Lola Montez Conquers the Spaniards

Whip Smart by Kit Brennan
This is actually a really interesting story, and different from what I expected it to be. It's about a real historical figure, Lola Montez (which was at least the alter ego she went by), who traveled the world as an actress in the mid-1800s. There were a lot of aspects I enjoyed about it, but unfortunately there few also a few that didn't quite work for me.

Starting with the positive, I love reading about actual historical figures. But more than that I love reading about royalty. Which is why some of my favorite scenes were those Lola spent with the Spanish Infantas, or Princesses. While I do know a lot about the English royal family, and a fair amount on the french royal family, I know little about the Spanish line. I always love learning new pieces of history, and while I there is still a lot I don't know about Spanish royalty, this book did fill in a gap in my knowledge, and made me want to read more on them.

As for a negative, I'm not a huge fan of how this book was marketed. From the cover, and the summary, it felt like it was going to be more of a historical romance, except it wasn't. That's not to say there wasn't romance in it, because there was. But it's more when I read something marketed as a romance, I expected to read about bedroom escapades. And while there were romps involved, each time it managed to skip over the action. It's funny though because I'm not unhappy it wasn't a romance, since I don't read a lot of them, but more that I felt a bit mislead.

Speaking of the romance, Lola's big love affair didn't quite work for me either. It felt like she spent two scenes with a man, and while I still was confused as to who he was, Lola was telling him she loved him. I definitely wish the parts with her falling in love were expanded a bit.

While it did take me a while to get into this book, I really loved the end. And I don't mean that as I joking, I loved the ending because it ended. Instead in the parts where Lola is escaping Spain, I finally felt like I was getting into the book. Which made it a little disappointed for the book to end, especially when I was just started to enjoy myself.

This book definitely had its ups and down, but I am left with a pleasant feeling towards it. There is a sequel, and while I wouldn't have expected to say this halfway through the book, I would love to read it and see Lola's story continue.

3.5/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!