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wordly_and_toggs's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
rubytrev's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. It made me think of watching novelas (soap operas) with my mom when I was little. It was so dramatic in the end, and I loved it.
wheelyautistic's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
imperiusrex's review against another edition
5.0
On paper, this most likely would not be a book that I would even try, let alone devour in about a day. But the fact that I did try it, raced through it, and thoroughly loved it, just shows the power of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s superb skills.
amberacks12's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I enjoyed this one, really, I did. I liked Nina and Hector as characters and was pretty interested in Valerie as a complex individual with relatable pain.
But it also kind of fell flat.
The main romance plot was not very believable, in my opinion.
And as some characters gained complexity, others flattened to single characteristics and lost my interest.
Up until the halfway point, one individual is clearly not even ever thinking of the other romantic lead, and then suddenly, we are supposed to believe in this character’s utter devotion to someone they were just using to get close to someone else.
I am trying really hard to avoid spoilers so I apologize if that was weird phrasing.
If I ever get to a point in a romance and find myself cheering for any of the romantic leads to remain single, then in my opinion, this romance isn’t working for me.
But as a very light fantasy period piece and study of human nature, I thought it was relatively enjoyable.
Enjoyment: 4
Emotional impact: 3
Educational value: n/a
=3.5
But it also kind of fell flat.
The main romance plot was not very believable, in my opinion.
And as some characters gained complexity, others flattened to single characteristics and lost my interest.
Up until the halfway point, one individual is clearly not even ever thinking of the other romantic lead, and then suddenly, we are supposed to believe in this character’s utter devotion to someone they were just using to get close to someone else.
I am trying really hard to avoid spoilers so I apologize if that was weird phrasing.
If I ever get to a point in a romance and find myself cheering for any of the romantic leads to remain single, then in my opinion, this romance isn’t working for me.
But as a very light fantasy period piece and study of human nature, I thought it was relatively enjoyable.
Enjoyment: 4
Emotional impact: 3
Educational value: n/a
=3.5
dlharley's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kaylamoran's review against another edition
Not sure why I thought a regency romance would be for me.
snarkycrafter's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
The first half (Part 1) was rather slow going and boring at times, but it was necessary in order to set up the better, more captivating Part 2.
As other reviewers have commented, it’s reminiscent of Jane Austen. One thing I can’t get over is that we’re never really given a reason to love Hector or given a reason why Nina would find Hector a good love interest. He’s a very bland character overall and I can’t think of any reason in the book of why he’s so lovable except Nina’s youth and Valerie’s obsession.
As other reviewers have commented, it’s reminiscent of Jane Austen. One thing I can’t get over is that we’re never really given a reason to love Hector or given a reason why Nina would find Hector a good love interest. He’s a very bland character overall and I can’t think of any reason in the book of why he’s so lovable except Nina’s youth and Valerie’s obsession.