It took me a little bit to get into this book. It started both slow and fast in some ways, giving you background on the friendship between Eddie and Rose leading up to where the story really begins with the debutante ball. I stopped listening for a few days and then picked it back up to try again and I am glad I did! There were a lot of fun and quirky characters in this book, lots of humor, and copious amounts of shenanigans!

The story is set in the Regency era and told from the perspective of Eddie, who is frustratingly oblivious and intolerable for a good portion of the story. If you’ve watched Bridgerton, think Eloise - but a bit more annoying and insufferable. There were several times throughout the story where I thought, “This is the moment!” But she had A LOT to learn. And some things she had to learn more than once. People driving next to me were probably wondering what was going on with how many times I was yelling at her throughout the story!

The story was much more about Eddie’s relationship and infatuation with her idol, author Nash Nicholson, than it is about her relationship with Rose. So it kind of felt like there were dual romantic plot lines to follow, but the main one is still Rose and Eddie. While they are clearly into each other and more than friends from the first chapter (with their kissing practice), Eddie is absolutely clueless to the fact that her feelings for Rose are more than friendly. No matter how many times they kiss. Or how much she wants her life to revolve around Rose, to the point of making a pact that they will never get married. Rose gave Eddie far more chances than I ever would have, or than she probably deserved. But…love, am I right? I do hope that Eddie became the person Rose deserves, though.

Ellie Kendrick did a great job with the narration! This was my first time listening to a book she narrated and I would definitely listen to her again. All in all this was a great book…but prepare to be frustrated and to yell at Eddie as you read/listen!

I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley and Macmillan Audio and I leave this review voluntarily.
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⚠️TW: alcohol/drug use, extramarital affairs, manipulation, drug-facilitated sexual harassment/assault