[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Summary
Primrose Ainsworth has finally made it. After years of watching her older sisters enter Society and entertain suitors, it’s finally Prim’s turn. She’s turning 16, the magical age when she can finally stop waiting and start living.
But Primrose’s parents are consumed with final details for her sister’s wedding. And with another sister already out looking for a husband, their parents have decided that Primrose needs to wait another year. Or more.
With her birthday essentially ignored and her debut postponed, Prim decides to take advantage of the family’s distraction. She and her friend, Olympia, sneak out to Vauxhall for a night of fun.
When things in a tavern get out of hand, Prim is separated from Olympia, but she is rescued by a young gentleman. When his chivalry turns to criticism, she’s ready to ditch him as quickly as possible. But when she has to rescue him in turn, it seems as though they are better off together. While Prim should be focused on finding Olympia and getting home before either of them are caught, she finds herself distracted by this young man. But she must keep reminding herself that even if the touch of his hand makes her heart flutter, all she truly has is this one night of freedom.
Review
This was so sweet! I loved Prim and Jacob together. (And I despised Primrose’s mother. She’s the worst!) I was heartbroken for Prim as she was ignored and shunted aside, essentially a commodity for her parents to wheel and deal to Society whenever it was in their best interests. To them she seemed only to be a means to an end, and it was awful. I loved her plan to have one night of freedom that she could always hold onto that was hers and hers alone, even if it was super risky. The ending/resolution of all this was perfect.
Anyone who routinely reads Victorian fiction/romance will find some familiar pieces here. I don’t know that there was anything super original in the story, although there wasn’t any of the usual “she’s ruined for being unchaperoned” that I often find in books like this. But the characters are a delight! Their banter and bickering, flirting and pining, was right on target for me. I loved every bit of the relationship.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction and sweet love stories should give this a try!
Rating: ♥♥♥♥*
*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.