I liked how this started but as it continued was bummed we didn't get to know the leads better because the roles they stepped into in the 2nd half were challenging for me.

A well written historical romance both of the main characters were complicated yet sweet. I loved every minute of it and would recommend.

Thanks to the publisher Bold Strokes Books for this ARC via NetGalley.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Accidental Bride is the second book in Jane Walsh’s sapphic Spinsters of Inverley series. It can be read as a standalone, and while I didn’t find the prior book to be the strongest, I do generally like what Walsh brings to historical and sapphic romance.
The strength of the story is in its compelling main characters. Thea is a great spin on the common bluestocking trope, with a family who does not approve of her unmarried state. Meanwhile, Grace is illegitimate, and is resigned to life as a lady’s companion. I loved how the dynamics between the two evolved, playing into some common tropes, from the initial passionate entanglement between the two, to a gradual development into something more as the rest of the plot plays out.
Some aspects of the external plot initially seem a bit convoluted, but I like how the structure allows for a somewhat different take on a romance while providing the same feels. The first part is about them figuring out the semantics of their relationship, amid some of the other issues in their respective lives, and the second half sees them living out their happiness, in spite of the obstacles that come between them. Walsh is great at playing with reader expectations, and I was not disappointed in her twists on genre tropes and expectations to deliver a truly satisfying ending.
This is a generally fun, light read, and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys sapphic historical romance.

Really good historical romance book. The relationship between Thea and Grace was very sweet and complicated. They are from two different classes of society, but start to fall for each other anyway. Grace is a companion two Edith who's trying to find a husband and Thea is a botanist, just wanting to live her life on her own terms, but this is put into question when her parents order her home after years away to tell her she needs to marry or loose her allowance. This doesn't sit well with Thea so she decides to sulk and drink her rage away in the library, and this is where the two woman first meet. I really liked this story and the support characters were written well and helped to move this story along and not bog it down. There's some angst and drama, and a wild chase or two to Gretna Green which was very entertaining. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family and I look forward to what's next from this author.

Loved it, I hope to read more women who love women historical romance books. This book was well written I couldn’t put it down. I hope we get some of the other ladies books. I would recommend this book.

Thank you Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for access to this arc.

From the blurb, I had the idea that this would be mainly a harum-scarum road trip to Gretna Green. That was only the half of it. What happened afterwards made the book for me.

I will confess that early in the story, before the dash for the Scottish border, I had a few moments when I debated whether or not I’d keep reading. Readers ought to know that this is a book that takes some liberties with strict historical accuracy. And I’m not talking about whether or not a sapphic relationship was possible. No, a few things that happened at Thea’s parents’ estate made me wince. I debated and then decided to push through a bit more and see what would happen.

The point where historical accuracy picked back up, the long carriage trip to Scotland won me over. I’ve read so many historical books that seem to believe that traveling across the length of England could be done in a few days that actually having a group of people need to slog along, being rattled around over potholes, sleeping in crowded inns, and weary beyond belief reeled me back into the story.

What occurred in Gretna Green was something I didn’t expect but gosh darn it if I didn’t like that, too. Thea and Grace know that what they have will never be acknowledged or legally “real” but I was right alongside them in their desire to believe. But with half the book still left, what would happen next?

What happens is a realistic examination of actually making a marriage work. Thea and Grace have different approaches to life. Thea lives off her impulsive actions and her response to most things is “screw you” I’ll do as I want. If she’s going to be hanged, it might as well be for a sheep as a lamb. Grace, meanwhile, has always had to watch her every action in order to fit in, not make waves, and keep her precarious station in life. Of course their ways of navigating their new relationship will be different. Of course they’re going to need to make a new way between them. The meat and potatoes of the story is really them learning how to talk to each other and let the other in. It’s the “ever after” of HEA.

They don’t always do the right thing, they sometimes need an outside opinion but they also realize that what they have – something that another couple they both know have found and that another sapphic woman wants – is rare and precious in their age and time. Finding love is one thing but keeping it going is another. Watching Grace and Thea work out how they will do this turned out to be a unusual book that I’m glad I kept reading past the historical things that initially niggled. B-

This sapphic romance between a botanist, Thea, and a lady's companion, Grace was the perfect mix of fun and sweet! Thea and Grace meet at chaotic moments of their lives and embark on a journey together to stop an elopement from being successful. Their motives for embarking on this journey differ but along the way they find points of commonality that draw that closer together.

The story moves at a pace that keeps the reader engaged and the characters have really great chemistry between them! The conflict was resolved in a really satisfying way and the ending came together wonderfully. Any one looking for a sapphic historical romance should consider picking up The Accidental Bride!

And here it is, the regency plot you wish Jane Austen had written. Unsuitable suitors, brothers, debt, entitlement, and elopement, with lesbians. What more could you ask for? A great escapism read for the summer. This book has just the right amount of detail without getting too caught up in its own genre. There’s a few fanciful things around Gretna Green, but they work and they add to the entertainment. Enjoyable from start to finish.

The rebellious and impulsive Lady Theodora Martin has been shunned by her parents since her scandalous London debut. Some truly wild and experimental years have passed, but now she’s summoned home after 15 years to learn her independence is to be curtailed.

Prim and proper Grace Linfield worked her way up to lady’s companion. Having failed at properly chaperoning her aunt’s daughter, Lady Edith, in London she now has to secure the match with the eldest son of an earl, Thea’s big brother, or her aunt will expose Grace’s past.

Thea and Grace’s paths cross at a ball. Hiding in the dark turns into a night of passion.
When Edith elopes to Gretna Green with the other Martin brother, Thea vows to bring them home unwed and Grace has to rescue Edith if she wants to keep her secrets and secure her future. A mad dash up the great northern road denying their attraction, a double wedding in a smithy, a liberating trip south and the beginning of a new life in London. The search for balance navigating their relationship. The fight to make the impossible a possibility…

📚 The beautifully written tale of two young women discovering what they never thought possible. An unconventional marriage. The struggle to find their place in the world and in their household, somewhere between old and new family, and eventually their purpose and destiny. The tension, first sexual, then emotional, between these two women is captivating. If you enjoy sapphic historical romances, you'll surely enjoy this one!
📚 Sapphic romance, road trip, forced proximity, one bed, steamy, open door, class difference, opposites attract

Thank you to Jane Walsh, Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Grace Linfield is a lady’s companion to Lady Edith who hopes on getting on offer of marriage from Mr. Martin. While guests at Martin family home Grace has an encounter with Thea Martin, the family’s spinster daughter. She usually lives in London and has a passion for botany. Her family calls Thea home to say they are going to cut her off if she doesn’t marry. When Edith takes off eloping with the younger brother there is race and chase to Gretna Green.

The first part of the the book is playful and kept me guessing on how Thea and Grace can be together. In a twist the second half has beginning life together. I won’t spoil the details of how cleverly it happens. But now they have to navigate being together in what ways they can. It is almost like an arranged Regency marriage where they lack communication skills and neither is confident of how to please the other out of the bedroom. There is a strong power imbalance that I didn’t like because Grace legally has no standing and is fearful because of it. But the reality is that is how marriages of the time could be. I found the second half of the book more interesting than entertaining.

Kudos for Walsh continuing to get the beautiful covers for her romances. This is the second in The Spinsters of Inverley but can be read as a standalone. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Book for the ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review.

Grace has accepted her lot as a lady's companion—until she shares a scandalous night with botanist Thea. They confront their growing feelings for each other as they chase after an eloping couple. When the journey ends, can their love continue to bloom?

Jane Walsh has a knack for depicting how love turns ordinary lives into something extraordinary. Grace and Thea aren't seeking more than they have. But when they meet, something combusts between them. Circumstances force them to take action to preserve their financial security—but their growing passion and affection turns their world from black-and-white to color. It's an entertaining and heartfelt story.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Jane Walsh may now be tied for first place as my favorite queer romance author. The Accidental Bride is definitely tied as favorite sapphic novel. If you like Sapphic Regency romances, get this book and get comfy.

Miss Grace Linfield is present at the Martin Estate for her companion's courtship, when Miss Thea Martin turns her head .... and unlaces her stays. Grace's charge takes off to elope with Thea's brother, though, and both Grace and Thea race off to catch the couple and prevent the marriage, for their own hidden reasons. Catch up they do, but they also get caught in wedding ceremony. Marriage is harder than seduction, though. Can these two headstrong women make it work, particularly when Thea's botanical success doesn't lead to the fiscal success she hoped for?

The tension, first sexual, then emotional, between these two women is captivating. I picked the book up, set it down long enough to gather sustenance, and stayed up to finish it. There is much delightful barb and banter between the two women, as well as with their friends, that my mind felt entertained as well. I can't wait to read another book by this author, particularly in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the free pdf review copy. Opinions and feedback are my own, however.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for approving this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is a well-written sapphic period romance that includes a chase to Gretna Green, a lady botanist trying to get recognition, and lady’s companion trying to facilitate a wealthy husband for her charge how has a secret. It was funny with plenty of heartwarming moments.

I definitely recommend for any lovers of historical romances.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Grace has a complicated past as she tries to find a husband for her charge Edie. Thea is a botanist who is summoned home with an ultimatum either settle down or she won’t inherit anything from her parents. They have a night of passion that they know won’t go anywhere. Their lives gets more complicated when they have to run after Edie and Thea brother Charles because they are eloping. Thea thinks this is opportunity to prove to her parents that she doesn’t need to be married to secure a place in society and Grace wants to stop this from happening because she doesn’t want the wrath of Lady Harriett. I like that we got see how Grace and Thea made their relationship work despite it’s being forbidden and relatively light angst which I love because too much angst would’ve been annoying overall cute romance with heartwarming moments.

I am not a regular reader of lesbian historical novels, but from time to time I do not mind choosing one like that and they usually surprise me in a positive way, as it has been in this case.

The plot of this story is convoluted but funny, it is easy to understand how at that time lesbians had to behave and act in order to lead more or less full and satisfying lives, in this case also, one of the protagonists has a passion for botany, adding to her sexuality the lack of support and credibility towards women scientists by the society of that time.

The other protagonist urgently needs the recognition of her social status, she is the illegitimate daughter of a lady but is suffering the tyranny of one of her aunts and that has her very worried about her future.

Neither of them seeks any kind of relationship but circumstances unite them and they finally realize that they are the solution to their problems. This seems simple, but until reaching this conclusion they have spent a really bumpy trip, with unexpected situations and another surprising.

It has been a very entertaining story.

Behind the scenes of the romance between two young nobles running away to Scotland to elope, a queer romance unfolds between the sister Thea and lady companion Grace, an unlikely duo teamed up to stop an inconvenient marriage.

I liked the conceit of this book, which felt original. I liked Theas passion for botany, which added extra dimension to the story. The pairing were well balanced in terms of conflict of personality, which made it fun when circumstances forced them together.

The thing about Regency romance is that the protagonists are often gentry, which means that a good author has to address matters of class and power, like Austen first satirized. However, I found the power imbalance between the protagonists to make the romance uncomfortable at times, and I felt Thea lacked empathy for Graces social position, even when she was supposed to. Since the romance drove a lot of the plot, the book started to loose me about 2/3rds of the way in.

4/5 stars

I am now well and truly a Jane Walsh mega fan. I have read all of her books and enjoyed every single one. She is definitely the reigning queen of queer regency romances and I will continue to look forward to each book she writes. The Accidental Bride is a delightful story. It is packed full of flirtation, a pinch of adventure and two strong, loveable women.

I am a big fan of historical romance in all of its forms, so it really does feel like a warm coming home reading Walsh’s novels. With all of the courtship, talks of scandals and beautiful dresses, I really feel like I’m back in an Austen-era tale. The author is wonderful at setting the scene and I felt right into the period with her writing and descriptions, I really felt I was there with the characters. Sapphic historical romances like this really make me feel like I am reading the real story of two women from the Regency era, which really shows how believable and captivating the author makes her story,

I loved that the pace of this book is a bit different to a the usual arc of a romance. It started off fun and flirty but then we got to explore what it was like after the characters were together as well, how they made things work and had a go at domesticity. I really appreciated this part of the story as they navigating their blossoming relationship. It was a sweet story overall, with relatively light angst and lots of heartwarming moments. I definitely recommend for any lovers of historical romances.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for approving this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I discovered that I really enjoy sapphic period romances, and this one didn't disappoint. Grace is a lady's companion with a complicated past, whose only way forward is to secure a husband for her charge, Edie. Thea is a former prodigal child turned botanist, summoned home for an ultimatum. They spend a night together, but they know they're too different to work out together, even without the forbidden nature of their relationship. When Edie and Thea's brother elope to Scotland, Grace and Thea must join forces to get to them before it's too late - and they return with more than they bargained for.

This is a well-written story with open-door spice, UST, domesticity, and a little angst, with an interesting twist that explains the title. The second part of the story is about learning to navigate a committed relationship, and the main conflict arises from miscommunication. This felt a little slow-paced and repetitive for me, and I could have used with a little more showing, but the protagonists' reasons were believable enough and I enjoyed the way they worked through it individually and together. The smut was really good.

If you enjoy sapphic historical romances, you'll surely enjoy this one!

A Sapphic romp that includes a chase to Gretna Green. A lady botanist trying to get recognition. A lady’s companion trying to facilitate a wealthy husband for her charge. There are some insightful comments on how women were treated and expected to behave in the olden days. I found this an interesting and enjoyable book.

An enjoyable read in the form of a historical romance. The lack of communication exited in, and most likely before, the Regency era and Grace and Thea are no strangers to it. I find it quite intriguing to imagine how 2 lesbians must have behaved and what their struggles were in the 1800. I expected a contemporary romance structure but once I wrapped my head around the fact that in those times you didn’t have the standard courtship one would have today it made sense that what a few good chapters followed what I expected to be the end of the book.
Free ARC via NetGalley.