Quick Sips: The Trouble with Anna by Rachel Griffiths
Wow! What a ride! The Trouble with Anna by Rachel Griffith will be released March 4, 2025.
Anna Barton would rather spend an afternoon with horses rather than people, with the exception of her best friend, Lady Charlotte. Set to inherit her grandfather’s estate, horses, and stables, she finds he has amended his will to include a condition that will stop her plans in its tracks. She must marry Lord Ramsey, her best friend’s brother, a man she is too shy to even speak to, or everything will go to her gambling cousin. Lord Ramsey must make a decision, but will Anna even agree to what he has in mind?
This book felt like such a fresh take on historical romance, and not just for its enticing hot pink cover. Rachel Griffiths’s writing style is contemporary, but does not feel out of place for a Regency romance. I enjoyed her shorter chapters which kept me reading. The plot had just enough events and actions to drive the story forward. There was no unnecessary wordiness or self-important filler. I don’t know how many times I found myself saying “just one more chapter,” and before I knew it, I was finished.
I’m not much of a horse girl myself. I think they’re a bit intimidating, but I loved this horse-obsessed heroine. She made me care about horses and racing. I was surprised to find myself slowing down during the riding scenes to make sure I absorbed all the details. It was clever how Anna’s character was a bit like a horse herself. Strong and fast, while also easily spooked by society and romance. The fact that Julian encouraged her passions, even as his potential Countess, was the icing on the cake.
Another unique point of this novel is the progression of the romance. Fairly early, Julian made me feel assured that they would find their happily ever after. I could just tell that Anna would be safe with him, despite his initial reactions. After anticipating a fluffy story of two people falling in love, my heart was seized and crushed by their struggles in the relationship. My eyes burned with tears during their reconciliations. How many times must this poor man propose? I let out a big sigh of relief when I realized they had overcome their challenges. My emotions could not handle anymore.
I loved that not all romantic and steamy scenes between them were these deeply passionate perfect moments. There was variety. It was so much more relatable and real to see an awkward moment between them. I think laughter or giggles during kisses makes me swoon just as much as a chin grab.
Griffith goes beyond a dual POV and I am here for it. A feisty dowager is always a favorite of mine, and Lady Charlotte is just as fun. I am thrilled that Charlotte will get a book, as well. I will need to sneak a peek at the synopsis to see if her beau is who I am hoping it is. I’m always thirsty for an “enormous” MMC.
If you enjoy a best friend’s brother romance with a take your clothes off and use my body heat for warmth scene, this is your book. I give it 4.5+ stars, but I’ll round it up to a 5 with a hope we will see more of Julian and Anna in book 2 of the series.
Thank you to Netgally for this ARC. This is my honest review.
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