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The Worst Woman in London
A Bridgerton -inspired humorous Victorian romance featuring a defiant heroine who fights to escape a bad marriage, while her love for a forbidden man jeopardizes her chance at freedom.
James Standish knows how to play society’s game. He’ll follow the rules—marry a virginal debutante and inherit a massive fortune. At least, that’s the plan until he meets Francesca Thorne. She’s not the sort of woman a respectable gentleman like James could ever marry—not least because, strictly speaking, she’s married already to James's friend Edward. Francesca is determined to flout convention and divorce her philandering husband. When James sweet-talks his way into her life—tasked with convincing Francesca to abandon her dream of freedom—she’s unprepared for the passion that flares between them.
Torn apart by conflicting desires, James and Francesca must choose whether to keep chasing the lives they’ve always wanted or to take a chance on a new and forbidden love.
“ The Worst Woman in London is the kind of historical novel I’ve been dying to read.”— The New York Times
James Standish knows how to play society’s game. He’ll follow the rules—marry a virginal debutante and inherit a massive fortune. At least, that’s the plan until he meets Francesca Thorne. She’s not the sort of woman a respectable gentleman like James could ever marry—not least because, strictly speaking, she’s married already to James's friend Edward. Francesca is determined to flout convention and divorce her philandering husband. When James sweet-talks his way into her life—tasked with convincing Francesca to abandon her dream of freedom—she’s unprepared for the passion that flares between them.
Torn apart by conflicting desires, James and Francesca must choose whether to keep chasing the lives they’ve always wanted or to take a chance on a new and forbidden love.
“ The Worst Woman in London is the kind of historical novel I’ve been dying to read.”— The New York Times
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2023
112 people are currently reading
2190 people want to read
About the author
Julia Bennet
3 books124 followersJulia writes historical romance with passion, intrigue, dark humor and the occasional animal sidekick. A tea-sodden English woman, she’s the only girl in a house of boys and yearns for all things pink and fluffy. If she isn’t writing, she’s probably reading everything she can get her hands on, spending time with her boys or procrastinating on the internet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
February 7, 2023
Intriguing plot but weak execution- still a decent read tho.
Plot-3/5 🌟
Spice- 1.5/5🌶️
If you're looking forward to reading a historical romance (Victorian setting) with forbidden romance aka husband's best friend ..this one is for you.
Edward and Francesca's marriage is basically in crumbles. Francesca is looking for a way to divorce her husband but when Edward sends his best friend James to relay a message to Fran, sparks fly.
Although it's an interesting plot, I would've preferred if the romance was a bit more swoon worthy, the two came across as friends more than lovers, despite the smut. The way the POVs are written are slightly confusing and inconsistent. The side characters are not as interesting.
I liked Fran and James together but wanted more chemistry. They had a lot of potential as a couple. Both of them have good character development throughout the book and that was well done by the author, considering its only 297 pages. Edward was a douche, and I'll keep it at that.
The ending was quite satisfying and I see immense potential from this author and there is room for improvement.
⚠️TW- Mentions of cheating (not caused by the love interest James) ⚠️
Plot-3/5 🌟
Spice- 1.5/5🌶️
If you're looking forward to reading a historical romance (Victorian setting) with forbidden romance aka husband's best friend ..this one is for you.
Edward and Francesca's marriage is basically in crumbles. Francesca is looking for a way to divorce her husband but when Edward sends his best friend James to relay a message to Fran, sparks fly.
Although it's an interesting plot, I would've preferred if the romance was a bit more swoon worthy, the two came across as friends more than lovers, despite the smut. The way the POVs are written are slightly confusing and inconsistent. The side characters are not as interesting.
I liked Fran and James together but wanted more chemistry. They had a lot of potential as a couple. Both of them have good character development throughout the book and that was well done by the author, considering its only 297 pages. Edward was a douche, and I'll keep it at that.
The ending was quite satisfying and I see immense potential from this author and there is room for improvement.
⚠️TW- Mentions of cheating (not caused by the love interest James) ⚠️
February 6, 2023
My main takeaway from this book is that I’m grateful for living in the 21st century. So happy I’m free to make my own terrible decisions!
Francesca and Edward Thorne got married after a short engagement ten years ago, but soon realized that they could never be happy together. He moved out shortly afterwards, but despite having been living separate lives for years, by law they are still married. Edward won’t agree to a divorce because of the scandal it would bring to both their families. Shunned by her family and the society, Francesca finds an unlikely ally in Edward’s friend James Standish.
I absolutely adored Francesca. She was not heroic and far from perfect, but that made her even more inspiring. It takes guts to fight for your freedom if you risk losing everything.
James is an excellent example of a character development. I loved his growth throughout the story and I loved that the change, even though inspired by Francesca, wasn’t for her sake.
It’s a book about many things; about the social injustices, hypocrisy and women’s (lack of) rights in the 19th century England. But most of all, it’s a beautiful, forbidden love story, with lovable characters, amazing chemistry and good spice!
Highly recommended!!!
4.5 stars
Thank you so much NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
———
Yess, approved for the arc🥳
Francesca and Edward Thorne got married after a short engagement ten years ago, but soon realized that they could never be happy together. He moved out shortly afterwards, but despite having been living separate lives for years, by law they are still married. Edward won’t agree to a divorce because of the scandal it would bring to both their families. Shunned by her family and the society, Francesca finds an unlikely ally in Edward’s friend James Standish.
I absolutely adored Francesca. She was not heroic and far from perfect, but that made her even more inspiring. It takes guts to fight for your freedom if you risk losing everything.
James is an excellent example of a character development. I loved his growth throughout the story and I loved that the change, even though inspired by Francesca, wasn’t for her sake.
It’s a book about many things; about the social injustices, hypocrisy and women’s (lack of) rights in the 19th century England. But most of all, it’s a beautiful, forbidden love story, with lovable characters, amazing chemistry and good spice!
Highly recommended!!!
4.5 stars
Thank you so much NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
———
Yess, approved for the arc🥳
June 27, 2024
As a lover of historical romances, I couldn't wait to see what this story had to offer. Especially that the title and the cover gave me feeling of something a little bit scandalous for Victorian era and I’m all for it!
The story follows Francesca Thorne, a Victorian wife trapped in a miserable marriage with a husband who is far from faithful. Francesca yearns for her freedom, especially when she falls in love with her husband's friend, a man who offers her escape. I have to say that I was really curious about the plot including the issue of divorce in Victorian society. It's not often that historical romances include such a taboo subject, so I was really curious to see how Bennet would handle it.
Francesca completely won me over. She was no hero, and she certainly wasn't perfect, but that's what made her so fascinating. It takes real courage to pursue your dreams and fight for your freedom, even if it means risking everything.
The strong bond between James and Fran, as well as James's noticeable character development, plays an important role in this book and is its highlight. I found it fascinating to witness James's growth, which was not only shaped by Fran's influence but also driven by his own motivations.
But as much as I wanted to love this book, there were a few things that made me feel a little... meh.
Like, sure, it's great to have complex characters, but I couldn't shake the feeling that we spent way too much time trying to redeem Francesca's husband. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm all for characters with layers, but his whole romantic subplot with another woman felt kinda forced and took away from Francesca's story.
"The Worst Woman in London" has its moments, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. Still, I appreciate Bennet's efforts in tackling rather heavy topics, and I'm really curious to see what she writes next.
The story follows Francesca Thorne, a Victorian wife trapped in a miserable marriage with a husband who is far from faithful. Francesca yearns for her freedom, especially when she falls in love with her husband's friend, a man who offers her escape. I have to say that I was really curious about the plot including the issue of divorce in Victorian society. It's not often that historical romances include such a taboo subject, so I was really curious to see how Bennet would handle it.
Francesca completely won me over. She was no hero, and she certainly wasn't perfect, but that's what made her so fascinating. It takes real courage to pursue your dreams and fight for your freedom, even if it means risking everything.
The strong bond between James and Fran, as well as James's noticeable character development, plays an important role in this book and is its highlight. I found it fascinating to witness James's growth, which was not only shaped by Fran's influence but also driven by his own motivations.
But as much as I wanted to love this book, there were a few things that made me feel a little... meh.
Like, sure, it's great to have complex characters, but I couldn't shake the feeling that we spent way too much time trying to redeem Francesca's husband. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm all for characters with layers, but his whole romantic subplot with another woman felt kinda forced and took away from Francesca's story.
"The Worst Woman in London" has its moments, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. Still, I appreciate Bennet's efforts in tackling rather heavy topics, and I'm really curious to see what she writes next.
March 18, 2024
You might think that not much happens in The Worst Woman in London, and you'd be right. This is a romance between a married woman and her husband's longtime BFF. In fact, the book opens a few weeks before Francesca's marriage to Edward, when James meets her for the first time. It's not love at first sight - the next chapter is 10 years later, 10 years during which James and Francesca have only socialized in the presence of her husband. But now, she's petitioning for a divorce, and Edward asks James to negotiate on his behalf. Get Francesca to drop her suit and settle for an unofficial separation, and Edward will fund her lavishly. James isn't exactly happy to represent Edward's interests, but since he basically agrees that Francesca should just drop the idea of divorce, he reluctantly visits her. Once he renews his acquaintance, they both realize that they are almost irresistibly attracted to each other. But their romance is forbidden for many reasons: Francesca's marriage might be over in all but name, but if she doesn't maintain a pristine relationship, she won't be granted a divorce. Plus James is trying to abide by the Victorian bro code - he might be able to indulge in an affair with another man's wife, but not his best friend's.
Bennet brings off what many historical authors try but fail to achieve: she gives us characters who feel historically accurate but with a modern sensibility. The true villain of this book isn't Edward, despite his boorish and sometimes cruel actions. Instead, the obstacle keeping James and Francesca apart are societal expectations. Francesca's friends and relations have cut off all contact with her until she drops her divorce case. James's aunt has made it clear that he is expected to follow all of her demands or he will not receive the inheritance she holds over his head. And in the beginning, James agrees with all of the social strictures. Why shouldn't he have to kowtow to his aunt? Why can't Francesca see that she should just knuckle down and make the best of things?
This is a subtle book that focuses on nearly imperceptible changes in its characters' motivations, desires, and ultimate goals. With gorgeous, period-appropriate prose, appealing characters, and obviously-detailed research on divorce law, it's a great example of the best of historical romance. It's also angsty and emotional without falling into melodrama. HIGHLY, highly recommended!
30-Word Summaries:
Meg: Francesca is stuck in a loveless marriage and her husband won’t grant her a divorce. James is her husband’s best friend. Will he break the Victorian bro code for Fran?
Laine: Francesca and James have some pretty legitimate obstacles to overcome, like the fact that she's legally married to his best friend. This whole book is them reckoning with that, slowly.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Bennet brings off what many historical authors try but fail to achieve: she gives us characters who feel historically accurate but with a modern sensibility. The true villain of this book isn't Edward, despite his boorish and sometimes cruel actions. Instead, the obstacle keeping James and Francesca apart are societal expectations. Francesca's friends and relations have cut off all contact with her until she drops her divorce case. James's aunt has made it clear that he is expected to follow all of her demands or he will not receive the inheritance she holds over his head. And in the beginning, James agrees with all of the social strictures. Why shouldn't he have to kowtow to his aunt? Why can't Francesca see that she should just knuckle down and make the best of things?
This is a subtle book that focuses on nearly imperceptible changes in its characters' motivations, desires, and ultimate goals. With gorgeous, period-appropriate prose, appealing characters, and obviously-detailed research on divorce law, it's a great example of the best of historical romance. It's also angsty and emotional without falling into melodrama. HIGHLY, highly recommended!
30-Word Summaries:
Meg: Francesca is stuck in a loveless marriage and her husband won’t grant her a divorce. James is her husband’s best friend. Will he break the Victorian bro code for Fran?
Laine: Francesca and James have some pretty legitimate obstacles to overcome, like the fact that she's legally married to his best friend. This whole book is them reckoning with that, slowly.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
March 21, 2023
I want to preface this by saying that Julia Bennet is one of the most interesting historical romance authors working today and I am truly excited for anything she puts out. This is a love story between Francesca Thorne, who has recently fallen from grace for daring to initiate a divorce in Victorian England, and James Standish, her husband's close friend.
James has a very interesting journey here, a "How to Be a Person" of sorts when the life of the landed gentry pretty much raised him to be an ineffective confidante. His well-being is so closely tied to his aunt's money, which comes with expectations, and the more he comes to care for Francesca, the less comfortable he is sitting on his laurels and watching her flail from afar. Francesca's been abandoned by her husband, her family, and society at large, and the James we meet at the beginning of the book wants her to just come around and take the easy path and reconcile with her husband. The James we end with sees this expectation for the cruelty it is. James and Francesca are written so even-handedly, faults and all, and I appreciated it for the former while I wondered if Bennet was being maybe... a bit too "both sides" for the latter. Frankly, Francesca needed more people stridently in her corner!
I've spent all night and morning since I finished the book thinking about Edward Thorne, Francesca's husband. He's, frankly, an awful person, but Bennet casts him in the role of secondary romance hero with a young woman who mirrors the Francesca he married ten years earlier. I'm such a sucker for empathetic stories, for a no true villain narrative, but Bennet either needed to spend more time with Edward (The idea of which turns my stomach. A truly loathsome character.), or give him a happy ending that doesn't end up with him paired off to Francesca 2.0. He doesn't need to earn happiness, but if we're going to spend so much time with him I should have a better understanding of why he's such a hypocrite (Francesca is a slut, but the new girl is Good, Actually) that isn't boiled down to "he's a product of Society." Bennet is such a talented writer and I don't want to suggest that characters need to behave morally (lmao. My nightmare!), but I kept thinking of how my favorite authors Judith Ivory and Sherry Thomas would humanize their villains in small moments -- in ways that they'd feel like missed connections. In The Worst Woman in London, Bennet makes it clear that Francesca and Thorne never stood a chance because they went into the marriage without truly seeing their partners as fully realized people. But that's where character growth comes in! They could have made it work, but they didn't, and that's a more interesting way to frame it, in my opinion.
James has a very interesting journey here, a "How to Be a Person" of sorts when the life of the landed gentry pretty much raised him to be an ineffective confidante. His well-being is so closely tied to his aunt's money, which comes with expectations, and the more he comes to care for Francesca, the less comfortable he is sitting on his laurels and watching her flail from afar. Francesca's been abandoned by her husband, her family, and society at large, and the James we meet at the beginning of the book wants her to just come around and take the easy path and reconcile with her husband. The James we end with sees this expectation for the cruelty it is. James and Francesca are written so even-handedly, faults and all, and I appreciated it for the former while I wondered if Bennet was being maybe... a bit too "both sides" for the latter. Frankly, Francesca needed more people stridently in her corner!
I've spent all night and morning since I finished the book thinking about Edward Thorne, Francesca's husband. He's, frankly, an awful person, but Bennet casts him in the role of secondary romance hero with a young woman who mirrors the Francesca he married ten years earlier. I'm such a sucker for empathetic stories, for a no true villain narrative, but Bennet either needed to spend more time with Edward (The idea of which turns my stomach. A truly loathsome character.), or give him a happy ending that doesn't end up with him paired off to Francesca 2.0. He doesn't need to earn happiness, but if we're going to spend so much time with him I should have a better understanding of why he's such a hypocrite (Francesca is a slut, but the new girl is Good, Actually) that isn't boiled down to "he's a product of Society." Bennet is such a talented writer and I don't want to suggest that characters need to behave morally (lmao. My nightmare!), but I kept thinking of how my favorite authors Judith Ivory and Sherry Thomas would humanize their villains in small moments -- in ways that they'd feel like missed connections. In The Worst Woman in London, Bennet makes it clear that Francesca and Thorne never stood a chance because they went into the marriage without truly seeing their partners as fully realized people. But that's where character growth comes in! They could have made it work, but they didn't, and that's a more interesting way to frame it, in my opinion.
January 1, 2023
Sadly, this did not do it for me. First of I was annoyed by the inclusion of chapters written in the POVs of some of the secondary characters - it took me out of the flow of the story and I didn't care about the secondary relationship developing. Secondly, I was not a fan of the ending either. Especially not the ending of one of the secondary characters, who didn't get as they deserved. It was an underwhelming and at times even frustrating reading experience.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Blog Post: Which Book Should you read next based on your favourite Jane Austen Heroine
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
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Blog Post: Which Book Should you read next based on your favourite Jane Austen Heroine
October 5, 2023
This book had caught my attention as it is about divorce during a time when it was rare and what a woman had to deal with in doing so. I enjoy reading historical books about woman overcoming obstacles and this one showed the emotional isolation and financial security that is lost during a divorce. Francesca's marriage was unsatisfactory from the start. Her husband's way of dealing with it is to leave her on the estate with his family and go and have a life that includes many mistresses and lovers. Fran decides enough is enough.
The romance and growth of James in a relationship with Fran is a large part of the book and it the best part.
Edward, the husband, I never understood him or his character. This is where the book lost a bit for me. He truly seems a man of his time...but also seems to be overly narcissistic only to find happiness at the end.
A complicated book that I rate 3.5*
The romance and growth of James in a relationship with Fran is a large part of the book and it the best part.
Edward, the husband, I never understood him or his character. This is where the book lost a bit for me. He truly seems a man of his time...but also seems to be overly narcissistic only to find happiness at the end.
A complicated book that I rate 3.5*
November 29, 2023
I hardly have any reading notes in my StoryGraph because I was so absorbed in this book. I just… I loved it so much.
Why? First, the writing was beautiful.
Second, the plotline Bennet chose (our FMC desires a divorce from her cold, philandering husband, a fraught prospect in the Victorian era) allowed her to create characters that were, or became, open minded without seeming anachronistically modern.
Third, the growing affection between Francesca and James (who adorably call each other Fran and Jemmy) felt natural and believable. And hot.
And most importantly, there were no Good or Evil characters in this book; only human ones in various shades of gray. The mistress wasn’t a grasping harridan, Francesca wasn’t a lilywhite victim, and even the “villain” gets something of a happy ending (probably a controversial choice but one I really liked).
This is a very character-driven romance, so if you prefer heavy plot, lots of tropes and swoony dramatics, this probably isn’t for you. Read it if you like witty and cerebral but sexy stories of emotional growth in a historical setting that isn’t wallpaper.
Why? First, the writing was beautiful.
Second, the plotline Bennet chose (our FMC desires a divorce from her cold, philandering husband, a fraught prospect in the Victorian era) allowed her to create characters that were, or became, open minded without seeming anachronistically modern.
Third, the growing affection between Francesca and James (who adorably call each other Fran and Jemmy) felt natural and believable. And hot.
And most importantly, there were no Good or Evil characters in this book; only human ones in various shades of gray. The mistress wasn’t a grasping harridan, Francesca wasn’t a lilywhite victim, and even the “villain” gets something of a happy ending (probably a controversial choice but one I really liked).
This is a very character-driven romance, so if you prefer heavy plot, lots of tropes and swoony dramatics, this probably isn’t for you. Read it if you like witty and cerebral but sexy stories of emotional growth in a historical setting that isn’t wallpaper.
January 15, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!
This book was just around 300 pages but felt like 600, had a good start but lost its spark as I continued to read. It dragged so much towards the end that I had to fight the temptation to skim through. Not to mention I absolutely loathe the secondary couple we follow, like did the author genuinely intend for me to root for them?
This book was just around 300 pages but felt like 600, had a good start but lost its spark as I continued to read. It dragged so much towards the end that I had to fight the temptation to skim through. Not to mention I absolutely loathe the secondary couple we follow, like did the author genuinely intend for me to root for them?
November 7, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Having a hard time deciding what to rate this. I really enjoyed the writing and I think the author did a great job again of depicting how awful life was for women in the 19th century and how few rights they had. The romance between James and Francesca was nice and the spice was 🥵 But I hated Edward (understandably) and really did not care for his POV when it was shown and did not find his supposed change of heart towards the end to be believable or his happy ending deserved. He was a little shit.
So, 3.5 stars rounded down for now just because Edward was an ass
Having a hard time deciding what to rate this. I really enjoyed the writing and I think the author did a great job again of depicting how awful life was for women in the 19th century and how few rights they had. The romance between James and Francesca was nice and the spice was 🥵 But I hated Edward (understandably) and really did not care for his POV when it was shown and did not find his supposed change of heart towards the end to be believable or his happy ending deserved. He was a little shit.
So, 3.5 stars rounded down for now just because Edward was an ass
Read
February 6, 2023Out now!: https://amzn.to/3KLEnPY
This book has:
*Friends to lovers
*Banter
*A nonconformist heroine
*A dirty limerick
*A weaponised parasol
*A hero and heroine in their 30s
And bustles. Lots and lots of bustles.
This book has:
*Friends to lovers
*Banter
*A nonconformist heroine
*A dirty limerick
*A weaponised parasol
*A hero and heroine in their 30s
And bustles. Lots and lots of bustles.
February 10, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Not much
Perspective: Third person from both the hero, Jeremy, and heroine, Fran, as well as some random scenes from the heroine’s husband, Thorne, and his love interest, Sylvia.
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Basic plot:
Thorne doesn’t want a divorce from his wife, Fran. He sends his friend to talk sense into her, but Jeremy finds a side of Fran that makes him feel protective and supportive of her instead of his friend Thorne.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian time period (1882)
- Taboo – best friend’s wife
- You’re all right with events of infidelity (to be clear, the marriage has long been over, but technically there is relations while the marriage is still intact, and the hero cheated right from the beginning and this is remembered by the heroine)
- Childless HEA
- Nicknames (Fran and Jemmy – but only they use them for each other and it’s really sweet!)
- Friends to lovers
- Medium steam – 3 full scenes (details at end of my review)
- Experienced heroine
Ages:
- Hero is 36, heroine is 30
My thoughts:
I think a lot of people will really appreciate this story! It features a lot of things that aren’t usually found in historical romance and I love that Bennet featured those struggles and overcoming the obstacles. Sadly, this one didn’t work the best for me at this time.
I’m not sure if it’s because it’s a bit of a heavy book, but I was left without any feels and just generally depressed after reading it. (could totally be my mood too as I have had few dud reads lately). I generally enjoyed the characters a lot and was really rooting for them. But I didn’t love anyone and I was a bit relieved to reach the end.
I did really dislike getting time in Thorne and Sylvia’s perspective. To me, they were utterly unlikable and to think of them in a more empathetic light just left a bad taste in my mouth. I hated that they got their HEA (or whatever form of ‘after’ Thorne was able to give her).
I also disliked the ending and how it was left for so long without either party resolving their lack of communication. I always struggle with that though so I think a lot of these things won’t really bother others.
Specifics
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Not much
Perspective: Third person from both the hero, Jeremy, and heroine, Fran, as well as some random scenes from the heroine’s husband, Thorne, and his love interest, Sylvia.
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Basic plot:
Thorne doesn’t want a divorce from his wife, Fran. He sends his friend to talk sense into her, but Jeremy finds a side of Fran that makes him feel protective and supportive of her instead of his friend Thorne.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian time period (1882)
- Taboo – best friend’s wife
- You’re all right with events of infidelity (to be clear, the marriage has long been over, but technically there is relations while the marriage is still intact, and the hero cheated right from the beginning and this is remembered by the heroine)
- Childless HEA
- Nicknames (Fran and Jemmy – but only they use them for each other and it’s really sweet!)
- Friends to lovers
- Medium steam – 3 full scenes (details at end of my review)
- Experienced heroine
Ages:
- Hero is 36, heroine is 30
My thoughts:
I think a lot of people will really appreciate this story! It features a lot of things that aren’t usually found in historical romance and I love that Bennet featured those struggles and overcoming the obstacles. Sadly, this one didn’t work the best for me at this time.
I’m not sure if it’s because it’s a bit of a heavy book, but I was left without any feels and just generally depressed after reading it. (could totally be my mood too as I have had few dud reads lately). I generally enjoyed the characters a lot and was really rooting for them. But I didn’t love anyone and I was a bit relieved to reach the end.
I did really dislike getting time in Thorne and Sylvia’s perspective. To me, they were utterly unlikable and to think of them in a more empathetic light just left a bad taste in my mouth. I hated that they got their HEA (or whatever form of ‘after’ Thorne was able to give her).
I also disliked the ending and how it was left for so long without either party resolving their lack of communication. I always struggle with that though so I think a lot of these things won’t really bother others.
Specifics
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
November 14, 2024
Y'all, "The Worst Woman in London," let me tell you-
Once upon a time, Francesca and Edward were married young. He was a great catch, and she was the perfect debutante. However, it's obvious to both the reader and James, Edward's bestie, that they aren't right for each other.
Ten years later, after living apart for seven of those years and multiple liasons held by Edward, Francesca has had enough and filed for divorce.
Edward uses James as a go-between with Francesca. Needless to say, it didn't go as planned. James and Francesca fall in love and spend the book in a mine field of husband's, dwindling reputations, deteriorating friendships, societal expectations, and future financial (in)stability.
I really almost completely loved everything about this book. The subtle transition from friends to lovers had just enough angst, but then a very unique thing happened. The MCs had a grown-up conversation!
You know how sometimes an MC has an epiphany? They learn something new about themselves and realize they want something different from life. In this book, James experiences this, and it is done perfectly. The author made it so organic and believable. The change within James happened in slow degrees and was the final result of many factors.
Francesca is so brave yet remains human. She is the only person who will fight for her self-worth, and while it has toughened her, it hasn't made her bitter. I found myself really proud of this fictional character.
The storyline with the ex-husband, Edward, makes me rather furious. As much as I love an anti-hero, Edward doesn't qualify. He was a mean, irredeemable hypocrite within the pages of this book, and I was really hoping he would die.
I feel like if the author wanted to redeem him and also provide him with a second chance, he should have his own book. There wasn't enough time to show me he deserved to be happy. His storyline makes me really angry.
If this part had been different, the book would have been perfect for me. I love James' humor, and I almost could argue that this book is really about him, not Francesca.
Alrighty, they kissed, I feel like I could say so much more, and I've told you about it!
Once upon a time, Francesca and Edward were married young. He was a great catch, and she was the perfect debutante. However, it's obvious to both the reader and James, Edward's bestie, that they aren't right for each other.
Ten years later, after living apart for seven of those years and multiple liasons held by Edward, Francesca has had enough and filed for divorce.
Edward uses James as a go-between with Francesca. Needless to say, it didn't go as planned. James and Francesca fall in love and spend the book in a mine field of husband's, dwindling reputations, deteriorating friendships, societal expectations, and future financial (in)stability.
I really almost completely loved everything about this book. The subtle transition from friends to lovers had just enough angst, but then a very unique thing happened. The MCs had a grown-up conversation!
You know how sometimes an MC has an epiphany? They learn something new about themselves and realize they want something different from life. In this book, James experiences this, and it is done perfectly. The author made it so organic and believable. The change within James happened in slow degrees and was the final result of many factors.
Francesca is so brave yet remains human. She is the only person who will fight for her self-worth, and while it has toughened her, it hasn't made her bitter. I found myself really proud of this fictional character.
The storyline with the ex-husband, Edward, makes me rather furious. As much as I love an anti-hero, Edward doesn't qualify. He was a mean, irredeemable hypocrite within the pages of this book, and I was really hoping he would die.
I feel like if the author wanted to redeem him and also provide him with a second chance, he should have his own book. There wasn't enough time to show me he deserved to be happy. His storyline makes me really angry.
If this part had been different, the book would have been perfect for me. I love James' humor, and I almost could argue that this book is really about him, not Francesca.
Alrighty, they kissed, I feel like I could say so much more, and I've told you about it!
February 3, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley & Julia Bennet for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
I’m regretting that smutty Victorian fiction is not a genre I’m more familiar with after reading The Worst Woman in London. Because if there’s a more enjoyable dichotomy than smut and societal manners, I don’t know what it is.
Yeah, parts near the end don’t make a lot of sense. Thankfully, the rest does make up for it. Fran and James are great protagonists, and many of the side characters are wonderful. I didn’t think I’d like Caroline at first, but once we met her husband, I started to wish they both were more present. The same goes with Mrs Kirkpatrick - like Fran, I found her to be more interesting with each meeting.
The plot is what you’d expect - court drama as a background to a doomed love story full of societal pressures and expectations - but Bennet's writing is captivating and difficult to put down. I can highly recommend you add this book to your TBR when it comes out in February!
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
I’m regretting that smutty Victorian fiction is not a genre I’m more familiar with after reading The Worst Woman in London. Because if there’s a more enjoyable dichotomy than smut and societal manners, I don’t know what it is.
Yeah, parts near the end don’t make a lot of sense. Thankfully, the rest does make up for it. Fran and James are great protagonists, and many of the side characters are wonderful. I didn’t think I’d like Caroline at first, but once we met her husband, I started to wish they both were more present. The same goes with Mrs Kirkpatrick - like Fran, I found her to be more interesting with each meeting.
The plot is what you’d expect - court drama as a background to a doomed love story full of societal pressures and expectations - but Bennet's writing is captivating and difficult to put down. I can highly recommend you add this book to your TBR when it comes out in February!
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
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December 15, 2025
rounding up because this was an interesting premise and I respect the choices made, it felt realistic, enjoyed both MCs
February 10, 2023
Thank you Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for this arc.❤️
Fran, our heroine, seeks divorce in an attempt to regain her freedom. We meet her when she's at a point in her life where she doesn't care about other's opinions of her and her life, and being not afraid to speak her mind and going after what she truly wants.
Jemmy, her husband's best friend, tries to convince her her divorce is a lost case. However, what they don't expect is to build a tender friendship that blossoms into the most wonderfully endearing relationship.
Throughout the story we see Fran struggling to battle traditions and is being trapped by society's standards and her husbands infidelities. While her resolve of getting a divorce is unwavering and confident, Jemmy's has had more conflict and was a bit reluctant to leave the customs and traditions he was raised to live by. Both their arcs, individually and together, were satisfying.
With a side story for a secondary couple, and between the steamy scenes between our lovely MCs and they way they were constantly immersed with each other The Worst Waman In London keeps you very entertained. We reach the end of the story with Fran and Jemmy getting their much deserved happy ending.
Fran, our heroine, seeks divorce in an attempt to regain her freedom. We meet her when she's at a point in her life where she doesn't care about other's opinions of her and her life, and being not afraid to speak her mind and going after what she truly wants.
Jemmy, her husband's best friend, tries to convince her her divorce is a lost case. However, what they don't expect is to build a tender friendship that blossoms into the most wonderfully endearing relationship.
Throughout the story we see Fran struggling to battle traditions and is being trapped by society's standards and her husbands infidelities. While her resolve of getting a divorce is unwavering and confident, Jemmy's has had more conflict and was a bit reluctant to leave the customs and traditions he was raised to live by. Both their arcs, individually and together, were satisfying.
With a side story for a secondary couple, and between the steamy scenes between our lovely MCs and they way they were constantly immersed with each other The Worst Waman In London keeps you very entertained. We reach the end of the story with Fran and Jemmy getting their much deserved happy ending.
November 26, 2022
What a frustrating and ultimately unsatisfying book. This tale of divorce in Victorian London had its moments, but it was hard to like anyone except some of the minor characters. Three stars because I was still rooting for the primary couple as they learned and grew and did work on themselves, but Francesca’s erstwhile husband absolutely did not deserve a happy ending. Sigh.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
May 3, 2024
3.5 stars
My second book in a row from Julia Bennet and it’s clear she can write excellent prose. What isn’t clear is whether she can bring a story to a logical and satisfying conclusion without sacrificing what she’s so carefully built and without fake melodrama.
The first 80% of this book is good. VERY good. Character development, storyline, romantic escalation all written with skill and precision, leading the reader into deeper emotional waters. The development of the relationship between Francesca and James was particularly well done, and I felt invested in each character individually and in them as a couple.
Which made the last 20% of the book disappointing in the extreme.
***spoilers***
Everything that I’d loved about the book became null and void.
Francesca, previously courageous, forthright and honest, turned into a fearful, cruel liar. The fear may have been justified. The lies and cruelty came completely out of left field.
James, previously doggedly determined to pursue Fran in spite of obstacles, suddenly accepts dismissal from Fran as absolute, tucks his tail between his legs and runs.
These two, who previously talked about everything intimate, embarrassing, and meaningful, split without even a conversation.
Edward, previously the biggest entrenched asshole in England, at the ripe old age of 36 suddenly showed a “softer side,” and switched his entire belief system to accommodate an 18-year-old debutante.
In an entirely pointless divorce trial, Edward folds like a cheap deck of cards and throws his case after allowing Fran to publicly expose his copious infidelities just so he could score a point off her over her one infidelity? Made no sense at all. However, Edward’s unlikely capitulation did allow for HEA’s all around, which brings up the last credulity-challenging happenstance:
NO WAY did that debutante’s parents break her engagement to a dull, respectable, and wealthy member of the peerage in order to marry the scandalous, divorced Edward because he offered a fortune for her. They were wealthy. They didn’t need a fortune. They wanted to move up socially and Edward was DIVORCED and famously unfaithful. Snort.
It’s tragic that a really good book could crash and burn so spectacularly at the end.
My second book in a row from Julia Bennet and it’s clear she can write excellent prose. What isn’t clear is whether she can bring a story to a logical and satisfying conclusion without sacrificing what she’s so carefully built and without fake melodrama.
The first 80% of this book is good. VERY good. Character development, storyline, romantic escalation all written with skill and precision, leading the reader into deeper emotional waters. The development of the relationship between Francesca and James was particularly well done, and I felt invested in each character individually and in them as a couple.
Which made the last 20% of the book disappointing in the extreme.
***spoilers***
Everything that I’d loved about the book became null and void.
Francesca, previously courageous, forthright and honest, turned into a fearful, cruel liar. The fear may have been justified. The lies and cruelty came completely out of left field.
James, previously doggedly determined to pursue Fran in spite of obstacles, suddenly accepts dismissal from Fran as absolute, tucks his tail between his legs and runs.
These two, who previously talked about everything intimate, embarrassing, and meaningful, split without even a conversation.
Edward, previously the biggest entrenched asshole in England, at the ripe old age of 36 suddenly showed a “softer side,” and switched his entire belief system to accommodate an 18-year-old debutante.
In an entirely pointless divorce trial, Edward folds like a cheap deck of cards and throws his case after allowing Fran to publicly expose his copious infidelities just so he could score a point off her over her one infidelity? Made no sense at all. However, Edward’s unlikely capitulation did allow for HEA’s all around, which brings up the last credulity-challenging happenstance:
NO WAY did that debutante’s parents break her engagement to a dull, respectable, and wealthy member of the peerage in order to marry the scandalous, divorced Edward because he offered a fortune for her. They were wealthy. They didn’t need a fortune. They wanted to move up socially and Edward was DIVORCED and famously unfaithful. Snort.
It’s tragic that a really good book could crash and burn so spectacularly at the end.
June 13, 2023
"The Worst Woman in London" is a captivating historical romance that immerses readers in the vibrant world of Victorian society. With its vivid descriptions and well-paced plot, Julia Bennet's novel is a delightful read for fans of the genre. A must-read for historical romance enthusiasts!
January 27, 2023
Julia Bennet has a new fan and it’s me! The Worst Woman in London was such a delight. Francesca Thorne is seeking a divorce from her adulterous husband. While that doesn’t make anyone blink in 2023, in 1886 it was shocking. Disgraceful. Something good women don’t do. But Francesca refused to let society define what her life should be. Enter James , her husband’s childhood friend. I couldn’t put this book down. I finished it in one night. This book had everything I love. Romance, spiciness, and humor. This was easily a 4 star read for me!
February 27, 2024
4.5*
Thank you so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
The worst woman in London? More like the worst MAN in London aka Edward Thorne!!!
I found this to be very unique, for it's genre. I have never read Evie Dunmore's series (I will now) but I suspect that if you liked that, you will also really enjoy this.
We follow Francesca who married Edward after 6 weeks of knowing him and now, 10 years later, wants to divorce him (I would too if I were her). However, Edward does not want to divorce Fran, (because what would people think... how dare they, so scandalous... I mean they haven't lived together for the last 8 years and all Edward does is go around cheating on Francesca... but divorce, that's just too much for the 19th century) and asks his good friend, Edward (who by the way saw this whole divorce coming from the moment he met Fran) to make Francesca a proposition.
Through this proposition, Edward and Fran realize that there's definitely some chemistry between them and the story goes on from there. All I can tell you it that Edward is so swoony, I mean:
"There's no one for me but you. I'm in love with you, you silly woman."
Also, this is coming from a law student, but seeing how the law worked back then and how women where held to a much higher standard then men was infuriating, ofc, but also very interesting.
Thank you so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
The worst woman in London? More like the worst MAN in London aka Edward Thorne!!!
I found this to be very unique, for it's genre. I have never read Evie Dunmore's series (I will now) but I suspect that if you liked that, you will also really enjoy this.
We follow Francesca who married Edward after 6 weeks of knowing him and now, 10 years later, wants to divorce him (I would too if I were her). However, Edward does not want to divorce Fran, (because what would people think... how dare they, so scandalous... I mean they haven't lived together for the last 8 years and all Edward does is go around cheating on Francesca... but divorce, that's just too much for the 19th century) and asks his good friend, Edward (who by the way saw this whole divorce coming from the moment he met Fran) to make Francesca a proposition.
Through this proposition, Edward and Fran realize that there's definitely some chemistry between them and the story goes on from there. All I can tell you it that Edward is so swoony, I mean:
"There's no one for me but you. I'm in love with you, you silly woman."
Also, this is coming from a law student, but seeing how the law worked back then and how women where held to a much higher standard then men was infuriating, ofc, but also very interesting.
May 7, 2024
Divorce in Victorian times
When James Standish first met his best friend’s fiancée he knew the relationship wouldn’t work. He recognised the streak of individuality Thorne’s beloved displayed, especially her humor, her way of laughing. His friend, Edward Thorne was oblivious. He thought of Francesca Heller as everything a wife should be. Gracious, womanly, taking her rightful place at his side gladly. (If anything he was to be shocked by her sensual advances.)
Francesca wasn’t like that and two years later Thorne left Hertfordshire for London leaving his wife with his mother, whilst he cavorted his way through London, setting up a string of mistresses.
Now eight years later Fran has come to London, opened up her own house and is suing for divorce. Shock and horror! Society is both titillated and outraged. Thorne is beside himself with righteous anger (the swine!) Fran is cut by many in society including her beloved uncle and aunt, the Lytton’s, who’d raised her from a child when she’d been orphaned.
Thorne asks James to talk Fran out of divorcing him. Of course one thing leads to another and Fran and James are in lust with each other—at this stage love is in neither’s vocabulary. Them trying to avoid detection by Thorne is fraught. It could cause problems with Fran securing a divorce.
The settling of the matter takes a strange turn. Somewhat puzzling is Thorne’s standards about a woman should be seems later to turned on it’s head.
An interesting comment on divorce in these times, the double standard of society with regard to the behavior of women and men, where women are often the unkindest critics of all.
I enjoyed the part when Fran met with Thorne’s mistress he’s been flaunting all over the place.
Maybe a bit too complex towards the end.
A Union Square-Sterling ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
When James Standish first met his best friend’s fiancée he knew the relationship wouldn’t work. He recognised the streak of individuality Thorne’s beloved displayed, especially her humor, her way of laughing. His friend, Edward Thorne was oblivious. He thought of Francesca Heller as everything a wife should be. Gracious, womanly, taking her rightful place at his side gladly. (If anything he was to be shocked by her sensual advances.)
Francesca wasn’t like that and two years later Thorne left Hertfordshire for London leaving his wife with his mother, whilst he cavorted his way through London, setting up a string of mistresses.
Now eight years later Fran has come to London, opened up her own house and is suing for divorce. Shock and horror! Society is both titillated and outraged. Thorne is beside himself with righteous anger (the swine!) Fran is cut by many in society including her beloved uncle and aunt, the Lytton’s, who’d raised her from a child when she’d been orphaned.
Thorne asks James to talk Fran out of divorcing him. Of course one thing leads to another and Fran and James are in lust with each other—at this stage love is in neither’s vocabulary. Them trying to avoid detection by Thorne is fraught. It could cause problems with Fran securing a divorce.
The settling of the matter takes a strange turn. Somewhat puzzling is Thorne’s standards about a woman should be seems later to turned on it’s head.
An interesting comment on divorce in these times, the double standard of society with regard to the behavior of women and men, where women are often the unkindest critics of all.
I enjoyed the part when Fran met with Thorne’s mistress he’s been flaunting all over the place.
Maybe a bit too complex towards the end.
A Union Square-Sterling ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
February 5, 2023
No words. Just. No words.
This was so different and in a very very good way.
Thank you so much Netgalley for providing an ARC.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶🌶/5
This is a historical romance like no other I’ve ever come across. I was so intrigued when I started it, a romance (and particularly a historical), doesn’t usually start out with the fmc not wanting a divorce. No she DEMANDS a divorce.
The book starts when Fransesca meets James. She is engaged with Edward Thorne and they have a very short courtship and engagement. James notices that Fransesca isn’t what she seems and tries to talk Edward out of marrying her. But Edward thinks he’s talking shit and to him she is the perfect woman for marrying.
The book then accelerates to 10 years later and Fransesca is miserable in the marriage. Edward and her have been estranged for 8 of those years and she is sick of it, she wants total freedom, no matter the cost. Edward obviously fights her on this because the scandal will ruin him too in the process. Cue him sending out his best friend James with a proposition for Fransesca. A last resort because she won’t talk to Edwards lawyers.
The friendship that we see that grows slowly between James and Fransesca is beautiful to watch. Then you also get a second romance story line with Edward who has an infatuation with a debutante.
The struggle that James has with the rules of society, but needing the money that comes from it is so good to read. Him realizing that he wants to be free just like Fransesca wants is amazing.
I don’t want to give too much away, you’ll have to find that out for yourself. The beginning does read a bit slow but when I got to about the 30% point I read it in pretty much 1 sitting.
If you like the historical romance genre, read this. Just get the book and read it.
This was so different and in a very very good way.
Thank you so much Netgalley for providing an ARC.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶🌶/5
This is a historical romance like no other I’ve ever come across. I was so intrigued when I started it, a romance (and particularly a historical), doesn’t usually start out with the fmc not wanting a divorce. No she DEMANDS a divorce.
The book starts when Fransesca meets James. She is engaged with Edward Thorne and they have a very short courtship and engagement. James notices that Fransesca isn’t what she seems and tries to talk Edward out of marrying her. But Edward thinks he’s talking shit and to him she is the perfect woman for marrying.
The book then accelerates to 10 years later and Fransesca is miserable in the marriage. Edward and her have been estranged for 8 of those years and she is sick of it, she wants total freedom, no matter the cost. Edward obviously fights her on this because the scandal will ruin him too in the process. Cue him sending out his best friend James with a proposition for Fransesca. A last resort because she won’t talk to Edwards lawyers.
The friendship that we see that grows slowly between James and Fransesca is beautiful to watch. Then you also get a second romance story line with Edward who has an infatuation with a debutante.
The struggle that James has with the rules of society, but needing the money that comes from it is so good to read. Him realizing that he wants to be free just like Fransesca wants is amazing.
I don’t want to give too much away, you’ll have to find that out for yourself. The beginning does read a bit slow but when I got to about the 30% point I read it in pretty much 1 sitting.
If you like the historical romance genre, read this. Just get the book and read it.
September 24, 2025
I've seen Julia Bennet around the historical-romance internet and even own one of her books on Kindle, but this was my first of her novels. It will not be the last. The Worst Woman in London is one of the best historical romances I’ve read all year, and I will not shut up about it.
Francesca Thorne has a terrible, philandering husband—and she is done with him. After ten years of marriage, she wants a divorce. But her piece-of-shit husband refuses to grant her one, even though he hasn’t lived with her in eight years and has a mistress residing in his house. Edward, her husband, believes that if he bribes his wife she’ll come back to him, so he sends his friend, James Standish, to deliver his final offer. James visits Fran to give her Edward’s message, but while he’s doing so he realizes Edward is an absolute fool to give up Francesca—and he’d do just about anything to have her himself. But Fran is not the kind of woman James can marry. For one, she’s already married; and even if she obtains her divorce, his aunt would disinherit him if he ever considered Francesca for his wife. Add to that the fact that Francesca needs to be above reproach to successfully press her suit in court, and they are at an impasse despite the building tension.
Nothing about this book should work, and yet everything does. Cheating is the third rail in romance. There are whole Reddit threads devoted to trashing the concept of cheating in romance and many posts across the internet about how readers won’t touch this topic with a 40-foot pole. Well, I say: MORE FOR ME. We are in multiple POVs in this novel, so we’re with Fran and James but also Edward and another character, Sylvia. We see how both spouses feel about each other and can clearly recognize that they should not be together. But because of social norms and the expectations of their class (landed gentry), Edward thinks he’s entitled to behave however he wants, and his wife should just grin and bear it while remaining celibate and isolated in the country.
I loved Francesca as a character. She refuses to take any more shit from her terrible husband, no matter what society or her family thinks. I loved her strength and courage. She moved out of Mayfair to a less fashionable part of town, bought her own house, and built a life with her own friends—away from the judgment of hypocrites who are willing to entertain her unfaithful husband but won’t look at his long-suffering wife.
James has spent much of his life as a useless dilettante, waiting for his aunt to die so he can inherit her fortune. He’s always thought he needed her money to be happy and has never tried to apply himself to any task or profession. I loved that connecting with Fran prompted him to re-examine his priorities and realize that not only was he not happy with his life, but he was actively choosing to be unhappy by remaining aimless.
Also of note: Francesca cannot have children, and that is not a problem for James. I loved seeing them happy together on page, without the possibility of children in the future. More childfree couples in historical romance, please!
I complain all the time that romance is playing it safe and I am tired of the repetition of the same tropes over and over again. Julia Bennet took a massive swing with this book and knocked it out of the park. 5+ stars and a place on my Best of the Year list.
Francesca Thorne has a terrible, philandering husband—and she is done with him. After ten years of marriage, she wants a divorce. But her piece-of-shit husband refuses to grant her one, even though he hasn’t lived with her in eight years and has a mistress residing in his house. Edward, her husband, believes that if he bribes his wife she’ll come back to him, so he sends his friend, James Standish, to deliver his final offer. James visits Fran to give her Edward’s message, but while he’s doing so he realizes Edward is an absolute fool to give up Francesca—and he’d do just about anything to have her himself. But Fran is not the kind of woman James can marry. For one, she’s already married; and even if she obtains her divorce, his aunt would disinherit him if he ever considered Francesca for his wife. Add to that the fact that Francesca needs to be above reproach to successfully press her suit in court, and they are at an impasse despite the building tension.
Nothing about this book should work, and yet everything does. Cheating is the third rail in romance. There are whole Reddit threads devoted to trashing the concept of cheating in romance and many posts across the internet about how readers won’t touch this topic with a 40-foot pole. Well, I say: MORE FOR ME. We are in multiple POVs in this novel, so we’re with Fran and James but also Edward and another character, Sylvia. We see how both spouses feel about each other and can clearly recognize that they should not be together. But because of social norms and the expectations of their class (landed gentry), Edward thinks he’s entitled to behave however he wants, and his wife should just grin and bear it while remaining celibate and isolated in the country.
I loved Francesca as a character. She refuses to take any more shit from her terrible husband, no matter what society or her family thinks. I loved her strength and courage. She moved out of Mayfair to a less fashionable part of town, bought her own house, and built a life with her own friends—away from the judgment of hypocrites who are willing to entertain her unfaithful husband but won’t look at his long-suffering wife.
James has spent much of his life as a useless dilettante, waiting for his aunt to die so he can inherit her fortune. He’s always thought he needed her money to be happy and has never tried to apply himself to any task or profession. I loved that connecting with Fran prompted him to re-examine his priorities and realize that not only was he not happy with his life, but he was actively choosing to be unhappy by remaining aimless.
Also of note: Francesca cannot have children, and that is not a problem for James. I loved seeing them happy together on page, without the possibility of children in the future. More childfree couples in historical romance, please!
I complain all the time that romance is playing it safe and I am tired of the repetition of the same tropes over and over again. Julia Bennet took a massive swing with this book and knocked it out of the park. 5+ stars and a place on my Best of the Year list.
November 28, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"A defiant Victorian wife fights to escape a bad marriage but her love for a forbidden man jeopardizes her chance at freedom." I was intrigued by the premise of The Worst Woman in London - as a debutante, Francesca made a bad marriage, and 10 years later is seeking a divorce from her unrepentantly philandering husband. Unwilling to give up what he sees as his property, and be plunged further into scandal, he sends his best friend James to convince her to give up on the divorce proceedings and settle for a comfortable yearly allowance instead.
Thrown together in this unorthodox way, James is surprised to discover a depth of feeling he didn't know existed for this unconventional, strong-willed, intelligent woman.
I loved the clear and open communication that developed between the two leads, and their romance felt quite genuine, as did the conflict - was James willing to break away from his life of status and wealth to not only stand beside the woman he loved but also to stand for his own principles, or would he stick with the comfort of an easy life? Divorce in historical romance is often handwaved away as something scandalous but largely irrelevant, and I was intrigued to see how it actually worked, and what the implications of even seeking a divorce were for Victorian women.
I wasn't convinced we needed to spend so much time attempting to redeem the soon-to-be-ex husband, or whether he even really was redeemed at the end - although I like that he did have some nuance rather than just being a straight-up bad guy, I didn't particularly enjoy reading his own romantic subplot with a woman who seemed to be another, younger version of Francesca: since we were already extremely familiar with his dislike of Francesca's character and suitability as a wife, it seemed hard to believe that things would end well between him and yet another secretly unconventional debutante.
Overall, this was a good solid read, likely to be enjoyed by fans of feminist historical romance who enjoy strong female characters, solid characterisation and good communication between the main characters. Recommended for fans of Courtney Milan and Evie Dunmore.
"A defiant Victorian wife fights to escape a bad marriage but her love for a forbidden man jeopardizes her chance at freedom." I was intrigued by the premise of The Worst Woman in London - as a debutante, Francesca made a bad marriage, and 10 years later is seeking a divorce from her unrepentantly philandering husband. Unwilling to give up what he sees as his property, and be plunged further into scandal, he sends his best friend James to convince her to give up on the divorce proceedings and settle for a comfortable yearly allowance instead.
Thrown together in this unorthodox way, James is surprised to discover a depth of feeling he didn't know existed for this unconventional, strong-willed, intelligent woman.
I loved the clear and open communication that developed between the two leads, and their romance felt quite genuine, as did the conflict - was James willing to break away from his life of status and wealth to not only stand beside the woman he loved but also to stand for his own principles, or would he stick with the comfort of an easy life? Divorce in historical romance is often handwaved away as something scandalous but largely irrelevant, and I was intrigued to see how it actually worked, and what the implications of even seeking a divorce were for Victorian women.
I wasn't convinced we needed to spend so much time attempting to redeem the soon-to-be-ex husband, or whether he even really was redeemed at the end - although I like that he did have some nuance rather than just being a straight-up bad guy, I didn't particularly enjoy reading his own romantic subplot with a woman who seemed to be another, younger version of Francesca: since we were already extremely familiar with his dislike of Francesca's character and suitability as a wife, it seemed hard to believe that things would end well between him and yet another secretly unconventional debutante.
Overall, this was a good solid read, likely to be enjoyed by fans of feminist historical romance who enjoy strong female characters, solid characterisation and good communication between the main characters. Recommended for fans of Courtney Milan and Evie Dunmore.
May 14, 2024
Reminded me why I like historical romance.
October 14, 2024
I loved the idea and the relationship between the mcs, but there was a lot of bouncing around between characters that I didn't really enjoy. I'd read the author again.
January 21, 2023
*ARC provided by NetGalley in return for an honest review*
You really lost me at him calling a woman who was described to be similar to my appearance as basically ugly. 😅 I’m not gonna lie, it really hurt.
Outside of the subtle reminders of why I’ll never be good enough. ~ I thought the book was relatively decent. The writing was dry, but the plot had a bit of an interesting pull to it. This all being said, I don’t think I’ll ever be touching this book again.
You really lost me at him calling a woman who was described to be similar to my appearance as basically ugly. 😅 I’m not gonna lie, it really hurt.
Outside of the subtle reminders of why I’ll never be good enough. ~ I thought the book was relatively decent. The writing was dry, but the plot had a bit of an interesting pull to it. This all being said, I don’t think I’ll ever be touching this book again.
January 19, 2023
Sometimes divorce is the most romantic thing you can do.
Genre: historical romance
London, 1882
Mr and Mrs Thorne are horribly suited for one another. James Standish knew it from before he saw his friend Edward Thorne married to the young Francesca, in whom Edward believed he had found the perfect wife. Only James saw Fran’s lively spirit and knew they would never be remotely happy or even satisfied. Ten years after their marriage - two in misery and eight apart - Fran has requested a divorce on the grounds of Edward’s infidelity. But Edward insists it’s simply “not done” and requests that James plead his case for Fran to basically “shut up and deal with her lot in life.” Of course, James has been half in love with Fran for ten years, and finds that beneath their longstanding acquaintance something more than admiration and respect stirs.
I was a little nervous at the outset, with one main character trapped in a loveless marriage and the other a close friend of the estranged husband and half-engaged to someone else, but this is a novel where you trust the writer to take you where the characters need to be and not worry about propriety. You understand at the outset that Fran and Edward are miserable and that theirs has no hope of being a real marriage ever again.
You also quickly realize just how unfair it is for women in the Victorian era to seek a divorce, even for blatant infidelity. My blood boiled as Francesca speaks with her lawyer and realizes she’ll have to prove he has harmed her while Edward only has to give suspicion of her own infidelity and she’ll lose her case. This is probably the first historical romance in which I’ve read at length about divorce, and it really emphasizes the importance for women to have access to divorce rights.
If Edward is made out to be a piece of work, James isn’t all that much better. He’s a bit lazy and loves living in comfort as heir to a wealthy aunt. But his friendship with Fran makes him want to do better and prove himself. He realizes very quickly as his aunt thrusts a new debutante in his path that there really hasn’t been anyone but Francesca for ten years. And yet as the story progresses, James has a refreshing change of heart. He is desperate to prove himself to Fran at any cost.
Francesca is fascinating, because at the outset of the book, we assume she is exactly what Edward wants in a bride, and it turns out Edward is too young and Fran not precisely biddable. She’s not stereotypically-romance-heroine-feisty or bluestocking (though she is both of those things in her own subtle ways), she just wants more out of life than a loveless marriage. I found her clever and kind, and remarkably mature as she looks to create boundaries for herself in search of true freedom.
And yet none of the characters are truly bad or good.They are multi-dimensional people who have complex needs and desires. Even Edward (who quite rightfully deserves a punch to the face) isn’t entirely bad. Despicable, maybe, but not bad. These realistic qualities bring the book to life. There isn’t a lot of driving plot, and it doesn’t matter because the character development and social interactions move the story along.
Thank you to NetGalley and Julia Bennet for an eARC for review. This is out 2/3/23!
Genre: historical romance
London, 1882
Mr and Mrs Thorne are horribly suited for one another. James Standish knew it from before he saw his friend Edward Thorne married to the young Francesca, in whom Edward believed he had found the perfect wife. Only James saw Fran’s lively spirit and knew they would never be remotely happy or even satisfied. Ten years after their marriage - two in misery and eight apart - Fran has requested a divorce on the grounds of Edward’s infidelity. But Edward insists it’s simply “not done” and requests that James plead his case for Fran to basically “shut up and deal with her lot in life.” Of course, James has been half in love with Fran for ten years, and finds that beneath their longstanding acquaintance something more than admiration and respect stirs.
I was a little nervous at the outset, with one main character trapped in a loveless marriage and the other a close friend of the estranged husband and half-engaged to someone else, but this is a novel where you trust the writer to take you where the characters need to be and not worry about propriety. You understand at the outset that Fran and Edward are miserable and that theirs has no hope of being a real marriage ever again.
You also quickly realize just how unfair it is for women in the Victorian era to seek a divorce, even for blatant infidelity. My blood boiled as Francesca speaks with her lawyer and realizes she’ll have to prove he has harmed her while Edward only has to give suspicion of her own infidelity and she’ll lose her case. This is probably the first historical romance in which I’ve read at length about divorce, and it really emphasizes the importance for women to have access to divorce rights.
If Edward is made out to be a piece of work, James isn’t all that much better. He’s a bit lazy and loves living in comfort as heir to a wealthy aunt. But his friendship with Fran makes him want to do better and prove himself. He realizes very quickly as his aunt thrusts a new debutante in his path that there really hasn’t been anyone but Francesca for ten years. And yet as the story progresses, James has a refreshing change of heart. He is desperate to prove himself to Fran at any cost.
Francesca is fascinating, because at the outset of the book, we assume she is exactly what Edward wants in a bride, and it turns out Edward is too young and Fran not precisely biddable. She’s not stereotypically-romance-heroine-feisty or bluestocking (though she is both of those things in her own subtle ways), she just wants more out of life than a loveless marriage. I found her clever and kind, and remarkably mature as she looks to create boundaries for herself in search of true freedom.
And yet none of the characters are truly bad or good.They are multi-dimensional people who have complex needs and desires. Even Edward (who quite rightfully deserves a punch to the face) isn’t entirely bad. Despicable, maybe, but not bad. These realistic qualities bring the book to life. There isn’t a lot of driving plot, and it doesn’t matter because the character development and social interactions move the story along.
Thank you to NetGalley and Julia Bennet for an eARC for review. This is out 2/3/23!
November 14, 2022
It's been a while since I've read a historical romance, but I really enjoyed this one. It is well written, has some great banter and quite unconventional premises (the story begins with a wedding, when usually historical romance ends with a wedding) and even more unconventional plot: the heroine is seeking divorce from her horrible husband and falls for his friend. I loved the way the author depicted the injustice women encountered when trying to get divorce at the end of 19th century. The main characters were likeable, though flawed, growing during the story, the passion between them was palpable, maybe just a tad too instalust'ish? And I really hated Edward, what a shitbag, his change towards the end failed to convince me, I guess I'm not a very forgiving person.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange of honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange of honest review.
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