Review of The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig

Everything is coming up carnations in this national bestselling series Realizing romantic heroes are a thing of the past, graduate student Eloise Kelly is determined to focus on her work. Her first stop: England, to finish her dissertation on the English spies of the Napoleonic Wars, like the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian. But her greatest conquest is to reveal the most elusive spy of them all, the dashing Pink Carnation. As she does, she discovers something for the history books-a living, breathing hero all her very own...

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig is an adult historical fiction romance. It alternates between modern day England and Post-Revolutionary France. The Secret History Of The Pink Carnation alternates between three main characters, Eloise, Amy Balcourt, and Richard Selwick. It’s basically a spin-off of The Scarlet Pimpernel.

I felt the Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig was rather exaggerated, but the exaggeration was hilarious. You have Amy Balcourt who is part English, part French, and so determined to join a league of spies, she’s getting herself consistently into trouble. You have Eloise who is a modern girl, but has boy troubles. You also have a certain character and her umbrella. The dialogue isn’t incredibly witty either, but I laughed (perhaps it doesn’t take much for me).

I liked that there were strong women in The Secret History Of The Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig, I almost didn’t expect it, because it is billed as a historical romance, but these women kick ass. They are brave, courageous, intelligent, and loyal. Granted they may be a bit sexually active, but that really does not bother me. I felt Amy Balcourt was a determined force to be reckoned with.

Aside from the characters, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation was steamy. There were certain scenes/chapters which may offend those who dislike book sex, whereas others will have to cool down after those scenes.

I would say The Secret History Of The Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig is definitely not a serious read, it’s basically brain candy after a stressful week, and I found it rather easy to lose myself in this book. While reading it, I suggest you drink Chocolate Lab Wine. It’s a New York chocolate flavored dessert wine, I wouldn’t call it my wine of choice, it’s too sweet, but definitely something I do enjoy once in awhile!

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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