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A review by elegantfantasy_blogs
The Secret Fiancée by Catharina Maura
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
"I have no intention of depriving myself of anything that belongs to me." His face tips down, his lips brushing against mine. I inhale sharply, and he smiles. "And you, Raya Windsor? You're mine."
I simply cannot stop gushing about this book and omg how did I not figure out that Raya is an Indian character. The entire representation of the culture starting from the names to the wedding ceremony was so apt and my Indian heart was pounding after reading that one famous tounge twister from Bollywood lol! Lex was the Windsor brother I was the most curious about because his personality was so jovial and chilled out but it was obvious that there was more to him than what we could see on the surface. His trauma had left him feeling disturbed which is why I could understand some of his actions but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy seeing him grovel lol. Raya though was the perfect anchor for him. She was smart, fun, independent, kind and caring and he couldn't have found a better life partner for himself because she really made him feel safe and loved. Other than all this, the plot definitely was solid and emotional and I loved the beautiful relationship that Lex slowly formed with his in-laws. Also the little Xavier & Sierra crumbs had me squealing with excitement and now I can't wait for their book! There were so many parts which were fun to read, especially the ones with the robots because they had me grinning like crazy! The cameos of the Windsor family were also delightful and whenever they come together they just radiate such a strong sense of familial bond because each one of them is truly there whenever even one of the family members is in need of help and that's what the most beautiful thing about this family was! I admired Raya but I hated the situations she was put through in the last few chapters and I hoped that Lex could've groveled a bit more but I guess his grand gestures were enough for her to melt. Overall, I think thai book had no flaws but the last few chapters could've been handled a bit better because the conflict came at around 88% and by the time it was all resolving, the book neared it's end. But still, I was engaged throughout the entire length of the book and the way the found family trope was inculcated was outstanding!
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
I simply cannot stop gushing about this book and omg how did I not figure out that Raya is an Indian character. The entire representation of the culture starting from the names to the wedding ceremony was so apt and my Indian heart was pounding after reading that one famous tounge twister from Bollywood lol! Lex was the Windsor brother I was the most curious about because his personality was so jovial and chilled out but it was obvious that there was more to him than what we could see on the surface. His trauma had left him feeling disturbed which is why I could understand some of his actions but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy seeing him grovel lol. Raya though was the perfect anchor for him. She was smart, fun, independent, kind and caring and he couldn't have found a better life partner for himself because she really made him feel safe and loved. Other than all this, the plot definitely was solid and emotional and I loved the beautiful relationship that Lex slowly formed with his in-laws. Also the little Xavier & Sierra crumbs had me squealing with excitement and now I can't wait for their book! There were so many parts which were fun to read, especially the ones with the robots because they had me grinning like crazy! The cameos of the Windsor family were also delightful and whenever they come together they just radiate such a strong sense of familial bond because each one of them is truly there whenever even one of the family members is in need of help and that's what the most beautiful thing about this family was! I admired Raya but I hated the situations she was put through in the last few chapters and I hoped that Lex could've groveled a bit more but I guess his grand gestures were enough for her to melt. Overall, I think thai book had no flaws but the last few chapters could've been handled a bit better because the conflict came at around 88% and by the time it was all resolving, the book neared it's end. But still, I was engaged throughout the entire length of the book and the way the found family trope was inculcated was outstanding!
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review