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A review by melcanread
My Lady's Secrets by Katy Moran
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Amidst the turmoil of war and scandal, aristocrats Cressida and Greville find themselves thrust back together, their bitter history overshadowed by a dangerous new mission. Caught between loyalty and desire, Cressida must navigate betrayal and espionage to survive, even if it means compromising her past love. As they confront their shared past and face the enigmatic Lord Byron, old wounds reopen, forcing them to question if redemption and love are still within reach.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Aria & Aries for giving me an early copy of the book.
Moran clearly put a lot of research into this book, and it showed on every single page. Each piece of information she gave us was perfectly thought through and detailed, and piqued my interest enough to want to research the events of this book further. Some reviews have suggested that there was too much history included and that the reviewers felt like they were missing some vital information, and while I can agree with that, I do like it when a book makes me need or want to do external research to understand the plot. But, I understand that not everyone thinks like me.
The relationship between Greville and Cressida was very turbulent, but throughout the novel, you could really see just how deeply they cared for each other, even when they couldn't stand to be in the same room as one another. It was also refreshing to see the woman in this relationship be the one who was cold and unfeeling, in comparison to a lot of other novels where the man is more reserved with his emotions. And the reasons for Cressida's guardedness were completely valid and understandable, and hit just a little differently when you realise her life was inspired by the real wives of the soldiers during this war.
I also loved the addition of Lord Byron into the mix, and highlighting the many affairs that he had, including the one with Caroline Lamb which would end up being published in a fictionalised retelling by Lamb at a later date. The history and literature nerd within me leapt for joy at that piece of additional information. It was also mind-blowing to learn that Lady Caroline Lamb was an ancestor (or rather, fifth cousin) of Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales. Now, the book didn't teach me that, but that was something I found out because of this book, which was remarkable. This is why I love books that make me want to do external research!
However, the writing style, for me, felt a little dry and a little too info-dumpish at times. And for the first 50% of the book, I was considering DNFing because I just found it too difficult to properly immerse myself into the novel and the characters. I had to keep flipping back and re-reading parts of the novel because I couldn't completely understand or even remember certain plot points, and what the characters were actually supposed to be doing. By Chapter 5, I felt like I had to start the book again because so much had been thrown my way and characters were referencing the early chapters and it left me feeling confused and a little overwhelmed. But, I'd say the final stretch of the book, perhaps the final 30%, I finally got into the book, found my stride, and had a great time.
I was debating between a 3.5 and a 4 stars for this book, but because of the writing style and the reading slump this book almost triggered, I thought 3.5 was more appropriate.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Aria & Aries for giving me an early copy of the book.
Moran clearly put a lot of research into this book, and it showed on every single page. Each piece of information she gave us was perfectly thought through and detailed, and piqued my interest enough to want to research the events of this book further. Some reviews have suggested that there was too much history included and that the reviewers felt like they were missing some vital information, and while I can agree with that, I do like it when a book makes me need or want to do external research to understand the plot. But, I understand that not everyone thinks like me.
The relationship between Greville and Cressida was very turbulent, but throughout the novel, you could really see just how deeply they cared for each other, even when they couldn't stand to be in the same room as one another. It was also refreshing to see the woman in this relationship be the one who was cold and unfeeling, in comparison to a lot of other novels where the man is more reserved with his emotions. And the reasons for Cressida's guardedness were completely valid and understandable, and hit just a little differently when you realise her life was inspired by the real wives of the soldiers during this war.
I also loved the addition of Lord Byron into the mix, and highlighting the many affairs that he had, including the one with Caroline Lamb which would end up being published in a fictionalised retelling by Lamb at a later date. The history and literature nerd within me leapt for joy at that piece of additional information. It was also mind-blowing to learn that Lady Caroline Lamb was an ancestor (or rather, fifth cousin) of Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales. Now, the book didn't teach me that, but that was something I found out because of this book, which was remarkable. This is why I love books that make me want to do external research!
However, the writing style, for me, felt a little dry and a little too info-dumpish at times. And for the first 50% of the book, I was considering DNFing because I just found it too difficult to properly immerse myself into the novel and the characters. I had to keep flipping back and re-reading parts of the novel because I couldn't completely understand or even remember certain plot points, and what the characters were actually supposed to be doing. By Chapter 5, I felt like I had to start the book again because so much had been thrown my way and characters were referencing the early chapters and it left me feeling confused and a little overwhelmed. But, I'd say the final stretch of the book, perhaps the final 30%, I finally got into the book, found my stride, and had a great time.
I was debating between a 3.5 and a 4 stars for this book, but because of the writing style and the reading slump this book almost triggered, I thought 3.5 was more appropriate.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Violence
Moderate: Death, Blood, Sexual content, and Child death
Minor: Sexual harassment and Gun violence