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stefs_library's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
I didn't like this book as much as the first in the series, but I think that's pretty common in romance series, so I wasn't too surprised. Still fun and cute for those who like regency romances.
mara_sevilla's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
megma1717's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
I really enjoyed this series by Keyes! She sure does know how to write Regency romance and immerse you in that era. She transforms you to another time with her writing style. I am so happy I found this series! And the last book in the series was such a wonderful way to wrap up.
Who doesn't love bookish MCs with an enemies to more trope?! My favorite! Love the two studios main characters and how they are intrigued by each other and it is more than just looks. They find value in each other's minds. Phineas and Sarah are an interesting pair and I love how their affection grew! They had such a great back and forth between the two of them. But also seemed to know and understand each other so well by just observations. Keyes set up the anticipation for the first kiss very well!!
Such a well-written regency romance. I loved the subtle transition from eloquent inner dialogue about education to romantic inner dialogue that seemed more like the novels Sarah looked down upon. Keyes has such a beautiful way with words. She is so great at writing different writing styles and even seems to adjust between books depending on characters. Like the studious Phineas and Sarah.
George was such a fun character that brought a fun layer to the story. And I loved seeing Diana again! And how Diana and Duke gave Sarah a different perspective on marriage. Seeing the siblings' stories come together was great to see since this was the last book in the series.
Who doesn't love bookish MCs with an enemies to more trope?! My favorite! Love the two studios main characters and how they are intrigued by each other and it is more than just looks. They find value in each other's minds. Phineas and Sarah are an interesting pair and I love how their affection grew! They had such a great back and forth between the two of them. But also seemed to know and understand each other so well by just observations. Keyes set up the anticipation for the first kiss very well!!
Such a well-written regency romance. I loved the subtle transition from eloquent inner dialogue about education to romantic inner dialogue that seemed more like the novels Sarah looked down upon. Keyes has such a beautiful way with words. She is so great at writing different writing styles and even seems to adjust between books depending on characters. Like the studious Phineas and Sarah.
George was such a fun character that brought a fun layer to the story. And I loved seeing Diana again! And how Diana and Duke gave Sarah a different perspective on marriage. Seeing the siblings' stories come together was great to see since this was the last book in the series.
lolovesbooks3's review against another edition
3.0
I love Phin. He is a favorite from the other books in the Donovan series. He’s so kind hearted and wonderful.
Warning ahead… I didn’t LOVE this one, but the others in the series are some of my all time favorite books, so maybe my expectations were too high!
I enjoyed this book enough and thought it was a satisfying conclusion to the series. However, the first two books are books that I was excited to reread as soon as I finished them. This one was a bit “slower and steadier” so while I enjoyed reading it, I wasn’t left feeling excited about it. The chemistry between Phin and Sarah was sweet, but it wasn’t the same way it was between Diana and Duke and Valentine and Rebecca. I think I just didn’t feel like Sarah was a perfect match for Phin. They both liked books and had that in common, but I actually felt a bit annoyed and protective of Phin at times and sometimes felt like Sarah toyed with his emotions, especially near the end. Duke is such a perfect match for Diana and Rebecca was such a perfect match for Valentine. I just didn’t feel like that with Sarah and Phineas.
I definitely enjoyed seeing where all the Donovan’s are now and seeing Phineas get his HEA though! Worth a read and maybe my love for Phin makes is difficult for anyone to seem worthy of his sweet precious heart. This just was not my favorite of the series.
Warning ahead… I didn’t LOVE this one, but the others in the series are some of my all time favorite books, so maybe my expectations were too high!
I enjoyed this book enough and thought it was a satisfying conclusion to the series. However, the first two books are books that I was excited to reread as soon as I finished them. This one was a bit “slower and steadier” so while I enjoyed reading it, I wasn’t left feeling excited about it. The chemistry between Phin and Sarah was sweet, but it wasn’t the same way it was between Diana and Duke and Valentine and Rebecca. I think I just didn’t feel like Sarah was a perfect match for Phin. They both liked books and had that in common, but I actually felt a bit annoyed and protective of Phin at times and sometimes felt like Sarah toyed with his emotions, especially near the end. Duke is such a perfect match for Diana and Rebecca was such a perfect match for Valentine. I just didn’t feel like that with Sarah and Phineas.
I definitely enjoyed seeing where all the Donovan’s are now and seeing Phineas get his HEA though! Worth a read and maybe my love for Phin makes is difficult for anyone to seem worthy of his sweet precious heart. This just was not my favorite of the series.
annabethjoy23's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
morgangiesbrecht's review
4.0
It took me a bit to warm up to this book, but I ended up really enjoying it.
Phineas has intrigued me even since Duke & Diana’s story because I loved his interactions with his siblings. And he absolutely delivered in this book!
As for Sarah, I both loved her and felt frustrated by her. Possibly because our similarities (practicality)… possibly because of the eras we live in. Anyways, I ended up loving her journey of seeing marriage as more than a cage or business transaction but instead as a mutually supportive partnership.
Speaking of which, I loved how Phineas was so sweetly supportive of Sarah! And that ending was so heartwarming!
Honourable mentions go to George playing matchmaker & the inclusion of Jane Austen’s books and Valentine’s feigned abhorrence of them.
Phineas has intrigued me even since Duke & Diana’s story because I loved his interactions with his siblings. And he absolutely delivered in this book!
As for Sarah, I both loved her and felt frustrated by her. Possibly because our similarities (practicality)… possibly because of the eras we live in. Anyways, I ended up loving her journey of seeing marriage as more than a cage or business transaction but instead as a mutually supportive partnership.
Speaking of which, I loved how Phineas was so sweetly supportive of Sarah! And that ending was so heartwarming!
Honourable mentions go to George playing matchmaker & the inclusion of Jane Austen’s books and Valentine’s feigned abhorrence of them.
thebookscript's review
5.0
"One did not find reading time; one brought it into existence by sheer force of will, even if it meant losing an entire nights sleep."
Oh my heart. I STILL thinking book #2 in the Donovans series so I was worried nothing would live up to the feelings I had for Rebecca and Valentine BUT I was taken in once again! With every book I read from Martha, she solidifies herself as a MUST read author and her words really affect me in a powerful way.
This is a quiet love between two bookish characters. The build up is a slow paced understanding as they begin to realize how they have in common and ultimately how much they mean to each other. I loved their intellectual debates and conversations. I think Martha did an incredibly clever job when adding in all the Jane Austen references...these moments only added an additional rich layer to their relationship. These two definitely brought out the best in each other. PHINNEAS...oh the man has my heart. There is nothing I love more than a quiet, intellectual man...its actually my kryptonite and what a delivery!
I loved the dynamics between these two, there were moments that put a silly smile on my face and moments that left me misty eyed. I just want to hug this book and these characters and I know these will have a permanent place on my favorites shelves. Bravo.
*sweet romance, kissing only.
Oh my heart. I STILL thinking book #2 in the Donovans series so I was worried nothing would live up to the feelings I had for Rebecca and Valentine BUT I was taken in once again! With every book I read from Martha, she solidifies herself as a MUST read author and her words really affect me in a powerful way.
This is a quiet love between two bookish characters. The build up is a slow paced understanding as they begin to realize how they have in common and ultimately how much they mean to each other. I loved their intellectual debates and conversations. I think Martha did an incredibly clever job when adding in all the Jane Austen references...these moments only added an additional rich layer to their relationship. These two definitely brought out the best in each other. PHINNEAS...oh the man has my heart. There is nothing I love more than a quiet, intellectual man...its actually my kryptonite and what a delivery!
I loved the dynamics between these two, there were moments that put a silly smile on my face and moments that left me misty eyed. I just want to hug this book and these characters and I know these will have a permanent place on my favorites shelves. Bravo.
*sweet romance, kissing only.
simplymeagreads's review
5.0
This is a nod to all the Jane Austen bookworms out there. I've been waiting for Phin's book and this is amazing. I love his bookish habits, his bumbling professor moments, and overall goodness. Sarah is his equal, intellectually anyway. I love her character arc. I also enjoyed seeing all the Donovan's together. If you enjoy historical romance, this is the book for you.
I received an eARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
I received an eARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
melissadegraffbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED this book so much! The characters of Phineas and Sarah were both so relatable. Figuring out where love fits into their lives is difficult, but luckily they have Jane Austen's novels to help guide them. There were so many swoon-worthy moments I couldn't put this book down! It was fun to see some familiar characters from the earlier books. This might be my favorite book in the series, but just do yourself a favor and go read them all!