Games in a Ballroom is a regency romance comedy It includes friends to lovers, best friend’s older brother, and forbidden love tropes.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this novel, but it was a good surprise! Now, usually these books are not my cup of tea, but for the most part this was a gamble that paid off, as I actually ended up mostly liking the story..

I really enjoyed it

Thank you NG and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion..

I believe "Games in a Ballroom" is the first historical romance written by Jentry Flint and she did a very good job! I loved this book. To be fair, I am a huge fan of childhood friends that become lover and this is one of those books.

Olivia, our heroine, is pushed to get married by her father who wants her to end up with a titled man, rather than someone who she might actually love.
Because of this Olivia find a refuge with her childhood friends among which there's the handsome Emerson Latham.
Emerson has his own troubles, since his father passed away all the household responsibilities became his but one thing he's sure about is that he loves Oliva and he's been in love with her for quite a while.
The only problem? He's untitled and therefore Olivia's father will never allow him to court his daughter.
Nonetheless he doesn't give up and before giving up his last hope, Emerson develops a secret love game of tag that must be played trough the season to try to conquer his childhood love.
Will he manage to make Olivia fall in love with him?

I really liked this book, I loved the banter and the dialogues in general are very well written, the pace is also quite fast. Again, I love a childhood romance so I'd have probably liked it anyway!
The book itself is very romantic and Emerson is such an amazing character, I really loved him and rooted for him all the way till the end.

The only thing I always find a little weird in romances is that the hero never speaks straight away about his feelings with the heroine and that would make things a lot easier, this is one of those cases.
Emerson being honest about his feelings with Olivia would have been the reasonable and logic thing to do, nonetheless I really liked this book.

I'm looking forward to read something else by this author, maybe even set in the same universe. It would be so great to meet all of the characters once more.

Unfortunately DNF. I felt that the characters behaved two-dimensionally and that the first third of the book—its expositional phase—dragged on too long. I also found issue with some of the historical fiction aspects of the novel, as I felt a too-rosy lens was taken to Emerson's position as a member of the landowning gentry. The writing was quite matter-of-fact, with little show-don't-tell—largely a continuation of the same writing style present in the novel's blurb. However, it's true that the same book is different to every reader, and this is no exception. Games in a Ballroom wasn't for me, but it's certainly delighted dozens of other readers.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This is the debut book by Jentry Flint and I think she just became a new favorite. I hope to see more in this series.
I truly enjoyed the antics and games played through out this book. It was a new spin on a regency romance and I loved it. Such a fun read.
#gamesinaballroom #netgalley

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Games in a Ballroom by Jentry Flint is a captivating love story following Olivia Wilde. Olivia is the daughter of a wealthy man and Emerson is practically a nobody with no title. Emerson plans to court her through a very intriguing way, which is through a game.

I genuinely did like the whole concept of the games, but I personally felt something was lacking and was rushed at times. Also, it is a romance book but I did not really see the romance.

The characters were well written, and I genuinely enjoyed reading their story!

I would definitely recommend this to someone who loves fast-paced novels and light romance!

This was one of the most unique regency stories I've read recently, and I really enjoyed it. The fun, playful premise sucked me in and I was really interested in the characters and how they would pull off playing tag through the ballrooms of London without facing serious consequences.
Emerson and Olivia had a great dynamic. It took me longer than I anticipated to fully buy into their romantic relationship, but once I did, I was fully rooting for them. Emerson had a great arc as he learned how to balance his responsibility to his family with his relationships with his friends and his romantic aspirations toward Liv, and Olivia became strong enough to break away from her stifling situation and seize her own happiness.
I enjoyed the climax and thought the ending was really sweet. If you're looking for a fun and unique regency story with a clean, swoony romance and loveable cast of side characters, definitely check out Games in a Ballroom!

Fun, flirty, and witty! What’s not to love? This is the type of story that I love to escape to. A world of balls, dashing gentlemen, and toe curling romance. I especially love it when you have two main characters evenly matched in their banter and intelligence. It really brings the story to life! This is the kind of book you read in one sitting!

I had such high hopes! I was intrigued by the plot, title and cover. But I felt it was too slow to start in the beginning, even when they finally start playing the game of tag - it wasn’t enough. I kept starting to read and putting it down for days. Even by 50% it FINALLY started to get interesting 🐷.

I feel like for a game of tag - there’s adrenaline from not wanting to be it and excitement and then the “it’s taboo” all those things should’ve made it exciting but I didn’t get much of those emotions from the characters. Not until much later in the book. 🍊

I liked the friends more than the main couple, even though Olivia and Emerson have grown up together and Emerson has some unrequited love, there wasn’t any tension or growing chemistry between them. Overall this is plot driven with little character growth.

And the end definitely needed an epilogue.

But I would be curious to read more books by the author to see what happens to the group of friends. It was a fun idea and kudos to the author for thinking out side the box. I liked the other games added in as well. There were just some minor things that didn’t work for me but I know others have liked it.

I received a e-arc copy from the publisher and Net Galley, these are my own thoughts and opinions.

I'm not a huge fan of the friends-to-lovers trope so clearly, I couldn't fully enjoy this book. Obviously I don't consider it to be a flaw of the book, but it did impact on how much I enjoyed reading it.
Overall I think it's beautifully written (how could I not love a book set in regency times? exactly.)and I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters, plus I really loved all the Shakespeare's quotes and references.
If you love friends-to-lovers dynamics and regency style books this one is for you!
Oh, if only this books had been enemies-to-lovers.... sigh

Emerson Latham has been courting Olivia Wilde for a few months now, or so he thinks. Unfortunately the lady in question has interpreted their shared dances as him extending his older brother duties to his sister's best friend, but he has a new plan. What if he could convince Olivia, his sister, and his friends to play a game in a ballroom, and in the process court Olivia?

Olivia Wilde knows that she must marry a man with a title to appease her father, who wants to see her married. When her childhood friend suggests that she join a game of tag, she decides to enjoy one last bit of freedom and agrees to play.

All in all, I really enjoyed this novel! The games and pranks that the main group cook up were fun! I really liked seeing the unconventional courtship between Emerson and Olivia. I am also hoping for a sequel or two to this because I really like the side characters in Games in a Ballroom and would not mind seeing more of them.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the eARC of Games in a Ballroom. I really appreciate the opportunity to read this novel!

TW/CW: domestic abuse

The idea was unique. The author did an excellent job of having a unique take of a regency novel that centers around a game of tag. However, there were so many unanswered questions. Maybe it is just me, but the author wanted to make it a light read even if the heroine was dealing with serious issues. I wanted to like it, but I felt something lacking. I give it two stars for the unique idea.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain for an honest review of this book.

Olivia Wilde and Emerson grew up neighbors. She was his sister’s best friend, and they were always getting into trouble together. Now Olivia is all grown up. Emerson tries to court her through compliments and dances but she doesn’t see it. So Emerson gets creative proposing their group of friends all participate in a game of tag at the various balls and events they attend.
The concept was innovative. I loved how games came into play in their courtship. I did wish for a little more excitement. Didn’t anyone notice their odd behavior?
I like Emerson’s friends and their loyalty to him. I hope they crop up in books of their own.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of Games in a Ballroom. I love the Proper Romance series and Games in a Ballroom is a great addition. When efforts to woo the girl he loves falls flat, he starts a game in order to win his love. I loved this story. The character were fun and engaging. I hope to see more from this author and this series.

Games in a Ballroom is the story of Olivia and Emerson, two lifelong friends who are just realizing that they might be more. Emerson is trying to get out of the friend zone, but Olivia is necessarily preoccupied by her horrible father’s attempts at marrying her up and off. Emerson concocts a game of ballroom tag as a way to spend more time in Olivia’s company, something that can be a bit tricky to come by with society’s strict rules for socialization.

I enjoyed this story and would love to hear more about this group of rebellious young adults, coming of age amongst the at time stifling ton. I got the feeling there was a colorful backstory to this group’s antics, but we didn’t get much. A prologue would be a fantastic addition.

Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this work.

I read dozens of regency romances and whenever I pick up a new book, I am looking for something that sets it apart from the rest.

This book involved game playing, amongst other shenanigans, which was a unique idea I have never read before. A game of tag in the ballroom? Sign me up! The premise of this book had me hooked from the beginning, and I enjoyed the added moments of peril and pranks.

I love books where the guy falls first, which is part of this book as well. The whole story was just very up my alley! Once I started this book I honestly couldn’t put it down.

I loved Emerson’s friend group and would love to hear more about them in the future.

Content Rating: Domestic Violence, Closed-door Romance

This novel left me with many feelings and even more unanswered questions. Throughout my time reading it, I had to put it down and put it back up again many times. Even so, each time I picked it back up it brought me comfort. While the Wildes and Lathams had to deal with some heavier issues, it never felt overwhelming. The relationship between the main characters left me wanting. I wanted to know more about them, their feelings, their dynamic in their relationship, etc. I felt that way with many of the characters. There is more story to tell and I for one am excited at that possibility. Overall, this book was something I needed. Yes, there were times where the situation looked bleak, but they were never hopeless. I kept wondering how certain situations would get resolved or how some issues would be tackled and was left somewhat satisfied. There was much to love, more to like, but nothing to hate. Ethan and Olivia are characters you can root for without guilt. They feel familiar in a way that was comforting, something I have not encountered in a long time. Their story is one that leaves you with a smile on your face and joy in your heart.

DNF at 30%

Not my cup of tea. None of the characters make any sense or behave in a realistic way.

1. Olivia's father. Even if he had no fashion sense, any friend, family member, or sales person would direct him toward the most flattering choices for his daughter if he wanted to marry her off that badly.

2. Olivia herself. If she was that terrified of her father, I can't believe she would engage in the games (the main plot line for the book) or that she wouldn't spend every spare second trying to bring about a workable solution for herself.

3. Emerson. The quickest, more surefire way to make your ladylove view you in a romantic way is to state your feelings. Seriously, take 5 minutes to pull her aside and pour your heart out and ask if she could ever see you that way. THEN tackle the issue of her father together.

His friends are all over the place. I picked this up thinking the title was intriguing and that it was written by a man (my mistake I think), so I was hoping for a unique writing style.

One of the best Regency set books I have read, and I've read a ton, and to think this is from a debut author! I could hardly put the book down so great were the characters and plot. I loved how historical people and places were woven into the book . The characters were delightful, the romance perfect and perfectly paced .
I can hardly wait for the next book and am hopeful the hints of romance between 2 secondary characters will come to fruition!!

I believe this is a debut Regency novel from the author. The plot of the book is quite different and interesting. I like how the author showed how marriage during the Regency times is hard and complicated. And how a woman at that time has no choice on the matter. Aside from that, I also like the part where the hero and heroine are playing their childhood games with their friends, especially in a proper ballroom.

However, I did not like how slow the story is and how unsure and somehow weak the female lead character is, except for the last chapters of the book. Although I understand where the author is coming from especially the abuse she experienced, I guess she is just not the type of heroine I like.

Overall, this is an ok start for the author. Especially if you like a slow-burn story about two childhood friends learning their affections with each other through the games they play in the ballroom..

Got this from Netgalley, courtesy of Shadow Mountain (Thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.

Olivia has been presented to society in order to find the perfect match. Unfortunately, her abusive father is determined to make the match for her- and the only thing that matters to him is a title. With her best friends Emerson (does not have a title) and Arabella they put together a game of tag to keep the balls a little more entertaining. Secretly Emerson is in love with Olivia and spends the whole book trying to subtly convince her of this, even though he knows Mr. Wilde would never agree to the match.

This was just okay. The game of tag seemed a bit contrived, but it was fun to imagine them trying to do this during Regency balls. While the story was cute, it felt like it just took a really long time to get there! There were some cute moments, some silly moments, but overall the slow-moving story was just ok for me. I do appreciate that it was clean though!!

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.