May 16, 2022
From the beginning, this dramatic and diverting second chance romance from McAvoy (My Sunrise Sunset Paramour) makes clear that it’s set in an alternate Regency England where race is not a factor in class and racial prejudice does not exist. Aphrodite Du Bell returns to London for her sister’s first season. Though she was the belle of her own first season, a broken betrothal left her both heartbroken and scandalized and she’s been hiding from society ever since. Evander Eagleman carries the responsibility of his dukedom—and all the family secrets that come with it—on his back. Though he’s only ever loved Aphrodite, circumstances forced him to jilt her all those years ago. Now widowed, he is prepared to do whatever it takes to win her back—but his family secrets put them both in danger. The melodramatic appeal of their romance is marred slightly by inconsistent pacing and some awkward language, but readers will easily fall in love with the protagonists. And, between the Bridgerton TV series and the forthcoming film adaptation of Mr. Malcom’s List, the popularity of diverse historical romance is clear; McAvoy’s addition to this growing genre comes right on time. Agent: Natanya Wheeler, Nancy Yost Literary.
July 1, 2022
In McAvoy's (Beginning Forever) Regency romance, Aphrodite and Evander find their Happily Ever After early in the book. As a young couple, they were separated due to a miscommunication, but a fortuitous meeting later in life proves love can win in the end. Evander is now a widower, and Aphrodite has been residing outside society after her failed attachment to Evander caused some scandal. When they meet again as they both support the debut of family members, they get a second chance at love and make the most of it. In part one of the book, the fast pacing and angst before their reunion is enjoyable. However, the resolution of their misunderstanding comes early and leaves the second half to limp along as it focuses primarily on the drama of Evander's family. Also, the secrecy Evander employs to shield Aphrodite from that drama makes their relationship seem shallow. VERDICT Though this is a fairly enjoyable read, it lacks enough character development for readers to care about the remaining story once the couple make amends.--Claire Brown
Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2022
Accomplished contemporary romance author McAvoy dives head first into diverse Regency romance, and fans who devoured the recent season of the Netflix sensation Bridgerton will want to check out this stand-alone novel while crossing hopeful fingers for it to become a series. The most eligible diamond of the season, Aphrodite Du Bell, was crushed when her perfect match, Evander Eagleman, the duke of Everely married another woman. Four years later, Aphrodite is accompanying her younger sister on her debut season in London when she is confronted by the newly widowed duke, who is ready to prove his love and loyalty to the one he let go. Aphrodite's renowned beauty gives her the pick of the litter, but the clock is ticking when her mother gives her the ultimatum that she must marry this season, and her choices are to pick Evander or the next best nobleman. Fans of both Shonda Rhimes' TV adaptations and Julia Quinn's Bridgerton books will love this charming romance featuring the lively and heartwarming biracial Du Bell family and the world they inhabit, free of racial prejudice.
COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.