Thank you to Delphine Ross, Muse Publications LLC, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book to review.

The Poetics of Passion is a light and witty, enemies-to-lovers, secret identity, miscommunication-filled romance that pits a scandalous love poet against a passionate artist as they both desperately try to change their fortunes while collaborating on a children's book. Delphine Ross's debut novel is a refreshing twist to the traditional 1870s London love story as it revolves around individuals on the outskirts of the Ton. Showing what life for the less fortunate but still educated people of the time might have been like.

Musa Bartham has a secret identity. In public, she's the upstanding, prim, and proper oldest daughter of the infamous painter Neil Bartham and his wife Clio. But in the confines of her bedroom, she assumes the nom de plume of Felicity Vita - a scandalous and sought-after poet who writes about romantic endeavors. When her publisher changes ownership and the new owner refuses to publish anything that is not of the highest moral standard, Musa becomes desperate. Her father's disappearance years earlier has left her family destitute and her the sole breadwinner. In a moment of panic, she joins forces with a young artist to write and illustrate a book of poems for children. Like Musa, Sebastian Atkinson is responsible for the financial well-being of his two sisters and their family estate - his 7-year-old sister's poor health drives him to make equally desperate choices. Choices that could not only derail his future but that of Musa and her family as well.

I really enjoyed reading this book - only putting it down for things like food and sleep. It was a fun and easy read and definitely will be on the list of books I will be recommending as Regency Summer Reads this year. I really like most things about this book. What prevented me from giving it a 5 star review <spoiler> was that both Musa and Sebastian spend a little too much time hemming and hawing about revealing each other's secret identities to the other - but that Musa's forgiveness turnaround was really very quick and easy. </spoiler>

Stars: 4/5
Spice: 2/5

Musa Bartham has a secret that she is desperate to keep - in order to support her family after the disappearance of her father, she started writing erotic poetry under a pen name, Felicity Vita. When her younger sister wants to enter society and find a husband, Musa tries to rehab the image of her family by becoming a children's book author instead. She meets artist Sebastian Atkinson at her publisher's office after he demands to meet Felicity. Unbeknownst to both of them, Sebastian has been writing to Felicity under his own pen name for the past year.

I really enjoyed this! I enjoyed the progress of Musa and Sebastian's relationship from very antagonistic to sweet and comforting. The sick/comfort scene was great and remains one of my favorite mini tropes. I also liked the epistolary elements! It's also really nice to read a historical romance (this one is set in Victorian times) where neither of the main characters are titled and come from a somewhat similar background. Also loved having a male artist as a main character.

I did get a *little* stressed out with the continued lying and just wanted Sebastian to fess up sooner, but I am actually pleased at how the situation panned out and that Musa pretty quickly realized that she had also been in the wrong in some ways.

Thank you to Netgalley and Muse for the eARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

3 1/2 stars.

This is the first time reading this author and I enjoyed the story and writing.

It's a secret identity story and there's much at stake for Musa and Seb. Her family history is full of scandal and there will be more scandal if her pen name comes to light.

When they meet in person, they don't know they've been writing to each other for a year under their pennames. But soon their lives entwine and a connection forms.

It kept my interest and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Language and explicit scenes.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Charming and beautifully written. I got lost in this book. Really enjoyed the story and the characters.

The Poetics of Passion is a charming, delightfully romantic romp through the Victorian art world featuring a bookish, irascible heroine and a dashing artist forced to live in dereliction.

Musa Bartham has a secret—in order to support her family after their fall from societal grace, she writes steamy love poetry under a pen name, Felicity Vita, while also pursuing publication as a children’s book author.

Meanwhile, in Spitalfields, talented artist/illustrator Sebastian Atkinson lives in squalor, working nights as a pressman in order to support his sisters after the untimely death of their parents.

While their first meeting is less than auspicious, Musa and Seb soon find common ground in their work and their devotion to their families…not realizing that their alter egos—Felicity Vita and her great admirer, Henry—have actually been engaged in a long-standing, passionate affair through post.

After several humorous foibles and missed opportunities, the truth of Musa’s secret literary career eventually comes out, risking further scandal to Musa’s already scandalized family when Felicity’s true identity emerges.

Witty banter and sparkling chemistry reign supreme in this marvelous enemies-to-lovers romance. Fans of the Bridgerton series, Tessa Dare, and Evie Dunmore will find much to love in Ross’s debut!

4.5 stars

A debut novel and a new author for me to watch. I enjoyed the interaction between Sebastian/Musa Henry/Felicity. I liked the nod to John Rshkin's marriage though I didn't pick up on Hunt's trek off to the holy land. I wondered if there was going to be a sequel as there was an intrigiing question left about Musa's father.


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my truly given opinion.

This is another new to me author, and I was quite pleasantly surprised by the book. I really enjoyed the development of the background and the quirky family dynamics of the Bartham family, because the story lays out the groundwork of the large scandal of the parent's relationship from the beginning, because that is what eventually causes the family's current unfortunate financial downfall, and colours many of their actions in the story's present.

Musa Bartham is the eldest of the the scandalous Bartham family. Because of her parent's scandalous love affair and elopement, and their subsequent downfall in Society, that continues to dog the family decades later, she has a jaded view of love and passion. Ironic considering she has managed to save their finances by secretly writing famed and notorious love poems under the nom de plume of Felicity Vita.

She has gained quite the following, including a pen pal fan who has been steadily and passionately exchanging letters with her for the past year or so. He wants to meet her, and while Musa loves their exchanges, she refuses and wants to maintain her secret identity, and keep their love affair on paper only.

However, when an American heiress purchases her publisher, she finds that her income, as Felicity Vita, threatened, and is forced to consider alternative ways to earn monies.

Sebastian Atkinson is a young artist come to London to try to make a name for himself. He is also working at a local press to earn funds to send home for the care of the family estate and his orphaned sisters, especially the youngest who continues to ail from the effects of scarlet fever. The burden he bears is onerous, and he finds relief connecting with his favourite poetess and muse, Felicity Vita - he is the ardent pen pal fan, but also hides his identity under a different name. But when she rejects him, he is desperate and haunts her publisher hoping to gain an audience with her.

He does not make a good first impression when he runs into Musa and her publisher, but his portfolio shows his talent, and Musa comes up with an alternate idea of writing a children's book with Seb illustrating it, to earn them both income.

This is a charming enemies to lovers, and hidden/secret identities love story that I found quite engaging and charming. Musa and Seb share similar stories in that they are both the breadwinners and feel the burden of their responsibilities. They initially dislike each other, but love (unknowingly) their alter egos, and both have a sense of familiarity with each other, and become attracted to each other. Seb, because Musa gives herself away to him in many ways, figures out she is Felicity, but then hides his knowledge and his own alter ego from her, and then it becomes almost too late because he is forced into a situation where he has choose between his loyalty and love for Musa/Felicity, and his love for his sisters.

I really enjoyed the love/hate exchanges between Musa and Sebastian and their developing relationship (with the unknown/ hidden relationship with their alter egos and the conflict that causes them too). I also quite enjoyed the family dynamics and how both Musa and Seb were reflected in that as well. They were both strong and creative characters that were different from the norm in the historical romance genre and the story was refreshing and enjoyable.

4.5 stars out of 5

I was nervous going into reading this because Victorian romance can often feel stale but this book is not that…at all! The Poetics of Passion is witty and well-paced with an extremely engaging plot. I enjoyed that the main characters are regular people rather than aristocrats like we usually get with historical romance. Love isn’t just for the rich! The ending felt a little bit rushed but overall a fantastic read!

Thank you Muse Publications LLC and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book, there were some annoying tropes of misunderstandings and so and so doesn't love me but it wasn't too annoying to stop me from liking the story.

I don't normally read romance novels but I thought I would give this one a shot and I wasn't completely disappointed.
I book hocked me from the beginning, I read almost all of it in one sitting. I would recommend this to anyone interested in romance novels, this book is a light read and not too deep. its a straight forward love story. I would love to see what the author writes next.

Also a thank you to Netgalley and Muse Publications LLC for giving me early access to the book.

Clearly this book is a more refined type of romance. Satisfying in the resolution of the challenges but also leading the reader to sigh as true love prevails. The usual 'rich duke poor lady' is not depicted here but the repressive social structure does apply. The passionate nature of both of our characters was hinted at rather than heavy handed. I loved their mutual intelligence and devotion to their loved ones.

Praise to the author for a really enjoyable read. I hope to see more of your works in the future!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

From a first look at the premise I thought I’d like this book…and although it did have some flaws, I did enjoy it.

First up, the characters. A struggling artist and an author with an anonymous identity who in reality comes from a family constantly flirting with scandal. Both are portrayed fairly well, although the constant miscommunication between them does wear pretty thin at times. I did find myself wanting to strangle both of them at certain points.

The plot is good, but pretty unoriginal…you know from the start how the story will eventually play out. There are some surprising moments though, and there are plenty of sweet moments littered throughout as well.

Overall it is a good read, although not groundbreaking or spectacular. I wouldn’t discourage anyone from reading it…but I won’t be queuing up for it on release day. 3.5 ⭐️

With hints of You’ve Got Mail, fans of the miscommunication/secrets trope will love this one. This has great tension—sexual and otherwise—and it’s nice to see a historical romance without nobility or rich characters.

The romantic reconciliation and resolution of the scandal felt rushed. I was let down that, after such a good build up, Seb and Musa reconciled so quickly—literally and emotionally—without some necessary conversations on both sides. A quickie on the floor, after all of that longing? The publisher out of the blue changing her mind? The ending needed work. That’s what stopped this from being an excellent read.

I’m still on board for the next book. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.

Delightful story!

I loved the cover and loved the book.

I was hooked from the started. If you are looking for your next summer romance - this is it!

An unusual departure from the normal historical romance, Musas' family have hit hard times with her father going missing in Jerusalem and in desperation she writes a series of racy poetry books using a pseudonym. She also begins a correspondence in the guise of her alter ego, into the mix comes an artist and printer called Seb. This is a well written book, some dreaded Americanisms but overall well researched. Delphine Ross is to be commended for her debut novel, there is good detail and a story which moves along smoothly with enough plot to keep one interested. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of The Poetics of Passion.
#PoeticsofPassion #NetGalley

Fun, Charming, and just all-around enjoyment to read.
If you're looking for something to binge during a beach day, sunny day, or those lazy days, this is one of the BTRs to be part of your book haul!

I just reviewed The Poetics of Passion by Delphine Ross. #PoeticsofPassion #NetGalley
[https://www.netgalley.com/member/book/286598/review]

A Delightful Historical Romance Debut!

Debut romance novelist, Delphine Ross knocks it out of the proverbial park with THE POETICS OF PASSION, a charming enemies-to-lovers romance set in Victorian London.

Determined to live down the legacy of her scandalous parents, author Musa Bartham hides her desires behind wireframe spectacles, high-buttoned shirtwaists and a prim and proper demeanor. But behind-the-scenes, Musa pens lurid -- and lucrative -- love poetry under the pen name, Felicity Vita. The steamy volumes have earned her an abundance of fans as well as sufficient lucre to support her mother and siblings in the wake of her artist father's disappearance.

What began as a practical means of making money has led to a delicious and deeply personal correspondence with an anonymous gentleman admirer -- "Henry." When Henry presses for an in-person meeting with Felicity, Musa replies with a poetic but firm no. The next day, she receives devastating news: a priggish American miss has purchased Musa's publisher, Persephone Press. Going forward, only improving tracts and moralizing tales will be considered. Urged on by her former publisher and friend, Musa pivots and pitches writing a children's book.

Struggling young painter Sebastian "Seb" Atkinson is reduced to working in a print shop to support his two sisters. "Communing" with the erotic poetess, Felicity Vita as "Henry" is the one bright spot in Seb's hardscrabble existence. Felicity's (Musa's) refusal to meet face-to-face throws Seb into a tailspin. He shows up at her publisher's offices in the hope of tracking her down. Instead, he meets Musa, who commissions him to illustrate her as yet unwritten children's book.

Written in a rush, the book is predictably awful. Musa and Seb spar over the text and artwork while fighting their strong mutual attraction. When their Felicity-Henry love letters are stolen and leaked to the press, they team up to squelch what promises to become yet another scathing Bartham family scandal.

There are myriad delicious moments as Musa and Seb shift from resentment to mutual respect to lust and lastly, love. The interplay between the characters and their alter egos is a fun premise. Ross likewise does a fine job of balancing the power dynamic between the two protagonists, both talented young artists struggling to reconcile family duty with their hearts' desire.

THE POETICS OF PASSION is the launch to Ross's "Muses of Scandal" series. I look forward to forthcoming romances from this talented new voice!

This was an ok historical romance. Admittedly, I got tired of the mystery penpal schtick and, especially, the resulting issues of miscommunication between Seb and Musa. Weirdly, they kind of felt like the same character and weren't particularly memorable.

A really fun and witty romp of a historical romance! Loved that it references the art world of Victorian London, which is my brand of catnip.

It’s a quite easy read. There is a point when the story falls but I think is that the author tries to cover many tropes that in the end feel underdeveloped, however the story still is enjoyable for the reader.

5 STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Musa is the bespectacled product of an infamous love story, a beauty-who-doesn't know-it and Sebastian is a sad-tragic-orphan and a heart-fluttering-y handsome artist. Both are penniless, trying to keep their siblings alive and happy, and happen to be rivals-at-first-sight. Meanwhile, their alter-ego pen-pal selves are falling in scrumptious, sensual, scandalous, secret love.

I went in blind and I was completely blown away by the excellence that is this book! The prose is witty and hilarious, the plot is engaging and well-paced, and the characters are very interesting. Overall, this is a fresh take on historical romance and very talented piece of writing. An absolutely brilliant debut!

My heartfelt thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!