I loved this romance. Psyché Winthrop-Abeni is a wonderful heroine and negotiates the obstacles she encounters with courage. I admired her very much and she so deserves her HEA.

Beautifully written and read in one sitting.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this lovely book in exchange for an honest review.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

An historical romance - this addresses some quite full on issues
Really enjoyed this different premise
Great characters, loved the story

Will be looking out for more from this author

Well developed characters and with a compelling storyline, this story of a woman of colour endeavouring to build a professional life in Regency London, with the danger that surrounded young women in those days, makes this a well researched and interesting read. Recommended

I loved it.

A Marriage of Equals is a historical romance that not only acknowledges the slave trade and racism, but it centres it.

Psyché is an incredible character, although it broke my heart to watch her navigate society. She has to try harder, be better, just to be seen as more than nothing. Will changes a lot - he acknowledges his own problematic behaviour and puts the work in. Yes. I am here for it. I loved it. I loved watching their relationship grow, their respect for each other. And I love how they know each other so well.

This was a really engaging book to read, although I have heard about the heroine’s real life inspiration Dido Belle before it was an interesting choice of viewpoint for a novel set in this era. Psyche (fabulous name!) is a strong character with options open to her very different from the white women that came from her social class. Equally, by choosing a second son as the hero Will the author has also cleverly given herself a different choice from the usual issue of whether the hero must/does not want to marry to set up his nursery. The background of Psyche’s horrendous experiences in the West Indies are well illustrated to show how her determined character has been formed, while her neighbour’s runaway friend and her own cousin’s experiences as privileged aristocratic women who have no actual power over the direction of her own life are contrasted well with Psyche’s own hard won independence. I enjoyed reading this and it certainly made me think on the experiences of women of colour at this time after I had closed the book.

I really enjoyed this story. The hero and heroine were well-developed and believable, and the chemistry between them was utterly compelling. The setting was gorgeously realised, and made a refreshing change to debutantes and ballrooms. Will definitely be coming back for more from this author

Psyché forges an independent life in England with the love and support of her Grand-Uncle. As a woman of colour in Regency England, she faces prejudice, from society, for her gender and race, which she overcomes. Living above the business she owns, she risks all to help a runaway heiress escape her controlling father.

Will, secretary to Lord Huntscombe, helps her, and there is an instant connection between the two which intensifies with proximity. Will is at odds with his family's politics and has a secret which may destroy any chance of happiness with Psyché.

Inspired by actual historical figures and the horror of the trade in human lives in Georgian and Regency England, this authentic story reveals the inhumanity and prejudice lurking behind the glamour and romance of the Regency ballrooms.

The romance is conflicted and passionate, but both protagonists are strong and willing to fight for what is right and what they want, so the outcome is positive.

I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

We meet Psyche and Will when they are brought together trying to help a young woman escape her terrible father and an arranged marriage. They connect instantly and as the story progresses so do their feelings. There are flashbacks to Psyche’s life after she is brought to England by her father and of her life in Jamaica as well. I found the story interesting and quite liked Psyche’s determination to hold on to her independence and Will’s respect of this as well. Some interesting not very nice side characters as well in this. (3 ⭐️)