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Muses of Scandal #1
The Poetics of Passion
In 1872 London, a scandalous love poetess and a passionate children's book illustrator are set at odds in this sparkling enemies-to-lovers historical romance, the first in the Muses of Scandal series.
A secret identity means secret desires—and not-so-secret scandals . . .
Musa Bartham has a secret. To support her destitute family after her father’s disappearance, she’s been publishing steamy poetry under the pen name of Felicity Vita. As Felicity Vita, Musa’s scandalous books have won legions of devoted fans—including an anonymous gentleman pen pal whose letters spark unruly desires she would never ever succumb to in her orderly daily life. But when Musa’s cherished younger sister, Angela, is offered sponsorship by their aristocratic great-aunt for an advantageous marriage, Musa realizes her dangerous double life as Felicity must come to an end. Instead, she’ll write books for children.
Sebastian Atkinson is a passionate artist reduced to working nights as a printer. Though Seb is infuriated by the prim yet alluring young woman who corners him into illustrating her insipid children’s book, he can’t turn Musa away: he suspects she may be Felicity Vita, the seductive poetess with whom he’s been exchanging love letters for the past year. Egged on by his best friend, an ambitious journalist desperate for a break, Seb seeks to unmask Musa’s secret identity. But the closer Seb comes to the truth, the more Musa entices him—and the more Musa finds Seb curiously attractive and even more curiously familiar. Could he have anything to do with her anonymous gentleman pen pal?
Unable to resist each other, the two shift from enemies to lovers just as their love letters are stolen, setting Angela's future at risk. As Seb and Musa frantically come together to contain the damage before it's too late, it’s uncertain whose hearts and lives will be broken amid the most sensational scandal of all.
Includes an expanded excerpt from The Dance of Desire, the second book in the Muses of Scandal series.
“A beguiling Victorian romance filled with secret identities, hidden passion, and family loyalty . . . for fans of Evie Dunmore, Mimi Matthews, and Emily Sullivan." — Historical Novel Review
“Charming and sexy . . . Ross’s debut historical romance is definitely a novel that will enchant readers!” — ELIZA KNIGHT, USA Today bestselling author
“Chock full of compelling characters, charm, and heartfelt emotion. I fell in love with Sebastian and Musa and their loyalty to their families above all else, even when their love was on the line.”
— HARPER ST. GEORGE, author of THE DUCHESS TAKES A HUSBAND
“A story of hidden identities, secret longings, and the conflict of familial duty versus private pleasure, Delphine Ross conjures . . . the era with a master hand. A fascinating read!”
–MIMI MATTHEWS, USA Today bestselling author of THE BELLE OF BELGRAVE SQUARE
A secret identity means secret desires—and not-so-secret scandals . . .
Musa Bartham has a secret. To support her destitute family after her father’s disappearance, she’s been publishing steamy poetry under the pen name of Felicity Vita. As Felicity Vita, Musa’s scandalous books have won legions of devoted fans—including an anonymous gentleman pen pal whose letters spark unruly desires she would never ever succumb to in her orderly daily life. But when Musa’s cherished younger sister, Angela, is offered sponsorship by their aristocratic great-aunt for an advantageous marriage, Musa realizes her dangerous double life as Felicity must come to an end. Instead, she’ll write books for children.
Sebastian Atkinson is a passionate artist reduced to working nights as a printer. Though Seb is infuriated by the prim yet alluring young woman who corners him into illustrating her insipid children’s book, he can’t turn Musa away: he suspects she may be Felicity Vita, the seductive poetess with whom he’s been exchanging love letters for the past year. Egged on by his best friend, an ambitious journalist desperate for a break, Seb seeks to unmask Musa’s secret identity. But the closer Seb comes to the truth, the more Musa entices him—and the more Musa finds Seb curiously attractive and even more curiously familiar. Could he have anything to do with her anonymous gentleman pen pal?
Unable to resist each other, the two shift from enemies to lovers just as their love letters are stolen, setting Angela's future at risk. As Seb and Musa frantically come together to contain the damage before it's too late, it’s uncertain whose hearts and lives will be broken amid the most sensational scandal of all.
Includes an expanded excerpt from The Dance of Desire, the second book in the Muses of Scandal series.
“A beguiling Victorian romance filled with secret identities, hidden passion, and family loyalty . . . for fans of Evie Dunmore, Mimi Matthews, and Emily Sullivan." — Historical Novel Review
“Charming and sexy . . . Ross’s debut historical romance is definitely a novel that will enchant readers!” — ELIZA KNIGHT, USA Today bestselling author
“Chock full of compelling characters, charm, and heartfelt emotion. I fell in love with Sebastian and Musa and their loyalty to their families above all else, even when their love was on the line.”
— HARPER ST. GEORGE, author of THE DUCHESS TAKES A HUSBAND
“A story of hidden identities, secret longings, and the conflict of familial duty versus private pleasure, Delphine Ross conjures . . . the era with a master hand. A fascinating read!”
–MIMI MATTHEWS, USA Today bestselling author of THE BELLE OF BELGRAVE SQUARE
316 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
July 30, 2023
Happy publication day!
When I just started reading I thought it would be a four star. Then I got so invested I briefly considered five but then too many things happened that I didn’t like so I eventually went for 3,5 rounded down.
The writing was light and engaging and I could not put down this book! It’s a Victorian take on You’ve Got Mail (which I adore), but there were more good ideas; regular people rather than aristocrats, life with a stigma of a scandal and a badass heroine who will do whatever it takes to protect her family. I definitely will read more from this author but…
The amount of unnecessary miscommunication, “I love her but we can’t be together” nonsense and “this is the last time I’m seeing her” drama was staggering. The second half of this book was dragging mercilessly and most of the time I wanted to smack the hero over the head. I liked that his choices were not easy and that he was protecting his family, but some of the things he did were really unforgivable. What’s worse, afterwards, instead of fixing it he focused all his energy on self flagellation. And all the secrets!!! Just tell her already, dude!!!
The ending could use some polish, especially when it comes to the couple’s joyful reunion. I definitely did not expect the way they went about it😳, and I was hoping for more groveling on Seb’s part.
I’m curious about the next book but I really hope Musa's sister will marry the guy she loves and not the one she’s engaged to… 🤞
Thank you Muse Publications LLC and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
—————
It’s a Victorian romance for fans of Lisa Kleypas. Please don’t disappoint me, dear book!
When I just started reading I thought it would be a four star. Then I got so invested I briefly considered five but then too many things happened that I didn’t like so I eventually went for 3,5 rounded down.
The writing was light and engaging and I could not put down this book! It’s a Victorian take on You’ve Got Mail (which I adore), but there were more good ideas; regular people rather than aristocrats, life with a stigma of a scandal and a badass heroine who will do whatever it takes to protect her family. I definitely will read more from this author but…
The amount of unnecessary miscommunication, “I love her but we can’t be together” nonsense and “this is the last time I’m seeing her” drama was staggering. The second half of this book was dragging mercilessly and most of the time I wanted to smack the hero over the head. I liked that his choices were not easy and that he was protecting his family, but some of the things he did were really unforgivable. What’s worse, afterwards, instead of fixing it he focused all his energy on self flagellation. And all the secrets!!! Just tell her already, dude!!!
The ending could use some polish, especially when it comes to the couple’s joyful reunion. I definitely did not expect the way they went about it😳, and I was hoping for more groveling on Seb’s part.
I’m curious about the next book but I really hope Musa's sister will marry the guy she loves and not the one she’s engaged to… 🤞
Thank you Muse Publications LLC and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
—————
It’s a Victorian romance for fans of Lisa Kleypas. Please don’t disappoint me, dear book!
July 25, 2023
What a great debut historical romance! Absolutely had a great time reading this one.
Musa: the eldest daughter of the scandalous Bartham family has a secret: she is secretly Felicity Vita, erotic poet. She's supported her family for the past five years, ever since her father went missing and her mother retreated into a deep depression. One of her only outlets is her correspondence with Henry Whitney, a pen pal who is devoted to her poetry. Only Henry isn't Henry, he's Sebastian, impoverished artist. Seb is supporting his own family while also trying to break through as a painter.
When they meet face to face, it's as Musa and Seb - and it's not love at first sight. Musa recruits him to illustrate her new, respectable children's book. He agrees, but only with the condition that he get to meet Felicity. But as they spend more time together, Seb starts to suspect that Musa is hiding something...
This was just plain delightful. Musa and Seb might not like each other to begin with, but they soon realize they have more in common than they think. For the reader, it is great fun to see them realize how compatible they are without knowing that they are already acquainted. Seb's intuition about Musa is based on his intimate knowledge of Felicity through her letters, not through some metaphysical romance novel ~connection~. Do they both make mistakes? Sure! But they're never unforgivable. There is an overarching sense of tension for the reader, since if Musa's identity is revealed she and her family will lose everything. Seb has his own stressors and temptations. Watching them come together felt like a romance should feel: both inevitable and unexpected.
Highly recommended!
27-Word Summaries:
Laine: Woman who has to write anonymously to save her family falls for a dude via fan mail, who is nothing like the oaf she met at work...
Meg: Musa and Sebastian are in love - but don’t know it. Anonymous letters between an erotic poetess and an admirer are great, but are they actually compatible IRL?
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Musa: the eldest daughter of the scandalous Bartham family has a secret: she is secretly Felicity Vita, erotic poet. She's supported her family for the past five years, ever since her father went missing and her mother retreated into a deep depression. One of her only outlets is her correspondence with Henry Whitney, a pen pal who is devoted to her poetry. Only Henry isn't Henry, he's Sebastian, impoverished artist. Seb is supporting his own family while also trying to break through as a painter.
When they meet face to face, it's as Musa and Seb - and it's not love at first sight. Musa recruits him to illustrate her new, respectable children's book. He agrees, but only with the condition that he get to meet Felicity. But as they spend more time together, Seb starts to suspect that Musa is hiding something...
This was just plain delightful. Musa and Seb might not like each other to begin with, but they soon realize they have more in common than they think. For the reader, it is great fun to see them realize how compatible they are without knowing that they are already acquainted. Seb's intuition about Musa is based on his intimate knowledge of Felicity through her letters, not through some metaphysical romance novel ~connection~. Do they both make mistakes? Sure! But they're never unforgivable. There is an overarching sense of tension for the reader, since if Musa's identity is revealed she and her family will lose everything. Seb has his own stressors and temptations. Watching them come together felt like a romance should feel: both inevitable and unexpected.
Highly recommended!
27-Word Summaries:
Laine: Woman who has to write anonymously to save her family falls for a dude via fan mail, who is nothing like the oaf she met at work...
Meg: Musa and Sebastian are in love - but don’t know it. Anonymous letters between an erotic poetess and an admirer are great, but are they actually compatible IRL?
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
June 23, 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | 4 stars |
"But Musa had seen enough during the course of her life. She'd learned that grand passions, such as the one leading to her parent's marriage, led to grand scandals - and if Musa were to have only one rule for her family, it would be no more scandals."
What a beautiful book.
I'm a big fan of this type of romances. Ideally, I don't read several at once because I feel like it ends up being the same stories over and over again, but this was definitely a story that caught my curiosity from the first moment.
'The Poetics os Passion' tells the story of Musa, the older sister of the Bartham family. After the disappearance of her father, Musa tries to find a way to make up for the lack of monetization that once came from her dad, and it is among poems of an erotic nature that Musa writes some of her greatest hits under the pseudonym of Felicity Vita. Sebastian Atkinson is an artist in search of panotrization who manages his hobby around his work as a printer. Sebastian is also an avid fan of Felicity Vita and it is during an attempt to meet her that he ends up forming business with Musa. Musa is Felicity and no one is in possession of that fact, Seb is a fan who writes her correspondence signed by Henry. Both coexist and are unaware that in private, they long for each other's words. Can you imagine the situation? My fluttering heart quite liked the idea.
It is a complete book that generated some laughs. Especially at the early stage when Musa and Seb started working on the book. In a way, although the romance is a bit slow, it is a romance with purpose and that was something that satisfied me while reading it. Musa's family interesting enough to mention here. The only character I didn't like was her aunt, who seemed to adore Muse's sister Angela but made a point of reserving the worst words for her older niece. The author's writing is also beautiful: simple, detailed, and consistent. The kind of writing I expect in this kind of book.
The plot came up with some inconsistencies, but it wasn't something that bothered me that much and was my reason for giving it only four stars.
I received an arc offered by NetGalley and I appreciate the opportunity for allowing me to read this book. The experience could not have been more positive.
"But Musa had seen enough during the course of her life. She'd learned that grand passions, such as the one leading to her parent's marriage, led to grand scandals - and if Musa were to have only one rule for her family, it would be no more scandals."
What a beautiful book.
I'm a big fan of this type of romances. Ideally, I don't read several at once because I feel like it ends up being the same stories over and over again, but this was definitely a story that caught my curiosity from the first moment.
'The Poetics os Passion' tells the story of Musa, the older sister of the Bartham family. After the disappearance of her father, Musa tries to find a way to make up for the lack of monetization that once came from her dad, and it is among poems of an erotic nature that Musa writes some of her greatest hits under the pseudonym of Felicity Vita. Sebastian Atkinson is an artist in search of panotrization who manages his hobby around his work as a printer. Sebastian is also an avid fan of Felicity Vita and it is during an attempt to meet her that he ends up forming business with Musa. Musa is Felicity and no one is in possession of that fact, Seb is a fan who writes her correspondence signed by Henry. Both coexist and are unaware that in private, they long for each other's words. Can you imagine the situation? My fluttering heart quite liked the idea.
It is a complete book that generated some laughs. Especially at the early stage when Musa and Seb started working on the book. In a way, although the romance is a bit slow, it is a romance with purpose and that was something that satisfied me while reading it. Musa's family interesting enough to mention here. The only character I didn't like was her aunt, who seemed to adore Muse's sister Angela but made a point of reserving the worst words for her older niece. The author's writing is also beautiful: simple, detailed, and consistent. The kind of writing I expect in this kind of book.
The plot came up with some inconsistencies, but it wasn't something that bothered me that much and was my reason for giving it only four stars.
I received an arc offered by NetGalley and I appreciate the opportunity for allowing me to read this book. The experience could not have been more positive.
March 23, 2024
What a delightful premise! The main characters in this story have been corresponding in secret for over a year, growing closer and more intimate. Both have significant family responsibilities that lead them to hurt the other, but the happily ever after eventually arrives.
The story starts with the background story of Musa's parents, whose scandalous love affair produced Musa and led to their marriage (and three more children). Musa's father was a painter who left six years ago to paint in the Middle East. With her mother in a deep depression, Musa turned to writing love poetry under a pseudonym to support the family. A new owner at her publisher doesn't want to produce her books anyway, so Musa turns to writing morality stories for children.
Sebastian moved to London to work at a press and sell his art after his parents died. He has two sisters, one who is still dealing with the impact of the scarlet fever that killed their parents. He wrote to Musa under her pen name after being moved by her poetry and they've become close. Sebastian used his middle name in his letters, so neither recognizes each other when he visits Musa's publisher looking to become her illustrator. Their collaboration has it's ups and downs, but Sebastian realizes Musa's secret identity early on and struggles with how to respond.
This was a delightful, fast read, but there's also a good amount of dread as you wait for Musa's secret identity to be revealed...because what book wouldn't have such a think come out in a disastrous fashion? Seeing how both Musa and Sebastian have taken on caring for their families and earning a living is touching. They are both under such incredible pressure. All the tension in the story releases, but a full resolution takes a long time time to happen. It was a wonderful, emotion ride!
The story starts with the background story of Musa's parents, whose scandalous love affair produced Musa and led to their marriage (and three more children). Musa's father was a painter who left six years ago to paint in the Middle East. With her mother in a deep depression, Musa turned to writing love poetry under a pseudonym to support the family. A new owner at her publisher doesn't want to produce her books anyway, so Musa turns to writing morality stories for children.
Sebastian moved to London to work at a press and sell his art after his parents died. He has two sisters, one who is still dealing with the impact of the scarlet fever that killed their parents. He wrote to Musa under her pen name after being moved by her poetry and they've become close. Sebastian used his middle name in his letters, so neither recognizes each other when he visits Musa's publisher looking to become her illustrator. Their collaboration has it's ups and downs, but Sebastian realizes Musa's secret identity early on and struggles with how to respond.
This was a delightful, fast read, but there's also a good amount of dread as you wait for Musa's secret identity to be revealed...because what book wouldn't have such a think come out in a disastrous fashion? Seeing how both Musa and Sebastian have taken on caring for their families and earning a living is touching. They are both under such incredible pressure. All the tension in the story releases, but a full resolution takes a long time time to happen. It was a wonderful, emotion ride!
July 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this novel! It’s a feel-good story with plenty of little twists and turns along the way. My only wish is that although I enjoyed the way the side story lines wrapped up neatly at the end, there was something to be desired in the ending with Seb’s sisters. I hope that Delphine Ross will write more in this universe in the future as I would love to return to these characters! 💖💖💖
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC for review! 🫶🏼
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC for review! 🫶🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2023
The Poetics of Passion is a charming, delightfully romantic romp through the Victorian art world featuring a bookish, irascible heroine and a dashing artist forced to live in dereliction.
Musa Bartham has a secret—in order to support her family after their fall from societal grace, she writes steamy love poetry under a pen name, Felicity Vita, while also pursuing publication as a children’s book author.
Meanwhile, in Spitalfields, talented artist/illustrator Sebastian Atkinson lives in squalor, working nights as a pressman in order to support his sisters after the untimely death of their parents.
While their first meeting is less than auspicious, Musa and Seb soon find common ground in their work and their devotion to their families…not realizing that their alter egos—Felicity Vita and her great admirer, Henry—have actually been engaged in a long-standing, passionate affair through post.
After several humorous foibles and missed opportunities, the truth of Musa’s secret literary career eventually comes out, risking further scandal to Musa’s already scandalized family when Felicity’s true identity emerges.
Witty banter and sparkling chemistry reign supreme in this marvelous enemies-to-lovers romance. Fans of the Bridgerton series, Tessa Dare, and Evie Dunmore will find much to love in Ross’s debut!
Musa Bartham has a secret—in order to support her family after their fall from societal grace, she writes steamy love poetry under a pen name, Felicity Vita, while also pursuing publication as a children’s book author.
Meanwhile, in Spitalfields, talented artist/illustrator Sebastian Atkinson lives in squalor, working nights as a pressman in order to support his sisters after the untimely death of their parents.
While their first meeting is less than auspicious, Musa and Seb soon find common ground in their work and their devotion to their families…not realizing that their alter egos—Felicity Vita and her great admirer, Henry—have actually been engaged in a long-standing, passionate affair through post.
After several humorous foibles and missed opportunities, the truth of Musa’s secret literary career eventually comes out, risking further scandal to Musa’s already scandalized family when Felicity’s true identity emerges.
Witty banter and sparkling chemistry reign supreme in this marvelous enemies-to-lovers romance. Fans of the Bridgerton series, Tessa Dare, and Evie Dunmore will find much to love in Ross’s debut!
July 9, 2023
This is an engaging, charming, fast-reading debut HR that is a retelling of the movie "You've Got Mail", or even more accurately, the classic movie, "Shop Around the Corner." It's not super spicy or twisty, just a pleasant read with a dash of laugh-out-loud humor and open-door, level 3 steam.
Seb and Musa end up working together as children's book illustrator and author when Musa's publishing company is taken over by a moralist who is totally against the popular suggestive poetry Musa has been composing under the name Felicity Vita. Of course, Musa has only been writing it to help bring in money for her destitute family. They were hit by scandal years before when her mother jilted her fiancee to marry Musa's artist father. Her father has since disappeared after he travelled to the Holy Land to create art that he had hoped would elevate the family's reputation. Similarly, Seb pairs up with Musa because he must support his siblings, in particular his sick younger sister, after his parents' death.
The two are also unwitting penpals; Seb had been a rather rabid fan of Musa's (Felicity's) poetry and felt a growing emotional connection as they communicated back and forth. He has been using the name Henry to write to her for reasons never fully explained, but it's easy enough to let that go. Seb and Musa's sweet connection through letters was a highlight for me, their letter personas vs. their "real life" personas like night and day. There is some steam involving their early relationship as well as the relationship as Seb and Musa, but this is a pretty "slow-burn" romance. Seb is a cinnamon roll type; you won't find any "alpha bosses" here.
I also enjoyed the humor throughout the book. The plot comes together fairly well, with the typical Big Secret looming in the third act. I'm not a fan of this trope, and Seb should definitely disclosed earlier, but the author does a better job than a lot of writers in giving her MC's their motivations.
There are a few reasons why this wasn't a 5 star book for me. First of all, Americanisms and repetition of details/ideas were occasionally glaring, and anachronistic behavior bugged me. POSSIBLE SPOILERS............................It was hard to believe that Musa was able to spend the night with Seb, and then leave his house the next morning (she would have stayed later if not interrupted), without any gossips spotting her or her family being concerned. As well, when everyone walked in during the library scene toward the end (must HR's always have a library scene??) it should have created a scandal, even if the big Ton gossip, the Countess of Sunderland, wasn't there. The scene is played for humor which detracts from the theme that Musa has to keep a spotless reputation.
Also, although I really liked the MC's, secondary characters are thinly developed. Musa's sister Angela comes across as a social-climbing ninny (I couldn't figure out why everyone thought she should marry Sunny, who is a self-centered twat). I honestly couldn't see the closeness between her and Musa. Aunt Minevera is supposed to be a comedic figure, I think, but her behavior toward Musa is so snotty and dismissive from the start she rubbed me the wrong way. Also, Musa's mom Clio is so self-absorbed. The author does try to give her a character arc, but when she scolds Musa self-righteously regarding the source of Musa's poetry ideas toward the end, I rolled my eyes.
Plotwise, the only big hole is that Musa should have been able to figure out Seb was Henry based on his handwriting much earlier.
Last nitpick: the book ends on a cliffhanger. I understand why writers use them, but I'm not a big fan.
Overall, though, this is a sweet, charming read. If you're used to erotica, "bully MMC's", or contemporary romance it may not be your thing, but I'm a fan of HR's because I enjoy the escapism element. This worked for me well on that level.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own.
Seb and Musa end up working together as children's book illustrator and author when Musa's publishing company is taken over by a moralist who is totally against the popular suggestive poetry Musa has been composing under the name Felicity Vita. Of course, Musa has only been writing it to help bring in money for her destitute family. They were hit by scandal years before when her mother jilted her fiancee to marry Musa's artist father. Her father has since disappeared after he travelled to the Holy Land to create art that he had hoped would elevate the family's reputation. Similarly, Seb pairs up with Musa because he must support his siblings, in particular his sick younger sister, after his parents' death.
The two are also unwitting penpals; Seb had been a rather rabid fan of Musa's (Felicity's) poetry and felt a growing emotional connection as they communicated back and forth. He has been using the name Henry to write to her for reasons never fully explained, but it's easy enough to let that go. Seb and Musa's sweet connection through letters was a highlight for me, their letter personas vs. their "real life" personas like night and day. There is some steam involving their early relationship as well as the relationship as Seb and Musa, but this is a pretty "slow-burn" romance. Seb is a cinnamon roll type; you won't find any "alpha bosses" here.
I also enjoyed the humor throughout the book. The plot comes together fairly well, with the typical Big Secret looming in the third act. I'm not a fan of this trope, and Seb should definitely disclosed earlier, but the author does a better job than a lot of writers in giving her MC's their motivations.
There are a few reasons why this wasn't a 5 star book for me. First of all, Americanisms and repetition of details/ideas were occasionally glaring, and anachronistic behavior bugged me. POSSIBLE SPOILERS............................It was hard to believe that Musa was able to spend the night with Seb, and then leave his house the next morning (she would have stayed later if not interrupted), without any gossips spotting her or her family being concerned. As well, when everyone walked in during the library scene toward the end (must HR's always have a library scene??) it should have created a scandal, even if the big Ton gossip, the Countess of Sunderland, wasn't there. The scene is played for humor which detracts from the theme that Musa has to keep a spotless reputation.
Also, although I really liked the MC's, secondary characters are thinly developed. Musa's sister Angela comes across as a social-climbing ninny (I couldn't figure out why everyone thought she should marry Sunny, who is a self-centered twat). I honestly couldn't see the closeness between her and Musa. Aunt Minevera is supposed to be a comedic figure, I think, but her behavior toward Musa is so snotty and dismissive from the start she rubbed me the wrong way. Also, Musa's mom Clio is so self-absorbed. The author does try to give her a character arc, but when she scolds Musa self-righteously regarding the source of Musa's poetry ideas toward the end, I rolled my eyes.
Plotwise, the only big hole is that Musa should have been able to figure out Seb was Henry based on his handwriting much earlier.
Last nitpick: the book ends on a cliffhanger. I understand why writers use them, but I'm not a big fan.
Overall, though, this is a sweet, charming read. If you're used to erotica, "bully MMC's", or contemporary romance it may not be your thing, but I'm a fan of HR's because I enjoy the escapism element. This worked for me well on that level.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own.
August 30, 2023
TITLE: The Poetics of Passion
SERIES: The Muses of Scandal Book 1
AUTHOR: Delphine Ross
PUB DATE: 07.21.2023 Now Available
In 1872 London, a scandalous love poetess and a passionate children's book illustrator are set at odds in this sparkling enemies-to-lovers romance.
A secret identity means secret desires—and not-so-secret scandals . . .
THOUGHTS:
The Poetics of Passion was a romp of a Victorian era historical romance read that reminded me of the movie with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in You’ve Got Mail. In this first book of The Muses of Scandal series, and the authors’ debut novel, we find Musa, a famous writer of erotic poetry who writes behind the pen name - Felicity Vita, who has helped keep this family afloat after her fathers’ disappearance five years ago - leaving a scandalous mishap affecting her family’s reputation. Musa has a penpal named Henry Whitney who is really Sebastian, a struggling artist.
I love the tension and how the reveal is written revealing some fun side stories, and a motley cast of characters that made this RomCom a delight to read. I look forward to book two and maybe seeing some favorite characters again.
I found the writing easy to read, good pacing that keeps readers looking forward to some mystery, romance, and a bit of swoon.
SERIES: The Muses of Scandal Book 1
AUTHOR: Delphine Ross
PUB DATE: 07.21.2023 Now Available
In 1872 London, a scandalous love poetess and a passionate children's book illustrator are set at odds in this sparkling enemies-to-lovers romance.
A secret identity means secret desires—and not-so-secret scandals . . .
THOUGHTS:
The Poetics of Passion was a romp of a Victorian era historical romance read that reminded me of the movie with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in You’ve Got Mail. In this first book of The Muses of Scandal series, and the authors’ debut novel, we find Musa, a famous writer of erotic poetry who writes behind the pen name - Felicity Vita, who has helped keep this family afloat after her fathers’ disappearance five years ago - leaving a scandalous mishap affecting her family’s reputation. Musa has a penpal named Henry Whitney who is really Sebastian, a struggling artist.
I love the tension and how the reveal is written revealing some fun side stories, and a motley cast of characters that made this RomCom a delight to read. I look forward to book two and maybe seeing some favorite characters again.
I found the writing easy to read, good pacing that keeps readers looking forward to some mystery, romance, and a bit of swoon.
April 14, 2023
Delphine Ross has written a charming and sexy Victorian romance with a vibrant literary heroine and a swooning artist hero who go head to head. A captivating blend of witty banter, historical details and delightful characters. Ross’s debut historical romance is definitely a novel that will enchant readers!
July 29, 2023
MMCs. Is. My. Favorite. Trope.
I don't know why. It happens rarely, but when I see it, I go feral.
The Poetics of Passion follows Musa and Seb through a convoluted journey of pen names, hidden identities, creative pursuit, and romance. Musa Bartham has a secret: she's really the famous love poet Felicity Vita. Her poems are widely known and a bit notorious, and Musa carefully guards the secret of her identity to keep any further scandal from befalling her family.
See, Musa's parents are a famous artist and the infamous "Muse of Scandal" who left her husband to marry him instead, and society's never quite forgiven or forgotten that. Musa has no interest in garnering that sort of attention or inflicting the scars it can leave, so she regulates love and passion to her secret, creative work and to her letters with a man named Henry--a man who initially wrote her to express admiration and gratitude for her work, before they developed a deeper connection and companionship.
Musa's satisfied with this. She earns a modest amount with her work--enough to keep a roof over her family's head after her father's disappearance. She doesn't need more, and in fact, she refuses Henry's request to meet after over a year of writing each other. Romance is better regulated to the page, she thinks.
And then her publisher is bought out, and Felicity Vita's dropped as a writer. Musa has to write something else if she wants to provide for her family. On the dawn of this issue, she bumps into a rakish, disheveled looking man outside Persephone Press, who requests to meet Felicity Vita and offers to do artwork for the poet's work. They clash. They argue. Musa drops his drawings in a puddle.
But then she looks closer, and realizes that his work could be a good fit for a different kind of story. A children's book of wholesome lessons and stories, maybe. Seb and Musa strike up a bargain. He'll illustrate her book if in addition to the regular compensation, she helps him meet Felicity Vita. Musa agrees, having no intention of doing so.
Meanwhile, Seb, who's fallen in love with the poet who writes him, struggles as he finds himself frustrated, then drawn compellingly to his new professional partner on a children's book collaboration. The partnership is one with the highs and lows of mundane life, complete with irritations, disagreements, vulnerability, and the excitement of creative collaboration. As they grow closer, Seb struggles to process his feelings about his pen pal, about Musa, about a suspicion he has about Musa's creative identity, and the nature of a relationship formed after communicating through words alone in comparison to sudden feelings blooming in his interactions with a very complicated woman he works with.
Musa, meanwhile, is going through much of the same.
I quite liked this. The writing is vivid and bright. The complicated feelings are given room to breathe, and I appreciated that this novel didn't pit Felicity and Musa or Seb and Henry against each other in a way that felt like infidelity, which can sometimes be the case with this trope.
Musa's relationship with her parents is fascinating, as is her relationship with Seb and Henry.
She's complicated, full of contradictions, and I found her journey to trying to make peace with both her separate selves really interesting.
But Seb took the cake for me here. He's emotional. He's a little bit melodramatic (especially at the start), but he's not unaware of it. He has a refreshing self-awareness and reflectivity that make him fascinating to watch and not irksome to follow through the ups and downs of the story. He makes mistakes, he acknowledges the difficult situations fueling those mistakes, and he still takes ownership of them. He's quite dynamic--you see him learn, adapt, and grow over the story, as does Musa. They share a lot of commonalities, but some very different pressures and problems. Watching those things unfold was fascinating.
This was sweet, nuanced, and I appreciated the pining and vulnerability. My favorite part was the artistic collaboration and the partnership that evolves there. I'll definitely keep an eye on this writer's work!!
**CWs: Sexism, loss of a parent, social shaming, content that ranks at about a 6 on the RCRS scale, though it is skippable without confusion.
I don't know why. It happens rarely, but when I see it, I go feral.
The Poetics of Passion follows Musa and Seb through a convoluted journey of pen names, hidden identities, creative pursuit, and romance. Musa Bartham has a secret: she's really the famous love poet Felicity Vita. Her poems are widely known and a bit notorious, and Musa carefully guards the secret of her identity to keep any further scandal from befalling her family.
See, Musa's parents are a famous artist and the infamous "Muse of Scandal" who left her husband to marry him instead, and society's never quite forgiven or forgotten that. Musa has no interest in garnering that sort of attention or inflicting the scars it can leave, so she regulates love and passion to her secret, creative work and to her letters with a man named Henry--a man who initially wrote her to express admiration and gratitude for her work, before they developed a deeper connection and companionship.
Musa's satisfied with this. She earns a modest amount with her work--enough to keep a roof over her family's head after her father's disappearance. She doesn't need more, and in fact, she refuses Henry's request to meet after over a year of writing each other. Romance is better regulated to the page, she thinks.
And then her publisher is bought out, and Felicity Vita's dropped as a writer. Musa has to write something else if she wants to provide for her family. On the dawn of this issue, she bumps into a rakish, disheveled looking man outside Persephone Press, who requests to meet Felicity Vita and offers to do artwork for the poet's work. They clash. They argue. Musa drops his drawings in a puddle.
But then she looks closer, and realizes that his work could be a good fit for a different kind of story. A children's book of wholesome lessons and stories, maybe. Seb and Musa strike up a bargain. He'll illustrate her book if in addition to the regular compensation, she helps him meet Felicity Vita. Musa agrees, having no intention of doing so.
Meanwhile, Seb, who's fallen in love with the poet who writes him, struggles as he finds himself frustrated, then drawn compellingly to his new professional partner on a children's book collaboration. The partnership is one with the highs and lows of mundane life, complete with irritations, disagreements, vulnerability, and the excitement of creative collaboration. As they grow closer, Seb struggles to process his feelings about his pen pal, about Musa, about a suspicion he has about Musa's creative identity, and the nature of a relationship formed after communicating through words alone in comparison to sudden feelings blooming in his interactions with a very complicated woman he works with.
Musa, meanwhile, is going through much of the same.
I quite liked this. The writing is vivid and bright. The complicated feelings are given room to breathe, and I appreciated that this novel didn't pit Felicity and Musa or Seb and Henry against each other in a way that felt like infidelity, which can sometimes be the case with this trope.
Musa's relationship with her parents is fascinating, as is her relationship with Seb and Henry.
She's complicated, full of contradictions, and I found her journey to trying to make peace with both her separate selves really interesting.
But Seb took the cake for me here. He's emotional. He's a little bit melodramatic (especially at the start), but he's not unaware of it. He has a refreshing self-awareness and reflectivity that make him fascinating to watch and not irksome to follow through the ups and downs of the story. He makes mistakes, he acknowledges the difficult situations fueling those mistakes, and he still takes ownership of them. He's quite dynamic--you see him learn, adapt, and grow over the story, as does Musa. They share a lot of commonalities, but some very different pressures and problems. Watching those things unfold was fascinating.
This was sweet, nuanced, and I appreciated the pining and vulnerability. My favorite part was the artistic collaboration and the partnership that evolves there. I'll definitely keep an eye on this writer's work!!
**CWs: Sexism, loss of a parent, social shaming, content that ranks at about a 6 on the RCRS scale, though it is skippable without confusion.
July 23, 2023
Really lovely epistolary/pen pals romance. Refreshing even in its miscommunications and hidden identities.
Genre: historical romance
London, 1872
Musa Bartham’s parents have the dramatic love story of the ages, so scandalous that Musa and her siblings haven’t been able to socialize in Polite Society ever. When Musa’s father, an infamous but talented artist, leaves to go in search of work that can restore his reputation, the Bartham family falls on hard times. They would have been harder times, except that Musa has become somewhat of a poetic genius, publishing volumes of scandalous love poetry as Felicity Vita. She learns that her livelihood is in peril, though, when her publisher wants to go in a different, more moral direction.
When Musa meets Sebastian Atkinson and his brilliant drawings, she’s inspired to collaborate on a children’s book. Little do either of them know that they are each other’s secret penpals as well! Musa-as-Felicity has been corresponding with Seb-as-Henry Whitney! They each have something incredible to gain by the success of this book… and also something big to lose if it fails.
What a charming debut from Delphine Ross! I really enjoyed this secret penpals romance. At every turn, Ross surprised me with her decisions of what to reveal and what not to reveal through her characters’ inner monologues. A secret identity style romance can get bogged down in miscommunication tropes - and while there’s some miscommunication, the characters are self-aware enough to realize their choices.
The Poetics of Passion was truly a delight from start to finish. Fresh and joyful, while still addressing some of the serious sides of love, family, grief, and the risk it takes to make beautiful art.
Thank you to Muse Publications and Netgalley for an eARC for review. The Poetics of Passion is out 7/25/23!
Genre: historical romance
London, 1872
Musa Bartham’s parents have the dramatic love story of the ages, so scandalous that Musa and her siblings haven’t been able to socialize in Polite Society ever. When Musa’s father, an infamous but talented artist, leaves to go in search of work that can restore his reputation, the Bartham family falls on hard times. They would have been harder times, except that Musa has become somewhat of a poetic genius, publishing volumes of scandalous love poetry as Felicity Vita. She learns that her livelihood is in peril, though, when her publisher wants to go in a different, more moral direction.
When Musa meets Sebastian Atkinson and his brilliant drawings, she’s inspired to collaborate on a children’s book. Little do either of them know that they are each other’s secret penpals as well! Musa-as-Felicity has been corresponding with Seb-as-Henry Whitney! They each have something incredible to gain by the success of this book… and also something big to lose if it fails.
What a charming debut from Delphine Ross! I really enjoyed this secret penpals romance. At every turn, Ross surprised me with her decisions of what to reveal and what not to reveal through her characters’ inner monologues. A secret identity style romance can get bogged down in miscommunication tropes - and while there’s some miscommunication, the characters are self-aware enough to realize their choices.
The Poetics of Passion was truly a delight from start to finish. Fresh and joyful, while still addressing some of the serious sides of love, family, grief, and the risk it takes to make beautiful art.
Thank you to Muse Publications and Netgalley for an eARC for review. The Poetics of Passion is out 7/25/23!
July 20, 2023
Such a lush historical romance, set in London in 1872, with MCs Musa, a writer, and Seb, an artist, who both work to support their destitute families.
At first she writes love poetry under a pseudonym. When a new publisher refuses to release her scandalous work, she turns to a more legit career -- writing children's books -- and turns to Seb to illustrate them.
Turns out he is a secret fan of her poetry and as they become pen pals (in a kind of histfic You've Got Mail), they develop a sweet romance that warms the heart and brings joy. I loved it!
At first she writes love poetry under a pseudonym. When a new publisher refuses to release her scandalous work, she turns to a more legit career -- writing children's books -- and turns to Seb to illustrate them.
Turns out he is a secret fan of her poetry and as they become pen pals (in a kind of histfic You've Got Mail), they develop a sweet romance that warms the heart and brings joy. I loved it!
July 13, 2023
The Poetics of Passion was a fresh and fun historical romance. The book starts out strong with a recounting of the heroine's parents' first meeting. I'll admit I wouldn't mind a full book on them. The heroine, Musa, is pragmatic and has discounted any possibility of following her parents into the folly of love. At the same time, she writes and publishes love poems (but for practical reasons! to make money and save her family!) using a nom de plume. The hero, Sebastien, is a painter (like Musa's father) desperate to meet the poetess. He is also desperate to make money to save his family (much like Musa). The two had been corresponding under assumed names and then begin working together without realizing the other is their writing correspondent. Their actual selves follow an enemies-to-lovers track. The book fell a bit flat at the end, but was overall enjoyable and I look forward to future books by Delphine Ross.
The romance is open door, but scenes are fairly brief.
One nitpicky complaint about something that pulled me out of the story every time it came up: the word penpal. The term didn't appear until the 20th century and always felt so jarring when I read it. I don't know what would have been the accurate term at the time, perhaps correspondent?
Many thanks to NetGalley and Muse Publications for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
The romance is open door, but scenes are fairly brief.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Muse Publications for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
April 30, 2023
For a book with passion in the title, Poetics of Passion seems to lack conventional passion and instead focuses more on the passions of family and art. Most heavily on the art.
Delphine Ross introduces us to Musa Bartham, born into scandal because her mother left her partner in order to marry her father. The prologue is excellent and sets you up for passion and adventure, but only in the first chapter do you learn that passion has basically died in the Bartham household. As eldest daughters tend to do (#eldestchildtrauma), Musa has been head of household by writing bawdy romance poems under a pen name to make ends meet while her mother mourns and grieves the “loss” of her husband on a mission to the holy lands to make their name reputable again. The same can basically be said for male protagonist, artist Sebastian Atkinson, save he’s got dead parents, a rundown old manor house, and two younger sisters, the youngest of which needs constant medical care.
The start of chemistry is there between Musa and Seb, but honestly, the book is just okay. There’s this whole thing with a painting called the Lady with Mercy or the Lady without Mercy, which are the same painting but not? It’s a classic case of miscommunication - or lack thereof - between two lovers. Ross’s characters feel period appropriate, but otherwise kind of boring and the women around Musa kind of vapid. Musa’s friend Mary is constantly eating. Like, that’s her only personality trait. Also her mother, Clio, is one literal step up from trash.
The writing is strong, but I think there’s room for improvement. It wasn’t until halfway through the book (in my perception, I am forgetful and could be wrong) that were told that Musa has glasses, and then they play a ginormous part in the rest of the plot. Like, girl cannot see without them, how are they just being mentioned in chapter 25?
Overall, I would recommend this to people who love historical romance. There isn’t enough romance in it to make regular romance readers into it. It’s a great debut for Ross and I hope that she continues with her writing and with this series.
Delphine Ross introduces us to Musa Bartham, born into scandal because her mother left her partner in order to marry her father. The prologue is excellent and sets you up for passion and adventure, but only in the first chapter do you learn that passion has basically died in the Bartham household. As eldest daughters tend to do (#eldestchildtrauma), Musa has been head of household by writing bawdy romance poems under a pen name to make ends meet while her mother mourns and grieves the “loss” of her husband on a mission to the holy lands to make their name reputable again. The same can basically be said for male protagonist, artist Sebastian Atkinson, save he’s got dead parents, a rundown old manor house, and two younger sisters, the youngest of which needs constant medical care.
The start of chemistry is there between Musa and Seb, but honestly, the book is just okay. There’s this whole thing with a painting called the Lady with Mercy or the Lady without Mercy, which are the same painting but not? It’s a classic case of miscommunication - or lack thereof - between two lovers. Ross’s characters feel period appropriate, but otherwise kind of boring and the women around Musa kind of vapid. Musa’s friend Mary is constantly eating. Like, that’s her only personality trait. Also her mother, Clio, is one literal step up from trash.
The writing is strong, but I think there’s room for improvement. It wasn’t until halfway through the book (in my perception, I am forgetful and could be wrong) that were told that Musa has glasses, and then they play a ginormous part in the rest of the plot. Like, girl cannot see without them, how are they just being mentioned in chapter 25?
Overall, I would recommend this to people who love historical romance. There isn’t enough romance in it to make regular romance readers into it. It’s a great debut for Ross and I hope that she continues with her writing and with this series.
May 13, 2023
This is the historical romance you may not have known you needed--but you absolutely do! Dukes are all very well, but after a few dozen of them, don't you want something different? What I'd been craving is exactly what Delphine Ross provides, in this delightful Victorian -- a romance between creatives, where a writer and an artist cross swords and fall in love.
The Bartham family scandal is based on the actual Ruskin-Millais divorce, wherein the young wife of the eminence grise of art criticism managed to obtain a divorce, only to marry a painter her husband had been championing. The real life Millais family, and the fictional Bartham one, were both looked on askance by respectable Victorian society.
Here, the hyper-responsible eldest daughter, Musa, has been keeping the family afloat with the scandalous poetry she's been publishing under a pseudonym. When a shakeup occurs with her publisher, Musa attempts to write moralistic children's fiction (and the very worst of Victorian kidlit is deftly satirized here). She recruits Sebastian Atkinson, an artist she dislikes, to illustrate her book. Naturally, there's more going on, as Sebastian is Musa's alter-ego's biggest fan and devoted pen-pal, and of course, neither realizes it, even as they both enrage and bring out the best in each other.
Of course, this being a romance, there's a happy ending. I'm already looking forward to finding out what happens with next-eldest sister Angela, and the younger siblings. I'm even holding out hope for the missing-presumed-dead father.
I received an advance copy of the book from Netgalley and Muse Publications, but this is my unbiased opinion.
The Bartham family scandal is based on the actual Ruskin-Millais divorce, wherein the young wife of the eminence grise of art criticism managed to obtain a divorce, only to marry a painter her husband had been championing. The real life Millais family, and the fictional Bartham one, were both looked on askance by respectable Victorian society.
Here, the hyper-responsible eldest daughter, Musa, has been keeping the family afloat with the scandalous poetry she's been publishing under a pseudonym. When a shakeup occurs with her publisher, Musa attempts to write moralistic children's fiction (and the very worst of Victorian kidlit is deftly satirized here). She recruits Sebastian Atkinson, an artist she dislikes, to illustrate her book. Naturally, there's more going on, as Sebastian is Musa's alter-ego's biggest fan and devoted pen-pal, and of course, neither realizes it, even as they both enrage and bring out the best in each other.
Of course, this being a romance, there's a happy ending. I'm already looking forward to finding out what happens with next-eldest sister Angela, and the younger siblings. I'm even holding out hope for the missing-presumed-dead father.
I received an advance copy of the book from Netgalley and Muse Publications, but this is my unbiased opinion.
April 7, 2023
This historical romance was charming, sexy, amusing, and intelligent. The two leading romantic characters struggle to each support their families and engage in a You’ve Got Mail style correspondence. That is, they don’t like each other in person but fall for each other through letters. There are hidden identities, clever banter, and amusing observations of society during the late nineteenth century.
The romance is definitely hot, but what I really liked about this novel were the literary allusions and realistic struggles of the two characters. The plot lines were not contrived, and there was much to be interested in beyond the romance. The relationships among family and friends were realistically depicted.
This was a debut novel, and I hope there will be more books coming. There were some supporting characters in this novel whose lives and challenges deserve another look and resolution.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thank Netgalley for the ARC.
The romance is definitely hot, but what I really liked about this novel were the literary allusions and realistic struggles of the two characters. The plot lines were not contrived, and there was much to be interested in beyond the romance. The relationships among family and friends were realistically depicted.
This was a debut novel, and I hope there will be more books coming. There were some supporting characters in this novel whose lives and challenges deserve another look and resolution.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thank Netgalley for the ARC.
June 21, 2023
3 1/2 stars.
This is the first time reading this author and I enjoyed the story and writing.
It's a secret identity story and there's much at stake for Musa and Seb. Her family history is full of scandal and there will be more scandal if her pen name comes to light.
When they meet in person, they don't know they've been writing to each other for a year under their pennames. But soon their lives entwine and a connection forms.
It kept my interest and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Language and explicit scenes.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
This is the first time reading this author and I enjoyed the story and writing.
It's a secret identity story and there's much at stake for Musa and Seb. Her family history is full of scandal and there will be more scandal if her pen name comes to light.
When they meet in person, they don't know they've been writing to each other for a year under their pennames. But soon their lives entwine and a connection forms.
It kept my interest and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Language and explicit scenes.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
July 31, 2023
Review originally posted at https://smexybooks.com/2023/07/review...
This is a very different historical romance than I’ve read in a long while. Mainly because these are two regular people, struggling with everyday things like how to make enough money to afford food, rent, and medical care for their families.
The main protagonists are an artist and an author, both supporting their families for various reasons. The female main character is Musa Bartham, the eldest daughter of the notorious artist Neil Bartham and his muse and wife, Clio. During Clio’s short marriage to a renowned art critic, their affair and sudden elopement caused quite a scandal that has followed the Bartham family ever since, lowering their stations in life and leaving them on the edge of respectability. Now, with her father missing and presumed dead, Musa has taken up the role of head of household to her family and writes scandalous love poetry under the name Felicity Vita to cover their expenses. That is until she is told by her publisher that the new owner is moving in a new direction and there will be no more Felicity Vita books published. So Musa decides to head in an entirely different direction.
Sebastian Atkinson is an artist who is trying to support his two sisters after the death of his parents. He also works at a printing press to keep a roof over his head. Lately, he’s become obsessed with the woman who he has been corresponding with after reading her passionate poetry. Felicity Vita. After showing up at her publisher in the hopes of meeting her, he ends up being introduced to Musa Bartham instead and ends up agreeing to illustrate her upcoming children’s book.
Despite the main characters’ backstories, this was a light read with some fun moments. As you can guess, the correspondence between Sebastian (as Henry) and Musa (as Felicity) plays a big part in the overall romantic conflict between this couple. They’ve been writing letters to each other for quite a while, and have connected on a deep, emotional level long before they meet, but their first in-person impressions of each other aren’t all that great. While working together, their friendship evolves, and their attraction for each other along with it. I was eagerly awaiting the confrontation when they would finally confide in each other their true identities.
Along with that conflict, there are miscommunication issues between the two, and in my opinion, Sebastian kept his secrets way, way too long. But their slow-burn romance was nicely done. I enjoyed meeting the secondary characters and hope to see them again, especially Angela who I would like to see find her HEA. I felt like everything was wrapped up a little too easily, but hey- sometimes less drama is nice too, especially when a big blowup at the end is expected.
All in all, this was a fast, fun read and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Grade- B
This is a very different historical romance than I’ve read in a long while. Mainly because these are two regular people, struggling with everyday things like how to make enough money to afford food, rent, and medical care for their families.
The main protagonists are an artist and an author, both supporting their families for various reasons. The female main character is Musa Bartham, the eldest daughter of the notorious artist Neil Bartham and his muse and wife, Clio. During Clio’s short marriage to a renowned art critic, their affair and sudden elopement caused quite a scandal that has followed the Bartham family ever since, lowering their stations in life and leaving them on the edge of respectability. Now, with her father missing and presumed dead, Musa has taken up the role of head of household to her family and writes scandalous love poetry under the name Felicity Vita to cover their expenses. That is until she is told by her publisher that the new owner is moving in a new direction and there will be no more Felicity Vita books published. So Musa decides to head in an entirely different direction.
Sebastian Atkinson is an artist who is trying to support his two sisters after the death of his parents. He also works at a printing press to keep a roof over his head. Lately, he’s become obsessed with the woman who he has been corresponding with after reading her passionate poetry. Felicity Vita. After showing up at her publisher in the hopes of meeting her, he ends up being introduced to Musa Bartham instead and ends up agreeing to illustrate her upcoming children’s book.
Despite the main characters’ backstories, this was a light read with some fun moments. As you can guess, the correspondence between Sebastian (as Henry) and Musa (as Felicity) plays a big part in the overall romantic conflict between this couple. They’ve been writing letters to each other for quite a while, and have connected on a deep, emotional level long before they meet, but their first in-person impressions of each other aren’t all that great. While working together, their friendship evolves, and their attraction for each other along with it. I was eagerly awaiting the confrontation when they would finally confide in each other their true identities.
Along with that conflict, there are miscommunication issues between the two, and in my opinion, Sebastian kept his secrets way, way too long. But their slow-burn romance was nicely done. I enjoyed meeting the secondary characters and hope to see them again, especially Angela who I would like to see find her HEA. I felt like everything was wrapped up a little too easily, but hey- sometimes less drama is nice too, especially when a big blowup at the end is expected.
All in all, this was a fast, fun read and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Grade- B
April 5, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Set in 1870s London, The Poetics of Passion tells the story of Musa Bartham - eldest daughter of the scandalous Neil and Clio Bartham, whose elopement and social ruin is legendary - and her efforts to financially support her family after the disappearance of her artistic father. She adopts the pen name Felicity Vita to publish love poems, but fears her notoriety will bring her beautiful sister Angela ruin rather than proposals when she sets out on the marriage mart with the help of their aristocratic great-aunt. Musa pivots to write a children’s book, while juggling a peculiar attraction to her collaborator (starving artist Sebastian Atkinson), harboring a secret romance with a long-standing pen pal, and trying to keep her identity out of the newspapers!
This book is unique in its plot and perspective. The characters feel rich with very real anxieties about how to get by in a world without parental support and financial security. At times it is unclear to me how dire the situation is for our main characters - Sebastian’s squalor is more clearly described, whereas Musa’s financial situation seems inconsistent through the book (can they afford sugar and cream for breakfast?) The romantic and sexual tension between these two is stellar - every near kiss, every touch is palpable in the writing. The buildup is almost better than the payoff!
At times I did struggle to believe that our main characters wouldn’t immediately see through the “familiarity” they feel around each other - the suspense of their secret identities and real personas falls a little flat to me when they are constantly thinking “I feel like I’ve met this person before” without somehow making the necessary connections. The scene where Mussa puts her fingers on Sebastian’s mouth is a standout - that’s how you write a character putting 2 and 2 together. The build up to it could be a little more subtle in my opinion, and focusing more on the attraction rather than the familiarity might be more rewarding when they finally come together.
The twists and turns are reasonable although a little belabored (how often is the newspaper going to tease a scandalous reveal before they finally publish it?). The ending seemed a little rushed and contrived, probably because we don’t know our American publisher very well, but that is not uncommon in HR. I wish we had more time fleshing out some of the extra characters (Mary, Luke, Angela and Sunny in particular) rather than having Musa and Seb introspect over the same topics for the third time in so many pages.
Finally, I found the references to Keats and Alcott a little clunky over the course of the book. I’m a big fan of show, don’t tell - you should trust your audience to make the connection without repeatedly referencing La Belle sans merci and Little Women several times in one page (also does anyone find it hard to believe that Sunny read Little Women?)!
This review seems quite critical and that is because I actually really enjoyed the book overall. I think it is a great debut and has the potential to be a really fantastic series. Some attention to detail (typos and word repetition in particular) would make the prose stand out even more. And tightening up some of the pacing and length could make it a really phenomenal piece of writing.
Set in 1870s London, The Poetics of Passion tells the story of Musa Bartham - eldest daughter of the scandalous Neil and Clio Bartham, whose elopement and social ruin is legendary - and her efforts to financially support her family after the disappearance of her artistic father. She adopts the pen name Felicity Vita to publish love poems, but fears her notoriety will bring her beautiful sister Angela ruin rather than proposals when she sets out on the marriage mart with the help of their aristocratic great-aunt. Musa pivots to write a children’s book, while juggling a peculiar attraction to her collaborator (starving artist Sebastian Atkinson), harboring a secret romance with a long-standing pen pal, and trying to keep her identity out of the newspapers!
This book is unique in its plot and perspective. The characters feel rich with very real anxieties about how to get by in a world without parental support and financial security. At times it is unclear to me how dire the situation is for our main characters - Sebastian’s squalor is more clearly described, whereas Musa’s financial situation seems inconsistent through the book (can they afford sugar and cream for breakfast?) The romantic and sexual tension between these two is stellar - every near kiss, every touch is palpable in the writing. The buildup is almost better than the payoff!
At times I did struggle to believe that our main characters wouldn’t immediately see through the “familiarity” they feel around each other - the suspense of their secret identities and real personas falls a little flat to me when they are constantly thinking “I feel like I’ve met this person before” without somehow making the necessary connections. The scene where Mussa puts her fingers on Sebastian’s mouth is a standout - that’s how you write a character putting 2 and 2 together. The build up to it could be a little more subtle in my opinion, and focusing more on the attraction rather than the familiarity might be more rewarding when they finally come together.
The twists and turns are reasonable although a little belabored (how often is the newspaper going to tease a scandalous reveal before they finally publish it?). The ending seemed a little rushed and contrived, probably because we don’t know our American publisher very well, but that is not uncommon in HR. I wish we had more time fleshing out some of the extra characters (Mary, Luke, Angela and Sunny in particular) rather than having Musa and Seb introspect over the same topics for the third time in so many pages.
Finally, I found the references to Keats and Alcott a little clunky over the course of the book. I’m a big fan of show, don’t tell - you should trust your audience to make the connection without repeatedly referencing La Belle sans merci and Little Women several times in one page (also does anyone find it hard to believe that Sunny read Little Women?)!
This review seems quite critical and that is because I actually really enjoyed the book overall. I think it is a great debut and has the potential to be a really fantastic series. Some attention to detail (typos and word repetition in particular) would make the prose stand out even more. And tightening up some of the pacing and length could make it a really phenomenal piece of writing.
April 17, 2023
This Historical Romance switches perspectives between the two main characters: Musa, a writer whose family and future prospects have been damned by her parents' scandalous romance, and Seb, an artist who is striving to provide for his ailing sister while being desperately in love with Musa's nom de plume. Their paths cross, fates intertwine, and what starts as a rocky partnership at best, turns into a supportive and fierce romance. The story has great pacing, sweet tension, and adequate steamy moments. I couldn't help but feel frustrated when characters made certain poor decisions, but perhaps that shows how invested a reader can get in the story. Fans of scandal and secret identities in more light-hearted historical settings will find The Poetics of Passion to be an engaging read.
August 30, 2023
I had a fun time reading this book! We follow Musa, a secret scandalous poetess, who suddenly needs to shift her writing when her publisher gets bought out. She decides to write a children's book and enlists the help of Sebastian, a stressed out artist, to complete the illustrations. What neither realize at first is that they have been corresponding back and forth for over a year as Felicity, the poetess, and Henry, an adoring fan of her poetry. What I liked about this story is that even though they have been unknowingly writing each other, we still get to see the actual development of their in person relationship as their "real" selves. Their romance is slow and very sweet, but their thoughts about each other are quite passionate. What I didn't love as much is how often they just avoided figuring out or divulging their alter egos. It just took too long after one found out for the other to share their identity, and the reasoning was blah. The last like 20% of this book was a wild ride though and I was seated with my popcorn. I read the synopsis for the next book in the series, which follows miss gorgeous gorgeous girl Musa's younger sister Angela and sound like it will be a wild time. I think if you are looking for an overall fun story where the characters really care about their families and has a slower burn of a romance, this is a really great option!
Thank you to Muse Publications and Netgalley for the eARC! All thoughts are my own :)
Thank you to Muse Publications and Netgalley for the eARC! All thoughts are my own :)
July 20, 2023
It's 1872 in London and The Bartham Family are at their lowest due to their father's scandal years ago and then his sudden departure leaving his family to repent for his sins and no word has been heard from him yet which led everyone to presume him dead.
Therefore, Musa Bartham the eldest daughter was left to support the family, and the only way she found it was through writing poetry(love poetry) under the pen name Felicity Vita. All of London buzzed about her and yearned to uncover her identity, especially one person who was enamored with her Seb Atkinson aka Henry Whitney a 28-year-old artist and a pressman the pen pal who had been exchanging letters with Felicity for over a year now and is dying to meet her.
So when things change at the publishing house and Musa's poetry books are longer allowed to be published she come up with the idea of writing Children's books to provide for her family and maybe try to make the Bartham family name acceptable again and this where Musa and Seb are brought together by fate not knowing that they are the same persons behind the letters.
I loved this book so much. Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres and this book truly delivered such a beautiful story.
Everything was perfect from A to Z and the dual POVs made it much more enjoyable.
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC of #ThePoeticsOfPassion in exchange for my honest review.
Xoxo 💋
Therefore, Musa Bartham the eldest daughter was left to support the family, and the only way she found it was through writing poetry(love poetry) under the pen name Felicity Vita. All of London buzzed about her and yearned to uncover her identity, especially one person who was enamored with her Seb Atkinson aka Henry Whitney a 28-year-old artist and a pressman the pen pal who had been exchanging letters with Felicity for over a year now and is dying to meet her.
So when things change at the publishing house and Musa's poetry books are longer allowed to be published she come up with the idea of writing Children's books to provide for her family and maybe try to make the Bartham family name acceptable again and this where Musa and Seb are brought together by fate not knowing that they are the same persons behind the letters.
I loved this book so much. Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres and this book truly delivered such a beautiful story.
Everything was perfect from A to Z and the dual POVs made it much more enjoyable.
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC of #ThePoeticsOfPassion in exchange for my honest review.
Xoxo 💋
August 18, 2023
I love anything with a bookish/artsy theme, and this poetess heroine/artist hero duo was a lot of fun!
This story takes place in Victorian London, with Musa, a romance poetess who writes anonymously under a secret pen name… until she suddenly finds herself without a publisher. Women authors had difficulty being taken seriously at that time in history, and without the security of her publisher, Musa worries she will no longer be able to support her family through her passion—writing.
Musa decides to try her hand at writing for children in the hopes that she can be published in a more respectable genre. She teams up with an illustrator for her book–only to discover that the artist is actually her secret pen pal (and biggest fan of her alter-ego’s erotic poetry books). Secrets and scandal drive the story forward, and create plenty of drama for the duo to navigate in this You’ve Got Mail-esque historical romance.
Our heroine takes on a lot of responsibility and burden in order to protect her family, and I found her to be a commendable, strong, and hard-working MC that readers can look up to. Though she basically leads a double life, I think she had some good intentions, and I still found her to be noble and well-meaning.
I enjoyed the buildup of the love story between Musa and Sebastian and thought the element of secrecy offered some depth to their journeys. They have a lot in common, more than they realize at first, and they made a really cute couple!
I really enjoyed the references to famous literature and art, though at times the dialogue felt a bit forced. Overall this book had a really charming premise, and I loved the historical tone.
This was a really solid debut and I would love to see more by this author in the future
MUST READ IF YOU LIKE:
•historical fiction
•stories about female authors
•enemy-to-lovers
•books about books
•poetry & art
This story takes place in Victorian London, with Musa, a romance poetess who writes anonymously under a secret pen name… until she suddenly finds herself without a publisher. Women authors had difficulty being taken seriously at that time in history, and without the security of her publisher, Musa worries she will no longer be able to support her family through her passion—writing.
Musa decides to try her hand at writing for children in the hopes that she can be published in a more respectable genre. She teams up with an illustrator for her book–only to discover that the artist is actually her secret pen pal (and biggest fan of her alter-ego’s erotic poetry books). Secrets and scandal drive the story forward, and create plenty of drama for the duo to navigate in this You’ve Got Mail-esque historical romance.
Our heroine takes on a lot of responsibility and burden in order to protect her family, and I found her to be a commendable, strong, and hard-working MC that readers can look up to. Though she basically leads a double life, I think she had some good intentions, and I still found her to be noble and well-meaning.
I enjoyed the buildup of the love story between Musa and Sebastian and thought the element of secrecy offered some depth to their journeys. They have a lot in common, more than they realize at first, and they made a really cute couple!
I really enjoyed the references to famous literature and art, though at times the dialogue felt a bit forced. Overall this book had a really charming premise, and I loved the historical tone.
This was a really solid debut and I would love to see more by this author in the future
MUST READ IF YOU LIKE:
•historical fiction
•stories about female authors
•enemy-to-lovers
•books about books
•poetry & art
April 17, 2023
Every now and then I want an escapist read, and The Poetics of Passion is just that, a fun, steamy read that let me slip away into a romance. Sometimes I just need that promised Happily Ever After, and this novel delivers.
Musa writes love poetry under a pseudonym to support her family. A starving artist, Seb, writes love letters to the love poet, aka Musa, under a pseudonym as well. The two are destined to meet and become entangled, but their correspondence--and their budding relationship--threaten Musa's sister's chances at marriage.
The 1870s London setting was intriguing, with the mores and strictures of British society. Musa's family abounds with scandals, each deliciously portrayed. This historical romance was just what I needed.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing the book in exchange for an honest review.
Musa writes love poetry under a pseudonym to support her family. A starving artist, Seb, writes love letters to the love poet, aka Musa, under a pseudonym as well. The two are destined to meet and become entangled, but their correspondence--and their budding relationship--threaten Musa's sister's chances at marriage.
The 1870s London setting was intriguing, with the mores and strictures of British society. Musa's family abounds with scandals, each deliciously portrayed. This historical romance was just what I needed.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2023
*This review is based on an ARC received from NetGalley*
5 STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Musa is the bespectacled product of an infamous love story, a beauty-who-doesn't know-it and Sebastian is a sad-tragic-orphan and a heart-fluttering-y handsome artist. Both are penniless, trying to keep their siblings alive and happy, and happen to be rivals-at-first-sight. Meanwhile, their alter-ego pen-pal selves are falling in scrumptious, sensual, scandalous, secret love.
I went in blind and I was completely blown away by the excellence that is this book! The prose is witty and hilarious, the plot is engaging and well-paced, and the characters are very interesting. Overall, this is a fresh take on historical romance and very talented piece of writing. An absolutely brilliant debut!
My heartfelt thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!
5 STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Musa is the bespectacled product of an infamous love story, a beauty-who-doesn't know-it and Sebastian is a sad-tragic-orphan and a heart-fluttering-y handsome artist. Both are penniless, trying to keep their siblings alive and happy, and happen to be rivals-at-first-sight. Meanwhile, their alter-ego pen-pal selves are falling in scrumptious, sensual, scandalous, secret love.
I went in blind and I was completely blown away by the excellence that is this book! The prose is witty and hilarious, the plot is engaging and well-paced, and the characters are very interesting. Overall, this is a fresh take on historical romance and very talented piece of writing. An absolutely brilliant debut!
My heartfelt thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!
April 11, 2023
The Poetics of Passion by Delphine Ross
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.
5/5 stars
As you can tell from my ARC reviews, I’m a big fan of Regency and Victorian romances. This one does not disappoint. It had a little bit of a spin because it did not focus on the aristocracy but rather the middle class - Musa, the daughter of an artist and a fallen-from-grace socialite, and Seb, an artist. Both are working hard to support their families.
Musa and Seb must work together to collaborate on a children’s book but Seb believes Musa to be Felicity Vita, the romance poetess that he has been writing to for a year.
The book chronicles Musa and Seb’s love story, and it is beautifully written.
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.
5/5 stars
As you can tell from my ARC reviews, I’m a big fan of Regency and Victorian romances. This one does not disappoint. It had a little bit of a spin because it did not focus on the aristocracy but rather the middle class - Musa, the daughter of an artist and a fallen-from-grace socialite, and Seb, an artist. Both are working hard to support their families.
Musa and Seb must work together to collaborate on a children’s book but Seb believes Musa to be Felicity Vita, the romance poetess that he has been writing to for a year.
The book chronicles Musa and Seb’s love story, and it is beautifully written.
May 21, 2023
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.
The romantic reconciliation and resolution of the scandal felt too rushed. I was let down that, after such 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.
The romantic reconciliation and resolution of the scandal felt too rushed. I was let down that, after such 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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2023
I was so excited to get an early copy of this book! Delphine Ross's debut is engaging, smart, and sexy, with two main characters you'll be rooting for from page one. As the series title promises, there is plenty of juicy scandal to go around! The build of the romance between Musa and Seb (and their alter egos) is a great slow burn, which makes the payoff all the more delicious. Both characters are so fully fleshed out and real, each with their own concerns and goals and aims - and which at times put them on a collision course with each other. The supporting cast is delightful and well-rounded also. If you love Bridgerton, this book is perfect for you! Don't miss it when it releases in July.
April 30, 2023
This book was a charming and funny read. Musa and Sebastian's relationship(s) with each other were refreshing and fun. The story was written with dual points of view, which helped to better understand each character's thoughts.
The story takes place in 1870s London with Musa and Sebastian, under their nom de plumes, exchanging letters. Musa's created her nom de plume in order to be able to write poetry to help provide for her family. Sebastian, a starving artist, fell in love with the poetry and began writing letters to the author, not knowing who exactly they were. They started with a friendship and that slowly bloomed into a romantic relationship through these letters.
Over a year later, they end up meeting in person without knowing. They began a professional relationship disliking each other from the start which was a huge contrast to how they felt in their letters.
I loved the banter they had while also seeing their softer sides through the letters they kept writing. The struggles they both faced with their families that helped to draw them together kept me guessing and intrigued me the whole way through.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book! Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me this ARC read.
The story takes place in 1870s London with Musa and Sebastian, under their nom de plumes, exchanging letters. Musa's created her nom de plume in order to be able to write poetry to help provide for her family. Sebastian, a starving artist, fell in love with the poetry and began writing letters to the author, not knowing who exactly they were. They started with a friendship and that slowly bloomed into a romantic relationship through these letters.
Over a year later, they end up meeting in person without knowing. They began a professional relationship disliking each other from the start which was a huge contrast to how they felt in their letters.
I loved the banter they had while also seeing their softer sides through the letters they kept writing. The struggles they both faced with their families that helped to draw them together kept me guessing and intrigued me the whole way through.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book! Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me this ARC read.
August 16, 2023
Musa Bartham has been writing erotic poetry under the pen name of Felicity Vita for a number of years to support her destitute family. Her family suffered a scandal when her mother and father married, and then her father disappeared to the holy land. But now the poetry and her pen name threatened her family again, just when Musa's sister, Angela, was about to be introduced into society. Her saving grace has been her pen pal Henry Whitney who she might be falling in love with.
Sebastian Atkinson is also supporting his family, and trying to make it as an artist in London while his sisters are at the family home in Kent. His parents died from scarlet fever and his sister is still unwell. However, his saving grace has been writing to Felicity Vita as Henry Whitney and he thinks he might be in love with her. This drives him to the publishing house of Felicity's where he bumps into Musa. Here starts a working relationship that will result in a wonderful children's book.
Who will be the first to discover their hidden identities? Will society find out who Felicity Vita really is? What lengths will Musa and Seb go to to protect and provide for their families?
This was a delightful historical romance with those 'you've got mail' vibes. It was fun to read them trying to figure out who Felicity and Henry really were. It was lovely to read about two characters who were so dedicated to their families and how this impacted the rest of their families. The library scene was excellent.....
Big thanks to NetGalley, Muse Publications and Delphine Ross.
Sebastian Atkinson is also supporting his family, and trying to make it as an artist in London while his sisters are at the family home in Kent. His parents died from scarlet fever and his sister is still unwell. However, his saving grace has been writing to Felicity Vita as Henry Whitney and he thinks he might be in love with her. This drives him to the publishing house of Felicity's where he bumps into Musa. Here starts a working relationship that will result in a wonderful children's book.
Who will be the first to discover their hidden identities? Will society find out who Felicity Vita really is? What lengths will Musa and Seb go to to protect and provide for their families?
This was a delightful historical romance with those 'you've got mail' vibes. It was fun to read them trying to figure out who Felicity and Henry really were. It was lovely to read about two characters who were so dedicated to their families and how this impacted the rest of their families. The library scene was excellent.....
Big thanks to NetGalley, Muse Publications and Delphine Ross.
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