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A review by bookishevy
An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
4.75
I'm officially an Adriana Herrera stan after reading this second book in the Las Leonas trilogy.
This book focuses on Manuela del Carmen Caceres Galvan, one of Luz Alana's two best friends who accompanies her to the 1889 Exposition Universelle Paris. Manuela is also there to show her paintings, and the invitation to the Expo couldn't have come at a better time because she is being forced to marry to settle her family’s debts. She sees this trip to Paris as her last chance to experience all she can before she's trapped in a loveless marriage.
Cora Kempf Bristol, Duchess of Sundridge, refused to stay in a woman's place and is known for being a shrewd businesswoman. She's addicted to power and will sieze any opportunity to have a seat at the table with men who despise her.
In order to secure her position among her rivals, she plans to convince Manuela to sell her a parcel of land in Venezuela Manuela inherited and swore to never sell. But during their meeting, Manuela counters with her own offer: her land for a summer of debauchery in the duchess' corner of Paris.
It's hard for Manuela not to get attached when she sees how generous Cora is to those she loves, and Cora's anxiety around falling for Manuela is palpable. She's no stranger to bucking societal norms, but she's terrified of what her feelings for Manuela could do to her brand.
But how could Cora not love Manuela, who wears her heart on her sleeve and is so eager to please in the bedroom. Manuela, who shares her passion for art and wants to help other women artists live their dreams even if she can't.
I really enjoyed this feminist read about women living their truths, even if it meant giving up their inheritance. I loved that they inspire Manuela to be more independent. I rooted for her to finally stand up to her homophobic parents to whom she owes nothing, and for Cora to be inspired by Manuela, swallow her pride and abandon this need to prove she's worthy to men who will never accept her no matter how much money she makes them. If she doesn't, she could lose a chance at happiness.
Scandalous! 🌶🌶🌶
This book focuses on Manuela del Carmen Caceres Galvan, one of Luz Alana's two best friends who accompanies her to the 1889 Exposition Universelle Paris. Manuela is also there to show her paintings, and the invitation to the Expo couldn't have come at a better time because she is being forced to marry to settle her family’s debts. She sees this trip to Paris as her last chance to experience all she can before she's trapped in a loveless marriage.
Cora Kempf Bristol, Duchess of Sundridge, refused to stay in a woman's place and is known for being a shrewd businesswoman. She's addicted to power and will sieze any opportunity to have a seat at the table with men who despise her.
In order to secure her position among her rivals, she plans to convince Manuela to sell her a parcel of land in Venezuela Manuela inherited and swore to never sell. But during their meeting, Manuela counters with her own offer: her land for a summer of debauchery in the duchess' corner of Paris.
It's hard for Manuela not to get attached when she sees how generous Cora is to those she loves, and Cora's anxiety around falling for Manuela is palpable. She's no stranger to bucking societal norms, but she's terrified of what her feelings for Manuela could do to her brand.
But how could Cora not love Manuela, who wears her heart on her sleeve and is so eager to please in the bedroom. Manuela, who shares her passion for art and wants to help other women artists live their dreams even if she can't.
I really enjoyed this feminist read about women living their truths, even if it meant giving up their inheritance. I loved that they inspire Manuela to be more independent. I rooted for her to finally stand up to her homophobic parents to whom she owes nothing, and for Cora to be inspired by Manuela, swallow her pride and abandon this need to prove she's worthy to men who will never accept her no matter how much money she makes them. If she doesn't, she could lose a chance at happiness.
Scandalous! 🌶🌶🌶
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia