A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

A blend of Pride & Prejudice and Romeo & Juliet, with just a smidgen of Bridgerton, this book was fun, joyful, and an overall lovely read. A light, romantic story that had me smiling and kicking my feet under the table. I loved the characters of Alisdair and Violet, and I loved the setting of the art world as a backdrop. I recommend to anyone who enjoys a good period romance, the slightest of spice, and a solid HEA.

This was such a fun read. I enjoyed Violet and Alasdair (her art! his glasses! the scene at the stream!) but wished there was even more character development for both of them. 3.5 stars!

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the advanced reader copy.

Violet is fierce, brilliant, and messy in the best way, and Alasdair’s the brooding type who makes you want to scream and swoon all at once. Their chemistry is magnetic, and the way they circle each other against the backdrop of artistic ruin, family drama, and literal fire was completely addictive. It’s the kind of slow burn that smolders through every chapter and leaves you gasping by the end. Honestly, I didn’t want to leave their world.

I really enjoyed reading this book. As a lover of art and historical fiction this was a great read. What I really enjoyed about this book were the quotes at the beginning of each chapter from different Shakespeare literature. It’s a great slow burn enemies to lovers. Something else to note is that this book seems to have been written in a little more realistic style reminiscent of the 1800s,

This is my first read by this author, so I was going into it blindly. This felt more of a historical fiction novel than a romance. Even though this had some romance, I just wanted more of it. This book is well written, had suspense to it and I found it to be thought provoking. This is an enemies to lovers, forbidden romance read. I really like how art was a part of this book! It had likable characters and the plot was clear. Overall, I rate this a 3 out of 5 stars!

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

I am interested in reading her other books!

This book is expected to be published on November 4, 2025!

These Violet Delights is a nice historical romance. It has a good plot with a challenging male lead and fiesty romance. If you're into romance, arts, and a cozy historical read, then this is the book for you.

Violet has an sordid affair with her art instructor. When it all comes out at her artistic debut of her paintings, and her lover abandons her, Violet is left heartbroken and devasted.

Alasdair Kerr returns home to his family’s estate after the loss of his father. He runs into Violet, who he knew in childhood, but is part of the family that his mother strongly despises. Any interaction between the two is strictly forbidden. Yet the minute they see each other again, there’s something simmering there for both of them.

*** Enemies to lovers
*** Childhood neighbors/playmates
*** Grumpy MMC
*** Mystery/supenseful plot
*** Lots of longing and stolen looks

This was my first read by Madeleine Roux. I greatly enjoyed her writing style. I liked this novel, but just wanted a lil more from the romance.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

Madeleine Roux doesn’t just write historical romance, she breathes life into it. The angst and yearning layered over scandal, secrets, and a romance that crackles like a flame just waiting for the wind to catch. Absolutely stunning.