A YA Bridgerton with a social conscience.

It's 1910 in Chicago, and the Davenports have built a fortune through a carriage business. This gives them entry into wealthy society, a place usually closed to Black families. Though some treat them like they still don't deserve their fortune, for the most part, the Davenport children live sheltered, privileged lives.

Olivia attends the society's balls, seeking an approved husband, until a chance meeting with activists leads to sparks flying between her and Washington DeWight, a lawyer and civil rights leader. Sister Helen is content to sneak out to the garage to work as a mechanic on the new-fangled automobiles, until a man catches her attention. Unfortunately, he's already courting someone else in her circle. Olivia's best friend Ruby longs for Olivia's brother John to notice her, but John spends more time staring at the maid, Amy-Rose.

The course of true love never runs smooth, and this book provides dishy entanglements and crossed wires as the young, wealthy Black children seek their love matches. Each couple sparkles and delights, but as in real life, some matches turn out better than others.

This book also shows its characters grappling with the real-life issues of the day. Olivia struggles with her parents' choice to give money to the cause, but not march themselves. Entranced by the young activist DeWight, she reads everything she can get her hands on about civil rights and attends protests, venturing out of her wealthy circle to learn what life is like for those who work for a living. Ruby struggles with her father's decision to run to try to become the first Black mayor, believing that he can make a difference, but feeling resentful as it almost bankrupts the family.

This book provides a unique perspective, as it was inspired by the true story of the C.R. Patterson dynasty. It made me want to find some nonfiction about the same topic.

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

I loved, loved, loved,The Davenports! It was a whirlwind, exciting, and engaging YA romance and perfect for fans of the Bridgerton television series (like myself)! We follow two sisters and their best friends, as they navigate a racially changing world, shocking romances, and experiencing lavish parties, these four young ladies will learn about each other and even more about themselves.

Taking place in 1910's Chicago, the hustle and bustle of the city is front and center! I love the setting because although the time period is one I have no experience with, it still felt like a modern story with modern troubles and loves. The writing was flirtatious and fun, leaving room for laughter and intrigue, but constatly leading me in a direction to wanting more of the story (and for it to never end). I can't wait to see where the second book will take us, but I am ready!

So this was supposed to be a regency romance and I just didn’t feel like it was regency. Not with cars and the setting being in Chicago.

I was highly frustrated with Olivia and Ruby in the beginning. Both girls were self centered and trivial. But their arcs made them great characters.

Helen was by far the best. And Amy-Rose just kind of felt like she’d was there.

Calling all the matches was fairly easy. However I wasn’t expecting their endings at all. I was happy with Olivia and Ruby’s endings. Amy-Rose and Helen… just felt incomplete.

The ending itself also didn’t feel whole. Not with the way it was open ended almost.