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kb33's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
1.0
Graphic: Sexual content, Kidnapping, Racial slurs, Misogyny, Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, and Racism
Minor: Child death, Blood, Alcohol, Murder, Slavery, Violence, Mental illness, War, and Death of parent
gelslitreviews's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Gun violence
relin's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Xenophobia
Minor: Death of parent, Death, and War
readwithde's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Racism and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Gun violence, and Misogyny
Minor: Alcohol, Classism, Death, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Sexism, Stalking, and War
ashlightgrayson's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Gabriel and Drusilla are the main characters forced into an arranged marriage by circumstance. Drusilla has a long lasting crush (for the past 5 years) on Gabriel (he is the step brother of her best friend Eva). They agree to give their marriage the college try and make the best of it. It takes time for them to open up to each other, but when they do it is rewarding and they are compatible. Gabriel has a very interesting history that involves sexism, but by the time we meet him in the present he has resolved a lot of this as a teenager. Drusilla has a strong sense of morality and is a feminist who works with related charities to help further the rights of women and the disenfranchised. After she gets married to Gabriel there is less of a focus on this, but she does express a strong interest in continuing her work. Gabriel is open with Drusilla about his past which allows them both to love each other for who they are, flaws and all. They do have misunderstandings, but they are minimal and easily resolved. The sex scenes were also written well with a strong emphasis on consent and communication about what each party wants in the bedroom.
Eva and Drusilla have an argument at the beginning of the book, which sours their relationship for the majority of the story. They do eventually reconcile, but I feel like there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Eva.
All in all, this was a great historical romance with strong character backstories involving a lot of diversity. There is a large discussion to be had in this book about cultural assimilation and what it was like for a Muslim man to integrate into English society in the 19th century. In addition, the social constraints of women and what life was like for women who did fit into stereotypical relationship expectations such as monogamy and heterosexuality are also explored. I highly recommend for anyone looking for diverse historical fiction.
ADDENDUM: There are points in the book when Gabriel is described as exotic, which is problematic at best, so keep that in mind when reading.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Gun violence, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Murder, Racism, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Homophobia, Mental illness, and Pregnancy