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Book Review: Oaths of Affection

Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

Title: Oaths of Affection

Author: Maria Yrsa Rönneus

Publication Date: December 17, 2019

Genre: Historical Regency Fiction

Cover:

The cover of Oaths of Affection is beautiful and creative! The background is subtle and reminds me of wallpaper that one might find in a grand historic house and the silhouettes of the man and woman with the inlays are different and eye-catching. Amazingly enough, Rönneus designed this cover along with the others in her series. I love when the book covers in a series have continuity and Rönneus executes this perfectly.

Premise

Set in 1816, Oaths of Affection tells the story of Lady Marigold, a young woman whose tragic loss of her parents in her teenage years forces her to rely on the guardianship of her aunt and uncle. Her once happy and carefree life is replaced by one of financial hardship, constant belittling from her aunt, and very little joy. When Lady Marigold catches the eye of the handsome and kind Major Arthur Hastings, love blossoms, but can it last when others have different plans for Marigold?

Why I chose this book:

Author Maria Yrsa Rönneus requested this review. Her book cover immediately caught my attention and her description of the story was intriguing.

First Impression:

Rönneus opens the book with an Epistle to the Reader, which sets the stage by writing, “It was the greatest of times, it was the best of worlds filled with possibility.” She briefly discusses the political climate and everyday life for the rich and poor and how she approached her research and accurate representation of such things as historic figures and even buildings. I enjoyed this candid description of life in the 1800s.

What I loved:

Rönneus is a talented writer and when the reader realizes that she writes in her second language, this skill is even more admirable. What impressed me the most was her dialogue, which is often clever, playful, and humorous, yet always era-appropriate. The interactions between Marigold and Arthur are flirtatious, teasing, and even provocative allowing the reader to feel the sexual tension between the two. In truth, I had difficulty selecting quotes for the “Quotable Quotes” section of this review because I highlighted so many bits of dialogue while reading. But don’t be fooled! Rönneus also tackles more serious matters as she discusses politics and issues of the day such as the responsibility of the ruling class in England toward those in less fortunate circumstances.

While the romance between Marigold and Arthur takes center stage, it is all relayed within the context of a historically accurate book with substance. Yes, there are steamy sex scenes, but they do not overpower the story in any way. Other topics are highlighted such as the role women played in society, which I quite enjoyed. Readers are presented with strong, resourceful women who refuse to be treated like nothing more than pretty faces. These women are contrasted with others who allow the men in their lives to make all the decisions and treat them as nothing more than pawns used to allow certain individuals and families to rise in the ranks of upper-class society.

Additional Thoughts:

I love reviewing books from authors who live outside of the United States because they often open my eyes to the differences between commonly accepted styles in the states versus Europe. For instance, a type of European formatting includes adding dashes in front of each new speaker’s line. Formatting is typically something I am a stickler for so I was relieved to find that this formatting was quite intentional. Rönneus pointed out that even though it is what modern readers might call outdated or old-fashioned, it highlights that this book is meant to tell the story of another time and I agree!

Quotable Quotes:

• Her green gaze burned into him, branding him as hers. All his senses were focused on her, and on her alone. (Page 48)
• Worlds could have died, and worlds have been born, but Lady Marigold’s world stood still when their eyes interlocked, for a fleeting moment so close that she could feel the soft whisper of his breath. (Page 49)
• “A man with eyes like the summer sky cannot possibly be anything but of a most amiable nature. Would you not agree?” (Page 58)
• “I am firmly convinced that we all know our truths when we meet them, if only we allow ourselves to recognize them. There are many reasons why people may be afraid to, you know.” (Page 147)
• “I do not believe that the dead could resent us for living. It is all chance, is it not?” (Page 172)
• Her father had instilled in her the principles of noblesse oblige: privilege under the responsibility. Always treat those below you with kindness, grace, and respect. (Page 256)
• But if one does not speak out against injustice, is one then not part of it? Is silence not just another mode of agreement? (Page 272)

Who might enjoy this book:

Oaths of Affection is ideal for readers who enjoy historical fiction and romance similar in style to the Netflix series, Bridgerton.

Overall Impression:

Five stars. If you crave a love story set in 19th century England, then Oaths of Affection is sure to satisfy! Rönneus crafts a lovely story surrounding Lady Marigold and Major Arthur Hastings and the highs and lows of their courtship. She offers the reader entertaining dialogue that keeps the story moving at a steady pace and it is peppered with just the right amount of romance and intimacy. Rönneus presents readers with a well-thought-out and researched story to cozy up to and I look forward to continuing to follow this delightful couple and others in the next three books of her Regency Tales series.

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