Oh, that age-old dilemma of feelings versus finances. In this newest read by Ashtyn Newbold we follow Alice Rosemeyer and her sister, Louisa (MC in the next book) as they flee their home and take refuge at Larkhall, the estate of their close friend, Bridget. With no prospects, no dowry, no parents (except a stepfather who wants to marry them off to the highest bidder,) they hope against hope to find a match.
Yes, this sounds like the premise to so many regency romances: the woman must marry or go into a life of service and spinsterhood, but The Ace of Hearts has unique additions that made this an especially enjoyable read. Alice, with the help of her hostess’s rich aunt, devises a Hail Mary approach to earn some money and become independent. In secret, she becomes the “Ace of Hearts,” adviser of all things romance to gentlemen trying to woo certain ladies.
Of course, there is mixed company at Larkhall. It’s summer and there are many visitors. So Alice, who is trying to secure a future over which she has some control, must also monitor her feelings to a young man who is all wrong for her.
There are some books that you can see play out in your mind’s eye. This is one of them. There is wit, emotion, tension, that “humble rise” (a term I recently learned for the first time,) and all of it works seamlessly. This is my third book by Ashtyn Newbold and each one has been a delight.
9/10 Stars
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