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The Dubells #2
Verity and the Forbidden Suitor
"A spirited and independent heiress defies the expectations of society to chase happily ever after in this irresistible romance from the author of Aphrodite and the Duke. With her brother, the Duke of Everely, married off to the beautiful and charming Aphrodite Du Bell, Verity Eagleman feels more alone than ever within the cold halls of the family estate. So when she's invited to stay in the Du Bells' clamorous, boisterous home, she leaps at the chance. When Verity crosses paths with Theodore Darrington, the doctor who saved her brother's life, she can't help but notice how her heart flutters anytime he is near. But as the estranged bastard son of the Marquess of Whitmear, Theodore is forbidden to pursue anyone of the noble set. Despite being popular amongst the ton for both his heroic efforts and handsome charm, Theodore knows that no amount of social capital will allow him to be with the woman he secretly loves. Luckily for him, Verity has never cared much for the rules of society. . . . A forbidden romance blossoms as Verity and Theodore give in to their all-consuming passion, with any thought of scandal flung to the side. But when the concerns of their friends and family begin to loom over their love, will they truly be able to break the rules?"--
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2023
66 people are currently reading
6287 people want to read
About the author
J.J. McAvoy
35 books5,712 followersI’m a twenty-year-old something born in Montreal, Canada but currently living in Virginia for school. I would tell you want my major is however after two years I still have no idea what I’m doing.
So I’m a writer (duh that’s how you found me), movie enthusiast, and self-proclaimed chef. I love music even though I can’t sing or dance to save my life. (That doesn’t necessarily stop me but you’ve been warned.)
I started Ruthless People the summer of 2013 in hopes of giving myself a new type of love and crime drama. I never knew so many people thought like me! I feel truly blessed to have fans like you all! Writing is my true love and having you all enjoy my words is a dream come true.
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So I’m a writer (duh that’s how you found me), movie enthusiast, and self-proclaimed chef. I love music even though I can’t sing or dance to save my life. (That doesn’t necessarily stop me but you’ve been warned.)
I started Ruthless People the summer of 2013 in hopes of giving myself a new type of love and crime drama. I never knew so many people thought like me! I feel truly blessed to have fans like you all! Writing is my true love and having you all enjoy my words is a dream come true.
I'm on
Tumblr
and
Youtube
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
April 11, 2023
This was a mixed bag!! I really enjoyed the main couple, but their instant attraction was…instant…so the rest of the book felt like filler. The relationship was super fast paced and it would’ve been even more jarring if I hadn’t read book one. They’d already met before, and it felt like the foundation was established off page without properly bringing it into this book.
It’s definitely not a standalone, as things are referenced here that happened in book one with little context and explanation. I’d have been VERY confused if I’d read this first. Plus, I thought her nightmares would play a much bigger role. I wanted more consoling!!!
**potential spoilers below**
The emotions just didn’t hit as deep this time (Aphrodite and Evander were just so explosive). Both books rely on past history to build the foundations of the relationships, but book one’s was stronger. Here, there were a lot of easy fixes to their situations and we had to rehash AGAIN the frustrating family members (stepmother and half brother). That drama weighed down book one and it came right back here. Then it made me dislike Evander because he was being an A S S about Theodore. Aphrodite’s mother remains the baddest bitch alive though!!
However, I did love Theodore’s brother 🥺🥺🥺 I’d have liked more growth between him and his family because it was thrown in to help fix his situation, but we never got to see those relationships fully develop. The same can be said for Verity and Theodore themselves. The epilogue was THE GREATEST and I stand by that, but they were in love so quickly and it felt unnecessarily stretched out for an entire book. I think it could’ve made a nice novella. And he definitely was a Forbidden Suitor which got a bit annoying, especially hearing about it constantly in first person.
Also what was with all the random dying and sick people?? Like a dude literally croaked because they wouldn’t let Theodore care for him. Did we get a full conclusion of that clearly incompetent doctor?? I don’t think we did but I could be wrong. I guess maybe his reputation was ruined but why was he so bad at his job?? He definitely on purpose poisoned a girl??? That whole doctor situation felt so random and like it was added to pad the plot.
Overall, I enjoyed the story but the pacing and plot needed to be tightened up. The story went many interesting directions, but it stretched itself too thin and never gave much depth to any of them. So while it wasn’t my favorite, I’m definitely excited for book three if I understood the clues correctly 👀👀
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️.75*/5
*There was only one sex scene and I’m not even sure if he came?? I think he did but I also got the sense that he tamped it down lmao. McAvoy can write a good sex scene and I wish the books were just a bit steamier in the payoff.
Thanks so much to PRHaudio for a complimentary ALC! All opinions are honest and my own.
It’s definitely not a standalone, as things are referenced here that happened in book one with little context and explanation. I’d have been VERY confused if I’d read this first. Plus, I thought her nightmares would play a much bigger role. I wanted more consoling!!!
**potential spoilers below**
The emotions just didn’t hit as deep this time (Aphrodite and Evander were just so explosive). Both books rely on past history to build the foundations of the relationships, but book one’s was stronger. Here, there were a lot of easy fixes to their situations and we had to rehash AGAIN the frustrating family members (stepmother and half brother). That drama weighed down book one and it came right back here. Then it made me dislike Evander because he was being an A S S about Theodore. Aphrodite’s mother remains the baddest bitch alive though!!
However, I did love Theodore’s brother 🥺🥺🥺 I’d have liked more growth between him and his family because it was thrown in to help fix his situation, but we never got to see those relationships fully develop. The same can be said for Verity and Theodore themselves. The epilogue was THE GREATEST and I stand by that, but they were in love so quickly and it felt unnecessarily stretched out for an entire book. I think it could’ve made a nice novella. And he definitely was a Forbidden Suitor which got a bit annoying, especially hearing about it constantly in first person.
Also what was with all the random dying and sick people?? Like a dude literally croaked because they wouldn’t let Theodore care for him. Did we get a full conclusion of that clearly incompetent doctor?? I don’t think we did but I could be wrong. I guess maybe his reputation was ruined but why was he so bad at his job?? He definitely on purpose poisoned a girl??? That whole doctor situation felt so random and like it was added to pad the plot.
Overall, I enjoyed the story but the pacing and plot needed to be tightened up. The story went many interesting directions, but it stretched itself too thin and never gave much depth to any of them. So while it wasn’t my favorite, I’m definitely excited for book three if I understood the clues correctly 👀👀
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️.75*/5
*There was only one sex scene and I’m not even sure if he came?? I think he did but I also got the sense that he tamped it down lmao. McAvoy can write a good sex scene and I wish the books were just a bit steamier in the payoff.
Thanks so much to PRHaudio for a complimentary ALC! All opinions are honest and my own.
July 17, 2023
This was a very delightful and entertaining black regency romance. I really liked both Verity and Theodore in book one, so I was very hopeful going in and it did not disappoint. I feel in love with these characters, even the secondary ones were endearing. I may have shed a tear or two at certain points but overall this was a really heartwarming romance.
May 25, 2023
I didn't particularly enjoy book 1 but I liked the world enough to continue the series. The couple in the first book didn't give me what I wanted. Verity on the other hand gave me exactly what I wanted...a man pining for the woman he loves.
Verity is the younger sister of book 1's "hero" Evander. She's tough and witty and her backstory is tragic. She quickly falls in love with the handsome Dr. Darlington who is....a bastard!!!!
Look it's a Historical Romance so you just gotta accept these stupid societal standards. It's a big deal that he's a bastard and so he and Verity must sneak around. I love romances that involve sneaking around. I like when the whole world is against the romance(Tom and Rachel from VPR are the exceptions...burn in hell).
Overall I liked this book but it was too long. I believe a Romance novel should be short and sweet. This book was 100 pages too long. I plan on continuing the series if more books are written, I'm pretty sure I know who book 3 will be about but we will see.
I'm not a Romance girlie so I won't give a recommendation but it's a fun read. And if you like Black Historical Romance this series should be added to your list.
Verity is the younger sister of book 1's "hero" Evander. She's tough and witty and her backstory is tragic. She quickly falls in love with the handsome Dr. Darlington who is....a bastard!!!!
Look it's a Historical Romance so you just gotta accept these stupid societal standards. It's a big deal that he's a bastard and so he and Verity must sneak around. I love romances that involve sneaking around. I like when the whole world is against the romance(Tom and Rachel from VPR are the exceptions...burn in hell).
Overall I liked this book but it was too long. I believe a Romance novel should be short and sweet. This book was 100 pages too long. I plan on continuing the series if more books are written, I'm pretty sure I know who book 3 will be about but we will see.
I'm not a Romance girlie so I won't give a recommendation but it's a fun read. And if you like Black Historical Romance this series should be added to your list.
April 10, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
If you're looking for a diverse historical romance series where racism is a non-issue (though classism certainly still exists) you might try this series. In this second installment we follow Verity, a young woman with a traumatic history of abuse as a child, in London for the season and supposedly looking for a husband. Dr. Darrington may be a talented and handsome young doctor, but he is also the bastard son of a noble and the last person considered suitable. But of course he and Verity are magnetically drawn together....
While I do think this was a bit longer and slower than it needed to be, I enjoyed the story. We really see both characters go on a journey of growth and healing while also fighting for their love. Characters from book 1 are back and we see more of characters I hope will find their own happily ever afters later in the series! We also get a subplot sort of addressing the existence of food deserts in poor communities and how lack of nutrition can affect children. A strong book in a series I will continue to pick up, though again I think this could have been shorter. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
If you're looking for a diverse historical romance series where racism is a non-issue (though classism certainly still exists) you might try this series. In this second installment we follow Verity, a young woman with a traumatic history of abuse as a child, in London for the season and supposedly looking for a husband. Dr. Darrington may be a talented and handsome young doctor, but he is also the bastard son of a noble and the last person considered suitable. But of course he and Verity are magnetically drawn together....
While I do think this was a bit longer and slower than it needed to be, I enjoyed the story. We really see both characters go on a journey of growth and healing while also fighting for their love. Characters from book 1 are back and we see more of characters I hope will find their own happily ever afters later in the series! We also get a subplot sort of addressing the existence of food deserts in poor communities and how lack of nutrition can affect children. A strong book in a series I will continue to pick up, though again I think this could have been shorter. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
November 22, 2022
4.4 🌟’s!
📝tropes: class diff, doctor x writer heroine, nursing back to health, poc rep, ownvoices
🌶: 1.5/5
❌ CW: PTSD/nightmares, parental abuse/neglect, death of parent, grief
these two reminding me that i am #alone UGH. the two most pure, awkward, sensitive bebes in love😭
what a freaking romantic, angsty, and unputdownable HR this was!! jumped right into this after reading book 1 (which i loved and recommend as well!) and i just truly could not stop thinking or reading about it once i began😩
this one follows the sister of the hero from book 1, verity, as well as a physician that we were introduced to previously, theodore. THESE TWO YOU GUYS. their romance and interactions are truly the most awkward, tentative, yet swoony ones i’ve ever read??? like THEO TRULY IS SUCH A BEBE that is charmingly awkward and runs away from verity because she’s just too magnificent of a sight to behold.. LIKE WHAT HELLO PLS HE IS TRULY A GEM 😭🥺 the way that both of them have this budding romance with very emotionally-charged interactions and dialogue but can’t be together bc class diff and Society made for truly such an engaging and angsty read.
some notes i took while reading:
- “Dedicated to the people like me who sometimes doubt they are deserving of a happily ever after. You are.” brb crying from the DAMN pre-FIRST PAGE
- theo being a #feminist 💅 he has no drawing room SORRYYY🥰
- their back and forth is just so pure SOBS 😭
- “Abena, enough, or I shall see to it that you do not eat again until tomorrow!” “Mama, that is murder!”
- not him personally making the soup for her. dead.
- ...“I… I loved him, for he, like me, was…a mess of raging thoughts and emotions desperately trying to keep calm under the eyes of society. A perfect match for me.”
- their letters !!!
in all, i am having a fun fun time reading this series and i highly recommend it to everyone!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to the publisher Random House Publishing (Ballantine, Dell) for the e-ARC via Netgalley. Releases April 11, 2023!
📝tropes: class diff, doctor x writer heroine, nursing back to health, poc rep, ownvoices
🌶: 1.5/5
❌ CW: PTSD/nightmares, parental abuse/neglect, death of parent, grief
these two reminding me that i am #alone UGH. the two most pure, awkward, sensitive bebes in love😭
what a freaking romantic, angsty, and unputdownable HR this was!! jumped right into this after reading book 1 (which i loved and recommend as well!) and i just truly could not stop thinking or reading about it once i began😩
this one follows the sister of the hero from book 1, verity, as well as a physician that we were introduced to previously, theodore. THESE TWO YOU GUYS. their romance and interactions are truly the most awkward, tentative, yet swoony ones i’ve ever read??? like THEO TRULY IS SUCH A BEBE that is charmingly awkward and runs away from verity because she’s just too magnificent of a sight to behold.. LIKE WHAT HELLO PLS HE IS TRULY A GEM 😭🥺 the way that both of them have this budding romance with very emotionally-charged interactions and dialogue but can’t be together bc class diff and Society made for truly such an engaging and angsty read.
some notes i took while reading:
- “Dedicated to the people like me who sometimes doubt they are deserving of a happily ever after. You are.” brb crying from the DAMN pre-FIRST PAGE
- theo being a #feminist 💅 he has no drawing room SORRYYY🥰
- their back and forth is just so pure SOBS 😭
- “Abena, enough, or I shall see to it that you do not eat again until tomorrow!” “Mama, that is murder!”
- not him personally making the soup for her. dead.
- ...“I… I loved him, for he, like me, was…a mess of raging thoughts and emotions desperately trying to keep calm under the eyes of society. A perfect match for me.”
- their letters !!!
in all, i am having a fun fun time reading this series and i highly recommend it to everyone!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to the publisher Random House Publishing (Ballantine, Dell) for the e-ARC via Netgalley. Releases April 11, 2023!
January 25, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publishing: April 11, 2023
Series: The Dubells Book 2
Pages: 400
I got a taste of JJ McAvoy’s writing with “Aphrodite and the Duke and was thoroughly impressed. “Verity and the Forbidden Suitor” is no different and is also a wonderful read. This is Verity Eagleman’s story who longs for a family life like the siblings in the DuBell home. She is the sister of the Duke of Everely and has an attraction to the handsome Dr. Darrington, who is off limits to all the ladies due to his being an illegitimate of the Marquess of Whitmear.
The handsome doctor saved her brother’s life and their chance-by-chance meetings, melts away my heart as I root for the two to close in on their attraction. Page by page it kept me drawn to the hero/heroine as they are loveable characters with all the banter. I loved how their slow build sly attraction became a relationship with all the hidden getaways that they shared. You can’t help but like the DuBell’s and all of their pomp and circumstance, but mostly the main characters who have underlying issues that set them apart as loners but finding solace in one another.
This is such a good read, and I could not put it down until the end. This became a one-dayer for me that’s how much I enjoyed it. Looking forward to more of the DuBells from this author. Recommend the read totally.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publishing: April 11, 2023
Series: The Dubells Book 2
Pages: 400
I got a taste of JJ McAvoy’s writing with “Aphrodite and the Duke and was thoroughly impressed. “Verity and the Forbidden Suitor” is no different and is also a wonderful read. This is Verity Eagleman’s story who longs for a family life like the siblings in the DuBell home. She is the sister of the Duke of Everely and has an attraction to the handsome Dr. Darrington, who is off limits to all the ladies due to his being an illegitimate of the Marquess of Whitmear.
The handsome doctor saved her brother’s life and their chance-by-chance meetings, melts away my heart as I root for the two to close in on their attraction. Page by page it kept me drawn to the hero/heroine as they are loveable characters with all the banter. I loved how their slow build sly attraction became a relationship with all the hidden getaways that they shared. You can’t help but like the DuBell’s and all of their pomp and circumstance, but mostly the main characters who have underlying issues that set them apart as loners but finding solace in one another.
This is such a good read, and I could not put it down until the end. This became a one-dayer for me that’s how much I enjoyed it. Looking forward to more of the DuBells from this author. Recommend the read totally.
April 11, 2023
This is second in the series and I just had to know what happened to Verity. She has her heart set on someone not suitable for her but she doesn't care what society thinks. Dr Darrington is the one she wants and he's also the one that is healing all of these weird ailments brought about by another older doctor. Which is causing troubles. But he's illegitimate so he's not acceptable but maybe she can be happy with him anyways. I still don't get how they blame and shame the child when they had no party to the act. This one had the full cast of family and we got to see Aphrodite again.
Thank you randomhouse for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
Thank you randomhouse for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
December 12, 2023
Ok I loved this one a lot more than the first one. Verity has gone through so much, and Theodore is just so good for her. I was very emotional reading this 😭
This is definitely more on the instalove side, but I really think it’s done well. I loved their dynamic so, so much 🥹🫶💖
This is definitely more on the instalove side, but I really think it’s done well. I loved their dynamic so, so much 🥹🫶💖
May 12, 2023
4.5/4.75⭐️
This ended up being so fluffy and cute.🥹 Everything that could have gone wrong did not and my good sis got a good ass HEA.
This ended up being so fluffy and cute.🥹 Everything that could have gone wrong did not and my good sis got a good ass HEA.
March 12, 2024
4 1/2 Taboo stars!!
I loved seeing Verity and Theodore defy "society" and fall in love. Happy reading!
I loved seeing Verity and Theodore defy "society" and fall in love. Happy reading!
February 18, 2023
Looking for a regency romance that feels like Brigerton but you have no interest in Julia Quinn or her cash grab?
Might I suggest @jjmcavoy's
Du Bells series? I've read both
#aphroditeandtheduke and
#verityandtheforbiddensuitor and I love
them both. Where other authors can't
picture black people in their stories with
happy endings the Du Bells removes
the "reality" of the time and gives you
pure romance. The characters are so
well done I find myself looking forward to each sibling getting their book as I would a Beverly Jenkins, Francis Ray, or Brenda Jackson series.
While there isn't much spice, what we
do get would make all the ladies of the
ton fan themselves in private and then
whisper to their friends.
So do yourself a favor and read both.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC. Verity
releases on April 11th.
Might I suggest @jjmcavoy's
Du Bells series? I've read both
#aphroditeandtheduke and
#verityandtheforbiddensuitor and I love
them both. Where other authors can't
picture black people in their stories with
happy endings the Du Bells removes
the "reality" of the time and gives you
pure romance. The characters are so
well done I find myself looking forward to each sibling getting their book as I would a Beverly Jenkins, Francis Ray, or Brenda Jackson series.
While there isn't much spice, what we
do get would make all the ladies of the
ton fan themselves in private and then
whisper to their friends.
So do yourself a favor and read both.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC. Verity
releases on April 11th.
March 17, 2024
This was absolutely delightful.
This is in a weird way, more like the TV show Bridgerton than the books the show is based on.
This has an interracial cast of characters, and no explanation is given for Black Aristocracy in the UK, and it flows perfectly.
There's also an Edwina Sharma in the novel as a side character, and it's a cute nod to the show.
These books are sweet, and the men aren't giant assholes.
It's a win for me, and I look forward to the next book in this series, which will be released this coming Tuesday. I've pre-ordered an audiobook copy from Libro, and I'm all ready to get started.
I'm so excited!
This is in a weird way, more like the TV show Bridgerton than the books the show is based on.
This has an interracial cast of characters, and no explanation is given for Black Aristocracy in the UK, and it flows perfectly.
There's also an Edwina Sharma in the novel as a side character, and it's a cute nod to the show.
These books are sweet, and the men aren't giant assholes.
It's a win for me, and I look forward to the next book in this series, which will be released this coming Tuesday. I've pre-ordered an audiobook copy from Libro, and I'm all ready to get started.
I'm so excited!
April 3, 2024
4.5⭐️ loved Verity and Theodore.
January 4, 2023
It’s Regency England and Verity, a daughter of a duke, is in London expected to Make a Suitable Match. She’s not interested in marriage though. She has what we’d call PTSD and thinks a husband would discover this and think her mad. She’d rather be alone.
Theodore is a bastard and a doctor. He can treat the nobility but he will never be accepted by Society. He is not interested in marriage because of his bastardy.
Verity falls in love with this hunky, smart conscientious man. She doesn’t understand why they can’t marry. Theodore falls in love with Verity but knows what he’d be subjecting her to if they were to marry.
It is quite a conundrum and it makes for a great read. The characters from the first book in the series are all there in their quirky splendor but this book could easily be read as a standalone.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Theodore is a bastard and a doctor. He can treat the nobility but he will never be accepted by Society. He is not interested in marriage because of his bastardy.
Verity falls in love with this hunky, smart conscientious man. She doesn’t understand why they can’t marry. Theodore falls in love with Verity but knows what he’d be subjecting her to if they were to marry.
It is quite a conundrum and it makes for a great read. The characters from the first book in the series are all there in their quirky splendor but this book could easily be read as a standalone.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 16, 2023
I was so excited to get my hands on Verity and the Forbidden Suitor by JJ McAvoy! It’s the second installment in her DuBell family historical romance series. This book is not a standalone so definitely read Aphrodite and the Duke before you tackle this one!
Verity Eagleman has come to live with the DuBells in London. She manages to keep her nightmares quiet from the family but over time it gets harder to protect her privacy. She is thrown by the chaotic atmosphere of DuBell home with its meriad of characters (Hathor is an acquired taste!) but continues to write poetry and over time appreciates the love and support she is shown by the family. Verity is pretty naive when it comes to all the things but I appreciate McAvoy is writing women who are strong in their own way and ‘typical’ of the time.
At a private ball, Verity is introduced to Theodore Darrington, a promising doctor who despite being a bastard son of an Earl, is rising to fame for his approach to patients and treatment. Theo is such an upstanding guy!
I like that McAvoy’s isn’t afraid to be unconventional when it comes to pace but it does mean things can slow and drag a bit at times. In the first half of the book, Theo and Verity quickly realize their feelings. They get to know one another through a few chance meetings (Theodore has a knack for stumbling upon medical emergencies in public places?) and a few planned ones as well (Verity knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to scheme!) When it comes to steam though, McAvoy has kept it PG.
Theo is torn between his budding love for Vertity and his bastard heritage. He can only look to his parents failed relationship and the misery and challenge it has wrought his mother and ultimately him. He doesn’t want this for Verity so he abruptly (!) retreats to the country to confront his father for the truth about his parent’s relationship.
I loved the way McAvoy wrote the relationship and scenes with Theo and his father. In fact, I could have used so much more here! I wanted more scenes of them together! More conversations! Was Theo staying at the Inn the whole time he was in the country? How often did he go to the estate to see his father? More please!!
As with the previous book, I felt like the last quarter of Verity and the Forbidden Suitor is a little OTT when it comes to storylines and plot points wrapping up. Abandoned wells! Evil characters! Public shaming! And just when one MC comes around with their feelings, the other MC decides they don’t know what they want! Ultimately McAvoy ties it all together but it feels like a lot.
Overall though, 3.5 stars. I liked Theo and Verity’s story and I recommend this diverse regency romance!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random house publishing (Ballantine, Dell) for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Verity Eagleman has come to live with the DuBells in London. She manages to keep her nightmares quiet from the family but over time it gets harder to protect her privacy. She is thrown by the chaotic atmosphere of DuBell home with its meriad of characters (Hathor is an acquired taste!) but continues to write poetry and over time appreciates the love and support she is shown by the family. Verity is pretty naive when it comes to all the things but I appreciate McAvoy is writing women who are strong in their own way and ‘typical’ of the time.
At a private ball, Verity is introduced to Theodore Darrington, a promising doctor who despite being a bastard son of an Earl, is rising to fame for his approach to patients and treatment. Theo is such an upstanding guy!
I like that McAvoy’s isn’t afraid to be unconventional when it comes to pace but it does mean things can slow and drag a bit at times. In the first half of the book, Theo and Verity quickly realize their feelings. They get to know one another through a few chance meetings (Theodore has a knack for stumbling upon medical emergencies in public places?) and a few planned ones as well (Verity knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to scheme!) When it comes to steam though, McAvoy has kept it PG.
Theo is torn between his budding love for Vertity and his bastard heritage. He can only look to his parents failed relationship and the misery and challenge it has wrought his mother and ultimately him. He doesn’t want this for Verity so he abruptly (!) retreats to the country to confront his father for the truth about his parent’s relationship.
I loved the way McAvoy wrote the relationship and scenes with Theo and his father. In fact, I could have used so much more here! I wanted more scenes of them together! More conversations! Was Theo staying at the Inn the whole time he was in the country? How often did he go to the estate to see his father? More please!!
As with the previous book, I felt like the last quarter of Verity and the Forbidden Suitor is a little OTT when it comes to storylines and plot points wrapping up. Abandoned wells! Evil characters! Public shaming! And just when one MC comes around with their feelings, the other MC decides they don’t know what they want! Ultimately McAvoy ties it all together but it feels like a lot.
Overall though, 3.5 stars. I liked Theo and Verity’s story and I recommend this diverse regency romance!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random house publishing (Ballantine, Dell) for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 1, 2025
3.75 rounded up. Slow burn romance with a lot of longing.
December 12, 2022
I give this book 4.5 stars. This is the book Bridgerton TV show fans have been waiting for. This is a historical romance set in Regency period, in this novel members of the "ton" are not just White, but also Black and mixed race. As a woman of color and a huge fan of Regency romances, I was looking for a book like this, and i know I am not the only!
This book is the second in a series by the author, but can be read as a standalone (which I did). Verity is the daughter of a duke and after her brother's marriage she is sent to finish out the season in her godmother's home. Despite their high social status, Verity and her family has had some problems in the past. Her godmother's family is large, warm and boisterous (similar to the Bridgerton clan but mixed race!). During the season she falls for a doctor who is the illegitimate son of a marquess, and thus unsuitable for marriage.
I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! I loved the love story between Verity and Dr. Darrington. All the characters were wonderful: Verity and her tenacious spirit, Hathor and her loveable pest personality and Dr. Darrington's best friend Henry. It also deals with important concepts like PTSD. I will definitely be reading the first book in this series Aphrodite and the Duke.
The only things stopping me from rating this book 5 stars were (1) in the beginning I was little confused with all the characters and who they were but that could be because I did not read the first book, and (2) there were just a couple of times that it seemed a little too modern the dialogue between the characters and took me out of the book. For instance during a spicy scene, one of the characters refers to the women's "ass" when it seemed too modern for the time.
Overall I loved this book. I highly recommend it to all regency romance, historical romance and bridgerton TV show fans. I hope the author writes more books in this series or at least more regency romances with characters of color!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
This book is the second in a series by the author, but can be read as a standalone (which I did). Verity is the daughter of a duke and after her brother's marriage she is sent to finish out the season in her godmother's home. Despite their high social status, Verity and her family has had some problems in the past. Her godmother's family is large, warm and boisterous (similar to the Bridgerton clan but mixed race!). During the season she falls for a doctor who is the illegitimate son of a marquess, and thus unsuitable for marriage.
I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! I loved the love story between Verity and Dr. Darrington. All the characters were wonderful: Verity and her tenacious spirit, Hathor and her loveable pest personality and Dr. Darrington's best friend Henry. It also deals with important concepts like PTSD. I will definitely be reading the first book in this series Aphrodite and the Duke.
The only things stopping me from rating this book 5 stars were (1) in the beginning I was little confused with all the characters and who they were but that could be because I did not read the first book, and (2) there were just a couple of times that it seemed a little too modern the dialogue between the characters and took me out of the book. For instance during a spicy scene, one of the characters refers to the women's "ass" when it seemed too modern for the time.
Overall I loved this book. I highly recommend it to all regency romance, historical romance and bridgerton TV show fans. I hope the author writes more books in this series or at least more regency romances with characters of color!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
January 19, 2023
Verity and the Forbidden Suitor
By JJ McAvoy
A Review by Jamilla @ LandsAwayBooks (on wordpress)
Aphrodite and the Duke was, in the first part at least, such a delicious second chance romance angsty escape, and I throughly enjoyed the chaotic, loving, numerous Du Bell family! So I was really pleased when I very casually came across this gorgeous cover on twitter, and realized that we were going to get another story from this world!
Verity and the Forbidden Suitor is 80% fluff, 20% pinning and 100% fun.
It follows the story of Lady Verity Eagleman, sister to the current Duke of Everely, Evander Eagleman, and how she came to be in the clutches of the most unexpected of suitors, the very awkward, and a bit gruff, Dr. Darrington. Who’s made wholly unsuitable for any titled lady, no matter his proficiency in his profession, by the mere fact of his birth, as a well known ‘cast off’ of the Marquess of Whitmear.
Think sweet, think first blush of love. The relationship between our two leads had me melting and giggling. I enjoyed their banter and bickering and all their little moments hidden away together. It was at a nice spot between slow burn and lust at first sight and really gave me a feel of nostalgia for the classics of this genre.
As I have begun to expect from a McAvoy historical, we have a story that’s a bit more than just one of the road to love, we have a story featuring childhood trauma, suicide and lost love. I do think that this is the area of the story that felt the weakest to me, I can see that the author wants to tell a more substantive story, but it’s not quite there yet, which is a shame.
All in all, a lovely way to spend the afternoon and I’m very much excited for the next pair in what I hope will be a long series!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
By JJ McAvoy
A Review by Jamilla @ LandsAwayBooks (on wordpress)
Aphrodite and the Duke was, in the first part at least, such a delicious second chance romance angsty escape, and I throughly enjoyed the chaotic, loving, numerous Du Bell family! So I was really pleased when I very casually came across this gorgeous cover on twitter, and realized that we were going to get another story from this world!
Verity and the Forbidden Suitor is 80% fluff, 20% pinning and 100% fun.
It follows the story of Lady Verity Eagleman, sister to the current Duke of Everely, Evander Eagleman, and how she came to be in the clutches of the most unexpected of suitors, the very awkward, and a bit gruff, Dr. Darrington. Who’s made wholly unsuitable for any titled lady, no matter his proficiency in his profession, by the mere fact of his birth, as a well known ‘cast off’ of the Marquess of Whitmear.
Think sweet, think first blush of love. The relationship between our two leads had me melting and giggling. I enjoyed their banter and bickering and all their little moments hidden away together. It was at a nice spot between slow burn and lust at first sight and really gave me a feel of nostalgia for the classics of this genre.
As I have begun to expect from a McAvoy historical, we have a story that’s a bit more than just one of the road to love, we have a story featuring childhood trauma, suicide and lost love. I do think that this is the area of the story that felt the weakest to me, I can see that the author wants to tell a more substantive story, but it’s not quite there yet, which is a shame.
All in all, a lovely way to spend the afternoon and I’m very much excited for the next pair in what I hope will be a long series!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2023
4.5/5⭐️
This book has:
- Forbidden love
- Class difference
- Black fmc
- Found family
- Diverse characters
I enjoyed this a lot more than the first book in the series. This book follows Verity, who is Duke Evander’s sister, and Theodore, who is an illegitimate heir and rising doctor. Verity leaves her family home and stays with the Du Bells after her brother gets married and finds herself surrounded by the love and warmth that she didn’t get as a child. She meets Theodore at a ball tending to a patient and later seeks his services for her nightmares and terrors.
I really like how realistic the romance between Theodore and Verity is. It grew from awkward interactions to a cute forbidden romance. Seeing the main characters' backstories and how their parents affected who they were was something I appreciated in this book. The beginning of this book was slow, but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. The banter between characters, family scenes, and lovable characters really made this book a great read. I really love the Du Bell family and enjoyed seeing Aphrodite and Evander interact in this book. The chapters leading up to the end had a nice action that I enjoyed.
Overall a good regency romance; if you liked the first book, you’d like this one even more, and if you like the Bridgerton tv series type book, you should read this!
Thank you, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and Netgalley, for this arc for an honest review.
This book has:
- Forbidden love
- Class difference
- Black fmc
- Found family
- Diverse characters
I enjoyed this a lot more than the first book in the series. This book follows Verity, who is Duke Evander’s sister, and Theodore, who is an illegitimate heir and rising doctor. Verity leaves her family home and stays with the Du Bells after her brother gets married and finds herself surrounded by the love and warmth that she didn’t get as a child. She meets Theodore at a ball tending to a patient and later seeks his services for her nightmares and terrors.
I really like how realistic the romance between Theodore and Verity is. It grew from awkward interactions to a cute forbidden romance. Seeing the main characters' backstories and how their parents affected who they were was something I appreciated in this book. The beginning of this book was slow, but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. The banter between characters, family scenes, and lovable characters really made this book a great read. I really love the Du Bell family and enjoyed seeing Aphrodite and Evander interact in this book. The chapters leading up to the end had a nice action that I enjoyed.
Overall a good regency romance; if you liked the first book, you’d like this one even more, and if you like the Bridgerton tv series type book, you should read this!
Thank you, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and Netgalley, for this arc for an honest review.
March 2, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up
I've made no secret that I absolutely adore this series, it is the Black Regency Romance series of my dreams. The DuBells are such a dynamic, authentic family, I just need to see all of their stories.
As a part of the DuBell series, this book did quite a bit of heavy lifting. There were some character arcs that were completed, A LOT of world building/history, and setting up of a future couple. I absolutely adored the time we spent with the younger DuBells, especially Hathor. She absolutely shone!
Now as a romance, I found Verity's story a bit lackluster. She was so much smaller than I'd expected after meeting her in Aphrodite and the Duke. I suppose McAvoy had to shrink Verity's personality so she could fit between all of Dr. Darrington's daddy issues. (Say that 5 times fast.) That boy was so bland, stayed blocking his happiness.
Anyway, this was a book I liked, even if I didn't love it. So ready for the next entry in the series though!!
I've made no secret that I absolutely adore this series, it is the Black Regency Romance series of my dreams. The DuBells are such a dynamic, authentic family, I just need to see all of their stories.
As a part of the DuBell series, this book did quite a bit of heavy lifting. There were some character arcs that were completed, A LOT of world building/history, and setting up of a future couple. I absolutely adored the time we spent with the younger DuBells, especially Hathor. She absolutely shone!
Now as a romance, I found Verity's story a bit lackluster. She was so much smaller than I'd expected after meeting her in Aphrodite and the Duke. I suppose McAvoy had to shrink Verity's personality so she could fit between all of Dr. Darrington's daddy issues. (Say that 5 times fast.) That boy was so bland, stayed blocking his happiness.
Anyway, this was a book I liked, even if I didn't love it. So ready for the next entry in the series though!!
October 21, 2023
I loved this book, I love these characters and this story was so adorable!!!
January 21, 2023
This is my first time reading this author and I'm thoroughly impressed. This book reminded me of why I love historical romance. I loved the representation, the pining, the DRAMA, and the undying love.
This book was a major event. I loved how J.J. McAvoy developed the relationship between Verity and Theodore. It wasn't an instant love affair and let's act on this attraction. It developed over time throughout the book.
Verity wasn't looking for love at all. She wanted to fade into the background and go about her life. Theodore was happy being a doctor because he was illegitimate heir. He didn't hope for much more in life. Theodore very much wanted to fade in the background too. He met Verity while tending to her brother's injuries and was taken by her. He didn't act on his feelings because he had nothing to give her. No title, riches or property. Or so he thought. Verity wasn't looking for any of that. They were both dealing with demons from their past. I loved the way there were no easy fixes. There were still some loose ends once the HEA occurred.
This was a five star read for me.
Trigger Warning: young child locked in cabinet, verbal abuse, gun violence, murder, emotional & mental abuse, & mental breakdown
This book was a major event. I loved how J.J. McAvoy developed the relationship between Verity and Theodore. It wasn't an instant love affair and let's act on this attraction. It developed over time throughout the book.
Verity wasn't looking for love at all. She wanted to fade into the background and go about her life. Theodore was happy being a doctor because he was illegitimate heir. He didn't hope for much more in life. Theodore very much wanted to fade in the background too. He met Verity while tending to her brother's injuries and was taken by her. He didn't act on his feelings because he had nothing to give her. No title, riches or property. Or so he thought. Verity wasn't looking for any of that. They were both dealing with demons from their past. I loved the way there were no easy fixes. There were still some loose ends once the HEA occurred.
This was a five star read for me.
Trigger Warning: young child locked in cabinet, verbal abuse, gun violence, murder, emotional & mental abuse, & mental breakdown
December 7, 2022
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“Verity and the Forbidden Suitor” is a Regency Romance book by J.J. McAvoy. This is the second in a series by Ms. McAvoy, but can be read as a stand-alone, though reading the first book will help fill in some information. This book focuses on the budding relationship of Verity, the daughter of a duke, and Theodore, a doctor and, sadly, not the same social class as Verity. They meet, there’s electricity, there’s hidden stories, there’s love, there’s desire, there’s … well, a lot. I found the re-introduction of the characters to be a bit confusing in the beginning (there seemed to be a lot of names), but as the story continued, who was who became clearer and easier to remember. I liked parts of this book and the underlying story, but I much preferred the first book. However, if Ms. McAvoy writes another book in this series, I will definitely read it - I enjoy the research she’s done into the Regency era and the spunk of the main female characters.
“Verity and the Forbidden Suitor” is a Regency Romance book by J.J. McAvoy. This is the second in a series by Ms. McAvoy, but can be read as a stand-alone, though reading the first book will help fill in some information. This book focuses on the budding relationship of Verity, the daughter of a duke, and Theodore, a doctor and, sadly, not the same social class as Verity. They meet, there’s electricity, there’s hidden stories, there’s love, there’s desire, there’s … well, a lot. I found the re-introduction of the characters to be a bit confusing in the beginning (there seemed to be a lot of names), but as the story continued, who was who became clearer and easier to remember. I liked parts of this book and the underlying story, but I much preferred the first book. However, if Ms. McAvoy writes another book in this series, I will definitely read it - I enjoy the research she’s done into the Regency era and the spunk of the main female characters.
December 1, 2024
3.5 stars. Such a cute story! I liked how it touched on themes of class and belonging. Verity and Dr. Darrington’s attraction to each other is established pretty early on, so a lot of the plot felt like it was filler until about the 60% mark. I don’t consider this to be a series that can be read as a standalone. There were a lot of references and character mentions from Aphrodite and the Duke, so I recommend reading that first
March 25, 2024
3.5 the ending was cute .. the middle how ever was too long too many details, I done without. T he build up at the end was PERFECT wished it happened towards the middle and not the end, and wrapped the book up even sooner
August 13, 2023
So fun! I loved the first in this series and I really enjoyed this second. As was the case with the first book, this book is perfect for fans of Netflix's Bridgerton.
March 29, 2024
Definite growth and improvement with this second installment. The characters felt more fleshed out and realistic to me compared to the ones in the first book
April 30, 2024
The insta love really ruined the pacing for me. I’m still a fan of the series and look forward to book 3.
December 30, 2024
One of my new favorite Victorian romances. It’s not cheesy at all! The romance is sweet, without being too much.
November 5, 2025
rating 4.5
I loved this story about verity and Dr. Darrington. Two completely different backgrounds, but equally traumatizing childhood that brought about the perfect love story.
I loved this story about verity and Dr. Darrington. Two completely different backgrounds, but equally traumatizing childhood that brought about the perfect love story.
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