Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis:

The youngest of four daughters, Primrose Ainsworth is used to getting lost in the shuffle. But when her parents decide to delay her debut into English society, Prim hatches a plan to go rogue on the night of her sixteenth birthday.

Donning a mask, Prim escapes to the infamous Vauxhall Gardens for one wild night. When her cover is nearly blown, a mysterious stranger intercedes, and Prim finds an unexpected partner in mischief . . . and romance. But when it’s revealed her new ally isn’t who he says he is, her one night of fun may last past dawn.

In this frothy regency romp perfect for fans of Austen-esque flirtation and Shakespearean hijinks, sometimes a little scandal can be a good thing.

Review:

I read a lot of books.  Some are deeply serious, and while I love those books, they can be emotionally draining.  After such a book, I need an emotional reset, something easy to read and fun.  Sixteen Scandals, by Sophie Jordan, is one such book.  Is it historically accurate?  In some ways, not at all.  But, with a wonderful main character, it was really entertaining, and a great escape.

What I Liked:

Premise:

Like Sixteen Candles (the movie that the book's title was inspired by), Prim's family doesn't acknowledge her sixteenth birthday.  When she realizes that there will not only be no celebration, but she will also be kept out of society for another year, Prim decides she will sneak out of the house for one wild night on the town.

Would any girl in Regency Era London actually do this?  Um, no.  This kind of behavior would be social suicide at that time. No young lady of the time would risk being cut off from her family for such a small taste of freedom.  And this is addressed in the book.  But even of it was unlikely, Prim's odyssey is so much fun (think of the wild night in the move Sixteen Candles).

Characters:

Prim is a young woman who is painfully aware of how limited her life has been, and will be in the future.  At first, she is really frustrated with having to wait for her sister to find a husband, before she is allowed out into society.  No evenings out, no parties, just a life at home.  But, she gradually starts to understand that she is actually getting a reprieve from the marriage march.  Once her sister becomes engaged, the pressure from her mother to find a rich husband will be unrelenting. I love that Prim is so self-aware.  But she is also stuck without any way to change her situation.  

Prim's friend, Olympia, has won the social jackpot by having a mother who is a famous opera singer.  Since her mother can support them without relying on a man, she has a level of freedom that Prim can only dream of.  Olympia also has a wonderful relationship with her own mother.  This contrast to Prim's mother illustrates just how alone she is, and is probably why she decides to risk everything for a little bit of happiness.

Story:

When Prim decides to go out and enjoy a night on the town, she needs to make sure to go where no one will know her.  But her simple night goes quickly wrong when she gets seperated from her friend Olympia, and doesn't know what to do.  Should she look for her friend, and get even more lost, or should she try and find her own way home?  

She also meets a dashing young man, who may be an aristocrat.  As he helps her look for Olympia, they get to know each other, and share quite a few adventures.  I was reminded of that movie, Before Sunrise, where two people meet on a train, and get to know each other over the course of a night (so many movie inspirations!).  Their interactions were quite romantic, and sweet.

Social Consequences:

As unlikely as the premise is, the book does follow through with showing what the risks and consequences would be for a girl acting out in that society.  It's amazing to think that girls were not allowed to go out of the home, at all, unless they had a chaperone.  Even a trip to a tea shop without a chaperone could lead to a girl being labelled as unmarriagable.  If anyone recognizes Prim, her family will disown her.  She not only wouldn't get married, she might be left destitute. 

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date:  May 25th, 2021

Author:  Sophie Jordan 

Publisher:  HMH Books for Young Readers

Genre:  YA Historical Fiction

Page Length:  256 Pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format: E-Book

Recommendation:  A fun period piece that was super enjoyable.