I've only read a few Regency romance novels and I don't remember ever
recommending one in the past. While they are clearly romantic fiction, which
is my preferred genre, there is no guarantee they will be clean and
wholesome. When I search for a new book, I have learned to use the term "clean and wholesome" and have had much greater success finding a
romantic fiction book that doesn't include graphic sex.
I've seen Regency romance novels in the "clean and wholesome" search
results, but past experience has made me hesitate to choose one again.
However, when I saw "The Ace of Hearts" was included in my
KindleUnlimited membership, I felt I had nothing to lose if I tried a Regency romance again.
After all, I could stop reading if it became too racy and know that I had
not spent a dime on the novel. I'm really glad I gave that genre
another chance!
I love historical fiction and thanks to
Pride and Prejudice, I
am very fond of the British Regency era depicted in books, especially if the book
includes a touch of humor. While I am fascinated by the aristocracy, I admit
I am glad I don't live under their rigid rules and expectations for
women. The "Larkhall Letters" book series reminds me, once again, to
be grateful that I was not subject to an arranged marriage because my family
estate needed an infusion of cash, or because someone was in the right
social class.
In "The Ace of Hearts", Alice Rosemeyer went to great lengths and engaged
in socially unacceptable activity in order to avoid her stepfather's
arrangement for her marriage and life. Given her circumstances, I'm
sure I would have been inclined to run away too.
The Ace of Hearts Book Synopsis
The Ace of Hearts: A Regency Romance
(Larkhall Letters Book 1)Check PriceAlice thought she had found a way out of having to marry her stepfather's
choice when she and her step-brother, Isaac, colluded to help Isaac win the
heart of a wealthy heiress, Diana Herring. He had agreed to use some
of Diana's dowry to setup a dowry for Alice that would attract a more
desirable gentleman for her to wed. Alice's hopes, along with her
stepbrother's hopes, were dashed when his hopeful bride's brother refused
Isaac as a suitor for Diana.
While Thomas Herring may have made a very wise decision for his sister,
Diana, that decision made Alice desperate to devise another way to gain her
independence. Without telling anyone, including her stepbrother, she
made plans for her and her younger sister, Louisa, to visit a friend in
another city for the summer. Bridget Northcott was excited to have the
two Rosemeyer sisters join her at Larkhall and was more than happy to
introduce them to prospects, which happened to be her brothers friends and
guests for the summer. Surely the sisters would catch the eye of a
more desirable suitor.
But, Alice did not wish to be bound by matrimony. She much preferred the
idea of being independent and able to provide for herself and her sister if
necessary. When she found a like-minded ally, as well as financial
backing, in Diana's aunt, she was thrilled to consider a different
future. It was one, however, that would require careful planning and
anonymity. Together, they made a plan.
Thus, the Ace of Hearts was established and open for business!
My Conclusion
I found this to be a delightful read that occasionally made me laugh. I
could easily envision the characters as described by Ashtyn Newbold. Their
actions, unusual, yet creative schemes, and antics were rather
entertaining. Plus, the parlor games were quite amusing!
This is one Regency Romance Novel I can highly recommend! I look forward to
reading the rest of the books in this series.
Larkhall Letters - A Regency Romance Series
The Ace of Hearts: A Regency Romance (Larkhall Letters Book 1)Check Price The Captain's Confidant: A Regency Romance (Larkhall Letters Book 2)Check Price With Love, Louisa: A Regency Romance (Larkhall Letters Book 3)Check Price The Matchmaker's Request: A Regency Romance (Larkhall Letters Book 4)Check Price
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