The Journey of Love

by Simi Ramdutt

The Hexagons Series
Six siblings—torn apart at birth, but united by destiny. These daring rakehells embark on rambunctious and dangerous escapades, earning the interest and ultimate companionship of ladies who possess extraordinary beauty, unparalleled determination, and unrivalled spirits. With the siblings’ rake hearts captured and their lives now entwined, the group’s passionate jaunts become the subject of envy-laden murmurs throughout London and across the English countryside.

"The Journey of Love"
Aware of the need to safeguard the truth behind his noble origins, James was resolute in his decision. Following a forced union with an Indian princess—the daughter of an English lord and Indian royalty—James embarks on a journey to India to get rid of his new bride. However, his return sees him accompanied not by a discarded bride, but by a spirited woman whose unparalleled beauty and unorthodox views on egalitarian unions have upended his world. Lizzy’s thirst for independence, love for thrilling exploits, and passion for him rival only his own feelings for her, shattering his determination against marriage and unleashing a new a love that transcends all reason.

About the Author : Simi S. Ramdutt was born and raised in beautiful South Africa. She has a profound passion for the allure of historical romance, a genre which captivates her imagination. Enthralled by the mystique of castles, she finds herself particularly drawn to the tales their cold and mossy stone tells. Beyond her literary pursuits, Simi’s creativity extends to the culinary realm, weaving flavours together with artistic flair. In a world were sharing every aspect of one’s life has become the norm, Simi stands firm in her commitment to keep her private life veiled from the public gaze, instead embracing the power of mystery.

Genres: Romantic, Love

460 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2024

Reviews

[Ashleigh Seale · Rating 3 out of 5]

18th century James is a rake and a scoundrel. If you're a female with a skirt he wants you in his bed or yours, it matters not to him where. The Duke, his "father", on the other hand has other plans for this rogue. Marriage: James would sooner die than be married and he wants absolutely nothing to do with this arranged marriage or his betrothed to be, an Indian princess named Elizabeth aka Lizzy. When he finally meets her he decides to play a little game of cat and mouse with her: guess who's the mouse??

Lizzy is a stern no nonsense princess who enjoys adventures and archery, she also keeps daggers under her pillow (my kinda princess). She's a forward thinker who believes that men and women should be equals, none of this men do x and women do y nonsense. I really admired her for standing up for herself when she was pregnant because everyone was treating her as if she was this frail contagious creature instead of a woman simply having a baby. I often have to remind myself in historical novels of just how different things were then to how they are now.

If you like:
💙 Historical Romance
💙 Banter
💙 Mysteries
💙 Rakish Lords
💙 Adventures

Then this could be a book for you!

[Liezel Koekemoer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Journey of Love (author Simi Ramdutt) is set in the 1700’s and is about an arranged marriage between James, Duke of Crafton, and Lizzy, an Indian Princess. James, a man known for seducing women and having many lovers, has no intention to marry the princess. After a lengthy, arduous journey by boat from India to bring Lizzy to England, they get to know each other. Lizzy proves to be a feisty, strong willed, intelligent woman with exceptional beauty and femininity, proving her totally irresistible to James. Their relationship deepens, and while on board the Empress Elizabeth, James and Lizzy fall deeply in love with one another. Being so kind and caring by nature, Lizzy quickly forms deep and lasting friendships in England, that she would come to rely on later on, when there are hardships ahead.
Beautifully written, the fascinating and colourful characters come to life, as if you were amongst them. Great attention to detail, with vivid depictions of life and sights of this era, a captivating page-turner, a delightful read!
Loved it! Looking forward to more books by this fine author.

[Natasha (The Bookbasket) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded to 4

This book was super fun to read, especially if you want to read something low-stakes.

That being said, there were too many plots in this book and too many characters introduced in the first chapter. It didn't help that they all looked the same according to the narrator. For the next few minutes, I struggled to distinguish between who was who. I would have also loved to see more of James and Izzy's relationship while sailing back to England (see their journey to love - if you will - grow through the months they are stuck together on this ship). Instead, their journey ends so quickly, and we're introduced to more and more characters as we go along - with an extra two plots thrown in the book as well that had me thinking, this could've been part of the next book.

I do, however, look forward to seeing how things play out in the next book.

Thank you to the author and Willow Trading SA for giving me a free copy of this book for my honest review.

[Twanette Bester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was privileged enough to be invited to the release event for The Journey of Love. I had the opportunity to have a chat with the lovely Simi Ramdutt. Simi shared a bit of her journey with me, and also the trials she faced before finally getting published. I see Simi as an absolute inspiration for upcoming authors, and so much can be learned from her determination and her insistance on not settling for anything less than what she envisioned for this series.

The Journey of Love was beautifully written, the prose captivating, and the love story brought to mind those first love butterflies. I never thought it possible to find such a quintessentially 'British' novel written by a South African author. And I'm elated by this.

Princess Elizabeth is such a likeable character, brought up to be picture of feminine royalty, but deep in her heart she longs for adventure, and boy oh boy, is she a feisty little thing under all the frills and skirts. James is exactly what we expect from an 18th century bachelor. He has his fingers down the bodice of just about every lady, and he is dead set on not tying himself to the Indian princess. Well that is until he meets her.

We see Lizzy navigating her way through the adventure she never expected, the beautiful friendships she acquires along the way, and we see her deeply and passionately fall in love.
The Journey of love is Historical Romance, yes, but Simi throws in a few sub-plots that gives this book the perfect balance. Secrets hidden for many years come to light, there is backstabbing and even a murder mystery.

The endpaper art in this book is stunning, and just by holding this book, I experienced such nostalgia-this entire series will be published in mass market paperback size. Now, for those who don't know, this is seen as the pocketbook format that our tiny Mills and Boon books were so famous for. This will always be the perfect size for romance books in my opinion😅

If you enjoy Historical Fiction, please don't hesitate to add this book to your TBR, it is 100% worth the read.

[adeela_books ❁ཻུ۪۪ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 stars 🌟
[ I received a physical review copy from the author. Thanks. All opinions are my own! ]

✨️ Tropes:
• historical romance
• arranged marriage
• spicy
• reformed rakes/playboys
• royalty

~~

So I've never been one to really pick up or watch period/historical romances but when I saw the tropes and synopsis for Simi's books my interest had piqued and when Simi sent me copies of her books I was excited to get into it and experience a historical romance. I had an inkling I would enjoy it and I did! It was fun reading a subgenre of romance I hadn't before and liking it made this even better.

Simi describes in great detail to lay the settings of her books. She really paints a picture of the scenery and old time period in a way that transports you back into time. I found myself reading this quite quickly.

Honestly I liked James more than Lizzy. Lizzy needed to just chill and accept being pampered by her man lol esp in her condition. Gurrl was lucky 😂

Moving on I'm eager to read about the rest of the Hexagon boys. Sounds like it'll be fun.

This book was well written. I liked the artwork and cover plus the whole Hexagon branding and the formation of it.

I'm glad I liked reading this and maybe it will open me up to reading other historical romances? Or maybe it's just Simi's I'd be reading haha but overall it made a good read.

💌 @𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐚_𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐧
𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐚/𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐤

[Megan Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Journey of Love by @simi_ramdutt_author

Honoured to read and review this for one of South Africa's amazing authors!

A fresh take on period drama story telling where the FMC is much more the modern feminist then common for that time (and therefore, an absolute breath of fresh air) is to be shipped of from her shattered life to the centre of the London ton with a fiancé.

A handsome and roguish (of course) MMC who only wants the girl for fun before returning to his ways but is ensnared by foreigne beauty.

But the London ton is not always an accepting or forgiving bunch.

This book is not only a journey to fing love in a SO, but also the true live between friends, blood family and chosen family and was a great at read.

[Sumayya]

The Journey of Love is a story that revolves around 6 siblings who were torn apart at birth but united through destiny and chronicles their journey of love, belonging and adventure. The story begins with the newly wed couple, James and Lizzy, on board a ship to England where they encounter various challenges along the way, including a murder

The journey of love was extremely well written and worth the read, despite being out of my preferred genre.

[Shavonne Bulmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Enchanting Escape

I absolutely love the cover—it's stunning and perfectly captures the magic inside this book! The Journey of Love swept me away with its rich historical setting and unforgettable characters. Lizzy and James’s romance is filled with depth, passion, and emotional growth, and I found myself completely invested in their journey.

Simi Ramdutt has woven a beautiful story of love, mystery, and found family. It’s more than a romance… it’s a moving tale of resilience and transformation. I didn’t want it to end!

[Preleen Pillay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first historical romance book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had to get used to the 3rd person pov as I usually shy away from these types of books however I completed this book in a day n a half. It was easy to read and I really like the character of the fmc.

[Rmplift, Rachel Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won my copy from Goodreads Giveaways!

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step into the captivating world of "The Journey of Love" with me, where each page unfolds like a treasure map to a realm of passion, intrigue, and breathtaking adventure. This isn't just a story—it's a journey of the heart, beckoning me to lose myself in its rich tapestry of romance and danger.

As I immerse myself in the opulence of 18th-century England, I can almost feel the whisper of silk skirts and the thrill of whispered secrets in the air. Here, amidst the flickering candlelight and the grandeur of aristocratic estates, I meet James, the enigmatic Duke of Crafton, and Lizzy, a woman whose fiery spirit sets my pulse racing.

Their union may have been born of duty, but what blossoms between them is a love so fierce it threatens to consume them both. With each turn of the page, I find myself drawn deeper into their world, swept up in a whirlwind of emotion that leaves me breathless and yearning for more.

But this is no ordinary romance. Oh no, it's a tale of intrigue and betrayal, of danger lurking in the shadows and passion burning bright as the sun. And through the masterful prose of Simi Ramdutt, I am transported effortlessly from the cobblestone streets of London to the exotic shores of India, where every moment is rendered with exquisite detail and breathtaking beauty.

Yet amidst the tumult of their journey, James and Lizzy discover a truth as timeless as love itself—that true passion knows no bounds and that the heart will always find its way home. As they navigate the treacherous waters of society and their own desires, they show me that love is not just a destination, but a journey—one worth embarking on, no matter the cost.

So, dear reader, join me on this unforgettable adventure, where romance and adventure collide in a tale that will steal your heart and leave you breathless until the very end.

[Ashisha Sewpal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

I haven't read historical romance in a while. This was the perfect book to get me back into it.

The Hexagons follow the story of 7 brothers and their love stories.

The first book in the series follows James and Elizabeth (Lizzy). Lizzy is an Indian princess arranged to be married to James.

James is against the marriage and goes to put a stop to the match. He is captivated by Lizzy's beauty though.

Any good love story has a twist and this does not disappoint.

Simi brings life to the characters beautifully. The world building is great and you feel transported into the story. I love that Lizzy is headstrong.

I look forward to the other books in the series.

[Madds ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚓THE JOURNEY OF LOVE⚓

Book rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice Rating:🌶🌶/5
Age rating: 18+

The Journey Of Love takes readers on an express cruise filled with love, action and adventure, and navigates them through a tunnel of plot twists, mystery and swoonworthy characters until they reach their final destination- a happily ever after. Simi Ramdutt has skyrocketed all my expectations for this book and left me gasping for more. This book ticked all my checklists and most definitely made Simi an auto-buy author for me.

The Journey of Love features our two main characters, Elizabeth (Lizzy) and James. James, the future Duke of Grafton, and King of unsavory scandals that most certainly make unfortunate headlines- in short- a playboy with no plans of getting married and set on a life of fun. Lizzy, the princess of the Maratha Clan, is an absolute delight. She is free-spirited, a little wild and the people's delight. Lizzy dreams of independence, a life of adventure and chases the idea of equality in marriage. The two, an unlikely pair, challenge all the expectations of society in The Journey Of Love. This is the first book of the Hexagon series: six siblings- torn apart at birth, but united by destiny.

This book features some of my favourite tropes: arranged marriage, found family, 🗡 to throat, a little bit of enemies to lovers and historical romance.

I love the little mentions of some historical events/sites, being The Cape Of Good Hope, East India Company, Voyages and the end of wars. I loved the ship names: Princess Aurora and Empress Elizabeth- so so cute!! The bonds in the book were truly wholesome and so very heartwarming- The friendship and brotherly love and care between the Hexagons, the mother and daughter love between Lizzy and Lady Mary, the friendship and sisterly love between Lizzy and Eva and the familial bond between the Hexagons and Chin. I must say that I resonated and loved Lizzy the most. She is an absolute delight. I mean the girl sleeps with 🗡 under her pillow and a 🔫 in the bedside drawer... how could you not love her?! She does not cower from challenges and is a cheeky little princess.

I enjoyed watching the shift in James's character- from a jaded man who doesn't care about his actions to a grown man who cherishes the meaning of love and is a man fit to be called a Duke. My heart was shattered for Henry- I truly loved all of his scenes and he has been embedded in a special place in my heart. Chin and Hannah- our side characters- were a delight to read about. All of their scenes brought me so much joy. The plot twist on page 219, was mind blowing. I did not see that coming!! A character I did not like... Lady Abbott. They say that an author is really good at writing when they bring out such intense emotions from readers regarding certain characters and Simi did exactly that. I could not stand Lady Abbott, not one bit. I spent my Saturday evening complaining to my sister about this fictional woman🤣

So, all in all, The Journey of Love was a PHENOMENAL read. I am so delighted to have spent my weekend reading this fabulous book and I am truly so excited for the next book in the series!!!

Review by:
Madds
@bookloverkay

[Irenes Dragon Nest · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re into historical romance with sass, sword fights, spicy dukes, and badass heroines, The Journey of Love should be on your radar.

Set in the 1700s, we meet James, Duke of Crafton—one of the famous Hexagons. He’s charming, ridiculously good-looking, and 100% not interested in settling down. Classic rake energy. But of course, his dad throws a wrench in those plans by arranging a marriage with Princess Elizabeth (aka Lizzy), an Indian royal who does not have time for nonsense.

Lizzy is a total standout. She’s smart, fearless, and seriously ahead of her time. She’s all about equality and refuses to let people treat her like she’s made of glass—especially while pregnant. The way she stood her ground was so refreshing (and also a reminder that women were treated very differently back then).

James and Lizzy's first meeting is pure fire. What starts as some playful back-and-forth quickly turns into real feelings. Their romance is builds on a mutual lust, especially during the sea voyage from India to England on The Empress Elizabeth. That said, I would’ve loved to see more of their time on the ship—felt like we were just getting into it before the story moved on.

Now, there are a lot of side characters introduced early on (honestly, it got a little hard to keep up), and there are quite a few subplots happening all at once. It got a bit crowded at times, and I found myself wishing a couple of those twists were saved for the next book. Still, it was a fun and fast-paced ride.

At times it felt like there was too much focus put on the "twists" for the hexagons to deal with, and I would have loved to see more banter and conversation between Lizzy & James that truely bonded them besides their intimaticy.

Also—quick shoutout to the book itself. The cover? Gorgeous. The Hexagon branding? Hot. It's one of those books that will be a stunning addition to my collection.

I don’t usually pick up historical romance, but I’m really glad I gave this one a shot. Now I’m super curious to learn more about the other Hexagon boys—bring on the rest of the series!

✨ Final thoughts: Charming, adventurous, and totally fun. A few too many things going on at once, but if you love strong female leads, flirty dukes, and some good old-fashioned drama, definitely give this one a read.

[Thanks so much to the author for the physical review copy! All opinions are my own.]

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: "The Journey of Love"

by Simi Ramdutt ✨🔥📚

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉Prepare to be swept away on an exhilarating journey of passion, intrigue, and destiny with "The Journey of Love" by the talented Simi Ramdutt. 🌹💫 From the bustling streets of London to the exotic landscapes of India, this spellbinding novel takes readers on an unforgettable adventure that will leave hearts racing and souls longing for more. 💖✈️

👉At the heart of the story are James, the dashing Duke of Crafton, and Lizzy, a spirited Indian princess with a thirst for adventure and independence. Their initial encounter may seem fateful, but as their journey unfolds, it becomes clear that their connection runs deeper than mere coincidence. 🌟💑

👉Ramdutt's prose is nothing short of enchanting, painting vivid pictures of opulent palaces, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable characters that leap off the page. With each turn of the page, readers are transported to a world where love knows no bounds and destiny weaves its intricate tapestry. 🎨📖

👉But what truly sets "The Journey of Love" apart is the electric chemistry between James and Lizzy. Theirs is a love that ignites the pages, leaving readers breathless and yearning for more. As they navigate the challenges of societal expectations and personal desires, their journey becomes a testament to the enduring power of love. 💞🔥

👉From heart-stopping moments of danger to tender scenes of intimacy, Ramdutt masterfully captures the full spectrum of human emotion, inviting readers to experience the highs and lows of James and Lizzy's epic romance. With each twist and turn, the stakes are raised, and the allure of their love story grows stronger. 🌹📚

👉As the first installment in the Hexagon series, "The Journey of Love" sets the stage for an epic saga filled with passion, adventure, and unforgettable characters. Whether you're a die-hard romantic or simply seeking an escape into a world of wonder, this book is sure to leave you spellbound. Don't miss out on the journey of a lifetime – dive into "The Journey of Love" today and let your heart soar! 🚀💖

#BookReview #RomanceNovels #EpicLoveStory #MustReads 😍🔥📚

[Royal Uk · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟BOOK REVIEW: THE JOURNEY OF LIVE 🌟🌟

🌟🌟 AUTHOR: SIMI RAMDUTT 🌟🌟

Simi Ramdutt's "The Journey of Love" is an engrossing story that combines romance, action, and the ties of fate. This book chronicles the turbulent voyage of James, Duke of Crafton, and Lizzy, an Indian princess, as they negotiate the difficulties of love and fate against the backdrop of London and the English countryside.

lames, a well known rakehell, is at the start of the story, determined to escape the constraints of matrimony. But destiny has other ideas, and he ends up being reluctantly married to Lizzy-a vibrant, wise, and attractive lady. As they travel from India to England, James eventually comes to feel a strong and unbreakable bond with Lizzy, despite his initial reluctance.

Bamdult expertly captures the depth of James and Lizzy's feelings as well as the attraction that binds them together as he depicts the development of their relationship. James's internal conflict and Lizzy's desire for independence give their characters more nuance, which readers find likable and sympathetic.

The book is a tale of resilience and self-discovery in addition to being a love story. On their trip, James and Lizzy encounter many difficulties, but they grow stronger in each other's company and come to believe in the efficacy of love. Ramdult brings the story to life with his vivid descriptions of the far off places and colorful characters, engrossing readers in an intriguing and exciting universe

The connection between James and Lizzy, which pops off the pages and makes readers want them to be happy, is one of "The Journey of Love's highlights. Though they face many obstacles along the way, in the end it is their everlasting love and dedication that win out.

In summary, "The Journey of Love" is a riveting romance book that will captivate readers with its alluring characters, expansive plot, and timeless ideas of destiny and love. Anyone who sets out on this amazing voyage will never forget the captivating story that Simi Ramdult has written.

💫💫 My RATING 5/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Sneha Khimani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rated this book 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4). It was an enjoyable read. The author has a lovely way of writing and using language suited to the Regency time period, yet still easy to understand. I also liked the descriptive imagery of the different settings through which the main characters journeyed.

I did feel like some parts were rushed, and I would have loved to read more about the journey from India to England. But I suppose that is because it is the intended pace for the storyline of the book.

Although there were many subplots with exciting twists and turns that were added, creating some low-stakes, intense moments throughout the book, I felt some of them were either rushed over or concluded very prematurely.

Also, I felt like some of the characters' reactions to certain events or revelations weren't authentic, or the revelations were only truly addressed after a length of time.

However, despite that, I truly enjoyed the book. It gave me Bridgerton vibes, and the reading experience felt very nostalgic to my earlier years when I first started reading historical romances that included the arranged marriage trope and involved handsome rakes.

The fears and doubts that Lizzy and James have about each other are a part of genuine experiences that one would feel if they were arranged to be married to a total stranger. But I enjoyed reading how that eventually progressed into romantic feelings.

Their romance grew organically. However, I do wish there was a bit more of a slow burn (but that's a personal preference), especially since Lizzy is supposed to be such a strong-minded character and James did a lot of questionable things before they got married.

Overall, I do recommend this book, especially if you enjoy regency romance with a little spice and a lot of action.

[Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book made me cry, laugh and question everything I thought I knew about love.

The journey of love written by Simi Ramdutt is a historical romance that takes place in the 1700s which highlights James and Elizabeths love story in the Hexagon Series. James was not someone who was ready to settle down and “find love” but what happens when he is forced to marry the one and only Indian princess. He is in denial but his heart yearns for her, her perfect eyes and captivating beauty.How far is he willing to go to get her to acknowledge him even in the slightest way possible or to love him for who he is?? I have always found myself lost in reading historical romance novels and The Journey of Love is the book that made me love historical romance even more.

I loved every character in the book except the footman, he just doesn’t feel right. He was always jumpy and lurking in the corners. What I loved the most is the plot twists which had me dying to know more. Every plot twist is unique and you can tell that it is from a different perspective and it isn’t cliche, which was one of the things that had me hooked on finishing this book. The way their love is portrayed in this novel is amazing right from the start where they first met each other right up to the end of the novel. Love can look different for different people or couples and I feel as if the it is highlighted very well in the book. I also could understand the fact that even through they might encounter problems they always found their way back to each other, which is something that I felt like the writer highlighted exceptionally.


Overall I would rate it a 5/5 stars
Perfect for fans who love historical romance and arranged marriage trope!!

[Shelves_by_sim · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, how gorgeous is this cover? It is absolutely stunning and I am so obsessed with the colours. I really enjoyed the writing in this book, I think it was written so well. I love how well the historical aspect was executed such as the language and customs included in the book. I think the book was so descriptive it really brought the setting and characters to life.

I really adored Lizzy, she's so sweet and humble - considering she's an Indian Princess with unimaginable wealth, I think this was such a good and unique quality for her to have. It makes the reader invest in her character and really connect. James on the other hand is the definition of rake and he really had to do alot to prove to me that he was worthy of Lizzy, because that ego really made him disagreeable at the best of times. This book's main trope is arranged marriage which I love. I do wish that we got more relationship development between her and James though, it felt like they could have had this whole enemies-to-lovers thing going on and we could have actually fallen in love with James along with Lizzy.

I think that the plots were amazing too, but they could have been a little more expansive. I think that we could have easily had a duology here with two individual plots and it would have brought so much more to the story. It ended up feeling a little rushed even though the story had such good bones. I loved the side characters like Vicky and Eva and I'm glad to have met all the brothers, I cannot wait to get to know them all.

Thank you @willowtradingsa & @ssr_hand_made for this stunning review copy 🖤

[Balthazarinblue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting the author at a book signing! This is the first book in a Regency romance series featuring six brothers, separated at birth, and the women they fall in love with. In this book, we follow James as he is sent to India to collect the bride his father has arranged for him. James is adamant he doesn't want to be married, let alone to a chit of his father's choosing. He sets out with determination to do anything necessary to make Lizzy to break the betrothal. Unfortunately for him, Lizzy is made of sterner stuff than he imagined, and she's not one to back down.

The Journey of Love covered a lot of ground - swashbuckling adventure, murder mystery, hunting parties, steamy bedroom scenes - and because of that, the story skipped over some things very quickly. I would have preferred if it concentrated on one or two tropes and fleshed them out. I enjoyed the first half, where we really got to know Lizzy and James, and they took their time getting to know each other, better than the second half, where Lizzy seemed to be instantly bosom buddies with most everyone. I think this could have had one more thorough edit, but overall I found the characters quite fun and charming, and I think the series has a lot of potential. Reforming the rake is a popular trope but you don't always see the ex-rake being smacked in the face with the consequences of his past behaviour, so that was an interesting read!

[Janine Barnard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fristly want to thank Simi Ramdutt for the opportunity to be part of her Hexagon team to review her series its a amence privilege she is an amazing person with an amazing ❤️ heart.

The peak of the whole book, to me, begins with the suspected murder, since it's what introduces the elements of mystery and danger that make the book even more interesting; you immediately become invested as the involved characters work to solve it. There is scheming between various characters as well, which further adds to the intrigue, so you know that you won't be bored at any time when reading this book. I felt the narrative dragged a little at one point, but I still give the book 4 out of 5 stars because it is really enjoyable to read. The editing quality is excellent, as I didn't find any errors or typos.

Love, romance, and mystery have been beautifully intertwined in the narration. The relationship between James and Lizzy becomes evident as we witness their attraction, developing feelings, and ultimate love between them.Just would have loved to read more on the time they where stuck on the sailing back to England. Again, on the mystery aspect of the book, Lizzy struggles with not knowing her true parentage and heritage, which is another thing you want to keep reading to find out. James is also the same as her, and the hints of him discovering secrets regarding his own family lineage keep you rooted to the end.

Can't wait to read the next book....recommend to go get it as it's a fun read

[Shamelle Maharaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Journey of Love" by Simi Ramdutt is an engaging book from the new historical romance series "The Hexagons". It takes readers back in time with a story full of love, mystery, and rich historical details. Ramdutt does an excellent job of bringing the past to life, creating a world that feels real and full of emotion.

The novel focuses on the main characters James and Lizzy as they face tough situations that test their relationships and views on love and responsibility. The characters are well-crafted and each one adds something special to the story. The way Ramdutt writes conversations and descriptions makes everything clear and easy to picture.

Sometimes, the book moves slightly slowly because it includes so many historical details and there is more than one plot (which I expect will unfold in the rest of the series), which might distract a little from the main story. But the strong emotional moments make it worth reading all the way through. Spice level 3.5/5 :)

Overall, "The Journey of Love" is a great historical romance novel. It's ideal for readers who enjoy a deep look into the past mixed with touching stories about love. It shows why Simi Ramdutt is such a skilled writer.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the premise of this series. The Hexagons! Six brothers separated at birth. Each book focusing on a different brother. It’s like the Bridgerton series but with more sword fights and action.
Now historical romance is not always my go to genre. Sometimes there is far too much swooning and I need a bit of action and intrigue in my life. But I must say I enjoyed the story that Simi told. A lot happened in this story, there was never a dull moment. Kidnappings, murder, rushed weddings, assassination, introductions to society. This story took me on an adventure. And while I am no historian, everything seemed believable for the time period it was set it.

Lizzy, our FMC is likeable and had her moments to shine in the story. But unfortunately for James, I took a dislike to him in the beginning and it made it hard to warm up to him as the story progressed. I think it’s cause I don’t like being told what to do and well he spends a lot of time in the book telling pretty much everyone what to do.

Simi created an intriguing story with great characters and I can’t wait to read the next book to see what new adventure awaits me and one of the Hexagons.

[Aakanksha Jain · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒋𝒖𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒌 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 2025

The Journey of Love by Simi Ramdutt follows James, a Duke forced into marriage with Indian Princess Lizzy. Initially reluctant, he becomes intrigued as Lizzy defies and challenges him. Lizzy, raised by maids, values equality in marriage—an idea ahead of her time. Their relationship is driven by attraction rather than deep emotional growth.

The novel leans more into drama than character development. While James undergoes change, Lizzy’s arc remains underdeveloped. The abrupt disappearance of Lady Mary weakens the narrative, and Lizzy’s supposed independence feels inconsistent. Though hints about the Hexagons series are present, they are not deeply explored.

The story concludes with a sweet ending, but Lizzy’s character could have been better developed. I would have loved to see her shine on her own rather than remain in James’ shadow.

Fans of historical romance may enjoy it, but it lacks the depth needed for a truly compelling read.

Read the detailed review here: Books Chharming

[Anoshi Saretzki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

In "The Journey of Love," Simi Ramdutt showcases her remarkable prowess as a storyteller, weaving a rich tapestry of emotion and era that enthralls from the first page. Ramdutt's meticulous research manifests in her vivid depictions of 18th century settings, capturing the essence of the period with an authenticity that transports readers directly into the heart of the era. Her portrayal of language, people, and culture is not only well-crafted but also deeply immersive.

The novel is steeped in powerful themes of love, friendship, and loyalty, found in the most unexpected places, enhancing the narrative with layers of depth and resonance. Ramdutt masterfully maintains a brisk pace throughout the book, infusing it with action and intrigue that ensure the pages keep turning. For anyone with a love of historical fiction and rich, compelling storytelling, "The Journey of Love" promises and delivers a journey well worth taking.

[Tiisetso✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars

First of all, the cover and end papers of this book are absolutely stunning and so unique, much like the book itself.

I definitely had fun reading this book and once I was in it, it was difficult to get out of it that being said while I really enjoyed the descriptiveness of the book and the atmosphere that it created in my mind while reading, I felt that the first chapter introduced too many characters and plot lines at once which made it difficult to get into the book in the beginning.

I also would have loved to see more character development and interactions/conversations between James and Lizzy because the story felt too much like "insta love"

I absolutely enjoyed the genre of Historical Romance with a bit of a modern twist and I would recommend this book to all lovers of Historical Romance

Thank you so much to Willow Trading SA for inviting me to be part of the amazing launch event and gifting me a copy of this book to review

[Uma · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enthralling tale of love and destiny, 'The Journey of Love' by Simi Ramdutt captivates from the first page to the last. This beautifully written historical romance blends adventure, passion, and cultural richness in a story that leaves you both enchanted and inspired. The characters, especially James and Lizzy, are wonderfully developed, their journey together not just romantic but profoundly transformative. I loved the way Ramdutt describes the places, India and England and she has a way with words, I was transported back to the populace of the 18th century. A perfect read for those who cherish stories of love that transcends all boundaries. Looking forward to the next books in the series. Great spice level (3/5) Highly recommended! 5 stars

[Arini Vlotman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is truly swoon worthy because not only does Ramdutt give us a diverse cast, she recreates a world we know and love into something even better.
I've always been a fan of historical romance so the weaving of familiar settings, word usage and world building with the author's take on character arcs, and the romance hit all the bookish vibes for me.
The MC annoyed me at times so now I'm completely invested in the Hexagon series because he won me over in the end!

[Chanté Du Preez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never been the biggest fan of Historical Romance, but I decided that this year I will give it another go with an open mind, and heck am I glad I started this series!
I am in love with Simi's writing style. I love the characters and their growth throughout the time. I love that we meet all the Hexagons that we will be reading about throughout the next books.
This book has made me not want to read anything else but the next book in the series!

[G.G. Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

A love story set in the 1700's. This book gives strong Bridgerton vibes. If you're a fan of the Bridgerton series - you will love this! Perfect blend of romance, adventure, suspense & action. The relationship between FMC & MMC are organic & believable. The setting & pace of this novel is done perfectly. It is undeniably saucy! Well done Simi! This is an all round great read. I cannot wait to delve into the rest of the Hexagon series.