delightfully absurd Regency-era adventure about two friends trying to dodge disastrous marriages by marrying each other instead. Sir Horley, extravagantly gay and wholly uninterested in his "perfectly respectable" bride, is resigned to his fate—until his friend Arabella stages a dramatic wedding-night abduction. Their chaotic road trip to Gretna Green is packed with quirky characters, mishaps, and surprising discoveries about love and friendship.

I absolutely loved the audiobook (thanks for the advanced copy!). While part of a series, this was my first, and it works perfectly as a standalone. I’m now curious about the others! I usually avoid Regency-era stories, but this one’s modern twist completely won me over.

I got this as an audio arc on Netgalley and it will come out in 2 weeks. The book was lovely and hilarious and delightfully queer and poly. The narration was so good.

I have one but though. As someone who is no contact with some family because they're abusive, I wish the whole 'Belle contacting his family without his knowledge' bit seriously. The family was not no contact because of abuse, and they didn't end up being abusive but she wasn't certain if they were bad people and the story made it clear.

It's extremely common that people think they know better than those who are no contact with family for whatever reason. They do this same thing for them without their knowledge. Think they're some saviour, helping, because everyone needs family. It can be extremely dangerous and painful.
This didn't handle this element of the story properly at all. It wasn't a good thing what she did even if the outcome was OK this time. Honestly that element really almost ruined the story for me.

I dont believe I've ever given Alexis Hall less that 4⭐️ but as a romance reader I feel like thos was a bit mislabeled. It was not really a romance it was more a found family adventure and the pacing was off, I found it difficult to stay engaged

4.5 stars

I’m on record with Arabella Tarleton being my least favorite character in this series. So I was wary of this book. I should have had every faith in Hall to make this extraordinarily beautiful.

Sir Horley and Belle are such an unlikely but amazing pairing. He has to learn to love himself and she has to learn that there are so many more kinds of love than romantic, and she’s not broken for bejng aro. The way they negotiate a unique relationship that’s wholly their own and works so well for them is a delight.

Obviously being an Alexis Hall book, there are madcap adventures, spicy as hell interludes, laugh out loud banter, and memorable side characters. Plus there is just so much heart, and emotionally resonant moments and discussions. I had a grin on my face so often while listening.

Plus! The audio is narrated by 2 of my favs, Steve West and Ell Potter. They do such a fantastic job! Highly recommend!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the preview. All opinions are my own.