Regency romance series starts off on a high note

     In the first book of her new regency romance series, Rebels of the Ton, critically acclaimed author Minerva Spencer combines fan-favorite tropes into a fantastic love story. Notorious shows just what can happen when a rake and wallflower are forced to wed.
     Drusilla Clare is full of opinions about why a woman shouldn't marry. But that doesn't stop the rush of desire she feels each time her best friend's brother, notorious rake Gabriel Marlington, crosses her path. So imagine her dismay when she finds herself in the clutches of a scoundrel, only to be rescued by Gabriel himself. And when Gabriel's heartless—and heart-pounding—proposal comes, it's enough to make Dru's formidable resolve crumble. She's sharp-tongued, exasperating—and due to one careless moment—about to become his wife. Still, something about Drusilla has Gabriel intrigued. First there's the delicious flush of her skin every time she delivers a barb—and then the surprisingly sensual feel of her in his arms. Gabriel even finds himself challenged by her unusual philosophies. And when he discovers a clandestine rival for Dru's affection, his temperature flares even hotter. But the real threat to their happiness is one neither of the newlyweds sees coming. If they're to save their future—and their very lives—they'll need to trust in each other and their growing love.
     This novel started off a bit slow and I wasn’t a big fan of the way Drusilla and Gabriel were acting towards one another; however, once the plot starts moving along it becomes such a binge worthy book! Drusilla and Gabriel’s romance is steamy and lovable. This book also showed a different type of regency-era protagonist by having Gabriel be from Oman. I’ve never read a regency romance where one of the main characters wasn’t 100% British so I loved seeing a different kind of protagonist get showcased!
    Spencer makes sure to add in all of the tropes romance readers love: enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, forced marriage, wallflower and rake, and more! All of these tropes weirdly work well together and keep the plot interesting.
     Speaking of the plot, the events of the novel take an action-packed turn towards the end and will have readers flipping the pages to see what will happen next. And with a cliffhanger at the end of the book, I don’t know how I’m supposed to wait until the next book comes out in June!
     Overall, I definitely recommend you check this book out when it’s released on November 24th! It’s witty, steamy, dramatic, and just an all-around fabulous regency romance!

*I received an ARC from Kensington Books via Bookish First in exchange for my honest opinion.

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