Review: Drink Divine

 Drink Divine by Aryn Cordner

Age range: YA

Firstly, I would like to thank the author for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

The blurb of the book was fantastic and straight away I wanted to read it. I very much enjoy historical romances and do read quite a lot of them. This one in particular sounded very intriguing; paranormal elements mixed in with the Victorian era, well, I had very high hopes.

Unfortunately, the book did not live up to my expectations. It was well written as such but there was certain historical mistakes that sadly, I could not overlook.

Firstly, the word "nah"

“Nah,” he shrugged. “All the beautiful ladies of the house love
me.” p.23

Yes, it is only used once, but, it was enough to infuriate me. Let us keep in mind the Victorian era was between 1837 and 1901. That is twenty years before the first noted usage of the word; nah. How would James, a humble servant, know an American word (years before it's time)?

While on the subject of James, while I understand the author wanted a slightly eccentric house and it is even stated James has no decorum, some of his actions would possible get him fired in a Victorian home. He should have, and would have shown a bit more respect to his Lady and Master. What also bugged me is that I struggled to place him. He is obviously not a gentleman, as no gentleman would put bags on top of a carriage nor would he carry them, yet, he is almost treated like a family member, with the way he talks to the members of the family;

“Vast improvement to your dress, that,” he gestured to the
tablecloth trailing feet behind me.
“Yes, well, I thought I’d try a new look. You disapprove?” I
gave a small pout.
“On you?” He grabbed my chin softly, brazenly. “Anything
looks good on you, love.” He let go with a smile. p.23

I would have a lot more, but sadly, I was sent a PDF file and could not highlight everything I needed, or wanted, to.

I loved the authors style, everything flowed well and the characters were well formed; I rather liked Aunt Jo! But, it was just the historical inaccuracies, that sadly did put me off from reading. It's not fully the authors fault, I will admit here that I am being rather nit picking and to most readers it will not matter.

I have read through some of the other reviews, quite a few suggesting that Selena was unlikeable and that she was rather horrid to her only friend; Eugenia her lady in waiting/maid. Sadly, that would have been the case in Victorian England. I personally found Eugenia to be a bit slack in her decorum;

"Message for you, Lady Selena.” Eugenia said coldly, shooting
a glare at Georgiana as she handed the note to me in plain sight. p232

The cheek!!

I shall not go on anymore, but would like to thank the Aryn Cordner once again and I wish her all the luck with her sequel to the Drink Divine, but sadly, if you are someone like me who enjoys historial fiction, you may also not be able to overlook the inaccuracies and will find the read to be more infuriating rather than a pleasant experience.

Price: £2.03
Buy it: Amazon UK