3.5/5
TLDR: Overall I really enjoyed this book! It’s an entertaining read and there was never a dull moment. I loved the colorful cast of characters, the setting, and the plot. The narration and style of writing was also really engaging. My only complaint is that if there isn’t a sequel to this book…then it has one of the worst endings I’ve ever read in a book. So I'm very much hoping there is a sequel!
Despite the ending, if you want a fun summer read with drama, historical fiction, and romance, I highly recommend it.
For my more detailed review, keep scrolling!
I really liked O’Connell’s writing style (minus the last chapter); the dialogue was realistic and the whole flow of the book was engaging. I thought it was interesting that we saw moments from so many characters’ perspectives. For example, you’re reading about a private conversation between characters A and B, and the narrator gives us a glimpse into character B’s thoughts and feelings. Then, we go to character C’s thoughts and discover they were below the balcony listening the whole time. It was a great way to keep the reader continually engaged.
I also enjoyed the characters, a few were a little stereotypical but overall the characters were well-rounded.
The other thing I really enjoyed was how often the book made me laugh. It’s not a comedy but there are a few really funny moments, in my opinion.
The villains in this book are also truly despicable, which leads me to what I disliked about the book. Without spoiling, the main antagonist does several horrible things and I fully expected him to get what was coming to him…but no. No real consequence or justice. It was really upsetting to me. My other gripe with the book is that it ends SO ABRUPTLY. There are so many questions unanswered and storylines that are just…dropped. It’s done in such a way that surely there must be a sequel, but I haven’t seen anything online about a second book. If there isn’t a second book, then this book had perhaps the worst ending and final chapter I’ve ever seen in a book. But I’m holding out hope that there’s a sequel. I will happily read it if there is!
Overall I thought this was a great read to welcome summer and it was enjoyable for me to read something a little more fun after so many heavy (but amazing) books recently.
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