Genre: Adult Fiction – Historical Romance
Published: 2022
Format: Paperback
Rating: ★★★★
I enjoyed this book overall and I want to read the next one in the series. I wish we got more of the history of the parents to be honest, that sounds fascinating – maybe a prequel? I always love reading romances based around the haut ton and this is a clean one with no sex at all, and very minimal kissing or touching. The focus is on the relationships between the different characters and their discovery of who they are and what they really want.
I have to admit I didn’t really like Kitty or Cecily at the beginning. Cecily seemed too up herself and Kitty seemed far too mercenary. But I grew to really like both of them in the end, and Radcliffe as well. His teasing with Kitty Talbot was often the highlight of the book! Radcliffe’s past in the French wars haunts him though he tries not to let it show. When it comes out are some of the most interesting scenes and I would have liked to see that play out a little more.
I love how funny and witty this was, with some brilliant one-liners from lots of different characters. Definitely an enemies to lovers romance, the slow burn was perhaps a little too slow for me, especially at the beginning, but I love how it all came together and their betrothal was just perfect. It reminded me a little Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ but not in a bad way, and it didn’t rip it off, but there were nice little nods to the story.
I can’t wait to see what Irwin does next as this book was funny, relaxing, and so engaging to read on boring and busy train journeys to work.
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