Such a good story! I love the childlike element of bringing games back into the friendship. Emerson was so sweet and warm. All he has is love to give but Olivia’s dad stands in the way.

It is one of my favorite books I’ve read this year!! I loved everything!!

Tag in a ballroom? Yes please! Another hit for the @properromanceseries. This was such a fun concept for a story, and definitely unique to this genre. As a way to express his love for Olivia, Emerson starts an ongoing game of “tag” during the London season with her and their friends. Of course, life and love are always more complicated than they seem. This book made me wish I could be a part of their game. The supporting characters were fun and interesting- I hope we learn their stories. I loved Olivia and Emerson’s growing connection and loyalty. There are plenty of lighthearted moments right along with deeper, more emotional scenes, and I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of action at the end of the story! Such a fun read! Thank you to @shadowmountainpub for the copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

I loved reading this book! It is easily five stars. The cover doesn’t do it justice, this book has all the feels and is so fun to read. It’s clean but very romantic, the conversations flow naturally and it’s funny. You don’t want to miss this one. This is a new author for me, but one to follow and I look forward to her next book.

Emerson’s father died recently leaving him responsible for his mother and younger sister Arabella. She is best friends with Olivia and the three of them played together as kids. Emerson loves Olivia and wants to marry her, but her dad requires her to marry a man with a title. Emerson doesn’t have a title, so he proposes a discreet game of tag during balls in an unconventional attempt to court her. He’s trying to get her to see him as more than her best friend’s older brother, but she only sees him as a tease and thinks his attentions to her are out of duty or pity.

Olivia’s father Joshua Wilde is abusive, uses people to advance himself, and frequently destroys things when he gets angry. She fears upsetting him but also wants to have a happy marriage, unlike her parents’ relationship. Her mother loves her but is unable to do anything to help her daughter for fear of her husband. Emerson makes Olivia smile and brings excitement to her life.

The story was fun to read. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop and hoped it would work out in the end. I liked that they each have good friends and hope a future book is about one of them. I also liked that Olivia has a strong character and doesn’t sit around waiting to be rescued. Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC to use for my review.

Games in a Ballroom is a fun, unique Regency from debut novelist Jentry Flint. The romance is well-written, although I wish we had gotten more of Emerson and Olivia’s background as friends. A good portion of the story felt like it was about other people (characters I’m assuming will eventually get their own stories) but for me the set up took away from the main couple’s story. Flint has a ton of potential and I’m excited to see what she does next! 3/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Emerson Latham has recently become the head of his family and finds this a heavy responsibility. Olivia Wilde, the best friend of Emerson's sister, must seek marriage with titled gentleman in order to please her father. When Emerson decides to win Oliva's love as his own through multiple games and pranks the story takes on a bit of a whirlwind.

One scene moves to another quickly with much confusion and little character building. The games played are childish and do not seem like anything adults would perform to win the love of another. I wanted to enjoy this book and several of the characters, especially Emerson, were charming, but overall the story was not believable.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

While I found the device of playing games as they attend balls amusing, I was never really sure why Emerson was so determined to marry Olivia. They have known each other for years, since she is his sister’s best friend, but why is he in love with her? It’s never really made clear.

Likewise, I’m not sure why Olivia is suddenly in love with Emerson. She definitely finds that he makes her stomach flutter and her heart go pitty-pat, but that’s attraction, not love.

Olivia’s father is a caricature of a social climber—nouveau riche and determined to show everyone how wealthy he is. He is also a boor.

I am more intrigued by Emerson’s friends—Bradbury appears to be a lightminded gambler without a serious bone in his body. But the silent, stoic Northcott has my interest. Lots of hints are dropped about him, but nothing concrete. I’m hoping he will get his own story.

The resolution felt a bit rushed, though satisfactory.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Domestic violence. Drinking. Gambling. Pranks.

Who Might Like This Book:
Fans of regency romances, friends-to-lovers tropes. Those who like “clean” romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2022/05/its-been-roughsix-weeks-but-yearbook-is.html

Sometimes you just need to read a good romance. What do I mean by “good romance?” One where there’s friendship and conversation. In other words — a true connection. That’s what you get in Games in a Ballroom.

At the center of the novel are Olivia and Emmerson. Both are good people trying to do the right thing, but keep getting in their own ways. They are surrounded by Emmerson’s two good friends — who offer much-appreciated comic relief — and Emmerson’s sister (who is also Oliva’s best friend). The interactions between the five are grounded and honest. It’s this interplay throughout that really makes the book.

Author Jentry Flint’s writing has a calm, familiar tone that immediately welcomes you in and asks you to stay a while. She has a good grasp of the time period and she adeptly balances external conversations with internal struggles. It’s a fast read, perfect for a weekend afternoon.

While Games in a Ballroom isn’t tailored for the YA market, the characters do skew younger. Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance line, particularly its Regency Romances, evoke the sort of Jane Austen sensibilities that do appeal to young adults, and this should do well with readers 14 and up.

Sometimes the flirtatious banter and games is a lot of fun and something it comes across as too lighthearted. This story was a mixture of both. Emerson and Olivia have been friends since childhood and now big decisions are ready to be made. Do you stay loyal to your father or your heart?

The ballroom games really did provide a lot of entertainment and it was easy to picture myself in the ballroom as a late teen/young adult, but at times, it was hard to take Emerson seriously because it seemed all was in jest and his true motives were disguised. His spontaneous decisions did allow for some very hilarious moments though, and I did find myself smiling and laughing more than I was expecting to.

I enjoyed the delightful cast of characters and although I would have loved a dash more of romance, it was sweet and satisfying.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

Who would have thought that a game of tag would be romantic!? I loved this book. Edward’s character is patient, kind, loving and protective to those he cares about. He seems to have the weight of the world on his shoulders with his new responsibilities. But it was so nice to see him grow and evolve throughout the book.
Olivia is loyal to a fault. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. She loves her mother who gets the brunt of Olivia’s father’s anger. So crossing her father wasn’t an option in her mind. But throughout the book, her character grew to being more strong and open to other possibilities.
I loved their sweet romance. Best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. Can’t wait to see what else Jentry has up her sleeve. Hoping for a book about Emerson’s two best friends. Their characters are begging for one. 😁

4.5*

This was a fun read. I'm looking forward to more books from this author about the group of friends in this book. They were all very intriguing with some different and unique character traits (especially the men). The combination of all of their personalities made for some fun games and moments within this story.

Emerson is in love with Olivia but according to her parents is not worthy of marrying her. You know, he doesn't have a title and that is very important! But Emerson isn't going to let that stop him. He's going to do whatever he can to make sure that Olivia knows he cares for her and to make sure that he doesn't fail in obtaining her hand in marriage.

I thought this was very cleverly written and the game that Emerson employs with the friends adds some spice to all of their dull ballroom lives. Lol! And it adds excitement for the reader as well. They can't be caught by the adults either! It was fun to watch them navigate their game without letting anyone be the wiser for what they were doing.

There are some twists and turns for Emerson and Olivia. And Emerson was great at being secretive and giving her longing stares and whispers in her ear. Olivia just has to decide what she's going to do about the feelings she's starting to develop for her long time friend. But she has to tread carefully because of her father and mother.

If you're looking for a fun and diverting Regency book to read, this is one I'd recommend!

Content: Clean. Some mention of abuse but not overly graphic, more just knowing it happens. Nothing more than a couple kisses.

I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own. I have also purchased my own copy.

Happy Reading!!!

Wow what a fabulous read!! I loved the twist on a regency that this was. I loved the game of tag and the pig and Emerson was the best hero. And that ending my goodness! Such a good read and I absolutely loved it!!!

TW: abusive parent but no details mentioned

Olivia Wilde and Arabella and her brother Emerson Latham, grew up together.

While Olivia isn’t from noble blood, her father is richer than some of the gentry and he only wants her to marry a man with a title.

When Olivia and Arabella stick together this London season, she sees a lot more of Emerson. But Emerson is acting differently around her. When he suggests a game of Tag to liven up the Ball’s they have to attend, Olivia is hesitant. Her father is not the gentlest and she’s afraid of his wrath towards herself and her mother.

But when Arabella, Bradbury and the Baron of Northcott join in, she can’t say no.

What starts as a game of fun, turns into a game of hidden feelings. Olivia must appease her father. But what about love?

This is a fun and short read. I enjoyed the friendships between Emerson, Bradbury and Northcott. Wouldn’t mind reading about their happy endings!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A good read for a debut novel. The story had a lot of fun entertaining moments. The plot of the story was maybe a little weak. A young woman, Olivia, was basically a pawn in her fathers scheming ways. He had earned his money in trade, but the only way to secure a title was for his daughter to marry a titled man. Emerson was not titled but was a gentleman and his fathers heir. Olivia knew he would never be enough for her father. Emerson knew Olivia was the one for him. Hence the game playing. Childhood games such as tag and hide and seek were a unique way to try to capture Olivia‘s attention. Of course you have to have a bad guy, so incomes Lord Valencourt who is obviously lying and cheating his way into the Wilde family money. I would’ve liked this book to move a little quicker through the middle and a little slower at the end. Maybe an epilogue would’ve been helpful. I would liked to have known what happened to Lord Valencourt, was he ever made to amend his cheating ways. Also was Mr. Wilde, his wife and Olivia ever reunited. I suppose there’s a chance there is another book coming that could answer some of those questions. I would love the story of Lord Northcott and Arabella and of course Bradbury. His character made the book and his story would be fun to read. This is a clean wholesome romance.

The answer is always Shakespeare.

This was such a fun fast paced story. I really enjoyed it. The characters were lovable and the pacing really tight.

Olivia ‘s father wants her to only marry a Lord, as to improve their positions in life. Emerson is Olivia’s childhood best friend and is in love with her. However he does not have a title and therefore won’t be accepted by her father. So Emerson start a game of tag inside the ballroom and hilarity ensues.

I really enjoyed finding all the different types of games littered throughout the entire book. For examples: hide and seek, tag, Ecarte, whist, and a few more.

Olivia and Emerson’s love story was really sweet and actually very believable. Both Olivia and Emerson were relatable.

One thing I would change is the ending. While probably realistic, it left things too open ending for my tastes as though the plot wasn’t quite resolved.

Instead of ending the book with Emerson and Olivia planning to go to Gretna Green, I would’ve ended it with them over the blacksmiths iron actually tying the knot. And also Charlotte needed to be safely Encloistered with Emerson’s family. I hope that this will be addressed if there are additional books. And it really seems to be gearing up that way since I hope we get a book for Bradbury and a book for Norfolk

Another gripe I have is there are a few modernities I noticed, it didn’t distract super much and for someone who doesn’t mind a few anachronisms, it won’t even be noticeable.

4.8 stars would re-read and recommend!!

Thank you Netgally and Shadow Mountain Publishing for allowing me to review this!

I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this and found myself feeling like I was playing along in their game is tag. I absolutely loved the main characters and the friends. Flint did an amazing job with character building - making great lovable and unlovable characters.

I did sort of feel like I was reading Bridgerton which is not a bad thing, but that’s the image I had the whole time.

If you love regency romance, you will devour this!

This is a completely fine historical romance. While the pranking conceit is cute and a solid catalyst for romance, I found the lead-up to the pranks to be tedious compared to the sweet relationship between Olivia and Emerson. (Also distracting was the fact that her name is "Olivia Wilde"--unless you have absolutely no knowledge of the celebrity world, you probably can't help but laugh at that.)

This is a delightful regency romance that sums up the time period quite well. Women are treated poorly by men and seen as nothing more than chattel. At least this is the case for Olive Wilde who has to deal with a brutish father that wants her to marry someone with a title. Probably because he doesn't have one and happened to luck into money but doesn't have the grace or couth of the ton. I felt bad for Olivia's mother too because she was abused by her husband whenever someone did something he didn't like. I also felt sorry for Olivia and the gowns she was forced to wear, they were definitely not attractive and why her father thought he had any fashion sense is beyond me.

Enter Emerson Latham who is a long-time family friend, along with his sister Arabella. Arabella and Olivia are fast friends and it is only recently that Emerson has realized he has feelings for Olivia. I had to chuckle at his wooing attempts because they weren't very obvious to anyone except him. Thankfully someone sets him straight eventually. But he decides to create a game of Tag to be played during balls. I thought it was quite intriguing and it gave me a good chuckle many times throughout the story at the different scenes when they were tagging someone else in the group.

Emerson also has a group of friends that help him capture Olivia's heart. Now, this doesn't mean that they didn't have fun on their own and they played some elaborate pranks. But in the end, these gentlemen had his back in his quest to win Olivia.

I enjoyed the clean story and the journey to win the woman of his dreams. But don't think that Olivia is some fair-haired maiden that can't hold her own because she can. And several times it nearly gets her in trouble.

If you are looking for a light-hearted Regency romance, then check out this debut novel by this author. We give it 4 paws up.

This book puts a little twist on your typical regency romance. Sometimes I get caught up in reading so many, even though they all have different plot lines, I’ll sometimes blend some together. This book isn’t one I’ll be confusing with others. It gave me some Romcom contemporary meets regency feels and I liked the switch up!
The fun banter between the friends, the game of tag while dancing in a ballroom, it gave it a fun light hearted feel when other heavier topics were happening. I didn’t see the ending happening the way it unfolded, I’m so used to things happening a certain way that Jentry Flint really had me guessing how she would wrap things up.

Overall, a fun regency and a memorable debut. I’m excited to seeing where Arabella’s story takes us. I have my thoughts and guesses, but also, I am probably wrong based on how I expected Games in a Ballroom to unfurl. Grab this book for your summer reading, it’ll have you smiling and wanting the next book in this series.

This year started my regency kick, and I don’t see it stopping anytime soon. When I was promenading on @netgalley last week I caught eyes with the cover of Games in a Ballroom, and knew it was worth betting on.

The story begins right away, and we learn that the leading couple are childhood friends. Emerson is in love with Liv, but Liv rationalizes his efforts as “he’s just being kind,” knowing that her parents would never approve. Emerson is a man without a title, which the Wilde patriarch has no interest in. With the normal courtship being impossible for Emerson, he gets creative. Let the games begin.

Read if you enjoy:

Friends-to-lovers
Forbidden romance
Humor
Pigs (no, I won’t elaborate)
Ride or die friendships

This was a fun read for me, and was definitely unique in its regency setting. There is a lot of fun in the ballroom, but some hurt behind closed doors. Domestic abuse is described in one of the marriages, which I haven’t read in any other regency novel this year. This component balanced the book, and made the reader feel for the characters on a deeper level.

I’m so happy I discovered this debut novel, and I can’t wait to promenade with book 2 in the future.

Olivia and Emerson have been friends since childhood, but Emerson has recently realised, following the death of his father, that he wants to make her his wife. Unfortunately for him, Olivia’s overbearing, brutish and controlling father has decided she will marry someone with a title - something Emerson doesn’t possess. When Emerson engages Olivia and their other friends in an ongoing game of tag that will last the entire Season, it offers him the opportunity to prove to Olivia that he loves her - and possibly rescue her from her father’s clutches.

I enjoyed this. The tone of it was very nice, it felt very traditional whilst still being nice and readable. The concept was quite fun - the game of tag played out in a really interesting and amusing way and I liked how it allowed them to come into contact with one another. They were both likeable characters; I think I got a better grasp of Emerson’s personality, overall - Olivia sometimes felt a little flat - but I really enjoyed the romance between them. I was really rooting for things to work out for them and I spent a lot of the book wondering how that would be possible. They had good chemistry and I really believed the emotions between them.

I thought the wider plot was quite good. It was very dramatic and there were lots of twists and turns and it came to an exciting conclusion. The book also had a decent supporting cast of characters and I’m interested to see where the author may take them next. Overall I think this was a good book with some lovely ideas in it, and I had a great time reading it. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a low-heat Regency forbidden romance with a childhood-friends-to-lovers couple. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.

Content Notes: Death of a parent (in past), intimate partner violence (side characters), controlling behaviour from a parent, violence, attempted forced marriage.