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A review by reeyabeegale
A Notorious Vow by Joanna Shupe
3.0
I liked this enough, but I think most of my issues come from the fact that it felt rushed.
Based from how easily Oliver warmed up to Christina, one would easily argue he's not a grumpy recluse. I don't mind honestly because I liked Oliver, I love reading about characters who are dealing with disabilities since it inspires strength. However, I was led to believe that he was a recluse and pretty much dislikes contact with the outside world, yet after his first encounter with Christina, he developed a liking to her.
The story felt so rushed, especially towards the last two chapters. I wouldn't wish for Oliver to suffer, but how it was resolved and dealt with was anticlimactic. I hated the injustice done to him, but the resolution was too simple for my liking.
Lastly, I couldn't give this book a higher rating because of Christina. I can tolerate a shy woman or a wallflower, but she didn't grow throughout the book. There was a lack of empowerment and growth in her character, which I find upsetting. There were a few scenes that offered glimpses of possible strength in her, but it faltered. I wish she would have stood up for herself and was able to show more spine when trying to help Oliver with his case. This is an important factor for me since I adore historical romances because of women empowerment - such was hard to come by in reality during their time, and that's why it's important for me to read about strong female leads even if there's less truth and reality in them (from that time period).
I love The Devil from Downtown because that had such a strong female lead, and in that regard, this book miserably failed. Nonetheless, it's still a good book, Christina's lack of growth and personality is tolerable. I'm looking forward to reading her other books from this series soon.
Based from how easily Oliver warmed up to Christina, one would easily argue he's not a grumpy recluse. I don't mind honestly because I liked Oliver, I love reading about characters who are dealing with disabilities since it inspires strength. However, I was led to believe that he was a recluse and pretty much dislikes contact with the outside world, yet after his first encounter with Christina, he developed a liking to her.
The story felt so rushed, especially towards the last two chapters. I wouldn't wish for Oliver to suffer, but how it was resolved and dealt with was anticlimactic. I hated the injustice done to him, but the resolution was too simple for my liking.
Lastly, I couldn't give this book a higher rating because of Christina. I can tolerate a shy woman or a wallflower, but she didn't grow throughout the book. There was a lack of empowerment and growth in her character, which I find upsetting. There were a few scenes that offered glimpses of possible strength in her, but it faltered. I wish she would have stood up for herself and was able to show more spine when trying to help Oliver with his case. This is an important factor for me since I adore historical romances because of women empowerment - such was hard to come by in reality during their time, and that's why it's important for me to read about strong female leads even if there's less truth and reality in them (from that time period).
I love The Devil from Downtown because that had such a strong female lead, and in that regard, this book miserably failed. Nonetheless, it's still a good book, Christina's lack of growth and personality is tolerable. I'm looking forward to reading her other books from this series soon.