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The Bellamy Sisters #2
Hyacinth
Meet the Bellamy sisters, five young women who will do anything to save their siblings and keep the wolf from the door....
Shy, awkward, and plain, Lady Hyacinth Bellamy long ago accepted that marriage and family—and especially romantic love—was not for a woman like her.
But that's just fine with Hy because she has dreams of a better life, one in which she will be independent and free from fear and shame. Hy's not just dreaming, she's been working toward her new life for years and it's almost within her grasp.
Unfortunately, before she can embrace her future, she has to break one final shackle to her past. Thanks to her father’s reckless gambling, her beloved siblings are facing homelessness. Luckily, there is one thing Hy excels at and that's playing cards and winning money. Lots of money.
Hy’s precious nest egg--which she has scrimped and saved for years to accumulate--is almost enough to keep the roof over her family’s head for another year. All Hy needs to do is earn enough to pay the rest of the loan and then she will be free to start her new life.
Everything is going smoothly and according to plan.
Until the meddling Duke of Chatham gets in her way…
Sylvester Derrick, the seventh Duke of Chatham, is bored. He's bored being sought after by women who don’t even like him and bored socializing with the same vapid--and boring--cricle of elites day after day. He's even become bored with debauchery and gambling.
And then one night a bespectacled, ginger-headed young man wanders into Sylvester's favorite gambling hell and commences to coolly turn his boredom into curiosity, admiration, and uneasy fascination.
Imagine Sylvester's surprise when he discovers the cardsharp who has been systematically fleecing the men of the ton of all their money is actually a female in men’s clothing.
Clearly there is only one solution to the situation...
Hy can’t believe the Duke of Chatham is threatening to expose her masquerade unless she allows him to accompany her on her midnight gambling jaunts!
But what bothers Hy more than the duke's arrogant demand is the fact that she actually enjoys the blasted man's company.
As Hy gets closer to earning the money she needs and the Season draws to a close, the lovers begin to realize that their time together is almost over.
Or is it...?
Is happily ever after even possible for a man who has been broken by love once before and a woman who doesn’t even believe that love exists?
This sensual, steamy love story will give you all the feels and melt your Kindle along with your heart.
Happily ever after guaranteed!
Hyacinth is the wickedly witty and sensually steamy second book of a five-book series. Each story in The Bellamy Sisters stands alone.
Shy, awkward, and plain, Lady Hyacinth Bellamy long ago accepted that marriage and family—and especially romantic love—was not for a woman like her.
But that's just fine with Hy because she has dreams of a better life, one in which she will be independent and free from fear and shame. Hy's not just dreaming, she's been working toward her new life for years and it's almost within her grasp.
Unfortunately, before she can embrace her future, she has to break one final shackle to her past. Thanks to her father’s reckless gambling, her beloved siblings are facing homelessness. Luckily, there is one thing Hy excels at and that's playing cards and winning money. Lots of money.
Hy’s precious nest egg--which she has scrimped and saved for years to accumulate--is almost enough to keep the roof over her family’s head for another year. All Hy needs to do is earn enough to pay the rest of the loan and then she will be free to start her new life.
Everything is going smoothly and according to plan.
Until the meddling Duke of Chatham gets in her way…
Sylvester Derrick, the seventh Duke of Chatham, is bored. He's bored being sought after by women who don’t even like him and bored socializing with the same vapid--and boring--cricle of elites day after day. He's even become bored with debauchery and gambling.
And then one night a bespectacled, ginger-headed young man wanders into Sylvester's favorite gambling hell and commences to coolly turn his boredom into curiosity, admiration, and uneasy fascination.
Imagine Sylvester's surprise when he discovers the cardsharp who has been systematically fleecing the men of the ton of all their money is actually a female in men’s clothing.
Clearly there is only one solution to the situation...
Hy can’t believe the Duke of Chatham is threatening to expose her masquerade unless she allows him to accompany her on her midnight gambling jaunts!
But what bothers Hy more than the duke's arrogant demand is the fact that she actually enjoys the blasted man's company.
As Hy gets closer to earning the money she needs and the Season draws to a close, the lovers begin to realize that their time together is almost over.
Or is it...?
Is happily ever after even possible for a man who has been broken by love once before and a woman who doesn’t even believe that love exists?
This sensual, steamy love story will give you all the feels and melt your Kindle along with your heart.
Happily ever after guaranteed!
Hyacinth is the wickedly witty and sensually steamy second book of a five-book series. Each story in The Bellamy Sisters stands alone.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2023
460 people are currently reading
1153 people want to read
About the author
Minerva Spencer
65 books1,753 followers**I ONLY RATE BOOKS I REALLY ENJOYED**.
Before I began writing I spent time as a dock worker, a reader for the blind, a criminal prosecutor, and I taught American History on the college level for five years. My last job was running an 8-bedroom bed and breakfast, a subject I will never write about...
I like historical fiction because I enjoy escaping into the past when I relax. And I write romance because I love a happy ending and everything that happens along the way.
I came to writing late in life and I feel like I have to write fast to catch up! I work every day at a desk looking out over the Sangre de Cristo mountains, my free range birds, and my three flock protecting hounds Earl, Spot, and Rover.
When I'm not writing I'm playing with my animals, knitting, DIYing, crocheting, sewing, or watching old movies.
I also write historical romance and erotic romance under the name S.M. LaViolette and historical mystery under the name S.M. Goodwin.
Before I began writing I spent time as a dock worker, a reader for the blind, a criminal prosecutor, and I taught American History on the college level for five years. My last job was running an 8-bedroom bed and breakfast, a subject I will never write about...
I like historical fiction because I enjoy escaping into the past when I relax. And I write romance because I love a happy ending and everything that happens along the way.
I came to writing late in life and I feel like I have to write fast to catch up! I work every day at a desk looking out over the Sangre de Cristo mountains, my free range birds, and my three flock protecting hounds Earl, Spot, and Rover.
When I'm not writing I'm playing with my animals, knitting, DIYing, crocheting, sewing, or watching old movies.
I also write historical romance and erotic romance under the name S.M. LaViolette and historical mystery under the name S.M. Goodwin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
March 25, 2023
This author has some more ‘explicit’ historical romance novels and this is definitely one of them. But this series has a bit more plot and character development than her Victorian Decadence series for example. If you are interested in a little bit of gender bending and neurodivergence in your romance, this is a good one to pick up.
April 21, 2023
This book has taught me something about myself; though I like to read smut, I prefer not to have too much explicit sex in my historical romance. I haven’t determined why yet, perhaps it’s conditioning, as HR has traditionally been more euphemistic or florid when it comes to sex scenes so it could just be what I’m used to. Either way, I don’t like it to dominate the narrative.
That being said, I’ve never been one to balk at sex, kink etc in a novel, but for this book, the inclusion of kinky sex didn’t work for me.
This book teases and hints at ‘perversions’ on the part of both MCs A LOT. It alludes to birching clubs, brothels that cater to more extreme desires and lots of sexual deviance but frankly, it doesn’t really deliver. Though we are promised freaky stuff, the sex scenes that weren’t ftb were missionary and vanilla. Additionally, I found all the constant horniness of the characters and the sexually suggestive subtext to be very distracting from the story. So for all the heightened sex in this book, it underdelivered for me, both in sex and in story. However the bones of the story were still quite good.
Hyacinth, the female lead, was an amazing and original character. She was neurodivergent, gender queer (you can debate me on this one), and very tall. All three traits are extremely rare for female characters in romance of any kind. Kudos to this author for doing a really great job of sensitively and empathetically representing all three. I liked her very much. Her struggles were real and her backstory heartbreaking. Placing this type of character amidst the extremely rigid social restrictions for women in this society was very interesting.
The rest of the story however fell flat. The duke was much like so many dukes I’ve read. He was scarred, but one in three duke books contain a scarred duke, so ho-hum.
The side story with his cousin didn’t fully come to fruition also which was annoying, it looks like this is a loose end for the next book to resolve, so I’m not subtracting any points for it even though I hate cliffys.
I wish very hard that the author had delved more into the card sharping, the gender bending and the personal relationship of the MCs. Once he discovered her sex, the sex dominated the narrative - even when it ended up being slightly vanilla - but the concepts were extremely interesting to me, so I’m kinda disappointed. I also wanted some kind of satisfaction with Hy’s mother; a confrontation or something which I held out hope for into the epilogue, but, as often happens in a continuing series, the epilogue gave little except an additional, fairly tame, sex scene. urg.
I like this author, she is a great writer, very intelligent, and gets to the heart of her characters, and I think that’s why I wanted more from this. Because she’s totally capable of it, but I think she was just too ambitious trying to make this book revolutionary in terms of sex, kink and female sexual oppression and slacked off on the rest.
Side note: the vocabulary in this book was luxurious. It was word porn for any lexiphiles out there like myself. I highlighted the best ones for everyone to enjoy. 😆
That being said, I’ve never been one to balk at sex, kink etc in a novel, but for this book, the inclusion of kinky sex didn’t work for me.
This book teases and hints at ‘perversions’ on the part of both MCs A LOT. It alludes to birching clubs, brothels that cater to more extreme desires and lots of sexual deviance but frankly, it doesn’t really deliver. Though we are promised freaky stuff, the sex scenes that weren’t ftb were missionary and vanilla. Additionally, I found all the constant horniness of the characters and the sexually suggestive subtext to be very distracting from the story. So for all the heightened sex in this book, it underdelivered for me, both in sex and in story. However the bones of the story were still quite good.
Hyacinth, the female lead, was an amazing and original character. She was neurodivergent, gender queer (you can debate me on this one), and very tall. All three traits are extremely rare for female characters in romance of any kind. Kudos to this author for doing a really great job of sensitively and empathetically representing all three. I liked her very much. Her struggles were real and her backstory heartbreaking. Placing this type of character amidst the extremely rigid social restrictions for women in this society was very interesting.
The rest of the story however fell flat. The duke was much like so many dukes I’ve read. He was scarred, but one in three duke books contain a scarred duke, so ho-hum.
The side story with his cousin didn’t fully come to fruition also which was annoying, it looks like this is a loose end for the next book to resolve, so I’m not subtracting any points for it even though I hate cliffys.
I wish very hard that the author had delved more into the card sharping, the gender bending and the personal relationship of the MCs. Once he discovered her sex, the sex dominated the narrative - even when it ended up being slightly vanilla - but the concepts were extremely interesting to me, so I’m kinda disappointed. I also wanted some kind of satisfaction with Hy’s mother; a confrontation or something which I held out hope for into the epilogue, but, as often happens in a continuing series, the epilogue gave little except an additional, fairly tame, sex scene. urg.
I like this author, she is a great writer, very intelligent, and gets to the heart of her characters, and I think that’s why I wanted more from this. Because she’s totally capable of it, but I think she was just too ambitious trying to make this book revolutionary in terms of sex, kink and female sexual oppression and slacked off on the rest.
Side note: the vocabulary in this book was luxurious. It was word porn for any lexiphiles out there like myself. I highlighted the best ones for everyone to enjoy. 😆
March 20, 2023
5-Oh-To-Be-In-Love-Stars
Minerva Spencer is one of those authors I read in a single sitting. I've always loved her books; I was so glad this one came up to scratch.
I had been wondering what to say. That it was feel-good, the characters sweet as honey, or the plot easy-going and not dark? Seems bland, no? So my review consists of verbatim statements from "The Author's Notes". Because I felt everything Ms Spencer wanted to convey and isn't that wonderful?
My Thoughts...
- Though it was longer than expected, it was not tiring. It had a fast pace, built steadily and blossomed beautifully. Thank God there was no over-plotting. This story is character-driven with depth and development.
- To be honest, I had trouble visualising Hyacinth.
Ms Spencer says, "I had the image of Tilda Swinton in my mind's eye".
The minute I read this, the entire picture became clear. I could see Hyacinth as this unconventionally beautiful, tall lady with a wraith-like demeanour. I am amazed at how well she was portrayed, as neurodivergence can be arduous to put on paper and make it appear multi-dimensional. I loved that she was intelligent, rational, utterly confused with social cues and curious without blushing. She brought to mind a less insulting and cuter version of Sheldon Cooper. It was refreshing to read about this rare heroine.
- About Sylvester, Ms Spencer says,
"Sensual and deep and ready to love and be loved. He's been bruised but not broken. Life hasn't been a bed of roses for him, but he is still open to love, no matter how jaded he believes he is".
I could feel all that about him and for him. All tough on the outside but a marshmallow fluff on the inside. He was sweet, sensual, protective, possessive, damnably sexy and freaking adorable.
- Their romance developed quite well. They spent weeks together, getting to know each other while sharing their deepest darkest secrets. They had scorching chemistry, were genuinely interested, and grew together. How could they not fall in love?
"There were bound to be some misunderstandings because communication is not Hyacinth's forte, but the misunderstandings were understandable".
People got involved, sense was talked into them, communication happened, and issues were resolved. I approve.
- The little breadcrumbs the author has peppered throughout this story about the next book has me hyper-intrigued. Alas, I have to wait five months for Selena to come out.
*I loved this book a lot as it left me with a sweet smile. I am thinking of re-reading #1 - Phoebe!
Minerva Spencer is one of those authors I read in a single sitting. I've always loved her books; I was so glad this one came up to scratch.
I had been wondering what to say. That it was feel-good, the characters sweet as honey, or the plot easy-going and not dark? Seems bland, no? So my review consists of verbatim statements from "The Author's Notes". Because I felt everything Ms Spencer wanted to convey and isn't that wonderful?
My Thoughts...
- Though it was longer than expected, it was not tiring. It had a fast pace, built steadily and blossomed beautifully. Thank God there was no over-plotting. This story is character-driven with depth and development.
- To be honest, I had trouble visualising Hyacinth.
Ms Spencer says, "I had the image of Tilda Swinton in my mind's eye".
The minute I read this, the entire picture became clear. I could see Hyacinth as this unconventionally beautiful, tall lady with a wraith-like demeanour. I am amazed at how well she was portrayed, as neurodivergence can be arduous to put on paper and make it appear multi-dimensional. I loved that she was intelligent, rational, utterly confused with social cues and curious without blushing. She brought to mind a less insulting and cuter version of Sheldon Cooper. It was refreshing to read about this rare heroine.
- About Sylvester, Ms Spencer says,
"Sensual and deep and ready to love and be loved. He's been bruised but not broken. Life hasn't been a bed of roses for him, but he is still open to love, no matter how jaded he believes he is".
I could feel all that about him and for him. All tough on the outside but a marshmallow fluff on the inside. He was sweet, sensual, protective, possessive, damnably sexy and freaking adorable.
- Their romance developed quite well. They spent weeks together, getting to know each other while sharing their deepest darkest secrets. They had scorching chemistry, were genuinely interested, and grew together. How could they not fall in love?
"There were bound to be some misunderstandings because communication is not Hyacinth's forte, but the misunderstandings were understandable".
People got involved, sense was talked into them, communication happened, and issues were resolved. I approve.
- The little breadcrumbs the author has peppered throughout this story about the next book has me hyper-intrigued. Alas, I have to wait five months for Selena to come out.
*I loved this book a lot as it left me with a sweet smile. I am thinking of re-reading #1 - Phoebe!
March 5, 2023
Before I start my review, the author posts an update on many of her upcoming books that she writes under all pseudonyms after the epilogue. I absolutely enjoyed this book with a neurodivergent style character. The sex is rather explicit so be forewarned. A woman dressing as a man makes sense for this plot as it has to do with card counting and needing to win high stakes. I enjoyed the storyline and the age difference works as the characters are well suited to each other.
August 18, 2023
The first book in the series, “Phoebe,” had enough plots to fill three books. “Hyacinth” had none. It was a string of spicy scenes interspaced by card games.
This series is a bust. I’m throwing in my hand.
This series is a bust. I’m throwing in my hand.
December 10, 2025
3 ok, but not for me ⭐️
This book is different and it was definitely not for me. However it is well written and super brave in it’s choice of subject matter.
Small spoilers:
Hyacinth is neurodivergent, I love that, but it played such a big part in the story, that it made her to distant. She wasn’t vulnerable and that is essential in romance if you ask me.
The romance was lacking because it was mostly about sex. She is kind of a femdom and it was too much for me in a historical romance. She ties him up and whips him. My brain just can’t compute that, in this setting. But I respect the gender bending that occurred.
There was very little actual plot, so I am not going bother set up the story for you.
Hyacinth is neurodivergent and she meets sad, angry Duke. The have a lot of sex, and meet in secret and all of a sudden the author sets up a sister rivalry 🤦♀️
Selina thinks he will propose to her! After 2 dances. Also Hyacinth dresses up s a man to gamble. The sister set up was a dealbreaker for me, because as a reader I want the sisters to be there for each other not compete.❤️🩹 it didn’t go far, but still, I hated it.
I was exasperated by Hyacinth, I actually really disliked this story. But it’s so well done, and a brave choice and I have to have recognize that. This was a me problem.
Should you read it? Maybe, but it’s not your usual HR. A lot of smut and not a lot of emotion 🖤🖤🖤
This book is different and it was definitely not for me. However it is well written and super brave in it’s choice of subject matter.
Small spoilers:
Hyacinth is neurodivergent, I love that, but it played such a big part in the story, that it made her to distant. She wasn’t vulnerable and that is essential in romance if you ask me.
The romance was lacking because it was mostly about sex. She is kind of a femdom and it was too much for me in a historical romance. She ties him up and whips him. My brain just can’t compute that, in this setting. But I respect the gender bending that occurred.
There was very little actual plot, so I am not going bother set up the story for you.
Hyacinth is neurodivergent and she meets sad, angry Duke. The have a lot of sex, and meet in secret and all of a sudden the author sets up a sister rivalry 🤦♀️
Selina thinks he will propose to her! After 2 dances. Also Hyacinth dresses up s a man to gamble. The sister set up was a dealbreaker for me, because as a reader I want the sisters to be there for each other not compete.❤️🩹 it didn’t go far, but still, I hated it.
I was exasperated by Hyacinth, I actually really disliked this story. But it’s so well done, and a brave choice and I have to have recognize that. This was a me problem.
Should you read it? Maybe, but it’s not your usual HR. A lot of smut and not a lot of emotion 🖤🖤🖤
December 10, 2023
Reread for 2023 faves.
While this did move down to 5 stars for me, I still love this couple so much.
**************
So, the first 25-30% of this were a tad slow for me. I was engaged but just trotting along.
Then.. the secret gets exposed and it just ramped up from there. I highly enjoyed this book. Really, it's a favorite of the year and in my top 3 by this author.
The heroine is unconventional, touch adverse, and slightly neuro-divergent. I loved the mission she was on and how smart and tactful and brave she was.
Chatham was perfection! He's been hurt before but it didn't make him hard or bitter. He still has room for hope and love and he doesn't need to be convinced into it. He knows this crazy, bold card sharp is meant for him. 🥰
And even when she doesn't believe it.. he pursues her with persistence and maybe a tiny bit of sexual persuasion.. 😏
Just an absolute joy to read! There were some heavy topics but nothing too dark just thoughtful reflection.
There is also some BDSM where they switch now and then! And carriage shenanigans!
I cannot WAIT for Selinas book in August!
6 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: childbirth death of wife and baby (non-graphic), abusive mother
While this did move down to 5 stars for me, I still love this couple so much.
**************
So, the first 25-30% of this were a tad slow for me. I was engaged but just trotting along.
Then.. the secret gets exposed and it just ramped up from there. I highly enjoyed this book. Really, it's a favorite of the year and in my top 3 by this author.
The heroine is unconventional, touch adverse, and slightly neuro-divergent. I loved the mission she was on and how smart and tactful and brave she was.
Chatham was perfection! He's been hurt before but it didn't make him hard or bitter. He still has room for hope and love and he doesn't need to be convinced into it. He knows this crazy, bold card sharp is meant for him. 🥰
And even when she doesn't believe it.. he pursues her with persistence and maybe a tiny bit of sexual persuasion.. 😏
Just an absolute joy to read! There were some heavy topics but nothing too dark just thoughtful reflection.
There is also some BDSM where they switch now and then! And carriage shenanigans!
I cannot WAIT for Selinas book in August!
6 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: childbirth death of wife and baby (non-graphic), abusive mother
March 6, 2023
Tropes:
- Age-gap (Hy is 23 y.o., Sylvester is 36 y.o.)
- Cross-dressing (tomboy), plain jane, a neurodivergent heroine
- Scarred hero
- Gambling houses
- Widowed, childless hero
- Negligent/cruel parents
- Mild BDSM
Ms Spencer did it again! This one is another winner for me. I've enjoyed pretty much everything I've read of hers. I think her biggest strength is in writing up unpredictable plotlines. The story is fresh despite the familiar tropes. It kept me turning the pages. As with most of her books, the plot is complex and not very straightforward. Hence, I'd always find it difficult to break it down (another author with the same complex plot would be Jo Goodman). I loved the characters and that the heroine isn't shy about her sexually curious nature.
I'm not sure about the next book in this series. Selina doesn't seem like a very interesting character in this book. Here's hoping that Selina will redeem herself.
- Age-gap (Hy is 23 y.o., Sylvester is 36 y.o.)
- Cross-dressing (tomboy), plain jane, a neurodivergent heroine
- Scarred hero
- Gambling houses
- Widowed, childless hero
- Negligent/cruel parents
- Mild BDSM
Ms Spencer did it again! This one is another winner for me. I've enjoyed pretty much everything I've read of hers. I think her biggest strength is in writing up unpredictable plotlines. The story is fresh despite the familiar tropes. It kept me turning the pages. As with most of her books, the plot is complex and not very straightforward. Hence, I'd always find it difficult to break it down (another author with the same complex plot would be Jo Goodman). I loved the characters and that the heroine isn't shy about her sexually curious nature.
I'm not sure about the next book in this series. Selina doesn't seem like a very interesting character in this book. Here's hoping that Selina will redeem herself.
July 28, 2023
To describe this as a ‘tomboy and Duke’ romance is such a misleading and inaccurate tagline.
Whilst admiring the author’s willingness to take a different path in historical romance, I cannot say I enjoyed this as much as I wanted to, and hoped for.
Hyacinth is such an extreme character - it’s not enough that she is tall, thin and deemed unattractive - and doomed to spinsterhood. She’s also apparently, neurodivergent, touch averse, sexually experienced and voracious, and supposedly into kink. She uses her card playing skills to win money to help her family survive as her father is an absolute numpty who has lost almost everything and her mother is a vicious harpy.
It’s no wonder that there is little time left over to actually get to know Hyacinth. I felt no closer to knowing her by the end of the book than I had at the beginning.
Sylvester is a sweetie. I liked the way he tried to take care of Hyacinth and I liked his self awareness and growing ennui with his pointless existence.
Once he discovers she’s female and they start having sex, it soon became boring. I like my sex scenes to be emotional and romantic. I like them to show how the relationship between a couple is developing and changing and growing deeper. Whilst I think we saw this with Sylvester, it didn’t do the same for me with Hyacinth. Her pragmatic and unemotional approach to sex was interesting but neither romantic or erotic.
The book was far too long - I became bored and started skimming and when I got to the end, I was so angry about the Selina cliff-hanger. Sadly I didn’t care enough to bother reading the next in the series.
I’ve come to the conclusion that this author just isn’t for me. There was so much to like in this book but I found the execution unsuccessful. I can recognise her skills as a writer - but her plotting and characterisation are just not my cup of tea.
Whilst admiring the author’s willingness to take a different path in historical romance, I cannot say I enjoyed this as much as I wanted to, and hoped for.
Hyacinth is such an extreme character - it’s not enough that she is tall, thin and deemed unattractive - and doomed to spinsterhood. She’s also apparently, neurodivergent, touch averse, sexually experienced and voracious, and supposedly into kink. She uses her card playing skills to win money to help her family survive as her father is an absolute numpty who has lost almost everything and her mother is a vicious harpy.
It’s no wonder that there is little time left over to actually get to know Hyacinth. I felt no closer to knowing her by the end of the book than I had at the beginning.
Sylvester is a sweetie. I liked the way he tried to take care of Hyacinth and I liked his self awareness and growing ennui with his pointless existence.
Once he discovers she’s female and they start having sex, it soon became boring. I like my sex scenes to be emotional and romantic. I like them to show how the relationship between a couple is developing and changing and growing deeper. Whilst I think we saw this with Sylvester, it didn’t do the same for me with Hyacinth. Her pragmatic and unemotional approach to sex was interesting but neither romantic or erotic.
The book was far too long - I became bored and started skimming and when I got to the end, I was so angry about the Selina cliff-hanger. Sadly I didn’t care enough to bother reading the next in the series.
I’ve come to the conclusion that this author just isn’t for me. There was so much to like in this book but I found the execution unsuccessful. I can recognise her skills as a writer - but her plotting and characterisation are just not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2023
2 out of 5 stars
Autistic main character: yes, but like not a necessarily well-researched autistic character (big "let me just say that this character is autistic for the sake of interesting-ness" energy).
Spice energy that continued after that ICONIC & hot opening line: 😕 meh, no.
There was something very off-putting about having Hyacinth be autistic. It felt like the author was giving us a list of quirks and that somehow her autism was one of the quirks... and I hated that. It was just uncomfortable and didn't make me feel warm and fuzzy at all.
Autistic main character: yes, but like not a necessarily well-researched autistic character (big "let me just say that this character is autistic for the sake of interesting-ness" energy).
Spice energy that continued after that ICONIC & hot opening line: 😕 meh, no.
There was something very off-putting about having Hyacinth be autistic. It felt like the author was giving us a list of quirks and that somehow her autism was one of the quirks... and I hated that. It was just uncomfortable and didn't make me feel warm and fuzzy at all.
February 23, 2025
Amazing story.
I had lots of fun reading it.
Hy and Sylvester were so hot for each other and they were rough and adventurous yet at the same time carrying.
Spanking was involved which always makes things more hot.
Hy was interesting character.
I had lots of fun reading it.
Hy and Sylvester were so hot for each other and they were rough and adventurous yet at the same time carrying.
Spanking was involved which always makes things more hot.
Hy was interesting character.
June 12, 2025
After reading Phoebe I was not expecting these 2
perverts!
perverts!
October 22, 2024
Hyacinth
4 Stars
Tall, plain and awkward, Lady Hyacinth Bellamy is more comfortable dressing in men's clothing and playing cards in gaming hells than going to dressmakers and interacting at balls. So when her father's debts threaten the family home, Hy seizes the opportunity to leave for London and try her luck there. Unfortunately, Sylvester Derrick, Duke of Chatham, easily sees through her disguise and insists on accompanying her on her escapades. Chatham is tired of gambling, convorting, and socializing with people who are only interested in his title and wealth. Thus, Hy is a breath of fresh air who has him eager to experience all she has to offer. Can a man wary of love find happiness with a woman who doesn't believe it exists?
Series note: Despite one or two cursory references to book #1, the plot is completely standalone. That said, Phoebe's story is lovely and I recommend it.
Hyacinth is an original and compelling heroine. She is clearly autistic, a rarity in historical romance. In fact, the only two I can think of are The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie and One Good Earl Deserves a Lover, although the condition is not as obvious in the later. While Hy comes across as unemotional and pragmatic, her curiosity about life and sex is endearing, and it is entertaining to see her experience some of the emotions that most people take for granted - jealousy, attraction, and love.
Sylvester is a complex hero. On the one hand, he is honorable and caring. His obvious confusion over his attraction to and affection for Hyacinth is delightful. On the other hand, his actions in the past have not always been above reproach, yet he can acknowledge his shortcomings and take the necessary steps to rectify them.
Hy and Sylvester's romance takes up the lion's share of the plot. They have strong chemistry and the steamy sex scenes contribute to their developing intimacy and emotional attachment. There are no annoying misunderstandings or grudges, and the is resolved quickly and without unnecessary angst.
On a final note, there are some grammar errors and one or two descriptive discrepancies, but the story is well-written overall.
In sum, this is an entertaining follow-up to the first book, and the "cliffhangerish" ending suggests that some of the minor characters will play roles in the next installment. I look forward to it.
4 Stars
Tall, plain and awkward, Lady Hyacinth Bellamy is more comfortable dressing in men's clothing and playing cards in gaming hells than going to dressmakers and interacting at balls. So when her father's debts threaten the family home, Hy seizes the opportunity to leave for London and try her luck there. Unfortunately, Sylvester Derrick, Duke of Chatham, easily sees through her disguise and insists on accompanying her on her escapades. Chatham is tired of gambling, convorting, and socializing with people who are only interested in his title and wealth. Thus, Hy is a breath of fresh air who has him eager to experience all she has to offer. Can a man wary of love find happiness with a woman who doesn't believe it exists?
Series note: Despite one or two cursory references to book #1, the plot is completely standalone. That said, Phoebe's story is lovely and I recommend it.
Hyacinth is an original and compelling heroine. She is clearly autistic, a rarity in historical romance. In fact, the only two I can think of are The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie and One Good Earl Deserves a Lover, although the condition is not as obvious in the later. While Hy comes across as unemotional and pragmatic, her curiosity about life and sex is endearing, and it is entertaining to see her experience some of the emotions that most people take for granted - jealousy, attraction, and love.
Sylvester is a complex hero. On the one hand, he is honorable and caring. His obvious confusion over his attraction to and affection for Hyacinth is delightful. On the other hand, his actions in the past have not always been above reproach, yet he can acknowledge his shortcomings and take the necessary steps to rectify them.
Hy and Sylvester's romance takes up the lion's share of the plot. They have strong chemistry and the steamy sex scenes contribute to their developing intimacy and emotional attachment. There are no annoying misunderstandings or grudges, and the is resolved quickly and without unnecessary angst.
On a final note, there are some grammar errors and one or two descriptive discrepancies, but the story is well-written overall.
In sum, this is an entertaining follow-up to the first book, and the "cliffhangerish" ending suggests that some of the minor characters will play roles in the next installment. I look forward to it.
March 6, 2023
Lady Hyacinth Bellammy is plain, shy, awkward & almost six feet tall. But Hy refuses to let anything or anyone stop her from living life on her own terms. She wants two things independence and the opportunity to secure her family’s future, both of which are finally within her grasp. But then Hy crosses paths with a meddling duke and everything changes. Sylvester Derrick, Duke of Chatham, is bored. Even gaming and debauchery have lost their appeal & he’s fed up with women who can’t see that he’s more than a title, a collection of scars, and unusual…appetites. Then he spots a young card sharp who is anything but boring. Clearly, Hy is the person who can make Sylvester feel something again. It’s not long before Hy and Sylvester realise they have more in common than they ever thought possible.
Hy is the second Bellamy sibling to have their HEA & whilst a family series the book could easily be read on its own. One of my favourite authors who never disappoints no matter which name she writes under. Her characters are never run of the mill but they always ooze depth. I loved the breeches wearing-pretending to be a man Hy & the jaded Sylvester, even when Sylvester believed Hy to be a man there was chemistry between them & that only grew hotter & hotter when he discovered she was a woman. Both had unloving parents & difficult childhoods especially Hy. I became totally invested in their growing feelings as both deserved to love & to be loved – they were perfect for each other. A very well written often steamy read that had me engrossed from cover to cover. I can’t wait for Selina’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Hy is the second Bellamy sibling to have their HEA & whilst a family series the book could easily be read on its own. One of my favourite authors who never disappoints no matter which name she writes under. Her characters are never run of the mill but they always ooze depth. I loved the breeches wearing-pretending to be a man Hy & the jaded Sylvester, even when Sylvester believed Hy to be a man there was chemistry between them & that only grew hotter & hotter when he discovered she was a woman. Both had unloving parents & difficult childhoods especially Hy. I became totally invested in their growing feelings as both deserved to love & to be loved – they were perfect for each other. A very well written often steamy read that had me engrossed from cover to cover. I can’t wait for Selina’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
March 4, 2023
Since I have a few favorite authors you will see this wording in my reviews quite a bit as I tend to read their books more often than others but since 2015, I have read hundreds and hundreds of different authors but I only have 31 authors that I consider my favorites and have read all their books (in my genre). S.M. LaViolette (aka Minerva Spencer) is one of those authors. I have been reading her books since 2021 and I have read 14 books as Minerva Spencer and this is my 12th book as S.M. LaViolette. I just love her writing.
I really liked this book a lot. It had so much intrigue. I loved the story and the characters, Sylvester and Hyacinth. When I first started reading Regency/Victorian books, they were all about the “ton” and those “typical” stories but over the years I have found that some the authors I read bring a little bit of that suspense and intrigue into their stories and I am just loving the variety. I loved the hot sex and just an overall great read.
I would definitely recommend not only this book but ALL the books she’s written.
I really liked this book a lot. It had so much intrigue. I loved the story and the characters, Sylvester and Hyacinth. When I first started reading Regency/Victorian books, they were all about the “ton” and those “typical” stories but over the years I have found that some the authors I read bring a little bit of that suspense and intrigue into their stories and I am just loving the variety. I loved the hot sex and just an overall great read.
I would definitely recommend not only this book but ALL the books she’s written.
March 18, 2024
SO refreshing!
I don't have much to say except this was such a great balance between erotica and excellent, emotionally developed romance. So often kinky characters get darker stories? Not here, it was delightful and when Sylvester and Hy got freaky, it was from a place of fun and affection and I found it worked brilliantly. Loved the neurodivergence rep, Hy was an excellently crafted person on the spectrum. Sylvester's love and acceptance of her was... just *Chef's Kiss*
It dragged a touch, but all-in-all much more what I expect from dearest Minerva/SM.
I don't have much to say except this was such a great balance between erotica and excellent, emotionally developed romance. So often kinky characters get darker stories? Not here, it was delightful and when Sylvester and Hy got freaky, it was from a place of fun and affection and I found it worked brilliantly. Loved the neurodivergence rep, Hy was an excellently crafted person on the spectrum. Sylvester's love and acceptance of her was... just *Chef's Kiss*
It dragged a touch, but all-in-all much more what I expect from dearest Minerva/SM.
January 6, 2026
3.75 stars
I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did.
Hyacinth was such a charming character - her blunt honesty towards her family and navigating life accepting her place in the ton as a wallflower with no qualms was refreshing to read about. The contrast in how her beautiful sister was treated versus how Hycainth was treated by Sylvester before he knew who she really was broke me a little. But I enjoyed reading about how differently a society, which reduces the worth of women to merely their appearances, would treat beautiful and plain women. I appreciated how the author didn't give Hyacinth a "Cinderella" moment but instead, let her explore the world as a tomboyish lady.
So this was really good and fun. But there were several things:
1. The excessive steamy scenes - not only were they numerous and after a while, grew tired (honestly, I skipped them all at least in some part), they came too early in the book. Sylvester rather quickly finds out Hy's disguise and explores his attraction to her. Perhaps because of how bold Hyacinth is, things got physically pretty quickly. I wish there was more tension built instead.
2. There was so much room for some jealousy sprinkled in the relationship. But these two were perfectly fine with hearing about each other's partners and past! I know that would have been too conventional for a somewhat unconventional couple, but the tension needed to come from somewhere doesn't it? This made me lose interest in the story somewhat, especially towards the end.
3. The random, unexplored childhood trauma - at the last bit of the book, it was revealed that Hyacinth was - this was rather abrupt as this was not alluded to at all in the previous book. Given how big it was, it would be odd that this was not mentioned in Phoebe's story. This was simply brought up in a heart-to-heart conversation and not explored. What was the point?
4. Once Sylvester or Hyacinth got together, the 30-something pages of saccharine-sweet scenes that followed did not feel like either of them. The story could have been cut short for a more satisfying read.
That said, I've enjoyed this story - much more than I did Phoebe. I'm not too sure if I'll continue with Selina though. Beauty and the Beast re-tellings don't usually do it for me, but maybe I'll be proven wrong??
I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did.
Hyacinth was such a charming character - her blunt honesty towards her family and navigating life accepting her place in the ton as a wallflower with no qualms was refreshing to read about. The contrast in how her beautiful sister was treated versus how Hycainth was treated by Sylvester before he knew who she really was broke me a little. But I enjoyed reading about how differently a society, which reduces the worth of women to merely their appearances, would treat beautiful and plain women. I appreciated how the author didn't give Hyacinth a "Cinderella" moment but instead, let her explore the world as a tomboyish lady.
So this was really good and fun. But there were several things:
1. The excessive steamy scenes - not only were they numerous and after a while, grew tired (honestly, I skipped them all at least in some part), they came too early in the book. Sylvester rather quickly finds out Hy's disguise and explores his attraction to her. Perhaps because of how bold Hyacinth is, things got physically pretty quickly. I wish there was more tension built instead.
2. There was so much room for some jealousy sprinkled in the relationship. But these two were perfectly fine with hearing about each other's partners and past! I know that would have been too conventional for a somewhat unconventional couple, but the tension needed to come from somewhere doesn't it? This made me lose interest in the story somewhat, especially towards the end.
3. The random, unexplored childhood trauma - at the last bit of the book, it was revealed that Hyacinth was - this was rather abrupt as this was not alluded to at all in the previous book. Given how big it was, it would be odd that this was not mentioned in Phoebe's story. This was simply brought up in a heart-to-heart conversation and not explored. What was the point?
4. Once Sylvester or Hyacinth got together, the 30-something pages of saccharine-sweet scenes that followed did not feel like either of them. The story could have been cut short for a more satisfying read.
That said, I've enjoyed this story - much more than I did Phoebe. I'm not too sure if I'll continue with Selina though. Beauty and the Beast re-tellings don't usually do it for me, but maybe I'll be proven wrong??
October 30, 2025
Not my cup of tea.
March 2, 2023
I absolutely adored this book — one of Spencer’s best. It’s even stranger that it delighted me so much, because I can hardly stand a dook book anymore. However, the character work, the world building, and the sex were just so fabulous. Spencer is outrageously talented and working at the top of her game. Bravo!
(I doubt Spencer reads these, but if she does I am very much hoping you don’t pair up Selina with the hulking and boring Scottish millionaire. I’d be so much more interested in a less expected move.)
(I doubt Spencer reads these, but if she does I am very much hoping you don’t pair up Selina with the hulking and boring Scottish millionaire. I’d be so much more interested in a less expected move.)
August 20, 2023
Made me weep (In a good way)
I looked forward to reading this book and I enjoyed this one more than Phoebe's. That first book is confusing coz lots of characters were introduced in that book. I love that Hyacinth is unconventional on sexual and attitudinal aspects. She's a logical woman—which I relate a lot to. I love this!
When I first read Hyacinth, I was not expecting BDSM. Hyacinth is such a sweet name. And I was intrigued with her story from reading the first book of the series that I waited months for the release of this book (I even subscribed to Kindle unlimited coz I badly needed to read this story and I'm so glad I did.) Oh boy, this ended up as the steamiest read of my 2023. Kudos, Minerva Spencer! Lookin forward on Selina's story!
What I like about this book:
Characters weren't afraid to show their sensuality and exploring desire towards one another
It deals with a sensitive subject matter that is still a taboo on some part of this world even doe it's already 21st fookkn century
Sylvester's cock
He never forbade Hy to care for Charles even doe he's a jelly-jelly jealous man lol
All I can say is that I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would
I looked forward to reading this book and I enjoyed this one more than Phoebe's. That first book is confusing coz lots of characters were introduced in that book. I love that Hyacinth is unconventional on sexual and attitudinal aspects. She's a logical woman—which I relate a lot to. I love this!
When I first read Hyacinth, I was not expecting BDSM. Hyacinth is such a sweet name. And I was intrigued with her story from reading the first book of the series that I waited months for the release of this book (I even subscribed to Kindle unlimited coz I badly needed to read this story and I'm so glad I did.) Oh boy, this ended up as the steamiest read of my 2023. Kudos, Minerva Spencer! Lookin forward on Selina's story!
What I like about this book:
Characters weren't afraid to show their sensuality and exploring desire towards one another
It deals with a sensitive subject matter that is still a taboo on some part of this world even doe it's already 21st fookkn century
Sylvester's cock
He never forbade Hy to care for Charles even doe he's a jelly-jelly jealous man lol
All I can say is that I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would
March 1, 2023
This book was my favorite so far by this author. Loved the heroine who is somewhere on the autism spectrum. She was just a wonderful character and the hero was also different.
The story of the two of them racketing around London’s gaming hells was very interesting. I was invested in their story.
If you are looking for an unconventional and unconventional looking heroine and a hero who falls for her without wanting to change her, this book is for you.
3rd person POV
The story of the two of them racketing around London’s gaming hells was very interesting. I was invested in their story.
If you are looking for an unconventional and unconventional looking heroine and a hero who falls for her without wanting to change her, this book is for you.
3rd person POV
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2023
4.5 stars 🌟 4 🌶️ Honestly.. this was SO good. Hy is totally not my type of heroine and the whole woman disguised as a man trope in HR is usually really not my jam. But this was so well done. Hy was independent, thoughtful, and different. And this was surprisingly kinky for a historical romance!! Especially compared to the first one. I mean wow.. the surprise femdom was everything. Sylvester was so lovely and patient, and his love declaration to Hy almost made me cry! It was a touch angsty for me and I prefer low-angst romances but this was definitely an exception. I can’t wait to read about Selina!
February 20, 2023
Another fantastic book by Minerva Spencer! The unique and wonderful characters come to life in this story. I love how Hy and Sylvester are both so unusual, yet find such joy and perfection in each other. Love does not come easy for either of them nor does happiness, but they find it - together. Love it!!
I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 7, 2025
Edit: I almost decided to give up on this series but I gave Selina five stars. Whether you like this story or not I highly recommend continuing the series.
Nope. Not for me. I’m really enjoying reading through Minerva Spencer and several of her books have earned five stars from me. This one crossed the line of my tolerance. I enjoy spice in my HR but generally speaking I don’t read smut and this book is smutty and sordid. It’s not so much the sex, which includes prostitution, cross dressing, voyeurism, and s&m, but is actually pretty tame. It’s the backstory in which Hyacinth reveals that she was non verbal to the age of 8 then became hyper sexed at puberty. I’m not surprised her mother freaked out. I would have freaked out. She started cross dressing and sneaking out to play cards and sex games with a man five years older at 13. Hello? 13? Anyone else thinking what they would do to protect a child who behaved this way?Obviously, I’m not condoning her mother’s behavior, but for crying out loud! We’re supposed to believe she’s been sexually active for 10 years and never been pregnant or caught a disease? Nope. Just doesn’t work for me. I don’t think she’s actually gender queer, I think she just hated being compared to her beautiful sisters and no one ever told her that it’s a woman’s heart and soul that makes her beautiful, not her face or figure. Or that her sexual needs should be met privately, within parameters in order to be safe. I couldn’t tell if the author was more interested in writing a trans character, a kinky character , or an autistic character. None of it worked for me. As for Sylvester, we know why Hy likes kinky sex, but what’s his story? He goes to specialty brothels just because he’s a Duke? Most men, decent men, don’t need their partner to beat them with a whip. They might like it but they don’t need it, especially in 1815. He has a mistress but he uses prostitutes also? That is very irresponsible. In book one there is a local girl who is portrayed as the village slut. She’s described as over sexed, throwing herself at every man she sees, now pregnant at 15 trying to convince everyone her baby is Needham’s bastard. The whole village knows her reputation and considers her a problem to be solved. Hyacinth, on the other hand, has behaved exactly the same way but she resents anyone who tries to tell her her behavior is wrong (meaning unwise, irresponsible, dangerous, etc, people don’t like the word immoral but that’s what teens having sex is). I don’t like the double standard. I did enjoy the idea of the crow her horrible mother will have to swallow when she finds out her least “valuable” child is a Duchess, but we didn’t get that scene. I will continue to read this series but I much prefer the Academy of Love and The Masqueraders.
Nope. Not for me. I’m really enjoying reading through Minerva Spencer and several of her books have earned five stars from me. This one crossed the line of my tolerance. I enjoy spice in my HR but generally speaking I don’t read smut and this book is smutty and sordid. It’s not so much the sex, which includes prostitution, cross dressing, voyeurism, and s&m, but is actually pretty tame. It’s the backstory in which Hyacinth reveals that she was non verbal to the age of 8 then became hyper sexed at puberty. I’m not surprised her mother freaked out. I would have freaked out. She started cross dressing and sneaking out to play cards and sex games with a man five years older at 13. Hello? 13? Anyone else thinking what they would do to protect a child who behaved this way?Obviously, I’m not condoning her mother’s behavior, but for crying out loud! We’re supposed to believe she’s been sexually active for 10 years and never been pregnant or caught a disease? Nope. Just doesn’t work for me. I don’t think she’s actually gender queer, I think she just hated being compared to her beautiful sisters and no one ever told her that it’s a woman’s heart and soul that makes her beautiful, not her face or figure. Or that her sexual needs should be met privately, within parameters in order to be safe. I couldn’t tell if the author was more interested in writing a trans character, a kinky character , or an autistic character. None of it worked for me. As for Sylvester, we know why Hy likes kinky sex, but what’s his story? He goes to specialty brothels just because he’s a Duke? Most men, decent men, don’t need their partner to beat them with a whip. They might like it but they don’t need it, especially in 1815. He has a mistress but he uses prostitutes also? That is very irresponsible. In book one there is a local girl who is portrayed as the village slut. She’s described as over sexed, throwing herself at every man she sees, now pregnant at 15 trying to convince everyone her baby is Needham’s bastard. The whole village knows her reputation and considers her a problem to be solved. Hyacinth, on the other hand, has behaved exactly the same way but she resents anyone who tries to tell her her behavior is wrong (meaning unwise, irresponsible, dangerous, etc, people don’t like the word immoral but that’s what teens having sex is). I don’t like the double standard. I did enjoy the idea of the crow her horrible mother will have to swallow when she finds out her least “valuable” child is a Duchess, but we didn’t get that scene. I will continue to read this series but I much prefer the Academy of Love and The Masqueraders.
December 24, 2023
Honestly, it’s really so easy to make me love a man. You just have to make him… fun. He just needs to be able to laugh at himself.
As for FMCS… Its very rare that I do NOT love them.
As for FMCS… Its very rare that I do NOT love them.
September 13, 2024
I'm sucker for pretending to be someone else and then meeting the love of their lives
December 28, 2025
4.5⭐️ I love this series, into the next
July 13, 2024
I really liked the main characters. The FMC was trying to be free in a way I don’t read often 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 . She likes what she likes.
Great secondary characters too.
Great secondary characters too.
July 13, 2024
“Your mouth has been tormenting me and giving me… ideas.”
Hy wanted to beg him to describe those ideas, but she couldn’t make herself speak.
“I want to do unspeakable things to you… Hy.”
In Hyacinth, S.M. LaViolette crafts a deeply engaging tale set against the opulent and yet at times suffocating backdrop of London’s high society. The novel revolves around 36 year old Sylvester Derrick, the eighth Duke of Chatham, a man whose rugged exterior and cynical demeanor mask the scars of a tumultuous past. Haunted by the loss of his wife Mariah a decade prior, Sylvester is a complex hero—embittered by life’s harsh realities and yet unexpectedly stirred by the unusual 22 year old Hyacinth Mary Bellamy.
Hyacinth, or Hy, is anything but ordinary. As the second daughter of the Earl of Addiscombe, her striking orange hair and spectacles sets her apart from her conventionally beautiful siblings. But it is her bold choice to cross-dress as “Hiram” for nightly escapades that truly makes her character stand out, first out of a need for independence and later to alleviate her family’s financial burdens.
The novel deftly explores the stark contrast between Sylvester’s aristocratic world and the darker, illicit corners of the city that Hy and Sylvester converge. Their interactions are fraught with a simmering tension, as Sylvester, oblivious to Hy’s true identity, is drawn to her intelligence and charm, unknowingly flirting with the very essence of what he has long denied: love and vulnerability.
Ms. LaViolette masterfully intertwines themes of loss and regret, allowing Sylvester’s emotional scars to surface as he grapples with his burgeoning feelings for Hy. Hy is a wonderfully crafted neuro-divergent heroine, whose mind works distinctively differently from her peers. The scars that she carries, especially due to her mother who had found her tiresome in the extreme is one that makes your heart break for the younger version of Hy. It is also this very essence of her character which allows her to compete with men at high stake games of gambling at which she excels.
The gradual build-up of romantic tension between Hy and Sylvester evolves beyond mere physical attraction, culminating in a profound connection that highlights the strength of two seemingly disparate souls coming together. Their conversations reveal insecurities and desires, rendering their relationship not just a romantic entanglement, but a journey of self-discovery for both. It also leads Sylvester to gradually reevaluate his life, bringing him to conclusions about his past actions that does not sit very well with him and makes him understand how they could have hurt the very people who are important to him.
I loved both Sylvester and Hy. Sylvester because he was unabashedly male in a way that was breathtaking. Bored with his lot in life as it happens to most amongst the peerage with their excesses, Sylvester finally finds the solace and excitement that he seeks in Hy. It is only someone like Hy, who can stir his heart, body, and mind that would do for Sylvester and that is exactly what happens.
As mentioned earlier, Hy is an unusual heroine in many aspects. Her sense of curiosity and her lack of self-consciousness are perhaps the most alluring. It is most often our self-consciousness regarding what society demands and expects from us, that makes women hesitate most often when seeking our rightful place in society. While Hy knows her own mind and is fully cognizant of what she wants, a long-term relationship and marriage, especially to a Duke is not something she believes she is suited for. But of course, Sylvester is more than well suited and able to change her mind, with persuasive reasoning that proves to be Hy’s undoing.
Ms. LaViolette is an amazing writer and every single book she has penned to-date serves as a testament to that fact. The writing in this book too, is lush and evocative, painting vivid scenes that lives rent free in my head. One other factor when it comes to Ms. LaViolette’s writing is how rich her vocabulary is, and I always end up noting down a ton of words which I look up and learn from. This story is special for one other reason; the fact that Ms. LaViolette herself is touch averse as is Hy, and I believe her own experiences too have helped shape this book into what it is.
Hyacinth is a novel that ends up being more than just a romance; it is a profound exploration of identity, duty, and the transformative power of love. Sylvester and Hy are two halves of one soul, each challenging and complementing the other in ways that resonates deeply with the reader. Ms. LaViolette’s skillful storytelling and rich characterization makes this novel standout, making this a great second installment to The Bellamy Sisters series.
Recommended for fans of historical romances and for those who enjoy emotional depth and nuanced character dynamics in their romances.
Final Verdict: Hyacinth is a story that offers a refreshing perspective on the complexities of the human heart and mind, with characters that are deeply flawed and all too real!
Rating = 4.25/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
December 2, 2023
It’s About Books
It was very tiring to read this book. I somehow finished it skipping all sex scenes. l would even dream of rereading this book.
I liked her books Barbarous, Dangerous, Scandalous +
It was very tiring to read this book. I somehow finished it skipping all sex scenes. l would even dream of rereading this book.
I liked her books Barbarous, Dangerous, Scandalous +
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