Review – Suitors and Sabotage by Cindy Anstey

Title Suitors and Sabotage

Author Cindy Antsey

Description from Amazon

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.

Initial Thoughts

I love Cindy Anstey’s writing. I also am obsessed with anything Jane Austen-esque and was super excited to read this book. I have read all of Cindy Anstey’s books now (except for Carols and Chaos because I am saving that for the holiday season).

Some Things I Liked

• The setting. I just loved the English countryside setting and the time period.
• The dialogue. True to its Jane Austen tag, this book had totally Austen-worthy banter. I loved the back and forth between Imogen and Ben.
• Quick read. I really enjoyed that this was a quick read for me. I finished it in one day.

One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About

• Everyone was so clueless. I guess that’s another Austen element in its own way, but everyone was totally shocked when the found out anything.

Final Thoughts

I thought this book was a really fun read. I liked that Imogen wasn’t just a damsel in distress kind of lady and she had dreams of her own. She was a strong female lead who didn’t let her family or society tell her what she should do. I loved the Jane Austen connections and was happy to see the way this book ended.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommendations for Further Reading

• Love, Lies, and Spies by Cindy Anstey – if you liked the Jane Austen vibes and you like main characters who keep secrets from each other, give this book by Cindy Anstey a try.
• A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn – again, if you like the setting, Jane Austen worthy banter, and mystery in this book, give the Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn a try.
• Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco – again, if you like the setting, the banter, and strong willed female lead characters, do yourself a favor and check out this series by Kerri Maniscalco. You won’t be able to put it down.