by Joanna Shupe
Series: The Four Hundred #3
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
With the fate of her disgraced family resting on her shoulders, Lady Christina Barclay has arrived in New York City from London to quickly secure a wealthy husband. But when her parents settle on an intolerable suitor, Christina turns to her reclusive neighbor, a darkly handsome and utterly compelling inventor, for help.
Oliver Hawkes reluctantly agrees to a platonic marriage . . . with his own condition: The marriage must end after one year. Not only does Oliver face challenges that are certain to make life as his wife difficult, but more importantly, he refuses to be distracted from his life’s work—the development of a revolutionary device that could transform thousands of lives, including his own.
Much to his surprise, his bride is more beguiling than he imagined. When temptation burns hot between them, they realize they must overcome their own secrets and doubts, and every effort to undermine their marriage, because one year can never be enough
I have really been enjoying The Four Hundred series by Joanna Shupe. A Notorious Vow is the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. Greedy relations, a desperate young woman and a smexy recluse made for a deliciously entertaining read.
Caffeinated Dates with A Notorious Vow
- First Date: Lady Christina Barclay, like many young women of her period feels the burden of having to secure a wealthy husband to restore her families coffers. Christina is a bit of a loner, preferring the library or solitary walks, which is how she ends up exploring the gardens of her reclusive neighbor. The two become friends and Cristina shares her predicament with Oliver. He agrees to help her flee, but before they can set their plans into motion the two find themselves entering into marriage. I love the arrangement troupe and this was made even more delicious because the chemistry is already there.
- Second Date: Poor Oliver and Christina weren’t expecting to marry. She fully expects to fulfill her duties as Oliver’s wife, he sees things as a short term arrangement. Meddling housestaff and friends added to the fun. I had such fun witnessing the relationship developing between this couple. Heated moments and delicious discoveries kept me flipping the pages. Even Oliver’s inventions intrigued me. Oliver is a unique hero and his backstory touched me as did the reason behind his invention.
- Third Date: Outside threats from Christina’s parents, an influential member of the Four Hundred and a greedy cousin added suspense as Christina and Oliver’s relationship deepened. Shupe cast light on one of the scariest atrocities of this time period. This isn’t the first book I have read about asylums, but practices during this period send shivers down my spine. From character growth to swoon-worthy moments my dates with their story pulled me in. I love when an author allows me to slip into the story. I didn’t resurface until the final page.
From the historical tidbits to our feisty heroine and swoon-worthy hero, I quite enjoyed slipping back into this series. A Notorious Vow, had so many elements I enjoy in a good historical romance.
Greedy relations, a desperate young woman and a smexy recluse made A Notorious Vow by Joanna Shupe a deliciously entertaining read. #EarlyReview #mustread #historicalromance Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lover of Romance
I honestly can’t wait for this book. I love the Gilded Age and this author writes it so well!!!
blodeuedd
Sounds good! And I have never tried her !
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
I really do want to get to this series. I haven’t read Joanna Shupe yet but I love the sound of these characters. I love that he is an inventor and arranged marriages can be fun. Nice to know that this book works as a stand alone.
Mary Kirkland
Maybe one of these days I’ll get back into historicals.
Sophia Rose
This one sounds even better than the one I have on my shelf that is first in series. Not sure I can resist reading it out of order. LOL
Great review, Kimberly!
Tyler H. Jolley
One thing I love about historical fiction, is when it’s well researched. I’ve actually learned more about history (or been inspired to look it up after reading a novel) than I probably did in school. Nice review, Kimba. Have a nice labor day weekend!
Melliane
I enjoyed a few books by the author but I don’t think I knew about this one
Rowena
Hmmm, I’ve never tried this author before but I quite liked reading your thoughts on this book so I’m glad to see that you liked it. Great review, Kim.
Angela Adams
“our feisty heroine and swoon-worthy hero” — love these descriptions! Thanks for the post, and have a great weekend!!!
Deborah Haupt
Ah the old oops I’m married trope LOL great review Kim and wow a four flamer for a historical romance must be hot hot hot just like our August here has been LOL
kindlemom1
I love that you read so many historical romances Kim, they really are a favorite of mine, that and the historical mystery type reads. One day I will have to get a list from you of all your favorites and try them.
Lovely review and I hope you have a great long weekend!
Ailyn Koay
some odd reason, I actually read it as Oliva and Christian =/
but I cannot actually see an inventor taking off his shirt like that … nice cover though