Editor's note: This Review has been posted on my GoodReads and StoryGraph accounts. I was given this ARC by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Eva Devon book and wow, she really impressed me. Within the first few pages, we have a clear picture of what our leads are like and the draw they feel. I also admire how simple but 3-dimensional Jacqueline and James are. (BTW, I'm not using "Simple" as an insult. Swords are simple but they still take a lot of work and are really cool). I enjoyed their moments together and the comfortable back and forth in their dialog. You could feel their chemistry and you understand why they're drawn to each other.
I enjoyed how Devon played with gender norms. Numerous times, the ways men and women are trapped by what society demands and have to play games to get what they want/need. Also, Jacqueline is frequently called Jack and at one point, they quote Romeo and Juliet, with Jack in the role of Romeo. (Her asking James if men could be grabbed and taken certainly got a hearty laugh from me! GET YOUR MAN, JACK!)
Unfortunately, Sibling's Best Friends isn't my favorite trope and this book was more angsty than my usual fare. James has PTSD from past trauma and understandably has been guided by the fear of his past and for his future. I think Devon handled his trauma well. That said, I wanted more scenes of them just enjoying each other's company or just less angst about the brother-sized obstacle in their way. Also, I feel like the book spins its wheels in the middle. It does get better towards the end for a really sweet and fitting HEA for our pair! That said, it did have some pacing issues.
That said, I give the book a wobbly 4 stars. It has its issues and I'm not a fan of the tropes but I'm definitely willing to give Eva Devon another chance.
TW: Domestic abuse, parent death, PTSD, some sexual harassment, forced hospitalization, and parent with Alzheimer's
Thanks to both NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC. I received it in exchange for my honest review of Eva Devon's The Accidental Bride!
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