The Davenports by Krystal Marquis is an engaging debut set in the early 20th century, following a wealthy Black family navigating love, ambition, and societal expectations. The diverse cast of characters is well-developed, with compelling personal growth and romance arcs. Marquis’ writing is vibrant, and the historical backdrop is richly portrayed, though the plot occasionally focuses more on personal drama than deeper historical themes.

Overall, it’s a heartfelt and immersive story about family and identity, with a strong emotional core. While not groundbreaking, it’s an enjoyable read that will resonate with fans of historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. For more reviews, check out my bookstagram @blondesbooknook

I was immediately attracted to this book when I read the blurb, and I was not mistaken: the premise is really intriguing: Black families at the beginning of the twentieth century? Formerly enslaved characters who then make a fortune and a name for themselves? Yes, please. I was expecting a good underdog story, but this was more than that: it's a discussion on society and on the way the roles can change dramatically within one generation. It's also a love story, naturally, but not the 'Bridgerton' kind that one might expect looking at the cover. This book has been described as 'escapist', but I don't agree with that definition. I think it is a serious story that digs into social inequalities and family pressure. I truly enjoyed it, and I'm looking forward to the next volume in the series.

*thanks to #netgalley for the #ARC in exchange for an honest review*

In the wake of the first series of Bridgerton hitting TV screens and the rise of Booktok romance fiction has taken off. However. diversity in the genre is still not mainstream and considered ‘niche’.

Queue The Davenports by Krystal Marquis - exploring the lives of wealthy black Americans in early 20th Century Chicago. The book explores the dreams, desires and romances of the two Davenport sisters Olivia and Helen, one of their best friends Ruby and a servant in their house Amy-Rose.

The book has an alternating narrative between the young women as they each try to navigate their lives, love lives but also achieve their dreams. Olivia seems all set to marry a wealthy Black man from England, but when she meets activist Washington DeWight, she becomes passionate about fighting for the rights of her people. Her sister Helen is a skilled mechanic, battling notions that her place is not in the garage. Meanwhile Ruby is trying to win the affections of their brother John, while his sights seem to be set on Amy-Rose…

With four romance storylines there’s a lot packed into this one, but it’s still a fast paced and compelling read. The only downside is a very abrupt cliff-hanger ending, but that’s because it’s actually the first in a duology.

Marquis does a brilliant job of creating sympathetic, relatable characters who the reader is genuinely invested in throughout the novel. Even beyond the close cast of narrators, we see complexity in the elder Davenports, Ruby’s other love interest and even some of the other servants.

Alongside the glamorous parties and dinners, we also see how the world is changing - from the fast advances of automobiles, to political protest of Jim Crow laws. The story is wonderfully set against a turn of the century Chicago, fuelled by wealth from industrialisation and on the brink of rapid growth and change.

The Davenports is a really fun, engaging historical romance exploring an area of history you probably don’t know too much about. Even for non-romance readers this one is well worth picking up.

The blurb gave the idea that this was a Bridgeton-esque story; however, I didn't really have a feel for any of the characters; it felt like it needed only one main character. I'm sure others will feel differently about this book (as is the joy of reading!) Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me.

This book was AMAZING!!! I can not recommend it enough. I could not put it down at all. I finished it in one sitting and immediately regretted it.

It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel - a masterpiece of writing based on a true story. It has all the sparkling ingredients of a cohesive, engaging story about a wealthy black family living in the vibrant and tumultuous Chicago of 1910. Although not entirely accepted, the family earns respect. The plot includes prejudice, civil rights, vivid description, love, unrequited love, lovers’ tiffs, ambition, and humour wrapped up in an immersive way. Four love stories for the price of one when parents pressure their daughters to marry well, and their defiance. Dare I hope there is a sequel?

I'm truly grateful for the chance to delve into this captivating novel. It's a story that resonated with me on many levels,

This was a really strong debut that had me completely enthralled. The premise was charming and so empowering and the characters were strong led. Just wonderful.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

The Davenports was a fun read - definitely recommended for fans of Regency romance such as Bridgerton, but set in America and dealing with perhaps more serious issues such as racism and civil rights. The characters are well-drawn and realistic, and it's interesting to note that they are based on a real Black family from Chicago. I'll look forward to reading future books in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and of course the author for gifting me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Set in 1910 and following the lives of 4 black women (Ruby, Olivia, Amy-Rose and Helen) and set in Chicago, the story includes topics covering racism, civil rights, societal infrastructure surrounding people of colour and how they are placed in society despite of the amount of wealth they poses impacted by the effects of slavery (which sadly is still paramount if not more subtle in society today).

This was a very impressive book, I enjoyed the budding romances and all the drama and the beautiful descriptions that took my imagination to 1910.

I think this is a strong debut and I look forward to seeing more like this from Marquis in the future.

The writing in this novel was easy to follow, but I think I struggled a little with the pacing. There were moments where I was really invested in the characters and their positions/places in society and how they were trying to change that; however, sometimes the romances would slow the pacing down and it threw me off. It too me over a month to read this book and that's very unlike me to take that long to read a book.

Quick easy read. Sometimes a little disappointing in places but then it is a young adult book, so really it’s just right.

Told from 4 different characters points of view which I enjoyed. High expectations from parents and rebellious girls, as well as being excepted in society despite being coloured

Thank you for the chance to read this book

A very charming romance with sparky characters and great dialogue. I loved the setting amongst the few wealthy Black families in early 1900s America, and really hope Marquis builds this out into a series.

Lovely, charming, would love a sequel - perfect for any fan of Bridgerton! Historical YA with a diverse cast that is based on a real family!

I thoroughly enjoyed The Dave ports and would highly recommend it to everyone. It tells an important story and holds an important message. Although this is a YA book, it appeals to a wider audience. I am throughly looking forward to continuing this series.

I really had difficulty getting into the book, confused with all the different characters, so sadly didn't finish it.

Olivia, John and Helen Davenport navigate love, family expectations and their own desires all while trying to sustain a family future. I must admit the ending left me with more questions than answers so I’m really hoping for a continuation into a sequel to see how things tie up and whether they all get their happy endings.

A Northern Gone With The Wind! And it reminds us how recently slavery was outlawed, just a few generations ago.
A love story, but not a straightforward one, in any way. A realistic, but rather disappointing ending!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for review

A very enjoyable read and I particularly enjoyed the fact the story is loosely based on a real family. I enjoyed each of the characters viewpoints and will definitely recommend this book to my daughter to read

I thoroughly enjoyed this YA historical romance. The different POVs took me a while to get used to but once I did I couldn't put this book down. I'm looking forward to seeing where this series could go.

This was such a fantastic, glamour and beautiful story! I fell in love with the characters and the setting! Would definitely recommend!