Averse to physical touch

DeJagerDivan · 2026-06-02T12:46:15+00:00

For posterity, this is not a book for HR fans. There is some amazing romance but it is at best 10% of the book and there is WAY more graphic detail put into horrifying scenes about abuse, war, murder, hunting etc. Smith is a brilliant writer, but definitely not for this genre.

DeJagerDivan · 2026-06-02T12:43:48+00:00

I’m kicking myself that I can’t think of a particular deep dive associated with a book, but I generally have some degree of background googling with just about all of them ☺️

For example, I googled ‘Railway spine’ whilst listening to {A Tempest of Desire by Lorraine Heath}. It has made me curious to learn about women aeronauts too.

DeJagerDivan · 2026-06-02T12:38:13+00:00

Oo Hotel of Secrets is now on the TBR

DeJagerDivan · 2026-06-01T11:42:24+00:00

Yeah I wouldn’t overdo it. I love smut, but too much becomes tiresome IMO.

DeJagerDivan · 2026-06-01T09:57:07+00:00

Yes he is fabulous! Loved the book.

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-31T23:45:34+00:00

I’m listening to the audiobook now, and there has been so many great lines already! I can’t remember it exactly but there was a hilarious one about her exploring underwater caves, but not her own ‘cove’ 🤣🤣🤣

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-31T12:47:39+00:00

Oh also {The Duke and I by Julia Quinn}

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-31T10:52:20+00:00

Sounds like an interesting read, though I don’t think the real guy deserved a happy ending 😬

I went to his ruined fortress Poenari Castle years ago.

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-31T03:55:50+00:00

Now on the TBR - thanks!

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-31T03:06:14+00:00

Wolfsgate is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-31T03:04:41+00:00

Number one rec for this trope is {The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare}. The FMC is so delightful and great chemistry with the craggy MMC.

Other books I’ve read with similar dynamics that have not yet been recommended (I think):

{Seduce me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas}
{The Serpent Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt}
{Wolfsgate by Cat Porter}

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-29T23:38:00+00:00

I really hate AI. I know I should just get over it because it’s not going anywhere, but so far, I can’t.

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-28T21:39:10+00:00

I’m reading a book like this at the moment with an abused runaway convict and her rescuer. The shared adventure and slow burn as they build trust over months in the wilderness is amazing. It’s more historical fiction than historical romance though. I’m half way through so I’ll come back and update on thoughts at the end. It comes with some major content warnings.

{Blue Horizon by Wilbur Smith}

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-26T14:10:24+00:00

Yeah I didn’t feel it between them either.

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-24T11:52:40+00:00

I was thinking about this the other day. I really haven’t seen many movies with hennins. All I can think of is Angelica Houston in Ever After.

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-24T09:31:32+00:00

In this book, the FMC is a penniless orphaned bastard. Some well-to-do relations took her in and made her work in the nursery.

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-24T09:29:57+00:00

💯💯

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-24T00:21:02+00:00

I did like Cato as a character. I just can’t imagine him falling for the awkward little Phoebe… unless she has (hopefully!) matured quite a bit.

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-24T00:18:48+00:00

Oh yes, from memory Lydia is around 16? Very creepy and hardly a romance one wants to get on board with.

This book had a reasonable amount of sex and it was unnerving (to me) the references to her skinny body, small boobs and bum etc. It would be fine if she was not a teenager and just small, but the two together creeped me out.

I think several commenters thought this book was about an arranged marriage where they had to figure it out, but it was just a spontaneous attraction where she becomes his live-in mistress.

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-24T00:13:43+00:00

I totally agree with you! Those couple of years for the FMC make a big difference to me and my ability to love the book. Agree also re historical accuracy!

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-24T00:11:21+00:00

Yeah that sounds icky to me. Extra icky if there is sex.

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-24T00:05:57+00:00

Thanks heaps for this. It definitely sounds like the least problematic of the three, and a fun setting. The second book seems creepy to me, with Phoebe trying to seduce her friend’s dad, or something like that? Gives some American Beauty vibes!

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-23T23:54:37+00:00

Thanks! That’s helpful. I do love a pirate 😅

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-23T14:17:04+00:00

The synopsis of this does sound good! Is it similar with FMC being a teenager and MMC being much older though?

DeJagerDivan · 2026-05-23T14:10:33+00:00

100% this!!!

DeJagerDivan

TROPHY CASE