Two young people must hide their true feelings for each other while figuring out who means them harm in this cheeky Regency romance from the author of Love, Lies and Spies and Duels & Deception. Shy aspiring artist Imogene Chively has just had a successful Season in London, complete with a suitor of her father’s approval. Imogene is ambivalent about the young gentleman until he comes to visit … young gentleman until he comes to visit her at the Chively estate with his younger brother in tow. When her interest is piqued, however, it is for the wrong brother.
Charming Ben Steeple has a secret: despite being an architectural apprentice, he has no drawing aptitude. When Imogene offers to teach him, Ben is soon smitten by the young lady he considers his brother’s intended.
But hiding their true feelings becomes the least of their problems when, after a series of “accidents,” it becomes apparent that someone means Ben harm. And as their affection for each other grows–despite their efforts to remain just friends–so does the danger. . .
In Suitors and Sabotage, author Cindy Anstey delivers another witty young adult historical fiction novel that is the perfect mix of sweetly romantic and action-packed.
Praise for Suitors and Sabotage:
A Junior Library Guild Selection
“Anstey’s tale embraces a self-reliant main character, a loyal friend, innocent romance, witty conversation, and English country settings, each more splendid than the last. This is a delightful salute to Jane Austen and will be a treat for her fans.” —VOYA
“Mystery and romance are delightfully intertwined . . . Taking inspiration from Jane Austen novels, Anstey’s latest is a lighthearted and romantic read.” —Booklist
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This book felt more Victorian than Regency to me, but it was a delightful read, very light and fun. It is definitely YA, but the hero and heroine were real and relatable, and though I figured out the mystery quite a while before the big reveal, it was more of a sideline than the real story, so I wasn’t the least bit bugged. I also didn’t see how things could possibly work out for the happy ending, until they did. Nice, clean, enjoyable romance.
Synopsis:
Following a successful London Season, Imogene Chively has a suitor; unfortunately, she feels ambivalent towards him. If only she could say the same thing about his brother, Ben Steeple. These feelings only deepen as she spends more time with Ben, teaching him how to draw. But when their time together is repeatedly interrupted by pranks and disasters, Imogene can’t help wondering if someone has it in for her or one of her friends.
Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars
I thought this book provided a cute, fun story. The humor was spot on. I loved the dynamic between Imogene and Ben, they complimented each other well. There was some great dialogue and wit. I also enjoyed the mystery around who was sabotaging them. However, I wanted a bit more from the story. The mystery of who was behind the sabotage was almost too well-hidden and I wanted a few more emotional moments between Imogene and Ben. Overall, this was a solid story that was fun to listen to as an audiobook.
I read this book as a buddy read with the wonderful Brittany from Perfectly Tolerable. If you have not checked, her out you really should. She also reviewed this book and you can find her review here. Brittany is wonderful and more on the ball than I am lol she posted her review right after we read the book unlike me who let my reviews pile up.
I really enjoyed this book. Imogene who was given one season for only one reason, to find a suitor, and did she ever with Earnest he is everything that her father had in mind, the firstborn of an influential family. Due to the constant criticism from her parents, she is an anxious person. (Brittany touches more on this in her review) Okay her parents are just downright mean, just to be mean, I really felt for Imogene there was no reason they picked on her the way they did. After the season was over Earnest comes to call and brings his brother Ben along for support. Once Ben sees Imogene’s drawings, he is impressed with her ability to render art. With that common interest, Ben begins bringing Imogene out of her shell and it is such a cute story to watch unfold even if they don’t realize there could be a future for them. Ben and Imogene are at constant war with their feelings since it is Earnest that wants/is supposed to ask for Imogene’s hand. And they do not realize that they have feeling for each other even though it is obvious to everyone else.
I only had one issue with this story and Brittany had the same issue too. Imogene leads Earnest on for far too long. Imogene wants to tell him but is asked not to because her friend is trying to impress Ben and they know that if Earnest leaves then Ben will too. I can’t be too mad about it all since Imogene acknowledges that it isn’t right, so the story does not support that issue but recognizes that it is wrong.
If you enjoy clean Regency Romance/Mystery novels than you should really give this one a chance.