Seventeen-year-old Alexandra (Alex) doesn't fit in with conventional nineteenth-century London, professing she has no wish to find a husband because she's sure he will be threatened by her intellect. When the death of the Earl of Blackmoor throws her together with her old friend Gavin, her feelings begin to change as they work to solve the mystery. ( )

Reviewed by Ashley B for TeensReadToo.com

Seventeen-year-old Lady Alexandra Stafford is being introduced into Regency London this season. Too bad she doesn't fit in with her sharp tongue and the fact that she hates dress fittings. The last thing Alex wants is to marry, which is why her mother, the Duchess, is so thrilled it is finally her season.

While Alex attends lavish balls and extravagant dinner parties with her two best friends, Ella and Vivi, she also manages to uncover an important secret involving Gavin Blackmoor, a family friend. His father, the Earl, was killed, and Alex wants to help Gavin find the murderer.

In the process of growing closer to Gavin, she finds her feelings changing, and realizes that maybe marriage and love aren't as bad as she thought them to be.

I am a big historical fiction fan, and this book did not disappoint. Sarah MacLean wrote a beautiful debut novel that was hard to put down. Alex's character was witty and fun. She seemed like someone I would be friends with! Gavin was a handsome character who was also sweet.

If you ever come across THE SEASON, you should definitely pick it up. It was great, and I recommend it to anyone! ( )

Judging this book by it's cover I thought it would be a lot like Gossip Girl set in Regency England but as I got only a few pages into it I realized this was a novel that held it's own. There was just enough history in the book without being overwhelming period based and I loved looking up the different dress styles on google to see what they looked like! Clearly, MacLean had a great understanding of Regency England and wove it into the story flawlessly.

The book was written brilliantly, as well. Pages and pages flew past me while I was reading. I was completely drawn into the tale. MacLean adopted some of the writing characteristics and the sayings of the time period she was writing in which made her writing pop! I can't express enough how well written this book is!

The love story between Gavin and Alex was heartfelt. I found myself giggling when Alex did during their encounters and feeling my heart melt at their realistic and romantic love for each other. I was completely envious of Alex! I also adored the friendship of Alex, Vivi, and Ella and really appreciated how each character had their own vivid personality!

Lastly, as if all of that wasn't enough to rush to the library to pick up a copy to read, this novel was filled with adventure and intrigue! Also, completely well woven into the tale. Who doesn't love a good romantice and adventure story? This novel had me gushing and biting my nails at the same time! I adored it! ( )

Societal expectations and rules govern the life of the 19th century girls. This is a world so contrary to the teenagers’ rules in the 21st century; yet, romance and mystery are universal no matter the time period and the setting simply becomes the conflict. Liberties are taken by having all three girls as strong-willed characters in a time period and society where submission is mandated and enforced. But their angst with their parents’ wishes is quickly subdued when the parent is present or is monitoring their actions; similar to teens today who gripe about parents but succumb. Fans of Austen, Bronte, or Bray will find The Season a pleasure to read and clearly a welcome addition to the collection. So, despite the time difference, the characters undergo similar problems as teens today and reveal that parental control is not such a new concept after all. ( )

Can I just say that I LOVED this book! Yes another fangirly moment brought to you by TSS! I just want to snuggle it while I’m sleeping and pet it’s shiny, pretty cover. I love a historical fiction, especially the ones that are set in the regency period, there’s just something about it that utterly captivates me. And I shouldn’t fail to mention that I’m a huge fan of romance, nothing feels better than being in love. So already this novel had two things going for it before I even cracked it open. And then when I started reading, well I was just blown away! Sarah MacLean say hello to your number one fan!! I adored Alex’s character. She posses all the fine qualities, that I think a “real lady” should! Smart, honest, witty, confident, and she’s obviously not afraid to do what she think is right, despite how it may appear to others, it was very refreshing to see that in a regency setting! I was intrigued by the mystery and although I had the killer pegged from the beginning, I was still surprised by the revelations that unraveled soon after he was outed, now that I did not see coming. MacLean’s writing as I mentioned before really blew me away. It’s always an adventure for me when I read a new author, because you never really know what to expect, and I can tell you that I will happily continue reader her novels! The Season was beautifully written without being superfluous in unwanted descriptions. MacLean painted a perfect portrait of her world that included even the finest details that really made the story one of a kind. I usually get lost in an ample description, and I find myself even skipping over the mundane details, but with MacLean, I was to perfectly imagine what she set out to portray in her writing. I felt like I was there dancing and gossiping! My most absolute favorite aspect of the novel was the relationship between Gavin and Alex and how their life long friendship grew into something else. The Season was such a fun read! Smooth writing, enthralling characters, intriguing mystery! Recommended! ( )