Musa writes erotic poetry under a pen name in order to support her family and has a pen pal admirer- Sebastian. But her sister is being launched into society so she starts to write a children’s book and has Sebastian illustrate it- unbeknownst that he is her pen pal. This is a heartwarming story and a good romance.

3 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Muse for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Poetics of Passion is a fun, whimsical Victorian romance with a healthy pinch of spice. Musa Bartham was born into scandal. When her father unexpectedly disappears leaving her mother paralyzed with grief, she begins publishing steamy poetry under the pen name Felicity Vita to support her family. Writing as Felicity, Musa eventually begins a romantic correspondence with artist and printer, Sebastian Atkinson. Like Musa, Sebastian is working tirelessly to support his sisters. Also like Musa, he writes under a fake name. When the two unexpectedly end up collaborating on a children’s book together, Sebastian discovers that his new professional partner is actually his longtime pen pal, and drama ensues.

I really appreciated that the lives and challenges of the main characters are far more relatable than you would expect from a light Regency or Victorian romance novel. Sebastian and Musa are both broke and of similar social standing. As a result, the prescribed power dynamic between the female and male protagonists that usually drives a historical romance no longer dominates the plot. The Poetics of Passion is a fresh new addition to a classic genre, with all of the sex and charm that romance readers love.

This book was a charming and funny read. Musa and Sebastian's relationship(s) with each other were refreshing and fun. The story was written with dual points of view, which helped to better understand each character's thoughts.
The story takes place in 1870s London with Musa and Sebastian, under their nom de plumes, exchanging letters. Musa's created her nom de plume in order to be able to write poetry to help provide for her family. Sebastian, a starving artist, fell in love with the poetry and began writing letters to the author, not knowing who exactly they were. They started with a friendship and that slowly bloomed into a romantic relationship through these letters.
Over a year later, they end up meeting in person without knowing. They began a professional relationship disliking each other from the start which was a huge contrast to how they felt in their letters.
I loved the banter they had while also seeing their softer sides through the letters they kept writing. The struggles they both faced with their families that helped to draw them together kept me guessing and intrigued me the whole way through.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book! Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me this ARC read.

For a book with passion in the title, Poetics of Passion seems to lack conventional passion and instead focuses more on the passions of family and art. Most heavily on the art.

Delphine Ross introduces us to Musa Bartham, born into scandal because her mother left her partner in order to marry her father. The prologue is excellent and sets you up for passion and adventure, but only in the first chapter do you learn that passion has basically died in the Bartham household. As eldest daughters tend to do (#eldestchildtrauma), Musa has been head of household by writing bawdy romance poems under a pen name to make ends meet while her mother mourns and grieves the “loss” of her husband on a mission to the holy lands to make their name reputable again. The same can basically be said for male protagonist, artist Sebastian Atkinson, save he’s got dead parents, a rundown old manor house, and two younger sisters, the youngest of which needs constant medical care.

The start of chemistry is there between Musa and Seb, but honestly, the book is just okay. There’s this whole thing with a painting called the Lady with Mercy or the Lady without Mercy, which are the same painting but not? It’s a classic case of miscommunication - or lack thereof - between two lovers. Ross’s characters feel period appropriate, but otherwise kind of boring and the women around Musa kind of vapid. Musa’s friend Mary is constantly eating. Like, that’s her only personality trait. Also her mother, Clio, is one literal step up from trash.

The writing is strong, but I think there’s room for improvement. It wasn’t until halfway through the book (in my perception, I am forgetful and could be wrong) that were told that Musa has glasses, and then they play a ginormous part in the rest of the plot. Like, girl cannot see without them, how are they just being mentioned in chapter 25?

Overall, I would recommend this to people who love historical romance. There isn’t enough romance in it to make regular romance readers into it. It’s a great debut for Ross and I hope that she continues with her writing and with this series.

I received an. E-Arc from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review.

Writing and Art go hand in hand...I blame my inner geek librarian/creative side!

Oh my gosh. The summary up above tells you what the book is about, I"m going to retell what it is. Let me tell you that I loved this story because it was charming, cute, made me laugh and yelled no "it cannot be!" and even made me gasp a few times. I read this story in about a day. I had to know what was going to happen with Musa and Seb. I love their names.

I enjoyed the realness in this story along with the romance and drama. It was really fun to read cause it had me smiling too! As I mentioned up above that I yelled at the story a few times because it made me gasp and had me yelling at "no this can't happen!" Isn't that a great feeling? I get that like with rom com movies too. When the characters do make poor decisions due to real life issues or their feelings or the demands of society and they are conflict with it. This shows us the characters are human. We make bad decisions and then learn how to cope or change it. That's what I got from this. I also could feel for Seb and Musa to make ends meet for their families. That was something they had in common along with the world being creative!

Since it's a historical romance drama/rom com, the time period was where you had to worry about your reputation. I thought the author did a great job covering this. It wasn't exact historical romance to the T but it had some great aspects to it like the carriage, balls, coming out, tea/cake and having a chaperone.

The steamy bits were nice. I thought that Seb was thoughtful! I liked that. Kindness and romance go hand in hand, right? I will say that Musa does have her moments of boldness. I"m not giving away all the details. Go get the book if you want to know more.

I loved the exchanged of letters in this story too. I just realized this is the second book I've read lately that had exchanging of letters. Old ways of "You got Mail" type of feel is awesome.

The ball part I will say was different because I think it also had a modern twist to it with books being there at the dance party. Hey it was different and it was fun! I wished the ball had more dancing and more playful banter between the two characters. I will say there was two parts during this time that was fun to read.

I look forward to reading more from this author. You should give this book a shot when it comes out. It might feel a little rushed but to me it felt just right.

I loved this refreshing regency romance. It was so good. I am totally obsessed with this!! I want more like this please!!
I just reviewed The Poetics of Passion by Delphine Ross. #PoeticsofPassion #NetGalley
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Right away the cover caught my eye. The two soon to be lovers have been writing to each other without meeting or really knowing who the other is. The combo of secret identities and slow burn made this an enjoyable read.

Thank you NetGalley and Muse Publications LLC for the ARC.

2.5 rounded up to 3

A retelling of the premise for You’ve Got Mail, #PoeticsofPassion brings together Musa Bartham, the eldest daughter in a notorious artist’s family, and Sebastian Atkinson, a struggling artist, who has a day job as a printer.

Musa and Sebastian initially become pen pals, each using a false identity for their correspondence. Musa has been writing books of “love poems” to support her family under the pen name of Felicity Vita. Sebastian, who has recently lost his parents, is especially touched by her poetry and writes to her via her publisher, signing his letter as Henry Whitney. Surprised to receive a personal reply from Felicity/Musa, Henry/Sebastian also responds and their relationship grows as they continue to exchange letters. Eventually, Henry/Sebastian asks Felicity/Musa to meet in person; a request that is denied.

They end up meeting one another at Musa’s publisher’s office (Persephone Press) where Sebastian goes to reiterate his request to meet Felicity. He has brought a portfolio of his work, hoping to interest the publisher in creating an illustrated volume of Felicity’s poetry. Instead, he ends up agreeing to work with Musa on a “moral” children’s book that she is undertaking after learning that a new majority owner of her publisher has decided to no longer publish work by Felicity Vita. At this point, neither of the collaborators knows that the other is their pen pal.

Sebastian is the first to discover that Felicity is Musa’s alter ego, but remains quiet about his similar deception. The two main characters have more in common than they think although it takes them quite a while to get past their misconceptions/miscommunication and realize it.

This was an interesting debut, but one that had several issues that diminished its impact.The plot moves slowly due to some repetition and many subplots (the debut of Musa’s sister Angela; the disappearance of Musa’s artist father in Jerusalem; the illness of Sebastian’s younger sister, Jessica; the changes undertaken by Miss Steele, the new owner of Persephone Press, etc ). The novel also suffers from occasional awkward phrasing such as “Seb sensed an air of desperation roiling her brown” and “he was alarmed at how his stomach flocked with what felt like large butterflies.”

In addition, there are details that seemed historically unlikely, if not inaccurate. For example, in a society where “trade” is frowned upon, would a ball have included a display of books that could be purchased? Similarly, it seems improbable that a lady (even an American heiress) would wear a hat at a ball since hats were not considered proper evening attire. Finally, the ending and Sebastian and Musa’s reunion seemed rushed.

Thanks to #NetGalley and Muse Publications for a free copy of the book.

I admit, I'm not normally one for historical romance, but this book made me swoon, and I devoured it in less than a day. Delphine Ross is a master worldbuilder, and initially, it was the wonderful imagery and detail of everything about Victorian London that drew me into the story, but it wasn't long before I was taken in by the Musa and Seb's story, a delicious, sexy one, full of scandal, intrigue, and a heady dose of deep attraction.

At the novel's center are the struggles of two middle-class families and their determination to support their loved ones. The characters are realistically depicted, with flaws and anxieties that make them relatable and endearing. The witty banter and steamy romance between Musa and Seb are skillfully crafted, creating a satisfying and heartwarming love story.

Add The Poetics of Passion to your TBR list as your next feel-good, escapist read!

Thanks to Netgalley and Muse Publications for the early read of this excellent book.

Every now and then I want an escapist read, and <i>The Poetics of Passion</i> is just that, a fun, steamy read that let me slip away into a romance. Sometimes I just need that promised Happily Ever After, and this novel delivers.

Musa writes love poetry under a pseudonym to support her family. A starving artist, Seb, writes love letters to the love poet, aka Musa, under a pseudonym as well. The two are destined to meet and become entangled, but their correspondence--and their budding relationship--threaten Musa's sister's chances at marriage.

The 1870s London setting was intriguing, with the mores and strictures of British society. Musa's family abounds with scandals, each deliciously portrayed. This historical romance was just what I needed.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing the book in exchange for an honest review.

When I just started reading I thought it would be a four star. Then I got so invested I briefly considered five but then too many things happened that I didn’t like so I eventually went for 3,5 rounded down.

The writing was light and engaging and I could not put down this book! It’s a Victorian take on You’ve Got Mail (which I adore), but there were more good ideas; regular people rather than aristocrats, life with a stigma of a scandal and a badass heroine who will do whatever it takes to protect her family. I definitely will read more from this author but…

The amount of unnecessary miscommunication, “I love her but we can’t be together” nonsense and “this is the last time I’m seeing her” drama was staggering. The second half of this book was dragging mercilessly and most of the time I wanted to smack the hero over the head. I liked that his choices were not easy and that he was protecting his family, but some of the things he did were really unforgivable. What’s worse, afterwards, instead of fixing it he focused all his energy on self flagellation. And all the secrets!!! Just tell her already, dude!!!

The ending could use some polish, especially when it comes to the couple’s joyful reunion. I definitely did not expect the way they went about it😳, and I was hoping for more groveling on Seb’s part.

I’m curious about the next book but I really hope Musa's sister will marry the guy she loves and not the one she’s engaged to… 🤞

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

This Historical Romance switches perspectives between the two main characters: Musa, a writer whose family and future prospects have been damned by her parents' scandalous romance, and Seb, an artist who is striving to provide for his ailing sister while being desperately in love with Musa's nom de plume. Their paths cross, fates intertwine, and what starts as a rocky partnership at best, turns into a supportive and fierce romance. The story has great pacing, sweet tension, and adequate steamy moments. I couldn't help but feel frustrated when characters made certain poor decisions, but perhaps that shows how invested a reader can get in the story. Fans of scandal and secret identities in more light-hearted historical settings will find The Poetics of Passion to be an engaging read.

London 1870…Musa Bartham, the eldest of 4 siblings is 26 and trying to keep her family from the poor house. Many years ago, Musa’s parents cause a huge scandal and society has never forgotten or forgiven them or their children. They are shunned and maliciously gossiped about. Now, her famous painter father has not returned from his artistic sojourn to the Middle East undertaken 4 years and her mother spends her days laying in bed and crying. The Bartham family has sold everything of value, moved to cheaper lodgings and are living on the edge. Musa tries everything she can think of to bring in some money and eventually lands on writing love (semi-erotic) poems under a pen name and is quite successful. Because her family is already considered scandalous and shunned, Musa cannot afford to cause more problems by publishing under her own name. Sadly, her publisher has recently sold controlling interest in the company to a prudish American who wants nothing to do with the popular but controversial poetry books. Musa is desperate and, thru a series of coincidences, Musa convinces a stranger to illustrate a book of moral parables for children that she will write for money…something the prudish American will approve of and will be acceptable to society. The stranger happens to be the great enamored pen pal of the poetess but he also used a fake name….neither one of them know who the other is and they don’t particularly like each other but they both need money and they agree to work together. A book is written and illustrated, identities are revealed and true love prevails. A delightful romp with a determined heroine and endearing hero.

A must read for fans of Bridgerton! A love story with many layers. An eldest daughter's desperate attempt to provide for her family while needing to protect their already tattered reputation. If you have ever been surrounded by people but still felt alone you will fall in love with Musa and Seb. Both struggling artists trying to do what is best but betraying each other in the process. A story of love, longing, betrayal, forgiveness, and family.

This book had a fun premise, great chemistry and a fun collection of supporting characters. However, the overall effect did not come together well for me.

The good stuff:
The chemistry was really good, the slow burn carried and you are rooting for this couple.
Great world building, the supporting cast was expansive (lots of room for further books).
It was an enjoyable read hitting many of the high points that romance readers like about historicals-so many favorite tropes.

The not as good stuff:
The supporting cast is very archetypical-The mother in particular having no distinct personality outside of parroting whatever moves the plot along.
Lots of plot happens, while nothing happens. So may letters, near escapes and scandalous headlines all while two purportedly intelligent protagonists don't connect any dots.
The ending was rushed and for all the groundwork laid in the story, an virtually unknown character wraps the whole story up with a subplot that the reader knew nothin about until the last chapter.

While I didn't dislike this one, it just felt very much like a first draft of a first book, not a final draft that was ready to go out the door. Granted, I have written exactly zero books, so take this for what it is worth. I would, however, like to read more in the series because it feels like there is something really good swirling around in there and I bet Ross has a lot of great writing ahead.

Fun, fresh, fast read with lots of romance and tugs on the heartstrings. Love the cover art. This would make a great anytime read but it was definitely well- suited to the spring. All around satisfying reading experience.

love a historical romance so when i had the chance to read one with you've got mail vibes i was all over it!!

musa and seb were everything i hoped they would be and i enjoyed all of the secondary characters in this book as well. it took me a couple chapters to really get into but once i was hooked i didn't want to put it down.

it had all the best parts of a historical romance and i would def read more by Delphine Ross!!

thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to love this book!

The Poetics of Passion by Delphine Ross

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.

5/5 stars

As you can tell from my ARC reviews, I’m a big fan of Regency and Victorian romances. This one does not disappoint. It had a little bit of a spin because it did not focus on the aristocracy but rather the middle class - Musa, the daughter of an artist and a fallen-from-grace socialite, and Seb, an artist. Both are working hard to support their families.

Musa and Seb must work together to collaborate on a children’s book but Seb believes Musa to be Felicity Vita, the romance poetess that he has been writing to for a year.

The book chronicles Musa and Seb’s love story, and it is beautifully written

A must read for fans of Bridgerton! A love story with many layers. An eldest daughter's desperate attempt to provide for her family while needing to protect their already tattered reputation. If you have ever been surrounded by people but still felt alone you will fall in love with Musa and Seb. Both struggling artists trying to do what is best but betraying each other in the process. A story of love, longing, betrayal, forgiveness, and family.

This historical romance was charming, sexy, amusing, and intelligent. The two leading romantic characters struggle to each support their families and engage in a You’ve Got Mail style correspondence. That is, they don’t like each other in person but fall for each other through letters. There are hidden identities, clever banter, and amusing observations of society during the late nineteenth century.

The romance is definitely hot, but what I really liked about this novel were the literary allusions and realistic struggles of the two characters. The plot lines were not contrived, and there was much to be interested in beyond the romance. The relationships among family and friends were realistically depicted.

This was a debut novel, and I hope there will be more books coming. There were some supporting characters in this novel whose lives and challenges deserve another look and resolution.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thank Netgalley for the ARC.