Member Reviews
This was a really cute, modern-feeling historical romance! I loved both our main characters and had a great time watching their banter switch to admiration and pining. It was really angsty seeing them want to support each other even if it means that they end up with different people. I laughed, I swooned and overall I had a wonderful time. I definitely recommend this YA romance to anyone who is trying to get into historicals because it was very accessible and easy to read.
More new adult than true YA, this book is delightful. I would 100% read more historical romance from author Erica George, and any number of the secondary characters from this book would make great MCs.
After nearly five years of avoiding him after he embarrassed Blythe, Briggs Goswick has reappeared like a knight on horseback. Yet whilst everyone thinks that he is her archnemesis, the more time they spend together, she realises that she does not loathe is presence. Briggs is determined to save the family estate and must marry for a dowry, yet Blythe is all he can think about even though he knows he has nothing to offer her. Together, Blythe will help him within an heiress and he will help her with her business venture. However, nothing is as simple as it first seems.
Whilst this is portrayed as a young adult read, the characters of Blythe and Briggs are more than that. A clean romance with plenty of angst with both characters determined to save their families despite the feelings that they possess. Briggs was such an honourable young man, that I wanted to shout to Blythe to forgive him much earlier than she did. A sweet romance with plenty of witty dialogue. Great secondary characters to make this more than just a simple romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blythe and Briggs have been rivals and have played pranks on each other all their lives, until one prank goes a bit too far for Blythe and she determines that she will never love Briggs.
When Briggs returns home after taking care of his late father’s finances, Blythe is dreading seeing him and Briggs is dreading coming home knowing his family may lose their home because of his father’s debts.
Briggs needs to marry well, and when he finds out Westley, his cousin, brought his wealthy step-sister with him, he knows he needs to marry her for her money to save his family and their home.
He makes a deal with Blythe to help him woo his cousin’s step-sister and he’ll help Blythe with her apiary business. And she agrees. Easy right?
So, I adored this whole book, until the end. The way the ending played out I wasn’t a fan of, but the entire story is witty and adorable.
The wit and sarcasm in this book I had a lot of fun with. The witty rapport these two had from kids to now young adults is hilarious, but you also can see how comfortable they are with each other to act like this.
I loved the family aspect in here. Briggs didn’t seem particularly close to anyone in his family, but that’s changes as the story progresses with him growing closer to Westley, and to his younger brother August who is the one who actually speaks up about missing him and that scene just melted my heart because Briggs needed to hear that. I just loved how close he became with his family. And Blythe seems to be close with her family, and I love her banter with her cousin Charlotte and sister Amy. Those three are close knit and are hilarious when it comes to gossip to ohing and ahing when any man takes an interest in Blythe. Poor Blythe 😆.
The romance is a good slow burn enemies/rivals to partners to lovers romance. It is such a slow burn because these two don’t think they’re worthy of the other because they’re both suffering financially and keep pushing the other away. And so I knew at some point this would just turn into something explosive with someone reacting hotly and there was a point that it did, and there was also a lot of in between drama that happens that keeps pushing and keeping them apart and you’re just sitting here yelling NOOOOOO!!!
Blythe is a gal who cares a lot about others and takes care of them and helps them and does things maybe a lady shouldn’t, like having an apiary business. I really loved how logical she is, and I was on her side when it came to Briggs because some of the things he did, just wanted to smack him 😅 I loved her growth and her confidence being built in her business and how she saw Briggs for who he really is versus what others claimed.
Briggs seems quite the irresponsible one, until he has to be responsible and it’s like he knows what to do, but feels lost after his father passed away and left him with debt that other claim is Briggs’ fault, and he just takes the blame. It’s like stupid and yet sort of gallant of him, but dude come one. Don’t let others be ashamed of you when it’s not true and unnecessary. My heart went out to him, let’s just say that. He probably had the biggest growth in this book. Going from partier to inheriting land and debt to still being that same sarcastic rival of Blythe’s to wanting to do anything to have her and to not focusing on himself anymore, but more on others.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between the two, and of course their families and the found family that develops, the side romances and potential romances and the drama, it was all quite delectable.
My only issue is how the ending played out. I can’t say because that would spoil things, but I just don’t get the ending or why the ending had to play out the way it did. It bothered me so much that it knocked a star off for me. Others probably won’t understand and I have my reasoning, but I’ll just say I think the last two chapters could have been one chapter and played out differently.
Other than that, I adored this witty and fun book! I highly recommend it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the gifted e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The full effect of regency romance for a younger audience with modern sensibilities. Lovely new adult/no spice romance.
Briggs has been Blythe's mortal enemy since they were children. He tried to mansplain bees to her, and it's been constant pranks and one-upping each other ever since. Until four years ago, when Biggs humiliated her so publicly that they never spoke again.
Now Blythe is 18 and looking for wealthy families to be patrons for her bee business. Biggs is 20 and looking for a wealthy wife with a dowry to save his family land. The two enemies become co-conspirators as Biggs uses his title to introduce her to potential investors and Blythe persuades a wealthy debutant to marry him. Since regency novels are notoriously amorous, I think this is a well-placed alternative for readers who love the period but prefer closed-door/ftb romance.
This is not a contemporary romcom in regency clothing. The writing has the poetic tone and nuance that fans of the regency genre will appreciate. The conflict is centered on themes of pride and prejudice but this is not a retelling. The storyline is delightfully original. Since neither character is trying to marry the other, it allows for the story to revolve around more than lust and attraction. But rest assured, the attraction is definitely there. Amongst all of their tiny fights and shenanigans, Blythe and Biggs build an understanding for each other that is rich and fulfilling. I really enjoyed this.
This was such a fun and quick read for me, definitely gave me some Bridgerton vibes so if you enjoyed it you’ll definitely like this book.
I loved that the story was so light and fun without too much drama and it was what I needed for a summer read.
The book is very well written and the story captures you from the first pages.
It’s definitely a slow burn and perfect for YA readers.
If you are a fan of YA romance mixed with Pride and Prejudice and Bridgerton vibes, this book is for you! It is such a delightful story that made me laugh out loud several times with the banter between the two main characters Ms. Rowley and Mr. Goswick. It was so easy for me to picture myself in historic England with the fine details to the intricate gowns and lavish balls.
My favorite part of the story was watching Blythe take her own future into her hands. She had a pastime as a beekeeper, something she loved to do. Her mother said she must give it up to concentrate on finding a husband. Blythe wanted more than to just be a wife to a rich husband. Her strength and determination to be a successful business owner in a time where it wasn't proper for a woman of her status was empowering to read about. Another aspect of Blythe that I loved was her strength at confronting slander. Instead of cowering, she confronts the gossiper head on and fights for herself and her reputation.
Blythe Rowley and Briggs Goswick grow up as childhood friends and after a prank gone wrong, Blythe vows to never see or talk to Mr. Goswick again. As summer approaches, her mother makes plans for her to stay with her cousin Charlotte. Her mother desperately wants her to forget her hobby and business as a beekeeper to concentrate on finding a husband, and being a proper lady. This is something Blythe does NOT want to do. One day while reading outside, a man takes a tumble from his horse who turns out to be the brute himself, Mr. Goswick who has just returned home. Her family is throwing him a welcome home ball in his honor which Blythe is loathe to celebrate. At the ball, they learn they need each other's help and a bargain is struck. Blythe must help Mr. Goswick land the rich dowry of Sabrina Dixon while Mr. Goswick helps Blythe secure investors for her apiaries to wealthy landowners. They both have much at stake to help their families, can the make the right choice and not let feelings get in the way?
Friends to enemies to lovers
Banter
Pride & Prejudice/Bridgerton Vibes
Regency Era
Balls and Ballgowns
Betrayal
Deals & Bargains
Second Chance Love
Thank you to @turnthepagetours, @entangledteen for the arc of Witty in Pink for me to read and review.
So cute! I really enjoyed this pride and prejudice meets bridgerton YA romance. The banter and humor in the story was what made this super easy to read and really like. Our main characters Blythe and Briggs are childhood green-enemies that play pranks and throw around jabs back and forth between them. However, after a bad prank these two don’t see each other until 4 years later. I loved the sense of friendship is built out of this past fren-enemies place because it allows the characters to discover new things about each other or helped solidify their beliefs about each other. The love was really believable and genuine. While there are little things throughout the story that makes you wonder why they were added, like trying to start a love triangle but have it always be one sided, are things that made this more of a 4 star then a 5. Overall super sweet love story that’s fun and entertaining!
Thank you Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for a chance to read this early!
This book was so interesting with the unique romance situation and the added elements of history. This regency romance had all the aspects of a great romance. This only thing that was strange was the character development throughout the story. It felt a little rushed, but overall it was a great read. Thank you Entangled Publishing for sending me this book.
The story was cute. I enjoyed the historical aspect of it. I appreciated there being a LGBTQ storyline. I wish we could have had more about Bythe's business, especially towards the end. It was such a big deal but felt glossed over.
Ms. Blythe Rowley wants to integrate apriaries into the London ton. Bees are very important to her, next to her family.
What isn't important... or who she really despises, is Mr. Briggs Goswick. They know each other from the past, but she doesn't have any good memories. Now he's back... and more good-looking than ever. Oh my, how absolutely annoying!
But when both need the help from each other... could everything change?
Awwwwwwww! What an absolutely fantastic read! 👏❤️👏❤️
I'm definitely in my historical romance era, and never wanna leave!
WITTY IN PINK by Erica George is my very first book of her, and it won't be my last.
This book made me forget everything around me.
All I wanted? Find a time machine time bring me to the main characters! LOL
I absolutely fell in love with Blythe and Briggs right from the beginning! ❤️
They totally reminded me of the relationship between cat and dog. You know?
She's a strong and self-confident woman, and he's a handsome and charming guy.
The first time they met again? OMG! Perfection! I laughed sooo much because of Blythe reaction to him.
(Don't be scared, I'd love to tell you more about it, but I don't wanna spoil!)
Let's just say! Awww! The perfect beginning turned into a perfect continuation and a perfect ending.
I really really really enjoyed every moment of this book.
There aren't any explicit sexy scenes... but the times both shared some intimacy made it even more sexy, for sure! 🥰😍
What could I swoon about now?
Well, I loved all characters! From Blythe and Briggs, to their families and friends and the mean people of the society.
It was the perfect combination of affection to one another and rivalry.
Awwwww! Be still my beating heart because it definitely felt like I was part of this world. (LOL. I wish!)
This historical romance had all I needed!
- wonderful characters
- Enemies-to-Lovers
- sassy banter
- slow burn
- lots of humour
- secret alliances
- drama
- chemistry
- beautiful gowns
- balls with dances
If you like these things as well - this one's for you! 🥰❤️
Thank you so much to Erica George and Entangled Publishing for this ARC via NetGalley.
This is my honest review in my own words.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving this ARC, and this doesn’t influence my review. This 🤌🏾book🤌🏾 was so good! Wonderful writing style, amazing rom-com!
Tropes: historical romance, Bridgerton vibes, rivals to lovers, hate to love, she helps him find a wife, jealousy, witty banter, she falls first,
FMC reminds me of Eloise (and Penelope) from Bridgerton! And the story is a reverse of Colin and Penelope; she has to help him find someone to marry. Additionally, it’s a hate to love like Kate and Anthony! What more could one ask for. Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, everyone played blind man’s bluff: but they both weren’t playing? Wtf? Missed opportunity. The swimming scene reminded me of Anthony🤭. Her cousin Julian was such a mood, and cousin-goals. When he started rating the men for her, I died! I just wish it wasn’t dual POV
"Witty in Pink" by Erica George centers on Briggs Goswick and Blythe Rowley in a YA regency rom-com, featuring a childhood enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance reminiscent of "Pride and Prejudice." While the book is enjoyable, its pacing is quite slow. The third act is notably dramatic. Although the banter between the leads is excellent, the character development can be confusing.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm always skeptical about the 'rivals to lovers' or 'enemies to lovers' or 'hate to love` trope. Usually the reasons feel very juvenile. While the characters did act somewhat juvenile I could also understand the reasons for the animosity between them. Some of their actions however were definitely not accurate of the time period. Neither did their names for that matter. I also hoped that for a book titled "Witty in Pink" that I would find our heroine a little more witty but alas that was not the case. At least she wasn't annoying with the quips she did make. The book was okay but not as good as I had anticipated.
This was such a fun read! I do feel like this was more of a mature, closed-door historical romance rather than a YA historical romance. I liked the characters and the plot. I thought the book was well written. I did find the book to be unnecessarily long at times, but I really do enjoy it overall. This is one of those books that just put a smile on my face while reading it. The characters were well developed, and I enjoyed how this was an enemies-to-lovers, childhood crush romance. I've never read anything by this author before, but I'm definitely going to check out some of their other books.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blythe and Briggs have been at each other throats since they were kids. Harmless pranks and tricks to on who each other. They meet again as adults and Briggs realizes grown up Blythe is beautiful.
Briggs cannot do what he wants he must marry for money to save his family’s home. Blythe’s dowry would not do it. So he asks her to help him court a lady with money and he will help her present her bee business to society.
This is a cute story of love over all.
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It's a funny and gripping romance in a british regency bals era, that also talks about the problems regarding marriage out of obligations!
I really liked both Blythe and Briggs characters, and also that double POV. The past of them both gets back and we get to be once for one and the next agreing with the other, until they settle things.
I only think it lacks a bit of banter / witty retorts once they're hard on the romance part ; it'd have been fun to continue on the banter while still in love. There's a tiny bit, but not enough throughout the end.
The story also talks a lot about marriage of convenience, of what is asked from a gentleman's daughter and as a woman as well, but also what is requested by society as the man and head of the house. It was very interesting to see the romance develope around these issues and going back and forth between love and what they must do!
It was a very great and easy read, with a great romance and nice characters.
Thank you!
Full review will be posted on instagram on scheduled review day with tbr and beyond tours on 8/18!
This seems like a cute book, but I can’t get past the way the hero bullied the heroine when they were younger. DNF.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.
Overall very good. The characters had funny banter with each other and I loved how the character’s evolved over the course of the summer, especially Sabrina. Some parts felt a little slow but it was very worth it for the end. This was the first book I read by Erica George, I can’t wait to read her others.