4 stars
Hey pals! Just finished reading 'The Portrait of a Duchess', Scarlett Peckham's sequel in the Society of Sirens series. I hadn't read the first book, so I was diving in blind, but let me tell you - it was quite the swim!
This isn't your grandma's historical romance - it's got an interracial relationship, bisexuality, and some fierce ladies bucking against societal norms. There were parts that had me hooked, but other bits felt a bit wobbly. Cornelia's stubborn independence had me rolling my eyes now and then, especially when it took her so long to realize she could lean on Rafe.
One thing that really warmed my heart was the sense of found family throughout the story. It shone brightest when all our main characters were together. The flashbacks were another highlight for me - they gave such a sweet insight into Cornelia and Rafe's past.
Now, here's my gripe: the miscommunication trope as the main conflict. It just didn't sit right with me considering how well both characters communicated with everyone else! That aside, I'm giving this book 4 stars because it still delivered on romance!
Shout out to Avon Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. What do you guys think? Do you enjoy books that challenge traditional norms? Let's chat!
Just a quick FYI - if you feel like checking out any of the links I've shared, Amazon's Influencer program gives me a little bonus. No extra cost to you, but it's a neat way to support what I'm doing here!
Comments