A pair from families with a long-standing feud are brought back into one another’s lives and social circles with a chance and a spark to ignite something more if they dare in These Violet Delights by Madeleine Roux.
After her affair with her art instructor was exposed, it disrupted her artistic debut in London and marred her reputation, creating a dramatically disastrous scandal for Violet Arden, so she escaped to the countryside to her cousin Emilia Graddock’s estate to recuperate and rebuild her art skills. Returning to his family home from his travels and art collecting, Alasdair Kerr is set to rebuild the burned-down estate as the head of household, but finds that his younger brother Freddie and his mother have brought different kinds of trouble into their home for him to manage in the form of a burgeoning forbidden romance with Emilia for Freddie and an oddly insistent clergyman for his mother. With Violet and Alasdair’s paths crossing, due to their proximity to each other’s estates, working together to end the secret relationship that Emilia and Freddie established, and to uncover the truth behind a string of strange fires, memories of their past resurface as new feelings begin to kindle between the pair.
Part comedy of errors for moments of levity and humor, part forbidden romances with quiet yearning that builds tension, part family drama and mystery to heighten a sense of theatrical suspense, and with Shakespearean quotations of both comedy and tragedy to set the tone and foretell what’s to come as each chapter opens, a story of a star-crossed pair, with their disgruntled and set opinions that slowly morph, is a familiar, predictable, yet entertaining tale. Told through the perspectives of both Violet and Alasdair, the narrative slowly builds up the draw between them that they actively fight against, and the witty banter they exchange, which merely adds kindling to the growing attraction that suddenly makes a rapid change; the nonsensical family feud that keeps them, as well as Freddie and Emilia, apart has a limited and mysterious basis that is decently incorporated throughout, but once revealed is a bit underdeveloped in comparison with the inflammatory actions taking place in reaction to what sparked it. Using art as a means to express what words cannot and to show how Violet views the world, which, as a character with a strong, spirited personality, offers her a method to share her perspective in a more socially palatable and acceptable manner.
Overall, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cute historical romance about childhood friends turned enemies to lovers. I enjoyed the setting, the mystery, and the characters’ shared history. There were a few items of note that I’m sending to the publisher that I hope can be smoothed before final publishing. Namely, where the FMC’s cousin-in-law is from. Overall though, it was a very enjoyable read and I would read from this author again.

These Violet Delights was an enjoyable enough read. This was my first time in a long time reading a historical romance and I am not exactly sure it hit the mark for me. This read more like a historical drama with an element of romance to me. I enjoyed the slow burn but their interactions throughout left me wanting.

If this is a genre you already enjoy, I think you'll have fun with this book. If this is your first time jumping into or back into historical romance, I am not sure this will be the one to turn the tide for you. However, the story is easy enough to follow and I enjoyed myself enough to continue.

A charming sequel to the first book by Madeleine Roux, Much Ado About Margaret, Violet Arden is an aspiring artist, something highly uncommon in Regency England. When her debut show turns into a scandal, she seeks refuge back home with her family. She finds herself in the middle of an ages old family feud between her family and the neighbor of the adjacent property, Alasdair Kerr had heaped scorn on Violet's paintings at her show and now it turns out, he is back in the village to rebuild his ancestral home. He's handsome, rihc and highly attractive, but more like forbidden fruit to Violet. She lets the cards fall where they may in a delightful novel.

This felt more like a novel about family drama than a romance. The main characters have limited interaction in the first half and that made it hard to believe they were so in love with each other by the end. It was a fine book but not as memorable as one would like.

With nods to Romeo and Juliette, this is the story of forbidden love between members of two feuding families. Unlike Shakespeare’s play it has a hopeful ending. Set during the late 1700s, early 1800s, each chapter begins with a quote from a Shakespeare play which hints at what is to come in that chapter. While somewhat predictable, it was a fun, light read with no cursing, a plus in today’s market where the F-bomb seems to be all the rage in spite of its disrespect toward readers. If you yearn for a clean beach read, this is it. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

I am a lover of all things historical Romance, and while while I liked this one, it just wasn't my favorite. The beginning was a bit confusing with so many names and characters thrown at us at once, but eventually it got interesting, but also a little too much, and almost unbelievable in the subplots.

I wish there was more romance to this and that the enemies to lovers was more enemies to lovers and not just old friends meeting again and going yea we shouldn't like each other but we obviously do.

I was so confused about this whole family fued...over a maids affair...like wtf did that have to do with the other family? Like they dont control the actions of a maid and yet it starts an entire family feud? Speaking of which Mr Danford and Edith were ridiculously psychotic over this to the point where I just rolled my eyes and was like...okay sure...

Freddy and Emilia...why could they not be together when Alasdair was obviously not following his own advice and didnt even really gove a proper apology for pushing them apart. It almost felt like they had to be apart for the sake of causing drama rather than to further the plot.

Alastair is described as a giant hulking man that people are scared of, doesnt really match the drawings in the cover. And none of the characters really acted very well...historical...like these unmariied girls all seemed to know about sexual things and readily gave it up. Alistair is what tge next hier to Clayton but no one mentions what he is ans no one is after his obvious title or wealth?

And then there's the smut...it was there, but honestly was a disappointment.

I read it. It kept ke entertained, the writing was okay, but overall thats it. Just okay.


Thank you to NetGalley, and Ballantine | Dell for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! It’s a beautifully dark, atmospheric story that blends mystery, romance, and a touch of the gothic. Roux’s writing pulls you right into the world she’s created—lush settings, intriguing secrets, and characters that feel real and layered.

The romance was sweet without being over the top, and the mystery kept me turning pages. I also loved the way food and cooking are woven into the story—it adds a cozy, comforting layer that balances the darker elements.

My only small critique is that a few plot points felt a little predictable, but honestly, the writing and world-building more than make up for it. Overall, it’s a captivating read that’s perfect if you like a mix of suspense, romance, and a little magic. Definitely a solid 4 stars from me. 🌸📖

I didn't much like Violet and Winny in the first book in the series. I thought they were too goofy and they annoyed me with their galloping about, shrieking. This book is set only a couple of years after the first book, but I like Violet much better this time. And I adored Alasdair. Getting to their HEA was fraught and they both retreated as much as they advanced, which was interesting to see.

I can't wait for Winny's story!

These Violet Delights sweeps you into a lush, slow-burn Regency romance with a touch of mystery, family drama, and just enough scandal to keep the pages turning. From the very first chapter, Violet Arden’s vibrant spirit, heart of an artist, and determination to live passionately drew me in, even as her disastrous London debut sent her retreating to the countryside.

I loved the push-and-pull tension between Violet and Alasdair Kerr, two characters with every reason to avoid each other but who keep finding themselves thrown together. The slow burn is delicious, filled with witty banter, lingering glances, and moments that had me practically yelling, “Just kiss already!” The fact that the story is told from dual POVs made it even richer, letting us see both Violet’s fiery resilience and Alasdair’s quiet intensity.

The side characters shine just as brightly as the leads, from the spirited Emilia and charming-but-reckless Freddie to the chaotic goat, Puck, who made me laugh out loud more than once. The Shakespeare quotes introducing each chapter added a lovely thematic touch, and the writing style felt so authentically grounded in the period that I never once felt pulled out of the setting. Fans of Bridgerton will feel right at home here. There’s romance, family intrigue, a long-standing feud, and a dash of danger with an arsonist plot woven throughout.

You'll love the:
🔥 Slow-burn romance
💔 Enemies-to-lovers
🏰 Long-standing family feud
📖 Dual POVs
🎩 Regency-era intrigue
🕵️‍♀️ Touches of mystery/suspense
💬 Witty banter & sparkling dialogue
🐐 Lovable animal sidekick (Puck the goat!)
🎭 Shakespeare quotes woven throughout

If you enjoy historical romance with layered characters, sparkling dialogue, and just the right balance of charm and suspense, These Violet Delights will be a delightful addition to your TBR when it releases on November 4, 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is the first book I have read by Madeleine Roux. The beginning of the book was different than other romance books and although it was a little slow to start, I really enjoyed the first 75% of the book - a little forbidden love, a little mystery. There is a weird change in the plot when you are thinking it is about one couple but nope, another similar story line wins? Something was just off with the plot and the added in sex scenes and I wouldn't have finished if I didn't get a free advanced copy. If you are looking for clean romance, this is a skip. The sex scenes were awkwardly written and completely unnecessary to the story line. Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy, but this one was a miss for me.

This was a fun read. As a new-to-me author, I was unsure what to expect, but the story was delightful. I did struggle with Violet a little at first, but I think it's because this felt like the second book in a series, and I was supposed to understand Violet's character right away. Putting that aside, once I got the feel for everyone, the dynamic between Violet and Alasdair alternated between sweet and spicy. Their chemistry was palpable, and their dialogue was fantastic. I was a little confused with the storyline about the brother and cousin, but otherwise, the story flowed well. I highly recommend this well-paced and engaging historical romance. Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.

Review of Advance Reader’s eBook

Violet Arden, at a showing of her first artwork, is devastated when her affair with her painting instructor, Renaud Moncelle. In disgrace, she flees London for the anonymity of cousin Emilia’s country estate. But the Graddock family’s long-standing feud with the Kerr family.

It has been some time since Alasdair returned to the Kerr estate, the scene of a tragic fire that claimed his father’s life. Now, however, the art collector finds himself involved with the very same artist he scorned at her debut showing. The two are thrown together in their attempts to end a secret relationship between his brother, Freddie, and Emilia.

Will the feud between their families and Violet’s dismay at Alasdair’s behavior at her art showing keep the two from finding true love?

=========

Following the author’s “Much Ado About Margaret,” this book [second in a series?] places its focus on Margaret’s sister, Violet. In much the same way as aspiring writer Margret finds success, Violet is an aspiring artist hoping for a successful debut showing.

This regency story features an enemies-to-lovers romance, an illicit affair, and a secret tryst between two members of two feuding families. Readers will find some of the characters easy to relate to; others are quite unlikeable.

Class status, the treatment of women, and scandal all play a part in the unfolding story where the plot is a bit convoluted at times, but readers will appreciate the sweet denouement.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Ballantine / Dell and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#TheseVioletDelights #NetGalley

Passion engulfs an aspiring painter and her old childhood friend in this stunning Regency romance from New York Times bestselling author Madeleine Roux. But can the star-crossed pair overcome a simmering family feud for a chance at love?

These Violent Delights by Madeleine Roux is a charming Regency romance with a refreshing twist. Violet, our spirited heroine, preps for an artistic debut rather than the usual marriage mart, bringing a delightful shift to the genre. Her enemies-to-lovers arc with Alasdair, sparked by a painting critique, crackles with wit and undeniable chemistry, making their romance a sweet highlight. Their banter as neighbors is engaging, and the unconventional setting adds vibrancy to the story.

However, the story falters with its side characters and subplots. The family rivalry, particularly Freddie and Emilia’s star-crossed plight, feels overblown and detracts from the main romance. Characters like Mr. Danforth and Alasdair’s mother grow tiresome, their roles feeling more like filler than depth. The sex scene, unfortunately, lacks the passion expected from such a fiery pair, leaving readers wanting. While the central romance and unique premise shine, the flat supporting cast and bloated subplots dim the overall sparkle. For Regency romance lovers craving wit and a fresh spin, it’s a fun read, but don’t expect the side stories to captivate.

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine publishing for ARC, all opinions are my own.

For as long as I can remember, I have been a fan of traditional romance. Once I read more, I started to really enjoy both romantic suspense, and romantic comedies. While I mostly read contemporary romance, I have been known to enjoy a few historicals, especially after the success of “Bridgerton.” Because of that, I was extremely excited to read this book after looking at the description.

After I read Madeleine’s previous book “Much Ado About Margaret,” I couldn’t wait to read more about her family members. This is centers on one of her younger sisters; however, several characters make an appearance. As I am such a huge fan of romantic suspense, this book actually checked many of those boxes.

All in all, I truly enjoyed this book. It has a pretty satisfying ending, and I liked that it has kept the door open for more books featuring other characters.

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

This was a cute enemies to lovers historical romance, with childhood neighbors who are reconnecting. I enjoyed the characters and there were some really sweet moments in this story.

This book wasn’t really for me. I can see how other folks would like it. The story was a bit too slow and the plot points that seemed like they would be important were undeveloped and the twists were predictable. The romance part was cute and I liked the relationship between the MCs. I also felt like the characters were miserable a lot of the time which just isn’t my jam.

I found the story a little hard to get into, but it got better as I read more. The reason for keeping the heroine’s cousin and the hero’s brother apart wasn’t overly clear. The character could have been developed a little more, especially the major romance. The theme centering around art was interesting, but I really didn’t like the Shakespeare quotes at the beginning of each chapter as I didn’t always find them relevant. It is an enemy to lover short of romance

Violet has fallen in love with her painting instructor. When her liaison becomes exposed at an art show, Violet’s reputation takes a tumble. She can no longer expect a decent man to want to marry her. Alasdair is a serious, brooding art collector with a horrible mother and ne’er do well brother. He finds himself inexplicably drawn to Violet, whose family his mother has declared as their mortal enemies.

I enjoyed this (despite a couple of deplorable and irredeemable characters!). Violet and Alasdair have believable chemistry. Overall, a charming romance with Romeo and Juliet and Pride and Prejudice vibes. 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.