Folks, this book hits the trope trifecta. Lucy, the sheltered daughter of an Earl everyone considered mad, meets Ciaran when he interrupts her morning swim to save her from drowning. Their paths cross again and again until feelings begin to blossom. He even steps in as a suitor when a distasteful betrothal looms - but they're just friends, right?
The friendship between Lucy and Ciaran felt real and not forced as they spent time together in Brighton and London. I also appreciated the female relationships in this story as the girls got to know and support each other. I did expect at least one of the others to get her own story as well, but they all seem to wrap up by the end of the book, which felt like a missed opportunity. Even the abusive father was handled well - he was categorically awful but there was sufficient comeuppance and a happy lack of victim blaming.
My one problem with this book was how the mutual pining dragged on. Listen, the morning after feelings are admitted and consummated is the perfect time to finish with the "we're just friends" routine. Instead, we are subjected to an endless refrain that does nothing to advance the plot and tested my patience.
Overall, an enjoyable read that felt like it went a little too long. Four stars.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC via NetGalley, all opinions are my own
No comments:
Post a Comment