Read & Review: London Season by Maude Winters

I read a bit in every genre. Sometimes it is dense, heavy science fiction and sometimes it is more escapist and something I can get through quickly. My husband suggested I read Shadow and Claw by Gene Wolfe (part of his Book of the New Sun series) and it is an incredible read...that will take me a loooong time to finish. At night while snuggling with a toddler, I find I need something easier on my brain. I recently discovered the newly published author Maude Winters. She just published the first two of her five book Regency and Rivalry series. It falls firmly in the romance genre, so be ready for lots of love and great character chemistry.

This book is certainly escapist, but I would not call it fluff. It lands somewhere between Jane Austen and modern romance. It is a bit of a slow burn, as in it takes a little time to sort out the characters, their histories, and their relationships to each other. The first 25% of the book is what felt particularly Jane Austen to me, as the relationships of the characters unfold and the drama builds. I appreciate the slow burn; Winters does not information dump. She allows you to learn about her characters (and their assorted baggage) a little at a time. In fact, that is one of my favorite aspects of this book.

For example, you know from the start that Vanora has a past she is struggling to cope with: the very untimely death of a lover. However, it is not until the end of the book that you come to discover the true reality of what that was like for her. By that time you are so invested in Vanora as a character that learning what she went through is truly gut-wrenching. It really hit me. I expected to enjoy the romance and sexy aspects of the book (and I certainly did), but I did not expect to be brought to tears (and on multiple occasions). By the end of London Season I was not only interested in the next book - because oh yes, I definitely need more Vanora and Robbie in my reading life! - but I am curious about the prospect of a potential prequel as well. I can see that being a magical love story between Vanora and Nate...even if it ends so sadly.

In London Season, Vanora comes to London to spend the summer with her best friend, Mairead/Rita, before Rita's wedding. Vanora is her maid of honor. Though born in Wales, Vanora has spent most of her life in America: she is a Kentucky horse girl at heart. Even so, she almost immediately becomes the talk of the town...and it is really something to become the talk of a town like London. She blossoms in this setting, coming out of hiding in a way, since the death of her lover a few years prior. High society takes to her - from the princes and princess to their extended family - as does the public. It is exciting to see this from Vanora's side; she is certainly richer than most of us, but she starts off a fairly normal, anonymous, horse girl. By the end of the book, she is deeply enmeshed in the royal family. That must be an incredibly intense experience, and only a character like Vanora, who is very good at keeping a level head while also following her heart, could take it with such grace.

I am not someone who follows the royal family (except what I happen to catch on the morning national news shows). In fact, I will admit that I generally roll my eyes at royals and and the rich.  However, I really enjoyed reading about a fictionalized royal family. I also enjoyed how likable the main characters were, even when punching each other in the nose. I liked the balanced personality of the queen - her ability to roll her eyes at her sons while also always being a traditional and proper queen. Her husband is so down to earth and real that he hardly seems like someone married to the Queen of England. Even though the characters are extremely rich and in the highest echelons of society, they are still relatable. They fall in love, curse, fight, and struggle (I love that they curse!). This is particularly true later in the book, as brothers fight, a key family member gets a terrifying medical diagnosis, and the main characters are forced to decide if their relationship can even work.

The book sets itself and its characters up very well for the continuation of the series while also wrapping up nicely. I could have waited to start Book 2...but I was too eager. I am actually a bit late posting this review because I have been too busy reading The Queen's Conundrum, the second in the five book series. I could not help but dive right in! And the great news is...Winters is releasing the books quickly, so you will not have to wait years to get more of this royal and richly written crew.

I have tried not to provide any major spoilers here...but I hope this enough for those of you who read romance or need something light and refreshing for your spring reading to decide to dive into Winters' series. It is an affordable buy on Kindle (I actually got it for free with my digital points), but you can also get it in hardcopy. Oh, and Winters' has a website and blog too...check it out here.

My goal with any read and review posts is to increase the awareness of new, up and coming authors. If I did not enjoy the book, I won't burn it here; I will only review books I got some enjoyment out of. So, if you or someone you know just wrote a book and would like it to be reviewed here, let me know!