FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Henry had always thought love took time to grow, but his heart seemed to be watering the seeds of affection every day. At the rate they were sprouting, Henry’s heart might as well have been growing a bunch of carrots.”
A romance worthy of Jane Austen ignites the pages of Jackie Killelea’s novel, A Spinster for the Viscount. The book opens with a poignant scene involving a baron’s daughter in her unsuccessful fifth season in London. Jane’s heart turns fragile as she is wounded by rejection and invisibility, forced to guard herself behind a wall of quiet dignity. Then she meets a man at a house party that she wasn’t expecting. Henry, a viscount, is a vision of gentle strength and embodies rare romanticism when he comes into the narrative seeking a wife to cherish, not a jewel to display.
An unexpected friendship between Jane and Henry underscores the societal pressure bearing down as their paths collide amidst the thrilling chaos of a scavenger hunt, the promised wealth of the precious jewel a tantalizing spark amidst the hushed anticipation. The fluttering romance, at first a vibrant spark igniting amidst enjoyable outings and shared interests, is reduced to embers as insecurities and doubts chill the air between Jane and Henry. Their relatable struggles, felt in the sharp sting of misunderstanding, outside forces coming against them, and the hesitant tug toward reconciliation, draw you deeper into the story’s heart.
The straightforward prose and dialogue, echoing with the cadence of a bygone era, perfectly capture the period in a way that makes you feel as if you were there. The plot, captivatingly focused on romance, also hums with an intriguing undercurrent, piquing curiosity, especially around the glittering, much-desired jewel. Hidden subplots add to the story’s unpredictability, making you rush through the final chapters, each page a frantic heartbeat of strange developments. Suspense, thick and tangling with side characters’ hidden motives, swells midway, flipping the narrative with pulse-throbbing curiosity. The ending is quite the thrill ride. Regency romance enthusiasts—prepare to be utterly charmed by this book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own. Click on the book cover for purchase link.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jackie Killelea is a born and raised small-town girl from Connecticut with a degree in English and Creative Writing. She started off her writing journey with poetry, soon shifting into novels and becoming hooked. On days when she’s not busy with her nose in a book, she can be found typing away with a cup of tea at her side.
Devoted Steps 