Historical Romance Book Club discussion

Discussion thread for the first BOTM for August 2025. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some html is o k' for instructions.)

Join us in reading this HR that fits the theme:Humor. Happy reading!


Penelope by Anya Wylde

Synopsis:
Leaving behind the rural charms of Finnshire, Miss Penelope Fairweather arrives in London with hope in her heart and a dream in her eye. The dowager, no less, has invited her for a season in London, where she will attempt to catch a husband.

Thus begins our heroine’s tale as she attempts to tackle the London season with all her rustic finesse. Unfortunately, her rustic finesse turns out to be as delicate as a fat bear trying to rip apart a honeycomb infested with buzzing bees.

What follows is a series of misadventures, love affairs, moonlit balls, fancy clothes, fake moustaches, highwaymen, sneering beauties, pickpockets, and the wrath of a devilishly handsome duke.

Read the first two chapters this morning at the laundromat. Pulled me right in and they were absolutely delightful. I think this is going to be a fun fish-out-of-water romp.

I finished this one early. I thought it was a silly but entertaining book.

I really enjoyed this story! It's a shame that more people haven't tried this book yet. I'd like to read more of her novels. Has anybody read any of her other books?

Thank for reminding me about this one, Lauren. I've downloaded a kindle sample and will try it.

Edit: I read the first few chapters, but it was just a bit too silly for me, and I don't think I'll read on. The main couple were kinda cute, and I would like to see where their romance went, but there were some scenes that were too OTT. Too much slapstick. I think this one just isn't my cup of tea.

I didn't feel that the book lived up to its beginning. It was more silly than funny. Also I didn't like the duke. It was cute but I wouldn't reread it.

Oleander wrote: "I didn't feel that the book lived up to its beginning. It was more silly than funny. Also I didn't like the duke. It was cute but I wouldn't reread it."

GTK Oleander. Glad I didn't bother reading on.