Forbidden

Good: Could really tell how much research went into this, and I feel like it was pretty educational! Enjoyed the cast of characters, especially Sylvie and the boarders. The MC was great and I loved her journey and settling into the town. I haven't read any historicals set in this period before, and this was a good introduction.

Bad: Natalie is basically a cardboard villain, and the writing was pretty stilted at some points, without much banter/wordplay/flirtation. A lot of exposition via dialogue. It seemed like a lot of the plot was crammed into the last 40-50 pages, and it felt a little rushed. I also wanted there to be more sex, or at least longer/more detailed sex scenes? What was there was good, but barely over a page each, I think.

Overall: Eh. Didn't love it, certainly didn't hate it, definitely want to read more diverse romances.

(Bookriot Read Harder 2016 Challenge: #15 Read a book of historical fiction set before 1900)

Absolutely loved the world building here! Edie is awesome, the town that Beverly Jenkins described felt very vivid. Her writing here was so strong and I loved all the descriptions.

The only reason it lost a star is because I thought the romance and the end was a little rushed and I wouldn't have minded if this was longer. This is definitely a forbidden romance and I hope we continue to see these characters throughout the series!