THE DETERMINED DEBUTANTE
Zodiac Regency Series, Book 1
MEREDITH BOND
ASIN: B0CVD2YB92
February 2024
Annessa Ink
www.annessaink.com
EBook
$0.99
296 Pages
Regency Romance
Rating: 4 Cups

Clarissa Ellison is your typical Aries: everything is a competition. So when she makes her debut into Regency London Society, she determines that in order to “win” the Season, she must get a proposal from the Duke of Drayton. The only problem is that his closest friend, the handsome and thoughtful Lord Uxbridge, is quickly becoming someone she cannot live without.

Jonathan, Lord Uxbridge, has always been called “Ox” for the obvious reason—he is big. But, as a true Gemini, there are two sides to this man. To the world he is outgoing, but in private, he relaxes by painting beautiful miniatures. His size generally puts fear into the eyes of young ladies, so Ox had planned on never marrying; however, a large bequest to be given on his wedding day makes him decide otherwise. He sets his mind to winning Miss Buttery-Clements, who can match him for size, but his heart has decided on another—the fascinating and delicate Miss Ellison.

Regency is one of my favorite genres, but it is often repetitive and formulaic.  That is definitely not the case with this book.  Ms. Bond has a new and inventive take on the Regency. The characters are true to the era, but at the same time very modern in outlook.  I also found the idea of a matchmaker who uses the zodiac as a basis for compatibility, a welcome and unique twist.  Clarissa and Ox are an unlikely but ultimately perfect match, and I enjoyed every page of their story.

Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More