I, quite simply put, loved this book.

This was my first Julia Bennet book, but it won’t be the last. I am in love with her writing style - it’s easy, it’s clear, and it’s just good. With a period romance, some authors try too hard to land the vernacular of the time, or their dialogue is unrealistic for the setting, but Bennet’s doesn’t feel that way. It’s easy to slip right into her world and stay there.

I devoured this book. It’s the perfect escape from daily life.

I found the storyline to be interesting and unique. Many period romances don’t tackled divorce, at least for the main characters. Bennet did a wonderful job of highlighting the injustices towards women and the misogyny of the time. However, she did it in a way that wasn’t too heavy (it’s always going to be a heavy topic) for the book itself.

One of my only areas of improvement was just the imbalance of the points of view. I either wanted the story to be told solely from Francesca and James’s perspectives, or have an equal balance from everyone. The other character’s points of view bopping in and out sometimes disrupted the flow. If anything, I wanted to know more, especially after a certain rake and deb had a…moment.

Overall, this book was absolutely wonderful, and I would recommend it.

This was a first time read for me by this author and I found it to be quite interesting and entertaining. It's different than the typical historical romance novels that I've read in that the topic of divorce is addressed, which was very much frowned upon during that time. It was considered quite the scandal to get divorced. But divorce is exactly what Francesca wanted from her husband Edward. They have been married for ten years but it didn't take them long in their marriage to realize they were wrong for each other. They have been living separate lives to the point where Edward has had many conquests while married to Francesca and makes no effort to hide the fact. Despite all his cheating, he refuses to give her the divorce she asks for because of the terrible scandal it would create. James is Edward's best friend and Edward asked him to negotiate with Francesca on his behalf. All those years ago, when they first married, James was certain they had not been a good match, turns out he was right. He reluctantly agrees and talks with Francesca , agreeing with Edward that she should drop the idea of divorce. But when he meets with her, they both realize how fiercely they are attracted they are to each other. James is torn, as she is not only married, but married to his best friend. How can he possibly pursue a relationship with her?
James and Francesca have some major obstacles to overcome before their relationship can really take root. This was definitely a unique storyline, and it kept me intrigued and interested all the way through. The writing was captivating and definitely kept me entertained. I would love to read more books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Strong historical background and plot, but the writing was a little too derivative in places. I enjoyed the characters and story overall though

Julia Bennet is a new author to me, but I love a historical romance and I could not resist this one. I'm glad I didn't, because I absolutely loved The Worst Woman in London and I'm looking forward to seeing what else Bennet writes!

This was a just a great read. I was just all in the story.
Loved the MCs. Lovely written book. i enjoyed more than I expected I would

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

"The Worst Woman in London" is a historical romance set in Victorian society, focusing on Francesca Thorne, a woman trapped in a miserable marriage. The story explores the issue of divorce and the courage required to pursue dreams. The strong bond between James and Fran, as well as James's character development, is a highlight. However, the excessive focus on redeeming Francesca's husband and his romantic subplot with another woman may have taken away from the story. Despite its complexity, the book is appreciated for its exploration of heavy topics and the author's efforts in tackling them.

Thank you to Netgalley and Julia Bennet for this advanced copy for an honest review.

This was such a fun romp, a very unserious and fun Regency romance! The characters were super fun and perfect for each other!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!
A truly enjoyable read, with characters to root for! It would have been a 5 star for me if less time (especially at the end) was spent securing a happy ending for her absolutely horrible first husband, and more spent on Francesca and James. Seriously, the ex is a lout-let him suffer.

I liked this romance and it was surprising in the foundation of divorce in the story, I liked the two main characters as well.

The Worst Woman in London by Julia Bennet is an interesting book. It covers a topic you don't typically read a lot about in historical romance - divorce - and when I read the summary I immediately thought I needed to see what it was all about.

Francesca and Edward married years ago and they quickly came to realize they weren't right for each other. Since then, they've essentially lived separate lives but Francesca is determined to call it quits and get a divorce. She's tired of putting up with Edward and turning the other cheek to his philandering ways. That said, Edward is opposed to the divorce due to the scandal it will bring to the family so he asks his friend James to negotiate with Francesca on his behalf and that's where things start to take a turn.

I loved Francesca and the fact that she was willing to put everything on the line to stand up for herself was an interesting way to kick this off. She essentially lost her friends and her family over the petition (which I have strong feelings about) and I honestly felt proud of her even though she had pressure to give in coming at her from every direction. And I know, she is a fictional character but come on...everyone walked away from her.

Enter James. His plan is to follow the rules and marry a debutante to inherit his fortune but then he meets Francesca. Unfortunately for him, she's married and the wife of his friend. I loved how he develops over the course of this book and then how the relationship of these two characters develop as well.

If you're looking for a new historical romance to pick up that covers a topic you don't typically see in the genre, consider grabbing this one. It's a quick read and I thought the writing was well done. I have been enjoying books by this author as I continue to see her write topics into her stories that aren't the norm for the time so I'll definitely pick up her next book to see what she does next.

I love Bridgerton, enemies to lovers, lovable characters and nothing makes me happier than 'badly' behaved woman. Making this the recipe for a great read,

I adored the character growth and chemistry these two had. So this was a JOY to read especially during my wait for Bridgerton Season 3. Also you know if there's enemies to lovers i will drink it like champagne.

I love books with a lot of drama so I loved The Worst Woman in London. I don't read too many historical romances but, to me, this felt like a great one to start with if you're getting into historical romances.

When a six-week engagement leads to a decade of misery for Francesca Thorne, the society woman decides to do the unthinkable, sue her philandering husband for divorce. As beautiful as she is headstrong, Francesca yearns only for the freedom to live her life as she sees fit, far from the domineering husband who wants her to be a meek, submissive wife. When Edward Thorne sends his oldest friend, James Standish, to visit his estranged wife in the hopes of bribing her to remain married, Francesca never dreamt that the brief meeting would tilt her world on its axis. As she feels herself growing closer to James, she risks putting her future, and her freedom at risk if she follows through with her heart's true desires.

"The Worst Woman in London" turns many traditional tropes on their head as we see a relationship flourish between a married woman and her husband's best friend. I also found it very interesting to see Francesca's divorce case move through the court system. I confess that I am completely ignorant of the workings of the divorce proceedings of Victorian England, but Julia Bennet does a great job of showing how brutally unfair the system was for women who wanted to escape an unhappy marriage.

Perfect for fans of Julia Quinn and Lisa Kleypas, "The Worst Woman in London" is a memorable romance that brings both heat and feeling to an era depicted by many as staid and cold. A light summer read for anyone who is a fan of the historical romance genre. Special thanks to NetGalley and to Union Square & Co. for providing an Advanced Reader's Copy of "The Worst Woman in London" in exchange for an unbiased review.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would! Francesca is everything I love in a regency FMC, defiant and unafraid to break society's mold, she seeks a divorce from her neglectful, spiteful, douche of a husband, Edward. She refuses to back down in when her family and most of the people she knows turns their back on her, but she is determined to live the life she wants and deserves and we love to see it! James is said douche's oldest friend and follows the rules set by society because he likes the comfort of his position in it. They are brought together and the spark is immediate and undeniable, this book was steamy and sensual. We get chapters from the two mains as well as her hopefully soon to be ex husband as well as a young debutante infatuated with him. It was an interesting choice to have them be the secondary romance in the book and I have mixed feelings. He was horrible to Fran through the whole book and not a good friend to Edward, so I hated him and wanted him to be miserable but by the end I actually rooted for him to get his HEA as well, props to Julia Bennet!!

✨ Publication date: May 9, 2024✨

Francesca Thorne has had enough! Her husband of nearly 10 years hasn’t really been a husband for at least 8 of them. His dalliances with London’s high and low society are well known. While her peers may sympathize with her, they also believe that a wife’s duty is to honor and obey her husband.

Francesca files for divorce. While it’s not as unheard of as it might have once been, She is shunned by her family and closest friends. She is no longer invited to the parties and balls she once was and while her husband parades his mistresses around, she is advised to keep a low profile or her case will be nearly impossible to win.

James Standish is one of Francesca’s husband’s oldest and dearest friends. So she is suspicious when he turns up at her house with an offer from her husband. Even though she turns down the generous offer, her and James have a connection neither can deny.

Can Francesca be rid of her philandering husband after all these years? Is there a happy ever after for her?

I loved the premise of this book! It was a bit slow plot wise but I enjoyed the banter between Francesca and James. This is a 3.5 star read for me!

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

#NetGalley #Juliabennet #theworstwomaninlondon

I was captivated by this story of forbidden love that weaves scandal, drama, societal pressure, and the duties and obligations expected of Victorian women (and wives) so masterfully.

Francesca Lytton catches the eye of James Standish, though she marries his best friend Edward Thorne. She is young, and their engagement is a quick one. Years later, after they’ve been married almost a decade, and estranged for most of it – Fran is suing for a divorce. Which is absolutely not the thing in Victorian high society, and has already cost her some of her closest family – the aunt and uncle who raised her. Almost everyone around Fran seems to want to convince her that divorce is a terrible idea – including her husband, Edward Thorne, who sends James Standish to go and make his case.

James and Francesca have been distant friends for the most of their life, but as they spend more and more time together – first for James to fulfil his promise to Edward, and later for far less honourable reasons – they realise there is much, much more between them than friendship. But divorce in Victorian times is incredibly difficult – and a woman must prove she has a spotless reputation to be granted such a freedom – a reputation that any clandestine relationship with James Standish could destroy.

Fran must choose between her heart, and her freedom; whilst James is faced to make a choice between his love for Fran and the life of luxury he only recently thought he could never live without. Will they sacrifice it all for love?

Let me just say: I adored this novel. It enthralled me from start to finish and I really did not want to put it down. It felt like there was a twist around every corner, and you REALLY want the characters to be together even though you know there is such a huge risk – and so much to lose for the both of them. An excellent read!

Okay, this book was a wild ride! I honestly FLEW through it once I got into the meat of the novel. After a slow start, it really starts to pick up and you start to feel for and get to know the cast of characters. You hope and wish that Fran will find her freedom, you see James start to look at his life through a difference lens, and, also, for some reason you kind of feel bad for the "evil husband" of it all.

My emotions were all over the place! Let me tell you.

rating: 4 STARS
genre: historical romance
steam: open door, multiple scenes
release date: Out Now! (May 7, 2024)

In my opinion, this book kind of feels like it's filling the gap of "What happens AFTER the happily ever after?" The novel starts with our main characters meeting and getting married...but not to each other. Fran marries Edward, who thinks she's perfect in everyday - the ideal innocence wife...but when he soon realizes that's not who she truly is, their marriage begins to fall apart. You jump 10 years into the future, and witness what it's like for a woman in the ton who IS in a loveless marriage and, somewhat, a marriage of convenience and the POV of that not working out.

And I loved it! Because it gave space for James to peek his pretty little head in.

I highly recommend this book!

Read if you like:
- Bridgerton Vibes
- The Emma Woodhouse/Mr. Knightly banter dynamic
- Chaste but also well done spice
- Lots of personal development
- Multiple POV (there are at least 4 that I counted - the ARC made it a LITTLE difficult to tell when you were switching POVs)

The Worst Woman in London is a fantastic novel with a very unique premise; a woman wanting a divorce 10 years after her arranged marriage to a man she did not love in an era where women had no rights and rarely their own independance

James Standish is going to get married to a woman of innocence and standing in order to follow soceital expectations. Marry into money and pop out a few babies to carry on the name. However, that was the plan until he met Francesca Throne, the wife of his friend Edward, who not the most devoted of husbands for this strong-willed woman with her eyes on leaving the marriage.

Two people thrown together by circumstance must decide if they stay in their conventional lives, or emabrace the passion between them and take a leap of faith together

This was the first book I have read from Julia bennet and it was incredibly well researched and thought out. Great humour, wonderful narrative and oh so very unique.

Thank you to Netgalley, Union Square & Co. - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing | Union Square & Co. and the author Julia Bennet for this highly entertaining ARC. My review is left voluntarily an all opinions are my own

I was completed swept up in this friends-to-lovers, star-crossed romance. This was my first Julia Bennet book but now I'm eager to read her back catalog. She has a great voice for historical romance.

So, the "worst woman in London" is just a lonely wife trying to rebuild her life. Fran is trying to get a divorce from her cheating husband Edward during a time in England when women were held to impossible standards while men were held to none. Yucky Edward sends in his friend James with a counteroffer, but James soon becomes more concerned with Fran's happiness than Edward's. It's a romance about timing, following your heart rather than your head even though it can make life harder, and second chances. James and Fran were so cute together, their chemistry came off the page and their banter was fantastic.

One thing I really wish was left out was Edward's storyline with his new lady. Number one - because his mistress was FAR more likeable and interesting and Number two - because he was the philandering villain and I feel like he didn't get his just desserts in the end.

I loved this book and thought the storyline was unique which is hard to do in the romance genre which typically features the same few plots.