Miss Cassandra Belvedere and Miss Louise Sheffield were once debutantes vying for the same gentleman’s attentions. Bitter rivalry turned to passion—but at the end of the Season, Louise chose the earl instead of the girl.
Fifteen years later, Cass strides back into London Society to demand Louise’s help. After all, it’s the least she can do after destroying Cass’s life. Her family’s glove making business is in peril, and the elegant Louise, now the widowed Countess of Atwater, wields enough power to bring Cass’s gloves into fashion.
But Louise didn’t expect the attraction between them to burn stronger than ever, or that society would turn on her for associating with Cass. Bold, brash Cass has the real power—to unravel Louise’s strait-laced life and show her that their passion is worth fighting for.
Jane Walsh is a queer historical romance novelist published by Bold Strokes Books who loves everything Regency. She is delighted to have the opportunity to put her studies in history and costume design to good use by writing love stories. Jane’s happily ever after is centered on her wife and their cat and their cozy home together in Canada. You can find her at www.janewalshwrites.com and discover all her latest releases at www.boldstrokesbooks.com
Okay read, liked it well enough but not as well as some of the others from Walsh. And what was the problem with mr Belvedere that prevented him to marry and that he had to explain to Darling even after proposing and stopping his heavy drinking. She knew about his visit’s to Queenie and all that entailed. There is just this one short piece somewhere around a fifth of the book that gives some clarification but also leads to questions such as his explanation to Darling and her reaction. As wel as how it came about that he became cousin Victor for Cass and apparently her family too. There is not much more than this: Victor had grown up as Clarabel, striving for years to be the perfect young lady that his parents expected and that he refused a debut season and also that Cass was one of the few who he confided in. But he was part of the glove -making in the village where Cass and her family lived. I liked the side characters in this story a lot especially Louise’s friends, Darling, Isadore en Nell. There seems to be a story for the last two characters too. Maybe in another book?
Years later Cassandra and Louise are back in one another’s lives and finally Louise has a chance to put right what destroyed their connection originally. Cass’ family business is struggling and Louise surely has enough influence to help her get it back on track.
I already loved these characters and adored getting to go through this second chance for them both. It was interesting how there was an electricity between them the second they met again and yet Louise was surprised by how she felt about Cass after they’d been so close before. As always with Jane’s historical romance they were surrounded by elegance and beauty, even in the tougher times and situations, never losing touch with how wonderfully eccentric Louise’s life was.
Louise impressed me with her kindness towards Cass. A lot of it seemed driven by her regret at choices in the past and a bit by the guilt she felt about what she had done to Cass. Cass seemed slightly fueled by revenge but it quickly faded when she understood Louise genuinely wanted to help. Once they started working together and reconnecting properly, things were wonderful and you could feel how much they felt for one another and the love they shared.
Really enjoyable romance with lots of sentiment and heart.
I was captivated from the beginning with all of Cass and Louise’s animosity and anger. The story developed beautifully, once they were able to discuss all of the pain and hurt- which was extremely important. It made me pretty emotional and a lot of it felt relatable.
I loved that neither MC lost the deep love they had for each other and although Lou was initially the one to destroy their relationship 15 years ago, she fights hard to let Cass know how much she wants her.
I do wish some of the ending didn’t feel so rushed or abrupt. Along with that my only other “complaint” is I would have loved to have seen a little more open door in terms of the intimacy. It was exactly fade to black but the way Walsh led up to the scenes were so beautiful, if would have been nice to experience a little more between the two lovers.
4.5 ⭐️thank you to Negalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC!
This is the first book I’ve read of the authors and I will be reading more! Jane Walsh makes you fall in love with ALL the characters. There was a little angst in the beginning but I would say that overall, it is a pretty feel good sapphic historical romance. There is of course some conflict but it’s pretty low stakes in my opinion. I was pleasantly surprised how things came together in the end and didn’t see that angle of the story coming.
If you love sapphic historical romance, definitely check out Jane Walsh’s Seducing the Widow!
I have a serious thing for queer regency romances. Something about the time period’s societal pressures and expectations around gender and marriage is extra compelling with that added layer of queerness. I was pleased that this book explored those things, and with more characters than just our two leads.
Years and years ago, Cass and Louise vied for the same man, but fell in love with each other instead. Alas, their relationship ends in heartbreak as Louise snags an engagement with that man, and Cass’s family falls from grace, forcing her out of high society.
I quite enjoyed the tension this backstory brought when the two women reunite some years after the death of Louise’s husband. To some degree, I couldn't help but think that the “obstacle” to their relationship was gone, and thus this would be an easy get together, but I was pleased that it remained a bit more complicated than that. Cass doesn't trust Louise anymore; Louise has become deeply image conscious. Money remains an obstacle as Louise has no children and is now dependent on the goodwill of her husband’s male relative.
Unfortunately, I feel like a lot of the tension deflates the moment they rekindle their physical relationship. Both of them make an attempt to keep their hearts guarded, but even as a romance enthusiast willing to accept these things, I just didn't buy it. Neither of them really felt like characters capable of having a casual, friends with benefits type relationship.
Despite this, I still enjoyed the story. I was almost more fond of the side relationship between Victor and Darling, if only because there was a lot more drama and theatrics to their story. I need that stuff! I need the crying, the screaming, the rampaging, etc. Please! But sadly for me, Louise and Cass are a bit too muted for my taste. For example, Louise’s deceased husband was a dear childhood friend of Cass’s so Cass doesn’t even feel any resentment or jealousy towards him. Which is a valid choice but disappointed me because we lost an opportunity for some passionate emotions.
However, your mileage may vary, as they say. Not everyone enjoys reading dramatic fits of passion. Sometimes a person wants to see two people slowly make space for each other again and find a way to get their happy ending this time.
***Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing me with a copy of this book.**
The latest historical sapphic romance from Jane Walsh is a pleasantly low-stakes, low-angst, low-conflict novel where the backstory is almost more interesting than the main narrative.
Fifteen years ago, Cass and Louise were young debutantes embroiled in a bitter rivalry for the affections of the same man. In an enemies-to-lovers twist, they ended up falling for one another, but weighed down by the burdens of social expectations, Louise turned her back on their love and chose the earl instead – leaving Cass heartbroken and humiliated. I really wish we could have seen more of this, because I wanted to see these young women discover one another, but what’s there is lovely.
As Seducing the Widow opens, Cass is returning to the scene off the crime (so to speak), desperate for the right patron to support her gloves and help her rescue her family’s fortunes – and that patron, the woman who she feels owes her, is Louise. It’s an awkward, uncomfortable reunion, but there’s guilt and longing there, and rather get bogged down in bickering and arguing, they opt for open and honest communication about the past, their feelings, and the present. We see them open up, reconnect, and look to make the most of their second chance.
While I’m not a fan of love triangles and generally resent the need to shoehorn a third into a relationship we’re invested in, I did like the Louise/Victor relationship because it opened up an interesting discussion into Victor’s past as Clarabel, who cast off the pressure to be the perfect young lady, but who ultimately rejected the same debut season that brought Louise and Cass together.
No surprises, no major twists or turns, just a happily-ever-after romance with two remarkable (and remarkably endearing) women.
Seducing the Widow captivated me right from the beginning. The synopsis piqued my interest with its unique and refreshing plotline. From the very first page, I was drawn into a heartfelt Regency romance that completely swept me away.
Cass and Louise share a complicated history, and when they reunite after fifteen years of bitterness and heartache, they strike a tentative truce. Louise agrees to help Cass promote her handmade gloves, and the two quickly begin to clear the air. This sets the stage for a beautiful romance as they rediscover each other and learn who they've become after so much time apart. I truly enjoyed the heartfelt conversations between Cass and Louise, filled with honesty and depth. Their love for one another shines through both their words and actions. The supporting cast of characters, particularly Mr. Belvedere and Lady Darling, adds significant charm and depth to the story. I especially appreciated the establishment, Queenie, which serves as a welcoming haven for everyone, including those Society considers unrespectable.
Overall, Seducing the Widow is a beautifully crafted Regency romance that blends heartfelt emotions, captivating characters, and a unique storyline. The connection between Cass and Louise is tender and genuine, brought to life through their honest conversations and touching moments. With a rich supporting cast and the warm, inclusive setting of Queenie, this story delivers a delightful and refreshing take on second chances and rediscovery. It’s a truly enchanting read that will stay with you long after the final page.
(3.5 Stars) I like historical romances and Jane Walsh specializes in sapphic ones. Her storylines follow the strict rules of the Regency era. Cass and Louise were debutantes in the same year. Both caught the eye of an earl who eventually proposed to Louise. Cass didn't return to London for another season staying in the country. The book begins fifteen years after those events and Louise is now a widow with the earldom going to a nephew. Cass returns to London with her cousin Victor in hopes of reviving the family’s glove business. They have prepared beautiful samples to sell and promote their products to the ton. Not only would it be income for Cass and her family but it would provide employment to many in their village.
Cass feels Louise owes her a debt for stealing the Earl and asks that she wear their gloves when out in society. The relationship between the two is complicated because when they were debutantes they were also lovers. I kind of wish there were some flashback scenes to their younger selves when they first were together. Louise is so haughty at first it was hard to imagine her younger self’s feelings. I did enjoy their conversations and the side characters.
Walsh always gets beautiful covers for her books. And I appreciate her attention to detail. This subject of gloves didn’t interest me much but I appreciate how carefully the author researches her books. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Just finished "Seducing the Widow" by Jane Walsh, and wow, what a journey into the ton! I absolutely loved the rich diversity of characters, especially in a Regency setting where societal norms often stifled characters' authentic queer selves.
The friendship between Louise and Lady Darling was beautifully portrayed, highlighting the strength and complexity of female bonds in a constrictive society. Cassandra and Louise's complex relationship, filled with both tension and undeniable chemistry, had me rooting for their love every step of the way. And let’s not forget the captivating side romance between Lady Darling and Cassandra's transgender cousin, Victor; it was so refreshing to see a love story that defies conventions and embraces individuality.
Walsh masterfully captures the challenges of love and friendship in a world that seeks to confine them, making this book not only a historical romance but also a powerful commentary on identity and desire. If you’re looking for a tale that beautifully intertwines passion with social critique, this is a must-read! Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a really cute and well-written sapphic historical romance novel. I don't have anything too significant to say. I liked the main relationship and the side characters I would love a spin-off book about Darling and Victor. I also really enjoyed that there was a bit more depth to their history than JUST 'oh she married someone else', it added a more realistic layer to the story about the realities of women needing to marry for their families. It also made the betrayal feel worse because it wasn't just getting screwed over in a relationship but Cass's entire village's livelihood being impacted. I do think the angst could have been drawn out a littttle more though.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
**| received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher . All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
For me personally it was 2.75. Historical romance or regency romance I tend to have a hit or miss. I love things such as bridgerton and Jane eyre. I just didn’t feel the connection between the two main characters. Even the side character of Vincent I didn’t have any attachment to or want to root for. I wanted more in depth of their relationships or who they were. Overall this is a short and quick read.
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
have to say i am not a big fan of regency style books and this was no exception
i did enjoy the storyline about the leather gloves and how they were made.... and the whist card games
but i have to admit the rest of it was lost on me....
i can tell the storyline was well thought out and well written, what annoys me most is women never seem to learn, why we cant support each other is beyond me... thank god for friendships and this was evident in this book
Fifteen years after a bitter rivalry and a broken heart, Cassandra seeks help from Louise, her former lover. Their rekindled passion threatens both their reputations and upends their carefully constructed lives.
Cass and Louise are well-developed characters with complex lives and a complicated past. They have a lot of baggage to overcome before they can make their way back to each other, making this a high-angst story.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
After reading and loving Her Duchess to Desire, this was one of my most anticipated books of 2025. I was gladly suprised to be approved to read an ARC of this and even more happy that I loved it. I enjoyed that despite the fact that this is a second chance and that it has themes that can be complicated, the book was very low angst and very sweet. Jane Walsh writes fantastic sapphic romances and I can't wait to read the ones that I haven't yet.
This is a beautifully and uniquely written regency romance with a refreshing plot line. Its engaging love story is a delightful and refreshing take on second chances, rediscovery, and finding lobe when least expecting it. I enjoyed the captivating and interesting characters and their heartfelt emotions. The ending was lovely. I recommend reading!
A great, indepth historical read. The author catches the essence of society at the time while keeping the content relevant and interesting. The main characters are well written and work very well together. A recommended read or historical fans
Historical fiction is a genre I enjoy reading and Seducing the Widow wasn’t the exception to the rule. I very much enjoyed the lighter anguish I felt reading the book as Cassandra and Louise find themselves after years spent apart and with circumstances more favorable for them. I appreciated the contrast between Louise and Cassandra, but I also loved to see how Cassandra and Victor overcome and work around what made them different from the rest of society. The double love story made the book even more thrilling as well as Louise and Cass’s memories of their debutant year. I would recommand Seducing the Widow to everyone who loves Historical Romance and those who want to discover the genre.