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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
The previous two books have been dropping hints about and working up to this one. Grace and Ewan's story was always going to be tragic and epic.
The Duke of Marwick's wife had a daughter to another man. At the same time, he fathered three bastard boys. Determined to ensure his legacy, he had his daughter recorded as a boy, and claimed all three bastard sons and forced them to compete to be the eventual Duke of Marwick in place of the daughter, with murder of the unwanted siblings being the natural result. Instead, one of the boys, Ethan, fell in love with the girl Grace, putting all of the Duke's plans in jeopardy.
The previous two books in the series have dealt with the outcomes of all that plotting: Ewan as Duke of Marwick, and his brothers Devon ("Devil") and Whit ("Beast") hiding Grace in the Covent Garden underworld where they all rise to positions of power. Ewan had been the antagonist in the previous two books because he thought that his brothers were either keeping Grace from him, or had failed to protect her. As a result of events at the end of [b:Brazen and the Beast|40221961|Brazen and the Beast (The Bareknuckle Bastards, #2)|Sarah MacLean|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1543966730l/40221961._SY75_.jpg|57373068] Ewan finally discovers that Grace is alive.
What happens next is the story of the siblings horrible childhood and a redemption story for Ewan while Grace struggles with her own history with him as he becomes determined to have her in any way she'll take him.
This is mostly satisfying, if necessarily dark. I'm not quite sure that the author nails Ewan's redemption as he has killed innocent people in his rage and grief. Grace's character comes much more to the forefront here, but she's not really the Grace seen in previous books. On a similar subject, Whit and Devon are only caricatures of their personas in the previous books as well.
Still, it wraps up the overall story quite well with a satisfying outcome.
The Duke of Marwick's wife had a daughter to another man. At the same time, he fathered three bastard boys. Determined to ensure his legacy, he had his daughter recorded as a boy, and claimed all three bastard sons and forced them to compete to be the eventual Duke of Marwick in place of the daughter, with murder of the unwanted siblings being the natural result. Instead, one of the boys, Ethan, fell in love with the girl Grace, putting all of the Duke's plans in jeopardy.
The previous two books in the series have dealt with the outcomes of all that plotting: Ewan as Duke of Marwick, and his brothers Devon ("Devil") and Whit ("Beast") hiding Grace in the Covent Garden underworld where they all rise to positions of power. Ewan had been the antagonist in the previous two books because he thought that his brothers were either keeping Grace from him, or had failed to protect her. As a result of events at the end of [b:Brazen and the Beast|40221961|Brazen and the Beast (The Bareknuckle Bastards, #2)|Sarah MacLean|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1543966730l/40221961._SY75_.jpg|57373068] Ewan finally discovers that Grace is alive.
What happens next is the story of the siblings horrible childhood and a redemption story for Ewan while Grace struggles with her own history with him as he becomes determined to have her in any way she'll take him.
This is mostly satisfying, if necessarily dark. I'm not quite sure that the author nails Ewan's redemption as he has killed innocent people in his rage and grief. Grace's character comes much more to the forefront here, but she's not really the Grace seen in previous books. On a similar subject, Whit and Devon are only caricatures of their personas in the previous books as well.
Still, it wraps up the overall story quite well with a satisfying outcome.
I always feel so happy after finishing a Sarah MacLean book and this one is no different.
I must say, this redemption arc doesn’t work. I’m all for suspension of disbelieve and happy endings for all, but... nah.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
going through a reading slump, but I think I would have loved this more otherwise!
Somehow she made me root for the hero???? despite everything that happened in the first two books?? lol. magic.
Somehow she made me root for the hero???? despite everything that happened in the first two books?? lol. magic.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love Grace and Ewan so much together. I was wary going into this, given Ewan's past actions, but I'm pleased that my opinion of him changed. In fact, he might be my favorite of the three brothers. Him and Grave had the most wonderful relationship. God their chemistry was immaculate.
Something felt missing, though. I can't quite place my finger on it.
Something felt missing, though. I can't quite place my finger on it.
I love every one of the books in this series
This book has everything; history, intrigue, love, action, fun, humor, romance, and a strong female character who is not opposed to taking her pleasure as she sees fit. This book is light and fluffy and delicious! If you like historical romance, and you want a few hours of frivolity, then try this book, and any other book by Sarah McLean. You won’t be disappointed.
This book has everything; history, intrigue, love, action, fun, humor, romance, and a strong female character who is not opposed to taking her pleasure as she sees fit. This book is light and fluffy and delicious! If you like historical romance, and you want a few hours of frivolity, then try this book, and any other book by Sarah McLean. You won’t be disappointed.
I love a great redemption story and finding out that the person who is most obviously in need of it is not the only one who does is icing on a perfect cake. A lovely end to the trilogy.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It was good, the sex scenes were sexier, but... I couldn't quite buy the transformed hero... And the love story.