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A review by alexiacambaling
Stealing Luna by Carla de Guzman
4.0
I received a free copy of this book in exchange of a honest review. Many thanks to the author!
Stealing Luna just hits the right buttons for me when it comes to reading romance books. It features a fictional monarchy near the Philippines, a plucky go-getter heroine, a sweet love interest. Plus, it features an art heist done for reasons but noble and not. As the title suggests, the book is about stealing a painting by the Filipino Master Juan Luna-¿A Do…Va la Nave? Interestingly enough, this painting was actually thought to be lost and only recently discovered.
Stealing Luna is the second book in the Cincamarre series but as with most romance series, it can be read as a standalone.
I was really interested in the fictional monarchical island country, Cincamarre. Maybe it’s explained in the first book, but I really would like to know how a country which threw off Spain in the late 19th century somehow became a monarchy. Still, it’s an interesting concept although I think it’s one that could be explained better? Given of course the heroine’s relationship with the queen, social class, and ties with the royal family, I also think that it does make sense for her to be very pro-monarchy.
The heist part of the book was interesting although I wished that it was a bit more detailed because I felt like it happened a little too quickly and cleanly. Although I did think it can work- partly because it’s so supported by a strong cast of characters. Each of the side characters are well fleshed out and each made the book feel more complete.
The romance was very enjoyable to read. It has just the right amount of fluff, angst, and steaminess to keep me invested in it. Cora and Luis are both very well-characterized and I loved their interactions. I also think that their romance was very realistic, especially in the way that they also talked about their past history and were open and honest with each other. I liked the fact that they communicate and how healthy their relationship was.
Overall, Stealing Luna was a very enjoyable read and I can recommend it to romance fans. Will I be reading more from the Cincamarre series? Definitely.
This review is also on The Bookworm Daydreamer
Stealing Luna just hits the right buttons for me when it comes to reading romance books. It features a fictional monarchy near the Philippines, a plucky go-getter heroine, a sweet love interest. Plus, it features an art heist done for reasons but noble and not. As the title suggests, the book is about stealing a painting by the Filipino Master Juan Luna-¿A Do…Va la Nave? Interestingly enough, this painting was actually thought to be lost and only recently discovered.
Stealing Luna is the second book in the Cincamarre series but as with most romance series, it can be read as a standalone.
I was really interested in the fictional monarchical island country, Cincamarre. Maybe it’s explained in the first book, but I really would like to know how a country which threw off Spain in the late 19th century somehow became a monarchy. Still, it’s an interesting concept although I think it’s one that could be explained better? Given of course the heroine’s relationship with the queen, social class, and ties with the royal family, I also think that it does make sense for her to be very pro-monarchy.
The heist part of the book was interesting although I wished that it was a bit more detailed because I felt like it happened a little too quickly and cleanly. Although I did think it can work- partly because it’s so supported by a strong cast of characters. Each of the side characters are well fleshed out and each made the book feel more complete.
The romance was very enjoyable to read. It has just the right amount of fluff, angst, and steaminess to keep me invested in it. Cora and Luis are both very well-characterized and I loved their interactions. I also think that their romance was very realistic, especially in the way that they also talked about their past history and were open and honest with each other. I liked the fact that they communicate and how healthy their relationship was.
Overall, Stealing Luna was a very enjoyable read and I can recommend it to romance fans. Will I be reading more from the Cincamarre series? Definitely.
This review is also on The Bookworm Daydreamer