A Grand Escape or An Unexpected Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Blog Tour

TYPE OF NOVEL: Victorian Romance

SERIES: Belles of London #2 (Each book is standalone and can be read out of order)

THE PREMISE: Introverted and sheltered Julia Wychwood has always dreamed of one day experiencing a grand romantic adventure – just like in the novels she adores. And yet she has crippling anxiety and is terrified when any suitor pays her attention. Especially when that suitor is known for being a ruthless yet celebrated war hero, possesses a crumbling estate, and has a very blackened reputation.

Captain Blunt has made it known he is seeking to marry an heiress. And yet he has his own reasons for pursuing Julia Wychwood despite anyone’s attempt to dissuade him…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Julia Wychwood: A heroine who loves to read, has social anxiety, and often takes comfort from the world in the pages of novels – she is me. Julia is everything that is endearing and sweet. I loved her dreamy outlook on life, especially since she has been exposed to so much selfishness, cruelty, and cynicism with her parents. Her thirst for adventure and love was so tangible. I relate so hard to dear Julia. But what I especially loved about Julia was witnessing her growth as she became more confident in herself and fully realized her own worth and capabilities. I loved the moments that she spoke up for herself or took matters into her own hands.

• Captain Blunt: Ooh a rough-edged, battle-scarred hero with lots of secrets…sign me up! You can tell Jasper Blunt has a lot of darkness and disappointment in his life. But the man plays his cards super close to his chest, so it isn’t until much later for Julia (and the reader) that all is revealed. He likens himself to a monstrous brute, lacking in humanity, but then shows Julia this deeply gentle, considerate, and tender side. I adored so much about this hero – how he has a hidden vulnerable and passionate side to him, how he is valiant and determined in his protection and love for Julia, how he makes a huge sacrifice and bears with all the consequences so stoically. I loved seeing his secrets revealed and the moment when his full self was finally laid bare.

• Novel Reading: I loved that both characters shared a fondness for reading. It was a great surprise that they had this passion in common. All their conversations and debates about novels, plots, and characters were so much fun to enjoy.

• Beauty and the Beast Vibes: With the novel reading, a remote and neglected estate, a magnificent library, and a reputed beastly hero, this beautiful tale incorporated some of the best elements of Beauty and the Beast. Julia is definitely similar to Belle in that she desperately wants to leave her home and experience more in life, and Captain Blunt has that same intriguing dual personality/sides to him as the Prince/Beast – not to mention a past life he is reforming himself from.

• Thoughtful Themes: Caring for others before yourself, not judging someone by their past mistakes, relationships built on honesty and trust – so many important and wise lessons for these characters to learn. I really appreciated witnessing the journeys these characters made as they learned to stand up for themselves and grapple with aligning a person’s past with their present actions.

• A Stirring Romance: Surging attraction, gentle scenes of tenderness, impassioned kisses, and intense chemistry – ooh the romance in this one was just so swoony! I absolutely thrilled to see it. So many heart-stirring scenes that made me sigh or smile. Just beautifully expressed love.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• It was a story I wished would never end!

CONCLUSION:

Once again I step outside the Austenesque and Regency worlds I know to devour (just like dear Julia) the latest novel by one of my favorite authors. Our unabashed novel-reader Julia would highly approve of this sensational, adventurous, and emotionally-charged tale. The Belle of Belgrave Square is an exquisitely romantic tale full of beauty, sincerity, and warmth. I enthusiastically recommend!

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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Mimi has generously offered a fabulous annotated and signed paperback copy of The Belle of Belgrave Square in conjunction with her blog tour!

Commenting on this post and entering through the rafflecopter widget on this blog enters you in a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

• This giveaway is open to US residents.  Thank you, Mimi!
• This giveaway ends October 30th!

My sincere gratitude to Laurel Ann Nattress of Austenprose for putting this lovely blog tour together and inviting me to take part!