A Bit of Rough

I adore historical romances that have a diverse character list. This book has a Latinx hero with a best friend of Indian descent. The heroine is about as white and classically British on the outside - but her family is much more forward thinking than most of her time. Including accepting fully cousin who is a lesbian. Both Lucas and Honora are committed to political reform. Lucas publishes a weekly newspaper (that he doesn't pay the stamp taxes for) that includes subversive commentary on topics of reform related to the poor and disenfranchised. Honora writes articles in the publication under a pseudonym - one of several - and is passionate about reform. So when Honora protects Lucas from discovery by the magistrate seeking to arrest him for not paying stamp taxes, their connection is electric.

This book is definitely an insta-love situation - but it does make sense in the context that both Lucas and Honora have gotten to know each other through their writing for a long time before they ever meet in person. For these two, the power of the written word is everything. I loved their interactions with each other and how they ended up teaming up to write together - even when they were trying to stay away from each other.

Overall - this book was a refreshing take on a historical romance. I loved the diversity of characters and the overall storyline really worked for me.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lucas and Honora’s love story resonated with me on many levels. Their story was epic and electric. The strength and background of the characters are not something read every day. Finally, the intertwining of political issues of the day within the story was smart and savvy.

Lucas and Honora could not be any different. Luca’s family fled Mexico to England due to political strife. Although a brilliant writer, he was suppressed unjustly due to his heritage and radical views. He has no connections and no means to earn a decent living. Honora is a spinster whose passion is also writing about society’s deficiency. Both encourage sweeping reforms of laws and champion the plight of the working class and women. Lucas and Honora are both intelligent and fearless. The couple are misfits and are regarded as insignificant in the eyes of the law.

Lucas and Honora’s political passions are only surpassed by the instantaneous connection they feel for each other. Their deep emotions for each other are almost immediate, even if they do not realize it. Their passion and raw attraction feel elemental. Lucas fears Honora is out of his reach. Honora is restricted by the confines of her gender and class. However, only when they are together do they feel whole. The couple’s journey is turbulent and dangerous, yet they know they are destined for each other.

The plot focuses on the inequities of the common man, women, and all those deemed insignificant and immoral to the aristocratic ruling class. These people are at the mercy of the titled male’s whimsy and narrow-minded rules. It was a travesty how the citizens were treated and abused. The plot educates the reader as much as it entertains. This book moved fast, and I couldn’t put it down. The couple’s star-crossed journey is heartbreaking at times. However, the power of the depth of their love perseveres. This couple had a difficult journey to their happy ending, yet it was worth every moment reading to get there. The novel was a quick read; I finished it in one sitting. The plot was engaging and the characters vivid. All in all, the book was excellent. I was delighted to read it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.