Ashley > Recent Status Updates

I just want this man to learn how to follow a budget. My god.

The utter manipulation, gaslighting and emotional abuse is horrifying. There is no excuse.

I think the issue is that there’s one character who is of his time. Progressive for his time in many ways even but the rest all have thoroughly modern sensibilities and act like he’s in the wrong when he doesn’t share them. Queer historical romance can be fantastic but this book hasn’t done it well.

I get that the duke is meant to personify the problems with his time/class based society/ the patriarchy but I actually just find Belle to be the worst. Living in a fantasy world doesn’t make you romantic. He may not always be right but I’m not rolling my eyes every second word at him.

Add in a healthy dose of toxic masculinity

Filled with misogyny. It’s pretty horrific.

And she is then called/embraces the word pioneer. How very colonial.

I think my main issue with this book is Cleo. She’s self-indulgent. She is caught in an awkward situation and makes herself the centre of the story without room for anyone else. Plus a wedding ceremony. For yourself. Complete with phrases like next-level spiritual. I’ve come across this pattern in a few books now where men get to do and feel things and women wallow in their feelings. I’m bored with it.

So good it hurts

I've basically already been reduced to a blubbering mess.

I always say I'm not a fan of science fiction, but I can't stop turning the pages.