My Balthazar: The Spare Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
Balthazar: The Spare by S.M. LaViolette launches the Hale Saga Series with a unique twist on Victorian romance. The Hale siblings have grown up in the utopian, free-love commune of Oneida, New York, but when their father dies, life turns upside down. Not only do they learn of an older brother—a new Duke and their legal guardian—but they’re suddenly dragged across the ocean to England’s strict, gossipy society. Balthazar, nicknamed “The Spare,” is eager to escape but stuck until he fulfills the terms of his inheritance: marry a proper woman and stay for two years. Enter Victoria Dryden, the brilliant, haunted housekeeper of the Hales’ new estate, who is absolutely unsuited to be a society bride. She and Balthazar clash from the start, but their forced proximity ignites a sizzling enemies-to-lovers dynamic. As secrets and danger threaten Victoria’s future and Balthazar’s plans, their romance grows from heated banter to passionate, unconventional love—one that could ruin them both in the eyes of the ton.
Why I Love This Book
I love how wildly original this series feels—the Hale siblings’ American commune upbringing is nothing like the usual Regency or Victorian romance backstory. The clash with uptight London society is fun, smart, and genuinely different. Balthazar is a peacemaker, labeled infamous by the press, but the real draw is watching him fall for the utterly off-limits Victoria. Their banter is sharp, full of chemistry, and their mutual respect grows as secrets are revealed. Victoria is a powerhouse heroine with her own wounded past, and I appreciate a narrative that lets her be strong, messy, and vulnerable. The romance is deeply steamy and doesn’t hold back—it’s about bodies and desires as much as forbidden feelings, and every encounter crackles with risk. The supporting cast of Hales are funny and memorable, their dynamic bringing warmth and chaos to every chapter. I stayed hooked for the way romance, family drama, and social satire all play together.
Who Will Like This Book
If you love enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and historical romance that’s not afraid to get seriously steamy, you’ll devour this. The book is perfect for readers who want clever, opposites-attract banter, found family, and a setting that truly feels fresh. If you like Mary Balogh, Julia Quinn, or Loretta Chase, you’ll enjoy the tone, but expect more edge, heat, and contemporary themes. The story is unapologetically explicit and features honest conversations about sexuality, class, and gender.
⚠️ Trigger warning: Contains explicit sex, power play, emotionally raw discussions, and mature themes (including trauma, threats, and family secrets). The dynamic is bold and sometimes pushy—if you prefer sweet, shy romances, this one might feel too intense or modern at times.
Tagged As
victorian romance, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, forced proximity, found family, witty banter, steamy romance, explicit, historical drama, unconventional heroine, scandal, inheritance trope, Americans in London, series, new beginnings, family secrets, trauma recovery, romance with edge, class difference, strong heroine, mature themes, indie romance, kindle unlimited, high heat
Steam Level
This is as spicy as historical romance gets—expect frequent, explicit encounters, provocative language, and zero fade-to-black. The heat is matched by emotional drama and genuine care between the leads.
