This was an entertaining historical romance set in Victorian era England featuring a young Black woman. It was excellent on audio and perfect for fans of books like The Davenport series by Krystal Marquis. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

Audio Narration: 4/5 pacing, pausing, and inflection were great. I did not enjoy the additional voices the narrator did for other characters, especially the cousin. Overall solid performance and i would recommend.

This was a quick read and the perfect historical romance. It’s YA, but perfect for adults too!

Whats to love…
- strong, independent FMC
- great cast of side characters
- perfectly detestable villains
- “it was always you” MMC

What’s not to love…
- the FMC is well developed, but the rest of the characters felt pretty surface level and I would have enjoyed a bit more substance from the MMC and side characters.

This was a cute YA regency romance that is a mix between Bridgerton and The Davenports! Stella is a great FMC. She's so witty and wasn't afraid to clap back at people who deserved it! Although this was a light read, the realities of Stella living as a Black girl in 1860s England's high society were highlighted. The books discussed racism, colorism, and classism in a way that isn't focused too much on trauma. This is perfect if you like childhood friends to lovers trope!

The yearning in this was so fun!!! Childhood friends to lovers gets me every time and this book was no exception. I had a blast with this book. I loved Stella's fierce independence and determination to follow her goals. I also loved how she didn't take shit from any of the racist members of the ton no matter their rank. I'd definitely recommend this to fans of Bridgerton!

The narrator did a fantastic job. Her British accent was lovely to listen to and I also enjoyed the voices she gave other characters. She really brought out Stella's dry wit. I'm looking forward to listening to more audiobooks she records.

THE GREAT MISFORTUNE OF STELLA SEDGWICK, a YA historical novel by S. Isabelle, does a skillful job of spotlighting upper class black families in 1860s London.

Stella grew up within the high society household where her mother worked as a servant. She spent her days with the family’s children and considered them close friends. That was until her mother moved them in to live with her newly widowed sister. Stella never heard from her friends again, not even after her mother’s death.

But when Stella receives a summons from the family patriarch, her mother’s former employer, she goes to his bedside to pay her respects. She is informed that a significant inheritance will be bequeathed to her upon his death - the stately manor where she lived for much of her life. But, of course, there is a catch. Women are not legally allowed to own property, so she must have a husband in order to inherit.

I adored Stella and the loyal friendship she shared with her cousin Olivia. I loved the scenes where Stella both impresses and scandalizes when attending the biggest events of the season. She always kept her head up and refused to be insulted, regardless of the social consequences.

The blazing romantic tension between Stella and her childhood friend Nathaniel added a fun complication, especially as they struggled with their jealousy over each other’s suitors.

The author also tosses in a gossip column, an eligible young French businessman, and a family secret to make this story a page-turning delight that both teens and adults would enjoy.

I read this title via audiobook and wholly recommend the narrator, Savy Des-Etages. Her voice was a pleasure to listen to and she did a great job voicing all the different characters. I never lost track of who was speaking. The delivery was also spot on. It evoked every bit of yearning, jealousy, heartbreak, and joy.

This was such a fun and sweet YA historical romance! I definitely loved the Bridgerton vibes and how the cast of characters that made up Stella's friends and families reminded me of the full ensemble we typically see in Bridgerton as well. Savy Des-Etages also did an excellent job of changing accents, inflection, and tone to depict each of the characters in this book. I had a great time following Stella as she navigated her friendships, her writing career, stepping out into society, love, and marriage. All of the side/sub plots were super engaging, and I was thoroughly invested in the drama and relationships Stella had with the people around her. The romance between Stella and Nate, her childhood best friend, was also very fun to follow. I loved all the forbidden romance and jealousy moments between them over the course of the novel. This is a great YA historical romance for teen readers who are looking for diverse representation in their historical fiction novels!

This was Bridgerton meets Pride and Prejudice but make it YA in the absolute best way! The gossip and ton of Bridgerton with the yearning of Pride and Prejudice made for a perfect, timeless, and juicy historical romance. Stella was delightful, a little naive, and a lot savvy. The queen of don't say racist shit to me or anyone around me or I'll pour wine on you in front of everyone. A Queen. This book is exactly what I mean when I say romance and YA can be perfect mediums to discuss "hard" topics that can be both lighthearted and challenge your notions of the world. If you love The Davenports, you will absolutely devour this!

The narrator did a lovely job, she gave Stella such a distinct voice that made me enjoy this book tremendously. I absolutely will be looking for more books narrated by Savy Des-Etages and you should too.