I was so disappointed with this book. I'm not sure how it ended up on my TBR, but it was one I was most looking forward to this year. Sadly, what could have been an excellent story full of heartrending moments (I cried several times) and an interestingly told history of the fall of Imperial Russia was ruined by the copious sexual misadventures of the Imperial family. Never explicit, but attempting to get as close as possible, I feel it tremendously detracted from the story. Therefore, I cannot recommend this book. 

“I’m a mother,” I cried. “To you, this may be freedom for the people, but to me, it’s a calamity for my children.”

crying, sobbing, breaking down, etc.