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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
When I read Erin Saties novels I'm always blown away by how "real" the characters, setting and plotting is.
I loved this so much I stayed up way too late to finish it as well as devouring it at the gym, reading on the stair machine is a new one for me.
A few points:
+I loved how this was set in Liverpool. It is so refreshing to see a novel outside London within this era.
+Spin on the beauty and beast trope. I got this theme throughout with Bonny being a real beauty, Not just skin deep nor was she shallow or fickle but Satie has written her with depth and emotion and truly someone who you would be lucky to have as a friend. Joels was also this "beast" but she adds depth to this character as well. His past has shaped him. He looks after orchids but has feelings and needs that go far beyond the standard beast trope.
+This is real enemies to lovers, The circumstances that these two are thrown into floored me. They are very slow burn and fall in love with each other's minds. Joel notes Bonny's beauty consistently but doesn't want it to affect him. It does but Bonny falls in love with Joel just as much.
+The Fiancee was written with "real" menace. The consequences of Bonnie's decisions on her engagement really sat with me. I paused my kindle at points to reflect on the weight of their relationship. It is not easy to write a horrible character that you at times fell Bonny might need to be with and her own HEA.
+its very multi-layered
+ I also adored the subplots and details. The lending library, Cordelia her best friend( who I actually want to be gay, we need more F/F victorian romances), the details of the cultivation and care of orchids.
What I love is that this doesn't shy away from the harsh realities that many people have to make or where forced into but yet as I closed it I was left with hope. I'm very romantic and would have liked more of an epilogue, I still felt the weight on the characters from their decisions. Although the characters might feature in Saties later works and I would adore to visit them again.
4.5 stars
** I was very lucky to win this in a giveaway hosted by Ellie reads and with the author's support. Thank you to them both for this opportunity**
I loved this so much I stayed up way too late to finish it as well as devouring it at the gym, reading on the stair machine is a new one for me.
A few points:
+I loved how this was set in Liverpool. It is so refreshing to see a novel outside London within this era.
+Spin on the beauty and beast trope. I got this theme throughout with Bonny being a real beauty, Not just skin deep nor was she shallow or fickle but Satie has written her with depth and emotion and truly someone who you would be lucky to have as a friend. Joels was also this "beast" but she adds depth to this character as well. His past has shaped him. He looks after orchids but has feelings and needs that go far beyond the standard beast trope.
+This is real enemies to lovers, The circumstances that these two are thrown into floored me. They are very slow burn and fall in love with each other's minds. Joel notes Bonny's beauty consistently but doesn't want it to affect him. It does but Bonny falls in love with Joel just as much.
+The Fiancee was written with "real" menace. The consequences of Bonnie's decisions on her engagement really sat with me. I paused my kindle at points to reflect on the weight of their relationship. It is not easy to write a horrible character that you at times fell Bonny might need to be with and her own HEA.
+its very multi-layered
+ I also adored the subplots and details. The lending library, Cordelia her best friend( who I actually want to be gay, we need more F/F victorian romances), the details of the cultivation and care of orchids.
What I love is that this doesn't shy away from the harsh realities that many people have to make or where forced into but yet as I closed it I was left with hope. I'm very romantic and would have liked more of an epilogue, I still felt the weight on the characters from their decisions. Although the characters might feature in Saties later works and I would adore to visit them again.
4.5 stars
** I was very lucky to win this in a giveaway hosted by Ellie reads and with the author's support. Thank you to them both for this opportunity**
A very delightful Beauty & the Beast retelling. It's a bit rough around the edges but not enough to take you out of the story.
Pretty much a straight Beauty and the Beast retelling in the guise of a historical romance. I mostly liked it, but found the heroine and the emphasis on her beauty to be a bit grating at times.
Hoping for more Details
This is a lovely, well-written book. But toward the end, I feel it moves a little too quickly toward its conclusion for Bonny’s story. There were some interactions and come-uppances I was greatly hoping to bear witness to. I hold out hope that I will see as much in the following book (or books).
This is a lovely, well-written book. But toward the end, I feel it moves a little too quickly toward its conclusion for Bonny’s story. There were some interactions and come-uppances I was greatly hoping to bear witness to. I hold out hope that I will see as much in the following book (or books).
For a regency romance, this novel deviates quite a bit from the classics of the genre. First of all, it's not set on the Ton and then it's also very sad although the orchids provide a beautiful backdrop, as does the walking library. I'm glad I got the ARC for the next book, because Cornelia is also a nice character.
Per essere un regency romance, questo romanzo si discosta parecchio dai classici del genere. Innanzitutto non ha come protagonisti la nobiltá londinese e poi é anche molto triste per quanto le orchidee forniscano un bellissimo sfondo, come anche la biblioteca ambulante. Sono contenta di aver ottenuto l'ARC del libro seguente, perché anche Cornelia é un bel personaggio.
Per essere un regency romance, questo romanzo si discosta parecchio dai classici del genere. Innanzitutto non ha come protagonisti la nobiltá londinese e poi é anche molto triste per quanto le orchidee forniscano un bellissimo sfondo, come anche la biblioteca ambulante. Sono contenta di aver ottenuto l'ARC del libro seguente, perché anche Cornelia é un bel personaggio.
My god this is a stupid book. Got 6% in. Historical, my ass. Hamfisted prose with undisguised modern American wording and attitude. Come on.
I have Erin Satie's backlist and have not read it yet (hoarding problem - mine). I am interested in reading the second book in this series so I dove into number 1. I'm giving a three because Satie is quite a good writer. Smooth, effortless and a lot of erotic in the mundane.
However - I felt the h/h were kept apart for a large part of the book, which made me question their connection. Though I know this is a light retelling/inspo of Beauty and the Beast, some, what I would call, fairy tale elements are to be expected, but too much went past my belief. The way characters just walked out on their families la-di-da with few repercussions. The way some of the tertiary characters in London lived in what amounted to fantasy zoos. I just had some problems.
However - I felt the h/h were kept apart for a large part of the book, which made me question their connection. Though I know this is a light retelling/inspo of Beauty and the Beast, some, what I would call, fairy tale elements are to be expected, but too much went past my belief. The way characters just walked out on their families la-di-da with few repercussions. The way some of the tertiary characters in London lived in what amounted to fantasy zoos. I just had some problems.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
I read so many Historical Romances that they all start to blur together into the best kind of serial escapism one can ask for. But, every once-in-a-while, I read one that jolts me out of my salacious scandal stupor, and it makes me notice it. Bed of Flowers was one such book.
I don't think it is officially advertised as such but I considered this book a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast tale. Once I had this theory, I couldn't get rid of the notion. There's a man who made a mistake as a young man, an important flower, a Gaston likeness, and a sweet girl who has a thing for books. All mixed together with wholly unique storytelling that could very easily dismiss my Beauty and the Beast comparison. But, in the end, this book read like a decadent fairytale with characters that make you feel and feel and feel things.
Cordelia is our heroine; she's the darling of the town and promised to the son of the richest family around--richest only due to a fire that burnt down half the town years and years ago. Her family used to be wealthy too, all before the young Loel kicked that lantern over and ended her family's shipping business. But now Loel and Cordelia are grown up, and he's insisting her fiance isn't a good person--trying to ruin her life for a second time, she suspects. But the more time they spend together, thanks to a certain dying flower, Cordelia realizes the hardest truths to accept are usually glaringly obvious.
The intimacy that developed between the two MCs is so timid and budding, much like the flowers they care for together. It was a delightful read with a bittersweet ending. It does have a HEA, but not in the ways you might expect, and it was perfect. Naive women can either be written poorly, be annoying, and obtuse to a point you can't forgive their ignorance, or they can be written as strong and curious in all the right ways. Cordelia was one such lady. Loel isn't a monster, but he lets the town consider him one for his grievous accident so many years ago. His personal struggle and isolation from any and everyone was heartbreaking to read, but his patience and affection for Cordelia was a balm for every horrid moment these two had to experience at the hands or words of their families or townsfolk. It was a beautiful and emotional read. I have never before been so wholly invested in the survival of a single flower. Also, I think this cover is gorgeous and perfect for the vibe of this book.
There is a setup for more books; book two is out now and I look forward to the release of more.
I don't think it is officially advertised as such but I considered this book a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast tale. Once I had this theory, I couldn't get rid of the notion. There's a man who made a mistake as a young man, an important flower, a Gaston likeness, and a sweet girl who has a thing for books. All mixed together with wholly unique storytelling that could very easily dismiss my Beauty and the Beast comparison. But, in the end, this book read like a decadent fairytale with characters that make you feel and feel and feel things.
Cordelia is our heroine; she's the darling of the town and promised to the son of the richest family around--richest only due to a fire that burnt down half the town years and years ago. Her family used to be wealthy too, all before the young Loel kicked that lantern over and ended her family's shipping business. But now Loel and Cordelia are grown up, and he's insisting her fiance isn't a good person--trying to ruin her life for a second time, she suspects. But the more time they spend together, thanks to a certain dying flower, Cordelia realizes the hardest truths to accept are usually glaringly obvious.
The intimacy that developed between the two MCs is so timid and budding, much like the flowers they care for together. It was a delightful read with a bittersweet ending. It does have a HEA, but not in the ways you might expect, and it was perfect. Naive women can either be written poorly, be annoying, and obtuse to a point you can't forgive their ignorance, or they can be written as strong and curious in all the right ways. Cordelia was one such lady. Loel isn't a monster, but he lets the town consider him one for his grievous accident so many years ago. His personal struggle and isolation from any and everyone was heartbreaking to read, but his patience and affection for Cordelia was a balm for every horrid moment these two had to experience at the hands or words of their families or townsfolk. It was a beautiful and emotional read. I have never before been so wholly invested in the survival of a single flower. Also, I think this cover is gorgeous and perfect for the vibe of this book.
There is a setup for more books; book two is out now and I look forward to the release of more.
Truly a beautiful book. I can't wait for Cordelia's story!