Before the reveal of their identities, I couldn’t read this book fast enough. The trope of hidden identities/we-met-under-different-names is always a favorite of mine, so I’ve been waiting to read this book for ages.
However, the reveal. I can’t exactly place why the reveal disappointed me so, but possibly because it felt so dragged out. Then we have a creepy (and married) scoundrel trying to take advantage of Elena, the miscommunication continues between our main couple, and then it ends very rushed and with a fade-to-black bedroom scene. I’m so sad about this.
I really liked Elena (and her dad!), though Chase was a bit too much of a…flirt? scoundrel (but not in a taking advantage of women way—in a flirting way)? I liked him at times, but he really frustrated me at the end.
I’m so sad. I loved the time period, the setting, the balls, and all the talks of inventions, but the last half of the book wasn’t anywhere as good as the first half, in my opinion. :(
Due to the faith content, I’m giving this book a 2 star rating, but because of said content above, I could have easily given it a 1 star. The last 40% of the book ruined the first 60% and I do not recommend it because of reasons listed above.
Main Content Notes:
Many mentions of God & His creation; Mentions of churches, church going, pastors, services, & sermons (Elena has a hard time feeling God's presence in a church building as she prefers being outside in His creation); Talks about both.
Both Elena and Chase take part in social drinking at events, plus he smokes with other men; Many mentions of cigars, smoking, drinking, & alcohol.
The last chapter ends in a fade-to-black bedroom scene; A drunk man tries to sexually assault Elena (bant-above-not-detailed, she's saved before anything happens, but she's shaken); Chase tries not to notice a woman's low-cut gown; Kisses; Many mentions of a married man's unfaithful eye (and some women encouraging it) & him constantly being a creep and flirting with other women (including in front of his wife and to our main girl); Mentions of a woman that are "caught" with a man, how she was sent off in confinement (to have a baby), and that her family's reputation is ruined because of her.