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The Duke's Sister And I
A spellbinding sapphic love story filled with wit and queer joy, Emma-Claire Sunday's debut Regency romance will leave you swooning!
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First published September 24, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
April 3, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
A cute sapphic historical romance where she falls for the sister of the duke courting her! I like how this integrated some of the real history of how queer people lived during this time period - closeted but still finding love and going to underground clubs. There were a few things that felt a little too convenient in terms of supporting responses to people finding out they were queer, but at the same time I get wanting to write something just happy and fluffy. I liked it and would read more from this author.
A cute sapphic historical romance where she falls for the sister of the duke courting her! I like how this integrated some of the real history of how queer people lived during this time period - closeted but still finding love and going to underground clubs. There were a few things that felt a little too convenient in terms of supporting responses to people finding out they were queer, but at the same time I get wanting to write something just happy and fluffy. I liked it and would read more from this author.
September 16, 2024
This was a delightful sapphic Regency romance, one of the first queer Harlequin books! Loretta is a perfect society lady hiding anything authentic or unique about herself (her intellect and interest in books mostly), who is taken by the sister of the Duke courting her. Charlotte -- who already knows she's gay, unlike Loretta -- is a bit of a ruffian, a lover of many ladies, and a secret painter.
I loved the glimpses of a secret queer underground we got! I wanted a little more depth in the secondary characters and their relationships with Loretta and Charlotte (Charlotte's brother Arthur and Loretta's father especially). And there was a lot of fun drama and relationship repair / acceptance of the women being together squeezed into the last chapters that I would have liked to see seeded throughout the novel so it didn't seem so abrupt.
Overall, I thought this was great fun and am eagerly awaiting Emma-Claire Sunday's next book!
I loved the glimpses of a secret queer underground we got! I wanted a little more depth in the secondary characters and their relationships with Loretta and Charlotte (Charlotte's brother Arthur and Loretta's father especially). And there was a lot of fun drama and relationship repair / acceptance of the women being together squeezed into the last chapters that I would have liked to see seeded throughout the novel so it didn't seem so abrupt.
Overall, I thought this was great fun and am eagerly awaiting Emma-Claire Sunday's next book!
November 21, 2024
This one was nice but I struggled to stay focused on the story. It took me a long time to read and nothing really enticed me to come back. The romance was lovely but there was a lot of other fluff that I didn’t care much about. The end was a bit too dramatic for my tastes in how it played out. I also was hoping the brother would also be queer but alas.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️🌶️/5
I received an eARC from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️🌶️/5
I received an eARC from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
September 27, 2025
Sweet & well-written, but not a keeper for yours truly.
This does a lot of things right—the scenes in the Gay Regency underground, the acknowledgement/hurdle that secrecy was necessary for safety, the prose itself with its delicate descriptions of emotions & grief, the likable MCs with realistic flaws given their era & situation. I also liked Nathaniel (Charlotte’s gay bff/neighbor) & the artistic subplot with Charlotte’s paintings. But I’d have liked more activity in the story (not necessarily carriage chases & murders—just more Doing Stuff), more on-page intimacy (I’m not asking for erotica, just less FTB), & Charlotte seemed a smidge too open re: her many past conquests outside the safety of her underground companions.
Overall, though, this was super sweet & a good choice if you’re in the market for a cute + quiet historical f/f. (Loved the author’s notes, too.)
This does a lot of things right—the scenes in the Gay Regency underground, the acknowledgement/hurdle that secrecy was necessary for safety, the prose itself with its delicate descriptions of emotions & grief, the likable MCs with realistic flaws given their era & situation. I also liked Nathaniel (Charlotte’s gay bff/neighbor) & the artistic subplot with Charlotte’s paintings. But I’d have liked more activity in the story (not necessarily carriage chases & murders—just more Doing Stuff), more on-page intimacy (I’m not asking for erotica, just less FTB), & Charlotte seemed a smidge too open re: her many past conquests outside the safety of her underground companions.
Overall, though, this was super sweet & a good choice if you’re in the market for a cute + quiet historical f/f. (Loved the author’s notes, too.)
April 9, 2025
I absolutely loved this audiobook! I’m a fan of period pieces in general and these Harlequin Historical Regency romances give us the opportunity to enjoy stories like Pride and Prejudice, but with sapphic characters.
Author Emma Claire-Sunday had me at the foreword. While I won’t share what she wrote, I knew something special was on the way.
There were times when I wished I was following along with the ebook so I could highlight especially wonderful passages. I’ll need to purchase this book in that format to do just that.
The narration by Beatrix Ayliff was outstanding. She beautifully captured Charlotte and Loretta’s growing friendship, attraction and longing, and Loretta’s refreshingly well told awakening. The romance was swoon-worthy and the main characters so likable. I wanted so much for our heroines to get their happily ever after. The secondary characters added much to the storyline as well, and even provided some surprises along the way.
This is one I’ll be listening to again. More please, Emma!
Author Emma Claire-Sunday had me at the foreword. While I won’t share what she wrote, I knew something special was on the way.
There were times when I wished I was following along with the ebook so I could highlight especially wonderful passages. I’ll need to purchase this book in that format to do just that.
The narration by Beatrix Ayliff was outstanding. She beautifully captured Charlotte and Loretta’s growing friendship, attraction and longing, and Loretta’s refreshingly well told awakening. The romance was swoon-worthy and the main characters so likable. I wanted so much for our heroines to get their happily ever after. The secondary characters added much to the storyline as well, and even provided some surprises along the way.
This is one I’ll be listening to again. More please, Emma!
April 27, 2025
I listened to the audio on this one on Hoopla. I enjoyed the narration. The story was ok, Loretta was discovering herself and Charlotte was out and about. I liked Charlotte’s character and her secret ability. And Arther surprised me in the end of the story.
September 27, 2024
"How could Charlotte make her feel what a handsome duke and a hundred suitors couldn't? Why did her laugh and her mischievous smile and her bouncing blonde curls consume all of Loretta's thoughts?"
4.5 stars. I've been missing my Harlequin books not gonna lie so this release came right on time for me. I absolutely loved this and had a wonderful time with it. It's angsty (Charlotte...my love!) and passionate and swoony as hell (Charlotte...my love!!) and the main characters were fantastic and so well fleshed out and developed. I loved them both (Charlotte...my LOVE!!!) but I had a particular soft spot for Charlotte, can you tell? She's the Duke's sister and Loretta is supposed to be marrying him. They fall for each other instead and it was so damn good. The writing is really good, it's paced well, there are some likable side characters, and the story and romance had me in its grasp.
"What if she didn't marry the Duke? What if she ran away with his sister instead?"
The chemistry between Loretta and Charlotte was great. Both women are incredibly smart and headstrong. Also, the whole thing of Charlotte painting Loretta?? *swoon* I couldn't handle it. It was tender and intimate but so sexy. The drama and the third act conflict felt completely real and I understood why it went down that way and the ending was lovely. I couldn't get enough of this and I could totally see myself reading this again when I want something romantic with the right amount of drama and a bit of steam on top. Loved it.
4.5 stars. I've been missing my Harlequin books not gonna lie so this release came right on time for me. I absolutely loved this and had a wonderful time with it. It's angsty (Charlotte...my love!) and passionate and swoony as hell (Charlotte...my love!!) and the main characters were fantastic and so well fleshed out and developed. I loved them both (Charlotte...my LOVE!!!) but I had a particular soft spot for Charlotte, can you tell? She's the Duke's sister and Loretta is supposed to be marrying him. They fall for each other instead and it was so damn good. The writing is really good, it's paced well, there are some likable side characters, and the story and romance had me in its grasp.
"What if she didn't marry the Duke? What if she ran away with his sister instead?"
The chemistry between Loretta and Charlotte was great. Both women are incredibly smart and headstrong. Also, the whole thing of Charlotte painting Loretta?? *swoon* I couldn't handle it. It was tender and intimate but so sexy. The drama and the third act conflict felt completely real and I understood why it went down that way and the ending was lovely. I couldn't get enough of this and I could totally see myself reading this again when I want something romantic with the right amount of drama and a bit of steam on top. Loved it.
January 24, 2025
If I had a nickel for every time I’ve read a historical romance novel where the scandalous display of a nude portrait of one of the main characters was a major plot point, I’d have two nickels, which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice.
December 23, 2024
There were any number of beasts always fighting for attention in Charlotte’s chest: grief, shame, recklessness. But whatever was beating against her ribcage now felt entirely different: light and life-giving. And it was hungry.
3.5 stars. Dunno if I wanna round up or down; guess I'll see when I click post. This was a really good debut; really fun, really charming, with really solid writing. Historical f/f romance is one of those subgenres that I will always read, no matter the author. I just love historical sapphics so much. I think this book would have had a bigger impact on me if it were, like, the FIRST lesbian historical I'd ever come across? There are a lot of conversations that I've heard before; a lot of ground that's been tread by other authors. But it's all sweet and well-meaning and terribly earnest. The little author's note at the beginning made me feel super fond right from the start.
Charlotte is the sister of a duke; brazen, somewhat of a rake, unconventional by the standards of society. Loretta has been brought up to be meek and demure, the perfect lady, and that's part of what has earned her a duke's attention. As Charlotte's brother courts Loretta, the two women are thrown together. At first they bounce hard off of each other, given just how different they are, and how much their sensibilities clash. Charlotte in particular seems determined to dismantle whatever façade Loretta might have built up, in order to discover who she truly is. It caused a kind of friction that I really enjoyed, especially when Charlotte judges Loretta prematurely and harshly, but it all comes from a place of frustration that the reader can sympathise with. They, of course, end up having a lot more in common than they might have expected, and through outings and chaperoning and eventual midnight adventures, the women become closer and closer, and eventually fall for each other.
When poets wrote about falling in love, or following their hearts, it was because love did not stand still. Loretta felt moved, transported, carried away. The place she was now was nothing like the place she had been.
There are a lot of stakes, like the Duke's courtship, an unpleasant suitor from Loretta's past, Charlotte's dilemma with her painting/creative life, and the grief/angst they both feel, to varying degrees, because of their families. But despite that, it still feels like a really light-hearted, low-stakes romance. On Loretta's part, she gets to shrug off some of the cloak of responsibility and duty she's always worn, discover more about herself. Charlotte gets to show her parts of queer life in London in the 1820s, a world that Loretta had never known existed. She feels so giddy and excited to even just be friends with Charlotte at first, and it's so sweet. I aaaaaalways love stories of queer discovery, especially in historical times, and when we get to see that aspect of community and solidarity. Charlotte's been a part of the community for a while, and now she's forming a deeper, more profound connection with Loretta than with any other woman. I liked the conversations about art, and women's bodies, and how the "ideal" body that's so often depicted isn't the body that most women have. In the latter half there are lots of sweet, swoony moments for the couple, and I often found the writing really beautiful. Artist/muse romances are sooooo intrinsically lovely to me.
There were a couple things about the style that I didn't like. I never really enjoy omniscient POV; nothing really wrong with it, I guess, but it always takes me out of the story. And I'm definitely not a history expert, but some things about the writing felt a little anachronistic. Like when they first meet, and Charlotte suggests that Loretta's old suitor might have taken up with men. Is that something she would have said to a near stranger, cognisant as she is of how careful she needs to be? I know she can be wild, but that felt awkward and out of place. A few of the conversations about queerness were... not bad, but I was just very aware I've read other books set in this era that handled it with a bit more finesse. The third act conflict was fine, though I'm not sure I buy that the scandal would have been swept away so easily. And there was just something else about the writing that I can't really put my finger on. Like I said, I really enjoyed the prose. but there were a few stylistic things here and there that made me pause and go 'huh'. This was purely an audiobook read, and the only notes I took were of lines I liked. So I don't have any examples the weird writing on hand.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Beatrix Ayliff, which I really enjoyed! Great voice; great renditions of the characters. Definitely going to keep looking out for books narrated by her, and I'll look out for more from this author as well. The plot isn't the most original, and it's not the first sapphic romance of its kind, but the writing does a lot to recommend it. So I think I'll probably round up.
It took her the whole day to understand this strange feeling of anticipation. It took her whole day to name the hunger she felt, and the satisfaction that was about to come.
January 16, 2025
not my fav but this was short and cute!
September 30, 2024
really really good!!! this hit the queer historical fiction romance sweet spot of having realistic stakes for being queer while also ending happily and showing that not everyone was homophobic. the romance was very sweet, the sex scenes were nice, there was a decent amount of plot which allowed for things to be quick paced and not repetitive or lots of annoying “we can’t be together!” (or at least, not for too long). audiobook narrator had a pretty british voice. everything a girl could hope for!
July 2, 2024
being fresh off bridgerton put me in the right mood to sart this one, which offer some familiar plot threads: Loretta, the daughter of a baron is looking to marry when her father introduces her to a duke. Instead Loretta is enthralled by the duke's rebellious sister, Charlotte, who likes to sleep with other women and enjoy painting on her off time. Charlotte is at odds with her brother, following the passing of their older brother, acting out and making herself a menace.
Like An Island Princess Starts a Scandal, The Duke's Sister and I engages with an historical, underground queer community, where Loretta has her gay awakening. I prefer this approach to most queer historical romances ignoring that most queer people back then had to navigate small tight-knit communities to protect themselves and find each other. This is a great ode to the people who came and lived before us.
I do regret a lack of chemistry and passion between the two leads, I ultimately found the romance too polished, lacking the emotional gut punch I'd expect of a romance. Charlotte thinks of herself as broken, unable to have this long-term relationship but besides her dialogues I did not feel this angst tearing her apart. Meanwhile, Loretta grows unbothered by the yoke of patriarchy and fatherly expectation in a way that feels historically questionable.
For a romance on the shorter end, it may have tried to encompass too much at the same time which left me with unfulfilled. There's a lot to chew on: Loretta discovering her sexuality and rejectign her father's expectations, Charlotte's complicated relationship with love, her love of painting, her grief fro one brother and her conflict with the other, her friendship with Nathaniel, the underground queer community, the place of women in art at the beginning of the 19th century all in 250 pages. And since it's a romance, the romance too with a third act that left me perplex.
I did however, really enjoy that initial misunderstanding/small conflict where Loretta felt mocked for not being smart or knowledgeable enough as opposed to Charlotte's brash, open attitude. It's a type of conflict that we don't get often but to my experience is very realsitic and not often discussed. It's even more relevant in this patriarchal 19th century setting, where Loretta navigates the expectation of being a proper lady which requires erasing yourself and when confronted with the sister of a duke, someone who already has more power than her and who looks like she's taunting her or bragging, it must really hit a nerve. It was to me, one of the most compelling part of this story, despite its other shortcomings.
Like An Island Princess Starts a Scandal, The Duke's Sister and I engages with an historical, underground queer community, where Loretta has her gay awakening. I prefer this approach to most queer historical romances ignoring that most queer people back then had to navigate small tight-knit communities to protect themselves and find each other. This is a great ode to the people who came and lived before us.
I do regret a lack of chemistry and passion between the two leads, I ultimately found the romance too polished, lacking the emotional gut punch I'd expect of a romance. Charlotte thinks of herself as broken, unable to have this long-term relationship but besides her dialogues I did not feel this angst tearing her apart. Meanwhile, Loretta grows unbothered by the yoke of patriarchy and fatherly expectation in a way that feels historically questionable.
For a romance on the shorter end, it may have tried to encompass too much at the same time which left me with unfulfilled. There's a lot to chew on: Loretta discovering her sexuality and rejectign her father's expectations, Charlotte's complicated relationship with love, her love of painting, her grief fro one brother and her conflict with the other, her friendship with Nathaniel, the underground queer community, the place of women in art at the beginning of the 19th century all in 250 pages. And since it's a romance, the romance too with a third act that left me perplex.
I did however, really enjoy that initial misunderstanding/small conflict where Loretta felt mocked for not being smart or knowledgeable enough as opposed to Charlotte's brash, open attitude. It's a type of conflict that we don't get often but to my experience is very realsitic and not often discussed. It's even more relevant in this patriarchal 19th century setting, where Loretta navigates the expectation of being a proper lady which requires erasing yourself and when confronted with the sister of a duke, someone who already has more power than her and who looks like she's taunting her or bragging, it must really hit a nerve. It was to me, one of the most compelling part of this story, despite its other shortcomings.
April 23, 2025
I received an ARC from Harlequin Historical via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this was one was just okay. I hate to say it was predictable but that’s really the only word that comes to mind. The first 40% or so was good and I was interested. But then it started going downhill with too many issues and ended up feeling lackluster overall. The ending also felt rushed to me with the “villain” kind of coming out of nowhere. Had there been a few more chapters, I probably would’ve liked it better.
I did enjoy each character’s story. Loretta has no idea of her queerness and it was interesting to see her accept, learn and evolve over time. Charlotte, on the other hand, has known for years and has lived as openly as she’s allowed. Her biggest secret is her artwork that storyline was probably my second favorite plot point. My favorite part by far, was the underground queer community Charlotte introduces Loretta to. I would have loved more of that.
I also want to point out that others liked this more than I did. So, if you’re into sapphic historical romances there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy this as well.
Unfortunately, this was one was just okay. I hate to say it was predictable but that’s really the only word that comes to mind. The first 40% or so was good and I was interested. But then it started going downhill with too many issues and ended up feeling lackluster overall. The ending also felt rushed to me with the “villain” kind of coming out of nowhere. Had there been a few more chapters, I probably would’ve liked it better.
I did enjoy each character’s story. Loretta has no idea of her queerness and it was interesting to see her accept, learn and evolve over time. Charlotte, on the other hand, has known for years and has lived as openly as she’s allowed. Her biggest secret is her artwork that storyline was probably my second favorite plot point. My favorite part by far, was the underground queer community Charlotte introduces Loretta to. I would have loved more of that.
I also want to point out that others liked this more than I did. So, if you’re into sapphic historical romances there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy this as well.
July 22, 2025
I read this a week ago and don't really remember much about it. I do remember thinking it was okay. Nothing spectacular.
Admittedly I have a hard time with queer sapphic historical romances. And it's not because I don't think queer folks existed back then; I just don't think most writers are able to capture the nuance of queer people existing safely within the time period. A Sarah Waters novel this is not. I also don't love how so many of these novels make the more obviously queer character have an interest in science. I get it. Scientific discoveries were happening all over the place in the 18th and 19th centuries, but do so many authors need to focus so much on it? I have read a lot of novels written during in that time and it's not nearly as prevalent as many historic novels make it seem.
So this was unmemorable but okay. 2.5 stars
Admittedly I have a hard time with queer sapphic historical romances. And it's not because I don't think queer folks existed back then; I just don't think most writers are able to capture the nuance of queer people existing safely within the time period. A Sarah Waters novel this is not. I also don't love how so many of these novels make the more obviously queer character have an interest in science. I get it. Scientific discoveries were happening all over the place in the 18th and 19th centuries, but do so many authors need to focus so much on it? I have read a lot of novels written during in that time and it's not nearly as prevalent as many historic novels make it seem.
So this was unmemorable but okay. 2.5 stars
July 2, 2025
This was a nice little short story!
October 19, 2024
Finally a 2024 WIN!!!
I was honestly beginning to think I'd make it through this year without finding a 5-star read published in 2024, until this absolute joy of a book crossed my path!
This story of a shy baron's daughter and the rakish sister of a duke is also an amazing reflection on the unfair expectations put on women, comphet, and the existence of queer people and spaces throughout history. It had me smiling and kicking my feet and also pulled and twisted my heart in the best and worst ways. I can't wait to see what Emma-Claire Sunday writes next!
And a note to all publishers: more sapphic historicals, please!! I love an M/M romance, but queer women deserve just as many stories.
Thank you to Harlequin via Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I was honestly beginning to think I'd make it through this year without finding a 5-star read published in 2024, until this absolute joy of a book crossed my path!
This story of a shy baron's daughter and the rakish sister of a duke is also an amazing reflection on the unfair expectations put on women, comphet, and the existence of queer people and spaces throughout history. It had me smiling and kicking my feet and also pulled and twisted my heart in the best and worst ways. I can't wait to see what Emma-Claire Sunday writes next!
And a note to all publishers: more sapphic historicals, please!! I love an M/M romance, but queer women deserve just as many stories.
Thank you to Harlequin via Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 17, 2025
I had heard mixed things about this sapphic historical romance debut from Emma-Claire Sunday, and I’m happy to say those doubts were unfounded. The Duke's Sister and I is a great debut from an exciting new voice in historical romance.
Miss Loretta Linfield is entering her third season, and it finally looks like it might be her time. She has caught the eye of Arthur, the Duke of Colchester. He is everything Loretta should want: titled, wealthy, from a good family, and of good character. And Loretta doesn’t mind spending time with him. So why does she feel nothing when they dance or converse? Why does her stomach only swoop when she’s around the duke’s scandalous sister, Lady Charlotte Sterlington?
The Duke’s Sister and I stands out among Harlequin Historicals because it is more character-driven than plot-driven. Many Harlequin Historicals hit the ground running and don’t slow down until the epilogue. What Emma-Claire Sunday does here instead is explore the concept of compulsory heterosexuality through a Regency lens, while grounding the story in strong historical context.
One of my recurring frustrations with queer historical romance is how often it glosses over the very real dangers LGBTQ people faced in the past. In many eras of British history, gay men could face fines, imprisonment, the pillory, or even execution simply for living their truth. Queer women might not have faced the same legal consequences, but they were certainly subject to harsh judgment and ostracism from the ton. This isn’t to say I don’t value joyful queer stories—far from it—but I think it does a disservice to those who came before us if we ignore the immense bravery it took to live openly when it was illegal or socially ruinous. Emma-Claire Sunday manages to thread the needle of danger and joy in a way I rarely see. I don’t think I’ve seen this kind of balance since Cat Sebastian’s midcentury series.
Loretta has no idea queerness even exists. She has been raised to believe that all young women must want husbands, so she assumes she must too—even if she feels nothing for the men who court her. It isn’t until Charlotte introduces her to a queer gathering that she realizes there’s another option. And while queer people have always existed—in fact, Loretta later realizes there’s one in her own family—her sheltered upbringing meant she had no frame of reference for it. She is the definition of compulsory heterosexuality. Once she learns there’s another way to live, she can no longer imagine conforming to the life she was taught to want.
There are other well-executed threads in the story too: a jealous ex, the pervasive misogyny of the Regency era, and the emotional scars left by a previous relationship. All of these layers enrich the central romance rather than distract from it.
This was a lovely debut from Emma-Claire Sunday, and I can’t wait to pick up their second book, which released earlier this year. 4.5 stars.
Miss Loretta Linfield is entering her third season, and it finally looks like it might be her time. She has caught the eye of Arthur, the Duke of Colchester. He is everything Loretta should want: titled, wealthy, from a good family, and of good character. And Loretta doesn’t mind spending time with him. So why does she feel nothing when they dance or converse? Why does her stomach only swoop when she’s around the duke’s scandalous sister, Lady Charlotte Sterlington?
The Duke’s Sister and I stands out among Harlequin Historicals because it is more character-driven than plot-driven. Many Harlequin Historicals hit the ground running and don’t slow down until the epilogue. What Emma-Claire Sunday does here instead is explore the concept of compulsory heterosexuality through a Regency lens, while grounding the story in strong historical context.
One of my recurring frustrations with queer historical romance is how often it glosses over the very real dangers LGBTQ people faced in the past. In many eras of British history, gay men could face fines, imprisonment, the pillory, or even execution simply for living their truth. Queer women might not have faced the same legal consequences, but they were certainly subject to harsh judgment and ostracism from the ton. This isn’t to say I don’t value joyful queer stories—far from it—but I think it does a disservice to those who came before us if we ignore the immense bravery it took to live openly when it was illegal or socially ruinous. Emma-Claire Sunday manages to thread the needle of danger and joy in a way I rarely see. I don’t think I’ve seen this kind of balance since Cat Sebastian’s midcentury series.
Loretta has no idea queerness even exists. She has been raised to believe that all young women must want husbands, so she assumes she must too—even if she feels nothing for the men who court her. It isn’t until Charlotte introduces her to a queer gathering that she realizes there’s another option. And while queer people have always existed—in fact, Loretta later realizes there’s one in her own family—her sheltered upbringing meant she had no frame of reference for it. She is the definition of compulsory heterosexuality. Once she learns there’s another way to live, she can no longer imagine conforming to the life she was taught to want.
There are other well-executed threads in the story too: a jealous ex, the pervasive misogyny of the Regency era, and the emotional scars left by a previous relationship. All of these layers enrich the central romance rather than distract from it.
This was a lovely debut from Emma-Claire Sunday, and I can’t wait to pick up their second book, which released earlier this year. 4.5 stars.
August 22, 2024
I received a copy from Harlequin Historical through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Loretta Linfield has spent her life trying to be the perfect woman in society. When her dad sets his sights on the Duke of Colchester, she knows that will likely be her future husband. It’s the perfectly boring and safe life she was raised to embrace, which is why her lack of interest in that life has left her head spinning. However, meeting her potential sister-in-law, Charlotte Sterlington, has been the one shining light in her life. Loretta quickly finds herself sharing secret kisses with Charlotte that has ignited a fire she didn’t know existed. However it’s only a matter of time before she is faced with a marriage proposal from the wrong Sterlington…
I was excited to start this book because it was giving me serious sapphic Bridgerton vibes before I even read the first page. I’m excited to share that the book did not disappoint! We follow Loretta and Charlotte through their rotating perspectives. They have very different personalities, which leads them to clash early into Loretta and Arthur’s courtship. Once Loretta learns that Charlotte is trying to impress her rather than embarrass her, all bets are off.
The book has a great cast of characters, so I loved getting to learn more about many of them. There are a few characters who seemed on the edge of having a larger role than they ultimately had, but I was happy with the overall story by the time I made it to the end. I do wish we saw or learned more about a few characters, but it also makes sense that they didn’t have larger roles. I also really loved how we got to see Charlotte and Arthur’s relationship shift and grow as the story continued. I love strong sibling relationships in fiction, so it was wonderful to see them go from being at odds to slowly becoming friends as the story continued.
All in all, this was a really enjoyable read. There’s a lot of chemistry between Loretta and Charlotte, but their romance is a little on the slow side. Personally, I didn’t have a problem with that. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other as well as watching Loretta learn that there’s so much more than meets the eye. I don’t know if this is a stand alone or the first book to a series yet, but I would love it if it turns into a series. It would be great to see some of the characters get their own stories, so I’ll be back if a second book comes out in the future.
Loretta Linfield has spent her life trying to be the perfect woman in society. When her dad sets his sights on the Duke of Colchester, she knows that will likely be her future husband. It’s the perfectly boring and safe life she was raised to embrace, which is why her lack of interest in that life has left her head spinning. However, meeting her potential sister-in-law, Charlotte Sterlington, has been the one shining light in her life. Loretta quickly finds herself sharing secret kisses with Charlotte that has ignited a fire she didn’t know existed. However it’s only a matter of time before she is faced with a marriage proposal from the wrong Sterlington…
I was excited to start this book because it was giving me serious sapphic Bridgerton vibes before I even read the first page. I’m excited to share that the book did not disappoint! We follow Loretta and Charlotte through their rotating perspectives. They have very different personalities, which leads them to clash early into Loretta and Arthur’s courtship. Once Loretta learns that Charlotte is trying to impress her rather than embarrass her, all bets are off.
The book has a great cast of characters, so I loved getting to learn more about many of them. There are a few characters who seemed on the edge of having a larger role than they ultimately had, but I was happy with the overall story by the time I made it to the end. I do wish we saw or learned more about a few characters, but it also makes sense that they didn’t have larger roles. I also really loved how we got to see Charlotte and Arthur’s relationship shift and grow as the story continued. I love strong sibling relationships in fiction, so it was wonderful to see them go from being at odds to slowly becoming friends as the story continued.
All in all, this was a really enjoyable read. There’s a lot of chemistry between Loretta and Charlotte, but their romance is a little on the slow side. Personally, I didn’t have a problem with that. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other as well as watching Loretta learn that there’s so much more than meets the eye. I don’t know if this is a stand alone or the first book to a series yet, but I would love it if it turns into a series. It would be great to see some of the characters get their own stories, so I’ll be back if a second book comes out in the future.
September 11, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
This was a really cute story!! I enjoyed the slow romantic buildup between Loretta and Charlotte. I think they were perfect for each other, although I also really liked Charlotte's brother, Arthur. I thought there'd be more conflict or discussion about everything between Charlotte and Loretta and Arthur but they were never in a room together after the truth was revealed. I enjoyed Nathaniel and Charlotte's painting venture too. I didn't think Nathaniel would be a big part of the story when he showed up and I actually thought he was a bit of a dick when he was introduced. I liked being able to see him away from societies eyes. The scandal of the portrait was very surprised too. I didn't expect it at all but I knew there had to be some sort of scandal (there always are in these stories) but I thought it would have something to do with Charlotte and Loretta being found out. I'm glad it didn't end up being that though. If they'd been outed it would have made the story a bit depressing honestly.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
This was a really cute story!! I enjoyed the slow romantic buildup between Loretta and Charlotte. I think they were perfect for each other, although I also really liked Charlotte's brother, Arthur. I thought there'd be more conflict or discussion about everything between Charlotte and Loretta and Arthur but they were never in a room together after the truth was revealed. I enjoyed Nathaniel and Charlotte's painting venture too. I didn't think Nathaniel would be a big part of the story when he showed up and I actually thought he was a bit of a dick when he was introduced. I liked being able to see him away from societies eyes. The scandal of the portrait was very surprised too. I didn't expect it at all but I knew there had to be some sort of scandal (there always are in these stories) but I thought it would have something to do with Charlotte and Loretta being found out. I'm glad it didn't end up being that though. If they'd been outed it would have made the story a bit depressing honestly.
October 22, 2024
This was a wonderful little regency romance! As a lesbian I can’t get enough sapphic romance, but I’ve realized that historical romances can be a hard read. Queer men in historical romances are less concerned with succession and money but because of their gender it has to be a focus for queer women. It just makes the novel a bit of a stressful and unpleasant read for me. However this book tackled the issue very well. The villain feels a little mustache twirly but I’ll let it slide cause the rest was a ton of fun. Heads up though this romance is not very explicit if that’s something you don’t gravitate towards.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 15, 2024
First of all, all my thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Books for providing me with this arc, in exchange for my honest review.
As a sapphic historic lover and my newfound interests for TV shows like Bridgerton and The Buccaneers, I was excited to start reading this book, after seeing the title, cover and blurp.
And it's fair to say it didn't disappoint.
I genuinely liked both main characters and loved the whole clubs "Fourth Tier" storyline. It's rare for. Sapphic historic romance to get a happy ending so I am really pleased with the ending the author provided us with.
As a sapphic historic lover and my newfound interests for TV shows like Bridgerton and The Buccaneers, I was excited to start reading this book, after seeing the title, cover and blurp.
And it's fair to say it didn't disappoint.
I genuinely liked both main characters and loved the whole clubs "Fourth Tier" storyline. It's rare for. Sapphic historic romance to get a happy ending so I am really pleased with the ending the author provided us with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 6, 2025I really enjoyed this book! I think two things in it are clear: the author is mourning the histories of queer people lost to time, and is interested in the internalities of women, both of which I find hard to come by. This is a book about mourning what could've been and making something that can be. It's also a historical romance so maybe I'm overthinking it but maybe not!!! I'm allowed to be pretentious!!!!
November 13, 2024
This was genuinely beautifully written! It did a wonderful job of capturing that experience of big overwhelming romantic feelings for the first time after years of wondering if you'll ever have that and I got caught up in it.
It did have a brief miscommunication-esc moment that I kind of sighed in annoyance over but overall it was one of the best historical romances I've read all year.
It did have a brief miscommunication-esc moment that I kind of sighed in annoyance over but overall it was one of the best historical romances I've read all year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2024
I loved every single second of this book. 🥹
March 22, 2025
I wanted a sapphic regency romance and it ticked every box ✅ what every queer fan of bridgerton is looking for
June 16, 2025
Maybe more like 4.5 stars because this didn't entirely stick the ending for me, but it's so tightly plotted and I had a great time so it's fine!!
July 21, 2025
unserious and fun but it pissed me off bc the whole
point of these type books is to see the girls suckin and fucking… so what now?
point of these type books is to see the girls suckin and fucking… so what now?
October 22, 2025
kinda meh but nothing bad about it either. wouldn’t read again but wasn’t so boring i couldn’t finish it
January 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I'll start by stating that the cover is gorgeous.
The book was ok, i enjoyed it, it had zero angst and in general was sweet.
I thought the duke would be queer too though 🤷🏻♀️
I'll start by stating that the cover is gorgeous.
The book was ok, i enjoyed it, it had zero angst and in general was sweet.
I thought the duke would be queer too though 🤷🏻♀️
July 7, 2024
Cute and shippy and manages to plot a believable course for Loretta and Charlotte to be together despite the many challenges in their path. I did have a slight issue with the formatting; there's no page breaks or name headings when the POV changes so it can lead to confusion. I would be thinking I was in Loretta's POV, only for a stray through to reveal it had shifted to Charlotte. I also quite enjoyed Nathaniel and Arthur, they made for interesting secondary complications characters.
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