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rimalex's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Misogyny
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Gore
allisonwonderlandreads's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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? No
3.0
A mysterious, shocking kidnapping draws out our intrepid investigators for this second installment in the A Lady's Guide series. Kate and Caro seek to rescue a missing friend before it's too late, and Caro must contend with a loathsome ex along the way. Except maybe he's not quite so despicable in retrospect. When their investigation into the actress' disappearance takes them to the theater, Caro and former flame Val come out of an altercation a bit worse for wear. Theater-goers jump to incorrect conclusions for Caro's frazzled state, and an engagement is announced out of necessity.
The pacing of the mystery worked well for me. I was invested in the who and why of the kidnapping, and I didn't find it too obvious as to be boring. The romance was less thrilling for me. It had the usual problems that detract from my enjoyment of a second chance romance: namely, that readers miss some of the magic because we don't experience what took place in the past and that things progress quickly since the characters already loved one another before.
I appreciated the book's critiques of the patriarchy. I especially liked the practical rather than shaming conversations about mistresses, noting that systemic constraints put women in a position to accept that role despite fewer legal or social protections. It also spotlights the proprietary and stalkerish behavior of men towards women performers like actresses and opera singers. Caro and Val's romance draws on tensions regarding social class between old money aristocracy and new money businessmen. Class differences in the response of the legal system are also openly discussed. However, the conversation stops short of addressing the power of money removed from social standing. One particular comment about how Caro's father is "ruthless" in business but "kind and gentle" to his family bothered me. The implication is that his manner with his family is his real, more important self. As if that excuses sweeping economic decisions that affect other nameless, faceless families. Boo capitalism.
I think this series is doing a lot to push the genre in a more thoughtful and critical direction even though it doesn't hit every mark. I love the mystery element of the books, and I think readers who like the second chance romance trope will have more fun with the love story. Thanks to Forever for my copy to read and review!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping, Sexism, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Infidelity, Grief, and Stalking
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