In 1872 London, Musa Bartham has been publishing steamy poetry under a pen name to support her family. But when Musa’s sister is offered sponsorship for an advantageous marriage, Musa realizes her double life must end and she’ll write books for children. Sebastian Atkinson is an artist reduced to working nights as a printer to support his sisters when he’s cornered into illustrating her insipid children’s book—who has secretly been writing fan letters to his favorite poet.
The Poetics of Passion by Delphine Ross July 25, 2023 by Muse Publications.
With hints of You’ve Got Mail, fans of the miscommunication/secrets trope will love this one. This has great tension—sexual and otherwise—and it’s nice to see a historical romance without nobility or rich characters.
I devoured this book in a day.
The romantic reconciliation and resolution of the scandal felt rushed. I was let down that, after a good build up, Seb and Musa reconciled so quickly—literally and emotionally—without some necessary conversations on both sides. A quickie on the floor, after all of that longing? The publisher out of the blue changing her mind? The ending really needed work. That’s what stopped this from being an excellent read.
I’m still on board for the next book. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.
Do you enjoy historical romances? What time period is your favorite?