Set in a fantasy world very much like La Belle Epoque, The Beautiful Ones is a romance with touches of magic and a fairytale feel. Nina, a girl making her debut in society, lives with her cousin Gaetan and his wife Valerie in the fictional city of Loisail. Valerie is proper and exacting in her social interactions, she knows which fork to use and which styles to wear, and she has her work cut out for her with Nina, a bumpkin who doesn't know how to fit in. Also, Nina is telekinetic, which is a rare ability in this world, and a little bit shameful for a society girl.

When Nina attracts the attention of Hector Auvray in Loisail, things get complicated. Hector is a performer, he is telekinetic and he performs a magnificent show where he uses his talent to walk on mirrors and spin a shark tank in the air. Nina has read his name in books while researching her own talent. Unfortunately she is unaware that Valerie and Hector have their own history.

This book reminded me a little of Austen, because of the manners and the family dynamics with The Beautiful Ones being old titled families, some of whom are very broke-- like Downton Abbey. Valerie also reminded me of a mix of Miss Havisham and her charge, Estella. I think readers who enjoyed the romance aspects of [b:Gods of Jade and Shadow|36510722|Gods of Jade and Shadow|Silvia Moreno-Garcia|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1543268579l/36510722._SY75_.jpg|58230232] will enjoy this. If you're a romance reader who wants to know if this is a REAL romance....

Spoiler

the book DOES have a happily ever after! TW for light cheating.

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I really enjoyed reading this book, it's a bit of a slow burn which I love, I had a hard time putting it down and definitely had a book hangover. Mexican Gothic was my favorite book last year, I am a huge fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's writing I love her protagonists, and Nina has all the characteristics I have loved in her other characters-- she's feminine, smart, and although she makes mistakes she never berates herself, she learns her lessons and focuses on what she wants. She never apologizes for who she is. And she collects insects! So if you are a fan of her other books I think you'll love this one. If you disliked her other books but you love Austen and romance, you might give it a try because it definitely has much more romance than her more recent books.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC. My opinions are my own.