A forthright Jewish heroine desperate for acceptance in 19th century Philadelphia. A well-bred scion of a respected family, determined to run from his demons. Together, they plot to get their heart’s desire – she, to enter society with grace, he to leave it forever – and as their pretend friendship turns to true kinship, they discover they have so much more in common, and need each other so much more, than they could ever have imagined. Zesty and full of spirit with leads to cheer for and no little steam (if you’re into that sort of thing), Appetites and Vices is an electrifying debut, and thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. – Rachel Hyland

This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #4.

I really loved this book. I don't often read historical romances and the genre is somewhat new to me but I really enjoyed this book and I feel like it had a good balance of everything a good romance has. It had lovable characters, chemistry, good story and it also had a steamy romance.

I loved this delightful, thoughtful historical romance! APPETITES & VICES is the story of Ursula and Jay, as they navigate an upper-class Philadelphia society that is hostile toward each of them for different reasons. Ursula, because she’s Jewish and outspoken like her late mother, and Jay because he has a reputation as a spoiled playboy. When these two strike a deal to get what they want, sparks fly, past mistakes are confronted, and everything goes awry in the best ways.

Ursula is the star of the book, in my opinion. I love her for so many reasons, and here are some: (1) she’s strong-willed, (2) she loves sweets, (3) she’s passionate, (4) she has a pet monkey (and other animals), (5) she tries really hard at everything, (6) she’s tough but carries a bit of insecurity, (6) she has giant boobs that she’s not afraid to show off, (7) she tells the truth as she knows it, in all situations, (8) she’s smart but awkward socially. Ms. Grossman gives her such an entertaining, thoughtful voice, that the reader is pulled in as an Ursula fan from page one.

Jay is my first historical book boyfriend. He’s handsome (of course), more honorable than everyone in their world seems to think, and charismatic. He’s also a generous, gifted lover, which makes for some steamy, sexy scenes. Jay’s got the Issues (capital “I” is not a typo there), and he struggles, but he powers through the best he’s able. One of my favorite scenes is when he’s confronted with one of the said Issues, and he actually listens to his parents and turns his own destiny around. And boy, oh boy, is he into Ursula.

These two don’t have it easy as they find their happily ever after, but eventually, they figure out that together they make a formidable team, able to get through just about anything. APPETITES & VICES is a wonderful debut by Felicia Grossman, which I highly recommend.

A fantastic autistic Jewish heroine, pining pine tree hero, and SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF ANGST? Really what more could I have asked for?

Nothing, I tell you, nothing.

I received an advanced copy of this book—and I really enjoyed it. It’s rare to find a historical romance in 19th century America with a Jewish heroine (all these things together!). Ms. Grossman wrote a fair assessment of the treatment of Jews in that time/place without getting heavy-handed. Regarding the Jewish elements, I’m pretty sure a secular audience won’t feel any more left out than Jewish (and other religions) readers do reading all the Christmas romances out there ;-)

So this had a nice heat level - hot and steamy and very sex positive. Speaking of, glad Ursula enjoyed all her appetites! Of all the things she felt self-conscious over, these weren’t her problems!

As for vices, Jay has an addiction problem that is handled very well. Not glossed over and disappears with “love” which I respect. Gotta have some reality with my fantasy.

Jay’s poor handkerchief. Lordy, by the end of the story, that thing needed a washing!

All Ursula ever wanted was to fit in. She is a banking heiress who is also Jewish. Being from the most wealthy family in Delaware should give her an in to society but she is too outspoken. It's not England, but the discrimination is still there. While trying to get her childhood friend to marry her, another man overhears and offers to become fake bethrothed to get away from his parents. John Thaddeus “Jay” Truitt, a reformed libertine, belongs in society and can provide an open invitation to all the parties and soirees. All Jay wants is to get away from his family, his position, his past. When things become more than fake, will their love survive? Jay has secrets that he has never shared and secrets that are killing his family. So many hurts. Will Jay prove worthy of Ursula? I loved the story line. There were stories inside the main story. It entertains but tackles some tough subjects that are relevant today. I enjoyed it very much. Strong, sassy heroine, sympathetic hero. I received this book from Net Galley and Carina Press for a honest review. The opinions are my own.

This was an engaging debut containing an offbeat heroine, a time and setting that I rarely encounter in historical romance, and several animals (I'm all for animals in romance). Ursula is fierce, smart, socially inept, and very, very lonely (in fact, I wanted her to have more and better allies. Her father's kind of useless, her female cousin is a viper for most of the book, and her uncle seems to actively wish her ill a lot of the time. There is a whole gaggle of mean girls who are pretty much out to get her).

Jay is a great example of a damaged hero - also lonely and seemingly without allies. The two enter into a fake engagement in order to advance both of their aims, which also happens to be one of my favorite tropes. Their growing respect and attraction for one another is handled very well.

I'm looking forward to seeing future books from this author.

I was given an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyed this historical romance. Ursula is a strong, vibrant woman who speaks her mind and goes after what she wants. She plots to marry her best friend Hugo to gain the respect of a society that discriminates against her religion and her sordid past. Jay happens to overhear her proposal to Hugo and offers to help convince his family to accept her by accompanying her to social events.
Their interactions become provocative and the banter funny and intriguing. Jay begins to appreciate all the facets of Ursulas personality and teaches her to work the crowd without letting them get a rise out of her. She in turn teaches him to let of the past and find worth in himself.
Loved both characters and their strong personalities. The only thing that I had issues with was on how much time both spent wallowing in their unworthiness. Both struggle to find acceptance within their circle but they spend too much time focused on how inept they are. I'm glad they both find the strength to face their demons and love each other in the end.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.