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A review by jess_justmaybeperfect
An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Updated (Nov. 2024) after a reread via audio. I'm not sure why but I previously failed to give this book it's due praise. Herrera's perfect twist on the starchy Duke with Cora, the setting of the artist and lesbian community in Paris, Manuela's magnificent character arc, the groups of friends (bringing champagne and cheese to nurse a heartbreak), a patriarchy and racism critique, plus the outstanding author's note and perfect narration by Nneka Okoye make this book an absolute banger.
Don't skip it.
From May 2023:
I have to admit I was nervous starting this book. Book 1, Luz Alana specifically, knocked me off my feet. It and she are in my top my romance books/heroines of all time.
I also have to admit when I’m wrong. This is Adriana Herrera! Of course the next Leona was going to be superb and of course her Duchess was going to be a stunning character and of course I was going to love this book.
I highlighted more than two dozen moments!
The story is a delight from the start. The friendships both these woman have are powerful. The lust love and eventual trust between Cora and Manuela jumps right off the page.
Herrera writes characters who have lots to teach and are open to learning more. Race, gender, sexuality, class, are all integral parts of the journey.
Manuela learns to value herself and her future. Cora learns to value her accomplishments and herself. These two women are loved by their people but get the chance to really be themselves together.
The side characters, as always in Herrera’s books, add a colorful completeness to the story. I especially loved the Leonas honesty with each other and Cora’s supportive and realistic stepson and aunt.
Finally, today’s #fridaykiss is #image and I think imagery is perhaps Herrera’s fiercest talent. I can see the colors of Manuela’s dresses and the crisp lines of Cora’s lapels, appreciate the art they discuss as if I’m there in the gallery too, feel the humidity in the greenhouse, and sense the tension as the story climaxes.
Also, the grovel is perfect and READ THE AUTHOR’S NOTE.
What a beautiful, romantic, sexy, empowering, and honest novel. An Island Princess Starts a Scandal is out May 30th!!
Don't skip it.
From May 2023:
I have to admit I was nervous starting this book. Book 1, Luz Alana specifically, knocked me off my feet. It and she are in my top my romance books/heroines of all time.
I also have to admit when I’m wrong. This is Adriana Herrera! Of course the next Leona was going to be superb and of course her Duchess was going to be a stunning character and of course I was going to love this book.
I highlighted more than two dozen moments!
The story is a delight from the start. The friendships both these woman have are powerful. The lust love and eventual trust between Cora and Manuela jumps right off the page.
Herrera writes characters who have lots to teach and are open to learning more. Race, gender, sexuality, class, are all integral parts of the journey.
Manuela learns to value herself and her future. Cora learns to value her accomplishments and herself. These two women are loved by their people but get the chance to really be themselves together.
The side characters, as always in Herrera’s books, add a colorful completeness to the story. I especially loved the Leonas honesty with each other and Cora’s supportive and realistic stepson and aunt.
Finally, today’s #fridaykiss is #image and I think imagery is perhaps Herrera’s fiercest talent. I can see the colors of Manuela’s dresses and the crisp lines of Cora’s lapels, appreciate the art they discuss as if I’m there in the gallery too, feel the humidity in the greenhouse, and sense the tension as the story climaxes.
Also, the grovel is perfect and READ THE AUTHOR’S NOTE.
What a beautiful, romantic, sexy, empowering, and honest novel. An Island Princess Starts a Scandal is out May 30th!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, and Classism