3.5 stars

This was a really enjoyable second chance sapphic historical romance. All of the representation in this book was incredible. I loved the relationship between Cass and Louise, they were very well developed characters. The tension and spice were both written so well.

I loved the friendships in this book and the focus on the girl's passions. As much as I did love the side romance, I felt like it took away from the main romance a bit.

I'm definitely going to read more from Jane Walsh

This is a beautifully and uniquely written regency romance with a refreshing plot line. Its engaging love story is a delightful and refreshing take on second chances, rediscovery, and finding lobe when least expecting it. I enjoyed the captivating and interesting characters and their heartfelt emotions. The ending was lovely. I recommend reading!

This was a strong historical romance novel, it had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. I thought the romance was realistic and had that concept that I was looking for from this type of book. I enjoyed the way Jane Walsh wrote this and was glad I got to read this.

Just finished "Seducing the Widow" by Jane Walsh, and wow, what a journey into the ton! I absolutely loved the rich diversity of characters, especially in a Regency setting where societal norms often stifled characters' authentic queer selves.

The friendship between Louise and Lady Darling was beautifully portrayed, highlighting the strength and complexity of female bonds in a constrictive society. Cassandra and Louise's complex relationship, filled with both tension and undeniable chemistry, had me rooting for their love every step of the way. And let’s not forget the captivating side romance between Lady Darling and Cassandra's transgender cousin, Victor; it was so refreshing to see a love story that defies conventions and embraces individuality.

Walsh masterfully captures the challenges of love and friendship in a world that seeks to confine them, making this book not only a historical romance but also a powerful commentary on identity and desire. If you’re looking for a tale that beautifully intertwines passion with social critique, this is a must-read! Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

have to say i am not a big fan of regency style books and this was no exception

i did enjoy the storyline about the leather gloves and how they were made.... and the whist card games

but i have to admit the rest of it was lost on me....

i can tell the storyline was well thought out and well written, what annoys me most is women never seem to learn, why we cant support each other is beyond me... thank god for friendships and this was evident in this book

After reading and loving Her Duchess to Desire, this was one of my most anticipated books of 2025. I was gladly suprised to be approved to read an ARC of this and even more happy that I loved it.
I enjoyed that despite the fact that this is a second chance and that it has themes that can be complicated, the book was very low angst and very sweet.
Jane Walsh writes fantastic sapphic romances and I can't wait to read the ones that I haven't yet.

Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy

This was a really good book. Very entertaining and the characters were developed very well to support this story. This is a second chance romance. Two lovers (Cassandra and Louise) meet again after 15 years. One never married, and one is a widow. The book relates to how they meet again and how Cassandra is trying to save the family business and looks to have Louise help her reestablish the family business. This was a very interesting and actually quite enjoyable story to read. There's a few flashbacks from when these two met to show how their relationship went wrong ,but not a lot was explained, you'll actually have to read this book to find out the details, there's no spoilers here.I would definitely recommend this story to my friends and family, and I look forward to what's coming next from this author.

Jane as written yet another well written, historical, sapphic second chance romance with awesome main characters that are relatable and lovable. Well done

Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books.

Elegant second chance romance!

Years later Cassandra and Louise are back in one another’s lives and finally Louise has a chance to put right what destroyed their connection originally. Cass’ family business is struggling and Louise surely has enough influence to help her get it back on track.

I already loved these characters and adored getting to go through this second chance for them both. It was interesting how there was an electricity between them the second they met again and yet Louise was surprised by how she felt about Cass after they’d been so close before. As always with Jane’s historical romance they were surrounded by elegance and beauty, even in the tougher times and situations, never losing touch with how wonderfully eccentric Louise’s life was.

Louise impressed me with her kindness towards Cass. A lot of it seemed driven by her regret at choices in the past and a bit by the guilt she felt about what she had done to Cass. Cass seemed slightly fueled by revenge but it quickly faded when she understood Louise genuinely wanted to help. Once they started working together and reconnecting properly, things were wonderful and you could feel how much they felt for one another and the love they shared.

Really enjoyable romance with lots of sentiment and heart.

Miss Cassandra Belvedere and Miss Louise Sheffield were once debutantes vying for the same gentleman’s attentions. Bitter rivalry turned to passion—but at the end of the Season, Louise chose the earl instead of the girl.

Fifteen years later, Cass strides back into London Society to demand Louise’s help. After all, it’s the least she can do after destroying Cass’s life. Her family’s glove making business is in peril, and the elegant Louise, now the widowed Countess of Atwater, wields enough power to bring Cass’s gloves into fashion. But Louise didn’t expect the attraction between them to burn stronger than ever, or that society would turn on her for associating with Cass. Bold, brash Cass has the real power—to unravel Louise’s strait-laced life and show her that their passion is worth fighting for.

I very much enjoyed this historical romance. I don't read a lot of sapphic historical romance, so this was a treat for me. Both Cass and Louise are fascinating, well-developed characters, although I wish we'd seen more flashbacks to the past when they were lovers. Fun and enjoyable read! 4⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

I like historical romances and Jane Walsh specializes in sapphic ones. Her storylines follow the strict rules of the Regency era. Cass and Louise were debutantes in the same year. Both caught the eye of an earl who eventually proposed to Louise. Cass didn't return to London for another season staying in the country. The book begins fifteen years after those events and Louise is now a widow with the earldom going to a nephew. Cass returns to London with her cousin Victor in hopes of reviving the family’s glove business. They have prepared beautiful samples to sell and promote their products to the ton. Not only would it be income for Cass and her family but it would provide employment to many in their village.

Cass feels Louise owes her a debt for stealing the Earl and asks that she wear their gloves when out in society. The relationship between the two is complicated because when they were debutantes they were also lovers. I kind of wish there were some flashback scenes to their younger selves when they first were together. Louise is so haughty at first it was hard to imagine her younger self’s feelings. I did enjoy their conversations and the side characters.

Walsh always gets beautiful covers for her books. And I appreciate her attention to detail. This subject of gloves didn’t interest me much but I appreciate how carefully the author researches her books. (3.5 Stars)

Fifteen years after a bitter rivalry and a broken heart, Cassandra seeks help from Louise, her former lover. Their rekindled passion threatens both their reputations and upends their carefully constructed lives.

Cass and Louise are well-developed characters with complex lives and a complicated past. They have a lot of baggage to overcome before they can make their way back to each other, making this a high-angst story.

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

A second chance type of romance. Two lovers (Cassandra and Louise) meet again after 15 years. One never married, one is a widow. The book relates how they meet again and their subsequent interactions. Cassandra is trying to re-establish the family business and as she feels Louise owes her she looks to her to help. This actually makes it sound very bland but it is a quite enjoyable story. Some flashbacks to when they first met and how it all went wrong (not too much though).

I enjoyed the setting of regency era London. I was intrigued by the idea of old flames and friends who had to present themselves in society reuniting after years. I liked the romance we did see. I enjoyed the side character darling and her own journey along the way.

I wanted a little more back story or look into their past friendship and how it came to be.

Cassandra and Louise “Lou” have a history involving heart break. Lou decided to marry a man and leave the girl behind but Cass still has feelings for her. Now Lou has returned and Cass wants her, not only to love her but help with her suffering glove business. But what does Lou want? It may not be as easy as Cass hoped.

This is an enjoyable story with characters that you quickly come to know.

We’re rooting for you Cass go get your girl.

Seducing the Widow held my attention from the first page to the last .

Cass and Louise share a history, and when they reunite after fifteen years of resentment and heartbreak they come to understanding and Louise agrees to help Cass and her cousin promote their family handmade gloves business. What preseeds is beautiful romance as they rediscover each other and learn about the people become .

If you enjoy reading sapphic historical romance, I would definitely recommend Jane Walsh’s Seducing the Widow!

4.5 ⭐️thank you to Negalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC!

This is the first book I’ve read of the authors and I will be reading more! Jane Walsh makes you fall in love with ALL the characters. There was a little angst in the beginning but I would say that overall, it is a pretty feel good sapphic historical romance. There is of course some conflict but it’s pretty low stakes in my opinion. I was pleasantly surprised how things came together in the end and didn’t see that angle of the story coming.

If you love sapphic historical romance, definitely check out Jane Walsh’s Seducing the Widow!

Seducing the Widow captivated me right from the beginning. The synopsis piqued my interest with its unique and refreshing plotline. From the very first page, I was drawn into a heartfelt Regency romance that completely swept me away.

Cass and Louise share a complicated history, and when they reunite after fifteen years of bitterness and heartache, they strike a tentative truce. Louise agrees to help Cass promote her handmade gloves, and the two quickly begin to clear the air. This sets the stage for a beautiful romance as they rediscover each other and learn who they've become after so much time apart. I truly enjoyed the heartfelt conversations between Cass and Louise, filled with honesty and depth. Their love for one another shines through both their words and actions.
The supporting cast of characters, particularly Mr. Belvedere and Lady Darling, adds significant charm and depth to the story. I especially appreciated the establishment, Queenie, which serves as a welcoming haven for everyone, including those Society considers unrespectable.

Overall, Seducing the Widow is a beautifully crafted Regency romance that blends heartfelt emotions, captivating characters, and a unique storyline. The connection between Cass and Louise is tender and genuine, brought to life through their honest conversations and touching moments. With a rich supporting cast and the warm, inclusive setting of Queenie, this story delivers a delightful and refreshing take on second chances and rediscovery. It’s a truly enchanting read that will stay with you long after the final page.