Cover Image: Glitter

Glitter

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Entrée dans la haute société londonienne
J’aime beaucoup Abby Glines et j’ai tenté, bien que je n’aime pas les romances historiques, cette histoire.
Ce récit ne m’a pas réconcilié avec les romances historiques, mais les décors, les robes n’étaient pas écrasants et j’ai aimé l’héroïne qui conserve un côté moderne car elle ne veut pas de ce monde pour lequel elle a été formatée, mais qui va essayer de s’y intègrer pour protéger sa sœur qui n’aura pas la même chance qu’elle.
Elle découvre à la fois la vie londonienne et la dispute de 2 demi-frères pour avoir son attention, pendant qu’elle a une quête pour une vraie relation.
C’est bien écrit mais au-delà de l’héroïne et de quelques retournements, j’ai trouvé l’intrigue un peu prévisible.

Was this review helpful?

Goodness, I did not know what to expect with a period love story from Abbi. But I loved it!

Miriam Bathurst is sent to live with her Aunt and Uncle in London to find a wealthy husband. Her father, who resented her, as her twin brother died within a few days of birth, is dead, leaving her bitter mother with debts. So, it is left to Miriam to find a rich husband to look after her mother and her beloved little sister.

Her aunt and uncle are real characters too!

Miriam’s first Ball goes very well indeed and she’s intrigued interest with quite a few suitors including the Earl of Ashington and his stepbrother Nicholas Compton, both men want her, but Nicholas’s need to start with is to avenge his brother.

Emma is a small child living with the Earl of Ashington and he is on the look out for an ideal mother for her. She is a bright and spirited child. You will just have to read this to find out who her father is and who ends up being her mother.

A fabulous read and I do hope for a sequel for the brother who missed out!

I read this as an ARC for joandisalovebooks and this is my honest opinion

Was this review helpful?

<b>4.5 ✺✺✺✺✺

<i>~The Earl of Ashington & Miss Miriam Bathurst~</i></b>

I was hooked reading the blurb
I was lined reading the prologue
I was sunk by the time I finished the story...

It has been a long time since I've read Abbi Glines' work. I did however remember the feeling Abbi evoked in me during my read. All the angst, the anticipation, the highs that the lows follow, and the heartbreak.

In <b>Glitter</b>, Abbi manages to write a compelling coming-of-age story. As with historical romance goes, a girl of age will be presented to society in order to get a husband. In this particular, Miss Miriam Bathurst has to get a wealthy husband to give the life her sister deserves. What she doesn't count on is that her beauty attracts so many people with the Earl of Ashington and his stepbrother, Mr. Compton in lead.

I can safely say that the love triangle is not my cup of tea. So, reading this book makes me nervous because I don't know who she will end up with. The emotional build-up between the three of them is so well-written, the chemistry even more so.
The story will be given a full 5 ✺ from me if only the characters, especially the Earl and Mr. Compton are given a more thorough background story.
Still, considering this is Abbi's first historical romance, she has done a great job writing this story. The language, the setting, the atmosphere are all very fitting for the story. She also does a great job in creating Miriam, so unique and different from other girls. I do hope Abbi will write more stories from this world!


<i>*Thank you TheNextStep PR for the ARC!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review</i>

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Net Galley for a copy of this ARC. Glitter by Abbi Glines!!! I did not know that Abbi Glines wrote historical romance, I've read many many of her novels of contemporary romance. But she nailed this one! This book was enchanting, what dreams are made of. This would have been a 5 star for me but I wanted more heat to go along with that chemistry. Still loved it though! 4.5 stars!!!

Was this review helpful?

4 1/2 "Glittery" Stars...

As a person who reads many different genres, I was nervous about how Ms. Glines would tackle a regency romance. Let me just say, there was no need to worry. Glitter was a nice blend of a regency romance and a new adult novel. I liked that it was written in first person and told from the point of view of several characters.

Miriam is a strong-willed young woman who realizes she may have to sacrifice her own happiness to insure that of her sister. She enters the London "marriage mart" with the goal of securing a wealthy husband. She hopes to be fortunate enough to find a love match, but knows she may not have a choice. Then she meets the arrogant Earl of Ashington and his half-brother, Lord Compton. The two of them liven up the "season" with their intense rivalry and distrust of one another.

Glitter was an enjoyable read that kept me engrossed in the story until the very last page. Well done, Abbi Glines - - you crossed genres with a lovely and entertaining regency romance that gave me Bridgerton feels.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I read my first Abbi Glines book almost a decade ago, and I have been a fan of her writing ever since. Glitter, Glines's first foray into Regency romance, has everything her fans expect. The book is a fast-paced novel filled with flirty moments and charming leading men. Miriam and her two suitors were fun to read about, and their interactions hooked me from the first page. The only weakness of Glitter is that it felt too brief. Miriam and Hugh's relationship felt rushed, and the resolution of the novel happened too quickly. The story was enjoyable, and I will keep reading the books in this series, but I would have liked this novel to be longer.

Was this review helpful?

This is Abbi Glines first attempt at writing a historical romance and she did an amazing job.
I have always loved her flair of drama and angst combined with a great romance and she didn’t fail me in “Glitter”.
I really liked the way the story was build and it intrigued me from the get go

The story centers around Miriam Bathurst a daughter of a late baron who needs to marry to support her mother and especially her younger sister who has been in an accident and need surgery.
She meets Lord Arlington who she dislikes at first sight and his stepbrother Nicolas who is his total opposite. One is looking for a wife and a mother for his ward and the other is looking for revenge but what happens when everything changes and who will she choose and does he choose her too?

I truly love Miriam’s aunt and uncle who just embraces her and supports her and they become the parents that she never had. Her aunt is American and she brings the comedic relief in all the drama. Their love and support for each other is truly beautiful to see and I understand why Miriam strifes to find a marriage like theirs.
The two brothers are also amazing and I loved them both but I actually came to like the redemption of Nicolas the best. He is the most interesting of the two and Arlington is a little to tame and fickleminded.
Miriam is amazing and she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. I really loved her first meeting with Arlington because she wasn’t a scared little mouse who disappointed a lowerstanding man of ton because an Earl used his rank. Go Miriam.

I can definitely recommend this book and this is my honest opinion.
Arc provided by The next Step Pr and Abbi Glines through Netgalley.

Was this review helpful?

I love historical romances and boy, oh boy, did Abbi hit it out of the park with this one.

Miriam is on a mission her first debut season; make an excellent match so she is able to help her sister and mother. She is not expecting love, just good prospects. Her Uncle Alfred and Aunt Harriet are the ones to help her be seen out in society. But truly, they show Mirim what a true marriage forged of love looks like.

The Earl of Ashington is looking for a wife and someone to help with his secret. He is immediately enthralled with Miriam but thinks that Lydia Ramsbury may be the more practical choice. But then his half-brother, Nicholas Compton, is also out for revenge making Ashington’s decision even harder. But Miriam knows exactly what Nicholas is up to. But she can’t help to stay mad at him – he is so very charming.

But the more time Miriam spends with Ashington the more she realizes that she may actually be falling for him. So, will Miriam make a good match and get her happily ever after? Definitely one-click this swoon-worthy story.

Was this review helpful?

That is an amazing cover and I certainly love a regency book! The blurb sucked me in but it’s the authors name on the cover that had me wanting this title!

What did I like? This was a very refreshing regency read and Mariam was a lovely main character. Two brothers eyed her ….astounded by her beauty but I think it was her intelligence that stole the show. Ash and Nicholas are brothers who have a bitterness between them both wanting the same girl for different reasons. Highly enjoyable read and five stars for entertainment!

Would I recommend or buy? Yesssss to both! Fans of this author will love this book! I didn’t want to put it down! Regency romance lovers will love it!

I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review! Fantastic book!

Was this review helpful?

Unlike other historical romance stories this one is written in the first person with strong female characters for the period in which it was written.
Miriam a beautiful, intelligent, strong willed and outspoken women is in London looking for a husband for financial security for her family after the death of her father.
The Earl of Ashington and Mr. Nicholas Compton, brothers who are at odds with each other are both vying for the attention of one Miss Miriam Bathurst.
Emma, a bright, curious, mischievous little imp was an absolute delightful addition to the story and gave me a few chuckles with her antics. Throw these characters together and you have a very enjoyable story.
Well done Abbi.

Was this review helpful?

Glitter is a regency romance, about penniless but beautiful Miriam and rich but aloof Lord Ashington.

Although this is an entertaining, fluffy read, there was very little of the drama that it needed to really grip me. The ending was rushed and slightly unsatisfying, but some of the characters were real gems and helped to save it somewhat.

A quick and easy read, this book is low impact but entertaining.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I’ll be honest, at first I wasn’t sure I was going to like this. I got about 4 chapters in, que the mysterious Lord Ashington (which I love his name btw) & I was hooked. I’ve read a lot of Abbi Glines + I am pleasantly surprised by this. She tried something different and I dare say she succeeded. I’ve been rewatching Downton Abbey & was looking for a regency book & this popped up on my kindle. I devoured it. It was everything I was expecting from a regency and more. I do wish that the kitchen scene was more of a heated kiss but i just by passed it.
Other than that, if you love regency, a smart sassy little girl, drama, mystery, brothers that hate each other, & a woman to strive to be like, Id say you will love this. This will definitely be a reread for me!
I hope she writes more about Nicolas & maybe Whitney!

Was this review helpful?

WOW!
Well Abbi Glines - the Queen of NA romance stories- tried something new and I really really really hope it wasn't the last try!

GLITTER by Abbi Glines is a historical romance in the Regency era....
.... aaaaand I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
I really love historical romances and I can happily admit that this one is one of my favourite reads of 2021!!
First of all it was something different to have a historical romance in first person. I loooove first person and this book showed that this choice can be perfectly good for a historical romance! ;)

Glitter got me HOOKED right from the beginning! I love this time period and would love to time travel to attend balls as well as Miriam did. ♡
I instantly fell in love with the characters and... what can I say? Abbi Glines never disappoints me!
Miriam is a strong willed woman who cares for her sister so much that she has to find a husband. Well there's Lord Ashington. He's an Earl and could take care of everything... but there's also his brother Mr. Compton...
Who will she chose? Does she even has a choice?
Ha! Are you curious now?! YOU SHOULD BE! Read this book and fall in love as well!
Awwwww!!!
I can't say it often enough!!! I REALLY REALLY REALLY LOOOOOOOVED this story!!!
Glitter is a book full of everything I love in a historical romance and soooooo much more!!!
So many emotions! So much roooomance! Drama! Handsome earls! Humour all the way! And so much more!
OMG I'm so happy that I read this book!!!
I loooved the whole atmosphere in the story!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH The Next Step PR and Abbi Glines for this ARC! ♡

♡ This is my honest review with my own words. ♡

Was this review helpful?

J'ai déjà lu des romans d'Abbi Glines mais j'étais très curieuse de la découvrir dans une romance historique. Nous voilà donc plongés dans la régence Victorienne à la découverte de personnages qui sont à un point important de leur vie et où leur choix ne sera pas lié à la passion mais à la raison et au devoir. J'ai passé un bon moment tout au long de cette lecture même si la fin est à mon sens un peu trop précipitée.

Miriam Bathurst est une jeune femme de 18 ans qui s'avère être mature pour son âge. Elle n'a eu guère le choix d'ailleurs car elle est prête à sacrifier son bonheur pour que sa soeur Whitney le soit. Ayant dés relations très tendues avec leur mère et ayant eu un père qui ne désirait qu'une seule chose, à savoir avoir un héritier, elle n'a pas été élevée dans une famille aimante et épanouissante. Elle s'est réfugiée dans les romans qu'elle lit très régulièrement mais il est temps de passer de la fiction à la réalité. Même si elle ne le souhaite pas profondément, elle va devoir trouver un mari qui assurera non pas son propre avenir mais celui de sa soeur et de ce fait celui de sa mère. Elle n'a pas eu le guide de survie en bonne société mais heureusement elle pourra compter sur les Wellington , son oncle et sa tante, pour lancer sa saison. Quand elle arrivera à Londres, elle va se faire immédiatement remarquer car son attitude vis à vis de Lord Arlington sera détonnant. Ce que j'ai aimé avec Miriam est le fait qu'elle dit le fond de sa pensée tout en restant dans la bienséance. On sent un caractère fort mais elle saura s'adapter à cet environnement qu'elle n'apprécie pas mais qui sera un vrai tremplin pour sa mission. Alfred et Harriet seront être à ses côtés lors des différents bals et sauront être à l'écouter de cette jeune femme qui va devoir au final choisir entre raisons et sentiments.

Hugh Compton est le Comte d'Ashington et de prime abord , il apparaît comme un homme engoncé dans son rôle , distant et hautain . Cependant , grâce aux chapitres écrits de son point de vue, nous allons découvrir l'envers du décor et nous aurons une autre opinion de lui. Il est évident qu'il n'apprécie pas forcément le rôle et les responsabilités qu'il doit endosser mais il sait qu'il n'a pas le choix. Quand il est en présence d'Emma , cette jeune fille de 4 ans, nous voyons que c'est une homme agréable et généreux. Il va donc tout mettre en oeuvre pour la préserver au vu de sa situation et faire en sorte qu'il puisse établir une vie de famille digne de ce mot. Ce ne sera pas chose facile si on s'en tient à ses relations avec son demi frère Nicholas . Les tensions sont évidentes et tous les coups seront permis entre eux. Il n'a pas la même attitude en société qu'avec Miriam et on va apprécier découvrir cette facette de lui. S'il sait se montrer ouvert sur certains sujets, il n'en sera pas de même sur l'intrigue principale, ce qui pourrait conduire à des retournements de situations des plus désagréables. Saura t-il trouver la bonne solution?

Nicholas Compton est un personnage que j'ai également aimé découvrir car on va le voir lui aussi être tiraillé dans ses démarches. Son plan était clair et évident dès le début et la vengeance ne pouvait que se mettre en marche. Même s'il est un manipulateur né, on va questionner ses intentions au fil des pages. J'ai même réussi à l'apprécier dans ses scènes avec Miriam. C'est avec elle que les Compton sont les plus naturels et les plus réels. Pourtant la société et le passé familiale a forgé ls hommes qu'ils sont devenus et ils devront aller au bout de leur démarche. Quand il voit que son frère ennemi ne semble plus être intéressé par Lydia Ramsbury, il se pourrait qu'il entame une nouvelle partie d'échecs et tant pis pour les dommages collatéraux. Nous verrons donc jusqu'où il ira pour obtenir cette vengeance qui bouillonne en lui depuis tant d'années. Mais en allant dans ce sens , n'aura t-il pas plus à perdre qu'à y gagner?

Bref, c'est un premier essai réussi pour Abbi Glines dans la romance historique. Même si certains points auraient pu être approfondis comme le dénouement final , j'ai apprécié cette romance qui saura nous proposer un panel de beaux sentiments. Les personnages sont attachants tous autant qu'ils sont et nous apprécierons l'intrigue qui les liera.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! I was looking forward to reading this (Abbi is one of my favorite authors after all), so I knew I'd like it--but I more than loved it! It's become one of my top reads of 2021.

“I did not realize you would change everything for me. My beliefs, my desires, and my dreams. For now, I have none of those without you.”

Miriam Bathurst, at eighteen years old, is off to London to stay with her aunt and uncle for the season. To her, a loveless marriage of convenience paints a dreary picture of her future, but she will do whatever it takes to provide a happy life for her younger sister. Right away, Miriam catches the eye of two men. One is looking for a bride. The other is looking for revenge. They both find her. Suddenly, Miriam is tangled up in sibling rivalry and feelings she never expected to have.

“You consume my thoughts, you fill the void inside me, and I never believed that I would feel this way about anyone.”

Glitter is romantic and the atmosphere and historical setting are the perfect escape. The writing style was lovely and whimsical and it still has Abbi's signature style. And for those afraid of love triangles (I hear ya...), Abbi does it right! It managed to be unpredictable, yet not painfully so. I truly loved these characters. Every single one was endearing. I have to say, I love who she ended up with, and I'm hoping for another book about a certain other pairing...

“You are everything I never knew I needed in this life but fear I cannot live without. I love you.”

I hadn't expected Abbi to release a historical romance, but my oh my she knocked it out of the park! Please write more!!!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

✨Rating: 4.5 🌟
Prepare to be glittered in Regal Love!

Glitter by Abbi Glines is the first regency romance book written by the author. The story of Miriam Bathurst and a suitable suitor. In wanting more for herself, Miriam finds herself tethered to social expectations for women and enters the marriage mart. Miriam makes a resolution and travels to London in securing a husband to tend to family obligations, joining her aunt and uncle, making her purpose candidly known.

“Your sharp wit, kind heart, measure of decency, belief in what is fair, love for family, and, of course, your unsurpassable beauty are all favorable traits.”

When Miriam finds her family’s welfare is dependent on entering marriage, she has no other choice, and with her sister, Whitney, being the most important reason to do so. As for Duke Ashington, he finds himself in need of finding a mother for the child who has entered his life, which only a wife would be able to set right in London society. And who Ashington chooses from the marriage mart will only intensify the vengeance sought from Mr. Compton. The vendetta between the Compton men soon becomes apparent to Miriam, while her reasoning for going to London for family obligations is made known. And, as mischievous as Nicholas Compton is, his encounters with wanting vengeance towards Lord Ashington are quickly challenged. But at what price? A marriage of convenience, or for love and to whom?

“I am here, Miriam Bathurst, because I am in love with you and I cannot bear to lose you…You consume my thoughts, you fill the void inside me, and I never believed that I would feel this way about anyone!”

There are secrets and contentions, Whom will Miriam choose?

Overall, this rating was given for world building, wonderful characters, and leaving the reader wanting to know more for the remaining characters. And as a reacquainted reader to the genre, I found the book to be easy to read, which is sometimes not typical of historical romance. However, I felt like a bridge of romantic unity for the final couple between the last chapter and epilogue, was missing. Also, the Tri-POV style was different, but helpful in character and story development. Lastly, Emma was a sweet homage to the author’s daughter, Emerson, who is the light of the story. If you like the delicate charm with building angst of the regency era, then “Glitter” shall deliver.

I reviewed an ARC voluntarily, and look forward to future novels by the author.

Was this review helpful?

I was greatly disappointed to one of my anticipated reads this year. The blurb sounds promising and the preview was no less intriguing. But alas, the execution was not how I envision it.

Miriam was quite fiesty, I liked her yet I'm tired of her keeping in mind how to describe everything about London to Whitney over her letter and how she will love it. I get it. No need for repeats. I also get that she is searching for a husband.

The supposed love triangle that I was hoping for was just passed by. I was looking forward for more emotional involvement between the characters but I failed to see that as well. The depth of their feelings towards each other, rather than being shown throughout the story, felt like I was being told instead.

This can be considered as clean aside from the kitchen scene which to be honest, I don't know why it was even included. I hate the lack of privacy.

It did tug my heart at one point but too much of the story was loosely tied. I've already reached 90% and still I've no answer.. I begin to think if this is a duet that I wasn't aware of because there's just too many questions left unanswered. Everything was just wrapped up immediately in the end leaving me unsatisfied.

This wasn't my first historical novel yet this is probably the only one to never get tired of chocolates, jams, biscuits and tea. I must say that it's a bit too much. Not to mention Aunt Harriet's barefoot, her loud voice and most of all their addresses.

The book wasn't bad since I managed to finish it. I just hoped for more depth in the story and great closure.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed my trip to regency England with Miriam, Ashington and Nicholas. For Miriam, her father’s death has left the family in financial ruin so it falls to her to secure a husband to provide for her mother and sister. The true driving force for Miriam is her sister Whitney, the one person that has brought light and love to her life, something she didn’t get from her parents. Being in London with her uncle and aunt is refreshing for Miriam even though she doesn’t enjoy the trappings of the ‘season’ she must endure. Her Aunt Harriet is a breath of fresh air from America so she doesn’t know all the rules that society dictates and boldly does what she wants. I love that Miriam stays true to herself within society’s structure which is what opens the door to a relationship with the Earl of Ashington. Ashington has taken on his role of Earl out of duty but didn’t expect to be a father so quickly. When Emma was delivered to his doorstep, he knew he wouldn’t turn her away but now finds he needs a wife to be the countess and a mother rather quickly. This pursuit opens a door for his half-brother, Nicholas, to pursue his revenge on his brother for how he treated his mother. Of the tangled webs that British society weaves. As these two gentlemen work the season, one for a wife and the other for revenge, Miriam finds herself caught in the middle. The moments with Ashington and Emma are a true joy as he navigates fatherhood with a 4-year-old that is sneaky and smart. I do wish there would have been more to Miriam, revealing her true dreams that she was giving up. There is a hint in the epilogue but it isn’t something we as the readers truly understood and knew about which would have added depth to what I knew and felt for Miriam. Overall, I enjoyed this story and was captivated by the journey Miriam takes out of family obligation. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is my first book by Abbi Glines in years, and I was not expecting it to be this good!
This is a historical romance that pinpoints perfectly the era that Ms. Glines is writing in right down to the places, dialogue and even the mannerisms. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I usually am not one for historical romances, but something about Abbi's writing style just sucks you in, takes hold of you and never lets you go. I love that she can take any sort of era and transport you into their world, without feeling like you're stuck in there. It's like a getaway for a little while, and I wanted to stay for a long while! The plot moved at a very smooth and steady pace, which I think was perfect for this romance. I didn't feel like it was rushed nor was it dragging, and the characters were so dang loveable (and hateable at some points, but all for good reasons).

Glitter was a great historical romance that was very entertaining and kept my attention for the better part of the day! If you love anything romance, the historical factor is just an added bonus! It is highly well done!

Was this review helpful?

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thought and opinions are mine

I've not read this author before but it was the fact it was historical fiction that attracted - I love this genre

I really enjoyed this
Beautifully written, I found this very evocative and loved the use of language

I got lost in this and now can't wait to read more from them

Was this review helpful?