Barbara’s Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Series: Bluestocking Booksellers #2
Publication Date: August 12, 2025
Period: Regency
Length: 368 pages

Review:

Oliver and Connie are the classic case of opposites attract in this witty and entertaining Regency romance.

Oliver Vincent is everything calm, collected, and rule-following—a proper gentleman, if a bit rigid. Connie Martin, on the other hand, is spirited, impulsive, and delightfully chaotic. (Note: Connie clearly shows traits of ADHD, which adds nuance to her character.)

After breaking off her engagement, Connie is living under a cloud of social disgrace, working in her family’s bookshop, and carrying guilt more for her family’s suffering than her own actions. When her friend Amelia begs for help escaping her own unwanted engagement, Connie jumps at the distraction—even if it means meddling with the famously steadfast Oliver Vincent.

Oliver sees marriage as a transaction, and his betrothal to Amelia is nothing more than fulfilling an obligation. He’s far too honorable to back out on his own. What he doesn’t expect is the whirlwind that is Connie Martin—and the chaos she brings into his carefully ordered life.

Thoughts:
While I enjoyed the quirky charm and banter between Oliver and Connie, I didn’t fall completely in love with the story. The pacing dragged in spots, and the historical inaccuracies pulled me out of the setting—a personal pet peeve of mine with historical romance.

That said, the character dynamics were engaging, and the series concept (bookish heroines, anyone?) remains strong. I’m glad I read this one, even if I wouldn’t revisit it, and I’m definitely planning to pick up the next installment.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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