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A review by draconicrose
A Fashionable Indulgence by KJ Charles
challenging
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
I rarely feel compelled to write a review of a book but I have to for A Fashionable Indulgence. This is was the book that firmly cemented KJ Charles as my favorite author.
The plot is as you read in the blurb, so I will talk about the themes instead. It's about knowing yourself, knowing you need others, and family vs found family.
I loved how Harry begins the story resenting and rejecting his past, but cannot ever fully disengage from it. Not from lack of opportunity, but because of his principles and his love for a father figure.
I absolutely went mental for Julius' loneliness, for how he hides and protects himself from the world, including his most closest friends.
But my favorite character must have been Richard. Patriarchs are often portrayed as villains (as they usually are, and in this book Richard is but an exception) so they are heavy handed and unlikable, even when they are trying to protect other characters from themselves. Not so with Richard. He is the leader of the Ricardians and he loves them deeply, so he uses his power, influence, and yes, authority, to guide and protect them. I cannot wait to read my way into the third book in the series, which focuses on Richard and Cyprian.
Mostly, I loved the characterization. In the emotionally intimate moments between characters it was like every other sentence was casually designed to stab me in the heart in the most delicious way.
The politics in this are also a delight. The characters have their sides, but aren't charicatures and things are discussed in a way that comes across as realistic. There are consequences. There is drama.
If you made this far, stop. Do yourself a favor and read this book.
The plot is as you read in the blurb, so I will talk about the themes instead. It's about knowing yourself, knowing you need others, and family vs found family.
I loved how Harry begins the story resenting and rejecting his past, but cannot ever fully disengage from it. Not from lack of opportunity, but because of his principles and his love for a father figure.
I absolutely went mental for Julius' loneliness, for how he hides and protects himself from the world, including his most closest friends.
But my favorite character must have been Richard. Patriarchs are often portrayed as villains (as they usually are, and in this book Richard is but an exception) so they are heavy handed and unlikable, even when they are trying to protect other characters from themselves. Not so with Richard. He is the leader of the Ricardians and he loves them deeply, so he uses his power, influence, and yes, authority, to guide and protect them. I cannot wait to read my way into the third book in the series, which focuses on Richard and Cyprian.
Mostly, I loved the characterization. In the emotionally intimate moments between characters it was like every other sentence was casually designed to stab me in the heart in the most delicious way.
The politics in this are also a delight. The characters have their sides, but aren't charicatures and things are discussed in a way that comes across as realistic. There are consequences. There is drama.
If you made this far, stop. Do yourself a favor and read this book.