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Vicious Civility
226 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great debut!!!
This book follows Marie from the time she was a young child and was sent to live with her aunt, to a young adult, visiting her friends Eddie and his brother Fred in London. She had never gotten along with the older boy Eddie, and had become best friends with the younger brother Fred. Fred is in love with another young man. Anne starts to realize that she may have been wrong all along about Eddie being a lout.
The writing is excellent! I was captivated by Marie's childhood experience of living with her aunt Charlotte. She tried so hard to be what Charlotte wanted her to be. Her friendship with Fred was refreshing and all that's good with the world. I was not convinced that Eddie was the bad guy, so I was glad that they reconciled. There is some shocking violence and homophobia that might have been considered a "scandal" at that time, but we would call it straight-out a hate crime today. It was all very heartbreaking and emotional and I was on the edge of my seat.
I was very impressed at how the author so thoroughly wrapped up this story with a giant HEA. Very creative and she did all of her characters right! More of this, please!
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
This book follows Marie from the time she was a young child and was sent to live with her aunt, to a young adult, visiting her friends Eddie and his brother Fred in London. She had never gotten along with the older boy Eddie, and had become best friends with the younger brother Fred. Fred is in love with another young man. Anne starts to realize that she may have been wrong all along about Eddie being a lout.
The writing is excellent! I was captivated by Marie's childhood experience of living with her aunt Charlotte. She tried so hard to be what Charlotte wanted her to be. Her friendship with Fred was refreshing and all that's good with the world. I was not convinced that Eddie was the bad guy, so I was glad that they reconciled. There is some shocking violence and homophobia that might have been considered a "scandal" at that time, but we would call it straight-out a hate crime today. It was all very heartbreaking and emotional and I was on the edge of my seat.
I was very impressed at how the author so thoroughly wrapped up this story with a giant HEA. Very creative and she did all of her characters right! More of this, please!
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A beautifully researched historical queer romance with serious Bridgerton vibes!
The first chapter had me completely hooked, and the story kept me engaged right through to the end. I particularly loved the strong female characters, women who were capable, independent and, refreshingly, didn’t need saving.
The book explores themes of marriage, violence, sexuality, social status and disability and it is woven naturally throughout the story; so that it doesnt feel like an unnecessary trope or theme.
The historical setting feels well researched without being too heavy or bogged down in lengthy descriptions. It flows really well, making the book an easy and satisfying read.
There are plenty of dramatic and captivating events that gave me the same addictive feeling as Bridgerton, but with a slightly more realistic and grounded edge. The characters, especially the women, were definitely a highlight for me.
If you enjoy historical romance with queer representation, strong women, social drama and plenty of intrigue..then this will be a satisfying read for you.
The first chapter had me completely hooked, and the story kept me engaged right through to the end. I particularly loved the strong female characters, women who were capable, independent and, refreshingly, didn’t need saving.
The book explores themes of marriage, violence, sexuality, social status and disability and it is woven naturally throughout the story; so that it doesnt feel like an unnecessary trope or theme.
The historical setting feels well researched without being too heavy or bogged down in lengthy descriptions. It flows really well, making the book an easy and satisfying read.
There are plenty of dramatic and captivating events that gave me the same addictive feeling as Bridgerton, but with a slightly more realistic and grounded edge. The characters, especially the women, were definitely a highlight for me.
If you enjoy historical romance with queer representation, strong women, social drama and plenty of intrigue..then this will be a satisfying read for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is Marie's story and life from the time she was a child, having thoughts , making impressions and growing up to find out, maybe she wasn't so correct on everything as you do as you get older.
This gave me big Bridgerton vibes which is why I said absolutely sign me up, I love a good historical fiction and won't say know to a good HEA 😅.
Not one of my typical reviews with horror, blood and gore but one I really did enjoy, this had love, friendship and some hard looks at things we still see today, homophobia and looking down on others that are just different.
I will say, I was really hard on Eddie but I was seeing him through the lens of Marie who was not his biggest fan. But I loved seeing things as he grew up and understanding her more.
Ahh my cold little dark hard absolutely loved this, if you love a good historical fiction, friendships, emotional scenes and most importantly you are looking for a happily ever after, this is for you.
Thanks for taking a chance on me and letting me read this, loved it.
This gave me big Bridgerton vibes which is why I said absolutely sign me up, I love a good historical fiction and won't say know to a good HEA 😅.
Not one of my typical reviews with horror, blood and gore but one I really did enjoy, this had love, friendship and some hard looks at things we still see today, homophobia and looking down on others that are just different.
I will say, I was really hard on Eddie but I was seeing him through the lens of Marie who was not his biggest fan. But I loved seeing things as he grew up and understanding her more.
Ahh my cold little dark hard absolutely loved this, if you love a good historical fiction, friendships, emotional scenes and most importantly you are looking for a happily ever after, this is for you.
Thanks for taking a chance on me and letting me read this, loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Vicious Civility moves fast. The plot is simple and straightforward, which isn't a complaint, and the dialogue is good, though it leans a little more toward telling than showing.
Marie starts out passive, abandoned by an abusive father and raised by an aunt who has no trouble speaking her mind. A promise she made to that aunt at age 7 means she never expects to marry, and it turns out to be the hinge the whole story and resolution turn on. The way it's built into the story didn't totally land for me; I didn't have the sense that Marie understood the why until well into the book. But it has to carry the weight of the story, and it does.
What I didn't expect was how brutal the central conflict gets. The book feels well-researched and realistic about the treatment of gay men, and it doesn't soften any of it. The resolution is lovely and sweet, if a bit predictable. I look forward to reading more from this author as she finds her voice.
Rounded up to 4 stars (we'll call it a 3.75).
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy to read.
Marie starts out passive, abandoned by an abusive father and raised by an aunt who has no trouble speaking her mind. A promise she made to that aunt at age 7 means she never expects to marry, and it turns out to be the hinge the whole story and resolution turn on. The way it's built into the story didn't totally land for me; I didn't have the sense that Marie understood the why until well into the book. But it has to carry the weight of the story, and it does.
What I didn't expect was how brutal the central conflict gets. The book feels well-researched and realistic about the treatment of gay men, and it doesn't soften any of it. The resolution is lovely and sweet, if a bit predictable. I look forward to reading more from this author as she finds her voice.
Rounded up to 4 stars (we'll call it a 3.75).
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy to read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great historical romance debut from Amanda Lindsey Neil. I really enjoyed the story and I was hooked throughout!
The story took an interesting approach to the plot, following Marie from childhood through to age 20. Eddie and his brother Fred are regular visitors to Marie’s home and we see their relationships develop over the years.
The character work was effortless. Neil really developed some strong characters and not just Marie and Eddie. We got to know Fred, Marie’s aunt Charlotte and a cast of other side characters.
The brilliance lay in the length of the book. It is a tight package, but we still got to know the characters and an interesting plot. The banter between Marie and Eddie was also great!
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest and voluntary review.
The story took an interesting approach to the plot, following Marie from childhood through to age 20. Eddie and his brother Fred are regular visitors to Marie’s home and we see their relationships develop over the years.
The character work was effortless. Neil really developed some strong characters and not just Marie and Eddie. We got to know Fred, Marie’s aunt Charlotte and a cast of other side characters.
The brilliance lay in the length of the book. It is a tight package, but we still got to know the characters and an interesting plot. The banter between Marie and Eddie was also great!
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an amazingly well written queer historical bi for pan queer romance. Dealing with real scope and weight, found family, and overcoming society to get your happy ever after.
The characters are wonderfully well written, human with dreams, flaws, and growth that feels fully fleshed out and well rounded. The challenges and hardships faced are true to the time, and while some can be overwhelming the characters never feel helpless or alone even at the darkest point.
The pacing and length of the book are perhaps one of its strongest aspects. The tight pacing means every moment is weighted and precious. A true page turner from start to finish, I could not put it down, and look forward to even more from the author.
I received an advance copy to read and cannot wait to buy my own physical copy.
The characters are wonderfully well written, human with dreams, flaws, and growth that feels fully fleshed out and well rounded. The challenges and hardships faced are true to the time, and while some can be overwhelming the characters never feel helpless or alone even at the darkest point.
The pacing and length of the book are perhaps one of its strongest aspects. The tight pacing means every moment is weighted and precious. A true page turner from start to finish, I could not put it down, and look forward to even more from the author.
I received an advance copy to read and cannot wait to buy my own physical copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a heartwarming debut historical romance with a fantastic found family.
I enjoyed that we got to know Marie, Fred, and Eddie as children before we watched them become adults. The background added so much to our character’s relationships and had me yearning for the three to come back together again.
Between our key 3, as well as Aunt Charlotte, Rebecca, Robert, and Marcus, the found family was my favorite part of the book. Not only were all these folks not what society deemed acceptable, but they were there for one another, accepting each other as they were. The representation was fantastic!
Last but certainly not least, there was definitely some spice to this, having several chapters with some more intimate moments.
Thank you Amanda Lindsey Neil for the eARC! The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
I enjoyed that we got to know Marie, Fred, and Eddie as children before we watched them become adults. The background added so much to our character’s relationships and had me yearning for the three to come back together again.
Between our key 3, as well as Aunt Charlotte, Rebecca, Robert, and Marcus, the found family was my favorite part of the book. Not only were all these folks not what society deemed acceptable, but they were there for one another, accepting each other as they were. The representation was fantastic!
Last but certainly not least, there was definitely some spice to this, having several chapters with some more intimate moments.
Thank you Amanda Lindsey Neil for the eARC! The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book does something quite unexpected for the romance genre, and I really enjoyed it. Whenever I hear that a book is a childhood enemies (or friends) to lovers, I assume we will see the journey through flashbacks. However, Amanda begins with Marie as a child and it works. The romance plot is unraveled with no rush.
Part of the reason it works so well is because Marie's POV develops in maturity as she ages, and that feels really authentic. The book is the right length to balance romance, a deep exploration into Marie's life, and tell the story of other well-developed an intriguing side characters. Marie and Freddie's friendship is really special, as well is the relationship between her and her aunt.
I also want to point out the genius of the title, which is portrayed so well in the dialogue. Amanda did a fabulous job of writing dialogue that sounded polite but was quite cutting under the surface. It was one of my favorite features and felt spot on for the time period.
Part of the reason it works so well is because Marie's POV develops in maturity as she ages, and that feels really authentic. The book is the right length to balance romance, a deep exploration into Marie's life, and tell the story of other well-developed an intriguing side characters. Marie and Freddie's friendship is really special, as well is the relationship between her and her aunt.
I also want to point out the genius of the title, which is portrayed so well in the dialogue. Amanda did a fabulous job of writing dialogue that sounded polite but was quite cutting under the surface. It was one of my favorite features and felt spot on for the time period.
September 22, 2026
I finished this book last month and have been struggling with how to describe my experience reading it. It was honestly wonderful. I laughed out loud. I actually cried several times. I felt immense joy at the loving representation that Lindsey portrays in this book. Not only that, but the story is fantastic and incredibly satisfying.
This is a beautiful childhood rivals-to-lovers romance with respectful, downright loving queer representation and chronic illness rep, and I recommend it with my whole heart.
*disclaimer: I recieved an ARC of this book
This is a beautiful childhood rivals-to-lovers romance with respectful, downright loving queer representation and chronic illness rep, and I recommend it with my whole heart.
*disclaimer: I recieved an ARC of this book
September 23, 2026
This book is part family saga, part romance and balances wit with heartbreak. Neil’s writing style is engaging, and the book is fast-paced despite tackling some heavy themes. A fresh take on the usual Regency-set story.
I received this book as an ARC from the author, and this is my voluntary review.
I received this book as an ARC from the author, and this is my voluntary review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews