Games in a Ballroom ~ Review

Games in a Ballroom

By Jentry Flint

Emerson Latham has been subtly courting Olivia Wilde. There's just one little problem Olivia has no idea that he has been doing so. No, she thinks his one offered dance at each ball they attend is because they used to be neighbors, and he is asking out of pity. Somehow he needs to redouble his efforts so that she realizes that she is the only one for him, and he needs to do so before her father manages to snag a titled gentleman who needs his money.

The only plan Emerson can come up with is to play an elaborate game of It while they and their friends spend their nights among society. But playing it while dancing and mingling amongst the ton, can they hope to pull such a thing off while keeping everyone else, especially their parents, oblivious to their antics? 

Games in a Ballroom is a mostly fun read, except when Liv's father is in a scene. Uncouth brute doesn't do him justice, and one can't but hope that he is frustrated in his attempts to move up the social ladder on his daughter's shoulders. And I love how Emerson's friends stick by him as he works through his new responsibilities following his father's death, helping him to not lose himself and aiding him in his attempts to win Liv's heart. I wouldn't mind a book or two that focuses on Bradbury and/or Northcott - the glimpses from this book were intriguing. Games in a Ballroom is one book you will want to add to your TBR pile, especially if you love historical, Victorian-era romance. Let the Games commence!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

London, 1815

Olivia Wilde has resigned herself to never finding a love match. Her father has insisted she marry a man with a title, if only to increase his own standing and reputation in society. But the men her father deems acceptable are, at best, boring and uninspiring, and at worse, are as brutish as her father and are only looking to increase their own diminishing coffers. With her future looking dismal, Olivia decides to enjoy the last few months of freedom with her childhood friends, including the handsome Emerson Latham. His devilish smile and flirtatious teasing stirs up feelings she knows she cannot entertain.

Emerson is struggling to rise to his responsibilities after the death of his father. Though he might still be learning what he needs to do as the head of his household, one thing he knows for sure is that he wants Olivia Wilde to be his wife. Having grown up as childhood friends with Olivia, Emerson long ago had fallen in love with her quick wit, beauty, and passionate heart. However, without a title, he will never be permitted to court Olivia openly. But he has a plan that may give him a chance to court her in secret.

As the season kicks off, Emerson proposes a bit of fun with a playful game of tag. Olivia’s friends are delighted by the idea, though Olivia is more wary. After all, the game must be played in secret, and they must be discreet when tagging each other at dinners and balls and the theater. As the romance builds between Olivia and Emerson, so does the risk of being discovered. Not only are their reputations at stake, so is their safety if they are caught by Olivia’s father, who has an explosive and, at times, violent temper.

Can their love find a happily ever after before the game ends?