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trin's review against another edition
2.0
While Willig definitely displays some wit, this book is hampered by a dull, clichéd romantic plot. I don’t mind—and can even really like—older man/younger woman romances, but not when the man seems like a MAN, and the woman like a silly, flighty girl. Then it’s icky. And there was a bit too much of that ickiness here (even though the characters are, I think, actually less than ten years apart in age!), coupled with a mystery that’s just not very mysterious. This is supposed to be a fun, light-hearted romp—which is the sort of thing I love! But it’s just not that clever or different, and ultimately, not that much fun.
westofmars's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Surprised myself with a DNF at 269. I mean, less than a hundred pages left! I'd seen this book around for eons and was eager to read it and...
archernaelra's review against another edition
5.0
laughed and smiled thru the while book. Banter and writing was excellent. Only a small amount of heat which was perfect for this book.
music768's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
sallyavena's review against another edition
2.0
It was okay but a little too pg-13(meaning I skipped paragraphs and at times pages and I think I missed some things) for me at times and the 2 story lines made it a little confusing.
aliena_jackson's review against another edition
1.0
What an absolutely atrocious "historical" romance. This book could have been set during a reenactment of these events, circa 2022. No propriety, period vocabulary was off, and don't get me started on the slang. The writing was poor to mediocre.
In the end, this was not a "history of the pink carnation" it was a history of two horny idiots who mess everything up for those around them. We all know Richard "Dick" Selwick is a figurehead who does nothing more than take credit for his employees' work, all the while making their lives harder because of what an utter nincompoop he is. And Amy- UGH! "Pick me. Choose me. Love me." and "Not like other girls." Energy POURS off of Amy in DROVES.
I hate it. I hate it. I hate it. This entire book should have been about Jane. Jesus Christ, I hate it.
In the end, this was not a "history of the pink carnation" it was a history of two horny idiots who mess everything up for those around them. We all know Richard "Dick" Selwick is a figurehead who does nothing more than take credit for his employees' work, all the while making their lives harder because of what an utter nincompoop he is. And Amy- UGH! "Pick me. Choose me. Love me." and "Not like other girls." Energy POURS off of Amy in DROVES.
I hate it. I hate it. I hate it. This entire book should have been about Jane. Jesus Christ, I hate it.
jackiehorne's review against another edition
3.0
A fun premise, but far too silly/fluffy for my tastes
sarahanne8382's review against another edition
3.0
a little too predictable, but Willig still brings freshness to this cute fictional story of a history grad student researching the story of the The Pink Carnation, a contemporary of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Most of the story focuses on the Pink Carnation, but the modern story is alright, as well. And just because I don't know how else to mention it in my review without giving away too much of the plot, this is definitely a romance novel, as well as fun adventurous historical fiction full of political intrigue. Looking this up on Amazon I also see that there's now a sequel called The Masque of the Black Tulip ... hmm, may have to check it out. Definitely fluff, but quasi-historical fluff, so I shouldn't feel as guilty for liking it, right?
tmm80's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. It started slow, the middle was great but I didn't really like the end.
labwa_0712's review against another edition
1.0
How was Richard even the purple gentian? he was too stupid