Scan barcode
yourbookishbff's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This has to be the least angsty romance I've read by Sherry Thomas (and I've read most of her backlist). It is almost evenly split between two storylines - the primary romance between a bastard heir and the outcast lady-turned-chef he falls in love with... and a secondary romance between his secretary and betrothed. While I initially enjoyed the hidden identity/mysterious past conflict at play for our female main character, I lost patience with the storyline around the midway point. There were so many obtuse delays in the reveal, and because the conflict never felt particularly high stakes, the end didn't justify the means. And my hopes were a bit dashed for our secondary characters, as early hints to their histories suggested we might have a unique pairing, and ultimately the reveals were disappointing for me and made their storyline fairly typical. That said, Sherry's writing never fails to impress me, so even when the story is a bit of a miss, I don't regret time spent in her worlds.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Misogyny, and Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy and Suicidal thoughts
henrismum's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
#1 in series (I read part 2 of the series in January 2023. )
Will I read other installments?Probably Not Maybe Definitely There are only two parts to this series and it was completed 10+ years ago, so it's done.
Comparison to others in series:Not as good About the same Better It was a quaint story with a little spice, but nothing very special. In the end, everyone found happiness.
Ms. Thomas' Lady Sherlock series is much better, but those are mysteries, not romances.
I only had three days to read this before it was due back at Hoopla, so I listened at 1.3 speed.
The narrator was Virginia Leishman. Good job.
Source: Hoopla
The cover of this book was mild. Nothing outrageous.
Will I read other installments?
Comparison to others in series:
Ms. Thomas' Lady Sherlock series is much better, but those are mysteries, not romances.
I only had three days to read this before it was due back at Hoopla, so I listened at 1.3 speed.
The narrator was Virginia Leishman. Good job.
Source: Hoopla
The cover of this book was mild. Nothing outrageous.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
More...