Publishers Weekly
09/25/2023
Bell (the Wallflowers vs. Rogues series) launches the Thunderbolt Club series with this rollicking Regency retelling of Grease. Here, Sandy becomes Sandrine Oliver, “the inviting, joyful, inquisitive heart” of seaside village Squalton-on-Sea, despite her sheltered upbringing and overprotective mother. A passionate member of the town’s historical society, she hopes to preserve the abandoned manor owned by the indifferent Duke of Rydell. Summer lovin’ comes in the form of new-to-town Danny Smith—who, unbeknownst to Sandrine, is really notorious rake Lord Dane Walker, the Duke’s brother. The pair are instantly smitten, but Dane feels unworthy of Sandrine’s affection. After his brother dies and he reluctantly inherits the dukedom, Dane returns to London, leaving Sandrine heartbroken and still in the dark. They’re reunited when she heads to the capital herself to confront the new duke about the state of the manor—but Dane cruelly spurns her. With help from newfound friends (risqué socialites who distinguish themselves with pink sashes over their gowns), Sandrine transforms from country mouse to glamorous temptress hoping to show Dane just what he’s missing. The transposition of the classic musical to Regency England works surprisingly well, with perhaps the cutest change being that, instead of cars, the characters brag about their carriages. This is good fun. Agent: Alexandra Machinist, CAA. (Dec.)
From the Publisher
If you’ve been looking for a bold, new voice in historical romance, the search ends here. Lenora Bell is it.” — Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author
“Lenora Bell should have the name recognition of historical romance authors such as Sarah MacLean, Tessa Dare, and Julia Quinn. Her warm, witty stories are like delicate pastries, absolutely gorgeous on the surface and even more delectable when you really dig in.” — Entertainment Weekly
“[A] sparkling launch … Witty, insightful dialogue and expertly developed characters fill the chapters of this page-turner. Gripping and emotionally charged, this romance promises more good things from the series to come.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Love Is a Rogue
“The second book in Bell’s Wallflowers vs. Rogues series is a charming enemies-to-lovers tale... With lots of winemaking detail and good attention to the obliviousness of the ton, it’s a historical romance with great depth. A sweet slow burn of a Regency romance.” — Kirkus Reviews on The Devil’s Own Duke
“Enchanting…The romantic tension is ever-simmering, enhanced by Ash’s determination not to fall in love and Hetty’s single-minded quest to gain recognition for her wines. Fast-paced plotting keeps the pages turning, making for a magnetic historical romance.” — Publishers Weekly on The Devil’s Own Duke
“Message to my readers: You’ll love Lenora Bell!” — Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author
"Lenora Bell is a true delight to read.” — Lorraine Heath, New York Times bestselling author
Library Journal
10/01/2023
When sheltered Sandrine meets Danny, a visitor to her idyllic seaside town, he is kind and caring, the perfect suitor. After the two are reunited in London, however, she learns that he's actually Dane, heir to the Dukedom of Rydell and a notoriously devilish rake. Though becoming duke is the last thing he wants, Dane sorts through the web of embezzlement and blackmail his brother has created and pushes Sandrine away for her own safety. With the help of her newfound friends, the Pink Ladies, Sandrine is determined to shed her good-girl persona as she considers how to live life on her own terms. Swap fast cars for curricles and satin jackets for pink sashes, and you have Bell's (Duke Most Wicked) first installment in her Grease-inspired "Thunderbolt Club" series. Though the nods to the film are almost too cheesy, the witty banter and steamy love scenes will keep readers saying, "Tell me more!" VERDICT This book will appeal to readers seeking a fast-paced historical romance that is passionate and playful, with a heavy dose of modern movie inspiration. Recommended for fans of Eloisa James, Sabrina Jeffries, and Tessa Dare.—Lauren Hackert
Kirkus Reviews
2023-10-07
A naïve young girl falls in love with a man who turns out to be a duke.
Sandrine Oliver has spent her life in quiet Squalton-on-Sea, longing for adventure. Though she’s generally stifled by her overprotective mother, she’s decided to enjoy one moment of “delicious, unpredictable freedom” in the sea. Unfortunately, it’s short-lived, as she’s suddenly hauled out by a strange man who thinks she’s in need of rescuing. That man is Lord Dane Walker, brother of the Duke of Rydell, but as the Rydells are not well liked in Squalton, he’s pretending to be Danny Smith. Though he ruined Sandrine’s swim, they seem to connect and even share a magical kiss, but then he disappears. They soon encounter each other again when Sandrine visits London to petition the Duke of Rydell on behalf of the local historical society—and that’s when she learns that Danny is now the duke, and he’s not necessarily happy to see her. At this point it will become clear to nearly every reader, if it isn't already, that Bell's latest is heavily inspired by Grease. The Duke is a member of the Thunderbolt Club, which is “all about racing,” and he’s returned to London to find that his buddy Kenwick’s new curricle has arrived, and it’s called Lightning Streak. Meanwhile, having been snubbed by Dane at the theater, Sandrine finds support in a group of young women who call themselves the Pink Ladies, though a certain Lady Roslyn seems to think she’s “too pristine to be pink.” Though the plot is familiar, the story is as steamy as Bell’s readers will expect, and certainly more explicit than the film. Because the book hews so closely to its inspiration, it's not groundbreaking, but Bell has fun with the premise, and readers looking for a lighthearted historical romance will enjoy it as long as they don’t mind having the soundtrack stuck in their heads.
There are worse things you could do than read this "Grease"-inspired historical romance.
