This book made me smile so much. I absolutely adore their romance, the plot was fantastic and the writing was easy enough to have me hooked since the very beginning. I would definitely be recommending this.

A fun sweet read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC.

As we Regency-era romance fans excitedly await the release of the last four episodes of Bridgerton's Season 3 in three weeks, the best way to pass the time and calm our excited nerves is by devouring another smart, stimulating, captivating Regency-era romance with Shakespearean references. This novel, with its "Much Ado About Nothing" vibes, is infused with feminist themes and blends into a delicious enemies-to-lovers trope. Yes, Madeleine Roux’s smart and tempting formula offers an innovative experience for genre lovers. Two strong, resilient characters with troubled family backgrounds, a mysterious masquerade, and a heated argument that resolves into passionate chemistry make for a fantastic read!

I poured myself an Old Fashioned cocktail, paused "Maxton Hall" on Prime Video (which I also recommend), and jumped into this journey with high expectations. Thankfully, this captivating, one-sitting read did not disappoint me for a second!

Here’s the plot: Margaret Arden is born to be a writer but, unfortunately, born in the wrong century. Getting published under a female name can create conflicts, and only one man stands between her aspirations and her writing dreams: Captain Bridger Darrow. Bridger has recently inherited a book publishing business after returning from war and is eager to discover talented writers.

Margaret arranges a party invitation to meet him face-to-face and deliver her printed manuscript, but their meeting does not go as expected. Instead of a cute encounter, it's a disaster. Bridger insults her work after reading only a few pages, dismissing it without giving the story a chance. Their argument turns into a scandal, fueling the gossip mills of high society and affecting Margaret’s potential suitors. Her aunt Eliza pushes her hard to find a wealthy man to support her two younger sisters and widowed mother after their father’s death left them in financial trouble.

Margaret swears to prove Bridger wrong and show him how capable an author she is. Fortunately, her cousin Lane’s marriage to the innovative and eccentric Indian lady Ann crosses her path with Bridger, Lane’s best friend who fought alongside him in the war.

An unfortunate incident causes Margaret’s book pages to fly around the mansion where the wedding takes place, due to an innocent mistake by her aunt. One of the pages lands on Bridger, and he realizes his mistake in dismissing her work so quickly. Now determined to correct his error, Bridger faces additional challenges as his ex-lady friend tries to poison Margaret against him. The mysterious masquerade incident turns into a scandalous mystery that can only be solved by teaming up with Margaret to ensure the wedding celebrations proceed flawlessly, despite the disruptive presence of Bridger’s drunk and problematic brother, Paul.

Can Margaret and Bridger learn to work together, leaving their differences behind, as their palpable attraction threatens to cause further complications? Will they have a chance at their own happily ever after?

Overall, this is a soft, swoon-worthy, sweet, and smart Regency novel with Shakespearean vibes that you shouldn’t miss!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group / Ballantine / Dell for sharing this addictive romance’s digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

From the description, the book sounded like the beginning of an interesting premise. The first half of the book establishes Margaret and Bridger’s relationship, as well as her struggles as a female writer. From there, the focus shifts to the scandal and everything else seemed sort of secondary to the mystery. As a result, their romance felt rushed and the pacing off at times. Although the plot was different than what I was expecting, overall this was a lighthearted and easy read. Thank you for the ARC!

I was excited to read this after watching the new season of Bridgerton. I wanted to be transported back to Regency England.

In the beginning, Bridger was definitely a jerk who clearly made mistakes in the past. And he didn't approve of female writers?! I wasn't sure if I could get behind him as a MMC (I expected better). In his POV, he made it sound like his ex was crazy/jilted for warning Margaret about him, but if you think about it, she was in the right after what he did and said to her. By the end, I did see some character development on his part.

I thought this book would be a romance focused on Margaret as a female writer and how she breaks into the world of writing against societal's expectations of her. But most of the book focuses on this scandal/mystery revolving around two other people. Margaret and Bridger are two people who initially misjudge each other, working together to solve this scandal, which brings them closer together. Margaret's writing becomes a side plot.

Coming into this, I had higher expectations of this book and saw the potential of what it could be. I was a little disappointed with the direction it took instead.

Thank you to Random House Publishing/Dell and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A charming read. Margaret has just completed her third and best manuscript. She dreams of becoming a published author, even as the odds are against her. When she boldly approaches a handsome publisher, she is soundly rejected and vows to loathe him forever. Yet, Margaret learns that people can change…

Margaret and Bridger have good chemistry but I did feel that the pacing of the overall story and their relationship was a bit rushed. 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Margaret es una escritura, pero al ser mujer nadie quiere publicar su libro y cuando tiene la oportunidad de acercarse con uno de los dueños de una editorial no duda en hacerlo, pero Bridger la rechaza de la peor forma y le dice que su escritura es terrible. Después de tantas decepciones decide que tal vez ser escritora no está en sus cartas y que será mejor a que se dedique a buscar esposo.

Bridger regresó a su casa después de años de servir a su país y lo que encuentra lo dejó sorprendido. Cuando asiste a la boda de su mejor amigo se encuentra con unas hojas que aparentemente son parte de un libro que tiene mucho potencial y cuando descubre que pertenecen a la mujer que días antes la desprecio, tiene que lograr que acepte que lo deje publicar su libro.

Margaret y Bridger tendrán que unirse para encontrar a quien está manchando la reputación de la esposa del mejor amigo.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.75 stars! This was a very fun and sweet book which I devoured in two sittings! A bit of romantic drama, a bit of lighthearted suspense, and a lot of will they/won't they, or more accurately, can they?

I loved the Margaret character- not only does she share my name, but shares a love of books and a passion for upending the patriarchy. Three green flags for me! A mostly-confident woman who wants to write whether or not stuffy aunts approve, propriety be damned.

The MMC was hard to love at the beginning- but I think that was the point. Lots of Darcy-esque gruffness and a mean-spirited past, which at first made me not want to root for him in the slightest. But, a strong character arc follows- an acknowledgement/acceptance of responsibility, subsequent apology and learning about his past made my opinion of his character sway.

I will say it was not what I expected- the title implied it was a retelling of Much Ado about Nothing, and while it had some thematic elements, it felt more like Pride and Prejudice than Much Ado. (A small disappointment, as thats my favorite Shakespearean play and I love retellings). However this book is very good on its own, I just had to adjust my expectations a bit. I wonder if it should have a different title?

Thank you for the ARC!