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a_reader_obsessed's review
3.0
3.5 Stars
An apt ending to this historical trilogy!!
Mark is basically an investigator, and he wants to help his friends Clem from An Unseen Attraction and Nathaniel from An Unnatural Vice as dead bodies steadily keep piling up. It’s all connected to a wanted, but unknown, person. What’s at stake is a missing earl and his inheritance, and there’s somebody who doesn’t want the truth to come out.
As Mark discovers that the enigmatic femme acrobat Pen is the one he’s seeking, Pen makes it crystal clear he wants to live his carefree life without out the millions of rules and constraints it would mean to claim his birthright. However, hiding who he is only puts him in more danger.
This had some different sexual identity themes to it which brought a new conflict that’s not often seen in historicals. As Mark and company get closer and closer to narrowing down the suspects, one wonders how Pen will ever reconcile keeping true to himself and fulfilling his obligations should they prevail.
The romantic progression was too fast for my liking, but I loved the propriety and the upper vs lower class dynamics with a great shout out to supportive and fiesty sister Greta! Overall, a satisfying conclusion to this 3 book story arc where comeuppance is delivered, and everyone gets their happy ending!
An apt ending to this historical trilogy!!
Mark is basically an investigator, and he wants to help his friends Clem from An Unseen Attraction and Nathaniel from An Unnatural Vice as dead bodies steadily keep piling up. It’s all connected to a wanted, but unknown, person. What’s at stake is a missing earl and his inheritance, and there’s somebody who doesn’t want the truth to come out.
As Mark discovers that the enigmatic femme acrobat Pen is the one he’s seeking, Pen makes it crystal clear he wants to live his carefree life without out the millions of rules and constraints it would mean to claim his birthright. However, hiding who he is only puts him in more danger.
This had some different sexual identity themes to it which brought a new conflict that’s not often seen in historicals. As Mark and company get closer and closer to narrowing down the suspects, one wonders how Pen will ever reconcile keeping true to himself and fulfilling his obligations should they prevail.
The romantic progression was too fast for my liking, but I loved the propriety and the upper vs lower class dynamics with a great shout out to supportive and fiesty sister Greta! Overall, a satisfying conclusion to this 3 book story arc where comeuppance is delivered, and everyone gets their happy ending!
marieintheraw's review against another edition
1.0
the representation and this whole story just were s solid nope for me
britgbrewer's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
heathers_books's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
northie's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
If you read the novels of Wilkie Collins (or even Dickens), you'd be forgiven for thinking Victorian London was populated entirely by 'normal' (ie white, cis-het) people. KJ Charles bursts that illusion without fuss or fanfare in this series. It is one of many elements that holds a reader's attention.
In this third book, characters win out over plot. The whodunnit and accompanying machinations are entertaining but it's the people that grab you. To have two queer principal characters is marvellous. Maybe Victorian times lacked the vocabulary to describe shades of queerness. They still existed though, with individuals having to navigate their needs and how to fit into wider society.
Reading both this series and The Society of Gentlemen make me want to explore this world more. Entertainment and education, romance, a little grit, and plenty of sexiness - what more could you want?
In this third book, characters win out over plot. The whodunnit and accompanying machinations are entertaining but it's the people that grab you. To have two queer principal characters is marvellous. Maybe Victorian times lacked the vocabulary to describe shades of queerness. They still existed though, with individuals having to navigate their needs and how to fit into wider society.
Reading both this series and The Society of Gentlemen make me want to explore this world more. Entertainment and education, romance, a little grit, and plenty of sexiness - what more could you want?
jess_justmaybeperfect's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Transphobia, Torture, Child abuse, Child death, Racism, Homophobia, Murder, Classism, Sexual assault, and Abandonment
kabrahams's review
5.0
What an absolutely perfect ending to this delightful trilogy. I am full on SOBBING at the end, not because it's sad, but because the romance is just so beautiful and sweet and I LOVE these characters and I'm gonna miss them SO MUCH and also they went through SO MUCH but now they get to be happy and I couldn't be happier.
WOW this had me on my toes! One minute I'm gasping over a reveal or a murder or attempted murder, the next I'm laughing my ass off, then I'm highlighting a beautiful passage or enjoying a smut scene, and then the YEARNING hits and wow this is one of the best romances and also murder mysteries and also just all around of one of the best books out there. I'm glad I took my time and savored it but also want ten billion more. K. J. Charles, please never stop writing!
WOW this had me on my toes! One minute I'm gasping over a reveal or a murder or attempted murder, the next I'm laughing my ass off, then I'm highlighting a beautiful passage or enjoying a smut scene, and then the YEARNING hits and wow this is one of the best romances and also murder mysteries and also just all around of one of the best books out there. I'm glad I took my time and savored it but also want ten billion more. K. J. Charles, please never stop writing!
amandalachelle's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria, Murder, Transphobia, and Sexual content
Moderate: Classism, Panic attacks/disorders, Gun violence, Death of parent, Torture, Ableism, and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
emilyveryromance's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-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
5.0