Blog Tour & Giveaway: Suitors and Sabotage by Cindy Anste

Suitors and Sabotage
Cindy Anstey
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: April 17th 2018
Genres: Historical, Romance, Young Adult

Two young people must hide their true feelings for each other while figuring out who means them harm in this cheeky Regency romance from the author of Love, Lies and Spies and Duels & Deception.

Shy aspiring artist Imogene Chively has just had a successful Season in London, complete with a suitor of her father’s approval. Imogene is ambivalent about the young gentleman until he comes to visit her at the Chively estate with his younger brother in tow. When her interest is piqued, however, it is for the wrong brother.

Charming Ben Steeple has a secret: despite being an architectural apprentice, he has no drawing aptitude. When Imogene offers to teach him, Ben is soon smitten by the young lady he considers his brother’s intended.

But hiding their true feelings becomes the least of their problems when, after a series of “accidents,” it becomes apparent that someone means Ben harm. And as their affection for each other grows—despite their efforts to remain just friends—so does the danger. . .

In Suitors and Sabotage, author Cindy Anstey delivers another witty young adult historical fiction novel that is the perfect mix of sweetly romantic and action-packed.

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My Review:

4 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Historical, Romance, Teen--

"Might I have the return of my hands, Ben?"

Ben looked down to see that Imogen's hands were encased in his. He rather liked the way they fit together; then he realized that he had been holding them overlong.

"Oh, yes, indeed. Are these yours?" He let go with a laugh that sounded a little forced even to his ears.

"Since birth."

What a situation we have here! We have serious Ernest who has an intense crush on quiet Imogen, wanting to court her; Shy Imogen who feels nothing for Ernest but is attracted to his younger brother Ben; Charming, flirty Ben who only wanted to help his brother get the girl but then finds himself also falling for the same girl; and bold Emily, Imogen's best friend practically sister, who is instantly infatuated with Ben and thinks he feels the same way. Can you say complicated? Why yes, yes indeed my good chap!

The story is dual narrated by Imogen and Ben as they navigate themselves through their romantic feelings, their current situation and the mystery to solve. I really enjoyed them both, liking their quirks and personalities and loving what their interactions brought out in each other. I hate to say this, but I really did like Ernest. Sure, Ben is more charming, outgoing and personable, but Ernest was so real, genuine, and sweet- but maybe he was too much like Imogen and she needed someone to challenge her and bring her out of her shell instead of someone also quiet who make no demands.

Let's take just a minute to fully appreciate the wonderful friendship between Emily and Imogen. Here we have two girls who are developing feelings for the same guy, yet both want to be good friends and support the other in any situation. There was no cat-fighting or throwing the other under the bus, just two girl who would do anything for the other regardless of them not getting their way. Now, this, this is what we need more of in YA. Also, Emily's parents, the Beeswangers were pretty much amazing people (and that is all you get out of me- read the book, you will not be able to argue).

​

“Are you?”

Ben stared again— no longer sure if Imogene was being enigmatic or if he was having a problem thinking. His brain seemed to have lost its train of thought. “Am I what?”

Imogene laughed. “Greatly interested?”

Ben stared at pretty Miss Imogene Chively in her soft blue dress that accented her lovely blue eyes and agreed readily.

“Most definitely,” he said, no longer sure of the topic.

“Very interested.”

I really find myself enjoying historical romances with the proper rules, etiquette, societal expectations, costuming, courting procedures- it is always such a fun time reading these types of stories and I love that now there are YA versions (you know, the same but without the heaving bosoms and such). I found this to be a cute story heavy on the romance and light on the mystery with engaging characters that I felt like I really ended up knowing. I enjoyed Ms. Anstey's fun writing style so much so that I have already picked up her previous book Duels and Deceptions to jump into next (technically this is her third book, but I am like 95% sure they are all standalones and can be enjoyed independently- this one most certainly can!).

I am voluntarily reviewing an advance, complimentary copy of this book. ​

Author Bio:

Whenever she is not sitting at the computer, throwing a ball in the backyard, gardening or reading, Cindy can be found–actually, not found–adventuring around the world with her hubby.

She has lived on three continents, had a monkey in her yard and a scorpion under her sink, dwelt among castles and canals, enjoyed the jazz of Beale St and attempted to speak French.

Cindy loves history, mystery and… a chocolate Labrador called Chester. Love, Lies and Spies is her debut novel.

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