I had high hopes for this book, based on its action-packed plot and loveable protagonist; however, it ultimately fell short because of undeveloped dialogue, clunky exposition throughout, sudden, unmotivated character decisions, and incomplete editing.

I'll start with the good: I really liked having a FML in glasses who is neurodiverse-coded! Frankie was honest, awkward, brilliant, and loveable. A well-imagined female lead who I was cheering for. The plot also had some good twists and turns, involving political intrigue and murder.

Now the bad: I know that ARCs are by their nature not-quite-ready for publication, but this book felt quite unfinished. From the impenetrable exposition-dump on the series concept in the second chapter, to the insta-lust between romantic leads, to heavy handed themes (I agreed with the feminism and anti-classism, but it was mostly tell instead of show), this book hasn't quite smoothed out its rough edges. It felt like a good book in the making, thwarted by lack of proper cutting down and editing.

This is probably most evident in the book's use of dialogue. An example of the way the dialogue felt only partially developed:
"That makes sense." "It does? I mean, of course it does!"
(This feels like something out of a kid's cartoon, not a romance novel.) I also disliked "Holy Queen V!" as an expletive; it felt really awkward throughout.

I love Victorian-era romance and I liked some of the characters, but this book fell short for me.

Unfortunately, not something I liked. I was looking forward to reading this and immediately started it after finishing my last book.

There is this trend I'm starting to see in historical romance books releasing in recent years where characters act more modern and use modern language. I don't see the appeal and it just put me off. If I want to read a contemporary romance, I'd just read one. Using such modern elements in a HR book makes it seem like a make believe play. Honestly, that's what it is. A make believe contemporary romance book disguised in a historical romance setting. It takes away what HR really is and makes it unenjoyable imo.

Thanks to the publisher for this ARC!

A couple of days ago, I was unaware of this series and the author and now, I’ve read both books and cannot wait for the third!

In this installment (which can be enjoyed as a standalone though the first book is delightful so I’d recommend reading it), Frankie is placed as a governess in the home of Jasper Jones in order to spy on him. She suspects Jasper is organizing an unsavory scheme of trapping outspoken women into marriage with terrible men. As Frankie finds more and more information, she realizes that Jasper isn’t who she thought he was… but will they be able to solve the mystery before they fall into a dangerous predicament themselves?!

This was so entertaining - there is flirting, intrigue, mystery, romance, and a bit of danger. Frankie is a darling and it is easy to root for her. Jasper’s niece Cecilia is charming and adds comic relief, and Jasper is a wonderful match for Frankie. I do not typically read a lot of historical romance as I prefer contemporary but I’m so glad I gave this a try. Enjoy!

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.