romancereadinglist's Reviews (417)

This is not a top-tier Meredith Duran for me, but it’s still very good. Both main characters were deliciously prickly, and the chemistry is great. I loved the reflections on class and privilege, which felt more nuanced and raw than in many other class-difference historical romances. 

A really solid, witty, romantic Beauty and the Beast retelling. The audio is excellent. 

I read so many mixed reviews of this book, that I really hesitated whether to read it. But god, I am so glad I did. Yes it’s about two messy, somewhat immature and deeply imperfect characters. I can understand why it’s not for everyone. But I urge anyone with even a passing interest in the romance genre, in Casey Macquiston’s work, in bisexuality and gender and food and culture and wine and Europe to at least give it a go. I found it incisive and thought-provoking, and really profound. I read the last 20% while at my kid’s chess club and wept shamelessly. A triumph, and IMHO a much better book than Red White and Royal Blue (although I like that  a lot too). 

The best Maiden Lane book so far, by a long way. Hoyt is such an insanely skilled writer, and Isabel is one of my favorite heroines. It’s very emo and there is lots of drama, intricately woven side-plots, and pining.