The Hellion's Waltz: Feminine Pursuits

Olivia Waite

Jun 2021 · HarperCollins

About this ebook

It’s not a crime to steal a heart... 

Sophie Roseingrave hates nothing more than a swindler. After her family lost their piano shop to a con man in London, they’re trying to start fresh in a new town. Her father is convinced Carrisford is an upright and honest place, but Sophie is not so sure. She has grave suspicions about silk-weaver Madeline Crewe, whose stunning beauty doesn’t hide the fact that she’s up to something.

All Maddie Crewe needs is one big score, one grand heist to properly fund the weavers’ union forever. She has found her mark in Mr. Giles, a greedy draper, and the entire association of weavers and tailors and clothing merchants has agreed to help her. The very last thing she needs is a small but determined piano-teacher and composer sticking her nose in other people’s business. If Sophie won’t be put off, the only thing to do is to seduce her to the cause.

Will Sophie’s scruples force her to confess the plot before Maddie gets her money? Or will Maddie lose her nerve along with her heart?

Ratings and reviews

When pianist Sophie spots a beautiful weaver at a linen-draper's shop, she's instantly smitten. But Sophie soon realizes that Maddie is out to swindle the draper. Can Maddie convince her that the cause is just, and seduce her into joining in the scheme? I really loved the romance in this book. The characters were compelling. It was lovely to see how Sophie's plot unfolded as she gained confidence in herself as a musician. Maddie's plot was interesting but a bit convoluted. It did provide an unusual take, though, on the struggles workers faced in the wake of Peterloo. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This entertaining story has a tender romance and a first-rate plot to teach a swindler a lesson he won’t soon forget. Maddie is a weaver and an activist for labor reform. Sophie and her family have come to Carrisford to start anew after being bilked to near bankruptcy by a con-man in London. The family is musical. Papa builds pianos, Mama was an opera singer, the siblings sing and play instruments. Maddie heads a group that has a most ingenious plan for revenge against Mr. Giles, an unscrupulous businessman, in truth a cheat. The story is complex. There are several side stories. Along with Maddie and Sophie, there is an awesome cast of characters. The plans for justice are progressing, and will culminate at a concert hosted by Sophie’s family. Now, Sophie is not just a musician, she is a composer. Her selection for the concert is a piece she composed for Maddie, The Hellion’s Waltz. Interesting story, great characters. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

About the author

Olivia Waite writes historical romance, fantasy, and science fiction. She is currently the romance fiction columnist for the New York Times Book Review. To learn more and sign up for her newsletter, please visit www.oliviawaite.com.