To Love the Brooding Baron Review and Author Interview

ABOUT THE BOOK

Opposites attract and sparks fly when the vivacious Arabella falls for a baron who lives under the shadow of a scandalous family secret.

Arabella Latham is a free spirit who longs to feel the spark of true love, but few men can match her passion for Shakespeare or her zest for life. Though her prospects seem slim, Arabella knows she can always count on the handsome but stoic Lord Henry Northcott, dubbed “The Brooding Baron” by the ton, to be willing to engage in intelligent conversation and even share a congenial dance with her at almost every ball. His quiet demeanor is the opposite of her vivacious personality, and she finds herself drawn to him, despite their differences.

Lord Northcott has quietly admired Arabella for years, grateful that his friendship with her brother has allowed him to share in her company. But he knows he cannot pursue a romantic relationship with any woman—let alone someone as bright and beautiful as Arabella—because of the shadow that an old family scandal has cast over his life. He has vowed to preserve what is left of his family’s reputation by holding himself above reproach apart from society and focusing the majority of his efforts at Parliament.

But Arabella is determined to show Lord Northcott that life is meant to be enjoyed, and she sets out to see what is behind the walls the Brooding Baron has built around himself. Could the spark of true love be enough to drive away the shadows holding Henry back?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Jentry Flint is bookworm-turned-writer with the propensity to try just about anything. She has a true love of history and believes a good quote can fix most things. She lives in southern Utah with her husband and two daughters—who, naturally, are named after characters from books. Her favorite things in life are flavored popcorn, her grandmother’s purple blanket, and curling up on the couch to watch a movie with her husband.


AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Called - How is this book similar to Games in a Ballroom? How is it different?

Jentry Flint - So To Love the Brooding Baron basically leaves off right where Games in a Ballroom ended, I won't elaborate more so I don't risk giving any spoilers--BUT if you haven't read Games in a Ballroom you can still read To Love the Brooding Baron and not feel lost. It's just more fun, in my opinion, if you read Games in a Ballroom first and then To Love the Brooding Baron. And this is because To Love the Brooding Baron follows the story of Henry Northcott (aka Beasty if you ask Mr. Bradbury or The Brooding Baron if you ask members of the ton) and Arabella Latham, Emerson's sister and Olivia's best friend. In this book you will see many more of the same characters from Games in a Ballroom, while also experiencing some of the fun and humor that was in Games in a Ballroom! 

Life Is What It's Called -What was your favorite scene to write and why?

Jentry Flint - My favorite scene to write...that is such a HARD question! because I had SOOOO much fun researching this book! I found so many historical facts and settings that blew my mind that I feel like you won't find in a Regency romance! But I guess if I have to pick one scene, it might be the chapter when they go to Sadlers Wells Theatre! That place fascinated me so much while I did research and I truly wanted everyone to experience this place and the craziness that happened in that theatre! I would definitely say it's one of my sweater scenes between my hero and heroine.

Life Is What It's Called - What themes are in this book?

Jentry Flint - I would say there are a few themes inside this book, for example found family, but the one I hope readers feel the most is grace. To give grace, to receive grace and to forgive and believe in yourself. 

Life Is What It's Called -What inspired you to write this book?

Jentry Flint - Without trying to give too many spoilers, I truly loved the movie She's the Man growing up and when I heard that the movie was based on the Shakespeare play Twelfth Night, I KNEW I had to incorporate parts of my story in my book! I also fell down the rabbit hole when it came to a Parliamentary movement called the Lunacy Reform. The regency era ONLY happened because King George III was declared mad, making the Prince Regent have to step up and run the country. I can't really say more or I'll risk spoiling the book--curse myself for writing a story line FILLED with spoilers! 

Life Is What It's Called - What do you think is one of the most memorable lines in this book? And why?

Jentry Flint - Most memorable line. . . well, I know the most quoted line between me and my husband is when Mr. Bradbury yells: "Dinner!" We quote it often to each other and have a good laugh every time because it's just this awkward moment and only because Mr. Bradbury made it be! Other than that I don't know what will be a memorable line! I was more than surprised to learn that the line about the pig from Emerson's mother was the most quoted line from Games in a Ballroom, so I don't even know what to guess on this one. 

Life Is What It's Called - Which character are you most like and why?

Jentry Flint - Which character am I most like? I would probably say Arabella. She speaks her mind and doesn't like a bully. But my husband would probably say it's because we both don't have any patience--lol.

Life Is What It's Called - If this book was a food what would it be and why? (Is it sweet like chocolate, fun and cheesy like pizza, etc)

Jentry Flint - One of those jumbo bags of Sour Patch Watermelons. I think it's going to shock some people throughout, while also turning into this sweet, delicious story you can't help but want to go back for more! 

Life Is What It's Called - What writing projects are you working on now and what hints can you share?

Jentry Flint - I'm currently 3 chapters away from finishing Mr. Bradbury's story! You will recognize him as the comedic relief in the Brooks Brotherhood. You might remember he is VERY anti-marriage and he's going to meet his match!

Review

Lord Northcutt is tasked to watch over Arabelle and her mother while her brother is away. He finds the task difficult at times as Arabelle has a vivacious spirit that doesn't conform to societal expectations and has a great love for Shakespeare and plays. On top of watching over Arabelle and finding himself falling for her, Lord Northcutt's also trying to avoid a doctor who wants to talk to him. As Lord Northcutt's world slowly turns upside down, he finds himself growing closer to Arabelle.

The author uses Arabelle's love of Shakespeare to add a taste of his work into the book. I love the references to Twelfth Night. I also enjoyed the subtle reference to King Lear/Hamlet as Lord Northcutt tries to figure out the truths surrounding him and figure out his own "madness." I did at times feel like Shakespearean quotes were dropped in there and the author could have played a bit more with it. The author does play around with common Shakespearean themes from woman thwarting man's domain, dealing with madness, forbidden love, dealing with the aftermath of tragic circumstances and etc. The characters were well-rounded, and the plot thickens gradually as the characters open themselves up to each other and to others surrounding them. Overall, this is a fun romance that I think Regency romance readers will enjoy. It has some light-heartedness, drama, social dangers, mystery, and twists and turns. The storytelling in the book is very smooth and the author draws you in from one scene to the next. This book can be read as a stand-alone or you can read it as a series starting with Jentry Flint's first book, Games in a Ballroom. To learn more about this book, click here.

Please note that I received a free copy to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links that help support this blog.