After thoroughly enjoying Melissa de la Cruz’s Alex & Eliza, I was anxious to continue the story in Love & War. Alex and Eliza are now married but are often separated as the Revolutionary War often demands Alex to be elsewhere. When the war comes to an end and the two are finally reunited, their lives begin together in New York City during its rebuilding. There is much to overcome as they are trying to do things on their own and no longer rely on Eliza’s parents to assist them financially. We learn about Alex’s difficult start as a lawyer in New York City and Eliza’s struggles as he is often away from home, burying himself in his work. We meet many interesting characters, including Aaron Burr, and see how the strain on he and Alex’s relationship begins. Of course, many of the aristocrats of NYC and the surrounding areas come into the lives of Alex and Eliza and we discover how all of that occurs. Artist (and scoundrel), Ralph Earl, finds his way onto the pages as we discover the story behind his portrait of Eliza. Along with great characters, de la Cruz manages to create suspense and emotions you might not expect, even though you know how the story ends. Love and War is a delightful read as you learn new bits and pieces of history while being entertained.
Review of an Advance Reader Copy
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by G. P. Putnam’s Sons
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: 2 religious exclamations; 1 mild obscenity.
Violence/Gore: Several (13) brief incidents including verbal threat as a joke; character anticipates getting a black eye; character is concerned another will get killed; war plans; reference to war; reference to parents of young children dying; second-hand report of babies dying during childbirth or as infant; thinking about planning battle; reference to characters dying at war. One extended incident of battle during war.
Sex/Nudity: Many (26) brief incidents involving adults including hugging; kissing; holding hands; character worries about spouse not being faithful; touching arm and knee; several incidents of innuendo involving married couple; characters wear clothing with revealing neckline; married character flirts with another married character; married woman imagines kissing someone other than spouse; reference to naked statues; several incidents of implied sexual activity of married couple.
Mature Subject Matter:
War, death.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
Several incidents of characters drinking at parties; character often drinks while painting; adults smoking; adult considers drinking to fall asleep; mother and her nurse drink during childbirth; character might’ve put opium in tea.
