Scan barcode
pitsikakku's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Murder, Kidnapping, and Confinement
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and War
mallorypen's review
adventurous
challenging
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
How many times am I going to start a review with “KJ Charles did it again?” Well, at least one more time, because this novel was scrumptious. The narrator is one of the best I’ve heard, giving every character a little something all their own. The plot was full of great twists, and the element of romance was heart wrenching in its fallout, delicious in its execution, and very beautifully human.
The characters of Will (stubborn, principled, ruthless) and Kim (conflicted, insecure, kind) worked so well together. I ended up trusting and distrusting Kim along with Will every time, and that first sense of betrayal was completely out of left field for me. The moral quandaries (keep the information out of everyone’s hands, or give it to the government; tell the truth or lie again; apologize or disappear) were complex and compelling. I was so pleased when Kim quietly told Will where the papers were hidden, and I loved the reveal at the end that, despite all of his scheming, Kim simply wanted Will and had a selfish moment when they came together.
I want to know more about Kim’s past, and I want Will to discover it.
Phoebe and Maisie were excellent side characters; Phoebe in particular had depth and I will be extremely surprised if she isn’t queer too - and if she is, I love that Kim didn’t out here when Will was asking about what might happen if she falls in love with another man after they marry. I’d bet that the saucy letter they found in the old book was meant for her.
KJ Charles does such a lovely job of making an interesting plot aside from the romance, and then using the romance to heighten everything: the tension, the yearning, the stakes and the conclusion.
The characters of Will (stubborn, principled, ruthless) and Kim (conflicted, insecure, kind) worked so well together. I ended up trusting and distrusting Kim along with Will every time, and that first sense of betrayal was completely out of left field for me. The moral quandaries (keep the information out of everyone’s hands, or give it to the government; tell the truth or lie again; apologize or disappear) were complex and compelling. I was so pleased when Kim quietly told Will where the papers were hidden, and I loved the reveal at the end that, despite all of his scheming, Kim simply wanted Will and had a selfish moment when they came together.
I want to know more about Kim’s past, and I want Will to discover it.
Phoebe and Maisie were excellent side characters; Phoebe in particular had depth and I will be extremely surprised if she isn’t queer too - and if she is, I love that Kim didn’t out here when Will was asking about what might happen if she falls in love with another man after they marry. I’d bet that the saucy letter they found in the old book was meant for her.
KJ Charles does such a lovely job of making an interesting plot aside from the romance, and then using the romance to heighten everything: the tension, the yearning, the stakes and the conclusion.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping and Violence
Minor: Sexual violence and War
aniquegrace's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This serious is one of my all time faves, so many good things in a quick, easy to read package
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
serein42's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
jennyoli96's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: Confinement and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Homophobia, Classism, Death, and Torture
koyotl's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A thoroughly fun romp - I found myself really drawn to Will, the main character, and the many misfortunes that fall upon him. His relationship with Kim is fascinating and I can’t wait to read more about the two of them! The mystery was enjoyable, the witty banter between Will and Kim was delightful, and I don’t know about y’all but I LOVE a capable main lead. Onto the sequel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Torture, Homophobia, and Violence
Minor: Murder, Blood, Cursing, Gun violence, and Injury/Injury detail
ramintah's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping, War, Violence, and Confinement
ridesthesun's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What a fun time!!!! I got very strong "Tommy and Tuppence" vibes, and that's always a good thing.
I love these characters and their relationships, and the story is so well thought out. I really liked the complex views of war and post-war life, and how everyone deals with those things differently. Social commentary in a queer espionage trench coat 🙌🏻
I love these characters and their relationships, and the story is so well thought out. I really liked the complex views of war and post-war life, and how everyone deals with those things differently. Social commentary in a queer espionage trench coat 🙌🏻
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Confinement, Homophobia, Stalking, Sexual content, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Torture, War, and Violence
the_vegan_bookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
There were parts of this book I really liked, and there were many parts that fell flat for me. I didn't like the intense focus on war which felt pro-war in some ways (Will's disapproval was very focused on a lack of support upon returning and not on the tragedy that is war as a whole). It was also tough to understand the lack of emotional reaction to Will just killing people?
This being said, Will and Kim are a fun dynamic together and Phoebe is a gem.
This being said, Will and Kim are a fun dynamic together and Phoebe is a gem.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Gun violence, War, Violence, Murder, Kidnapping, Cursing, Torture, and Confinement
Moderate: Infidelity and Alcohol
littlewishling's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
5.0
This was awesome! Charles managed to use lying and miscommunication in a way that didn’t make me want to pull my hair out and I absolutely adore Phoebe and Maisie!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Gun violence, Kidnapping, Violence, and Death