Caffeinated Reviewer

Sophia Rose is here today with a Regency drama romance review. Come check out her thoughts on this Romeo and Juliet-style romance; Brightmore Bonds by Farida Mestek.

Leopold McBride is quite happy to marry the young lady his parents have chosen for him – until he meets and falls in love with the last woman he should think of. Beatrix Bond is penniless and is the daughter of the woman his father detests. But her passionate nature and eccentric ways are irresistible and Leopold finds himself drawn into her life of near penury and chaos in an old cottage on a cliff.

When his parents learn of the affair, Leopold is faced with disinheritance and is sent off to London, while Miss Bond is forced to take the post at a local school to support her family through difficult times. But her rival for Leopold’s affections sets out to take away her only means of making her living as well as completely destroying her reputation in the eyes of the local society.

Having lost her position, Beatrix is invited to accompany one of the local ladies to London, which means for her a chance to see Leopold again. But what happens in London will either bring them together or force them further apart as dark clouds of suspicion and scandal gather above their heads, threatening the destruction of all their dearest hopes and wishes.

Sophia Rose’s Review

In a Romeo and Juliet-style romance, a hero must choose between duty and love and a heroine must fight malice and lack of status for a chance at love.  Farida Mestek has caught my attention before when I’ve seen her previous historical romance releases so I was glad to finally get the chance with the sweet Regency drama, Brightmore Bonds.

Leopold’s father, Sir Thomas McBride gets a letter from his estranged uncle’s lawyer sharing that the family fortunes now include his late uncle’s estate and title.  Thus begins the ‘battle of Titans’ as the new Lord Brightmore and Mrs. Bond react like dynamite and matches when he storms in and comes down all lord of the manor on them and she counters this with her own demonstrative temper. 

Leopold tries to be the voice of reason with his volatile parent all while the family is hosting a house party of his boisterous friend Wellby and the silly mother, Mrs. Beckford, with her daughter and Leopold’s childhood friend, Lydia, that Leopold is meant to marry.

The move to Brightmore brings a shocking revelation for Leo because he now is put in a quandary having formed an earlier and entirely different opinion from his sire’s description of the Bonds particularly Beatrix.

Under no uncertain terms, Lord Brightmore makes it clear that Leopold is not to form an attachment with Beatrix Bond and should pursue the much more eligible lady he picked out for Leo.

Alas, the heart wants what it wants.  Leopold goes with his heart and gets kicked to the curb to find his own way in the world which he does as a London lawyer’s apprentice.

Beatrix is determined to support herself and does.  Leopold is not like his father and, though she never thought love would find her, it does.  But, between a woman who will do what it takes to hold her position as Leo’s intended and Leopold’s demonstrative, frowning father, their romance doesn’t stand a chance.

Brightmore Bonds is just the sort of historical romance situation I enjoy.  I love when a character is a decided underdog in the race- like the heroine.  She is was already of a status on the brink of poverty, but now must find employment and does so in a plucky manner only to have Lydia attack her reputation and livelihood which seems to force her out of the running for the worthy hero.  And, yes, I had a good time “boo-hissing” at the villainous female and storming father for trying to win fair hero by foul means. 

Speaking of Beatrix’s work.  I loved that she’s a writer, playwright, and artist.  But, even more barriers are thrown up between the pair even when Leo finds Beatrix in London. 

The tension and amount of drama- lord some of the characters were real drama llamas- kept the plot moving forward and I was eager to see how this pair would get past it all.  I do have to say that balanced with that drama was a good deal of comic relief from Wellby and Mrs. Bickford who could be counted on to lighten the mood just by opening their mouths.

The historical setting and culture of the Regency times filled the story and it was obvious the author has done her homework.  The dialogue and manners of the characters were well suited to the times.

All in all, this was a splendid first visit to Farida Mestek’s writing and I would definitely read more of her sparkling, tumultuous, sweet historical dramas.  Definitely recommend who like a classic-style sweet historical romance.

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About Farida Mestek

Farida Mestek lives and works in Odesa, Ukraine. English is her profession and her passion. She loves teaching English during the day and exploring English-language literature in the evening (when there are no air raid sirens to disrupt her peace and quiet). She spends most of her time travelling different fantasy worlds that live rent-free in her head. During her travels she meets lots of interesting characters, whose stories she then narrates (with their permission) on the pages of her books. Her favourite companions are books and talking animals. Incidentally, Farida has a dog named Dean, who might actually be an enchanted prince.

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About Sophia Rose

Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.

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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

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