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what_karla_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
4.25
4.25/5 stars
2/5 spice
This book managed to take a trope I don't like and had me truly invested in the outcome. An entertaining historical romance that challenges duty over true love.
Tropes:
Acquaintances to Lovers
Class differences
Insta love (Unrequited)
She falls first, he falls harder
Forced proximity
Protective hero
Strong-willed FMC
Dual POV
So normally I cringe at insta love, especially if it is outside of the paranormal/fated mates realm. So when the FMC, Viola, claims to be in love after the first encounter with the MMC, James, I literally rolled my eyes. I am so glad I kept reading, though, because it proved to be a roller coaster of events and disastrous matchmaking schemes that were hilarious. And when Viola admits that she was in love with a shadow of a man and grew to love the real James, it made up for the insta-love cringe. It was honestly refreshing to read a story where the MMC wasn't immediately enchanted by the FMC and grew to love her when he was able to get to know her true personality.
There was definitely some angst, and I was hurting with the 3rd act breakup, but overall, it was a very enjoyable story. Highly recommend for historical romance and friends to lovers fans.
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Mentions child abuse/violence towards a child (as memory), violence, emotional abuse, sexual content
2/5 spice
This book managed to take a trope I don't like and had me truly invested in the outcome. An entertaining historical romance that challenges duty over true love.
Tropes:
Acquaintances to Lovers
Class differences
Insta love (Unrequited)
She falls first, he falls harder
Forced proximity
Protective hero
Strong-willed FMC
Dual POV
So normally I cringe at insta love, especially if it is outside of the paranormal/fated mates realm. So when the FMC, Viola, claims to be in love after the first encounter with the MMC, James, I literally rolled my eyes. I am so glad I kept reading, though, because it proved to be a roller coaster of events and disastrous matchmaking schemes that were hilarious. And when Viola admits that she was in love with a shadow of a man and grew to love the real James, it made up for the insta-love cringe. It was honestly refreshing to read a story where the MMC wasn't immediately enchanted by the FMC and grew to love her when he was able to get to know her true personality.
There was definitely some angst, and I was hurting with the 3rd act breakup, but overall, it was a very enjoyable story. Highly recommend for historical romance and friends to lovers fans.
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Mentions child abuse/violence towards a child (as memory), violence, emotional abuse, sexual content
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse
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