Stella Sedgwick was a girl ahead of her time. She took no crap and was determined to make it without (or with) a husband! I loved every moment of this book and it gave me a much needed regency era fix. I’m so glad to have been given this arc to read because it was such a fun and lighthearted book. The author tackled issues of sexism, racism, and classism so effortlessly. Every book doesn’t have you love every character and interaction - but this one did! I’ll definitely be purchasing a physical copy once the book is published!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review 😊

This was such a fun read. Stella despite going through all the racist and biting comments in London society stayed true to herself. I loved how Stella was able to connect with her mother and even continued her mom’s column. She is able to learn to stand up for herself, but also learned to be empathetic to what those around her go through. After she learned what Nate had to go through because he too is not white, she was able to understand him that much more. In Nate she had her own Mr. Darcy. I loved the little similarities, the hand clench, his absolute adoration for her. I can’t believe how much I loved everyone in the book. Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Book for allowing me to read this arc.

4.5⭐ While other ladies in society are folding to the obligations of marriage for fortune, Stella’s trying to hustle her way out of this perceived “misfortune” that’s bestowed upon her by using the talent of her pen. Stella’s witty skepticism, the possibility of a love match, and hint of mystery made this a pleasant read after a slow start. This doesn’t seem to be a direct retelling of any classic but more so an original work that draws inspiration from the oppression of women in the 1800s. Unlike other historical fictions, this puts race front and center. So if you’re looking for a complete mental escape, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a charming, period piece, underdog story, this is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved almost everything about this wonderful story! It has great writing with humor and lively, clever banter. Stella is an interesting and plucky heroine who is allowed to make mistakes and experience growth. Black representation and joy are also strengths of this book.

The anachronistic phrases and creative liberties didn’t really bother me. I also didn’t mind too terribly much that the story is predictable and the characters seem familiar. What bothered me were the jokes in a book that’s being marketed for children. There are quite a few sexual innuendos, and a joke that a woman should cheat on her husband just because he’s boring* (I know society may have something of a double standard on this, but women rightly condemn men who use this reason to justify affairs).

I still loved the story overall. I did not want to put the book down! It’s a great read for new adults who enjoy historical romance, the childhood-friends-to-lovers trope, and representation of people of color. (Slight spoiler, but you can honestly see it coming from a mile away: there are also LGBTQ+ side characters.)

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the free eARC! I post this review with my honest opinions.

*Note: it is possible that this joke might be changed prior to the book's publication. I will wait to post this review on Goodreads, Amazon, and Instagram until closer to the book’s publication date.

loved this book! historical isn’t usually my favorite, but s. isabelle beings something simultaneously fresh and well-trodden to the genre. the romance is adorable, and the accessible writing— while sometimes, perhaps, anachronistic to the era— makes this an easy read and almost certainly more enjoyable for teens. definitely recommend for younger readers who want diverse, fun historicals like bridgerton but written by an actual poc.