Suitors and Sabotage

by Cindy Anstey

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I love Anstey’s books! Just love them to pieces. They are always a combination of sweet, innocence, mystery and the best of historical romances.

I was a bit scared going in because two brothers even liking the same woman can be very tricky, but fear not, Anstey did a wonderful job. Ernest Steeple is viewed by Imogene as a suitor, and the time they spend together as an investment to make a monumental decision to see if they could make a successful match and develop any feelings for each other. She always found Ernest to be a good friend and a good man, but not for her. On the other hand, Ben was the one that made her feel alive and brought he rout of her shyness, she could be herself with him. They fell for each other withing even meaning to.

Imogene, is a very talented artist, sweet, very shy, good to the core, but not insipid, silly or easy to fool. I really liked her, and being an introvert myself, I could identify with her quite well. Even though her family was very pushy, critical and non-supportive, she found comfort in her art and in Emily’s friendship. She’s willing to give Ernest a chance, that is, until Ben steals her heart.

Ben is Imogene’s opposite in any way, except in their love of buildings and art. He’s outgoing, easy to get along with, affectionate, and a loving brother. Ben, being the second son, is an apprentice to a famous architect, but even though he has a clear vision of design, he cannot draw it. Upon discovering Imogene’s talent, he asks her to be his teacher. This ensues a lot of opportunities for Ben, Ernest, Emily and Imogene to be together and country rules being much less strict that of London, they were able to share more time in each other’s company.

The host of characters is not big, but well developed. Emily is Imogene’s best friend and she’s more outgoing, but also very loving, practical, and a great friend. We also get to meet all the parents with their diverse quirks and personalities. I’m so happy that Emily’s family was so supportive of Imogene since she needed that parental approval from someone.

The setting of the story is in England, around Kent after Imogene and Emily’s first season in London. The summer is spent going from house to house of their closest friends and Ernest (and in turn Ben) is invited to court Imogene. The plot is simple and beside the budding romance, we have a set of incidents that take place and it seems like someone is trying to harm Ben. At first, the brothers try to think it’s all a coincidence, but Emily and Imogene know that something is very wrong. Of course, they were right at the end. I love Anstey’s writing. It’s fluid, immersed in the time period (early 1800’s), historically accurate, and so easy to read. Since I read a LOT of historical romance (specially regency), I’m quite use to the language and the pace of the story.

The only downside to the story that I can think of is that I wish for more Ben-Imogene time. To know what happened after the end. To get more romance, more conversations between them.

Overall, Suitors and Sabotage is a sweet historical romance, with a hint of mystery and a bit of tension just to keep things interesting. Cannot wait for Carols and Chaos later this year since it involves the Steeple brother indirectly 🙂