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Cover of Splendid

Splendid

400 pages

A sparkling, banter-filled romp through Regency London where stubborn independence collides with irresistible charm.

What it feels like

Reading this book feels like sipping champagne at a lively, slightly scandalous ball. It is a delightfully breezy and effervescent experience, driven by the sheer kinetic energy of two stubborn people trying very hard not to fall in love. The narrative moves at a brisk, joyful clip, buoyed by sharp dialogue and a playful, witty tone that never takes itself too seriously. Beneath the comedic high jinks and the classic culture-clash tropes lies a genuinely swoony atmosphere, warming into a deeply satisfying emotional resonance as the characters let down their guards. It is the perfect escape for readers who love their historical romances infused with bright humor, spirited independence, and the delicious tension of a notorious rake meeting his match.

Mood
  • effervescent
  • cheerful
  • swoony
  • breezy
Tone
  • witty
  • playful
  • lighthearted
  • earnest
Pace
brisk
Themes
reluctant surrender to love · culture clash · the joy of independence · transformative passion
The writing
The prose is sparkling and accessible, relying heavily on sharp, comedic dialogue to drive the narrative forward.
The arc
The journey shifts from spirited, comedic resistance to a deeply felt, passionate surrender.
Who it's for
Readers who crave classic, banter-heavy Regency romances featuring spirited heroines and charmingly exasperated rakes.
Content notes
  • sexual content
  • mild peril

About the book

American heiress Emma Dunster has always been fun-loving and independent with no wish to settle into marriage. She plans to enjoy her Season in London in more unconventional ways than husband-hunting. But this time Emma's high jinks lead her into dangerous temptation...

Alexander Ridgely, the Duke of Ashbourne, is a notorious rake who carefully avoids the risk of love... until he plants one reckless kiss on the sensuous lips of this high-spirited innocent... and condemns himself to delicious torment. Little does he know that his passion has touched the very soul of the lovely enchantress... and committed them both to a lifetime of splendid ecstasy.

Description from Open Library.

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