Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
slow-paced
Decent but not spectacular. This follows an officer and his former batman after the war as they deal with the effects of ptsd, war wounds, family expectations, class differences, and actually acknowledging their affection for each other. There's some blink-and-you-miss-it ace representation thrown in as well, which is always nice. I was hoping for more of the War itself, but it's set in the time between armistice and the signing of the treaty of Paris, which doesn't get much attention.
(Honestly, if you're looking for a good WWI story I would go for the fic Soldier's Heart by Alex51324)
(Honestly, if you're looking for a good WWI story I would go for the fic Soldier's Heart by Alex51324)
Ummm way to break my heart and then put it back together and then break it again and then put it back together and then stomp on it and yeet it out the window but like, then put I back together again but with glitter glue that time.
It’s giving ✨soft✨ It’s giving ✨yearning✨ Its giving ✨friends to forbidden lovers✨
It’s giving ✨soft✨ It’s giving ✨yearning✨ Its giving ✨friends to forbidden lovers✨
3.5 stars
I really liked this. I thought the author did a great job making it feel accurate to the time period while still allowing for an HEA.
It illustrated how and why WWI became a turning point in English society without ignoring how slow-moving these kind of turning points feel in the moment. I especially loved the conversations about taking tiny steps, one person at a time, to trust that it would lead to larger changes long-term. (I intentionally followed this with a contemporary set in England that made the perfect case for how true this really is, and the contrast definitely elevated the experience for me.)
Ash's PTSD, and the way it was brushed aside by his family, did not make for an easy read, but it was balanced nicely by the strong support system he eventually finds.
This was my second read by this author, and they're certainly not ground-breaking in any way, but I've found them both to be solid, above average, enjoyable romances. I'll definitely be reading more, even though I'm going to have to buy the next one since I've now exhausted the KU offerings :)
I really liked this. I thought the author did a great job making it feel accurate to the time period while still allowing for an HEA.
It illustrated how and why WWI became a turning point in English society without ignoring how slow-moving these kind of turning points feel in the moment. I especially loved the conversations about taking tiny steps, one person at a time, to trust that it would lead to larger changes long-term. (I intentionally followed this with a contemporary set in England that made the perfect case for how true this really is, and the contrast definitely elevated the experience for me.)
Ash's PTSD, and the way it was brushed aside by his family, did not make for an easy read, but it was balanced nicely by the strong support system he eventually finds.
This was my second read by this author, and they're certainly not ground-breaking in any way, but I've found them both to be solid, above average, enjoyable romances. I'll definitely be reading more, even though I'm going to have to buy the next one since I've now exhausted the KU offerings :)
A lovely, quiet story about two men trying to navigate new lives for themselves - separately and together - in the aftermath of World War I, when they leave the frontlines behind and return to the stultifying, classist, regressive and repressive rules and expectations they no longer can accept. Harry and Ash are both likeable, sweet characters, and the bond between them is superbly done.
I ended up 4 instead of 5-starring it because it was a bit heavy-handed on the "damn this unjust world" but, for all the lamenting, there was very little follow-through until (SPOILER) the perfect solution for all their problems fell into their laps: namely that Ash will have a marriage of convenience with his friend Olive, who is both uninterested in (more accurately, self-professedly repulsed by) sexual intimacy, AND extremely rich but unable to access her fortune until she marries. This same device (marriage of convenience with rich woman who is awesome and who has a mutually respectful friendship with the male MC but who also actively does not want an intimate or sexual relationship with him) was used in another book I just read, so it's been on my mind a bit. And I have mixed feelings: I am partly grateful for the author kindly serving us this narrative convenience, because it allows the reader to have complete emotional investment in Harry and Ash without feeling at all bad for Olive or feeling like she got a raw deal. BUT I feel like the solution of "he has a beard but it's not a bad thing because she doesn't want intimacy or sex" is kind of, I don't know, un-ideal? Like, I am absolutely on-board for ace representation in romance, but I'm not sure that's actually what's going on here. It feels more like a cheat or shortcut than a fully-considered, potentially emotionally laden relationship between two complicated adults whose interests align. This is maybe unfair, but I can't help compare it to KJ Charles's Will Darling series (which is amazing and highly, highly recommended), where Phoebe would have been Kim's marriage of convenience, where each had their own reasons for doing it, but where both parties also had a fully developed love interest/ story of their own that was accepted and embraced because of the way their friendship was and the way they loved each other. And - accepting that this is perhaps an unduly harsh reading - it feels like Olive isn't really written as ace (again - she is actively repulsed by sex, and I know I'm on shaky ground here but I don't read this as considered ace representation), so much as there is this sense that she NEEDS to be so for plot purposes so as to avoid readers getting the squicks about her being taken advantage of. And getting back to the point of much lamenting, not much follow through - I feel like the emotional pay off is less when the perfect solution just lands in the character's laps, without them actually have to sacrifice anything to change this world they are so rightfully lamenting.
Now I sound really negative, but I stand by the 4-star rating -- it really is a lovely, emotionally affecting story. I just wish that authors could trust us readers more to be able to deal with the complexities of human relationships outside the main romance, instead of plumping for the "don't feel bad for the woman because she hates sex" solution.
CW: graphic descriptions of battle wounds, deaths; PTSD
I ended up 4 instead of 5-starring it because it was a bit heavy-handed on the "damn this unjust world" but, for all the lamenting, there was very little follow-through until (SPOILER) the perfect solution for all their problems fell into their laps: namely that Ash will have a marriage of convenience with his friend Olive, who is both uninterested in (more accurately, self-professedly repulsed by) sexual intimacy, AND extremely rich but unable to access her fortune until she marries. This same device (marriage of convenience with rich woman who is awesome and who has a mutually respectful friendship with the male MC but who also actively does not want an intimate or sexual relationship with him) was used in another book I just read, so it's been on my mind a bit. And I have mixed feelings: I am partly grateful for the author kindly serving us this narrative convenience, because it allows the reader to have complete emotional investment in Harry and Ash without feeling at all bad for Olive or feeling like she got a raw deal. BUT I feel like the solution of "he has a beard but it's not a bad thing because she doesn't want intimacy or sex" is kind of, I don't know, un-ideal? Like, I am absolutely on-board for ace representation in romance, but I'm not sure that's actually what's going on here. It feels more like a cheat or shortcut than a fully-considered, potentially emotionally laden relationship between two complicated adults whose interests align. This is maybe unfair, but I can't help compare it to KJ Charles's Will Darling series (which is amazing and highly, highly recommended), where Phoebe would have been Kim's marriage of convenience, where each had their own reasons for doing it, but where both parties also had a fully developed love interest/ story of their own that was accepted and embraced because of the way their friendship was and the way they loved each other. And - accepting that this is perhaps an unduly harsh reading - it feels like Olive isn't really written as ace (again - she is actively repulsed by sex, and I know I'm on shaky ground here but I don't read this as considered ace representation), so much as there is this sense that she NEEDS to be so for plot purposes so as to avoid readers getting the squicks about her being taken advantage of. And getting back to the point of much lamenting, not much follow through - I feel like the emotional pay off is less when the perfect solution just lands in the character's laps, without them actually have to sacrifice anything to change this world they are so rightfully lamenting.
Now I sound really negative, but I stand by the 4-star rating -- it really is a lovely, emotionally affecting story. I just wish that authors could trust us readers more to be able to deal with the complexities of human relationships outside the main romance, instead of plumping for the "don't feel bad for the woman because she hates sex" solution.
CW: graphic descriptions of battle wounds, deaths; PTSD
I loved this so much. This was right up my alley, this post-World War 1 time period which I'm really drawn to, and just destined/meant to be type of pure love between the two former captain and batman war veterans, with their same-sex love and class difference being forbidden in society, but Ash and Harry finding a way to be together despite the insurmountable obstacles. It was lovely to just read of their bond and it was really poignant to have them be able to live together, as good as married in their hearts. As written in the story, the two men just being themselves and being happy, of their friend Olive living her dreams outside of what society dictates for women, is already such a victory and so powerful in itself.
Aside from the central love story, the details of what was considered modern for the late 1910s, the intricacies of their physical and mental battle scars and how society has changed after the war, the side characters, were really rich and contextualized the story within this grander scheme of this interesting time period.
Ash's thinking in particular speaks to the discontent of his generation who suffered the war with the status quo that the old guard have put up, and I appreciated this layer so much. He embodies the rising generation (Lost Generation?) who finds the existing class divide unsustainable and the societal image of the war having been this glorious sacrifice unconscionable, during this historical turning point regarding attitudes on war for those who'd lived its horrors. There's also the added aspect on the changing world on women's rights, where Olive has her own set of societal restrictions being a woman with ambitions of being a doctor.
The writing style I also really enjoyed, and I'd say this author's books have gotten better from the Hamptons-esque beach town contemporary series I'd read, where I found those great too. I'd definitely keep an eye out for any more future work by them. And I also want to go out and read all the literature and material around this era! I'd want to get around to more WWI stuff at some point, both fiction and nonfiction across different mediums.
Aside from the central love story, the details of what was considered modern for the late 1910s, the intricacies of their physical and mental battle scars and how society has changed after the war, the side characters, were really rich and contextualized the story within this grander scheme of this interesting time period.
Ash's thinking in particular speaks to the discontent of his generation who suffered the war with the status quo that the old guard have put up, and I appreciated this layer so much. He embodies the rising generation (Lost Generation?) who finds the existing class divide unsustainable and the societal image of the war having been this glorious sacrifice unconscionable, during this historical turning point regarding attitudes on war for those who'd lived its horrors. There's also the added aspect on the changing world on women's rights, where Olive has her own set of societal restrictions being a woman with ambitions of being a doctor.
The writing style I also really enjoyed, and I'd say this author's books have gotten better from the Hamptons-esque beach town contemporary series I'd read, where I found those great too. I'd definitely keep an eye out for any more future work by them. And I also want to go out and read all the literature and material around this era! I'd want to get around to more WWI stuff at some point, both fiction and nonfiction across different mediums.
Such a great WWI-era historical romance and just a great romance overall - with a HEA! I was impressed with the writing from the first chapter and didn't want to put it down. This is great for those who like some tragedy and angst in their romance without having to worry about the dissatisfaction of it not ending well.
I only wish it had a better cover design because that made me hesitant at first, but it had a barrage of 5-star reviews so I didn't let the cover deter me and for that I'm very glad (the cover and title are more reminiscent of something with vampires for whatever reason). And also, because Dalton is a known-to-me first name (I have a cousin), the alternating of calling him Ash, Ashleigh, or Dalton was a bit confusing at times when I'd forget his last name was thus.
Overall, definitely a recommendation and one of my favourite historical novels I've read to date.
I only wish it had a better cover design because that made me hesitant at first, but it had a barrage of 5-star reviews so I didn't let the cover deter me and for that I'm very glad (the cover and title are more reminiscent of something with vampires for whatever reason). And also, because Dalton is a known-to-me first name (I have a cousin), the alternating of calling him Ash, Ashleigh, or Dalton was a bit confusing at times when I'd forget his last name was thus.
Overall, definitely a recommendation and one of my favourite historical novels I've read to date.
4.5 stars
This was an emotional story that balanced tragedy, pain, love and hope. I loved Ash and Harry, and while it was painful to watch them deal with returning from the frontlines having been through something only they could understand, and their struggle to be close despite class differences and societal expectations, there was also a joy in seeing their strong bond, how they leaned on and helped each other, and explored their feelings for each other. What really elevated this book for me was the writing, Harry and Ash's struggles and their affection towards each other were conveyed in a way that really touched my heart.
This was an emotional story that balanced tragedy, pain, love and hope. I loved Ash and Harry, and while it was painful to watch them deal with returning from the frontlines having been through something only they could understand, and their struggle to be close despite class differences and societal expectations, there was also a joy in seeing their strong bond, how they leaned on and helped each other, and explored their feelings for each other. What really elevated this book for me was the writing, Harry and Ash's struggles and their affection towards each other were conveyed in a way that really touched my heart.
emotional
hopeful
I loved this so much. This was right up my alley, this post-World War 1 time period which I'm really drawn to, and just destined/meant to be type of pure love between the two former captain and batman war veterans, with their same-sex love and class difference being forbidden in society, but Ash and Harry finding a way to be together despite the insurmountable obstacles. It was lovely to just read of their bond and it was really poignant to have them be able to live together, as good as married in their hearts. As written in the story, the two men just being themselves and being happy, of their friend Olive living her dreams outside of what society dictates for women, is already such a victory and so powerful in itself.
Aside from the central love story, the details of what was considered modern for the late 1910s, the intricacies of their physical and mental battle scars and how society has changed after the war, the side characters, were really rich and contextualized the story within this grander scheme of this interesting time period.
Ash's thinking in particular speaks to the discontent of his generation who suffered the war with the status quo that the old guard have put up, and I appreciated this layer so much. He embodies the rising generation (Lost Generation?) who finds the existing class divide unsustainable and the societal image of the war having been this glorious sacrifice unconscionable, during this historical turning point regarding attitudes on war for those who'd lived its horrors. There's also the added aspect on the changing world on women's rights, where Olive has her own set of societal restrictions being a woman with ambitions of being a doctor.
The writing style I also really enjoyed, and I'd say this author's books have gotten better from the Hamptons-esque beach town contemporary series I'd read, where I found those great too. I'd definitely keep an eye out for any more future work by them. And I also want to go out and read all the literature and material around this era! I'd want to get around to more WWI stuff at some point, both fiction and nonfiction across different mediums.
Aside from the central love story, the details of what was considered modern for the late 1910s, the intricacies of their physical and mental battle scars and how society has changed after the war, the side characters, were really rich and contextualized the story within this grander scheme of this interesting time period.
Ash's thinking in particular speaks to the discontent of his generation who suffered the war with the status quo that the old guard have put up, and I appreciated this layer so much. He embodies the rising generation (Lost Generation?) who finds the existing class divide unsustainable and the societal image of the war having been this glorious sacrifice unconscionable, during this historical turning point regarding attitudes on war for those who'd lived its horrors. There's also the added aspect on the changing world on women's rights, where Olive has her own set of societal restrictions being a woman with ambitions of being a doctor.
The writing style I also really enjoyed, and I'd say this author's books have gotten better from the Hamptons-esque beach town contemporary series I'd read, where I found those great too. I'd definitely keep an eye out for any more future work by them. And I also want to go out and read all the literature and material around this era! I'd want to get around to more WWI stuff at some point, both fiction and nonfiction across different mediums.
This was pleasant but the characters felt a little thinly sketched to me. I liked the scenes but never really felt an emotional connection.