Much Ado About Margaret

July 29, 2024
Mixing the wit of Jane Austen, plot points borrowed from Shakespeare, and distinctly modern sensibilities, Roux’s delightful latest Regency (after The Proposition) turns on an eventful wedding weekend. Margaret Arden is determined to publish her novel—despite the harsh critiques of editor Bridger Darrow, who read the first few pages and dismissed the project as “an overwrought examination of whose misplaced giggle at the ball made Mamma beside herself.” This makes Bridger the last man Margaret wants to see at her cousin Lane’s wedding. But when the pages of Margaret’s manuscript go flying out an open window, Bridger’s shocked to see how deeply the guests respond to these scattered pages and gives her book another try. The pair bond over their love of all things literary and the weekend is looking up—until Lane’s bride-to-be, Ann, is spotted apparently kissing another man, shattering the newlyweds’ bliss. Bridger suspects his rascally cousin is somehow involved, and he and Margaret join forces to get to the bottom of the supposed infidelity. Their dialogue sparkles and their chemistry crackles, but Margaret’s aunts are determined she should marry for money, which may doom the relationship before it can begin. Readers will adore both ambitious, strong-willed Margaret and brooding softy Bridger. This is a gem. Agent: Kate McKean, Howard Morhaim Literary.

Starred review from September 1, 2024

Margaret Arden's novel is her life's work, and she dreams of publishing it. Her aunt has other ideas, insisting she marry for status and forget her writing. Bridger Darrow must save his family from destitution while attempting to start a reputable publishing company. He has no interest in Margaret's writing, until he unknowingly reads her novel. With circumstances pushing them apart, it seems impossible for love to take root. Roux's newest is ripe with scandal, romance, and a mystery to solve. When the story opens, readers will find themselves comfortable in a standard Regency romance novel, but a mystery quickly takes shape, adding intrigue and tension to the plot and pulling readers in. The protagonists' developing relationship and their desire to uncover the truth drives the plot forward, keeping readers engaged. The idyllic country setting is described in exquisite detail that places readers in the novel and connects them to the story. VERDICT Readers who enjoy an enemies-to-lovers romance will love Roux's (The Proposition) historical take on the trope.--Jenn Laskosky

Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2024
In Regency England, Margaret Arden's aunts want her to find a wealthy husband, but she'd prefer to find a man to publish her novel. Since their father died, Maggie and her sisters have been reliant on the aid of their aunts. Maggie knows that as the eldest, it's her duty to find a way to support her family and--although it's unconventional--she desperately wants to become an author. After returning from war, Bridger Darrow wants no association with his title of Captain and is focusing on the publishing business he inherited from his mentor. He needs the money because his foolish, philandering older brother has depleted the family's resources. While attending a wedding celebration for his dearest friend, Bridger stumbles on loose pages of a story blowing around in the wind, and he finds himself desperate to publish them--but that becomes tricky when he realizes that not only is the author his friend's cousin Maggie, but they'd met before--and Bridger had huffily rejected her work. When a masquerade ball leads to mistaken identities, drama ensues that throws Maggie and Bridger together to set everything straight, and animosity develops into love. This lushly written, entertaining romp boasts a large cast of captivating characters and is particularly exciting when it revels in the chaos of celebrations and shenanigans, dialing the conflicts and confusion all the way up. Maggie is a winsome, formidable, bookish heroine, and while Bridger is a prickly, flawed hero, his personal growth will endear him to readers, making them a charming pair. A fun, breezy romance full of delightful hijinks.

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