2.5 stars

ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review

Sigh, the blurb of Mr Malcolm's List drew me in and I was really looking forward to it.

Unfortunately, the execution of the story let it down for me.

In fact, if it wasn't for our lovely leading lady Selina, I probably would have DNF'd this one, but her spunky, witty personality kept me reading to the end.

The second half of the story was better though.

Mr Malcolm had glimpses of a better man shine through at times, but most of the time he was an arrogant, stubborn unlikable hero.

And don't get me started on Selina's so called friend Julia. I hated her at the start, loathed her in the middle, and she was a bit better by the end.

This does have a bit of a Pride and Prejudice/Darcy and Elizabeth vibe - but without the great vibe or likability most of the time.

I just didn't feel that there was enough research of the period for it to feel right for me. I mean, all good I am not one that has to have everything spot on and I do like some creative licence, I just didn't feel that there was enough conviction from the author for the period she was writing into - but this could just be my feelings.

I know it sounds like I didn't like this book at all, however there were parts and some characters that I did like, just overall it was a bit meh.

Don't let me dissuade you from reading and enjoying Mr Malcolm's List, as I am sure many will love it.