Games in a Ballroom is, simply put, fun! Emerson wants to marry his sister's best friend and his ill attempts at courtship have been met with a severe lack of success. In order to bring himself to Olivia's attention in a different way, Emerson recruits his friends to play tag in secret throughout the ballrooms of London.
The way this is written put me in mind of a modern rom-com in a regency setting. There aren't a lot of historical details nor is there an overarching character arc for either Emerson or Olivia. Their games and the overwhelmingly crude behavior of Olivia's father are the focus of moving this HEA forward.
I definitely think this book is enjoyable when suspending belief in some of the circumstances. The unique concept gives it a flair that I don't often see in its contemporaries for this time period. I would have liked to see a bit more depth - in character, plot, and/or relationship arc - but I easily could have read this in one sitting had life not been it's typical pest.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain, NetGalley, and the author for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

As you’d think from the title, there was a certain level of fun in this book. How can you not when you play tag in a stuffy Regency ballroom? That was a playful aspect to this book that I liked and found unique. Have to say, I’ve never read of tag in a ballroom in any of the hundred of regency books I’ve read. The characters didn’t take themselves too seriously which led me, as a reader, not to take them very seriously as well. I could have used maybe a little bit more seriousness (and perhaps some more romantic tension) within this story. But it was an easy afternoon read

Games in a Ballroom is one of the sweetest, coziest historical romances I've ever read. The plot revolves around a group of five friends deciding to hold a secret game of tag throughout the various balls and dances held during a Season. Olivia Wilde's father is pressuring her to marry a man with a title when her true equal has been there all along. Emerson Latham's feelings for Olivia grow stronger as their time begins to run out. The game of tag, in both literal and metaphorical senses, is a way for both of them to grow closer without risking anyone finding out about their slow burn romance. While I believed that the first half of the book stalled a bit, the second half of the book made it worthwhile with all of its puzzle pieces falling together seamlessly. The characters are lively and fun, the story is unique, and the romance is as wholesome as it gets. It's a perfect introduction for newcomers into the genre, and for fans of the "best friend's brother" and "childhood friends to lovers" tropes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for sending me an eARC of this book!

I liked this, but it wasn't anything exciting. I've read others from Shadow Mountain and enjoyed them, so it's not the chaste-ness of this, it just felt kinda boring.

Plot:✨
The story is a friends-to-lovers romance set in the Regency Era. Emerson and Olivia are childhood friends. But with time, their respective roles in society have changed everything. After Emerson's father passed away, he is trying to cope with the loss and step into his shoes as the head of the family. Although he is still struggling to find his way around, he knows for certain that he wants to court Olivia and make her realize he is in love with her. However, Olivia is unaware of his feelings, and now she is pressurized by her father to marry a man with a title to increase their social standing. Determined to win Olivia's heart Emerson comes up with an idea to play a game in secret which they often played in childhood with their friends. Olivia wants to enjoy her freedom for the last time before she marries the man of her father's choice and agrees to play the game. While playing the game, Olivia begins to realize she might be falling in love with Emerson, but fears if her father finds out, she will lose everything.

Review:✨
Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes and I really enjoyed reading this love story. I liked Emerson's idea of courting Olivia in an unconventional way. Their slow-burn romance surely kept me hooked. The friendship dynamic between Emerson, Northcott and Bradbury was so good, and I loved reading about their adventures together. However, I felt the ending was abrupt. The story gets pretty intense towards the end because of Olivia's father, and it would have been nice to know the aftermath of the decisions the protagonists have taken. It kept me wondering about their fate and I felt proper closure was necessary. 

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for sending me the ARC of this book. 💖😊

This book was written in the style of a sweet Regency romance book of my youth.
The heroine is the only child of a very successful business man who is trying to marry her off to an aristocratic title. Her father married her mother, but she was a member of the gentry and he is trying to turn the money he worked hard for into a title for his daughter and her children. He is hoping for a viscount or higher. The heroine is an attractive debutante, but her father clothes her in gaudy, over decorated dresses with jewels used for the beading and many ruffles and flounces in order to show off his wealth. She has had a few men interested in her dowry and fortune, but no one has actually become her suitor. Her neighborhood friend, the son of a gentleman farmer, is attracted to her, but even though he is part of society, he does not have a title and her father would refuse his suit if he tried to court her. He grew up with her and recently noticed her attractiveness, her sweet disposition and her michiefness. The hero has also noticed that as the Season has dragged on, she has become withdrawn because of the stress of her father. The hero wants to ask her to marry him, but he is not sure of her love. So he proposes that she, his sisiter and two of his school friends play a discreet game of tag. They have to secretly touch the person and say "you are it", without anyone knowing who the it is. And if the person is it at the end of the entertainment, then they become it at the next event. This way, he can try to build his relationship with her, and provide some amusement to his clique. The heroine and her friend, the hero's sister, are wall flowers. They only have a few dances per event, even though the heiress's mother practically begs any young man to dance with her.
The story is a more descriptive story, so do not expect a quick reading novella. The author describes the actions in detail, both with interactions of the main characters and a good amount of their daily activities. As the story goes along and their love grows stronger, it stays a sweet timance and not a sensual story. This story was a good story to read with a cup of tea on a rainy day. A book that you could immerse yourself in. I give this book 4.5 stars because at times, it is a little wordy. But it is a smooth read and you don't have to go back and re-read parts in order to make sense of what you are seeing.

I loved this new take on a Regency romance! Author Jentry Flint did not disappoint on her debut novel. The writing was solid and characters fully developed. I started this book in the morning and finished it in the same day. The pacing was perfect, and the tension just enough!

I loved take on the games they were playing. It was interesting trying to picture the dynamic of what they were trying to pull off in the stuffy ballrooms of London. It brought a lightheartedness to the story and I admired how they were standing up to the oppressive society they were in, conforming just enough, but finding their own ways to beat the monotony and rules of their stations. All I can say here is the PIG 🐖😂😂😂

Now let’s move on to Emerson, ahhhhh Emerson and his awesome band of brothers! He was a perfect balance of lighthearted fun, kindness, and swoony hero all wrapped up in a great package. His dedication and love for Olivia was heart-melting ♥️ I loved that no matter what challenges stood in his way, he refused to give up on her. There were so many times that I was thinking how in the world is this going to work?!?!!! And his nickname for her…. 🤐 Perfection!!! I love nicknames, they bring a certain kind of intimacy and fun to the dynamic of a couple.

I admired Olivia and her internal strength. Most women of that time would be crushed under the circumstances she was in. And even though there was multiple times she wanted to cave to her unyielding father’s demands, she continued to hold tight to her true self, struggling not to lose that fire.

The ending was wrapped up perfectly, but also left me dying for more! All I can say is please please please please get me Northcott’s story!!! I must know more about this brooding hero! I want to continue on the journey of these friends and see what other mischief and romance they can get into.

“I am offering nothing to you,” Emerson replied, squaring his shoulders and straightening his disheveled jacket. “Rather I am offering everything I have to her.”

Emerson Latham is in love with his childhood friend, and heiress, Olivia Wilde. However, there are two things standing in his way; his lack of title and Olivia realizing her own feelings for him. This may seem like a trope that has played out in every historical romance novel before, however Ms. Flint has put an unusual spin on it in her debut novel - by including a game of tag.

I read a lot of historic romance and I haven’t come across anything that had incorporated games before! The excitement of the group playing a secret game of tag really helped build up tension between Emerson and Olivia, in their interactions in the ballroom. Emerson is just what Olivia needed. I loved that he was there beside her patiently waiting for her to realize her feelings, and also to assist Olivia and her mother as they break away from her controlling father.

Tag wasn’t the only game featured, hide and seek, and a hilarious incident involving a pig- which I won’t spoil. I loved that Emerson’s friends and younger sister supported him even though they were skeptical at first of Emerson’s declaration to marry. I would love to revisit the other characters and learn more about them in a spin off ;) .

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a Regency Romance ^_^

triggers: Abusive Father/Husband

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the complementary E-arc of the book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was phenomenal. It was so lighthearted and fun. I waited too long to write my review so I don't have specifics, but I super loved it.


Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

First, I have to say I love the color. It’s intriguing and fun. Overall though, this book was just ok for me. I found it pretty hard to get into, and the characters didn’t really draw my attention. I do love regency romances, but this one missed the mark.

Games in a Ballroom offers a fresh take on Regency romance. The premise of this story was what first intrigued me. That, and the cover! The story itself was enjoyable, presenting a great cast of characters complete with fun ballroom moments. A solid debut. I'm looking forward to more from this author.

*I received a copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I’m a big supporter of historical novels having something different to help them stand out. And I have to say, having a consistent game of tag throughout multiple balls during the London season was really fun and unique. These games seemed to be a way for both Emerson and Olivia to break out of their serious shell and enjoy life. Super clever on Jentry’s part. I also liked Emerson’s funny side with the games and pranks.

The beginning seemed a tad bit slow or confusing with how abrupt some of the characters responded to situations. Bradbury was a difficult character for me to follow but had his good moments. That being said, the story got a lot better once the games actually started and people had more of a positive relationship with each other without the fighting. So this is definitely one you should keep reading. Not to spoil anything, but I did have some questions at the end, which I had hoped would be resolved. Maybe Jentry will write a sequel and we’ll get those answers in the next one. 😊😊 Fingers crossed for a sequel!

There’s some action, a whole lot of games, and some sweet romance. You’ve been warned. 😉

I really wanted to like this one but I just could not get into the characters or the storyline. I know lots of other people who loved it, though, so I think it came down to personal preference.
The story line felt a little silly or lacking substance. Granted, I did not read the whole book, so I really hate to give a full opinion on it, however, it did not capture my attention.
I don’t like to give negative reviews so I won’t be sharing my thoughts on any social media platform for this book.

As someone who reads a lot of Regency romances I was intrigued by the fun concept of this book, but was ultimately disappointed. I thought this would be a fun quick read but I became quickly bored by the lack of chemistry between the main characters. The first 60% of the book offers very little plot wise which contrasts the latter half of the book, which is incredibly fast paced and plot heavy. The ending was very sudden and left something to be desired. I do think the supporting cast of characters were interesting and would be excited to read their stories.

This book didn't work for me. The book wasn't long enough for me to care about the characters. I struggled with the lack of maturation among all of the characters. Reading about people playing tag during balls, was just boring, it did nothing to advance the plot, romance, or tension between the main character. I didn't realize when I requested this book that it was from Shadow Mountain, so I guess I can't fault it for being a PG rated romance, but there was no tension or heat (books can have both without being explicit).

"I propose a game," Emerson said, catching her off guard… "The game can be kept discreet enough that we can all enjoy ourselves while still playing the part society expects of us at functions such as these."

Games in a Ballroom (2022, Shadow Mountain) by Jentry Flint, is a Regency romance set in London in 1815. The publisher has given this book its Proper Romance label. It's a standalone story, but I hope the author will write more stories, centering around some of the secondary characters. It's Ms. Flint's first full-length published novel. (She has previously published two novellas.) I initially chose to read Games in a Ballroom because I was intrigued by the prospect of the cardroom being featured in a Regency romance.

Rating: 5 stars

Is it clean/chaste? Yes!

Other content issues: Some fighting - not overmuch

Christian elements: This is published by an LDS-based company. (I'm a non-denominational Christian, but sometimes read books by LDS authors because they're reliably chaste.) If I remember correctly, there were no quotes from the Bible. Most instances of the word god were references to some statues of Egyptian gods. Beyond that, there were only the following:

"and God willing. . . "

". . . the greatest gift and legacy God could give a man – a wife and children of his own." (I believe that this is actually a tenet of the LDS religion, but most people do value family.)

The hero: Emerson Latham "was the head of his family now [after the death of his father a year ago], which put his widowed mother, his troublesome sister [Arabella], and a country estate that was sustainable but not overly profitable, far above betting books and gentlemen's club rivalries. Most of his time was now spent in ballrooms, where his ability to spot a bluff allowed him to identify an unsuitable match for his sister in her first Season." At the beginning of this book, Emerson has long since transitioned from being a gamesome young man to a serious one, very focused on his duties as the head of the family. He has an interest in Olivia Wilde, Arabella's best friend. But there's a problem. . .

The heroine: Olivia Wilde's father is determined that she marry into a title. And Emerson doesn't have one. She is Emerson's "childhood friend subjected to such gaudy fashions" mandated by her misguided father, who "comes from trade." Olivia's father's expectations weigh heavily on her. And for good reason. . .

What I liked:

*There are a variety of games highlighted in this book, including some children's games and a trick-taking game that I have never heard of before.

*I really liked many of the secondary characters in this story. It's enjoyable to listen to Emerson's sister Arabella quoting Shakespeare, and Emerson's friends Bradbury and Northcott were fun to get to know. Maybe the author will develop them further in another book? Or two?

What I didn’t like:

*Perhaps Olivia's father was too one-dimensional.

*This isn't much of a complaint, but "stay on topic" is an anachronistic phrase.

Book recommendation: Miss Tavistock's Mistake by Linore Rose Burkard

The bottom line: I think this was a great freshman Regency novel. I really enjoyed it. (My teenage daughter did also.) I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys clean historical romance. I look forward to reading more by Jentry Flint.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of the book.

#GamesInABallroom #NetGalley

This is the first book that I've read by the author. Emerson Latham, is determined, to finally win over the woman he loves. What Emerson, doesn't know is that Olivia Wilde's father, is equally determined to see that he fails. Even though the two have been childhood friends, Emerson has secretly been in love with Olivia. Olivia's father only wants a titled man for his daughter, and won't let anyone standi in his way. From playing tag to hide and go seek, Emerson is just as relentless and won't give up easily.

Overall, it's super cute. A very cute take on the seductive games that we usually see the Ton play, this time playing actual games such as Tag. Sounds fun- I definitely would have played. It's a clean romance, and read a little YA to me based on the complexity of the plot and personalities of the MC's. The Hero is a nice, young guy. The Heroine is a sweet, young girl. The characters responses to "crises" were a little dramatic responses at times (ie. at one point during a ball there were two people who both thought they were "it"). I was not interested in the scenes regarding the prank involving the pig. But this may be a feature that would interest a younger reader, so again, I feel this book would be great for the YA crowd.

This was a delightful book! I enjoyed the banter and the fun games that made this book so playful and distracting for the heavier stuff happening with our heroine! I was super impressed with the storyline! Yay!

I LOVED this sweet regency romance! I enjoyed Jentry's fresh take on sweet regency romance! I felt pulled in wanting to know how it was all going to play out! I read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down! You won't want to miss this one!

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.