The beginning o this book was slow but based on the first book I knew I wanted to keep reading and see what happened to the characters. As the enggagemmennt gets un derway we see the young womenn spread their wings and assert themselves as they find their way in this new role. There were alot of POV's and at times it felt like they didn't get the attenntion they nneeded because the author was tryign to cover so much.

I was so excited to revisit this series. It's a wonderful way to showcase positive black history for any age, but particularly for young adults. While I still enjoyed that aspect of this sequel, I found that I had forgotten an awful lot from the first book, which made the first few chapters rough going. Once I got my bearings, the plot was much more engaging, but I found it a bit rushed. Other than that, it was an enjoyable sequel.

Before we get started, I’d like to give a big thank you to NetGalley and Krystal Marquis for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This series is SO good, you guys! Top to bottom, everything is top-notch. First of all, the cast of characters is so wonderful, diverse, and sympathetic! Marquis does a great job of writing extremely unique female characters, which is so refreshing to see. Each character is likeable, written realistically, and genuinely has a compelling storyline! Although I preferred Amy-Rose’s and Olivia’s storylines out of all of them, both in the first and second book, I never found myself bored when Ruby or Helen got the spotlight, which is something that I very rarely experience from a multi-POV book.
The cover is also GORGEOUS. The artwork, the use of the colors? It was enthralling!
I think this book (this series in general) achieved everything that the Bridgerton TV series said it was delivering, but ultimately fell flat on. It keeps social and political issues at the heart of the book as a constant undercurrent, but never skimps out on the heart, joy, and relationships between the characters. Overall, this was such a good book. I can’t wait to see what Marquis comes out with in the future!

I really couldn’t wait to dive into book two of The Davenports. While the pacing was a bit slow it was great to see more of where the characters are in the story. I’ll definitely recommend to my followers

As a reader: I enjoyed this sequel but not as much as the initial text, The Davenports. The story was a bit slow and the approach to Olivia's activism, while a beautiful arc, could've been a bit more high stakes. I was also excited to follow all of the storylines, but some of the additional characters fell flat or seemed pointless. Specifically Mr. Swift, Maude's daughter, and the businessman from NY. Mr. Stone was a breath of fresh air, and I look forward to more of his character in a sequel(which I would absolutely read!) Amy Rose's sister wanting to have a relationship seemed to be unrealistic, but if it's based on a real account, I would be interested in that. Overall, the scenery and worldbuilding is beautiful and right out of a Gilded Age fantasy. It's always a treat to read about characters and spaces where Black people flourished to have a rounded view of our existence, and paths.

First of all, I loved the first book, The Davenports, so this next book was a high-priority read for me this fall. I went in with very high expectations, and I think that soured me a bit on the book. It is still a great read-- all of my favorite characters return! The storyline begins a few short weeks after the events of the first book. These female main characters are strong, independent women, and I think younger readers need to see that so much! There are many different subplots in this book, so it may be a bit confusing for some readers. I think this did slow down the plot progression somewhat. Nonetheless, I did enjoy seeing how some of the stories finished for each of the main characters.

Not going to lie I didn't like this one as much as I did the first one in the series. It seems like this one fell into second book syndrome. Don't get me wrong it was still a great read. Just not as good as the first one.

I am grateful for this continuation of The Davenports series. We need more historical fictions that give insight into Black communities that don’t revolve around trauma and instead are fun, insightful looks at young women coming of age.

I think I went into this not realizing that I probably should have read through the other Davenport books for this to make more sense. I am used to historicals being standalones, so my review is definitely clouded by that. There were just a lot of characters to keep track of and I wasn't really invested in them since I was meeting them for the first time.

This was good, and I felt it was a beautiful continuation of the relationship that began in the last book, as well as what each character desired out of life. I wonder whether this is the end of the Davenports because it was wrapped up so well. Despite her social standing, Amy Rose is still pursuing her goals of owning a prosperous company and dating John Davenport. A rumor threatens Ruby's marriage as she plans her wedding and her dad loses the mayoral election. While she waits to be reunited with Washington, Olivia continues to be active in social justice. While attempting to be a woman working at her father's carriage business, Helen gets into a fight with a race car driver.
There are numerous points of view, and my main gripe is that I would have like each book to concentrate on one or two of the fmcs in order to give us more time to spend with the characters and allow for greater character development. There was a lot of misunderstanding and the pacing suffered as a result of it not occurring. It was entertaining to watch these black characters deal with concerns of racism, social justice, riches, romance, and status in this wealthy 1920s society. I would suggest this book to anyone who like a variety of historical fiction and romance, even though I preferred some points of view over others.

Set in early 20th century Chicago, this continues the Davenports saga following four young Black women who are ambitious and determined to make change despite the limitations generally accorded to their sex and race. Great on audio narrated by Joniece Aboott-Pratt and perfect for fans of figures like Ida B. Wells. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book so much that I ended up buying a physical copy of the book so I could read it again!

It took me a while to find a steady pace with this story as it started out kind of slow. The first book took it's time in the beginning as well, which makes sense for character development, however, book 2's pace was much slower. After eventually getting into the story and connecting with the characters again, I really enjoyed reading this and found myself thinking about the characters when I wasn't reading. I love reading about and imagining what "elite" Black life was like in the early 1900's. I enjoyed the romance, the lessons learned, and reading about each character's journey to finding their own paths. I certainly hope we get another Krystal Marquis novel soon!

Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it. Really loved it.

Krystal Marquis delivers a captivating continuation of The Davenports series with More Than This. Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1910 Chicago, this sequel masterfully intertwines romance, ambition, and societal pressures through the perspectives of four dynamic young women.

Ruby’s journey from blissful engagement to facing scandal is both heart-wrenching and empowering, while Olivia's struggles between her ideals and her parents’ expectations highlight the tension between duty and desire. Amy-Rose’s dream of salon ownership and her complicated history with John bring heartfelt moments of self-discovery, and Helen’s determination to modernize the family business introduces a thrilling and unexpected romantic spark.

Marquis excels in crafting characters whose dreams and dilemmas feel both period-authentic and universally relatable. The intricate depictions of social class and racial dynamics further enrich the narrative. Though the multiple storylines occasionally vie for dominance, they come together in a satisfying and emotional conclusion.

Perfect for fans of historical romance and stories of resilience, More Than This shines as a powerful tale of love, ambition, and self-determination.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for a copy to review!

While I enjoyed this book, I would have prefered that the author focus on 1-2 heroines instead of 4. This choice let to more telling instead of showing, and thus some disconnections. But the vibe is soooo goooooood!

More Than This is the second book in the Davenports series. The Davenport girls are preparing for the summer of 1910 in Chicago. Ruby is engaged and preparing for her wedding. Olivia is a budding activist. Amy-Rose is making her dreams of becoming a salon owner come true. Helen is attempting to mend her broken heart by making updates to the family business.

This is a series that I really want to love more than I do. I really wish each book was limited to focus on one of the Davenport girls. As is the book feels overstuffed with plots and povs.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn’t able to read this as I wasn’t able to read book 1 it didn’t grasp my attention the way I hoped. I will be sure to come back and try them again because I love the aspect of the book I do.

I got a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I waited until the book released and grabbed the audiobook. The first book left me hanging so I was anxious for this sequel.

I was happy to be back with Olivia, Helen, Ruby, and Amy-Rose. Olivia was following her dreams of being an activist and started writing. Helen was trying to follow her dream of working for the family business and helping to develop a car for them to sell. Ruby was preparing for her wedding and starting to design clothes. Amy-Rose was starting her salon and hair care line with the help of a generous benefactor.

I really enjoyed this book. Each girl got to follow their dreams and also find love. It wasn’t easy but they tackled every hurdle that was put in their path. The ending wasn’t exactly what I expected but I am confident that each woman found their happily ever after.

This was a five star read ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

This was everything I hoped it would be. The character arcs coming to fruition in all the ways I hoped they would. I definitely could have used something more definitive between Olivia and her choice. The win for Amy-Rose was so sweet. Helen was again the most entertaining character. But it was Ruby’s character growth that I enjoyed most of all, seeing her fully step in the shelf assured young women she had the potential to be and living for herself was incredibly satisfying. The pacing in this book was much better and even the slower moments were engaging and entertaining. I enjoyed this read from start to finish!