Review: Games in a Ballroom

Title: Games in a Ballroom
Author: Jentry Flint
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback ARC
Release Date: May 3, 2022
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

She was forbidden to love him.
He only wanted her heart.
Can a childhood game bring them together?

London, 1815

Olivia Wilde has resigned herself to never finding a love match. Her father has insisted she marry a man with a title, but the men her father deems acceptable are either boring or are only interested in increasing their own diminishing coffers. With her future looking dismal, Olivia vows to enjoy the last few months of freedom with her childhood friends, including Emerson Latham. His devilish smile and flirtatious teasing stirs up feelings she knows she cannot entertain.

Emerson is struggling to rise to his responsibilities after his father’s death. Though he is still learning his place, one thing he knows for certain is that he wants Olivia Wilde to be his wife. Emerson had long ago fallen in love with her quick wit, beauty, and passionate heart. Yet, without a title, he will never be permitted to court Olivia openly. But he has a plan that may give him a chance to court her in secret.

As the Season kicks off, Emerson proposes a playful game of tag. Olivia’s friends are delighted by the idea, though Olivia is wary. After all, the game must be played in secret as they tag each other at dinners and balls. As the romance builds between Olivia and Emerson, so does the risk of being discovered. Not only are their reputations at stake, so is their safety if they are caught by Olivia’s strict father.

Can their love find a happily ever after before the game ends?

Review:

London, 1815: Olivia Wilde’s father has insisted that she marry a man with a title. Their family has money but no title, so this is her father’s way to bring a title to the family. She dreads the men who her father brings to her at balls. Meanwhile, Olivia likes spending time with her childhood friends Arabella and Emerson Latham. Emerson is struggling with being the head of the family after his father’s death. Though he doesn’t have a title, he wants to marry Olivia. To spend more time with her during balls, without drawing attention to his courting her, he plans an elaborate game of tag between his friends. However, time is ticking for Olivia to choose a husband. She must decide if she’s willing to risk everything for a love match with Emerson. 

This story was a fun look at balls in Regency England. Balls and parties in the Regency period usually seem serious, with specific dances and social rules to be followed. Emerson shook up that idea by playing tag with his friends throughout the parties. There were other moments where Emerson and his friends would play elaborate pranks. I enjoyed this pleasant and lighter side of the Regency period. 

There were some serious moments in this story. Emerson and his family were still grieving for his father. Though it didn’t appear on the page, it was implied that Olivia’s father was abusive. The serious implication of his abuse put some urgency into her finding the right mate, and protecting her mother from his wrath as well. 

Games in a Ballroom is a fun Regency romance. 

Thank you Shadow Mountain for providing a copy of this book.

What to read next:

Have you read Games in a Ballroom? What did you think of it?