I read a lot of historical fiction, and this one had a different take than many I have read. It is easy for the reader to sympathize with Prim and her predicament as the youngest of four daughters during a time when daughters are seen as an expense and sons are prized. Mirrors Pride and Prejudice in some ways with the parents being a bit irresponsible and favoring certain ones of their children over others based on how well they think they can marry. It was a quick and easy read. Due to mature content (a description of a couple having intercourse in a hedge) I won't be able to purchase this for my middle school library.

**Review will be posted on my blog on 5/3/21 closer to publication date.**
I Liked:
*I’ve read Sophie Jordan’s adult historical romances so I really wanted to see how a young adult romance would work out. I thought the Sixteen Candles twist to it was cute, since it’s one of my most favorite movies of the 80’s.

*Prim definitely takes chances by sneaking out of the house and going to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. I think it’s important to remember in history and historical romances, girls got married at 16+. So Prim sneaking out, really had the risk of being caught in a scandal that could ruin her life.

*Her family life is drama-filled with her sisters and a mom who is laser focused on getting each girl married, except Prim, of course, it’s like she’s too tired to care about Prim, poor girl. Glad Prim doesn’t let that hold her back though.

*The romance is sweet and cute. Prim and Jacob get to know each other all in one night, but the sparks are definitely there by the end.

*It’s a happy ending for Prim, thank goodness because her mom’s plan for her life was pretty harsh.

Random Notes:
*This was a quick read – and it’s meant for teens. As an adult reading it, it wasn’t for me. But this would be definitely perfect for teens – it has a little romance, adventure, and a girl trying to live her young life. I had a hard time trying to stop comparing adult historical romance and this one meant for a younger audience.

*And being a Sixteen Candles fan, where was Farmer Ted?! Haha, I mean Jacob obviously is Jake (the duke). The story takes place all in one night, just like the movie, but I think because of the amazing supporting cast in the movie, Prim and Jacob’s one night escapade in this book fell so short. It had some action, the kind you would get in a pleasure garden haha.

*Everything comes to such a predictable and anti-climatic ending.

FInal Thoughts:
I do wish there was a little more to the Sixteen Candles retelling like having more of a supporting cast like the movie did. Other than that, the story is quick and the romance is sweet. This one is perfect for teen readers who want to read a historical romance story.

In congruence with my campaign to judge books by their covers, I requested this book because of the adorable cover and fun title. I love a Regency romp, and this story had definite YA Jane Austen vibes.

As the title implies, the book follows a similar plot to the 80s Molly Ringwald film, “Sixteen Candles”, except it’s set in 1821 England and doesn’t have an extremely racist portrayal of an Asian person. Basically, youngest child and perpetual rule-follower Primrose Ainsworth decides on her sixteenth birthday to do something rebellious. While her family is out (ignoring her and her special day) she sneaks off to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens with her best friend Olympia for a night of fun. However, a hitch in the plan separates Primrose from Olympia, and she is forced to face the gardens alone, searching for her friend – until she encounters a handsome stranger…hijinks ensue.

This book was fun but was structured in such a way that it felt like not much happened plot-wise, despite a lot of “action” occurring throughout the story. The main romance was cute and had good banter, but it was a little too “at first sight” for my tastes. I enjoyed the between-chapter quotes from “Lady Druthers’s Guide to Perfect Deportment and Etiquette”, as I spent a lot of time researching etiquette guides for my undergrad thesis, and thought that the book contained some good commentary on flouting societal convention. It reminded me in spirit of Cindy Anstey’s books, so if you liked any of those, I would recommend “Sixteen Scandals”.

Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley for access to this ARC!

This book I was not sure where it was going to take me. Some of it I felt was a bit out there. The beginning pulls you in because it is a mystery of where Primrose is and if she will make it out of there alive. The characters were fun and definitely up to no good. Mixed feelings on this one.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

Sixteen Scandals is a delightfully silly book; about what you'd expect of a YA centric historical romance. With inspiration taken from the classic 80s movie 16 Candles, Prim wakes up on her 16th birthday and expects that she will be making her debut in society. However, her family family to appreciate the momentous day and tells prim she'll have to wait until her older sister is betrothed before "coming out". Unhappy with this answer, Prim takes it upon herself to have a 16th birthday adventure by sneaking out of her house with her BFF and spending an evening at Vauxhall. Shenanigans ensue which lead to Prim being separated from her friend and rescued by the handsome stranger, Jacob. Prim spends a night to remember with Jacob as one adventure follows the next.

As I said before, this is a silly book. The plot is extremely predictable and the shenanigans a bit out too out there. However, I read this in one sitting and was entertained the whole time.

This was so fun. I love this setting for a romance and it's cool to see it in a YA book. Both characters were really enjoyable.