This had the potential to be really cute, but the plot and the pacing are all over the place. Every Regency reader knows that Pride and Prejudice was released before Persuasion or Frankenstein, so I’m not sure how that error got through. The writing style is delightful, but this book would benefit from a major developmental edit. I’m shocked that it’s traditionally published.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

If you’ve ever wished for the charm of Pride and Prejudice with the playful spirit of an early 2000s Regency movie, look no further than The Mismatch of the Season.

The main character, Phoebe Fairfax, is an absolute delight. She's humorous, spirited and endlessly entertaining! Her refusal to settle for a dusty, dreadful marriage arrangement leads to a cascade of misadventures, each more amusing than the last. Phoebe’s antics had me laughing out loud and rooting for her from the very first chapter.

While I enjoyed the bits of banter between Phoebe and Damarel, I think the romance element isn't super strong in the book. I found the true heart of the story was with the Fairfax sisters (and I'm totally ok with that!). Their camaraderie and unconditional support feel so genuine and rich, it’s impossible not to be charmed.

If you're a fan of Bridgerton or just need a good dose of Regency escapism, this book is a real winner!

A mashup of <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> and <i>Sense and Sensibility</i> - the movie more than the book - with a dollop of Lex Croucher's ahistorical attitude and Eloise Bridgerton's feminist stridency (again, screen more than page). Phoebe's madcap adventures were entertaining, and I loved how well-developed her sisters' characters were and how important those relationships were to Phoebe and to the story.

But Phoebe's desire for "heroism" and "adventure," while theoretically feminist and spunky, led her to make any number of choices that were more silly than brave. Her degree of naivete might have been sympathetic in a modern eighteen-year-old or a novel classified as YA, but read as selfish and immature in this adult regency romance. 3.5 stars.

I just can't with this book. The pacing is awful, the characters are boring, and historical inaccuracy is painful. I love regency romance books, but this just made me cringe and was hard to read due to it's poor writing.

The Mismatch of the Season is a clean historical romance that follows Phoebe as she attempts to have a last adventure before her marriage to a much older Earl. Alexander is the surly Viscount who always seems to be there to complicate her escapades.

This book was super fun and gave me the same feelings as watching an early 2000s regency movie. For me the romance was actually overshadowed by the family relationships (which I’m totally okay with because sisters before misters). The bond between the Phoebe and her sisters was hands down the best part of the book. However, the romance was still tension filled and delightful, as all historical romances should be (please stand six feet apart and yearn without touching thank you)!😌🫶🏻

There were a few issues with pacing and accuracy, but overall this was enjoyable and felt generally well researched. I wish that some of my favorite side characters got a bit more closure, but I’m a big fan of epilogues so I might be biased. Still had a great time so 4/5 ⭐️s!

Special thanks to One More Chapter and Harper Collins UK for the advance copy!

Wasn’t for me I’m afraid. Found the pacing lacking and there were inaccuracies throughout the book. It’s sad as this could have been so much better.

If you enjoy the Bridgerton series then you will enjoy this one, I had missed being within the Ton so I did enjoy this one.

This delightful Regency romance is a sparkling blend of wit, charm, and irresistible chemistry. The banter is sharp, the romance is electric, and the story sweeps you into a vividly realised Regency world that feels both fresh and familiar. It’s impossible not to root for Phoebe and her adventure into love and freedom. Utterly charming from start to finish!

This was a strong historical romance novel, it had that element that I was wanting from the description and thought the characters worked well overall. I was engaged with what was happening and enjoyed the feel of the world. Michelle Kenney wrote this perfectly and was glad everything worked in this time-period. It left me wanting to read more and was glad I got to read this.

This book had all the bridgerton vibes which i enjoyed. The story kept me intrigued throughout the entire book

The Mismatch Of The Season is such a light and easy read. I loved Phoebe and her antics. She was such a spirited young woman in a time when women were taught not to be. I love reading books where people defy societal norms. I really wish this book had given more character development into the Viscount and more banter between the 2 of them.

ARC Book Review: The Mismatch of the Season by Michelle Kenney

The Mismatch of the Season is a delightful Regency romance that blends humor, charm, and a dash of mischief. The story centers around Phoebe Fairfax, an independent and spirited young woman, who finds herself thrust into the restrictive world of aristocratic expectations. Bound by an impending arranged marriage, Phoebe embarks on a journey of rebellion and self-discovery, culminating in a fateful meeting with the enigmatic Viscount Alexander Damerel.

Kenney masterfully captures the societal pressures of the era while giving her heroine a refreshing sense of agency. Phoebe’s wit and determination make her an endearing protagonist, while the chemistry between her and Alexander is both playful and heartfelt. The novel’s pacing is brisk, with twists and misunderstandings that keep the reader engaged until the very end.

While the book is rich in charm, some readers may find the modern tone in dialogue occasionally at odds with the Regency setting. Additionally, the romance, though enjoyable, could benefit from more gradual development to deepen the emotional stakes. There is also no spicy scenes which may suit some readers.

Overall, The Mismatch of the Season is a spirited romp through Regency England, perfect for fans of lighthearted historical romance. It’s an engaging read that celebrates love, independence, and the courage to defy societal norms.

Ahhh I love a good Regency romp! This was fun and modern, but still set in Regency times. It felt fresh and witty. The characters were great. Would definitely buy more from this author.

We have a very young and at times very naive young lady Phoebe Fairfax who has been so sheltered she appears to believe she can live life as a heroine in a novel!
She is surrounded by siblings and brothers do so she is very forthright and plain spoken but longs for adventures!
We have Viscount Alexander Damerel who rescues Phoebe from a highway she was fighting with a fake rapier. She definitely earned the shoulder injury she received!
There are secrets and no plain speaking between them!
Alexander appears cold and hot at times but he has a sick younger sister and a brother with a secret that could see him hanged!
Way too much on his plate and now he has a dishonorable fiancé!
Which Phoebe who can’t seem to make heads or tail of his treatment of her won’t even give him a hint of her very duplicitous nature! She is very vindictive and petty to say the least!
When an elopement goes awry with her and Alexander brother to save his life this story gets even more confusing!
It does have a HEA but the ending is far too abrupt and needs an epilogue or 2!!

Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to read this arc.

This book had so much potential. The cover and blurb really intrigued me as a big regency fan, however it fell short of what I expected. The writing was all over the show and hard to follow. The characters lacked depth and were pretty forgettable.

I wanted to love this but I had to put it down because of the second hand embarrassment.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for giving me the opportunity to read the story.

I thought the latter half of this book was very fun and cute. My only issue with the overall book is that there are SO many characters and honest to god I could not figure out the plot until the play scene. I sincerely couldn’t figure out who the viscount was and why he was so infatuated with her.

I felt like the relationship between Phoebe and the viscount could have been better more banter and overall more contact. I couldn’t even tell you how many scenes they actually had together.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for giving me access to this eARC.

We get to follow miss Phoebe Fairfax, who is about to be engaged to an older man due to her father’s dying wish. But Phoebe craves an adventure before her upcoming nuptials and she runs away, dressed as a man, to do just that.
But of course nothing turns out as one wishes it does.

I do have to say that sadly I was not a fan. The story felt all over the place, the characters were a tad boring and the love between the characters felt extremely rushed. Like when did you guys fall in love? After looking at each other?

It also was so difficult to read about a character that just ends up suffering so many misfortunes and embarrassments. I almost had to put the book down a few times and watch some TikTok’s before continuing so I didn’t get as much secondhand embarrassment…

I do believe people will like this book. It was just that I didn’t. And I wish I did because I LOVE regency romance books with all my heart.

I really don’t read enough regency romance or historical romance nearly enough but after reading this, I find myself wanting more. I loved the wittiness in this, the characters are relatable (as much as they can be) but very enjoyable to read.

A romantic Regency read that was very entertaining.
Main character Phoebe has to protect her three younger sisters at all costs.
Will her adventurous nature get her in trouble?
I wasn’t a fan of the romance in the book. It just didn’t seem to be going anywhere until the very end.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I liked this a lot more than I was anticipating. I love an enemies to lovers with a Bridgerton twist to the plot.