This book could have been something really special if it hadn’t romanticized sexual assault and flagrant disregard of consent by multiple characters.
Heiress of Nowhere follows Lucy, an orphan-ward of unknown parentage, as she tries to adjust to unexpectedly inheriting a massive estate and business from her murdered employer/benefactor as well as discovering the culprit behind the grisly event.
She also seems to have a special connection to the “sea wolves” (orcas) who may or may not be involved in the mystery that surrounds her origins and potentially her employers murder.
If the “romantic” parts/scenes/thoughts, especially the internal monologues, were removed, this would be a great book. It has an interesting and varied cast of characters and potential subjects. There is Indigenous, Chinese, Japanese representation and history. There is discussion around environmental and industrial impacts. The mystery and story itself was compelling and adventurous.
And in my opinion, ruined and completely overshadowed by the “romance” included where one young woman is pitted between two men. Where she loses her mind whenever one of them appears. Where they “save the day” when she is more than capable of doing so. It’s cliche and frustrating.
Additionally, there is a lack of respect for consent on the part of the two men in at least two separate instances in the book. It’s sexual assault but the female character finds it romantic which is disturbing.
I cannot recommend this book for this reason and find it dissapointing that the above content as described is within where otherwise it would have been great.
