Kindred Schemes
The genre of this new release by author R.K. Harrington is historical romance, with an enemies-to-lovers trope. This delightful debut novel is one of those historical romances that sweeps you off your feet and back in time.
Lady Alaina Sinclair is new to the London scene. A bookish introvert, she faces a challenge in her debut when an arrogant Lord Percival Finch makes a spectacle of them both by proposing marriage. Her refusal sparks his and his companion, Lady Barbara’s, ire as they continue to try to humiliate her, hoping to succeed in their plan to acquire Alaina’s dowry.
Enter Lord Graham, the Duke of Ashford, who takes an interest in Alaina. Her parents and the Dowager believe Lord Graham will make her a perfect match. While she agrees that the kind and attractive Lord is all a woman could ask for, her head is turned by the one who vexes her repeatedly, Graham’s best friend, the Marquis of Rochester, Christopher Kendall.
It’s a fun adventure through the protagonist’s eyes, seeing which of the gentlemen she falls for, how she navigates society’s expectations, her family’s expectations, and her heart’s true feelings. Thankfully, Alaina is not a retiring flower. She has grit, especially when confronted by Lady Barbara, who has been after her from the beginning for stealing Graham’s and his cousin Percival’s attention. And dun dun dunn…their vengeance soon escalates to a life-threatening level.
I don’t want to forget to mention the robust cast around her, including a loving mother and father, Charlotte and Edward; a darling younger sister, Evelyn; and Graham’s sister, Georgianna. The locations move from the London season to the country and back, so there’s enough diversity in the storyline, the plot, and the setting to keep you interested. I honestly thought, given the length of the book, the romance would be stretched beyond necessary, and that would be the end of it. But R.K. weaves the magic great authors should do by adding a twist here and a twist there.
There was a little head-hopping in some places, from Alaina’s POV to Christopher’s POV and back again, but it wasn’t too distracting for the reader. Other than that, it’s a great debut for this author. She does an excellent job with the period. Even though you know where the plot is heading, given the standards of the time and society’s expectations, you’re not quite sure whether Alaina will pursue her heart or follow the norm and do what is expected of her.
I also love a series. Great news for historical romance readers: Kindred Schemes is book one in the Schemes Books series by R.K. Harrington.
Book and Image Courtesy of Smith publicity
