A fun regency romance with all of the sweet characters that you could want. Love the sideways glances and misunderstandings that English romances have. I would note this on a display for readers that may want a read in line with "Bridgerton".

The mystery, the romance, the witty characters! All three are amazing and had me turning the pages lightening fast! Fun lighthearted read many are sure to enjoy!

Once again, Anstey provides a frothy romp that, while not being Austen-esque in style, agreeably delivers the reader to that well-loved timeperiod. This will hopefully be a bridge for introducing teen readers to Georgette Heyer as well as the actual 19th-century classics. Already purchased for last season's collection.

Cindy Anstey is one of my favorite Young Adult historical romance writers and she has another winner in Suitors and Sabotage! Anstey takes on a very complicated situation in any romance and adds a dangerous twist to it! Imogene is supposed to fall in love with Ernest Steeple. She is expected to accept a marriage proposal from him too. But, love is not something you can plan or manipulate. So, when Imogene realizes that she has feelings for Ernest's brother Ben, and that her best friend Emily does too, she doesn't know what to do. But, Imogene is not the kind of person who would hurt anyone, and hiding her feelings is the hardest thing she's ever had to do.

Meanwhile, there are several "incidents" that keep putting Ben in mortal danger and Imogene is sure that they are not accidental. Between trying to sort out her feelings, keeping Emily, Ben, and Ernest from discovering her true desires, and trying to figure out who is out to hurt Ben, Imogene has a lot on her plate. With the risk of her father disowning her if she refuses a perfectly good marriage proposal from Ernest, Imogene must make the hardest decision of her life: a life alone or a marriage with a man she doesn't love.

You will definitely wonder how Imogene handles it all in the end and if she ever finds her happily ever after. Can't wait to read the next Cindy Anstey novel!

I absolutely loved this adorable period drama. It was charming and sweet, but also had a bit of a mystery going on in it. I had guessed who the saboteur was about halfway through, but Anstey sprinkled some seeds of doubt across the remaining pages and I wasn't 100% sure of my choice up to the reveal.

I lived for the descriptions of the clothes and accessories. Those are really my favorite parts of period dramas. This was a fun romance, following a girl learning to accept who she is and not force herself into others' expectations. I loved the character development and watching Imogene became a strong, independent lady. She wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted at the end, no matter the consequences.

The pace was fast and the plot was interesting. There was more to this book than which brother she would choose, if either of them. There's amazing character development, strong friendships, and aspects of found family. There's a lot more to this fun romance than is in the synopsis and I loved that it had more depth than I was expecting. Plus, the swoonworthy romance sure helped.

I definitely recommend this one and I look forward to picking up Duels and Deception, which I bought awhile ago.

*Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy*

This was light fluff period piece. Nothing stood out. I enjoyed the setting and the friendships between the characters but the overall plot was a bit boring.

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The resolution for this is not set up enough for my liking-- it felt like it came out of left field, and badly-- but overall it is a charming book

Another fun regency romp but not as strong as the first two - could have used a bit more character development for all of the characters.

I loved Imogene and Ben. She’s smart and he’s charming and together they’re really good people with the most chemistry you could have during this time period. I’m a sucker for the longing filled glances from across a room and while we do get a bit of banter from them, the pesky fact that Imogene is nearly engaged to Ben’s brother is quite a fun snag.

Plot wise, it was delightful. There was a big group of characters and some of the reveals felt a bit convoluted; however, I was in it for Imogene and Ben and found I didn’t quite care. Of course there isn’t kissing until the end, but it completely works and I was so satisfied with the last few chapters.

Overall, it was a fun story with a great group of characters

I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

I really couldn't get into this book. The mystery was barely there and I just found the main characters to be too silly. I'm a fan of Jane Austen and the regency era in general but this just wasn't for me.

YA needs more historical fiction! While this book was entertaining, it was also a little messy and tangled up. But it seemed like that messiness was purposeful, so maybe it's just me. I did like the romance/drama and the characters.

Suitors and Sabotage in Three Words: Fun. Charming. Cozy.

Suitors and Sabotage is as charming as its cover. It's a delightful historical romance that I am sure will make all its readers smile as much as it did me.

The story starts off with a daring rescue of Imogene's beloved dog by the most charming of gentlemen, Ben Steeple, who just so happens to be the younger brother of Ernest Steeple, the man who is courting Imogene Chively. From page one readers get to watch the budding friendship between Ben and Imogene grow into feelings that they try to deny, since Ernest is courting Imogene and her best friend Emily has her sights on Ben. The story gets even crazier when a series of "accidents" seem to be focused on harming Ben. This mysterious element adds even more fun to this historical romance novel.

Although I enjoyed every aspect of Suitors and Sabotage, I give all my praise to the wide range of interesting characters. I truly enjoyed reading about their adventures. Imogene is an awkward, and shy adorable main character while her friend Emily is bold. Ben is charming and funny while Ernest is kind and patient. There were also a handful of minor characters that added their own flair to the story, each one was appreciated. These are all characters readers will want to get to know.

The historical English setting is a delight. I could picture the most interesting old castles and buildings thanks to the apt descriptions. This may be my favorite historical romance by Cindy Anstey, but I still highly recommend her others as well. Here is my review of Love, Lies & Spies and my mini review of Duels & Deception.

The Verdict: Suitors and Sabotage is the perfect book for a rainy afternoon. Readers will delight in the charming setting, likable characters, and fun story.

Suitors and Sabotage is my third Cindy Anstey's books, after Love, Lies, and Spies and Duels and Deception. And after reading this, I'm convinced that Cindy Anstey can do no wrong when writing YA historical-fiction, because once again I'm in love with her book!

Suitors and Sabotage follows Imogene Chively, a shy, aspiring artist whose parents always told her what to do and what not to do. With parents like that, naturally they'll also pick the best suitor for her. When the "parents-approved" suitor arrive at her house with his brother, Imogene soon become interested with the wrong brother, Ben Steeple. Unlike Imogene, Ben is charming and lively. He always know what to say in every situation, so of course everyone likes him (me included!)

Once again, Cindy Anstey manage to write a book that's both lighthearted and engaging. While this book is mostly about "getting to know each other", there's also some mysterious "accidents" that makes me guessing throughout the book who's behind all of it. So in some ways, it feels like reading a mystery novel too.

The romance is obviously the best part from this book. It's very subtle with hints here and there, and it always leave you wanting more. Imogene and Ben, despite being very different, makes a very adorable couple. Oh, and no worries, there's no love-triangle! I also like the friendship between Imogene and Emily. They support each other throughout the book, eventhough there's some problems between them.

In conclusion, Suitors and Sabotage is worth the read! If you haven't pick up any books by Cindy Anstey, do start with this. You won't regret it!

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Last year, I read my first Cindy Anstey book, Duels and Deception. I found it so delightful, and can honestly say, that history repeated itself here with Suitors and Sabotage.

•Pro: Imogene played the part of the a lady, but she had dreams of doing her own thing and being more than just a wife and lady of the manor. I loved her passion and her conviction, and love that Anstey always gives us a somewhat feminist heroine in all her books.

•Pro: Ben was so charming, and I adored the way he subtly adored Imogene. For a man of that time, he showed a great support for her talent and dreams as well.

•Pro: Anstey always mixes romances with a little suspense, and I am a fan of this blend.

•Con: I understand the "sabotage" event were important, but I would have like more of the romance and less of the "sabotage".

•Pro: Emily and Imogene shared a wonderful friendship, to the point that Imogene was considered part of Emily's family and they were a huge source of love and support for her, which was missing in her own home.

•Pro: Anstey knows how to do this time period, and I don't know what it is, but I always find reading about the Regency period so delightful. The propriety of the era makes every touch and glance that much more meaningful.

Overall: A charming period romance, with a hero and heroine, who won my heart, and a romance, which left me with a light heart.

Miss Imogene Chively has been (sort of) promised in marriage to Mr. Ernest Steeple by her parents, who are attempting to make her marry for money and social position. Imogene has dreams of becoming an art teacher with her own studio, but feels like she needs to cave in to her parents' demands and expectations. Then she meets Ernest's brother Ben and is soon giving him drawing lessons because he is an aspiring architect who cannot draw very well. As Imogene and her friend Emily get to spend more time with the two brothers at different country homes, they both find themselves falling in love with Ben while a series of accidents begin happening to him. As the accidents continue, both girls become convinced that someone is trying to hurt Ben, and Imogene finds herself thinking about refusing her parents' wishes. Will the girls solve the mystery? Will Imogene be able to follow her heart, or will she be forced to leave her dreams behind?
One of my favorite genres is Regency romance, and I absolutely loved this book! Cindy Anstey's books are now an insta-read for me. I got hooked with Love, Lies, and Spies, and this book fulfilled every expectation I had for it and more. Some of the situations the characters went through were dramatic, and some were laugh out loud funny. I felt many different emotions as I read: disgust for Imogene's family and their ill treatment of her, sadness for the four major characters and their circumstances, irritation at the angst some characters had, happiness for the ending, etc. Overall I thought it was a sweet story, though the mystery was not too hard to figure out. My favorite characters were Imogene, Ben, Emily, and Mrs. Beeswanger. I loved the descriptions of art and the beautiful landscapes. I could imagine myself in the story because the descriptions were so vivid. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun story and clean Regency romance. The cover is also gorgeous!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Suitors and Sabotage was a quick, sightly boring read. It wasn't terrible, but not very memorable. Which is pretty much the worst place for a book to fall.

I suppose it's because I've really grown super bored of regency romance. And if anything, Suitors and Sabotage is 100% a regency romance. Down to the Jane Austen witty chapter titles, the manners, and everything the characters are doing. (Which isn't much. Because, this is a romance novel)

If I feel my eyes drifting closed while I'm reading, you know the plot wasn't much. (sorry. I was majorly bored) The action is all centered around people falling in love and some muddled mystery. Seriously, though, the mystery isn't that big a deal. I mean, it is and it isn't. It was just dull.

On the other hand, I enjoyed the characters. Imogene was sweet. And individualist, kind of independent. The brothers were freaking adorable.
I just wish the entire book was as witty and quick as some of the banter.

Unfortunately, Suitors and Sabotage falls into the land of will-forget rads. Not absolutely terrible and not wonderful.

Received an ARC of Suitors and Sabotage from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Imogene Chively, an aspiring artist, is somewhat ambivalent about the visit of her suitor, Earnest Steeple. When Earnest arrives with his younger brother, Ben, in tow, Imogene's interest in romance increases. Unfortunately, the object of her interest is not Earnest, but Ben. In Ben, an apprentice architect, Imogene finds a kindred spirit and Ben is charmed by his brother's intended. When Imogene begins giving drawing lessons to Ben, the two spend more and more time together and both are forced to acknowledge their growing attraction to one another, while not wanting to hurt Earnest.

The action takes place over several different settings as the Chivelys and long-time friends the Beeswangers and the Tabards, along with the Steeple brothers, visit each family's home in turn. Along the way, a series of mishaps and near-misses seem to follow Ben, suggesting that perhaps someone means him harm. Things get interesting, too, when Imogene's best friend, Emily Beeswanger, takes an interest in Benjamin Steeple as well, and for a while, it appears that we may have a love square as opposed to a love triangle.

This is the first of Cindy Anstey's books that I have read and I enjoyed it immensely. It has been some time since I've read a good regency era romance, and finishing this novel sent me in search of similar novels to read next. I liked how the relationship between Ben and Imogene was developed through the novel, though it really wasn't ever a mystery as to who was the more attractive brother. Earnest's character was a little too flat and dull to offer any serious competition to his brother's charms. I also found the inclusion of the "who's out get Ben" plot thread a little too contrived and unnecessary to the overall development of the story.

Still, despite these small setbacks, Suitors and Sabotage was a light, engaging read and I am likely to read some of Anstey's other titles in the future.

Ultimately, I couldn't get into this book at all. I tried picking it up several times, but couldn't become interested in the plot or characters. The author does a good job, and it has nothing to do with the book itself- I just didn't have chemistry with it.

GIVEAWAYS REVIEWS
ARC Review + Giveaway: Suitors and Sabotage
April 20, 2018
22718738Release Date: April 17, 2018
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks

Two young people must hide their true feelings for each other while figuring out who means them harm in this cheeky Regency romance from the author of Love, Lies and Spies and Duels & Deception.

Shy aspiring artist Imogene Chively has just had a successful Season in London, complete with a suitor of her father’s approval. Imogene is ambivalent about the young gentleman until he comes to visit her at the Chively estate with his younger brother in tow. When her interest is piqued, however, it is for the wrong brother.

Charming Ben Steeple has a secret: despite being an architectural apprentice, he has no drawing aptitude. When Imogene offers to teach him, Ben is soon smitten by the young lady he considers his brother’s intended.

But hiding their true feelings becomes the least of their problems when, after a series of “accidents,” it becomes apparent that someone means Ben harm. And as their affection for each other grows—despite their efforts to remain just friends—so does the danger. . .

In Suitors and Sabotage, author Cindy Anstey delivers another witty young adult historical fiction novel that is the perfect mix of sweetly romantic and action-packed.



Suitors and Sabotage is Cindy Anstey’s third novel with Swoon Reads, but it’s the first book of hers that I read. Over the past couple of years I have heard great things about Anstey’s historical fiction novels, and I was not disappointed!

The year is 1817, and Imogene Chively left her Season in London with one suitor in tow—Ernest Steeple. In order to become better acquainted with one another, Ernest and his younger brother Ben come to stay with Imogene, her family, and their close friends. However, Ben’s charming personality and teasing manner soon swoops Imogene as well as her best friend Emily off their feet. Add in several suspicious accidents, and it seems as if someone is out to sabotage Ben for some unknown reason.

From the get go it’s obvious that Ben is the primary love interest. I mean, he saves her dog from harm in the first few pages…Ernest never had a chance. However, Imogene and Ben’s romance is slow and subtle. Imogene tries her hardest to fall for Ernest, especially after Emily shows interest in Ben, and Ben does not betray his brother by openly acted upon any of his feelings, yet both still fall in love with each other in a swoony way.

I loved how Imogene’s passion for art shined throughout the novel and how she aspires to open a school of her own, which is impressive considering the time period. Furthermore, I loved how Ben doesn’t even second guess her abilities and seeks her out as a teacher (and later partner). I also appreciated Imogene and Emily’s friendship, especially towards the end. Even though Emily was interested in Ben, she never truly fell for him like Imogene did and their friendship stays intact.

Overall, Suitors and Sabotage was a fun Regency novel, and I look forward to reading Cindy Anstey’s other books in the future!

Another utterly delightful YA historical romance from Cindy Anstey! The romantic entanglements and the mysterious accidents befalling one of the suitors created for quite a web of intrigue. Cindy writes such charming characters and stories, with witty banter and English manners. Though I do wish there was a tad more kissing. :) I can't wait to read what she writes next! Her books always leave me feeling light-hearted and giddy.