Dangerous Alliance: An Austentacious Romance
Author: Jennieke Cohen
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: December 3rd 2019 Genre: Young Adult, Historical, Romance, Fiction
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Jane Austen in this witty, winking historical romance with a dash of mystery!
Lady Victoria Aston has everything she could want: an older sister happily wed, the future of her family estate secure, and ample opportunity to while her time away in the fields around her home.
But now Vicky must marry—or find herself and her family destitute. Armed only with the wisdom she has gained from her beloved novels by Jane Austen, she enters society’s treacherous season.
Sadly, Miss Austen has little to say about Vicky’s exact circumstances: whether the roguish Mr. Carmichael is indeed a scoundrel, if her former best friend, Tom Sherborne, is out for her dowry or for her heart, or even how to fend off the attentions of the foppish Mr. Silby, he of the unfortunate fashion sensibility.
Most unfortunately of all, Vicky’s books are silent on the topic of the mysterious accidents cropping up around her…ones that could prevent her from surviving until her wedding day.
my review
I received a free copy for an honest review.
I don’t read historical novels often, so this was a refreshing and fun read for me. And after reading this book, I realized I should read historical novels more often. Because I have been learning history throughout the years, my knowledge in this area had grown. Hence, I was able to relate to many of the historical references this book made and improved my reading experience. You know how sometimes you crave specific genres or types of books because you read one you like? I like to describe those books as “catalysts” for these phases, and this is what this book had done for me.
I personally really enjoy the alternating perspectives between Vicky and Tom. Although technically both are from high society, the differences in their financial situation and their gender gave me different perspectives on how their lives are like. Both were really strong, independent, and capable characters that have solid goals in their lives, making them very pleasant to read.
The book’s story has great entertainment value while still touching on serious topics. Although some of those topics are “outdated” because of the time it took place, many could also be cross covered to present-day since a lot of the problems are just reduced, not completely gone.
One last thing: I love how the book carried out the relationship between Vicky and Tom. The interconnected threads that bring them together were complicated but still organized (logically making sense), and I appreciated how the book had a solid story-line that didn’t completely depend on their romance. I love books where there’s a good romance on the side but still exists a solid story for the book to revolve around.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read… and I’m craving historical fiction. I guess I’m going to spend the next hour scrolling through Goodreads’ recommendation lists again (haha).
Rating: 4/5
about the author
Jennieke Cohen (JEN-ih-kah CO-en) is used to people mispronouncing her name and tries to spare her fictional characters the same problem. Jennieke writes historical fiction for young adults inspired by real people and events because life is often stranger than fiction. She studied English history at Cambridge University and has a master’s degree in professional writing from the University of Southern California. Jennieke loves exploring new locales but always returns home to Northern California where the summers are hot, the winters are mild, and life is casual.