The Poetics of Passion by Delphine Ross
Historical Romance
July 25, 2023- Muse Publications
ARC

Review by Angela

This is a very different historical romance than I’ve read in a long while. Mainly because these are two regular people, struggling with everyday things like how to make enough money to afford food, rent, and medical care for their families.

The main protagonists are an artist and an author, both supporting their families for various reasons. The female main character is Musa Bartham, the eldest daughter of the notorious artist Neil Bartham and his muse and wife, Clio. During Clio’s short marriage to a renowned art critic, their affair and sudden elopement caused quite a scandal that has followed the Bartham family ever since, lowering their stations in life and leaving them on the edge of respectability. Now, with her father missing and presumed dead, Musa has taken up the role of head of household to her family and writes scandalous love poetry under the name Felicity Vita to cover their expenses. That is until she is told by her publisher that the new owner is moving in a new direction and there will be no more Felicity Vita books published. So Musa decides to head in an entirely different direction.

Sebastian Atkinson is an artist who is trying to support his two sisters after the death of his parents. He also works at a printing press to keep a roof over his head. Lately, he’s become obsessed with the woman who he has been corresponding with after reading her passionate poetry. Felicity Vita. After showing up at her publisher in the hopes of meeting her, he ends up being introduced to Musa Bartham instead and ends up agreeing to illustrate her upcoming children’s book.

Despite the main characters’ backstories, this was a light read with some fun moments. As you can guess, the correspondence between Sebastian (as Henry) and Musa (as Felicity) plays a big part in the overall romantic conflict between this couple. They’ve been writing letters to each other for quite a while, and have connected on a deep, emotional level long before they meet, but their first in-person impressions of each other aren’t all that great. While working together, their friendship evolves, and their attraction for each other along with it. I was eagerly awaiting the confrontation when they would finally confide in each other their true identities.

Along with that conflict, there are miscommunication issues between the two, and in my opinion, Sebastian kept his secrets way, way too long. But their slow-burn romance was nicely done. I enjoyed meeting the secondary characters and hope to see them again, especially Angela who I would like to see find her HEA. I felt like everything was wrapped up a little too easily, but hey- sometimes less drama is nice too, especially when a big blowup at the end is expected.

All in all, this was a fast, fun read and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Grade- B