environment. The family life and way of living is interesting. Simon’s story is very touching. The characters are lovable, but also wake a certain amount of irritation and anger in you. I have to admit to myself that I enjoyed the book, even though there are parts of the book that was difficult to read.
Unfortunately I turned out to become a bit skeptical after reading reviews about “a certain scene”. This ruined a part of the reading experience for me, since I was waiting for this scene to happen. I wish I didn’t read the spoiler, because the first 1/3 of the book I had a clear mind without those impressions. I really enjoyed the book until then. Maybe this pulled off a star of my review. I’m not sure? If you’re skeptical because of this too, then I recommend reading it.
Anyhow, I really ended up enjoying the book. The story has a warm feeling toward it. I enjoyed the old fashioned 1800s historical environment. The family life and way of living is interesting. Simon’s story is very touching. The characters are lovable, but also wake a certain amount of irritation and anger in you. I have to admit to myself that I enjoyed the book, even though there are parts of the book that was difficult to read.
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Two stars because the first part I did enjoy it until she gets a manipulative and abusive b*tch I thought it would not be that much, but it is how she deals with his trauma, just plainly disgusting it's awful, not even saved by the happy ending it felt anachronistic. I know if the man will be the brutal many will not say anything but it is her I don't know I have a hard time reading in voyager THAT JAMIE scene and I'm struggling with this type of things in historical romances.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
I was eager to read this book after watching the Netflix series, but this was one of the few instances where I enjoyed the show more than the book.
I found myself comparing the story to the show often while reading. I was disappointed at how little we got to know any character other than Daphne and Simon. Daphnes brothers were the side characters we got to know the most, and I feel like they just came off as 3 copies of one another (besides Colin who had a bit more personality). I also wasn’t as taken with the friends to lovers story line in the book...there was an obvious romantic/sexual connection from their first interaction, so the whole plan of the “fake” courtship didn’t make much sense to me or provide any suspense surrounding whether they’d get together. The one thing I did enjoy is getting to see how Simon’s comfort with Daphne led him to feel such true emotions that his stutter comes through at times and that they eventually got to know each other so fully. I also enjoyed getting to know Daphne as a more confident and self-assured character. I feel like we also got more insight into Simon’s character than we did in the show, which does make him less mysterious, but I was happy getting to know him more. Overall I did enjoy their relationship and seeing it progress, though as I mentioned, there was less suspense surrounding it.
I would exclude one scene from my positive comments. It was incredibly uncomfortable and upsetting to read the scene where Daphne rapes Simon. Even more upsetting was what happened afterwards. They just spend some time apart, where Simon is meant to feel like the bad guy...and then he returns, and Daphne never apologizes or addresses the fact she broke his trust...and it’s written that Simon didn’t leave because of the rape but because of his reaction afterwards (where his stutter strongly returns)...and they just move on and she convinces him to be happy with having children even though he’s still somewhat uncomfortable about it? I felt like everything leading up to this scene really set them up to be a great pair, and it was really ruined for me afterwards.
I am however hopeful for the next book in the series. I think reading the next story focuses on characters that haven’t been as well developed in my mind before the next season of the show, might make for a more enjoyable read!
I found myself comparing the story to the show often while reading. I was disappointed at how little we got to know any character other than Daphne and Simon. Daphnes brothers were the side characters we got to know the most, and I feel like they just came off as 3 copies of one another (besides Colin who had a bit more personality). I also wasn’t as taken with the friends to lovers story line in the book...there was an obvious romantic/sexual connection from their first interaction, so the whole plan of the “fake” courtship didn’t make much sense to me or provide any suspense surrounding whether they’d get together. The one thing I did enjoy is getting to see how Simon’s comfort with Daphne led him to feel such true emotions that his stutter comes through at times and that they eventually got to know each other so fully. I also enjoyed getting to know Daphne as a more confident and self-assured character. I feel like we also got more insight into Simon’s character than we did in the show, which does make him less mysterious, but I was happy getting to know him more. Overall I did enjoy their relationship and seeing it progress, though as I mentioned, there was less suspense surrounding it.
I would exclude one scene from my positive comments. It was incredibly uncomfortable and upsetting to read the scene where Daphne rapes Simon. Even more upsetting was what happened afterwards. They just spend some time apart, where Simon is meant to feel like the bad guy...and then he returns, and Daphne never apologizes or addresses the fact she broke his trust...and it’s written that Simon didn’t leave because of the rape but because of his reaction afterwards (where his stutter strongly returns)...and they just move on and she convinces him to be happy with having children even though he’s still somewhat uncomfortable about it? I felt like everything leading up to this scene really set them up to be a great pair, and it was really ruined for me afterwards.
I am however hopeful for the next book in the series. I think reading the next story focuses on characters that haven’t been as well developed in my mind before the next season of the show, might make for a more enjoyable read!
I wish I hadn't have watched the show first as it spoilt the novel a little. That said, i preferred the novel over the show. I understand Daphne's actions more. Very entertaining.
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes