Shupe fascinatingly explores Oliver’s life as a deaf man, showing what sorts of accessibilities and technology were available in the late-nineteenth century ... Filled with lovely, sigh-inducing scenes and tense moments of longing and vulnerability, A Notorious Vow is a romance you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Stands perfectly well on its own ... The only problematic part of the novel has to do with its villains...the characters [are] so completely over the top...I would have liked these two to have been presented with a bit more nuance ... a delightful story with relatable principles and a bit of sizzling sexual tension. It’s sure to appeal to established fans of Ms. Shupe’s work as well as those who are encountering it for the first time. This is a book that will remain with me for a long time to come, and I’m eager to see what else the author has up her proverbial sleeve.
I appreciated how much care was taken in the details of Oliver’s life ... this book is a gem. It gave me those starry-eyed, book-drunk feelings that were very reminiscent of when I finished my first Lisa Kleypas historical.
Shupe’s Four Hundred series has been marked by its appealing combination of suspense and spice, and the third entry is no exception, standing out thanks to Shupe’s thoughtful portrayal of deafness and a culture that does not understand or respect it. As always, precise Gilded Age details invigorate Shupe’s writing, but it is the chemistry between Oliver and Christina that truly brings the story to life...A fast-paced story with a surprisingly modern feel from an expert writer of historical romance.
Craftily combines details of New York’s Gilded Age with enchanting romance ... Scintillating romance is at the heart of this tale of affable protagonists overcoming the wounds of their pasts.