3.5 Stars

This was a short and sweet tale of Regency era romance. It’s got all the hallmarks of the Regency genre: bets made on romance, social balls/gatherings, the many societal mores of the times, and romance blossoming in the genteel English air.

I liked the time the author put into building her atmosphere and main relationship. She takes the time to set the scene, not something every novella writer does. I had no problem picturing every social interaction and the grandeur of Regency gentility.

I also really liked Matthew and Janie. They were very sweet together and made me smile more than once. There wasn’t a massive amount of depth or character analyzing present, but this is a novella so I wasn’t expecting it. For this being what it was, I liked the leads well enough.

I do think the author fell into the trap that many novella or short book writers fall into, trying to put too much into the story. The whole side story with Penelope and her antics was more irritating than entertaining. I found her to be juvenile and two-dimensional. She added nothing to the story but aggravation.

I also wished more mention could have been made on the whole bet thing. In the beginning, it’s hinted that hopefully the partners for these guys don’t ever find out about it. After that little hint, nothing else is ever mentioned. Maybe the author is saving that for the last book, don’t know. But another mention at the end might have been nice.

For a short, sweet romantic fluff piece, this novella is pretty good. It pleases in the romance, atmosphere, and main character departments. At times, the author tries to fit too much in for dramatic flair that’s not needed. Yet, the work is still enjoyable for what it is: a tender getaway into Regency love.

Note: Book received for free from author in exchange for an honest review. ( )