Book Review #bookreview #historicalromance #netgalley #entangledpublishing #tocovetacountess #sapnabhog
This novel was sweetly charming and the perfect way to spend a low angst evening. Sapna Bhog's writing has a conversational ease that quickly draws the readers in, her characters are compelling and interesting, and this novel is quick paced keeping the reader engaged through the entire story. Bhog does a lovely job of showing diversity in a time period that we don't always acknowledge it, while softly commenting on racism and colonization of the time without making this the overall conflict of the plot, but a side issue that the characters are aware of and handle beautifully and gently in their own way.
This story is about Sania, who has recently fled India with her sister, seeking refuge and safety with their cousin who has married a duke and is now a duchess. The novel opens up with a snow storm in which the sisters find themselves in grave needs of warmth but are turned away from their cousin's home by the butler, because the lord and lady are not at home. Sania has been learning to stand up for herself and be brave in situations when she needs to, and because of this she attempts to break into her cousin's house knowing if she and her sister do not find shelter that they will be in very dire straits. During her attempted break in, Nicholas the Earl of Hawksley, and friend to the duke, sees Sania and stops her. Recognizing that she and her sister are in need of assistance, he takes them back to his home and from there, Sania and Nicholas grow more and more attracted to each other as well as cautiously unsure of where their relationship might be going.
Their love story is really a sweet one, they are both instantly attracted in the other and they very swiftly fall into infatuation which grows into love as they spend more time together and learn more about each other. I love that both Sania and Nicholas always see the good, strength and independence in the other. I love that they both want to fight for what is best for the other, even if they don't always agree on what is best. I also love that Sania always sees the good in Nicholas and she fights for herself and him, knowing that they are a partnership. Sania knows that she must stand strong for herself and never back down from what she deserves and I love this, and that through this she can show Nicholas the error of his ways and make him work to earn her trust and confidence. I love that both Sania and Nicholas are surrounded by friends who will fight along side them, show them when they need to take a step back and reexamine the situation, as well as hold them accountable when they need to. This novel is also very sweetly sensual, Sania and Nicholas have a really lovely chemistry that draws them together and carries them through their ups and downs. I love that Sapna Bhog references the ton's racism and gives Sania the words and strength to point out their contradictory ways with out making this the catalyst for our couple not being able to be together.
This was just a really delightful and sweet romance, with two people learning to stand strong for themselves, their needs and wants while being surrounded by a fantastic support system to help them through their ups and downs. This is the first book I have read from Sapna Bhog and it will definitely not be my last!
***Thank you to Entangled Publishing (Amara) and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.***
OUT NOVEMBER 8, 2021