Catch Up With Krystal Marquis’ The Davenports: More Than This

Something about this year makes it a fantastic year for sequels! We’re talking Chloe Gong’s Vilest Things, Aiden Thomas’ Celestial Monsters, Joan He’s Sound the Gong, and so many more. But today, we’re talking about Krystal Marquis’ historical romance, The Davenports: More Than This, the sequel to her bestselling debut, The Davenports.

We’ve been waiting on The Davenports: More Than This since February 2023. Real ones know how much we loved book one of Krystal Marquis’ The Davenports series! If you’re a fan of Bridgerton, you need these books on your TBR.

Now that The Davenports: More Than This is finally here, we can’t wait to debrief you all on everything our four main characters have been doing. As a callback to our review of the first book, we want to discuss four (new) love lessons we learned from More Than This. Let’s catch up with Ruby, Olivia, Amy-Rose, and Helen!

Book Overview: The Davenports: More Than This

Content Warnings: death, racism, mention of slavery and family member deaths

Summary: Like the blazing Chicago sun, the drama is heating up for the Davenports and their social set. Before the summer of 1910 drops its last petal, the lives—and loves—of these four young women will change in ways they never could have imagined:

Newly engaged Ruby Tremaine is eagerly planning her wedding to the love of her life when a nasty rumor threatens her reputation and her marriage. Olivia Davenport has committed to the social justice cause and secretly hopes she’ll be reunited with dashing lawyer Washington DeWight—until her parents decide she’s to marry someone else. Amy-Rose Shepherd is making her lifelong wish of owning a salon come true, but when an incident forces her to return to Freeport Manor, she’s back in the path of John Davenport, who still holds her heart. Helen Davenport is determined to get over her own heartbreak and bring the Davenport Carriage Company into the new century, even if it means teaming up with a thrill-seeking racecar driver who just loves to get under her skin.

Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, More Than This is the second book in critically adored Davenports series, following four empowered and passionate young Black women as they navigate a rapidly changing society and discover the courage to steer their own paths in life—and love.

Ruby: Don’t Let Rumors Distort The Truth

Ruby and Harrison’s relationship was one of our favorites in The Davenports. We’re happy to report that our opinion does not change in More Than This! This couple is completely smitten with each other, and we love to see it. However, the journey to their wedding day was a wild one. Harrison’s friends try to sully Ruby’s name by spreading rumors about her romantic past. But Harrison remains in love with and loyal to Ruby. Harrison doesn’t let other people control how he feels about Ruby, and neither does Ruby by the end.

Olivia: True Love Can Surprise You

Olivia finds herself in a reluctant new courtship in The Davenports: More Than This. Mr. Everett Stone works as a lawyer for the Davenport Carriage Company. Her parents both approve of this courtship, unlike the one with Washington DeWight in the first book. Olivia struggles with her long-distance feelings for Washington and her surprisingly fond, budding romance with Mr. Stone. They both hold a place in her heart, but it’s clear who has a realistic future with Olivia. We’re obsessed with how this love triangle plays out!

Amy-Rose: Be Open And Honest

Amy-Rose’s career takes off in the second book of The Davenports, and we couldn’t be more proud! She travels to New York City for a month to advertise her haircare products. And she avoids every letter and parcel that her former crush John sent. But some circumstances bring her back to the Davenports’ estate, and Amy-Rose can’t avoid John forever. She tries to distance herself from him despite still caring deeply about him. Only after she reads his letters does she (finally) be honest and admit her feelings.

Helen: People Will Love You As You Are

Finally, we have Helen’s story in The Davenports: More Than This. Helen wants to help take her family’s company into the new century. So while her father travels abroad, she and her brother John work on building an automobile. She must also prepare for her debut into society at the same time. Helen never strays from her interests and goals to have a position in the company. And the return of her love interest from book one, Jacob Lawrence, proves that she doesn’t need to change to be loved.

The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis is out November 12th, and you can preorder a copy of it here! We’re already excited for the next installment of The Davenports!

What do you think of this sequel? Did you love The Davenports: More Than This as much as we did? Talk to us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!

Interested in more book reviews? We got you!

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