What an enjoyable read. I loved the core group of the 5 characters with emphasis on Liv and Emerson. My only complaint is with the rather abrupt ending. I would have liked to see the father get his due and for the Lord the father was backing to get some comeuppance of some kind.

Games in a Ballroom by Jentry Flint is a wonderful, fun, and charming historical romance that had me feeling like a young adult all over again!

I loved this book! It is so unique and refreshing. Olivia and Emerson are childhood friends. Both have their own constraints and obligations. Both feel pressured, cornered, and unlucky. But what Olivia doesn’t know is that Emerson is totally smitten and in love. Through the ingenious plot of creating fun, games, and secrets, Emerson works to build trust, affection, and a relationship with Olivia all under the radar of the ever-sweeping family.

I truly enjoyed the banter, wit, snappy dialogue, sweet premise, and the pacing of the story. Throw in the wonderful character cast, the true chemistry, and matching of the main characters: Olivia and Emerson…and one has an excellent book.

Did I say I also loved the uplifting and heartwarming ending?!

Spot on.

I look forward to more from this author.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately (as of 9/25/21 no BB listing has been created and review will be posted and links updated when title is added) and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

This was my first read from the author, and for (I think?) her first historical romance... she did a pretty good job!

I'm not too big when it comes to the friends to lovers relationship - since it is never really done well - but this one I didn't seem to dislike it. I actually enjoyed it. It was sweet watching him attempt to woo her in 'games' than in a normal attempt of courting.

I also felt bad for the main character, because her father is an abusive male and she and her mother are left to his devices.

I also liked the friends of our hero? I felt that if the author wanted to write more stories that featured them she could. She did build them up to have relationships - one of which was his sister with the gruff and moody friend that did nothing but read.

The reason I did not rate it a full star is because I felt that it was a little odd that this game was even played to begin with? I mean, he said that the normal way of courting her wasn't working. However, I felt that I didn't see him actually attempt to court her. If he would have been honest about his feelings and actually let her know he loved her then I don't think this game would have even took place.

If you're looking for a sweet/cute historical romance, I'd recommend this book.

A fun and quick read, with characters to root for and villains to despise!

Just reading the description alone had me excited to dive in. I was so very curious to see how this small group of ladies and gentlemen from the ton would go about playing tag of all things during society events! I have to give points on originality, I’ve read so many historical romance books set in the regency era and I’ve never come across adults playing tag! It was fun and investing. For a romantic male lead to use such a game as a chance to court the lady he loves. I thought that was interesting but as you begin to read more and learn about who these characters are… well then I found it brilliant!

I quickly became enamored with the characters introduced in this story. From Emerson and his sister Arabella to Emerson’s friends Lord Bradbury and Lord Northcott and oh how my heart ached for Olivia Wilde and her circumstances! I think that’s what’s important in books like these, to have characters that grip your attention and heart so that they don’t blend in with all the other stories out there.

I think my only complaint about this book was that it left me wanting more, like an epilogue, a few more details after all the high drama towards the end of the book would have been so appreciated. It felt a tad bit abrupt as is. My hope is that the reason I didn’t get an epilogue was because there will be more details with a future book set in this universe. One focusing on Arabella and Lord Northcott perhaps? Or one of the anti marriage- Lord of charm, Bradbury? Basically I want more of this universe and i definitely want more games (played discreetly) in the balls and events of the ever prim and proper ton.

I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this book!

Over the course of his life, Olivia Wilde's dad worked hard and became very rich, and the only thing he lacks is a title. Olivia is in her second Season, and he expects her to marry. Emerson has been friends with Olivia since childhood, and he loves her vivacious spirit. He hopes to marry her, but is saddened when her vivacious spirit is snuffed out by her overbearing (and aggressive) father. Emerson decides to start a game of "tag" that their group of friends can play at balls as a way to interact with Olivia and to coax some spirit back into her.

When I first read the summary, I was skeptical that it was going to be anything other than majorly cheesy and awkward. While I still think that Emerson simply talking to Olivia about his feelings would have been the most reasonable course of action, Flint somehow made the game of tag work. While still a little cheesy, it was whimsical and romantic, and she did an admirable job of providing Emerson's reasoning for why he felt the game was necessary. Olivia and Emerson are fabulous characters, and I loved Emerson as a romantic lead.

I would not hesitate to recommend this to reader who enjoy a clean period romance. It was a light and fun read that I looked forward to picking up each evening.

I received a free, advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

This is my first experience with a novel written by Jentry Flint. I enjoyed the story ands found it to be an easy and intriguing read. I look forward to reading more of her novels.

Olivia Wilde knows she must obey her sometimes violent father's wishes and marry whom he chooses. She must protect her mother. When childhood friend Emerson Latham encourages the group of friends play some games, like tag, secretly during society events, Olivia knows she should avoid playing. If her father were to discover the games, she and her mother would be in trouble. But she decides a little bit of freedom and fun may be just what she needs before she is committed to her fate. What she didn't plan on, is falling in love with Emerson.

Not my favorite, but not my least favorite. The romance was so one-sided for most of the book that it threw me off when Liv began to reciprocate. Also, reading elaborate descriptions of pranks is never actually very fun (certainly not as fun as watching or participating!), and I found that the whole pranking thing to be more of a distraction than anything.

'Games in a Ballroom' is mostly a cozy, entertaining read, but this is unfortunately one of those books where the supporting cast is much more interesting than the two main characters. Emerson is infatuated with Olivia from the very beginning but I don't think the book does a good job of explaining why, when or how. Maybe flashbacks to their earlier friendship would've helped with this while also developing Emerson and Olivia more. Emerson's also too controlling for my liking (this is probably supposed to be seen as romantic and persistent), which is odd if he's supposed to be a foil to Olivia's domineering father.

Games in a Ballroom is certainly an interesting and original idea for a historical novel. I was very intrigued when I first saw the book's description and was excited to read it. Now, having read it, it reminds me of a movie I saw a preview for about a group of friends that play tag as adults, so not sure if this in the inspiration for the novel or not, but it seemed very similar.

Oftentimes, historical novels describe how restricting and judgmental society could be, so livening things up with a secret game amongst friends sounds like a good idea. The game is suggested because Emerson wants to court Liv, but I don't see how the game really helped him with his pursuit of her heart. Certainly, the game helped bring a little bit of the "old Liv" back, who she was before her father tried to form her into the perfect daughter worthy to marry a titled Lord. But again, I don't know how her risking her father's ire to play a game helped her develop or recognize feelings for Emerson. Despite the odds of them finding a happily ever after together, you were rooting for them to succeed and find love.

As far as the characters go, both the main and side characters were all interesting and I enjoyed reading about them and their addition to the story. They are each unique and seemingly burdened in their own way and I can tell they have a story to tell and had just hoped to learn a little bit more about them. I certainly hope they get their own books and space to tell their stories. There was a little bit of immaturity involved with the games and pranks that felt a little bit too forced for the characters, time period and society.

The end of the novel tied up rather nicely but quickly, compared to the danger they were risking throughout the whole story. I think I would've enjoyed a little epilogue or follow up. Overall, this book was a fun idea and uniquely original and I would recommend this book.

Olivia Wilde's father made a fortune in shipping and investments. He now insists that Olivia, who is in her second season, marry only someone with a title. This will ensure that his doors and business will be open to the upper crust. Emerson doesn't have a title and is the older brother of Olivia's best friend. He declares to his two friends that he plans to woo and wed Olivia. (An unusual move in a historical romance.) When he realizes she takes his asking her to dance as pity and not courting, he decides to create a game to be played during balls.

I enjoyed the core group of the MCs, his friends and sister. But playing the game of tag in person is more fun than reading about it in a book. He could have spoken to Olivia about his intentions to court her but the main obstacle isn't addressed which is her father. I thought there might have been efforts to befriend or prove Emerson's worth to the father. Instead we get silly hijinks involving a pig which didn't increase my opinion of Emerson. (I understand the purpose from the book, but still.) In other stories like this, the father usually comes round to the idea of the daughters love is most important, but that isn't the direction the author takes. So I didn't love how things work out with her father.

I'm guessing the author is setting up his two friends or his sister as future books. I would read their stories. This is clean for language and contains a few kisses. This book would be fans of proper romances YA and up. Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the review copy.

GAMES IN A BALLROOM follows Emerson Latham’s attempt to woo his sister’s best friend—a friend convinced that he cares for her out of brotherly duty and whose father is aggressively determined that she marry a titled gentleman. Olivia Wilde knows two things: Emerson is off-limits to her and this is to be her last Season because her father is determined that she marry. When Emerson suggests a game of tag to play in secret at Society events, she decides to risk her father’s wrath and join in the fun. What’s merely a game of fun for their friends is of the highest of stakes for Emerson and Olivia.

This was a very quick read with a premise that I have not encountered in a historical romance, though I hesitate to label it as such as it sits outside the mold of what is typically expected from the genre. The introduction of childhood games into the ballroom snagged my interest but I felt that the writing could have benefitted with deeper characterization. Emerson’s tendency to make a game of everything could have benefitted from a counterbalance of more vulnerability, and it would have been nice to perhaps see some of the history between them that caused him to fall in love with Olivia before she was of marriageable age. I also occasionally found myself pulled out of the story by the use of contemporary language and some of the wilder elements of the story.

Overall, this is an entertaining and refreshing take on the regency era that is best read with a healthy suspension of disbelief. Just the idea of people in full dress attire darting through the crowd to surreptitiously tag a co-conspirator has me chuckling. Compared to other historical romances, this one is squeaky clean but does include heavy themes of parental abuse.

Thank you to Jentry Flint and NetGalley for providing me with this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review. After Olivia fails to notice Emerson’s attempt to court her and to avoid her father’s unsuitability concerns, Emerson proposes a game of tag to be played. While the premise sounded good, the characters were a bit underdeveloped and the plot a little far fetched (even for a Victorian romance).

Fun Regency romp by a promising new author.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this one but it turned out to be a lot of fun. Tag in the ballroom! Who would have thought. What a clever idea. The H&h had a real connection, having been friends for a time and that always makes for a good story. Emerson's friends were excellent supporting characters and I really hope the Brooding Baron gets a story.

I would have liked to see the ending a bit more tied up but it wasn't a bad ending by any means.

Overall I give this a solid 4 stars for clean Regency readers.

A book that I really enjoyed right from the start. There was no long back story as the leading couple are childhood friends and neighbors. The book is a slice of life where Emerson is in love with Liv and how he goes about courting her with humor and a wonderful game of tag. His friends are well written and I hope they get a book of their own as they are supportive and loyal. The writing is in keeping with the time and I never felt it was too modern but the description never gets too bogged down in detail. The books is also a tale of 2 families, one that has love and the other abuse. I would have liked an Epilogue as to what happens are things are tied up.

Emerson Latham faces unusually dire odds for a romance hero, denied the allure of a reformed rake and the angst of a tragic past (though his two best friends do look promising in both respects as potential leads for future novels). He is... a Nice Guy. I confess, I love books built on strong friendships... but being Friend Zoned is hardly what Emerson hoped for all those times when he asked Olivia to dance with him.

Fortunately for him, Olivia and Arabella (her best friend, and Emerson's sister) agree to join a secret game of tag that the five friends play at Season balls, But "the course of true love never ran smooth" to quote Shakespeare, Arabella's favorite author. Olivia's father is determined to see his daughter marry into the aristocracy. Emerson's rival is Lord Voldemort--sorry, sorry! Lord Valencourt, a villain hiding dark secrets, but the most chilling aspect of the novel is the specter of domestic violence. I was hooked and speed reading by the final chapters, caught up in the suspense. Three plus stars, rounded up for a first book: I look forward to finding out what happens next. Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the opportunity to review an advance copy of Games in a Ballroom.

A quick, light-hearted book. The idea of using children’s games as a plot device really appealed to me, but the execution fell a little short. The characters were a little flat, all depending on one character trait over and over (Arabella loves Shakespeare, Northcott barely speaks, etc.). There was no explanation about why the main pair loved each other, which is important in a romance. A fun concept, but it just didn’t pan out as I would have liked.

I really LOVED this book. I am a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, and this book did it so successfully. I loved watching the characters realize the feelings they had for each other. The overall premise of the book - the tag game during balls - was a little silly. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that these young men and women probably had to find ways to entertain themselves just as we do today. So I accepted that their behavior was a bit out of character for the standards of the time period.

The author seemed to set up some stories for the minor characters that could be future novels, so I hope to spend some time with these delightful characters again soon!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves some playful fun with their clean historical romances.

Thank you to NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and Jentry Flint for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my honest opinions!

Rating: 3.8 / 5

**Received free ARC from Netgalley for honest review**

For all intents and purposes, this is a charming Regency romantic comedy, with definite influences of being a Jane Austen fan--as all writers who tackle the Regency era are, I guess. It centres around Emerson Latham and Olivia Wilde, childhood friends who make up two thirds of the trio that also includes Arabella Latham, Emerson's sister.

See, Emerson's got a problem: he's head over heels in love with Olivia (whom he called Liv as in "live wild"), but she doesn't know it yet. Not only does Olivia still see him as just Arabella's brother at the beginning of the story, but Emerson also doesn't have the title that qualifies him as a suitor in the eyes of Olivia's father, a self-made (but rich) man, Joshua Wilde. With a lot of the plot taking place in ballrooms as Olivia's father desperately tries to secure her a match with a title, Emerson decides to press his suit in an unconventional way when the usual conventions fail to get through Olivia's dense exterior.

Namely, he proposes a game of tag.

No, seriously.

At first, even to the reader, it's confusing just what this game is intended to do since...tag = courting seems like a kindergarten tactic, right? And...yeah, it kind of is, honestly, and no amount of posh-sounding description changes that. But it's...cute, and kind of entertaining to see Emerson get more and more frustrated with making things work whereas Olivia as no idea what she's in for via this unconventional method of courting. Add to that Arabella's obsession with Shakespeare and Emerson's two opposite friends (the cheerful gambler Bradbury and the brooding baron whose name I forget) and you've got a group of funny characters in this romance, therefore making it a historical romantic comedy.

Now, usually these books are not my cup of tea, but because of the Austen-like description and, I'll admit, especially because of the cover, I decided to give it a try. And, for the most part this was a gamble that paid off, as I actually ended up mostly liking the story.

....Until the last quarter which...though not quite a trainwreck ending, was the author pushing things too far in my opinion, to the point that they get silly rather than endearing. Basically, Olivia's father is painted as a villain far out of proportion to how a person would realistically be and act, and becomes almost monstrous in a Gothic novel way that's juxtaposed with the rest of the romantic-comedy setup. Then, there's the fact that Olivia's character is compromised in the process as well and becomes just plain stupid in her decisions, which of course necessitates Emerson coming in to "rescue" her from herself. Yeah, that entire rescue bit at the end is cheesy, cliché, and not very well done. Maybe the author thought that the plot needed to be spiced up by all that action at the end because of the otherwise slow-ish paced rest of the book but...

...yeah, not a decision that I particularly liked, to be honest. Just having Olivia realize her feelings for Emerson was enough of a revelation and climax, thank you very much, and quite frankly it would have been truer to the Austen fashion that way as well.

But oh well, Jentry Flint is obviously no Jane Austen, so that comparison's unfair from the get go.

Still, this book was a lot better than I was expecting it to be, and I can definitely see a lot of people liking it as well. Will it ever be "great"? I doubt it.

BUT, it could be a lovely addition to someone else's romance shelves out there. Give it a try.

** spoiler alert ** I really liked the characters and the interaction between Olivia and Emerson and Arabella and Northcott because they fit together. I loved the dancing and the talking. Outside the game part everything the couples did made me smile and wish for more of that then the game part. The story between Olivia and Emerson is touching, but the games that started as fun seem to derail the reason why they were started. One of the game is to make Olivia realized that Emerson loved her and the other game was to have some fun by letting a pig loose in the gentleman's club but to me both games seem not as fun as they were suppose to be. The game seem to get Olivia into more trouble with her volatile father than giving her any fun, and it never makes her realize that Emerson loves her. The other game in the story wasn't that funny to me because the mishandling of a innocent animal made me sad because they only used it for entertainment without any thought to the animal. I know in those days that people didn't care much for livestock, but maybe one person does.

The story was well written and is worth reading because the story is good.

I want to thank Shadow Mountain Publishing, Shadow Mountain and NetGalley for the advance copy of this story.

Regency has become one of my favorite genres in the last year or so and I’m always excited to discover a new author! So with a cover and title like this I definitely was intrigued from the get go and knew I had to check it out! And thankfully it paid off and was everything a Regency should be!
I loved the fun twist of the ongoing game of tag! From the description I wasn’t sure how it would work but it did and was such a clever way to add more interactions!
This was friends to more trope which I’m always here for and I enjoyed Emerson’s (which is a great name btw) attempts to woo Olivia and bring out her fun playful nature and Olivia’s slow realizing of her feelings that ran deeper than friendship. The two of them made a great pair and I loved their banter.
Besides the romance my other favorite part of this book was the friendship between Emerson and his two friends! They had such a fun dynamic and were cracking me up! I absolutely hope we get their stories as well because I loved them!
Basically I have absolutely no complaints about this debut and I cannot wait to read more from this author!!

I enjoyed this book by new author Jentry Flint. She created likable characters and an intriguing spin to regency ballroom romance. Add in nefarious characters and intrigue and you have a recipe for a fun story! The supporting characters almost stole the show and I'm hoping to read their stories in the future!

I really like the cover of this book but the story failed to gel finally for me.
I do realise that finding a new slant on a Regency Romance - see also 'Intolerable' review. I think that even though i realise they did play parlour games, lacking other forms of entertainment in the evenings, playing 'IT' in a ballroom - well -
The remainder of the storyline is pretty much standard - an over-bearing father, marriages arranged for either wealth or status, fights and so on.
I begin to suspect that I can put set a of stock paragraphs together....

This is such a fun story! I’ve read a lot of regency romances, but I’ve never read any with games woven throughout the story in this way! Tag, hide and seek, and other games make appearances, and it was so much fun to see which games would be in the book and how they would play out.

I really enjoyed how Emerson kept pursuing Olivia. Her difficult family life made things very constricting for her, and it was sweet to see how he tried to help her have fun and feel alive, all while trying to show her his feelings for her. Olivia was a sweet character, and I enjoyed her friendship with Arabella, Emerson’s sister. I especially loved their game of using a line from Shakespeare’s works in normal conversation.

Like the title suggests, a majority of the book takes place in various ballrooms. Jentry Flint kept things fresh and interesting through the descriptions of different ball themes and through the game the characters played while they were there.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and I’m looking forward to more books by Jentry Flint! There are a few side characters in particular that I’m hoping will get their own stories in the future.

4.5/5 stars!

Content:
Clean romance
Abusive father (he is manipulative and yells a lot)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A compelling book of struggling to find your happiness
Emerson has been trying to catch Olivia’s eye and make her aware of his interest in courting her but she sees his attentions as just her best friend’s big brother trying to be nice. Little does he know that she is interested in him. But their mutual interest is irrelevant to the reality Olivia faces. Her father is a violent man, prone to rages and not above hurting his wife. And he will only accept Olivia marrying a man with a title. Character, age, finances, holdings, nothing matters except the title, any title and Emerson does not have a title, therefore, he does not qualify. Unfortunately, Olivia’s father insists on approving her clothing and when he is satisfied Olivia stands out in the crowd because of the gaudiness of her attire, which is not helpful to his cause. Of course, her father will not hear that he is wrong. Olivia doesn’t confront him from a real and honest fear not only for herself but for her mother, who frequently is hiding bruises. But Emerson is determined to win Olivia, so he begins a game of tag to be played by himself, his two friends, Olivia, and his sister while they are attending events with dancing. Just as things seem to be moving in as Emerson desires, Olivia’s father finds a titled peer, Lord Valencourt, willing to accept Olivia, undoubtedly for a good price. Lord Valencourt appears to be just as prone to anger and violence as Olivia’s father but if Olivia doesn’t comply, what will happen to her mother? If Olivia does comply what will happen to her? What can Emerson possibly do when confronted with the situation not only effecting Olivia but her mother as well? Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.

charming and witty! a delightful read. the writing is simple, the plot is sweet, and the characters are cute!

i had so much fun reading this book! a sweet and cozy regency romance, games in a ballroom was told in a dual POV, which I think worked really well for the story. emerson has feelings for liv from the start, but seeing her feelings develop as the game went on, through their friendship and banter was great. i really loved the rest of the characters, as well (at least the ones we're supposed to like!!!), especially arabella and northcott.

there is an underlying darkness in the book that makes the stakes feel very real and high, and i think the ending payoff was really well-done. i wish we got to know mrs. wilde a bit more than we did, as a woman in an abusive marriage. i enjoyed the few moments where we get to see her small rebellions in spite of her really terrible circumstances, and i wish there were a few more of them.

i can't wait for this book to come out and then get all my romance-loving friends to read it!!

thank u netgalley, i am your humble servant

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✨Games in a Ballroom by Jentry Flint✨

Genre: Regency Romance/YA
Pages: 272
Pub Date: May 3, 2022

📚 Synopsis: London, 1815. Olivia Wilde has resigned herself to never finding a love match. Her father has insisted she marry a man with a title, if only to increase his own standing and reputation in society. But the men her father deems acceptable are, at best, boring and uninspiring, and at worse, are as brutish as her father, and are only looking to increase their own diminishing coffers. With her future looking dismal, Olivia decides to enjoy the last few months of freedom with her childhood friends, including the handsome Emerson Latham. His devilish smile and flirtatious teasing stirs up feelings she knows she cannot entertain.

Emerson is struggling to rise to his responsibilities after the death of his father. Though he might still be learning what he needs to do as the head of his household, one thing he knows for sure is that he wants Olivia Wilde to be his wife. Having grown up as childhood friends with Olivia, Emerson long ago had fallen in love with her quick wit, beauty, and passionate heart. However, without a title, he will never be permitted to court Olivia openly. But he has a plan that may give him a chance to court her in secret.

📝 This was a charming and innocent regency romance with a friends to lovers trope. I’d definitely say that this is for a young adult audience (aka not Bridgerton💁🏻‍♀️).

The combination of his pining for Liv, witty banter and the relationship with his mother and friends made Emerson my favorite character.

A solid debut! An enjoyable read for fans of regency romances and Jane Austen.

💫Thank you Netgalley for my ARC💫

This book felt like a needed warm hug. You know those days where you feel heartbroken, lonely, and tearful and you just need a soft heartfelt novel? Games in a Ballroom is just that novel! It gives similar vibes to Emma by Jane Austen in the sense that it is a friend to lovers but with more twists and turns with lots of cute scenes between Emerson and Olivia as Emerson struggles to court Olivia. If you like the boy falls first trope, historical romance, non-toxic and friendly banter then definitely check Games in a Ballroom by Jentry Flint!

#gamesinaballroom #netgalley

I loved this cute story, filled with romance and intrigue. I enjoyed it very much.

I love the premise of a group of friends playing games like tag to pass the boredom of the ballroom. While this book was a mostly lighthearted read, I was hoping for more humor or action based on the silliness of childhood games.

I was more interested in the supporting friends (and would definitely like to read their books) than in the main characters of Olivia Wilde (yep, that's her name, just like the actress) and Emerson Latham. Olivia and Emerson were very vanilla, quite boring. I love friends to lovers, but there was no chemistry between these two. Olivia and Emerson barely had any scenes together. I felt more chemistry between Emerson's sister and his friend. There were nearly two chapters devoted to Emerson and his friend stealing a pig, dressing it up, and letting it loose in their gentlemen's club. Not much came of that, and as funny as it could have been, it had no laugh out loud moments.

There really wasn't much plot. It was very slow, and then a lot was thrown in at the end. No epilogue, and it just kind of ends. There's a HEA for the main couple, but we don't see much in the future.

Very clean romance. Only two very short, non-passionate kisses, the first kiss not until after the 80% mark.

2.5 stars rounded up because I really did enjoy the supporting characters and I think this author has promise.

Possible trigger warning: domestic abuse off page

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely given.

Jentry Flint's "Games in a Ballroom" is a sweet Regency romance featuring appealing characters who have a whimsical sense of humor. Emerson Latham, with help from his friends and sister Arabella, resolves to court the unsuspecting Olivia Wilde by playing tag in a ballroom, of all places. This original premise is entertaining as they attempt to dodge other ball attendees, especially Olivia's father. While stories about those in trade (gasp!) tenaciously attempting to climb the social ladder are not uncommon, Olivia's father Joshua is in a class by himself. He is crass and repulsive, his long-suffering wife is intimidated, and his daughter is resigned.

The reader wonders how Emerson and Olivia will overcome the giant obstacle that is Joshua Wilde. Another game comes to the rescue, thanks to fun-loving Emerson and his friends. The story is peppered with Shakespeare quotes uttered by Emerson's sister, and the Bard plays a unique role at the end.

This mostly lighthearted and playful novel does have some serious moments. Flint's prose is lovely and her characters are charming (with two notable exceptions). That being said, the players could have been more fully developed. This is a short novel, though, and back stories are frequently lacking. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Several secondary characters deserve their own tales, and I hope they get them. I look forward to more offerings from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC of this engaging novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher of this book for the eARC.

A beautiful and light-hearted romance, perfect for any period piece lover. I very much enjoyed the writing in this book and am obsessed with the trio of gentlemen in this book. Emerson's friendship with Bradbury and Northcott is well-achieved and of course Bradbury manages to steal the spotlight whenever possible. Be sure to pick this up if you're in the mood for a light period romance with a dash of drama.

A fun, easy read that meandered a little bit plotwise, but was filled to the brim with great characters and entertainment.

I thought this was just going to be about Emerson trying to court Liv, but it ended up being more a story of friendship and had more action than I expected.

Games in a Ballroom had PILES of characters, and Flint managed to make each one of them unique and engaging (even the one that didn't engage- looking at you, Northcutt). I love seeing a friend group that's men and women in historical fiction because the dynamic is always changing and so interesting. While I think just about none of this book would have ever happened (propriety does not let you run through a ballroom without being noticed, among other things) this was still a charming read and I was happy to suspend belief to enjoy their games.

Liv was, unfortunately, the palest of the characters. We're told a lot that she's spunky and independent, but I got more of that from Arabella, her friend. I just didn't see a lot of her motivation or her real personality.

I did also appreciate that the plotline that emerged of her father really pushing her to get married to a titled man that added conflict and some kind of stress to the situation. I would have liked more resolution but there was action and I liked that it all tied back to their games in the end.

Enjoyed this book so much! The writing was beautiful. I believe this is a Friends to Lover's story that was done very well! Would have liked a little more back story on Oliva and Emerson's childhood together. I would love to read a sequel on Emerson's friends and Arabella!

3.5 rounded up to 4

What drew me to this Regency romance was the cover and the synopsis that included a game. I have to say I’m not a fan of the childhood friends-to-lovers trope so immediately that part of the story wasn’t for me. My favorite part of the book was the game aspect and I’d like to have more of it. I liked the idea of a friend group in a regency novel too. The book definitely lagged a bit in the middle. I really liked the last third of it. It was very cute and I’d read another book from this author especially if it’s hate-to-love or marriage of convenience.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this novel, but it was a good surprise! The book starts off with the hero, Emerson, already head-over-heels in love with Olivia, a young lady that he's known for years as a friend of the family. Better yet, the hero even admits right off the bat that he's in love with her to his closest friends. In a lot of novels, the hero holds out FOREVER to come to terms with his feelings or the couple has to gradually get to know each other and then they fall in love. This was a unique change to a romance novel set-up one that I think worked out and it breaks up the repetition that you see in a lot of these Regency romances. I also had fun with this tight-knit group of friends. I enjoy seeing heathy male and female friendships.

Now onto the games part. Playing a secret game of tag while at a ball? I started out not too sure, but then the games quickly became my favorite part of the novel. It made the ballroom scenes about 10x more exciting in my opinion. Why aren't we all playing a low-key game of tag with our friends when at a boring social event? Let's make this the norm.

The only thing I could've used a bit more of was some closure at the end of the novel about what happened to Olivia's father and the baron she was being forced to marry. The action at the end was a bit abrupt. I wanted to see these evil men get their comeuppance, but it did end in a way that might leave room for those questions to be answered in a future novel. I'd definitely read more books by this author. Hopefully, she'll continue the story with some of the other characters she introduced. I'm intrigued by the other members in the couple's friend group, especially Northcott. I want to know what he's got going on underneath that somber countenance. I will *try* to wait patiently to learn more about him.

TW: domestic abuse
CW: clean content with only a few kisses

I was provided an e-ARC of the novel from the publisher/Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was delightful and charming! I loved this group of friends and their banter and sense of humor. This plot was unique and was definitely a fun and romantic regency! The brotherhood of friends was entertaining and I loved that they each balanced the others out in some way! Is this a series? Are we getting more? I just want more from this group of characters! Olivia and Emerson were engaging as characters and their back and forth games offered sparks of chemistry and unpredictability to this story! I would happily read more from this author!

In this HR, Olivia Wilde is the only child of a self-made business man with anger issues and an abusive streak. Now that he’s earned a lot of money and found his way among the peerage, his primary focus is on marrying his daughter to a peer in order to elevate himself to the highest possible social standing.

Emerson Latham is Olivia’s best friend’s older brother. The three of them, along with Emerson’s friends, grew up messing around and playing games together. However, when we meet him, Emerson isn’t as playful as he used to be; after having lost his father, he’s now in charge of the family’s estate and its tenants, as well as his grieving mother and unwed sister.

But grief and responsibility haven’t taken Emerson’s eyes off of what he wants most: to marry Olivia. Because he doesn’t have a title, Emerson knows her father won’t let that happen to easily, so he comes up with a plan to state his intentions and spend as much time as possible with Liv: he proposes a discreet game of tag for the duration of the Season’s balls among themselves, his sister and his friends. That way, he has a legitimate reason to chase after her (I don’t hate it 😏).

The premise is lovely and I really liked the writing; I guess my main problem is that not a lot happens plot-wise! For the first 60% or so, the main plot points are the game, Olivia’s certainty that Emerson doesn’t actually like her (though he makes it very clear that he does, all the time) and a bet involving a pig and a waistcoat.

Things do move a little further from there, but I guess when I’m reading a slow burn I need two things: a lot (and I mean A LOT) of tension between the main characters, and for the payoff to be worth it. It needs to burn at some point! Unfortunately, I didn’t get any of those things with this book. Even the chemistry between Olivia and Emerson was lacking for me.

It bums me out not to have liked this book as much as I’d hoped, but I guess it can’t work for everyone.

Games in a Ballroom is such a wild twist on the regency romances you've read before.
In an attempt to win Olivia's heart, Emerson Latham creates a game that they can play during the Season's balls. He must find the perfect balance of courting the woman he loves without her overbearing father finding out.

The way that Emerson cares about Olivia and desires to protect her from harm is commendable and sweet.

The relationship between Emerson and his good friend, Bradbury is smile inducing and laugh producing! At one point I found my mouth gaping open and my eyes the size of dinner plates because of the hilarious circumstances they had gotten themselves into.

This clean regency romances has enough elements to keep it engaging and differentiate it from others you might have read!
If regency romance is your thing, Games in a Ballroom is definitely a book you're going to want to have on your list of must read books for 2022!

This was a fun, enjoyable read with lovely banter and elegant prose. The characters were fun and relatable, but I had a very hard time paying attention. There was something missing that just didn't connect with me.

I'm sure it will be a hit when this story finds its reader base, but it just wasn't for me.

Games in a Ballroom was a fun regency read that you can get through in a weekend. The leading man, Emerson, is in love with his childhood friend Olivia Wilde (yes, really), and concocts a game for them and their friends to play during the season. Hijinks ensue. While I don't typically pick up a lot of friends-to-lovers romances, I enjoyed this story and the relationship that the couple already shared before it turned into something more. A few things probably wouldn't actually be acceptable during the regency era, but easily overlooked when you're only reading for the story and not the historical accuracy. All in all a fun, clean read that I'll be recommending to my regency-loving friends!

– Thanks to NetGalley / Shadow Mountain for the ARC for a review –

3.5 STARS

• Regency London, 1815
• Friends to Lovers
• Fun & Games
• Bridgerton vibes
• Slow burn
• Dual POVs

This is a fun debut regency novel that is similar to Bridgerton, but with a game of “Tag you’re It” that plays out throughout the book. Olivia Wilde’s father wants her to marry a “title” and Emerson, her childhood friend, is in love with her and wants to win her heart. He and his friends design a game amidst all the balls to do just that. If you like regency novels you will like this one.

The group of friends is great, especially Emerson’s besties who help him with his plan. and I enjoyed the women characters Olivia & her friend Arabella. Emerson is certainly charming and you root for him the whole way through.

Olivia’s father is a brute and verbally abusive and it’s hard to read, but he is the obsessively ambitious villain of the story. He is not the loving father found in other Regency novels.

My biggest qualm is that I would like a tad more chemistry or banter between the MCs, and an epilogue similar to all the Bridgerton books where they are together. I found the ending came too quickly and I wanted to read one more chapter.

I do love the cover art so much!

Games in a Ballroom releases on May 3, 2022.

This book is pure fun and romance. I loved Emerson and Olivia. I also loved all the side characters and am hoping they get their own stories. I loved the games that were played during the courtship. Ballroom tag, lines from books, and hide and seek. So clever. I would highly recommend reading this book.

I thought this was a cute story. I liked how Emerson came up with a way to court Olivia without drawing her terrible father’s attention. I like how there were multiple pranks and games going on in order for Olivia to be herself and to see Emerson in a new light. I liked that everything worked out in the end even though it was a hard road. I thought that Jentry did a great job for a first novel and look forward to seeing what else she writes.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

This was an entertaining read. The idea of a game of tag at the ball was intriguing. I feel like it could have been explained a little more in depth exactly how this would help him in his courtship, though.

I enjoyed the characters and hope that they will eventually be given their own stories.

The ending was a little rushed. It would have been nice to see their romance developed a little more throughout the book. Also an epilogue giving us a glimpse of their future together would have been more satisfying.

It was a little slow in some parts and sometimes repetitious. But for a first book I think Jentry Flint did an amazing job. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.



This was an entertaining read. The idea of a game of tag at the ball was intriguing. I feel like it could have been explained a little more in depth exactly how this would help him in his courtship, though.

I enjoyed the characters and hope that they will eventually be given their own stories.

The ending was a little rushed. It would have been nice to see their romance developed a little more throughout the book. Also an epilogue giving us a glimpse of their future together would have been more satisfying.

It was a little slow in some parts and sometimes repetitious. But for a first book I think Jentry Flint did an amazing job. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Three and a half stars.

Emerson is beginning to recover from his grief over the death of his father and is now ready to become a man and take a wife. He has the perfect candidate in mind: Olivia, his sister's best friend. Unfortunately, Olivia has a horrible title-grubbing father who will not allow his daughter to marry anyone who is merely a "Mister." In an effort to get Olivia to see him as more than just her friend's brother and as a way to pass the time during the never-ending Season, Emerson devises a plan involving an on-going game of Tag. The trick is, no one else beyond their group can discover their high jinx in the middle of the balls they must attend. Olivia feels her time running out once her father has found an evil Viscount who is in need of money and Emerson knows he still needs to get her to trust him.
My first thought was that this DEFINITELY must have happened for real. Like really, those balls always sound dreadfully boring and a game of tag certainly would have made them far more fun. Emerson was swoony in his love for Olivia. His friends and sister (and her insane knowledge of all things Shakespeare) were great comic relief, and Olivia was a strong woman in an impossible position: follow her father's wishes and be stuck in a miserable, loveless marriage, or marry for love and risk his wrath and the fact that he will definitely take it out on her mother. This was a great story and had a good balance of humor and angst. CW for signs of domestic abuse. Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for the eARC.

A lovely regency romance! Emerson is determined to make Olivia his bride but how can he accomplish this when her father is totally against a union of these two sweethearts. Emerson comes up with a game to convince Olivia he is her soulmate. The hero knows what he wants and it is the heroine, Olivia. You can't help but fall for these two lovebirds. You want to cheer them on throughout the book! Wonderful book to read with a cup of tea. This is the author's debut novel and she is off to a great start.

Games in the Ballroom is a clean historical romance. It is the first novel written by Jentry Flint. I am always a little unsure when reading a first book from a new author, but I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I really enjoyed reading this book.

I loved the story line and the fun idea of the characters to engage in a game of tag played in ballrooms throughout the season. It added a little excitement to the typical ballroom scenes. I also really enjoyed the main characters of Emerson and Olivia. Emerson was a real sweetheart who was always doing his best to look out for his widowed mother and sister and protect Olivia from her father. Olivia was timid and reserved around her controlling family but has a fun loving spunky side when allowed to be herself. I was rooting for their love story to have a happy ending. I also really loved the side characters in this story. I hope they will get to have stories of their own.

I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading other books by this author.

This was a fun book with lovable characters! I absolutely adore this story, at first I was a little nervous but it was so good! Games in a Ballroom is Jentry Flint’s debut novel and it was excellent! The story was really interesting and I fell for the characters at the beginning. I am so glad that I took the chance on it.
Olivia was just trying to humor her father. He was controlling her life, and she was tiptoeing around him. However, when Emerson suggests a game of tag to pass the time during the balls, she can’t help but risk it all for the chance to be herself. Emerson is struggling to find his place after the death of his father, but there is one thing that he knows, he has fallen for Olivia Wilde. As he tries to show her his feelings, he proposes a game of tag. They never expected the fun they would have, but there are devastating consequences if Olivia's father finds out that Emerson fancies her. Will their relationship ever grow past friends?
Olivia was a bit timid when it came to her father, but she was quick and kind. I loved reading about Olivia. Although she may seem shy, she hid a quick wit about her and it was fun to read about her interacting with Emerson and his friends. She was a strong character and she had endured much from her father. I actually really liked her and I so wanted her to find her freedom and happiness after she had been stuck in her father’s cage. It was sweet to read about Olivia coming out of her shell as she played the game with Ermerson, Arabella, Emerson’s sister, and his friends. Olivia had to learn to stand up for what she believed and fight for a better future.
Emerson was the sweetest. I really liked him. He was just trying his best to live up to his father’s shoes. He wanted to help his sister find a good match, care for his mother, and convince Olivia of his love. I really enjoyed reading from his perspective, he had quite a journey. He was trying to find the balance between his old jokersty self and the more serious lord he had become. He really cared for his friends and family, and I loved his interactions with his friends. Emerson will have to figure out what he is willing to risk for love?
Emerson and Olivia were great characters and I loved reading their story. I wanted them to fight for their love and happiness. I did not know how it was going to have a happy ending and there were some surprises. It was a really good book! I also loved the side characters. They were awesome and I hope they get their own books. I adored Bradbury, Northcott, and Arabella. They really helped make the story.
I loved Games in a Ballroom and I would definitely recommend it! I hope that there are more books to come in this series. Games in a Ballroom is a clean historical romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Games in a Ballroom by Jentry Flint, 272 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2022. $16.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
From Emerson’s perspective, he’s been subtly courting Olivia because he doesn’t have a title -- the one requirement of Olivia’s father for her future husband. From Olivia’s perspective, Emerson has been asking her to dance out of pity for her lack of dance partners during her second season. Emerson suggests that they discreetly play tag at subsequent balls as another excuse to interact with Olivia, but Olivia can’t afford to play any games with her heart.
The story of Emerson and Olivia is a fun one because you never know what is going to happen next. Emerson and his friends entertain themselves, and readers, with their constant antics that push society’s boundaries -- and there are a couple games I would love to play myself! Flint balances the seriousness of domestic violence with the joys of fighting for a happily ever after.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Games in a Ballroom is a regency romance by Jentry Flint. It includes friends to lovers, best friend’s older brother, and forbidden love tropes.

I love regency romances, but I have read so many that lately I have felt like all the plots are the same. Games in a Ballroom however was so fresh and unique! Emerson and Olivia have been friends since childhood and Emerson is determined to marry Olivia. However, Olivia’s controlling father has forbidden her from marrying any untitled gentleman, thus removing Emerson from the running. But this doesn’t stop Emerson from trying. In an effort to court Olivia without her father’s knowledge, Emerson initiates a game of tag their group of friends can play at the balls they attend. But even if Emerson secures Olivia’s affection, how will they convince her father to allow them to get married?

There are so many things I love about this book! Emerson’s playful spirit, the many different games the characters play, Emerson & Olivia’s group of friends, and the pig. I sincerely hope we get to see more of this fun group and their antics!

The main thing I loved about this book was the plot. I felt like it had a good pace, there was always something happening to move the story forward. From the games to the pranks to the romance I had a hard time putting this book down!

I also thoroughly enjoyed the characters. Although I didn’t feel like they grew a ton, I did love that throughout the book they found happiness and their respective burdens were lightened. I found the characters easy to connect with and enjoyed their playful banter and camaraderie. Olivia & Arabella’s “Name that Shakespeare Play” game reminded me of how my sister and I quote movies together. Emerson and his two best friends reminded me of Sarah M. Eden’s Jonquil brothers with their playfulness and loyalty.

Overall this was such a fun story to read! It was very entertaining, had all the elements of a clean historical romance that I love, but was unique and refreshing.

If you enjoy clean regency romances, playing games, charming, determined, swoony gentleman, and loyal friends who are always up for a bit of mischief, you definitely need to check out Games in a Ballroom!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions expressed are my own.

I was really excited by the title and premise of this book. Games in a Ballroom sound like great fun, and the idea of a game of tag across ballrooms was really appealing. The execution, however, fell flat for me. The characters were flat as well, seeming to be character sketches rather than fully fleshed individual. Their inner lives were sparse and repetitive. The Hero was bound by duty. The Heroine was afraid of her father. Even the setting gave me pause since the London season took place during Spring and Summer, but these balls are during cold weather months. I do think the author has potential, and I'd like to see her work grow and mature.

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an eARC access to Games in a Ballroom by Jentry Flint.

In 1815 London, Emerson Latham must usher his family through the loss of his father. But while assisting his sister through her first year of balls and courting, he can't seem to keep his eyes off of his sister's best friend Olivia Wilde. But unfortunately, Olivia Wilde is being instructed by her aggressive, and albeit violent father, to land a man with a title. Something Emerson doesn't have. To encourage more time with Olivia, Emerson proposes a friendly game of tag, to get more time with Olivia and convince her, while without a title, he can provide her a life worth living. She just needs to forget about her father.

Rating: 3/5 - This was a sweet, regency romance. It was a clean romance, where you can't help but love Emerson for his commitment to his love for Olivia, no matter what rationale others told him, which is super swoon worthy. I wanted to like this book more than I did, but I just couldn't keep my attention focused on it - But I think for fans of clean romances and regency time, it would be a better fit for them!

Olivia Wilde’s father is set on her marrying a man with a title to raise their standing in society. But his choices of men leave Olivia dreading the future ahead of her. Emerson Latham is trying to settle into his new role after the passing of his father and it has not been easy. Add to that having to watch the woman he loves be paraded around by her father, looking for a titled man, and the season looks very bleak. Emerson believes they both deserve some fun, so with the help of their childhood friends they set up a game of tag to carry them from one ballroom to another. And just maybe Emerson can convince Olivia of his feelings for her and they can figure out a way to be together.

This was a charming book. The pacing was a little slower than I expected, but I didn’t mind it in the end. I always enjoyed reading it when I picked it up. The whole cast of characters was delightful. (I very much hope some secondary characters get their own books in the future.) The concept of a subtle game of tag during a ball was great and I loved how every character embraced the game. It made for some fun banter and sweet moments for Olivia and Emerson. Which was nice since there were also some heavier situations being dealt with outside the ballroom. But the balance of serious and playful was good. The romance was clean and slow burn and has a very satisfying HEA.

If you like a charming friends-to-lovers historical romance featuring a good amount of ballroom antics then you’ll enjoy this book.

I loved the premise of this book and reading it did not disappoint! The games were fun, the characters were great and it was just a sweet romance all around!

Mr. Emerson Latham is in love with his childhood friend, Olivia Wilde and has decided that he’s going to marry her. However, there are two obstacles to his plan. The first is Olivia and getting her to realize he loves her. The second, and even bigger obstacle, is her father. Mr. Wilde has made his fortune through trade and now covets a title. Olivia is the key to him getting his wish by marrying an indebted earl, no matter their love for her or their character.

Emerson’s always been known to play games and accept crazy challenges, so it’s not surprising when he proposes playing Tag at ballroom events. What Olivia doesn’t know is this is how Emerson plans on courting her! Playing along and orchestrating time to be alone with Olivia are his two best friends, Lord Northcott and Mr. Bradbury. These two men proved to be the best kind of friends you could ever want.

Emerson is just the man that Olivia needs in her life. Breaking free from her domineering and brutish father will take great courage and determination. Emerson truly knows who Olivia is under her gaudy, costly garments and challenges her to live up to her name, Liv Wilde. With that kind of love and support, Olivia realizes she can be bold and live a life of happiness and freedom.

Other games are played and become key in carrying out Emerson’s plan as circumstances for Olivia (Liv) and her mother become dangerous. Hide and Seek was my favorite part of the story as Mr. Wilde is unknowingly a participant. I have never seen games be a part of a story before and thought it was ingenious! I hope there is a sequel for Emerson’s friends and bluestocking sister.

TW: violent, abusive father and husband

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Shadow Mountain, for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Games in a ballroom by Jentry Flint is a classic Regency love story with a playful twist.

Fearing that her social-climbing father would never consent to a marriage between himself and Olivia, Emerson, with the help of his friends and sister, sets out to discreetly court her by playing games in a ballroom.

Flint cleverly weaves her games theme throughout her novel; she takes it beyond the ballroom and into London society at large and caps it off with the ultimate game of hide and seek.

The story is almost evenly split between the hero and heroine’s point of view allowing the author to develop both characters equally in depth and the reader to enjoy their burgeoning romance twice over.

The supporting cast of game players are also interesting in their own right and, I hope, will each be further developed in their own novel in the future.

Games in a ballroom is a quick and charming read that will please fans of Regency roma

♡Tag x Regency♡
Synopsis:

Emerson Latham, sobered by responsibility he has inherited through his fathers passing, is ready to settle down, and he has just the lady in mind for the job. He holds a tendre for his childhood friend & sister's best friend, Miss Wilde. There are two impediments to that goal:
1.He is deep in the trenches of the Friendzone and oblivious Olivia can't seem to pick up any flirting cues (which, girl same.)
2.If he manages to overcome the above, then he still must contend with Mr Wilde's decree that his daughter will only be wed to one baring a title; one Latham is sorely without.

Olivia Wilde (Not the starlet,) aka Liv Wilde (not the homophone of the motto,) is unaware she is the target of a wooing. Due to their longstanding friendship, whenever he asks for a dance she assumes it is out of politeness to his sisters friend or neighborly duty. When he flirts she is unsure of his sincerity, and she takes it for teasing.

Olivia is not one to put much merit in words, unlike her BFF Miss Arabella Latham, to who the Bard's word is as good as gospel. Olivia doesn't care for superficial compliments; a fortunate thing as her dresses put the 'gad' in 'gaudy.' Here's a helpful rule of thumb: If Caroline Bingley would wear it, Olivia has it. See, for some reason, her Father, who is new money & uncouth, makes the fashion calls, and he likes whatever costs the most & is the flashiest, to exhibit his wealth, irregardless of style.

Perhaps this is why Olivia is rarely asked to dance and has become a wallflower, which leaves her in a precarious situation, as her fathers social climbing hopes are pinned on her making an advantageous match, propelling them from tainted trade into venerated gentry. Defecting from this plan in not an option, as Mr Wilde is always on a knives edge, and if Olivia doesn't do as told, he will take it out on both her- verbally- and on her mother -physically.

With the season in full swing, playing wingman to Emerson's romantic pursuit are his two best mates. There is Bradbury, a lovable scamp who enjoys to gamble, and sees no need to abandon his bachelorhood, he gives flashes of Barney from HIMYM. And Lord Northcott, aka Beasty, aka the brooding baron, all in reference to his imposing height and somber demeanor- evidently a Darcy type.

Emerson surmises he must resort to unconventional courting methods to escape the jaws of the Friendzone. Having his head in the game, he suggests one of tag. This may seem out of left field, but with Emerson it is a pattern, literally all his solutions to any obstacle dropped in his path are a result of an arrested development with childhood games.

His friends: Hey Emerson, why not attempt to be more transparent & blatant in courting her?
Emerson: No, tag is the only way. Courting was never an option. Tag is love, tag is life.

At times it gets a bit over the top, as it ALL comes back to the game. Every favor, argument, supplication.. Were one of the characters to drop dead, I wouldn't be surprised if their final breath would be wasted on the utterance, 'Please, finish the game. For me.’

All the while, they must be discrete when tagging one another, adding an an extra layer to the game. If they were caught, it would be the height of impropriety.

Tag is not the only recreation the group will partake in, there are games within the game- a gameception, if you will! All the classics you remember from childhood feature fittingly when called for.

I can't think of a better theme for a courtship where the gentleman hasn't expressly stated his intentions than children's games, since isn't that what dating in general feels like? Childish mind games, played by stunted adults- ehem. Not bitter. I digress.

Will love be in the cards for Emerson & Olivia? Or will Olivia be forced to accept the hand she was dealt and marry a title irregardless of a want of affection? Might a titled suitor have something up his sleeve? Will Emerson's tag game prove to be the trump card? Or-- ok I'm sorry, I'll cease with the puns. I can feel the wrath building through the screen.

The Brass Tacks:

It was slow to get into, but by second half I couldn't put it down. This is not a story where you will find angst, or incredible depths of characters, but it was well rounded. It was always subtly funny, not in your face, but intrinsically so. The dialogue was solid, with some lines that stood out, the characters all distinguished, and the resolution satisfying. All in all, a charming debut.

I love the theme of youth bound by strictures finding small pockets of fun and loop holes to slip through. Irregardless of their descending roles as masters and ladies in the marriage mart, they find a way to be playful, in almost small rebellion. It is the true universal attitude, the desire to find those with whom you feel safe to be silly. To bring out your inner clown. Not It.

This novel inspired me to fit more games in, to create new & keep old inside jokes betwixt bosom friends; thus keeping the torch of whimsy eternally lit. Sometimes tis all too easy to forget to make time for some lighthearted silliness, and that reminder has made this yarn all the worth while.

Whichever ballrooms life takes you to, whether be it one at the Met or the Marriott, tis never too late to squeeze in some games.

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a good book while you're in the thick of it but once it's over, it's easy to set aside and pick up a different book. It's entertaining and a bit unique but it doesn't linger.

The premise of adults not wanting to be adults and playing one last round of childish games resonates with me. It isn't a view we often get from historical romances in this time period so I appreciated that. And the look into the unsavory inner workings of a wealthy family were a twist I wasn't quite expecting but found intriguing. The happy ending made me happy, if it did feel a bit rushed. I would have liked one more chapter or an epilogue.

My biggest issue is with the main characters and the romantic arc. Emerson and Olivia had so much potential and never delivered on it. I wanted to see more of the Olivia that Emerson fell in love with but we never got that chance. I also wanted to see them fall in love but we were robbed of that, too. It just kind of happened and the story kept moving.

Honestly, I found Lord Northcott and Arabella more interesting.

Any lover of historical fiction will enjoy reading this but it wouldn't be the first story I recommend in this genre.

"He was not certain he would not rather face down an infantry of soldiers"
"He wanted the spitfire he had grown up with, not the subdued debutante he witnessed at balls"
"What is life if not a fated adventure?"
If you liked Bridgerton , this is the book for you!
I loved every moment of this story starting from the setting, the gowns and the balls till the games , the intrigues and the passionate love story developing in it. This book was exactly what I was looking for to get out of a reading slump and , in a very strange way, get me ready for the Christmas mood.
There's something incredibly lovely about reading of ballrooms and gentlemen and ladies during their seasons while approaching to winter.
Olivia is an amazing leading female character. She is witty, fast- minded and she enjoys playing game once in a while.
Emerson? Emerson is just a perfect gentleman who's been raised with the belief that the really important thing in life is to be happy and make your loved ones happy in turn ... not assure economical stability not matter what.
I loved reading about the teasing and the continue banters and Arabella's characters was just the perfect adding ingredient to make it all funnier. Maybe we're gonna hear more about her ... I really wish we will.
This story was easy to get into with a fluent writing style that lets you follow the plot and the characters without problem.
Everyone should read it !
"Surely nothing bad could come from playing a harmless child's game"
"She would play one game for him and pray her father was not in attendance"
"He could search the world over and never find another who called to him like she did"

This was a fun and exciting novel to read! I loved the author’s voice in describing the world of Regency England. I could definitely tell she put effort and research into making the story realistic, while also adding romantic flair. General imagery used helped expand the scope of this story for me, as many characters felt fleshed out with their own backstories waiting to be revealed. Emerson’s friends and sister intrigued me the most and were integral to the story, which leads me to believe some may get sequels in the future.

Emerson and Mr. Wilde, Olivia’s father, were foils, which added dimension. Mr. Wilde and Emerson are both untitled, yet each have opposing views on marriage and class which play into an overarching theme of the novel. I loved this dynamic writing-wise, but at times felt it was a detriment to Olivia’s character. She has to choose between following her heart or her father’s wishes. However, her father can be abusive with threats and punishments. Compared to a loveless marriage like her parents’, Olivia would be inclined to fall for someone so different than her father – like Emerson – to escape. This is only worth mentioning because the romance wasn’t as organic as I’d hoped, as Olivia and Emerson don’t really connect in a mental sense as far as I could tell. I would have liked more serious conversations between them, less “inconveniences” because they misunderstand each other but won’t talk it out, etc. Also, Olivia and Emerson will mention how they “used to” act a certain way but have changed because of recent events, ones which happened before the novel started. I feel like their growth could have been shown some more, but I also like the development of both characters rediscovering themselves through love, so this is just a nitpick.

Overall, I enjoyed the messages about grief, love, and merit featured in this novel. The characters were interesting and memorable, the setting was expansive, and the climax was exciting. Both leads are distinct from others within their social rank during the time period (ideologically and in character), but still mostly act within a realistic set of boundaries for said time period. I would recommend this novel for any Regency fan.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are my unbiased opinion.

Oh my goodness this book was amazing!! I loved it. The characters were engaging, the ideas were different than typical regency romances. It brought a bit of happiness to my soul.

"He leaned over her, his mouth close to her own, and she could not look away. His smile grew, and his eyes briefly dipped to her lips. 'Are you going to let me go?' she asked, breathless. She could feel the water bubbling perilously beneath her. 'Not if I can help it.'"

What a delightful and surprising read! If you think you know what to expect from a regency romance story with ballrooms and proper London society, then think again. This book was such a cool opportunity to gain a new, playful perspective on the lighter side of regency flirting. A hidden look or a stolen moment during a dance is all well and fun, but getting to see these characters play an inconspicuous game of tag and other fun games while flouncing about in society was fun and unique. There's also another aspect of "game playing" as the struggles of wealth and status impact the marriage prospects and parental expectations of our two main characters. I loved the strong, intelligent female friendship between Olivia and Arabella just as much as I enjoyed the charming trio of gentlemen who all have their own fun with each other throughout this story. This story kept me on my toes and had me turning page after page to see how these two could make their own happily ever after possible. A couple unexpected twists and turns, several laughs and lots of swoony kisses will have this book on my mind long after I read the last page. So glad I picked this book up! Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Such a great book. First of, I loved the cover!! Second, I loved all the little games incorporated into the book. The author did a great job developing the characters and I was quickly pulled into the story. Well done.

The idea of this was good, but it needed further development. The characters seemed one dimensional and the plot was lacking. Everything seemed focused on playing the game instead of engaging the reader. I understand this is the author’s first work and I would be interested to see what else she might write before crossing her off my list.

I thought this was such a unique love story. I love the Regency era and the unique challenges it presents sometimes and the creative ways the hero and heroine have to find to get to know one another better and express their feelings. I thought the author did such a great job in presenting multiple points of view- I fell in love with Emerson's character almost immediately. I was totally drawn in, wanting him to figure out a way to win his love, despite their challenges. I thought the game aspect made it super interesting, and the heart behind it was so clear. You won't want to miss this delightful and fun love story!

This was a light, delightful read and a return to regency romance that I enjoyed. This book isn’t spicy and doesn’t have those kinds of scenes, however, it did have some sweet, romantic moments between the characters that really developed and built their relationship. This was a departure from my normal reads where the characters are strong, determined. Given the era of England, however, the demure female characters made sense. Overall, it was an enjoyable regency read.
Plot: This was such a cute storyline and I honestly enjoyed how we didn’t go back in time to see how he fell in love with her, but we just got a snippet of their story; of how she falls in love with him. I also loved the game of tag they play and how it really was integral to the storyline.
Writing: the writing was great and I enjoyed the style.
Dialogue: The dialogue was nice between the characters. It fit and made sense, especially given the time period/location/
Character Development: While I love a strong character who knows herself, it is understandable given the time period and events why our main character isn’t necessarily a strong heroine. Or rather, she’s strong in her own way, but it’s not as obvious. She’s definitely more of a damsel in distress than I usually enjoy, I will say.
Scenes: There are no spicy scenes in this book, which is fine. I’m so used to historical romances having these scenes though, but I didn’t notice until after the book was over. I will say, the ending was a bit abrupt and I do wish we could’ve gone with them on their journey, but still a good ending.

I had a hard time figuring out how to start this review because I loved Games in a Ballroom by Jentry Flint so much! A fresh take on regency romance, this book is bursting with creativity and fun. I loved Emerson’s mischievousness. I loved Liv’s spirit. Most of all, I loved the wonderful cast of characters Flint has created. From a Shakespeare quoting sister to a trouble making best friend, Flint’s characters are well developed, memorable, and filled with personality. I hope I get to see more of these characters in future books. Also, I loved all of the games in this book and how integral they were to the story. This is definitely a book to watch for when it releases in 2022.

*Thank you to Netgalley, Shadow Mountain, and Jentry Flint for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

his book was somewhere between three and four stars, since I don't have the possibility to give it somewhere in between, I have decided to award it with four of them as a boost for books to come. :)

Anyway, this is a lovely read and I say it, because it reminds me a lot of The Duke and I and the whole Bridgerton series. The characters are loveable, the story can be a bit predictable at times, but you will nonetheless have a lot of fun reading it - if you are looking for something to ease your mind after the whole day of worrying and being under stress.

I didn't like Emerson's character, because he was in love so much, that it was overexaggerated, and I know it is strange to say it, but I don't think men would show their feelings much in the Regency period. I would love to read the next books in series, if it happens at one point. The reason it took me so much time is that I had some personal reasons, but, this is a book you can read in one sitting, so if you are up for something like that, have it in mind. :)



Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an ARC.

Emerson knows Olivia as the best friend of his sister(Arabella) and also the woman he adores. As the season progresses, he thinks he has been doing a smashing job of wooing her but she doesn't see it as wooing. So, being a games in the ballroom in which Emerson's 2 friends and his sister are also involved.
This was conceptually great but I thought the execution lacking. The romance lacked depth.
The friendships are around were very well executed whether it was Bradbury and Northcott or with Arabella. All the Shakespeare references were really refreshing.

I want to thank #netgally and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I am looking forward to Northcott and Bradbury's books in the series.

I really like this book. I thought it started off slow, but when you got into it, there was no stopping. I did not want to put it down.

Emmerson and Olivia have that base friendship that I personally believe have to be in any good relationship. Emmerson's hope at courting Olivia is bleak. Her father only wants a title in his family line, and Emmerson knows that to openly court her is not a possibility. He decides to get her to fall in love with him secretly. He proposes a game and with the knowing help of his two closest friends, and his unknowing sister, they start up a discreet game of tag at every ball they attend.

Olivia has resigned herself to a loveless marriage and when her terrifying father brings what seems a viable option, a man that is actually good enough for him, and one that tolerates her father, she sees her developing feelings for a good caring man, begin to become only a daydream-something she never sees as possible. But Emmerson decides to fight for her and isn't going to give up easily.

I actually really enjoyed how it ended, although I would have loved an epilogue or one more chapter to keep it going just a little longer. But that is me being greedy. I'm excited to see what more Jentry comes up with.
Rating: 4 stars

Olivia has been presented to society in order to find the perfect match. Unfortunately, her abusive father is determined to make the match for her- and the only thing that matters to him is a title. With her best friends Emerson (does not have a title) and Arabella they put together a game of tag to keep the balls a little more entertaining. Secretly Emerson is in love with Olivia and spends the whole book trying to subtly convince her of this, even though he knows Mr. Wilde would never agree to the match.

This was just okay. The game of tag seemed a bit contrived, but it was fun to imagine them trying to do this during Regency balls. While the story was cute, it felt like it just took a really long time to get there! There were some cute moments, some silly moments, but overall the slow-moving story was just ok for me. I do appreciate that it was clean though!!

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

London, March 1815. Emerson Latham has set his mind on winning the hand of his childhood friend, Olivia Wilde, in this years season. He is certain that she will be the right woman to marry and share his life with, and to help with the household that his late father has left him with. There is only one problem; Olivia's father has decided that she will marry a man of title so that he can further his position in society. The titled men who are interested in her are all boring, plain and they all have a catch – which makes the endless balls and outings dreadful things for Olivia. Emerson Latham is the opposite of these men. He is charming and playful, proposing a game of tag in London's ballrooms to pass the time. The group of friends participate in the game that soon turns Olivia's attention toward Emerson in a whole different way. He is handsome and she knows him well, but he isn't titled. Her father would never allow such a match.

This book is packed with romance, yearning for another, friendship, and the challenges that a person faces when growing into adulthood in the 19th century. We have a quite typical star-crossed lovers situation in the book, but the game of tag that drives the whole novel forward gives it a feeling that is slight different from books that I have previously read. The game gives the book a playful, fun, and youthful feeling, while the underlying problems are far deeper and more fitted for adults.

Jentry Flint writes in a way that easily brings you through the book, and it flows nicely all through. The book felt rather short to me because of the flowing writing and the length being under 300 pages, but it still managed to make me root for the characters and their stories. They were all nicely written, and even though I feel that they could have been more developed if the book was longer, I am satisfied.

This book has some of that Bridgerton-vibe without being as spicy, so that is definitely something to note. Further, I also feel that it has it’s similarities to Pride and Prejudice and other books written in and about this time-period. If you’re a fan of historical dramas and romances, then this is a book for you. Don’t expect to be blown away by something new or different, but it is a sweet book that is easy to enjoy for most people!

I believe this is a debut Regency novel from the author. The plot of the book is quite different and interesting. I like how the author showed how marriage during the Regency times is hard and complicated. And how a woman at that time has no choice on the matter. Aside from that, I also like the part where the hero and heroine are playing their childhood games with their friends, especially in a proper ballroom.

However, I did not like how slow the story is and how unsure and somehow weak the female lead character is, except for the last chapters of the book. Although I understand where the author is coming from especially the abuse she experienced, I guess she is just not the type of heroine I like.

Overall, this is an ok start for the author. Especially if you like a slow-burn story about two childhood friends learning their affections with each other through the games they play in the ballroom..

Got this from Netgalley, courtesy of Shadow Mountain (Thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.

Games in a Ballroom is the story of Olivia and Emerson, two lifelong friends who are just realizing that they might be more. Emerson is trying to get out of the friend zone, but Olivia is necessarily preoccupied by her horrible father’s attempts at marrying her up and off. Emerson concocts a game of ballroom tag as a way to spend more time in Olivia’s company, something that can be a bit tricky to come by with society’s strict rules for socialization.

I enjoyed this story and would love to hear more about this group of rebellious young adults, coming of age amongst the at time stifling ton. I got the feeling there was a colorful backstory to this group’s antics, but we didn’t get much. A prologue would be a fantastic addition.

Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this work.

I read dozens of regency romances and whenever I pick up a new book, I am looking for something that sets it apart from the rest.

This book involved game playing, amongst other shenanigans, which was a unique idea I have never read before. A game of tag in the ballroom? Sign me up! The premise of this book had me hooked from the beginning, and I enjoyed the added moments of peril and pranks.

I love books where the guy falls first, which is part of this book as well. The whole story was just very up my alley! Once I started this book I honestly couldn’t put it down.

I loved Emerson’s friend group and would love to hear more about them in the future.

Content Rating: Domestic Violence, Closed-door Romance

This novel left me with many feelings and even more unanswered questions. Throughout my time reading it, I had to put it down and put it back up again many times. Even so, each time I picked it back up it brought me comfort. While the Wildes and Lathams had to deal with some heavier issues, it never felt overwhelming. The relationship between the main characters left me wanting. I wanted to know more about them, their feelings, their dynamic in their relationship, etc. I felt that way with many of the characters. There is more story to tell and I for one am excited at that possibility. Overall, this book was something I needed. Yes, there were times where the situation looked bleak, but they were never hopeless. I kept wondering how certain situations would get resolved or how some issues would be tackled and was left somewhat satisfied. There was much to love, more to like, but nothing to hate. Ethan and Olivia are characters you can root for without guilt. They feel familiar in a way that was comforting, something I have not encountered in a long time. Their story is one that leaves you with a smile on your face and joy in your heart.

One of the best Regency set books I have read, and I've read a ton, and to think this is from a debut author! I could hardly put the book down so great were the characters and plot. I loved how historical people and places were woven into the book . The characters were delightful, the romance perfect and perfectly paced .
I can hardly wait for the next book and am hopeful the hints of romance between 2 secondary characters will come to fruition!!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of Games in a Ballroom. I love the Proper Romance series and Games in a Ballroom is a great addition. When efforts to woo the girl he loves falls flat, he starts a game in order to win his love. I loved this story. The character were fun and engaging. I hope to see more from this author and this series.

Olivia Wilde and Emerson grew up neighbors. She was his sister’s best friend, and they were always getting into trouble together. Now Olivia is all grown up. Emerson tries to court her through compliments and dances but she doesn’t see it. So Emerson gets creative proposing their group of friends all participate in a game of tag at the various balls and events they attend.
The concept was innovative. I loved how games came into play in their courtship. I did wish for a little more excitement. Didn’t anyone notice their odd behavior?
I like Emerson’s friends and their loyalty to him. I hope they crop up in books of their own.

The idea was unique. The author did an excellent job of having a unique take of a regency novel that centers around a game of tag. However, there were so many unanswered questions. Maybe it is just me, but the author wanted to make it a light read even if the heroine was dealing with serious issues. I wanted to like it, but I felt something lacking. I give it two stars for the unique idea.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain for an honest review of this book.

This was one of the most unique regency stories I've read recently, and I really enjoyed it. The fun, playful premise sucked me in and I was really interested in the characters and how they would pull off playing tag through the ballrooms of London without facing serious consequences.
Emerson and Olivia had a great dynamic. It took me longer than I anticipated to fully buy into their romantic relationship, but once I did, I was fully rooting for them. Emerson had a great arc as he learned how to balance his responsibility to his family with his relationships with his friends and his romantic aspirations toward Liv, and Olivia became strong enough to break away from her stifling situation and seize her own happiness.
I enjoyed the climax and thought the ending was really sweet. If you're looking for a fun and unique regency story with a clean, swoony romance and loveable cast of side characters, definitely check out Games in a Ballroom!

Fun, flirty, and witty! What’s not to love? This is the type of story that I love to escape to. A world of balls, dashing gentlemen, and toe curling romance. I especially love it when you have two main characters evenly matched in their banter and intelligence. It really brings the story to life! This is the kind of book you read in one sitting!

I had such high hopes! I was intrigued by the plot, title and cover. But I felt it was too slow to start in the beginning, even when they finally start playing the game of tag - it wasn’t enough. I kept starting to read and putting it down for days. Even by 50% it FINALLY started to get interesting 🐷.

I feel like for a game of tag - there’s adrenaline from not wanting to be it and excitement and then the “it’s taboo” all those things should’ve made it exciting but I didn’t get much of those emotions from the characters. Not until much later in the book. 🍊

I liked the friends more than the main couple, even though Olivia and Emerson have grown up together and Emerson has some unrequited love, there wasn’t any tension or growing chemistry between them. Overall this is plot driven with little character growth.

And the end definitely needed an epilogue.

But I would be curious to read more books by the author to see what happens to the group of friends. It was a fun idea and kudos to the author for thinking out side the box. I liked the other games added in as well. There were just some minor things that didn’t work for me but I know others have liked it.

I received a e-arc copy from the publisher and Net Galley, these are my own thoughts and opinions.

I'm not a huge fan of the friends-to-lovers trope so clearly, I couldn't fully enjoy this book. Obviously I don't consider it to be a flaw of the book, but it did impact on how much I enjoyed reading it.
Overall I think it's beautifully written (how could I not love a book set in regency times? exactly.)and I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters, plus I really loved all the Shakespeare's quotes and references.
If you love friends-to-lovers dynamics and regency style books this one is for you!
Oh, if only this books had been enemies-to-lovers.... sigh

Emerson Latham has been courting Olivia Wilde for a few months now, or so he thinks. Unfortunately the lady in question has interpreted their shared dances as him extending his older brother duties to his sister's best friend, but he has a new plan. What if he could convince Olivia, his sister, and his friends to play a game in a ballroom, and in the process court Olivia?

Olivia Wilde knows that she must marry a man with a title to appease her father, who wants to see her married. When her childhood friend suggests that she join a game of tag, she decides to enjoy one last bit of freedom and agrees to play.

All in all, I really enjoyed this novel! The games and pranks that the main group cook up were fun! I really liked seeing the unconventional courtship between Emerson and Olivia. I am also hoping for a sequel or two to this because I really like the side characters in Games in a Ballroom and would not mind seeing more of them.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the eARC of Games in a Ballroom. I really appreciate the opportunity to read this novel!

TW/CW: domestic abuse

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Games in a Ballroom by Jentry Flint is a captivating love story following Olivia Wilde. Olivia is the daughter of a wealthy man and Emerson is practically a nobody with no title. Emerson plans to court her through a very intriguing way, which is through a game.

I genuinely did like the whole concept of the games, but I personally felt something was lacking and was rushed at times. Also, it is a romance book but I did not really see the romance.

The characters were well written, and I genuinely enjoyed reading their story!

I would definitely recommend this to someone who loves fast-paced novels and light romance!

This is the debut book by Jentry Flint and I think she just became a new favorite. I hope to see more in this series.
I truly enjoyed the antics and games played through out this book. It was a new spin on a regency romance and I loved it. Such a fun read.
#gamesinaballroom #netgalley

I believe "Games in a Ballroom" is the first historical romance written by Jentry Flint and she did a very good job! I loved this book. To be fair, I am a huge fan of childhood friends that become lover and this is one of those books.

Olivia, our heroine, is pushed to get married by her father who wants her to end up with a titled man, rather than someone who she might actually love.
Because of this Olivia find a refuge with her childhood friends among which there's the handsome Emerson Latham.
Emerson has his own troubles, since his father passed away all the household responsibilities became his but one thing he's sure about is that he loves Oliva and he's been in love with her for quite a while.
The only problem? He's untitled and therefore Olivia's father will never allow him to court his daughter.
Nonetheless he doesn't give up and before giving up his last hope, Emerson develops a secret love game of tag that must be played trough the season to try to conquer his childhood love.
Will he manage to make Olivia fall in love with him?

I really liked this book, I loved the banter and the dialogues in general are very well written, the pace is also quite fast. Again, I love a childhood romance so I'd have probably liked it anyway!
The book itself is very romantic and Emerson is such an amazing character, I really loved him and rooted for him all the way till the end.

The only thing I always find a little weird in romances is that the hero never speaks straight away about his feelings with the heroine and that would make things a lot easier, this is one of those cases.
Emerson being honest about his feelings with Olivia would have been the reasonable and logic thing to do, nonetheless I really liked this book.

I'm looking forward to read something else by this author, maybe even set in the same universe. It would be so great to meet all of the characters once more.

Games in a Ballroom is a regency romance comedy It includes friends to lovers, best friend’s older brother, and forbidden love tropes.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this novel, but it was a good surprise! Now, usually these books are not my cup of tea, but for the most part this was a gamble that paid off, as I actually ended up mostly liking the story..

I really enjoyed it

Thank you NG and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion..

I LOVED this sweet regency romance! I enjoyed Jentry's fresh take on sweet regency romance! I felt pulled in wanting to know how it was all going to play out! I read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down! You won't want to miss this one!

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

This was a delightful book! I enjoyed the banter and the fun games that made this book so playful and distracting for the heavier stuff happening with our heroine! I was super impressed with the storyline! Yay!

As someone who reads a lot of Regency romances I was intrigued by the fun concept of this book, but was ultimately disappointed. I thought this would be a fun quick read but I became quickly bored by the lack of chemistry between the main characters. The first 60% of the book offers very little plot wise which contrasts the latter half of the book, which is incredibly fast paced and plot heavy. The ending was very sudden and left something to be desired. I do think the supporting cast of characters were interesting and would be excited to read their stories.

"I propose a game," Emerson said, catching her off guard… "The game can be kept discreet enough that we can all enjoy ourselves while still playing the part society expects of us at functions such as these."

Games in a Ballroom (2022, Shadow Mountain) by Jentry Flint, is a Regency romance set in London in 1815. The publisher has given this book its Proper Romance label. It's a standalone story, but I hope the author will write more stories, centering around some of the secondary characters. It's Ms. Flint's first full-length published novel. (She has previously published two novellas.) I initially chose to read Games in a Ballroom because I was intrigued by the prospect of the cardroom being featured in a Regency romance.

Rating: 5 stars

Is it clean/chaste? Yes!

Other content issues: Some fighting - not overmuch

Christian elements: This is published by an LDS-based company. (I'm a non-denominational Christian, but sometimes read books by LDS authors because they're reliably chaste.) If I remember correctly, there were no quotes from the Bible. Most instances of the word god were references to some statues of Egyptian gods. Beyond that, there were only the following:

"and God willing. . . "

". . . the greatest gift and legacy God could give a man – a wife and children of his own." (I believe that this is actually a tenet of the LDS religion, but most people do value family.)

The hero: Emerson Latham "was the head of his family now [after the death of his father a year ago], which put his widowed mother, his troublesome sister [Arabella], and a country estate that was sustainable but not overly profitable, far above betting books and gentlemen's club rivalries. Most of his time was now spent in ballrooms, where his ability to spot a bluff allowed him to identify an unsuitable match for his sister in her first Season." At the beginning of this book, Emerson has long since transitioned from being a gamesome young man to a serious one, very focused on his duties as the head of the family. He has an interest in Olivia Wilde, Arabella's best friend. But there's a problem. . .

The heroine: Olivia Wilde's father is determined that she marry into a title. And Emerson doesn't have one. She is Emerson's "childhood friend subjected to such gaudy fashions" mandated by her misguided father, who "comes from trade." Olivia's father's expectations weigh heavily on her. And for good reason. . .

What I liked:

*There are a variety of games highlighted in this book, including some children's games and a trick-taking game that I have never heard of before.

*I really liked many of the secondary characters in this story. It's enjoyable to listen to Emerson's sister Arabella quoting Shakespeare, and Emerson's friends Bradbury and Northcott were fun to get to know. Maybe the author will develop them further in another book? Or two?

What I didn’t like:

*Perhaps Olivia's father was too one-dimensional.

*This isn't much of a complaint, but "stay on topic" is an anachronistic phrase.

Book recommendation: Miss Tavistock's Mistake by Linore Rose Burkard

The bottom line: I think this was a great freshman Regency novel. I really enjoyed it. (My teenage daughter did also.) I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys clean historical romance. I look forward to reading more by Jentry Flint.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of the book.

#GamesInABallroom #NetGalley

This is the first book that I've read by the author. Emerson Latham, is determined, to finally win over the woman he loves. What Emerson, doesn't know is that Olivia Wilde's father, is equally determined to see that he fails. Even though the two have been childhood friends, Emerson has secretly been in love with Olivia. Olivia's father only wants a titled man for his daughter, and won't let anyone standi in his way. From playing tag to hide and go seek, Emerson is just as relentless and won't give up easily.

Overall, it's super cute. A very cute take on the seductive games that we usually see the Ton play, this time playing actual games such as Tag. Sounds fun- I definitely would have played. It's a clean romance, and read a little YA to me based on the complexity of the plot and personalities of the MC's. The Hero is a nice, young guy. The Heroine is a sweet, young girl. The characters responses to "crises" were a little dramatic responses at times (ie. at one point during a ball there were two people who both thought they were "it"). I was not interested in the scenes regarding the prank involving the pig. But this may be a feature that would interest a younger reader, so again, I feel this book would be great for the YA crowd.

I’m a big supporter of historical novels having something different to help them stand out. And I have to say, having a consistent game of tag throughout multiple balls during the London season was really fun and unique. These games seemed to be a way for both Emerson and Olivia to break out of their serious shell and enjoy life. Super clever on Jentry’s part. I also liked Emerson’s funny side with the games and pranks.

The beginning seemed a tad bit slow or confusing with how abrupt some of the characters responded to situations. Bradbury was a difficult character for me to follow but had his good moments. That being said, the story got a lot better once the games actually started and people had more of a positive relationship with each other without the fighting. So this is definitely one you should keep reading. Not to spoil anything, but I did have some questions at the end, which I had hoped would be resolved. Maybe Jentry will write a sequel and we’ll get those answers in the next one. 😊😊 Fingers crossed for a sequel!

There’s some action, a whole lot of games, and some sweet romance. You’ve been warned. 😉

Games in a Ballroom offers a fresh take on Regency romance. The premise of this story was what first intrigued me. That, and the cover! The story itself was enjoyable, presenting a great cast of characters complete with fun ballroom moments. A solid debut. I'm looking forward to more from this author.

*I received a copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This book was phenomenal. It was so lighthearted and fun. I waited too long to write my review so I don't have specifics, but I super loved it.


Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

“I am offering nothing to you,” Emerson replied, squaring his shoulders and straightening his disheveled jacket. “Rather I am offering everything I have to her.”

Emerson Latham is in love with his childhood friend, and heiress, Olivia Wilde. However, there are two things standing in his way; his lack of title and Olivia realizing her own feelings for him. This may seem like a trope that has played out in every historical romance novel before, however Ms. Flint has put an unusual spin on it in her debut novel - by including a game of tag.

I read a lot of historic romance and I haven’t come across anything that had incorporated games before! The excitement of the group playing a secret game of tag really helped build up tension between Emerson and Olivia, in their interactions in the ballroom. Emerson is just what Olivia needed. I loved that he was there beside her patiently waiting for her to realize her feelings, and also to assist Olivia and her mother as they break away from her controlling father.

Tag wasn’t the only game featured, hide and seek, and a hilarious incident involving a pig- which I won’t spoil. I loved that Emerson’s friends and younger sister supported him even though they were skeptical at first of Emerson’s declaration to marry. I would love to revisit the other characters and learn more about them in a spin off ;) .

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a Regency Romance ^_^

triggers: Abusive Father/Husband

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the complementary E-arc of the book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was written in the style of a sweet Regency romance book of my youth.
The heroine is the only child of a very successful business man who is trying to marry her off to an aristocratic title. Her father married her mother, but she was a member of the gentry and he is trying to turn the money he worked hard for into a title for his daughter and her children. He is hoping for a viscount or higher. The heroine is an attractive debutante, but her father clothes her in gaudy, over decorated dresses with jewels used for the beading and many ruffles and flounces in order to show off his wealth. She has had a few men interested in her dowry and fortune, but no one has actually become her suitor. Her neighborhood friend, the son of a gentleman farmer, is attracted to her, but even though he is part of society, he does not have a title and her father would refuse his suit if he tried to court her. He grew up with her and recently noticed her attractiveness, her sweet disposition and her michiefness. The hero has also noticed that as the Season has dragged on, she has become withdrawn because of the stress of her father. The hero wants to ask her to marry him, but he is not sure of her love. So he proposes that she, his sisiter and two of his school friends play a discreet game of tag. They have to secretly touch the person and say "you are it", without anyone knowing who the it is. And if the person is it at the end of the entertainment, then they become it at the next event. This way, he can try to build his relationship with her, and provide some amusement to his clique. The heroine and her friend, the hero's sister, are wall flowers. They only have a few dances per event, even though the heiress's mother practically begs any young man to dance with her.
The story is a more descriptive story, so do not expect a quick reading novella. The author describes the actions in detail, both with interactions of the main characters and a good amount of their daily activities. As the story goes along and their love grows stronger, it stays a sweet timance and not a sensual story. This story was a good story to read with a cup of tea on a rainy day. A book that you could immerse yourself in. I give this book 4.5 stars because at times, it is a little wordy. But it is a smooth read and you don't have to go back and re-read parts in order to make sense of what you are seeing.

I loved this new take on a Regency romance! Author Jentry Flint did not disappoint on her debut novel. The writing was solid and characters fully developed. I started this book in the morning and finished it in the same day. The pacing was perfect, and the tension just enough!

I loved take on the games they were playing. It was interesting trying to picture the dynamic of what they were trying to pull off in the stuffy ballrooms of London. It brought a lightheartedness to the story and I admired how they were standing up to the oppressive society they were in, conforming just enough, but finding their own ways to beat the monotony and rules of their stations. All I can say here is the PIG 🐖😂😂😂

Now let’s move on to Emerson, ahhhhh Emerson and his awesome band of brothers! He was a perfect balance of lighthearted fun, kindness, and swoony hero all wrapped up in a great package. His dedication and love for Olivia was heart-melting ♥️ I loved that no matter what challenges stood in his way, he refused to give up on her. There were so many times that I was thinking how in the world is this going to work?!?!!! And his nickname for her…. 🤐 Perfection!!! I love nicknames, they bring a certain kind of intimacy and fun to the dynamic of a couple.

I admired Olivia and her internal strength. Most women of that time would be crushed under the circumstances she was in. And even though there was multiple times she wanted to cave to her unyielding father’s demands, she continued to hold tight to her true self, struggling not to lose that fire.

The ending was wrapped up perfectly, but also left me dying for more! All I can say is please please please please get me Northcott’s story!!! I must know more about this brooding hero! I want to continue on the journey of these friends and see what other mischief and romance they can get into.

Games in a Ballroom is, simply put, fun! Emerson wants to marry his sister's best friend and his ill attempts at courtship have been met with a severe lack of success. In order to bring himself to Olivia's attention in a different way, Emerson recruits his friends to play tag in secret throughout the ballrooms of London.
The way this is written put me in mind of a modern rom-com in a regency setting. There aren't a lot of historical details nor is there an overarching character arc for either Emerson or Olivia. Their games and the overwhelmingly crude behavior of Olivia's father are the focus of moving this HEA forward.
I definitely think this book is enjoyable when suspending belief in some of the circumstances. The unique concept gives it a flair that I don't often see in its contemporaries for this time period. I would have liked to see a bit more depth - in character, plot, and/or relationship arc - but I easily could have read this in one sitting had life not been it's typical pest.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain, NetGalley, and the author for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

As you’d think from the title, there was a certain level of fun in this book. How can you not when you play tag in a stuffy Regency ballroom? That was a playful aspect to this book that I liked and found unique. Have to say, I’ve never read of tag in a ballroom in any of the hundred of regency books I’ve read. The characters didn’t take themselves too seriously which led me, as a reader, not to take them very seriously as well. I could have used maybe a little bit more seriousness (and perhaps some more romantic tension) within this story. But it was an easy afternoon read

Games in a Ballroom is one of the sweetest, coziest historical romances I've ever read. The plot revolves around a group of five friends deciding to hold a secret game of tag throughout the various balls and dances held during a Season. Olivia Wilde's father is pressuring her to marry a man with a title when her true equal has been there all along. Emerson Latham's feelings for Olivia grow stronger as their time begins to run out. The game of tag, in both literal and metaphorical senses, is a way for both of them to grow closer without risking anyone finding out about their slow burn romance. While I believed that the first half of the book stalled a bit, the second half of the book made it worthwhile with all of its puzzle pieces falling together seamlessly. The characters are lively and fun, the story is unique, and the romance is as wholesome as it gets. It's a perfect introduction for newcomers into the genre, and for fans of the "best friend's brother" and "childhood friends to lovers" tropes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for sending me an eARC of this book!

This is a tricky review for me to write. Games in a Ballroom is everything it promises; a historical following along the lines of a Jane Austen romance. The characters are charming, the plot moves swiftly, and I enjoyed the “games” played in said ballroom. I just wish there was MORE to this book. It was “fine” where I wished for more pull, more swooning, more yearning for the characters. Liv and Emerson are well matched and I kept hoping for something else to happen in their story that would make me feel more for them. I guess I just like my characters to be technicolor. Games in a Ballroom was also a chaste romance which worked well with the storytelling, but if you’re looking for heat, this might not be for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for my ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is a charming romance story with very good characterization. I loved the game of tag they played
Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

**Thank you Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this eARC

Actual rating: 3.50 ⭐
I find my pull for proper, clean historical romances where the heroine and hero hold hands for the first time at the ending scene is getting stronger, I call it the pride and prejudice impact. 😉💙

It's so nice to see a hero who wants to get married for a change. And I loved that he's the one doing all the pursuing and convincing in their relationship.

The only downside of this book was that at times it felt a little bit ridiculous. I mean a bunch of adult people going around playing tag, you're it at balls is kinda absurd, but still it was comical and funny at times.

This book definitely had some good points, but it didn't captivate me the way others do. Olivia and Emerson were both likable characters, but romances where the entire situation could be resolved if someone would just SPEAK UP aren't my favorite, and I didn't love the writing style. The idea of playing a game of tag at social events was a fun premise, but the execution wasn't quite as interesting as I'd hoped--but I did enjoy the faster-paced action (as well as some great "speaking up") in the last quarter of the book. Not my favorite, but still a good read overall.
3 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Jentry Flint is a buy immediately author for me! I hope to see books soon for all of the friends in this book. This story drew me in immediately with Emerson's love for Olivia. I loved all the games he came up with to win her heart and her hand. It kept me guessing because there was no clear path to a happy ending. Olivia's abusive dad made me nervous for her mom if Olivia were to leave. That was just one obstacle they had to face. This truly was a love against all odds story, with some humor thrown in. I mean, that pig? Brilliant!
I also appreciated the short chapters that allowed for a convenient stopping place when needed. Overall, this was a 5 star book in my opinion!

Games in a Ballroom by Jentry Flint ♠️♥️ release date: May 3rd, 2022 | ARC provided by NetGalley -
As I saw this book circulating around bookstagram, I was instantly drawn in by the premise of a game of tag set in regency times. When I finally picked Games in a Ballroom up I soon found so much more than that. This debut novel is full of adventures, action, and a sweet romance between childhood friends. I loved every minute reading Games in a Ballroom and would encourage anyone looking for a fun filled historical romance to read it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4.5* An impressive debut novel, Games in a Ballroom has excellent character development, solid prose, and an element of lighthearted fun to balance the heavier themes. The pranks, wagers, and games in the story are as much a running theme as quoting Shakespeare, which gives delightful contrast and insight into the characters. Jentry Flint is able to show a character's nature with a simple description of how a hand is placed at another's back. I enjoyed this romp through the ballrooms of London!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

This was a fun story with a sad, dark undertone. Family abuse can be found in all generations, and also in regency England.
Olivia lives with an abusive Father who only wishes to sell his daughter for a title. Emerson has loved her for ages, but can he win her? I love the playful parts of this story, the crazy things gentleman did at the time by betting on dopey things, and the growth in friendship that occurs.

The relationship between the characters was fun, I am hoping each of these men get their own book, along with Arabella.

This is a decent debut book. I would be interested to read more from this author.

Games in a Ballroom is a light, fun, romantic read. Centring Olivia Wilde, an heiress with an overbearing and brutish social-climbing father who is determined that she should marry a title; and Emerson Latham, a family friend and the older brother of Olivia's best friend Arabella.

The premise is simple, following the death of his father, Emerson becomes the head of his family and is struggling with the weight of his responsibilities. He has also recently realised he is in love with his sister's friend. The problem is, Olivia's father, having achieved monumental wealth, now wishes to gain social standing through her marriage. As such, Emerson is out of the running.

As Olivia decides to accept her fate, and marry a man she won't love to please her father and protect her mother, Emerson suggests a game of tag between Olivia, Arabella, and his friends, giving him a chance to spend time with Olivia and show her he is in love with her.

It is a simple premise, drawing on many common archetypes in the genre, and doesn't break the mould in any way, but- it is a fun and enjoyable read.

I think it would have benefited greatly from a little more character development and set-up in the first part of the novel. You don't really appreciate or understand Olivia's personality- Emerson describes her as challenging and witty which is why he falls for her. However, there is nothing to really suggest this at all- particularly as she practically has a panic attack about a game of tag. I actually found the supporting characters, Arabella and Bradbury far more rounded and unique. You know more about Arabella's tastes and opinions than you do Olivia's. Olivia is also painfully obtuse regarding Emerson's affections- which is cute at first, but becomes less believable towards the end, and makes her swift realisation that she reciprocates his feelings a bit less believable. Similarly, while there are a couple of references to past antics in their childhood, at first you don't really believe in Emerson and Olivia as a couple. A bit more time spent on building them up in the first chapters would have made me much more invested.

That being said, it is a short and sweet romp. Towards the end, the novel finds its way and is satisfying. If you want something Georgette Heyer-esque, this will be great. I would have loved a bit more in the ending- while it was generally satisfying, there were a few loose ends and it was a bit abrupt....However! It does seem like the ground has been laid for a sequel following Arabella and one of Emerson's friends which I would not hesitate to read. A good debut novel that was enjoyable to read, and is perfect holiday reading.

My thanks to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing me with this copy for an honest review.

There are plenty of times when I want a steamy romance. The bodice ripper. The one that I shouldn't read in public because things might happen that probably shouldn't in public. A lot of the time, though, I actually prefer a slow burn. After all, it took 25+ years to get my first kiss from the one I fell for my freshman year of high school.

This was such a fun read and I sincerely hope that it ends up being the first of a series because I so desperately need to see more of the Reckless Redhead and Brooding Baron and Arabella. I know. If you haven't read the book you don't know who they are and the book isn't even out until May. Trust me, though. Those are stories that need to be told. And read. And probably re-read. And, of course, I would very much love to see the HEA from the winners of the game. I think I deducted a star just because of the angst that I feel not knowing that I'll have more to look forward to.

After the death of his father, Emerson struggles with the responsibilities that come with being the head of his household. Having grown up as childhood friends with Olivia Wilde, Emerson long ago had fallen in love with her quick wit, beauty, and passionate heart.Her father, however, insists she marry a man with a title, to increase his own standing and reputation in society. With her future looking dismal, Olivia decides to enjoy the last few months of freedom with her childhood friends. A playful, but discreet, game of tag is proposed. But will the fun ruin their reputations and hopes for the future?

This left me with mixed feelings. There was nothing wrong with the plot or the characters. I daresay, the characters were relatable and I understood both of our main characters. At the same time, though, I can’t say that Emerson or Olivia were very memorable. Their interactions were sweet, but I found myself bored during many of their conversations.

I thought the idea of playing a game of tag in a ballroom, all the while trying not to get caught by the other guests, would be fun. Instead, I found it immature and I didn’t really understand why it took a game of tag for Emerson and Olivia to have a conversation.

Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for this one. I’d recommend it to readers of sweet romance looking for a friends to lovers, slow burn kind of story.

I enjoyed this one and how unique it is! The main characters are delightful as they push through to their happily ever after in spite of the odds.

This is a mixed bag for me. I liked the writer's style, which did not feel rushed or awkward, I liked Emerson and his two friends a bit more than the ladies, though they all could have used more development. The plot device, of a continuing game amidst balls, is interesting, I didn't mind it, though it was a bit silly. I felt like there were a few plot points that were simply dropped (the pig, I expected a bit more to come of that, an allusion to a secret of Valencourt's). It kept my attention, but it could have been more than what it was, that said, if there was a follow up about Bradbury, or Northcott, I'd read them. I was provided an ARC via netgalley for an honest review.

Jentry Flint is a new-to-me author. Games in a Ballroom was a great introduction to her writing.

The book has a whimsical aspect to it. In order to catch the fair maiden (Olivia), Emerson suggests that his group of friends play tag whenever they are at an event together. His hope is to capture Olivia's heart while he is tagging her as "it".

The book is more than fun and games. Olivia lives in a miserable home. She has an overbearing father who is overbearing and looking for her to marry a man with a title. He doesn't care about anyone else's feelings, just his own. It creates some tense moments and an extra challenge to the game.

I really enjoyed the characters. It was a reminder to me to enjoy the moment and take time for pursuits that I enjoy. I'm really hoping that there will be more stories for this group of friends.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I love the forbidden love trope, and historical romance.

This was such a cute friends to lovers story.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this!

What's a guy to do when the girl he wants doesn't realize he's trying to court her? Start a game of ballroom tag of course. Emmerson is desperate to marry Olivia, his sister's best friend, but knows her father won't approve.
Olivia just wants out from under her tyrannical father's control and to maybe pick her own wardrobe. Her father's horrible taste and obsession with marrying her into the nobility is ruining her season. So when her friend Arabella's brother suggests a game as a diversion she agrees.

I enjoyed this book for the most part but did find the characters to be a little immature. It also took a while to get going and dragged in some parts.

Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a delightful debut novel from a new author! I loved Emerson's fun loving and playful personality. He helps Olivia find fun, laughter, and love in difficult circumstances through the usage of childhood games. If you love friends to lovers and best friend's brother tropes, this is for you. Flint's characters are human and evolving. You love the heroes and despise the villains. I could have used a little bit more resolution at the end in regards to the conflict with Olivia's father and Lord Valencourt. But, I can easily see other characters in the book getting their own stories and maybe that will come out a little more then. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it, would recommend it, and I will definitely read more of this author's works.

A favorite quote: "The true making of a man is not measured by what he can physically obtain, but by his love for the woman he would give up all else for."

Games in A Ballroom packs oodles of charm, wit and fun into a delightful and short book which is super wonderful on this gloomy -10C April day. Yet it would be equally perfect on a warm summery day! It has all one wishes for in a light escapist read. The cover ,premise and title drew me in but Jentry Flint's humour and words kept me engrossed.

Set in 1815 London ensconced by rich Regency detail, we readers are flies on the wall observing bantering, matchmaking and other goings on between friends, couples and family members. Spirited Olivia Wilde wants to find a husband she loves and her overbearing father desires her to marry a title and finds dullards for her. Emerson has no title but he has plenty of heart. We are also privy to Arabella and Lord Northcott. Pigs and giggle-inducing games of tag ensue.

This book is a bundle of clean romance and humour which should attract readers of those genres as well as Regency/Historical Fiction readers.

My sincere thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the privilege of enjoying this incredibly refreshing book. Pure joy!

"It is as you said," Emerson began. "Fighting will solve nothing. Valencourt has shown us his hand-more than his hand. He is hiding something darker than we know. I saw it in his eyes after I baited him about the rumor. He is desperate enough to disregard all honor in order to protect it. And now I know what I must do."

Olivia is being forced to be someone she truly doesn't want to be. Her father is trying to raise his status in the community by her marrying well and won't just settle for anyone. Olivia is afraid of her father and is much more comfortable when he is not around. She would like to be free to make choices for herself.

Olivia's father is title hungry. As they are not titled themselves but come into money from trade. He does everything in his power to match her with someone of title. He has no respect for her happiness at all. Olivia and her mother both live in fear of the wrath of her father.
Emerson is just coming back into society after his father's death. He has been trying to court Olivia but hasn't been doing a very great job of it. So he has come up with a game for them to play at dances so that hopefully she may come to see his feelings.

so many different games are being played in this book and it just leaves you wanting to find out what is going to happen next.
This is author Jentry Flint's Debut novel. I am so excited to see what other great books that we maybe seeing from her.

'Games in a Ballroom' by Jentry Flint was a wonderful homage to the sweet Regency Georgette Heyer romances that I have always enjoyed. There are clearly defined villains, loveable main characters and delightful scenes from the Regency period in England. I just had a problem with the 'hook.' I didn't understand the scandal attached to the premise of games in a ballroom. That whole idea seemed farfetched and silly, even for Regency times. I am, however, invested in the characters and look forward to more about Emerson's sister and friends.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Friends, I knew this book would be amazing, and it was even better than I ever could have imagined! Jentry did such a masterful job weaving childhood games like tag and hide and seek into the story even in more serious scenes. I especially enjoyed the part with the pig. 😂 It’s beautifully written!❤️ It’s officially going on my very short list of books I’d reread. I can’t wait to get my physical copy! If you haven’t already go preorder this one! You won’t regret it!

This was such a fun read! The character interactions where fun and left me wanting more. This was a little different take on a regency romance which was kind of refreshing. I did feel like the romance could have had a little more build up and tension.
I now want the secondary characters to have their own stories!

Olivia is stuck in a very hard and abusive situation, but is able to be herself with her best friend, Arabella, and her older brother, Emerson. As Emerson coaxes her to be herself she finds her heart and her mind torn between reality and the impossible. Will she get a happily ever after? Can she save her mother? Find out when you read this brilliant debut novel.

Awe this book! Friends to lovers in the best way! Games are afoot and it was done so cleverly! I loved it!!

Jentry had really great character development. I was intrigued by every one of her characters, primary or secondary. Whether you were loving them, hating them, curious about them or driven crazy by them, you can’t wait to read more.
Though she did deal with some heavier topics, the uniqueness of her plot and the clever way she tied in a game of tag kept things fun and the pace moving.
Jentry’s intellect was seen not just in her one-of-kind story, but in her use of Shakespeare and her clever play on words.
I must admit, I could tell it was a debut novel, there were one or two plot things that weren’t entirely clear and a time or two where the scenes didn’t seem entirely natural. But I was wholly intrigued enough to not care and am anxiously waiting her next story.

This is an absolutely incredible debut novel! It is a regency romance, but it also so unexpected! Playing children games in the middle of ballrooms.... absolutely brilliant! Emerson is such a wonderful hero. You see his shortcomings, but also how he is working on overcoming them. Olivia is a delightful heroine! Her trials are not insubstantial, but she never truly gives up on hope and that is absolutely beautiful. I truly think this story is fantastic!

‘Games in a Ballroom’ by author Jentry Flint is a wonderful book that takes you on a fun, hilarious, suspenseful, action packed adventure!!! There is never a dull moment in this book and I enjoyed the thrilling ride it took me on! This book made me laugh out loud, cry, cheer and my heart skipped a beat.

Emerson loves Olivia and has for quite some time! So many odds are against them. She can only marry a man with a title being one of them. Can playing ballroom games give Emerson the chance to show her how he feels and win her heart and hand?🤍

This beautiful book takes you on quite an adventure! It’s a story of friendship, family, loss, love, and suspense woven between the games. The games are so fun and so unique to the Regency Romance genre. I have to say the thrill of the games got me and I was anxiously anticipating what would happen next! This is such an adventurous story with so much fun packed into it!

This is a slow burn childhood friends to lovers trope. I loved the memories and flashbacks that made me laugh out loud. I loved reading Emerson and Olivia’s path to happiness!

⭐️Emerson Latham is determined, kind, fun, handsome and lives for the thrill of a game! Olivia Wilde is beautiful, spirited, smart and witty. She desperately wishes she could escape her current circumstances.
⭐️memorable moments included 🐷pigs, games of course, schemes and plans, Shakespeare, and green velvet curtains.
⭐️This book has such a lovely cast of characters and I loved their relationships! I loved Emerson and his two best friends Northcott and Bradbury! You’re going to love them! I also loved Emerson’s mom and sister Arabella.
⭐️I loved the emotion this book showed with Emerson’s family missing their late father and husband. There are sweet inspiring messages in here!
⭐️ this book is filled with blushing, heart flutters, excitement, suspense, swoony kisses and action packed moments!

If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining adventure with suspense and swoon, you’ll love this book!

Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing and Netgalley for an arc copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

With wonderful characters and a fun premise, Games in a Ballroom was one I really wanted to love, but it fell just short of the mark. The pacing and tone are uneven, particularly in the final act, when a slow build of tension (both dramatic and romantic) suddenly ratchets up to a hundred. I rarely say this, but I think this book needs to be longer — and to either commit to one tone or find a better way to blend the comedy and melodrama. On the other hand, there are some lovely moments dealing with grief and friendship, and the friend group at the core is one of my favorites in recent memory.

My thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The writing in this debut author's book is done well. And the idea of playing literal games in a ballroom where figurative games happen all the time was a great premise I've not seen done before. And several games occur at different points of the book. I would like to have seen more of the game playing truthfully since it was a refreshing plot device.
The romance is a very slow burn. We see Liv's confusion over the attention given by Emerson for quite a while in the story. He could have used some more flirting I think.
I would have enjoyed more games, and though the author let the reader and Liv know why her father's choice of her future husband was not a good one, the info she was privy to never really got used to her advantage. I wanted Liv to be brave enough to at least try to stand up to her father with that info that could work against him in the long run. And I think an epilogue might have been good to help the reader know what will happen with Liv's mother. I wanted more assurance that it would all be okay.
Overall, I think this is a good first novel. The characters are interesting enough that I would like to see others get their own book.

Potential Triggers: domestic abuse
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes

“Games in a Ballroom” is a delightful, sweet, playful romance of two people coming together despite the odds. Emerson is adjusting to being the head of the family, shouldering responsibilities previously held by his father and trying to guide his younger sister through a Season while keeping away potential fortune hunters (a task Arabella is quite capable of doing herself). Olivia is just trying to make it through the Season without angering her crass and ruthless father, who insists she marry a title. They grew up as friends and Olivia is convinced Emerson still sees her as Arabella’s friend only. But Emerson is determined to court Olivia and marry her, despite her father. When conventional means don’t work, he proposes something unconventional: a secret game. Olivia can’t see the harm in innocent children’s games, but can Emerson use them to win Olivia before her father finds a titled man to marry her?

Emerson isn’t exactly a rake, but he is trying to leave behind the games of irresponsible youth like gambling too much, with no support from his always gaming friend. But these ways of thinking help him bring Olivia out of her shell and he finds himself learning a pretty good fun/serious life balance that I suspect sister Arabella may be teaching another gentleman in a future book. Arabella and Olivia are delightful together, the perfect foil and support the other needs.

I cheered Emerson and Olivia’s romance on the whole way and was so drawn in after the first few chapters that I had to read the book in one sitting. Overall, a playful and romantically fun debut novel, and I would enjoy reading more from this author in the future.

I received an Arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I thought the concept was interesting and the writing was good. However, I didn’t end up feeling much for the characters. I wonder if this is a me thing or a this-is-a-new-author-who-needs-some-time-to-develop-their-writing thing.

The book revolves around a game of tag a group of young people decide to play over a Season in London to make the endless balls more fun. The underlying reason the MMC proposed the game, however, is to have the opportunity to woo his sister’s best friend, Olivia.

The writing was good enough that I was happy enough to keep reading and finish the book in two days, but at the same time, I didn’t feel like there were high emotional stakes involved in the story.

I never really saw the wild Olivia that Emerson kept reminiscing about. Or perhaps the riskiness of playing a game of tag over the Season was not adequately illustrated for me. And without understanding the key fascination Emerson had regarding Olivia, I couldn’t feel the reason he was in love with her, other than that he said he was.

My other issue with the book is the way domestic abuse/violence was dealt with. It wasn’t a negative portrayal necessarily, but it lacked nuance. Her father was volatile and violent and yet the way Olivia and her mother felt about the situation seemed to be painted in broad strokes and changed when Emerson and friends appeared to rescue them.

Overall, this book wasn’t for me, but I did like the writing style, and I think it could be a book someone else enjoys!

I appreciate being given the opportunity to read and review this book early by NetGalley.

I love finding new authors and Jentry Flint shows so much promise!!

I have been impatiently waiting to get a copy of this book and dive in. I LOVE the premise for this book. I love the concept of the games--I thought it added a lot of romantic anticipation for the main characters and also gave us a good look at the side characters. I fell in love with the side characters and CAN NOT WAIT for their stories.

The pacing for this book was great. I thought Jentry kept the storyline not only going, but progressing really well. There were some hilarious antics throughout balanced with the seriousness of an abusive father that was heartbreaking, but gave the story some real depth. It also added a sense of urgency and seriousness from this group of friends who are usually only up to mischief.

I thought this book had a fun, fresh modern feel and that the ending was somewhat of a cliff hanger. Without giving spoilers I'm not sure how some of the conflicts will pan out for these characters. Because this book had more of a modern voice I feel there will be some flexibility in the resolve, but book 2 is sure to answer some of my lingering questions. It has been a while since I've read a book that didn't fully resolve itself and to Jentry's credit: hook, line and sinker I will be here for book 2.

Thanks to the Author, Publisher & NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Emerson and his friends can make a game out of any situation. Olivia is trapped in a world she feels she has no control over. Watching these long-time good friends find their way through ballrooms and other social expectations of the time is entertaining and sweet. I loved the secondary characters and hope they get stories of their own in the future. I was definitely pulled into the world created by this author. I was cheering Emerson on as he tried to win Olivia's affections and overcome the terror her father created for both of them. I look forward to more from this author in the future!

I really enjoyed this book! It's so different with the premise being that the characters are playing tag in ballrooms. (As you might expect, most of the scenes took place in ballrooms...) I liked that we started with our hero and got quite a bit from his perspective. He was trying to get Olivia to notice him and think of him as more than a friend. Olivia complied - with the added twist that she kept thinking of him in terms of the game! The added game references throughout the book were awesome and added to the feel. The end was intense. I did like that not everything was wrapped up neatly. As one of the discussion questions stated - "love conquers all, though not without sacrifice and pain." It wouldn't have made a couple of characters be believable for them to change beliefs in order to wrap it up with a bow. Our side characters (also involved in the game) were quite interesting and I cannot wait to hear their stories. Bradbury definitely keeps you on your toes!

An interesting read this was...

Olivia and Emerson were wonderful characters and the story was well developed and keeps us looking forward to what happens next. The other characters were intriguing too.

A very good effort by the author on her debut.

Will definitely read the next books about some of these characters.

This is the friends-to-lovers story of Emerson and Olivia. It is full of mischief in the characters and their doings. If you’re looking for a light, amusing Regency read that’s a little more modern in style, then this is the book for you. It’s a little campy, in a fun way, and really turns the Regency era on its head. And I feel like that is largely the point. One cannot read this book in a serious frame of mind. It must be taken as the lively farce that it is. Sit back and enjoy.

Such a fun take on a Regency romance! Delightful characters, a fun little twist, and a happily ever after make this a lovely debut from Jentry Flint! I will definitely be reading more from her in the future.

Thank you, NetGalley, for my e-arc of this book. All opinions here are my own.

Thank you to @netgalley for the chance to read Games in a Ballroom ahead of its publication! This was such a fun, fresh twist on the genre - a historical romance that was chaste and 100% safe for work, but managed to be fun and completely free of stuffiness. The main characters were well written and the romance incredibly believable - their 'friends to lovers' journey was one that will resonate with readers in a very true way. I love that the author managed to write a villainous father that wasn't pantomime - a trope that often accidentally happens. Instead, he felt real, a tangible threat to Olivia and her mother that made you worry as the reader about what was to come. I wish the book had continued a little more, but that's always the sign of a good read!

4.5*

This was a fun read. I'm looking forward to more books from this author about the group of friends in this book. They were all very intriguing with some different and unique character traits (especially the men). The combination of all of their personalities made for some fun games and moments within this story.

Emerson is in love with Olivia but according to her parents is not worthy of marrying her. You know, he doesn't have a title and that is very important! But Emerson isn't going to let that stop him. He's going to do whatever he can to make sure that Olivia knows he cares for her and to make sure that he doesn't fail in obtaining her hand in marriage.

I thought this was very cleverly written and the game that Emerson employs with the friends adds some spice to all of their dull ballroom lives. Lol! And it adds excitement for the reader as well. They can't be caught by the adults either! It was fun to watch them navigate their game without letting anyone be the wiser for what they were doing.

There are some twists and turns for Emerson and Olivia. And Emerson was great at being secretive and giving her longing stares and whispers in her ear. Olivia just has to decide what she's going to do about the feelings she's starting to develop for her long time friend. But she has to tread carefully because of her father and mother.

If you're looking for a fun and diverting Regency book to read, this is one I'd recommend!

Content: Clean. Some mention of abuse but not overly graphic, more just knowing it happens. Nothing more than a couple kisses.

I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own. I have also purchased my own copy.

Happy Reading!!!

Wow what a fabulous read!! I loved the twist on a regency that this was. I loved the game of tag and the pig and Emerson was the best hero. And that ending my goodness! Such a good read and I absolutely loved it!!!

TW: abusive parent but no details mentioned

Olivia Wilde and Arabella and her brother Emerson Latham, grew up together.

While Olivia isn’t from noble blood, her father is richer than some of the gentry and he only wants her to marry a man with a title.

When Olivia and Arabella stick together this London season, she sees a lot more of Emerson. But Emerson is acting differently around her. When he suggests a game of Tag to liven up the Ball’s they have to attend, Olivia is hesitant. Her father is not the gentlest and she’s afraid of his wrath towards herself and her mother.

But when Arabella, Bradbury and the Baron of Northcott join in, she can’t say no.

What starts as a game of fun, turns into a game of hidden feelings. Olivia must appease her father. But what about love?

This is a fun and short read. I enjoyed the friendships between Emerson, Bradbury and Northcott. Wouldn’t mind reading about their happy endings!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A good read for a debut novel. The story had a lot of fun entertaining moments. The plot of the story was maybe a little weak. A young woman, Olivia, was basically a pawn in her fathers scheming ways. He had earned his money in trade, but the only way to secure a title was for his daughter to marry a titled man. Emerson was not titled but was a gentleman and his fathers heir. Olivia knew he would never be enough for her father. Emerson knew Olivia was the one for him. Hence the game playing. Childhood games such as tag and hide and seek were a unique way to try to capture Olivia‘s attention. Of course you have to have a bad guy, so incomes Lord Valencourt who is obviously lying and cheating his way into the Wilde family money. I would’ve liked this book to move a little quicker through the middle and a little slower at the end. Maybe an epilogue would’ve been helpful. I would liked to have known what happened to Lord Valencourt, was he ever made to amend his cheating ways. Also was Mr. Wilde, his wife and Olivia ever reunited. I suppose there’s a chance there is another book coming that could answer some of those questions. I would love the story of Lord Northcott and Arabella and of course Bradbury. His character made the book and his story would be fun to read. This is a clean wholesome romance.

The answer is always Shakespeare.

This was such a fun fast paced story. I really enjoyed it. The characters were lovable and the pacing really tight.

Olivia ‘s father wants her to only marry a Lord, as to improve their positions in life. Emerson is Olivia’s childhood best friend and is in love with her. However he does not have a title and therefore won’t be accepted by her father. So Emerson start a game of tag inside the ballroom and hilarity ensues.

I really enjoyed finding all the different types of games littered throughout the entire book. For examples: hide and seek, tag, Ecarte, whist, and a few more.

Olivia and Emerson’s love story was really sweet and actually very believable. Both Olivia and Emerson were relatable.

One thing I would change is the ending. While probably realistic, it left things too open ending for my tastes as though the plot wasn’t quite resolved.

Instead of ending the book with Emerson and Olivia planning to go to Gretna Green, I would’ve ended it with them over the blacksmiths iron actually tying the knot. And also Charlotte needed to be safely Encloistered with Emerson’s family. I hope that this will be addressed if there are additional books. And it really seems to be gearing up that way since I hope we get a book for Bradbury and a book for Norfolk

Another gripe I have is there are a few modernities I noticed, it didn’t distract super much and for someone who doesn’t mind a few anachronisms, it won’t even be noticeable.

4.8 stars would re-read and recommend!!

Thank you Netgally and Shadow Mountain Publishing for allowing me to review this!

I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this and found myself feeling like I was playing along in their game is tag. I absolutely loved the main characters and the friends. Flint did an amazing job with character building - making great lovable and unlovable characters.

I did sort of feel like I was reading Bridgerton which is not a bad thing, but that’s the image I had the whole time.

If you love regency romance, you will devour this!

This is a completely fine historical romance. While the pranking conceit is cute and a solid catalyst for romance, I found the lead-up to the pranks to be tedious compared to the sweet relationship between Olivia and Emerson. (Also distracting was the fact that her name is "Olivia Wilde"--unless you have absolutely no knowledge of the celebrity world, you probably can't help but laugh at that.)

This is a delightful regency romance that sums up the time period quite well. Women are treated poorly by men and seen as nothing more than chattel. At least this is the case for Olive Wilde who has to deal with a brutish father that wants her to marry someone with a title. Probably because he doesn't have one and happened to luck into money but doesn't have the grace or couth of the ton. I felt bad for Olivia's mother too because she was abused by her husband whenever someone did something he didn't like. I also felt sorry for Olivia and the gowns she was forced to wear, they were definitely not attractive and why her father thought he had any fashion sense is beyond me.

Enter Emerson Latham who is a long-time family friend, along with his sister Arabella. Arabella and Olivia are fast friends and it is only recently that Emerson has realized he has feelings for Olivia. I had to chuckle at his wooing attempts because they weren't very obvious to anyone except him. Thankfully someone sets him straight eventually. But he decides to create a game of Tag to be played during balls. I thought it was quite intriguing and it gave me a good chuckle many times throughout the story at the different scenes when they were tagging someone else in the group.

Emerson also has a group of friends that help him capture Olivia's heart. Now, this doesn't mean that they didn't have fun on their own and they played some elaborate pranks. But in the end, these gentlemen had his back in his quest to win Olivia.

I enjoyed the clean story and the journey to win the woman of his dreams. But don't think that Olivia is some fair-haired maiden that can't hold her own because she can. And several times it nearly gets her in trouble.

If you are looking for a light-hearted Regency romance, then check out this debut novel by this author. We give it 4 paws up.

Sometimes you just need to read a good romance. What do I mean by “good romance?” One where there’s friendship and conversation. In other words — a true connection. That’s what you get in Games in a Ballroom.

At the center of the novel are Olivia and Emmerson. Both are good people trying to do the right thing, but keep getting in their own ways. They are surrounded by Emmerson’s two good friends — who offer much-appreciated comic relief — and Emmerson’s sister (who is also Oliva’s best friend). The interactions between the five are grounded and honest. It’s this interplay throughout that really makes the book.

Author Jentry Flint’s writing has a calm, familiar tone that immediately welcomes you in and asks you to stay a while. She has a good grasp of the time period and she adeptly balances external conversations with internal struggles. It’s a fast read, perfect for a weekend afternoon.

While Games in a Ballroom isn’t tailored for the YA market, the characters do skew younger. Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance line, particularly its Regency Romances, evoke the sort of Jane Austen sensibilities that do appeal to young adults, and this should do well with readers 14 and up.

Sometimes the flirtatious banter and games is a lot of fun and something it comes across as too lighthearted. This story was a mixture of both. Emerson and Olivia have been friends since childhood and now big decisions are ready to be made. Do you stay loyal to your father or your heart?

The ballroom games really did provide a lot of entertainment and it was easy to picture myself in the ballroom as a late teen/young adult, but at times, it was hard to take Emerson seriously because it seemed all was in jest and his true motives were disguised. His spontaneous decisions did allow for some very hilarious moments though, and I did find myself smiling and laughing more than I was expecting to.

I enjoyed the delightful cast of characters and although I would have loved a dash more of romance, it was sweet and satisfying.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

This book puts a little twist on your typical regency romance. Sometimes I get caught up in reading so many, even though they all have different plot lines, I’ll sometimes blend some together. This book isn’t one I’ll be confusing with others. It gave me some Romcom contemporary meets regency feels and I liked the switch up!
The fun banter between the friends, the game of tag while dancing in a ballroom, it gave it a fun light hearted feel when other heavier topics were happening. I didn’t see the ending happening the way it unfolded, I’m so used to things happening a certain way that Jentry Flint really had me guessing how she would wrap things up.

Overall, a fun regency and a memorable debut. I’m excited to seeing where Arabella’s story takes us. I have my thoughts and guesses, but also, I am probably wrong based on how I expected Games in a Ballroom to unfurl. Grab this book for your summer reading, it’ll have you smiling and wanting the next book in this series.

This year started my regency kick, and I don’t see it stopping anytime soon. When I was promenading on @netgalley last week I caught eyes with the cover of Games in a Ballroom, and knew it was worth betting on.

The story begins right away, and we learn that the leading couple are childhood friends. Emerson is in love with Liv, but Liv rationalizes his efforts as “he’s just being kind,” knowing that her parents would never approve. Emerson is a man without a title, which the Wilde patriarch has no interest in. With the normal courtship being impossible for Emerson, he gets creative. Let the games begin.

Read if you enjoy:

Friends-to-lovers
Forbidden romance
Humor
Pigs (no, I won’t elaborate)
Ride or die friendships

This was a fun read for me, and was definitely unique in its regency setting. There is a lot of fun in the ballroom, but some hurt behind closed doors. Domestic abuse is described in one of the marriages, which I haven’t read in any other regency novel this year. This component balanced the book, and made the reader feel for the characters on a deeper level.

I’m so happy I discovered this debut novel, and I can’t wait to promenade with book 2 in the future.

Olivia and Emerson have been friends since childhood, but Emerson has recently realised, following the death of his father, that he wants to make her his wife. Unfortunately for him, Olivia’s overbearing, brutish and controlling father has decided she will marry someone with a title - something Emerson doesn’t possess. When Emerson engages Olivia and their other friends in an ongoing game of tag that will last the entire Season, it offers him the opportunity to prove to Olivia that he loves her - and possibly rescue her from her father’s clutches.

I enjoyed this. The tone of it was very nice, it felt very traditional whilst still being nice and readable. The concept was quite fun - the game of tag played out in a really interesting and amusing way and I liked how it allowed them to come into contact with one another. They were both likeable characters; I think I got a better grasp of Emerson’s personality, overall - Olivia sometimes felt a little flat - but I really enjoyed the romance between them. I was really rooting for things to work out for them and I spent a lot of the book wondering how that would be possible. They had good chemistry and I really believed the emotions between them.

I thought the wider plot was quite good. It was very dramatic and there were lots of twists and turns and it came to an exciting conclusion. The book also had a decent supporting cast of characters and I’m interested to see where the author may take them next. Overall I think this was a good book with some lovely ideas in it, and I had a great time reading it. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a low-heat Regency forbidden romance with a childhood-friends-to-lovers couple. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.

Content Notes: Death of a parent (in past), intimate partner violence (side characters), controlling behaviour from a parent, violence, attempted forced marriage.

This delightful Regency romance comes out May 3, 2022, from @shadowmountainpub!

Games in the Ballroom is a sweet and fun romance where Emerson Latham a rich second son of an earl will never inherit a title but only wants to marry his childhood friend Olivia Wilde. Olivia’s father, though, will only accept a titled husband for his daughter. Emerson proposes a game of tag to be played at social events to get Liv to see him as a suitor and bring joy into her life while she’s being marketed to single lords.

This book was quite delightful with a lovely balance between the trials of family and the love from found family. I found the group of friends’ escapades joyful and was rooting for Emerson from chapter 1. Additionally, how can this thespian not love a book where a character is CONSTANTLY quoting the bard? Arabella gave me serious Mandella from 10 Things I Hate About You vibes.

This book is the author’s debut and is a great opening work. My only note is that some moments were heavy-handed, too presentational, and too convenient. There was a moment with a fallen bottle that turns and spins toward Emerson and Olivia thinks that its fate making its choice known, but the reader could have come to that conclusion on their own without needing it to be spelled out. Also, there is a quippy line in the climax that was far too comedic for that moment, as if this scene was directed by James Gunn rather than Kenneth Branagh.

But I’m craving an Arabella and Lord Northcott’s book! How many more Shakespeare quotes can we get? How many words will Northcott say? More than 10? Fingers Crossed.-Ford

CONTENT WARNING: Olivia’s father is abusive. On the page: throwing things and emotional abuse. Off the page: assault of her mother.

Will she accept her fate without rebellion…

I was a bit surprised by the heroine as the hero describes her as lively and feisty, she is then more presented as demure and obedient. As was expected from the daughters of the ton. Yet her friend, sister of her undeclared beau, is the one with a wild streak and a daring persona.
Emerson goes for what he wants in his own way, knowing how his suit being known would be thwarted as he does not check any case in her father’s list of requirements. He is clumsy in his attempts but true to himself.
Olivia is unaware of his feelings for her and misinterprets his every action. Determined to only see him as the brother of her best friend and not her savior from a probably dreaded match. She each time belittles his gestures to her, sets on staying blind and deaf about his feelings. She obediently bend to her father’s whims without rebellion, demurely accepting her lot.

So else Emerson dreamed of Olivia as a bold girl or her father had a sudden turn of spirit. As ambitious he is, he would never have permitted his daughter to run wild with their neighbors children, he would have shaped from the beginning like he destroyed every spirited parts in her mother’s mind.

The resolution of their conundrum turned into quite a mix of a comedia del Arte and a gothic novel with Emerson’s friends antics and the heroine’s father turned possessed villain with a vile rival for her hand.

My favorite parts were those with Emerson and his friends, Northcott the brooding Baron and Bradbury the compulsive gambler. They were so fun together, bickering and bantering but always having the back of the others. The pig wager is hilarious.
3.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

High 4 ⭐️
I love this cover. It’s simple but so regency with a flare of history to it. This was my first experience to Jentry Flint writing and she wrote a wonderful romance.
The characters were fun and I loved the games. I got to spent the day living and breathing all the frills of the ballroom.
There was honorable men, scoundrels, dancing and happily ever afters. What more could a girl want?
Would I read another book by this author? Absolutely.
Thanks Shadow Mountain via NetGalley.

Games in a Ballroom was a deliciously bite sized snack of a book that I read in one sitting. Jentry Flint’s debut novel hit the spot for me.

London 1815, the Season has begun and Emerson Latham has his eyes set on childhood friend Olivia “Liv” Wilde. Emerson, who recently lost his father, has many new roles and responsibilities but what he doesn’t have is a title. While Olivia’s father has made it clear that she will marry for status and not love. Perhaps a few childhood games in a ballroom with close friends will be just the thing to make this Season unforgettable.

I really enjoyed this debut novel and hope this will become a series. The characters, while we don’t get to know them too deeply, we’re quirky and likable. The humor in this book was cute but it also had a bit of a more serious side. This is an ideal book for someone who enjoys historical romance with a bit of contemporary romance sprinkled in.

I did however feel that there was a side plot of this book that was not well explained or flushed out and was just dropped quickly. I felt that maybe it was setting us up for something in a future book.

3.5 ⭐️

3.5 stars. Games in a Ballroom is a fresh new Regency story. I loved the added element of playing a secret game of tag while at different Balls. It was a fun concept and I loved how Emerson is trying to court Olivia through these games. It was a slow burn so I didn't get into the book as much for the first half. The ending picked up the pace and I enjoyed seeing them come together and fight to stay together. Solid debut by Jentry Flint.

While I found the device of playing games as they attend balls amusing, I was never really sure why Emerson was so determined to marry Olivia. They have known each other for years, since she is his sister’s best friend, but why is he in love with her? It’s never really made clear.

Likewise, I’m not sure why Olivia is suddenly in love with Emerson. She definitely finds that he makes her stomach flutter and her heart go pitty-pat, but that’s attraction, not love.

Olivia’s father is a caricature of a social climber—nouveau riche and determined to show everyone how wealthy he is. He is also a boor.

I am more intrigued by Emerson’s friends—Bradbury appears to be a lightminded gambler without a serious bone in his body. But the silent, stoic Northcott has my interest. Lots of hints are dropped about him, but nothing concrete. I’m hoping he will get his own story.

The resolution felt a bit rushed, though satisfactory.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Domestic violence. Drinking. Gambling. Pranks.

Who Might Like This Book:
Fans of regency romances, friends-to-lovers tropes. Those who like “clean” romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2022/05/its-been-roughsix-weeks-but-yearbook-is.html

Such a good story! I love the childlike element of bringing games back into the friendship. Emerson was so sweet and warm. All he has is love to give but Olivia’s dad stands in the way.

It is one of my favorite books I’ve read this year!! I loved everything!!

Tag in a ballroom? Yes please! Another hit for the @properromanceseries. This was such a fun concept for a story, and definitely unique to this genre. As a way to express his love for Olivia, Emerson starts an ongoing game of “tag” during the London season with her and their friends. Of course, life and love are always more complicated than they seem. This book made me wish I could be a part of their game. The supporting characters were fun and interesting- I hope we learn their stories. I loved Olivia and Emerson’s growing connection and loyalty. There are plenty of lighthearted moments right along with deeper, more emotional scenes, and I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of action at the end of the story! Such a fun read! Thank you to @shadowmountainpub for the copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

I loved reading this book! It is easily five stars. The cover doesn’t do it justice, this book has all the feels and is so fun to read. It’s clean but very romantic, the conversations flow naturally and it’s funny. You don’t want to miss this one. This is a new author for me, but one to follow and I look forward to her next book.

Emerson’s father died recently leaving him responsible for his mother and younger sister Arabella. She is best friends with Olivia and the three of them played together as kids. Emerson loves Olivia and wants to marry her, but her dad requires her to marry a man with a title. Emerson doesn’t have a title, so he proposes a discreet game of tag during balls in an unconventional attempt to court her. He’s trying to get her to see him as more than her best friend’s older brother, but she only sees him as a tease and thinks his attentions to her are out of duty or pity.

Olivia’s father Joshua Wilde is abusive, uses people to advance himself, and frequently destroys things when he gets angry. She fears upsetting him but also wants to have a happy marriage, unlike her parents’ relationship. Her mother loves her but is unable to do anything to help her daughter for fear of her husband. Emerson makes Olivia smile and brings excitement to her life.

The story was fun to read. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop and hoped it would work out in the end. I liked that they each have good friends and hope a future book is about one of them. I also liked that Olivia has a strong character and doesn’t sit around waiting to be rescued. Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC to use for my review.

Games in a Ballroom is a fun, unique Regency from debut novelist Jentry Flint. The romance is well-written, although I wish we had gotten more of Emerson and Olivia’s background as friends. A good portion of the story felt like it was about other people (characters I’m assuming will eventually get their own stories) but for me the set up took away from the main couple’s story. Flint has a ton of potential and I’m excited to see what she does next! 3/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Emerson Latham has recently become the head of his family and finds this a heavy responsibility. Olivia Wilde, the best friend of Emerson's sister, must seek marriage with titled gentleman in order to please her father. When Emerson decides to win Oliva's love as his own through multiple games and pranks the story takes on a bit of a whirlwind.

One scene moves to another quickly with much confusion and little character building. The games played are childish and do not seem like anything adults would perform to win the love of another. I wanted to enjoy this book and several of the characters, especially Emerson, were charming, but overall the story was not believable.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Set in the Regency period, Games in a Ballroom follows childhood friends Olivia and Emerson during Olivia's second season. To make things more interesting, they start playing a game of tag at the numerous social events during the season. I love a good Regency romance and was excited to read this one!

I thought this book was fine. The characters are fine, the setting is fine, the writing is fine. I thought the tag element was cool I did groan a little at the line that I knew was coming after reading the tag plot. I also fell down a weird internet rabbit hole after I wondered if tag was even a game that existed during this time period (turns out, it did!)

If you're looking for a spicy Regency romance, Games in a Ballroom is not going to give you that. It's much more sidelong glances and pining (which I love, obviously), but if you're looking for Bridgerton spice you will be disappointed.

If you're into Regency romances, give this a read! 3 stars. Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the electronic advanced reader's copy of this book!

Review in 10-ish words: Quick uptake of the story and lovable characters to alleviate a Bridgerton hangover. 3/5

Snap Synopsis: Regency childhood friends to lovers hindered by social standing and circumstance.

My thoughts: I loved how this book got straight into the story. There was no boring exposition, just plot and character interaction. Emerson and Olivia were fun MC's, though I found myself getting a little bored at about 1/3 of the way through. There were some very cute moments between the pair although the almost satirical villainy of the father threw me a little bit. I would have liked more complexity between Olivia and her parents.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a free copy of this e book in exchange for my honest review.

This sounded like something I would love but it just didn't completely do it for me. Maybe because I'm used to open door historical romances, or maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this. It was sweet and I enjoyed the game element (the younger characters play games big games like tag and hide and seek during boring balls and events), but I didn't really feel a lot of chemistry between the main romantic leads. The writing was great, and I would definitely read more Jentry Flint (especially if there's an Arabella book.... and maybe specifically Arabella and Northcott??), but this one just didn't totally satisfy me.

Games in a ballroom is a proper romance title, so I knew I would love it. One thing I love about the proper romance books is that they are all different in style, but all include a beautiful romance that pulls you in.

This book has a unique flavor for regency romance. It’s clever and fun in a unique way that has me smiling throughout. It’s got a bit of a modern feel within the confines of the regency era.

I loved both main characters and the supporting characters were also so vibrant and fun. I hope there are future novels for these quirky fun characters!

Author Jentry Flint is such a fun person and it shines through in her writing. There’s several swoony scenes, fun banter, and always a surprise game around the corner.

What a delightful debut novel by Jentry Flint!
The idea of a discreet game of tag being played by a group of regency era friends in a ballroom was unique, refreshing, and just so much fun. The characters personalities were bright and jumped off the pages. You loved most and despised another (Olivia’s father) and her writing made you do it. I look forward to seeing more books by Jentry, fingers crossed that we see more from the characters in this book. Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Netgalley for sending me a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

You know, I've read a fair amount of regency novels. And the authors do a lovely job of romanticizing a lot.of things from the 1800's. Like, how they talk about how good people smell. Really? All those layers, in a packed ballroom? I imagine it's more locker room and less leather and forest. Anyways. This book had that aspect but I appreciated how it represented women in that time as property and a means to an end. It was hard and gross and made me want to punch him a bit, or a lot, but I imagine it was accurate.

I like how the theme of games was so strong throughout- political games, societal games, games between friends, romantic games. It was well done and well titled. Bravo, Ms. Flint.
Bradbury was absolutely there for comedic effect but I am so sire there is more going on under that mischievous grin. Northcott. Hmm. I like him. We don't know him well but he's got something going on that I am here for. Arabella and Olivia's friendship was very sweet and I appreciated the moms in this book.

So, kids games, pranks, bets, a pig, some kisses, some flirting and all in all, a major misunderstanding (okay, come on Olivia. There's no way you are this confused) all make this to be a great read. Congratulations Jentry. You did marvelously!

Emerson is determined to win Olivia’s heart, but she only sees him as her friend, Arabella’s, older brother. Plus, her father insists that daughters are only good for marrying someone with a title. He comes up with a plan to prove to Olivia that he loves her, and he enlists his two longtime friends to help. Let the games begin!

I really enjoyed this debut novel from Jentry! I thought the plot with Emerson’s games was unique, and I couldn’t tell how they would get to their happy ending, which I always like. And I wonder if Arabella (and Lord Northcut, maybe?!) will get her own story one day.

A good regency read for the summer! The games the MCs played were fun and carefree and gave a lightness to this novel. The romance was great and had dreiste and turns written in so it wasn’t a straight love story.

“‘I will play.’ The words jumped from her lips, and her heart beat rapidly inside her chest. She hoped she would not come to regret it.”

What does an arranged marriage, a pig in a waistcoat, and a subtle game of tag have to do with a proper romance? A whole lot of fun and intrigue! Loved this creative debut novel by Jentry Flint! The parlor games brought back memories from childhood when my brothers or friends and I would create subtle little games to play if forced to endure a very proper, sometimes boring situation. The romance is a slow-burn, best friend’s older brother trope with swoony kisses, tantalizing whispers in the ear, and heat-filled glances. Loved the characters, especially the friendship between the three men in the story.

Emerson Latham feels the weight of responsibility since the death of his beloved father. In accompanying his younger sister during her first season, Emerson realizes his growing attraction to Arabella’s best friend Olivia Wilde. Trying to court her the traditional way makes Olivia think he’s just trying to be a good friend. He decides to employ an unconventional courtship via a game of subtle tag. Employing his two close friends, and his blue stocking sister, he convinces Olivia to play the game in various ton gatherings without being caught by the other adults in the room, especially her overbearing, abusive father.

Olivia’s resigned herself to being forced to marry a man with a title. Her father worked his way up from the docks to become a wealthy, formidable tradesman. He wants for nothing more than a title and is determined Olivia get one for him. His abusive treatment of her and her mother cows Olivia into submission but she secretly longs for love and romance. When Emerson proposes a harmless game of tag, she’s at first reticent, but more and more sees it as her last chance for some fun and excitement before being forced to marry.

I loved the games played throughout the book, especially those devised by Emerson and his friends. Emerson, Bradbury, and Lord Northcott were the highlight of the story for me. Their friendship was so well written and each character was given a distinct personality with an intriguing backstory (Hope we get more books about these friends.) The incident with the pig and the waistcoat had me laughing out loud. It’s definitely a unique prank that I don’t believe I’ve ever read in a novel.

The romance was definitely swoony! I loved how Emerson gives Olivia the nickname Liv, so her name becomes Liv Wilde. I enjoyed the way he wanted to see her laugh and live to her fullest potential. I loved watching them both change as they regained that spark for life and found their way back to themselves through their friends’ help and their love.

This is definitely a fun, clean regency romance with a modern fresh twist. There’s a small amount of violence, and a hint of abuse from Olivia’s father and forced intended, however it’s mostly suggested. The ending will have you on the edge of your seat. Look forward to more books by this author. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

Games in a Ballroom is the debut novel of Jentry Flint, and it is a part of Shadow Mountain Publishing's Proper Romance Series. It was taking me a while to get into this story, and I was on the verge of placing it in the Did Not Finish category. That is, until a pig dressed in Beau Brummell's waistcoat was sent running through White's Gentlemen's Club's morning room. Yes, you read that correctly. I was so glad I ended up sticking with the story, as it suddenly became unputdownable! It did turn out to be a lovely proper romance. (I admit I regretted the fact that the fate of the pig was not revealed to us. Was he tasty?)

In London 1815, Olivia Wilde is not destined to marry a man she loved; instead, she was the means by which her brutal but rich father would basically buy his daughter a titled man simply to increase his own prestige. She knows such is her fate, so she decides to enjoy the rest of her freedom spending time with her best friend Arabella Latham and Arabella's older brother Emerson. After his father's death, Emerson is doing his best to take over the responsibilities and duties that were left to him. But he already knows who he wants to be by his side as his bride as he handles his duties: Olivia. Emerson, however, doesn't have a title, so he knows there is absolutely no way he would be allowed to court her openly. So how about secretly? Emerson suggests a playful game of tag to his friends Bradbury and Northcott, along with Arabella and Olivia. Olivia's not sure about this whole idea, but she agrees and the friends begin to secretly tag each other at balls and dinners. It soon becomes apparent that being with her isn't just fun and games for Emerson. If they are caught, however, reputations will be ruined and there could be dangerous results to their safety by Olivia's abusive father. How will the game end?

The whole game seemed rather silly and juvenile at first. Maybe it was due to my advanced age; I'm not exactly young anymore! But once the well-dressed pig was brought into the picture, things really revved up. More humor was brought into the story, but things also became more serious and I just had to follow the game to its conclusion. Olivia had a difficult home life, and it was heartbreaking. She had a loving mother, but her father was terrifying. He had a horrible temper and it was obvious that he physically abused his wife. His daughter was simply a bargaining chip for him to become connected to a titled family. If he discovered the burgeoning love between Olivia and Emerson, things would not go well for any of them. Emerson was learning the ropes of handling family and resources after the death of his father, but he had a very supportive mother and a sister who annoyed the heck out of him but whom he loved. He had always been friends with Olivia, but as he grew up his feelings for her also grew. He had been a carefree young man who gambled and played pranks with his friends but he had to grow up quickly when he lost his father. But even though he and his friends were all now adults, the idea of a game to bring him and Olivia together sparked everyone's interest and brought back some of the joys of childhood. Since this was a Proper Romance, there wasn't much of the physical in the romance beyond lovely kisses and gentle touches. More wasn't necessary, though; the love and affection between Emerson and Olivia was quite obvious and heartfelt and we know exactly how they felt about each other. Supporting characters were a lot of fun and added much to the story. Arabella could be a snarkly little sister but was a great friend to Olivia. Northcott was quiet and broody but could always be depended on. My favorite, however, was Bradbury. On the surface he seemed immature, a man whose whose sole intent seemed to be the pursuit of fun and gambling. However, when push came to shove, it became apparent he cared deeply for his friends. I am looking forward to more books from Ms. Gentry and hope we can see some HEA's for the rest of the group!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Congratulations to Jentry Flint for publishing her debut novel Games in a Ballroom!

Plot summary: In 1815 London, the families of Emerson Latham and Olivia Wilde have long been friendly. But when Emerson's feelings for Liv expand beyond friendship, he struggles to express them in a socially acceptable manner. He suggests a game of tag involving his sister Arabella, Olivia, and his two closest friends as they attend a series of formal dinners and balls during the Season.

Of course, factors complicate their developing romance - Emerson's father recently died, making him responsible for his mother and sister, and Olivia's wealthy but boorish father demands she marry a man with a title to elevate their family's standing. Can true love bloom from a game of tag to overcome these obstacles?

My thoughts: I was charmed by this Regency romance from its eye-catching cover to its witty banter, sweet romance, and deeper plot points. I especially liked the Shakespeare thread that wove throughout, the strong bond among Emerson and his friends, and the wagers they made among themselves and with others. I hope this is the first in a trilogy and Jentry Flint will feature Bradbury and Northcott in future books.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the review copy of this novel.

Love is the name of the game in Jentry’s debut novel, “Games in a Ballroom”. Emerson, ever the love-stricken gentleman, institutes the game of tag into the Season’s social events to bring some happiness into Olivia’s life. But it’s a heroic game of hide-and-seek that finally frees Olivia from her heartless, title-seeking father and into Emerson’s loving arms forever. I really enjoyed this forbidden lovers regency novel and look forward to more stories from Jentry Flint.