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the_bookster's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
Something is missing. The flirtatious banter is delightful. AndI find the characters likeable. But it as if all the structure and pieces of good writing are here but the fluffy deliciousness, the aura of poetry, the stuff that makes me wanna finish a book, is sorely missing for me here. I cant put my finger on it. Worth reading. But i find myself skimming.
alexkmorland's review against another edition
2.0
Eh.
Considerando quanto fremessi per averlo tra le mie mani, è stata un po’ una delusione, soprattutto per la distanza emotiva che ho sentito dai personaggi – Lily in particolare.
Se passiamo parecchio tempo nella testa Mountjoy (a proposito, ma ce l’ha un primo nome questo pover’uomo o si riduce al titolo?) e quindi i suoi sentimenti risultano un po’ meno oscuri, anzi, lo vediamo quasi innamorarsi poco a poco, Lily rimane un mistero.
E non un mistero che sa di tremenda profondità.
Ho adorato che fosse un’eroina inconsueta per i romance storici, è molto attenta all’estetica, è l’anima della festa, è praticamente uno di quei personaggi secondari che provocano occasioni perché, in qualsiasi altro romance, eroina ed eroe abbiano scuse per incontrarsi e conoscersi meglio.
C’è un vago sentore di ferita da guarire, sotto questa facciata festaiola, ma ci viene concesso di scavare a fondo? No. Quindi alla fine Lily rimane sì divertente e “refreshing” per il panorama HR, ma troppo distante perché ci si possa immedesimare e capirla e vedere i sentimenti per Mountjoy svilupparsi.
Altro problema, per me, è stato non avere il nome di ‘sto povero duca. Ha contribuito a non farmi sentire l’intimità e i sentimenti tra i due, perché se lui la chiama Lily o Wellstone (cosa che ho adorato e che ha reso bene lo svilupparsi dell’amicizia tra loro), lei lo chiama sempre Mountjoy... anche nell’intimità. Il che non mi ha dato una sensazione di grande profondità, a dirla tutta.
Tutta la pseudo-sottotrama sul medaglione e i sogni condivisi era più un abbozzo buttato lì, non sembrava necessario né approfondito a dovere.
In compenso gli scambi di battute tra Lily e Mountjoy sono stati la parte migliore, così come ho adorato le idee balzane di Lily per risollevare il morale di Ginny e l’attenzione ad abbinare gli abiti alla stanza in cui avrebbe passato il tempo così come la determinazione a migliorare il vestiario tremendo di Mountjoy.
C’era tanto potenziale e mi è rimasta la sensazione di aver letto più una prima bozza (buona) del libro, che la versione definitiva, ecco.
Sto riflettendo se leggere di GInny e Fenris, perché mi incuriosiscono parecchio, ma temo che segua lo stesso andazzo di questo.
(E dire che il racconto per la raccolta con la Milan e la Thomas mi era piaciuto moltissimo, non era super approfondito ma, oh, era una novella, aveva perfettamente senso nel complesso, e riuscivo a mettere insieme i pezzi da sola. In questo caso, non proprio.)
Considerando quanto fremessi per averlo tra le mie mani, è stata un po’ una delusione, soprattutto per la distanza emotiva che ho sentito dai personaggi – Lily in particolare.
Se passiamo parecchio tempo nella testa Mountjoy (a proposito, ma ce l’ha un primo nome questo pover’uomo o si riduce al titolo?) e quindi i suoi sentimenti risultano un po’ meno oscuri, anzi, lo vediamo quasi innamorarsi poco a poco, Lily rimane un mistero.
E non un mistero che sa di tremenda profondità.
Ho adorato che fosse un’eroina inconsueta per i romance storici, è molto attenta all’estetica, è l’anima della festa, è praticamente uno di quei personaggi secondari che provocano occasioni perché, in qualsiasi altro romance, eroina ed eroe abbiano scuse per incontrarsi e conoscersi meglio.
C’è un vago sentore di ferita da guarire, sotto questa facciata festaiola, ma ci viene concesso di scavare a fondo? No. Quindi alla fine Lily rimane sì divertente e “refreshing” per il panorama HR, ma troppo distante perché ci si possa immedesimare e capirla e vedere i sentimenti per Mountjoy svilupparsi.
Altro problema, per me, è stato non avere il nome di ‘sto povero duca. Ha contribuito a non farmi sentire l’intimità e i sentimenti tra i due, perché se lui la chiama Lily o Wellstone (cosa che ho adorato e che ha reso bene lo svilupparsi dell’amicizia tra loro), lei lo chiama sempre Mountjoy... anche nell’intimità. Il che non mi ha dato una sensazione di grande profondità, a dirla tutta.
Tutta la pseudo-sottotrama sul medaglione e i sogni condivisi era più un abbozzo buttato lì, non sembrava necessario né approfondito a dovere.
In compenso gli scambi di battute tra Lily e Mountjoy sono stati la parte migliore, così come ho adorato le idee balzane di Lily per risollevare il morale di Ginny e l’attenzione ad abbinare gli abiti alla stanza in cui avrebbe passato il tempo così come la determinazione a migliorare il vestiario tremendo di Mountjoy.
C’era tanto potenziale e mi è rimasta la sensazione di aver letto più una prima bozza (buona) del libro, che la versione definitiva, ecco.
Sto riflettendo se leggere di GInny e Fenris, perché mi incuriosiscono parecchio, ma temo che segua lo stesso andazzo di questo.
(E dire che il racconto per la raccolta con la Milan e la Thomas mi era piaciuto moltissimo, non era super approfondito ma, oh, era una novella, aveva perfettamente senso nel complesso, e riuscivo a mettere insieme i pezzi da sola. In questo caso, non proprio.)
tita_noir's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars.
Liked the main couple, but most especially the heroine. The book was sexy and very much a character driven story, which I like. I loved that throughout the book he called her by her last name 'Wellston' because she mentioned she would love to be his Valet. He had no time for fashion and dressed plainly and somewhat ill-fittingly, but she was an aesthete. A smallish bit of the light comedy that pervaded the book was Lily's reaction to bad fashion or just bad presentation in general.
Biggest problem I had with the book were the non-issues that seem to be strewn before Lily and Mountjoy in order to make it "impossible" for them to be together. They weren't, not in the least. So the conflict was fairly non-existent.
Good book though. Recommended for when you just want to read an easy historical novel that falls firmly in the 'comfort read' category. But with more sex.
Liked the main couple, but most especially the heroine. The book was sexy and very much a character driven story, which I like. I loved that throughout the book he called her by her last name 'Wellston' because she mentioned she would love to be his Valet. He had no time for fashion and dressed plainly and somewhat ill-fittingly, but she was an aesthete. A smallish bit of the light comedy that pervaded the book was Lily's reaction to bad fashion or just bad presentation in general.
Biggest problem I had with the book were the non-issues that seem to be strewn before Lily and Mountjoy in order to make it "impossible" for them to be together. They weren't, not in the least. So the conflict was fairly non-existent.
Good book though. Recommended for when you just want to read an easy historical novel that falls firmly in the 'comfort read' category. But with more sex.
dumblydore's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a delight. I love Carolyn Jewel's heroes so much – they're humble (perhaps not so much in social standing, but always when it comes to their character) yet capable of grand gestures and the deepest and most sincere love for the heroines. It's just breathtaking.
Especially liked this line:
Especially liked this line:
"if you marry anyone, at least make sure the man deserves you."
Her mouth quirked. 'No one deserves me."
taisie22's review against another edition
fast-paced
4.0
I read this before, and I'm downgrading my stars a bit. It's still a good book, but there isn't much story. Instead, we get a lot of steamy sex scenes, which is fine, but I wanted a bit more conversation between the hero and heroine than dirty talk.
Lilly comes to visit her friend, a recent widow. She was in love once with a soldier and vowed never to love again. But her friend's brother, the Duke of Mountjoy, wants to have a short-term affair which is fine with Lilly. Mountjoy plans to marry a neighbor once he gets around to asking her, a woman who'll make a perfect duchess in his mind.
I like Ms. Jewel's books a lot, and this one is fine, but I wish there had been more of a storyline.
Lilly comes to visit her friend, a recent widow. She was in love once with a soldier and vowed never to love again. But her friend's brother, the Duke of Mountjoy, wants to have a short-term affair which is fine with Lilly. Mountjoy plans to marry a neighbor once he gets around to asking her, a woman who'll make a perfect duchess in his mind.
I like Ms. Jewel's books a lot, and this one is fine, but I wish there had been more of a storyline.
theblisstour's review against another edition
4.0
I really like Carolyn Jewel's historical romance novels. They're relationship based. By that I mean, there's no murder on the loose, not stolen jewels, no kidnapping. There's just two people trying to figure out how to love each other. That is difficult.
I haven't read everything by her (I think this is my 3rd book), but the tension she can get from real people, sexual and emotional, tension is great. The little things about her characters tell you so much about them and you wonder about them when the book is over.
I already have [b:Not Proper Enough|13409147|Not Proper Enough (Reforming the Scoundrels, #2)|Carolyn Jewel|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340236606s/13409147.jpg|18641702] and I'll definitely read that as well. I haven't read any of her paranormal books, but I want to try those too. I'm a big fan now.
I haven't read everything by her (I think this is my 3rd book), but the tension she can get from real people, sexual and emotional, tension is great. The little things about her characters tell you so much about them and you wonder about them when the book is over.
I already have [b:Not Proper Enough|13409147|Not Proper Enough (Reforming the Scoundrels, #2)|Carolyn Jewel|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340236606s/13409147.jpg|18641702] and I'll definitely read that as well. I haven't read any of her paranormal books, but I want to try those too. I'm a big fan now.
wendylalala's review against another edition
5.0
Not Wicked Enough is arrestingly sensual with sly wit, keen observations and phrasing that will make you sigh. All Carolyn Jewel historicals should be read aloud by Kathleen Turner--I think her slow, smoky voice would convey the mood perfectly. I woke up three hours early this morning so I could finish this book.
silvercal's review against another edition
4.0
What an absolutely charming romance this book is! Here are some of the high points for me:
~~Lily Wellstone is the type of friend we all love to have--kind, generous and loving. She arrives at her friend Eugenia's home to help her overcome the loss of her husband and is able to draw Eugenia out of her sadness and start to smile and live again. While doing this, Lily attracts the attention of Ginnys brother, Mountjoy, but as Lily believes she lost her one true love in the war, she thinks she will never love again but is tempted enough to start a hot (!!) affair.
~~The Duke of Mountjoy never expected to be a duke, he was just a farmer raised with his brother and sister by his aunt and uncle until a long lost lineage line gave him the dukedom. He has grown as comfortable with his new life as he can and it shows in his dedication to making the land and tenants happy and prosperous but it has short sighted him a bit to his sister's grief and more of what society expects out of a duke. The arrival of Lily opens his eyes--and heart--to his surroundings and helps him get a closer bond with his sister. Mountjoy is practically engaged to a neighboring woman and knows it is his duty to marry Miss Jane but he just can't get the alluring Lily out of his mind. He believes a quick affair before he proposes will cure his lust.
~~The attention to detail of the fashion in this book was wonderful! Lily is a fashion plate and takes great care and pleasure in making sure she is exquisitely dressed for each occasion and I loved how Ms Jewel wrote out all the delicious details. I adored how Lily was just flabbergasted that Mountjoy had no qualms about looking anything less than perfect. Mountjoy dresses for comfort, not fashion and it shakes all of Lily's sensibilities and it was a delight to see Mountjoy slowly come around on his thinking of tailoring and clothing choices. Perhaps being fashionably presentable as a duke isn't such a bad thing after all?
This was my first Carolyn Jewel book and what drew me to want to read this book was the stunning cover and having read the book now, I appreciate the detail of the cover so much more but I also loved the story. The beginning started out a bit slow but once it got going for me, it was wonderful! The dialogue between Lily and Mountjoy was stiff and proper when around family but when they were alone...phew, smokin! I adored, absolutely adored, how Mountjoy grows to call Lily Wellstone. That is just so sweet and personal to me. Oh, and the ending. Sigh. You can feel the love between Lily and Mountjoy and the last chapter left me with a huge smile and happy sigh so big that I immediately read it again. Romantic to a T. Overall, a entrancing romance that will leave you happily satisfied and looking forward to the next story in the series! I know I can't wait for it! 4 stars
I won an arc of this book from Carolyn Jewel, thanks!!
~~Lily Wellstone is the type of friend we all love to have--kind, generous and loving. She arrives at her friend Eugenia's home to help her overcome the loss of her husband and is able to draw Eugenia out of her sadness and start to smile and live again. While doing this, Lily attracts the attention of Ginnys brother, Mountjoy, but as Lily believes she lost her one true love in the war, she thinks she will never love again but is tempted enough to start a hot (!!) affair.
~~The Duke of Mountjoy never expected to be a duke, he was just a farmer raised with his brother and sister by his aunt and uncle until a long lost lineage line gave him the dukedom. He has grown as comfortable with his new life as he can and it shows in his dedication to making the land and tenants happy and prosperous but it has short sighted him a bit to his sister's grief and more of what society expects out of a duke. The arrival of Lily opens his eyes--and heart--to his surroundings and helps him get a closer bond with his sister. Mountjoy is practically engaged to a neighboring woman and knows it is his duty to marry Miss Jane but he just can't get the alluring Lily out of his mind. He believes a quick affair before he proposes will cure his lust.
~~The attention to detail of the fashion in this book was wonderful! Lily is a fashion plate and takes great care and pleasure in making sure she is exquisitely dressed for each occasion and I loved how Ms Jewel wrote out all the delicious details. I adored how Lily was just flabbergasted that Mountjoy had no qualms about looking anything less than perfect. Mountjoy dresses for comfort, not fashion and it shakes all of Lily's sensibilities and it was a delight to see Mountjoy slowly come around on his thinking of tailoring and clothing choices. Perhaps being fashionably presentable as a duke isn't such a bad thing after all?
This was my first Carolyn Jewel book and what drew me to want to read this book was the stunning cover and having read the book now, I appreciate the detail of the cover so much more but I also loved the story. The beginning started out a bit slow but once it got going for me, it was wonderful! The dialogue between Lily and Mountjoy was stiff and proper when around family but when they were alone...phew, smokin! I adored, absolutely adored, how Mountjoy grows to call Lily Wellstone. That is just so sweet and personal to me. Oh, and the ending. Sigh. You can feel the love between Lily and Mountjoy and the last chapter left me with a huge smile and happy sigh so big that I immediately read it again. Romantic to a T. Overall, a entrancing romance that will leave you happily satisfied and looking forward to the next story in the series! I know I can't wait for it! 4 stars
I won an arc of this book from Carolyn Jewel, thanks!!
s_brina's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5