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Keep My Candle Bright
In the opulence and turmoil of Gilded Age Manhattan, the young and ambitious Helen Riddell dreams of being a journalist. When she slips out of her domineering father's house to document conditions in Five Points---the city's most notorious slum---she meets Rafe “Mack” Macleod, a Scottish immigrant and sex worker who captures her heart. From riotous turn-of-the-century New York to the light and art of Belle Epoch Paris, Rafe and Helen must test their powerful connection against uncompromising class divisions, sexist institutions, and vindictive exes bent on avenging unrequited debts.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2023
36 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 30, 2023
Solid writing. I'm not the target audience for the steamy parts but they seemed, um, thorough if that's what you're looking for. There was still enough story to have substance outside the explicit parts.
What left me unsatisfied:
One factual inaccuracy that jumped out - a divorcee would not be allowed to be married in a Catholic ceremony! It was unexpected that the hero from Scotland was Catholic to begin with - his faith didn't have a role in the story, and Catholicism was a minority religion in Scotland at this time. Since it didn't factor in until the wedding that wouldn't have been allowed, it would have made more sense to just have him be a Protestant of some flavor. Sorry, I get hung up on religious inaccuracies. I know most people don't care. But it's my thing.
Given this inaccuracy, I do wonder if there are more issues with the history of divorce and remarriage, and attitudes in society. Like, the heroine's children from her first marriage were present at her remarriage. That feels unusually accommodating for this time period.
There was a foster brother of the heroine mentioned in passing two times, and never played a part in the story, and that fact is now driving me nuts. Why was he mentioned? What is his deal? It's an odd detail just to be a throw-away. I had it in the back of my mind the whole time while reading "oh yeah, that foster brother is going to show up with shocking revelations (maybe the absentee mom, too)" but he was a no-show.
What left me unsatisfied:
One factual inaccuracy that jumped out - a divorcee would not be allowed to be married in a Catholic ceremony! It was unexpected that the hero from Scotland was Catholic to begin with - his faith didn't have a role in the story, and Catholicism was a minority religion in Scotland at this time. Since it didn't factor in until the wedding that wouldn't have been allowed, it would have made more sense to just have him be a Protestant of some flavor. Sorry, I get hung up on religious inaccuracies. I know most people don't care. But it's my thing.
Given this inaccuracy, I do wonder if there are more issues with the history of divorce and remarriage, and attitudes in society. Like, the heroine's children from her first marriage were present at her remarriage. That feels unusually accommodating for this time period.
There was a foster brother of the heroine mentioned in passing two times, and never played a part in the story, and that fact is now driving me nuts. Why was he mentioned? What is his deal? It's an odd detail just to be a throw-away. I had it in the back of my mind the whole time while reading "oh yeah, that foster brother is going to show up with shocking revelations (maybe the absentee mom, too)" but he was a no-show.
June 29, 2023
3.5 stars. I've never read a book by this author before--I believe she's new to the HR genre--and there are a lot of things I really enjoyed in the premise and the first half of this book. First off, it was interesting to have an MMC who's a prostitute; I'm not sure I've run into that in a HR before. I felt that Rafe's character wasn't over-glamorized or over the top in any way, but realistic and attractive at the same time (a tricky balance). I loved his cockiness and vulnerability, and when you learn his backstory it's heartbreaking.
The world building overall is solid. You really feel as though you're in early 1900s New York, although sometimes time and location transitions could be a bit abrupt and there were a couple anachronisms that later cropped up in the storyline. I felt sympathy for the MFC, Helen, even if she wasn't completely my cup of tea. She and Rafe had wonderful chemistry.
As the storyline progressed, I was impressed by how well Rafe's character continued to be fleshed out. I loved the "rags to riches" transformation for him and and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next.
Unfortunately, the plot seemed to lose its way a bit in the second half. A morally questionable decision by a MC left a bad taste in my mouth, and angst and violence eventually just took over. I would have loved more focus on Helen's journalism and Rafe's work healing others less fortunate, but those took a backseat to the villain and emotional push-and-pull. The epilogue hit an odd note, leaving me feeling rather empty.
Bottom line: This was a good start for a writer new to the HR genre. I would give the first 60% or so 4.5 stars and the rest around 2.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Thanks to the author and Book Sirens for this opportunity. This book will be published July 7.
The world building overall is solid. You really feel as though you're in early 1900s New York, although sometimes time and location transitions could be a bit abrupt and there were a couple anachronisms that later cropped up in the storyline. I felt sympathy for the MFC, Helen, even if she wasn't completely my cup of tea. She and Rafe had wonderful chemistry.
As the storyline progressed, I was impressed by how well Rafe's character continued to be fleshed out. I loved the "rags to riches" transformation for him and and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next.
Unfortunately, the plot seemed to lose its way a bit in the second half. A morally questionable decision by a MC left a bad taste in my mouth, and angst and violence eventually just took over. I would have loved more focus on Helen's journalism and Rafe's work healing others less fortunate, but those took a backseat to the villain and emotional push-and-pull. The epilogue hit an odd note, leaving me feeling rather empty.
Bottom line: This was a good start for a writer new to the HR genre. I would give the first 60% or so 4.5 stars and the rest around 2.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Thanks to the author and Book Sirens for this opportunity. This book will be published July 7.
January 13, 2025
Keep My Candle Bright: A Gilded Age Romance by AM LaMonte (2023) is centered around the hero, Rafe a young sex worker who lives in the Five Points district in the Lower East Side slums of New York City. His clients are wealthy women.
🕯️ Helen, a naive rich girl with aspirations to be an investigative reporter sneaks out of her house and ends up there … she’s rescued by Rafe from a perilous situation. Thus begins this epic story which spans about 10 years of two complex characters, forbidden love, and class differences.., both survivors for a second chance at love.
🕯️ The author’s written a powerful story, very dark at times with the horrifying living conditions of the poor juxtaposed against the lives of the Gilded Age rich. It masterfully explores the forbidden love between Rafe and Helen … their flaws, struggles, strengths, passion and enduring love. They suffer a long separation as their lives follow different paths until they meet again. The passionate sex scenes are realistic, sizzling steamy, full of love, and plentiful. When they were together..,
“He felt vaguely as though they were inside a bubble, where neither future or past were to be discussed.”
🕯️Overall, a terrific book especially as it’s from a newish HR author.., showing she’s truly a gifted writer. My only quibble… it was a bit too long, and the story dragged a bit in the last third. I wasn’t enamored of the epilogue.., actually disliked it because the last chapter is heartwarming and so good. But on further reflection I realized that the epilogue is perfect for Rafe… kudos to the author for her creativity in concluding the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(My paternal grandmother was born on the Upper West Side, and was a young girl when this story took place … so I was deeply interested in the era and setting of this book. Many thx to AM LaMonte for bringing NYC to life thru this book.)
🕯️ Helen, a naive rich girl with aspirations to be an investigative reporter sneaks out of her house and ends up there … she’s rescued by Rafe from a perilous situation. Thus begins this epic story which spans about 10 years of two complex characters, forbidden love, and class differences.., both survivors for a second chance at love.
🕯️ The author’s written a powerful story, very dark at times with the horrifying living conditions of the poor juxtaposed against the lives of the Gilded Age rich. It masterfully explores the forbidden love between Rafe and Helen … their flaws, struggles, strengths, passion and enduring love. They suffer a long separation as their lives follow different paths until they meet again. The passionate sex scenes are realistic, sizzling steamy, full of love, and plentiful. When they were together..,
“He felt vaguely as though they were inside a bubble, where neither future or past were to be discussed.”
🕯️Overall, a terrific book especially as it’s from a newish HR author.., showing she’s truly a gifted writer. My only quibble… it was a bit too long, and the story dragged a bit in the last third. I wasn’t enamored of the epilogue.., actually disliked it because the last chapter is heartwarming and so good. But on further reflection I realized that the epilogue is perfect for Rafe… kudos to the author for her creativity in concluding the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(My paternal grandmother was born on the Upper West Side, and was a young girl when this story took place … so I was deeply interested in the era and setting of this book. Many thx to AM LaMonte for bringing NYC to life thru this book.)
July 14, 2023
4.5! Passion + Steam + Political Uprisings = EDGE OF MY SEAT. What a great read! Helen (wealthy) wants to see the bad/poor areas of the city for herself and meets Rafe who was previously nursed to health and taught to be .. a male ‘worker’. Check TWs and if steam/spice is not for you then skip some parts!
January 31, 2025
Epic, unique, gritty, emotional, refreshing, bold, lengthy story from a time rarely represented in HR. Solid writing and complex, relatable characters. Memorable. I enjoyed it immensely.
July 5, 2023
What a read this is it took me while to complete as it is a rather lengthy story and I found I did have to put it down a few times and take a deep breath .
This is a powerful story of real hardship and a life of desperation told in graphic detail and written so compassionately and with great care and thought .
It’s difficult to say it is a romantic story it is however lusty and passionate with deep and dark secrets that gradually unfold throughout , it certainly is a gripping read and hard too but it certainly packs a punch .
I’m not going into the story as you can read the blurb for that but the characters are great and believable and draw you in and makes you think .
Great read thank you
This is a powerful story of real hardship and a life of desperation told in graphic detail and written so compassionately and with great care and thought .
It’s difficult to say it is a romantic story it is however lusty and passionate with deep and dark secrets that gradually unfold throughout , it certainly is a gripping read and hard too but it certainly packs a punch .
I’m not going into the story as you can read the blurb for that but the characters are great and believable and draw you in and makes you think .
Great read thank you
July 8, 2023
This is not my usual fare, but I found it well worth reading.. It is emotional, with dark subjects at times, and very compelling.. With characters that you just can't help caring about.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2023
I was intrigued by the unusual main characters, so I picked up this book, despite from beeing different what I normally read. And I absolutely loved it! An uncommon love story with a history lesson. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2023
This story takes place in NYC during the guilded age. There was the wealthy and the slums. There were immigrants who were disrespected, many lived in tenant buildings. The workers faced long hours and unhealthy conditions. There was political uprising and monopolies were taking over industries.
Helen Riddle comes from a wealthy family. She desires to be a writer and she hears about the poor areas, especially Five Points. She wants to see it for herself. She has a strict father. So she sneaks out. Alone she goes to thr Five Points. She meets Rafe Macleod, an immigrant from Scotland. He agrees to be interviewed.
Rafe "Mack" was found by a woman, Tina, who nurses him back to life finding him in the street. She teaches him to become a male prostitute. There is descriptions of sex in this book. So beware.
So the story is about how these two characters mingle through their life in spite of the dramatic differences. She being a young, girl coming of age wealthy, with a calculating father. He being an immigrant, poor and selling sex. He having his ex being vindictive for money. They are in two contrasting class divisions. Can they have a relationship with everything in between.
I enjoyed the story as it weaved thru many difficulties wondering how will this end.?
Helen Riddle comes from a wealthy family. She desires to be a writer and she hears about the poor areas, especially Five Points. She wants to see it for herself. She has a strict father. So she sneaks out. Alone she goes to thr Five Points. She meets Rafe Macleod, an immigrant from Scotland. He agrees to be interviewed.
Rafe "Mack" was found by a woman, Tina, who nurses him back to life finding him in the street. She teaches him to become a male prostitute. There is descriptions of sex in this book. So beware.
So the story is about how these two characters mingle through their life in spite of the dramatic differences. She being a young, girl coming of age wealthy, with a calculating father. He being an immigrant, poor and selling sex. He having his ex being vindictive for money. They are in two contrasting class divisions. Can they have a relationship with everything in between.
I enjoyed the story as it weaved thru many difficulties wondering how will this end.?
December 6, 2023
4.5 stars
This was a lengthy story, so finishing with a couple of breaks took me a while. This is a story of a life of hardship and desperation told with some graphic details, but the author brings care and compassion to their writing. It is a historical fiction novel with a small romantic subplot that ties the narrative together.
Rafe and Helen meet relatively young and come from two different classes. Rafe has spent several years living in squalor and is a sought-after prostitute. He encounters Helen, the daughter of a wealthy business owner who has snuck off to Five Points to explore. They build a friendship that develops into more right before Helen is forced to marry another wealthy business owner. Shortly after Helen's wedding, Rafe finds himself unable to continue his work as a prostitute, and he escapes to the local healer's house. He apprentices for her until she encourages him to take a new identity and become a doctor.
Through his practice as a gynecologist, he meets Helen again after about 6-7 years after he is brought in to treat her after the birth of her sixth child. By this time, Helen has developed a deep depression, and she is listless, moving through her life in the gilded cage of being a high-society wife.
Meeting Rafe (aka Victor Clark) again causes her to divorce her husband, strike out independently, and go after her dream of being a journalist. After the divorce, the newspapers gossip about Dr. Clark's role in the divorce, and that causes old demons to arise for Rafe because he is recognized by his old landlady, who has become a power player in Five Points. I'll stop the recap here to avoid spoilers.
I enjoyed the book despite some historical inaccuracies. I liked that it weaved through the challenges that both Rafe and Helen faced before getting their HEA.
This was a lengthy story, so finishing with a couple of breaks took me a while. This is a story of a life of hardship and desperation told with some graphic details, but the author brings care and compassion to their writing. It is a historical fiction novel with a small romantic subplot that ties the narrative together.
Rafe and Helen meet relatively young and come from two different classes. Rafe has spent several years living in squalor and is a sought-after prostitute. He encounters Helen, the daughter of a wealthy business owner who has snuck off to Five Points to explore. They build a friendship that develops into more right before Helen is forced to marry another wealthy business owner. Shortly after Helen's wedding, Rafe finds himself unable to continue his work as a prostitute, and he escapes to the local healer's house. He apprentices for her until she encourages him to take a new identity and become a doctor.
Through his practice as a gynecologist, he meets Helen again after about 6-7 years after he is brought in to treat her after the birth of her sixth child. By this time, Helen has developed a deep depression, and she is listless, moving through her life in the gilded cage of being a high-society wife.
Meeting Rafe (aka Victor Clark) again causes her to divorce her husband, strike out independently, and go after her dream of being a journalist. After the divorce, the newspapers gossip about Dr. Clark's role in the divorce, and that causes old demons to arise for Rafe because he is recognized by his old landlady, who has become a power player in Five Points. I'll stop the recap here to avoid spoilers.
I enjoyed the book despite some historical inaccuracies. I liked that it weaved through the challenges that both Rafe and Helen faced before getting their HEA.
March 5, 2024
‘Keep My Candle Bright’ is one of those epic, gritty tales of love and loss (and in this case passion and prostitution) that really stayed with me. I don’t like to give spoilers in reviews so I won’t go into details except to say 'passion' in this story takes several different paths and the prostitution is not at all what you’d expect... This novel didn’t read like a lot of other histroms but had all the ingredients of a great, classic romance: a story which has the potential to end tragically but does not. It’s a lengthy read but I like meaty books and it sucked me right in. The love story covers a long time frame, and the MMC and FMC are not always ‘together’ on page, but that’s what makes their HEA so gratifying when it comes! These are realistic, believable characters who are far from perfect. I loved the MMC most of all. He is tender and savvy and damaged and resilient and broken and moody and frightened and hurt and… I wanted to cradle him in my arms more times than I can say! Both leads suffer the ‘slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’ and are def. more victims of their time and circumstance than of their personal failings (though they do fail each other at different points). More importantly, they are both survivors. I’d call this novel steamy but there are dry sections and the spice is not always sweet. And yes, there are villains, one female villain in particular... In other words, if you want something different to really sink your teeth into, read this book. AM LaMonte brings a unique, fresh voice to historical romance, one I really appreciate. Looking forward to her next historical romance!
January 2, 2024
Although this book is somewhat long at 447 pages, I flew through it and had a hard time putting it down. When I did have to leave it I thought about it and the MCs until I could get back to it. I love HR and I’ve read countless books in this genre but not too many set in this time period which was the first draw for me. The 2nd was the hero being a sex worker, it’s quite unusual and I am always looking for something different b/c I do read so much and books tend to run together after a while. This book hit the spot. It’s primary focus is the hero, Rafe McLeod “Mack” and most of the book is in his POV and we experience much more of his life than we do Helen’s. I wish it had been slightly more even b/c I didn’t know Helen as well as I wanted to, nor did I know much about her life and relationships. Her husband and children were a mystery to me and maybe that’s intentional b/c she didn’t seem to know them either. I just feel like there was a LOT of detail about Rafe’s life during their 6 year separation but none of Helen during that important time. I also didn’t love the Tina twists towards the end and wish there had been a shiny, happy HEA with rainbows and unicorns rather than the HFN we got, that’s probably more realistic. I’m giving this 4.5 stars and rounding up to 5 b/c this is a memorable, original story that will stay with me for a while.
July 7, 2023
I haven’t read such a moving, sweeping historical romance in ages. Characters were full, complex human beings (even the villains) and the hero especially was portrayed with such tender care by the author – not all male characters are handled with such emotional grace by authors of histrom. Too often they become one-dimensional caricatures of a man. Not this hero. This was an un-put-down-able read. The heroine was equally believable, relatable and suffered just as much as the hero in the end. This book had everything I look for in a romance plus the right level of steam – even the intimate scenes were handled incredibly well because sex both was and was not the source of conflict. As a romance reader who’s grown tired of stories with the ‘standard regency algorithm’, this author’s writing, setting, and characters were truly refreshing. I look forward to reading more of AM LaMonte’s works. Disclaimer: I voluntarily signed up for an ARC of this book not knowing this author at all but intend to buy myself a copy. That good. Readers of historical fiction will enjoy this book too.
June 23, 2023
A beautiful heartbreaking story
This book delivered everything I wanted if not more. With beautiful yet easy to read writing this is a great introduction to purple prose and historical fiction as a genre.
The characters were definitely the strongest part of the book. Both the MCs are fully fleshed out people (and so are the side characters) and while I loved reading about each of them on their own, together they created such a powerful love story.
The setting was also on point, through the entire book I felt as if *I* was in the story along with the characters. The atmosphere the author created was splendid!
Should be noted that the more difficult/heavy themes handled in this are also really well researched and displayed on text.
All in all an unforgettable read Id 100% recommend for everyone
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book delivered everything I wanted if not more. With beautiful yet easy to read writing this is a great introduction to purple prose and historical fiction as a genre.
The characters were definitely the strongest part of the book. Both the MCs are fully fleshed out people (and so are the side characters) and while I loved reading about each of them on their own, together they created such a powerful love story.
The setting was also on point, through the entire book I felt as if *I* was in the story along with the characters. The atmosphere the author created was splendid!
Should be noted that the more difficult/heavy themes handled in this are also really well researched and displayed on text.
All in all an unforgettable read Id 100% recommend for everyone
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 24, 2024
This book has left me speechless. I didn't know exactly what I was getting into before starting, but I was caught in the plot from the start. By the end my only thought was my God, what a beautiful story. The best I can do to put it into perspective is somewhere between Les Miserables (without the war angle) and Gone with the Wind (for the american setting and the intrigue).
Suffice to say, the plot was complex and beautifully written, the characters complex and relatable, with personal growth and faults complementing the strengths.. this story has everything, love, sacrifices, revenge.. simply masterful.
I recommend this wholeheartedly. Fair warning, though, you might want to start it when you have at least a weekend free. I read it in almost one setting, only putting it down when my eyes were so sandy the screen was blurry..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Suffice to say, the plot was complex and beautifully written, the characters complex and relatable, with personal growth and faults complementing the strengths.. this story has everything, love, sacrifices, revenge.. simply masterful.
I recommend this wholeheartedly. Fair warning, though, you might want to start it when you have at least a weekend free. I read it in almost one setting, only putting it down when my eyes were so sandy the screen was blurry..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2023
A UNIQUE CROSS BETWEEN "THE THORN BIRDS" AND THE "GANGS OF NEW YORK!"
One of the most mesmerizing dance scenes I've ever read in a romance novel, "Keep My Candle Bright," transported me right into the moment! The characters are so well-crafted and compelling that aspects of their characteristics followed me into my dreams.
AM LaMonte spins a sweeping tale of forbidden love and sacrifice that left me hanging on by a thread to find out whether the two protagonists get their happily ever after.
This novel is a wonderful tapestry of literary sophistication, realism, and sublime sensuality, and I highly recommend it! 👍
One of the most mesmerizing dance scenes I've ever read in a romance novel, "Keep My Candle Bright," transported me right into the moment! The characters are so well-crafted and compelling that aspects of their characteristics followed me into my dreams.
AM LaMonte spins a sweeping tale of forbidden love and sacrifice that left me hanging on by a thread to find out whether the two protagonists get their happily ever after.
This novel is a wonderful tapestry of literary sophistication, realism, and sublime sensuality, and I highly recommend it! 👍
August 19, 2023
Such a good read
I wasn't expecting to be drawn so deep into this book. I have been in a funk lately, lost in my TBR when I came across this book. It hit a lot of places emotionally. The feeling they felt, to torrent of emotions they displayed, and the determination to support and not give up on the one you love. If you're looking for heavy spice, this is not the book for you. There is s*x in it but lightly covered vs into depth detail. Their story is so good. Not just a simple hello, fall in love, run away together. It's the story of who they were, hoe they became someone new, and never stopped loving one another.
I wasn't expecting to be drawn so deep into this book. I have been in a funk lately, lost in my TBR when I came across this book. It hit a lot of places emotionally. The feeling they felt, to torrent of emotions they displayed, and the determination to support and not give up on the one you love. If you're looking for heavy spice, this is not the book for you. There is s*x in it but lightly covered vs into depth detail. Their story is so good. Not just a simple hello, fall in love, run away together. It's the story of who they were, hoe they became someone new, and never stopped loving one another.
December 19, 2023
I was riveted for the first half of this book, by both the romance story and the exploration of the ways in which the lives of women from wealthy families were restricted and controlled in the Gilded Age time period of the story. While the second half of the book dragged a bit for me, the second chances/opportunities for redemption made for an uplifting story, even as it showed the lingering effects of past trauma. I recommend this book to people looking for complexity in a romance story and those who enjoy rooting for the underdog.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2025
Prostitution, rape and violence, this is no easy book to read. As a young man, Rafe "Mack" MacLeod had to give up his dream to be a doctor and work as a prostitute. Surviving from day to day was his existence. At nineteen, Helen Riddell wanted to be a journalist. To gain knowledge of the slums, she found her way to Five Points in New York City and into Rafe's arms, until her father sold her to another man as his wife. After years of separation, Helen and Rafe find their way back to each other. Riots, blackmail and guilt. They must work together to find a life with each other.
Explicit sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Booksirens.
Explicit sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Booksirens.
March 8, 2024
4 1/2 stars. This is not your average cookie cutter HR. Set in the gilded age, it is rich in detail about unions in New York and medicine in this time period. The H and h meet when they are 19 and their story tracks their coming together and separating over the years, through her marriage to another, his transition from a male prostitute to a doctor, to the final HEA. Along the way, the H and h share their insights into both their own and others' psychology in trying to understand why people make the choices that they do.
January 16, 2024
so long and drawn out
I had high hopes for this book when I started reading it. Seriously the story line was good, so that’s why I gave it two stars. What I didn’t like was that it went on and on and when Helen no longer had her children, there was no explanation until almost the end of the book. I finished it because that’s just me, have to finish it once I start. I don’t recommend this book
I had high hopes for this book when I started reading it. Seriously the story line was good, so that’s why I gave it two stars. What I didn’t like was that it went on and on and when Helen no longer had her children, there was no explanation until almost the end of the book. I finished it because that’s just me, have to finish it once I start. I don’t recommend this book
January 25, 2024
Going into this book I was expecting a light hearted, steamy historic romp. That's not exactly what I got but that is in no way a bad thing!
Getting to see a different perspective with a MMC who is a sex worker, what things were like for lower and working class people during a time in history where the rich of the time are often glamorized in modern media, and navigating/overcoming trauma made this a very worthwhile journey. This one surprised me in very good ways!
Getting to see a different perspective with a MMC who is a sex worker, what things were like for lower and working class people during a time in history where the rich of the time are often glamorized in modern media, and navigating/overcoming trauma made this a very worthwhile journey. This one surprised me in very good ways!
August 24, 2024
DNF - this should have ended 60-70% in. The historical aspect was amazing. The background of the characters were so interesting, albeit dark as hell. After a certain point though, the characters actions didn’t even make sense and didn’t align with who they were painted to be this whole time, in addition to weird trauma responses that didn’t seem to stay consistent at times. I couldn’t finish it, it was getting so frustrating.
July 11, 2024
I liked the premise of this book and felt like it had a unique plot line, but the book dragged on in parts. The pacing was really odd, there would be moments of really being into the book, but then really slow moments. Overall I liked the character development but it’s just a bit long and drawn out.
November 15, 2023
The story of Mack and Hellen is very sweet, I enjoyed seeing their love grow through both points of view.
December 7, 2023
A wonderful read
The author keeps you turning the pages and wanting more. Very well written. I hope this author continues with more!
The author keeps you turning the pages and wanting more. Very well written. I hope this author continues with more!
April 28, 2024
DNF at 20%
I can't do it, y'all. I can't take teeth problems being mentioned right after a kiss or what's supposed to be a dashing smile. And I hate this woman with all of my soul.
I can't do it, y'all. I can't take teeth problems being mentioned right after a kiss or what's supposed to be a dashing smile. And I hate this woman with all of my soul.
June 15, 2024
Interesting story but it meanders along forever. I really had no idea where the plot was going. Intriguing setting and characters.
January 13, 2024
It's a well written book with an interesting plot, at the beginning I was finding it a well developed story but towards the second half it was getting a bit tedious. I wish the story had gone in a different direction especially with the evolution of the characters.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews