The Finest Print by Erin Langston is the love story of Belle Sinclair (daughter to Gavin and Emilia, niece to Cora and Nate) and Ethan Fletcher. 

 

Ostracized from society because of rumors spread in revenge by her former finance, Belle has found a niche for herself. She writes, spends time at her father’s work, and is a devoted daughter, sister, and friend. 

 

Ethan is an American in London starting fresh by claiming an inheritance he never expected only to learn that the printshop he now owns is mired in debt, debt owed to a less than reasonable creditor. 

 

An afternoon in a park brings Ethan and Belle together and an honest conversation brings opportunity. They enter into a partnership to save the print shop and jump start her writing career. Ethan begins printing a serialized (penny bloods/dreadful style) version of Belle’s writing. 

 

Their arrangement quickly becomes a friendship born of mutual respect and appreciation. Ethan’s will to succeed and strength are a perfect match for Belle’s optimism and and grace. The community Langston builds for her characters at the printshop is layered with admiration and support. 

 

When Ethan and Belle finally let their guards down, both have fears of failure and a general sense of loneliness, the love story really begins. 

 

The Finest Print is a pro-choice, feminist, class differences, love at work, forced proximity, free press, progressive, and found family romance. While there are of course moments of tension (Langston write a quietly terrifying villain like no one else) Ethan and Belle’s love story is, overall, a gentle one. It’s also super hot. 

 

I often find myself drawn to Langston’s female main characters. Rosalie’s sunshine, Cora’s bravery, and Emilia’s honesty all spoke to me. Belle is no exception. Her determination to be herself, make choices that might be hard but ultimately wise, and rise above the cruelty she faces make her a fascinating woman to watch. Belle is complicated, kind, and honest. She’s smart, funny, and sexy. Ethan is, rightfully so, completely turned upside down and inside out in love with her. 

 

And it is Belle and her work and her optimism that make it possible for Ethan to stay in London, despite his insistence that he make something of himself before they take the final step in their relationship. 

 

Langston gives us a woman (in a historical romance 👀) who saves the day with her financial security and bravery and I found that wildly refreshing. 

 

I know this review is mostly about Belle, but she deserves the spotlight, plus (as Erin and I have discussed), Ethan is more than happy to watch from the wings as she is celebrated. (Btw he’s an actual dreamboat.) 

 

Thanks so much to Erin for this #arc. 

 

p.s. One of the best things about Langston’s books (see the last slide) is that they are all in the same universe so characters return here and there. However, each is truly it’s own all can be read as standalones.