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pvp_niki's review
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Misogyny, Sexism, and Classism
Moderate: Terminal illness, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and War
Minor: Gun violence
wandering_seal's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I really enjoyed this - fluffy romance goodness. I like a FMC who's in on the game and this really delivered that. If I had been expecting more from this book is have been disappointed at the fairly surface level it dealt with PTSD, but for what I wanted it was absolutely perfect. I listened to it on audiobook and would thoroughly recommend it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Alcohol
Minor: War
hobbithopeful's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Longing glances and hilarious moments made this read a welcome palate cleanser in the heavier stories I tend to find myself drawn to. Much like a nice snack, short and nice, and it didn't leave me bloated.
A true regency romp, Kitty needs a fortune to save her family from destitution and she will go to means to secure a man and his fortune. Manipulations, feminine wiles, Kitty takes no prisoners. Much to the chagrin of Lord Radcliffe, who seems to be only the one see through her manipulations and obvious fortune hunting.
I very much adored the descriptions and the dialogue. Rich clothing, and stifled manners made it so that I felt I was swirling about the ballrooms with the story. It is very much in vein as season one of Bridgerton, so fans of that will definitely enjoy this book.
The chemistry between Kitty and Radcliffe brought a smile to my face whenever the pair was on page, true foils to each other, I most enjoyed when they were driving each other wild.
(The way Lord Radcliffe is absolutely flummoxed by her showing up and making demands so early in the morning made me chuckle) "It was as if all his energy had been sapped form him in the face of that notebook, and all he could do was watch with muted despair as his previously peaceful morning faded away." I did wish they had more time together, and less with Kitty entertaining suitors that we all know she isn't going to end up with anyways.
At times I did wish the story wasn't so rushed, there were several times I felt the story could benefit from more showing than telling. I wouldn't have minded for the book to have been a bit longer, and for their to be more heart in it. At times it felt like by the time the two main characters met and started having interactions the book was already half over, or focusing on other subjects or events that I would have been spent on the main pair, especially given the short length.
I am not quite sure if I should classify this as YA or adult romance. The writing is sharp and witty, and the lack of spicy scenes makes it suitable for young ages yet still enthralling enough for an older audience with the strong writing. For the peace of my mind I am putting it into both of my shelves and calling it a day.
I enjoyed reading this, it was short and sweet, a welcome treat in my day. I do recommend it, if just so you can get to the second book in the series which I absolutely ADORE.
I was sent this book to read and review, thank you to the publisher.
A true regency romp, Kitty needs a fortune to save her family from destitution and she will go to means to secure a man and his fortune. Manipulations, feminine wiles, Kitty takes no prisoners. Much to the chagrin of Lord Radcliffe, who seems to be only the one see through her manipulations and obvious fortune hunting.
I very much adored the descriptions and the dialogue. Rich clothing, and stifled manners made it so that I felt I was swirling about the ballrooms with the story. It is very much in vein as season one of Bridgerton, so fans of that will definitely enjoy this book.
The chemistry between Kitty and Radcliffe brought a smile to my face whenever the pair was on page, true foils to each other, I most enjoyed when they were driving each other wild.
(The way Lord Radcliffe is absolutely flummoxed by her showing up and making demands so early in the morning made me chuckle) "It was as if all his energy had been sapped form him in the face of that notebook, and all he could do was watch with muted despair as his previously peaceful morning faded away." I did wish they had more time together, and less with Kitty entertaining suitors that we all know she isn't going to end up with anyways.
At times I did wish the story wasn't so rushed, there were several times I felt the story could benefit from more showing than telling. I wouldn't have minded for the book to have been a bit longer, and for their to be more heart in it. At times it felt like by the time the two main characters met and started having interactions the book was already half over, or focusing on other subjects or events that I would have been spent on the main pair, especially given the short length.
I am not quite sure if I should classify this as YA or adult romance. The writing is sharp and witty, and the lack of spicy scenes makes it suitable for young ages yet still enthralling enough for an older audience with the strong writing. For the peace of my mind I am putting it into both of my shelves and calling it a day.
I enjoyed reading this, it was short and sweet, a welcome treat in my day. I do recommend it, if just so you can get to the second book in the series which I absolutely ADORE.
I was sent this book to read and review, thank you to the publisher.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and War
neens_m's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Genuinely, I think this has one of the best couples in a modern regency romance. They have a lot of chemistry and they see each other so clearly. They’re able to understand each other without even speaking fairly early on, they challenge each other and they have such an ease with each other. A new favorite for me!
Content Warnings
Minor: War
nicolecurlsuptoread's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 🌶️
📌 You’ll dig this if you like
» Regency romance
» Pride and Prejudice retellings
» Clean, slow burns
» Opposites attract
» Enemies to lovers
It took me a minute to recognise this was a P&P retelling but as soon as I did, I was happy to see the similarities but also how the story departed from the original with some imaginative twists.
Kitty plays the part of Lizzy and Mrs. Bennet brilliantly. She is clever and witty like Lizzy, while employing the same laser focus as Mrs. Bennet toward securing a wealthy match. She’s more mindful than Mrs. Bennet, taking great pains to avoid missteps and faux pas.
Kitty’s parents died in quick succession, leaving her and her four younger sisters in significant debt, with nothing but their home as inheritance. Unfortunately, it won’t be enough and there’s no way out except through securing an advantageous marriage.
Radcliffe is an excellent Darcy, with a keen eye to recognise Kitty’s aim immediately. She gets under his skin, and they slowly become more to each other than either are ready to accept.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this and loved Eleanor Tomlinson’s narration. She voiced multiple characters well and it was easy to understand who was speaking.
Highly recommended for a lighthearted, feel-good read! ♡
📌 What stood out
» Kitty quickly reads what people want and need from her and adapts her behaviour and responses to suit. In some cases, with brilliant accuracy! There were several cases when I thought, “Well played, Kitty.” 👏
» I liked Kitty’s resourcefulness by roping Radcliffe into her scheme with as few f*cks given as possible to propriety.
📌 Moments
» Radcliffe doesn’t tell her anything most ardently, but his declaration is still totally Darcy-level swoon-worthy.
🚫 Contains mentions of war and death, death of parents by illness, gambling addiction. Please check warnings.
📌 You’ll dig this if you like
» Regency romance
» Pride and Prejudice retellings
» Clean, slow burns
» Opposites attract
» Enemies to lovers
It took me a minute to recognise this was a P&P retelling but as soon as I did, I was happy to see the similarities but also how the story departed from the original with some imaginative twists.
Kitty plays the part of Lizzy and Mrs. Bennet brilliantly. She is clever and witty like Lizzy, while employing the same laser focus as Mrs. Bennet toward securing a wealthy match. She’s more mindful than Mrs. Bennet, taking great pains to avoid missteps and faux pas.
Kitty’s parents died in quick succession, leaving her and her four younger sisters in significant debt, with nothing but their home as inheritance. Unfortunately, it won’t be enough and there’s no way out except through securing an advantageous marriage.
Radcliffe is an excellent Darcy, with a keen eye to recognise Kitty’s aim immediately. She gets under his skin, and they slowly become more to each other than either are ready to accept.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this and loved Eleanor Tomlinson’s narration. She voiced multiple characters well and it was easy to understand who was speaking.
Highly recommended for a lighthearted, feel-good read! ♡
📌 What stood out
» Kitty quickly reads what people want and need from her and adapts her behaviour and responses to suit. In some cases, with brilliant accuracy! There were several cases when I thought, “Well played, Kitty.” 👏
» I liked Kitty’s resourcefulness by roping Radcliffe into her scheme with as few f*cks given as possible to propriety.
📌 Moments
» Radcliffe doesn’t tell her anything most ardently, but his declaration is still totally Darcy-level swoon-worthy.
🚫 Contains mentions of war and death, death of parents by illness, gambling addiction. Please check warnings.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and War
atamano's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Sexism, Death of parent, and War
Minor: Death
amy_in_the_city's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The plot for this was interesting and there were so many funny lines throughout. Unfortunately, I thought the character and relationship development fell short. There were some interesting aspects of the characters that the book never go to really explore. The main plot, where the FMC has to spend a lot of time with various other suitors to try to secure a proposal, took up so much time that it didn't allow much room for the actual romance to be developed. I found the abrupt changes in POV, sometimes in mid-paragraph, to be quite jarring and strange. The characters in this book are in their mid-20s but for some reason, they read as late teens or early 20s to me. I still enjoyed the book overall, but I wish I could have felt more strongly about the main relationship.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Grief, Death of parent, and Classism
Moderate: Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, and War
Minor: Sexual assault
cassiealexandra's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
“What?” you’re saying in surprise. So am I. If you know me or have followed my reading in the last couple of years, you know that modern regency romance is not my genre of choice. I admit I haven’t given it much of a chance, feeling protective over my love of Jane Austen and the like. (But I enjoy period dramas on television, so why my hesitation about historical romance?)
In any case, this is my second regency romance written in the modern age. The first didn’t hit for me, but instead of giving up, I asked for recommendations. This one delivered!
The bottom line: This was a lighthearted romance full of humor and hi-jinks, restrained desire, and a look at social status.
Here’s what I enjoyed: the interactions between Kitty and Radcliffe/James were humorous and made me smile and chuckle. They could see right through each other and somehow felt seen because of it. The painful backstories of K and J fleshed out their characters but were not presented with extreme heaviness. This stands at the airy end of my fluffy to dense scale, but that’s exactly what I need sometimes. I’m not sure if “matchmaker/dating coach” is a trope, but if it is, I’m in. This had a Pygmalion/My Fair Lady aspect where James helps (even if he’s blackmailed and coerced into doing so) Kitty pass in society as above her class. I loved that it was only with each other that they could drop the mask. Both of them are changed in the process.
The restrained desire was PERFECT when it came to stolen glances, gazes across ballrooms, that scene when Kitty is so flustered she can’t get her gloves off and James slowly unbuttons them for her! (equivalent of the 2005 P&P Darcy hand flex imho), and the final waltz.
My frustration, and it’s a tiny one, is that this same restraint applied also to the characters’ third-person thoughts. Kitty and James wouldn’t trifle with the idea of catching feelings, so I was left wanting more admission and less denial on page. Because so little was expressed, not to each other but to themselves, about their developing feelings, the ending felt a little abrupt to me.
When my main complaint has to do with wanting more from the ending/epilogue, I know it was a book I overall enjoyed.
— NOTES —
Genres: regency/historical romance
POV: third-person
Content: past war; past death of parents
Romance: kissing
— MY RATING CONSIDERATIONS —
(all out of 5)
Pace: 4
Enjoyment: 5
Craft: 4
My Gut Feeling: 5
Total Stars: 4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and War
samchase112's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I had an absolute BLAST reading this entertaining romp of a romance! The plot was fast-paced and so much fun, I was rooting for the characters as they found themselves in delightful scrapes all the way to the last page, and just ultimately had the best time. Despite the page-turning plot, I never felt I didn't know the characters, or that they weren't sufficiently fleshed out. Honestly, this might be one of my favorite historical romances? It had all the things I love, with an extra dose of historical correctness and fun, flirty banter. A good time all around, and I'm looking forward to more from this author!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Drug abuse, and War
rdmoreland0801's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Very cute, loved the banter.
Kitty is quite prickly, determined to make a great match during the London Season to secure her family’s future.
Radcliffe is the older brother of her intended fiancé, and he will not let her ruin his family.
What ensues is a collection of crazy antics and quick banter. With great supporting characters like Archie - quite goofy and oblivious - we actually get good subplots as well.
I’m looking forward to the next book.
Kitty is quite prickly, determined to make a great match during the London Season to secure her family’s future.
Radcliffe is the older brother of her intended fiancé, and he will not let her ruin his family.
What ensues is a collection of crazy antics and quick banter. With great supporting characters like Archie - quite goofy and oblivious - we actually get good subplots as well.
I’m looking forward to the next book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent and War