Reviews

Kit and Elizabeth by Karen Tuft

elfbread's review against another edition

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3.0

This novel is a romance set in Edwardian England, which to be fair, is a little outside my comfort zone as far as settings go.

Kit is like able and Elizabeth is pretty bland for most of the novel. I did enjoy her learning to stand up for herself as time went on though so she did get better over time. Up until that point she basically had zero personality whatsoever. I guess that was part of the storyline but meh.

If you are looking for any steamy scenes in a book, this is not the one for you. Personally that was a little bit of a let down for me but not enough to make me knock off a star or anything.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC!

lolovesbooks3's review against another edition

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DNF.

I’m not going to rate this because at 50% in I just couldn’t get into it. It felt so wordy! This may just be my mood so I may try again another time.

janaya's review

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lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

mandymo927's review

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challenging emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

anniejakes's review against another edition

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4.0

I once attended a writing class where the lecturer told us, “You must keep your promises to your readers.” And while that can mean something different for every reader, the promises made when writing regency romance are often pretty straightforward. In Kit and Elizabeth, Karen Tuft has most definitely kept her promises to us.


The promise of a good villain. I’ve read my share of abusive uncles, greedy cousins, and wicked aunts, each with their own selfish motives and hurtful ways. But few compare to the absolute waste of space that we meet in the first chapter who are none other than Elizabeth’s parents. Rarely have I been so completely enraged by the behavior of an otherwise respected character as I was reading about Elizabeth’s father and his treatment of her. And her mother wasn't far behind. Tuft does a marvelous job of quickly demonstrating the extent of the mistreatment our heroine has endured for years. And we are immediately captured in the story in the hope of seeing Elizabeth receive her just dues. 


The promise of a loveable, yet relatable hero. Kit is both extremely likeable and utterly flawed. He struggles to share his thoughts yet his actions show all. He pushes Elizabeth while respecting her and seeing her needs. He allows her her independence but never leaves her side. And while he himself has his own ghosts to deal with, his growth throughout the novel is exactly what we as readers hope to see. 


The promise of a scene that stays with you. Each well written regency romance tends to have that one scene that stands out from the rest; that scene that changes the whole book in the best of ways. In Kit and Elizabeth, there is a scene that I stopped to read twice before moving on with the story. In this scene, both characters are forced to face their past, and their honesty and acceptance for one another allows them both to come out the other side as different, but stronger individuals. Tuft wrote the scene beautifully, and I was brought to tears.


Karen Tuft’s Kit and Elizabeth is well-written and a lovely read. The characters are charming and the plot never ceases to entertain.

3.5 stars

melissasbookshelf's review against another edition

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4.0

Loved this book! Kit is a swoon worthy hero who knows just how to help Elizabeth (Lizzie) discover who she is and help her to separate herself from her abusive parents. Elizabeth has been taught from a young age what is expected of a Duke's daughter. She is often referred to as a statue because she seems less than human in her perfect mannerisms. Meeting Kit exposes Elizabeth to a part of herself she has long repressed and the transformation from ice queen to a warm thoughtful woman is enjoyable to see. Definitely a must read for those who like clean character driven historical romances. I could barely put this down!

ndowd's review

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hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

deshie5055's review against another edition

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5.0

As the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Marwood, Lady Elizabeth Spaulding lives under the tight reins of her parents. With little to no choices, Lady Elizabeth doesn't know who she truly is or what she truly likes. When her father flees the country to escape his debts, he leaves Elizabeth and her mother to live a life of seclusion and poverty.

Lady Walmsley remembers Elizabeth from the summer before as a sweet, shy, beautiful young woman. When she decided she needs a lady's companion, she decides to rescue Elizabeth from a life of misery. With the help of Kit, the Earl of Cantwell, the duo seeks to reestablish Elizabeth into the charming girl they once know. When Elizabeth gets caught up in their enthusiasm and joy for life, Elizabeth comes to find out who she truly is and what she truly deserves- a life full of happiness and love.

Filled with moments that range from funny to tender, Karen Tuft creates a regency tale that speaks to modern audiences. I truly enjoyed each of Elizabeth's discoveries as she formed a list of things she loved and liked.

"Kit and Elizabeth" is one of the few stories that stick in your head and in your heart for days and weeks after you read it. From the first chapter to the very last page, this is a story that grips you and won't let go. With characters that grow and evolve as the plot goes along, you will root for them as they come to find themselves and each other. This is a story you will want to visit again and again.

katiemayveil's review against another edition

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4.0

The Duke and Duchess of Marwood are terrible people. Anyone who's anyone in society knows it. Their daughter, Lady Elizabeth Spaulding, has coped with her parents by being as close to perfect as she can be. After two failed engagement attempts, initiated by her parents, Lady Elizabeth's life falls apart. Her father leaves Elizabeth and her mother to fend for themselves while he tries to hide from creditors. After a lonely year of solitude, they receive the news that the Duke of Marwood has passed away. Just when Lady Elizabeth thinks things cannot possibly get worse, she is surprised to find Lady Walmsley and the Earl of Cantwell at Marwood Manor to take her to London.
What happens next is an adventure that Lady Elizabeth didn't think would ever happen. Having never been encouraged to have feelings or thoughts of her own, she is now overwhelmed at times by all the decisions she has to make, and how freeing it can be to experience feelings.
Elizabeth discovers how much of life she has been missing, and sets out to learn what she truly enjoys. Along the way, she is courted, and stands up for herself, and discovers that she is of worth.
This is a lovely read for anyone who enjoys romance, and self-discovery.

mhollenb's review

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It felt all too contrived. Characters felt flat.