Dalliances & Devotion: A Victorian Historical Romance

Felicia Grossman is the singular reason I, as a non-historical romance junkie, have developed a new appreciation for a genre I had all but written off. Her debut Appetites & Vices was the first historical romance my contemporary-loving heart adored. So, needless to say, I was champing at the bit for the next in The Pruitts series from Carina Press—Dalliances & Devotion. And just as her first book left me swooning and in love, so did this one. Grossman tackles her genre with a unique flair and a steady, gifted touch. There’s nothing about her writing I’d call predictable or dry. She delves into the time period in which her stories are based and paints a picture so vivid and beautiful—yet somehow perfectly balanced so as not to steal the show from the plot itself—that I get utterly lost within the historic tapestry. She draws in the most minute details—clothing, gadgets, customs, even accurate locales—and allows the reader to travel effortlessly back in time. But it isn’t just Grossman’s world-building that deserves a spotlight. I absolutely adore her characterization, and her grasp on pacing and plot structure make her writing an enjoyable and effortless treat. Amalia isn’t your typical historic heroine. She’s twice divorced and financially independent. She’s also delightfully spunky and has a got-get-’em attitude that made me grin. Then there’s David. swoon That man is just… yeah. There almost aren’t the words for him. He’s one of those book boyfriends you just wanna put in your pocket and take with you everywhere. Thankfully, this is available in ebook, so I can! I would highly recommend this to all historical romance readers out there. It isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill example of the genre. It has diverse characters—both of the main characters are Jewish!—and it does a fantastic job of dropping the reader into the late nineteenth century.

What an amazing addition to the first book in this series Appetites and Vices. I have to say I am excited to have discovered this author as she takes you on a journey of romance and world building. I learned a lot of history and was captured by the characters she created which actually come off the page! Amalia Truitt is a determined lady and is really a crusader for women and everybody is not happy about that.. David Zisskind is an old love who had his heart broken by Amelia in the past but is now protecting her on a trek to obtain more money for her charity. A Pinkerton ( I love the stories of this agency!) and swoon worthy to say the least, the attraction is still there for the two. It sparks right off the page! But can they make it safely to their destination and find they are meant for each other? Don't miss this exciting read that will keep you turning the pages until the end!