I wasn’t familiar with Sarah Vaughan’s work (are they related to Brian K. Vaughan?), but as soon as I read the blurb, I was extremely curious and couldn’t resist asking for an advanced reading copy. I didn’t love the artwork (based on the cover I was expecting something else and wasn't blown away by what it delivered), but I loved the story and, I confess, some textless scenes are downright tender.

In a diverse historical world, this Regency-era romance graphic novel follows the unexpected passion that blooms from a marriage of convenience between Catherine Benson and Andrew Daverne. I loved watching them genuinely fall in love as they are forced to work together to renovate their own house, which without realising it they are turning into an actual home. Besides, I was very pleased that we were dealing with a genuinely decent man, not just another tall and broody one.

I also appreciated the fact that there were side stories as well, although the length of this graphic novel isn't big enough for more in-depth exploration. I would like to have the chance to dive more into the same universe, following, for example, these other characters, such as Catherine's sister and her sapphic romance, or Miss Lee and her fashionista aspirations. But despite that, I enjoyed the read and would love to have a physical copy of the book.

I didn't mind, but I feel I should point out that this book has nudity. There are graphic depictions of the two main characters in very intimate scenes.

Thank you, NetGalley and First Second for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As a huge fan of Bridgerton and everything regency-era I really really loved this! I've just recently been introduced to graphic novels and I found this to be a great segway into them - especially considering the theme was to par with some of my current interests in books. It was really cool to see the setting of the book in the regency era brought to life!

It was nice not my favorite but I don’t love graphic novels typically. I enjoyed the characters and the banter but I just couldn’t get into the story.

A lovely story in a Bridgerton-style setting about a couple finding lover after their nuptials.

I thought it was adorable, but I was not the biggest fan of the animation style.

Give it a try if you are looking for some smutty Pride and Prejudice vibes.

A very cute slow-burn romance set in Regency-era England about a marriage of convenience that becomes something more. I really enjoyed both of the main characters and how fleshed out the background characters are. By the end of the comic, I felt like I knew all the characters and would love to see follow-up comics about their lives and romances, especially for the LGBTQ+ romance that was included! All of the art is stunning and really helps convey the emotions of the text. My only issue with the comic was that I felt that the romance could have had more build up as it felt rushed in parts and definitely glossed over some of the romantic development that could have elevated this comic to 5 stars... Though the climatic discussion between Catherine and Andrew is just *chef kiss* amazing! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Two people agree to marry to remain respectable in society, but without love. The first in a series, the story was interesting, but it felt very surface level and unfinished. But I liked the characters and the world Vaughn created, so I hope it develops further in volume two.

I'm not the biggest regency fan, but I enjoyed this nonetheless. I found some bits confusing, like what the relationship between some characters was, or some of the things they were talking about. Searle's artwork is great, as usual. I also really enjoyed the diversity of the characters.

DNF @ 28%

Couldn’t get into the story at all! The illustrations and text boxes were confusing. Couldn’t grasp what was going on.

Was overjoyed to discover this was the unfinished story from Fresh Romance Vol. 1!! It ate at me! I’m glad to have had a chance to enjoy the full story this time round. Although I still have some unanswered questions, this was very sweet.

Thank you Netgalley for the digital ARC!

Beautiful to look at and easy to read. I enjoyed the story and was able to read it in one sitting. Good for anyone who likes historical Romance.

This story was everything I hoped it would be based on the description. I loved the way Catherine and Andrew’s relationship developed, and the side characters were wonderful.

This was a nice light read, I did find the pacing a little slow and not much happened. The illustrations were gorgeous and it was a sweet story. I loved seeing the diversity in characters which is so often not found in regency romances.

This was a short but sweet read. Enjoyed that it was a bit more explicit and explorative of the romance versus physical. I love the marriage of convenience trope that turns to love done well and this was it. Illustrations were funny and pretty.

I’m not typically into historical romances, but this graphic novel was enjoyable. You’d have to like Bridgerton and similar to enjoy this graphic novel.

At first the art it feels a little odd but it have its own charm. But it surprised me some explícit planels. Not complaining but when I start reading it I was set in a more cute for teen/children book. It didn't feel short neither long. The story is very well written. Perhaps I would like more details about Miss Lee. And in generals more details about the secondary characters, maybe a second part...

The art of this author's books is just lovely, and soft. The story was a bit slow, but that holds true to how classic romances feel so it didn't take away from the overall story. Definitely for fans of classic books written by women <3

I REALLY loved this. It made my heart flutter and I loved that I could feel the characters emotions in the artwork so deeply. I wish this were as long as a novel!

Fun Bridgerton vibes with a lil bit of smut!! I loved the angst. I’m forever here for the graphic novel angst, let’s be real. Thanks First Second for the arc, I absolutely adore reading and loving your new titles every single time!!

This one is hard to review. While I art grew on me, I wasn’t the biggest fan of it but I do appreciate the art. I also didn’t not realize some of the art was going to be more graphic, that was unexpected when I was traveling. The story was interesting and very fast paced, I finished the whole graphic in 20 mins.

I did find this book quite cozy. There’s something I love about watching a couple in a marriage of convenience fall for each other, it just feels so right!

I thought the art was unique and I enjoyed it. I loved seeing the regency period brought to life through art! And I liked that it featured an ethnically diverse Regency period.

I normally eat up graphic novels but the pacing in this one was just . . . a little too slow for me. I found myself pretty bored, which is why I dropped my rating.

Thank you, Net Galley and First Second for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.