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sarahlouisedi's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.75
tatyanavogt's review against another edition
3.0
Admittedly I didn't think that I would like this book. And even though I did like it in the end there are some things that bothered me and that I thought was pretty cheesy. The main thing that threw me off in the beginning is just how much is going on.
Their are so many characters to keep track of, and so many pieces to the puzzle that I didn't know who or what was the main focus. I liked the main girl character because she seemed like a strong unique character but then there where somethings that made her seem so weak plain.
Spoiler stuff:
It made me mad that the main male character did sleep around after professing his love to another character and after asking them to marry them. I understand desire but that seemed unfaithful to me despite the fact that they were not yet married. I couldn't help but think that if he couldn't control himself before they were married how is marriage going to change anything. It was a big thing for him to get through, but I'm just not a fan of that.
Despite that, I did enjoy his character for the most part and I rooted for the two main characters. I also liked the empress and thought she was a very interesting character. Again, she was another character that seemed really strong but ended up being a lot weaker than you expected. I think it was done a little more interestingly in her case though. Showing the real person underneath the mask.
I think some things could have been made a little simpler. But overall I enjoyed the book.
Their are so many characters to keep track of, and so many pieces to the puzzle that I didn't know who or what was the main focus. I liked the main girl character because she seemed like a strong unique character but then there where somethings that made her seem so weak plain.
Spoiler stuff:
Spoiler
It made me mad that the main male character did sleep around after professing his love to another character and after asking them to marry them. I understand desire but that seemed unfaithful to me despite the fact that they were not yet married. I couldn't help but think that if he couldn't control himself before they were married how is marriage going to change anything. It was a big thing for him to get through, but I'm just not a fan of that.
Despite that, I did enjoy his character for the most part and I rooted for the two main characters. I also liked the empress and thought she was a very interesting character. Again, she was another character that seemed really strong but ended up being a lot weaker than you expected. I think it was done a little more interestingly in her case though. Showing the real person underneath the mask.
I think some things could have been made a little simpler. But overall I enjoyed the book.
katieinca's review against another edition
2.0
Bay Middleton is a chump and Charlotte and Sisi are both too good for him. Not that either of them is that much of a delight either.
"Full of passion and drama," says the blurb. HA. It was pleasant enough. I did finish it.
"Full of passion and drama," says the blurb. HA. It was pleasant enough. I did finish it.
tealstarlight's review against another edition
Didn't like or care about the characters
lamom77's review against another edition
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
roseangel2's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jessielucy02's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mollywetta's review against another edition
4.0
Loved the characters and relationships in this book. The rotating third person perspective created a lot of suspense. Rich and engrossing. Of course I was hoping for a less tidy ending because that's my jam, but...most people will be wholly satisfied by this. Perfect for those who love historical romance in the Victorian era. Also, it's based on real people, which I found really interesting.
ojeda87's review against another edition
5.0
This is exceptionally good historical fiction. It's interesting, mostly based on fact, well-researched, and well narrated.
nalani_maria's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5