A review by alainajreads
The Hellion's Waltz by Olivia Waite

emotional hopeful informative lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

I read this for a book club and it was my first foray into historical romance novels. The Hellion's Waltz is a fast-burn F/F romance set in Regency England. I enjoyed that the main conflict was the plot of trying to swindle a merchant by pulling off a heist and not the angst that might result from the two main characters having a romantic relationship in a time where it was frowned upon. In fact, there are several other queer side characters in the book. I also liked the side plot of Sophie learning to overcome her trauma surrounding music and learning how to trust others again.
I do feel that the romantic development between the two leads was sacrificed and wondered if the author had a page limit. The fast-pacedness of the two leading ladies' instant attraction turning into love with not much development threw me off. I appreciate the historical context that Waite put into writing this book and learned about the early 19th century industrial revolution and labor movement in England, as well as about the weaving/textile creation process, though the details of the elaborate plan that Maddie and Sophie constructed to swindle Mr. Giles was a bit unrealistic and hard for me to follow.
Overall a decent, unapologetically sapphic historical romance. I would be willing to check out other books in the Feminine Pursuits Series as well.
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