The Belle of London

by Nicola Italia

On the English stage, the Belle of London is born…

During the late Victorian era, Amelia Westcott is without family and few friends and is forced to make her way in the world. Talented and beautiful, she takes to the London stage and attracts the attention of numerous powerful and wealthy men including the Prince of Wales.

But a close friend of the Prince’s is little impressed with the lovely actress. Christopher "Kit" Beaumont is not taken in by Amelia's charms and believes she is a gold digger set to sink her claws into any man who will give her a comfortable life.
Kit knows nothing about the strong and independent Amelia who gains a powerful patron in the Prince of Wales even as she is given the moniker The Belle of London.
As her star rises, she vows to have nothing to do with the arrogant, handsome Kit.

From the London stage to New York's Broadway, Amelia and Kit are thrown together and a battle of wills and passionate personalities ensues as Kit suddenly realizes he wants Amelia as his own. Though Kit has decided that no other woman but Amelia will do, someone else is plotting to make certain the two are never together.

Genres: Historical, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2024

About the author

Nicola spent her childhood in Los Angeles. She graduated from university with a degree in communications and held a variety of positions in journalism, education, government and non profit.
Nicola has traveled extensively throughout Europe, China and Central America.
She currently has twenty one novels available at Amazon, Google Play and Barnes and Noble.

https://linktr.ee/authornicolaitalia

Reviews

[Wytzia Raspe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read earlier novels of this author before and most are quite good. One was very steamy. This one is not. A young adult Englishwoman, daughter of an architect, in Victorian London looses both parents. To have income she needs a job. The only thing she is quite good at is music so she joins a theatre group what is quite scandalous.
The novel is a love story but not a two dimensional romance novel as it also navigates the thin line between mistresses and women with virtue in a more liberal working environment and where to draw a line. Of needing income and not depending on a man. Of fitting in in a different social group. As a modern woman with a job you can relate.

[CLorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Belle of London, prolific author, Nicola Italia, creates a sumptuously detailed romance story set in the Victorian Era and follows the rise of talented singer/dancer, Amelia Westcott. The author uses the tropes of enemies to lovers, forbidden relationship, he falls first, and forced marriage. The story mainly follows Amelia’s trajectory and life choices but is told from several points of view so that readers get some of the motivation of other characters. While not of nobility, Amelia has had a somewhat privileged upbringing; however, her circumstances change rapidly and drastically when she loses both of her parents in swift succession. With no savings and no relatives for support, Amelie is forced to seek employment. She ultimately finds viable work as a dancer in the London theatre. Her strong will and even stronger moral compass are needed as she tries to navigate the life of a dancer while keeping her virtue intact…no small feat! For a woman of this era, marriage or genteel employment are the two most desirable outcomes. As characters are introduced, I speculated that perhaps Albany, the talented piano player/composer would be a love match. Ms. Italia keeps the reader guessing and invested as Amelia faces critics, a gentle love, and a hardened rake in a sweeping story that spans two continents. Christopher Beaumont, scion of a noble house, emerges as Amelia’s love interest but their eventual road to love is anything but smooth. Ms. Italia entertainingly imbues their connection with missteps, miscues, and misunderstandings. He reluctantly falls first and the love he has for Amelia is redemptive. I absolutely enjoyed this story and loved the sweet epilogue.

[Buturot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia Wescott became orphaned and alone. She had to make a living as a dancer (initially) then became a famous actress. While she was in her lowest, she met the Earl Kit, who was opposed to her being close to his friend Patrick.

First, love the cover, perfect for this story. Not familiar with the author, but the cover capture my interest. I am so glad to read this book. This was a hate- love story (Yup, they hated each other first). Lots of heart-stringing moments (both heartbreaking and heartwarming) especially for Amelia. Love Amelia's spirit, wit and strength. Love that she was steadfast on her ideals until a near tragedy in France. Love that her knight is always lingering about. Fate was always there to intervene between the two. Really meant to be. (NOTE: Tragic moments that may be unbearable to some readers plus a few mature scenes)

I fell in love with the main characters and their story. Highly recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eva Kouvari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the author’s twentieth book she has written, but the first one I’ve read. And it won’t be my last.

«He had been drawn to her even when she had been engaged to his friend. Even when he knew she loathed him. He was drawn to her. It was a slow burn that utterly consumed him.»

Set in the late Victorian Era, we follow Amelia as she grows from a promising dancer to the greatest actress in London. She meets many people in her journey, men and women of all ages and social classes, some of whom want to help her and others want to destroy her. Colorful characters, who contribute to the story and don’t just exist as a name on paper. I didn’t like two specific characters from the second I read their names and I was right about them! I will not name them, because you have to feel how I felt.
Among those characters, Amelia meets Kit. Arrogant, cocky, and handsome Kit. The tension between these two had a heartbeat! From the beginning, their relationship had been like a rollercoaster, with long ups and sudden downs. The quote represents their relationship to the fullest. A slow burn romance, a plot full of twists and turns, leaving the reader to always second guess whether or not Amelia and Kit will have their happily ever after.

The character development was slow, but made a big difference in the story. Here, I would like to add that jealous Kit is my favorite Kit. The pace was great and I consumed the book in a week.

I love Historical Romance and I’m so happy that this book is one of my 2024 reads.

Tropes: Historical Romance, One Couch, He Fell First And Harder, I Want You But You’re Beneath Me Socially But Now That People Say I Can’t Have You I Want You More.

T.W.: Attempt of rape, death because of illness, accidental suicide.

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book wasn't for me, this was still a wonderful story. There was A LOT happening, and the plot was developing very fast. Kit and Amelia truly begin as enemies, they despise each other. Kit's feelings change rather rapidly though and he realizes that he wants her for himself. The rest of the book is spent with him pining over her. He chases her to Paris and to New York. There is a lot of miscommunication between them - she believes he only wants her as bedsport, and he just thinks she hates him. They're found in a compromising position and forced to marry at the end. It takes Amelia a while to figure out her feelings for Kit.

I enjoyed Kit's jealousy, pining, and his interactions with his friends. I also could relate to Amelia at the very beginning wanting to be on stage so she could land a husband, haha.

[Trina]

Enemy to lovers but so much in between. I felt so sorry for Amelia she seemed to be having so many things go wrong for her, don’t wish to put in spoilers so will not mention them. Kit was very arrogant to start with so I was on Amelia’s side from the beginning, so pleased with the eventual happy ever after. The first couple of chapters didn’t really grab me and I was happy to put the book down, but once I got into it I found it hard to put down until I finished it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stefanny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Si tuviera que elegir una palabra para describir este libro sería: absurdo.

La historia empezó algo débil, pero tenía altas expectativas. Sin embargo, a medida que iba avanzando la historia iban sucediendo eventos absurdos y poco realistas, y estuve a punto de dejar el libro a medias. Por lo menos me mantuvo enganchada hasta el epílogo (rolling my eyes all the way through).

El romance estuvo basado en atracción física todo el tiempo, así que el amor entre los protagonistas no se sintió real.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a regency romance. I felt the writing had a lighthearted tone, and it was warm and funny. I enjoyed the chemistry between Amelia and Kit, and their lighthearted banter and flirtations. The ending made me smile, so hopefully it will please most readers.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all the sprinkles of historic information throughout the book. To me it added some realism and depth to the story as a whole. The only small gripe I have (which is more of a personal preference) is that I don’t like when the characters overcome all their miscommunications at the very end of the story. I wanted more time with them finally being on the same page after all the many many many obstacles they faced.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ups and down in both the lives and relationship between Amelia and Kit, a close friend of Patrick, a gentleman who ultimately becomes her fiancé. Their first encounter is both unexpected and unpleasant, leaving long lasting effects. When Patrick unexpectedly dies they both experience inner emotional upheavals as their lives keep intertwining. Finally, after overcoming both deep misunderstandings and complications they find their hea

[Cindy Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very different romance with two characters who form first impressions that leave them detesting the other. The fun is watching the way each changes to find their way to each other. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and stayed up way too late to finish it! I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Lula Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Romantic Story

Usually do not like romance stories but this one was an exception. From nothing to an actress and misjudged by several people because if it, she still prevailed .

[Susie Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

I enjoyed this book and the banter between Kit and his lovely nemesis. They were a good match. Glad it all came to a lovely ending

[Beverly Purser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super story

Loved every page. Was hard to put down. Loved the characters interaction and love the story line. Last page read and I’m smiling.

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amelia was a strong character, but this was painfully bad writing… even for a trope-filled romance novel.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fast-paced, but no depth.

[Brittany Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swoon worthy! The back and forth, the banter. The fiery stubbornness. Well done!

[LC · Rating 3 out of 5]

heroine

Kept waiting for the heroine to take charge…and make it romantic. She did it, but just barely. Thank goodness, I was becoming disappointed

[Proud Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger Warnings
This book contains:
• Death of loved ones
• Accidental drowning
• Attempted sexual assault.
Characters
Amelia is a young woman who’s experienced significant pain and trauma already, and yet continues to fight to survive. As a woman living at the end of the 19th century, her options to support herself are limited, and yet she still manages to carve out a life for herself, including making connections with the likes of the Price of Wales.
Kit is heir to the Lord of Hatton, and as such, has a certain world view about what is and isn’t proper and acceptable. Given his views, he often clashes with Amelia, despite his desire to get closer to her. Especially because of the life choices he ends up making that impacts both of them.
Storyline
Over the space of two years, Amelia’s life changes in so many ways. From the death of her parents, to beginning a new life just for that to be cut short, before finally finding her way, she experiences so many changes beyond anything she ever believed possible.
Overall Thoughts
One of the things I like about Nicola’s writing is that while she maintains the integrity of the period each story is set in, she also creates modern and inspiring female protagonists. In the case of Amelia, we have an independent woman striving to choose her own path and not need a man to support her.
While the period she lives in is only 30 odd years before the start of WWI, it’s still very much a time where job options were extremely limited for woman, and they generally needed to be married to be financially supported and considered “socially acceptable”. And yet, Amelia continues to fight for what she wants.
A life independent of any man, and financially secure.
This intense drive and commitment are something that many people today could learn from. How to find your passion, something you truly love and believe in.
While this is a romance, that drive, commitment, and resilience felt like the core theme woven throughout the story in such an inspiring way that you can’t help but love it.

[Winnifred D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up. This wasn't really for me. I had a hard time feeling engaged with the main characters and understanding their behavior. But I do appreciate the research the author put into the book.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thanks to Booksprout and the author.