Oh how I loved The Davenports, and was so excited to read More Than This. Transported back to the fun historical setting and back with the beloved Davenport family.

*many thanks to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

The Davenports: More Than This is the captivating sequel to the bestselling The Davenports, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Chicago. The novel continues the journey of four young Black women—Ruby, Olivia, Amy-Rose, and Helen—as they navigate societal expectations, personal aspirations, and romantic entanglements. Marquis masterfully intertwines themes of ambition, love, and identity, portraying the complexities of Black elite society during a transformative era. The characters' growth and the evolving dynamics within their relationships are both compelling and heartwarming. With its rich historical context and engaging narrative, More Than This offers readers a poignant exploration of the challenges and triumphs of women forging their own paths in a rapidly changing world.

This follow up to the Davenports picks up right where it left off. Ruby, Olivia, Amy-Rose and Helen navigate Chicago society, adulthood and trying to find a husband.
Opinion
This book is more than charming; it allows the reader to visit the past and gain insight into what life was like back then. Each ladies struggle (with job, love or both) is unique yet they are all linked together well. I certainly hope this is not the end of the Davenport series as I have thoroughly enjoyed the the first two books.
Many thanks to Net Galley and to Penguin Group for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I was so happy to jump back into the world of the Davenports. I devoured the first book and continue to love learning about this family and following the women of this story. I did find the story to become a bit repetitive and felt like some of the narrators weren't necessary. Like, how many situations would have been solved if these gals had read their letters. Talk about miscommunication trope. So, a bit predictable and redundant but a fun read all the same.

Picking up where book 1 left off The Davenports are back and standing on business. Picking up right where the first book left off, MORE THAN THIS is a direct continuation of the drama, angst, and entanglements from the first book of this series (i.e. it's best to read this right after the first, because there's a lot of different characters to keep track of!). Nice to see how all the characters story concluded but at points in the book it felt like the story was dragging. Overall, this was such a good book. I can’t wait to see what Marquis comes out with in the future!

I really enjoyed this book. It's a continuation of the first book and I liked that I felt I was right where it all takes place. I couldn't put this book down.

4 Stars! Thank you, to the publisher, for this eARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion!

This is the second in the Davenport series and boy was I excited to get to read this. I was left on a bit of a cliff hanger after book 1 so I was looking forward to reconnecting with the characters. Really enjoyed Overall, I would recommend this book! I really enjoy the multiple point of views, but it did feel like the stories were stretched out a bit more than in the past book. Great series and forever rooting for Amy-Rose.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for a chance to read and review.

Delving back into the lives of these four young ladies was just as exciting as the first book. I love historical fiction and there’s something about YA historical fiction that feels so serene and nostalgic to me. These young women were graceful, determined and so ahead of their time as they navigated their lives. This is story of finding oneself and loving on their own terms. I wish I had stories like this when I was younger.

The young women from the first book get involved in more love entanglements, while finding their ideal life paths. I liked how each found their way after wading through familial misunderstandings and societal expectations. Though it was part of the story, I did want more about the political and cultural conflicts of the times. The plot was filled with lovelorn conversations and stolen kisses, which will appeal to slow-burn romance readers. In the end: One marries despite gossip, one inherits a fortune, one exceeds in a male-dominated field, and one takes up her pen to advocate for causes. This would be a good book discussion title for older teens and adults, where you could compare and contrast the main characters’ lives.

3.75 rounded up

Thanks to Dial Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the ARC. I listened to the audiobook on Libby for this review.

My ratings and reviews are my own.

Perfect for fans of escapist reads, strong female leads, and love stories that defy the odds. If you loved the first Davenport book, you’re in for a treat. The drama is juicier, the romance is spicier, and the historical details totally swept me away.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

<b>Helen Davenport</b> has been given a rare opportunity-- she has the chance to help design and create a brand new automobile with her older brother, John. However, the pair will only have one shot to win over their father's more conservative business-mind and Helen has just the idea to make their dreams a reality. While risky on numerous fronts, the chance to work with an up-and-coming racing star has her heart beating faster in more than one way...

Determined to not let her disappointment at the seeming cooling-off of her recent relationship, <b>Olivia Davenport</b> transforms herself into not only the perfect society lady, but suffragette who volunteers regularly at various community centers. Determined to fuel her passion for civil rights by her own merit, she may just find someone who supports <I>all</I> her dreams, old and new.

<b>Amy-Rose Shepherd</b>, under the wing of an influential member of upper society, has made a splash in New York with the launching of her hair-care line. Determined to return home and see her dream of a salon dedicated to serving textured hair become a reality, her quick rise to success may have some unsavory sorts sniffing around for any weakness she may have. However, the only soft spot she has is for her former employer's son-- a relationship doomed before it could even begin by the Davenport patriarch. Or was it?

Blissfully engaged and ready to start this next chapter of her life, <b>Ruby Tremaine</b> will no longer be fighting against the current as she waits to be swept off her feet by her loving and devoted fiancee. However, after the devastating loss of her father's mayoral campaign, cruel rumors begin to circulate about Ruby's propriety; causing Harrison's family to cool towards the happy couple.

Picking up right where the first book left off, MORE THAN THIS is a direct continuation of the drama, angst, and entanglements from the first book of this series (i.e. it's best to read this right after the first, because there's a lot of different characters to keep track of!). While this wasn't my favorite YA book of the year, I enjoyed the unique setting of turn-of-the-century Chicago and the starkly different main characters.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC!

**More Than This**, the second installment in *The Davenports* series by Krystal Marquis, continues to explore the lives of four young Black women navigating ambition, love, and social change in early 20th century Chicago. One of the most rewarding parts of this sequel is seeing the characters grow more into themselves—watching their ambitions take shape and, in many cases, seeing their dreams come true was genuinely satisfying. Marquis does a great job weaving in themes of women’s rights and civil rights, grounding the story in a rich historical context that feels both informative and inspiring.

That said, juggling four points of view made the narrative feel a bit crowded at times. I found myself wishing that each character had her own book so we could spend more time with them individually. The pacing also felt uneven—the first half of the book moved slowly with a lighter plot, while the ending seemed rushed, with major developments packed into too few pages.

While I think I enjoyed the first book a bit more overall, I remain a fan of Marquis’s storytelling and voice, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading whatever she writes next.

I loved the second installment of this series. Catching up with the Davenports was a treat and I loved seeing Amy- Roses's growth both individually and in business. She really came into her own and stood up for herself more It was refreshing to see Mr. Davenport finally consider Helen for the future of Davenport Carriage Co. She really proved herself as a force when working with John & Ransom Swift. I'm excited for what is to come with this series.

I loved this finale of The Davenports. My review for it was “YAY!” because I was so happy with the conclusion of these amazing women’s stories.

What an incredible follow-up to book one! I was immediately hooked back in to the lives of the four young women and everyone around them. So much drama and sweetness, and we love fierce, strong women! Cannot wait to read more from this author.

Greta follow up to book one. It cleared up most of the questions from book one and left plenty of room for more if we are going to get a book two.

I absolutely loved The Davenports, and I was very excited to read the next novel of this captivating series. The Davenports: More Than This did not disappoint! Krystal Marquis brings us right back into the glamorous world of the Davenports. The additional character development was wonderful as was the progression of their stories. The romance, the drama, the historical black richness, it all comes together beautifully. I was hooked from start to finish, and now I cannot wait for book three!

The storyline that Marquis created is absolutely brilliant and it is incredibly well written.

I absolutely loved The Davenports, so I was beyond excited to dive into the next chapter of this captivating series, and it did not disappoint! Krystal Marquis brings us right back into the glamorous world of the Davenports, and I adored getting to reunite with these characters and see their journeys continue. The romance, the drama, the historical black richness, it all came together beautifully. This book had me hooked from start to finish, and now I cannot wait for book three!

A great sequel! Can't wait for next one in series!
Great read! This book makes me want to read more from this author. Kept my attention and interest until the end.

RATING: 4 out of 5 Enchanted Roses

ONE-WORD REVIEW: Captivating

TAG LINE: They’ve found love . . . but will they keep it?

OPENING LINE: Ruby Tremaine stretched up on her toes to get a better look at the crowd.

REVIEW:

Huge thank you to James over at Penguin Teen for sending me an advanced Reader Copy of 𝑀𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 in exchange for a review!

If 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓃𝓅𝑜𝓇𝓉𝓈 was a dazzling debut into the world of wealth, love, and ambition among Black elites in the early 20th century, 𝑀𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 takes it up a notch with even higher stakes, deeper romance, and even more scandal. This sequel continues to follow Olivia, Helen, Amy-Rose, and Ruby as they push against societal expectations and try to carve out their own futures—whether that means breaking free from tradition, chasing their dreams, or risking everything for love.

Once again, Krystal Marquis delivers lush storytelling with rich historical detail that makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into 1910s Chicago. The romance is angsty, heartfelt, and absolutely swoon-worthy, with even more tension and drama that had me flipping pages like my life depended on it. Each girl’s journey feels real and deeply personal, making it impossible to pick a favorite storyline.
While the pacing dragged slightly, and there was more miscommunication than I cared for, the emotional payoff was worth it. The themes of love vs. duty, ambition vs. security, and choosing yourself resonated deeply, making 𝑀𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 a fantastic continuation of this groundbreaking historical YA series.

ELEMENTS:
✨ Historical romance
✨ High-society drama
✨ Forbidden love
✨ Strong-willed heroines
✨ Black excellence in the early 20th century

Final verdict: If you loved 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓃𝓅𝑜𝓇𝓉𝓈: 𝑀𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 is a must-read. It's Bridgerton, but make it Black history—and I am so here for it.

Happy Reading! 📖
Ashley