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I really like tbr Star Hop from Stephanie’s Bookverse, and I’ve played it before on my blog, and I thought it would be fun to play one of her mini ones. Two months ago Stephanie did this video here, and I thought the prompts might be manageable for me. Of course, I’m not a reading master, so I won’t be reading 5 books in 48hrs, instead I’ve given myself a week and then then I might not even complete them all!
I started this challenge on 25.05.22 and ended on 31.05.22 (before midnight).
While I was in the middle of doing this little challenge, Stephanie announced that she is going to be hosting a Mini Star Hop ReadAThon. For the full details, watch the announcement video here ♥
See how I did below!
prompts
⭐beautiful (cover)
🌙 over 400 pages
☀️ continuation
⭐ series (any book)
⭐ end: free pick
wrap up
Persuasion; Jane Austen
⭐beautiful (cover)
Persuasion, Jane Austen’s last novel, is a moving, masterly and elegiac love story tinged with the heartache of missed opportunities.
It tells the story of Anne Elliot, who, persuaded to break off her engagement to the man she loved because he was not successful enough, has never forgotten him. When he returns, he brings with him a tantalizing second chance of happiness.
goodreads
This is a re-read for me, but it was also incentive for me to finally get a physical copy of this little novel. I find the Penguin English Library paperback edition to be super pretty, it has a subtle colour scheme and pattern that I love.
Despite being under 300 pages, we are able to form a strong attachment to Anne and Austen’s writing is beautiful, witty, hopeful and full of yearning ♥
While I adore Pride and Prejudice, there is a maturity to Anne and Wentworth that is essential to the plot and gives us the most beautiful quote, Jane truly fed romantics with the below line:
You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope.
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It Happened One Autumn; Lisa Kleypas
☀️ continuation
It happened at the ball . . .
Where beautiful but bold Lillian Bowman quickly learned that her independent American ways weren’t entirely ‘the thing’. And the most disapproving of all was insufferable, snobbish, and impossible Marcus, Lord Westcliff, London’s most eligible aristocrat.
It happened in the garden . . .
When Marcus shockingly – and dangerously – swept her into his arms. Lillian was overcome with a consuming passion for a man she didn’t even like. Time stood still; it was as if no one else existed.
It happened one autumn . . .
Marcus was a man in charge of his own emotions, a bedrock of stability. But with Lillian, every touch was exquisite torture, every kiss an enticement for more. Yet how could he consider taking a woman so blatantly unsuitable . . . as his bride?
goodreads
It Happened One Autumn is the second book in the Wallflower series.
Four women, who are somewhat desperate to marry during the early Victorian era, group together at a ball and discover that the sparking of their friendship is what might just be needed to get them what they want.
This second book follows Lilian, an American heiress, who is feisty and dead set against being forced into line by any man. Surprising themselves, Lilian and Lord Westcliff find that there is a lust and even love for each other interwoven within their bickering.
This relationship has a Lizzie/Darcy feel to it, especially as Westcliff gives huge Darcy vibes. I liked that they have similar personalities and this was often what caused some of their clashes as each has a strong sense of what they believe is right. This meant that when things got playful, it was fun to read! While Lilian isn’t my favourite wallflower, I enjoy her tenacity and loyalty which is heavily showcased here.
Elements of this novel are super fun and a little silly, especially how perfume and smells are integral to the plot, and seeing Lilian and her little sister Daisy (a fellow wallflower) interact is so cute ♥
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The Devil in Winter; Lisa Kleypas
⭐ series (any book)
Desperate to escape her scheming relatives, Evangeline Jenner has sought the help of the most infamous scoundrel in London.
A marriage of convenience is the only solution.
No one would have ever paired the shy, stammering wallflower with the sinfully handsome viscount. It quickly becomes clear, however, that Evie is a woman of hidden strength – and Sebastian desires her more than any woman he’s ever known.
Determined to win her husband’s elusive heart, Evie dares to strike a bargain with the devil: If Sebastian can stay celibate for three months, she will allow him into her bed.
When Evie is threatened by a vengeful enemy from the past, Sebastian vows to do whatever it takes to protect his wife . . . even at the expense of his own life.
Together they will defy their perilous fate, for the sake of all-consuming love . . .
goodreads
After completing It Happened One Autumn, I was super excited to get onto the next book in the Wallflower series as Evie is my favourite character so far. She is so gentle, patient, strong, yet playful and funny. These last two traits were explored in this book through her relationship with St Vincent, as well as Cam.
I loved everything about this novel. The romance was rather rushed, but do I care? no. absolutely not. I’m here to feel joy! Evie is able to grow and thrive without the restraints of her abusive relatives and under the protection of her new husband. St Vincent, who finds it hard to work through all the new emotions that Evie creates inside him, also flourishes with her by his side.
I love Stony Cross (the setting we’re most in during this series), but having Evie and St Vincent develop and learn to love each other away from the other Wallflowers while creating their own space to heal in the gaming club Evie’s father owns was the best decision. It also introduced us to a new host of characters and really upped the stakes! There was far more of a plot within this installment.
conclusion
I completed 3 out of 5 prompts and I know that this is objectively a failure, but subjectively I see it as a win!
I had planned to read smaller books and manga, but of course my brain was like, no, I was historical romance. And reading three books in a week is really good for me, so I’m super happy. Especially as the ratings for all were high:
Persuasion ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It Happened One Autumn ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Devil in Winter ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What are your thoughts on these books? Do you have any historical romance recommendations?
Thank you for reading!
I hope you’re having a lovely day and staying safe ♥
DramaRambles 🌸 