Book of Love

Thank you to Net Galley, Victory Editing and Erin Satie for the free digital ARC of Book of Love in exchange for my honest review.

An independent woman, a dashing Duke, pranks and politics in 1850s London. And the banter! I enjoyed this book. It’s characters are smart, witty and funny. I was curious about what happened to Cordelia when I read Bonny’s story in Bed of Flowers because I enjoyed her character so much. I’m not disappointed.

Cordelia has established herself in London and after meeting The Duke of Stroud in passing on the street, her life is changed forever. Their quick witted banter and ability to see in each other what nobody else has before makes for a vibrant love story. As always, I relished the detail that Erin goes in to when describing the skills and hobbies of her characters. The feminist views and political history was a nice surprise. I would have liked to hear more about their other pranks for political gain, the end feeling a bit rushed.

Overall, it’s an enjoyable romantic, quick read that I will definitely visit again. I look forward to hearing the other character’s stores in the future. Fingers crossed for a book about Tess.

(This review will also be posted on my instagram @Lemonpietrick on publication day)
Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
It's a lighthearted yet empowering read with a strong, independent female protagonist. This reminds me of why I love historical romance: Erin Satie picked up the often neglected yet important pieces of history and managed to present it in a refreshing coat. And in this case, the status of married women and class discrimination in feminists' movements. You can find many historical events and figures in the book, and how our main character became part of it.
I really enjoyed the political part of this story, as well as the characters and the romance. Cordelia is a tough character with principles, who bravely cut her ties with her family to run a business in a city. I so strongly wished for Cordelia to kick his father's arse, and I'm sour that it obviously didn't happen. Cordelia and the duke have become one of my favourite couples. The Duke's prankster's personality made the book so fun to read and if you read the book, you will understand why he and Cordelia fit so well. The book also included many side characters with rich personality, I wonder if they will make an appearance in the rest of the series. I'm certainly interested to read their stories too!

This book actually really surprised me with how much I enjoyed it! I wasn't expecting to love it so much, and yet I did! I am new to this author, so I wasn't sure what to expect going in but I am definitely a fan after this book and will be trying out her other books when I get the chance.

Book of Love follows Cordelia and Stroud as the main characters. Cordelia is confident and direct, never afraid to stand up for what she believes in. I love that she is making her own way in the world, and forever loyal to her friends! Stroud was a funny sort of fellow... I liked the way he kept his cool regardless of what was happening or being said, and loved that he was amused by Cordelia's stubbornness! Watching the chemistry grow slowly between them was so much fun!

The plot for this book was both timeless and unique which was great. I love the familiar mixed with the new and exciting! For example, a woman striking out on her own to make her own way in the world has been done many times before, but the way Erin Satie told her story was different from any other book that I have read. The Duke's love of pranks and games was quite enjoyable, and the fact that it was mixed in with Cordelia's political discussions made the book feel balanced in a way. It was a good blend of serious and lighthearted.

I did feel like certain things happened rather abruptly. I'd say the last quarter of the book seemed very fast paced compared to the rest of it, and I did feel like there were a few loose ends. For example, one of the supporting characters' situations, Octavia, was not resolved - however I'm not sure if that's because Erin plans on writing a whole book around her? If that's the case, then I understand but if not then I will be left wondering!

All in all, I think this was a really fun read with lots of really great information - the book binding parts were super interesting! I think it could have been made a bit longer in order to really finish the story well, but otherwise I loved it! Looking forward to my next read by this author!

This story was so sweet and fun! I loved the juxtaposition of the two main characters, how well they respect each other while also challenging each other. I laughed out loud several times! I love reading historical fiction centered around women's rights and this one did not disappoint!

This is the second book of the series but can easily be read as a stand alone. This book was amazing and I went back to read the first one afterwards. Cordelia is shunned by her family for standing with her friend after a scandal. This leaves her on her own and having to find work she starts making books. I love that it doesn't sugar coat this and shows some of the trials tradeswomen would go through. Duke of Stroud is an all around good guy but no one takes him serious. He is always play pranks and that side is all he shows society. A run in with Cordelia leaves his curiosity peaked and when she refuses to play his games, it slowly draws him in. This isn't a slow burn but it doesn't rush either. The characters have lots of witty banter and through her no nonsense manner he realizes he is not the dunce he is always been told he is. It was nice to see a hero that wasn't so full of himself, and grew right along the heroine. There is a strong feminist backbone to this book but its period accurate and adds to the book instead of being over powering. I really enjoyed this series and can not wait for the next one.

I started this book in the morning, intending to just read a bit until I was fully awake and could go about my day, Hours later, I reached the end in time to start thinking about lunch, I did not expect to be so charmed that I would have to finish it one sitting or perhaps I would chosen a less busy day to pick it up. On the whole, I am too content to have any regrets, This book was worth the assault on my to-do list,

Cordelia is living in on her own and supporting herself with her skill at book binding. She is serious and principled and does not have the time for the antics of game playing Duke. Stroud loves a good prank even at his own expense, He would rather set people at ease than worry about his own pride. The two could not seem more ill suited but when they meet Stroud does not find one interaction enough even if Cordelia makes it quite clear that she does.

I really loved this book. Cordelia and Stroud were so lovely together. Their interaction on the page sparkled as they tested each other and their own feelings and learned to see past their veneers. There is a wonderful balance between the sweetness of their romance and Cordelia's political convictions as she works for women's rights which made this such a well fleshed out book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.