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vkm13's review against another edition
4.0
It is hard to really rate a book that is a collection of 3 novellas, especially by different authors. So while I gave the collection 4 stars overall, I need to break the review itself down.
The Rose Lerner story ultimately did not work for me that well. It had some interesting ideas but I found it hard to follow at times and character motivation seemed inconsistent. 2 stars for it individually.
My love for Courtney Milan basically knows no limits at this point and she did not disappoint here. I loved every sentence of her novella, the only downside was that it wasn't a new, full novel from her. 5 stars.
I have read some Alyssa Cole before and really enjoyed her writing. This novella was also very fun to read and I love how she is able to show more diversity than one might expect in the lives of black women during this time period. 4 stars.
The Rose Lerner story ultimately did not work for me that well. It had some interesting ideas but I found it hard to follow at times and character motivation seemed inconsistent. 2 stars for it individually.
My love for Courtney Milan basically knows no limits at this point and she did not disappoint here. I loved every sentence of her novella, the only downside was that it wasn't a new, full novel from her. 5 stars.
I have read some Alyssa Cole before and really enjoyed her writing. This novella was also very fun to read and I love how she is able to show more diversity than one might expect in the lives of black women during this time period. 4 stars.
anachronistique's review against another edition
3.0
A fun collection - nothing gets too deeply developed, but that's the peril of a novella/short.
kaa's review against another edition
5.0
Some of my very favorite romance authors. I was SO excited when I heard about this book, and I don't even care at all about Hamilton.
Hamilton's Battalion is basically everything I was hoping it would be. All three stories were wonderful and meaningful and romantic. I loved the variety of relationships, the range of characters, and even the central narrative device. It meant so much to see queer relationships in a historical setting that were accepted and supported. I also appreciated that the authors were very intentional in addressing the short-comings and hypocrisies of the American Revolution. The first two stories, in particular, were quite political.
I adored all of the stories, but "That Could Be Enough" was without question my favorite. The story itself is incredible, and Alyssa Cole's note at the end made me cry. I loved the heroines so much, and Mercy's character arc is gorgeous. Alyssa Cole is the author out of these three whom I've read the least, but I intend to read all of her books I've missed ASAP.
Hamilton's Battalion is basically everything I was hoping it would be. All three stories were wonderful and meaningful and romantic. I loved the variety of relationships, the range of characters, and even the central narrative device. It meant so much to see queer relationships in a historical setting that were accepted and supported. I also appreciated that the authors were very intentional in addressing the short-comings and hypocrisies of the American Revolution. The first two stories, in particular, were quite political.
I adored all of the stories, but "That Could Be Enough" was without question my favorite. The story itself is incredible, and Alyssa Cole's note at the end made me cry. I loved the heroines so much, and Mercy's character arc is gorgeous. Alyssa Cole is the author out of these three whom I've read the least, but I intend to read all of her books I've missed ASAP.
chocolatemeerkat's review against another edition
5.0
I received an arc of this from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
This book was amazing. I loved each of the stories so much and they all were beautifully written an each balanced the book well. For this I am going to mainly talk about Courtney Milans Pursuit Of because I genuinely cried over and not my eyes shine but full on tears.
I have never read a book by Milan befoee and this novella is my first. I am highly impressed that is her first mm romance. It is so well done and does not fall into the typical mf tropes that often get applied to mm stories written by primarily mf authors.
I fell in love with Henry as I have never identified so strongly with a character before. I viewed him as having todays equivalent of ADD but from the perspective of the 1700s. Henry's speech patterns and mannerisms spoke so much to how I talk and carry conversations how they do not follow any linear pattern. I try quite a bit to try and bring everything back to my main point and it can be extremely difficult. Just like Henry I experienced being told I was stupid that I talk to much. I painfully related to how he was treated by others and the stories that he could weave. I hold Henry dear in my heart.
I also appreciated how John's experiences were not minimized and that Henry did his best to listen and learn and not just bluff John off or wipe it away. That was truly refreshing to read. I loved how they fell in love over a 600+ mile journey and that they were able to stay together and grow old together.
I look forward to reading more books by all three authors.
This book was amazing. I loved each of the stories so much and they all were beautifully written an each balanced the book well. For this I am going to mainly talk about Courtney Milans Pursuit Of because I genuinely cried over and not my eyes shine but full on tears.
I have never read a book by Milan befoee and this novella is my first. I am highly impressed that is her first mm romance. It is so well done and does not fall into the typical mf tropes that often get applied to mm stories written by primarily mf authors.
I fell in love with Henry as I have never identified so strongly with a character before. I viewed him as having todays equivalent of ADD but from the perspective of the 1700s. Henry's speech patterns and mannerisms spoke so much to how I talk and carry conversations how they do not follow any linear pattern. I try quite a bit to try and bring everything back to my main point and it can be extremely difficult. Just like Henry I experienced being told I was stupid that I talk to much. I painfully related to how he was treated by others and the stories that he could weave. I hold Henry dear in my heart.
I also appreciated how John's experiences were not minimized and that Henry did his best to listen and learn and not just bluff John off or wipe it away. That was truly refreshing to read. I loved how they fell in love over a 600+ mile journey and that they were able to stay together and grow old together.
I look forward to reading more books by all three authors.
sydney_lena's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
lbcecil's review against another edition
4.0
PROMISED LAND by Rose Lerner -- ★★★★★
THE PURSUIT OF... by Courtney Milan -- ★★★★★
THAT COULD BE ENOUGH by Alyssa Cole -- ★★★★★
THE PURSUIT OF... by Courtney Milan -- ★★★★★
THAT COULD BE ENOUGH by Alyssa Cole -- ★★★★★
critterbee's review against another edition
5.0
When I first heard about this book, I was so excited to read it, mainly because it contained stories written by Alyssa Cole, Rose Lerner and Courtney Milan. Also, as a child, I became an admirer of Alexander Hamilton, mostly because, to my juvenile, pre-teen mind, he figured as the cutest founding father and Oh, yeah! he participated in a most dashingly dangerous duel. But I have not seen Hamilton the musical.
Anyway, then the book showed up on Netgalley and I was lucky enough to obtain an ARC. I’m still pretty thrilled about that.
These three novellas are linked to each other through Alexander Hamilton. They also all took place around the same time and place in American history. Essentially the characters in this book were all with Hamilton at, or related to someone who was at, the siege of Yorktown. Years later, his widow Elizabeth Hamilton is collecting and documenting their memories of Alexander.
The first story was Promised Land by Rose Lerner, featuring what is just about my favorite trope, a woman disguising herself as a man in order to achieve a job or position that would otherwise be denied to her as a woman. Rachel has strong ideas about her destiny, and the possible future of the nation that she is fighting to help establish. She’s hiding her womanly womaness, and serving bravely and effectively as a corporal in the continental army. During the war. In combat. On the front lines. Constantly avoiding any and all situations that may expose her gender. Things are pretty complicated for Rachel.
Enter Nathan, her former love, who she remembers as being loyal to the crown, and immediately denounces as a spy. Nathan remembers Rachel quite vividly, and also remembers that she 'died' several years earlier. They are both Jewish, but with different levels of adherence to the tenets and rules of the religion. There are all types of lusty feelings flying about. Things get even more complicated.
Her insistence on calling him out as a spy showed the depth of faith to the cause, or perhaps an inability to resist reconnecting with him, although if it were only that, she would have waylaid him secretly. But she was willing to give up her secret of in order to protect the army.
Beautiful and evocative. I loved Rachel and Nathan, and their story, and read right through to the conclusion.
In Pursuit of… by Courtney Milan was the second story, and began at Yorktown, with a surreal cute meet, the best that I have read in years. It then turns into a journey story, as John must return home to his family after the war and Henry decides to travel with him, in part as repayment for John sparing his life.
I found this story to be the lightest and most humorous, which is odd considering it is a m/m, inter-racial love story set about 250 years ago, when ‘all men created equal’ clearly did not mean that all men were created equal. And yet still, the story was often pretty hilarious.
The balance between serious, taciturn John and ridiculous, garrulous Henry was entertaining. I liked this couple the best, especially the slow emergence of their feelings. I was really invested in their story, hoping that they would have a wonderful future together.
That Could Be Enough by Alyssa Cole
At the end of John and Henry’s story, we meet Mercy Alston. She works as a scribe for Elizabeth Hamilton. Her duties seem to cross over into the companion zone for Elizabeth and one of her daughters, Angelica. Mercy is very tightly-wound and sensitive, with an extremely artistic side that she meticulously hides. There are reasons.
Rather different than the hilarious meet cute of John and Henry, this one is replete with golden light and fireworks. Andromeda Stiel makes her entrance, gloriously and unexpectedly. Mercy’s (and our) first impression of her is of a magnificent force of nature. Andromeda makes an instant impact, all beauty, strength, assurance, and interest. It is safe to say that by this point I am already in love with Andromeda. Mercy takes a little longer to work through her feelings.
Andromeda is a dressmaker with a successful business, and is well-respected in the community, and by everyone she knows. She knows what she wants and works towards it. Mercy thinks a lot. About everything. She has issues communicating, which makes getting close to her difficult.
I liked the two very strong, very different women, but felt that the misunderstanding at the end could have been resolved with some plain speaking. That would absolutely NOT be in Mercy’s nature, though. Mercy needs to work on her verbal communication skills.
In short, loved the story, loved Andromeda, and am wishing for a graphic novel version on account of the description of the dresses and settings.
While the three novellas had distinctly different characters and conflicts, there was a strong feeling of hope, and faith in the country’s potential. Though there were challenges and inequality, and a few contemptibly despicable men, these characters lived and loved valiantly.
All three novellas had great characters, great meetings / introductions, and the couples just felt right for each other.
It feels like the authors took strength and inspiration from each other to make the novellas better and more cohesive. The length was perfect - not too short. I felt satisfied with how each concluded. Each author’s afterword was fascinating, and I appreciated the references that were cited there. The attention to historical detail and the research was outstanding, and did not overwhelm the storytelling.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Highly recommended.
*eARC Netgalley*
Anyway, then the book showed up on Netgalley and I was lucky enough to obtain an ARC. I’m still pretty thrilled about that.
These three novellas are linked to each other through Alexander Hamilton. They also all took place around the same time and place in American history. Essentially the characters in this book were all with Hamilton at, or related to someone who was at, the siege of Yorktown. Years later, his widow Elizabeth Hamilton is collecting and documenting their memories of Alexander.
The first story was Promised Land by Rose Lerner, featuring what is just about my favorite trope, a woman disguising herself as a man in order to achieve a job or position that would otherwise be denied to her as a woman. Rachel has strong ideas about her destiny, and the possible future of the nation that she is fighting to help establish. She’s hiding her womanly womaness, and serving bravely and effectively as a corporal in the continental army. During the war. In combat. On the front lines. Constantly avoiding any and all situations that may expose her gender. Things are pretty complicated for Rachel.
Enter Nathan, her former love, who she remembers as being loyal to the crown, and immediately denounces as a spy. Nathan remembers Rachel quite vividly, and also remembers that she 'died' several years earlier. They are both Jewish, but with different levels of adherence to the tenets and rules of the religion. There are all types of lusty feelings flying about. Things get even more complicated.
Spoiler
I loved that it was a second chance love story, showing how they both had developed into more complex people. I liked that they had several differences to work out. There was so much conflict between the hero and heroine. They had to to overcome different political loyalties, her faking her death, the disparity in their religious devotion, strong physical attraction to each other, yearning to have children, wanting to be full citizens of the new republic, AND dealing with his mother. And all this while being in the middle of a war.Her insistence on calling him out as a spy showed the depth of faith to the cause, or perhaps an inability to resist reconnecting with him, although if it were only that, she would have waylaid him secretly. But she was willing to give up her secret of in order to protect the army.
Beautiful and evocative. I loved Rachel and Nathan, and their story, and read right through to the conclusion.
Spoiler
The flash-forward passages in the narrative showed bits of their life a great many years after the war, which was quite reassuring given the grave tone of the writing.In Pursuit of… by Courtney Milan was the second story, and began at Yorktown, with a surreal cute meet, the best that I have read in years. It then turns into a journey story, as John must return home to his family after the war and Henry decides to travel with him, in part as repayment for John sparing his life.
I found this story to be the lightest and most humorous, which is odd considering it is a m/m, inter-racial love story set about 250 years ago, when ‘all men created equal’ clearly did not mean that all men were created equal.
Spoiler
I was nervous for their safety during the encounter with the two yokels. It is sad how John expects the worst of people because that has been the only way he has experienced people to be.The balance between serious, taciturn John and ridiculous, garrulous Henry was entertaining. I liked this couple the best, especially the slow emergence of their feelings. I was really invested in their story, hoping that they would have a wonderful future together.
Spoiler
The extended ending sequence was just what I needed. I needed to know that they would be fine and have a happy future together. I really needed that.That Could Be Enough by Alyssa Cole
At the end of John and Henry’s story, we meet Mercy Alston. She works as a scribe for Elizabeth Hamilton. Her duties seem to cross over into the companion zone for Elizabeth and one of her daughters, Angelica. Mercy is very tightly-wound and sensitive, with an extremely artistic side that she meticulously hides. There are reasons.
Rather different than the hilarious meet cute of John and Henry, this one is replete with golden light and fireworks. Andromeda Stiel makes her entrance, gloriously and unexpectedly. Mercy’s (and our) first impression of her is of a magnificent force of nature. Andromeda makes an instant impact, all beauty, strength, assurance, and interest. It is safe to say that by this point I am already in love with Andromeda. Mercy takes a little longer to work through her feelings.
Andromeda is a dressmaker with a successful business, and is well-respected in the community, and by everyone she knows. She knows what she wants and works towards it. Mercy thinks a lot. About everything. She has issues communicating, which makes getting close to her difficult.
I liked the two very strong, very different women, but felt that the misunderstanding at the end could have been resolved with some plain speaking. That would absolutely NOT be in Mercy’s nature, though. Mercy needs to work on her verbal communication skills.
Spoiler
She does get there in the end, after a few false starts, and really is quite endearing.In short, loved the story, loved Andromeda, and am wishing for a graphic novel version on account of the description of the dresses and settings.
While the three novellas had distinctly different characters and conflicts, there was a strong feeling of hope, and faith in the country’s potential. Though there were challenges and inequality, and a few contemptibly despicable men, these characters lived and loved valiantly.
All three novellas had great characters, great meetings / introductions, and the couples just felt right for each other.
Spoiler
Each story had one believable, detailed love scene, that enhanced the story, and did not distract from the emotional bonding.It feels like the authors took strength and inspiration from each other to make the novellas better and more cohesive. The length was perfect - not too short. I felt satisfied with how each concluded. Each author’s afterword was fascinating, and I appreciated the references that were cited there. The attention to historical detail and the research was outstanding, and did not overwhelm the storytelling.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Highly recommended.
*eARC Netgalley*
tori335's review against another edition
4.0
Overall: 3.5/5 rounded up.
Promise Land: 3.5/5
The Pursuit of...:3.5/5
That Could Be Enough 4/5
Promise Land: 3.5/5
The Pursuit of...:3.5/5
That Could Be Enough 4/5
bananatricky's review against another edition
4.0
Trio of novellas set during the American War of Independence. I have a feeling that when I get around to reading the historical notes on these novellas they will turn out not to be as far-fetched as I currently suspect.
The Promised Land by Rose Lerner
Rachel left her arranged marriage, her interfering mother-in-law and her husband to join the American rebels fight the British. For three years her husband has thought she was dead and she has dressed as a man, calling herself Ezra. Full of ideals about an America where race, religion and sex do not act as a barrier she intends to write her memoirs after the war and go on tour telling people that a Jewish woman fought alongside christian men to free America. And then she sees her husband, Nathaniel, walking through the camp as bold as brass. Convinced he is a spy for the British she denounces him to her superior officers.
Nathaniel has mourned his wife for the past three years. Although it was a marriage of convenience, Rachel needed money for her mother's medical fees, Nathaniel truly loved his wife and had hoped that she might come to love him.
As the rebels beseige Yorktown can two estranged lovers be frank enough about their feelings and needs to start over, or are the scars too deep?
Rose Lerner writes unusual historical romances, often from the point of view of the working classes or people outside the mainstream such as gypsies, this is no exception. An exploration of how to reconcile religious beliefs with emotions and patriotism, of listening to yourself and to others, of what it meant to be a Jew in the 1700s in America, of what it meant to be a Jewish woman, of gender and identity.
I liked this, I liked the romance, that neither Rachel nor Nathaniel was entirely right or wrong, that they made as many mistakes as each other, that the emotions felt 'real'. But I didn't feel emotionally engaged, this was more historical than romance.
Three stars.
The Pursuit Of ... by Courtney Milan
An unlikely romance between a rich, white British officer and a poor black free man fighting for the American army. After saving the life of Henry Latham, a loquacious British officer, John Hunter is surprised when Henry hunts him out to offer his thanks, even more surprised when Henry agrees to accompany him on his 500 mile trek across America to reunite with his sister and her husband.
As the two men walk across America Henry waxes lyrically about anything and everything, particularly cheese, and somehow the two men fall in love.
This is funny and touching and engaging, a wonderful romance about hope and idealism. I thought that John was unbelievably well-spoken and educated for a poor black man of that time, but it's not an era I'm familiar with and it was a riveting read.
Four stars.
That Could Be Enough by Alyssa Cole
I haven't really started this one - review to come
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The Promised Land by Rose Lerner
Rachel left her arranged marriage, her interfering mother-in-law and her husband to join the American rebels fight the British. For three years her husband has thought she was dead and she has dressed as a man, calling herself Ezra. Full of ideals about an America where race, religion and sex do not act as a barrier she intends to write her memoirs after the war and go on tour telling people that a Jewish woman fought alongside christian men to free America. And then she sees her husband, Nathaniel, walking through the camp as bold as brass. Convinced he is a spy for the British she denounces him to her superior officers.
Nathaniel has mourned his wife for the past three years. Although it was a marriage of convenience, Rachel needed money for her mother's medical fees, Nathaniel truly loved his wife and had hoped that she might come to love him.
As the rebels beseige Yorktown can two estranged lovers be frank enough about their feelings and needs to start over, or are the scars too deep?
Rose Lerner writes unusual historical romances, often from the point of view of the working classes or people outside the mainstream such as gypsies, this is no exception. An exploration of how to reconcile religious beliefs with emotions and patriotism, of listening to yourself and to others, of what it meant to be a Jew in the 1700s in America, of what it meant to be a Jewish woman, of gender and identity.
I liked this, I liked the romance, that neither Rachel nor Nathaniel was entirely right or wrong, that they made as many mistakes as each other, that the emotions felt 'real'. But I didn't feel emotionally engaged, this was more historical than romance.
Three stars.
The Pursuit Of ... by Courtney Milan
An unlikely romance between a rich, white British officer and a poor black free man fighting for the American army. After saving the life of Henry Latham, a loquacious British officer, John Hunter is surprised when Henry hunts him out to offer his thanks, even more surprised when Henry agrees to accompany him on his 500 mile trek across America to reunite with his sister and her husband.
As the two men walk across America Henry waxes lyrically about anything and everything, particularly cheese, and somehow the two men fall in love.
This is funny and touching and engaging, a wonderful romance about hope and idealism. I thought that John was unbelievably well-spoken and educated for a poor black man of that time, but it's not an era I'm familiar with and it was a riveting read.
Four stars.
That Could Be Enough by Alyssa Cole
I haven't really started this one - review to come
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.