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A review by abmalada
Monarch by Sophie Lark
4.0
When I say I want a quick gothic dark romance, this is what I mean. It may not have the dark academia vibes, but a Gothic hotel overtop a cliff? That’s close enough for government work. Of the Grimstone series, this is definitely my favorite.
While my favorite part of this book was the setting, the FMC gets points for not being an idiot. Sure, she makes some unfortunate decisions, but none of her motivations that led to that decision are unbelievable. Plus, our MMC is a classic dark and broody bear-of-a-man which is a comforting trope to read.
What’s keeping this book from 5 stars is certainly not a unique complaint: a lot of books in this genre are very insta-lovey. The relationship between the FMC and MMC is pretty immediate. Sure, our MMC complains morally about being interested in the FMC, but that really didn’t seem to hinder him at all. Lastly, I wish we got some background on Ivy’s refusal to speak. Is it by choice? Is it trauma-based? I was hoping either for an explanation or an extended epilogue where she speaks to Atlas or something.
While my favorite part of this book was the setting, the FMC gets points for not being an idiot. Sure, she makes some unfortunate decisions, but none of her motivations that led to that decision are unbelievable. Plus, our MMC is a classic dark and broody bear-of-a-man which is a comforting trope to read.
What’s keeping this book from 5 stars is certainly not a unique complaint: a lot of books in this genre are very insta-lovey. The relationship between the FMC and MMC is pretty immediate. Sure, our MMC complains morally about being interested in the FMC, but that really didn’t seem to hinder him at all. Lastly, I wish we got some background on Ivy’s refusal to speak. Is it by choice? Is it trauma-based? I was hoping either for an explanation or an extended epilogue where she speaks to Atlas or something.