“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧?”

The Davenports siblings and their friends are back!

I absolutely adored Krystal Marquis’ debut novel of four empowered Black women in 1910 Chicago searching for love and purpose; I was so happy to have them return in More Than This. Olivia, Helen, Ruby and Amy-Rose remain as charming as ever. I was easily drawn back into their world as they fight for love and purpose. It was great to see them each experience success as they each came into their own: Amy-Rose with her salon, Olivia with her activism, Ruby with her passion for fashion design, and Helen pushing for change and a seat in the family business. Of course, these were balanced with each woman finding love. Marquis develops the love stories well with just enough drama from some newer characters that it’s sometimes hard to choose which suitor is best! There were moments that the book is slower-paced and at first, the stories felt a bit too separate; I especially missed the interaction between Ruby and Olivia. Marquis did reward my patience with a few solid scenes where all the characters come together, but I could’ve used more. To me, the story really shines when we can see the friendships all the characters (the females and males) have with each other.

The Davenports: More Than This ties up loose ends well. If this is the end, I am content, but I really hope it isn’t. I love reading about this family, their friends, and their successes. Thank you to Penguin, Dial Books & NetGalley for the ARC!

Krystal Marquis has done it again with The Davenports: More Than This, delivering a dazzling sequel that expands upon the rich, immersive world of the Davenport family. This novel continues to weave together themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams, all set against the backdrop of the early 20th century.
The characters—especially the Davenport sisters—shine even brighter in this installment. Their growth is beautifully developed, and their personal journeys are compelling, filled with resilience and heartfelt emotion. Marquis masterfully balances romance with deeper societal themes, making the novel both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The writing is exquisite, with lush descriptions that transport readers straight into the elegance and vibrancy of the era. The historical details are impeccably woven into the narrative, making the story feel authentic and alive. The relationships—both romantic and familial—are full of tension, warmth, and charm, keeping readers eagerly turning pages.
If you loved The Davenports, you will be absolutely enchanted by More Than This. It’s a story of love, independence, and carving one’s own path, and it cements Krystal Marquis as a powerhouse in historical fiction. Highly recommended!

4 stars! This is the 2nd book in The Davenports series and while I didn't enjoy it as much as I liked the first one, I still really liked it. I enjoyed revisiting the characters and seeing their stories continue. I love the representation of the young Black women as they follow their paths towards happiness, whatever that looks like for them. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Marquis in the future! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was a refreshing and captivating experience, and I found the writing to be both engaging and accessible. The story flowed smoothly, making it easy to stay connected to the plot and characters without feeling lost or overwhelmed. The author struck a perfect balance, keeping things interesting while still making the content feel approachable. Overall, it was a wonderful read, and I would definitely recommend it to others who are looking for an enjoyable and easy-to-digest book.

I really want to love this series, but I can only honestly say that I like it. The characters are interesting and mostly likable. The plots just fall kind of flat for me. There was a lot going on with so many main characters. It also felt like there wasn't much going on though. I found myself getting bored at times. That said, this book is on par with the one before it and it was good to see things get tied up nicely for all the girls.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

The Davenports: More Than This was okay, but I enjoyed the first book more. The characters are still charming, and I liked seeing where their stories went, but the pacing felt off at times. Some plotlines didn’t grab me as much, and the spark that made the first book so fun wasn’t quite there. Still, if you liked The Davenports, it’s worth a read—just not as exciting as I hoped.

More Than This is the sequel to The Davenports, and was just as much a delight to read as the first. I truly believe that Marquis has created some really great characters in the Davenport family and the people in their orbit, and I really enjoyed seeing them develop here.

More Than This picks up shortly after the events of its predecessor, and we get to catch up with all four of the girls. It's been almost two years since I read The Davenports, so I don't remember every detail, but still it was pretty easy to slip back into the story. Self-assured Olivia finds herself at a crossroads when her heart is torn between Washington DeWight and a new suitor that her parents are pushing on her, Helen is trying to assert herself as a proper member of her family's business while navigating her growing feelings for a man, Ruby is happily engaged but has to deal with the fallout of somebody spreading nasty rumors about her and how that impacts her family dynamics, and Amy-Rose navigates the opening of her hairdressing salon while also grieving the sudden death of her mentor. What really struck me while reading this book was how multifaceted all these girls were. They each cared about so many different things that sometimes seemed to conflict with one another, and arguably, this book is about realizing that it's okay to care about many things while also acknowledging that not everything can guide your choices (and that you have to decide which do). I also once again liked the interplay between all the girls' love stories.

Seriously, a stunning book.

Book 2 in the Davenport series was very enjoyable.
I feel like the young ladies really came into their own. There was a lot of growth and self reflection in book 2.

Special thanks to the author & @penguinteen for my gifted copy‼️

Picking up where book 1 left off The Davenports are back and standing on business. I know I’m not the only one who noticed how the tension with the parents eased up a lot in this one. The author also picked the perfect title for it “More Than This.” All of the characters wanted more than what their lives and parents were currently offering. They wanted more than what the standards set by their reputations and wealth would force them to become.

Olivia still on her journey for political power and pursing a secret relationship her parents weren’t aware of. Helen who is still my favorite character she’s fierce, determined, and rebellious all for the sake of independence and keeping her hands in the family business. If “You can’t tell me what to do” was a person it would be her. Ruby and her family are dealing with rumors that could ruin her father’s future as mayor. We see Amy-Rose boss up owning her own salon and John well he’s still being his swoony self like before.

There’s still a strong connection with the characters and we’re given multiple POVs same as before but I felt something was missing. Or maybe I wasn’t as engaged with it. But I did love how the author tied up all the loose ends providing closure with all the characters. We finally see everything they’ve worked towards become reality.

Overall, book 2 was decent we’re introduced to some new characters and see the return of a few old characters from book 1. We get some family drama and relationship drama that will leave both Helen and Olivia torn between the two. If you’re a fan of YA or historical fiction add this to your TBR.

1⭐️

DNF: 15%

It is with a heavy heart that, after reading only 15%, I have to DNF this book, let alone this entire series. And I truly wish the circumstances were different. Part of my failed experience is my own fault. More Than This was one of my “MOST ANTICIPATED” reads of last year. But, because I had so many other ARCs and Library Books to read in front of it, I had to wait until this year to start it. By waiting as long as I did, I forgot most of Book #1, which led to me feeling disconnected from the both the characters of this new book as well as their storylines. After only 15%, I start to feel myself zone out during multiple chapters and I was also reminded of why I was so angry with the ending of Book #1. THESE PARENTS ARE AWFUL TO THEIR CHILDREN!!! And it has been getting on my nerves!!!

Which leads to my second reason for DNFing this book.

Twice now, I have read a YA novel where parents have failed their children in the way they either speak to them or treat them. In More Than This, it is Ruby’s storyline that pushes this type of parental behavior over the edge. Hints of her father thinking so negatively about her (i.e., possibly slut-shaming her) is where I have to draw the line. And to watch her father disrespect not only his daughter but his future son-in-law in the same sentence is a BIG NO for me!!! I cannot read this book and continue to witness both The Tremaine and Davenport parents treat their children like crap.

And while I am aware that this is Historical Fiction and just a book, as a reader who reads to escape, I cannot read such a book that makes me both cringe and uncomfortable. SORRY!!!

However…

Do not let my DNF review discourage you from reading or enjoying this novel. With such a BEAUTIFUL cover, it is worth giving a change. Unfortunately, this is where I sign off.

I want to wish Krystal Marquis all the positive vibes and well wishes on her future endeavors, especially her writing career. Best of luck to you!!!

Thank you NetGalley and Dial Books for granting my request of an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!

While the first book had its faults, I liked it enough I wanted to continue with the second but unfortunately I liked it even less. Just very repetitive and boring all around, a sequel was pretty unnecessary

So this is the sequel to the Young Adults Favorite Fiction Award for 2023 and I had high hopes after the first one! Krystal did not disappoint! The setting reminds me of Bridgerton but in American with Historical factors that definitely resonated with readers and the fact that these stories are inspired by real people and events! It's so inspiring and the concept romanticizes me. Thank you so much Krystal Marquis, Publisher, and Netgalley!

I enjoyed being back in the world of The Davenports! There were so many engaging stories to follow from beloved characters in the first book but also new characters that were introduced. I loved the themes of self discovery and finding your voice. I loved that this had romance but wasnt the sole plot. It was realistic in allowing the FMC to explore her love interests. Overall enjoyable read!

This book was a solid 3 for me. I loved the concept of a prestigious black family navigating their way in a climate where being Black and successful is seen as a threat. Each of the Davenport children has forged a path for themselves and work to find their own voices and experiences outside if the life and luxury they live in. Overall, I felt this book needed more. It felt rushed and left me wanting more in a different way. Book 1 was in my opinion, not fast paced but gave me more in depth about the characters

But will there be more?

I personally really enjoyed seeing what The Davenports along with everyone else were up to. If this is the final book, it did tie up nicely.

I liked seeing that even after the drama of the last book, they all got what they wanted…even when they thought it wasn’t. This time around I enjoyed all of their stories being told. The one that was the most entertaining to read about was Ruby and I’m so happy she pushed through the issues with her parents. I honestly wouldn’t mind seeing this turn into a show.

I do think the ending was rushed. I kind of had hoped to see it lead into a third book but that’s just me being nosey.

Overall, a solid entertaining read. Thank you NetGalley and Dial Books for the ARC in exchange of an honest review!

I enjoyed this sequel. Black upper class in the 1930’s. The women characters in this book step out of the typical roles of their time. They become writers, entrepreneurs and inventors but still find time to re-visit old love interests and new.
I love the topic of women becoming empowered especially in this time period. I’m sure it was unlikely but I found it very hopeful and inspiring. Throw a little romance too and I’m hooked!

I'm so glad to get to read the sequel to the Davenports! I adore these sisters, and I am glad they got continuations of their stories. Although this wasn't a top favorite sequel, I definitely look forward to the third book in the trilogy!

"But I explained to him my heart belonged to Chicago."

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book is a continuation of the Davenports and follows the Ruby, Amy-Rose, Olivia, and Helen in their journeys to build and establish their lives.

I really enjoyed returning to this world and seeing how these strong, independent characters were able to find themselves and maintain the relationships that compliment their goals and personalities. I also really liked how distinct each character of this story is, each character has their or voice and personality. It was also really interesting watching their relationships grow and change over the course of the novel, not just with each other but with the way that they viewed their romantic relationships and their parental relationships. With one of the characters (Amy-Rose) it was really nice to see the exploration of how that parental relationship really impacted and somewhat translated into a relationship that the character had in the professional world.

The one issue that I had was that, at times, the book felt was a little slow.

I would recommend this book for people who like Bridgerton.

THE DAVENPORTS MORE THAN THIS 💜

This eARC was made available to me by @krystalbelle_reads, @penguinteen, and @NetGalley in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏾

Okay, so I finally got around to reading The Davenports More Than This – like, a year after the first one. Whoops 😅 My memory about the first book was a bit hazy, but the second book jogged it back.

Back in the saddle with Olivia, Ruby, Helen, and Amy-Rose! Honestly, Ruby and Amy-Rose steal the show. Amy-Rose, girl, you deserve all the good things! A whole book about her and John's new life? Yes, please!

The first book was great, and I waited eagerly for this one. It's beautifully written, but TBH, the book was long and slow paced. My brain got a little overwhelmed trying to keep up with everyone’s stories.

However, once again the author delivers with compelling characters and a multi point of view. I’m glad that this book gave us some closure and resolution from the first one 📖

Read if you like:
💜YA historical fiction
💜heroines
💜Slow burn romances

Thank you to Penguin Teen for an eARC of this book.

Tropes: Second Chance Romance, Forced Proximity, Coming of Age, Family Business, Breaking the Mold

This book is set predominantly in Chicago in the early 1900s and focuses on a fmaily of Black Entrepreneurs, a woman who's mother died early in her life and a women who's father is running for mayor of Chicago.

Overall I enjoyed the story and the individual characters. I was so happy for Helen and her brother and their character arc with the family buissness, as they make the move from carriages to automobiles. I liked seeing Amy-Rose grow her hair care line and the devleopment with her dad/mom relationship. I like that she is getting somewhat of a happy ending.

Also Ruby, I am so happy for her and like where the author took her story even after what happens with her dad, and the disappointment with her family.

Overall, I did have a hard time keeping up with all of the stories so I do wish there was maybe just one less POV.