A review by yourbookishbff
The Deed with the Duke by Sri Savita

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This is a beautiful debut by a new historical romance author, and I cannot wait to read more by Sri Savita. In so many ways, this novella felt like a pocket universe - the hero's frequent references to faerie lore, the romantic character of the cottage and its whimsical animal inhabitants, the lengthening of time when the two leads are together and the way it slips away when they're apart. Set in the regency, both leads are Indian, and the language and cultural details woven in created a sense of home and security in Robin Hood's Bay (aptly named, based on the historical details included in the author's note!). This is a story that centers the lives of racialized characters without leaning on racial trauma - it is a kind and gentle story where grief and class divide are the only meaningful barriers to the main characters' happiness. I was so moved by the emotional vulnerability shown by our characters and by how bravely they face both their insecurities and their dreams. This translated into gorgeous, open-door intimacy scenes that reflected the same care and attention to each other, and I was fully swept away in the second half.

The next Wednesbury siblings' story is teased in the epilogue and I am anxious to see how this family's universe continues to take shape.

Thank you to the author for an advanced reader's copy. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings