If you were planning on reading this book because you fell for Sebastian's and Violet's personalities and flirty banter in the previous instalments of the Brothers Sinister you're going to be sorely disappointed. All that charm has been replaced with insecurity, trauma, and some of the most boring angst ever.

Oh, what a delight. Smart ladies and the rakes who stare at them adoringly might be my bulletproof trope.

I was intrigued by the characters, the very real problems they were facing, and how different Sebastian is from other male heroes I've encountered in historical romances. So direct and unafraid of exposing his feelings, I loved that. The romance is beautiful because it's so very believable and strongly built. And I loved Violet's inner turmoil. I was also VERY touched by a later scene with her mother which I won't say anything more about but DAMN. A binch may have cried. Oh and I LOVED that it opened with That Scene from The Heiress Effect, but from a different point of view. Beautiful.

I actually loved this one. Science lady with trauma & feelings of inadequacy? BFFs to lovers? Perfect.

Still annoyed that these books are so good. The romantic plot line was not my most favorite of the series so far, but I adore the characters of Violet and Sebastian. The scientific plot was stupendous.

Strong 4, I'm sitting in class rn thinking about Violet and Sebastian instead of international politics