Dear Jentry,

This book deserves all the heart eyes, all the love, all the hype! It was SO. DANG. GOOD. The mystery! The swoon! The kisses (you can write kissing scenes any time; I’ll read allllll of them)! The relationships and dynamics and these incredibly deep characters! The witty banter, the lighthearted, fun moments, paired with the pain and guilt of mental illness and family problems. Just all of it. You stuck me in a book hangover, and I’m still scrambling to find my way out.

I will start with how much I love Henry. I adore Henry. Every single thing about this man was utter perfection. He was so good and tender hearted, and it was painful to watch people take advantage of him and hurt him, sometimes on purpose. The treatment of mental illness has had a long, sordid history, and the way you added that into this book was masterful.

I must also say that I loved Dr. Stratford and Nurse Maggie. I am so glad there were some people who were willing to look beyond the fear and unknown and see humans underneath the mental illnesses. (Also dear sweet Sarah. Adore here and I want her story!)

Arabella is so sweet. I loved her desire to find a “spark,” her fun game with Shakespeare’s plays, and her desire to help people. I thought her propensity to try outlandish things under the guise of “I wanted to see if I could,” was brilliant. She may have been a bit reckless, but she was so fun. And her heart is genuinely good. What she did at the end was especially brave and incredible! Also, can we just talk about how amazing the build-up to the first kiss was? And then that first kiss? Whew! Swoony and delectable.

Henry’s relationship with Bradbury was absolutely the best thing. I love deep friendships in books, and Bradbury’s nicknames of Beasty and Goosey, and especially what he said about why he had given Henry those nicknames, was fantastic. I am so excited for Bradbury’s book!

This book surprised me in the best possible ways! I went in completely blind (my favorite way), and I think that’s the best way with this book. You kept me guessing, and delivered on something I didn’t know I needed. This book is reread material, and I will gladly do so.

Your fan,
Jessica

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: This narrator did a phenomenal job! Her voices were perfect and emotion/inflections were spot on. I may have a new favorite narrator, and would listen to her narrate anything.

**many thanks to the author and publisher for the book; a positive review was not required; all thoughts are my own. ( )

“Shakespeare was always the answer.”

All the stars! I absolutely adored this book! Jentry Flint has created a memorable, endearing, captivating sequel in her Brooks’ Brotherhood series. I loved this opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, delightful yet poignant Regency romance! There were not only funny, swoon worthy moments that I can’t wait to relive again, but also a bit of a gothic mystery which I loved.

Lord Henry Northcott has long admired Arabella Latham, his best friend’s little sister. From the first moment he met her and heard her quoting Shakespeare, he determined to read everything by the Bard just so he could understand her. But, two things preclude him from making his feelings known, she’s his best friend’s little sister, and the horrible scandal attached to his family that’s made him vow never to marry. Though he’s known as the Brooding Baron, there’s a witty, thoughtful, kind person hiding underneath his taciturn, grumpy facade and Arabella’s just the one to bring him out of his shell.

Arabella’s answer to everything is found in Shakespeare. I loved her funny, mischievous, daring personalty. From her Twelfth Night escapade to her Battle game, to learning to drive a phaeton, I adored all her schemes. Like her parents’ and brother’s marriage, she wants to find her spark and marry for love. I enjoyed watching her fall for Henry and how she genuinely cared for him and wanted to help him. Henry has a dark past, yet Arabella’s unfazed by it and is willing to do whatever it takes to show him that she can handle whatever haunts him.

I loved Arabella’s & Henry’s romance. From their Shakespeare quoting to the billiard lesson scene, this book touched my romantic loving heart. Along with their swoon-worthy romance is the scandal attached to Henry’s name. Mental illness plays a role in this story and I appreciated the way the author portrayed those struggles in a realistic, sympathetic way. Asylums like Bedlam were horrific in the Regency era and while the author doesn’t shy away from some of the awful treatments employed, she does manage to draw attention in a respectful, non-graphic way. I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Stafford & Sarah and hope that we get more of their stories.

Some of my favorite moments were: Henry’s inner voice, the witty banter, Bradbury’s friendship and antics, Beasty & Goosey, the phaeton ride, ironing a billiard table, all the Shakespeare quotes, and the infamous aquatic theater visit.

Highest of recommendations! This is definitely a must read for Regency & gothic romance fans. Now I can’t wait for Mr. Bradbury’s story. Though it’s the sequel to Games in a Ballroom, it can easily be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. ( )

I enjoyed this read, I didn't have any idea how this was going to end, or evolve. Wow! The author deals with a dark subject here, and yet, as it was often swept under the rug, families were ashamed. Mental health.
There was more here, and when the facts unfold, I was totally surprised!
Will the attraction felt by Arabella and Henry be fulfilled? What about Sarah? Will she ever have a life, oh I do hope for more by this author, and more in this series!
Come and learn how to drive a buggy, and iron a billiards table! Enjoy!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Shadow Mountain, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )