2.5 AVERAGE

backshelfbooks's review

3.0

"Instead of Harmony" is a gothic-esque Jewish Regency romance with childhood sweethearts and a second-chance romance. Raphael and Delilah have been in love with each other since they were fifteen and her cruel mother, marriage to his best friend, and widowhood at twenty-four haven't changed matters one bit. Well, it *has* changed things, but it certainly hasn't changed his love for her.

I'm a little torn by this book. I read "Margins of Love" by this author and quite enjoyed it, though I felt it read more like a cross between historical fiction and historical romance, rather than a straight-up Regency romance. While "Instead of Harmony" read MUCH more like a traditional Regency romance, I found I liked this one a good deal less than "Margins of Love."

Mostly, it felt like the main characters and central families could have solved the main issues with thought and money, of which they have plenty. I'm still not quite sure why there was an abandoned castle with no staff -- not even a housekeeper or caretaker -- left behind to maintain it. There were quite a few things that just felt awfully *convenient* for the plot -- things that didn't quite make sense when much thought was applied. I also really didn't like part of the story where Raphael recounts stories of him sowing his wild oats in Italy to Delilah. There's a particular story that felt completely out of place; it took me out of the story and felt really male-gaze-y to read.

I do really appreciate this author's writing and will continue to read her books, as I enjoy her take on Jewish historical romances/historical fiction. This particular book just wasn't quite my favorite. Thanks to the author for a review copy!